Freaking out and losing the sword

[13:49] Rindou remained silent for a few moments before she shook her head. She didn't want to go through all of that again - the blame, the insults, the hatred, the pain.

No, not this time. Not in public either.

She aimed to move past Calista - to run to the shrine off of pure muscle memory while in her blinded state.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[13:49] Reito Shimasu says, "This way, Rindou..."
[13:50] Rindou Sakamoto says, "..."
[13:51] She helped Rindou onto a cushion too, before sitting down herself.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[13:51] Rindou Sakamoto says, "I don't want her to be there."
[13:52] Calista Shimasu asks, "Who?"
[13:53] Rindou Sakamoto says, "Tahldrig."
[13:53] Tahldrig asks, "Why not?"
[13:53] Rindou Sakamoto says, "I don't trust you. I don't like you."
[13:53] Tahldrig says, "Calista trusts me."
[13:53] Rindou Sakamoto says, "I don't care."
[13:53] She opted to not get in the middle of this, instead working on brewing tea.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[13:54] Tahldrig says, "I'm here to help Rindou. Don't know why you dislike me as I've never done anything to you, but I'm here to help regardless of how you feel about me."
[13:54] Rindou Sakamoto says, "You can go back to Gehenna."
[13:55] Tahldrig says, "I'll remain here."
[13:55] Rindou Sakamoto says, "..."
[13:55] Rindou Sakamoto says, "Fine."
[13:56] Rindou slowly rose up from her seat, unceremoniously trying to move towards the exit. She had made her point clear, hadn't she? If Tahldrig were to stay, then she wouldn't.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[13:57] Tahldrig says, "Rindou, come sit back down please."
[13:57] Reito Shimasu says, "Please."
[13:57] Calista Shimasu says, "You don't have to leave if she stays.."
[13:58] Rindou Sakamoto says, "You don't have to come if you'd rather be with her."
[13:58] Rindou Sakamoto says, "I understand."
[13:58] Calista Shimasu says, "What are you going on about..? We're here for you."
[13:59] Rindou Sakamoto says, "The first thing Gehenna was after when I returned wasn't my safety. That came second."
[13:59] Calista Shimasu says, "I didn't go to Gehenna for a damn sword. I came because I heard you were there."
[13:59] Rindou Sakamoto says, "And you brought Gehenna back with you anyway."
[13:59] Tahldrig says, "I came here to make sure you and everyone else was alright Rindou. I'm not Gehenna, I help everyone."
[14:00] Calista Shimasu says, "She's a friend is why. Her nationality is irrelevant."
[14:01] Rindou Sakamoto says, "You friends can have fun, then."
[14:01] Reito Shimasu says, "Rindou...."
[14:01] Reito Shimasu says, "We can speak in the back, you and I."
[14:01] Reito Shimasu asks, "I'll make your favourite tea, yes?"
[14:01] Tahldrig says, "Don't really understand what the issue is.. I'm in Huangzhou and Levengard far more than I'm in Gehenna."
[14:06] Rindou's fists clenched up lightly when Reito said that. She turned around, snapping at the woman practically.

"Tea won't fix it! Tea won't change that barely anyone set foot in that shrine for four years! Tea won't make those innocents not lose their souls. Tea won't make Sors back off— I know, I tried! Tea won't make me less alone out there, alone when I was locked up in the darkest place I've ever seen, alone when he took the light right out of me - when he robbed me of what I had and what I could do, took every bit of... hope I had to ever making a change on this island.

Maybe tea's the way you solved your problems, Reito, but it's not mine! I'm barely even an Illuminated anymore. I never had any other title. I never had the fame the praise you got for that shrine. All I received were complaints about the looks, the litter, the location, the land being vile.

So no, I'm not going out back with you— not after what happened back there that no one in the world seems to care about, not even you - the victim!"

She had a lot on her heart, that much was for sure.

"Tea won't fix my eyes, but I can still tell that people look at you like you'll be able to save them."
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[14:14] She stood up now, allowing Rindou to snap like that. Sometimes, you had to. She was silent, allowing her to get it all off her chest as she folded her hands in front of herself patiently, tail swaying. She stared at the water quietly for several moments after, before speaking up,

"I know tea won't fix it," She said softly, closing the gap between them as she eventually took her eyes off the water. "Tea won't give back the lives lost over the years, those that died protecting the world from not just Sors Ultovex, but other threats as well. Malentine's rift, Dawn's Army, Arthur Rowan's Undead, none of it. None of it brings those people back, I know," She said, shutting her eyes briefly before she exhaled.

"And I know I'm at fault perhaps more than anyone, for what happened to you. I wantedto go after you, myself, but I wasn't able to, and I'm sorry. I worried and couldn't sit still knowing you were in danger and it was because of me that you were in danger. Even if I had found you - I..." She trailed off. Perhaps admitting this was the hardest part. Isaac had said it time and time again, but that hubris of a Kitsune was perhaps Reito's second biggest weakness. "He's stronger than me. I hate to say it, but he is," She said, finally admitting something she had not wanted to say out loud ever since she had learned of what he had done.

