The Isle of the In Between

[Misty Woods]

The Isle of the In Between

Some where out in the river of time is a place all of it's own. A place where many venture but few know it's exact location. This place is known as the Isle of the In Between. A land teeming with life as well as a harbor of unstable portals, wither you came in on your own accord or dropped in for unknown reasons this land greets all walks of life with open arms. Be wary traveler, many have fallen pray to the Isle mysterious aura. You may come and go as you like though trying to find your way back home is another story.

chacater list can be found here: https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=323518.msg15528695#msg15528695

[Misty Woods]

Locations

The Isle is split into three different islands. The Main Land, The Bad Lands and The Unknown.

Main Land

The Main land consist of four major areas.

Sakura Grove:

A rustic style looking village This is the main hub for trading as well as getting what you need. Money, Women, Contracts? You will find it here in Sakura Grove. If illegal trade is not your thing you can always take in the Twin Serpent casino or bath in the local hot springs. Take in some of the famous festivals as well as take in some of the rarest teas from around the ages at the Lunar Lapin Tea Room.

Normal Junction:

A lively industrial city Normal Junction is a vastly growing city, The inhabitants of the city are strictly Human and they plan to keep it that way. They don't mind the visit from other creatures but don't expect to gain residence for non human citizen. Normal Junction is a non fighting zone, the city itself is cloaked with a barrier that suppress all powers. What the people don't know is deep in the underground are fight venues the mobsters use to settle scores and to have just a grand old time.

Lost Forest:


This enchanted place is known as the lost forest, new inhabitants are cautioned to take tracking spells with them. This place is known to have erratic portals flashing in and out to other worlds. Few have come back alive or sane . Those who have seen people go in never see them the same ever again.

Crystal Falls:

The Crystal Falls is a sacred place. Untainted by the worlds darkness. Only the wildlife live in this place as other inhabitants have been chased out by spirits or demons that protect this clam and wondrous land.

Bad Lands

The Bad Lands is a more rugged terrain. many of the want criminals an sinister beings live here along with a few decent folk.

Uni Tesh:

Uni Tesh is the rival city to Sakura Grove. Steeped in tradition this city keeps it's self. Many hot springs and tea rooms are available but Uni Tesh is best known for it's stage performances at the Red Dragon Theater.

Blood Moon Lake:

Blood moon Lake is a place few go to. Mainly used for rituals for waking the dead, many demons and other night walkers go there for meetings or general festivals. None dare live there for the the lake swallows souls every full moon.

Demon Ridge:

Demon Ridge is permanently winter.The sun is only shown at the peak of the ridge while the base is covered in darkness all year round. Few live at it's base. A Great place for solitude if you can stand the below freezing temperature all year round.

Tomoko:

Tomoko is a small prairie area surrounded buy flowers that live forever. Many favor this location for weddings, spiritual gatherings or general picnics. Tomoko is spring all year round and the best place to find any type of produce or herbal your looking for.

Waking Tundra:

Waking Tundra is an uninhabitable waste land of ice and snow. The ice retains it's form through all seasons due to it's magical properties. Few trek out to this place in search for ice roses which legend says can cure even death itself but none have found this enchanted plant.

The Unknown

A small island of the coast of the Bad lands the Unknown is an uncharted territory. Few who have seen the island from boat side are enticed by the titanic Trees and smells of enchantment but few can break the barrier that surrounds the island. They few that have managed to break through have told stories of lost ruins, unknown spices of creatures and foliage of ever known and unknown shade of color. Some try an take things from the island but with out the proper enchantments many items turn to ash or wither away.

[Misty Woods]

Lore / Time Skip

Many have traveled to this wonderful place. This tale lies between the souls of Yoh, Mai, Kiren, Lee, Kaizen Kenchi and Jaakuna Omega. Many battles and conflicts pursued through out their adventures, many lives where saved and only one was lost. Though they had faced many foes the Isle had finally calmed for the time being. Ten years have passed, The group went their separate ways with Kiren taking care of Kaizen, Mai escaping to Blood Moon Lake, Lee taking up work once again and Yoh has parted was with Jaakuna to hone her powers as well as go through her rights of passage. Spring has come back to the Isle once more as these wary souls soon find their way back to one another. What dangers lay ahead? Will peace stay in the Isle or are their unknown dangers lurking in the shadows?

[Misty Woods]

Yoh

Location: Uni Tesh: Outskirts

With: No one

Ten years had passed. It felt as though nothing had changed, Walking along a dirt road a slender young woman came into view. Taking in the scenery a calm sigh fell from her lips. " Hmm... still not used to these horns. So annoying..." Reaching up to the sides of her head Yoh felt the newly curved horns that had grown out a week ago. The rough edges shimmered in the mid morning slight as she slips her hands from her horns to her blindfold. Even though she had gone through her rights of passage the only thing that staid the same was her eyes though she didn't mind it. " Jaakuna...wonder what he's been up to, where he has been. Things had to be taken care of and it's selfish of me to want him to help me but their are some things that have to be dealt with alone." Yoh started walking down the dirt path once more. Letting her feet guide her to her next location. A slight breeze blew past her kimono as another sigh fell though her lips.

[Misty Woods]

Kiren

Location: Crystal Falls

With: Kaizen

The day had been long, training had taken a toll on her as well as watching over some one at the same time. Yawing The fox gazed back at the small makeshift tent that she made to keep the person she was looking after safe. These past few years felt more like an escort job rather then taking care of some one that mattered to her. Taking a seat on the grass below the soft fluffy ears twitched back and forth as her fluffy tail did the same motion. " If this keeps up I do not know if I can stand it. it's been constant training with him for the past ten years. If I knew taking care of a demigod would be this much of a hassle I would have turned down the offer. It better be worth it because right now I am at my wits end." Was this how Lee felt when Kiren was being taken care of and trained? Only Lee would have known that. Stretching out her legs the sun shimmered through the tree branches above. Thoughts raced though her mind as to what the rest of the day lead on for them. Glancing back the the tent a tilted of the head came as her eyes watched from the outside. Kaizen was still fast asleep as usual but that was a good thing. He had been working so hard these past few years though he needed to work even harder if he were to become what his people wanted him to be.

