MASKTOURN

On the west side of the Citadel, close to The Dens, is a swimming pool! It’s sheltered in a half-ruined building, the columns and partially-fallen roof forming an atrium over the pool itself. The tile floor around the pool is surprisingly clean, as is the water that fills the basin itself. There are steps down into the water, and a ledge closer to the deep end that seems prime for diving, as well as spots to sunbathe or relax all around the pool.

Cansu wasn't sure what compelled him to head to the pool. Perhaps it was the call of the nearest pool of water tugging him in that direction. Of course, he followed. He was fairly content with the state of the place, though the destruction of half of the building was a bit of a bummer for him. He would've liked to have spent more time around the pool if it was surrounded by a nicer building. At least the tiles looked nice, and the water looked clear. Kneeling beside the pool of water, Cansu lowered a hand into it and felt the temperature. Hm. Perhaps he'd go for a dip right about now. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Someone was lounging by the poolside- not quite in the sun, not quite in the shade, but definitely not in the water. Cansu would immediately recognize who it was- it couldn't be anyone else. After all, the Lifebringer had said Sadihak Rouwae was here. They looked different, though. They still had the same jetty black hair and warm brown skin, but a porcelain mask identical to Cansu's adorned their face. They laid on their stomach, their head resting on their arms, and a snake-like tail crept from beneath their white skirt and draped over their legs. They didn't seem to notice Cansu's arrival, or if they did, the mask hid their expression. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Forget taking a fucking dip in the pool- Cansu's hand smacked against the surface of the water in a fit of anger as he shoved himself back up to his feet. "You," Cansu growled. He took several steps toward Sadihak. "What are you doing here?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan quickly rose to their feet as Cansu approached. Their mask still hid their emotion, though they seemed... scared. Their voice was stilted when they spoke. "Pardon me? I'm- I'm here to serve the contestants of the Lifebringer's tournament. My name is Reagan, I'm the host of the snake side. Can I assist you with anything?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Don't act foolish with me," Cansu hissed. He stepped closer, his shoulders beginning to shake with his frustration. "Of all of our time knowing each other, you could respect me and act as your true self, Sadihak." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan stepped back a bit, their tail twitching restlessly in apprehension. "I- I really don't know what you're talking about. My name is Reagan. I- I've never seen you before. I'm sorry." They laughed awkwardly, they stepped backwards in fright- though not soley fear of Cansu. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟 (edited)

"I know that face- I know that scar," Cansu glared. His hands were drawn into fists. "You're Sadihak. You KNOW me." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Regan's hand went to the scar on their cheek, but quickly moved over their lips. "I'm- I'm not who you think I am. I really don't know who you are, I- my name is Reagan. I serve the Lifebringer. If- if there's anything I can help you with, I would be glad-" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Quit LYING TO ME!" The deity snarled with another step forward. Through the mask, his eyes began to glow yellow. "Your name isn't Reagan, quit insisting on such a thing! Do you really take me for a fool? Do you believe me to be this gullible to not recognize you? You serve NO ONE, and certainly NOT the Lifebringer." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan stepped back even further. "Please- I don't-" They stammered out, nearly choked out, "Please don't hurt me. I don't know what you're talking about. I'm confused. I'm- I'm just here to do my job. Please don't hurt me." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Lightning flickered at his fists. His breathing grew ragged the angrier he became. Yet, Cansu didn’t strike. “And tell me, HOW did you come to get here to do this job? How did you appear here in this realm?” Cansu seethed. “How could you simply abandon us after a blasted decade? Does the name Cansu mean anything to you? The idiot’s name- Enzo Vanth? Does any of that jog your blasted memory?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

Reagan visibly flinched at the lightning, and even more at Enzo's name. Their masked gaze fell to the floor. "Please- please leave me alone..." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“ANSWER ME.” Cansu stepped closer. His voice dropped down into a dangerous whisper. “Do you know who we are? Do you even know who you are?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan's gaze snapped back up, and they locked eye contact with Cansu. The deity would soon begin to feel the awful, awfully familiar chill of their mind being encroached upon by Sadihak's powers. They willed him to be still, and to calm down. They were forcibly calming him down. "Please- please don't hurt me." They pleaded again, but their voice was low. "I don't want to have to do this." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu stared at Reagan as the lightning flickered away from his fingertips. His breathing became calm and steady once more. His shaking went away entirely. All he did was stand there and stare at them through the mask. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan willed Cansu step backwards, back towards the water. They didn't say anything, but regret was written plain on what of their features Cansu could see. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu stepped back towards the water. His body moved on its own accord. It almost felt as though the idiot was back in control. “You didn’t answer me: Do you know who we are?” Cansu repeated. “I’m sure you can sense another presence within me. But, most importantly, do you know who you are, Sadihak?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan made Cansu step back another step. His heels were in-line with the edge of the pool now. "My name is Reagan. I am a servant to the Lifebringer." They said, though their voice was shaky. "That is who I am." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu chuckled bitterly. “Pitiful. You’re not even confident on that. You don’t know who you are. It’s a disgrace to who you truly are that you don’t recall a single thing. I almost wonder if seeing the idiot would jog your memory some..” Cansu smiled widely, revealing sharpened teeth. “Would you like to find out? Would you like to see Enzo Vanth again?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan stilled, but did not force Cansu further back. Their control was fading, ever so slightly. They shook their head. "Don't. Please. Don't." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

