Miyoko's Resolve

[16:53] "Well... On my last trip to the mountain I seen two friends of yours, Deidre, and Venomira. I was unsure as to why they were there-- but it came to my attention later that they were captured."

Ray was pretty good with bad news, he spoke as if nothing happened. Mainly because he'd gone through so much earlier that it didn't surprise him anymore. He felt horrible still, as all the little kids were being forced into lives that they probably wouldn't want to live.

"I am unsure as to how they were captured, but I will say that lately Nethradin have been getting bold. They walk in small pairs, and with Gehenna and levengard being so far apart. It isn't surprising if they get caught on the way in between."

"My suggestion here, is that you don't freak out. You simply work on getting in a better position to save them-- and when our trip comes along we carry out the plan and get those kids home."
(Ray Invidia)
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[17:00] Of course.

For the first time in quite some time, Nathaliel didn't have a smile on his face. He wore a mostly blank expression, arms folded as he listened to Ray. Which should be worse, he wondered? That more members of the Heroes Club had been captured, or that he'd never heard of them?

Well, the obvious answer was simple. Feel bad because more children were captured. The blank expression transitioned to a frown with a sigh. "Not even sure what to say to that."
(Nathaliel)
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[17:01] Rachel was hoping for the 'haha' kind of bad news. Like the bad news that was a bad joke, hoping nothing had actually gone wrong. Clearly the woman had been in better spirits recently, had relaxed more; stress gone and the pale sleepless weak look having finally been replaced with the showing of a tan, and a more powerful expression of confidence.

Then he hit her with the news.

Silently, the girl glared at Ray - staring daggers at him, even if he wasn't the one she intended to stab. A calm kind of silence, like the winds before a violent hurricane - the distant rumbling of thunder? Being her twitching face. First her eyes, then her cheeks, her lips and her nose and even her forehead and the showing veins across her neck. An odd display, all out of rhythm - each twitch seeming to be independent of another as her face started to turn a shade of scarlet.

"Captured?...Two more captured?...Hooowww. Whyyyy?...Whhhhhyy?" Her voice was hoarse, choked as she reached up and grabbed Ray by the cloak; weakly shaking him back and forth as if to relieve her anger, but the hands were quickly dropped and her head hung in defeat. A slow breath, the woman counting backwards from ten.

"...Ten....Nine....Eight...Seven..." This continued down until zero, at which point she would tilt her head; the audible grinding of teeth being heard for the moment.

And then she would look up. Mostly normal aside from the blood red fury of her face, an unpleasant smile of annoyance showing clear on her features.

"O-K-A-Y. You are right. If they are captured, we can't rush to help them right now exactly - we need to bolster our groups powers and confidence, or else it'll be a battle where we trickle into our slow demise. Yeah, it'll all work out; we only have to save four now. Four, that's it. Nothing major."

"Ignoring Edwin pissing off Thalia, and then Aidan trying to poke her into the eye. So six overall trouble makers, four of which captured - one of which is MIA, and another of which should be here helping us figure this out instead of leaving it to me. Yep."

It was kind of... Creepy. She had taken on a more light hearted approach, smiling as her voice raised pitches above what it would normally be; trying to fight the signs of the panic attack as she would smile brightly up to Ray. All teeth showing as they continued to grind.

..It was probably worse than her screaming out loud, honestly.
(Rachel Beckett)
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[17:03] It was a good thing Miyoko arrived her on time. Her ears were eager to hear about this bad news that Ray was about to relay to them. Anything to make what happened at the Heroes Club a bit more worthwhile. But when the Kitsune finally heard the news she was a bit more calm then usual. She stilled smiled, keeping that expression that didn't appear to be a façade.

"Oh no! That's not good to hear- Deirdre and Venorima. Good members of the club captured!?" she responded, holding her hands across her chest crossed as she let out a bit of air from her mouth.

