|Okami| Demons |Reserved RP|

Subject: Re: |Okami| Demons |Reserved RP| Wed Jun 11, 2014 8:54 pm

Waka raised an eyebrow as Cedar tugged at his sleeve, pointing down one of the spaces between homes. He hadn't seen anything there though she seemed sure enough about what she said. Waka nodded, already wondering which way Moegami was planning on going and how to best cut him off or corner him. Even then it was dangerous, no matter which route they took.

"You give chase and distract him," Waka decided after a long moment, "he might respond more favorably to you, non?"

If nothing else the two had spoken, Cedar had managed what no one else had so far. That might work in their advantage, at least Waka hoped it would. Calming Moegami would be the best route though Waka wasn't afraid of being a little rough with the god if he had to be. Things needed to be stopped sooner rather than later, after all.

With that said Waka shooed Cedar off. The quicker they got a start on chasing Moegami the less chance he had of getting away from them. If he was on the move they couldn't just let him hide. There was no telling how long it would be until they heard of where he was if that happened.

"No time to waste!" Waka chided lightly despite the situation. With that he was already off, working to head off Moegami.

----[x]----

It was easy to tell Oki was growing as frustrated as Samickle. It was a nearly palpable feeling in the air. Samickle shook himself, a growl escaping him as he did so. They were no closer to any clues than he'd originally been having been called out here earlier. Honestly, Samickle had hoped that Oki would be able to pick up on something that Samickle had missed. It seemed there was nothing...

"No, since Mari's departure he's withdrawn into himself and refuses to speak most times," Samickle scoffed, his lips pulling back in a silent snarl for a brief moment, "whether he's felt anything or not can't be said."

As much as Mari had gotten under his skin she had at least been easier to read. Itegami was so withdrawn that all he did was sulk and hardly paid any attention at all. It made things difficult in a way that Samickle couldn't begin to think to fix.

Samickle shook his head; at this rate they might be in further danger. He paced closer towards the Tuskle, sniffing at the air again. His hackles raised instinctively at the foul stench though nothing new could be discerned from the air. No telltale scent or tracks, what more could they look for at this rate?

"If there's nothing to find here we need to head back," Samickle ordered, "there's no telling who or what did this much less where it is now."

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Waka's attention was on the place she had pointed out. If Moegami was still there, they could at least try to corner him. She hoped that he was in a cooperating mood this time around. It was truly hard to say.

Waka explaining a plan and Cedar nodded in agreement. She started forward when he urged her to. Her pace was quick at first before she slowed down, approaching the buildings.

Slipping in between them as Moegami had, she glanced around carefully. He must have been hiding somewhere.

"Hey, are you there?" she asked, hesitance in her tone, "I just want to talk, okay?"

Cedar hoped he believed her. That was what she wanted to do after all. Just talk it out, figure out what was going on. If he was calm, she wouldn't have to resort to any kind of powers and Waka wouldn't have to intervene

"Will you please come out?" she prodded further, hoping that he was even still around.

----[|X|]----

The air was thick with frustration. Oki resisted another snarl, pacing. He wanted to leave this place. With no further clues, what were they to do here? There was nothing left. For that, he grew frustrated again.

Samickle's answer wasn't one that helped. Oki growled allowing his annoyance to take hold this time. "The boy will get us all killed if this continues," he snapped, "he is young but he must realize there are others at risk here!"

Now more then ever, he wished Mari was here. She would have been easier to deal with. She would have understood and protected this place as much as she could.

She was gone now and there was little he could do about it.

Heaving a sigh of frustration, Oki nodded in agreement. "Perhaps I may speak with Itegami?" he asked, "try to make the boy see sense."

It was worth a try, if anything at all. Oki had to do anything in his power to protect the tribe, even if it was simple reasoning.

Subject: Re: |Okami| Demons |Reserved RP| Wed Jun 11, 2014 9:32 pm

Blake glanced around, unsure of where to go from here. He still had no idea where anything was in this city much less how to read anything here. He knew the place to be of Japanese origin, seemingly right out of the history books, but that was it. Blake had never had any interest or reason to know anything about Japan and now it he was paying for it.

He froze when a familiar voice called out. Carefully he peered around the corner of the building, back pressed against the wall. It was that girl from yesterday, the one with the same white hair and red markings as he had. Blake shook his head, this was all too strange for him.

'Yeah, right, like I'm that stupid,' he scoffed to himself. There was no way he was going out there after yesterday when she'd done that odd stuff with the water. He still wasn't sure why that'd made him feel so weak anyways.

A second or two passed before Blake backed up carefully, remaining as quiet as possible. The last thing he needed was being caught at all. His eyes strayed to the rooftops again. That girl, Cedar, had known that guy that'd chased him from there, leaping at such lengths and heights that Blake still couldn't believe it. The more he saw and heard and experienced in this place the less he could believe.

'I've got to be going fucking insane,' he decided as he tried to slip around the build, back the way he'd come.

----[x]----

Samickle growled again, annoyed at the very mention of Itegami. He'd never been a firm believer of gods and that now seemed to be coming around to mock him. Mari and now Itegami did not listen to him but even Samickle had to admit that Mari would have been easier to contend with than Itegami. He was far too young to reason with properly in situations like this when the boy was content to remain concerned about himself.

"And perhaps he might listen to you better than myself! I have had my fair share of attempts at getting the boy to do what he must and he doesn't listen!" Samickle snapped, bristling at the implication that he hadn't been trying.

He snorted at the option Oki put forth. If nothing else it would be worth a try though Samickle wasn't sure what Oki would be able to do that Samickle and Kemu had not been able to. Still, they had to try or else fall to whatever this new threat was. Samickle couldn't allow that to happen.

"I do not expect you to get anywhere," Samickle sniffed. All the same he turned and started off back towards Wep'keer. "Still, you can try."

It was just as easy heading back as it had been coming out here. Despite the dire situation that had settled over them there were no demons lunging at them from snowdrifts or from the cliff face. For that Samickle was thankful, one problem was enough for now. The run home was a short one, the slope not at all very troublesome for those who shifted into their wolf forms. It would be a simple thing to make his way home, pushing his way inside once he'd shifted out of that wolf body so as to work the handle of the door. Inside they would find Itegami where he'd been left, looking as morose as he had been the last time Samickle had glimpsed him.

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Cedar heaved a sigh, shoulders sagging a little. She walked down the path a little more, hoping to find Moegami. He hadn't said anything but he was here. She knew that much.

Before she could open her mouth again, he shot off like a dart. She was startled for a moment before she ran after him. Why did he insist on running away?