[Loremaster Kenchi]

)-( Jaakuna Omega )-(

The Sin Pandemic

Location: Uni Teshi, Outskirts

Company: Yoh

Soul Saturation: 87%

Voice Actor: Show Hayami

Theme: ------

"Doomed are you...

"I'm here." Jaakuna would communicate to Yoh with a long, mighty yawn just alongside the road. Atop a low hanging tree branch, the sleepy devil propped his head with both hands as he laid on his back. Another yawn escaping his gaping maw. His eyes gave his lover a glance over before giving a big stretch. It was rare to see him like this, really. Devils required minimal sleep, and some didn't need it at all. But in his frequent outting to sniff out Yoh's sisters or his prey, he'd been leading long nights hunting. Searching.
What's more, his appetite for souls had been ravenous, more determined to build up strength. He hadn't taken Sol or Tuddlefoot's warning lightly.

Yet...despite it all, he always found time for her. For Yoh. Like clockwork he'd return to just spend time with her. Like a stray cat with an imprint on a person. Well, only this stray cat razed entire villages to the ground on a whim. Without much in the form of competition, he'd been left unchallenged for many years. Any and all local heroes that dared challenge him had fallen or worse. It was all he could do to find ample entertainment anymore. But she was always his constant. The never-changing focal point in his new edition of life. It was something he struggled to understand; being in love. Whether it was a need, or just for the hell of it, he tried to nurture it...somehow. Someway.
"So, how is my favorite troublemaker doing this morning?" he'd inquire with a bedraggled groan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...because despised are you. "

[Loremaster Kenchi]

<+> Kaizen Kenchi <+>

The Feywild Saint

Location: Crystal Falls.

Company:Kiren.

Voice Actor:  Fukuyama Jun

Theme Music:  The Resting Aasimar

"Blessed are you...

As Kiren gazed back at the open tent, it wouldn't be too difficult to discern Kaizen's figure nestled gentle against one of the tent's posts. Fully dressed, yet without a care, one hand clung weakly to a needle and thread. They were tools in a recently finished task of repairing one of Kiren's ripped skirts; draped across his lap and just over the simple silken apron he wore. It was nearly time for him to make breakfast, however, leave to the overachiever to try and surprise the kitsune with hemmed clothes before the start of the new day.
In such a short time, the stillborn child had grew into a young man. A young man Kiren had to educate herself while on the move. How to take care of one's self: cooking, cleaning, washing, reading, simple etiquette, and basic martial arts. The last of which he struggled with greatly, or seemed to. The young gentleman acceded with his nose in a book, but when it came to fighting, he always seemed to fall short no matter what motivation she seemed to use. How could she of put it...he was...rather a wimp. And that wasn't even close with how much his powers had grown. Kiren had no means on training him on his strange powers. Kaizen had had to devote time honing those skills on what little down time he had. The most recent decoration of bruises Kiren had given him in yesterday's training session was proof of that.

He...just still wasn't ready yet. And Jaakuna was ever hunting him. Not to mention the hunters from The Sodekisap. Thankfully they had a large stroke of luck laying low while Kiren refined her own capabilities in providing for the both of them. Kaizen had always been told to keep his powers under control and at a minimum; even during his training. However, it was a wonder if traditional training was cutting it anymore. Something needed to change...

A blue butterfly had entered the tent at this time, choosing to rest on Kaizen's shoulder.

It was the start of a brand new day. But was this fated to be a day like any other? 


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...because loved are you. "

[Misty Woods]

)-( Jaakuna Omega )-(

The Sin Pandemic

Location: Uni Teshi, Outskirts

Company: Yoh

Soul Saturation: 87%

Voice Actor: Show Hayami

Theme: ------

"Doomed are you...

"I'm here." Jaakuna would communicate to Yoh with a long, mighty yawn just alongside the road. Atop a low hanging tree branch, the sleepy devil propped his head with both hands as he laid on his back. Another yawn escaping his gaping maw. His eyes gave his lover a glance over before giving a big stretch. It was rare to see him like this, really. Devils required minimal sleep, and some didn't need it at all. But in his frequent outting to sniff out Yoh's sisters or his prey, he'd been leading long nights hunting. Searching.
What's more, his appetite for souls had been ravenous, more determined to build up strength. He hadn't taken Sol or Tuddlefoot's warning lightly.

Yet...despite it all, he always found time for her. For Yoh. Like clockwork he'd return to just spend time with her. Like a stray cat with an imprint on a person. Well, only this stray cat razed entire villages to the ground on a whim. Without much in the form of competition, he'd been left unchallenged for many years. Any and all local heroes that dared challenge him had fallen or worse. It was all he could do to find ample entertainment anymore. But she was always his constant. The never-changing focal point in his new edition of life. It was something he struggled to understand; being in love. Whether it was a need, or just for the hell of it, he tried to nurture it...somehow. Someway.
"So, how is my favorite troublemaker doing this morning?" he'd inquire with a bedraggled groan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...because despised are you. "

Yoh

Location: Uni Tesh: Outskirts

With: No one

Startled by the voice Yoh composed herself as a slight blush skated across her face. How long had Jaakuna had been their? " I'm....I'm alright...." Keeping the conversation short the darkness dweller tried to keep her sight away from him. He sounded the same as he did ten years ago. How did he know she was here. It didn't matter, heart pounding she wanted to be swept into his arm, to be held for a while but Jaakuna was on a mission to retrieve what was his. Yoh on the other hand was on her way to meet some one, some one that Jaakuna would rather not deal with at the moment. " Jaakuna....I hope you have been taking care of yourself..." Biting her lower lip a slight breeze blew past. What was Yoh thinking? Just causal conversation about nothing? Oh how she wished she could just once fight off these feelings of love just to get some work done. Jaakuna being their made matters worse. " I'm headed towards a local inn to gather some information. you should rest if needed." Walking past the tree Yoh kept her cool as much as possible though the morning air didn't help much. She was drained, running around trying to find answers to what had been going on and where to find Kiren had her running ragged though she kept that information to herself.

