[23:27] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "...Huangzhou is a place she could stay."
[23:27] Agava's head tilted as she approached the group, her hands clapped together as she closed her eyes and soon after parted her lips, allowing the whispers to form close to the ground as she soon spoke.

'Seeing Shai as friend still... grove will welcome, as long as will show no ill intensions... be it due to physical pain or mind.'
(Agava)
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[23:29] Calael Elisheva says, "..."
[23:32] "No." He states coldly. "That's just an excuse." His scowl returned back to Mikhaila and the anger burned again. "What better place? You say that she'd go down a darker path here? She'd go down a darker path alone. Alone she would be free to kill them if they were alone. Follow her beliefs to slaughter if she were alone." His boots grinded against the stone tiles. "Fall to sin if she's alone."

"An excuse." He says again just as harsh. "If she were in Huangzhou- you believe they'd be alive? With those leaders that would abandon Gehenna? That would let the demons and vampires take it over for no reason? The leaders of Huangzhou that do not think of the greater good of the world. No."

He turns again, folding his arms into his chest. "That's just abandonment. You tried talking and nothing more. Did you think to have her meditate? Did you truly talk about what ailed her? Not even trying to have some potions calm her down? You said talk, I don't see action." His head falls downward. "It's disappointing. Disappointment to cast aside someone that needs you. Disappointing that your radiance can throw away a friend..."

"It's not better than Huangzhou's leaders that would throw away a village to no longer have to worry about it, and replace that worry with something else."
(Ren Shi)
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[23:33] Niklaus Rowan whispers something.
[23:34] Zen Kumo whispers something.
[23:34] Niklaus Rowan whispers something.
[23:34] Niklaus Rowan whispers something.
[23:35] Ren Shi's words certainly reach her. She looks at Shai (who was probably leaving) and Ren Shi again before saying simply, "Then do it. Help her in the ways you see fit, Ren Shi. I want to see everyone succeed, but I also don't want to have innocent people threatened in a place like this."

With that, she huffs and turns to stride off.
(Mikhaila Elisheva)
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[23:43] Mazatl Heart whispers something.
[23:43] Everyone got a second chance.

That was Noel's motto that extended out from everyone in Huangzhou to the likes of Obsidia. Ipos had used both of his chances up already. He had made it known to the cast of children that he wanted nothing more to conquer and kill until the entire continent was under his wing.

He was an established villain, and that behavior was something that they had come to expect from him. But Shai..? She had been given at least a dozen chances by the lot of them. Each and every one of them had taken Ren Shi's advice and had tried to assist her in various ways.. and none of it meant anything to her.

So he decides to focus his talents elsewhere for the time being. With his wounded hand being tended to by a Nepheira who was on the verge of tears, his other hand reaches back for the tiny shovel on his back and waves it around.

"I'll get it treated, I promise. But can I show you something first?"
(Noel Elisheva)
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[23:44] Cal brushed himself off as he strode into the central area of the small, nameless town. His large tome was pulled onto his back like a pack and he could already sense something was wrong. With the way Ren was speaking with his sister and the departing Shai and Spud, he figured it'd be best if he quickly listened in and gathered the details on what was going on.

Innocent people threatened?

Others were already turning their heads elsewhere, but Calael figured he'd hurry after his friends.
(Calael Elisheva)
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[23:50] Confirmation bias.

It always felt so good when you were proven right. If the emotion was powerful enough it could even drown out the dread. The finality to it all was perfect - Maybe she even wanted this the entire time. That was it, wasn't it? She wanted them to hate her. She wanted this.

She didn't need them.

The blade trails against the ground, slicing into the grass under foot. The sounds of nature were so dead today. The tone the birds exuded in their singing seemed almost dull. Like they were chained creatures forced to sing. They have long since lost their love for it.

It was just noise.

Those who were following would get their peace. They could say what they wanted, nag where they demanded to be heard. She was too busy walking. Enjoying the chains that have been lifted off her. Varick was gone. Her family was gone. Now most of her friends were gone.

So little was stopping her any more. It's exactly what she told Calael.

She didn't want to be responsible for anyone but herself.

