MASKTOURN

High stone walls surround the Citadel proper. They’re not in the best state- some entire sections being knocked down by forces of weather, time, or opposing, invading forces. Thus, the wall does a pretty poor job of what it’s supposed to do. At least in spirit, it separates the interior areas of the Citadel from the more untamed, primal wilds. A last bastion between civilization and nature.

Isi was trotting along the wall. Supposedly she's looking for anything helpful, but functionally she's just trying to get her mind off things. As far as she knew there was no one else around, and she was humming a little tune lightly. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy was returning to the citadel after that... unsavory meeting with Peregrine, grumbling to himself as he did. He paused when he noticed someone by the wall ruins, but couldn't identify them from a distance. Still, he waved, and called out a polite, "Hello," @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi's ears perked up when she heard another voice along the wall. "Hello?" She called back uncertainly, her voice carried. finally spotting the figure, they were already in the direction she was going, so she simply continued trotting, squinting a little to try and make them out. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy lit up instantly, and ran over as fast as he could. "Isi? Is that you?" @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi's eyes widened when he said her name, something clicked. "Darcy?" Just that little bit of closeness and the vocal connection left little doubt in Isi's mind. she broke into a sprint instantly. "Darcy!" She practically squealed as she sped towards him. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Isi!" Darcy called out. As soon as she was close enough, he wrapped his arms tight around her in a warm hug. "Oh, Isi- it is you! I missed you so much!" He practically sobbed into her shoulder. @sketti | Isi 🦌

It was all Isi could do not to tackle the both of them over into the grass, she forgot to slow down. The result was that Isi quite literally picked Darcy up in the hug, arms around him holding tight. "Darcy! I can't believe it!" The raw relief and euphoria in her voice was clear. "Oh I missed you, I missed you" Isi repeated, quieter and with a shake to her voice, she hadn't yet let his feet touch the ground. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy let out a brief surprised yelp as Isi lifted him, though it soon dissolved into tears of joy and relieved laughter. "I missed you-, I missed you so much- it's been too long." He sighed. @sketti | Isi 🦌

Before she knew it Isi's eyes blurred and she blinked out some tears. After a few moments she lowered Darcy again, but was still holding on to him. She pulled back to smile at him, to look at him. "It has it's- I'm so glad you're here, I thought I was going crazy- I mean I wish you weren't here because, because it's this but I missed you and you're here-" she spilled out, not bothering to stop herself. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy was relieved to be back on the ground, but lingered by Isi's side. "I know- I wish we could've reunited under- really, any circumstances it these- another of these-" He sighed. "But- I really am so glad to see you again. I missed you, a lot." @sketti | Isi 🦌

She nodded, and rubbed at one of her eyes a little. "I missed you too, so much. It always feels like too long without seeing you even if it hasn't been, y'know?" She laughed. Now that her sight was cleared up a bit, a look of confusion flickered across her face, immediately followed by concern. "Darcy your arms-" she tilted her head down a little, trying to catch another glimpse under the robe sleeves when his arms were raised. "Are you alright?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy shifted his arms a bit, trying to hide them. "Oh, right, that started after our last visit..." He sighed, clearly hesitant to speak about this. "I- uh, it's not a very pleasant subject. But I'm okay. Mostly. I promise." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi's shoulders dropped, the smile returned a little in relief as if Darcy's reassurance had calmed her completely. What reason would he have to lie? They were friends, if it was anything terrible of course she'd help him, he knows that. She nodded, to let him know she believed him. It started after their last visit though, which gave her pause. "I hope it leaves as quickly as it set in, then. Also- did you lose your glasses?" She tilted her head in confusion. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah- yes, thank you." Darcy smiled weakly. "Oh- yeah, they took my glasses." He sighed. "I don't know why. They let other people here keep theirs. It's so frustrating." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi couldn't miss the weakened smile, and her ears lowered a little, but when he spoke again she just looked a tad confused and annoyed. "They- took your glasses? They weren't in your room or anything? Why would they do that-" They looked back in the direction of the main buildings, as if they could laser-direct their frustration directly at the perpetrator. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"They weren't there when I woke. None of my things were- I check the entire room." He sighed. "I can get around well enough without them, I just- hope I won't have to read anything far off." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi folded her arms. "Why your things? I had my ocarina, and the worm-" Surely if they didn't confiscate a flesh-eating worm they had no reason to take glasses. At the mention of the worm, Isi remembered all the remaining weirdness surrounding it. "oh- Oh! Darcy theres something off about this place. Like, more off than...your average death tournament" She grimaced and shook her head. "Things aren't making any sense." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"They let you keep the poisonous worm but not my glasses?" Darcy repeated, more astounded than anything. "It's another Lifebringer thing, isn't it? I, uh, figured that out." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi shook her head. "No its- I mean yes? depends on how far 'Life Bringer' thing goes." She inhaled. "Albanes is the Life Bringer, except she didn't recognize me and she had no idea what I was talking about when I mentioned our tournament- but she did recognize the worm. and she said that Yeonaixho has been dead for hundreds of years, which makes no sense." Isi moved her hands around a lot as she spoke, and she spoke fast. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Huh- hm. I spoke to Albanes, too- though I didn't recognize her at first. I met another contestant, who said he knew another version of Albanes, who had never been involved in any cult and attended a different tournament as a contestant with him... maybe that's related, but it wouldn't line up with all that... hundreds of years stuff." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi's frown deepened. However strange she found this new information, the impact was lessened by the fact that Darcy was here to give it, to steady. "That- makes everything even weirder." Her arms moved to hug herself. "All that cult stuff was around for so long, I don't see how Albanes could've ended up cult-free in some other tournament in only the two years after the first one, so there'd- have to be more than one of her if this is all right..." Isi sighed at how crazy complicated that sounded. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Right... it doesn't make much sense...." Darcy frowned. "Two years? It's been four years since the cult tournament." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi looked at Darcy, tilting her head. "Four? No- no, its been two years. I saw you at the funeral only a couple months ago, remember?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"That was over two years ago-" Darcy shook his head. "Wait- I just was talking to Peregrine, and he said it's only been a few months.... I'm inclined not to believe him, because he's Peregrine, but-" @sketti | Isi 🦌

"Peregrine's here?" Isi wrinkled her nose, but shook off the distaste to focus. "Only a few months?" She looked at the ground. "More weird time stuff, huh?" She thought back to Darcy talking about his...silvery stuff that started after their 'last visit'. That was the funeral, so whatever it is has kept up for at least 2 years? That was an easier explanation to stomach than the idea that some future Isi had visits with Darcy that this Isi doesn't know of, but also made her concern grow. Things aren't...supposed to stick around that long, are they? @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"He is. And he's still... him, so that's another thing we have to worry about." He sighed. "It seems so. But... we'll figure it out. Regardless.... I'm glad to see you again." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi remembered the last time she'd seen Darcy and Peregrine together. Eugh. She hated to think of it happening again. her face brightened at the end of Darcy's statement, however. "always glad to see you again. And with you around, I bet it'll be no trouble figuring out how to get out of here" she stated with a smile, then doubled back. "...less trouble." She had to be optimistic about how they were both here. She had to be. Part of her hoped for a moment that she might find more of her friends here, but it was killed by the remembrance of why they were here. she'd actually rather not see any more, though she promised herself she'd find them all after this was over. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

".... I hope so. I'll try to get us out." Darcy smiled hopefully. He was simply relieved he wasn't completely alone here- as awful as it was Isi was here, too, he was glad he would have her for support. "We got through the first tournament. We'll get through this one. Do you know if anyone else from our tournament is here? Other than Peregrine." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi nodded firmly in agreement. She frowned at the question. "I don't know? I've only met Albanes and a woman named Kyrie, she was nice- but if you, me, and Peregrine are here there's probably more of us, right?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hmmmm.... Kyrie, that sounds like a Corvi name. More birds, it seems." Darcy hummed. "That seems likely. I think I saw Enya's name when I was going through the hallway earlier, so she might be here." @sketti | Isi 🦌

"Yeah! She is corvi, she's a crow! She did a fly-around of the island for me, just to see what we're working with." Isi nodded at the mention of Enya. She just hopes theres no hard feelings about the fight but, yknow. "I can try and meet some more people, look around." Isi frowned. "I know Yuga's not here, haven't been able to find him, or smell him anywhere." She seemed very not enthused about that fact. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, wow. Usually you just see Jays around." Darcy hummed. "I can too. I've met three people already, not counting Peregrine- Aarni, Ace and Asha, but none of them attended our tournament. Aarni is the one who said he knew Albanes, and Asha said she also attended a tournament. Maybe the majority of the people here went to other tournaments, and not just ours." He thought. "I hope Yuga will be safe on his own.... he's a good survivor, though." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi smiled, imagining a Corvi with the wings of a jay. It sounded lovely. "Jays? Like bluejays? You've seen Corvi with Jay wings?" "The fact that there have been more tournaments.." Isi shook her head and sighed. "I don't know what to make of that." Her face got a little sadder and she hugged herself once more, thinking of Yuga. "He will be okay, and I'll find him the second we're out of here." She regained herself firmly. What else was she meant to do? She couldn't afford to freak out. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy nodded. "There's a family of Stellar's Jay corvi that live not far from where I do, I see them around sometimes. There's a lot of them in Verend, mostly refugees, I think." "I know. It doesn't seem probable... you'd think with so many, someone would start to notice. They have to be illegal." "He will." Darcy reassured his friend, not able to say much else. "He'll get through it, and we'll get through this." @sketti | Isi 🦌

"Maybe I can meet them when we get back. I wonder if I've talked to any Corvi before without knowing" Isi frowned in thought, thinking back to how Kyrie turned into a crow. Then, her eyebrows rose a little with curiousity. "Refugees?" She nodded at the second comment. "Hard to imagine all of them happening and never getting found out" She simply smiled briefly in agreement with the third remark about Yuga. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. Lots of Corvi are trying to leave the Loucari..." Darcy sighed. "I know, it's- it's weird to think about so many evil people coming up with exactly the same plan. I guess this one makes a bit more sense, if it's the Lifebringer again." @sketti | Isi 🦌

"Kyrie mentioned the Loucari..." Isi frowned. "I dind't know Corvi were trying to leave" she replied. "Life Bringers we know, at least. I hate the idea that theres more poeple out there who put these things on" She folded her arms. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's.... a complicated situation. And we have more important things to talk about than Corvi politics." Darcy said dismissively. "Mhm. At least, some of the other contestants will know what it's like to be in a tournament, too. And at least we aren't being lied to this time." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi frowned a bit at the dismissiveness, but supposed Darcy was right despite her own curiosity. She sighed. "last time we had a choice, but no truth. Now, we know what's happening, but we're here whether we wanted to be or not. Can't win, huh?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I think.... that's kind of the point of these. You're always loosing in some way." He sighed. @sketti | Isi 🦌

"Well whoevers really in charge is gonna lose some teeth if I have it my way." Isi stamped the ground for emphasis. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. Hopefully, they loose more than just a few teeth. For putting all of us through this again." Darcy scoffed. @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi nodded, the way her eyebrows furrowed made her anger clearer. "If there are others from our tournament here, other than Peregrine at least, I can't imagine they'll come out of this with just that, if they do at all" She laughed a little bit, ease the tension or something. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy nodded, but didn't laugh along. He decided to change the subject. "Have you been exploring this place? I think it's just cliffs all around. Might make it harder to leave..." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi didn't comment on the lack of laughter, but it did add to their growing pile of worries when it came to Darcy. Was four years really that much of a difference compared to two? He just felt less...like Isi thought she knew him to be. She thought she may be overthinking this particular instance, but the point still stood out to her. "....yeah. Kyrie did a fly-around of the island for me, she said there were sheer cliffs all around and a mountain in the middle" Isi replied, tilting her head up at the sky. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Huh...." Darcy tilted his head up. From here, he and Isi could both see the mountain towering above them, and the acropolis at its peak. "Guess we won't be taking a boat home from this one." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi frowned. "Where do you think we are? I've never looked much at the islands around Ninjago... well, except for the one from before." Isi stared at the acropolis. It looked like it might be her next destination to explore, now that she wasn't looking to clear her head. She hoped it would lead somewhere, she'd rather not have to venture down into tunnels again. She preferred thin air over thick, damp air any day. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Its a very different climate than the other island. Maybe.... the Mediterranean? Or the Central Loucari? That would make more sense, with the Lifebringer stuff. I'd think we'd have to be pretty far from any large landmasses, though. It looks like the sea goes on forever." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi pretended that Darcy's location names actually helped her out by nodding along. She looked a little unhappy at the idea of being so far from mainland. "I wish it had been a boat. I wish we weren't all just zapped." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. I agree. I wish I had the chance to tell people I was going somewhere... though, I guess if they let us, no one would come willingly." @sketti | Isi 🦌

"guess they knew better than to try and fool some of us twice." Isi rolled her eyes. She pictured her reaction to another letter invitation. She'd probably chew it up and then stomp on it or something, just for good measure. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Guess so." Darcy hummed. He glanced to the distance, and his gaze grew distant with worry. "Mhm.... I want to keep exploring, I think. Figure out... what's all going on here." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi hesitated for a second, then nodded, aware that she too was curious about the rest of the island. "better knowing more sooner rather than later, I guess." She looked fully at Darcy again. "Don't be a stranger, yeah? We're on the same side, so-" she looked at their robes. "I guess I'll see you back at the rooms." Isi wasn't sure how to word the fact that she wanted to stick closer to him in the face of impending death, saying it straight out loud felt worse. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'll see you again soon." Darcy smiled weakly, and hugged Isi one last time before parting. "Stay safe out there, Isi." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi hugged him tightly. "Only if you do" she smiled, the lightness in her tone a bit lost. In that final statement. As they parted, she tried to move her thoughts towards other things. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi hugged him tightly. "Only if you do" she smiled, the lightness in her tone a bit lost. In that final statement. As they parted, she tried to move her thoughts towards other things. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I will," Darcy echoed, and set off exploring....