The control was fading, yet Cansu couldn’t move yet. His smile remained on his face as he spoke. “Why is that? Why do you have such hesitance when it comes to seeing him? Is it because you do faintly remember who you are? Or is it the instilled fear of having to face what has happened that drives you to this state?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan shook their head, again and again, but said nothing. They didn't will Cansu to do anything but stay still. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Tell me, Sadihak, if you saw him, would you flee? Would you break? Would you beg?” Cansu asked. His smile grew wider. “I almost want to find out.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan stood still. "Please don't do this to me." They whispered. "It'll only get me hurt." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“What would bring you harm? Is it the Lifebringer itself who threatens you?” Cansu asked, still smiling. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan willed Cansu to step back with one foot- he dangled precariously over the water. Still, they didn't shut him up. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu didn’t care about his foot hovering above the pool. If he fell in, he could easily just dry himself off. The deity of lightning and water was beside one of his elements. “Because if that’s the case, you shall be protected by me,” Cansu spoke. “In case you’ve forgotten, I am a God. This may be the Lifebringer’s realm, but you are mine. The Lifebringer doesn’t have the right to mess with those who are in my circle.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan took in a deep breath, then turned away. As they did so, Cansu fell right back into the pool- but the Tether was severed. When he resurfaced, Reagan was gone. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Blasted coward,” Cansu slammed a fist against the edge of the pool. Guess he got that dip in the water that he had wanted. As he stepped out of the water, each droplet on his body floated off of him and went back into the pool. He was entirely dried as he stomped away from the swimming pool. He’d find Sadihak again. He’d figure out what the hell was happening. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Cansu would soon hear a distinct voice coming from directly behind him. A voice coming from a person that hadn't been there before. "You know, I didn't bring you here just so you could disrupt everything." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu whipped around to face the person. He glared at Naiyta, yellow lightning glowing through the mask. “I didn’t come here with the intention of doing that, but that all changed the moment I realized that you’ve messed with what’s mine. What did you do to them?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"They weren't yours. At least not in a way that prevented them from becoming mine." It shrugged. "I told you they were here. What did you think that meant, that they were waiting for you?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I thought they had come here on their own free will, not that they can’t entirely recall who they truly are. They believe themselves to be a servant to you, when in actuality, they’re a servant to no one.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta rolled their eyes. "Believe what you want. But none of that's true." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Then what is the truth, then?” Cansu crossed his arms over his chest. “Tell me.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"No." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Do I have to beat it out of you?” Cansu seethed. “Because I will.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You won't. I can promise you that." Naiyta mocked. "And if you try, I assure you I will bring Reagan back here just so I can watch them break you." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I can, and I will- You messed with what’s mine, I’ll destroy you for that,” Lightning flickered at his fingertips. “Sadihak wouldn’t do such a thing. They got the best of me momentarily, but it won’t happen again.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"They will. They will, because I will tell them to." Naiyta didn't flinch for a moment, but they didn't smile. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“They have a will that’s far stronger than you realize,” Cansu glared. “You underestimate them.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I know the strength of their will far better than you do." It hummed. "I know how weak they really are." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu snapped. He attempted to grasp the front of their robes, but his hands missed. He was shaking with his rage. “You take that back,” Cansu seethed. “They’re not weak.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta stepped back as Cansu dared grab him. "Oh, but they are. And if you can't tell that... maybe you just don't know them.' @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I’ve known them for ten years,” Cansu glowered. “I’ll know them better than you ever will.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I will not stop you from believing lies you tell yourself." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu glared. “You know that whatever it is that you’ve done to them, I’ll find a way to reverse it.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You won't. The... modifications I made are permanent, unless you intend on causing them a great deal of pain." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Modifications?!” Cansu looked ready to leap at them again. “What the hell did you DO to them?! Is that why they were so fearful to see the Enzo Vanth?!” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, they didn't have a snake tail when you last saw them, did they?" Naiyta mocked. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I’ll kill you,” Cansu’s wings spread from his back. Electricity danced around him as the water in the pool began to grow rampant. “I’ll kill you for what you’ve done to them.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You really won't." Naiyta corrected. They didn't seem intimidated in the slightest. "That's kind of the point." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I will- I’ll make you suffer for every moment you’ve made them suffer,” Cansu glared. “I’ll find a way.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You can't kill the embodiment of immortality." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Which just means I can make you suffer for all of time.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta didn't reply. "I would advise against incurring my wrath while you sit in my domain." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Oh, I’m so scared, don’t smite me, oh mighty Lifebringer.” Cansu scoffed. “You fucked up by choosing Sadihak, of all people, to harm.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Actually, I think I made a very wise decision bringing them here." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Why’s that? Because of their abilities?” Cansu glared. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You're a clever little bird. I'm sure you can figure it out." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu fell silent as he continued to glare at Naiyta. There were plenty of reasons he could think of. Their background. Their strong abilities. Their connection to Enzo and himself. Plenty of reasons, but none that would entirely warrant being chosen by the Lifebringer and forced to be a pawn. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Don't cause me any trouble, Thunderbird." Naiyta cautioned. "I mean it. I'll make you regret it." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I’m not threatened by you, Lifebringer.” Cansu stated. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You should be." Naiyta said simply, before walking off. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“You should be threatened by me.” Cansu huffed. He watched as Naiyta walked away. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Ryu had eventually lit one of her shitty cigarettes on a street lamp before wandering towards a dilapidated building. He was half hoping it'd be empty, so he could smoke in peace, but the scene of the pool wasn't bad either. Ryu stuck his lit cigarette in his mouth and sauntered over towards the deeper end of the pool, sitting down by the edge. Her red-green smoke filled the nearby air, but it thankfully didn't have a super repungent smell. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki was strolling around leisurely, not in a hurry to get anywhere. They were only exploring, and the sight of the swimming pool was pretty intriguing. Not that they felt like swimming right now, but maybe later. As they got closer, they first noticed the smell, and then the colours of the smoke. Their tail flicked, and their whiskers fanned curiously forward. "Hello!" they greeted, walking closer with a friendly smile and a wave if a hand. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Ryu had heard steps approaching, but she didn't quite care until a voice spoke to her. He lifted his head and glanced over to the stranger, her eyes widening a bit as she took in the sight. Ears, a tail... pretty fox-like. This guy clearly wasn't a normal human—Or human at all, really. She reflected the friendly expression and even the wave. "Hey there. Haven't seen your face before. That Lifebringer asshole got you too, huh?" Ryu greeted. She didn't recognize Seki, so he must of been from a completely different timeline than hers. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Heh, I bet you haven't. And thecnically you still aren't seeing it", they grinned, and took the mask off of their face. "Ta-da~!" They crossed their arms and swung their tail at the thought of the Lifebringer. "Sure did. I didn't let it go quietly, though." They glanced at Ryu, and made a small, surprised sound. "They forgot to give you a shirt?" Seki asked, curiously looking at the tattoos on Ryu. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Seki fully revealing their face, Ryunoske could see just how fox they were. It was perhaps more of a wolf, but the sly smile Seki had made him look like a fox in Ryu's eyes. "A silver fox. How interesting," he chuckled. "Oh, did you fight Albanes when you spoke to her? I'm a bit surprised. The Lifebringer isn't much of a fighter from what I know," Ryu commented, before looking down at herself. "Oh. I just thought everyone was dressed like this or something. You know. The robe look? It's not that big of deal since the weather is a bit warmer here." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Fox? I don't think I'm classified as one, but I didn't finish school so I dunno. My husband's a fox, though. He's a Ninetales", Seki smiled, tail swishing. "What are you?" "Huh, maybe. That's not the name they gave me, but I did fight them", Seki huffed. "Oh yeah, we have these flowy white garbs. The others I saw just were't so, revealing, I guess", they shrugged. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"A ninetails...?" Ryunoske repeated with a raised brow. What Ryu was picturing in her head was probably vastly different than what Seki was saying, but that just made her all the more curious. "I'm human. Nice to see we all still speak a similar langue despite that difference," she chuckled. "...And wait, you didn't talk to Albanes? Who did you talk to?" Ryu asked. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah, I suppose", Seki nodded. "I think their name was Naida or Natya or something like that", Seki hummed, frowning and tail lashing. "White mane and golden eyes. No fur, just like you, so maybe a human?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske (edited)

White hair and golden eyes? That didn't sound like Albanes... Yeonaixho was another Lifebringer, but that didn't fit his description either. Was this the person Albanes said was her predecessor? "Naiyta," Ryu stated. That was the name Albanes had given her. "They're a person called the Lifebringer.. some stupid god or something. I don't know, but I've been through something similar to this already, and I'm getting pretty tired of it," he huffed. "What did Naiyta talk to you about?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"No god of mine", Seki gnarled and put a hand on their hip. "You have? Hm. They yapped about how we're going to kill each other and claimed that it was to stop the world of the living and the world of the departed from merging. And other bullshit." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Ryu snickered at that. "I can cheer to that one," she said about Seki's first comment. Though, she was quite intrigued by the rest of their statement. "The merging of the dead and the living..? Is that even possible?" Ryu commented. "..And how does us killing each other even solve that? Ugh.. I hate this stupid god shit.." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Co clue, but I don't believe this is what they should do anyway. And if the worlds really were merging, the First Spinjitzu Master or Lord Arceus would do something about it, not some bloodthirsty weirdo cryptid", Seki huffed. They squatted down next to Ryu on the edge of the pool, and looked in the water, their brows knitted together. They noticed their ribbon was slipping out of their hair, and they pulled it off. "Hm, oh yeah. I'm Seki. Forgot to say that", they introduced themself while toying with the ribbon. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske (edited)

