(DISCORD) The Heart Seeketh Equilibrium.. (CLOSED 12-15-16)
Jan 6, 2017 17:31:13 GMT -5
Post by Takeshi Isamu on Jan 6, 2017 17:31:13 GMT -5
Kian - 11/29/2016
--------------------------------------
RP w/ @kisumi & Kallera (PRIVATE)
The Heart Seeketh Equilibrium...
--------------------------------------
As soon as Kallera let up, the kitten rolled himself onto his side and coughed a few times before whining. "Welcome back." Kallera said that so sweetly... It only hurt more, to know that she'd been here for this.. After a moment, Kallera spoke up, to someone else. Oh, there was.. someone else...? Through the blur of his tears, he pushed himself up on his elbows and looked past himself, to see.. "Ki..sumi...?" A whine slipped out of him, as he tried to determine what to do. She seemed.. terrified... Rightfully so, as he looked himself over. Blood... So much blood... His? No.. no wounds... That.. meant... "... N-No..."
He shuddered, and flopped back to the ground. He saw Kallera offering the potion, which he refused profusely, shaking his face with a louder whine. The tears turned to harsh huffs, likely trying not to cry. Still, he pushed himself back up and looked around. Dead.. A dead man, mutilated beyond recognition... Heavens... What... why, did he do that...? Looking between them, and Kisumi, he found himself unable to keep the swelling grief under control, too. His huffs became sobs, as he rubbed his face with one hand. But he found pain doing so... removing his hand, crimson stained it.. Ah, no...! It was plain to see the terror in him, as he shuddered violently and sobbed more. "I'm so sorry...! Please, have mercy...! I--What have I done?" He let his face fall, some, as he tried to collect himself.
It's okay, Takeshi... You know it happens. So why are you beating yourself up over it? They will forgive you... Won't they?
He realized that Kisumi might not... She looked so afraid, like she'd seen a ghost.
That's right... She's never seen this... She never knew...
A frustrated, sorrowful whimper stretched out, hurting his lungs as he continued to sob. Again, he found song coming to his lips, despite how he hurt. At first, itwas whispers, raspy.
"Please... Please..." The darkness beckoned again, now... It was trying to win again. Can you stop the fire..? "Please..." Can you stand to fight her? "Please..." You can't stop the fire. "Please, Please...!" You won't say the words... "Please, Please..."
This gave way to song, filled in sorrow. It didn't quite fit the situation, but he felt it encaptured his feelings as well as he could explain it. He had no real idea of how to put into speech, which was why he found himself lost and with only music and song on his lips. It came easier that way. It better envisioned what he felt, more akin to how he wanted to run away from this. He felt it would be safer to leave, and never come back. He was a monster, and he'd found no way to tame it yet... It was obvious that he was a threat to those around him. Why should they have to suffer?
"... Please, Please, forgive me... But I won't be home again... Maybe someday you'll look up, and barely conscious, you'll say to no one... Isn't something missing...? You won't cry for my absence, I know.. If I bleed~, I'll bleed~, knowing you don't care... And if I~ sleep, just to dream of you,... I'll wake without you there! Isn't something missing?... Isn't someone missing me...?"
Without really thinking on it, he acted upon impulse, forcing himself to crawl to Kisumi and, he didn't want her to get away. He promptly tried to embraced her, crying into her shoulder if he got the chance. He knew he'd done some awful things, but this.. This was over the line. He felt it was well past due that someone put him down, before he hurt anyone else. He was expecting her to put the gun to his head, and pull the trigger. His grief told him he wanted that. It'd be simpler that way, wouldn't it?
Kisumi - 11/29/2016
He was crying... that seemed a lot more like the Takeshi she knew. What was this? An alter ego? Like Joye, but extreme? She saw him clear as day now, but the vision of someone else still stayed with her. He was singing again. Was Kallera's treatment really not enough? Was he perhaps trying to decieve them? Kisumi had known enough "friends" betraying her. As Takeshi crawled over, still soaked and smeared with blood, she couldn't let this be the time she fell for it.. no matter how much she wanted to deny his guilt. When he came upon her, she grabbed his neck with one hand and held her gun shakily with the other, tears overflowing from her. She didn't want to put him down like the others. Please not him. She wimpered his name weakly.
Kian - 11/29/2016
Ah, so... she responded as he expected. He had not anticipated the hand to his throat, as he seemed a bit surprised, but it quickly disipated into a frown, which his gaze fell from. If she was ready to pull the trigger, he was at peace with it. He understood, and had no qualms with her choice. Though, he figured Kallera would have a heart attack, she had a much better understanding of what had caused the situation. She knew, what it was like to have a dark side. Most of all, she could control it, unlike him.
Despite the pain in his chest, he found himself managing barely a smile as his face lifted again. He was hoping to be reassuring to Kisumi, silently speaking more words than he could have hoped to let out. The sorrow that broke his expression had softened enough to see the fleeting peace in him, as he let one hand raise to rest over her hand. He wouldn't forcefully hold it, simply let his hand rest over hers, a sort of comfort. In all honesty, despite his acceptance of her choice, he was scared to die. He always had been, and now that he was faced with the choice, he was struggling to truly come to terms with it. His smile faded, as fear replaced it, his gaze faltering down to the floor aside from them. It seemed he was trying to make up his mind, a daze in his expression.
How could he convince her that he was what he portrayed? How could she believe anything he said, if he couldn't even make up his mind on whether or not she had his permission to pull the damned trigger? His tail bristled as he shut his eyes suddenly. This isn't how it should end... I just want to help you. A whimper could be heard, the kitten swayed a little before pulling back. It seemed he was still afraid. This... was judgement, she'd deemed him guilty of his crimes. He'd been brought up to accept punishment, but... death, he couldn't accept. It terrified him still, to have the barrel aimmed at him. "P-Please.." It was unsure if he was asking her to go forth, or to wait. He couldn't muster anything more, his face turned away, eyes shut tight. He found himself praying for an intervention.
Kallera - 11/29/2016
Takeshi was crying, and...singing?, . Not the reaction Kallera was expecting, but from what she had seen of him, he seems quite remoseful when it comes to the aftermath of bloody work. While Takeshi was singing she looked at the bloody handiwork. a garlean soldier, and several others? But Before she could suss out any more, Kallera heard Kisumi say Takeshi's name, and something shaking in her hand. It was her musket. Kisumi's musket was ilms from Takeshi's face, and its owner has tears in her eyes, looking for...something. Takeshi was in a daze, then suddenly resignation as he saw Kisumi's gun. Kallera clicked softly and motioned for Moomba to come closer, having him stop behind the door. Takeshi had to moved away. "Kisumi, its alright. I'm right here, ok? He's--He's going to be alright." Takeshi started getting dragged by the pants by Moomba's beak...