[Misty Woods]

Kiren

Location: Crystal Falls

With: Kaizen

A calm breath bellowed out as a fluffy fox tail swished back and forth. Rising from her resting place Kiren ventured out  about five yards away from the tent to avoid prying eyes. Kiren had hidden her magic practice away from Kazien in fear that he may want to spar with her. The level of his might would be far beyond hers though she assumed as much, the fact that it would attract his attackers as well if the slightest vibration of his powers were to signal then portal would rush in and a mess to clean up later. Taking a breath in the falls drifted into silence as flames began to appear around her. The fox fire she produced was a shaky technique. Unlike many her age she lacked the readiness of this technique as the flames flickered in and out of sight. Concentration was key in all of this as the flames steadied themselves. Circling around her  the first task as finished though the next was aggravating. Taking in full concentration Kiren's ears twitched to make sure prying eyes where not watching, coast was still clear as she formed the flames around her into a sword that floated in front of her. Shaky hand grasped upon the hilt as the flame began to flicker out. " Steady...Steady, This has to work. If I'm going to keep him safe then this has to work no matter....No!!!"

A burning sensation grasped her hands as she threw the sword into the air, dissipating into the sky above Kiren gazed at her newly singed hands. Rubbing the black soot onto her dress the fox girl walked back to the tent then paused. Kaizen was inside along with the first aid. Knowing that if Kaizen tried to heal her it would drag unwanted guests Kiren enforced the old fashioned way of healing rather then magic. Walking into the tent she ignored Kaizen and went to the bag that laid close to his resting quarters. Taking out aloe and bandages she took care of her hand then gazed over at his work. crawling over to him she took the skirt from his hands. " I've already told you that I can mend the clothes and it's not a job for you to be doing. You need to focus on your studies rather then sewing. Do you even know what kind of repercussions I would receive if your people found out you were mending clothes for a lowly dirt dweller. Remember your place in all of this. You are a plains walker. I'm just your care taker, I don't have power like you, Lee, Jaakuna and Yoh have. I have just as much strength as a common kitsune..." Taking the needle and thread Kiren began to fix her skirt. Finishing it quickly the garment was tossed aside. " Study the tombs I gave to you, they where things recorded from your past life. I'll make you some thing to eat an I swear if I catch you fixing clothes or trying magic I'll make sure Lee is involved with your next training session." With that Kiren left the tent as she sighed heavily. The sounds of the falls went back to normal as she gather some small twigs that had fallen in the forest. Thoughts raced through her mind as the lectures she had received years ago from Kaizen's people droned in her mind.

Setting up a small fire the thought of adventuring came to mind. How she missed plundering tombs, being chased by others and just straight up drinking herself drunk made Kiren realized how much she missed the past. Old Mother, Tuddlefoot and Sol entrusted her for protecting him and teaching him every thing he needed to know. In all of this Kiren had shown a stern look on her face towards him not matter how much he smiled at her. Through his illnesses and injures she had taken care of him and when he tried to do them same she scolded him. Now was not the time for him to be compassionate towards her, rather she instilled in him to be alert at all times. Keeping up appearances is what she strive for and though she pretend to sleep when Kaizen did she instead staid awake. Only taking micro naps when needed, No wonder her magic wasn't working all to well. The small fire came along nicely as she began to prep him food, though she had trained him to cook he still had a hard time with certain dishes. stoking the fire another breeze blew past as the tree limbs swede above them, reaching over to a satchel beside her Kiren unlatched the lock around the bag. rummaging around he took out dried fish, rice, bowls and every thing else she needed to prep his meal. Hands shaking Kiren sighed as the heat didn't help her injures but that was all on her as she focused on taking care of Kaizen.

[Loremaster Kenchi]

)-( Jaakuna Omega )-(

The Sin Pandemic

Location: Uni Teshi, Outskirts

Company: Yoh

Soul Saturation: 87%

Voice Actor: Show Hayami

Theme: ------

"Doomed are you...

No sooner had Yoh passed by the dead tree, had the devil slid down to rest by her side. "You should know there is no rest for the wicked, my darling shadow." Jaakuna sweetly reminded her as a finger swept over her shoulder as she continued forward. His sleepy eyes trailed after her colored locks with interest. The unparalleled monster was hardly fatigued. Uni Teshi's sky may as well have been leering down at a being drunk on power. His belly full of writhing souls. Biding his time. The ground underneath his feet seemed to groan under the weight of his immense power; a sign of his increased strength. He had remained far from idle these long years. However, he had made sure to keep any simultaneous danger away from his special someone.

The very shadow his blood craved so intensely.

"Oh? Information? Do tell, my darling. Today has been so dull. At least just...well..." the cunning figure took a couple steps behind her to bring him closer. Just enough to rest his head on one of her shoulders. He eyed her hungrily. "Why don't I come along?" He offered playfully.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...because despised are you. "

[Misty Woods]

Yoh

Location: Uni Tesh: Outskirts

With: No one

A pink hue scrolled across the shadow dwellers face as her lover started following her, keeping her gaze adverted from his thoughts began to pop up as she bit her lower lip. He's just poking fun at me right? Yeah it has to be that. and yet those same charms are drawing me in. No i must stay focus on the task at hand. Once Jaakuna's head rested on her shoulder the shade of pink deepened as she kept her eyes dead ahead. What was with him. he was so dead set on capturing Kaizen and Kiren and yet here he was making the moves on her. She craved his embrace. To be held by him but the minute he suggested on following the once red face turned pale.

" S-s-sure" That was all Yoh could muster as she kept walking. A shiver ran through her spine as she the commute continued. Awkward silence consumed her. It wasn't to long now as the city began to appear in the distance though she would be going to an inn close by. Now the real challenge began. How would distract Jaakuna for the time being while she met with her informant. Just as she was about to suggest Jaakuna to go else where her eyes met his. How long had it been since she last saw him. The heart inside her chest began to race as her hands gripped the sides of her dress. Since his confession  her mind was still confused on what Jaakuna really wanted an yet she felt as though he had been with her while he was away.

Adverting her gaze once more a pale, slender hand reached up and clenched her chest. This being that chose to be around her now stood in front of her, yearning to wrap her arms around him. Yet The mind always won over the heart in her case as she steadied herself. Kaizen was the priority and nothing else as though she thought, as soon as this statement was said in her mind her right hand had other plans as it had reached out, gingerly caressing Jaakuna's face as she bit her lower lip. What was she doing? Now was not the time for romance and yet their she was. Keeping her gaze away from him as to thwart temptation from other ventures. " My.....my.....my beloved...."