First Spinjitzu Master..? Lord Arceus? Who the hell were those people?? From what Ryu could gather, it sounded like another god Seki knew. Ryu couldn't stand those holy bastards, no matter which entity. "Are those your gods..?" Ryu asked the fox. "Well, regardless, I agree with the idea that killing random people off isn't the answer to whatever the hell is going on. What sorta Gods can't solve their own problems?" He said with a roll of his eyes. "Oh, you can call me Ryu. Nice to meet ya, Seki," Ryu smiled and offered a hand out to them. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah. I kinda thought they were the only ones. Or, I guess it depends how you define a 'god'. Some would say my sister is one but I think she's just strongr than average Elemental Master", Seki shrugged. They turned to smile to Ryu and took their hand, giving it a warm, fuzzy shake "Yeah, nice to meet you too, Ryu, though it would be nicer in better circumstances." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Huh. This Seki person was getting more and more interesting by the moment. "You and your sister have powers then?" Ryunoske assumed. Why else would Seki be taken here in the first place? Her red-green smoke flickered as their hands shook and Ryu chuckled. "Hey, don't sweat it, old man. These kinds of situations allow the best kind of friends to spur. I would know. It's not my first rodeo, and I heard some of my girls are here too. I gotta meet up with them some time." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yup. Do you?" They asked. "Do I look old?" was Seki's first question, and they brushed a strand of hair out of their face with a concerned look. "Ah, I'm not a man, actually, but never mind that." They waved their hand dismissively. "So you've been to something like this before? God kidnapped you then too?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

The smoke in the air playfully ran over Seki's snout and mask as Ryu retracted his hand. "Yep. Pretty easy to guess what it is," he teased with a wink. She couldn't help but laugh at Seki's next comment. "Old like a silver fox. And hey, man, woman, whatever. I'm cool with it all," Ryu smiled. It wasn't like Ryu teetered those lines too or anything. "Yup. The Lifebringer is a piece of work, I tell you. Just last week, I was in a similar situation with another Lifebringer named Yeonaixho. Albanes, the person I talked to before waking up, was his daughter there. I think this is a different universe or timeline or something though. Albanes didn't know who I was." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Ah, I see", they laughed, tail playfully swinging. "Well fuck. I'm trying to take care of myself but I just am not as patient with fur care and all that as my husband. Maybe I'll start wearing a mask permanently", they stuck their tongue out a bit in a playfully grumpy manner. Then they chuckled. "Ey, sick. I'm something between those and a bit of both. Changes day by day too. But damn, just last week? Huh, the Lifebringer really loves you, huh? And that's interesting that Albanes is... the same but different. Hm..." They seemed to fall in thought, ears tilting and tail silently swishing and snaking on the ground now and then. "Aw, hell, I don't understand any of this." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Ryunoske chuckled as Seki stuck their tongue out. At least this old fox had a sense of humor. "Hey, hey. In human culture, being a silver fox is a good thing. It's a compliment, actually," Ryu reassured Seki as she continued to smoke. "Hmm, interesting. Well, just let me know if you'd prefer anything. I'm on the side of 'not quite caring' about how people perceive me," she mused. "And I wouldn't really say the Lifebringers 'love' me.. more like 'can't get enough of me,'" Ryunoske snickered. "I've always believed in parallel or different universes. The world is too small to not expand for eons and eons. Just think of it as all the different possibilities in life, old fox." @Twig | Seki / Aarni (edited)

"Oh seriously? You're not pulling my tail are you?" they chuckled. "Well, thanks, I suppose. And cool! That's really good you don't care. I wish I didn't. I'm cool with any pronouns really, he, she, they, all good. I have my preferences but they change all the time, and none of those are wrong, I just like sometimes like one or two more than the rest. I mostly just feel bummed out when people see me exclusively as a 'man'. Still makes me feel kinda self-conscious and dysphoric, y'know?" they explained, and started brushing their claws through the strands of mane and braid the fur. "Heh, same thing, though a bit of a toxic relationship there", Seki grinned. "Oh huh. Yeah... I know about different dimensions, like the world of the departed, the cursed realm, the underworld, and the cloud kingdom, but uh, 'parallel' universes. Like, you mean copies of the same universe that are a bit different? I think I've read a comic or two about that sorta thing." Seki said, tilting their head a bit in thought. They smirked and chuckled a bit at being called a fox again. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

She nodded. "No, I'm super serious. Some people are wines, age just makes them better," Ryu mused with a knowing look. Though, as Seki continued, her expression became a tad bit more serious. "Ah, I see. No, I understand. I've dated a lot of trans feminine people before, and even things people wouldn't think twice about could made them feel dysphoric. You don't gotta explain it to me. I think I like 'old fox' more anyways," Ryu reassured with a small smile. Ryu then gave Seki another nod. "Sort of like that. Think of it like several lines running parallel all at once. All of them exist without crossing the other, but some of them are similar colors or thickness, but all are still uniquely their own line. Any and all possibilities could exist, and I imagine the place we're in right now sort of brought a bunch of us from different lines somehow. That couldn't be dangerous or anything," she sarcastically chuckled. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Aw shucks", Seki chuckled, smiling brightly. "Well thanks! I'm glad you're chill like that", they said, and continued braiding the ribbon into their hair. "Mhmm, I gotcha. That makes me question why are they doing that. Sounds like a hot mess to deal with." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Ryunoske sighed, more red-green smoke escaping her lips. "That's the part I'm not sure about. Maybe the Lifebringers just have a habit of making a mess of everything? They're all total weirdos, and that's saying a lot coming from me," she chuckled. "Whatever the case, these guys usually just gather a bunch of people with powers and try to use them for their own gain. They're nothing good or worth fighting, really." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh yeah? What happened in that thing you were last time?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Well, that's a story and a half," Ryunoske chuckled as she took in another whiff of her cigarette. "They sent us an invitation for a tournament of sorts, with the winner getting a prize of whatever they wanted. Turns out it was just some cult trying to gain more power so the leader could revive his dead wife or something. How pathetic," she smiled with a shake of her head. "Seems like none of the workers really knew that was going to happen, however. The guy running the show was a selfish bastard who only cared about what benefited himself. Albanes, the Lifebringer I spoke to, Yeonaixho was her father in the world I'm from." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Huh, wild..." Seki hummed and frowned slightly. They finished the braid by tying the end of the ribbon around it, hoping it would hold better now. "Did many people die that time?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Ryu thought for a moment before shrugging her shoulders. "As far as I'm aware, only a couple of the people under Yeonaixho died on the boat taking us home.. and then I guess there was a couple others who didn't make it, but nothing too drastic," he answered. "Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if that whole island went James Town after we left though. Again, that Yeonaixho bastard only cared about his own goals. The workers there all blindly trusted him despite it." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Hmm, I dunno where James Town is or what that means, but I guess nothing good. That's a relief not many people died, though. Maybe we'll be that lucky as well, although, I dunno how we're getting out of here. Apparently this place is in a different world entirely, or something." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Oh, right. You're not from around humans.. uh, basically, James Town was this super big cult and at the end, they all drank poisoned cool-aid so they could 'ascend', or whatever the hell religious people think happens when they die." Leave it up to Ryu to explain things horribly. "We're apparently on some 'plane' that the Lifebringers make, their own dimension. I think the only way out would be to either kill the Lifebringers, or force them to take us back home." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, yikes", Seki's ears lowered with a disgusted and distressed expression. "Hm, I tried the latter, but it didn't work... And that Naiyta said that if it died, this place and everyone in it would disappear", Seki said, tail twisting restlessly. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Ryu took in another whiff of smoke before replying. "I'm willing to take the risk of killing Naiyta. It's them or us," he shrugged. "And besides, if they want us to die so bad, it'd be fun to take them with us," Ryu grinned. "Regardless, it's going to be a pain in the ass. The Lifebringer is like that." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Mhm..." Seki hummed in reply, looking into the water with distant eyes, brows slightly scrunched and ears lower. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