"Wait!" she shouted, "please! I'm not going to hurt you!"

She lifted her hand slightly, hoping for some kind of power to surge through like it had the day before. She tried waving it, moving it, tried an odd angle here and there. At one point, she even muttered 'go water, go.' but to no avail.

"Come on!" she shouted, frustration leaking in her tone, "you're testing my patience! Can't you just listen?!"

Moegami did nothing to show that he was and continued to run. She glanced around for Waka. If she couldn't stop him despite her effort, he would have to.

----[|X|]----

Samickle hadn't been pleased with what Oki suggested. In a way, he was sure he felt insulted. Oki shook it from his head. These were trying times and there was no point in getting into petty squabbles. They had people they needed to protect.

"I will try," he replied before they set off again.

Oki had never been so thankful to get away from a place of evil. It still clung to him like a heavy cloud. He hated the feeling. The trip, short as it was, gave him a moment to clear his head.

When they entered Samickle's home, Itegami was easy to find. He looked sullen and lost, much like Mari had when Oki found her. Still, there were lives at risk.

Changing from his wolf form, he approached the boy. "I need you to tell me if you have felt anything odd around this area," Oki urged, "this is of the utmost urgency."

The boy blinked up at him, scoffed and turned his head. Oki resisted raising his tone but his impatience was growing. He glanced over at Samickle who looked as if he was expecting this resistance.

Subject: Re: |Okami| Demons |Reserved RP| Wed Jun 11, 2014 10:04 pm

Blake broke into a run as soon as Cedar's voice reached his ears, louder and more demanding this time; he'd been spotted. Like a shot he was off, his feet pounding hard against the pavement. He refused to be caught off guard again or to even be caught at all, not by her and not by that weird power of hers. Whether or not she was really going to help him wasn't an issue, he just had to get away.

"Screw you!" he called back, not bothering to glance back.

He knew how to run for long distances, could manage it at least even if his lungs burned and his legs would feel like jelly during and after that run. Slowing down or stopping were out of the question though.

Waka had taken to the rooftops, listening carefully and keeping hunkered down. If Cedar was spotted or startled Moegami then he could at least keep up quicker from here so long as he did not leap down prematurely this time. That had been a mistake he would not repeat this time.

When Cedar's voice rang out, louder this time and a voice answered here Waka started off, following closely behind. If Cedar could manage to slow him then Waka would slip in front of Moegami, cutting off his escape. Until then leaping from the roof would be that same mistake from yesterday.

His brow furrowed, heart hammering his chest as he clutched Pillowtalk tightly. His sandals clacked against the rooftop though it went unheard by those below who were more concerned with what they were doing. Glancing at Cedar he saw her trying to get her powers to work, to summon water from the canals and slow Moegami down but to no avail. Waka scoffed, unsure of how this could work out otherwise, he'd been placing a good amount of faith in her for this to work.

----[x]----

As soon as Oki had entered Samickle closed the door behind them both and by the time he'd turned back Oki had already shifted out of his own wolf form. Samickle watched, crossing his arms over his chest as Oki tried to speak to Itegami. While the boy glanced up at Oki there was no further response from him otherwise.

Oki glanced over his shoulder at Samickle then. Samickle merely gestured towards the pair; he'd already expected this sort of a reaction for Itegami. The more Samickle had tried to pry anything out of Itegami the more he'd been snubbed like this in the last few hours.

"I almost prefer Mari's childish moods over this," Samickle admitted in a huff. At the very least Mari was speaking then, Itegami wouldn't even do that much. It didn't go unnoticed by Samickle the way that Itegami's look seemed to sour at that statement.

With that said Samickle waited further, wondering how this would play out. He was fully prepared for nothing to be said from Itegami though they might be surprised. Perhaps the boy didn't even know he'd felt anything with all this self-centered sulking. It was entirely possible at least.

Impatience still welled up in Samickle, nothing new to him either. If they could at least get something to lead them in the right direction, to stop what was coming their way then it would be better than nothing. Samickle still couldn't hold much hope in that happening however. Never being a firm believer in the gods he couldn't expect them to save them in these new, moody states of theirs.

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Cedar couldn't call on that power again. Her heart hammered in her chest, steadily beginning to panic. Moegami had a leg up on her. What was she going to do if she couldn't catch up.

"Please!" she shouted instead, "you have to stop!"

He did not pay any heed to her begging. Growing frustrated, she tried again, tried to force it. This time, a stream of water did appear. As she struggled to keep it in form, it fell to the ground harmlessly instead.

This was when she halted, gasping for air. If this was all she could manage after that, then there was nothing she could do.

"Waka, I can't do it!" she shouted, hoping the man was somewhere to hear her, "it's taking everything out of me!"

She felt exhausted as it was. Trying to force her powers to work for her only seemed to drain her more. He'd have to cut Moegami off at this rate.

----[|X|]----

Oki didn't try to understand why this boy was being so stubborn. Perhaps it was his age, perhaps it was something more that he was hiding. It was becoming an annoyance either way.

"Mari at least had the people in mind," Oki agreed to Samickle's words, "Itegami, I am finding myself unsure."

The boy looked to be bristling. Perhaps this is what he needed. A little prodding in the right direction could favor them all. Oki looked down at the boy as he glared right back.

"Derek," he finally said, "my name is Derek. Not 'Ite-whatever you called it. So stop calling me that!"

Oki sighed through his nose. If anything, that was a start. Derek was at least talking now, however annoyed he was. Oki shook his head at that.

"Derek then," Oki replied, trying to reign in some calmness, "did you feel anything?"

The boy shrugged, looking helpless. Annoyance was filling the air quickly. If he didn't speak up, the tribe would be unsafe. Oki couldn't protect them if he didn't know his enemy.

"The air has been feeling heavy since last night," he explained though there was displeasure in his tone, "and I don't know what it is. Just that it's suffocating."

Subject: Re: |Okami| Demons |Reserved RP| Thu Jun 12, 2014 3:55 pm

"No, I don't!" Moegami called out, barely sparing a glance over his shoulder.

Waka's frown deepened at this situation. This was as dire as the situation yesterday so why couldn't Cedar use her powers now? He tried not to let the frustration well up just yet, there was still time, Moegami had yet to duck around into another alley. Perhaps the god was seeking somewhere particular to hide.

From the corner of his eye Waka saw Cedar stop, doubling over. His own steps faltered, stopping only briefly to glance back at her, wondering if she was all right. It wasn't a long wait before she was calling after him, admitting that she couldn't do it.