If this was anyone else, Miyokow would've been especially distraught. Losing a friend up in the mountains is the last thing anyone wanted to hear, but those two? Hm.. With how recently one of them told her fuck you! And the other completely boasting about how good she was, it really made the taste of how she felt about them really bad.

However, that was only a pinch of how she truly felt. After all, they were members that Miyoko assumed were members of the Heroes Club. She had to feel great emotions for the both of them being captured by anyone from the mountain. Now it pondered her mind.

"I wonder who captured them.. I think that should be one of our priorities to getting them back, somehow. Our first is to acquire more strength and power!"

But then she looked between the ground. They knew how these people could get.

"How could this have went past us without someone noticing.. If I had only stayed here instead of going to Briar Locke the other night..." The Kitsune felt great remorse. Her eyes peering down at the ground with a glum expression. Maybe she could've prevented what had happened to one of them, possibly.
(Miyoko Hayako)
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[17:04] Oh boy, here we go again.

He can already figure out something happened. Probably something got captured or died - whatever is the case, the Chaos Mountain was always on the act, one way or another. Though, with the lot of them being this young? There might be just a little too much risk yet.

Mostly, it's him being a little too young, really...

"I can already see sour mugs from mile away. So..."

And then he hears the news- all he can do is sigh. Knowing the Chaos Mountain, they'd probably have their lifeforce sacrificed to someone- or something- and that's about it. Though, with the recent news he's been hearing about... his own mother might be an even bigger problem.

Bigger than he could ever imagine.

"Hrm.."

"Want me to begin checking on the mountain and maybe negotiate for them?" He glances off to Rachel. "I think I'm a tad too young to be fighting someone who's really strong, so I can do that instead."

But before she can assume that he would be compromised in any way, he elaborates.

"Don't worry though. I will be safe."

Why? He doesn't elaborate on that one. As always.
(Nathan Cruor)
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[17:09] Truthfully, the man wasn't a stranger to terrible news in regards of the poorly-dubbed 'Chaos Mountain'; Yet, should've expected Rachel's rather-... aggressively frightening reaction. More captured souls- letting a quiet sigh slip.

Even as Ray was manhandled by the cloak; albeit weakly - Huh! No wonder he was terrified of women!

"Negotiation might be effective, but-! Wouldn't these people catch on after a while..? In fact, why waste all that effort wrangling children? "Moavug told us not ta' come check on ya'll... funnily enough.

Who even lead the guild anymore...?
(Syril)
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[17:11] "Moavug can go suck his kitsune's weewee. He isn't really doing anything with us anymore."

A brief glance is given to Syril.

"Anyway, I'll see what I can do. I can't give any promises on what exactly will happen - but at least I'll try to make sure they don't die or something."

"Hopefully it's not too late to pull them out of there."
(Nathan Cruor)
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[17:11] Ah, fuck.

He needed something kingly to say. Right now. He'd made a grave error announcing it like this. But yet he felt that it was necessary to tell them all. Judging by the many reactions they all felt bad, things were bad. However as a king he'd have to learn to keep the morale high. Even if it was lower than hel right now.

Rachel seemed to be taking the news the worst. He couldn't blame her either. He simply places his hand atop of her head, his gaze cast forwards. Those features of his were blank, he was still thinking. It was hard, due to the immense fear he felt for those children. It was no longer just two, now there was four.

Even if their lives weren't taken they had a chance of falling and that fate would be the worst.

"You aren't to worry. At such a young age this kind of thing isn't your responsibility. It's fine to cry, be angry, but do not stress yourself. Our friends may be knee deep in terror, but I know they don't want us here screaming. They want us here determined to get them back safe and sound."

Nathan had already suggested something nice, Ray turns to the boy nodding. "That's the spirit! I am unsure if you can even negotiate with those, but something is better than nothing. And We still have a plan in motion so don't forget that.