She glanced at Seki out of the corner of her eye, before turning back towards the pool of water ahead of them. "Well, enough of that depressing shit. Tell me about yourself, old fox. You look like you got a story to tell," Ryu hummed. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki's ear flicked, and their tail picked up its movement again. "A story? How about a hundred?" they chuckled, turning to smile to Ryu. "Currently I live a very comfy, peaceful life with my husband and two kids. I work as a youth worker, helping kids that have it difficult to live in a society and all that, and my hubby is a guard in the Imperial Palace", Seki said, and chuckled, realizing how silly their jobs sounded next to each other like that. "I have a... very colorful past, but I don't know how to put that shortly without really diminishing important details", they hummed, stroking their chin. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Hm, a fox with a happy family and husband, and a seemingly stable career. Seki was honestly.. pretty normal. Much more normal than some of the humans Ryu had met. It was kinda nice not meeting someone insane for once. "Ah, sounds like you have a lovely home life. And hey, who doesn't have a kind of whacky past?" He chuckled. "How old are your kids, old fox?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki nodded. "It's gotten really chill and nice in the recent years. Really feel like I finally made it to where I want to be. Hmm, Song is almost 7-years-old, and Hoshi is nearly just hatched... little guy..." Seki smiled softly, looking at the water, light reflecting into his eyes and making them sparkle. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Song and Hoshi.. cute names. And awh, they're just little babies. I remember when my sisters were still toddlers. Cutest little shits," Ryu chuckled. "How'd you and your husband meet, Seki? I imagine that's a tale and a half to tell." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah", Seki sighed. "Never thought I'd want kids, but here we are. Love them to bits." "Hmm, yeeahh, that is a bit of a story. He was my assigned personal guard when I was living in his country, at the palace", they chuckled. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Sometimes, life just happens to ya. I'm glad to see it's all worked out for ya though," Ryu mused. Though, she did raise a brow at Seki at their next comment. "Your personal guard..? Ohhhh, I'm hearing a juicy story. Are you some kind of royalty? Abandoning your duty to be with the one you love?" Ryu teased. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki snickered. "Well, my dad is kind of a hot shot, but not royalty, nah. Hm... I was a prisoner in the palace, although they avoided calling me that. I was a 'guest', so I had nice accommodations, and some freedom, but I had to be accompanied by a guard anytime I went outside my rooms. I got more freedoms overtime but yeah. That's how we met." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"A prisoner..? In a palace?" Ryu repeated in a confused tone. "Hm.. how interesting. It must of sucked always having to have a babysitter around, but at least you liked one enough to marry em," she chuckled. "How long has it been since you finally got out of that shit hole?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki nodded. "It was a... very special arrangement", they cleared their throat, rubbing the back of their neck. "I was exiled, and in my condition ‒ I was really depressed and kinda suicidal ‒ my family was really worried what'd happen to me if I was sent to like, a remote lighthouse island or something. But my sister had become really good friends with the princess of this country, Empire of the Nine Sisters, so she managed to arrange me a place from the palace. Of course it meant I needed to prove I was not a threat, before they could start giving me more freedom, but yeah. "Riki's position was also very unique. He wasn't just my guard, but also kind of my mentor and helped me to learn about their culture and to feel more at home et cetera. We didn't know it at that time, but they specifically chose him to be my guard, even though he was still rather inexperienced, because he was friendly and about my age, so they thought he would make me feel more welcome. He did", Seki chuckled, "though it took me a long time to develop any romantic feelings." "I was pardoned uhhh.... a bit over ten years ago? Maybe fifteen? I moved back to Ninjago soon after with Riki." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Ryunsoke listened to Seki quietly, only giving nods or small hums to show he was still following along. It seemed like Seki and their husband had a pretty extensive past. It was honestly kinda sweet, if Ryu wanted to think about it more. "Huh.. that's actually really nice.. how you two ended up together. Strange how life ends up the way it is sometimes. It seems like you and your husband were both there for each other in the right time," Ryu replied with a small, but genuine smile. "If you don't mind me being nosy, what exactly did you do to get exiled..? Must be pretty serious if you had to be held somewhere, even if it was a palace that was your jailcell." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah, definitely. It's not an overstatement to say he saved my life", Seki returned the smile with a fond, reminiscing one with a hint of melancholy. "Ah, well. Hm. I..." Seki rubbed the back of their neck, and face, averting their gaze and their tail squirmed. "I... pretty much broke almost every law you can think of. Caused... a lot of damage to a lot of people... I don't like talking about that too much... I was a different person, then. Lost in the sauce, literally." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

There was a slight pang in Ryu's chest as she saw the look on Seki's face. She didn't want to put a name to the feeling, so she ignored it and took another whiff of her cigarette instead. "How sweet. Though, I get having regrets about your past actions. It can be hard looking back on it, so don't stress yourself out, old fox. It worked out in the end, that's all that matters." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"That's what he says as well, but it's easy to say. I try to remind myself that I wasn't really myself back then, and that I'm doing what I can to make things better now. It doesn't fix the past but... it's all I can do now." Seki took a deep breath and sighed. "Well! That's enough of me for now. What about you? You look like an interesting person as well. You have beautiful patterns. I assume they're tattoos?" Seki smiled again. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Doing what you can to make things better... That was a nice sentiment, Ryu supposed. Better than whatever the hell she was. Hearing Seki's compliment, Ryu chuckled and shifted a bit to show off his back. "Why, thank you. And yes, you'd be correct, my silvery fox. Humans don't exactly have fur or patterns, we just got some squishy flesh cages. I just happened to spend a good chunk of cash on all of my designs," she mused and flexed some of her muscles to show the extent of the patterns. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Whoaa..." Seki admired the tattoos, smiling in appreciation. "That's so cool! I couldn't get anything that detailed... at least anywhere where my fur wasn't very thin, and that'd be a huge pain", she laughed. "Damn though, that must have taken ages to do!" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"It honestly wasn't very painful at all. Well, the ones around my abdomen were the worst, I guess. Not enough fat to distribute the pain," Ryu chuckled as she turned back to face Seki. "It took over eight sessions to get all of them done, and I had to switch artists half way through," she said with a dramatic sigh. "Never date your tattoo artist. They might try to get you some weird blood disease because you dumped them." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh yeah?" Seki tilteed their head curiously, and then laughed surprised. "Sheesh! Talk about petty. But I don't notice any style differences, so your second one seems to have matched the first one well", they nodded. "I don have tattoos, but I have stripes!" Seki smiled, pointing at the couple of white marks on their bare arms, and then turned slightly. Their toga was draped over only one shoulder, so they could easily pull the fabric out of the way a bit to show the white stripes on their back. There was also some white, fluffy fur on their scapulae, covering the shorter gray fur. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"My second artist kinda specializes in this sorta stuff, so I'll let them know that a cool silver fox thought their art was cool," Ryu smiled. As Seki showed off her stripes, Ryu's smile brightened. "Woah! Wicked cool, old fox. I bet you're quite the looker in your world," she teased with a playful wink. "Got that whole rugged but cool vibe goin' on with ya." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki grinned and flashed a thumbs-up when Ryu promised to pass on his compliment. Seki smirked playfully with their tongue slightly stuck out again "Thank you~! Heheh, I might be, but when I was young I used to be reeeal pretty." They sat on the edge of the pool and extended one leg gracefully above it, leaned back, tilting their head up, and flicked their braid over their shoulder elegantly, eyes closed in a radiant, charming smile. The movement was playfully exaggerated, and Seki chuckled while retreating her leg back to a normal sitting position. "I'd also say that you're quite the charmer yourself. I bet you have girls swarming around you wherever you go?" they chuckled. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske (edited)