The heart in her chest raced at full speed, the once pale cheeks where not a deep red as the once steady hands where shaky.  Romance was not her strong suite. Colorful language blurted through her mind as the hand that was caressing his cheek dropped to her side as she began to walk again. " The inn is just down this road....that is where I am getting the Intel......It....it shouldn't take long.....[/b"

[Loremaster Kenchi]

<+> Kaizen Kenchi <+>

The Feywild Saint

Location: Crystal Falls.

Company:Kiren.

Voice Actor:  Fukuyama Jun

Theme Music:  The Resting Aasimar

"Blessed are you...

Kaizen continued to feign sleep as Kiren barged into the tent with her pent-up henpecking; swiping the needle and thread from his hands as she did so. It was all the aasimar could do to hide his cheerful smirk AFTER she started to leave the tent. She had been more antsy lately than usual. Perhaps it was a kitsune thing; fretting like this when charged with the well being of another. Only after he was sure she left, did he dare peek one eye open to see if the beautiful warrior had vacated. After a moment of pause, the young summoner stretched out his arms and legs.
Coast was clear. Kiren took the bait to start cooking in his stead. Perfect. He wore a small, smug smile. Confidant in how clever was was becoming, curtsy of Kiren's own nature as a kitsune rubbing off on him, he slowly crept to the back of the tent to slink out the opposite entrance. From there, it only took a small murmuring of fey magic to cast invisibility on himself with the assistance of a few pucks.

Hopefully, Kiren would be none the wiser if he slipped away for an hour.

This upcoming prodigy had a mission in mind! Today was the day, he was sure of it! Kaizen kept a quiet walk from the tent till he was positive he was out of fluffy-fox ear shot before taking off in a dead sprint. He'd beckon a few wind nymphs to bless his boots with a kiss of the wind, so he was more or less skating on air just a few inches above the ground. Just as he'd practiced so many times before. Today was the day. The perfect day! It just had to be! Kaizen raced between the trees, his face alight with a smile of appreciation at all the things he had learned along the road. He zipped, swooshed, and curved along the hilly slopes! He zinged, swept, and sped along the bubbling riverside! A location in mind, he made his way without delay.
Why? Because today was the day! Oh yes, he was sure of it! He was so excited at the thought of it! He could barely hold it in. And after about twenty minutes of air-skating and curving off of trees like an x-sports athlete, he finally arrived...

A meadow clearing; home to a dead weeping willow, and a broken down fresh water well. Kaizen stopped just short of the clearing to ensure there wasn't another living soul around. No one. Not even a bird. Not even a worm, insect, or fly. Kaizen gave another smirk of satisfaction before walking up to the well and peering inside. His eyes reflected the light blue gemstone lodged in the ugly stone resting at the bottom of the empty well. A sapphire. A sunburst sapphire, to be exact, not that Kaizen knew the exact type. But what he did know was; today was the day. The perfect gemstone to nestle upon a gold and silver ring he hid amongst his packed belongings. A gift, if you would.

Kiren's upcoming birthday gift...and...engagement ring.

A nod of affirmation , and soon Kaizen picked up the rope he had hidden behind the broken artifact of a well from a few days prior. Thankfully, Kiren didn't seem to notice its absence. Today was the day. And , hopefully by Kiren's next birthday, it'd be the precursor to the best day.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...because loved are you. "

[Misty Woods]

Kiren and Mai

Location: Crystal Falls

With: Mai

Struggling with morning prep Kiren sighed as she finished the fish, a small rift had open beside her as an old familiar face stepped beside her. " All this work and sacrifice and yet you still struggle to sleep, Honestly Kiren you figure by now you'd let him be on his own?" With an exhausted gazed about her Kiren rose up from the cooking area as she glared at Mai before breaking down in to tears. A warm embrace surrounded the Kitsune as Mai rubbed her back gently. " I made a vow to watch over him till he was ready to return to his people and guard over them.... It's been constant travel, constant hiding. I had to seal away my own abilities and even give up being a plains walker just to protect him..." The blood mage sighed heavily as she consoled her best friend. Gazing up into the trees Mai listened to the world around her then gazed back back Kiren. " Does he even know what you gave up just to protect him? Does he even know you can't go back to who you where many years ago? Relinquishing your plains walker abilities isn't some thing you can reclaim in an instant let alone be graced with again."

A gentle push signaled Mai to release Kiren from her grasp. Plating the food Kiren staid silent as Mai gazed into the tent. Shaking her head she best not tell Kiren that the boy she was watching ran off, nudging Mai with the plate the blood mage took a seat next to Kiren as she gazed at her friends hand. Placing her plate down onto the ground a gentle glow came off Mai's hands as she Healed Kiren's hands. " He's been trying to mend my cloths, cleaning things but I won't let him. Ive been pushing him to study and train as I've been picking up the slack around here. He doesn't talk to me at all. All this time I keep wishing Florian would show up, saying that he was hiding all this time an that we could finally be together but as time has passed I realize now that this is my life now. Watching over a being I don't even understand just because I thought my lost love would come back to me. I guess it is time for him to be on his own...No I can't. I prom-"" Mai gripped Kiren's left shoulder, knowing how much her best friend had given up she smiled slightly. " Hey isn't your birthday a few days away? Why don't I look after Kaizen and you go out on adventure. I'm pretty sure Lee needs some help with some thing and you need the break, If you don't want to do that maybe I can stay here for a while and help out?" Kiren sat their eating the meal she prepped as Mai started doing the same, staring off into space Kiren pushed her food around on her plate. " I love him you know. I do what I have to in order to protect him...I just don't know if he feels the same way. Finishing her food Mai grabbed Kiren's plate and set it beside her, rising up from resting place Mai helped Kiren up as a smile shown across her face. " Let's spare that will take all of the stress off your mind for a while."

