Utena wanders in quietly, looking subdued; her blue eyes shift tiredly at
the sound of Kaoru's voice to gaze at him for a moment, then she settles
into a table near the door.

Haruka's eyes darken as she stands, placing a hand on the table as she
fixes her gaze on the boy. "...."

Kaoru looks over at Utena, and smiles.  "Hey there, Kaachan.....  I'll be
with you in a bit."

Utena gives a small nod to Kaoru. "Take your time..." She brushes her
bangs from her eyes and motions for a waitress to bring her some wine.

He picks up his spear, and moves towards a clearing.  "Anytime you're
ready....." Kaoru says, waiting patiently, relaxed.

Haruka blinks as Kaoru's attention veers to the new arrival. It's enough
for her to catch herself. She turns, following Kaoru as he leaves, leaving
Michiru at the table.

Kaoru leaves the tavern and heads out into the village square.

Kaoru has left.

Haruka . o O ( The little chit. No wonder he's earned those scars. He'd be
dead a thousand times over if it weren't for that ring. )

Kaoru comes in from the village square.

Kaoru has arrived.

Kaoru asks, "Coming?  Or do you want to fight in the inn?"

Michiru says, "I forbade this, didn't you hear me?" o_o

Haruka's jaw tightens. "I already said I wouldn't fight you, Kaoru."

Michiru gets up.

Kaoru smiles warmly.  "We wouldn't be fighting.... we'd be sparring."

Utena watches the two and her eyes narrow just slightly, protective of the
boy.. particularly when she recognizes that tall blond and his
green-haired companion. She rises as well, but her body is poised,
graceful as she moves easily to Kaoru's side and taps his shoulder.
"Kaachan doesn't want you fighting.."

Kaoru turns around, smiling up at Utena.  "But I need to show him what he
can learn...  I've got a feeling about him, kaachan...."

Utena shakes her head. "Kaachan says no, and she means it."

Michiru looks ar Haruka worriedly.

Utena's eyes, though weary, flash with a faintly mischievous light, the
embers of a greater fire that once was there. "Don't push me on this one,
kiddo.'"

Haruka sighs softly and exchanges looks with Michiru. With a soft look,
she assures the girl that there will be no fighting this evening.

Kaoru continues looking up at Utena.  "But we wouldn't really be
fighting....  We'd just be sparring....."

Utena sets her lips tightly, looking down at Kaoru stone-jawed.

Hartia steps into the inn from outside, not the stairs like things may
lead you to believe, stretching while he does so.

Kaoru sighs, and sits back down, across from Haruka and Michiru.  
"Kaachan said I can't fight....  so I can't fight....  But you could still
learn a lot from me, Haruka...."

Utena lifts her eyes very briefly toward Hartia, but then immediately
returns them to Kaoru; she smirks very, very faintly. "He didn't learn
that from me..." by way of a backhanded apology to the tall blonde.

Utena sits down again, smoothing out the folds of her faded dress over her
knees.

Kaoru looks at Utena oddly.  "Are you okay, kaachan?"

Haruka nods once to Utena, thanking her without words.

Michiru resumes her seat..

Hawkeye comes in from the village square.

Utena smiles thinly at Kaoru, and reaches out her hand to him for a
moment; her hand doesn't feel cold now, it's warm instead.

Haruka gestures to the shared table, nodding to Utena. "Join us, please.
It seems you're acquainted with our young friend."

Kaoru leans towards Utena, and whispers something in her ear.

Kaoru whispers, "Kaachan?  Are you getting sick?" to you.

Utena hesitates a moment, her hand falling as if she's reluctant to cross
toward the blonde and his woman. She leans to hear Kaoru's whisper,
shaking her head, replying very softly.

You whisper, "I'm... whole again. But it hurts... I'm in a lot of pain,
Kaoru-chan." to Kaoru.