I'm sorry, for telling you all about it this manner. It wasn't every kingly, but you should know. You love them and they love you. Now let's calm down, and wear big smiles for our friends."
(Ray Invidia)
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[17:11] Taking action a hand grasped Rachel's arm. Trying to calm her down he put on a smile, one to hide his anger as well. He heard that keeping someone calm was relatively easy as long as you looked the part.

"Calm down for a moment Rachel." His gaze turned towards Nathan as he listened to him speak out.

"What's to stop them from just taking you too?" He said as he lost his cool and began to frown with a furrowed brow and bearing teeth. "If you go up alone they might just take you too.. Those bastard's up on the mountain keep taking people and only us kids are the one's who can stop them??" He said while looking the group trying to be a realist.

"If any of us go up there, especially with our small numbers now.. They'll just take you too. There's no point to even trying to go up there at the moment. What we need is to FIND people who ARE strong enough to go up and save them." He knew their weakness. The group may be strong together but individually they weren't the strongest out there. Far from it.

"If we can find some really strong ADULTS we can all go up there and help.. We need to build an army and out number them in strength and numbers." He said in a serious tone of voice.

"To hell with pride and fairness, they threw that out the window when they started capturing innocent kids and turning them into monsters!" The memories of the biomancer coming back to him as he let go of Rachel with a fist clenched tightly. He was fed up and had enough of listening to the whining. Weneeded action and we needed it NOW.
(Katsu)
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[17:15] A sigh. Amidst all of this, Nathan wasn't exactly looking to argue about how safe- or unsafe- he would be. All he wanted to focus on would be ensuring that these don't really die, but... there's only so much that he could speak on to make sure such thing does not happen.

"Katsu. I won't be taken, you can be sure of that."

"Anyway... all I can do is make sure that they don't die. I can't promise to you that I'll be able to get them out - because I simply don't know what I'll confront in their case."

A pause, and before Rachel or the rest explode- or speak up on something- he also adds more as remark to respond to Katsu.

"Well, yeah. You can begin gathering people in the meantime. It's not like you need me to start asking adults for help."

"I'll just go make sure we aren't going to arrive to their corpses, okay? Okay."

It'd be better than him doing nothing. And considering how young Nathan is? The fact that he is quite literally the youngest?

No fighting for him. Not yet.
(Nathan Cruor)
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[17:19] Rachel sighed. Ray was right, everyone was right - calming down at the best option. The situation was just enough to keep her constantly on edge, and she wasn't much a fan of it; the fury of people just not acting smart having been what keeps them from making any progress as a group? Had built, and she could taste it in her mouth like bile. As Syril asked who was leading? Rachel would chuckle, and finally seem to catch her nerves.

Calming down her racing brain and heart.

"The stress gets to everyone eventually, it's just getting old hearing the repeats of people being captured or people starting fights with city Queens or people who can rip their heads off. I suppose it's indicative of leadership, and a failure on my part." Speaking, she had seemed to actually calm down - eye closing tightly one last time before they would open again. "No need to apologizeRay, they're our people - we need to know, and I doubt their is any better way to tell us hm? Thank you for laying it on us straight."

Then turning, Rachel gestured to Nathan.

"If you...Think you'll be safe, Nathan - then I would appreciate you negotiating in my stead and opening a line of communication between myself and them. You are free to offer whatever you see fit for the return of the captives: barring Spires Shards or extreme amounts of money."

"If you would; tell whoever it is necessary to talk too? To please send an envoy my way, to discuss this situation so I don't have to hear about it third hand from outside sources. Tell them we can meet outside of Levengard, in a neutral zone like Briar Locke if King Ray would allow that; to discuss whenever necessary these events."

"They clearly aren't going to stop capturing, so at least I canstart making... Friends, and figuring this out without all the annoyances." Rachel turned towards Nathan. She liked Katsu's Spirit, she liked the idea of it; but they weren't winning this war.

Not yet, not for a while; the least they could do is try to open some form of communication, to prevent this from happening - even if she knew that any sort of truce was likely off the table entirely.

