She smiled back as her attempts at pulling Naosu out of the dark pit of sadness seemed to be working, holding the Fey in her arms, claws gently moving along her back to try and ease her worries.
Her ears perked up as she tried to keep up with the commotion going on about them, listening to the heated exchanges and wishing she could be heard like the others. It sounded like these folk were trapped in the past like many other races were, meaning they probably wouldn't understand anything she was trying to say, even if she used the more common variation.
But they seemed to speak a common language, maybe she could ask Naosu to interpret for her? Worth a shot, at least. Leaning back a bit, she signed her question. Can you talk to them for me?
How do you plan on keeping us here? Wouldn't it be suspicious that a group of students from the Below who were traveling to the Above disappears? What if this destroys the peace between the races that we have carefully worked on; would you be happy knowing that your actions were the direct cause of a war you yourself were hiding from?
What of the students who are not with us, will you be dealing with them as well? What if they escape, or have already returned to the Below? Do you intend to pursue them into our homeland without drawing attention to yourselves? They know exactly where we are, after all.
Can't you see you are already three steps behind the problem?
Ebonrune
Yushika
nepsah
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 10:33 pm
Ayame let Nagoro speak. It seemed the Elders enjoyed talking in turns. One would exhaust, and the other would ignite. When their partner had finished he immediately sprang into life, taking note of Nagoro's puffed tails. Man, these kids were in for a hell of a ride.
When Naosu spoke he trailed his gaze to Tomoe, scowling once more. "If I erase your memories, someone could force them back." He stated, voice gruff but not as hostile as before. It seemed the calm approach was working, for now? "As for him, if he let the barrier down once, he could very well do it again." He watched as Tomoe looked over, tails flicking in pure agitation in response to the smaller man. Tomoe immediately jerked their head away, staring firmly back at the ground.
Next was the.... Grimm? No. She claimed to be one of those Bakeneko things. A cat, essentially, as the mutated one put it. He even smiled slightly at her eagerness, appreciative. For a second, he even seemed to preen, as if he was delighted in her interest in his race. However, that vanished shortly once he realized what he was doing, body stiffening and tails freezing.
She was right, in some way, and for a second he seemed caught off guard. They were curious. The forest had always thrown outsiders off. Eventually it was bound to happen that the forest would gain much attention. Tomoe had messed up, there was no promise another young Kumiho wouldn't, either.
Hell, this was bound to have happened.
At that thought, he froze up, eyes harshly narrowing. What would they do from here if another group arrived? What if, even after they disposed of the threats present today, more just came? Their life was essentially over, wasn't it? The safety from the chaos outside was gone, wasn't it?
This only served to make him angrier at Tomoe.
His eyes darted to the smaller man, ears folded back. Tomoe ruined everything. They were fine until now! Ooooo, oh he was so in for it.
When Bridgette approached the Priestess she gave a welcoming smile that turned into a concerned frown. She listened patiently, once in awhile glancing over at Tomoe. When it was mentioned of his death she instantly flinched, mouth tightening. "If I had a choice, I would not allow his death." She admitted faintly, sighing. Once Bridgette was done she lowered her hands, slightly, leaving the barrier for the time being. It was strong enough for now.
"I hold no power, I cannot make decisions." She stated, yet her face didn't soften this time. Instead she watched the Elders, a strange and almost confident expressions arising. "But that does not mean I cannot talk to them. Give me time to see an opening and I will see what I can do."
Ayame froze when a voice called out. A small hybrid appeared, and for a second he did a double take. She sported a few various races in her, but one in particular caused him to part his lips in surprise. He knew that tail. He knew that trait.
Kirin.
Instantly, he moved closer, stopping himself a good feet away as he examined her. Doubt trickled in his face as he turned to Nagoro. What now? Not only was there a girl with Kirin in her, she was a hybrid. Something that had been taboo in their parents age. Dumfounded, the Kumiho stepped away from Harley, briefly glancing back at Nagoro.