Ryu chuckled along with Seki, eyeing her over with a knowing smile. "Used to be? I'd argue you're still as pretty as ever, sly fox," she mused, the smoke in the air flickering from the bud of her cigarette. "And shucks. You flatter me, Seki. I wouldn't say I'm a charmer. More of a... lady's man, is all," Ryunoske faintly smirked. "Some girls just can't help but be enthralled. I'm sure you understand." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Why thank you! That's so sweet!" Seki grinned happily, putting a hand coyly to their chest and slapping Ryu's arm softly with the silky tassel at the tip of their tail. Seki giggled. "Yeah, I can imagine. You said you had some of your friends here?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Ryu chuckled, quite amused. Seki's tail was pleasantly soft, so she allowed their touch to stay. "I do. At least, I think I do. Albanes told me a few familiar names when I asked if anyone else from my world was here. Valerie is an old work friend, and Enya is someone I met on that other cult island I told you about. I really gotta catch up with them and see if they're here on the same timeline. There's someone else here who I'm familiar with.. but he's from a year in the future. To me, it's only been about five days." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, wack. That's cool though that you have buddies here. I heard a rumor we might have some fancy party coming up, so maybe you'll get to dance them, or some other ladies", they chuckled. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Ryu raised an interested brow. "A fancy party? Now that's more my style. I party at least twice a night back home," she chuckled. "I'm sure my girls would enjoy a nice night to dance. It's a nice distraction from, yknow—," Ryu gestured, "—all this. You dance, old fox?"@Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Haha, you're just like me as a teen", Seki grinned and tilted their head, looking ar Ryu, not thinking about the fact that maybe a teen shouldn't be going to nightclubs in the first place. "Oh, do I? Do I dance? If my old bones allow, I'll be destroying the fance floor!" They stood up and stretched. "Hmm, I doubt they play any good music, though." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Oh, I've been like this since I was a kid. I'm sure I'll keep goin' like it till I croak too," Ryunoske chuckled. "Ohhh~ I'll be looking forward to seeing your moves then, old fox. I'll drag you to the dance flloor myself if you don't," she teased. "Though, what's 'good music' to you? Old jazz and slow r&b won't cut it here, probably." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Hehee, I'll take you up on that promise if nobody else asks me to dance, though I will dance alone if I have to", Seki laughed lightly. "Oh, I like fast music, energetic music, it doesn't matter too much what genre, but rock, pop, metal, anything between those tend to be my faves. Electric and acoustic, all goes, heh. I doubt they play any of that either. Some classic and traditional music can be fun too, though. That's probably more of these guys' style." They shook out their legs to get the blood flowing and muscles relaxed after sitting down. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Awh, don't be like that. Everyone knows dancing with a group or partner is the most fun," she teased. "Or hey, maybe you'll make some older friends here who like to dance too. Who knows," Ryu shrugged. Ryu stretched a bit as she saw Seki do the same, slowly exhaling. "Mmm. Seems like we got similar taste then. Slow music can be nice too, but it really kills the mood when things are supposed to be fun," she agreed. "I can imagine this place doesn't quite believe in 'fun' however. The last Lifebringer cult was an absolute snore fest." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Heh, maybe! I haven't met many others yet, so I don't know if there's folks around my age. Well, apart from the Lifebringer and you, I've only met our team leader." Seki fixed their fit a bit, adjusting the fabric, hair and earrings in thought. "Yeah I agree. Oh, heh, I suppose cults aren't known for being 'fun', are they?" Seki turned to smile at Ryu, @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Ryu raised a curious brow. "Our team leader..? Oh, right, we have one of those. I assume we're on the.. what was it? The snakes or something? Stupid name," she hummed. "What's our so called leader like?" "And hey. If cults really wanted membership, they should be making it as fun as possible. What's the point of a boring cult?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah, snakes, apparently. Well they are a snake person, so probably that's where the name comes from. They were pretty nice! Definitely nicer than the Lifebriner bitch. They helped me when I was having troubles adjusting to the new dimension. Definitely a cult follower, though", Seki nodded, and folded their arms lightly across their abdomen. "See, you get it! But I guess it's just the tradition of cults having to be obscure and 'peaceful' or whatever. Except then there are the evil violent cults. Though all cults are evil I guess. I dunno", he shrugged. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske (edited)

Amidst their conversation, there's someone who lingers at the entrance of the ruins for only a moment, before continuing on further into the pool house. [A fox of some sorts and a woman- both on the Snake side.] With a quiet hiss, Ace lowers himself to sit somewhere in the shadows, not too far off from the pool. While he had no intentions of going in, it still was soothing just being nearby. [Albanes and that hiker, and those two other...names. Per- and Kal-; could they be one of the other incarnations of the Lifebringer? He only knew three of the seven. At least Albanes was a bit more...amicable than Naiyta was. No libraries, no archives, no. Nothing. Darcy knew about the Lifebringer- perhaps he could ask him?] Their attention shifts for a split second at the mention of their leader. So they were a snake person. Darcy's theory was correct. [...Were the competitors going up against the other 'teams'? He'd fold in an instant if he went up against that incredibly jacked woman. Oh, yeah. He'd definitely fold. Instantly. Good bye prize.] "I need a smoke," Ace mutters, dragging a hand down their face. Everything feels sore now. That...smell from over there isn't particularly helping. [Was the smoke red. Green.] @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"A snake person..?" Ryu repeated. "Like.. they were fully a snake, scales and all or? At least they sound pleasant. Can't say that much about any of the previous cult people." Ryu's smoke flickered once again as she heard someone else enter the pool area, and she turned to look at them. "Nah, all cults are pretty much evil. Taking advantage of people and using their means for selfish purposes. Can't fuck with those kinds of things," Ryu hummed. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"At least I think so. They had the snake tail and fangs. Otherwise looked pretty much like a human, though", Seki nodded, and looked at Ryu up and down like comparing her to Reagan. "Oh yeah. Nasty stuff. We had a particularly nasty one when I was a baby", Seki hummed, and their ear ticked to the sound of a new person. They looked over at the person, taking note of them before looking back at Ryu again. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Huh.." Ryu simply commented. "Sounds like they're kinda a mix between human and animal. Interesting." She turned back towards Seki and gave her a curious look. "You were in a cult??" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah, could be, if you guys crossbreed like that", they shrugged. Who was he to judge? He didn't know how humans worked. "Who, me? No!" Seki laughed. "No, there was this Overlord cult when I was just hatched. They kindaaa.... killed me. So anyway, they wanted to take over the world and basically have the devil rule over it. They killed a looot of people, and destroyed a lot of property and stuff. But then my sister killed it off. End of story." Seki clasped their paws together. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske (edited)