Haruka only cocks a brow faintly at the exchange, but turns to Michiru and
sits at her side this time instead of across from her.

Michiru looks at Haruka and smiles.

Hawk doesn't enter from the outside, as advertised, but instead makes his
way down the stairs. Whew. He meant to get a good amount of rest, but not
that much. He flops down into a chair at a table near the door lazily,
spreading himself out...and setting his feet on the table.

Kaoru nods.  Something glistens on his cheek, but he smiles brightly.  
"At any rate, is there anyway I can convince you, Haruka?"

Utena blinks as Hawk happens to do that directly on the table she happened
to be sitting at herself... her eyes open and fix on him for a moment,
wide-eyed.. then she shrinks back slightly. "... Excuse me." She rises,
her hand resting along her collar, and backs off.

Haruka gives Kaoru another infamous odd look then shakes her head with a
grin. "To attack you or to become your.. err.. apprentice?" She nods as
Utena leaves.

Kaoru watches as Utena leaves, his eyes never leaving her.  "My
apprentice." he says absently, before turning around to look back at
Michiru and Haruka.  "Not attack me."

Haruka knew that, she was buying time. o O ( He's certainly
singly-minded..)

Utena walks behind Kaoru, the one person in the room she feels even
remotely comfortable around, and presses her hand along his shoulder in
warning.

Kaoru nods briefly, but other then that, he just looks back and forth
between Haruka and Michiru.  "What's it like being a palace guard?" he
asks suddenly.

Michiru grins and looks at Haruka.

Haruka lowers her chin, a slight look of annoyance marring her features..
"I wouldn't know," she mutters crossly.

Kaoru asks, "Oro?"

Haruka sighs and leans forward a bit, giving Kaoru a pleading look. "I'm..
in training to become a knight," she says to him.. for what's probably the
third time.

Utena says, "Kaoru-chan... I think you should leave the lady and gentleman
alone now. Let them have their dinner in peace, okay?"

Hawk rubs his eyes. Ooo, people. Wait...he didn't mean to sit at the same
table with anyone, did he? So much for hoping sleep would improve his
thinking. He stands, dusts himself off, and plops down at another table
without any occupants. First making absolutely sure that nobody is sitting
there first.

Kaoru nods and smiles.  Turning to Utena, he looks horrified.  "Oh no.....  
I'm sorry......  I didn't mean to be a bother.....  Please forgive me...."

Haruka quickly interrupts, "No, you're not a bother. Please.."

Utena smiles thinly. "I forgive you." And then her tone becomes softer,
almost plaintive- yet clearly frightened as well. "Have you seen ... uhm,
Xelloss? Since last night?"

Utena glances quickly to Haruka with a look that says without words 'if
you don't want to keep this game up with him, don't say ANOTHER WORD'.

Haruka erms at the mention of Xelloss and exchanges yet more looks with
Michiru. she blinks at Utena and asks, "Xelloss? Is he.. still in town?"

Utena bows her head. "I don't know." She sounds agonized as she says it.

Haruka doesn't listen very well.

Kaoru continues.  "I meant what's it like being a knight in training, but
Michiru mentioned that you were palace guard, so I thou-"  Kaoru stops
dead in his tracks.  "No.  I have not seen him since yesterday."  He seems
very frightened by something.

Michiru blinks..

Michiru . o O ( Xelloss? I remember him. A meddling mage, as I recall.. )

Utena exhales lowly, nibbling on her lower lip. "... dammit." she murmurs.

Haruka ponders this sudden mood. They couldn't possibly be afraid of
Xelloss. The magician is more of a scoundrel than anything.

Kaoru looks around, desperate to change the subject.  "Ummmm....  I need a
new tunic.... my old one got ruined...."

Kaoru then curses himself for bringing that up.

Utena just as hastily picks up that thread, nodding as she produces a
small leather coin-bag, and passes several silver coins of medium size to
Kaoru. "We'll have to make a trip into Matherion to get more fabric, but I
think we can do that."