He seemed quiet for the time being. He even allowed Coralie to speak, eyes narrowing at the word 'Nixie'. He was still trying to comprehend there were other races outside of the ones he knew, information being tossed at him at a speed he struggled to understand. All the years of isolation had never geared him to expect this. He wasn't convinced, though, tensing visibly as he put himself back in front of Meimu.
Rei spoke and he was grateful, as right then he was too busy still reeling at the existence of Harley. Another hybrid. Another 'taboo' existence. He caught the glance to the Priestess, immediately flicking his eyes towards her. What was she doing that caused a glance? Was she betraying them too?
Samhain objected, finally stirring Ayame's ability to speak again. This time, his eyes narrowed again, head shaking. "He has allowed outsiders into our home, there is no telling what he might do when outside." Yet, his voice had gone almost quiet, as if he was lost in thought.
Bibiana nodded at first. She could definitely see how convincing the Elders would take a LOT. At the Priestess' question, Bibi nodded excitedly. "We're so friendly!" she assured her with a smile. "We worked hard together to get all the way up here... Not that we had any idea that you guys were here. Obviously, since you all have worked hard to make that true," she murmured that last sentence, her brain working through something that could show the Elders that they really didn't mean any harm. She grinned at the Priestess' last comment. "Well, maybe together we can make that possible," she said hopefully.
Right! Show of friendship! When she wanted to show her friends affection, she hugged them. But the pink Geist was sure that none of the Elders would have welcomed hugs. So what else? She chewed her lip as she thought, wondering how else they could show their friendship. Oh! Hand holding! She knew that as older Nightmares and Daydreams hold holding could have a different meaning than it did when Freshlings held hands. But at its core, hand holding was a sign of affection. Of friendship.
Speaking of friends, she heard Harley's voice explaining that she was a mix of races and she felt proud to know the other girl. They hadn't spoken much, but it didn't take much for Bibi to consider someone a friend and if she were asked she would say that she had made friends with everyone who had come on the trip. Without a second thought, Bibi took the hands of those closest to her. ((Nashira and Bridgette))"Take hands! We need to show them we're friendly, even though some of us are so upset." She beamed a smile at each of them and squeezed their hands reassuringly. There was, of course, a chance that this wouldn't work, but Bibiana was determined to try.
itsie bitsie spider
so you can see what Ghester's girl is up to xDD and mebbe Ghester can take up the friendship circle, too 8'D
musicaloner7
in case Gaius wants to help with the friendship circle xDD
Yushika
For the Priestess againnn
Lural
Nashira!
vampireluver123
Bridgette!
ashes to the wind
For Harley xD She has a friend in Bibi forever <3333
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 10:54 pm
"And execution is obviously the answer, although it isn't," Coralie exclaimed ", Do you not trust Tomoe at all? You think he will cause danger if he really does tell everyone. Hmm... that does sound very familiar," she tapped her finger on her chin, recalling the events of how the nixie joined the world again ", Didn't that happen with the nixie as well when one of their kind went outside and revealed their race to everyone? Oh yes, it did. What terrible stuff happened when they finally came out? No violence, no hatred. Only friendship, peace, and love. I don't understand why you think he needs to die, but maybe you can explain it better? Maybe he did something earlier we don't know about? As far as I can tell, we both just don't understand the other. However, the more we talk the more we can understand."
Nagoro nodded in agreement with Ayame... they could simply erase their memories, but someone else with equally skilled magic could just bring them back. Turning back to Bebe, they nodded a little... Strange, but not entirely unexpected. "I would think they would not want to speak of a race that left in their so-called 'time of need' as they put it." They frowned slightly more as she brought up the fact that this would happen eventually.
It... would. The cogs seemed to be turning slowly in their mind, coming to that conclusion... but it wasn't time yet. It really wasn't. They weren't prepared, the others did not know, it hadn't even come up in conversation or presented as an idea to the counsel for many years. The desire to stay safe and the acceptance of the inevitable waged a conflict in Nagoro's mind as they continued to listen to the group speak.
