Utena waves again to the cheerful monk, and hms. "Since we're all here, why don't we at least get some food? I'll buy." Lai says, "All right. ^.^" Chichiri opens the door and steps into the inn, pushing the kasa back from his head to let it hang at his back. He looks around the inn and smiles as he see's the Chaijungese paper lanters hanging around the room. Didn't see those before. He approaches the group and gives a bow with his head. "Konbawa no da." Seiji blinks at Utena, clearly surprised. "I-I guess so. Konbanwa, Chichiri." Seiji . o O ( Ah, it's nice to meet people who know my language. ) Chichiri smiles. "I hope I havn't disturbed you all no da." Lai says, "Of course not." Utena says, "Not at all! Please join us, we're going to have a meal here." Utena gestures at the spare chair at the table. Chichiri smiles and gives a nod. "Arigato no da. I would be happy to join you all no da." Then takes a seat. Letting his shakujou and kasa rest on the floor at his feet. "That's very kind of you no da." Utena says, "So, Seiji...since you said you had heard things about Kagato, and he's the topic of the night, why don't you share with the rest of us? I've really been out of the local affairs..." A brief smile to Chichiri. "...a little more dealing with global issues." Chichiri returns Utena's smile, then looks over to Seiji. Seiji sighs. "Very little. It would appear that a LOT of people are after this guy at the moment-- beside any who sit here at this time. I know only what has been mentioned by Lai and one or two others-- I haven't even seen the man yet." Utena mms, thoughtfully, and her eyes continue to hold that small twinkle. "I think I remember hearing some people talking about him in Darra a few days back. Canal, and others I don't recognize. I don't know what he's done lately that's got so many people up in arms, but I wonder if anyone knows what they're going up against in him." Seiji asks, "Perhaps. It is hard to say; if you know, why don't you fill me in a little?" Utena shakes her head, waggling a finger softly. "Productive speculation beyond a certain point becomes idle and therefore counterproductive." Grins a bit. "It's one of Akio's... really, I'm getting into this at the tail end. But since I hear he's been spotted a few times around Aerith's, that means that it's worth looking into what he's actually interested in, what he's trying to obtain in this area." Utena turns her gaze toward Chichiri. "You said he wanted to make a bargain for the token that your friend possesses? Can you tell us what that token DOES?" Seiji says, "A description would be productive at minimum, if anyone here has seen the man." Utena mms. "Grey hair, about so long. Orange or yellow eyes, like cat's eyes. A bit more than six feet tall... hovers a lot, with some kind of green force sphere." Seiji pales. "I saw someone who looked much like that, except he was only walking-- and no sphere. At the crossroads a day or two ago." Utena nods."He hovered around when he was hunting me, but he was also shooting at me with force beams, at that time. And he might have changed some over the years." Chichiri nods, confirming Utena's description. "I have seen him in passing a few times no da. I only saw him once hovering, but all of the other times he walked down the road like a regular person no da." His gaze goes over to Utena. "Hai, he tried to purchase a gem which my friend has acquired no da. I believe it has the capability to store, perhaps even enhance magical energy, though I am not sure no da. I am looking into finding out more no da." o O (Perhaps it is time I paid Taiitsukun a visit no da.) Utena has a sudden thought and reaches under her sleeve, pushing it back to reveal a small golden bracelet in which two marble-like jewels are set. "... I wonder." She removes one of the stones; it flickers very faintly from within with a thin light. "These are similar... Yuffie called them Materia... I wonder if it's like that." Seiji . o O ( ...store and enhance magic? That would be a deadly weapon in the hands of someone like Kagato.. ) Seiji glances at the materia with interest. "What are Materia, then?" And what color are they? Lai is silent, frowning. "....Could it be...?" Utena passes the jewel over; it's vaguely warm from being worn against her skin, and a pale purple color. "They're crystals that can... uhm, let me see if I remember how she told it to me. Some crystals can store spells, and they can be used even by nonmagical people, like myself. It's a certain type of crystal that's extremely rare- Yuffie collects them. She gave me these two as a present- the one you're holding enhances luck and good fortune.. the other I have is of the same type, except it provides longer stamina and general strength." Utena says, "(OOC) In other words: Luck Plus and HP Plus. Harmless materia." Utena says, "The more you use a stone, the stronger it becomes- it grows something like a plant, over time." Lai says, "I've heard of a legend of a stone named the 'Eye of the Phoenix'. Bright red... Supposed to be very valuable..." Seiji nods. "I see." He passes it back. "Very useful. What happens when they grow far enough?" Utena takes back the small marble from Seiji and replants it in the golden bracer on her right sleeve. "I don't know, she never told me.I assume it can't be too bad, because otherwise she wouldn't collect them..." Seiji says, "Hm. I see." He looks back to Lai. "How much do you know of this 'Eye'?" Lai says, "Not much." Utena asks, "I don't know if that's what he's after though... you say the stone can store magic...? What did he say, again, when he