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Yuki tilted her head, leaning on the desk beside him. The samples were proving to be more interesting than she thought they'd be. "Well, no idea... never really knew my parents." she answered, looking to him. "Is there any way you can find out?"

Kaguyo stood before Konton quietly, glancing away from where she had walked out of the wall.
Even though he was trying to scare her, she had a rare dignity and serenity that most in his presence lost in seconds.
"I had to let the b*****d know he wasn't alone." she answered frankly, although even her harshness seemed overwhelmed by how gently she spoke, "After what you did to Shiori... I couldn't let him be alone, even if he did do what he did to save me."
She turned to face him, eyes locking with the demon's. "He did make the bargain to save me, didn't he?"
It was less of a question than a statement. She took a few steps forward, her tiny stature made even smaller by Konton's minions, and doubly so by the demon himself.
She was awfully fragile looking, at least compared to Shiori.
Her gaze roamed the hallways and the corners of the room, sensing Aled out. She could feel him watching her... Even feel disbelief, perhaps, although it was hard to tell whether it was his or hers.
"Where is he?"

Avaon patted the boy on the shoulder before sitting on the shore. "Your parents probably didn't name you yet...Admittedly your mother's had some hard luck. She's been fighting a lot, not necessarily by her own will even... She seems to find trouble rather easily. Like my sister in that respect, you met her---Morrigan. But names aren't necessarily that important. What would YOU like to be named, hmm?"

Kaguyo's eyes narrowed slightly. "Regardless of who he did it for, we're grateful for his sacrifice. He isn't alone. And as for Shiori, don't speak that way of her...."
It was clear that, even if the woman had formerly been her enemy, she didn't appreciate such tactlessness.
"If he made it to save Ainsu, I'm grateful."
Her gaze was caught by something. She could sense him, feel him shifting about....
She didn't really care about Konton at the moment; she had come for one reason, and one reason alone.
"Aled..." she whispered, eyes settling on the shadows, "Why won't you come out?"
She took a few delicate steps toward him, although she was cautious; she didn't know whether it would be him or the Muse.
"I practically exiled myself to see you again..." she paused, standing just at the edge of where she sensed him, a thin sliver of shadow marking her boundary. "You scared me, Al-chan..."

Yuki shrugged. "Eh... Mom looked like me, but Dad looked different. I have a picture of us..." she started rummaging through a small, feminine wallet, "Why, is it important? And can't you figure out whether or not I'm a full Tarnbjin or not? Certainly we could tell just from comparing my blood to a full-blood..."

Avaon shrugged. "Well, you may be like Kazuhiko. Technically he had no childhood at all... He was killed in the womb with his mother, and when they were resurrected he aged five years easy. He remembered his death, remembered this place, could see ghosts... But then again, perhaps you would forget. I suppose it depends. Either way, when I return... IF I return, come to think of it... I am awfully tired... But either way, Kazuhiko or I could relay the message to your parents. I mean it is YOUR name. You're gonna have to live with it, whether here or in actual life."

Kaguyo did her best to keep her composure, and in her defense her outer stoicism masked the sinking that destroyed her confidence to attack. "I came for Aled." she answered, trying to keep from being alarmed. Emotions had no place in dealing with the Muse.
"The thing I never understood with you, was that even with Ainsu, I said I had accepted you... and you always tried to kill me. You've made it abundantly clear we are enemies, but I'm willing to put that aside yet again. I-came-for-Aled," she reiterated, stepping forward, "Clearly you mistook my affections for him for yourself. Let me correct you, one last time, and very clearly. Let me talk to Aled. I have no interest in dealing with you, Muse."
She had dealt rather well with the blow to tell the truth; there was something about seeing Aled in front of her that reminded her about something.
She had dealt with him in a similar state for over a decade. If anyone had taught her to fight, it was him---he had groomed her as a Queen without her even knowing it, and it showed.
Kaguyo would be damned if she failed him....
After all, who else did Aled have?

"Over in the fridge." Yuki answered, tossing the photo on the desk, "Vial of Kazuhiko's, Mor's, her brother's... basically everyone's been through here at one point now that I think of it, and Po-ar's related to Ash so of course they have some of his blood around here. Emergencies happen often in this family. I decided it was best to keep a little something backed up. All of those are in the fridge unit down the hall."
She smiled at the picture, sliding it over to him. "Cute picture, huh? I always thought they were such a nice couple... Just don't get what happened to them."
It was a bit of a sore subject moreso than what had happened with Ainsu. Sure, it wasn't a subject she was comfortable talking about, but she didn't really care to go into her past.
"Compare away!"

Avaon smiled, nodding. "Got it then. Chiaki's a nice, strong name. I'll be sure to tell them kid. Why don't you go play with the other spirits for a while? You are visiting. Might as well have some fun, don't you think?"

Avaon laughed softly. "You haven't let a beard grow." he answered, "But also, your father is considered by many as attractive as your mother, if not moreso. It's considered handsome in many cultures to look as you do."