He wasn't sure what made him stay for so long, warring with himself. He could easily give chase to Moegami and try to catch him but at what cost? That fire would not be dampened, homes and businesses and the people in and around them would be put into danger if they went up in flames. Likewise Cedar didn't look very good either, all but teetering on her feet.

A scoff left him before he turned and gave chase, Moegami having gained a decent amount of ground in Waka's hesitance. They couldn't let him get away again however.

----[x]----

At the mention of Mari it was easy to see Itegami bristling, glaring at the two of them. Samickle raised an eyebrow at this, wondering if this was what it would take to draw the god-boy into speaking. If nothing else it was a method though not one Samickle would want to keep resorting to just to keep Itegami talking.

Samickle huffed at the way Itegami shouted, declaring that his name was 'Derek' instead. It was just as odd a name as Mari's had been, odder even when Samickle stopped to think about it. Were all of the gods going to be like this now? Samickle didn't know if Nippon was ready for that.

"Well, at least you're speaking now," Samickle muttered conspicuously. It was easy to ignore the look he received in return.

Tapping his finger along his arm Samickle wasn't sure this news helped any. Now that Samickle was aware of what was happening the feeling was easy to pick up on but to those that weren't it was still hard to detect, still rolling in through Wep'keer. It had been almost unbearable up in that foul stink by Tuskle's stone body however.

"This is worrisome indeed. If we don't know what it is we can't properly protect against it," Samickle harrumphed, angry more at the thought of being unable to protect the tribe rather than at 'Derek'. "We're still right at step one."

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Cedar gasped for breath, teetering once before she reached out to place her hand on something for support. Did trying to force these powers make things worse? She couldn't say; this was the first time she'd done it.

Waka finally followed after Moegami. He hesitated for such a long moment. Cedar didn't try to understand what might be on his mind honestly. She wrote it off as the people's safety.

She started to walk when she felt a little less dizzy. Cedar refused to run again, not when her legs were still protesting. She hoped she was taking the right paths.

"This is a mess..." she muttered to herself.

At some point, she started to jog in the general direction. No fires had been spotted yet but she was able to stop here and there and ask if Moegami had been seen. That was the only way she was going to catch up.

She put enough faith in Waka's ability. The man could be a little odd but seemed to have some tricks up his sleeve. At least, that was the impression Cedar got. She hoped she was right.

----[|X|]----

Oki shook his head. There was nothing new coming from this. At least the boy had spoken up but as to what he said, it wasn't much. The only thing new that they now knew was that the feeling had been lingering for a while, possibly days on end.

"Did you feel this before Mari and I found you?" Oki inquired further. Perhaps that could provide insight.

He watched Derek shrug slightly. The boy glanced away, still looking annoyed. Was he even going to answer this time or leave them in the dark?

"Up in that place, there was all kinds of feelings," he replied, "only once did I feel one that was overwhelming. It was near some stone...door thing I guess. I don't know what it was."

Oki exchanged a quick glance with Samickle. If there was some kind of evil in that place, it would explain why Tuskle had been the first victim. She was the closest, after all.

"Something is leaking out but what?" Oki replied, "at this rate, it may be too dangerous to get back inside...Not after what's happened to Tuskle."

Samickle was right, they were back at square one. They could do nothing about it aside from wait and see what happened. Even that left him feeling entirely helpless.

Subject: Re: |Okami| Demons |Reserved RP| Thu Jun 12, 2014 7:05 pm

Waka had given chase from the rooftops again, leaping from each one effortlessly. He spotted Moegami glancing up at him at one point when he’d slowed originally before bolting again. From the looks of it the god was growing tired though he refused to stop. Waka had huffed at this, wishing that he would; it would have made everything that much easier.

The hesitance from earlier had given Moegami a head start on Waka despite the high ground the latter had. Moegami seemed accustomed to such chases though Waka had to wonder why that was before he dismissed the thought completely. Now wasn’t the time for such musings.

It wasn’t until the god had come across one of the canals, halting and searching for a bridge nearby that Waka thought he had him cornered. To his surprise Moegami jumped right in, water splashing high into the air, and did not resurface right away. Startled, Waka slide to a halt, peering around for a glimpse of white in the water. There was none that he could see.

His heart hammered in his chest. If Cedar drenching fire god had been enough to damper his power what would swimming do to him? Gods could grow vulnerable after all, that much was alarmingly clear and Waka wasn’t sure if it would be fatal for Moegami to take a swim, nonetheless he’d lost Waka, that much was obvious.

Annoyed by this turn of events Waka had started back, seeking out Cedar yet again. She was in a bad state and needed rest, the best place for that might be back at his home here in Sei-an, floating high above the other buildings. At least there she would not be bothered by anyone but him and he would be busy thinking about many things. The coming days would be no different even as Cedar expressed an interest in trying to hone her powers.

----[x]----

Samickle frowned at the newest bit of information. What had been locked behind that door up in Wawku Shrine? It seemed there were still many things hidden from their knowledge about that place. Something powerful enough to do this without raising any sort of an alarm left Samickle on edge.

"There's little we can do about this without knowing what's doing this and where it's currently at now," Samickle pointed out as well. It could very well be hiding somewhere within Wawku Shrine even now but there was no telling where or if it had moved elsewhere, closer to Wep'keer...

Arms still folded over his chest, Samickle ducked his head. What could they possibly do to protect the village at this rate? Kemu would need to be alerted today and somehow they‘d need to keep a close watch on the whole tribe without alarming everyone. This was all becoming infuriating quickly with the lack of answers.

He shook his head then, lifting it again to peer at Derek and Oki. “All we can do is wait and hope that a solution presents itself.”

There was no happiness out of that decision and how could there be? They might essentially be awaiting a solution that would only spell the Oina Tribe‘s doom at this rate. Action could not be taken however when there was nowhere to turn to to solve this at all. Though it was his decision it did not weigh lightly with Samickle.

The coming days would be tense for Samickle, attempting to keep an ear and eye out for any new information or situations like Tuskle‘s stony fate. The news spread quickly despite Samickle‘s best efforts to the contrary, leaving the whole of the village filled with dread. By the second day more had been found turned to stone, frozen in fearful poses, cowering behind arms or each other. It wasn‘t until the third that a thick, dark mist began to seep around the area from Wawku Shrine, bringing with it a dreadful feeling that weighed heavily on everyone.

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Waka had returned to her, looking more annoyed then anything. He was unable to catch Moegami and what was worse, the god had leapt into water. She hadn't realized how bad that was until he explained it to her.

Not long after, they returned home. She was exhausted and just wanted to sleep. Waka actually advised this as well. She didn't argue sleeping for the day.