(Shai Oshura)
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[23:51] Calael Elisheva asks, "...what... did I miss?"
[23:57] Kibou would note the sunlight sword she held, he'd nearly stop after noticing it. Shaking his head after to catch up to her.

"Father... must have truly loved you didn't he..."

He wasn't expecting an answer, he just didn't want to lose anyone else. She was the only thing he had left even close to being family. It didn't feel right just letting her go off on her own. He'd think about ashera's words, tightening his fists.

"She had no right speaking for him. Not one bit."

He'd grit his teeth.
(Kibou Shio)
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[00:02] The defender would follow suit, trailing several paces behind as he continued to hang his head in sorrow. He did not have many friends, despite how large the settlement was growing. He kept a tightly knit pack, and seeing the few he was close to at odds with each other tore him apart.

This was not war, not on a physical level. That was something he could do, to stand in the way as both sides cut at each other, taking every blow, bearing those injuries. That was something he could live with.

This

This was not something he could handle. Esoteric exchange of ideals and execution, they all wanted the same thing, but went about it in such different ways. It was a micromanagy, philosophical, ethical dilemma.

However, he had made the same oath to her as he did the angels, to protect her and assist her in slaying the lich king. Shai had grown more entrenched in her ideals, anger becoming a more prevalent emotion in her.

He couldn't empathize with everything she went through, but he understood her zealotry. It was something he wrestled with in his youth. A feral anger, and a drive to do the right things the wrong ways. Violence was the easiest thing that came to him because it was so easy to swing a sword than to speak words and convey emotion.

He didn't want to see her get hurt. She was his closest comrade, spending more time with her than any angel alone. He was a loyal dog, and he would follow her wherever she went. What did that mean for his role as protector of the angels? That was uncertain at this point, he'd want to return eventually, but doing both seemed impossible at this point, despite him wanting to do such.
(Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis)
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[00:04] Kibou Shio says, "I-I always wondered how he did it. How he always fought back the darkness in his soul."
[00:14] An entourage. She knew it was a possibility.

Footsteps followed behind her, at least three people. Which few had come to take her by force, huh? Shai turns around, half-stumbling as she stares across at the people. Kibou was the closest - Saying something confusion. Until she remembers what Kiku told her just a day earlier.

"Oh, you must be Varicks son..." More semi-extended family. That man really did know how to bring people together. She smiles towards him. Not quite forced, but it still needed a bit of a push. She had respect for anyone Varick called their own. "I... He was kind to me." She gently pushes herself off the ground by an inch, avoiding a mound.

The Sunlight blade glistens as the light reflects off it.

Of course this overdue encounter had to be spoiled. There were other people in tow. Calael receives a glance and a cocking of her head. "Huh. You must have been out of the range of the hivemind." A little jabof the tongue. "I'm free!" She smiles, doing a sluggish spin.

She wasn't acting right.

"So you can go away now, Calael Elisheva. Shoo." Her glance shifts onto Airgenald. "...? -- Oh. Right. Since my oath to them is null and void I'm freeing you of any kind of oath you think you're under, Spud." She wives him away. "Go on. Go to your wife and kids." She looks off him.

"So what's your name? Mine's Shai. I- Think I have Varicks helmet. I could give it to you. Or- We could even bury it in his memory." Her smile twitches. It threatened to come down in a moment. "It's all that was left of him when Ipos..." She couldn't finish it.

She takes a breath in. "He kept the darkness out by doing what he thought was right. He used that darkness for good."

"It's about how you use it. Being an Angel doesn't mean you'redivine after all." Another jab. This one she thought would hit deep.
(Shai Oshura)
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[00:21] Cal frowned when Shai's behavior became troubling. He opened his mouth to say something but closed his mouth as Shai continued on and told him to 'shoo'. The 'hivemind' he'd walked away from gave him some idea of what exactly had been said, and given her reactions, it couldn't have been good. Of course he didn't leave right away, Calael was persistent and annoying like that.

He stuck around long enough to hear what she had to say to Spud and the other guy who had followed.

"I... what happened? What's wrong, Shai?" he asked, concern in his voice. It seemed he would have to get more than a simple dismissal if she really wanted him to go.
(Calael Elisheva)
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[00:24] Raising his head just a tad as Shai began to speak, he'd silently listen as she got acquainted with her newfound brother. It felt rude intruding on such a moment, but he couldn't find the will to pull himself away.

