The Playground: Whispers of Taelarys IC

[BladeofObliviom]

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24th of Bargenholt
Tatsudoshi Manor, Early Evening
Chiyome, Mikado

"I should hope so," the man replied as Chiyome moved closer, briefly running index and middle finger over her throat as she kissed his cheek, briefly lingering at the cusp of her chin as he gazed at her, studying her face. Considering the slightly longer but safer route her ship had taken, he wasn't surprised that she didn't look as gaunt as he did when the Pearl had sailed into the Taelaryan harbor.

"Welcome, then, to Taelarys." For a moment he considered asking why she was here right now, rather than follow what they had discussed and seek out their meeting point, but ultimately Mikado hadn't counted on immediately acquiring such a prominent new home; the meeting point had simply been a measure to make sure they would find each other, in such a sprawling labyrinthine structure as this city they now found themselves in.

Hence, it would be a wasted gesture. The black-haired man stood up from his chair, walked over to one of the two drawers this erstwhile office had been outfitted with, and pulled a small flask made of crystal glass from its confinement, as well as two small cups.

"How was your journey? Fraught with less troubles than my own, I hope?" He chuckled, recalling the windless times of hunger, the storms, the deaths aboard. The Pearl had never been used for such a long single journey before, yet for all that she had weathered her travails fairly well. And, despite the still lingering effects, he had arrived all the sooner for it.

((I apologize once again for disappearing for several months. ))

24th of Bargenholt
Tatsudoshi Manor, Early Evening
Chiyome, Mikado

At the mention of 'your journey,' Chiyome held back a wince.

"At the midpoint, I stopped hearing the crew's usual actions. I thought nothing of it at the time, but..."

Her voice trailed off just slightly as she hesitated to speak the rest.

"...the whole ship stank of Youkai. Not any of the usual kinds, either. Much like Oni, but... ...fouler. Darker. Twisted. Evil."

After finishing, she quickly and rather transparently attempted to change the subject, putting on an uncharacteristically mischievous grin as she inquired of him:

"So, what kinds of perils did you run into? I notice that you seem to have lost weight!"

[Kasanip]

Far the Atelier
Scene V: The Atelier
26th of Bargenholt
Evening

Adam took the bottle from Murdok, and held it protectively close.
"It's ok Nina, I'll take you out when we get outside." He said comforting, a look of relief on his face.
Murdok of course easily lifts the bookcase and table to carry the bottles of fairies out.

Same time, Takeshi sees Eris look at him with a confused scowl before returning to her magic.
"I don't know what you're talking about!" She complained, but didn't continue, instead to focus on her magic.
Takeshi's attack destroys the wall, to reveal the dark streets outside. It is night, but the dark and strong smell of the sulfur and streets begins to enter. Takeshi dances through the flames and meets the cool, but thick fog outside. Soon Murdok appears outside with the cool wind around him, and the bottles of fairies on a bookcase. And Adam holding a bottle with a certain blue fairy in it appears next. Then Eris, who pauses to summon a fireball and shoots it back inside.
"Eat this instead!" She shouts at the Atelier. The whole building shudders and begins to collapse. The falling stone and wood sound like a sad animal. Almost like the hydra.
And as the group watch, the Atelier falls down completely. No wall stands now, only rocks. It is like a burial mound, and the quiet night starts to return. If there are alchemists nearby, they have not reacted.

Adam looks stunned in silence, and then realizes he still has the bottle. Quickly he opens it, and the blue fairy flies up to hug his face.
"Brother! I missed you!" She cried. Adam also began to cry.
"I missed you to! I'm sorry I couldn't protect you!" He responded.

Eris looks thoughtful, and turns to look at Murdok and Takeshi while Adam and his sister cry together.
"What did you see?" She asked, a little curious, but also cautiously. "I hope you don't believe any of the alchemist lies." She hesitates.
"But I haven't been completely honest too. I have been here before. But, it was a long time ago. There was an alchemist here, named Brackett. He was a genius, the kind whose name would be remembered forever. Except... I killed him. I don't want to explain why. There were important reasons. But, some wounds don't ever heal." She said softly, and looked at the fallen Atelier.
"I didn't know we would come here, however. I did want to help the boy. But I also wanted a chance to enter this Asutela ward again. I don't know what I was looking for." She looked sideways Murdok and Takeshi.