Despite the overall circumstances, it really was nice out here. Enya had wandered her way outside to the high stone walls with another plate of food in hand. The walls feel kind of eerie, almost, as she picks her way among the cracks. But hey, one of the sections has crumbled into pieces enough that one is low enough to sit on, so she balances the plate on her knees as she takes a casual look around. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

used /r

# 19
Details:[d20+3 (16)]

@em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫 def please. It's just Invo's stealth lol

em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

used /r

# -1
Details:[d20-3 (2)]

GIRL.

9:55 PM

@Aj | Invo + Ryunoske well

(ENYA HOW

)

(i expected nothing less from her tbh

)

DiceParser

# -1
Details:[d20-3 (2)]

@innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs can you pin this lol

innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs pinned a message to this channel. 6/5/2024 10:44 PM

(immortalizing her girlfailureness)

(cant wait for her to immediately eat shit in her fight)

After the less than pleasant interaction with Kyrie, Invo decided to leave the theater ruins via shadow once more. He traveled a little further until he came upon more ruins—A wall of sorts. He would of stepped out of the shadow of the wall, but he noticed someone else near by. His past two interactions had been poor, so Invo had no doubt this one would also be the same. This woman seemed to be less dangerous than Kal, but she also had a peculiar aura to her. Like there was more under the surface. So... he waited to approach this time.@em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Unfortunately, Invo’s waiting wouldn’t seem to offer any useful information for him, as Enya appears utterly oblivious to the idea of anyone in the general vicinity, much less someone watching her. Seems like she’s just enjoying her food in the sun. The most interesting thing she’s done in the past however long he’s been watching is catch three grapes in a row in her mouth. Yippee. Glancing out through the cracks and crumbles in the wall, it’s all expanse of wild as far as Enya can see. Kyrie had mentioned this was an island with practically nothing nearby, so..why the walls? Why leave them in pieces if they planned to trap people here? ….Questions for after lunch, she decides—that, and looking for others too. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

used /r

# 18
Details:[d20+5 (13)]

@em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫 Def again no damage sorry Enya (edited)

em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

used /r

# 9
Details:[d20-3 (12)]

(Enya girl)

(Girlfailure)

(shes too normal for this!!!!)

Invo waited.. and waited. This stranger was painfully... plain. That would be the word he'd use to describe Enya as he watched her from the shadows. He thought all the contestants here would be interesting, but perhaps this one was the oddball. ...Or maybe she was just pretending to be normal. Kal was doing the same thing, after all. It would be better to test things out, Invo concluded. As Enya went to eat her fourth grape, she would feel a sudden tug at her feet, pulling her slightly off balance, and making the grape fall on her nose before landing on the ground. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Enya tucks her hair behind her ear before it can brush against the plate, still not noticing anything in the slightest as she settles into a more comfortable seat. She tosses another grape up, fully intending on catching it, but with a faint squawk of a yelp something grabs her and the grape splats onto the rocks. Along with about half the rest of the food. A few faint sparks fizzle out across her shoulders in surprise. Just barely managing to grab the plate and set it down before everything can spill, Enya yanks her knee up to her chest as she stares wide-eyed around the area. “What the hell? Hello??” @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Sparks? Now that was interesting. Invo remained in the shadows, watching Enya's reaction for a bit longer. Possibly a lightning user? Perhaps another chain of the explosion users? Maybe even a fire user... How intriguing. Deciding to have mercy on the stranger, Invo finally stepped out of the shadow. He rose outward of a nearby wall's shadow and looked directly at Enya. "Hello," Invo plainly greeted, his tone flat and missing any sort of friendliness. "Are you one of the contestants here too?" @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Good thing she’d set the plate down, otherwise food would’ve gone flying. A man climbs out of a shadow, and Enya’s heart skips a beat in sheer shock. Maybe two or three. “Jesus Christ,” she wheezes, scrambling backwards as much as she can without being stuck up against the wall. Confirming Invo’s thoughts, a thin blue flame crackles into existence beneath her feet before it sizzles out once he speaks. “Yeah, I— What— Were you there the whole time?” Confusion bleeds into more of an accusatory tone as she catches her breath, glaring faintly at him. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo's stare bore into Enya as she backed away. He didn't step closer, but he did continue to watch her every move. It was only when the flickers of blue sparks appeared did Invo react again. He glanced down at Enya's feet and made note that she was rather jumpy. Seems like her powers related to her emotions. How turbulent. "Not the entire time," Invo shrugged. "Just enough to see you drop your grape," he said as he pointed to the squished fruit on the ground. "You should really watch your step." @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

“Almost gave me a fucking heart attack,” Enya grumbles under her breath, crossing her arms at Invo’s stare. Something about the way it feels like she’s being studied makes her wary about this guy. “It’s already squashed, me stepping on it won’t make any difference,” she says, rolling her eyes. Enya babygirl I don’t think that’s what he meant but okay. “Why’re you watching me anyways?” @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo tilted his head a bit. This woman talked in a weird way.. funny, even. "I meant so you wouldn't fall and slip, but if you would prefer to do that, go ahead," he commented. He then paused. "I don't need to answer that question." @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Well, that isn’t suspicious and ominous at all. “I think you do, actually,” Enya says with a frown. “Generally hiding—wherever you were—and sneaking up on people randomly and sitting there watching them is kind of, y’know.” Creepy? Weird? She decides to be nice about it. “Off-putting.” @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo hummed as he thought about Enya's words. Definitely a strange woman. "I believe that depends on what you would describe as 'off-putting'. Whatever the case, I'm not obligated to answer," he doubled-down. "Is there some sort of rule stating I must explain my every action? That sounds exhausting." @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

@em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Well, being nice didn’t work. “I mean, yeah, when you’re watching me randomly like some kind of creep,” Enya snorts. “But whatever. Fine. How about this one? Was that you that grabbed me too? ‘Cause again. Weird.” @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"I don't think there's any sort of rule stating any of that," Invo said with a shake of his head. He seemed to open his mouth to reply more, but with the announcement suddenly playing in their head, Invo jerked his head around with a frenzy. "Curse these stupid mind-games!" He huffed. "I am going now. Farwell," Invo simply said before jumping back into a shadow and disappearing. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Kal walked for- Well, a long time, maybe? He wasn't sure. One moment, he was in the main square, and the next, he was... Surrounded by broken pieces of the wall. Huh. How did he walk so far? How did he not remember walking so far? And now it was... Storming. Huh. Kal couldn't feel the chill of the cold even though it soaked his entire body. He couldn't feel much, if he was honest. Misery consumed his entire being, overwhelming his senses so everything felt... Muddled. He didn't like it. It felt wrong. It reminded him of how it felt when- A rustling in the leaves caught his attention. Looking over, Kal was expecting maybe a bear, or a cool looking dog, something fun, but he was greeted with the sight of Cansu of all people. He was quick to notice that the water didn't touch Cansu: It seemed to slide down an invisible force-field that surrounded him. "What're you doing here?" Kal glared. "It's literally the middle of the night. Why are you being creepy and just- Why are you here?" "I'm free to wander where I please. There's no rule that says that I can't be out here," Cansu shrugged as he crossed his arms over his chest. The Deity looked over Kal. “I think the better question is, what are you doing out here? Wallowing in your misery?” “Shut up,” Kal gritted his teeth. His heart began to pound in his chest as he looked over at Cansu. “I’m not wallowing. Now, listen to me, the fight’s over- You said that if I won, I’d get some information. Fight’s over, here I am- Give me that information.” “I’ll give you some-“ “No,” Kal shook his head, his damp hair causing droplets to fly. His vision spun for a moment before the world became normal. “Look- I want the whole story. I’m sick and tired of being left in the dark by you, Cansu- That’s right, I know your name, I know that you’re a God. Or, a demon- You’re possessing someone. And that someone, he’s my brother, right?” Cansu rolled his eyes. ”God, I am a God, not a demon. As for this body, yes. This is the body of your brother, who’s pathetic just like you.” Kal gritted his teeth. His hands shook as they curled up into fists. Brother. Brother. God, it was confirmed- He had a brother. The person in front of him was the last of the family that he had. “And- We’re related because of our dad, right?” Kal asked. When Cansu nodded in agreement, Kal continued. “Am I like him?” “Like your brother? You two are pathetic-“ “No, no, like our dad. Am I like him?” Kal asked in a desperate manner. He took a step towards Cansu. “Please, I need to know- Asha said that I’m just like him- Am I? Am I actually like him?” Cansu paused as he looked over at Kal. After a few moments, he spoke. “You seem similar, in some ways,” Cansu admitted. “You have his eyes, his face shape. You have a similar passion inside of you that reflects his, though its passion for different things. You both also killed women, so there’s that. He’s killed hundreds and didn’t have an ounce of regret in his body. You took away the life of a mother. He would be proud of that. Now, the biggest thing of all that you share, however- Is the dark that lingers in your heart. There’s a chaos in you, Kalel.”

9:50 PM

Kal flinched at the use of his name. “N-no there isn’t-” “There is.” Cansu took a step closer. “I saw it when we made physical contact. It was just a glimpse, but it was overwhelming. Part of you craves violence, craves blood, craves the desire to see life be extinguished from the eyes of those you hate. There’s a lot of hate in your heart.” Cansu kept his gaze locked on Kal. The young man was drenched in rain, he was pale, trembling, frightened- He looked pathetic compared to the confident fool that he had met before. It would’ve tugged at his heart if he cared at all for Kal. The deity sighed. In noting their similarities, part of him wanted to name their differences. This son was bolder, brighter, warmer than either Enzo or Marco. Despite there being a lot of hatred in Kal’s heart, there was a tremendous amount of love in it that it was almost suffocating. Marco never had love there. This son was kind, respectful, he loved life, he loved nature, he valued it and the lives of others far above his. It was almost surprising to Cansu that he had won his fight. “Tell me, Kalel. Do you think that this information that you’re about to receive will have been worth the cost of Asha’s life?” Cansu asked. Kal looked down at his muddied shoes. Was he crying? Maybe. His eyes were burning. A lump was in his throat. It was hard to breathe. The weight was back on his chest. Part of him wanted to run, but he couldn’t. “I d-don’t know,” Kal managed out in a weak voice. “M-maybe? I don’t know.” His voice dropped down into a whisper. “I don’t know.” “You better hope it’s worth it: There’s no taking back what you’ve done.” Cansu huffed. “You displayed the chaos within you by allowing a mother to die, Kalel.” “You’re the one who gave me some ‘motivation’ to win, Cansu.” Kal glared. “It doesn’t mean that you had to be swayed by it.” Cansu rolled his eyes. “This isn’t my fault.” “L-look, just- Just tell me the truth about things, alright? I’m here to hear about my dad, where he’s from, what he’s done, how the hell I have a brother, and- Just what you are. Because I’m not convinced that you’re a god. You give me demon vibes.” Cansu squinted slightly. Vibes. That was a word he had never heard before. “Again, I’m not a demon. Not at all.” Cansu rolled his eyes. “Now, where do you want to start?” Kal’s question came instantly: “Is he still alive?” “That’s your first question?” Cansu raised an eyebrow before he shrugged. “It makes sense, however, with the chaos that stirs within you. You want him dead- You want to be the one responsible for his death. However, I’ve beat you to it. He’s been dead for quite a few years now.” Kal stilled. “What?” “The land where your father is from, and your mother as well, no longer exists. Cerau has been flooded, and it has sunk to the bottom of the ocean. That was my doing, of course. Your father was someone I killed personally, though. I made sure to be there when his heart stopped beating.”