Kaguyo shook her head. "He may have gone quietly... I cannot argue that... But I know, I know he senses me."
She was stubborn, and certainly had a tranquil zeal that was very similar to the fallen Ou's. "I don't know how to explain it, but just being here... He isn't as asleep as you make him out to be."
She stood before the three, contemplating the floor of the palace; she had many memories in this place.
In truth, she missed those days, and regretted not being able to protect their homeland better.
"What are you going to do with me?" she asked after a few moments, lifting her gaze, "Seeing as my efforts are seemingly for naught..."
She crossed her arms, summoning all the regal pride she'd been taught to wield in such situations. She was respectful of course, but it only thinly masked her irritation with them.
"Are you going to send me home?"

Yuki blinked. "Yeah. Right." she shook her head, sitting down, "You lost me, but this is a bit weird. Not that surprising, but sorta. Maybe. I can't make up my mind. Guess it explains Aoikage though." she murmured mostly to herself, "But you say it's only a possibility. For all we know my father was an alien."

"Just allow me to actually see and talk with Aled." Kaguyo answered, finding it hard to mask the hope that had crept into her eyes, "And I won't do a damn thing."
It also helped that she knew Ainsu was more likely than not going to outright kill her by the time she came back.
She hadn't seem him that mad in a long, long, long time...
"I've sensed Aled..." she reminded softly, "I haven't technically seen him. As far as I'm concerned I only see the Muse."

Yuki shrugged. "Probably. Wonder who he was, what their stories were?"
She only lingered on the thoughts a few seconds, before shaking her head. "We need to stay on task. Enough about me, let's figure out how to get your powers working again, ne?"

Avaon tilted his head. "Ah, that I can explain. You're from a different planet. The kid knew because... well, the kid knows a lot of things. It's a bit nervewracking sometimes but he means well. In your case, your planet keeps all your souls stored in a tree which a demon got access to---I know this because the b*****d had my body, and--well, you know THAT story. Anyhow I'm guessing he put you in there to unnerve your parents."

"I know damn well that was you, although I don't doubt it." Kaguyo narrowed her eyes. "Living with you long enough would tempt me too."
It was the first time she actually had the courage to snap back.
"If I'm going to live with you, not provoke the people..." she thought carefully, "I want to see him three times a week, for two hours per day. Just long enough to spend time with him... I really do love him you know."
It felt weird saying that, but it softened her in a way she hadn't expected. "Just allow me that much."

"Ah, that too..." Avaon slapped his forehead, "I mean, you were borrowing my body... But we're gonna have to keep who was taking my body for a joyride secret. Don't tell your parents." he winked. "Your mother's gonna be overprotective, I can tell."

Yuki could only frown at that. "That's gone too, huh..." she shook her head with dismay. "Alright then. Sleep..."
She seemed pretty intent on keeping up the work. Sleeping wasn't going to come to her very easily.
"I'll start doing preliminary tests to see what we could use... You'll be an insomniac in no time, promise." she offered a smile. "I can't imagine sleeping... I've been gone for nearly a year, and just got back a few hours ago..."

"Nah. Not for long." Avaon patted his shoulder. "You'll be around before long, that much I can promise. Kazuhiko will be thrilled to have a friend to play with..."
It was true, the boy was peering out from behind some bushes with the anticipation of a playful, skiddish cat.
Avaon just smirked at this, nodding over to where the kid was. "See? Look at it this way, you're going to have a friend before you're even born. Not that many people are so lucky you know. Like I said, don't worry Chiaki... We're gonna bring you around to the world of living before next winter."


Yuki just blushed deeply, glasses fogging again. "I... I... but... work... work..." she stammered, trying to make a case.
She was failing miserably.
"Work...?" she pointed shakily at the computer, "Powers, your powers...."
She never realized someone could throw her off kilter so badly... Although perhaps that was a bit of an understatement. She wasn't just thrown off kilter, she was thrown off a bloody cliff, and kilter was four planets away.
She hadn't expected him to pull her out of her chair so easily in truth.
"Are you sure?"

For once, Kaguyo made no attempt to hide her joy. It would've been pointless anyhow; she was so calmly content that she smiled. It was as if she became radiant in only a few seconds.
She bowed respectfully, before silently leaving for what had once been her room.
"How the hell did that happen..." she whispered to herself, pausing outside her door, shaking her head. She sighed deeply with relief, before entering and going through her clothes.
Aled had certainly taken very good care of her...
She eventually changed from her nightgown and robe---how she managed to get them to take her seriously dressed as such escaped her---into a blue and white kimono. A servant helped with the obi, and as for hair, well, it was really too short to style.
She made her way back to the trio, crossing her arms. "So, unless this isn't dressy enough, I suppose we should make a public appearance..." she was stoic again, "And just as a warning, better keep your hands to yourself. I don't stand beside you per se... I stand beside Aled. He's the only reason I'm here." she reminded, "But if you respect me, you'll find I have nothing but respect for you. I dealt with Aled and the other souls for eleven years, mind you... I should've been executed, but the fact he treated me so well indebted me. Just keep that in mind."
Still had spunk. Truth be told, Kaguyo wouldn't be convincing without it. The people would know in an instant if she was doing it against her will.
Then again, she wasn't a bad actress.
"I'll keep within our agreements." she added, softening slightly, "I will help you. I just don't wish to be treated as a prisoner."