"I can't save anyone. I'm not some great hero. I'm just a Priestess who was worried about my only student. So please accept my apologies, Rindou. I don't know how else to ease your suffering except to offer you your favourite thing to drink. However--

"You're still an Illuminated. Do you know why? Because even if something happened to your sight, Jiuweihu still grants you her favor, regardless of what happened, because you still have goodness in your heart."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[14:14] Tahldrig cast a calm glance over to Rindou even in their snap, she knew things couldn't have been easy for Rindou, and Tahldrig had actually planned on visiting Rindou, but never exactly knew where the other shrine was. At least, not for some time, and when Tahldrig had visited, nobody was there.

"Tea won't. You are right Rindou. You're not alone anymore, we're here with you and we want to help /you./ I want to understand what happened back there, but my first priority is your health and your safety. You may think nobody cares, but I do. We all do, it's why we were happy to see you."

A smile is displayed to Rindou before she spoke again.

"Please come sit down, talk to us, help us understand. I'm sorry you had to go through everything alone, but you don't need to be alone anymore."
(Tahldrig)
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[14:14] Reito Shimasu says, "You were.... Never alone."
[14:20] Rindou wouldn't see her reaction, but the fox places hands on either of the other woman's shoulders.

"Not everyone can be saved, not everyone will understand, and most of all..? Not everyone would have survived that. You did.

I've seen and heard more than once what Sors does to people, and here you are before us.. even if blinded. You made it back safely. There is more to the world than shrines, than whatever faith you may hold even if important.

Those people died, and we cannot change it. Though in the future we can prevent more deaths.. Make those who did lose their lives not do so in vain. We can make that happen in the future."

She would give an unseen smile, by Rindou at least, though her shoulders would receive a light squeeze.

"I'm glad you escaped, and I just hope you can recover Rindou because regardless of what you may think, you still shine brightly in my eyes.

Please... just sit and talk with us."

(Calista Shimasu)
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Isaac Shimasu transmits: "Calista. Did you take the sword from Rindou that's apparently a key? We need to keep it safe."
Calista Shimasu transmits: "She has it, and she's keeping it. I'm going to keep her under my protection."
[14:26] "You're wrong! She's... gone. She took away my sight in shame of me, she hates me. It was so dark that I couldn't feel her presence and... when I laid eyes on her again she punished me for my failures, for being weak— just like Caira."

The squeeze was hard to fight back again, though she had many words left to deliver, most of them towards Reito.

"You wouldn't know a thing about being all on your own. You call yourself weak but I can't even imagine being as strong as you are! A drink won't make her reconsider me."

Her attention shifted towards Calista from beneath that blindfold.

"Then tell me— tell me where you see that light! It's all gone. I'm not worth that kind of treatment or attention - I'm not good enough!"

Despite all of her claims it seemed Rindou was unaware of her own glow. As dim as ever but... present.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[14:31] She was silent, fingers intertwining amongst themselves as she shook her head,

"... Jiuweihu never abandoned you," She said finally, "You may not be able to see it, but you still have her blessing, even now. It's dim, but it is there, Rindou… And you have all of our love and support."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[14:31] Her emotions were surging wildly, her usual lack of leaving her with control issues. Those ebon wings spread and expand, their ruby leylines casting the room in a crimson glow.

One hand leaves Rindou's shoulder, to softly place it against the woman's chest, over her heart.

"I see it here. A light I do not have, a light I am incapable of having. Don't let that light fade Rindou.. it is precious."

It was a light she shouldn't need eyes to see. The fox having none of her own, she could care less how many people died and where unless it bore relevance. She did good things because it was expected of her, not because she was driven to..

Rindou was the opposite. She didn't want to see that go.


(Calista Shimasu)
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[14:32] On quietly entering the shrine, he looked about and instinctively extended his hand to Nyphadora. His focus settled on the fae along with a slight smile despite the chaos surrounding them. "Nyphadora, I have a few things I need to show you later, but right now..."

The demi-angel looked to Rindou, searching for similar signs that Yu exhibited - the strange black ichor that leaked from the captain. After a few moments, he speaks, "You have something that is important to the expedition. The red sword also acts as a key. I require this."

(Isaac Shimasu)
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[14:32] Tahl takes anotehr step towards Rindou. Her words come out soft, not quiet, but soft.

"You are worth it Rindou, you are good enough. You're not weak either, you survived and made it back, that's more strength than most others have. We are here for you."
(Tahldrig)
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[14:34] The drama at hand was something the Fae couldn't help but to watch-- She had remained silent however, respectful enough to give the group their shot at correcting their mistakes with dear Rindou!

Attention turned to Isaac as he made his entrance however, Nyphadora settling on the offered hand with her gaze swift to return to the main attraction, still rather curious as to the result-- Especially now with Isaac's demand!