Kal felt floaty once more. He felt detached from his body. Without realizing, he lunged right at Cansu with a fist that he threw at the deity’s face. Of course, Cansu side-stepped and watched as Kal dropped into the mud. “What was that for?” The deity asked. “Y-you- You just flooded a whole island?!” Kal shouted as he pushed himself back up to his feet. “How many people died?! How many lives did you take when you did that?!” “Eh, a good couple thousand, maybe more. Cerau was small, but it was dense.” He shrugged. “They all deserved it, though.” “How?! Why in the world would you even do that?!” “Cerau had been filled with generations of individuals who were full of bigotry and who were dedicated to a corrupt system. They were brainwashed. There was nothing left to do, there was nothing to save them. Once Marco was killed, they’d simply find someone to replace their dictator-“ “MY DAD WAS A DICTATOR?!” Kal’s eyes widened. ”Yes, he was.” Jesus Christ, Cansu was getting a headache. “Marco Vanth was the ruler of Cerau, which was a position given to him by his father. Your grandfather, everyone in that family line were some of the most horrendous individuals that ever came to exist. They were destined to manipulate others and bring cruelty to this world. When I say that the population of Cerau was brainwashed, I mean it. Being raised with propaganda that their leaders were gods and that they were powerful and all-knowing, there was nothing that anyone could do to change their minds. Their rights had been stripped: Women were treated like items rather than humans. Dogs had more rights than they did. Men, on the other hand, had all of the power and abused it. Death was the easier thing to do than to try and merge them back into a society where things are different.” Kal’s head spun as he listened to everything. Dictator, abuser- His dad was a horrible person, and his blood ran through Kal’s veins. They were destined to manipulate others and bring cruelty to the world. God, would Kal do that? Has he ALREADY done that? He felt sick- He felt like he was going to be sick. Everything felt nauseating. His body was trembling now- From the cold? From hearing some of the truth? Ugh. "Th-those people still didn't deserve to die," Kal spoke in a hoarse voice. "Something could've changed- They could've- Stuff like therapy exists, I'm sure that- Some of that could've helped in some ways. Cerau could've changed-" "There was no changing Cerau," Cansu interrupted. "You don't know how far down the damage ran, Kalel. It ran deeply in its people. Killing the leader would've just allowed someone just as cruel to step up to replace him. The cycle of hatred would've continued, but I put an end to it." "A p-permanent end by killing so many people," He sucked in a deep breath. "You didn't even try, Cansu. Neither you, o-or- Did my brother even try?" "Your brother was supportive in the decision." Cansu responded. "He knew what needed to be done, and he stood by that decision." "You two are- Ridiculous!" Kal threw his hands up into the air as he began to pace. "Fuck- You two- My brother was there, he had to witness everything, yeah, but- There should've been a sense of responsibility or something! A sense of responsibility to try and change the system, to save the people rather than put an end to their lives. If our dad was responsible for so much damage, then- It should've been up to us to repair it. It should've been up to us to bring in a new generation and bring hope, love, change- Not just- Ugh!" Kal kicked a branch across the ground.

Cansu merely watched, unamused. Though, he did have to note that Kal felt a very strong responsibility for the people of Cerau, more than Enzo ever did. He advocated for change rather than erasure. There was a kind of hope in Kal that was naïve as well. Typically, Cansu would've been agitated by this, but at the moment, it was kind of a breath of fresh air to see from someone who had the Vanth bloodline in them. The deity merely let Kal pace some more. Once the young man was done, he spoke. "Do you really believe that you, of all people, are capable of creating a change that big?" Cansu asked. "Not alone." Kal shook his head. "Nope- Not alone, I wouldn't be able to do something like that alone, but maybe me and my brother- Together we could've done something." "You're painfully stupid and optimistic to believe that you and your damn brother are capable of creating such a large change." Cansu sighed. "You didn't grow up there. Of course you'd think that the island was worth saving. I bet you would've thought that your father was worth saving as well-" "Hey," Kal cut him off sharply. "I've heard about my father from my Ma; She told me a lot about him, even if she didn't go into details. All my life, I wanted his ass dead. You telling me more about him just cements the fact that he deserved to die. There's some people who won't change and who can't be saved, and he's one of those people. He deserves to rot in hell." “At least that’s something we can agree on.” Cansu hummed. Kal took a seat on a piece of debris that rested near the wall. He rubbed the water out of his eyes and sighed. Dear god, the sound of the island was- Horrible. To imagine that his mother had grown up there with a place that treated women like property instead of actual human beings- It made his heart ache. His poor mother had been dealt a horrible hand, escaped it, and lived a cruel short rest of her life. She deserved better. The women of Cerau deserved better. “Now, my brother,” Kal spoke slowly. “What’s my brother’s name?” “Enzo Vanth.” Cansu responded. Enzo. Enzo. Maybe he’d like to be Enzo Valdez instead of Vanth. They shouldn’t have to have the last name of their father. “Enzo…” Kal glanced over to Cansu. “Is he here? Is he listening? Or- How does the possession thing work? How are you two a thing?” Cansu sighed. “It’s not possession. Your family line made a deal with me centuries ago. Since then, the connection between me and humans have passed on from one generation to the next either through the birth of an infant, or through more ritualistic methods. This bond allows me to share my abilities with humans. Enzo received the bond through the ritual his father conducted, which is what united us both. Enzo is faintly here. He’s not entirely listening, though.” Kal frowned. “Did you, like… I don’t know how that works- How is he barely there when it’s his body?” Cansu gave a slight shrug. “That part doesn’t concern you.” “I feel like it does, given that he’s my brother.” Kal stood back up. “I feel like if a god’s messing with my brother, then- I gotta do something about that, right?” Cansu scoffed. “You know, just because you two are blood related, it doesn’t mean that you’re brothers. He barely even knows that you exist, and he hardly even considers you to be a brother.” “Point is, we’re all that we got.” Kal sighed. “Can I just- Talk to him a bit? Please? I just wanna meet him.” “I can’t let that happen.” Cansu spoke.

10:38 PM

(A little roll)

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 11
Details:[d20+4 (7)]

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 9
Details:[d20+3 (6)]

(EEEEEE OKAY-)

(Me, cracking fingeys: Alright time to write some more)

(Okay, now its time to write some more-)

5:48 PM

(Quick roll-)

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 10
Details:[d20 (10)]

“Come on, man, please?” Now close to Cansu, Kal’s hand reached out to grasp Cansu’s arm. “Don’t touch m-“ Cansu seethed. He wasn’t quick enough to move his arm away. Kal’s hand grasped Cansu’s arm, and instantly, there was a reaction. Electricity burst from the physical contact, shocking the two of them just as it had before. Kal immediately tried to pull his hand away, but his grasp seemed to be locked onto Cansu. His breaths came in a panicked gasps as he pulled with all of his might. Then, something gave, and Kal was flung back from Cansu. He landed on his back in the mud and groaned, raising a hand to rub at his head. It was pounding with discomfort as the last of the electricity ran its course through his body. Cansu, on the other hand, had dropped to the ground as well. However, he didn’t move, didn’t moan- Looked lifeless. ’YOU FOOL!’ Cansu’s voice rang throughout his head. Head? Why was he in his head? Why could he hear him- ’I TOLD YOU NOT TO TOUCH ME!’ “What the fuck?” Kal whispered in a panic as he scrambled up to his feet. “Where are you- How are you talking in my head- Is that part of your demon powers-“ ’I AM NOT A DEMON! YOU FOOL- BLASTED FOOL!’ Kal’s headache grew worse with all of Cansu’s yelling. The young man gripped his head tightly, biting back a groan of pain. It washed over him in waves- The concussion was hurting him. “Out- Get out of me!” Kal squeezed his head tightly. “I had a man inside of me once-“   ’WHAT?!’ “And it felt exactly like this- He was a ghost man- Oh my god you are a demon- I’m being possessed-“ Kal stumbled, gripping his head even tighter. It felt as if it was going to burst in his hands. Dear god, he had to move- He had to run- He had to do something before the pressure in his head became even worse. He could almost feel the presence of Cansu in his mind, in his chest- In his soul. The rain wasn’t even soaking him anymore. What water that had been clinging to his skin and clothes magically floated off of his body, leaving him completely dry. It felt wrong- Unnatural. Something wasn’t right. Yet, an odd part of him felt complete. It was as though Kal was a puzzle, and while the puzzle had been solved, it was one of those puzzles that could be rearranged to form a gap that would reveal that, surprise! The puzzle’s not done, there’s an additional bag of puzzle pieces! Put that new puzzle together and have everything be actually complete for once- ’Stop THINKING so much!’ Cansu seethed in Kal’s mind. ’You just have nonsense in here!’ “Stop being inside of me! Get out!” Kal shouted. He shook his head wildly from side to side as he pulled his hands away from his head. He felt electricity at his finger tips- This was new- This was cool but also frightening- He didn’t know what was going on- “Do I have lightning powers now?!” “You do NOT!” Kal’s lips moved on their own, and his voice felt- Unfamiliar. Deeper, rougher. rumbly- The pressure in his head grew, and it felt almost as though Cansu was poking and prodding the very front of his skull from the inside. ”I have lightning- These are my abilities- Just- Shut up! Shut up for a moment!” Kal stopped shaking his head and simply stood there, breathing raggedly as the rain rolled off of some invisible shield that surrounded his body. “How did you- How did you talk using my body?” Kal asked shakily. “How the hell can I hear you in my brain?” ’That’s not important right now- Go and touch the body!’ Cansu raged within Kal’s mind, causing him to wince. ’Touch the body, and I’ll go back into it!’ “Why do you gotta say it like that- Does it really work that easily-“ ’JUST GO DO IT!’ (edited)

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 17
Details:[d20 (17)]

(I'll ignore that 17 for now, lemme make another roll)

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 4
Details:[d20 (4)]

(OKAY THATS MORE LIKELY GHJSFKHGJK)

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 3
Details:[d5 (3)]