"Maybe I should apologize. I have many secrets, but I am not sorry to keep them. Some memories should remain locked away." And then she smiled. It wasn't the normal smile of Eris that they saw, but something a little nostalgic. "This place did make me feel young again. It was like living in a dream. Or perhaps there isn't much difference between the past and a dream. Or a cave."


Adam and his fairy sister approached, and Adam knelt in front of them. "Mr. Murdok, Mr. Takeshi, thank you so much for helping me. I... I couldn't have done this without you. And, I know I am in your debt. If there is anything I can do for you, please tell me. I'll work really hard! I promise! The fairy sister whispered something in his ear, and Adam hesitated with a blush.
"Oh. This is my sister, Nina. And this is Mr. Murdok, Mr. Takeshi, and Eris." Eris looked only a little amused by this introduction.
Adam stopped and looked at Eris, and then rose to hug her. It seemed to completely catch Eris by surprise, and so she was hugged.
"And thank you Eris! Your magic saved me several times. We made such a team too!"
"Umm, yes." Eris agreed awkwardly.

Adam looked back at Murdok and Takeshi after releasing Eris.
"Umm, I guess we should go before the investigator comes? But, what are we going to do with these fairies? There are about one hundred of them!"

[VonDoom]

28th of Bargenholt
Eris and Mikado
Horse Drawn Carriage to the Vale

The Ikokan rested his chin against his loosely closed fist, as he leaned towards the carriage window. "Quite," he agreed to her sentiment about Murdok. "You are of course welcome to take him along for your own protection if he's free otherwise." After all, displays of pyromancy had a tendency to attract a certain kind of attention that a hulking warrior would not.

"Actually, you won't be joining me. I have something different in mind." The handsome foreigner chuckled and produced a certain letter from the inside pocket of his jacket. "If it turns out to be something interesting, I'd like you to look into that. If not, well," he trailed off, giving her a nonchalant look. "Enjoy your afternoon."

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To explain in advance since I figure this is a pretty peculiar way to phrase it … in case it isn't clear: he's saying that he doesn't have anything to do for her if the letter isn't really of interest and that she can do whatever she wants.

A laconic smile appeared on the man's face as the carriage began to slow and, finally, stop.

24th of Bargenholt
Tatsudoshi Manor, Early Evening
Chiyome, Mikado

Crystal glistened as the former crime-boss poured a measure of the liquid inside the flask into each cup, his eyes never leaving the kunoichi he had just been reunited with.

"Weight, muscle and I seem to have misplaced a certain piece of magical armor with the power of a god." He chuckled, stepping forward upon the wooden floor to hand Chiyome the translucent draft, taking his own with him as he continued onwards and finally slumped into the chair behind his desk, looking strangely satisfied with himself.

"But it was worth it," he noted as he took a first sip, making a strange expression as the taste reached his tongue. But still he continued. "And what can I say? Forced detours, pirates and windless weeks. I wasn't a pretty sight by the time I arrived."

A chuckle followed, as he brushed a strand of free hair out of his eyes. Though he said that, he certainly seemed well on the way to recovery. Though still very slim and without the athletic and well-defined muscle he had had, the man was still rakishly handsome.

A curious gleam was in his brown eyes as he studied his retainer; it was obvious that he was just playing along for the leisure of the moment. The fact that he hadn't inquired further as to what happened to Chiyome on that ship at all proved as much. It would come later.

[Tebryn]

Far the Atelier
Scene V: The Atelier
26th of Bargenholt
Evening
Takeshi and Co.

Takeshi only giggles loudly at the complaint, smiling as they move out into the street despite the smell and haze. He glances about with a sigh though actually flinches at the falling of the building. “I don’t know all about what I saw really. I imagine I saw as much of you both as you saw of me. Which means we’ve all seen much to much about one another for my liking. I hope we can walk away from this without any...angry feelings.” he smiles, shrugging a little. He places a hand up when Eris tries to apologize, shaking his head. “You don’t have to explain yourself to me...we accomplished what we set out to do. Now where is the boy and his...ah, there you both are.”