"As far as I know, humans can't breed with animals. That's just... gross," Ryu said with a shiver. As Seki spoke about this Overlord cult, Ryu's expression shifted to that of confusion, then disbelief. "What..?" Very smart words, Ryu. "You died? I'm assuming you came back to life considering I'm talking to you, but.. what? And your sister just.. killed the devil?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Huh. Then I dunno how that happened", they shrugged again. "Yeah, about a ten years later a lot of us got resurrected", Seki nodded. "She did. It wasn't easy, though. But she got blessed by Lord Arceus, so I guess that gave her enough power. I was too small to remember, and she doesn't like talking about it", Seki hummed. "But yeah, that was a pretty nasty cult." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

And Ryunoske thought her time with a cult was weird. "Huh.. okay," came Ryu's easy acceptance of Seki's circumstances. "Hopefully you don't die because of this cult too. That'd suck," he commented. Ryu's cigarette finally flickered out and she pulled the butt of what was left out of her mouth. "Damn.. done already? Sorry, old timer, but I'm gonna be heading out to find another light again. Can't go too long without these," Ryu hummed as he started getting up on his feet. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"That would suck. Especially since we don't have Lord Arceus and its angels here to resurrect me", Seki hummed, their tail swishing and ears lowering slightly, though their expression remained fairly neutral. "Yeah, no worries. I'll get going as well. It was nice talking with ya! Hopefully I didn't weird you out too bad with that cult story." They chuckled apologetically. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske (edited)

Ryu smiled and she shrugged her shoulders. "Nah, don't sweat it, old fox. I dig the weirdness," he replied with a playful wink before walking off. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Ryu smiled and she shrugged her shoulders. "Nah, don't sweat it, old fox. I dig the weirdness," he replied with a playful wink before walking off. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki chuckled and waved, before walking his own way as well.

After wandering the paths for who-knows-how-long, Leo stumbled into the swimming pool, almost surprised it was empty. Not that it really mattered, for at least for a few moments he wouldn’t have to deal with any chance encounters… …He found a spot shielding himself from any stray light, then set down his parasol, his scythe following soon after. He removed his shoes next, opting to keep his robe on for now- for better or worse. With all that out of the way, he dipped his foot in the water- then his other upon deciding the temperature was alright- until he’d slowly lowered himself into the pool using the steps, walking deeper until the water reached his knees. His was back turned to the entrance and his belongings, and he was unaware if anyone was to enter. @Gab || Armand 🐠|Zhi-Yin 🌬

Zhi-Yin silently glided between areas, finding his way through the citadel with a strange ease. As he did so, he took the environment in as best he could. However he wasn't exactly watching where he was going. Luckily he noticed as his foot hovered over the edge of the water. "Ah-" He staggered backwards, making sure to steady his feet as his clutch on the clay tablet strenghtened. That was close. He was so close to being freed the embarrassment of what just happened if it wasn't for the very very pale man standing in the water. @Morgan | Clove 🦇 + Leo 🩸 |

Leo’s head whipped around as he met the eyes of the man that had wandered in. The corners of his mouth twitched in amusement. “You seem… graceful.” his body now turned to face the man, and he took a few steps toward the edge of the pool. “What brings you here?” @Gab || Armand 🐠|Zhi-Yin 🌬

Zhi-Yin staggered back a bit, his face flushed with embarrassment. "I- uhhhh" He was unsure what to say. There was something strange about the man, but... there was nothing immediately alarming. "I wasn't going anywhere in particular. Just taking in the scenery. I didn't seem to take it in well enough, though." He chuckles weakly, looking towards the stranger. @Morgan | Clove 🦇 + Leo 🩸 |

Leo grinned, putting his fanged teeth on display. “Hm, cat got your tongue?” he took a slow step towards Zhi-Yin, his crimson eyes fixed on the other man. “I’m a little hurt that you didn’t see me right away!” he held a hand to his heart as he let out a laugh. “But then again, I didn’t see you, so I suppose we’re even, stranger.” @Gab || Armand 🐠|Zhi-Yin 🌬

(Do you wanna bubble this so the bois can go to the gala? @Morgan | Clove 🦇 + Leo 🩸 | )

(Yeah! That works!! @Gab || Armand 🐠|Zhi-Yin 🌬)

The announcement during the gala had, in Enya’s opinion, rather ruined the mood. She supposed this whole thing had to start eventually, but still—one name that she recognized was one too many, much less six, and the fights being in a random order too… It was a lot to take in. Once the gala had seemed to be wrapping up she’d left and headed back towards the hallway where her room was, glad to finally take off the mask along the way. Being in the open feels too exposed, though she’s too antsy to think about sleeping so eventually her pace slows the closer she gets. After a brief moment of indecision, she turns and heads for the pool. Sighing to herself as she sits down along the shallow edge, Enya pulls her shoes off and dangles her feet in the water, robes hiked up to her knees in an admittedly half-effort attempt at keeping them dry. It’s been a long day. @Cap | Eremurus + Valerie

Two pairs of sandals sit side by side along the walkway. Two figures sit side by side along the edge of the pool, feet in the water. It's quiet. They're quiet. (It takes note of the competitor sitting down at the pool as well, but doesn't say anything else. The water ripples.) Ace's fingers tangle loosely in Ellie's hair as she leans up against his shoulder. The side of his head rests lightly atop hers, though from this angle, his shoulder's already starting to ache. It clutches onto their hand as best as it can, soaking in the warmth from their presence. (Their presence. They're really here.) "It's getting late," he says, for no reason in particular. He's still staring into the pool, unmoving and still. "it is," she quietly responds. She squeezes his hand a little tighter. It's getting late. (She feels each individual breath drawn into his chest. She wants to remember that feeling on the wind.) [They can't heal her here. They can't help her here.] "...did. you want to go back inside?" "Ha. No." [We wouldn't be able to see each other otherwise.] "I just wanted to mention it." "hm," Ellie hums, content with just sitting here with him for the time being. "alright, then." (Thinking of the future- their future makes her nauseous. Best not to think about it for now.)

As Enya hung around the pool, her tablet would blink to life. Valerie: Enya! Are you busy rn? Where are you? I need to see you and we need to catch up. Valerie stared down at the tablet anxiously await a response. God she hoped Enya was okay and wasn't in any danger, that would be the last thing she wanted for her friend. It had been some time since they last saw one another, huh? A few months..? Weeks? She wasn't sure if she was honest, all that she knew as that Enya was here. Hopefully some other famailar faces she knew were here to and they could work together again. Girl power, style. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

The tablet—shit, Enya’d totally forgotten about the tablet. It blinks from the makeshift pocket she’d wrestled into her robes and she wrangles it back out with a muffled curse. The other two on the opposite side seem like they’re having a moment, and she doesn’t want to interrupt something like that. Her eyes light up at the message on the screen, and she hurries to reply: Come to the pool!! (She pauses, then adds another exclamation mark. That doesn’t seem desperate. Surely not. She hopes.) Near the entrance to our rooms, she adds. We’re in the same hallway! @Cap | Eremurus + Valerie