Hawk closes his eyes quietly, attempting to take on that 'beneath notice'
look. Being the last person to see Xelloss doesn't mean he has to be
helpful.

Haruka says, "Kaoru, you may keep that tunic."

Utena says softly, "... We may want to stay in Matherion for a while.
Or... Kaoru-chan, what do you think's across the sea?" The dull and
fearful tone in her voice seems to suggest that she firmly believes-
KNOWS- that there IS no safety anywhere, not for her, not in any part of
the world.

Kaoru blushes.  "Thank you very much, Haruka....  But I couldn't.  This is
much nicer then I deserve...."

Kaoru looks at Utena for a moment.  "Kaachan, we can stay right here....  
Don't worry about anything....  He winks at her, more bravado then
anything else."

Hawk . o O ( ...Matherion? Shit. She -would- have to choose my more
frequent domain, wouldn't she? )

Haruka waves a hand dismissively to Kaoru, watching Utena for a moment.. o
O ( Why does she remind me of a frightened hare? )

Utena has that look to her, yes. Pale, slender, beautiful like a newborn
doe but trembling and fragile, weakened in some hard to define way. She
turns her head, the line of her neck hard where the muscles are tensed.
"Maybe you're right. He wouldn't..." She trails off, unwilling to finish
that thought, brushes her hand along her face and forces a smile to
Kaoru's brave little wink.

Michiru breaks her silence, the sense of tension around her finally
proviking her to ask everyone in general, "Excuse me, but is there
something wrong here?"

Hawkeye whispers, "Hawkeye is indeed going to attempt not to call
attention to himself, unless someone does something to point him out. c.c;
Although his cover has already been broken." to you.

Kaoru grabs Utena's hand, and squeezes it.  Jumping at Michiru's question,
he replies automatically. "No.... Nothing at all...."

Haruka sits back, allowing Michiru to be as forward as she wants to while
she takes advantage of being able to just.. listen.

Haruka . o O ( I don't think she'll accept just that. )

Utena nods quickly. Too quickly, you think. "Nothing's wrong."

Washuu stumbles out of the broom closet.

Haruka sits back, arms folded over her chest, chin lowered as she watches
the pair under the dark golden bangs. She isn't going to be the one to
push a reply out of these two.

Washuu-chan does not fall out of said broom closet, but does suddenly
appear sitting on her floating pillow, beside Hawkeye. n.n She hums
quietly.

Kaoru shakes his head. o O ( I can handle him... I can handle her.... I
can handle ANYONE that tries to... )

Utena is just standing there quietly, though not looking all together
well, her hand tightly wrapped around Kaoru's.

Hawk's eyes are closed. He's doing his best to maintain the
ever-so-popular 'low profile' look, as it seems to have come into style
the last few weeks. So he doesn't notice as Washuu invites herself to his
table. Again.

Washuu-chan pulls out a quill pen from seemingly nowhere, and attempts to
draw animal whiskers on Hawk's face while his eyes are closed. n.n

Utena mutters to herself, "... this is stupid.." and pulls Kaoru with her
to a quiet table out of everyone's immediate way. She feels a sudden surge
of anger- mostly directed at herself- that causes a faint redness to sear
her face.

Michiru looks at Utena and Kaoru with a knit brow.

Kaoru glances at Haruka and Michiru, and goes with Utena.

Michiru murmurs to Haruka, "Something's very strange about those two.."

Haruka simply nods. That's all she offers Michiru before she pushes to her
feet. "Kaoru.. ?"

Kaoru turns and looks at Haruka questioningly.  All traces of innocence
are gone, leaving only what looks like a boy scarred by far too many
battles.

Haruka shakes her head, smiling faintly. "Things don't vanish simply
because you refuse to speak about them.."

Hawk allows an eye to creak open slowly. He just...smiles. It isn't the
friendliest of smiles, but nevertheless...that it is. "So nice to see you
again." She would have to show up right now.