He would just stand there as she went around to Cal and then himself as they were addressed. There was an oddness to her mannerisms, the way she had to force her breaths inbetween statements like she was suffocating. The thin veneer of her smile crumbling away to the Ookami's eyes.

Spiteful, angry, and struggling, that is what he read from her body language as she tried to calmly push them away. Freed from his oaths? She thought they could be removed from the accepting party, but not in Airgenald's eyes.

No, an oath could be broken by one party, but to be released from it had to be consented from both sides. He would shake his head as she tried to get him to leave.

He swore to protect and fight by her side, and heknew especially in her current state, she would do something reckless. He could not in good conscious let that happen, and he would remain standing there, firmly, silently.
(Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis)
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[00:33] Kibou would have a solemn look, he'd take a step forward. He'd place a hand to his chest.

"My name is Kibou shio. And just as I am his son, you are his daughter in turn. That sword meant the world to him. And if you're carrying it then it means something."

He'd regard the girl as she mentioned the helmet. His heart sank.

"I think that helm should remain with you or at the house with mother... I'm sure he would've liked to be put to rest with her..."

He'd pause after saying that. regarding the way she spoke and the way she looked.

"Father was one of a kind. do you know how much he suffered? The nightmares he was plagued by?"

The young man would take a deep breath, remembering the story of his father's death.

"All the pain he went through... I always thought it would be enough to break anyone. But he smiled anyway... he always found a way to make a joke or find a silver lining, even after mother died. Father was no angel. He was just a man trying his best in a world gone mad."

He'd stop in his tracks.

"Sister... I'm sure we can do the same as him..."
(Kibou Shio)
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[00:38] His daughter? A sensation of guilt washes over her. She wished she knew more about him. She- Never even knew he had nightmares. "I... Hello, Kibou. It's nice to meet you." She copies the motion, placing a hand above her heart. "I didn't know he was like that. He always seemed strong, if not... drunk sometimes."

Was that why he was like that? To numb his pain? Shai could have made something for that. If he asked... Why didn't he just ask?

"We... should do that together. Bury it beside her. I know he'd want to know some part of him was resting beside her." Nothing else was left of him to do it with.

Her gaze is torn from Kikou. Why were they trying to ruin it? Calael just wanted to rub it in, or he was just too oblivious to it all to realize she was taboo. Well, there's something she's learned about them. She smiles a sadistic grin. They had moral superiority complexes.

"Oh, it's simple. So you know that tower that Ipos and his vampires and friends all hang around in waiting to attack anyone who gets too close? You know how they killed Varick because Ashera is worthless as a person? Well-" She glances at Airgenald. What does she care? The quicker they share in her loathing the better.

"I saw a kitsune there! White hair. Mhm, standing right behind the vampires and Demons. Seemed really comfortable. So-" She claps her hands together. The blunt side of the blade clashes against her thigh. "I saw him the settlement! Could you believe it? An actual ally of the vampires in ou- your home. Well."

"I couldn't miss an opportunity like that." She almost bites her lip. But she needs to keep the appearance up. She was beyond saving. "It's like this. I pointed my sword at him and told him he had a few seconds to run before he dies." She lifts a hand up and twirlsher hair. "Everyone objected. Even when I compromised with just collaring him. But, no. As always no one believed me that he was there."

"So you all turned on me. And I attacked some magic barrier put up to protect him. So long story short Mikhaila excommunicated me." She claps her hands together. "And freed me from any promise I had to care because of it. So leave me alone."
(Shai Oshura)
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[00:48] "Our home." Cal corrected her, trying his best not to sound too overbearing despite the comment. "And Mikhaila doesn't have the final say in anything, Shai. I had to fix Sera's mistake in threatening the Shogun in the middle of Huangzhou so I'll be here to fix Mikhaila's as well."

He rubbed the back of his head but seemed ready to stand his ground. "If I'd have been there I would have agreed with at least arresting him, just for the record. An ally to the vampires should at least be sat down and spoken with, especially in a time of war like this." Cal's amber eyes didn't leave Shai's as he tried to ensure she knew he was being honest. "Mikhaila's always been too merciful; that's how she's been since we were kids. You... probably shouldn't have threatened him with death but that's beside the point right now.