Takeshi leans down to try and lift Adam off the ground, shaking his head. “Bow to no man...regardless of what they’ve done for you. And a pleasent greeting to you young Nina. Take care of your brother and don’t worry him so much. He’s lived a lifetime already just trying to find you.” He glances at Eris, nodding a little though pauses at the question. “Let them go outside of the city so no one can try and capture them again. No man or woman, no matter their race, should be enslaved. Are we to leave together or shall we all go our separate ways?”

[TechnOkami]

Scene V: The Atelier
26th of Bargenholt
Evening
Murdok & Co

Murdok listened to Takeshi's words.

"I am not angry... only interested."

When the boy kneels before them, Murdok lifts him up by the arm until he is back on his own two feet.

"Do not bow to me. If you want something to dedicate yourself to, then work hard and get strong. Protect you and yours with your own strength."

At the mention of Murdok's bit about slavery, Murdok responds, "Wise words. I think we should escort these two outside and send them on their way, just in case."

He lastly, kneels down to the case lined with bottles of faeries inside them.

Turning to face Adam as he gives his inquiry, "We free them, obviously. What else?"

Murdok opens the first bottle, and one by one, the sky is filled with the golden light of the little faeries as they dance upon the wind, free at last.

[Kasanip]

28th of Bargenholt
Eris and Mikado
Horse Drawn Carriage to the Vale

This was not the answer that was expected by Eris, and she looked surprised at the letter. Then she looked up at Mikado's eyes to see if he was joking.
With a pout she looked back at the letter. Then her face becomes a fox smile.
"I understand. Have a passionate meeting. But first, let's meet this Ansleme."
Eris opened the door and hopped onto the ground, a childish attitude returning.
The Vale looked bad. Something had burned a lot of it. That was interesting. Eris had not been here since the disaster. And it made her wonder about the murderer. Was it the same person? It was possible, but that was just an instinct thought.

But there are no coincidences in the world of Eris. If the letter was boring, then another investigation was possible maybe.
"Wow!" Eris said in a childish way. "What happened here?"

~*~

Far the Atelier
Scene V: The End
26th of Bargenholt
Evening

Eris looked at Takeshi with a searching expression. But she seems to relax a little and agree.
"Of course. Thank you."

Adam looks surprised with the wise words of Takeshi and the help of Murdok, but Nina bows quietly with wings flying.
"Thank you! We won't be separated again!" She said.

"And I promise I'll become strong! I'll become strong, like you Mr. Murdok, and you Mr. Takeshi. I promise!" Adam said. "I'll show you! I'll come back here someday... But, we should be going home. Like these fairies... Let's go Nina!"

And as Murdok opened the bottles, Adam and Eris came to help too. And as they stepped back, the sky is filled with the golden light of the little fairies as they dance upon the wind, free at last. And rising into the night sky like stars, they sparkled and a glitter of fairy dust fell around the ones watching.

Eris looked up at them with a smile, not unlike a child's content expression. But as the fairies flew across the sky, and the group walked away from the remains of the atelier, Eris turned to look at it one more time. A small look of regret crossed her face, but returned to a content smile. And then she turned to hurry after Murdok and Takeshi.

Theme of Far the Atelier

Where is the border between dream and memory?
Some memories cannot be forgotten.
But if you strongly, strongly embrace them close,
then shattering these captured illusions,
you can rise far above the demise
far the time,
far the atelier.

[BladeofObliviom]

24th of Bargenholt
Tatsudoshi Manor, Early Evening
Chiyome, Mikado

He was playing along, sure. For now, playing along was perfectly okay! It was the later bit when he stopped playing along that worried her. Of course, the best method would be to go through the pleasantries and through this reunion without any more uncomfortable questions and if ever possible NO MORE THOUGHTS ABOUT THAT SHIP.

...That just kinda slipped out, didn't it? Thankfully not out loud, but certainly into her conscious thought. Let's move on...

Her face somehow managing not to betray the disconcerting thought pattern she harbored, Chiyome returned his grin and accepted the drink, moving into a facetious statement.

"I see. Well, I suppose it is for the best if it keeps that ego of yours down a bit longer! How is life in Taelar? Does it perhaps deliver upon those old tales?"