Utena. o O ( He isn't going to hurt me. Grow up, Utena... ) Her hands
clench along the tabletop as she glances up, when Haruka calls her 'son's
name. She eyes the blonde for a moment. "Please leave us alone."

Washuu-chan beams, nodnoding as she traces lines across Hawk's cheeks to
signify whiskers.  "Mmmhmmm.  Always a pleasure!" n.n

Kaoru smiles faintly, although it looks weary and tired.  He points from
Haruka to himself, then to Michiru, then to Utena.  His smile turns grim,
and he intones "For crown and for country, ne, Haruka?"

Haruka straightens a bit more, holding her chin at a rather indignant
angle, then frowns, eyes narrowing slightly. "...."

Utena adds, "Kaoru, -please-."

Hawk closes his eyes again. He'll undo his hair to cover up the damage
later...he's patient.

Haruka turns to Michiru and says simply, "It's late."

Kaoru pulls away from Utena for a brief moment, and pulls the blue tunic
over his head, revealing a criss-cross network of scars along his torso.  
Running over to Haruka, he hands it back to him, and picks up his own
bloodstained tunic.

Kaoru pulls it on, and runs back to Utena.  Gone is the little child,
although you can still see him in the eyes, somewhat.  "Come on....  
Where do you want to go?"

Haruka quirks a brow at this. Something makes her resent Utena suddenly.
She can't explain it. She isn't going to try to.

Washuu-chan hums happily, now adding a little stylized mustache to Hawk's
face. n.n "I like you."

Utena turns her head away after a momentary stare at Kaoru's scars, her
lips compressing as if shamed of what she sees. With the blood of her own
self-contempt still in her face the effect overall is one of humiliated
embarrassment, which she struggles to push back into place, in order to
give her adopted son the best smile she can. "I don't know. Where do you
want to go?"

Haruka starts at something... Then her eyes snap to Kaoru. All she manages
is a nod, for lack of anything better.

Kaoru smiles, although it's not as warm, it's still soothing.  He catches
Haruka's movement, and starts.  "Well, why don't you show me around....
Marthenion, kaachan?"

Michiru leans toward Haruka... and says something.

Utena says, "Matherion. All the shops will be closed, though, and if I
want to get you some new clothes, I'll need to get into the fabric store."
She shakes her head, pink tresses shivering against her shoulders. "Can it
wait until morning?"

Kaoru smiles and shrugs.  "Sure....  Are you tired?  Do you want to go
home?"  Kaoru is carrying his golden spear openly now.

Haruka sighs and steps forward. "Take this anyway," she says with a tired
sigh. If he doesn't take it now, she isn't going to argue. She turns away
before either can object.

A quiet feminine voice is heard chuckling in the tavern, although it
doesn't seem to come from anywhere. 

Utena is tempted to say yes. She doesn't answer immediately, resting her
elbow on the table, her chin in her palm; her dark blue eyes flicker up
toward Haruka.. and then instantly she freezes as if her blood just turned
to ice.

Kaoru nods and takes the tunic, then his eyes narrow, and he looks around.  
"Where....."  He looks at Utena.

Haruka doesn't think much of the chuckle. There are people here, not to
mention a couple of barmaids. She didn't take the time to pinpoint the
origin of the laughter, so it doesn't strike her as odd..

Michiru stands and looks around, then at Haruka.

Washuu-chan doesn't particularly pay the voice much mind, being bust with
her art on Hawk's face. n.n

Michiru . o O ( Was I just imagining that? )

Utena shakes her head, rising up. "I don't know. Here somewhere." She
frowns into a nearby patch of shadow. "Leave us alone." she snarls toward
that black spot.

Michiru says, "Haruka.."

The voice chuckles some more.  A whispered "Not there...." is heard.

Haruka hms absently to Michiru. "What is it?"