"As an order as well, I permit nobody to travel alone - only in groups of three, alright? Between Levengard and Huangzhou should be safe, but the trip to Gehenna clearly is not. Try your best to group together when going to such places okay? Venomira's ego likely cost her their freedom, so let's not let that happen to us."
(Rachel Beckett)
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[17:20] Talk about returning at a bad time! Kaila just sort of waddles up towards the group, listens to barely what is going on- looks momentarily exasperated! And pinches her fingertips against the bridge of her nose. As if trying to comprehend what she was hearing. More people captured, something about going up there and marching up the mountains and-

"I thought someone was already asking the older generation... Like Aidan and Moa. Evidently, I was mistaken!" She'd quip with a sharp click of her teeth together.

"Sooo who exactly, has been kidnapped now? Who decided to have a lovely stroll up the side of the mountain which has who-knows-what atop of it now? Which person decided they were all that and than some. Really! It's like they're trying to get captured!"

She wasn't exactly the happy-go-lucky person she'd once been, tapping her staff against the soil a few times before mumbling.

"It's a wolf eat wolf world, Agartha. If we can't get any help from the adults then... Wow, really? They got captured on the trip to Gehenna? Jeeze jeeze. Guess the Chieftain there isn't really paying attention to his boarders is he! Ugghghghg- I'm too YOUNG to SPEAK ABOUT KIDNAPPINGS!"
(Kaila M. Eggsworth)
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[17:22] Katsu's nostrils flared as he stepped closer to Nathan in an angered fashion. He wasn't about to let his friend risk his hide in vain. Everytime they had gone up that mountain the situation got worse and worse.. Deal's upon deals being made that delved into a worse situation for the group.


"I won't let you go up there!" He shouted in a concerned tone, his passion was burning hotter and hotter within his very soul. Another fist clenching as he stared down his friend. He was prepared to get violent if need be to keep his friend from going up that mountain to his doom.

"You WILL be captured if you go up there. Everytime we've gone up there the situation's gotten worse and worse! What make's you think that you've got a chance at negotiating with them.." He said as he leaned forward jabbing a finger against Nathan's chest just rough enough to make his point. "You can get upset with me if you want.. But if you go up there I WILL try and stop you." He said as he rose back up to tower over the boy using his size difference to attempt at dissuading him.

He knew if he was to really fight Nathan he would lose.. But if he was able to get his point across that's all that mattered.
(Katsu)
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[17:22] Ray Invidia says, "Katsu, no he won't."
[17:23] Syril says, "He really won't."
[17:23] Miyoko looked up from her gaze towards the ground. At points, she was leaning to the words that Rachel spoke since all of it was true. This was the Heroes Club but only some of the actual members aspired to be Heroes or anything related to it while the other portion just made it hard on everyone by causing trouble. It really messed with the Kitsune's mind that this was really what was going on.

"I guess we're going to have to have faith in Nathan to make sure they're alright. We have to believe for now." She lowered her hands to her side as the drapes of her Kimono's sleeves hid her hands. Watch as Ray spoke and Nathan trying to relieve them. It made her feel just a tad better. However, she was still in a distraught attitude.

But it all came back with quickness. The shining smile that usually warmed up her features returned. She remembered that this enthusiasm and charisma is what kept her and others happy.

"I agree! Let's make sure that we don't make unreasonable decisions and end up like our friends. We'll have to keep our hearts strong and high. They wouldn't want us looking down on them. Even if they have such large egos.."

The Kitsune inhaled and exhaled deeply. Letting the thought of what could happen to the others run wild. However, she'd block the thought for the moment. Continuing to think like that could only make her feelings worse.