"Of course! After this then." Sounded her response, a little chuckle escaping her.
(Nyphadora)
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[14:40] She could already feel the Shogun's words coming. It was as if his presence had been looming over her - as if she could predict why he came here and why he'd speak her way— that he would even speak her way. She responded almost instantly after he demanded Halycon from her, being honest.

"It's in Gehenna. They were happier to see that it still was with me than to see me alive. You can go to them if you want to get it back."

Lying about the location of a blade that had been made known to the world as 'precious' was not something she was about to do; being harmed over nothing but a key was not in her current plans.

Her attention shifted to Reito, doubting her words through expression alone, then it moved to Calista. To that touch. That confession. Those words. Her lips parted, but came shut again. She leaned in closer, whispering a few words to her, both unveiling her own weaknesses and self-loathing.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[14:40] Rindou Sakamoto whispers: I'm still not all that you need. I'm still unable to be what you want. You don't want someone like me.
[14:41] Calista Shimasu says, "Ignis' blade is in Gehenna."
[14:46] It is certainly obvious that the demi-angel doesn't care for the theatrics or Rindou's wellbeing, and he's simply here on business. When he has his answer, the faint, practiced smile immediately flips, and his brows furrow gently for a moment; he would rather pry it off of the seared body of the swordswoman than it be in the hands of Gehennans.

"That's... unfortunate. Very," he half-whispers.

A moment later he reaches into his jacket and opens it slightly, revealing a strange relic. The bronze, circular ring is centered by an eye, and has five pointed charms dangling off of the bottom of it. Isaac holds the shadow tool with one hand and closes his eyes, focusing...

Each key levitates and points south-east, to the jungle. "So it is," he murmured, eyes still closed - prodding the atmosphere with this prize of the council. Once satisfied, his lids half over and the demonstration ends.
(Isaac Shimasu)
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[14:47] Reito Shimasu whispers something.
[14:49] Isaac Shimasu whispers something.
[14:50] Tahldrig whispers something.
[14:50] Tahldrig whispers something.
[14:51] The expression on her face softened at those whispered words, before her own follow..

After a few moments her gaze turns to her father,

"I want her to stay with me, I can make sure nothing happens. I will have Aunt Magdalen make sure she isn't marked but I don't think she is."

It was something non-negotiable for her, she would do her best to keep Rindou with her until the expedition was over at least... then they could focus on the mountain.
(Calista Shimasu)
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[14:51] Reito Shimasu says, "......"
[14:51] Calista Shimasu whispers: You can't give me children, and we won't marry. Though /none/ of it means I cannot care about you.
[14:52] Attention shifted to the Relic; her eyes widened, lips parting a bit as she stared dumbfounded for a moment or two. Since when had Isaac possessed such a thing? Was that what he wanted to show her...?

For a moment, she had almost forgotten the situation she stood in-- Had it not been for the emotions from the women around them, the Fae may have just ignored them for the relic…

But alas her attention returned to Rindou, a tilt of her head as the woman had indeed admitted to giving off the Key to Gehenna. That was indeed unfortunate!

"Ah, I suppose we will need to pay Gehenna a visit then too, mm?"
(Nyphadora)
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[14:53] A glance to Tahldrig followed, and his lips purse. To confirm whether or not she was telling the truth, he focuses on the other half of the key and lifts up the Ring of Shadows. Each bronzen, pointed charm would lead them to its location.
(Isaac Shimasu)
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[14:54] Nyphadora whispers something.
[14:55] Isaac Shimasu whispers something.
[14:55] Reito Shimasu whispers something.
[14:55] Isaac Shimasu whispers something.
[14:56] Isaac Shimasu whispers something.
[14:56] Reito Shimasu whispers something.
[14:56] Nyphadora whispers something.
[14:57] Rindou was all too unaware of Tahldrig's blatant betrayal or the relic that was being used to direct Isaac in the right direction for whatever he looked for. The man's focus on the other half would point directly towards the noblewoman as he may have expected.

Her attempt at removing the attention from herself may be completely ruined by the very person that the Sakamoto claimed not to trust— all of it unbeknownst to her, focused on Calista's words rather than the whispers from afar.

More whispered words would come to the winged one, even if there was a nagging gut-feeling that something was off.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[14:57] Isaac Shimasu says, "Give it to Reito, Rindou. Now."
[14:57] Rindou Sakamoto whispers: ... I want to be good enough to change that. To have you want to marry me. I'll reach that.
[14:57] Reito Shimasu says, "...."
[14:57] Isaac Shimasu says, "You'll safeguard it until the expedition."
[14:58] Reito Shimasu says, "I think it's perfectly safe with her, Isaac. Especially if myself and Calista watch out over her."
[14:58] Calista Shimasu whispers: I will need a huband and children if I marry Rindou..
[14:58] Tahldrig only said it because Isaac is an expedition head, and of all people, he /should/ know.
(Tahldrig)
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[14:58] Isaac Shimasu says, "It's too valuable to be left in her hands. If it's genuinely a key that might jeopardize the entire expedition."
[14:59] Rindou Sakamoto says, "..."
[15:00] Calista Shimasu says, "Then let me hold it. "
[15:00] Isaac Shimasu says, "Sure. So long as someone trustworthy and capable has it."
[15:00] Rindou Sakamoto says, "..........."
[15:00] Calista Shimasu whispers: You will be with me anyway..
[15:02] Reito Shimasu says, "I trust her to hold onto it, Isaac."
[15:03] Isaac Shimasu asks, "Good thing you're not heading the expedition, huh?"
[15:03] Reito Shimasu says, "...."
[15:03] She sighed.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[15:09] Calista's words were a subject she'd have to handle another time - even if painful. The focus had quickly switched after Isaac was made aware of the truth, whether it was by Reito's words or another she couldn't tell, but one thing was for sure: She wouldn't just quietly give away her possession.