Kisumi - 11/29/2016
Kisumi heard him plea as if he wished for death. Takeshi had completely forfeited himself to her, but she was relieved when he got pulled away by the chocobo. She couldn't bring herself to go through with it. She simply fell forward on her hands and knees, her hair falling to hide her disgraceful expression. "W-What was that?" She demanded with a wavering tone. Kallera seemed oddly calm about all this. "What the hell happened while you were away?" Well, the attack on the Dojo had happened. Depsite not revealing his identity to her, his reasons for being there and his actions... she could hardly blame him. But the madness... She hardly wanted to hear the answer. Kisumi was simply overcome with grief and fear of losing him as she had so many others. She wanted to run, but she wanted to stay for him as well. Just... at a distance.
Kian - 11/29/2016
Honestly? Hell if he knew what all that was. He still was trying to make sense of it all, so... Being pulled by a large animal, Takeshi whined frightfully, looking behind him to realize, it was Moomba. A huff was made, but he let them do so anyways. It was better this way. Only when Moomba had him at a safe distance, and he was let go of, did he sit up and rub his ears with his hand, like a cat would. He seemed much calmer now.
"Fuck, you're asking -me-... Well, to be fair, I didn't think this would happen. This... has been so much worse than I had anticipated..." Licking his lips, he found a copper-like taste still there, and it made him frown. He'd just cleaned blood off his lips. eugh... "Really though, I'm.. okay. Not fine, but.. here, awake, alert, unharmed. It's a good day to be alive." He smiled a bit, nervously chuckling, glancing away from Kisumi. "So.. I owe you some explanations, don't I...?" He held both hands in his lap, as if holdign something up, and a large sword formed out of light. It was heavy, which he held up with a cheeky smirk. "There's people known as Dark Knights. Their origins stem from the Knights of Ishgard, back quite some time ago. There was a lot of corruption and injustice, and some knights took it upon themselves to see the rigth thing was done, regardless of losing their title and respect of the people. Many of them became outcasts. Over time, the self-adopted title of Dark Knight was made, and... their arts developed into what we know today. It's..." He paused, looking to the sword. His was long still, but thinner than most, making it lighter in weight, but just as deadly. He desummoned it and sighed.
"It hasn't always been this way. But over time, a power was instilled in us. A power that is a gift, and a curse. For some, the whispers don't hold much weight against them. Those Knights either fall short, or find their darkness easy to control. For others... It's like fighting possession. The darkness is so overwhelming, that we lose ourselves to it." He looked down to his hands, and then ran a hand thorugh his bangs with a growl. "Everyone also has their own triggers. Little things that make them..." He perked up as he spoke, smiling. "... Tick~." He wrung his wrists as he continued. "It could be just one thing, or it could be multiple types of things, that stir the darkness. It goes the same way for what stops us. And sometimes it changes."
He looked to Kallera now, as if he was unsure if he was explaining well. He half wanted her to give some input too, but.. He probably knew more about the history than she did, and she had the understanding of how to work it all.. Looking back to Kisumi, he found his gaze faltering, until to look at her straight. "... So.. I.. suppose, you could say, it's... Well, not quite an alter ego... Or another personality all together... It really is different from person to person. For me... It's... It's like.. The darkness is a whisper, to me. It sounds... like my own voice, but it's.. softer, rhaspier, darker... Like..." He whined, not wanting to hear it again, despite needing some way to clarify. "... It's hard to explain... But, I hear it, and.. things stop getting to me right away. The world and my senses start to blur and overwhelm me.. All I can recall is a feeling of rage and hatred.. An undying desire to see everything destroyed."
The very mention of it made him uneasy. He didnt want to fall back into it.. Though, talking usually didn't do the trick, it never provoked it to come out. He tried to lift his gaze, but seemed submissive, eyes falling to the floor again. ". . . I can't recall falling into darkness. It clouds my memory. Which.. is why.... I don't remember any of this... But, seeing the scene around us... I could.. guess... Besides... I know you're terrified... You.." He stopped there, a hand clawing at his chest. His nails dug into the cloth, threatening to tear into his own flesh. "You have every right to be afraid of me. I'm scared of myself, too. I didn't think... I thought... I thought I had this under control. I have been practicing, and.. I hadn't had an outburst. I haven't felt that want for death and destruction. I thought... I'd been making peace, with my darkness. I see now that I was stupid..." After a couple seconds, he sounded like he gaged again, disgusted by something, and rubbed his eyes with his wrist, trying to wipe away tears. "I want to go home. I--Get me away from here..! The smell of blood is driving me crazy!" He was being absolutely honest with them on that regard. The scent was making him want to taste it again, and if he did that, he might fall again.. He didn't want that. The last thing he wanted to do was to hurt someone. "I-I promise to behave.. B-But please don't hate me..."
Kallera - 11/29/2016
Kallera listened to Takeshi's textbook explaination of Dark Knights. Kisumi would likely put two and two together here, but that wasn't why Kallera would have been more tight lipped. Not all of that were lessons she took to as well as other and some had to learn the hard way. "Kisumi...lets take this to a safer spot, The Wood Wailers will be here before long, and we'll all be getting the third degree if they see this." Takeshi was placed on Moomba's saddle as they went, he started to whine. Kallera whispered to him. "Please stop."
They were on their way to the bramble patch; a series of twists and turn in the east shroud that was large enough to get lost in. Kallera felt like she should say something, at least about her own experience. "I didn't start out like this. I had a mentor for a time while I was learning the art. And I wasn't a very good student. " she rememered the feeling, how good it felt yielding to it. "Some take up the sword to right the wrongs of society. They come to put everything on the line for their own sense of justice. I was a bit more mundane, and it didn't help me or my teacher. I just wanted to work through my own problems and defend myself. I didn't care one bloody wit for losing everything..." She hesitated to describe her own Darkside. Kisumi seemed like she was new to this, and that was a part Kallera didn't care to describe to people, anyway. She looked at Takeshi. "I'm not sure why or how he came to it himself, but he had the right of it on paper. There are some ways to help the process, but...well they aren't safe...and I'm not sure if he even needs the temptation." Kallera was concerned for him, it may have been the same question asked of her as she took to her Darkside like a comfort, the high she felt while slipping in her exhaustion...but she asked it all the same. "Why were you even taught this? Why do you want to keep this, Takeshi?"
Kisumi - 11/30/2016
So Ishgard is what happened. That is where they were headed, as she recalled. Takeshi sounded like Vei while he explained his dark urges. He was like him in a lot of ways now. Kisumi knew it probably wasn't her place to follow, but Kallera was right that they needed to leave. She was wordless in picking herself up and clearing her face, but she couldn't bring herself to look them in the eye. Just a nod as she mounted up.