Cedar took to prodding Waka about trying to hone her powers a little more as days passed. She wanted to be a help to him, especially when it came to Moegami.

"It could help," she brought up one day, "if I can figure out how to use it...you know?"

She didn't want to feel so useless. Now that she knew that these powers actually existed, then it would be best to try and get them to work. She wasn't pleased with sitting around anymore.

----[|X|]----

Oki spent the next days trying to sniff out some solution to this evil. There was nothing that he could do. This was the only way that he felt useful.

Derek had not yet presented any other information. Most days, he sulked and did not speak. Still, there were days when he was tensed, as if he was sensing something as well. It didn't take Oki long to learn those patterns.

Oki scented the air, snorting as the foul scent hit his nostrils again. He shook himself, heading back toward the village. Something wasn't right though, it hadn't been so for days.

He easily transformed back into a man, moving up the slope. All around, it was quiet. The snowstorms had lessened a little more since Derek had calmed down. Oki made a beeline for Samickle's hut, knocking and pushing his way in.

"Have you scented it?" he asked, glancing between the two, "it seems to have gotten closer to the village..."

Subject: Re: |Okami| Demons |Reserved RP| Thu Jun 12, 2014 9:14 pm

Waka glanced at Cedar, eyebrow raised. She was prodding at him again, urging to be taught how to use her powers more properly. In truth Waka wasn’t even sure where to start as it was. He might be from the moon, living more closely to the gods there but he had no idea how they eve n went about such things as it was.

A shake of his head followed this thought. Cedar wasn’t about to give up and that much was obvious to him. “I suppose we might be able to find some place quiet for you to practice,” Waka finally said with a sigh.

Gesturing to her he started off, the every present clacking of his sandals on the pathways reaching his ears. There were all sorts of places with water here, it would not be hard to find one though Waka wanted to be sure they were away from crowds. Passersby might distract her or be in the way after all.

Everywhere they went the city was full of people and he worried they might have to resort to heading out to the coast. He’d rather not go that far if word of Moegami needed to reach him again. The god had gotten craftier it seemed or maybe that dunk in the canal had done worse than Waka had thought it might. He feared what would happen if that was the case.

Pushing the thought away, Waka said, “I hope you will not grow so weary as to pass out, ma chérie.”

----[x]----

There had been no time for Samickle to speak before the door had opened after a quick knock, Oki having pushed his way inside. It wasn‘t hard to figure out why he‘d come here, the smell that wafted through the air had intensified, burning Samickle‘s nose and that weighty feeling had only grown with it. It felt as if the weight of a mountain was pressing in on his shoulders, making it hard to muster up much motivation to do anything.

“I have,” Samickle answered, glancing furtively at the door behind Oki. Samickle worried about what this meant and about what might be happening that morning. “It would seem whatever‘s been lurking and picking us off one by one might unleash whatever it has planned on us...”

He was tense, they all were. Even Derek was growing antsy, no doubt able to feel what they could on a deeper, more intimate level. Samickle shook his head, heaving a sigh. No one knew what was causing this, the dark mist that swirled around leaving everyone with a foreboding feeling. People were flighty, casting worrisome glances about and waiting for their demise to come. Samickle hated seeing it, hated thinking that this might be their end.

His head jerked as the sound of shouts and screams reached his ears, muffled through the walls of his home. Samickle had enough time to start for the door, Oki already spinning around and ready to rush out himself before it had opened revealing Kemu and Lika. The latter was clutching tightly to Kemu‘s clothes, twisting around to peer over her shoulder despite the door being closed quickly after.

“What is it? What‘s happening?!” Samickle snapped, tensing further. He was no great warrior though he knew how to wield a sword and his wolf form could be handy like everyone else‘s, if he had to he would fight.

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Cedar trotted after Waka. He seemed slightly reluctant to agree with. She didn't try to figure out why. The extent of his knowledge only went so far, so she figured it might have been because of that.

His concerns were honestly right ones. Days before, she felt exhausted. She slept through the day and while she knew she needed it, that exhaustion frightened her a little.

"We'll see," she answered, "I think after the first time, I know a little more of how far I can push."

Cedar didn't want to push too much. If she did pass out, she had no idea how long it would take her to recover. She generally wanted to avoid that much if she could help it.

When Waka stopped, she glanced around quickly. There were few people nearby. It was quiet aside from birds chirping or the sound of the wind rustling the trees. She preferred it this way.

"Have any suggestions?" she asked afterward, hoping that maybe they could find a general idea as to where to start.

----[|X|]----

Samickle had just managed to confirm what Oki was sensing when screams rung out. Oki's heart hammered in his chest and even Derek flinched, lifting his head quickly. Something was happening but what?

Oki pushed his way out, Samickle close by. Derek was the last to rise from his place and lingered in the door way. He was tense, glancing this way and that as if he expected to be attacked. Maybe in some way, he was expected just that.

"There is great evil here," Kemu answered Samickle quickly. No one could miss the alarm in the old mans voice. "It is attacking the people but we can not fight back."

Oki's heart hammered hard against his chest. If they stayed here, they could all be slain. He glanced at Samickle.

"We have to get the villagers away from here," he suggested. Kemu nodded quickly in agreement. His grip on Lika's shoulder tightened momentarily before it lessened as if to provide comfort for the trembling girl.

"He is right. We must flee while we still can. The people are more important than the village." he glanced at Oki and then Derek next. "You two must find Mari and any other god that is out there. Warn them of this evil. You may be our only chance."

Oki couldn't find words to express what he felt. He only gave a slight nod, glancing back toward Derek. The boy looked just as unsure, tense and appeared ready to bolt.

"We will do what we must," Oki finally agreed, "just start getting the others out of here."

Subject: Re: |Okami| Demons |Reserved RP| Thu Jun 12, 2014 10:00 pm

Waka hummed in answer, glancing briefly at Cedar. She seemed sure of what boundaries she could push now but Waka wasn’t so sure. Her powers were unstable now, able to use them one day and then almost not at all on another. Was it that so many people’s faith had dwindled in the gods since his departure and questionable return? It would make sense however he kept that thought to himself for the time being.

“We will see what will happen, non?” he answered vaguely.

When he stopped it was quiet for a moment. Glancing at her it was obvious that Cedar was still unsure about the area he’d chosen for them even if it was the one that was most cleared of other people. In this way any mishaps would be between the two of them only, at least Waka hoped that would be the case.