(Tw: Some body horror) "Alright, alright, fine!" Kal headed over to the discarded body on the ground. “Don’t need to shout!” With a closer look, Kal could tell that Enzo was... Somewhat there? It was unnerving to see that his eyes were open, but they were glazed over and unseeing. Water slipped into his eyes, yet he didn’t blink. It was unnerving. It was almost as though he was simply staring at a corpse. “Alright, demon god, go back in,” Kal took in a deep breath as he placed a hand on Enzo’s shoulder. He expected some kind of burst of lightning, maybe a shock at least, something- Some sort of sign that Cansu had left, but nothing changed. The pressure was still in his skull. Kal removed his hand and placed it back down. “… And, work. Go, go on.” After another moment, Kal paused. “… Why are you still in my body?” '…’ “Don’t just be silent! I can feel you!” Kal stood up quickly. Panic welled up in his chest as he paced around the motionless body of his brother. “Holy shit- What the hell’s going on?!” ’Be silent! I’m thinking!’ Cansu raised his voice. ’I’m trying to figure this out! You need to let GO of me!’ “How the hell do I let go of something that’s in my brain?!” Kal shouted as he threw his hands into the air. He crouched back down before Enzo and patted his shoulder again. “Go, go on, be free! Shoo!” Kal could feel Cansu trying to tug away from his presence, but nothing seemed to work. Maybe, in another time and place, and without a concussion, Kal might’ve thought that this was cool. Having a demon god inside of you? Not the safest thing around, and maybe he’d need to have an exorcism soon, but he would’ve thought it was neat! Pretty cool, even! Right now, his head was spiraling as he backed away from the body. Oh fuck, it looked like he just killed somebody. He killed Asha earlier and now it looked like Enzo was dead and now there was a god inside of him that was oddly presenting itself as a chicken in his mind? Why was he able to picture a chicken speaking to him- He didn’t like this- Pain radiated from his back. It took Kal so completely off guard that he dropped down to his knees, his fingers grasping the mud for dear life. 'DON’T panic.’ Cansu ordered. “E-easier said than done- What the FUCK is happening-“ Kal cut himself off with a moan of pain as the stabbing sensation grew stronger. He turned his head to try and get a good look at his back. He could see something protruding from underneath his skin. At his shoulder blades, it looked as if something was trying to free itself- Oh, oh god, yup, something just broke through his skin. Sickening sounds could be heard as bone, flesh, and skin reformed itself into a new shape. Kal turned away so he wouldn’t see what was happening, and he simply tried to breathe through the pain. When the pain died down, Kal opened his eyes and checked to see what the hell just happened- He definitely wasn’t expecting to see feathered wings sticking out from his back. Kal stared at them with wide eyes. They were large wings, and the feathers were yellow. He could make out electricity moving throughout the wings, illuminating the feathers with a faint glow. 'Don’t panic-' “WHY DO I HAVE WINGS?!” (edited)

7:32 PM

[Kal's at 22 HP]

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 8
Details:[d20 (8)]

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 4
Details:[d5 (4)]

(Dumbasses, the both of them

)

7:45 PM

(Another lil roll)

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 9
Details:[d20 (9)]

(

)

’It’s common for hosts of mine to form wings-‘ Kal could barely hear Cansu in his mind. The discomfort of the new wings on his back was too much. Overwhelming. “Oh my god, I’m gonna be sick,” Kal gagged as a fresh wave of pain washed over him. His eyes widened. “Oh my god, am I a furry now? Is this how it happens?” ’Are you a WHAT???’ “Never mind- I don’t wanna explain that- Oh my god.” Kal moaned as he pushed himself up to his feet. The young man swayed as the wings unconsciously fluttered and twitched. “Why the hell do I have wings? You said hosts get them- Are you a bird demon god?” ’I am a deity that is a Thunderbird-’ “I don’t know what that is.” Kal imagined a Zapdos in his brain. Cansu, able to see the figure of the bird, sighed. ’… That is close enough.’ Kal stumbled to the nearest tree and braced himself against it. His breathing was ragged as the pain continued to consume his body. “Alright, cool, c-cool, glad we got that covered,” Kal winced as the wings fluttered. “Can you explain just WHY you’re in me?” ’… I’m still figuring that out.’ The deity sounded agitated as he admitted that. ’It definitely has to do with the bond, but- I’m working on figuring that out.’ Just as Kal opened his mouth to speak, the wings gave a great big flap that momentarily took him off of his feet. He yelped as he tilted forwards and was about to hit the ground. He banged his head against the ground, causing a flash of black and white to spark up in his vision. Stars. Looked like little stars. There were lots of stars out tonight. They were all pretty. I belong to the stars. Bundles of hope glimmering through the darkness, radiating through light years to reach me. I belong to them. He loved the stars. He belonged to them. Maybe he was over-romanticizing it a bit, he wasn’t owned by giant glowing orbs in space, but up made sense to him. He had to be close to them. It felt like everything in life tried to keep him away, tried to slow him down. He didn’t like being limited, but space? Being close to the stars? Those moments of flight? Space was- What’s the word..? Space- Frictionless! Yeah, it’s frictionless. There was nothing holding him back out there. They are my home; they are all I’ve ever known. The cosmos that extends far past what the human mind can imagine. Yet, I’ve experienced it all. The galaxies have shown me their beauty.

9:01 PM

Kal didn’t want to just move, he want to fly. He wanted to run, he wanted to chase, he wanted a challenge, so he continued to try and soar higher and higher. He wanted that feeling of freedom, for that feeling of being alive. The closer to the stars he got, the closer that feeling was of being truly alive. To think that he had to risk his life every so often to feel like he was actually living, but it was exciting every time. Kept him going. Kept him on his toes. An endless sea of planets and burning stars, all floating in a pool far too vast for someone to explore. A place that seems isolated and cold, is filled with warmth and life. Plus, closer to the stars meant that he was closer to his mother. She had to be nearby, she had to be up there. So, he’d soar and meet her up there- ’STOP!’ Cansu’s voice tore him out of his thoughts. ’STOP THINKING!!! STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING!!’ Kal was knocked out of his thoughts when Cansu started shouting in his mind. It took him a moment to realize that, oh, he was in the air. The wings were flapping and keeping him floating. “OOOOOHHHHH MY GOD!!!” Kal screamed. Part of him felt exhilarated, after all, he had always wanted to fly, and this was a dream come true in every way. However, now that he was aware of the fact that he was flying, his wings decided that they didn’t want to properly operate. Oh well, falling was always his favorite part of climbing. With a scream, Kal began to fall. Branches of the tree he had been above broke under his weight as he plummeted. He could feel them scraping his skin and leaving cuts, as well as little splinters. Not a good time. Finally, after what felt like a long time, Kal finally hit the floor. Face down in the mud. ’You IDIOT.’ (edited)

9:04 PM

[Kal's at 18 HP]

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 7
Details:[d20 (7)]

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 5
Details:[d5 (5)]

Cansu

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 9
Details:[d20+4 (5)]

(Idiot)

9:06 PM

Kal

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 14
Details:[d20+4 (10)]

(The time I need you to roll loW)

Kal groaned as he lifted his face up from the mud. He spat some out of his mouth and raised a hand to clean his face off. “You’re a jerk,” Kal whined. “You made me stop flying.” 'I did NOT!!’ “You told me to stop what I was doing.” 'I didn’t mean stop FLYING!’ “What else would you have meant?! Stop breathing?” 'Every second that I’m bonded to you makes that sound even more pleasing.’ Cansu huffed. Kal slowly pushed himself up to his knees. Even though he was holding himself steadily, the world continued to spin. He felt sick and nauseous. “I think that my concussion has a concussion.” Kal wheezed. Dear god, his head was going to kill him, and it didn’t help that Cansu was continuing to flutter around in his mind. 'You’ll be fine.’ Cansu reassured, though Kal could hear an eye roll in his voice. The wings activated again. This time, they began to drag him across the ground. Of course, of course they were acting up!! Great, just great!! Kal clawed at the ground in an attempt to make himself stop, but the wings insisted that they needed to keep moving. In his head, the pain grew stronger. There was a sharp, piercing pain that made him think of a bird pecking- Was Cansu pecking in his brain? 'Hand over control! You don’t know what you’re doing!’ Cansu demanded. “Of course I don’t know what the hell I’m doing- I’ve never had wings before!” Kal shouted. His voice could barely be heard over the storm that surrounded them. (edited)

9:40 PM

[Kal's at 13 HP]

9:41 PM

(Okay Kal I believe in you)

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 10
Details:[d20 (10)]

(GOOD ENOUGH)

9:43 PM

Cansu

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 24
Details:[d20+4 (20)]

(SHIT)

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 24
Details:[d20+4 (20)]

innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs pinned a message to this channel. 7/22/2024 9:44 PM

With a deep breath, Kal focused intently on the feeling of the wings. He could feel as the muscles and bones shifted with every flap. Quite uncomfortable, if he was honest. Maybe if it wasn’t so sudden, if he wasn’t concussed, and if he wasn’t deep in his Sadness, maybe he’d be eager to figure out just how to use his wings. For now, he put all of his attention on making himself relax. As his heartbeat calmed down, the wings came to a halt. They retracted against his back somewhat uncomfortably, but it was also probably due to his prone form. Letting out a deep sigh of relief, Kal shut his eyes for a moment. A little breather was nice. It was nice to just chill here and listen to the rain sounds all around. Lightning continued to flash in the sky as the thunder rolled. It was really setting the mood. Suddenly, an overwhelming sensation of pain washed over him. It stemmed from his head all the way down to his extremities, hot- Lightning- Felt like lightning was clawing its way under his skin. Hurt- Hurt hurt- 'Just stop resisting,’ Cansu rumbled in his mind. 'I’ll figure this out. Just hand over control.’ The pressure in Kal’s head grew harsher. He definitely felt like he was going to be sick to his stomach with how dizzy he felt. It was almost getting difficult to breathe. He could just feel Cansu’s presence growing stronger and stronger, and he felt his own beginning to fade away. It almost felt as though he was passing out. “N-no, nope,” Kal mumbled as he shook his head once more. He took in deep, ragged breaths. “We’re not doing this- Nope- Y-you’re not- Possessing me, n-not even for a bit…” 'Just calm down. Calm down for once, and relax. I will have this resolved soon.’ Darkness crept up at the edges of his vision. It was growing harder to stay in the moment. Cansu’s nagging control was growing stronger, and stronger, until- Kal slapped a hand across his face. The sound was harsh and loud, and was followed by a clap of thunder. He took in deeper breaths as he forced himself to stay in control. “N-nope! We’re not doing that!” Kal repeated. “You’re not- Nope! If you’re stuck in here, you’re stuck with me, not- Not pushing me away like that! Nuhuh- This is my body, I’m sure there’s two controls for it somewhere in my brain.” When Cansu remained silent, Kal droned on. “I dunno how you and my brother did it, probably in an unhealthy kind of way, if I’m honest, but here? Nah, demon god, here, we do things differently. If I got someone else to share my body with, we have some ground rules: First off, we’ll take turns. No forcing someone out of the pilot’s seat. Second of all, we eat healthy here. We eat good and nutritious meals. Protein, baby. Third off, communication. We keep good vibes and talk to each other and relax and take it easy. No need to be mad and have violence. We'll talk about things." 'You put protein over communication?' Cansu asked with a frown. "Well, yeah. That's how I got strong. Protein, exercise, eight hours of sleep a night- The good stuff. My holy trinity." Kal hummed. He slowly got up to his feet, swaying immediately. Maybe he needed a doctor. "Fun, fun, fun. Also another holy trinity of mine." 'You are tiring,' Cansu sighed. 'But, tolerable, in some ways compared to your brother.' Kal glanced down at Enzo's body. "Can I talk to him?" '.. Enzo is not available.' Cansu responded. "Why?" Kal knelt down beside him again. "Is he.. He's not dead, right? I see the body-.. It's still alive. So, Enzo's still alive, right?" 'He is alive,' Cansu confirmed. 'He simply isn't here at the moment.' "What does that mean, though?"

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 6
Details:[d20 (6)]

'.. A difference between you and your brother is that you have a VERY strong desire and passion for life,' Cansu hummed in Kal's mind. 'Your brother is rather lacking in that desire. So, I'm doing us both a favor by having control over the body.' Kal frowned a little. It was difficult to process. He couldn't quite understand. "I don't understand still," Kal admitted slowly. "But, I want to." 'With time, you will find out more.' Cansu sighed. 'Just not now. Just- Go and touch the body already.' Kal hesitated for a moment. After some rather conflicting emotions, he reached out and touched Enzo's shoulder once more. Of course, nothing happened. He even tried 'letting go' like Cansu had said before, but nothing changed. The deity was still stuck.