"Someone trustworthy?! Is that what you call someone who tried to save your life? Is that it? I stood alone fighting for that shrine out there when that monster attacked— the man who's power you're all too aware of, so much so you won't let your wife out alone and about! I fought. I tried to save our people.

But that's not good enough for you."

She wasn't quite facing the right way and ended up gesturing towards the water more than the kitsune she wanted to speak of.

"You can't even trust the people you love, but you still have them stick around you. Why? Why do they want to be with you, Shogun? How can you live with yourself forcing your way through anything you want— how can your family, friends, people all accept it?!"

Those were genuine questions, questions that slowly made her lose it more and more. If Isaac Shimasu was the villain she saw him as, then why were all those people still around him, helping him, loving him, obeying him? Was it out of fear?

"I had to get myself out of Sors' grasp all on my own. I protected that sword all along and came back with it, but...
...

.. but that's still not trustworthy enough for you?!"

A mix of anger, pain, sadness, jealousy, and exhaustion. She was in disbelief, at the end of the rope, yet that man still tugged upon it.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[15:17] Neither impressed or amused by the girl's frantic ramblings, the demi-angel slowly shook his head. The man's irises burned like hot embers beneath his long, black lashes. "Tried to save my life? I could barely stand, breathe, or function, and you purposely delayed treatment while interrogating me, thinking that my life was in your hands. It was Nyphadora who had to do so in the end."

He steps forward. As he does so, the ring he holds seems to rattle, each pointed object spiralling about and twisting, pointing left and right - reacting to the bubble of concentrated anger that took to its bearer.

"I trust them. Not you. It's why I'm fine with a different guard," he murmurs, "...now, I want the sword. The more trouble you make here, the less likely you'll ever see it again."

Fingers raise, each of them curling around the shadow tool. With the motion there are twisting, wraith-like spurs of blackened mana that curl around his arm, hungry tendrils of forbidden magic. The five pendants point directly at Rindou.

"I don't know what will happen if you keep refusing. You have... ten seconds to hand it over."

"Afterwards," the small smile returned, "Your soul might be at stake here."
(Isaac Shimasu)
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[15:20] Reito immediately moved, coming between Rindou and Isaac. Her back was to Rindou, as she stared at Isaac, a hand coming up to rest against his chest gently as she offered only a gentle smile.

"Isaac..." She began, slowly, thinking over what to say best to de-escalate the situation, "You trust Calista or myself with the blade, but neither of us know how to wield a sword. If need be, if it needs to be used, in combat... Who best to use it, than a person trained in the art of it?" She asked quietly with a tilted head. It was when he threatened Rindou's well-being....

Her ears flattened against her skull now. There was a fire in those pink eyes of hers, as she huffed,

"Do not threaten the life of an Illuminated in my shrine, Isaac Shimasu. I love you - with all my heart - but I won't stand for that. Calista and I can handle the blade. It will be safe, you have my word."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[15:22] She needed to de-escalate this fast, ruby gaze glancing at her father before returning to Rindou.

"Just.. hand it to me. You and the sword both can stay with me, even if not together in the same place... just please hand it over."

She was almost pleading, though that amulet around her chest began to glow softly.

The fox's hand slides from where it had been held over Rindou's heart, palm open for the hilt.. it would simplify so much. She could keep an eye on both at once. She just didn't need this situation to worsen.

"Please.."
(Calista Shimasu)
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[15:22] Tahldrig moved over behind Cali and Reito upon the threat.. it's a key.. not really worth fighting over when they dont' even have all of them.
(Tahldrig)
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[15:22] Isaac Shimasu says, "I don't care that it's a sword. It's the Kraus-damned key to the Spires Isles."
[15:22] Isaac Shimasu says, "Five seconds remain. Rindou."
[15:22] Absolute excitement overwhelmed the little Fae as Rindou finally snapped, letting herself go at the Shogun; it was true, his words were rather mean and Rindou had most definitely proven her 'loyalty', but... For people like Isaac, it was all about results.

And as he made his retort, Nyphadora could not help but to giggle! Wings fluttered at times, yet she remained nicely perched upon the shoulder of the Shogun with her attention shifting from one person to another at every turn. So much drama!

This place was even better than Dawn!