"Nathan, you're going alone, right? You sure you don't need any company just incase?" she inquired, turning her sights and laid them upon him.
(Miyoko Hayako)
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[17:24] Rachel Beckett says, "If he's captured it would be a very confusing moment, yes. Nathan will be fine."
[17:24] Syril says, "Also it was Venomira 'n Deidre, Kaila."
[17:24] Kaila M. Eggsworth asks, "Donno one, know the other! And near Gehenna too huh?"
[17:25] Syril says, "Mmhm"
[17:25] Kaila M. Eggsworth says, "Swell... So why did Mao say not to check up on us anyway? Or did I just hear you wrong."
[17:25] Rachel Beckett says, "Imagine having all the power in the world, and capturing children instead of I don't know...Anything else."
[17:25] Kaila M. Eggsworth says, "I mean. Corrupting the youth is a very viable source of brainwashed soldiers..."
[17:25] Miyoko Hayako exclaims, "It's weird and wrong!"
[17:25] Allisa returns after a few minutes, tiny cup of nectar in hand. The Fairy looked like she pulled an all nighter! Her glow is diminished and by god the bags under her eyes. Someone's not feeling peppy.
(Allisa)
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[17:25] Syril says, "You didn't hear me wrong."
[17:25] Syril says, "Ray can clarify."
[17:25] Rachel Beckett says, "Please do."
[17:25] Allisa whispers something.
[17:25] Kaila M. Eggsworth says, "Do it Ray, with your fancy hat."
[17:25] Allisa groans and rubs her forehead...
(Allisa)
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[17:26] Kaila M. Eggsworth says, "It takes the edge away from it all, being told stuff by a fluffy looking.. Bear.. Hat.. Thing."
[17:26] Ray Invidia asks, "Hrm?"
[17:27] Kaila M. Eggsworth says, "Why did Mao say not to check up on us."
[17:27] Ray Invidia says, "Oh."
[17:27] Ray Invidia says, "He was upset about the captures."
[17:27] Syril says, "Also-- Nggh, Elyon's entire speel recently was how 'safe' we were, and how Gehenna has.."
[17:27] Kaila M. Eggsworth says, "Well someone better tell him kids were kidnapped near his city."
[17:28] Syril says, "That's the plan."
[17:28] Kaila raises her hands in disbelief. "And I don't see why being upset means 'don't tell the other kids that some of them were kidnapped'. Unless he wanted to try and shelter us from it."
(Kaila M. Eggsworth)
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[17:28] Ray Invidia says, "He's not going to care."
[17:28] Kaila M. Eggsworth says, "Probably not."
[17:28] Ray Invidia says, "They never do."
[17:28] Kaila M. Eggsworth says, "If they did... Then the Mountain wouldn't be a problem..."
[17:29] Ray Invidia says, "Zel and I have been the only even trying to fight these people."
[17:29] Kaila M. Eggsworth asks, "Would've marched an army up there and crushed it already y'know?"
[17:29] Syril says, "It was 'Some of them are dumb'"
[17:29] Even those negotiations, he had no clue how they'd go.

All young Cruor is good for would be ensuring that they don't die, that they would at least be waiting for some sort of better fate- or perhaps, a trade-off. After all, it stalled enough time for Guerra and Ramses, did it not? Hadn't he arrived that fateful day...

They would be dead long time ago.

"Mm. Also--"

"Rachel, as much as I'm going to negotiate.." He pauses, and then directs his gaze to her.

"People need to stop being stupid. I'm getting a bit tired of hearing about these news daily - some people are just... not fit to survive on Agartha, with how they are."

"As much as people are valuable, Rachel, I'd rather we be focusing on something that helps us establish ourselves as formidable force. Something that would allow us to deal efficiently with anything."

"If we keep running after each case like that, we'll never focus on anything else."

He squints. With Katsu approaching and yelling at him like that, he frowns... carefully removing the finger pressed against his chest too.

"First of all, don't scream at me, Katsu."

"Second, I know what I'm doing. You'll just have to trust me in this - I won't be captured."

Yet, a glance to Miyoko.