was asking for it?" Utena looks once more to the cheerful monk. "That he wanted to use it to help this area?" Chichiri Says, "Just that he had heard my friend had acquired it no da. And he needed it in order to save this place no da." Seiji asks, "...save this place? From who? From what?" Lai says, "Just the usual. That it costs a lot of money." Chichiri shakes his head. "He did not say no da." Utena brushes her hand along her face. "Well, so, we know he's in the area, we know what he looks like, we know he hangs around Aerith's for some reason, and we know he's after a stone that holds magic for some purpose he won't reveal. We know he's no longer based in the mountains as far as we can tell, but we have no other clue where he MIGHT be. That's not a lot to go on." Seiji says, "No, but it's a start. We knew nothing concrete as a whole at the beginning of this day." Utena nods. "True enough." Utena says, "I just want to know more. It's how I am. ^_^" Chichiri smiles and nods. "Hai no da. I think for only a day we found out a great deal no da." ^_^ Utena sits back in her chair and nods. "So, when do we actually get served around here?" Letting the rest of it wash off for now. Seiji says, "Probably when they have it ready. And I'm with Utena-- I want to know more." Carrot walks in. Carrot has arrived. Carrot Glaces <.<; as he runs in and hides aside the doorframe, clearly from someone outside. Chichiri nods. "As do I no da." Looking around for any of the Inn's keepers. If they don't show up soon, the monk will just get up and do the serving himself. <.< >.> Seiji glances back at Carrot as he enters, tensing up just a LITTLE. He clearly remembers being stranded from a windowsill... Utena glances at Carrot's arrival and also tenses. x.x Chichiri notices everyone tensing and looks around confused. Then notices Carrot and sweatdrops. ^_^; Seiji whispers, "Carrot Glaces? We're in for an interesting night to put it mildly." to you. You whisper, "Utena *groans*. "Just keep him away from pawing me." to Seiji. Carrot Glaces c.c; outsideish, hears a horse running past, and pfews... Then he relaxes, look insides and blinks at the tenser people. He opts to dispel that by smiling cheerfully and lifting a hand, ^_^ v "Yo." Seiji whispers, "No problem.. I hope." to you. Utena looks away, and toward Seiji with a quiet momentary hardness, before a shrug moves her smaller shoulders and she says, "So, anyway." A smirk plays along her face before her next words, the dangerous twinkle in her eyes. "When do I expect to get the invitations?" ^_- Seiji peers at Carrot. "So, who's after you THIS time?" Carrot Glaces says, "Aro...?" and *zips* aside Seiji. n.n "You're getting married?" . o O ( That means there will be a bachelor party... Or better yet, a bachelorette party ) Lai falls over. X.x Utena grins a little. Apologetically at that, but still grins. Dating the Trickster Priest has had ill effect on her. ^_^ Seiji facefaults. "Utena-san..." Carrot Glaces >.> "You're getting married to Utena-san?" Utena waves her hand airily. "Sorry, sorry. Bad joke. Bad joke." Seiji groans. "No, no... she's a bit old for me, you know.." n.- Utena LAUGHS! Utena says, "That's more true than you know." Carrot Glaces o.o at Seiji, and states with a degree of feeling insulted for her, and lots of seriousness, "Age does not matter as long as a beautiful woman is concerned!" Seiji says, "....I'll argue that, Carrot. The heart is more important than age and beauty." Utena says, "Doesn't matter, I'm engaged to someone nearly 50 times my age, anyway." Seiji chuckles. "Invite us to the wedding?" Carrot Glaces n.n at Seiji, "There, now you're listening to me." and smiles at Utena too, "So ka, you look very nice, Utena-chan... Long time no see." Chichiri sweatdrops. ^_^; Utena says, "If I can ever pin down the little weasel to commit to one, sure." She laughs, and neither directly ignores nor directly acknowledges Carrot. Seiji says, "Would a weasel trap be an appropriate gift, then? ^_^" Utena LAUGHS!! Utena says, "VERY." She shakes with laughter at the thought. Carrot Glaces >:) . o O ( It's nice to see a happy girl... ) Chichiri doesn't think he has anything to add to this conversation. ^_^; So the monk stands and goes about trying to find some service. But doesn't, so he does the next best thing. The monk seems to be suddenly standing next to Lai with a towel slung over his arm. "Konbawa! I will be your server no da! Is there anything I can get for you no da?" ^_^ Utena oh NOS and grins at Chichiri. "Are you sure you're okay with that, Sire Chichiri?" Lai falls over again at Chichiri's sudden appearance. X.- Chichiri smiles and nods. "Hai no da! ^_^ (How hard could it be no da?)" Carrot Glaces suddenly sounds, rather subdued, "Ano... Utena-chan?" and even pokepokes his indexes together, 100% looking like a shy boy almost not daring to ask something. Chichiri looks down at Lai. "Nani no da? I think the food is better up here no da." o.o Utena ehehes. "Well, if you're okay with it, Sire Chichiri... could I have a plate of stirfried vegetables with spicy sauce and some white rice?" Her gaze chills almost to ICE as she looks at Carrot. "DON'T call me Utena-chan. No one calls me that." Chichiri nods to Utena, and pulls a pad of paper and quill out from behind his back. Then scribbles down the order. Carrot Glaces o.o; "Ma..." and he was vulnerable at that moment, he doesn't even reply. He just looks down and hurt . o O ( What did I say now? ) Seiji says, "I will take the same, if I may, Chichiri-san." Chichiri smiles and nods to Seiji, scribbling down the order. ^_^ "And for you Lai-san?" Lai gets up. X.x;; Seiji helps Lai back to her seat. ^^; Chichiri stands, quill ready to take the order. o.o Carrot Glaces also does not ask what he was about to ask of Utena, "..." he turns around quietly, still bow-headed, and heads outsideish. Seiji asks, "Carrot...?" Utena smiles gently at Seiji and Lai, evidently finding them a cute couple. Seiji would protest. Really! Okay, okay, so it'd be about as obviously a false protest as anything. <.