And as Reito made her approach to Isaac, Nyphadora couldn't help but to make a comment despite well knowing staying out of it was the wisest, "Oh? I thought Rindou said she was not Illuminated anymore?"
(Nyphadora)
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[15:22] Reito Shimasu says, "Isaac."
[15:22] Isaac Shimasu says, "Four."
[15:23] Reito Shimasu says, "You are not harming her."
[15:27] The otherworldy shadows that twist around the man's arm are a magic that none in the room are familiar with, an oppressive, dark, soul wrenching kind of technique. The eye in the center of the ring stared directly forward; each thin tendril was swishing about frantically, eager for the bearer of the relic to say the words out loud.

He feels this call.

The light in the room dims, darkening.

For Isaac... this is simply how it should be. They've put too much into the expedition to let one half of the key rest with someone who had spent far too much time in the camp of Sors'.
(Isaac Shimasu)
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[15:33] Then I'll be the blade that strikes first, so that they can't strike me!

Why were those memories flooding into her heart at a time like this? It was all over a blade, a sword, one that she had rightfully earned. One that was essential to an expedition she took part in. One that she got hurt for. One she gave up more than a single blade for.

Even as a key, it remained her blade.

She hadn't expected Reito to force herself in-between them. It felt... good. That was her tail, right? Which mean she was facing towards Isaac, and not her. The young woman still couldn't see the strange artifact clanking and shifting with anticipation, yet a feeling of dread reached into the deepest parts of his heart.

When Calista's hand moved from over her heart to the blade she had agreed to keep hidden - to keep a secret for her own protection... She snapped. This time for real.

A rough grasp came upon the kitsune's wrist, holding it tightly enough to crush bones, to really inflict damage.

".. Don't... you dare take it from me.

Don't you even try to take more from me like you already have! You take, you steal, you reposses, you claim— you never once look back and think that others might want something, that others might need something.

I wish I had that fame, that power, that control that you have over the world; it would be a better place. Just-"

Whether the words were directed to Calista or her father wasn't too obvious anymore. It blurred the line as actual tears ran down the woman's face. A sword as blue as the open skies was drawn, mana circuits running deep under its surface and all along its length, one put on display for all to see.

"Just leave me alone already! Let me have something for once!"

Things were bound to get bad. Real bad.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[15:38] She inhaled deeply, eyes widening, as that oppressive and dark magic invaded the Shrine. She hated it - so much. The tendrils that swished about caused the Kitsune's own soothing glow to react in kind, brightening the area around her and soothing every single person in the vicinity.

If it worked upon Isaac's anger, all the better. She kept her hand where it was against his chest, as her other hand reached up to his cheek, placing a hand upon it,

"Isaac, calm down," She said once, softly. There was less outrage in her voice now. Just a grim determination to make sure he did not use whatever magic was within that item. It caused worry, grief. It upset her to her very core, and she wanted to take it from him immediately... But not as it was, thrashing about, waiting to be called upon and used. "It will be safe. You don't need to do this, okay? Just take deepbreaths. Calm down, dear."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[15:43] The hand Reito offers to him is smacked away, a fist clapping to her wrist. How dare she get in his way. How dare she not realize the importance of this. His eyes burned with anger and disappointment, followed by a slow shake of his head...

She wasn't loyal. It is in his eyes.

He had warned her about this before.

Now more than ever, the demi-angel is absolutely certain that Rindou should not be in possession of the key. He sees it as nothing less than instability and an unecessary chaos, not the fun, fiery kind - but something that may become a nuisance in the years to come. When the woman draws her blade and the sapphire edge is revealed, whether she's preparing to strike or defend herself, a slight grin tugs at Isaac's lips.

"You know, Rindou. Aurora told me something interesting. She saw you leave with Sors, completely of your own free will," he reveals, "Personally? I don't care. But the weapon must be kept safe, and that's not in your hands."

Another step forward followed, and he lifted the Ring of Shadows up high. "I want the key," he whispered, "The key." Each pendant that dangled from the bronzen relic pointed directly at Rindou, and the shifting shadows burst from the ancient piece...

The power of countless spire shards and the souls of who knows how many demons, ripping a hole through time and space.

Everything seemed to stop and gravity lost its meaning for a moment, then a whirl of otherwordly mana twisted around both Rindou and Isaac. It ate at them, devouring the two whole -

- until they were gone completely.

They vanished.
(Isaac Shimasu)
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[15:48] Her own weakness was pointed out to her. Her own willingness to leave with Sors, to depart without being forced to. Caira would hate her if she knew the truth - if she knew how it panned out. Anyone would, really, but Rindou's own words may put some sense into it all.

"I had to stop him from killing people, I—"

Before she could finish that sentence she felt something akin to that monster's own power, pulling and tugging at her, warping her in a completely different place.

In a world where darkness reign and their was no way out.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[15:49] She had been trying to de-escalate this before it became something worse.. she was going to try and take the sword herself if need be to keep her father from hurting Rindou but then her father spoke..