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 8
Details:[d20 (8)]

Kal lifted his hand and pressed it back into Enzo's shoulder. Of course, nothing happened. Kal frowned. "... Okay, this- This isn't working. Uh- What do we do if it doesn't work?" 'Oh, it's GOING to work.' Cansu huffed. There was a sudden burst of electricity in front of Kal, which startled the young man. He watched as it flickered away and revealed-

Kal stared at the chick. For the first time in a while, Kal actually managed a genuine smile. "Oh my god- You're a chicken?" Kal asked, entirely amused. "I am a GOD," Cansu huffed. His little wings fluttered. "I could change forms. Be lucky that this form is the one I've chosen to present to you as, for your mind wouldn't be strong enough to comprehend my true form." Though, Cansu knew that Kal would be able to handle it. He'd be able to handle a lot, a lot more than Enzo would be able to handle. All things considered, Kal wouldn't be too terrible of a host. His body, for one, was young, healthy, and very strong. Enzo was lacking muscle and was deficient in practically every vitamin known to man. While Kal's mental shields weren't as strong as Enzo's, his mind itself was a fortress. A mind fortress of idiocy, but one with an unwavering will, strength to overpower tragedy, positivity to beat out the darkness of despair, all with a raging fire of passion and life burning at the center of it. It was one that wouldn't be snuffed out so easily. Enzo had strong mental shields to block Cansu out from his mind, but once Cansu was able to sink his talons into his bonded's mind, everything shattered. Kal was a fortress while Enzo was a castle of glass. The brothers intrigued him. Both were vastly different. Both could potentially be useful to him. "Is your true form, like, an angel?" Kal asked as he sat down fully. "Like, a biblically accurate angel?" "No." "Biblically accurate demon, then?" "No." "Oh. Okay." Kal rubbed his head. "So, what are you going to do?" "Try direct contact." Cansu approached Enzo's body. "Perhaps things will work if I were to touch him instead of you." "Oooookay, good luck." Kal gave the chicken a thumbs up.

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 16
Details:[d20 (16)]

(HE DID IT)

As soon as Cansu touched Enzo, the deity disappeared into another flash of lightning. Kal felt the change immediately. Cansu's presence in his mind disappeared, leaving a hollow space where he once was. Everything felt colder and heavier all at the same time. The rain was soaking him yet again. The exhaustion in his body had darkness swirling into his vision again. Jesus Christ, he was going to actually pass out this time- The wings that had sprouted from his back simply just. Disappeared. At least it didn't hurt to make them go away. Kal's back was still hurting, though. "It worked." Cansu, now back in the body, got up to his feet. He brushed the dirt off of his clothes, and once more, the water was pulled off of his body with the use of his powers. "Coolio." Kal gave a shaky thumbs up. Cansu watched Kal for a moment. With a sigh, he spoke. "We'll have to speak more, Kalel. There's plenty more for us to discuss." "Like- Talk about how you were in my body?" Kal asked. "Because I'm still a bit confused about why that happened-" "We will speak once your brain's healed after being rattled around in that thick skull of yours." Cansu huffed. "Your mind's foggy, I was able to tell." "My brain's usually pretty foggy. It's like Silent Hill in my brain." Cansu didn't know what that was so he wasn't going to comment on it. "I'll be surprised at how much you actually remember of this conversation." "I'll remember all of it." Kal stated. "I have it all in my brain for safe keeping. In my memory box in my brain. Where important memories go." The deity stared at Kal for a few moments. "... Right." He turned around and began to walk away. "You best get back to the housing area, before you get sick." "Cool, thanks, I'll just- Walk there, instead of being flown." Cansu continued walking. "You're not so bad, Cansu." Kal spoke quietly, though it was loud enough to make Cansu stop in his tracks. "You said you saw some of my memories, right? Saw what I felt, saw my heart? Well, I saw yours, too. You're- Not so bad. I think you're pretty chill, even if you- Flooded and killed an entire island. There's- Layers, like onions. There's layers to you." Kal let out a quiet cough. Oh yeah, he was getting sick or something. "Think we could unravel some of those layers together?" Cansu didn't speak. Didn't look back. All he did was expand his wings and took flight, leaving the young man alone by the wall ruins in the rain. There wasn't anything left to say.

Well, night passed into morning, and a different god decided to linger by the walls that might've once protected this mysterious citadel. Albanes walked out to the walls in the early morning, her red outer robe done up into a hood to protect her mousy curls from the rain. She sat at a lower part of the fallen wall, and looked out onto the misty, rainy fields, her walking cane propped up beside her. It was a melancholy day, befitting her melancholy mood. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu made the decision to visit the wall ruins again just to take a little stroll, nothing more, nothing less. He definitely wasn’t here to see if Kal had spent the night lying on the ground. Definitely not. He didn’t care about Kal that much. It didn’t take Cansu long to realize that he wasn’t in this area alone. With a hum, he greeted Albanes. “Good morning, Lifebringer.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes gave Cansu a nod in greeting. "Good morning, Thunderbird." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“What brings you out here?” Cansu asked, not sounding all too interested. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I enjoy the silence and the solitude. The acropolis can get... busy, even with so few people around. And Naiyta was busy with that new partner of theirs. I didn't want to intrude." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“New partner?” Cansu raised an eyebrow. “They’ve chosen a human to mess with?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes nodded. "Roman Ricci. He's... an interesting one. I guess you have to be to attract Naiyta's eye." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I’ve met him,” Cansu’s expression darkened as he crossed his arms over his chest. “‘Interesting’ is one way to describe that blasted fool..” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes let out something between a scoff and a laugh. "I take it you're not close?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu huffed. “Not in the slightest way.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. I can't say I'm fond of him myself." Albanes hummed. "He's... a lot." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“He is,” Cansu grumbled. He was glad that Kal, while a lot as well, wasn’t a lot like Roman. “He’s a fool as well. He doesn’t know what he’s doing.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"He's going to get himself killed." Albanes sighed. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“He is,” Cansu hummed. “At least there’ll be one less idiot roaming around here.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes hummed in agreement, though didn't reply. "I take it he's not your only enemy here?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Invo is another fool. Worst of all, he had a connection to a deity, one I’m not particularly fond of.” Once more, Cansu huffed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"... another I can agree with. He's... very impolite." Albanes sighed. "And has a habit of sticking his nose where it does't belong." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Yes, he does,” Cansu grumbled. “He acts as though he knows everything. He stated that he knew me, but he’s wrong. Hr doesn’t know anything.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"That... definitely sounds like him. Last night he was prying into my business and demanding I answer his questions." Albanes huffed. "As if I owe him anything when he's been nothing but rude to me." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Precisely. You owe him nothing, just as I owe him nothing as well.” Cansu nodded. “He likes getting into the business of others. When he did it with me, I had to teach him a lesson. As payback, he cruelly attacked me and taunted me while I was incapable of properly defending myself!” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I heard about that from Kairas." Albanes hummed. "I doubt you're the only one who's been on the receiving end of his powers. I think he knew better than to try and attack me," she hummed, "But I'll ask Kairas to keep a closer eye on him." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“That will be appreciated,” Cansu hummed. “He needs to be controlled.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes nodded. "I'd like to avoid any more violence than what is strictly necessary during this tournament. I can't have people going around inciting it. It's one of the few things Naiyta and I agree on." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I see,” Cansu nodded. “I’ll have you know, I don’t intend on causing violence. I only intend on defending myself and ensuring that I am not disrespected.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Of course, as is expected." Albanes nodded. "If anyone causes you trouble, you can always inform the guards and attendants, and they can take care of it." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I will keep that in mind.” Cansu wanted to comment that he didn’t need others to step in for him, but he figured it was easier to just agree. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes hummed in thought, and scanned the environment. Something shiny in the rubble caught her eye. "Hm. There's something over there." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu raised an eyebrow and glanced over. “What is it?” He recognized it immediately. Resting among the rubble was a necklace with two dog tags on it. The idiot’s. He must’ve dropped it at some point last night. It still had mud smeared on it. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm not sure, it looks like a piece of jewlery, or something." Albanes said, and began to get up to go look at it. "It doesn't look like the gold stuff we've been giving you contestants, so it's probably a sentimental item of somebody's. I'd hate for them to loose it." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“It’s the idiot’s,” Cansu sighed. “He must’ve dropped it on the floor.” If Albanes rubbed the mud away, she’d likely see Kal’s name on one of the tags. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Invo's?" Albanes asked. "I didn't think we let him keep any jewelry...." She crouched down- with considerable effort, and picked up the dog tags to inspect them. "Hm." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“No, the other idiot,” Cansu sighed. “Kalel.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Kalel- oh, the one that fought Asha. I actually haven't met him." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I have, he’s a fool.” The deity huffed. “.. And he’s annoying.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah, double trouble then. An annoying fool." Albanes hummed lightly, and picked up the tags. She looked over them. "I'll hold onto these til I can get them to him." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“He’s not as annoying as Invo, just a different kind of annoying.” Kal flashed into his mind. Him on the ground, drenched in rain, in pain, but still managing a smile. ‘Think we could unravel some of those layers together?’ Bleh. Blasted fool. “I’m sure he doesn’t even know he lost them.” Cansu huffed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'd think it'd be difficult to be worse than Invo." Albanes scoffed a laugh. "Well, better it gets returned to him if not, even if he forgot them." Albanes hummed, and pocketed the necklace. She began to get up. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu watched as she got back to her feet. He eyed the dog tags, tempting to request them. Ultimately, he didn’t say a word about them. “Albanes,” Cansu spoke up. “How long have you been the Lifebringer?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes only answered the question once she had stood up again, supported by her cane. "Ahhh... I assumed Godhood when I was in my late forties... so about four hundred and fifty years, I think?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Hmm, I see,” Cansu hummed. “Color me curious, is all.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You might have been taken from a time before my reign. Many here have." Albanes said. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Perhaps,” Cansu hummed. “I haven’t kept up with the Lifebringers back in my universe, as I have been quite- Busy. You may or may not be reigning, it is uncertain.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. That's understandable. Many outside the Loucari don't have much reason to keep up with us." She hummed. "What were you busy with?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu grumbled, “Busy getting into the affairs of humans. A horrible mistake, truly.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm." Albanes hummed. Though her face was blank, it was clear she was struggling to keep back emotion. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu raised an eyebrow. “Is there something on your mind?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Not really." Albanes lied, and it was very clearly a lie. "I was simply... thinking about your statement. I think it's something I agree with." She took in a breath. "There's no good to be had meddling in the affairs of mortals anymore." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Is that so?” Cansu hummed. “Normally, people aren’t in agreement with me. I’m glad to see that we’re in the same boat; Humans aren’t worth the trouble.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"My place isn't among mortals anymore." Albanes sighed. "And there are better uses of my time and energy. The living exist so... temporarily." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“They do,” Cansu nodded. “They’re here just for a moment. Even in that moment, there’s a large amount of damage they could potentially cause. I look forward to the day they cease to exist.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"That, I'm inclined to disagree with. I do not hope for the end of humanity." Albanes hummed. "And nothing ever truly ceases to exist." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Hmph.” The deity glanced around. “Something new will come after humans. I hope that comes sooner than later.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You're so confident you'll find the next dominant species so much more appealing?" Albanes challenged. "Regardless, my work is with the dead. I will be dealing with humanity, likely for all of eternity." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I’m going to ignore whatever comes along,” Cansu shrugged. “I’m done bothering with the lives of others.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Sounds like a rather lonely existence." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“It’s an existence I’ve longed for. Isolation is what I desire most.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Still. It seems rather lonely." Albanes shrugged. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I’m content with loneliness,” Cansu hummed. “It’s not a bother. I have everything I’ll ever need.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes fell silent, and simply looked over Cansu." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Is there something you'd like to say?" Cansu huffed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes's neutral expression broke into a playful smile. "I thought you wanted to be alone." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"I do want to be alone," Cansu huffed once more, frowning at her smile. "You just look like you have more to say." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"No, no- if you want to be alone, that's how I'll leave you." Albanes said, taking a step back. She was definitely playing with him. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"If you so badly want to leave, then go, I won't stop you." Cansu huffed. He definitely was a very, very huffy God. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Personally, I was enjoying our conversation. You are the one professing your desire for eternal solitude." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"I do want eternal solitude," Cansu grumbled. "At the moment, it's just unlikely that I'm going to receive it, being stuck in this wretched realm and all. That, and being stuck to this foolish human. I won't get it yet, but soon." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It is unlikely," Albanes conceded. "You don't enjoy your current form?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"To a degree, yes, I don't enjoy it." Once more, he crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm sick of humans and being stuck with them. The sooner I can part from this host, the better." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Shame. I'd help you with that if I could, but I don't think I can. My godhood functions differently." Albanes hummed. "And I don't think Naiyta would appreciate having Enzo Vanth running around in his own body." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Is there a reason?" Cansu raised an eyebrow. "Does Naiyta truly believe that this idiot's a threat?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, don't tell them I told you this," Albanes shrugged, but conceded. "But someone here would care a lot about him being conscious and aware." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"I have a feeling that I know who this 'someone' is," Cansu mumbled. "If the idiot comes back, will there be consequences to this 'someone?'" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It depends on how this 'someone' chooses to behave." Albanes hummed. "I've never taken them as the impulsive type, but... I truly have no idea how they'd react." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"I see," Cansu hummed. He paused for a moment. "Could you reveal to me what this certain 'someone' has experienced during their time here? I know that they weren't truly kept safe." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes considered for a moment. "Would you react in violence?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"I have a feeling that you're not the one responsible for it, so no, I will not react in violence." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes hesitated for a moment. "Well... what is there to say that you couldn't already infer, or that is too grisly to recall? Naiyta tortured them into submission. Isolation, starvation, physical punishment. The new body modifications, too." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu’s wings slowly became more ruffled with his rage. Electricity flickered at his fingertips as he gritted his teeth. ”I see.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Remember what you promised." Albanes reminded. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu continued to steam in his anger. He hadn’t promised, actually. He didn’t swear to it. He made a point to say that Albanes wasn’t the one responsible, so he wouldn’t act violent towards her. Naiyta was a different story. “… I remember what I said.” The deity mumbled. His feathers flattened out slightly. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I did everything I could to lessen their suffering. I still do now, as much as I can." Albanes said. "But the situation is delicate, and provoking Naiyta might lead to them suffering more." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"I'm aware of how delicate the situation is," Cansu's fists shook with barely controlled rage. "That doesn't stop me from wanting to tear him limb by limb." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm just making sure you're aware. If everything goes well according to my plans, I can ensure no more harm will be done to them." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm just making sure you're aware. If everything goes well according to my plans, I can ensure no more harm will be done to them." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

@Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

... Roman was sitting on a piece of low crumbled wall, facing out toward the wilds with his back facing the remains of whatever civilization was back there. His knees were pulled up to his chest and he was working through the feathers on his right wing. He was getting more and more frustrated as he did, as every time he got one feather back in to place, he seemed to mess up two others. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Twig | Seki / Aarni

'Seki' was stumbling towards the ruins, walking far more awkwardly than they normally did. They were wearing their mask, which hid their eyes... And she was muttering to herself. "I- It's not that I can't believe Naiyta would do such a thing, it's just.... it hurts so much to watch them do it. I don't even know what we could do-" They paused abruptly as they saw Roman, and stared at him without word. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 @Twig | Seki / Aarni

(spoilers for Seki's thoughts) "I'm sorry, I understand that it's upsetting.. But I did warn you. They always kill the loser at the end of a fight. ...I mean, you spent a long time with them. If someone would know, I think you would." They noticd Roman at the same time Raikal did. Their tail tip twitched, almost dragging on the ground, and the silky white tassel was dirty with sand and bits of moss, lichen and forest litter. (edited)

12:38 PM

@innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

As he heard Seki seemingly talking to themselves, Roman paused as well. He let go of the wing and shook it out, hoping that might force everything back in to place, but it basically just did the opposite. He glanced back to them with a slightly pained expression. "Heyyyyy Sek um- everything alright? You're um, talking to yourself. I think.." He frowned a bit as he saw the mask, and the awkward way they held themself. ".. something up?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"He looks so much like me now..." Raikal whispered. They didn't move, didn't adress Roman's words or Seki's inner thoughts. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Seki's tail made an awkward but frantic flop to the side, and their ears twitched. "Roman? He has wings?! When did he get wings? How did he get wings?? He doesn't look that much different otherwise, he couldn't have evolved, could he? ...Wait, now that you say that, he does look like you a lot. Damn, wait... wait wait wait. Naiyta?! What the fuck, uh?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. What are you talking about?" Roman asked 'Seki'. "Did you hit your head or something? If anything, I think we look more different now.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"It must've been Naiyta. It had to be Naiyta..." Raikal replied, to Seki, before realization really set in. "Oh- uh- uhm. Hi, Roman. It's me-" They took off Seki's mask, showing off their white eyes. "It's me, Raikal. I'm, uhm, in Seki's body, for the moment. Temporarily. I got out of the temple." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"He thinks you're me. I don't think he can hear me." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Rai-" Roman's eyes widened, and he quickly glanced around the area to make sure naiyta wasn't around. "I'm happy that you found a way to leave the acropolis but- you can't let Naiyta know you can do that. You know exactly what'll happen to me." @Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I know. I know." Raikal nodded, sighing heavily. "And- I don't want that either. They won't find out." They hoped. Hoping was really all they could do in this situation. "But- but, it gave you wings? That shouldn't be possible." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"What? What does that mean? Why did he say that? ...Wait, hold on... that hair, those clothes, and now wings... It's, it's not a very specific harem uniform, is it? Naiyta is, making him into... Holy shit. Shit, shit shit shit... put the mask back on, Rai!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I- apparently I'm half corvi, on my mom's side. A rook. Convenient, right?" Roman said and shook out his wings again. "Naiyta.. Tied me down and ripped what little wings I had out of my shoulders or whatever, and then grew the rest in from there." Yeah, his hands and feet definitely still had the bruises to show that he wasn't lying about the tied down part. ".. I-it was all really stupid and dumb of me to agree to. I thought I might be able to fly away from them eventually if I agreed, but.. I-i can't even get my feathers straight, there's no way I can fly." @Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal quickly put the mask back on, hiding from any potentially prying eyes. "Oh... great Nightwatcher..." Raikal let out a shuddering breath as they looked over Roman's wings, and the bruises on his wrists and ankles. "It never let me fly- if it ever talks about feather clipping, say no. Say no before it can start to get any ideas." They paused for a while. "I could... maybe help you preen your feathers? Lay them out right? If you don't want anything to do with me- that's very fair, but... I can help, if you want." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki's fur bristled, and their tail flogged the ground a couple of times uncontrollably, which both Seki and Raikal definitely felt in their spine. "Naiyta! I, they make me sick, they make me SICK." A few dark memories flashed in Seki's mind, but hopefully Raikal didn't see them. Someone tied down. It wasn't Seki. Nausea and a burning feeling like acid reflux churned in Seki's chest and throat. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. It clipped your wings? That liar- it said you just didn't fly that much.." Roman huffed. That honestly made more sense than Raikal just preferring to be on the ground.. He watched as Seki's body reacted differently than what she was saying. "I- I don't mind if you help me out. I'd actually appreciate it. I don't think any other winged people here are going to want to help me.." Roman said. ".. And is Seki still conscious in you or is it just- you?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Raikal lurched at Seki's bodily reactions, and had to steady themselves with a hand on the wall. "Y-yeah, they're... definitely a liar..." "And Seki's still, uh, in here. They're unhappy about Naiyta... which is very understandable. If you want to know what they're saying, I can tell you." They shuddered. "Uh, truthfully, I really don't like being in such a different body to my own- not to mention a body that just isn't mine in the first place- but this is the only way I can leave, or... communicate with the still-living." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"It's more that you are in me, and not the other way around." Their fur sleeked and tail stilled. "I'm not thrilled about this feeling either, but I'm still glad I can help you wander around. Though, I would like my body back soonish. Hm, but it's nice if we can help Roman while we're at it, too." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"If they have stuff they want to say, I would appreciate hearing it.." Roman said. His wings twitched as he looked off to the side. "If you don't like that body you can.. mm.. You could take over mine and fix my feathers. I'm pretty used to the feeling of being possessed- it's.. Kind of pleasant. To lose yourself." His cheeks darkened a bit, as he thought back to some other times he was possessed.. By Roque, of course. ".. Not long periods of time, of course. Which if Naiyta found out, they'd want to make it permanent." @Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Uh, yeah, I guess it is that way- they, uh, said that it's me in them, not the other way around. Sounds weirder when I say it out loud." They laughed dryly. "Uhmm... yeah, if I could switch over to your body, that might be helpful. Just for a bit. It'd probably be easier to move around with Roman- no offense, Seki- and I could fix up your feathers." She shifted a bit. "But only if that's soemthing you're definitely okay with. And only for a short while, we can't let Naiyta know." @Twig | Seki / Aarni @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Well, you didn't have to say that one aloud" Seki's whiskers quivered with amusement. "Oh, no, I totally get that. No offence taken. To be honest I would like to have my control back if that's possible." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Yes, I'm sure." Roman nodded and turned to fully face Seki. "So how do we.. Do that? Roque could kinda just will it. I'm guessing that's not the case for you. I also don't really know what my eyes will look like.. They look like this on me because of my powers. Maybe black sclera like yours but still red irises with white pupils..? I don't know- we'll still need to hide it." @Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. Seki wants me out, anyways, so this works out." Raikal nodded. "To possess Seki, I had to make contact with them. But- I don't think I can really manifest my form out here. And... Naiyta will likely still be at the temple, so..." He held out Seki's paws for Roman to take. "I guess we can try this? Oh- and it miighhttt feel like you're burning, just for a bit. I'll try to limit that as much as I can." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Burning? Of course.. ".. Alright.. please just try to be quick with it. As long as I can't smell the burning I should be alright." Roman said and grabbed on to Seki's paws. "Oh- and when I'm possessed I usually just lose mental consciousness, so I might not be saying anything.. That's alright. You're free to do whatever with me." Clearly this is why he got in to so much trouble.. "If you want to fly, I would appreciate the practice. You might have to stay low- or go somewhere where Naiyta won't be able to see, like off the cliffs maybe.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Seki's tail tip twitched in anticipation. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'll be as quick as I can. And- thank you." They firmly clasped Seki's hands over Roman's, and Roman would begin to feel an intense burning heat starting from his hands and encompassing his entire body. When the hot pain finally faded, he didn't have control over his own body.... Seki, rather, would feel the warmth of Raikal's presence draining out of them, and they'd finally have control back over their own body. Roman's eyes had turned out just as he'd predicted- black sclera, with the same red irises and white pupils. Once they had settled into Roman's body, Raikal let go of Seki's paws and ran his fingers through his hair, patted down his chest and slightly adjusted their clothes. They stretched out his wings and flapped them a bit. "Roman... are you good? In there?" They asked aloud, then looked to Seki, "Are you good?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Roman winced as the burning feeling encompassed him, but since there was no actual flesh burning, he seemed to keep his cool. As Roman had warned, it seemed like he had gone radio silent.. The only thing Raikal would get from him is a vague feeling of bliss and relaxation. But it seemed like Roman was not alone, a third was also there. It was silent like him, but it was paying more attention. It felt judging. And slightly mad. (Feel free to keep going without me unless something crazy happens) @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Twig | Seki / Aarni (edited)