<; Utena grins over her linked hands at the two of them, and her eyes just shine. . o O ( Chichiri was right, I HAVE been hiding. ) Carrot Glaces hears Seiji's little call, but only turns his head a bit to acknowledge he's heard... He doesn't stop his leaving however. Ever-so-cheerful Carrot isn't all that cheery anymore, and he doesn't want to disturb the good mood here. Carrot heads out the front exit. Carrot has left. Utena breathes out a sigh of relief. Seiji says, ".....wonder what's wrong with him." Utena shrugs. "I'm more looking forward to the wonderful dinner Sire Chichiri's going to make for us. Carrot'll find something to cheer himself up, I'm -sure-." Seiji tenses up again. "Which means I gotta go after him, lest he annoy MORE women who don't deserve it." -.-;;; Utena says, "No, just let him sulk. He's made others uncomfortable.. let HIM stew a little. It's not a sin." Lai giggles. ^.^ Chichiri just scribbles down that Lai will have the same as the rest. He's just looking to enthused about this little cooking experience he's going to have. "Be back soon with your food no da!" Then zips off into the kitchen, the doors swinging back and forth behind him. Seiji stews for a moment himself, uncertain. He then glances back to Lai, then Utena. "Good point." Utena smiles. "It is. So just kick back and let's enjoy our dinners. I really don't feel any regret about it. If it were someone that didn't annoy the hell out of me, I'd be the first one out there. But what the hell. We can't please everyone all the time." Seiji comments, "Wise words, sensei." He finally relaxes, running a quick hand through his hair-- but NEVER disturbing the lock covering his left eye oddly enough. Lai sits down in a chair nearby Seiji, yet she's blushing again. **O.O** The sound of a few clattering pans can be heard from the kitchen. Then the sizzling of something frying, the vegetables no doubt. A voice booms out, "Hey! What are you doing in here?" Then a more high pitched and familiar voice can be heard. "I'm cooking no da! Please pass me the pepper no da." "WHAT?!" "The PEPPER no da!" Utena grins at the term, and just closes her eyes for a moment, soaking up the nice, quiet and mellow atmosphere. And then she opens her eyes, gives the briefest look at Lai's red face, and clears her throat. "I think I'll go see if I can help Chichiri in the kitchen, maybe." Scurries off.n.n; "Ah, Utena-san! Welcome to my kitchen no da." ^_^ The heavy set man in the kitchen with the monk just...facefaults. "YOUR kitchen?!" In the kitchen, Utena grins a little and hands Chichiri a large wooden pepper hand-grinding mill. "Hai! Here..." Totally blows off the man in the kitchen. n.n Lai looks at Seiji, blushing. **<.<** Gee, now the two of you are alone... ^_^ Seiji glances back to Lai. . o O { I have this funny feeling... } "Um, so, h-how are you tonight?" Chichiri takes the pepper grinder "Arigato no da!" and begins to churn it over the vegetables. ^_^ The heavy set man just stares in bewilderment. "You can't just do this!" "Why not no da?" "You don't even WORK HERE!" "Hai, which means...you're not paying me no da!" The man likes the sound of that, and goes back to sleeping in a corner chair. Utena grins, liking the monk more by the moment; she reaches for a spare apron, and waits for direction on what she can do to help out. n.n Chichiri looks into the stir frying vegetable pan and hmm's, shaking his stirring spoon while he thinks. "It needs some soy sauce for flavoring no da." Utena looks around and fishes out a bottle. "This? Or this?" Holds up another. One has a red top, one has a black top. o.O Chichiri peers at the two bottles, then smiles and takes the red topped one, "Arigato no da." He uncaps the bottles and pours some into the pan, steam rising and giving off a delicious scent. Seiji glances back to Lai. . o O { I have this funny feeling... } "Um, so, h-how are you tonight?" Utena puts back the other, which is a good thing since it reads 1000x Maboroshi SUPER HOT SPICE!!!! in Chaijungese, and grins. Chichiri smiles and hands Utena a spoon to help him stir the vegetables. ^_^ Lai looks at Seiji. "F-fine. **<.<**" Kasumi_Naru steps in from the innyard. Kasumi_Naru has arrived. Chichiri is back in the kitchen with Utena cooking up a storm. ^_^ Utena oohs, and feels helpful then, and carefully stirs in the vegetables with the long wooden spoon. Kasumi_Naru pushes the door open and slowly scans the area at the moment. =_= o O ( What going on today....) Lai and Seiji are sitting beside each other, looking extremely stiff. O.O Seiji O.O Chichiri smiles and mixes everything together in the pan. The rising scent making him hungrier by the moment. "This is fun no da!" *mixmixstirstir* ^_^ Utena nods! "It smells amazing!" But she ohs. "The rice! We haven't made any rice!" Lai **O.O** Kasumi_Naru blinks as she hears the word and bad habit she knows and loves, she yells back to the kitchen ( NO DA!!!!) Seiji clears his throat and lapses into silence, staring at the wall. Lai looks at the other wall, blushing. **O.O** Lai **O.O** Kasumi_Naru blinks as she hears the word and bad habit she knows and loves, she yells back to the kitchen ( NO DA!!!!) Seiji takes a bit of blush himself. *O.O* Utena nods! "It smells amazing!" But she ohs. "The rice! We haven't made any rice!" Chichiri recognizes Naru's voice and shouts out from the kitchen "Konbawa no da!" He then turns to Utena and ah's! "I forgot no da!" The monk whirls around, then takes a step and trips over a large heavy bad. "DA!" *THUD!