[VonDoom]

28th of Bargenholt
Eris and Mikado
Outside the Carriage, the Vale

The Ikokan offered no response, merely a vague smile, as he reached for the door, stepping outside after the girl sorceress. While his meeting with the elf was hardly of a 'passionate' nature, Mikado always enjoyed a certain air of ambiguity and mystery.

The thought was appealing, certainly, and he had always had a fondness for women who could challenge him on both a physical and intellectual level -- something Raina Nessiel, as far as he could ascertain so far, might well be able to. But the leader of the Blue Lions didn't seem the type for casual dalliances.

As his walking stick came to touch the ground, Mikado looked down towards Eris in surprise. "You didn't hear? An explosion of mystic forces, supposedly demonic in nature." His voice was quiet, as the man wasn't sure whether Eris was just playing her role or actually asking -- after all, just because she knew that part of the Vale had been destroyed didn't automatically imply knowledge of what was responsible.

As he listened to the white-haired girl's response, Mikado casually waved the carriage off. With a quick snap of a whip and a 'giddyap!' the horse-drawn wagon began to roll away, likely towards a nearby parking place where it could be called upon later.

24th of Bargenholt
Tatsudoshi Manor, Early Evening
Chiyome, Mikado

"Whoever said," Mikado returned lazily as he reclined back into his chair, "that 'never there was a worse den of scum and villainy' certainly had the right of it. I've had run-ins with demons, assassins employing nether-poisons and necromancy." The black-haired man mulled it over for a moment, then added: "And all that just in the last two weeks."

With how out of it the kunoichi looked when she had recalled her journey, the former Dragon Emperor neglected to mention that this very manor had originally belonged to a demon-worshipping cult member and had seen quite its share of spilled blood.

"But I'm already moving forward. A contact bought here, an investment there. Soon resources will no longer be a concern. And I already have my eye on a few useful assets."

His eyes wandered towards Chiyome, taking in her form for a moment. "And now that my strongest is back with me once more, we can increase the pace. I've a few targets for you to look into, starting tomorrow."

[Tebryn]

Year of the Dog
Ikoku
Throne of the Dragon Emperor

The Red Lantern Mages were no unfamiliar sight at the seat of the Ninkyoudantai, dressed in their concealing robes and masks while their lanterns hung above their heads, and tonight was no different as the silent procession moved through crowded hallways while all others stepped aside to make room. Not a single man or woman among the group dared speak until they had entered the throne room, all save one kowtowing before the Dragon Emperor and his throne. “Great and August Dragon Emperor, may your days be as unlimited as the number of stars in the sky! We your humble servants come before you this day to invoke the Ritual of Burning Cinders, we present to you the supplicants, our most prized students.” The mages scuttled away, keeping their faces to the ground as they parted from the group to reveal the students of which the man spoke. Each dressed in gray kimono, their faces obscured by tengu masks. “We have traveled far Grand Emperor, we offer these children for your consideration. Each must prove themselves before you.”

The imposing figure seated upon the steel throne remained silent for a moment; the blazing eyes of the Dragon Emperor were upon the child-supplicants, examining each of them in turn. Beneath the half-god's scrutiny, those brittle yokai masks seemed almost transparent, providing no comforting anonymity as the twin orbs glowing from beneath his unmoving helmet seemed to bore into their very souls.

After his initial inspection, he sat silent for a moment; a statue, unmoving. The only indication that he was alive and considering the matter was the shifting intensity of the fire burning where his eye sockets should be, going dimmer and dimmer until, finally, they roared back to full life when he finally declared, with heavy finality:

"Then let the testing begin," his earth-shattering voice boomed. "As all must fight for their place in this world, let them face each other to prove their worth; that only the strongest prevail!"

The lead Mage bows low again before shuffling back as his assistant presents the masked boys and girls with sharp blades. In an organization steeped in tradition, ritual and rote the flash of blades and the swift movements of the elder mages out of the center of the conflict was almost startling. There was no pronouncements or offerings to the Gods, there was no speeches or prayer, there was only young boys and girls fighting for their lives and for the honor of the demi-god on the throne. Weak and unpracticed spells were hurled as blades flashed, the center of the chaotic maelstrom a swirl of smoke and flame as one by one the students fell. There were no alliances or teams as each moved to take out bitter rivals or the weak as strong as possible. The fights were as brief as they were violent, leaving only two youths remaining though neither had come out from the mosh pit unscathed. The first boy had had his mask broken, a long gash on the left side leaking blood into his eye while a young and slim girl had her hair torn leaving bloody bits of scalp showing to all while blood pooled at her feet from a wound covered in her blood spattered kimono while those who had not been strong or fast enough lay sprawled out across the floor.