And they were gone in bursts of shadow as seemingly reality lost meaning.. they were nowhere to be seen.

It would only be a single moment of seeming shock before those ebon wings ignited into flames that crimson glow all the more menacing.

"All either of them had to do was listen."

Her mother's magic aside, she was in a rage.

And she would be here when they returned... if they did.. who knows where they went?
(Calista Shimasu)
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[15:50] Before she could register anything else, that slap against her hand was all he needed to do, and that look in his eyes? It hurts her, and it cuts into her more than anything else he could say would ever be able to.

She tried to de-escalate it, and instead, he lost his faith in her completely. There was a look of pure heartache, written on her features before she saw him grin. His words, that was cause for surprise but beyond that, already he was moving closer and given their height difference he was easily able to lift that ring up higher than her - towards Rindou.

As time itself seemed to almost freeze for a moment, the next thing she realized was...

Isaac and Rindou both were gone. She's animated all at once, fear and nothing but concern painting her.

"Where.... Where'd they go?" She asked. Concern for Isaac, concern for Rindou. It was all so unfair - why did things have to be so difficult? Pink eyes fell upon Nyphadora now, "Where did he go? Surely you know! What if she hurts him? What if he hurts her? Why does it - …" She paused, trailing off as she brought her hands up to her face, covering it briefly.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[15:50] Confusion set in after Isaac's words.. Rindou left with Sors of her own free will? Aurora did nothing to stop it? Why does it feel like that could be a lie.. yet she's not got anything to dispute that notion.

Something began to happen, but.. within the timespan of what seemed to be faster than a blink of an eye, Rindou and Isaac b oth vanished.

"W-what the?" she says in confusion since there's only three remaining people here.

No words are offered at Rindou admitting what Isaac said to be true..

"I don't know why everything has to be a fight.."

She knows Cali is likely in a rage, but, what is there she can really do? The person Cali worried about for years came back, and is gone again for now.
(Tahldrig)
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[15:56] All in all, the black winged demi-angel wasn't sure what to expect; a part of him thought the black, swirling mana might tear out Rindou's soul then and there, another idea was that the pendants would pry the object of desire away. Too many possibilities, but the simple fact was...

Something had to happen. The outpour of mana that flooded from the Ring of Shadows was evident enough, all heading towards a tipping point. And when his desire manifested, they were transported to a different realm all together; a black fog lifted up from the stone floor, the two of them floating in endless space.

It becomes clear, now.

Their differences were to be settled, and the consequences for the loser was dire.

"You had an opportunity. Rindou, submit and perhaps it will bring us back. Refuse, and-" Stepping forward, a dozen or so tiny ruby gemstones escape his garb and jacket, embued with the man's mana. They coil, twist, and turn. He grinned forward.
(Isaac Shimasu)
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[16:03] She felt light. She felt her feet leave the ground. Her body was telling her that most people weren't surrounding her anymore, that they were long gone. Where she was, she couldn't tell. But one voice echoed amidst the endless emptiness. She took in a breath, but it was far from refreshing. Fighting blind, in the void and with a blade she wasn't used to holding would be difficult. Not to mention the man who stood before her wouldn't pull any punches, no. He probably wanted her dead and gone more than anything else.

"I took that opportunity to keep what's mine. To have it.. remain in my hands. You can't understand that. You've had it all; the friends who stick around, the love, the family, the power. I wish my life were as simple as yours— you just take what you want and make it yours!"

A second hand moved to grasp onto the weapon she held, the azure glimmer shining within the endless abyss.

"Do you knowhow feels to be told that someone loved you, but that you ruined it all because you were weak? You don't... understand one bit what this sword is to me, what it means!"

She prepared herself. This was about to get ugly.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[16:07] Reito Shimasu exclaims, "I want him to not look at me like I stabbed him in the chest, instead of trying to stop a fight!"
[16:08] Nyphadora says, "I can make that wish come true, sure."
[16:13] The atmosphere was still shrouded by shadows, a malevolent force that lurked the shrine. Yet neither Rindou or Isaac were anywhere to be seen, in another dimension all together - perhaps with practice his use of the technique wouldn't be so crude, uncontrolled. Dangerous. The two of them clashed in the otherworld, and when it was over...

Rindou felt her mind shatter like glass. Hundreds of pieces that would need to be reassembled in time. If she was a frazzled mess prior, things would only escalate going forward.

Both of them re-emerge. A gateway twists into opening through thin air, an eye that peels open - the black winged demi-angel stepped through it while carrying Rindou by the scruff of her neck, holding the sword in the other...

The sapphire blade was directed to the woman's skin, right to the jugular. An inch or so of space between.

Isaac felt... drained, exhausted; the effects of initiate the rites of Iloythia took its toll on him.But his grip was as firm as ever. "It didn't have to come to this. And yet here we are," he looked to Reito with a half-glare, glancing to and back.