The main point is you don't get to break your promises to me because Mikhaila said some things.

I'm a different person than she is."
(Calael Elisheva)
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[00:52] Amber eyes glancing to Shai as she spoke to Calael. Airgenald had come in towards the end, only picking up pieces to infer what had transpired moments before.

Ashera had said she was there and fought Ipos. She also admitted to not being strong enough to protect him during the intervention. So this is why Shai couldn't even stand to look at Airgenald in the weeks after Varick's death. His mother's failure seeped into him and all the Izuhuran saw was the cause for her father's death.

The Ookami would look away, hanging his head as he finally understood. He wasn't related by blood to the Paladin of Kraus, but her weakness had infected him still. He had let himself be influenced by too many other forces and it had caused his foundation to weaken as a result.

He'd grit his teeth as his knuckles gripped around the handles of his shields. What had he become, and what was he turning into? He had strayed so far from the devout defender of the lifestream into what? Some bouncer that wasn't even decisive enough anymore to make his own decisions?

A sharp inhale would follow as he warred with himself internally. The old self loathing he had long forgotten rising once again as he started asking himself other important questions, berating himself all the while.
(Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis)
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[00:58] Our home. Like some kind of lizard, her eyes slide onto Calael. The expression betrays mistrust. Where Noel had a two strike system, Shai won't be so merciful. She'll rarely give a single one. Shai won't fall for their manipulations any more. None of them were her friends.

None of them were human enough to trust.

"You're all the same. Slaves to your nature. Claiming how good and caring you all are. Then throwing people away when they inconvenience you. At least I'm not blind to it now. None of you ever were my friends. It was cruel to try and make me think you were." She couldn't stand to look at him. Her gaze shifts off the Elisheva to fall onto Kibou.

"I might not be around for long. We should do the burial ceremony soon." Another smile forms on her lips. She looked so tired.

"I'm free from you, Elisheva... Go ruin someone else's life." She steps forward and continues on the path. What consequences awaited her in Huangzhou? If any.

Who could blame her for dealing with an enemy off-site.
(Shai Oshura)
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[01:04] Airgenald would be pulled from his thoughts as Shai snaps at Cal. The words that really caught his attention were 'I might not be around for long.' A seven worded sentence that brought more concern to his soul than when he saw the undead marching at their gates.

"Where will you go?" He'd finally speak up in a hollow voice.
(Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis)
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[01:05] "I'm not throwing you away, Shai. I've never once tried to send you away, for anything." Calael looked to Spud for aid, only to find some frustration in the ookami's eyes as he grappled with his own thoughts. He'd have to do this alone.

He was usually doing things alone.

"I'm serious, you promised me we'd stay friends, and I promised you the same. I promised I'd never lie to you, I promised..." he trailed off and clenched his fists.

"If you're going to leave then you're going to have to do it.

You have to beat me."
(Calael Elisheva)
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[01:14] Kibou would be silent, it would seem the presence of her companions brought her great pain. It seemed she was much like their father in more ways than one. He'd place a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Sister..."

The words would be like daggers to him. She was leaving? he'd follow her as she walked.

"Father gave up everything for Huang. Even going so far as to risk his life to fight a war he wasn't supposed to fight in. He was mocked, ridiculed, and everything in between. people hated him for being something he never chose to be. But he kept pushing despite it all."

He'd stand in front of her now. he knew all too well the face of one who'd been scorned. He couldn't help his father, but perhaps he could do so for her.

"You're lucky. You're friends didn't all perish, the love of your life didn't pass away in your arms, the men and women you fought side by side with haven't slowly faded into obscurity, You didn't have to suffer through being left to die in war, and.. you didn't have a son that abandoned you through it all... "

Guilt would be on his face. Kibou would go silent it was evident that it was painful for him.
(Kibou Shio)
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[01:24] As she walks, the blade continuing its attack against the ground as it slices the earth asunder, she retorts. "Wherever war takes me." The only constant in this world that she's seen. A dependable cycle of conflict. It's all she wanted in the end. Something to attack, to slice and to break.

So she could feel a bit better about being who she is.

