chaos

[22:55] After a long, long run, Lea eventually made her way across the snowy fields, over the volcano, and towards the promised spot. She leapt off the volcano and landed in front of Reito, panting heavily, her face a ghostly pale white from a combination of panic and fear.

She still had the lucidity to speak, however, and did.

"This is the last time I'm gonna trust one of you enough to come here alone."

She gazed at Reito, her expression subtlety hostile.

"So make it count."
(Lea Elisheva)
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[22:58] She had waited patiently, hands folded in front of her, and finally, Lea arrived in a flashy sort of leap off the Volcano. She offered a pleasant smile to the girl, who had lost her way... Because that's how Reito saw it. A soothing pink glow surrounded her form and whatever panic and fear Lea may have felt?

It was gone.

"Lea. No one understands, do they?" She asked quietly, her head tilting. "I love you and so do the others. They want you to come home...." She placed a hand against her heart, "But I do have a question - are you marked by Sors, Lea? That's what everyone believes."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[23:00] Reito was quiet. She was kind. She was understanding. Color returned to Lea's face, calming her down immensely. So much so, that she actually returned to her normal self, if only for a moment.

"Marked by what?"

She quickly gazed over her body, before it hit her what exactly Reito was talking about.

"Oh, no, I'm not marked. I have a contract, but I'm not marked. I'm immune to it."
(Lea Elisheva)
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[23:00] She laughed lightly, nodding,

"That's good, then. They were fearful of that, you know... Now, what's the contract precisely, Lea?" She asked.

Yes, she was having a completely casual conversation with the girl.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[23:03] "The contract is that I gotta kill one out of a list of people, or I get hurt really bad by the end of it. Yes, it was technically consensual, but I agreed to it out of panic."

As always, Lea was completely and totally honest, having nothing whatsoever to hide. She was perhaps honest to a fault; it's just who she was.
(Lea Elisheva)
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[23:04] She nodded some, thinking over what she said briefly before she smiled once more,

"You don't really want to do, do you, Lea?" She asked. "Killing is a serious matter.... Sometimes, it's best to avoid such a thing.... Other times, death is a mercy. Remember that, Lea."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[23:06] "I don't wanna kill anyone, no. It sucks. And yes, Reito, I know death is sometimes a mercy."

Lea's expression changed from somewhat normal to downtrodden, as she shared something that she was much, much more downtrodden, giving a glimpse into what was really going on in her mind:

"Else I wouldn't want to die right now."

Despair.
(Lea Elisheva)
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[23:08] She held out her hand,

"Lea. Let's go home," She said simply, even with that despair that had taken over Lea, Mercy itself exuded from the Kitsune. "We can have some tea, and we can talk things over - away from this place," She gestured vaguely.

"We can work towards a way of nullifying that contract, and then you don't need to kill anyone, you don't need to hurt anyone."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[23:14] "It's not fair..."

Lea refused to grab the hand, and actually took a step back. The color slowly began to drain from her face once more, the sense of panic returning to her, however slightly. Why? Well... probably for a reason Reito wouldn't like very much.

"It's not fair that they send the person that I want to hurt the least. It's not fair..."

Fear.
Panic.
Despair.

"They still don't trust me... none of them do."

Lea had built her emotional stability on the idea that people trusted her, and when that was taken from her, those horrid, vile emotions began to take hold, fighting directly against the rational, reasonable mind that Lea was somewhat well-known for using.

"How can I prove that I'm still a good person if I can't do anything bad to you? How can I prove that I'm really not bad if it wouldn't be easy to do the bad thing?"
(Lea Elisheva)
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[23:18] She blinked, as Lea took a step back, seeming surprised by the sudden rising panic. But soon it became clear. If she seemed upset by it all she shook her head.