Their brain came to an abrupt stop when Harley spoke up. Ears perking to their full height in her direction, they eyed her with interest alongside Ayame when she spoke out about her mother. Though, they did not move from where they were. Kirin, hybridizing? That was unheard of. A great shame brought down upon the family back in the days before the war.
Perhaps... they were not lying. And all this talk of peace and a desire to protect and support one another was not a lie, or the fanciful tales of children that did not yet know how the world was... They looked to Coralie as she spoke, backing up the story of the other girl who looked like her. Nixie... another fish race. Did they even have a suitable place for someone aquatic to live permanently here...?
They looked to Samhain next, not understanding his words. "I do not know what a "Hallowed" Grimm is. That is a new term." They stated, though they had to admit Samhain seemed almost to fit more in with them than with the other Grimm in the group. Except for the wings...
Finally the Fey spoke up as one of her companions (T'kani) began motioning at her. Immediately their frown returned and their eyes narrowed. Was this person not listening at all? "The barrier keeps people in just as it keeps them out. You cannot leave this place now that it is up. If their alliance you speak so highly of is so fragile that a disappearance in a forest widely known for having mysterious magical properties would cause a war, then we were correct to think we should remain hidden. The students who did not make it past the barrier when it was lifted do not know where you are, as I have stated already. Your location is not known to anyone outside of the barrier. Before you ask such questions be sure to listen to what it is I have been telling you all this time." They snorted softly, tails flicking in irritation.
"We are not three steps behind the problem. You clearly have not been listening to us at all. All you have done is brought us back around to a subject that has already been covered." With that, they turned their attention away from the two back to Coralie.
"I do not appreciate your sarcasm." They narrowed their eyes. "Tomoe is notoriously clumsy and exceedingly talented at breaking everything he touches - including the barrier, apparently. We know better than to assume simply removing his memory would do any good in the long term." They bristled slightly at the references to things they did not know about, and couldn't possibly understand the context to.
"I would not know what occurred when the Nixie came out from hiding, as this is the first we have ever heard of Nixie being a thing. If you wish to make parallel comparisons, do not bury them deep in references to events that we cannot possibly understand. You do yourself a great disservice. As for his execution, the law is the law. It is stated from the very beginning of all of our magical lessons that to break the barrier is to be executed. He knew the cost of what he did."
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 11:00 pm
Despite his panic, Callixtus listened as well as he could as everyone spoke. He was sure he didn't get all of it- his chest was too tight and his heart was pounding too loud for him to pay attention on anything for a long period of time. And yet, it also felt like other things were to crisp, too real. He closed his eyes, sucking in a few deep breaths. Focus, focus. The elders seemed to be calming down a bit. That was good, right? He opened his eyes, darting between the elders and his friends.
This wasn't doing any good. Sitting in the dirt like this was useless. Bebe and Samhain were doing so well. Why couldn't he be strong and confident like them? A few more deep breaths. Easy.
Slowly, he pushed himself back up to his feet. It took more effort than he would ever like to admit. He felt shaky and sweaty, his mouth dry. "I-I'm s-sorry, I don't... don't handle p-pressure very well and umm.. t-this.. this is pretty bad I..." He paused, taking a few more breaths to try and center himself. He could be more composed than this, right? "Ah, well, you see, umm. I think that, umm, perhaps we've all, umm, let ourselves get too emotional, umm, myself especially, but I think that perhaps you could, well, see how someone in my situation might umm, react poorly."
He chewed at his lip. "Err. I was wondering if umm, maybe I could show you something?" He said, attempting to smile. It was strained and weak to say the least. "I took several photographs on our trip here. I thought maybe.... You would like to see them?" He trailed off into a mumble as he shifted his bag, fumbling with the zipper. His hands shook, making the process difficult.
"... Bebe, could I ask for your help? My hands do not want to seem to work correctly right now. I do not think I could operate my camera."