Valerie: On my way! With that, Valerie was off and to the pool! She soon arrived and looked around, blinking her eyes a few times. Her nose scrunched up slightly at the smell of chlroine but she decided to ignore it and moved towards her friend, joining her and sitting down. "Enya! You're still as good looking as ever." She smiled. "It's great to see you again!" @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Enya startles slightly but it’s gone in an instant, quickly replaced by a warm smile. She doesn’t look too different since the island or perhaps since they’d met after that, but the one stark change is the burns that stretch across her shoulder and down her arm, made partially visible by the makeshift halter top she’d fashioned her robes into. “Val—! Thanks, you too,” she says with a small laugh before, after a moment of hesitation, pulling the other into a tight hug that lasts just a little longer than typical. As nice as it is to see a welcome familiar face, the circumstances are….upsetting, to say the least. @capisnotonfire (edited)

em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Enya startles slightly but it’s gone in an instant, quickly replaced by a warm smile. She doesn’t look too different since the island or perhaps since they’d met after that, but the one stark change is the burns that stretch across her shoulder and down her arm, made partially visible by the makeshift halter top she’d fashioned her robes into. “Val—! Thanks, you too,” she says with a small laugh before, after a moment of hesitation, pulling the other into a tight hug that lasts just a little longer than typical. As nice as it is to see a welcome familiar face, the circumstances are….upsetting, to say the least. @capisnotonfire (edited)

@Cap | Eremurus + Valerie (want 2 make a thread?)

@em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫 (yea! Works for me!)

Reagan was by the pool again, sitting hesitantly at its side. At least, they weren't covered in blood anymore, and were wearing fresh clothes- ones that covered their arms better. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Two tired young men stumbled here, one of which clearly injured, and still kinda damp for some reason. "Oh, Sa-, um, uh... Ree.... gun? Hello. We could use some help here.. Do you have a first aid kit?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Thankfully, Aarni was strong enough to help drag Invo here. He looked around the unfamiliar area with some distrust, as well as the person Aarni spoke to. He remained quiet and said nothing. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh- oh, wow- of course I can help." Reagan perked up in alarm, and guided Aarni and Invo over to the shade where they could rest. "I'm not a medic- if you really need help, I can get the Lifebinger." @Twig | Seki / Aarni @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Thank you, it's alright", Aarni sighed as he helped Invo sit and sat down as well. "We just need something to treat the burns. We would rather not bother the Lifebringers, if that's okay", Aarni explained. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"No Lifebringer," Invo huffed, but said nothing more as he glared at the ground. "If you can just give me a first aid kit, I can do it myself." @Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Alright." Reagan nodded. "I'll have to go get the supplies, you two wait here." They left towards one of the nearby citadel buildings... @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Alright, thakns", Aarni nodded to Reagan before they left. Then, he turned towards Invo. "How're you holding up?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo shifted his weight a bit as he watched Reagan leave. "I'll live," he simply replied. He turned back towards Aarni and gave him a discern look. "...You were going to call that person a different name. Why is that?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

(yall can continue for a bit while Reagan's out)

"That bad, huh?" Aarni joked with almost a poker face, the corner of his mouth just slightly quirking. "Oh, they remind me of someone else I knew. Sadihak. They were on that island with that tournament I told you. I wonder if they're related.." Aarni mused, and looked over to where Reagan had left. (edited)

11:52 AM

@Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo hummed a bit as he listened to Aarni. "Hm.. you all are certainly cursed by the Lifebringer, in that case," he commented. "Even family being brought into a place like this... You're very unlucky." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah... I honestly think Naiyta might have brought me here to mess with Albanes' feelings, but I don't know. What connection the rest of the guys have, that were in that other tournament, then? I have no idea. Hm. Maybe the Lifebringer couldn't think of any other people", Aarni hummed and shrugged, shifting into a more relaxed pose. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"The Lifebringer is fickle.. Perhaps it simply thought it would be humorous to torture the same souls again and again until it's bored," Invo shrugged. "..Now where is that servant. They're taking a long time just to grab first aid." @Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan returned just as Invo was speaking about them. "I'm back! I'm sorry, I had to go all the way to the refectory to find one with burn cream in it." They had with them a small leather case, which they handed to Invo. "There you go- I know you mentioned wanting to take care of it yourself." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Thank you", Aarni smiled to Reagan on Invo's behalf. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

1:01 PM

@Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo grumbled some inaudible words as he took the case from Reagan. He finally detached himself from Aarni and dragged himself to the ground away from the poolside. With another small grunt, he started on bandaging himself and applying the cream on his wounds. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan let Invo tend to his own wounds, he seemed like the kind of guy who didn't want help unless he deliberately asked for it. Instead, they turned to Aarni, "Can I help you two with anything else?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Mm, I don't think so. Thanks for the first aid stuff, again," Aarni replied to Reagan with a slight smile and nodded. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo, of course, was ignoring the conversation as he patched himself up. By the time he was done, any skin that wasn't already covered was layered with bandages. He seemed a bit agitated by the uncomfortable feeling of fabric against his wounds, but overall, fine. "Here," he said as he handed back Reagan the supplies they had given him. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Of course." Reagan nodded. They took back the first aid kit back from Invo. "Well, if that's all you need, I should get going. I have some business to attend to." @Twig | Seki / Aarni @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Mhm, don't let us keep you." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo simply nodded. He didn't care if Reagan left or not. Actually, he'd prefer if they did. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan waved goodbye, mostly to Aarni, and left. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Aarni returned the wave, and turned towards Invo. "Are you good now?" he asked in a casual tone. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo watched Reagan leave, making sure they left before turning back to Aarni. "I'll live," he said again as he flexed his bandaged fingers. He sorta just... stares at Aarni for a moment, before slightly turning his head away. "I suppose you are not that much of a fool. Though, helping a possible enemy is still close to it," Invo said with a somewhat embarrassed look. This was probably the closest Aarni would get as a thank you from him. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Hm?" Aarni cocked an eyebrow, not really catching that this was a thank-you. "Thanks? Try to stay out of fights going forward, I guess." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo shifted his gaze and huffed. "We're here to literally fight. I don't think I will be avoiding much," he grumbled. "Who exactly is your opponent? Do you know?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah, but getting hurt before your match isn't ideal", Aarni rebutted. Then he sighed. "Kallum..." he replied haplessly. "Don't you know who your opponent is? There's a list in the hallway." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo didn't recognize the name Aarni gave, but judging from his tone, it seemed like it was somebody he knew. "My opponent's name is Lacey. I don't know what they look like or who they are, though," Invo shrugged. "Doesn't matter. I'll win either way." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"He's one of the people from the island. We are friends, normally, but.. this version of him is from another timeline where he was never on the island. He doesn't know me." "Oh, I don't know who Lacy is either", Aarni replied. He didn't comment on Invo's confident declaration. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske (edited)

Invo raised a brow as he stared at Aarni. "Will you be able to fight him?" He asked in earnest. "You'll die if you don't." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni let out a deep sigh, his shoulders dropping a bit. He didn't seem like he was fully made his peace with his fight. "I know... Albanes said there's a way to win without fighting, but even so, the loser dies... I'm", he gulped, and took a breath, remembering what Albanes had said to him, "I'm going to do my best.." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo watched Aarni carefully, taking in his tone before shaking his head. "You're going to hesitate," he simply commented. "If this other person doesn't know you, he won't hesitate to beat you. You should want to live," Invo said with a more serious expression. Again, it was an odd way of saying things, but it was Invo's way of trying to cheer on Aarni. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"I know... I want to live, of course. This is all just so... difficult", he sighed. "I will do my best, I will. I just wish it was easier." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo blinked and his stare traveled down to the water of the swimming pool. "Killing isn't easy. I know," Invo started. "But living is more important. Have you ever killed anyone before?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni's expression shifted into something less anxious, slightly surprised and curious, when Invo started. When he asked his question, the blonde's brows scrunched sternly. "Never", he declared in a voice that indicated he was proud of the fact, and averse of the idea. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

(shall we bubble this or?)