Her question wasn’t a surprise though Waka couldn’t answer right away either. What was he to say? He had no powers, not like that of a god such as herself. Finally he shook his head, gesturing to her and then to the water nearby. The most she could do was try to tap into it as she had the last two times.

“I am only a half-baked prophet,” he said finally with an accompanying shrug, “it is up to you, little Nuregami!”

----[x]----

Outside it was hard to figure out what was attacking in the thick, unnatural fog. One could only see so far before vision was obscured by the damnable evil that had settled over the village. Nearby he could hear someone‘s screams cut off, the sudden silence of it when it had been so near sending the hair on Samickle‘s arms raising on end.

Samickle tensed further, a feat he didn‘t know was possible when Kemu answered him. His heart was hammering loudly in his ears, almost deafening alongside the cacophony already around them. Samickle shook his head, hating the thought of abandoning Wep‘keer. They‘d lasted here for as long as anyone could remember, no feat had driven them out yet and now there were plans to just leave it all?

“So we are just leaving this place then?” Samickle argued, “without so much as an attempt to reclaim our homes?!”

Though he received glances at that no one answered him, instead Kemu had began to give more orders, directing Oki on what to do next. Samickle shook his head, it seemed he would not be getting any sort of justification past this even as anger burned in his chest at the thought of leaving this place.

“And where are we to hide?” Samickle asked Kemu. It would seem the old man was stepping back as leader yet again despite having relinquished the title some time ago. In a way it was almost infuriating though Samickle was at a loss as to what to do as well. It was this that left him even more angry.

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He simply hummed in response, leaving her a little unsure of what he was thinking. Maybe he was confident in what she could do, maybe not. It was hard to tell with Waka sometime.

It was quiet for a long moment. Neither seemed to know what to say and Cedar could only wait on his answer. She blinked up at him when he finally spoke. There was nothing he could provide in ways of advice, disappointing as that was.

"Well, that's a shame," she answered, moving toward the water. She stared at it, watching her reflection for a long moment.

Cedar wasn't sure how she managed to draw it out the first time. She panicked and assumed that it would work again that way. Instead, nothing reacted when she needed it to.

"I don't know how I did it last time," she brought up, knelling down. She rested her hands on her knees, unsure where to start. What was she supposed to do when she didn't have any answers? At this rate, she wouldn't be much of a help.

----[|X|]----

Samickle didn't seem pleased with the plan. The man was a proud one and no doubt wanted to protect his home. They all did honestly but what could they do? There was no way to pin point this evil surrounding them.

"We must go," Oki urged quickly, "there is nothing we can do here. Everyone's life is at risk if we linger any longer!"

"My sister!" Lika finally spoke up, her voice shaky with the effort, "she can help us! She can take us some place safe!"

Oki glanced down at the little girl. She was already tugging at Kemu's sleeve, trying to urge the old man on.

"You must all find her than," he replied, "hurry now, I will be right behind you."

Already, the man morphed into a wolf. Oki followed suit as Lika took off. Oki spared a quick glance toward Derek. He followed as quickly as his legs allowed but he was at a disadvantage. Oki could only hope that the boy could keep up.

"Hurry Lika," Oki urged, "before it's too late!"

Subject: Re: |Okami| Demons |Reserved RP| Fri Jun 13, 2014 7:55 am

Cedar had eventually drawn nearer to the water's edge, peering down at it even after Waka answered her. He could only offer a shrug in response when she muttered, it wasn't like he knew how her powers worked or from where she drew them from. For all he knew it would have been better to stick her in a dire situation and make her learn by necessity but he'd rather avoid that if he could help it.

Waka tipped his head to one side as she admitted to being at a loss as to how she'd tapped into that power. That wasn't too surprising given how it had remained more or less dormant in her when she tried to use them last.

He folded his arms over his chest, tapping Pillowtalk over his shoulder. "Then you have a lot of work ahead of you,” he pointed out.

Already she’d kneeled down, still staring down at the waterway. Waka would wait, wondering if anything might come of this or not. For all he knew this would be a wasted effort but it was at least something while waiting on news of Moegami’s whereabouts yet again. He was hiding well this time around, perhaps in someone’s home or an empty building in the city. There were plenty of places to hide if one knew where to look.

“Surely it shouldn’t be such an impossible feat if you’ve managed it once before,” he urged.

----[x]----

Samickle huffed, shaking his head. He couldn't just leave in good conscious even if things were bleak. Though he followed suit and morphed into a wolf with the others Samickle did not follow after, he had other plans in mind. While he might not leave until forced to he could at least round up any remaining stragglers and make sure they got somewhere safe.

"I will do what I can here," he called after them, already turning to lead the closest Oina to safety. Even if the effort might turn him to stone as well at least Samickle could do something without leaving the only home he'd ever known.

Kai swallowed the lump in her throat, casting a glance at the door. It had yet to burst open, to reveal whatever was attacking those outside and causing such a ruckus. The oppressive weight that bore down on her didn't help matters, her heart beating loudly in her ears and feeling painful. She worried about Lika, out there somewhere with Kemu. If Kai left now she might not be found by her little sister and it was this that kept her rooted inside her home instead of fleeing yet.

She was pacing before she knew it, paws padding along the floor frantically. She was ready to bolt at a moment's notice if that door was thrown open. She could swear that there had been something lurking outside it for a long while before some other person had gotten attacked by it. The thought made Kai feel horrible, weighing even more heavily on her.

'Please be safe, Lika,' she prayed, squeezing her eyes shut. Kai paused in her pacing, ears pricked forward. She could swear that she'd heard Lika's voice, faint as it was amidst all of the shouting out there. If this kept up there would be no Oina left...

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The answer was simple enough, terribly so. She didn't know where to start or what to do. Toying with the fabric on her sleeve, she let her hand hover once or twice, urging something to happen. The water remained still however.

"So it seems," she answered simply.

She wanted to force this water to move but still it did nothing. Cedar moved her fingers once or twice, hoping that something would move. She hummed briefly, wondering again why it wasn't. Was it stress that had made her call on it last time?

"The last time I was caught off guard," she answered, "and I panicked. I thought it might work that way the second time I chased after Moegami but I suppose I expected him to run..."

She knew so little of this place and their legends. For all she knew it was something else. Neither she nor Waka seemed to have a clue. That only worried her more.

----[|X|]----

Oki followed the girl down the slope and toward Kai's home. She ran as quickly as her little legs could take her. She was still just a child, after all, and still had trouble staying ahead of everyone else.

Oki found relief in the fact that Kai had at least remained home. She would be easy to find and they could get as many of the Oina out of this place. Their home was no longer safe here. Thought Samickle would try, Oki didn't believe he could do much in the end of things.