Bridgette smiled back at the priestess happy the other woman seemed more open to change and listening. She watched the smile turn to a frown and felt bad she had worried the other woman but there were those who needed help desperately. She see the priestess flinch and knee the other woman didn't want to see Tomeo killed either. She nodded her head. She was pleased that at least one of the kumiho didn't want to see Tomeo killed she hoped that would help them. She watched as her hands lowered. Okay. Maybe that was a good sign too? Sure the barrier didn't feel weaker but it also didn't feel stronger either. It felt like it was staying the same so that's good. Maybe the priestess would be willing to put in a good word for them in the least. She felt like that was a kick in the gut when the woman said she didn't hold any power and made no decisions. She felt her ears droop a little bit but watched the look in the woman's eyes. Her mouth almos dropped open in shock at what the purrs reds said next. She blinked slowly a few times a sit took her brain a few moments to register her words. "Really!? Oh thank you so much! Thank you thank you thank you! It means so much to me that you would be willing to talk to you elders. Thank you!" She wanted to throw her arms around the woman and hug her but feared that would be seen as hostile or an attack so she just bowed her head deeply to show her gratitude and respect tears almost in her eyes.
She looked over to Coralie and smiled at her friend. She nodded her head encouragingly as her friend spoke. She looked over to Rei too when that friend of hers spoke as well. She wanted to race over to Reu and help keep her upright when she saw her leave the walking stick behind. She looked over to Aurora who Rei was standing next to. Both of her friends were injured yet they were standing up for everyone too. She wanted to run over to them and hug them. To help Rei not have to expend so much energy to stay upright. She looked around to find Tambre too and smiled at her other friend as well. Her first friend on this trip. She wanted to hug each of them and wanted to protect them. She looked back at Tomeo and wished she could protect him too. "Aurora can you help Rei stand easier? Maybe you two share the one walking stick or something?"
She was snapped out of her thoughts by the pink Geist next to her. She smiled at the lady and squeezed her hand back reassuringly. She didn't know this lady and had only seen her but she seemed so friendly and she hoped she would have the chance to get to know her and call her a friend. She smiled at everyone and squeezed the geist'd hand again. She hoped this idea would work. It seemed like a good one and it seemed like it could really have a chance of working. If only they could show the elders things were different. One seemed to have really made a difference. The Kirin hybrid who she wanted to hug too. She held out her hand for someone close to take it and she snagged Niamh's hand and held it squeezing gently hoping not to have freaked the other out.
yushika
nepsah
strawberri stardust
midnightglow18
Lady aria starstone
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 11:11 pm
Niamh had gone quiet, because she was frustrated. She didn't know what to say at this point. All the points that had been made were treated, generally, as invalid, except for a very few. These Elders were dismissive, and as far as she could tell, rather cruel. The negative way the described Tomoe... it felt like they had singled him out, and intentionally gave him this test to fail, knowing he was clumsy and not good at things. She had gotten lost in thought when her hand was grabbed by the firey colored senior Bridgette. She looked thoroughly startled for a moment... before she saw what was going on.
She beamed at Bridgette, and held on, then turned to Xerxes, giving him a slightly apologetic smile... She had gotten the idea that he wasn't very fond of being physical with people he didn't know well, but for this to work... Well she reached over and took his hand, then turned back to face the elders and the Priestess, her eyes serious.
Ayame had been pleased with Nagoro. Ah, yes, his partner was always much more elegant in speech then he was. Callixtus spoke, snatching his attention immediately. He was ready to snap, having become accustomed to the man's frustrations when, instead, an apology was given? Blinking, the Elder seemed interested when offered to see something. What could be of interest? Photographs? Didn't they need to wait for them to develop? Or did they had time to develop them before coming to the forest? Curious, the Kumiho stepped closer, head turning back to Nagoro as if to say 'I will take the plunge.'
"What do you wish to show?" He questioned quietly, eyes drifting to the Priestess when he heard one of the group members cry out. He choose to, for now, ignore it. Right now, Callixtus had his attention.
The Priestess smiled faintly at the excited Bridgette, nodding in response. Now she just needed to see an opening.... and what was everyone doing? A soft smile touched her features as she raised a hand to cover her mouth. It seemed the group had begun to hold hands. How cute.