The pair stared at each other for a long moment, panting heavily in the aftermath of their fights, their eyes wild as they started to pace one another. This went on for quite a while compared to the swift and violent battles before, each waiting for the perfect moment to strike down their foe as each tried their best to size up who they were going against. In an instant a plume of darkness wrapped around the pair though perhaps the eyes of the Dragon Emperor so imbued with the powers of Jyn’Hao the Smith could pierce the veil to see the final strike as the young boy drove his blade through the throat of his adversary. All could see the end when the darkness melted away, only a single boy remaining from the battles. Some of the young hopefuls may still have been alive but it was certain of the strongest candidates only one had stood the test of time though far from unscathed as growing areas of blood seeped through the cloth of his kimono, parts cut and tattered to reveal his tattooed flesh. But it seemed the youth was not done as in the next moment he spun on his heel and launched himself at the elder Mages. Each acted swiftly, shadowy hands slamming the boy down against the ground with a crunch as the elder Mage’s lantern burned with power. Silence had returned to the hall, each Mage staring in anticipation for any remark from their Emperor.

The presence of the god-figure of the Ninkyoudantai was almost a tangible thing, shapeless yet enveloping, crushing and terrible. He rose without effort, the heavy armor that would have given any grown man pause not causing the Dragon Emperor the slightest impediment as he looked down upon his faithful servants, they who had mastered the Lit Pathway and undergone the Ritual of Burning Cinders. And, between them, on the ground, the young boy.

"Release him," their towering leader commanded as he advanced further into the room, one step at a time, keeping them firmly at his own pace until he finally occupied the space right in front of the boy.

"You attacked those who gave you power, elated you from a fate of insignificance. You exist solely by their sufferance, as you well know -- explain yourself." His thundering voice allowed no protest, no deceit. Yet, for some reason, despite how intimidating a figure the divine being was, no genuine anger came from him.

Surely, if the Dragon Emperor was displeased with the apprentice mage, his rage would be palpable, a force unto itself. Yet, the ominous presence that he exuded was no different than it had been when they first entered the room.

The Mages bow swiftly as the elder obeys swiftly, he had lived long in the court and knew an order was not to be disobeyed no matter the circumstances. The young boy slowly lifted himself off the ground in spite of his injuries, giving a defiant look even as he was stared down by the imposing and awe inspiring Dragon Emperor. “Power comes only to those who will take it.” he called back swiftly, not daring to show the Emperor the rage that otherwise burned within his good eye. “I will take it if I must climb the highest mountains and drag the Gods off their peaks with these two hands. The priests say that if you meet your father on the road, kill him. If you were to meet the Emperor on his throne, kill him. Have no connections in this world, be a man apart from yourself for that is the way to virtue and strength. By slaying the strongest of my peers I assert myself as the most powerful and show that I am here...that I am real.”

The Dragon Emperor's response was a menacing roar that shook the very ground beneath them, causing even some of the assembled masters to flinch -- likely those who had been subject to their god's wrath before. Yet when it began to ebb it was clear what it had been: mere laughter.

"Interesting," the armored being called out. "And now you stand before your Emperor. Will you kill him to prove your existence?"

This was some sort of test, surely; if even half the legends and tales were true, he could likely slay every single person present in this room with little difficulty, whether they attacked by turn or all at once.

The air chilled as the Mages looked on in honest horror, only their masks keeping their terror from being discovered by any but the Dragon Emperor himself. However the young boy steeled himself, though scared he refused to back down after such a bold declaration. To do so would bring dishonor to himself, the mages and his own death would only follow swiftly. He tightened his grip on his knife before smearing the blood from his face with the back of his sleeve before letting out a resounding kiai before leaping at the armored demi-god. “For the Izayoi!” he shouted as darkness and flame swirled about him, there was no doubt to any watching that this was an all or nothing attack from the young and wounded boy.

The words had barely left his mouth. Before he knew what was happening, something heavy impacted against Takeshi's back, knocked the air out of him.