Rising up Kiren an Mai walked a few feet away from camp, Mai gazed at Kiren's slumped her way towards the sparing ground. Once their Kiren began to stretch as Mai watched her. How long had it Been since Kiren had fun. The blood mage knew her best friend wasn't the motherly type and yet Kiren never let Kaizen out of her sight. Now the boy was gone an she didn't have the heart to tell her. Taking a deep breath in Mai took a stance and waited for the Kitsune to strike.

[Loremaster Kenchi]

)-( Jaakuna Omega )-(

The Sin Pandemic

Location: Uni Teshi, Outskirts

Company: Yoh

Soul Saturation: 87%

Voice Actor: Show Hayami

Theme: ------

"Doomed are you...

The devil could only manage a sleepy smile and a yawn in return to her loving moniker. "Beloved." Hmm? His eyes poised a dangerous glimmer as he cupped his hand over his mouth once more to yawn. It dawned on him that perhaps he had been pushing himself a bit too far in his pursuit of strength while searching for Florian's soul. Despite only needing to eat to keep his energy up; he could still build up fatigue.
Perhaps something with a lower cost in energy to pass the time would help him reimburse himself. After all, how taxing could an inn visit be? He'd allow Yoh to take charge on this one.

The dirt road before them was barren, to say the least. Well-traveled, but currently they were the only travelers. The sky above was looking rather dull and gray. Rain was on the bound. You could smell it in the air. The wind was also very dry. Tornado weather? Jaakuna scratched his chin thoughtfully, peering out at the rolling waves of cat-tail weeds and occasional trees. This was the plain-jane dull that was the outskirts of Uni-teshi. Outside of travel, usually the only things to go on out here were murder. Who knew how many bones nurtured the wild grasses in these fields? It was a bleak exterior for a landscape. Nearly colorless too...it practically made Yoh and himself stick out like sore thumbs in their eastern clothing.
Another yawn from Jaakuna, scratching the side of his neck as he did so. When did he get so sentimental? He usually did not care for scenery. That required attachment. Despite how long Yoh may have lived in this realm, Jaakuna was still quite new. He couldn't fathom why he bothered to notice. Was it a desire for change? It couldn't be...could it?
When did he ever desire to change?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...because despised are you. "

[Loremaster Kenchi]

<+> Kaizen Kenchi <+>

The Feywild Saint

Location: Crystal Falls.

Company:N/A.

Voice Actor:  Fukuyama Jun

Theme Music: -----

"Blessed are you...

Only moments later and Kaizen had tied a sturdy rope harness around his waist and over each shoulder. From there it was only a matter of tying the other end to the base of the tree beside the broken well. His enthusiasm was unmistakable; as he couldn't wait to see the look on Kiren's face. Finally, his plan was seeing fruition. And soon, he and Kiren could live happily ever after. Oh, young love...it was as if he was unaware of the fate destiny had in mind for him. Or the dark, looming shadow that stalked the young man from the thick treeline nearby. A tall, looming figure.
Alas, Kaizen hummed to himself merrily as he straddled the side of the well and proceeded to climb down in a carefree manner.

And once he did...the wind stopped. And it grew stale with the fetid breath of decay. And the white puffy clouds in the sky slowly began to block out the sun. At last, the boy was all alone. Adorned with the reek of magic and miracles; it was a scent his hunter could hardly ignore. Finally, today was the day. After patiently stalking him over the past few days; today was the day it would get to feed. Feast upon the young thing's entrails. Surely, it would be easy.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...because loved are you. "

[Misty Woods]

Lee

Location: Crystal Falls

With: No One

A shift was felt in the area of which Lee was wandering, the scent of blood enveloped her essence, walking along a rugged path the plains walker was glaring at her surroundings. With each foot fall the spirits shuttered around her. The form she had this time however was one that no one expected her to take. Waves of soul energy emanated out from her as a few of them followed behind her, the curved antler adorned her head as her slender body swayed from side to side. A thing of beauty to be hold as one would mistaken her for a keeper of the crystal falls. crossing paths with this new found form would be a death sentence.  veering off course a disturbance brushed up against her as a new path formed in front of her.

This life force felt out of place as the reaper picked up the pace, craving for what tugged at her curiosity. smacking tree limbs and souls that stood in her way, taking every stride with care as the foot falls became silent. Stopping five meter away from the life energy another strain of energy could be felt. A tilt of the head gave way as Lee staid in place. From the looks of it the second source of life wanted to feed on the first as a questions came to mind. Should she let nature take it's course or should she intervene? shoving her right hand into her skirt pocket a familiar looking pipe laced around her fingers as well as a match, striking the end of the match the plains walker lit the end of her pipe, taking a slow long drag the choice became clear. Whom ever came to this forsaken place deserved to die. Unknown to most this side of the crystal falls was unprotected by cleansing, where the souls of the damned roamed looking for life forces to feed on and gain form once more. Lee's playground she kept to herself from the others, a place where she could run wild with out restraint. taking a step forward Lee stopped a few meters closer to watch an see what would happen to the prey and the predator.

[Misty Woods]

Yoh

Location: Uni Tesh: Outskirts

With: Jaakuna

Yoh took this as an opportunity as she slipped away from Jaakuna's wandering eye as she slipped away from him. headed down the slop that laid before them and off towards the Inn but instead of going in she headed around back, dodging the jagged ground that surround the back way she landed on a tiny slab of cement. A very massive and heavy black door stood firm, the carvings would scare any human away as screaming faced adorned the sides, knocking three times Yoh waited as a gruff grunt could be heard from the other side. " Open up it's me and be quick about it before any one else comes round!" The tone Yoh had was soft but brash as the door opened a crack, the figure stared at her for a brief moment then opened the door just enough for her to get in. Once inside the door slammed shut behind her

Walls cluttered in shelves strewn about the decent sized back room, dim light from a fire place crackled in the back as the disheveled old man sauntered back to the front of the Inn. Taking a seat next to the fire the darkness dweller waited for the informant to arrive, normally she would have let Jaakuna follow her but the person she was meeting would have not sat well with him, five minutes had passed as another figure had entered the room from in front of the inn.  A figure stepped out of the shadows as he stood right beside her. His hand gently caressed her should as a smile came to his face. https://imgur.com/Jfc8C5L " It's been a while since you've call on me, I wonder what is it you desire this time hm? it has nothing to do with that unstable being that is attached to you now does it?" Silence adorn the room as she brushed the angle's hand away from her shoulder. " If you know where he is just tell me. He's one of your kind and I know you keep tabs on all of your kind or have they demoted you from record keeper?"