"... They're afraid that Sors commanded you to do this," She explained gently. "They didn't send me. I sent myself. To understand - because that's my goal, in the end. I trust you to make the right choice, Lea," She said with an encouraging smile. "They didn't even want me to come out here, fearful Sors would be right behind, but I hold no fear of him. I was only concerned with you. So here I stand, against their wishes."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[23:24] "I hate them, Reito. I hate all of them. They know better. Ilui and Thalia knew better. They knew that I wasn't marked and that I just had this contract. Calael knew. My mother knew. But none of them told you, did they? None of them ever told you, Aurora, and Adrian that it didn't FUCKING happen!"

I trust you to make the right choice.

It helped, but very little. Very, very little.

"Nobody told you the good parts. Nobody! They only told the bad parts, didn't they? They only told you the stuff that'd convince people to trust me LESS! I HATE Ilui! I HATE! Thalia! I HATE Magdalen! HATE HATE HATE HATE!"

It was unknown whether or not Lea was having a tantrum or actually losing her mind, again, like she did on the transceiver.

"I can't be with people who distrust me. I can't be with people who will never take me seriously or think I'm a good person ever again... and a few who do does nothing to fix the ones who won't..."
(Lea Elisheva)
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[23:31] She allowed Lea to have her tantrum, her rant, and she waited patiently. Her hand however dropped, knowing Lea wouldn't take it. At least, not right now.

"I didn't know much of what happened," She explained, gently correcting, "They just told me you wanted them to bring someone from your contract list to you, collared. You wanted time alone with them. I volunteered myself, but I was not on the list, you see."

She neared the girl, before continued to speak,

"Do you really hate them, Lea? Or are you just mad at them? Hurt that they didn't trust you...? Sometimes, people don't trust others, and it hurts. I know that feeling... But perhaps, it wasn't you that they mistrusted, but someone worse? Someone that's willing to hurt people very badly? If they believedyou were marked, they most likely feared what Sors would command you to do.

"Just explain to them precisely what you just told me. That you can't be with people who don't trust you... Use words. Don't let your emotions get the best of you."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[23:39] "I tried using words last time, but it didn't work, Reito. I made one mistake and everyone there was eager to see me as a potential villain. As a bad guy. All they hate someone more than they loved me."

Lea's features softened a bit, still pale white, but less panicky. In its stead, was another expression of hostility; of malice.

"I hate them for that, Reito. I genuinely, seriously hate them. I hate anyone that hates more than they love, and anyone who hates someone more than they love me is someone I'll never tolerate being with."

More cracks were starting to show.

"I want them to feel what that hate is like, Reito. I want them to feel what it's like to be hated by the person who did everything right."
(Lea Elisheva)
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[23:53] "Then what did you plan on doing, Lea, to those people that you claim you hate? Because I don't believe you honestly hate them. I believe you're angry, I believe that you're hurt…." She trailed off, shaking her head.

"If you did everything right, then you would not have agreed to that contract in your own panic and fear. I'm not judging you for that however, do not be mistaken... Sit down, Lea. Have you ever meditated before? Perhaps that'll help your anger."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[00:17] "Yeah... I'll... give it a shot."

And so, Lea sat down, beginning to meditate. She was angry, filled with genuine hate, frustration, and everything. And yet, she still managed to find herself in this strange calm, where, despite her anger, everything seemed... serene. She seemed connected to everything, and-...

She remembered something Sors told her.

In time, it mite b reclaimed. Ya need only focus on tha' feelin' Adrian has given ya.

Lea allowed herself to focus on that feeling; that hatred. The sense that Adrian once gave her, now given to her by so many others, including on the person she once loved the most, was now filling her mind, her body, and worst off, her spirit. She allowed herself to observe those emotions without thought or pretense, and when one truly observes something...

They become one with it.

The beauty of the world that was tripped from Reito now returned to her, although the source was entirely different. The sense of harmony that she once had with the world had now returned to her.

The threads of causality, once gold, were now a sickening, vile red.

And her ability to see those threads, also returned to her, if only for this moment.

Lea stood up, opened her eyes, and spoke...

"...I feel amazing, Reito."

...sounding nothing like the person she was a few moments before. Just like last night, Lea had become a horrible facsimile of who she once was, and rather than being an emissary of order, who wanted to bring Agartha together, show love, kindness, and understanding, she was now someone who wanted to tear it apart.