"You know, lately, I wasn't sure about it..." a familiar voice spoke out behind Ainsu, "But it seems to me that your little girlfriend has a really hard time making up her mind. I think you just got dumped, buddy."
Aoki leaned in the doorway, head tilted as he watched the man's rage. "You know, you may be better off without her. Do you really want someone who can't make up her mind on something so important?? She doesn't take you seriously."
Ok, so, yeah, he technically wasn't AGAINST the group...
But if there was one person he had a strong rivalry with, it was Kaguyo. They had never been fond of one another; their venomous relations were infamous.
Aoki had the woman executed at one point. Save for Kazuhiko, he would've won that battle once and for all.
Damn brat.
"C'mon. Want to find someone to take you to Tarnbsei? Everyone's at the palace." he added, unable to help his smile. "Perhaps it's time to wake Kazuhiko or Po-ar? You certainly can't let her continue acting like this, it's no way to treat someone who sacrificed so much for her..."
He knew that Ainsu would be furious with him at first, but once those seeds of dissent were planted, he could sit back and watch the fun.
"You really should give her a piece of your mind. She has no respect for you---if she loved you, she would've waited, would have taken you with her. You really don't deserve that, Su-kun."

Aoki's form shattered with the destruction of the doorframe, but when he materialized again he just sorta smiled. "What if I told you I had a way to get there?" he asked, leaning on the wall where the doorframe had been. "Perhaps I actually do want to help..."
He tilted his head, watching the man curiously. "It seems to me you'd rather be discreet in getting there, am I right?"

Yuki frowned. "Do I really have to?"
She didn't like the idea, even if she was...MAYBE... perhaps a BIT exhausted.
"What about just a nap? Would that work? Please?"
How would she sleep given the past few days---months---whatever they were???
Shiori was dead.
Ainsu was her son.
Konton got in whenever he damn well pleased.
"I don't even know where my room is here." she suddenly lied, biting her lip---dead giveaway.
The woman had been one of the first people even SENT to Earth after everything, and was an informal head of the medical staff. They both knew she was just grabbing at excuses now.
"I don't need sleep. Maybe that's another of my powers!"

Avaon smirked. "Your mother's been trying to have kids for a while now." he confided, chuckling, "You're gonna come around. Just wait. Not only that, we'll make sure they keep your name. Perhaps we'll go haunt one of your parents in a dream---how about that?? Wanna go meet them? We can technically leave here for a little bit... Kazu-kun can sneak us out."
"I'm resurrecting you." the boy declared, already working on preparing the body. "You're coming home."
"No, no..." Avaon shook his head, "Leave that here. I'll take the shell on eventually Kazu-kun. For now, our new friend'll need someone to keep him company while he waits. I'll return when he does, alright?"
"Alright." he sighed, opening a portal. He stole a quick glance around, a bit nervous. "IN IN IN!"
In truth what he was doing wasn't held in very high regard....

But whenever they returned to Capsule Corps, he found a very odd spectacle.
"What's wrong Susan?" he asked innocently, stepping out, "Where's Kag-hag?"
He wanted to try new nicknames for her, but wasn't sure which one fit. It would take a bit of experimentation to see what worked. Susan came from Su-san, and was golden; other people weren't so easy.
"I'll beat you up." he warned Aoki, glaring. "You better not be instigating."
Avaon crossed his arms, watching the three closely. "Don't think they can see us..." he glanced down to Chiaki, "Not yet, anyhow. Do you want him to see you now? Might calm him down."
Or, it could increase his desire to find Kaguyo, but he wasn't aware of the situation at hand.
"Hmm... maybe not Kag-hag.." he frowned to himself, "Maybe Yo-yo... Where's Yo-yo-chan?"
If only he realized how appropriate that nickname was, he would've waited to say it. He didn't realize that Kaguyo had left the planet entirely, and the sole reason was his grandfather.

Kaguyo had a ghost of a smile at this. "Hmm... You know, I may have. Ainsu, Aled, I've caused trouble for all of them." she admitted softly, sitting down on a bench, "I guess there were so many times they all sorta blend into eachother..."
She had to chuckle. "You really only have one person to blame for that, and I won't get to see him---well.... Actually, about that, it being Monday... I will get to see him today, won't I?"
She thought carefully, watching them closely. "If not, I'd be grateful if you allowed me time in the libraries or gardens. I'd rather keep myself occupied than getting in your way."