"I don't mind. Feel free to tag along if you want."
(Nathan Cruor)
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[17:35] He turned away from Nathan still clenching a fist tightly. Nathan's calm demeanor about the entire situation was something that put him at ease. He was still nervous and shaken by the entire situation. He glanced back to Nathan with a scowl on his face as those fists went into his jacket pocket before his gaze turned to the sky to hide the visible anger and passion.

"Fine then.. If you think you can actually do something about it. Then go but bring someone with you." He said calmly as he stuffed his feelings down.

"But if you do get captured. I'm coming to break you out. And when you're out?" He turned back around quickly to face his best friend pointing a finger his way with another hand on his hip while leaning forward to be eye level with him.

"I'm kicking your ass! You understand me Nathan??" He said as he said comically to break the tension he had created while smiling ear to ear with a furrowed brow. He did however mean what he said.
(Katsu)
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[17:35] Keeping her sights still upon Nathan unwavering, she'd nod with her hands near chest.

"Alright! Then I'm coming with you!" she exclaimed, feeling twice a bit better about Nathan having at least a bit of company with him. Can never have too much confidence when you have a friend by your side she thought. Likely, worse case scenario Miyoko will be there to back up Nathan no matter what.

"If only we had shops around here.. I could prepare myself just incase. But for now, I'll prepare my mind. I have to just let Nathan do all the talking, right? I'm only there as protection just incase something does appear to happen!"

Facing these hard times, the Kitsune only wanted to be in tip-top shape. At the moment, she'd check her gear making sure it was all up to par and ready to use when needed.

Miyoko's mind was set on only the good things that could happen. If she thought up anything bad that could? She might as well just say it out loud and jinx themselves. She didn't want that.

"I have that.. that.. that, too.." she muttered, checking her contents.
(Miyoko Hayako)
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[17:36] He directs his attention to Nathan, a stern look on his features at the moment. He didn't like what he said.

"Stupid. You can't say that when these nethradin roam. They don't stay atop that mountain, I watch them walk down, and I chase them. Those monsters hunt, and if someone is stupid for trying to make it home alive then you and I are living in different realms."

He sighs, exhaling as he adverts his gaze.

"Not everyone is as lucky as you are. They get seen and they can't speak their way out, these beasts hunger, they serve a man who sees human beings like items rather than life. Some people aren't strong enough, and without a hero there isn't anyone to save them."

Ray's body heat rises tremendously as he finishes speaking. Reflecting on the last few encounters with those things... Frightening. "Ah, Miyoko-- I wouldn't--"

He had good feeling that she wouldn't make it back either, but... Oh well.
(Ray Invidia)
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[17:37] "They're our future Kings and Queens." Rachel mirrored what Ray had once told her about his own people as she sighed, a hand rubbing at her face; annoyed that Moavug wouldn't tell them; annoyed that it was all going to be likely swept under the rug. Another worry for another time, because the current day? They could do nothing.

"People are going to be stupid. They're going to get in trouble, and say dumb shit; it's our jobs to keep them...Alive, and healthy. We can't prevent them for going off and doing stuff like this; but with a firmer hand we could try."

"I've been trying to... Put some power around here, to give what Moavug and Aidan haven't in Rin's stead; but the Heroes Club isn't a thing anymore. It's just not - and if we continue pretending it is, more shit like this is going to happen; more people acting out of line, because they view their leadership as people who don't actively do anything." The woman frowned, continuing to look at Nathan and then back at the increasingly empty club - something that would seem to only empty out more as time went on.

"Just negotiate hard, Nathan. Please. We're reforming the Heroes Club, and those that don't like it can stay behind with the old ship; we'll get new people, and keep our old allies. Those who want to come? Are much welcome; but we have very few now."

"I'm not going to keep working for the benefit of idle men who don't try."

Then she'd slump back against the fence and begin thinking; what kind of group she actually wanted to make, and what she wanted it to stand for - against the usual tone of bleak nothingness that the hero club stood for.

… Frowning as she glanced the way of Miyoko.