Kallera knew what was happening, but it seemed not the "whys" of it. She was so calm and mature and could probably help Takeshi in ways Kusmi couldn't. As they rode, she was stuck in a daze thinking about everything that had happened, and the side she never saw. Takeshi was so scared before then too. Maybe he had been like this for far longer than she knew. The time in Tranquil, he said he didn't kill the man's brother, but what if he simply forgot?
Kallera touched on her own experiences, but Kisumi could hardly fathom her turning into something like that. Turning into....
Visions of monsters plagued her. As they were lead into a back route to the Sylphlands, Kisumi fell off her mount.
Kian - 11/30/2016
The question came with a moment's consideration. He wasn't really sure how to respond to that. "I... well, it wasn't really a choice..." He growled lightly, then sighed. "A couple years ago, I was hiding out in the Shroud. I spent most of my days there, scavaging for food and money. ... I wasn't above stealing at the time. And there was one night, that.. there was a man, in clothes I'd not seen before. He didn't seem to have a weapon on him, so.. I thought, he'd be easy pickings. I jumped on him from the treetops, and knocked him down, but in the process, he noticed me coming and kicked me in the stomach. We both were knocked back. But as I got up, I noticed that he'd dropped something, a.. stone of some kind. I thought I'd take it, since.. it seemed valuable. But when I picked it up.. I realized I made a terrible mistake. I recall losing my senses, and.. was standing in a place that was pitch black. Before me, there was shadow, with gleaming red eyes. They looked right at me, as if through me, and opened their arms. 'You're safe, now. I will protect you. You'll never be alone.' It whispered in a dark tone, but it sounded so sincere... I found myself unknowingly moving to hold the figure, and then, nothing. I blacked out, I think. And when I woke up, the man I'd tried robbing was kneeling next to me, with the stone in his hand. He asked me, if.. If I'd seen or heard anything, picking it up. I was skeptical, and he just smiled, telling me, 'It's a very special stone. So don't feel like I'll judge you, if you did. You can be honest with me.' I.. told him what I'd heard and seen. He.. frowned, but then smiled and hugged me. I didn't know what to do, and I found myself gripping the back of his clothes, trying to hold him back through the frustration. He told me, 'You bear a terrible burden.. But I'll help you. I can teach you how to control it, and how you can use it safely.'
Then he let me go, with.. such a sweet smile, and, he asked me kind of the same question you just did. What is it that motivates you, to fight as you do? Is there something you feel is worth fighting for? I wasted not even a second responding, I knew it well already. So I'll tell you, too... It's not vengence. It's not the wrathful rage you saw in me... That isn't me. Maybe, deep down, it is... But I hate that part of me. The reason I wanted to learn, was because I wanted to help the helpless, and see that the rigth thing is done, when no one else will. I also wanted justice for those whom had been wronged, but I didn't think of myself at the time. I was thinking only for the future, why I wanted to hone this gift. You know.." He paused, then shook hsi face violently. The air around him thickened for just a couple seconds, before he huffed and shrugged. It was then that Kisumi fell, and, Takeshi noticed immediately, whining. "Kisumi!" He jumped off Moomba's back, and rushed to her side, seeming frantic. He wanted to scoop her up, but.. he was scared she'd retaliate. He hesitantly knelt down and reached out a hand, but shakily withdrew it. "A-Are you okay? Are you hurt?" It was easy to see he was himself again, considering the difference between him, and the darkness. He was meek, loving, generous, easily spooked, and shy in most regards. Even now, he wasn't sure what to do, afraid of the consequences of his actions...
Kallera - 11/30/2016
Takeshi's story was a selfless one, mixed in with his departure from his dojo, he must have known a lot of wrongs in his life, foes enough for a fight that would never truly end...She hid her smile, in a way, it sounded kinda romantic. Something else piqued her interest too, this little occurrence happened in the Black Shroud...maybe such a tale had connections to her own..."I know of some people to ask, though..." A shuffle and a kweh was heard, Kisumi fell from her chocobo, it looked like she fainted. Takeshi ran to her side, yet hesitant of his actions, not sure of what Kisumi would do. Kallera stopped Moomba. >>(edited)
She observed Takeshi as he stammered his response with a shaken confidence. Kallera had seen this before, but a touch different. "Takeshi... you're always stopping yourself, your conviction...that's why you want it." she whispered....the rage, his reasons, even the barmaids in the mood...it started to come together into a theory. Kallera thought of how to put her prognosis into context without terrifying Takeshi. For now, she walked over to Kisumi. This must have been a shock to her, seeing the two of them with such a trait connecting them...but they were still flesh and blood people. Kallera said with a wry smile to Takeshi "My! She's got herself the vapours! You've been more honest than I would be, but mayhap try bits an' pieces of honesty next time?" Takeshi's look prompted her to giggle, "Just a thought."
Kian - 11/30/2016
He had tried to convince himself that it was alright, that he didn't need to be afraid. It didn't help him that Kallera came to whisper to him. Her words hit him hard, you could see the fear melt away, into nothingness. All of his emotion drained away, and he became distant-looking, his breathing picked up a little, his chest rising and falling at a steady pace. In this realization, he could have swore he felt a hand grab his shoulder, causing him to shudder, the voice whispering. He could almost feel them grinning next to his ear...? There was nothing, but... The dread that filled him made his heart race.
They're right, you know... You're weak.. You hesitate so much. What's stopping you?
The kitten bristled and, unnaturally tilted his face from side to side with a jagged manner, perhaps trying to shake off the voice. It might have been concerning, but he was back just that fast, hearing Kallera continue on. He couldn't help but give her a questioning glance, it looked almost angry, but, no. It was more the look of shameful discontent. He looked back to Kisumi, huffing, why was he huffing so much? To Kallera, he responded with a new strength, like Kisumi had heard from him earlier when he'd grabbed her face before. He sounded dominant in tone! It.. was almost like his voice...?
"Don't tell me what to do..." He growled, and scooped Kisumi into his arms, hugging her, one hand craddled her skull against his shoulder. If she fought, he'd forcefully hold her. She must have had her own demons to fight, and.. there was no reason for him to neglect her, for she had comforted him before. He needed repay it in kind. Softly, with barely a smile, he swayed, hoping to comfort, as a lullaby rolled off his tongue. >>
"Play~ground~, school~bell~ rings~, again~... Rain~clouds~ come~ to~ play~, again~... Has~ no~ one told~ you~, she's not breath-ing~? Hello~, I am your mind~, giving~ you~ some one~ to talk to~... Hello~... . . . . If~ I~ smile~ and~ don't~... Believe~... Soon~ I~ know~ I'll~ wake~... From this dream~... Don't try to fix me~, I'm not broken~! Hello~! I am the~ light~, Living for you~ so you can hi~de~...! Don't~ Cry~..." He swayed a bit more, humming a tune. It was all he could think to do, really.. He hoped that singing her something and holding her would comfort her enough to come bakc about, or make her rest easy...