"I have to do everything myself. Don't I?"
(Isaac Shimasu)
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[16:14] Rindou Sakamoto's Aciona's Respite was stolen by Isaac Shimasu.
[16:18] She had been so busy worrying for the pair of them, that when they re-appeared, she seemed taken aback. She blinked, taking in what was happening before she shuffled forward shaking her head,

"Isaac, please stop!" She pleaded. "Calista and I were going to handle it, we told you.... I just didn't want a fight to break out," She added softly. She didn't approach closer, scared of what he might do with that sword, so close to her neck, "... Just put her down. You don't.... Need to harm her further."

You didn't need to harm her at all.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry - I just didn't want a fight to happen and it -..." She grew quiet. She knew Calista would handle Rindou's well being, she trusted her daughter for that. She stepped closer, gazing at Isaac. "Are you alright?"
(Reito Shimasu)
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[16:18] ** Isaac Shimasu has inflicted an injury upon Rindou Sakamoto. ("Mind Crush", "After being defeated in a shadow duel, her mind was shattered... her nightmares become real, her doubts all the more present. Overcoming this will leave the person spiritually stronger or a broken wreck.", "Temporary", "Duration: Medium (4 days)") **
[16:20] She felt her own mind being chipped away at from within the darkness. Each and every burn was... surreal, just like in that place. Pain was felt, yet it wasn't. Her head was hurting, her mind was being broken, and reality unfolded before her blind eyes. She could feel the blade being taken away from her, from her hands that held no energy, from her body that couldn't handle Isaac's might.

She had withstood pain to create many desire, yet those hands of hers would never hold anything. She could feel the tears running down her cheeks. She could feel that cold blade pressed up against her neck. Her voice held no power, yet she spoke, lamenting herself.

"Why..."

"Why does it always have to end this way..."

Powerless.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[16:20] The gate tears back into existence, her father emerging from the portal carrying Rindou.. she knew that would be the result if they returned from wherever they went at all.

The flames on those wings only grew, spreading wider than any wingspan had a right to be. She was probably scorching the walls and furniture but she didn't care.

That blade held to Rindou's neck, her ruby eyes seeming to glow from within as red and black ether encircled her.

"You could have let me handle it.. even if I had to take it from her.. me.. not you.

You. Didn't. Have. To. Do. This."

She was on a very small amount of restraint, and it was fraying. Those wings only growing brighter, that amulet a white-hot nimbus around her neck as it added its power to her flames.

"Give her to me."

She needed to hold her, to feel her heartbeat in her own hands. It was probably the only thing that would calm her at this point.
(Calista Shimasu)
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[16:21] The group hadn't left at all and had waited for the Sakamoto to return.. Less concerned if Isaac ever returned to be quite honest.

Once they emerge from the portal she saw an unconscious or nearly unconscious Rindou and an exhausted Isaac carrying the blade. Tahl doesn't care about the sword or the expedition in all honesty, she just wants everyone to have a better life.

Once she see's the sapphire blade an inch away from Rindou's jugular Tahldrig reaches back, gently tapping upon a small button that resides near the center of her back. Her staff springs forth yet remains fixed there, free to grab at any time should she need it.

There's a slow shake of her head as she looks at Isaac, emerald hues peering into him.

"Isaac, you've already won, please stop."
(Tahldrig)
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[16:30] And so the figures re-emerged from within the shadows that shrouded the area before them; Rindou fallen and in Isaac's grasp as one could have expected, the woman had been recently blinded and weakened after all.

"Uh-oh?" She sounded, wings fluttering as she flew around the room, a moment spent pondering as she gave the others time to react! It was tough to fix a situation without knowing all the variables after all, and whether or not Nyphadora could 'grant' Reito her desired wish all depended on the way the woman acted!

And she choose to take her distance, not further urging Isaac to use the blade. Perhaps a wise choice? But attention shifted to Calista, the daughter who seemed to be more like her father than mother when unsatisfied with the situation at hand.

Unlike the others, Nyphadora immediately flew to Isaac. Coming to a halt just before him. For a moment, she simply let her gaze meet his; a mixture of emotions within her own- excitement, joy and pride. Pride in the man who forced his will into any situation, just like she had wished for him to do.

"Job well done." She finally spoke, "Retrieving the key was the top priority to ensure the expedition would come along well!"

A hand beckoned to Rindou, the Fae's voice falling lower as she whispers.
(Nyphadora)
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[16:30] Nyphadora whispers something.
[16:33] The demi-angel doesn't answer the question on his wellbeing, and his grip remained firm around Rindou's neck, holding her like a rag doll. The tip of the sapphire blade lightly pokes at her skin - not enough pressure to pierce, but a reminder that it was present.

He frowned when Tahldrig dared to draw her staff, and Calista's posturing gave the same impression. They were prepared to fight.

"Disappointing... the both of you. Do yout hink the threat of force would convince me? Rustling your feathers, hmm?"

Reito was bound in anti-magic.
Nyphadora was stronger than both of them.

"If I wanted to kill her, I would. And neither of you could stop it," he states with a smug, dry confidence - his lips were neither a frown or a smile, but his fingers unwind and drop the swordswoman like a sag of potatoes. Hard against the wooden tiles.