"Thank you."

Lea did not speak further, she merely allowed her wings to light aflame, just like she did the night before. She did not state killing intent, merely allowing her presence to indicate that on her own. The love, kindness, and understanding that once permeated every level of Lea's being had been inverted. And yet, despite her being the opposite of who she used to be, this was still Lea.

"That was the best advice you could have ever given me."

For while opposites may be different in degree, they are identical in nature.
(Lea Elisheva)
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[00:22]

"Yeah... I'll... give it a shot."

And so, Lea sat down, beginning to meditate. She was angry, filled with genuine hate, frustration, and everything. And yet, she still managed to find herself in this strange calm, where, despite her anger, everything seemed... serene. She seemed connected to everything, and-...

She remembered something Sors told her.

In time, it mite b reclaimed. Ya need only focus on tha' feelin' Adrian has given ya.

Lea allowed herself to focus on that feeling; that hatred. The sense that Adrian once gave her, now given to her by so many others, including on the person she once loved the most, was now filling her mind, her body, and worst off, her spirit. She allowed herself to observe those emotions without thought or pretense, and when one truly observes something...

They become one with it.

The beauty of the world that was stripped from Lea now returned to her, although the source was entirely different. The sense of harmony that she once had with the world had now returned to her.

The threads of causality, once gold, were now a sickening, vile red.

And her ability to see those threads, also returned to her, if only for this moment.

Lea stood up, opened her eyes, and spoke...

"...I feel amazing, Reito."

...sounding nothing like the person she was a few moments before. Just like last night, Lea had become a horrible facsimile of who she once was, and rather than being an emissary of order, who wanted to bring Agartha together, show love, kindness, and understanding, she was now someone who wantedto tear it apart.

"Thank you."

Lea did not speak further, she merely allowed her wings to light aflame, just like she did the night before. She did not state killing intent, merely allowing her presence to indicate that on her own. The love, kindness, and understanding that once permeated every level of Lea's being had been inverted. And yet, despite her being the opposite of who she used to be, this was still Lea.

"That was the best advice you could have ever given me."

For while opposites may be different in degree, they are identical in nature.
(Lea Elisheva)
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[00:49] As Lea sat down to meditate, the Kitsune merely watched. She had no telling what was going on, on the inside there. Within Lea's mind. Within Lea's soul. She could only hope that her advice? Was taken, and that she could earnestly help the girl.

As Lea stood up and spoke, something was different. It sounded nothing like the Lea she knew. The Lea Ethan had introduced her to. The Lea she had entrusted a weapon of Legendary proportions to.

As those wings lit aflame, an oppressive feeling came over the area all at once - Helheim. Reito's eyes widen, and she took a step back, shaking her head.

"Lea, no," She said all at once, shaking her head. "Lea, stop - where did those wings come from?!" She asked, her voice rising in pitch. Was she scared? No. She was just shocked. That killing intent was palpable within the air, she could taste it, she could smell it.

She was the only one there because….

"I trust you, Lea."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[00:54] Liu ambles in from- well, from out of the woods, really. The redheaded Yurhiran pauses along the hill to watch whatever the heck exactly is going on, a book tucked up in the young lady's hands.
(Liu Shaoqing)
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[00:59] Lea's wings fluttered with every step she took, as her movements were erratic and unpredictable. She skipped, leapt, and danced around, every step she took causing her wings to light more of the area aflame. A twisted irony for a water magi, no doubt. They should be extinguishing such flames, and healing wounds! Not... burning it all away. When Reito spoke, Lea turned towards her, letting off a goofy, childish smile, that was horrifying given the context.

"Do you really, Reito?"

Lea started moving over towards Reito, slowly, and carefully. She was skipping towards her, taking moments at a time to appreciate the area around her. She was like a child.

She was always like a child.

But the gestures Lea normally did took a whole new meaning when she was like this.

Eventually, she reached Reito, raising Rebirth up and pointing it towards her chest, yet did not attack. Not yet.