Hawk creaks an eye open. "This evening does seem to keep getting better,
doesn't it?" 

Michiru says, "Listen."

Haruka narrows an eye, slightly annoyed. She closes her eyes and listens.
o O ( What now?)

Michiru asks, "I heard something strange.. do you hear it?"

Kaoru glances around, standing protectively infront of Utena, his spear at
the ready.  With a blur and a few clicks and clacks, it becomes a
Kisarigami.  He growls out, "Show yourself....."

Haruka doesn't hear anything.

Utena makes a grab for Kaoru's arm, her eyes locking on his. "Don't. It's
warded. She can't do anything here."

"But what fun would that be?" the same voice whispers.....

Hawk cracks his other eye open. "Actually, Utena...she was here the other
night. She's freaky like that, you know." ^_^;

Haruka turns about. "WHo was that?" she demands of the pair.

Washuu-chan continues humming, the quill now gone, and pink ribbons now in
her hand.  She beams wider, now moving to tie Hawk's hair up with pretty
bows. n.n

Utena turns toward Hawk. "She can't use magic. It's enough." Her jaw,
neck, and shoulders are tense now, whatever self-doubt and recrimination
was in her melting away as somewhat deeper instincts kick in now... she
looks at Haruka. "A Mazoku." She finally says, bluntly. "If you really
want to know."

Kaoru smiles grimly, and looks at Haruka, never breaking his defensive
stance.  "Our problem."

Michiru asks, "What the devil is a Mazoku?"

Haruka allows Kaoru's comment to completely miss her. She steps near
Michiru, and remains wary, eyes scanning the room methodically.

Hawk sighs, and lets his eyes slide closed again. With his luck, he'll
just get ribbons tied in his hair. If he's unlucky, Revi might have been
serious about that offer the other night.

Utena shakes her head, eyeing several flickering shadowed spots. "You just
answered your own question." Her voice raises, firm now. "Leave, Revi.
We're not interested in playing your game. You already got what you
wanted."

There is no reply.

Washuu-chan hmm's, still tying ribbons.  "So who's this 'Revi' person,
hm?"

Kaoru says, "As I said....  Our Problem....."

Utena lets Kaoru say it for her.

Washuu-chan glances at Kaoru, then back to Hawk.  She addresses him
specifically this time, as if ignoring the others.  "Well?"

Hawk replies in a calm, tototally relaxed tone of voice. "Oh, some Mazoku
lord or another. I'm not sure, she took Xelloss back into the Mazoku ranks
before I could ask him too much."

Utena flinches.

Haruka snorts softly. Martyrs.. How kind of them to handle their own
problems. Wether they claim it as their own or not, she's fully willing to
deal with whatever comes along.

Washuu-chan blinks.  "...She did something to Xelloss?"  Oooh-ho-ho-ho.  
This is not a good thing.

Utena says, "He did it to himself."

Michiru asks, "There's a devil here, then. Shall we call for an exorcist?"

Michiru was raised by a Churchy father, after all...

Utena wraps her arms around her chest, glaring into one of the darkened
patches along the floor. . o O ( She's going to use him against me... )
Her tension doesn't disappear with the seeming absence of the taunting
voice.

Washuu-chan glances over at Utena.  "Explain."

Kaoru snorts.  "Exorcism wouldn't exactly work, Michiru.  We need to find
some way to killl her....  And since she seems to be targeting us...."  
Kaoru turns torwards Utena.  "I was there, you know?"

Utena snaps softly, "He lost his temper, acted like a selfish bastard, and
went running back to a family he claimed to hate the moment things weren't
going perfectly his way." as she faces Wasyuu, with tears building at the
edges of her eyes.

Washuu-chan oooh's, still stying ribbons in Hawk's hair.  "Relationship
problems, then.  Hmm.  Sounds complicated." n.n

Haruka remains silent, because there really isn't much she can say
at the moment.