They burst through the door, finding Kai huddled there. Oki heaved a heavy sigh. "We must go," he urged, "Kai, you know the safer places."

He watched as Lika rushed into the home, grabbing something. He didn't ask what, there was no time to. They had too much to worry about now.

Oki turned to Derek for a moment. The boy was panting hard. They couldn't manage much more of this, not when the god felt so weak. He was clearing being effected here. That worried Oki greatly.

"Gather anyone you can," he ordered, "but if we cannot get everyone out, we will have to leave them behind. Derek can't take much more of this."

Subject: Re: |Okami| Demons |Reserved RP| Fri Jun 13, 2014 3:43 pm

Waka watched as she held her hand over the water, wiggling her fingers and perhaps willing the water to do something. From what he could see it remained where it was, rippling in the wind that passed by but otherwise did not move. He tipped his head this way and that, waiting for something to happen though nothing did.

While he’d merely been urging her to hurry and try something it really did seem like there was work to be had on this. Perhaps they might have to spread faith in Nuregami yet again before her powers would become more reliable to her. The thought was a tiring one, stubborn people all around who did not believe unless things happened right before their eyes. Something told Waka that Cedar would not be too stoked about having to work so hard just to spread this faith in herself to the people.

As he’d thought, Cedar soon explained what had happened yet again the last time she’d used those powers. Being caught off guard seemed to be the key factor though Waka wasn’t about to go attacking her and be on the receiving end of rogue god powers. He’d fought against Amaterasu before and had had his fair share then.

“Perhaps a little attack by demons might do you some good, ma chérie!” he pointed out. This would be a last resort, however Cedar did not need to know that right now.

He spared a smile and a chuckle at the look on Cedar’s face, fear and annoyance there as she glanced back at him. That wasn’t too surprising, in fact he’d expected that reaction. All the same Cedar still hadn’t made any progress yet that day.

----[x]----

The door had burst open with a bang, bouncing off the wall of her home. Kai jumped, a snarl caught in her throat even as she hunkered down, ready to bolt past whatever had thrown the door open. Only when Lika sped past her did Kai realize who it was that stood in the doorway and she heaved a relieved sigh.

“You‘re all okay,” she breathed. ’But where are Samickle and Kemu?’ she wondered afterwards.

Oki was already issuing orders, perhaps handed down from Kemu or Samickle wherever they were now. She nodded, already with an idea of where to go. The idea had struck her when this mess had started to happen, people inexplicably turning to stone around them in the night and causing panic to well up in them all. There was only one place Kai could think of that she could get people to if it had come to this.

“Yoshpet,” Kai answered, ears pricked forward again. She could hear Lika scrambling for something behind her, the sounds muffled by everything happening around them. “Whatever‘s doing this can‘t be powerful enough to navigate that place without growing confused. I can lead people to where Ponc‘tan resides and wait there.”

Lika was coming out now, a bundled up something in her hands. Kai wondered why this was so important to grab when they needed to go but there was little anyone could ever do to stop Lika when she had something in her head. This seemed like one such time even as she stepped in front of Oki. When Lika handed whatever it was off Kai would urge the girl up onto her back. It would be quicker this way especially with Derek already looking as if he couldn‘t handle much more.

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For his part, Waka at least listened to her. He was quiet for a long while, perhaps just observing. Cedar couldn't quite say what could be done. He might have been trying to think of something but with Waka, it was hard to tell.

Still nothing came of the water no matter how hard she tried to force it. Briefly, she felt dizzy before she shook it away. It was a minor annoyance and nothing more. As long as she wasn't passing out, she figured she was safe.

Alarm shot through her as she glanced up at Waka. The thought of demons wasn't so much of a comfort much less what they could do. It wasn't as if she was prepared for those kinds of battles. She could barely chase after Moegami as it was.

"Being completely honest, that sounds like a terrible idea," she replied, "I've just barely managed to chase after a god."

In that regard, as surprising as facing a demon might be, she didn't think of herself prepared for it. She wasn't the reckless type. What he suggested seemed rather reckless in her view.

----[|X|]----

Kai already had her plan in mind. This relieved Oki greatly. She could take care of the people. Whatever happened to the rest of them, Oki could only hope that this curse could be reversed.

"Do what you can, Kai," he urged, "we must go. Kemu ordered us to find Mari and whatever other gods may be out there. We've wasted too much time already."

He glanced at Derek who was leaning against the door frame. The boy looked pale, even if his skin was a strange color. Oki shook his head, getting ready to head out before Lika stopped him.

She shoved a mask in her hand. It looked to be that of a rabbit. He glanced down at the girl but she was already off again.

"Give it to Mari when you find her! the girl said, following after her sister.

Oki could only spare a nod before he was out the door with Derek. Kai would tend to who was left. For the time being, they needed to leave before things became worse for the god beside him.

Subject: Re: |Okami| Demons |Reserved RP| Fri Jun 13, 2014 4:51 pm

Silence had stretched between them for a long time and Waka could hear the trees rustling in the breeze and the call of birds. At one point he caught Cedar shaking her head and he wondered why. Was she growing frustrated? Waka could understand that much though he wondered if failure would sour her mood for the day or not.

Minutes passed by in silence. Waka was sure that interrupting her would do no good, it would only be a distraction. At one point Waka shifted, glancing around and spotting one child watching them from afar.

When he made mention of throwing her to the demons and seeing what transpired them fear crossed her face. It was a quick affair in that she shot the idea down entirely leaving Waka to chuckle. He’d expected that sort of a reaction, it was mostly why he’d even said it in the first place. Still, fear and stress seemed to be the main factors for now though he hoped it wouldn’t be that way forever with her powers.

“If you say so,” he chimed with a shrug.

The day passed slowly without much progress if any at all. Waka tried not to let this bother him but it would make it hard to catch Moegami at this rate. Too often the god had set something aflame now, the city would be in danger if his powers grew without another to dampen it if he used them.

----[x]----

Her heart was hammering hard against her ribs even as a wolf. There didn‘t seem to be anything more they could do but to lead people away but what if that didn‘t even work? Something powerful enough to do this from wherever it hid might not even be affected by Yoshpet‘s unnatural scents. Kai could only hope that it would work.

Her eyes drifted to Derek, the god-boy‘s dark skin paler than the last she‘d seen him. Worry flooded Kai at that observation but what more could they do but to get him away from this place? Her heart wrenched at the thought of Wep‘keer being decimated, forever uninhabitable.