Kallera - 12/01/2016
They had reached the Bramble Patch without any further incident. The mangled victims at the Spire would likely be seen as an isolated Imperial attack from the Sylphlands. As for the details... Kisumi was set down on the grass, she had a serene expression on her face, malms away from the troubles of the present.
Moomba, more out of mimicking than being part of it, sat down, looking at Takeshi. "Well, I suppose that's a good thing she's alright and asleep...she doesn't need to hear this." she continued, "Takeshi, the things we embrace, and reject, are different...and personally, I thank the Twelve for that. You sing, I dance , you bare your steel, I hide mine in silk. Its the same with Darkside. It has traits you don't think 'Takeshi Isamu' should have in polite company. And until you picked up Kisumi over there it seems that your bollocks were on that list. Now why is that?"
Kian - 12/01/2016
Takeshi... Pay attention. He heard the whisper just as Kallera begn to speak up, now that they'd stopped. His gaze turned to Moomba, seeing them sat down, he was at first curious, but it ended up being a comfort, as he smiled to the chocobo and reached out a hand to pet their head. Regardless of if they were mimicing, or truly concerned, it helped ease his worries.
"She doesn't need to hear this." Kallera spoke, causing concern to show on Takeshi's expression as he looked her way. At first, he was calm and understanding, nodding. Yes, he understood they were different in those regards. He was a somber personality when it came to coping with his Darkside. She was like an opposite. But then as she continued, commeniting about.. bollocks, yes, he knew the term, he found his blood starting to boil again. There wasn't a trigger there, it was a personal anger, not appreciating what felt like an insult.
"Ex-cuse me?" He growled harshly, but looked to Kisumi, his ears falling. No, don't get angry while you're holding her... You know she's right... A shake of his face was made as he huffed. "... I.. I was afraid. I've been hurt so many times. But.. " He repeated her comment in his mind again, tail bristling with discontent. ". . . She was helpess. I couldn't just leave her. I also didn't want you to take her. She should be -my- responsibility. If I would have left her be, or let you take charge, it would have made me feel useless." He growled even more, holding Kisumi tighter. There was a pause, before his tone became dark again. "I am responsible for my own actions. I need to accept my mistakes. I am obligated to right the wrongs I have done. I want to see that those I love are taken care of."
Kallera - 12/01/2016
Kallera had hit something with her remark. As Takeshi's mood darkened, his grip on Kisumi tightened and his voice lowered. Would a more different conversataion have happened were his hands free? It didn't matter, not now anyway. Kallera responded with a closer look at Takeshi, "You didn't read that somewhere, did you? No matter how far gone you get, you are still Takeshi Isamu, still a life worth saving. Destroy him for your friends, they will still be sad."
Kian - 12/01/2016
An aggitated grunt was made, while he listened. He wasn't sure what to make of her words, especially that last bit. Despite how badly he wanted to yell at the woman, he bit his tongue, and laid Kisumi down, getting to his feet. Through clentched teeth, he kept his back turned. He felt the rage stirring, and so, he took the ribbon from his hair, letting it down and begun to bind his own wrists. He did so very carefully, using his teeth to pull on the cloth, to tighten it as much as he could. He was trying to make it as hard as possible for himself, in case he was unable to regain control. It didn't help that she was still chiding him... Childishly, he wanted her to shut up. And yet, as he thought about telling her so, a wave of rage crashed over his senses, causing his sight to tunnel. A sneer could be heard, and he moved a couple steps away, letting his hands fall.
They're threatening, aren't they? So much better than you... Despite what he intended, it was getting harder to push back the darkness. He realized now, that he'd never break free of it... With a roll, a shrug of his shoulders, he pondered quietly.
"You say that so sincerely. That I'm still worth saving..." Another crash, and his face fell, he swore he could feel a hand to his throat, caressing ever so lightly. His voice fell dark again, his face did not lift as he spoke. ". . . Are you... certain, of that...?" He found himself unconsciously smirking devilishly, his words were two-faced. He had originally meant it as, were they certain they wanted to put in the effort, for someone who might be lost for good? And how would they feel once he turned on them? Who was to say he wouldn't, next time he lost control? But.. his darkside was forcing its way back out, and it twisted his words with just a subtle hint of snark to it. It meant, were they sure they wanted to trust him, being the beast he was. So predictable... At that, Takeshi jolted in his skin, ears shooting up as he shook his face furiously. "I.. don't want to be a burden to you all. Truly, I want to live a happy life, where this doesn't bring me down, but... I feel like that's hopeless..."
Kallera - 12/02/2016
Kisumi was on the floor, and his bound hands were balling into a fist, but again he shook back into himself. Thinking its hopeless, that he is a burden... she pulled out a head knife. "For the Takeshi that's tying himself up, maybe." >>
"Now I can cut your silly bonds with this..." Kallera then pulled out her greatsword, whinmsically setting its tip on the ground, "or this. And maybe I'd be right in doing it...But which will get you to cut them yourself?". There was a pause, Kallera put the knife away and planeted her sword on the ground gaving a wicked smile to the bound miqote. "...You feeling useless yet, Takeshi? Or have you the strength to get angry on your own? Surely that Takeshi has control, and bollocks to use it..."
Kian - 12/02/2016
... She seemed so sure of herself... He let his face fall low, as he thought about her words. Then, she mentioned cutting his bonds. That made him rise his face again, turning to glance over his shoulder. He watched as she pulled out her sword. This immediately made him fearful, and, angry. Was she seriously going to use it? Unconsciously, he turned to face her and took a step back. His hands remained low infrnt of him, but they balled up into tight fists. Kallera looked like she was really going to... A-And her smile... Fear turned to anger, a will to protect himself. "Don--Don't you dare!" He yelled, expression broken. His breathing had picked up, causing him to huff, heartbeat rising. Just as he had raised his voice, yet another wave crashed against him, his face fell at this as he felt his senses slippping from him. The whisper from before was becoming a firm, angry tone.
What are you hoping to accomplish?! I want to protect you! Takeshi let out a heavy snarl at this, as he leaned himself forward, violenty thrashing his face about. He responded to the voice with a yell that rushed from his lungs, tearing up his throat. "I don't need protection! I don't need you!" His heart was racing now, as he coughed, having hurt his voice, but it surprisingly worked. The darkness that was taking his senses from him was receeding, and his boiling blood began to cool off after a moment. Realizing that he'd risen his voice truly, he blinked, his ears falling in shame. ... Would Kallera be mad? They might assume he was meaning that at her... But that wasn't true! After the few seconds of shame on his expression, he lightly shook it with dismay, whining as he looked Kallera straight. "That was-- I'm not... mad, at you." He looked away, still huffing.