Kaoru looks at Haruka and Michiru.  "I can't ask you to fight this, but I
need to do some research...  I need to learn more about Magic, and
quickly.  I would think that you could get me into some kind of library or
something?"

Michiru looks at Haruka with a knit brow, then back at Kaoru. "We don't
know anything about magic, young man. I'm sorry.."

Haruka offers in a softer tone, "There is a library, however..."

Michiru says, "The best library in this province is in Matherion.."

Kaoru waves his hand. "Not you teach me....  Do you know where I can
learn...?"  He stops, and turns to Haruka.  "There is?  Where?"

Utena says, "Kaoru, I don't think you want to learn magic. Magic doesn't
get you anything in this world at all. It doesn't give you anything that
lasts. It doesn't even give you anything that doesn't come without a
terrible price underneath."

Kaoru looks at Utena, and smiles.  "The magic itself doesn't have to last
for any longer then I need it to.  And I'm willing to pay if it can
accomplish what I need it to."

Washuu-chan goes back to humming, and now braids Hawk's hair into little
mini-braids. n.n

Utena asks, "Kaoru, stop it. Just stop. Please. Stop trying to be my
Prince. Nobody can be. And you had a rough life; so did I. Just be a
normal 13 year old boy. Can't you do that for me?"

Kaoru looks up and smiles.  "If I did that, Recca-dono would never forgive
me for letting my hime be in trouble."  A genuine smile, filled with pain,
warmth, love, compassion, and a bundle of other emotions.  "I don't want
to be your Prince, whoever that is.  All I want to do is protect you, like
I couldn't protect my mother."  He shrugs, and another tear rolls down his
cheek.  "I'm sorry."

Utena sighs, brushing her hand along his cheek. "I can't stop you." she
says. "I can't really stop you at all. But you're too eager to run into
things that will ruin your life once you enter them. Magic, the weapons
you carry... those things will mark you for a life that isn't a normal
life. Maybe it doesn't mean anything to you now. But I'm going to say
this. If you want to learn magic.. you'll do it without my support."

Michiru nods a silent approval to Utena.

Michiru . o O ( Best to discourage it. Ultimately it would spell reprisal
from the Church. )

Kaoru shrugs.  "Then I won't learn that magic.  I'll find other people,
and what we lack in magic, we'll make up for in skill...."

Utena draws her hand back from the boy and looks at him. "I mean that.
Magic destroyed my life. Destroyed Xelloss. Magic and weapons both
destroyed me. I'd rather see you planting flowers, or riding a horse, or
ANYTHING else."

Utena sighs. "And you're just not listening to me. You don't care about
your childhood, because you think you can't have one. But you'll regret
everything you do here, now, so bitterly, when a few more years are passed
and your life turns into one endless conflict after the next."

Washuu-chan raises a hand, beaming.  "Magic didn't ruin me!  I'm great!"
n.n

Haruka turns away with unmasked disgust. o O ( The child is supposed to
enjoy his childhood instead running from shadows and cowering? He has the
will to fight, leave him at least that. )

Michiru says, "Haruka..... perhaps we had best go."

Michiru . o O ( THis seems more a personal family matter than anything. )

Kaoru looks at Utena sadly.  "I've been training since I was two.  I've
been using Kougan Anki since I was 6.  I killed my first man when I was 7.  
I am Ninja.  Conflict, combat, and the like, they ARE my childhood.  They
are what I know.  I can't be anything else.  And I'm proud.  I'm proud
that I got to call my clan leader brother, that I could fight next to him.  
I'm proud that I was often chosen to be in charge despite my age.  It
isn't something that I'm ashamed of.  And here, here I am allowed to be a
child, more then at home.  But there are times when I shouldn't be a
child, because I have the skills to do what needs to be done."

Haruka opens her mouth to argue, then snaps her lips closed when she looks
at Michiru's expression and nods instead.