* "I found the rice bag no daaaa." @_@ Kasumi_Naru nodnods "No da. n.n" Kasumi_Naru has no idea what it means, she just likes to say it cause she thinks its important. n.n Utena x.x and eeks! taking up the other spoon and continuing to toss the stirfry vegetables carefully so they won't burn. o.O "You okay there?" she calls back to the monk. Lai notices Seiji's blush and blushes deeper. ***o.o*** Chichiri nods and sits up, "Hai no da." Then opens the cabinet next to his face and pulls out a large pot. "Ah, I was looking for you no da." The monk crawls around to the side of the bag and scoops up the rice in the pot. Then goes over to the sink and begins to wash it. Seiji glances to Lai, growing a bit further on the red. **<.<*** Utena says, "Should I pull these off the fire now?" Utena asks, brushing her arm over her brow. Lai blushes redder still. ****._.**** Seiji whispers over to Lai. Chichiri brings the cleaned rice and places it on the fire. "Hai no da. And the rice will cook quickly no da." Lai looks down, blushing, then whispering back. Utena picks up the large pot with thick pad-like gloves on the handles and sets it on the counter so the vegetables won't be burned, and stands back. "Whew! Hot stuff." Seiji nods slightly and whispers back again. Chichiri leaves the rice to cook, then moves over to a cabinet, pulling out a stack of plates. "Here no da." Then begins to rummage around for some chopsticks, or silverware, or anything he can find. Utena starts apportioning out the vegetables onto the plates carefully. Lai whispers back, still blushing. How kawaii. ^.^ Kasumi_Naru walks to the kitchen and pokes her head in ( What you doing back here Mr. No da? Utena smiles as she finishes putting the vegetables on the plates and sets the cookpot aside on the counter so it can cool. Seiji nodnods. Whisperwhisper. n.n Chichiri has disconnected. Chichiri pulls a large tray out from behind the counter to set the plates on, then goes into a drawer and fishes out some chopsticks, it's what he prefers to eat with, though he brings out silverware as well and places them all on the tray. The monk smiles to Naru, speaking in Chaijung for the girl, (I'm cooking no da.) ^_^ Chichiri pulls the pot of steaming rice off and brings it over to the plates, then begins to scoop it onto each. (Would you like some no da?) Lai then smiles, blushing. She whispers back. Utena says, "I think you got it from here, Chichiri.. it's a little HOT in here for me." She shuffles back out, fanning herself with her hand. Phew!! o.o;; Kasumi_Naru smiles ( What cooking? Smell good. ) Seiji laughs. He whispers back.. Chichiri smiles (Stir fried vegetables and rice no da.) Utena walks back to the table, noticing the two there almost glowing. "The food's almost done." she grins wryly, leaning her chin on her hand and the elbow on the table. "Should be any moment now." Seiji murmurs, "Thank you, Utena-san." Lai nods in thanks. Utena smiles with a damnably cute little smile. "You're welcome." Canal pages, "Anyway..." to you. Chichiri smiles to Naru and gets another plate, scooping half of his food onto it for the young girl. He picks up the tray with the food, pushing aside the swinging kitchen door with his shoulder and makes his way over to the table. Passing out everyone's food. "Can I get you anything to drink no da?" Lai smiles a little at something whispered to her. Chichiri holds his tray, dutifully awaiting his next task. ^_^ Utena blinks. Hadn't even thought of that... "Uhm, just a little wine would be okay." Chichiri looks over to Seiji and Lai. "And for you both no da?" Lai blushes. "...W-water." Seiji says, "Um, whatever you have will be fine... *^_^*;" Chichiri nods and goes off into the kitchen to get the drinks. Only taking him a second before he returns with four glasses. One wine and three waters, placing each down for everyone. "There no da." The monk then pulls up his chair, absently wiping his sleeved arm over his forehead once. Then gives a bow, "Please enjoy no da." Seiji says, "I'm sure we will, Chichiri-san. This looks and smells very good." Lai nodnods. ^.^ Utena says, "It does!" Utena gleefully picks up her chopsticks and starts to tuck in, pausing a moment as she takes the first bite... pause. Chew. *_* MELT. Chichiri smiles. "Arigato no da. I couldn't have done it without my lovely assistant no da." Motioning over to Utena. Utena says, "oh my GOD, you have to come to my house and cook for me sometimes!!" She blushes a little and shakes her head. "I didn't do anything." Gulp, swallow. Seiji smiles, "Working your own special brand of magic, you two?" Utena blushes a little more. "Not me. 's all him." Lai eats some herself. <.< >.