Her chiding words had managed to provoke him, and it seemed that it had the effect she might have wanted. Instead of being overwhelmed by the darkness, Takeshi had managed to bring himself to stand his ground and reassume control! Of course, he felt a bit guilty afterwards, but, after he'd told Kallera that it wasn't directed at her, he took a couple seconds to register these things. After a moment, he softly smiled and chuckled. He was still breathing heavy a bit, his chest rising and falling in a rushed pace. Still, he got his words out, despite how they sounded a bit shallow. "... Maybe, I could yet prove you wrong? Seems I do have some backbone to me after all. Just seems to be broken for the moment." He shrugged ligthly, and rose his hands to his chest. He was still bound, but he didn't mind.
Kisumi - 12/02/2016
Kisumi dreamed about all the times she trusted, and all the times she failed to stop dangerous people who lost their way-- all because she was too soft. Because she craved any form of solid companionship, and it blinded her.
Althaea. Vei. Sky. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you...
"I don't need protection! I don't need you!"
The shout made her flinch. Blinking softly out of her stupor, she found herself in grass.
Shit. It happened again...
She was groggy in sitting up. She saw Kallera with her blade drawn before her and Takeshi bound. "That was-- I'm not... mad, at you." How could he not be? Takeshi claimed it wasn't an alter ego or anything, but it would seem he was still having internal struggles... and her internals were about to struggle if she had to look at him still soaked in blood any longer. Kisumi brought a hand to cover her gagging mouth, eyes narrowed in disgust. She was confused at the energy the conversation was giving off. "... Maybe, I could yet prove you wrong?" Were they... making a deal with each other?
"Kallera," she murmured, but stopped. She knew not her place, but she had a feeling neither of them would cause harm in front of her.
Kallera - 12/02/2016
Kallera learned on her sword, hiding a smile behind her hands. Kallera didn't mind Takeshi's outbursts, in fact, she began to appreciate how hard her own mentor had it, this was like pulling teeth and she may have been in this situation before . Takeshi was looking to undo the restraints as Moomba watched the two. A voice was heard, and Moomba turned first, then the two of them. It was Kisumi, unknowing of the role she had played in their argument. >>(edited)
Kallera sighed, the discussion was over, but Takeshi was not yet free. She returned to a joyous smile and hand waving, "Ah! He'll be right with you...right? Kallera glanced at Takeshi, hoping he'd do the rest.
Kian - 12/02/2016
There was a blink of confusion, as he heard another voice. Shit. Kisumi's up. He turned to look at her, putting on a bright smile. Good to see she was awake! "We're fine, dear. No need to worry." He moved to plop down beside her, alas, without his arms to stabilize him, his tail couldn't do all the effort and he ended up falling onto his side with a grunt. "Fuck." He commented, wiggling onto his back, arms returning to his chest. Bringing his wrists to his lips, he used his fangs to bite at the cloth, tugging at the knot. But he just couldn't get a good position on it... After a moment, he sighed and looked to Kisumi. ... She looked sick... He didn't notice that before. A thought occured to him, that.. maybe she was sick because of him? A whine could be heard as he gave up on the bindings and struggled to his feet. "Don't feel bad, love. Kallera got me riled up, but for good reason. I'm perfectly fine now. I mean, I.. could use a bath, that would be lovely." He looked about, and noticed a small lake nearby. Oh thank fuck. He growled lightly, and looked to Kallera. Not like he had much of a choice at the moment. He was soaked and likely these clothes were ruined. He didn't have a change with him... Regardless, he had to clean up. He wandered his way to the lake, and plopped down onto the ground with a loud grunt, and began to work off his boots. Once he was able to get them off, he took the knife from the side of one, and with a twist of it in his palm, he got it to point towards his chest, and with very careful manuvering, he managed to cut into the cloth. It cut about half way, enough for him to get loose. With a mewling noise, he painfully slipped one hand out, with enough force that his arm went flying back once he was free. "Owww..." He exhaled, and tossed the ribbon aside. Now, he put his feet into the water. Brr, it was cold... It made him moan lightly with a gasp as he slipped into the water more. That wasn't sexual at all, nope. Despite his training to withstand cold waters back home, he'd not swam in the cold for years, so he'd lost that resistance. Now waist deep, he undid the wrappings of his shirt, and once it was off, his frame was exposed to the others. Kallera would get to see the multitude of scars on his person, several blade cuts across his back, chest and arms, a few puncture scars, (Maybe from the throwing stars of Shinobi?) and, one in particular stood out, what looked like a gunshot to his right collarbone, a little closer to his neck. He also had was looked like a beast's claws across his left hip and right ribcage, leading upwards towards just under his chest. He'd seen a fair share of pain, and now, they could see just how much. There was even a permemant discoloration around his lower neck, right against the collarbone, something he covered up with a leather choker, which he just took off. Some of his scars were easier to see on his arms because of his tribal inked skin. On his left lower forearm, covered by more wrappings, as he unwound them, he exposed a large beast's bite scar. There was a small bit of flesh missing, that had healed long ago, but that bit had never filled back in.
Now that he had all the parts of his torso coverings off, he let them float in the water for a moment while he washed his face. His hair was very long, reaching down to the bottom of his back. The tips of it just barely reached the water, since he was standing up, but now he eased himself to kneel, the water reached up to his shoulders as he reached for the main chest wrappings, and fussed with the cloth in the water, trying to squeeze out any trapped fluids.
"Namida wa~ kokoro no, Yasashisa~ no katachi~. Nagaseba~ Nagasu hodo~ Kokoro ga kirei ni naru no sa~. Kanashimi no~ namida wa~ Shiawase no tame ni aru~. Nagaseba~ Nagasu hodo..~ Itsumademo egao de irareru~ namida o~...!" He hummed for just a couple seconds before more lyrics came in Doman. "Sa~meta~, ko~ko-ro~ de wa~, nani o~ mite mo, ka-n-ji-na-i sa~... Atatakai kokoro de- miwataseba~, ima made ijou ni~ kanjiru no sa~! ---- Kokoro no~ namida o~, nagase-na~i yo~tte wa~ , Itami o~ wakachiau~ koto nado deki ya shinai sa! Dorehodo~ yasashii~ kotoba o naraberu yori~, Tonari de~ namida o~ nagashi-te hoshii to omou no sa~... Tonari de~ namida o~ nagashi-te hoshii to omou no sa..." The lyrics seem to have a deep meaning, as he was smiling as he sung. He seemed to be at peace, even, calm and happy as he was going about his business without a care.
(( Translation:
Tears are the materialized form of the heart's gentleness;
the more tears you shed, the more beautiful your heart will become.
Tears of grief exist for the sake of happiness.
If you shed as much as you can...
those tears will eventually put a permanent smile on your face...
If you look at things with a cold heart, you won't feel anything.
When you look across with a warm heart,
you'll feel a lot more than you have been feeling.