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 11:18 pm
Coralie's eyes widened when she realized they thought she was being sarcastic, quickly trying to give them an apology ", I am sorry if what I said seemed sarcastic. I did not mean for it to come out that way. I simply see a huge comparison to what is happening here and what happened to my race, an aquatic race from the below that had been hiding in fear from the horrors we witnessed with the other races. Even to the point of someone breaking the law, that happened too. It wasn't until we were willing to accept that maybe the world had changed that things began to work for the better. I honestly hope you could understand where we are coming from, but if you want to remain here without anyone knowing, then we will respect those wishes. As for what a hallowed is, it is a term we use for those awakened during October. Multiple tails and fur that doesn't feel quite the same is common for those awakened during those months. Once again I am sorry that we came here, and for me seeming sarcastic. We truly don't want to cause you any harm. We are mostly students after all, including me."
She gave a nod about the law ", I understand a bit better now, but death just... just..." she was tearing up some at the thought of someone being killed ", Death is not how we do things in the outside world anymore. There are other ways we deal with major law breaking."
“Sorry about that, I don’t like using the word Mutant. Down in Below Hallowed is a nicer word for Mutant…. And I doubt Tomoe would do any more harm. When we came in, he explained the barrier was to keep us out but he never once said anything about where you guys lived or what even the name of your people’s race was. All he wanted was help and refused to tell us any more than what we needed to find the children. Yes the law is the law, but what would you do if it was Meimu that broke the barrier or any of your family. Would you execute them too? Laws are good and nice to have, but you need to look at the situation and the circumstances. Like I mentioned we don’t know where your village is. All we know is this spot and a few other spots that we went to look for the children. We're lashing out and getting aggitated because we’re all just scared, we have lives and families back home. Yes, we screwed up, but we didn’t want to endanger your ecosystem or your culture. As a hybrid I understand what it’s like to have nothing that defines you as a people. We got carried away in our curiosity and all the other times we’ve run into a civilization its gone well. We change and adapt to fit them too. I mean the academy, that school I told you about, even revamped itself to take care of some of our more delicate race’s needs.Such as Nixie dry up and get rashes if they don’t have access to water you see, and we added pools and fountains for them all over campus. A while back Races did try to show up and take their people home, and while the situation isn’t the same, we know the scare that comes from it when you’re suddenly faced with change... with something you weren’t prepared for. I… can we at least find a more comfortable place to sit. Can I ask for medical supplies? Some are extremely injured and the stress and standing on their feet can’t be good for them. Tomoe mentioned he can heal, I only know a bit of first aid but you mentioned if you have more tails you’d be better at healing right, because you had more magic? Can we help them first before we continue arguing… please…?” Samhain replied.
Yushika
Nepsah
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 11:39 pm
It seemed to Bebe that her inquisitive nature had actually helped the situation rather than annoy the elders, and like many of those who were proud of their culture, they were eager to talk more about it. But of course the tense nature of the situation quickly diffused her chance at getting more information, so instead she decided to consolidate what she already learnt."I think... I think I understand now, where you're coming from..."she started, avoiding eye contact with the elders,"since, ages ago, you had to protect your people from war, that's what the world's become to you, right? There's your people, then there's... evereyone else. The outside. And the outside aren't part of your people, so all they can do is a pose a threat, right?"She finally looked up, staring imploringly at the Kumiho."I think that's why we've all been quick to judge and anger, because we don't really get your way of thinking. It hasn't been 'us vs them' in our world for so long now. It's... it's just been 'us'. Everyone gets along together, so we don't feel all too protective of just our groups. You're your own people, not part of our wider community, and we really ought to start treating you as such. I think... I think some people have treated you like people acting harshly and rashly, but it'd only be seen as harsh and rash in our larger community, which you've isolated yourselves from... if that makes sense..."All of this probably didn't mean much or help the situation, but maybe it would help everyone else understand one another, even just a little. She took a breath and summarised,"where we come from, your behaviour would be hostile. But here, in your lands, all you're doing is defending your people. You're doing what you think is right for those who matter to you and that's... well, that's pretty amazing, and what I'd do in your situation, too. It's what I am trying to do."She attempted a quick smile, before looking down once more and biting her lip. When Callixtus asked for help, Bebe quickly turned to him once more, smiling and holding his hands steady for him."Of course Cal, anything! What do you need me to do?"she asked, eager to please.