The tone of the room had changed as the angelic remained at her side. Yoh had many connections in this realm. Debt, favors, or just plain friends. It seemed as though Yoh was never alone and yet the walls between her an every one else remained the same, yet the walls between her and Jaakuna were becoming thinner and thinner though she held onto the fear the tethered her feelings to reality. Yet the one feeling that grew each day was that of love. " The boy you are looking for has remained hidden from my sight all this time. what ever his care taker is using is strong magic that only can be used if the wielder gives up some thing in return. The stronger the sealing magic the heavier the price. I'm sorry I cannot be more help to you. I will keep watch to make sure if any thing shifts you will be the first one to know." With that the informant left the room through a shifting portal as Yoh rose from her seat, walking up to the other door Yoh walked into the Inn, off to the left side of the Inn stood a bar as Yoh wandered over. Taking a stool near the corner the bar keep already knew what she wanted. Having visited this place many times before he handed her a bottle of white rose sake and one sake cup as he rested his hand on top of her head knowing good and well this had been the twentieth time she had been here in one week.A room was made up for her as well but Yoh had no time for sleep or relaxation. Taking the cup to her lips as thought came to mind but soon passed as she sipped on the sweet nectar hoping to wash away her failures. Jaakuna only wanted results and not failure but the way he was acting confused her even more, why was he acting this way. It had her like a ton of bricks, the creature that never paid her mind was now smitten with her. conflicted she started to knock back cup fulls of sake as the bar keep brought out three more bottles and set them beside her as sounds of rain tapped along the windowpanes beside her.

[Misty Woods]

Kiren and Mai

Location: Crystal Falls

With: Mai

Instead of engaging Mai in combat Kiren took a seat on the ground, shrugging Mai walked over to her friend and took a seat across from her. Resting her left hand on Kiren's shoulder the kitsune's ears drooped beside her. " Does he even know what you've sacrificed for him, does he know how much pain you are in right now? Kiren look at yourself, you've given up so much and yet you've received nothing in return. A mistake was shoved onto you so his followers wouldn't have to deal with raising a child. Any one could have taken him in and yet you yook the bate. Hopong that one day Florian would shown in his eyes and come back to you. The sacrifices you've put into place are far to great for the sour reward you have been given. The Kiren I know would have jumped at the chance for sparring and yet here you are, sitting in the grass, tapped out with no one to aid you." Mai's right hand grasped Kiren's right shoulder as she kept a grip on Kiren.

" Kiren I am giving you a way out. Leave this camp now and come with me. We can go treasure hunting, go bar hopping till we are drunk or even have a family meeting with Yoh and Lee. No one will know that you've abandoned him, it's not like they are keeping tabs. What did they promise you hm? eternal happiness? Kiren It's time to let go of that love, of that wanting feeling. Florian is not in that boy, they lied to you just to toy with a broken heart. I worry every day wondering how you are doing. Is kiren sleeping? is she happy the way she is? Does he even know now that you will die way before he obtains his full potential? I thoughts the rumors on the wind where false, why would Kiren give up all of her powers of her family just for a boy that doesn't even give a crap about her." Mai's venom stopped as she noticed tears trailing down Kiren's face. every word that was spoken was a smack in the face to her, Every note was the truth, since the day his people left Kiren had been hiding and playing caretaker with help from no one. The boy that would save his people never spoke to her, just the same expression of a lost puppy shown to her and with each passing day Kiren had grown bitter at her own sacrifices she had made in order to keep some being of higher power safe and for what, just a pat on the back later on and a good job? The once bright light in her eyes hand dimmed, heart cold as she kept those feelings away from the young lad. Mai pulled Kiren into a hug as more tears fell from her fluffy friend. This was loneliness that had built up the whole time that she had staid hidden with him.

Other beings would have been happy, to be a mother to a creature but Kiren never wanted to be a mother at least not this way. The Kitsune's body shook as Mai kept hold of her. Finally Kiren was able to break down and cry, to grieve for the one she had lost many years ago as her friend sat with her in silence, few minutes had past as Mai spoke again." Just say the word and I'll have him expelled from this realm, have him sent back to his original universe and then you'll be free. I'll only do it if you ask me to but if you want to keep chasing this fairy tale I will accept that as well. Kiren it hurts me to see you this way. What would happen if Yoh and Lee saw you like this, he would have been dead along time ago. Do you even have any feelings for him at all? Lifting her head slightly Kiren's eyes met Mai's as she spoke. " I...don't know... All this time I thought one day they would take him away and I would be free but that day never came. So after a month I just did what Lee did for me. I took care of him and Ive been raising him in any way I can though with each passing day I just....I just want to stop....I want him to do what I couldn't do to Lee. I want him to kill me. If he can kill me then he's string enough to be on his own. If he can't kill me then he's to weak and by that time I will leave him in Lee's acre and I will do what must be done...I will pay my debt in full and have my soul torn away from my body in order to keep him safe...." Pushing Mai away Kiren sat up as a weary smile came across her lips. the blood mage only sighed. She known Kiren had made a pact with a fallen angelic when Kaizen was still young but she didn't know how far Kiren had gone in order to protect him. Laying her hands in her lap Mai smiled as well. " You know good and well that Kaizen will stop you as well as the rest of us. You've given up so much already Kiren, is he really worth dieing for? Kiren gazed up into the sky, tears still streaming down her face. " Yes he is, Even if he ends up with another it's my duty to take care of him. I;m not doing it out of love, I;m doing it to keep the promise I made. I don't even known if that boy or even if he;s allowed to love a lowly wretch like me but I hope one day he finds happiness. Even if it's not with me, even if I die protecting him I wouldn't havr it any other way." Sighing Mai only shook her and as she kept smiling, Kiren was some thing else though she didn't have the heart to tell Kiren that Kaizen had ran away from her.