Kibou walks ahead, his words ringing across her ears. She pauses - Watching him with a bit of a curious eye. So much of this she wanted to know. More about the man who had become a second father to her. More about how he managed to cope with his own Demons. With the occult madness that threatened him every day.

But this wasn't the time. She wasn't open for discussion.

"... I know he thought about you. The first time we met he mentioned he had kids and students before. I told him I'd like to meet you all one day. I'm finding more of you since his passing... Funny how death brings people together." The side of her cheek twitches into a half-smile. "We'll talk soon, promise."

With that she pulls out something from her pocket. Smoke fills the area in a spontaneous blast. During the chaos she dunks a potion and speaks a phrase.

"Get lost, Calael."
(Shai Oshura)
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[01:26] Airgenald had not seen her down the potion in time to slap it out of her hands, but perhaps he could be fast enough to pursue her as she fled. He could not let her go alone, to save her from the same fate that Varick had faced.
(Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis)
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[01:30] Cal's eyes narrowed. He had been prepared to fight for something for once, and instead Shai ran. The demiangel stood still. He could have run after her but he knew the potion would take her farther away, faster than he could even hope to fly with extended wings. He had never been one for running. He'd always been the one to sit down, to read, to talk, to think. Everyone else though--

Everyone else ran.

It reminded him of Felera, of his days in the library. People didn't run away in the stories, they didn't run into complicated problems. Fairy tales painted the evil in inky shadows and the good guys in divine light. How many had he read that he'd become to diluted with their progression, how many did he buy into to believe life could be solved with the turn of a page.

Amber eyes filled with a burning discontent watched as Shai disappeared and then finally they narrowed and turned to the north. Without another word, without a look to Airgenald, Kane, or Coirnav, the demiangel did the same as Shai.

He ran. Ran home to yell. Ran home to scream.

Calael ran north and then continued running. At least until he was finally, truly alone.
(Calael Elisheva)
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[01:30] kibou would pause in his tracks as the only person he considered family left would leave in a cloud of smoke. He'd be coughing, looking around desperately for her. "Wait... sister! Wait!" he'd reach through the cloud trying to find her, joining her in running should he succeed
(Kibou Shio)
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[01:30] Calael's wings spread wide and he leaves with a flaming trail behind him.
(Calael Elisheva)
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[01:36] This one time she didn't want to fight.

It was too much. The relief coupled with the finality of an illusion. And the lies. The tricks they kept trying to play on her. Pretending she ever held any kind of value to them. Well, he didn't like them either. Her fascination with them was only because they had Angelic wings.

That's the only reason she ever cared.

In the smoke she moves - Her phantom movements taking her up the cliff, past the outcropping of green and down into the city. She leaves the two living people she's known the longest, forsaking any form of connection with them. Kibou wouldn't approve. But there was a war brewing out there.

She believed it could make her whole.
(Shai Oshura)
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[01:40] The middle child brings up his holy water to swirl around him, clinging to his form like an aura. While the concept of a new attack was a concerning one, he would much rather Sera practice on him than flop with it in a battle that actually mattered.

That being said, he wouldn't hold back.

Reddish-brown eyes lock onto his brother's from across the way as a blade made of ice is pulled from his back.

"Alright, alright. Show me what you've developed, little brother. And don't be afraid to tear some stone up."

The moment he finishes his sentence, he leaps backwards, aiming to initiate combat.
(Noel Elisheva)
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[01:47] Calael Elisheva whispers: Why did she go, Spud?
[01:48] Calael is sitting in the grass hugging his knees. The shade of the tree offers him little solace while the demiangel stares down at the ground with a heavy sorrow on his shoulders.
(Calael Elisheva)
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[01:53] The smoke bomb had clouded her scent and the swiftness potion made her much to fast for the Ookami to maintain a pursuit. He had grown slower, and despite his best efforts, could not pursue their friend.

He was torn seeing both of his closest friends run in opposite directions, and would decide to come wallow with Cal, the first angel who gave him a chance.