nepsah
Yushika
Obnoxious Obscurity
grandma duckeh Crew
Vicious Lover
Offline
ashes to the wind
Salty Human
Offline
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 11:46 pm
Soft hiccups escaped the hybrid's mouth as the tears ran down her cheeks. She was trying so hard not to turn into a sobbing mess like she really wanted to. Through her blurry vision and the hair obscuring her eyes, she made out a figure coming closer to her. Her whole body froze as they examined her. She held her breath as they tried to see if she was really a Kirin. If she looked passable enough. Then she noticed another also trying to see if this was the truth. She didn't know if they could tell, but how could they not? No one addressed her, they just assessed her. Their eyes felt like daggers dragged along her skin. A small hiccup escaped, reminding her to breath. She never liked being the center of attention and now, the pressure was too much for her. She wanted to run.
A familiar voice in the crowd reached her ears. Bibiana, the owner of the pink clip still placed haphazardly in her hair. She wanted to take her advice. She wanted some form of comfort. Her blurred vision and panicked state left her with few options in that aspect. She didn't see Bibi immediately, but Samhain was close enough. She ran away from the gazes of The Elders and to the safety of someone she knew. She hid behind him, clutching the back of his clothes, in front of Tomoe. If anything, his wings were large enough to obscure her from their view.
Nasaiki
Strawberri Stardust
Harley is so grateful she has a friend!!
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 11:59 pm
Callixtus smiled weakly as the elder approached. At least he didn't seem angry. That was good, he supposed. "Oh, well, just one moment. I am err, having a few small issues. I just stung on my hand and the panic attack is not helping one bit, sorry sorry." He mumbled before looking back over to Bebe. Her taking his hands help center him a bit more.
He took a deep breath. Everything was going to be alright. It had to. He couldn't let himself think any differently or he might find himself in a quivering mess again. "Bebe. Would you mind taking my camera and showing him the pictures I have taken? Particularly the ones from the bus and after we finished collecting wood." He took his hands back to hold open the bag. "I am worried I might end up dropping it. If we get stuck here, I doubt I will be able to have it replaced or repaired. Umm. Thanks, Bebe."
Yushika
nepsah
l Duckeh l
Nuclear Noxi
Fashionable Trickster
Offline
nepsah Crew
Malevolent Mage
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Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2016 12:19 am
Neptune was still reeling form all of the back and forth going on, barely able to keep track of what all was being said. He wanted to go curl up somewhere and never come out-- just like.... like last time terrible stuff happened with new people that weren't heard of before... why were they all so hostile??? He looked to Tomoe, hoping he was doing okay - though he doubted he was... Neptune was sure that he wouldn't be okay if he were told he was going to be executed for messing up...
Still, he wanted to talk to him at least a little... Keeping his voice low, he leaned closer to the Kumiho and spoke. "T-Tomoe.. um... i-if they decide y-y-you can leave, y-you can come back ho--home with me, okay?" He tried to offer him a reassuring smile, but it came out more as a panicked wince. It seemed like the Elders were slowly being convinced that isolation wasn't going to be an option.
Soft hiccups escaped the hybrid's mouth as the tears ran down her cheeks. She was trying so hard not to turn into a sobbing mess like she really wanted to. Through her blurry vision and the hair obscuring her eyes, she made out a figure coming closer to her. Her whole body froze as they examined her. She held her breath as they tried to see if she was really a Kirin. If she looked passable enough. Then she noticed another also trying to see if this was the truth. She didn't know if they could tell, but how could they not? No one addressed her, they just assessed her. Their eyes felt like daggers dragged along her skin. A small hiccup escaped, reminding her to breath. She never liked being the center of attention and now, the pressure was too much for her. She wanted to run.