"You make sure you're safe, yes?... I don't want to go to this stupid festival alone when my date turns me down because you got in trouble and are captured too. Girls night out, right?" A weird way of saying she viewed Miyoko as a friend, but it was direct enough.
(Rachel Beckett)
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[17:38] Syril whispers something.
[17:38] Ray Invidia says, "Shoo."
[17:38] Syril says, "Bahhh! It's my turn ta' badger you."
[17:39] Ray Invidia says, "Maybe when things aren't so..."
[17:39] Ray shivers.
(Ray Invidia)
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[17:39] Syril says, "Tense.."
[17:39] Ray Invidia says, "Yea."
[17:40] Rachel Beckett says, "..I think this is going to become a trend, honestly."
[17:40] With a throbbing headache, the Fairy makes a muffled noise of apathetic disgust. With her gaze on the Cruor, she tilts the leafy cup back and takes a sip of the calming brew. Some choice, though vague words are spoken under a hushed breath.
(Allisa)
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[17:40] Allisa whispers something.
[17:40] "Well if anyone gets injured, I'll be here or in briar. For sever cases, bring a Trauma kit..." She'd mumble halfheartedly. The swearing soon causing the girl to raise a few fingers and rub at her ears. Her eyes clamped shut as she swayed from side so side, leaning partial against the staff before tilting her head to stare skywards for a few passing minutes.

"Any other injuries, I can pretty much handle with the snap of a finger. Two at once even!" Talented, wasn't she. The joys of being a 2k energy medic. The shut eye'd girl wriggling her nose.

Dates and 'girls night out' went over her head thankfully. The medic instead opting to wobble over towards the vent and just flop down onto the nearest bench with a loud, annoyed sigh.
(Kaila M. Eggsworth)
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[17:43] Katsu's fervor evoked a small laugh out of Cruor. It's not that he wasn't cautious, really... if anything, Nathan was taught much about how the denizens of the mountain work- no doubt part of his upbringing as a whole. There was always something in his past about this..

No doubt fault of his mother.

"Alright, Katsu, deal. Feel free to kick my butt if I end up captured."

Yet, while Rachel's response is acknowledged, and somewhat approved, his gaze turns to Ray. There's an arch of brow, almost amused at how he'd go out of his way to defend such people.

"Ray."

"You remember how, hm... 'simple' Venomira is, yes? You remember how bubbly Deirdre is, right?" There's a pause, and then he adds. "If the answer to both questions is yes, tell me this."

"Are you absolutely sure that they have not done or said anything that would prompt their capture, not just attack?"

A curious question. Would Ray actually have faith in such people when it comes to difficult matters like that, despite knowing how they behave? Or would he admit something might've happened.

This question is almost phrased like a 'trap' in the most obnoxious way possible for the Invidia King.

"But yes, Miyoko."

"Just... let me do the talking. I'll see what I can do, and stick to my side when we go."

"And we're probably going soon."
(Nathan Cruor)
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[17:49] "Is it wrong to have faith in humanity? Venomira is in my opinion a terrible person that is working to improve, but no matter what you say to those damned spirits they'll want to capture you. It's all a game to them, they want to earn Sors' points.

They leave that mountain with then intent on harming and capturing others. How can they prompt something that will happened from just them being alive? Honestly, inconsiderate and not kingly in the slightest."

He sighs again.

Ray struggled to speak in his normal calm tone, the whispers of occult trying to drive his rage. He resists like always, though his fingers were definitely twitching. He remembers that Nathan is just a child, and children often say silly things.

"Apologies. I see the best in every person I look to. And I will never blame a soul who gets captured by those of the mountain. They don't have the right to keep them against their will. Now, go on and do your thing and make sure Miyoko is back in one piece."
(Ray Invidia)
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[17:49] Miyoko's eyes would lay upon the two individuals in front of her. "Don't worry!"