> Seiji takes his own first bite, eyes glazing over. "Mmmm," he comments after a moment. "I agree with Utena's assessment. Cook at the Sanctuary sometime and I'll help out myself." Utena takes a small sip of the wine and sits back in contentment, eating slowly and really savoring each bite, as if she hadn't eaten solid food in a while or something. Ryoko steps in from the innyard. Seiji eats a bit slowly himself. This is some of the best food he's had in a long time. Ryoko walks in from outside, her expression hard and unforgiving...a mask covering equal parts rage and fear. Chichiri was just quietly eating his food? ^_^; Seiji does spare a quick glance back at the fresh arrival before turning back to his food. Utena blinks over, spotting that look. She's SEEN that look before, worn it on her own face. "... what's WRONG?" she feels compelled to ask quickly. Chichiri blinks behind his mask and looks over to Ryoko. "Nani no da? Are you alright no da?" Seiji asks, "Indeed, are you okay, miss?" Lai eats. "Pretty good, Chichiri-san." Lai notices Ryoko walk in, and then slips out. X.x Ryoko blinks at utena, and shakily sits down. "...n-nothing. I just saw a...relitive I've not seen in a while. It was a shock." Utena hastily pushes her wineglass toward Ryoko. "Here... the way you just looked, I swear you were running for your life. Can you talk about it?" Seiji will eat in near silence, then. This could be interesting. <.< Chichiri does the same. o.o Utena glances up briefly from her table with the others, peering at Jubei uncertainly and waiting to see if Ryoko shows a reaction to him. Ryoko takes a drink, swollowing convulsively. "No, really. It's okay. I mean......." She bites off a curse, realizing the speil isn't working. "...Listen, unless you want to fight an unkillable monster, It's best you don't get involved." Utena looks at the others before speaking a single word, a whisper. "Kagato?" Given that he HAS been the topic of discussion ALL DAY, and given the general description, and given they've been looking for clues about him all day, and given that he's shown up several times in this area... it's a reasonable question. Seiji's eyes positively harden at the name. Chichiri listens quietly, his face showing only interest in the conversation. Ryoko's hand tightens convulsively on the glass in her hand at the name, and it shatters. "....You know him?" She whispers. Chichiri sweatdrops. o.o; A young lady exits the kitchen and goes to tend the bar. "What can I get for you sir?" Utena nods slowly, her expression hard and cold. "He kidnapped me once." Utena says, "It's okay. You're not in danger now. Where did you just see him?" Ryoga nods towards Ryoko, "Good day my lady." goes and sits at teh bar. The Chaijung girl bows and nods, going behind her and pulling down a bottle, pouring the drink into a glass and placing it before Liger. Then goes over to Ryouga, "And can I get anything for you sir?" Utena grabs up a spare napkin and hands it to Ryoko. "Your hand..." Glancing at the shards of glass and spilled red wine on the table. Yeah, that ABOUT sums up her feelings about him too. Ryoko says, "...He was headed north. I...I just ran. I can't face him. I can't!" There is an expression of guilt and misery on her face as she tries to mop up the broken glass and wine with a kercheif. Utena says, "It's okay, you don't have to... North? North from here? Toward Darra?" Utena's voice is very calm, controlled, and soothing. Seiji says, "...." Ryoko says, "...I think so. I don't know the town names very well. They've all changed." Seiji says, "It sounds like I have some hard travelling to the north this night, then." Utena reaches across the table, a snap of her arm, and presses her hand down over Seiji's wrist, whichever one's closest, her eyes locking on his. "Don't. You told me not to, now I'm telling you not to. Rushing in there will get us all killed." Ryoko says, "he's very very strong. You don't know the kind of things he can do." Utena looks back to Ryoko then. "If you need sanctuary, I can provide it. My home is almost completely inpenetrable by almost all forms of magic; it's built on an orihalcon foundation and the trees are warded." Utena says, "It's been fireproofed, Mazoku-proofed, and blessed about ten times by the most powerful magicians I know- Dark Schneider, Xelloss. It's SAFE. The only problem is.." She sighs. "It's north of Darra." Seiji is stopped. He looks about ready to say something particularly cold, but stops to think better of it. "As you will, Lady Utena." Ryoko perks up a bit. "I...If you could, that would be...Listen, he can make me do things. If I can get to a place where he can't reach, then he might not be able to do that any more. I only have a little money - just what I've got on me really...but please..." Utena says, "And I DO know the kinds of things he can do." She lets go of Seiji's wrist. "No money, miss. I don't take money, it was BUILT for this kind of situation. But we have to get you there safely." Seiji whispers, "Seiji is obviously, in your eyes, ready to explode. He is usually slow to anger, but this is obviously getting to him." to you. Chichiri hm's and says quietly. "I believe I may be of assistance in that no da." Utena blinks at Chichiri... "Can you get her there safely?" Glancing at Seiji. "Someone's got to get the horses back, and otherwise, we'll have to form an escort party to push back there as fast as we can." Seiji says, "I see.." Chichiri nods to Utena. "Hai, I can no da." He has a way, though he doesn't want to display his use of magic, the monk doesn't see another way of getting Ryoko through Darra without being seen. Utena says, "Miss... uhm..." She realizes she doesn't know the woman's name as she looks to Ryoko. "Will you trust us to help?" Ryoko whispers, "Thank you. Thank you." She seems close to tears..."I'm Ryoko. I...I can't trust *me* so I have to trust you..." Seiji says, "Well, we'll get you there in one piece. I promise." Chichiri smiles and nods. Utena shakes her head. "We'll take care of it, Ryoko. Go with Chichiri. I'll be on the way with Seiji on our horses, it won't be too long before we join