If you insist on holding in your heart's tears,
I won't be able to share your pain with you.
Rather than use a lot of nice words,
I'd like you to stay next to me and let your tears freely fall.
I'd like you to stay next to me and let your tears freely fall. ))
Kallera - 12/02/2016
Takeshi bathed while he sang, the marks on his body telling a exotic, gruesome tale, no doubt from the life he had been running away from. A life Kallera had no idea of, but it would be hard to call anyone that faced that a coward for running as far as he did. Her mentor would have liked Takeshi, a by the book tale of suffering what sought for justice from the first, not like what Kallera was like at all...yet, here she was, called to pull him from the abyss, a catalyst of his troubles....Moomba, seeing his scars, or more like a half chewed miqote in front of him, instinctively ran over, and cast a cure spell to no effect. Moomba didn't understand.
Kian - 12/02/2016
He didn't expect anyone, or anything, to encrouch on him, not while he was vunerable like this. Hearing foot steps, his ears perked up and he turned to look, seeing Moomba. They fluffed up and cast a curing spell, he could feel the aether they cast forth, but it didn't heal at all. Did the bird not know what scars were? A half smile was made, as, he had a childish idea. He made a light cough before grunting and flopped into the water, making a splash. He was going to play dead, or at least hurt. What, with the crimson spreading through the water, it was plausible. The bird might not know the difference.
From a distance, something else lurked. They had watched, and witnessed, what was a special kind of transformation, not something physical, but, seeing a man's perspective change by the force of words. This one had seen it many times now, for the worse, so this brought a little joy to their heart. In the treetops, something passed by the group, having moved quick and quiet, but it was enough for Takeshi to pick up on it, his ears lifting as he sat up, looking about. ... What was that? He tried to tap into his gift, but to no avail. With a whine, he let himself lay back down and float in in the water. blegh.
Kisumi - 12/03/2016
To stop and smile like Kallera WASN'T holding Takeshi captive was laughable, like a child clearly hiding something behind their back. The act was foolish, and somewhat insulting. Kisumi pouted to herself in realization that a mentality like that was calling a kettle black with the way she did the very same to them.
But really it's for their own good... Oh.
Takeshi was really going overboard in making sure Kisumi was convinced of his cured state. Though gazing upon his countless scars, she knew he'd had the devil's own luck and could clearly survive any sticky situation-- or "deal". She got to her feet well enough and stood next to Kallera while watching Takeshi bathe. Her own hygiene could wait.
"Why did you tie him up if you were okay with him undoing them?" She asked. She had saved Takeshi's life once and cared for him (or the side she knew) deeply, but what she ever did to earn Kallera's respect, she had no memory of. Kallera could have easily ran off with him while Kisumi was unconscious if she really did mean to hold him captive. There was only one other option. "What were you doing? Testing him?"
Kallera - 12/04/2016
Kallera replied, keeping her head down so that Takeshi would at least have some difficulty hearing it. "Yeah...though I had something different in mind. The bonds were his idea." Kallera was not taking credit for that part! "He has a good heart, he just...needs to learn how to use it." Takeshi would have had that problem, Darkside or no. She looked at Kisumi and smiled. "If you weren't here, I'm not sure this would have worked as well as it did. Thanks!"
Kisumi - 12/04/2016
She wasn't sure what Kallera meant by that, but the thought of being useful warmed Kisumi’s cheeks. She murmured to herself quizically over Takeshi wanting to be tied up, but let it be. She was simply happy that Kallera really was there to help him and guide him. Watching Takeshi play with the chocobo filled her heart. He dropped himself into the water, froze for a moment, and again. "Stop being dead!" She called to him, giggling softly. Kisumi looked about for a moment, having dropped her guard. She smiled sheepishly as she gripped her sleeve. "We should leave." Where to mattered not to her. Kisumi had two places she could bring them. She assumed Kallera had some lodgings. And she knew not whether Takeshi had returned to Phoenix since the trip, but thought he might want to report in... Or not, considering what there would be to report.
BLEGH! Let him dead! He grunted, and sat up, then shook his face. Being soaked, water went flying, but he didn't seem to care. Though, he heard Kisumi speak lightly. She seemed quiet. Was she ready to leave? Fuck, he wasn't! The kitten gathered his things and moved back to shore, working his clothes back on. UGH. WET. WET. He shook his face again with a growl and rubbed an ear. "Bwaaaaaugh." He made a noise at Moomba, before flopping over again. Please send help, kitten has died. Wait, no. Nevermind. He sat back up in a moment, and shook his face again, and pulled his hair over his shoulder, wringing the water out. Once he was happy with it, he crawled towards Moomba and hugged their neck, kissing their head before he crawled onto their back. Blegh, chocobos STILL smelled. But he at least had to thank them for putting up with him! Hoping the bird understood commands, he pointed to Kallera. "Go~!"
Watching Takeshi ride Moomba was a fun sight, but Kallera had wondered if she had any other things she should be doing. A ring came on her linkpearl, it was a contact she was supposed to meet up with at her house. Kallera spoke to the voice, "Hello? I'm sorry, I had an emergency to go to, can we meet up later? Yeah, I'll call you...J know, and I will. Thanks!" She talked at Kisumi, "well, my afternoon cleared up ....in case you want to catch up." She had a feeling, between the meeting awaiting her at home and the one with Kisumi, Wherever Kisumi was going would be far more enjoyable.
Kisumi smiled to Kallera as Takeshi trotted back to them, "To mine then." She was relieved to go back to her personal haven. Her reason for being in the Shroud, and the parallels she witnessed there, were all small reminders of her fears. The visions were simply the nail in the coffin. Yet none of that could harm her in The Frozen Clock, and perhaps that was exactly what Takeshi needed too. She couldn't tell anymore if his cheerfulness was an act, or if he had even fooled himself into making it true.
"I'd trust you more with your back to me."
No, that was what she said when she didnt know it was him. Takeshi was...
"You are what every adventurer should be," "You delivered justice," "Don't you ever be ashamed of that,"
Subjectively, he did the very same today; he delivered the due justice. She was simply shocked at the brutality... or perhaps surprised by the source.
"He has a good heart,"
He sure did.
Kisumi led them through the Sixth Mist to her strange little house. The exterior was completely white; like a monochrome memory trapped in time. Unlike other plots, this one had no path that lead to it. As a formality, she reminded them to leave their clocks at the door before letting them inside.
Bookshelves lined the walls and protruded into neat coves. Kallera had been here before, and at the time Kisumi denied her residence, but she figured the ruse was thin anyway. "Time won't pass for us here," she explained, "But at least we can get our bearings and relax." She headed for the couch when the desk attendant's throat cleared, his voice deep.
"If I may?" He gestured to her legs that were still covered and sticky. Her boots were definitely ruined.