Heavy nyeshk shields would dig into the ground as they were unstrapped with little care as they fell. Airgenald would fall to the ground beside the angel born with a hearty thunk as he laid in the grass, his body language proclaiming defeat.
(Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis)
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[01:54] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis whispers: She felt held back, and betrayedm I believe.
[01:54] Calael Elisheva whispers: I don't understand. I don't understand why this has to be so difficult.
[01:55] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis whispers: We all want the same thing, but we see things differently.
[01:58] Calael Elisheva whispers: I'm afraid for her.
[01:58] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis whispers: I am sorry Calael, but we do not share the same degree of compassion and forgiveness that you and your family possess for every inhabitant of Agartha.
[01:58] Calael Elisheva whispers: Which I understand-- I just...
[01:58] Calael Elisheva whispers: I would prefer it if people didn't... didn't leave.
[02:00] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis whispers: I agree, and I worry for her as well.. But when ever had we listened to what Shai said? When did we see and adhere to a point she made?
[02:00] Calael Elisheva whispers: I should have been there. We should have arrested them if what she said was true.
[02:03] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis whispers: Noel proclaimed that they were from Crafthold and a neutral party. The defendants claimed they just so happened to be standing on that side for no particuliar reason.
[02:04] Calael Elisheva whispers: Then I don't know--
[02:04] Calael Elisheva whispers: I... don't know. Shai is battling a lot of anger.
[02:07] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis whispers: She has a firm ideal of right and wrong.
[02:07] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis whispers: Tempered by loss and frustration.
[02:08] Entering the Elisheva manor area, the Kitsune flashes a peace sig at everyone as he passes by.

He also glows a lot, wow. this is very cool. it's unlike any other glow you've ever seen. like the kind satsuki glows. interesting.

"Konnichiwa angels!" He greets.
(Emiri)
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[02:08] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis whispers: She often remarked with irritation how she couldn't understand how you all couldn't see the same dangers she did with alliances you made.
[02:09] Coirnav says, "Yeah, you too buddy."
[02:10] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis whispers: I.. Have to ask..
[02:10] Calael Elisheva whispers: Hm?
[02:10] Emiri says, "I need.."
[02:10] Emiri exclaims, "a blacksmith!"
[02:11] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis whispers: I heard that Eiphraem condoned Ipos's actions, supported them was the word used specifically.. Do you know of this?
[02:11] Calael Elisheva whispers: I've never heard Eiphraem say he approved of Ipos...
[02:13] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis whispers: I.. would not put it past him.. He seems very encouraging of the success of his kin.
[02:13] Calael Elisheva whispers: He isn't, Spud.
[02:13] Calael Elisheva whispers: Eiphraem wants a united Agartha, as we do.
[02:17] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis whispers: I am sure everyone wants to see Agartha under a single flag.. Which flag is what leads to wars.
[02:18] Emiri says, "I need a blacksmith!.."
[02:18] Calael Elisheva whispers: Eiphraem does not support slaughtering the innocents of Gehenna, Spud. If you doubt that then speak with Miss Ohtli/
[02:18] Emiri exclaims, "I will find a blacksmith tomorrow.. I need sleep!"
[02:21] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis whispers: I think I would rather speak with Eiphraem. I have not gotten a chance to speak to him other than the one time we were debating undead with Sera, Shai, and his Peacekeeper.
[02:23] Calael Elisheva whispers: I'll try to take you next I speak with him.
[02:25] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis whispers: I would appreciate that.
[02:35] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis says, "Anyway, I should perhaps relieve my wife of her babysitting duties.. Everyone take care."
[02:37] Sera Elisheva says, "Spudnicus."
[02:37] Sera Elisheva says, "B-"
[02:37] Sera Elisheva says, "Oh."
[02:37] Sera Elisheva says, "There he goes."
[02:46] Atsumi says, "Help me."
[02:46] Atsumi says, "I am activated."
[02:47] Sera Elisheva asks, "What?"
[02:47] Sera Elisheva says, "Atsumi."
[02:47] Sera Elisheva asks, "Did you break?"
[02:47] Atsumi says, "I misunderstood the label on a potion."
[02:47] Sera Elisheva says, "Oh my goodness."
[02:47] Mazatl Heart says, "It was a speed potion."
[02:47] Sera Elisheva exclaims, "You have to wait for it to wear off now!"
[02:47] Atsumi says, "Oh no."
[02:47] Mazatl Heart says, "----"
[02:47] Mazatl Heart says, "Such speed."
[02:47] Atsumi asks, "...How long does this last?"
[02:48] Sera Elisheva exclaims, "Hours!"
[02:48] Sera Elisheva exclaims, "Hours..!"
[02:48] Mazatl Heart says, "Uh... Should be a few hours, yeah."
[02:48] Sera Elisheva exclaims, "You're gonna be up all night!"
[02:48] Mazatl Heart asks, "Can't potions be countered by other potions?"
[02:48] Atsumi says, "I feel."
[02:48] Atsumi says, "I feel like I am lightning."
[02:48] Mazatl Heart says, "You are now, keheh."
[02:48] Atsumi says, "This is overwhelming."
[02:49] Mazatl Heart says, "Gotta go fast."
[02:50] Mazatl stares at the campfire like it was sin itself.
(Mazatl Heart)
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[02:53] The floating, zippy-fast Atsumi eventually slows to... not quite a stop, but something that's at least reasonable as she spins out in a circle, gradually grinding down to an actual halt.