Somehow, the materialized god hovered above him, his open hand firmly pressed right onto the boy's face, his claw-like fingers scraping against vulnerable skin -- one, however, had buried itself firmly in Takeshi's left eye, excruciating pain lancing straight into the young mage's vulnerable brain, though even that was nothing compared to the horror of losing one's sight, the image of the absurdly powerful Dragon Emperor burned forever into his mind's eye.

And the only thing he had actually noticed was when he had slammed against the ground, the rest was nothing but a blur.

The purple glow of the Emperor's eyes blazed in the dim room as everything froze for a moment. It was rare that the leader of the Ninkyoudantai actually demonstrated his prowess and when he did, it was always decisive and absolute.

"Your courage does you credit," the earth-shattering voice proclaimed. "Yet none may touch the Dragon Emperor without due consequence."

The eyes crafted into the god's helmet flared and a crackling surge of energy suddenly coursed along his right arm, into his gauntlet and, finally, its claws. And from there, right into Takeshi's eye.

The pain was exquisite. It went beyond the ordinary, the mundane, straight into the very soul.


Far the Atelier
Scene V: The End
26th of Bargenholt
Evening


Takeshi glances back at burning wreckage of the building for but a moment, the last twinges of those painful memories perhaps burned within. How much these two had seen, perhaps he'd never know. But it was behind him and only one question remained. "Who wants a drink?"

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Thanks again to Vondoom, was a lot of fun writing this back story!

[TechnOkami]

Ruins of the Atelier
26th of Bargenholt
Evening
Murdok & Co.

Murdok watches the crumbling bonfire of a building before them for a moment before answering. A few seconds pass, and he turns to Takeshi.

"I could use one. I don't think the little spit-fire here would be allowed in a bar though, let alone be able to hold her constitution."

[Tebryn]

Ruins of the Atelier
26th of Bargenholt
Evening
Takeshi & Co.

"Would be if it's my bar. Lucky for everyone it is. Free drinks, food and a well deserved bath at that." Takeshi chuckles, looking over the sooty and bloody forms of his compatriots. "I at least will be taking a long soak. And no bath house is this city is better. Because their are none." he smirks wryly.

[TechnOkami]

Ruins of the Atelier
26th of Bargenholt
Evening
Murdok & Co.

Murdok looks down upon his own figure. He can't disagree, he's just as messy as the two of them are. "I... yes, I think that would be good. I've never tried Ikoukan drink before, or food for that matter..."

Murdok's face suddenly has a look of puzzlement upon its surface, which is quickly turned to Takeshi.

"What's a bath house?"

[Kasanip]

28th of Bargenholt
Eris and Mikado
Outside the Carriage, the Vale

Eris' childlike surprise looked troubled and she frowned. Responding softly she looked up at Mikado.
No, I was busy with some other situation." She said, thinking about Asutela, the Atelier, and the issues of becoming adopted at the Tower.

As the wagon left, Eris resumed a child-like walking here and there in front of Mikado, looking around the Vale. It would be silly to ask if people were hurt.
She looked over her shoulder at Mikado.
"And? Where is this Anselme? We must search the Vale for him too?"

Ruins of the Atelier, Asutela Ward
26th of Bargenholt
Evening
Eris, Takeshi, Murdok

Eris scowled as her cheeks turned red at Murdok's nickname.
Little spit-fire?

She makes a loud sigh and speaks. Maybe trying to stand a little taller.
"If it is a celebration, then I will accept an invitation like this gladly. I am hungry, thirsty, and these robes are ruined." She said, helplessly trying to remove ash and dust from her clothes.

[VonDoom]

28th of Bargenholt
Eris and Mikado
The Vale

"Well," the Ikokan allowed, his expression slightly uncomfortable as his gaze traveled over the destruction visible even from their current location. "If you are in a troublesome situation, don't hesitate to ask for assistance. Working for -- and with -- me has its advantages. As for where 'this Anselme' is," Mikado trailed off, raising his cane to point towards the Blue Lions Headquarter in front of which they had stopped.

"… right in there. Let's be off, shall we?"

With a quick adjustment to his top hat, the dapper-dressed foreigner began to waltz straight into the headquarters of, by all accounts, the secret rulers of the Vale.