you." She pushes back from the table, looking at everyone, "If that's okay...?" Seiji finishes his food and drink, then nods to Utena. "Sounds like a plan." You offer to take Seiji around by the hand. Ryoko swallows. "...We have to hurry. He can sense when I'm awake. I'll come with you.." Chichiri nods and stands, picking up his staff and kasa. Utena asks, "Chichiri, are you going to be okay to head ahead of us? You know the way?" Seiji takes your hand firmly. Seiji stands up and carefully pushes his chair in. Ryoko Follows Chichiri Chichiri nods to Utena. "Hai, I believe I remember the way no da. What will you do no da, Utena-san?" Chichiri offers to carry Ryoko with him. Ryoko scrambles up on Chichiri. Seiji OSs, "BRB, afk.." Utena says, "We're taking the horses and going that way. It'll be a few hours before we catch up, but we'll be there. We just have to go through Darra, is all." She hurriedly moves to the door. Utena hastily mounts her horse, after freeing him from the stable, and hurries along the road to the north. Great North Road [Players : Kagato, and Ryoga ] [Sleepers: Valgarv(Pup), and Samus ] Seiji has arrived. Kagato turns slowly to face Utena and Seiji. "Fair even." he murmers, carefully studying them. Utena is astride a white horse... and moving as fast as the horse can run toward the north... but unfortunately the road is blocked, and she yanks back on the reins, STARING at Kagato blindly for several moments. Damn it, she didn't want to meet him again.. EVER. Not to mention HERE... Seiji stops in his tracks to face Kagato. "....you..." Utena yells quickly, "Seiji, GO! Don't stay here!" as he's astride her horse's companion steed, a black, heavy mare. Kagato smiles darkly to seiji and Utena. "Does some emergency sally forth? Because you seem quite hurried." Seiji exclaims, "I'm not leaving you alone, Utena!" Utena glares at Kagato in open, naked hatred, but her voice raises to Seiji. "SOMEONE has to watch the house. GO." Seiji says, "That someone is YOU!" He'll try to urge Utena's own horse on. Greedy's well trained; he won't obey anyone but Utena, and she hasn't spurred him to move. However, the animal's clearly spooked and afraid, snorting anxiously with many head-tosses. Kagato shakes his head sadly, and stands aside from them, a mocking expression on his face. "Well....I have no business with you....at this time. Do be about your business." Utena says, "You should never have come down from that damn mountain," Utena whispers in an icy tone. "Never. I remember you." Kagato suddenly stiffens, as if disturbed by something distant from here, and almost misses Utena's words. Seiji keeps one hand on the blade at his side, but makes no motion toward using it. He'll move his horse to Utena's side and wait.. Utena flicks the reins, guessing that 'disturbance', and possibly its reason.. and her stride hastily springs forward toward the north once again. Kagato says, "...Dear. Such...hostility. Forgive an old man, milady. My memory is not what it used to be...and I do not remember you." Northern Road at Darra Seiji follows Utena closely. Seiji calls aside to Utena, "You should have left me with him. The Sanctuary needs you that much more than it needs me." Utena says, "It needs BOTH of us. You heard him. He doesn't remember me." Utena says, "But I remember him." Her hands tighten on the reins. Darra Village Utena hurries through, astride a white horse; Seiji beside her on a dark mare. Seiji whispers, "When did *I* become so important to things?" He genuinely sounds surprised. Utena leads the horses into the stables, hops down, hastily sets them up with blankets, with food, and glances tightly at Seiji, not answering his last comment, only hurrying toward the house. Ten'jou Manor - Parlor Utena hastens into the parlor, looking for Ryoko and Chichiri. Chichiri walks in, his staff in hand and kasa on head. Though Ryoko doesn't appear to be with him. ^_^ Seiji follows Utena close behind. Utena hurriedly turns to the monk. "... where is she?" she asks nervously. "I thought she was with you...?" Utena hurriedly turns to the monk. "... where is Ryoko?" she asks nervously. "I thought she was with you...?" Chichiri smiles and nods to Utena, "She is no da." The monk removes his kasa from his head and turns it over, letting it drop to the ground, then bends down and puts a hand through the black void that suddenly appears in the hat, searching around a bit then finding Ryoko's hand and pulling the girl out. "I hope the ride wasn't too bumpy for you no da." ^_^ Utena... Ryoko Turns to Chichiri, eyes glowing eirie green from within, and reaches for her sword, an animal growl comming from her throat. The gems at her wrists glow bright green that is now slowly fading off... Chichiri steps back a bit. O.O; Utena blinks. "Damn. -THAT's- a neat trick." The surrealism of it actually makes her laugh, breaks some of her tension. She hurries to the girl's side, her eyes widening. "Ryoko!" Seiji reaches for his own sword. If the attack continues, he'll try to parry with his own blade. Ryoko slashes at Utena as she approaches, turning away from Chichiri...her face is curiously blank, dispite the sound of animal rage she's producing... Utena jumps back instantly and after a momentary surge of something around her hand that makes your eyes hurt to try and look at directly- like looking at reality folding in on itself, a long one-handed sword is in her hand, green gem gleaming in the ornate gold handguard, and she holds it out before her, but doesn't attack. "Calm down." Her voice has an eerie power to it, though it's only her own voice