Seki staggered back and slumped on his knees with a small grunt. They blinked, shook their head, and looked at their hands, flexing their fingers. "Hmm, yeah, I'm fine. That was hella weird", Seki replied. He put his paws on the ground, lifted his knees and gave his whole body a proper shake, hair and ears flapping. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal took Roman's silence and sense of bliss as him being alright, and... decided to ignore the other presence. They were much more comfortable in this body than they had been in Seki's, in no small part to how similar Naiyta had made him to them. They tried not too think too much about the implications of reaping the benefits of Naiyta's cruelty. They sat down on the rubble around the ruins, and extended out Roman's wings to start preening his feathers. "I'm glad. That you're fine, not that it was weird..." They laughed. "Roman seems to be doing well as well..." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah", Seki chuckled as well, sat back down and dusted off their hands. "That's good he's feeling well. And hey! Now you have wings again", Seki smiled. "Do you think they're strong enough to use?" After a beat, Seki took their mask off, leaned closer to Roman and reached out to put it on his face. "There. I wonder if he has his mask with him somewhere." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal let Seki place the mask onto Roman's face. "I don't think he has his mask... Naiyta's dressed him up all in my clothes." Raikal began preening Roman's feathers- delicately rearranging them and and laying them out flat. They seemed to have a lot of experience with this, and had no trouble fixing the feathers. "Hm. Maybe... I'm not actually sure if he can fly. But I could try." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Hmm, I guess... so he's not a contestant anymore, is he?" Seki sat back and watched Raikal start preening Roman's feathers. she curled her tail into her lap and started cleaning the tail tip from litter and tangles. "Mhm, don't jump off from too high", Seki cautioned. "I hope Roman is fine with the wings..." they looked at the guy with a small crease between their eyebrows. Seki remembered all too well how it felt to wake up to a different body. The dysphoria, and dysmorphia, made everything else harder to bear, and it was already so bad all around. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm not sure.... I don't think that'd make him safe from Naiyta, though...." "I won't. I'll start slow, just some gliding or something. And I'd like to fix up his feathers first, just to be safe..." Raikal said, with a light chuckle. They sighed. "I hope so, too... I didn't even know it was possible for halflings to grow out their wings like this. My son never had wings." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"No... maybe less likely to die but I don't know if that's any better..." Seki nodded, and smirked slightly. "Mhm. Are they bad?" "Hm, I see. Mmaybe it's something only Naiyta can make happen? And since this is their realm, maybe they could do it here but not elsewhere?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Naiyta will kill him. I'm almost certain of that." Raikal sighed, and hoped, desperately, that Roman wasn't paying attention to the conversation. "Whether it's tommorow, or in a thousand years, if it gets its way, it will kill him. It's what happened to me, and since it's turning him into me...." "Mhm. They're young feathers. Lots of pins." Raikal hummed. "But nothing I wouldn't expect from someone in... his situation." "Maybe. Naiyta's not supposed to have control over corvi things like this, but... I don't know. I really don't know the limits of their powers, or what they're willing to intrude upon." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Why does it do that?!" Seki yelped, pleplexed, and looked at Raikal for an explanation. "Pins?" "Really? How are they not supposed to?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, it killed me because I cheated on them. I think. Still not entirely sure." Raikal said, all too casually. "I... don't really know. But... I don't think Roman will be able to avoid their wrath forever." "Mhm. Pin feathers, like these." Raikal said, and indicated some of the young feathers still encased in keratin. "They're still growing." "Well, we corvi have our own goddess, the Nightwatcher. She made us, she gives some of us powers... all that sort of thing. I'd think Naiyta would be too smart than to cross her, but..." They shrugged. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Ah... Yeah, for someone with an ego like Naiyta's, that does seem like a likely reason. Hm. I wish it did some anger management therapy", they huffed. "Oh, I see, cool", Seki leaned forward and tilted their head to look at the feathers. "My uncle has wings, but I guess I never inspected them too close." "Yeah? Hmm, I guess that makes sense. But Naiyta seems so arrogant I'm not surprised if it didn't care." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Arrogant and egotistical are... definitely ways one could describe Naiyta." Raikal hummed in agreement. "Your uncle has wings?" Raikal asked curiously, trying to picture Seki's family tree in his mind that would lead to one uncle having wings but not, apparently, the rest of the family. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki nodded exaggerately to agree with Raikal's statement. "Yeah! He's a Galeon. They are really rare in Ninjago, I think he's the only one. Eevees become Galeons only if they evolve in the Cloud Kingdom, which is really hard to get to," Seki explained, not coming to think that evolving wasn't a universal knowledge. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Galeon..." Raikal repleated, unfamiliar with every other word Seki had used. "Uhhhh.... huh. Cool. What did his feathers look like? Usually us corvids only have black feathers, we're kind of boring." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Mhm. His feathers are mostly gray, but there's some white-tipped ones along the edge, and around here", Seki drew an invisible line in the air in front of Roman's wing to show where their uncle had patterns. "And the tips of the wings have some soft yellow too. He also has feathers instead of fur on his upper body." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Interesting..." Raikal hummed, and finished preening one of Roman's wings. They moved to the other. "We usually don't have feathers outside of our wings and on our backs. Sometimes we get them on our arms, though. Little tiny feathers..." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Aw, that sounds cute", Seki smiled. "He has like, scaly arms. Like bird feet. And he has tail feathres too! Does Roman have tail feathers?" Seki leaned to the side to try and see Roman's backside. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal self-conciously moved so Seki wouldn't be able to look at Roman's ass. "Uh, no, most corvi don't have tail feathers. Well, at least most rooks don't. Some magpies do." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Ah, I see. I haven't met many feathered folks. There was a bird lady in the city who helped me out a lot, though. If it wasn't for her I would have probably died young", Seki let out a soft, wistful but fond chuckle. "Her name was Cloudia Healbell. I believe she's already passed. I wish I had listened to her all those years ago, would have spared me from a lot of troubles." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I didn't know anyone who wasn't a bird person til I was... twenty-nine, yes. That's when I went to Naiyta." Raikal hummed. "Mhm... my condolences. It's hard to loose those who you care for. But I'm glad she was able to help you out." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Huh, that must have felt weird for you. Were everyone else humans or were there other species?" "Thanks, yeah.. I ran away from home when I was 14, and though I mostly bothered her for healing purposes, I guess she was something of a mother figure to me as well. I lost connection to her when I was, uh, exiled, so I didn't really get to be there in the end. She was pretty old already when we met, so, yeah." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I was the only corvi in Naiyta's harem. Everyone else was human, at least as far as I know." Raikal hummed. "Mhmmm... fourteen is pretty young. I'm glad you were able to have her." Raikal sighed. "If you don't mind me asking, why did you run away?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"I see. These worlds seem to have pretty homogeneous communities", Seki mused. "Because I was stupid", Seki replied simply with a grin and a dry chuckle. They still had plenty of tangles in their tail, so they continued grooming it. "I was stupid and self-righteous, had a pretty bad puberty and was hormonal and confused, jealous at my cool sister and felt like I was being mistreated and neglected at home, which wasn't true. I was just such a dramatic little brat. I wanted to be free. Free from any expectations from my family or the people who knew me. I wanted to kind of find who I was outside of my family ties. Top that with gender confusion and all that, and you get an angry, rash teen who thinks he can take on the world", Seki chuckled again softly. They used to hate that brat for making such a grave mistake, but had grown to feel affectionate towards that kid. They saw similar cases at work all the while, after all. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. Especially back in my time." Raikal listened to Seki with a sad look of concern, like a parent might give to a child that wasn't theirs, yet they cared for anyways. "Mhm. I see. Are you doing better now?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki nodded. He could kind of picture how it was. The Empire of the Nine Sisters was also predominantly inhabitated by foxes, but there were other species as well. However, it was nowhere as diverse as Ninjago. Seki smiled. "Oh, for sure. I'm doing much better. I think I'm happier and healthier than I've been in my whole life, or at least close. I finally feel at peace, and like I have a place in the world. Life really starts in yout forties", they laughed lightly. "Hmm, of course, that was before I was brought here. I don't have my medicine, so", they shrugged, "aside from withdrawal, I'm constantly fighting off the depression, heh.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm, I'm glad things worked out for you... I never actually reached my forties. Naiyta made me immortal before I could turn thirty, and... time spent immortal doesn't really count as aging, I don't think." The sighed. "Mhm... I'm sorry about that. I... don't have any way to fix it, but I'm sorry." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Does it not?" Seki tilted their head. "Yeah, don't worry about it. I'm just trying not to give up", Seki hummed, and smoothed out the fur of their tail, glancing at Raikal with a small smile. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't think so. I didn't grow old, I didn't change... every year, every day, felt exactly the same. It was almost a thousand years, but... it passed like I was stuck in a dream. Or some horrible nightmare." They sighed. "Mhm. Not giving up, that's strong of you. It takes a lot of effort to do that." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh.. oh shit, that sounds awful", Seki pouted. They also thought it sounded quite like depression. They sighed and nodded, now making small braids into their tail tassel. "It does, but I'm trying for everyone else's sake. And I don't want to give Naiyta that satisfaction, either", they ended with a small growl. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

Yeah, a thousand years in sexual slavery will lead to depression. "It was awful." They nodded. "Mhm. I don't know if I have any of that strength, myself... but I want to see you all get out of here. You don't deserve this." Raikal sighed. They finished preening Roman's wings, and stood up to stretch them out. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"I don't blame you. I wish you could also get out of here. You don't deserve this either." Seki watched Raikal stand up and stretch. "Are you gonna try flying now?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't think I'll ever be able to." Raikal sighed. "Really, I just wish it all would end." "Ahh, yeah." They climbed up onto the rubble they had been sitting on- they were only about three feet above the ground. "This should be high enough, just for starting." @Twig | Seki / Aarni (tw suicidal thinking)

cw idk continuation tho prev "I mean, getting out in your case could just mean to pass on", Seki hummed gently with a compassionate gaze. "Alright! That seems safe enough." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. I'd like that. To be able to rest, to reunite with Odalia...." Raikal sighed wistfully. They poised themself to jump and extended Roman's wings out, before taking off in a swift jump. Raikal lifted up a few feet into the air, and glided safely down. "Alright... not bad..." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki clapped their paws. "Nice! How does it feel?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It feels good." Raikal beamed, climbing up onto some other, higher debris. "So good. I'd forgotten how much I liked flying." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki chuckled gently. "Awesome! Careful not to sprain anything, though!" They stood up and dusted themself off, before watching Raikal climb and get ready for another flight. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. I'll be careful. Roman, ah, doesn't have as developed back as you usually need for flight..." They hummed, and got ready to take off again from a slightly higher distance. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh yeah, I guess that makes sense." Seki hovered close by, thinking they'd try to catch Raikal if they fell. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal took off, and flapped Roman's wings at a steady pace to stay in the air for a few more moments than last time, before landing safely on the ground once again. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal took off, and flapped Roman's wings at a steady pace to stay in the air for a few more moments than last time, before landing safely on the ground once again. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

@Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Woo!" Seki clapped their hands again, tail swishing happily. "Awh that looks so fun! I would like to try... I wonder if there's fake wings that I could wear", they mused. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I've never seen anything like that," Raikal admitted. "But that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. I really hope Roman likes flying, and that he gets the chance to... even if he didn't want the wings, he deserves a chance to enjoy them." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah. He said he'd like to. They would be useful, I think", Seki nodded. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I really hope Naiyta doesn't stop him...." Raikal sighed heavily, taking a moment to stretch out Roman's wings some more before attempting flight again. "It tears me up to see it doing everything it did to me, to him." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah... Is he getting any views and feels of flying right now when you do it?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm not sure... he's not as, uhm, present as you were when I was in your body. I hope he's getting a good nap..." Raikal hummed, and tried to sense how Roman was doing... @Twig | Seki / Aarni @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

... He was feeling even more peaceful than before. It was actually getting hard to feel him out with how much he was chillaxing- But that other presence was getting stronger. And more angry. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Aw, well, if he can take a break from all of this like that, then I guess that's about as good", Seki smiled fondly. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm...." Raikal said, and frowned. "Seki, this is a bit of a weird question, but do you know if Roman, uh, is possesed by anything?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Huh? Uh, umm... I don't think he's told me about something like that, but I honestly wouldn't be surprised. Why are you asking?" Seki tilted their head slightly. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"There's, uh, another presence in the body, that I can sense, outside of just Roman and I. A very angry presence." His brow furrowed. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, damn. You know I'd almost be surprised if he wasn't possessed with everything I've learned about him", Seki shook their head with a slight frown and a sigh "Hmm... he has blood powers and he was hanging out this... blood boy who had two souls inside it. Maybe that's somehow what you're feeling?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Maybe....." Raikal's gaze was distant as they thought. They tried to sense more about the presence... @Twig | Seki / Aarni

10:54 AM

@Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Hm. It seemed to only get madder as Raikal tried to focus more on it. It seemed to move away from their prodding at first, doing it's best to not be found, but Raikal managed to find the source. Maybe they had some kind of ghost advantage. Somewhere between Roman's heart and brain there was another. A vaguely feminine energy full of hatred. "You would be best to leave us be." Something spoke to Raikal, with a very cool and collected tone. "I am merely here to make sure you do not do anything with Roman here that will get him killed. I still need him." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Seki tilted their head and their tail swayed behind them, as they watched Raikal go quiet. They figured she was trying to make sense of the unknown presence, so they didn't disturb her. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

I don't mean you or Roman any harm. Raikal thought, trying to communicate that to the presence. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Then there is no harm to me being here either. I am just observing." It replied. "I am going to relay to him how you are flying. Since he is clearly not paying any attention. I think it would be useful to have a host that can fly.. Yes, my preferred host could not do that. And it created some problems for her." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

That's.... fine with me. You may observe, and tell him how to fly. Raikal conceded. Roman let me into his body because he wanted me to help fix his wings. You should also relay to him how to preen himself- or else all the flying information will be useless anyways. A pause. Your... preferred host? To Seki, Raikal was just standing there, staring into space. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