Twig | Seki / Aarni

(shall we bubble this or?)

(We can if you'd like! We can get in a few more replies but invo would go watch the match, especially since aarni is right there lol)

Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

(We can if you'd like! We can get in a few more replies but invo would go watch the match, especially since aarni is right there lol)

(ok! it can be a v short continuation but ye :3 ima go sleep now tho `xD )

Darcy wandered around the citadel, eventually ending up at the pool. He definitely didn't feel like swimming, but it was pretty nice just to hang out beside it, especially since it was getting hotter out. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

He had some time to chill alone, until he'd hear footsteps approaching. Seki followed Darcy's scent to the swimming pool, and smiled tiredly when they saw him. "Oh, hey Darcy! I've been looking for you." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Seki's presence startled Darcy a bit. "Oh! Sorry, I didn't see you there. Uh- you were looking for me?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Ah, shucks. Naw I'm sorry I scared ya. Can't help being big and intimidating, though", Seki smiled apologetically. "Yeah. I talked to Roman, as I promised." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy's brow creased in a worried furrow. "And? What did he say?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Well, first off, he was in a really bad shape when I found him. Lying in the rain in tattered clothes, or practically naked, bruised and scraped, and too weak to move or talk on his own. I had to bring him indoors and make sure he was dry and warm before I could even be sure he was awake enough to hear me", Seki sighed. "Now, I wanna be upfront with you. He was about to starve to death, so I did let him drink my blood. If that means you no longer want to talk with me, I'll leave immediately, but I promise he did not send me, or give me any sort of commands. He did actually feel bad for doing dirty to you, and he promised he wouldn't control me. All I have is his word, sure, but after talking with him and seeing what state he was in, I trust him enough." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy seemed to only grow more concerned as Seki went on. "Mhm. I see. Okay." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki nodded, happy Darcy didn't immediately run away or start yelling at them. They sat down by the pool and dipped their feet into it. "Yeah. So for starters, he said if you can convince Ace to take part of your punishment, you can split it in half between you two. He had negotiated that with Naiyta. He said he felt bad about you being punished too. And that Naiyta barred him from taking people into his blood dimension anymore." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh." Darcy paused. "Do you think Ace would agree to that? I mean- hm." He frowned. "I guess it's good he can't take people into the blood dimension." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"You tell me. I haven't met this Ace. And yes, it's pretty good he can't take people there anymore. It sounds nasty", Seki took a breath and lightly kicked their feet in the water. "Anywhose. His and Naiyta's relationship is preeetty toxic, to say the least. It did something real bad to Roman last night, and I can only guess what it was, but he doesn't want to be its boyfriend anymore.. though he can't exactly just stop it now that it's got its nasty claws around his throat. However, he is more interested in getting us safely home now. He told about a ghost that lives in the temple. Its son apparently killed Naiyta before. You know anything about that?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

"It is nasty." Darcy nodded. He only grew more worried looking- if that was even possible- as Seki went on. "Oh- that's- mhm. That's rough. My friend told me about a ghost that lives in the temple- Raikal or Rakin or something- that used to be Naiyta's partner, but Naiyta killed them. Maybe that's the same person?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah, that's probably it. You know more about Loucari history than I do. Do you know how that guy... Anore? Managed to kill Naiyta?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

"Anore... like in Anore Xa Ilftaidos, the second Lifebringer? I guess he might've killed Naiyta." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Mhm, I think that's it. We thought if we could find his statue we could ask him. Only you understand what the ghosts say, so would you be up to that?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ask him how he killed Naiyta? Or something else?" Darcy asked. "Either way, I can check it out. I don't know where his statue would be, though. I've only found the one of Iydelan... maybe it's close by to hers, since she was right after him?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah. We need something to defeat Naiyta with. Although, if it's true that this whole place will poof with us in it if they die, that's not going to save us. And I think Kairas said something about the same method not working on them since they're already dead, but... no harm in asking? Maybe he knows some other weaknesses of Naiyta's", Seki looked at Darcy in contemplation. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. We need all the advice we can get, and who better to ask than the guy who killed them in the first place..." Darcy agreed, and spaced out a bit. "I could've sworn I knew of some other people who killed the Lifebringer..." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"I wouldn't be too surprised. They kinda seem like the type that would have a lot of enemies", Seki mused. They sloshed their feet in the pool and spoke quietly. "Hm... I heard there could be another way to get rid of Naiyta, but I don't honestly fully understand it myself. If Naiyta were to turn fully a god, they might lose their interest in us. But that's just a theory. And how would we turn it into a full god? I dunno. It would need to that itself I think, so by manipulation or mind control I guess, but that'd be risky." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

"Oh! I remembered. It was Jymaiyri Ke Naido, she killed the Lifebringer back in the Lily Wars. That was actually kind of recent... but there's a few others I think happened- Iydelan, Saiytsa, and Ttakeqeri were all assassinated." "Huh.... could they even be turned into more of a god? I was under the impression they were about as high up the chain as someone could go... and making them more powerful seems like a bad idea." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah? Hmm, not impossible, then", Seki mused, and continued kicking their feet in the water. "Maybe they could also tell something useful..." "Hmm, I really don't know. It's just some speculation I heard. I didn't know it's not fully a god either, although to me it's been but a bitch this whole time. Would you think a mortal can make a god bleed? Well, I did. I don't have so high thoughts on it. Making it more powerful does sound stupid to me too, but I guess someone thought it could work. I dunno though, absurd to think about", Seki shrugged. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Maybe so..." Darcy nodded. "Just because you could make them bleed doesn't mean you could kill them." Darcy frowned. "When I was at the other tournament, the man who claimed to be the Lifebringer there could bring back severed limbs. That's the kind of power we're dealing with, I think. Or maybe even more than that." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"That's not what I mean. I mean I can buy the theory of them not being fully a god yet. Although it could just be because they're in a weakened state at the moment, according to their own words. Hm, but yeah, its no mortal either, that's for sure. Couldn't ask me to grow your arm back if you lost it", Seki mused. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't want to think about what they'd be like as a full god if they aren't already one yet. Eugh." Darcy frowned. "All this god stuff is... a bit over my head, honestly." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Probably would look less like a human", Seki guessed, and looked at the ripples in the water. "Yeah, not really my forte either." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy took in a deep sigh. "Well. Do you want to go look for statues with me?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"I can, if you let me join you", Seki smiled slightly. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Sure. I mean, it might not be the most interesting to you since you can't speak Laecrish, but it'll save me the trouble of trying to find you later." Darcy shrugged, and stood up. "I'm pretty sure all the statues are out in the wilds, so let's start there." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki chuckled softly and nodded. They got up and shook water off of their feet. "Alright, let's go, then" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki chuckled softly and nodded. They got up and shook water off of their feet. "Alright, let's go, then" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy headed out for the wilds....

a ghost in the sun

naiyta isn't happy

seki and ryu

leo and zhi-yin

ace and ellie

val and enya

reagan helps invo and aarni

seki and darcy