With a smoky huff, Isaac turned to his fae. His eyes were still alight with a mix of emotions, and none of them were good. "Let's go, Nyphadora. This place has put me in a foul mood."
(Isaac Shimasu)
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[16:37] She found herself hitting the ground with a thud. She wasn't quite hurt physically, but mentally? It was a like a puzzle that tormented her constantly, reminding her of her own failures, of her lack of strength, of her weakness. Her will was long gone.

This was plain torture.

Why... why... why...
He was right. He called me a pawn, he said it was my... fate.
How can I change that fate?
Why is this happening to me?

Rindou's mind was stuck in its own little world, leaving her to lay on the ground without much life in her, as if she had given up on everything, everyone.

Despair had spread. Despair had affected her, though it wasn't by his hand.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[16:38] It was a tense few moments, as Isaac held Rindou there with the blade pointed at her throat. She didn't want blood to be spilled in the shrine; it was the same as when Ethan had fought Isaac in the same shrine, all those years ago.

She never wanted this.

The idea that he could have easily killed the girl where they were was frightening enough, and her hands, tight against each other, only tighten to the point of her knuckles turning white. She offered Calista a knowing look - one that told her to look over Rindou's well being for the time being. Hopefully the Kitsune would know precisely what she meant.

She wandered closer to Isaac, dropping her voice low.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[16:39] Reito Shimasu whispers something.
[16:39] Emerald hues flicker a bit at Isaac stating disappointment.

"Who ever said I was threatening you?" Tahldrig knows her limitations, while she may be able to handle most people in Gehenna, as well as most people in Huangzhou, there are a few who are beyond her current level. Isaac is one of those people. Tahldrig wasn't threatening Isaac, she'd simply readied herself for if Cali launched herself into Isaac depending on Isaac's reaction.

Another small head shake happens once he speaks again.

"I know you would have if you wanted to. So thanks for not doing that." Her attitude always seems to be a bit careless.
(Tahldrig)
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[16:41] Isaac Shimasu whispers something.
[16:41] Reito Shimasu whispers something.
[16:42] Reito Shimasu whispers something.
[16:42] Reito Shimasu whispers something.
[16:43] Her mind drifted to when she had fought her father, she'd been but a teenager then.. and she'd beaten him without his bloodstones.. but how much had he held back?

If she were being honest she didn't consider Nyphadora anything but the most casual of threats. She didn't want to attack her father, she just wanted the person she cared about back. Trying to be kind and talk it out didn't seem to be working, so she cut herself loose.

The moment Rindou fell that ether shaped into something akin to a ring, pulling Rindou's limp form to her through the air to rest in her arms, those flaming wings extinguishing nearly instantly once her arms closed around her.

She speaks, her voice even closer to normal now that the one she held was where she wanted her.

"I didn't, and don't want to fight you. Win or loss regardless, I could have taken the sword, or even talked it from her.

You would do the same if it were Mother."

It was probably all clear then, out in the open for all to see.


(Calista Shimasu)
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[16:44] Isaac Shimasu says, "...Don't compare an accessory of your harem to your mother."
[16:44] Isaac gave a small nod to Nyphadora.
(Isaac Shimasu)
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[16:44] Calista Shimasu says, "I don't have a harem anymore."
[16:44] Calista Shimasu says, "Haven't for a while."
[16:44] Reito Shimasu says, "--...."
[16:45] She didn't need to hear these things.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[16:45] Tahldrig says, "..."
[16:47] Reito Shimasu whispers something.
[16:48] It wasn't like Nyphadora truly cared for Rindou's life, however in general she was under the impression that death was boring-- Never the right choice, even one's enemies ought to remain alive! For death brought about only the end, with it one could not progress any further... So when the woman was released, the Fae could only release a sigh of relief.

Isaac made his wishes clear, they were leaving and the way she understood it? It meant immediately. He was not in a mood where she would question him too much, especially now of all times.

"As you wish!"

Reito spoke her whispers, Isaac denying her of her wishes but-- That was of little concern to her.

Instead, she began working her magic and with a wave of her hand and a strike of lightning, Ingress was summoned forth for her to grasp; radiating a twisted, hungry glow of unlight, tainted by ancient runes of Riftmancy, a Spire Shard sat upon the tip of her companion.

And within moments, the very magic which the Fae was known for was brought to use.

Reality itself collapsed not too far from the fallen duo, torn asunder as a surge of mana opened forth a tear in the life stream itself. With its voiceless scream of chaos.

A Rift was opened.
(Nyphadora)
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[16:50] Rindou allowed herself to be dragged away. It wasn't like there was much else she could do in her state anyway. Blind eyes stared into the empty nothing that reminded her of where she had fought as her mind circled around, blaming herself for being weak, blaming herself for not being enough, blaming herself for not being someone else.

A blade that had been within her grasp was taken away, but much more was stolen from her. She muttered more nonsense to herself.

"It's all my fault..."
(Rindou Sakamoto)