[Loremaster Kenchi]

)-( Jaakuna Omega )-(

The Sin Pandemic

Location: Uni Teshi, Inn on the Outskirts

Company: Yoh

Soul Saturation: 87%

Voice Actor: Show Hayami

Theme: ------

"Doomed are you...

Perfectly aware that his feckless counterpart had taken her opportunity to elope, a sly smile escaped Jaakuna's lips as he retained his wonder-lost pose till she was out of sight. Yoh may have garnered greater self control or strength during her time spent with him, however, she still lacked tact and experience as a denizen of the dark. She was still young. And no matter how thick her skin seemed, her heart apparently was still just as frail as that fateful day when Florian passed away from the world of the living.
Her scent was not hard to follow...but luckily for her, the Inn held little interest for him.

The Seething Koi it was called. Modeled after far eastern hostels, the cherry red edged roof stood as a prominent bastion against the gloomy grey cloud-covered sky. Silver chimes hung from the inner rafters meant to shield passerbys from the rain. The devil took a moment to close his eyes and appreciate the small array of jingles accompanied by distant thunder. The moist air began to smell like mud. It clashed with the festive redwood and thick paper windows that lined the side of the inn. Thus, Jaakuna took a moment to seat himself on a bench near the front entrance, and leaned back to appreciate the swirling cloud shapes in the distance.
As if on cue, a small serving girl exited the front flap with a tray; her kimono decorated with blazing koi and accents of distilled rice. However, her greeting was cut off from Jaakuna's sudden dismissal.
"No need."His tone bore a semblance of one part sinister intent and one part whimsical melancholy. Needless to say, it was enough to startle the serving girl into clutching her tray tighter against her bussom before turning back inside. Once again, the thunder rumbled in the distance. A similar grumble seemed to slowly build in the upper region of his chest. A slow burning anger born from postulate frustration. By his account, by no means, should that young upstart be capable of hiding from him. Between Kiren and what else...either fey or celestial...what? His brow furrowed in tandem with his grip crushing the edge of the bench he sat upon.

Well...it didn't matter. Not truly. It was only a matter of time before he found him. That boy. And when he did...Jaakuna's hand proceeded to finish crushing the wood in his right hand into a fine dust. Neither Kiren or any of her sisters would be able to stop him...not even Lee.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...because despised are you. "

[Loremaster Kenchi]

<+> Kaizen Kenchi <+>

The Feywild Saint

Location: Crystal Falls.

Company:N/A.

Voice Actor:  Fukuyama Jun

Theme Music: -----

"Blessed are you...

A feint, periodic rhythm echoed from within the abandoned well. A methodical chip-chip-chip...chip-chip-chip. As intent as one would expect a child to pilfer a fresh cookie from a hot rack; Kaizen was determined to remove the desired treasure from the hunk of rock at the structure's bottom reaches. A grime along the inner stone had long-since dried, and had become overgrown with moss and lichen. There was practically a blanket of the stuff on the ground beneath his feet. And with each series of chips, he paused to examine the gem closer for progress before resuming. He may as well have been completely oblivious to the other world above.

Or it's hostilities.

Lee's sudden arrival was not a welcome one. For now sooner had she gotten within eye-shot of the well, the looming skulking figure paused it's movement from within the shadows of the trees on the outskirts of the clearing. It was certainly tall, lanky, and muscular. The claws on it's hands gripped a nearby tree trunk tensely. It's elongated face huffed a few shrouds of hot breath. It's menacing crown of antlers rattled in agitation. It sniffed the air, vexingly. And once it picked up Lee's scent, it's orange glowing eyes harbored a shimmer of sickening gold as it proceeded to lock eyes with her in the distance.
Whatever it was...it seemed to attempt to gage her intent. It looked from her to the well, then back to her, as if to weigh the options. A few strands of saliva cascaded down it's maw to hit the ground in thick, fat slogs on the ground. She smelled rather good too. Delicious~ even. Albeit, much different in nature than the young man, she too reeked of mixed magics. However, her's was of an older nature. She was likely experienced in her magic; judging by the scent. And there was no telling from his angle if she was protective of the prey it stalked. Therefore, it hesitantly began to step back deeper into the woods.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...because loved are you. "

[Misty Woods]

Yoh

Location: Uni Tesh: Outskirts

With: No one

The drink remained untouched at the bar as Yoh walked away from her seat, eyes followed the slender figure across the room as she went outside. Spotting the love of her life sitting on a bench she approached but paused for a brief moment, a smile ran across her face as she stood behind him. Reaching out she grasp both of his shoulders as she started to massage. " Spoke with my contact, I have a feeling on where your property maybe hiding. I wonder though if you would love to move now or bide your time..." Pausing for a moment Yoh kept massaging as the rain pounded the roof of the inn. Oh how she wanted alone time with him but the time she did spend was constant training  which to be honest she loved more then just being with him. The rain lightened up just a tad as the massaging had stopped, hand letting go and dropping to one side. Yoh stepped away from Jaakuna.  " I should get going then, the sooner I find them the sooner you'll have what you want." With that Yoh headed out into the rain, she could have easily opened a portal and headed to her next destination. Instead the darkness dweller roamed aimlessly in the rain.

Walking at a rather slow pace the rain danced off of her, people passed by often giving stares or laughter as they drove pass on carriages. Had this woman gone mad? walking in the rain with no cover what so ever?! No, rather Yoh loved walking in the rain as she wandered lost in thought.

[Misty Woods]

Lee

Location: Crystal Falls

With: No One

a shift in the woods caught her gaze but that wasn't what she was after. The entity shifted back into the woods as the plains walked approached her true prey. The smell of feywild flesh tantalized her craving for otherworldly souls, approaching the well she tapped the sides of it with her staff as a tilted of the head slanted to one side. The prey was down in the well as a few souls gathered around her. Smearing a grin a pulsating mass formed on her hand as the dark substance wriggled and sputtered. " My my my..what do I spy. A little lively morsel sitting in a hole. I wonder if it will come to me or I will have to fish for it." Lifting her hand ever so slightly the mass jutted out from her graps an into the well searching for it's masters meal, crawling along the walls it soon felt the aura of the fey that she was looking for. slithering it lurched forward an aimed it's self to latch onto the fey and bring it back up the well to it's master.