"If you truly trust me, then let your guard down, and trust me not to kill you."

Could she truly be trusted anymore? Was this even the same Lea...?

"Prove it to me, Reito. Prove how much you trust me."

It was up to Reito to decide.
(Lea Elisheva)
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[01:02] Liu glances around some more, then down at her book.

"Well, the river and waterfall seem to be in the right place, but I don't see the tower and town.."

She taps her chin thoughtfully, glancing up and about at the landscape again, a bit dubiously.

"Hmm. I guess that would make Ardent Cliff to the north east, and Avalon back west.."
(Liu Shaoqing)
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[01:05] As Lea came closer and closer, and those firery wings fluttered with every step, Reito stood there, still in shock. As Rebirth was raised, and pointed directly towards her chest, the virtue of Mercy stood there, that smile still on her face.

"I trust you, Lea," She said patient as ever. Even in her old age, Reito could still respond in a moment's notice. Even if Lea did attack her, she'd be ready but..... Her guard was dropped.

"Rebirth is special," She began to explain, as she looked down to the staff she had worked so tirelessly to create. "I treasured making it. I hope you treasure having it."

No, it wasn't up to Reito.

It was up to Lea.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[01:08] Having been blissfully unaware of a somewhat hostile interaction, happening right in front of the cave she wished to venture, a trek through forest and grass had made it's end at that of the cliffside. There's a glance shot, not only at the two's predicament playing out before her, but the older teen in which had made her appearance all so suddenly.

Why was Estelle here? Simply to observe, but not to flee. It felt all too amiss, leaving without seeing a conclusion would leave her with guilt, if anything were to happen to either of them, perhaps she would be able to provide help. But right now, her feet stayed unmoving, watching the script write itself, watching the plant life in which had set aflame below.

How unnerving.
(Estelle)
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[01:14] Liu, after careful eavesdropping on the rather personal conversation taking place down beyond the hill, turns a moment to give the equally no doubt not-at-all eavesdropping Estelle a 'get a load of those guys,' sort of look.

Despite her clearly honorable intentions and her doubtfulness of whatever she's reading from her book, she stays to linger there and observe the drama with the booklet tucked securely in a pouch on her body somewhere. Don't ask where.

Eventually she does speak again, though it seems it as well is merely to herself; "Maybe I should have stayed at the docks. It's like the further inland I go the more inscrutable the natives are."
(Liu Shaoqing)
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[01:20] Lea wanted to kill.

She absolutely wanted to kill.

She wanted to rip Reito asunder.

She reared Rebirth back, allowing cosmic mana to coalesce within, preparing herself for a fight. And yet, when she tried to swing it towards Reito, to initiate a fight...

She found her hand stuck.

Lea gazed behind her, waiting to see who it was that stopped her from attacking, and saw the silhouette of a certain someone holding the staff back, preventing her from using it. This was something only Lea could see; Reito would likely have no idea what was going on. In Lea's mind, a certain voice echoed...

Forgive them for it; life is hard for some people.

...the voice of the man she always listened to.

Regardless, we both wanted you guys to grow up to be as happy as you could. We've loved you, we love you, and we will always love you, remember that.

The sheer bloodlust in her gaze faded, and the air grew a lot calmer. The flames on Lea's wings dissipated, and so too did her aura, as she turned her back on Reito and...

Anyway... get back to solving problems and having fun with your friends.

...ran.

She ran away. She ran as far and as fast as she could. She did not listen to anyone calling out for her, she did not pay any mind to any attempts to pursue her. She merely ran, the only words she heard coming from the last bastion of reason that existed within her mind.

The man that she, as a child, could always bet on.
(Lea Elisheva)
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[01:22] As Rebirth reared back, she continued to stand there. The bright pink glow surrounding her, offering a soothing feeling to those who had come up. It was only when Lea looked behind her, did Reito's head tilt curiously.

That bloodlust was gone.... And Lea ran. Reito made no effort to stop the girl -- but she did call out,

"You're always welcome home, Lea. Just remember that!"
(Reito Shimasu)