Washuu-chan once more goes back to humming, and finally puts the finishing
touches on hawk's new look. n.n "Peeerfect."

Michiru slips her hand into Haruka's and smiles, nodding toward the door.

Washuu-chan just finished tying pink bows in Hawk's hair, and it is thus
assumed that she also drew the whiskers and mustasche that're on his face,
as well.

Hawk isn't sure being here at the moment is what he wants. There's this
distinct feeling that he doesn't belong, that continues to grow with each
statement. But he isn't about to sacrifice face to this...little fiend of
a girl...by running away seemingly because she's tying ribbons in his
hair. He'll wait, damnit. o.o

Utena looks at Kaoru for long moments. There's a lot she wants to say, but
words are utterly failing her, slipping through her fingers, and she
purses her lips in frustration. "When I was 8, my parents were killed. I
never knew how or why. But if I'd been like you, I would have gone on a
revenge path. And then I couldn't be your kaachan now."

Haruka blinks at Michiru's gesture, and slowly draws her hand from the
girl, slidding it to her elbow instead to guide her aside..

Kaoru steps forward, and clasps Haruka's arm in a Warrior's farewell.  He
turns and bows to Michiru.

Haruka pauses and turns as Kaoru touches her shoulder..

Michiru nods to Kaoru. "Fare thee well, Kaoru."

Kaoru says, "And thee, Michiru-chan." he says with a roguish wink.  
"Haruka...."

Washuu-chan is perched on her floating pillow, right in front of Hawk...
who now has pink ribbons in his hair, whiskers and a mustasche drawn on
his face.. n.n

Kaoru then turns around, and smiles at Utena, a hint of the old Kaoru
sneaking through.  "True enough.... but you weren't raised like I was,
were you?  I don't care about revenge.  If this were something done once,
then it wouldn't matter to me.  But it isn't revenge.  It's a threat.  
Plain and simple.  And I can't ignore this threat while you take the brunt
of it.  That wouldn't be fair."

Haruka lowers her voice so only Kaoru can hear, breathing something to him
before she leads Michiru away.

Kaoru leans back to listen to Haruka.

Utena laughs sadly, before sitting down. "Life isn't fair." She closes her
eyes, as if to just shutter out the whole world.

Duplica looks at the group, then at Chichiri and Tasuki. She then gets on
her tippy toes and whispers to Chichiri.

Kaoru turns to the retreating form of Haruka.  "For crown and country,
ne?"

Haruka smirks. "For crown."

Chichiri comes into the bar.  Looking around and giving a friendly smile
and a nod to everyone.  Rotating his left shoulder a bit, not wanting it
to get stiff, and adjusting his kesa over it to hide the damage.  He leans
down to Duplica, and gives a shrug in response.  o.o

Tasuki steps in with Chichiri and Duplica. He reaches up with a hand to
brush thin fingers through his flaming red locks while grinning like a
maniac. But remembering that Duplica is here as well, he glances down at
the girl. "Hey aren't you a bit too short.. errr ahh.. young ta be here?"
He looks up to the older seishi as if for approval for Duplica.

Haruka gently slips Michiru's ridding cloak over her shoulders, leading
the lady to the door.

Haruka leaves the tavern and heads out into the village square.

Haruka leaves, with Michiru walking along with her.

Washuu-chan glances over at Tasuki and the other two, an eyebrow raised.  
"Eeeh, leave her alone." n.n

Kaoru leans over and kisses the top of Utena's head.  "You got that right,
kaachan...."  Sitting down, he orders two teas, and he begins rubbing her
shoulders.

Utena sighs, raising her fingers to brush along the back of Kaoru's as he
kneads at her tense, stiff back; she lets out a low exhale.