and nothing more.. something about her eyes. "Calm DOWN. You're safe, and can't be harmed here." Ryoko continues forward, striking her blade against Utena's....but when she does the green is abruptly gone from her eyes, and a look of horror fills her face as she whirls away and tosses her blade down away from everyone, collapsing with a shreik that fades into soft sobs. Seiji frowns. "Controlled." Chichiri blinks behind his mask, his grip on his staff lessening as Ryoko disguards her weapon. He moves to kneel by her side and place a hand on her shoulder. "Ryoko-san. It's alright no da. Please don't cry no da." Utena's sword takes a black streak across it,and the girl bends slightly at the knees to brace her impact... then the sword is gone before you can blink, and she quickly moves back to Ryoko again, trying to soothe her. "It's okay. You didn't hurt anyone." Ryoko nods from where she's kneeling, whispering, "Damn you daddy...." Seiji well step back at THAT. That wasn't exactly what he'd call a piece of GOOD news. Things are going to get interesting, though. Chichiri looks over to Utena sadly. Then shakes his head slightly for the poor girl. He continues to speak softly, "You'll be safe here no da, Ryoko-san." Utena closes her eyes a moment. "It's okay." She scrabbles to her feet, gets a blanket, and meets Chichiri's eyes for a moment before draping the warm, comforting blanket around the girl. "I don't think he can control you here.. that was a fluke. I don't think it'll happen again. Can you feel the calm here, Ryoko? The air is calm. The ground and the trees will protect you... the house will protect you." Chichiri nods. "Hai, Utena-san is right no da. The only reason that happened was because he got to you before you entered the kasa no da. It won't happen again while you're here no da." Seiji says, "Everything will be just fine." Ryoko just nodds miserablely. " Thank you." She seems very tired, suddenly. "I beleive you. I can't sense him here...But I'm tired now. Just...don't leave me anywhere dark?" Utena nods. "Let me see if the guest room upstairs is ready. My room is upstairs, and it would be right next door. The light's better up there." She hurries upstairs quickly to check. (time passes) Utena nods. "It's ready. Can you make it upstairs?" She holds out her hands to Ryoko as she reappears a moment later breathless from her brisk sprint. You offer to take Ryoko around by the hand. Seiji will help from the other side of Ryoko should need it. Ryoko has currled up into a little ball inside the blanket, and seems to be staring out at something unseen, but then smiles a bit tiredly. "Thanks. I...Didn't want to be a bother, but.." Ryoko takes your hand firmly. Utena says, "It's not a bother." With Seiji's help she pulls one of Ryoko's arms over her shoulders, and helps the girl toward the upstairs room. You offer to take Seiji around by the hand. Seiji takes your hand firmly. Utena looks to Chichiri. "foyer, then upstairs, then the guest room." Ten'jou Manor - Guest Room Rather like a high class inn room, this is a fairly comfortable, generic sleeping quarters for anybody who is a guest of Ten'jou Manor. The bed sleeps two, and a spare can be unfolded from a wall if need be; there is a dressing table, a closet and all the conveniences of home. The window allows for a good view of the setting sun. [Exits : (O)ut ] Utena makes moves to ease Ryoko into the bed. "There's a window here. It catches a lot of moonlight... and I can light a lamp if you want too." Trying to make this as easy as possible for the girl. Seiji of course is very silent. Utena knows best how to handle this. Ryoko says, "...moonlights enough. As long as there's some light. When Daddy last....Jurai's prince left me in a cave. It was so dark..and then daddy let me go and just left me there...." She shivers, obviously remembering something unpleasent. Chichiri leans slightly against the doorway, listening quietly. Utena pulls over a chair and glances at the others, biting her lip. She knows this kind of agony all too well; her voice is very soft. "There's plenty of light here. Light and stars. No one's going to put you back in any dark places, I promise." Remembering some of the times she spent in dark places, and what happened to her there, her voice betrays more emotion than she means to. "I'll leave my door open... I'm in the next room down the hall." Ryoko just nods, seeming wilted. She all but collapses on the bed. Seiji says, "If anything is needed, just speak to whomever is around-- we will be more than glad to help." Ryoko says, "...hai." Utena says, "Rest now. We'll leave you alone. But if you need anything, just call." She draws down a crystal bell from the top of a dresser and sets it in the window sill, the moonlight caught in the edges of the shaped glass. "This is best. I can hear this from any room in the house." Utena gets up then, and hurriedly shoos the others out of the room. "We have to let her rest now." Seiji leaves, of course.. Chichiri nods, and moves out of the room silently. (Parlor..) Utena slumps into one of the couches, her hand covering her eyes, brow furrowed. Seiji takes another couch in silence. Chichiri walks over to his kasa, picking it up off the floor and turning it over in his hands once, before gently tossing it down onto a couch and taking a seat next to it. Utena curls up against the arm of the couch she's in, and closes her eyes, resting her head on her arms. She's suddenly very tired herself, tired and angry, and remembering things. Chichiri sits back and folds his hand in front of him, his head bowed for a