A shake of her head followed this thought. Kai had to have hope, she had to do what she could and wait for Oki to be able to pull things through. Her attention turned to Lika as she‘d scurried to Oki, giving the gift she‘d made for Mari to him.

“Be careful,” Kai called after Oki and Derek as Lika scrambled up onto her back, “we‘ll pray for your safe journey.”

With that she followed them out, urging those nearby to follow her and to bring their family with them. Already many Oina were frozen into statues, terror and despair radiating from them. Kai fought hard not to be subdued by this and the oppressive black fog that swirled about. She had a job to do, she couldn‘t afford to let herself be turned to stone when she could potentially save as many as she could.

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Cedar had tried her hardest but there was nothing she could do. Nothing happened, despite her attempts. Only when she was stressed or emotional would this power appear and she didn't want to chance anything like that.

The days passed on by slowly after that. She tried to call upon the power but it didn't react. Often times, when she grew too tired, she simply stopped.

Now, with days having passed on by, she gave up for a time. She tried to think of something that would make her powers react, something that wasn't out of stress. She was still at square one.

Eventually, she threw her hands up on the matter. If she couldn't find an answer, couldn't force it to work, then what more could she do? She didn't even really have a start.

"This is too taxing," she muttered to herself, "and I can't figure it out..."

----[|X|]----

Abandoning the tribe wore hard on Oki. He had his orders and while it left him guilty, he had to find Mari. She was somewhere out there and couldn't have gotten too far within the last few days.

Derek had recovered since leaving the village, albeit slowly. It took him a while to gather himself again. Now, he was merely impatient with their travels.

Rarely did they speak to often. More over, Derek didn't want to bring up too much conversation. Despite the change of scenery and warmer weather, he still seemed displeased.

Oki scented the air, trying to catch Mari's scent. He'd been following it for days now. It was steadily getting stronger as they continued on.

"She's somewhere nearby," Oki announced, starting forward again, "let us hope that she will not dart off."

He hoped that wouldn't be the case. For all he knew, she could be easily startled out here. At least she'd made it this far, if anything.

Subject: Re: |Okami| Demons |Reserved RP| Fri Jun 13, 2014 5:54 pm

Day in and day out Cedar tried hard to get her powers to work properly and each day she was met with failure. Waka’s frown deepened at that, well aware that a god without her powers was vulnerable, useless even. No doubt she might be feeling inadequate at this point. It was easy to see her growing frustrated as the days passed as well.

Finding her that day proved that this still hadn’t changed. She was annoyed, declaring the process useless. Waka shook his head as he approached her, gesturing to her to get up and follow him. More news had reached him and if nothing else they could at least check things out and hope for the best.

“If that’s the case why not come along with moi and see to our Moegami problem?” he offered, “I foresee quite a startling event coming into play today!”

If nothing else he had an idea to try and get those powers of hers to work, it was just enacting it. Moegami seemed to be growing bolder, perhaps having learned more of the layout of the commoner’s quarters of this city. If that was the case he might be less likely to run away, perhaps inclined to even remain in a set area. If this was the case then Waka would count his lucky stars.

He smiled mysteriously at the curious look Cedar shot him. If things played out as Waka wanted them to then she would find out soon enough.

----[x]----

The days had passed slowly on her own out here. On more than one occasion Mari had debated on just giving up and heading back to Wep‘keer but the fear of harming anyone there with her shaky control of her powers kept her pushing on. It was lonely on her own though Mari tried not to let her self be bothered by that.

Mari glanced around, keeping an eye out for any enemies. A few times she‘d been caught off guard and though she never knew how she managed it she‘d gotten away safely on the way here. This large field made it easy to spot threats from afar and it was here that she‘d lingered for the last two days, warring with herself on where to go.

It was warm here and she spent the time debating on where to go next seated on a particularly comfortable grassy spot. Nearby a large tree with pink blossoms all over towered above her, casting shade over the area nearest it. It was a calming sight though Mari couldn‘t say why. It was this that she‘d grown partial to in this field, coming to it more than once when her thoughts grew distressed again and that stirring in her chest arose, the sky darkening alongside it.

’I wonder how everyone‘s doing,’ she mused, peering up at the tree, ’I hope they‘re doing all right...’

She shuffled in her seat then, letting her coat fall down her arms as she‘d done since arriving in this warmer area. She didn‘t take it off entirely, not wanting to carry it everywhere. It was just easier to leave it like this.

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It didn't take long for Waka to catch onto her frustrations. In fact, he seemed rather in tune on them and shared them a little. They were both stumped as to what to do.

Eventually, Waka spoke up again. He didn't leave much in ways of what he was hinting toward. Then again, the man rarely ever did.

"What do you mean?" she asked, shooting him a curious look.

She received no answer, merely a smile that she was far too familiar with at this point. Cedar trailed after him when he started forward. Whatever he was up to, he left to himself.

"Moegami's been quiet the last few days," she brought up, "are you sure he's still here?"

If the guy escaped that plunge into the water, maybe he'd gone somewhere else. Cedar hadn't seen or heard of anything strange happening either. Waka seemed convinced the boy was still within the city, however.

----[|X|]----

Oki's pace had quickened considerably. She was nearby. He'd scented her not long after they had gotten to the fields.

"Man, will you slow down?" Derek complained, trying to keep pace with Oki, "You either are really bummed about leaving your home or you really want to see this girl again."

Oki could only snort in response to his observation. If he was honest with himself, it was really a little bit of both. Home meant a lot to him and he was meant to guard it. Finding Mari and the other gods might be the only way to save his home.

He was nervous to see her as well. After she left so abruptly, would things be awkward? Oki could only wait and see.

He caught sight of a large cherry tree. Mari's scent clung all over this place. It was a simple task to move quicker, spotting her seated near the tree. A sigh of relief left him, finding her unharmed.

"Mari," he called out carefully, "I am...glad to see you're safe..."

Oki didn't catch it but beside him, Derek rolled his eyes. The young man seemed to linger off to the side, crossing his arms and waiting for this to be done.

Subject: Re: |Okami| Demons |Reserved RP| Fri Jun 13, 2014 7:19 pm

It didn’t take Cedar long to start interrogating him. He’d expected this honestly, while she’d tried to hone her powers Waka had gained more information about Moegami. Considering the god hadn’t started any new fires Waka hadn’t seen it too important to mention these things to Cedar. No, it would have only spurred her own to chase him again and while she’d been working at all of this Waka saw no need for that.

He brought the end of Pillowtalk to his lips, looking as if he was debating for a moment. Finally he shrugged and said, “Did I not mention it? Moegami has been spotted several times, hiding here and there!”