Up above Lee still kept her gaze on the creature in the woods. Was it after her meal or did it want some thing more. Never the less the reaper wasn't going to let a chance like this slip her by, it had been ages since she had a soul as young as this one an she wasn't going to stop now. the creatures of this realm knew the consequences when they stepped on her turf. Little did she know that this fey was that of Kiren's ward and the soul she was suppose to protect.

[Loremaster Kenchi]

)-( Jaakuna Omega )-(

The Sin Pandemic

Location: Uni Teshi, Inn on the Outskirts

Company: Yoh

Soul Saturation: 87%

Voice Actor: Show Hayami

"Doomed are you...

Jaakuna would have been more inclined to greet Yoh with a quizzical look if she wouldn't have been so quick to leave. How rude. He had come all this way to find her just to spend time with her. Thus, unlike himself, he impatiently tapped his foot a few moments upon her initial departure. "Honestly, this woman." He muttered under his breath with a minute flavor of frustration. And regardless if it had been thirty seconds or a minute, his indecision to follow her did not remain chained in disbelief for long. Her farewell had been piss poor, to say the least. Additionally, the fact that he even cared, flew directly over his head. The devil's pride was damned.
It only took a few moments accompanied by aggravated mumbles for him to catch up to her.

Theme: Dark ones enjoying a walk in the rain.

"You're doing that thing again, Yoh. That dedicated thrall thing again." He pestered with the pedigree of a haughty inquisitor. In fact, he took a moment to advance ahead of her a few steps just so he could cut her off on the trail. "I-...well, mundane as your cursed life is, I want to...know." His voice quickly trailed off hanging on the last word; as the signal that had flown over his head earlier had finally turned around and hit his ego. "I want to know how you have been. At the heart level, or whatever you substitute for a heart, if...if it is still a heart. Regardless of me not owning one, it doesn't change I still chose to want to spend time with-you." Jaakuna's face was visibly frustrated; yet she would have been forgiven for thinking if it was completely directed at her. It was not. His agitation was internal. A being so powerful he could level a town in a fit of rage...yet trying to relate to someone, especially someone he shared a romantic interest in, seemed alien.

Yet, awkwardly enough, he attempted to stumble ahead anyway. Stubborn determination was an understatement at this point.

"I...want to spend time with you when I can." His visage stabalized for a moment; yet the cool he attempted to retain was skin-deep at best. He didn't like this level of foolishness he was feeling.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...because despised are you. "

[Loremaster Kenchi]

<+> Kaizen Kenchi <+>

The Feywild Saint

Location: Crystal Falls.

Company: Lee.

Voice Actor:  Fukuyama Jun

"Blessed are you...

Theme Music: Rebel One: Kaizen vs. Lee

Kaizen couldn't have been sure of what alerted him first. It could have been some innate danger sense ingrained in his training from being sideswiped by Kiren so many times. It could have been the subtle noise of slurping ooze dripping from Lee's grasping extension. Or, perhaps, it could have even been Florian's soul warning him through a feeling of anxiety. Potentially, all three. The creepy drip drip slough~ associated with eldritch horrors and other spooks that accompanied bumps in the night.

It was not a paean associated with his own regalia of noise, that was for sure. Nor the ensemble of the woods surrounding him.

No sooner had Kaizen pried the sapphire loose had the overbearing shadow of capture drawn his eyes to the opening above. And there stood Lee and her capture spell of choice: a placid, viscous anathema he had no desire in touching. As any novice would, he wanted to gasp or cry out in surprise. It was the natural response. But Kiren's training had all but squashed out such reactions. In nearly every session, the kitsune swords-woman had reminded him to think on his feet. To sharpen his instincts and devise a response to immediate danger. After all, for years he had to live it. So Lee would be forgiven in being surprised if her prey put up a sudden tenable solution.
Kaizen's response was resounding: With both hands raised, teeth gritted, Florian's fighting spirit began to stir as the young ancient's body became encased in a large divine orb. Barrier and shield techniques were a common staple in celestial casters, and resounded second in Kaizen's forte behind his healing capabilities. The impact was so strong, it even shoved the inner walls of the well outwards, as the protective shell stretched out ten...thirteen...fifteen...twenty...thirty feet in diameter. Naturally, this caused a small eruption in the earth around both Kaizen and his would-be captor above.

Kaizen's eyes sharpened, and his confidence began to well up within him. Kiren's tough-love in her training made for such a useful booster...not that he would ever admit it. But, assuming Lee wasn't caught up in the aftershock, Kaizen would raise up a hand to usher the barrier to float him up to Lee's level. "I don't know who you are, but I'd prefer to exchange a greeting with a stranger. Not a confrontation. Who are you?" To be frank, he felt rather impressed with the level of confidence he harbored within his gut. Little did he know Lee was far beyond his weight class in power. However, this was his first exchange of ability with another person. Prior to now, he had always been under Kiren's tutelage against either her or the occasional monster wondering the wilderness. The angelic runes on his protective barricade flared up with anticipation; assuming Lee was a rather untrustworthy conversationalist.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...because loved are you. "

[Misty Woods]

Lee

Location: Crystal Falls

With: No One

" It speaks? An it's a young male as well. My my it must be my lucky day. The young ones always taste better when they're feisty." The angelic glyphs shifted her eyes upwards an though they should have been familiar to the reaper, her thoughts were off some where else. The boys words had blown past her as the bike black mass as climbed back on to Lee's left arm. Pulsating the mass soon and enveloped her arm as it crystalized into individual shards, a slight tilt of the wrist casted the shards upwards. Hoping she had made cracks in this barrier the chance to have a decent battle before her meal made the heart grow fonder. Chances often came an went when it came to Lee's hunting schedule. Each step is calculated seconds before her prey could react though this boy seemed different in some way. Forming a sphere of light in her right palm the reaper focused in on a weakness as volleys of light spheres began to pelt into the boys shield. She wanted him to run into the forest, into her playground where she could you with him for a while.

Oh what fun she could have with this one though some thing still felt off. A scent of some kind wafted over to her again an again but she couldn't quite place it. The scent was that of the rose water Kiren always wore though to Lee it smelled as if he'd just rolled into a rose bush.