"Oh, shit, you're right." She looked herself over. "Don't worry, its not my blood," she giggled, glancing over at the two, "We'll go downstairs."
With a bow, the attendant pressed a button that pulled one of the shelves into the wall, revealing a secret passage. No doubt this precaution must have confused them, Kallera especially, but Kisumi lead them nonetheless.
There were already two others down there: another manservant and perhaps a merchant. They seemed tensed that more footsteps than usual were approaching.
"Chrona," Kisumi called, taking a seat, "Dispose of these, would you?" The manservant removed her shoes. "I can change sets like no other, but it doesn't clean me when I do it," she explained, "A moment." She dissappeared through a door. Chrona, the manservant, eyed Takeshi suspiciously as he passed. And so they were alone with a woman behind a desk.
"Have a seat." She sighed tiredly, as if this was becoming a more usual occurance than she'd like. The woman offered her hands to the others once they got settled in. "This will take but a moment."
Kallera - 12/09/2016
Kallera instinctively took the woman's hand, though she didn't know what for. This house still had an otherworldly warmth to it, except here it felt...thicker?, probably from being in the basement. Kallera started to feel a little too relaxed from it.
"Come on, Kall, stay focused." Kallera whispered; shaking her head and clapping her hands on her cheeks. She couldn't explain it, it was like, she wanted to trust what she was seeing. but something made her feel out of sorts. Kallera asked the woman at the desk. "Hey, not sure if you can tell us...but is there anything to eat in this house? I'm...kinda hungry..."
Were this a play, this would be where the growling stomach would avail all doubt to everyone involved; but at the moment, all Kallera had was her dizziness and a hunch...She'll have to have a more house related question for Kisumi.
Kian - 12/09/2016
He hadn't the faintest clue what was on the other's minds. Upon Moomba's back, the kitten seemed happy, he'd.. not ridden a chocobo, before, so.. this was a special experience, that one would trust him like this. In all honesty, he had at first lied to himself, waking up with terror and confusion; It was through his lies, that he found his fears disipating, and, it gave way to true calm. Yes.. He had indeed fooled himself, trying to make it true, by ignoring the things that tormented him.. He had a bad habit of putting on a mask, both to trick himself, and others. When Kisumi mentioned they were leaving to her place, he blushed lightly and nodded. "Right!"
As they arrived, he found himself looking about with absolute curiousity. He'd.. barely been to the Mists, and he liked the scenary... It wasn't long before they arrived at the home, and he climbed off Moomba, shaking himself again to ease a bit more water off. Asked to leave clocks at the door, he gave a dazed tilt of his face. What? He didn't have one... Meh. They went inside now, and he quickly was drawn to the massive collection of books. ".. Ah... Sugoi..." He turned in place, trying to take it all in. Seriously, wow! This place was.. so full of potential knowledge! Though, Kisumi's comment made him look her way. "Ahn-- right!" He had hesitated, and made his way back to the others as the attendant opened a secret passageway. "Ooooh! Sneaky!" He smiled bright, like an excited child, and he wanted to look at the mechanics that made it work, but, he realized theo thers were going downstairs without him, and so he rushed to catch up. Seeing Kisumi step away, he whined, but nodded. He.. felt out of place here.. He instinctively held one arm and lowered his face, continung to look about wearily. >>
... He felt eyes upon him... As Chrona passed, he saw their glare. Instead of fear though, like he typically would have reacted, his expression contorted into discontent, jaw clenching with furrowed brows. Why did they look at him like that? How dare they judge him! In frustration, he found himself moving to Kallera, hoping to stay at her side for comfort and protection. Though, a new voice called, asking them to sit down. Takeshi didn't do so without Kallera, and when they did sit down, he scooted close to her and kept his head low with ears pinned down. He didn't see the hand offered to him, but he saw movement, and so he leaned closer to Kallera, both hands trying to grab her shoulder or arm. He seemed like a frightened child....
Kallera - 12/10/2016
"Uh..." Kallera felt warmer, and in a daze. She wanted to just close her eyes and let her discomfort take its course. There was a tug on her shoulder, Kallera turned her head, and saw Takeshi was holding onto her arm like a child. A sense of responsibility rushed over her as she gave a slight gasp, This was no time for a nap! She thought. Looking at Takeshi, she whispered "May I borrow this?", a halfhearted jest. Her hand free, Kallera tried stretching her arms, breathing at a pace, anything to get her heart pumping. Takeshi still was proccupied. Kallera looked around to see how the furniture was set up, there seemed to be enough space... Kallera would have to be quick, even were her senses clear, her balance couldn't hold it for long. She got up from her chair, took a deep breath, and tried a handstand...
Kisumi - 12/10/2016
Kisumi returned to the room and stifled a laugh at the sight. "I'm glad to see you're making yourselves at home!" Really, it was a relief. It was almost like she had companions again. She looked to her retainer. "Astrid?"
The woman gave a small nod to Kallera, "She's fine."
Well, if Kallera is fine, Takeshi is definitely fine. He's too open for his own good.
"Chrona," Kisumi had spotted him coming back down, putting on a new pair of glove to replace the ones that were indubitably bloodied, "Could you whip us something up?" She pulled a chair over to a nearby table, looking bashful, "You don't have to comment. This is just how I live." Survive, she corrected to herself. "I don't like the idea of being found-- by Wailers or otherwise, so I brought you here," she paused, blushing, "Because I wanted to spend more time with you, even if I don't understand." Or perhaps because I don't understand. For all of the tomes upstairs, Kisumi had only focused on one subject, and skimmed over those that didn't have an instant solution to her problem.
Kian - 12/10/2016
Aww, noooo. He didn't want to let go, but he understood he couldn't cling. He let go of her, and hid his face some. Instead of trying to hide, he thought to distract himself, and he began to look over the books nearby, trying to see titles. Though, after a moment, he heard shuffling; Kallera? What the hell was she doing? He squinted, seeing her trying to be acrobatic. Ah, fuck.. He suddenly wanted to mimic and show off. No, Takeshi, stop being a kid. He grunted and crossed his arms, watching with a bit of an angry expression. Then, Kisumi returned, and his expression melted into joy as he mewled, ears raised. Making himself at home? Hardly, but he felt safe! "Mm!" He smiled, looking to the merchant that Kisumi called Astrid. *She's fine?* What was that supposed to mean?! He growled, ears falling, obviously angry about the comment. He wanted to know what they were talking about! Though he bit his tongue, and looked ot Kisumi, unsure of what to make of the situation.
You don't have to comment. This is just how I live. The fuck? He let her continue, and he gave a sigh at the end of it. Yes, no one quite understood him... No one except his mentor. He knew he had his quirks and nasty attitude at times, but.. Was his mask that good? Could they not see the terror and confusion, when he came back about? Did she have any hints at all, that he hated himself? He turned his glance away with a conflicted expression. "... I don't understand, either." He had half a mind to speak what was truly on his mind, but now, he wasn't sure he could. Astrid and Chrona both seemed to dislike him just by looking at him... He felt terrible. It felt like he had a great amount of pressure on his chest. ". . . I cannot make amends. There shall be no peace. Yet you remain, clinging to hope... Why?"