A smile spread over his lips at the look Cedar shot him. Waka only shrugged at her in answer even if it did not appease her just yet. It had been for the best that he’d withheld all of that information so that she might focus on the task at hand; she’d been so adamant about it after all.

Waka gestured for her to follow, the same as he had days ago, and started them off. If they appeared that they were not in a rush when they approached the area Moegami seemed to favor it might help to keep him in one place long enough to locate him. At least Waka hoped that would be the case. Things were proving to be more difficult than he would have liked.

“Don’t be so sour! It was nothing important at the time,” Waka assured, waving a dismissive hand at her. Cedar still didn’t seem pacified.

----[x]----

Her gaze lingered on those cherry blossoms, a sight she‘d never been able to see first hand before arriving here. The calm that washed over her near this tree wasn‘t something that she could explain, the smell in the air a subtle one and yet one Mari found she enjoyed a lot. It eased her mind, making it possible to settle down when her thoughts ran wild and she grew upset. Mari hoped that it was helping control her shaky powers though feared leaving the area and having no grasp on them once more.

A sigh left her, shaking the thoughts away as a breeze blew by, shaking a few petals loose. They joined the many others that already littered the grass.

She blinked, hearing someone call her name. Heart beginning to race at the familiar voice, Mari twisted around, easily catching sight of who it was. There stood Oki, a strange sight as it was without snow littering the ground, and not far behind was Itegami. The latter looked annoyed just being there, arms crossed and an impatient look on his face.

Fear seized her, heart feeling constrained; what had caused Oki to come all the way out this way? Mari was on her feet in an instant, coat nearly slipping off her arms entirely as she hesitantly stepped nearer to them. She was half-afraid that she was imagining things, he couldn‘t be here when he was meant to guard Wep‘keer.

“Oki? Why are you here...?” she wondered, brow furrowing.

If Itegami did anything Mari didn‘t notice, focused on Oki. He was important to Wep‘keer‘s protection and he took that seriously, he couldn‘t have come out all this way for nothing much less with Itegami with him.

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Waka was keeping things from her. While she was not entirely surprised, it was a minor annoyance. He might have thought it would help her focus on trying to hone her powers. Still that didn't help when she worried for the people here already.

"No, you didn't," she answered, annoyed by the fact. Still he smiled as he normally did, brushing off whatever look she shot at him.

She followed after silently, sparing an occasional glance around. This city become a little more important to her by the day. It was only natural that she wanted to keep it safe.

A sigh left her as he tried to brush her annoyance off. That was difficult in and off itself. Why couldn't he have just told her?

"I wish you would have said something, is all," she replied, "keep me in the loop about all of it."

Cedar hated the thought of finding out unsuspectingly or how she might have. Something set aflame or someone hurt or dying. A number of thoughts like that raced through her head and she had to push them aside, knowing that in some manner she was being irrational.

----[|X|]----

She appeared more shocked then anything else. Why wouldn't she be? Oki had no reason to leave the village, not until that mist ran through. He had his orders.

He shifted his weight, attempting to think of the right words to say. How could he explain it to her without cause of worry? He couldn't find a way and shook his head.

"Something has happened to the tribe," he finally answered, "a strange, evil mist blew through, turning the people there to stone. We have no idea how to reverse this curse..."

Beside him, Derek huffed slightly. The boy looked a little frazzled at the mere mention of what happened.

"That old man told us to find you and any other god that might be around," he explained further, "so here we are."

Momentarily forgetting about the mask Lika had told him to give to her, Oki grabbed the thing out of his bag. He offered her the mask, waiting on her to take it.

"Lika asked me to deliver this to you as well," he continued, "she's safe. So is Kai. As for the others, I do not know..."

Subject: Re: |Okami| Demons |Reserved RP| Fri Jun 13, 2014 10:49 pm

Despite her annoyance Cedar followed after him, silent for a moment or so. Waka didn‘t mind this too much, in fact he‘d expected this. It was clear that she‘d expected him to keep her filled in even while she‘d been training with her powers however fruitlessly the effort had ended up. Waka didn‘t let this faze him however.

He offered yet another shrug, glancing at her as he said, “Slipped my mind!”

Reaching out he patted her head playfully, a chuckle leaving him as he got another look in return. This one looked a little less annoyed but only marginally so. Cedar was growing used to him it seemed and the way he acted. ’A shame,’ he reflected, ’it‘s always fun to get a little reaction.’

His steps were measured, making sure not to look as if they moved with a purpose. Doing so might alert Moegami if he was around. For the most part they weren‘t close to his preferred area, staying far from the spot Cedar had chosen to train at. This could not have been an accident though Waka didn‘t mention this either. For the most part it would do them good to act naturally.

“We‘ll try something a little new today; no chasing or fighting involved.” A pause followed. “Hopefully.”

If he could manage things with Cedar and her powers a fight would be an easy thing for her when water was what left Moegami weakened anyways. Waka only hoped that Moegami did not have any fighting experience or memories of such to aid him. Cedar was a pacifist as it was and he‘d rather not have the other god get away because of this.

----[x]----

Mari could only wait for Oki‘s answer, growing more and more concerned as he fidgeted. Though she wished he‘d spit it out she couldn‘t bring herself to rush him, heart beating hard against her ribs. Eventually he shook his head, glancing up at her when he finally spoke. What he had to say wasn‘t comforting and she could only imagine what might have caused all of that to happen.

Her attention turned briefly to Itegami, the boy refusing to look her way. ’How could this have happened?’ Mari wondered, turning back to Oki. Part of her wished that this was just some kind of a cruel joke but the way the two stood and the look on Itegami‘s face was enough to quell that wish.

“I-I see,” she finally forced herself to say. What else could she say?

Oki had moved suddenly, digging for something in the small bag he had slung over his back. Mari cocked her head to one side, curious as to what he was rooting around for. There wasn‘t a long wait before he produced a mask in the shape of a rabbit head, the painting on it a little crude. Carefully she took it from him, running her fingers over the moon mark on the thing‘s forehead.

For a minute she just stared at the mask, warring with herself once more. ’I shouldn‘t have left,’ she decided, ’maybe I could have done something...’ In a way she knew she wouldn‘t have been able to do much but the feeling was still there, weighing in on her chest. It was a long minute before she reached for Oki‘s hand, giving it a squeeze. His hand was large compared to hers and she could feel calluses from his years using a sword.

“We‘ll find a way to fix things,” she promised even though she had no clue how they would begin to manage something like that. Mari couldn‘t be sure but she thought she heard Itegami huffing again.

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