Then, she taps Mazatl on the shoulder, before pointing off to the barest, blurry impression of the volcano on the horizon -

"Wanna see me run over there and back?"

A second later, without even seeming to move, she questions him further.

"...Wanna see me do it again?"
(Atsumi)
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[02:57] Mazatl turns to the sound of her voice as she taps his shoulder and lifts a brow. He didn't think she'd be that fast, but apparently she could utilize some sort of instantaneous movement to the volcano and back in the blink of an eye.

"Again? Absolutely," he replied, smirking towards her as he got an idea. "And activate this smoke bomb on top of it since the wind's coming this way, keheh!"

He tossed her the smokebomb and lifted a brow.

"Let's see what'cha got,"
(Mazatl Heart)
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[02:58] Atsumi whispers something.
[02:58] Atsumi whispers something.
[02:58] Mazatl Heart whispers something.
[02:58] Mazatl Heart whispers something.
[02:58] Mazatl Heart whispers something.
[02:59] Atsumi says, "I'm sorry for the ruse."
[02:59] Atsumi says, "I have tricked you. I have lied."
[03:00] Atsumi says, "I did not move..."
[03:00] Calael Elisheva says, "I need to... I need some time to myself for a moment."
[03:00] Calael Elisheva says, "If you guys wouldn't mind, I'll be back."
[03:00] Atsumi says, "Oh my g- I tried to move, just a little bit, and -"
[03:00] Atsumi exclaims, "Okay!"
[03:00] Calael stands and walks off toward the northern forests.
(Calael Elisheva)
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[03:00] Mazatl Heart says, "Pfft."
[03:07] {Item} You picked up Poppylus..
[03:08] {Item} You picked up Poppylus..
[04:17] Calael stumbled through the forests without much thought to which path he was taking. The young demiangel felt like weight of the world had fallen onto his shoulders, or at least, the weight of Agartha. Huangzhou was in disarray, public outcry over whether or not Gehenna should be supported while the tribal city was facing violence and war with every passing day. His brother has threatened the Shogun and the Commander in the middle of the city, how was Cal supposed to react to that?

He felt as though they hadn't made any real progress on their push toward a brighter future. A united Agartha was still behind whatever dark and stormy clouds that had been sitting before it when the Elisheva's had been placed upon the continent to learn about life.

Cal had battled with himself for years following the blunders that were Aspen and Cordelia's custody within the Shenghese settlement, and he couldn't help but shoulder those failures as potential friends he could have made, people he could have helped steer toward a life where they didn't feel they had to delve to such dark depths to find peace.

And now Shai was gone.

One of his first real friends had left the demiangels behind over a fight, over words of exile from his older sister. Calael kicked the sand upon the beach as he accidentally found it. His shoes had met the soft ground before he'd even realized where he was at.

With careful steps he made his way toward the water, not close enough to get wet but where he could easily see the night's distant lights reflect across the lapping waves. When he'd lived in Felera, when he'd suffered the beating of a lifetime and a lonely existence that was primarily filled with the company of fictional characters and stories, Cal often looked toward his star for comfort and guidance. Io, as he'd discovered it was called, provided companionship in his lowest moments back then.