11:21 AM

@Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Hm. Fine, if that will be necessary." It said, and moved around his body a bit. "Yes, you just think I am a fool if you think this is the type of person I go for. No, Roman is just an obedient little dog. He has gotten himself in to quite the situation here, and I would prefer to not have to involve myself with the Lifebringer, but I cannot leave him quite yet. He has Roque. And the Lifebringer said it may be possible to bring her back. After that, I will most likely vacate him." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"What will happen to Roman when you leave him?" Raikal asked. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Seki shifted their weight and crossed their arms, observing Raikal. "Everything okay?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, he would lose his powers, which will not serve him here anyway. He has already told the Lifebringer that he would not mind losing his powers, as long as it would bring Roque and his friends back. I am hoping that agreement goes through, and the Lifebringer will never even notice I am here." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

11:33 AM

@innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah- yeah, everything's alright." Raikal said to Seki, and went silent once more. "Do you think Naiyta would follow through on that? In my experience, they aren't usually one to keep promises." Raikal admitted. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Mm'kay", Seki nodded, and continued to wait quietly. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I do not like to put my faith in other gods, but I do not have many other options." It said. "I am sure it wants Roman to stay here, and Roman said he would stay happily if his friends went back to the real would. Maybe Naiyta would prefer to skip any resistance from Roman and send his friends away." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

"Mhm. I see" Very little of this effected Raikal, and there wasn't much they could do to involve themself in it. "I don't think Roman should stay here, if that can be avoided in any way." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Naiyta is not going to allow him to leave. If it keeps conflict between me and the Lifebringer nonexistent, I would prefer Roman stay here. He is just one part of something much bigger, losing him means nothing. He has not proved himself to be suited to my power anyway." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"... can I know who, or what, you are? I won't tell Roman if you don't want me to." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I am a god desperate people turn to, like many. I prefer to keep my presence unknown to my hosts though. I am not here for worship. With worship comes jealousy, and you know how many Lifebringers they have been through now.. I do not intend on making myself such a public figure- not until I can be sure that I have enough hosts under my control." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

A god. Raikal knew better than to get involved with more deities. "I see." They replied. "What will you do when you're powerful enough?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 (edited)

"What will I do? I have not let myself ponder that yet. It may make me impatient." It said, and moved closer to the place Raikal's soul was residing. "What would you do, if you had all the power in the world? I do not have any interest in ghosts as hosts, of course, but you seem to be in a pretty desperate situation." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"That is something I have never been in the position to think about." Raikal admitted. "Right now, I simply wish to pass on to the next life. I've far exceeded my time here." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Well, that first Lifebringer is fond of you, yes? Perhaps if you can convince them to go along with Roman's plan of reviving Roque and his other friends, I can try to pull some strings on my end to get you passed on, while I still have access to this realm." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Naiyta would have to actually talk to me first, which is unlikely. But I can try. I'd like to see all the remaining contestants and attendants leave this place alive, if I can." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 '

"The time frame between all people leaving, if it even happens, and Roman losing his powers will be very short, I'd imagine." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal thought a bit. "Yes. I don't think Naiyta would even consider bringing back Roman's friends until it solves the issue with the Fold." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Mm. And I have basically no power as it is here, if I am going to help you, you will need to accept it whenever it may come. The moment Roque is out of this realm I want nothing else to do with this place." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I have been here for almost eight thousand years. I can probably wait a little longer." Raikal huffed. "Will I owe you? I do not enjoy the idea of being in a higher being's debt." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"If the Lifebringer has already had you for thousands of years, what makes you think they will be the one to release you?" It asked. "Your payment to me is getting Naiyta to release Roque. Which I suppose poses some problems with the timeline here.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I think, at least right now, Naiyta is the only one with the power to release me. Except for maybe Albanes, but she's proved very unhelpful so far." Raikal huffed. "I don't know if I* can get Naiyta to release Roque. All we have to support that is their word to Roman." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Well I will only attempt to help if Roque is out. That's all I have to offer you in exchange." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"That's... understandable. I just don't know how likely that is." Raikal admitted. "I don't expect compassion from deities." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Compassion is never what I offer people." It said, with a slight chuckle. "They might think it is, but it is not out of care for people that I grant them abilities at their darkest hour." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"About what I expected." Raikal replied flatly. "No God I have ever met acts out of compassion." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"There is not much of a reason to. Have you met a lot of Gods?" It asked. "Would you consider yourself a compassionate bird-person, Raikal?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You're the third I've ever had much contact with." Raikal mused. "I try to be. Compassionate, that is." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"And why are you compassionate, or why do you believe yourself to be?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I think the vast majority of the people in this world are good. Or, at least, they have the potential to be good. And compassion fosters that." They explained. "Pain and suffering lead only to more pain and suffering." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Compassion fosters goodness, you believe? Roman has been compassionate with the Lifebringer, do you believe that that is going to make any change in it?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I think it does more than enacting more suffering would." Raikal maintained. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"And do you think that will matter in the end? Will it treat Roman with any more mercy? That is what you want, is it not?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"... I don't know." Raikal admitted. "But... I'd like to believe Naiyta can still be a good person." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Even after everything they put you through? You think they can change? That is not compassion, that is insanity." It said disapprovingly. "You are much like Roman. Uncomfortably. Which actually makes sense, you are related, you know." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"What? We're related?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"A rook family from nine thousand years ago, you are related to many rooks in some form. But Roman is some distant descendant of one of your brothers. His mother was a rook that was in your brother's bloodline and his father was just a normal human."

"Huh..." Raikal's brow furrowed. "Which brother?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I am surprised you remember them by name after all of this time. It was Rakin, he had a few children." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Rakin..." Well, one of Raikal's brothers had been called that. So there was at least a chace this wasn't all being made up. "Huh." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"But nine thousand years of generations means you are practically unrelated. It is pure coincidence that Roman looks so much like you. His mother was actually quite pale. But I am sure a Naiyta would find this fascinating none the less. I would not be surprised if it already knew." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm... sure Naiyta would be thrilled to learn that." Raikal was tense and uncomfortable. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"What? Do you not like talking about this? Does it change how you feel about him?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Is there a reason we have to talk about it?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Because I find it to be an interesting topic. It is fun to see how you mortals think." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, I don't like being entertainment for gods. I'm sure you can understand why." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Oh yes, I can understand why" It said, and began to leave him again. "I think we've discussed all we can. Keep in mind our deal, Raikal. I will do everything in my power to get you out as long as you keep up your end of the deal." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I will. I'll do what I can." It was a rather weak promise. They fell silent both mentally and physically, unsure what to say to Seki.... @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki was looking around the environment, listening and looking back at Raikal every now and then. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal looked up to Seki. "Uh... hey, I'm back. Raikal still." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki turned to Raikal, and a frendly smile soon appeared on their face with a jovial little head tilt. "Did you go somewhere?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah, uhm, not really." Raikal laughed awkwardly. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki chuckled and walked up to them. "Well? What about that weird presence you felt?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's- ah, I don't know if it's information that's safe to spread around." Raikal frowned. "But... mhm. It's there." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki cocked an eyebrow. "Oh? Is Roman okay?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"He's.... mhm. I think so. I don't think he's really... uh, safe, here, but..." Raikal drifted off. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Well, yeah. That was a dumb question", Seki admitted, bopping their head from side to side, rolling their eyes with a self-ironic smirk. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm..." Raikal's gaze was still distant, his attention elsewhere. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Are you gonna continue flying?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yeah, I think I will." Raikal nodded, and turned back to the ruins. She climbed up a bit higher... @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki nodded and watched Raikal climb up again. They were very curious about what Raikal had been doing while it seemed like they disassociated, but they didn't want to pry too much. If it was something dangerous, maybe it was better left a secret... No matter how it itched their curiosity. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal climbed up about six or seven feet up the wall, and seemed confident in her footing. She extended out Roman's wings, stretching them out before taking off. They remained in the air for a few more minutes before landing. "I wish I knew some more interesting tricks... I'm not the strongest flier out there." Raikal hummed as he made contact with the ground again. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki chuckled. "Maybe you shouldn't try anything too crazy anyway. Don't want to sprain Roman's wings right away." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yeah, true..." Raikal hummed. "I hope he's getting something out of all this, anyways..." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki nodded. "Yeah, but at the very least you are getting something out of this", they smiled. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. I... guess I am." Raikal stretched out Roman's wings again. "I wonder if Roman would mind if I took a bath..." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, hm. I'd say ask him, but if he's being unresponsive, that's a bit difficult", Seki took a pondering expression, and rubbed their chin. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm.... he said I could do anything with his body, but.... I don't know if he'd want me to.... and I feel obligated to take care of his body while I'm in it." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"That is true, he did say that", Seki tilted their head and pouted in thought. "Mm, you could try confirming it with him? I'm also just a little worried about you running into someone in the bathhouse..." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I could keep the mask on and not talk to anyone, maybe..." Raikal hummed in thought. Roman? Are you there? They tried to reach him. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

He had no response, but his presence could still be vaguely felt. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Seki gave a noncommittal hum, but seemed concerned still. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"He's not responsive, but he's there." Raikal frowned. Roman, can I take a bath? Raikal tried. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱@Twig | Seki / Aarni

Again, nothing. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hmm", Seki frowned slightly. "Let me try." She stepped closer to Raikal, grabbed Roman's shoulders, and started shaking him back and forth. "ROOMAAN! HEY! HEEY! WAKE UP!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"WHOA- hey!" Raikal protested in surpise as Seki suddenly took ahold of Roman's shoulders, but tried to see if this was bringing out anything from Roman... @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 @Twig | Seki / Aarni

He was still mentally distant, even with the shaking. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"He's not responding at all-" Raikal said, and wiggled out of Seki's grasp. "We should probably let him rest." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki sighed and crossed their arms again. They didn't like making decisions for Roman at all. "I guess it's your call then. But I'd like to be nearby just in case. Besides, I think once you decide to head back to the temple, I should take you instead of Roman, since that's a likely place to run into Naiyta..." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm.... that's probably smart." Raikal nodded. "I think.... I'll go wash him up, and then get him something to eat maybe. I feel bad being in his body and not taking care of it. And then you can take him back to the temple?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Alright, though, hm. I meant I'd let you posses me again when we go to the temple. I know you don't like it a lot, but I just feel nervous about running into Naiyta while you're still in there", Seki nodded towards both of the corvi. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh- I guess that works too. And would be safer. Naiyta... will probably be done with the funeral now, I think." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah. It's unnerving. It'd be nice to know where they are at any given time", Seki huffed, swishing their tail. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"The other corvi here- the crowling, she does." Raikal said. "She's blessed by the Nightwatcher, she can see everything. Well, not me in ghost form, but pretty much everything." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, right, her... but she got hurt recently for going against Naiyta. I'm not sure if she'd be happy to help. At least her buddy isn't happy to, I'm pretty sure." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal's brow furrowed. "Mhm.... that's unfortunate. But it's worth trying, to keep track of Naiyta. And that proves she is willing to go against Naiyta..." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"That's true... I guess it won't hurt to ask. Then it's just about finding her, first", Seki nodded, and turned to look around, as though Kairas would appear by looking. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kairas was, of course, nowhere to be seen. ".... I'm gonna go take a bath." Raikal declared. "I... guess you could come if you want? I don't know how Roman feels about nudity." They'd only met him once before when he was naked from external circumstances. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"...Alright. Um. I'll go look for Kairas and figure out if she wants to help. Then I can come and.. I dunno, guard the entrance to the bathhouse? I'll start a fight with Naiyta if nothing else to alert you", Seki half joked. "I've seen him naked before, and I don't honestly feel any desires towards someone half younger than me. I won't be staring at him anyway, I'll keep an eye on the surroundings." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Sounds good." Raikal nodded. "Thanks for looking out- for the both of us." They adjusted their clothes again, and headed back towards the citadel. "I'll see you soon!" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Sounds good." Raikal nodded. "Thanks for looking out- for the both of us." They adjusted their clothes again, and headed back towards the citadel. "I'll see you soon!" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Alright, stay safe and avoid people!" Seki waved to Raikal.

isi darcy reunion

enya and invo are both pathetic

thunderbreaker

cansu and the regnant lifebringer

a bird uncaged