moment. Perhaps in a silent prayer? Or maybe just contemplative thought. But he looks up after a few moments and gazes over to Utena. "Utena-san? Daiyjoubu no da?" Utena lifts her head up a little, nodding slowly, if not terribly sincerely. "... I'll be okay." she replies in a soft voice. Seiji says, "We're here if you need anything, Utena.." Chichiri smiles softly and nods. "Hai. Do you want to talk about anything no da?" Utena shrinks into herself a little, her finger brushing ever so lightly over her engagement ring. Unfortunately, he's a little busy at the moment. She forces another smile but her words contain harsh edges. "Just remembering when I was in that kind of situation. And how I felt." Chichiri quietly nods. "You understand the way she feels no da." The monk smiles softly, "You can help her no da, Utena-san. Because of the human you are now no da, ne?" Utena gives a weak nod in reply. "But I could have done more in the past. I could have shielded her, could have..." She sighs and presses her chin back down over her arm as if to make herself be quiet. Chichiri watches Utena, then stands and goes over to her couch, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Hai. But what you've experienced is what can help you relate to her no da. What she needs right now is a friend, a person to understand her, and tell her that she's not alone no da. Then she won't be so afraid anymore. And if you can release her of her fear, you'll have helped her in more ways than you know no da." Utena nods again. "Believe me... I know what it was like." Her eyes gaze distantly into some point away from everyone on a far wall. And though she shivers she stirs a little and this time her smile is a little more honest. "Is it okay if I get really mad that this is happening?" in a smaller voice. "It seems like every time I stick my head back into this world something bad happens." Chichiri smiles and nods. "Hai. You can be mad for what has happened no da." Though the monk's face seems to cloud some, becoming sad in a way, as his mind begins to drift over his past memories. He says quietly, "But you musn't let your anger compell you to do something you'll regret no da. Anger is a powerful emotion. It can turn the wisest of people into fool's and bring the world crumbling down around them. But you can't hide from the world, believe me Utena-san. I have tried. You have to find away for you to live in it no da. And I know you can, because I know you are strong no da." Seiji says, "This world needs you-- you can make a true difference, one life at a time." Utena repeats softly, "... to live in it." The last words get her, catch in her throat... "I'm not strong," she says softly. "I was lucky. I was fated. I'm not strong at all." She buries her head in the folds of her arm and cries, but .. you get the sense that for her it's good that she does. To cry and let it out is better than to hold it in and be angry. Seiji says, "To live with fate is to be strong-- fate can be rather cruel to those it touches." Chichiri let's his hand remain on Utena's shoulder, and looks down sadly as she begins to cry. "If you don't believe in your own strength, it won't come to you when you need it no da, Utena-san. I believe in your strength, I can see it in your eyes no da." He turns to look at Utena. "And you should as well no da." Utena ihales shakily, and brushes at her eyes. "... I... I should rest." She's so tired. Sweepingly tired, and she can't deny it as the tears drained her. "... I know you're both right. And thank you for saying it. I just..." Seiji says, "Everyone needs a shoulder to rest upon now and again, Utena. We will be there when you need us." Chichiri removes his hand and nods, slowly standing. "It's alright no da. Hai, you should get some rest no da." Utena nods a little, and reaches to pick up the little girl wrapped in the blanket on the couch. "... I'll be upstairs..." Cradling the child closely when she murmurs and puts her arms around Utena's neck, the pink-haired girl's eyes have a strange and unreadable, old expression. "... I'm sorry that you saw that." She whispers. "I'll rest now. Good night to both of you." And she hurries quickly up the stairs, wobbling a little. Reiko> Seiji turns his own eyes to Chichiri. "Life hasn't been easy for her, has it?" Reiko> Chichiri watches Utena as she leaves, and shakes his head. "No, it hasn't no da. But if she begins to believe in herself and what she can do again, she will be better no da." Reiko> Seiji says, "Yes... and it sounds like the one thing *WE* can do to help her-- to help her find that belief." Reiko> Chichiri looks over to you and smiles, giving a nod. "Hai. It is our duty as her friends no da. Do you stay here no da, Seiji-san?" Reiko> Seiji says, "I did for a time. My wanderings seem to keep bringing me back here, though." Reiko> Chichiri Says, "And now that you have returned here, will you stay until your wanderings take you elsewhere no da?" Reiko> Seiji sighs. "It would appear I will be here longer than before-- my journey is tiring me, and the answers I seek are still eluding me." Reiko> Chichiri nods. "Then I know you will keep a close eye on them all no da." The monk walks over to the couch, picking up his kasa and replacing it on his head, then taking up his staff in hand. He gives a bow, "But for now I must take my leave no da." Reiko> Seiji nods. "Give Duplica-san my regards, then, and may you have a good evening." Reiko> Chichiri smiles and nods, "Hai, I will no da. Have a good evening as well no da." He then turns and walks quietly out of the room. Reiko> Chichiri has left.