Her warm grin washing across her visage. Her shining cheerfulness beginning to rise in large amounts. She only wanted the best for her friends. Meaning, she didn't want them to worry too much or she'd worry, too.

"We'll be fine! As much as I believe and know that nothing unpleasant will occur, I just want you all to know that if something does. Nathan and I possess flames that shine brighter than anyone else's when we stick together!" she declared, a balled fist hovering near her side. Her eagerness rising through the roofs.

"Let's just keep our hearts close to our minds and believe, okay?" The kitsune appeared to tilt her head when she said this. Letting them now, thatMiyoko had a lot of trust in all of them.

"I'll be as quiet as I can be, Nathan. Believe me! I'll stick to you like glue! Double the stickiness!"
(Miyoko Hayako)
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[17:52] For a long few minutes, Nathaliel had laid out on his back, staring up at the sky with a vacant look in his bright blue eyes. He was getting really tired of this, he was getting tired of not being able to just enjoy his life and being left out when he did.

Eyes closed for a moment, and then one opened up, focusing on Nathan. "I'm going too. I didn't take an oath for no reason." There was no excitement to the tone unlike Miyoko's. Infact, it was about as polar opposite of Nathaliel as he'd ever been.

It was bitter and frigid, like his own magics.
(Nathaliel)
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[17:55] "Ray..."

It'd be silly to assume that Nathan only tends to say wrong things- it's true, he's a child, but maybe he's just seen too much and was thoroughly raised by certain someone. It's not only his own experiences that shaped him - but careful mentoring by his own mother.

That much imparted on him.

"I get that. I really do."

"Nethradin are corrupt, but they aren't entirely... brainless in that sense, you know?" If that made sense to Invidia. "They can still think. They can be negotiated with and spoken to."

"Before you assume that I just get an easy pass - I was assaulted by those in the past, when I was only ten year old. I did manage to talk my way out, barely, but I managed."

Then that means those that are older should come up with something, right?

"Anyway... my point was that we could focus on something else. Get ourselves cool armor, cool weapons - maybe learn new techniques on adventures, or stockpile incredible things."

"There's much we could focus on, rather than chase every case like that - and it will do much better for us in the long run, when we can easily drop in and sort things out."

At least that's how young Cruor saw it. He shrugged, and then glanced at Miyoko with a nod, gesturing to follow- and Nathaliel too.

"Okay. Just let me do the talking. Let's go."
(Nathan Cruor)
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[17:58] It seemed everyone was going - it suddenly made Rachel feel a bit weak, but it was a good opportunity. In a strange way, the woman wanted to see what Nathan could do in this situation; eyeing him, as she remembered Rin's terrible negotiations and the people he often let down.

"Mmm...Nathan? You said you wanted to split the responsibilities of leadership, yeah? Then I'm trusting you - you bring back Miyoko and Nathaliel safe. I don't want either of them captured okay?" She looked to the boy and smiled, stepping away from the group that had lined up at the fence.

More worried now than before, when they had left on the expedition alone. Worried that something would go wrong; but the three of them were her trusted, her most favorite of them all aside from Kaila herself.

She loved them.

"Just don't....Do anything stupid - negotiatewithin reason. Nathaliel? If it gets too tense, or Nathan starts to get angry, I trust you'll keep him calm yeah? Make sure he doesn't go too far... Miyoko? Since you're the oldest, make sure they're both safe. I think you all can manage this just fine.."

"Come home soon.." Like that she let them go - worries clearly, anxieties spreading across her form. Wanting to go with them, but instead deciding to stay home; defend the base, wait for new recruits, talk to Ray.

See if she could trust Nathan with such a heavy burden.
(Rachel Beckett)
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[17:58] Katsu exclaims, "You all better come home!"
[17:59] Miyoko Hayako exclaims, "You can count on me!"
[17:59] Ray Invidia says, "I'll know what happens up there. Please be safe."
[17:59] Kaila M. Eggsworth says, "Remember. Sometimes silence is the best answer to all questions..."