Withamber eyes cast upward he sought it out, that distant blue orb. Like a miniature sun it twinkled off within the great, dark expanse, very nearly faded out by the moon's own light. Is that what he was here upon Agartha; one star amongst many? Overshadowed by the moon itself in all its brilliance? His siblings had always surpassed him in the social field, in combat as well. The best he had was a book, knowledge stored away in his head, but nothing that they couldn't learn on their own if they'd just focus.

As if to answer his doubts, a flare from Io caught his attention. A single ray of light was cast down toward him, sent toward the sea where it was accepted with a shimmering thank you by the water.

"Why am I here? Is this what you wanted me to do?" he started to ask aloud as the star presented itself to him. "I feel like you... you showed me something that no one else understands,something no one else WANTS to see."

The fire in his eyes brightened some, their autumn color catching a subtle golden hue to it. "Shai told me I've disappointed you, that I'm a disgrace for seeking to comfort undead before they pass on. And now she--" he looked back down into the water. "She's gone." he finished softly.

Some salty tears welled up in Calael's eyes as he stared down into the briny shore. They ran down his cheeks and dripped down into the larger pool as Calael's sorrow only grew. Another flash of light sent from afar landed nearer his position, but still out into the water. It caught the demiangel's attention; the glittering reflection rested within the shallows, as if it was inviting him to shift out toward it.

Had it been another person, perhaps Calael wouldn't have obliged its wishes. He wasn't one to tolerate wet shoes and wet clothes. But given the circumstances, minor sacrifices would be made.

The boy took careful steps into the sea, his shoes sloshing into the muddied earth and clay until he found Io's mirrored light. As he approached, the luminescent glow upon the green waves turned a brilliant blue. It reminded him of what he'd seen at his fingertips when he'd crashed into the behemoth, what he'd seen upon other masters of the stars' gifts. It was as if a star was attempting to birth itself out of the ocean. With another inch forward the blessed water met his body and Calael sat in the center of the azure puddle. He could feel it, like a friend's presence, surrounding him.

More tears left his eyes as he sank down into the waves, heavier sobs racked his body as Calael felt his last defenses and reservations that kept back those emotions in the public eye. As he quietly cried there amidst the sea, the continued rhythm of the water passing him by was another reminder that he really wasn't alone. His star was there, providing him its company with each choice and every kindness. It helped him understand some things about the challenges he was facing, about the difficult path set down before he and his siblings.

Calael couldn't force Shai to stay.

He couldn't convince her to do that which she believed she couldn't. Disagreements had driven her away from his family, and whether or not he believed in Mikhaila's 'solution', he couldn't change what Shai didn't want to. But he couldn't allow Airgenald to walk down the same path and feel so isolated. The ookami needed to be reminded of his importance. A letter to Shai would be drafted before the war, before the chance of losing her forever truly passed...

And whether or not Huangzhou would listen was not his burden to bear. His Mother may have trusted the city, but she had also trusted Eiphraem, as somany of the Shenghese sympathizers had refused to acknowledge. It brought about another revelation that Elisheva had not come to alter Agartha. She hadn't touched down and spoken with the people to diver their courses. She'd done what was right, and simply... left.

The demiangel children were alone to decide their own fates.

Calael's story was still being written, and even if things darkened here, there was a great amount more he still wished to accomplish. The boy wiped at his eyes with his seawatered hands, careful to avoid salting them. As he pulled back his hands, however, he noticed that usual, soft golden glow had matched the reflection among the waves. A cool breeze rolled across the shore as he stood, and for a moment, he could feel Io's warmth resting within his chest.

Despite being wet and cold, he gave the skyscape a knowing look and marched back to dryer land. He waited there, sitting amidst the beach, for a few hours as he was left alone with his thoughts and feelings. The blue light persisted for about half the time before Io withdrew its presence, but not its far off watching.

Calael knew he had to heed Yue's words and act instead of speak. He had done so little, so little to actually create change upon Agartha.

That is where he'd have to start if he wanted to see his tasked mission through.

Feeling lighter and a lot less discouraged, he trudged back into the trees, still damp, and took off toward home.
(Calael Elisheva)
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