Kallera - 12/10/2016
Kallera laughed, Takeshi seemed to have on a pouty expession as she wiggled her legs in the air. Kisumi seemed to notice too. Soon enough she tumbled and was on the ground like a kid. She at least adjusted her robe while Kisumi pulled up a chair. As Chrona went to prepare something, Kisumi seemed to understand what was going on in the house. At least it was intentional. Judging from her last statement Kisumi seemed to want to ask something. Kallera was feeling refreshed from her antics. "I can understand a little about being guarded from new people, but ever since we met...well, I don't understand either...but I want to. Shall I start with the house's aether, or perhaps you'd like to know something about me?"
Kisumi - 12/11/2016
"Why can't there be peace? Because you decided it so?" Kisumi brought a hand to Takeshi's cheek, smiling softly, "It's true that you can't change the past. No one can't erase their wrongs, but the appeal of the future is that it's malleable, and it can be changed." She rested her forehead on his before pulling away into her seat. "That's why."
Kallera was adjusting herself from the floor, and her words made it clear that each of them had different fears. Each of them were battling with something, and that solidarity made her feel closer to them.
She scanned the room in thought with her eyes eventually falling to Kallera. She was the biggest mystery, although at least now Kisumi knew that she was mortal. "Ever since you came in here.. well, at that time..." She struggled to fit the words as she recalled Kallera witnessing her attempt on Aleks's life due to a misunderstanding. "I couldn't tell if you meant to help me or stop me, but it never felt threatening. I guess what I'm trying to say is: Have we met before?"
She realized the vagueness in her words and pondered if they might fit somewhere else in Kallera's memory. Or perhaps she was mistaken and this was just how Kallera worked? Kisumi smiled, "But besides that, I know that you two are now connected in a way that I'm not, and it... Well, it frustrates me. I want you to help him in any way you can. But in order to keep my promise, I have to become stronger and learn how to deal with things myself. I want to be there for him, too!"
You must really have a thing for torture.
Kian - 12/11/2016
Kisumi's hand to his cheek made him blush a little, but he appreciated the affection. Despite his lack of smile, what was more a frown, he nodded, taking in her words. She was right, after all.. He had to look to the future, and stop dwelling on the past. Yes, he could learn from the past, but it shouldnt' be his main focus. Then, he was caught by surprise, lost in his thougths when she laid her forehead against his. He made an 'eep' sound before blushing rose-red and leaned into her, he understood the motion well, as it was commonly done in Doma to those who were close. "... Thank you.." He then watched her talk to Kallera, and pondered what she was speaking of. ... Why.. did that sound familiar? Have we met before? His expression contorted, and he instinctively found his way back to Kallera, hoping to cling to her side again. He didn't feel safe again.. He felt bad.. Letting Kisumi finish, he plopped down beside Kallera and flopped into her lap, arms outstretched. Yeeeep. He was just like a cat. He even seemed to be trying to kneed with his hands, maybe trying to destress. "You-- don't, have to.. But-- Kisumi..." He mewled softly before continuing. ".. Why are your servants disregarding me...? Chrona... gave me a nasty look.. I-- I want to know what's really going on..."
Kisumi - 12/11/2016
Kisumi listened to Takeshi's concerns of her prickly retainers. "Hm? Oh Chrona? He likes to make a lot of assumptions even though I'm sleeping with a girl~!" She looked to him over her shoulder, letting her tongue peek tauntingly.
Chrona scoffed bitterly as he set the table, "There's only one bed and no one should be disturbing what few reunions you have with it."
"Now, now, be nice." She smiled with one hand beckoning him to calm. Her eyes fell back to Takeshi. "I ordered Astrid to check aethers, but I already know what you are." Kisumi said it with such confidence that made her help bow at ease. She sat before the two, wanting badly to pet Takeshi, but not wanting to insult his own independence. She was composed and heartfelt. "I'm sorry for scaring you earlier."
Kallera - 12/11/2016
Where did she meet her before...? Kallera thought about the question. "Well...I remember seeing your face here and there. But nothing close to an acquaintance. That mixup we had was actually the first time we...whoa!" Kallera felt Takeshi fall on her lap. "Met. It's kind of different with me and Takeshi." She couldn't help but scratch his neck. "I assumed he was already free, someone finally at peace with himself after a hard time... Maybe I can find some peace for myself by helping him...one way or another." Kisumi had a quizzical expression in her face. "The day before I lost my mentor, we had a long argument over his methods and mine, an argument that went a little too far. I don't know your situation, but I think you're on the right track. As for finding the strength for it...come to think of it, I've never actually seen you fight!" Kallera had on a thinking expression, leaning on Takeshi. Kallera didn't have much advice on strength, trying to find that for herself was how she met the two, bleeding and hurt at the Drowning Wench. She was certain Kisumi means inner strength, but...maybe the two could try out their skills together?
Kian - 12/12/2016
Awwwwwwww Yee... His face lifted as she offered scratches. Takeshi loved attention, that much could be seen. Though the topic was a bit depressing, he found solace in Kallera's comfort and affection, knowing he was in good care. He'd been quietly purring away, until Kallera leaned on him, to which he squeaked softly, shaking his face to free some of his hair. Patiently, he waited for a chance to respond before mewling. "Really, it's okay. I'm strong. I will get by! But, hm.. strength? Physical strength means nothing without emotional conditioning as well... But, i know dueling helps both! Strengthens both mind and body. We should fight someday. Not now though..." He proceeded to roll into his side in Kallera's lap, feeling sleepy.
Kisumi - 12/15/2016
So this was just the way she was. Kisumi would be sure to let Kallera have the information she sought, but for now she smiled to the two at the strange tranquility. They were all safe so long as they were here with her. She knew Takeshi was strong. At least in the physical sense. Today was certainly proof of that.
"Dueling sounds like a great idea! But don't think I'll go easy on you!" she giggled. In thinking about it, she was more scared that she couldn't hold back. Funny how they were battling with the same fear, but under different circumstance. She pushed a cup of tea closer to Kallera, who was about to be trapped by Takeshi's exhaustion. "You'll both be welcome here, so please relax," she winked playfully to the elezen, "And feel free to tap out if you need to!"
Kallera - 12/15/2016
"Thanks Kisumi..." Kallera happily took the tea but then lost her balance. Gravity completed Takeshi's roll for him, and soon the miqote's back was soon across her stomach. Kallera sipped her tea, giving a smirk look to the now fast asleep Takeshi. "Oh, Takeshi, you are going to pay for this..."