Chichiri looks at Tasuki, then down to Duplica.  "Well, I'm sure it'll be
fine as long as she doesn't have any of what you're drinking no da,
Tasuki-kun."  o.o;

Duplica shrugs. "I've been in bars before. ^.^"

Kaoru works his hands a bit lower, trying to get Utena to relax.  When the
tea arrives, he pours a small cup for Utena, and taps her on the shoulder,
motioning for her to drink.

Chichiri smiles and nods, then goes over to a table.  Removing his kasa
and placing it on the tabletop.  Then leaning his staff against the side
of the table.  He sits and gives a sigh, being sure not to lean back in
his chair.

Tasuki sweatdrops at Chichiri's comment. "What the hell do ya mean?!" He
splutters, "There ain't nuthin' wrong with what the @^*$ I drink.. It's
healthy for ya to have a little drink once an' a while. For @^%$'s sake."
He falshes a fanged grin and only follows Chichiri to the table, motioning
Duplica to come along.

Hawk stands slowly, and spins in place...hair obscuring his front entirely
for a moment, and when he has completed the turn any evidence of girlish
meddling with his manly features have vanished. "Ho hum. Now I'm bored."

Washuu-chan pikus, then hrmphs.  "You're no fun."

Kaoru glares at Tasuki.  "Please.  Watch your language.  There are
children present."

Utena glances at Hawk a moment, after sipping from the tea that Kaoru
makes for her; she says softly toward the man, "Would you happen to have
another one of those eek candies?"

Duplica follows, sitting down at Chichiri's table. ^.^

Chichiri sweatdrops slightly at the language, then looks over to Kaoru as
he speaks.  Then over to his fellow seishi.  He then inches his chair away
slightly, readying himself for the profanities that will probably follow.  
^_^;

Utena couldn't help but notice the profanity stream, though she mightily
tries her best to ignore it. Sip the tea, that's it.

Hawk shakes his head briefly. "No, actually. Those were special-order." He
pointedly ignores Washuu, like he's been doing ever since he acknowledged
her presence. n.n; Silly girl. "And I'm afraid you wouldn't appreciate one
that much either if I did. Gotta love questions with no right answers,
don't you?"

Utena nibbles on her lower lip. "I still love him," she whispers.

Tasuki nearly coughs up a lung laughing, he's a bandit, what would one
expect from someone like him. "Mind yur own business." He snaps. "I'm sure
any kid in 'ere's heard a blue streak from a wanderer." The amber eyes
roll up into his head for a brief moment. He turns around to sit at the
table, throwing his arms behind his head and leaning back slightly in the
chair. "Geez.. People these days.. I $@#^in' tell ya.. They don't care
about each other but when someone swears, they all get on yer @$$ for it."
Kaoru sighs, and looks at Utena.  "Please?  Can I please?"

Utena says, "No, Kaoru-chan. Besides, he has a point."

Luna . o O ( *Kaoru-chan*? )

Washuu-chan goes a bit flateyed, now pondering finding someone else to
bother.  ...Naaaah.  She happens to -like- Hawk.  We all know what -that-
means. n.n She floats up until she's staring right at Hawk, and beams.  
"You can't ignore me!" n.n

Duplica looks at the crowd and hmms... . o O ( Perhaps... ) She then
whispers something to Chichiri.

Chichiri smiles.  That's right, he just keeps on smiling, then hms? to
Duplica, and gives another smile.  He's got plenty of them.  "If you would
like to, I think that may be a good idea no da."

Kaoru looks a bit crestfallen, and continues massaging Utena's shoulders.  
"Hai hai, kaachan...."

Chichiri then waves a waitress over.  "May I have some tea no da?"  She
smiles and gives a nod, taking down the order.

Hawk nods simply. It wasn't anything he didn't expect. "Of course you do.
And he--" He shows no sign of irritation at Wasyuu's intrusion, and
furthermore appears to be looking at Utena as if she wasn't in the way. He
glances around a few times, to make sure nobody is watching, and snaps his
fingers...rendering Washuu transparent. o.o "...ahem. As I was saying, he
still loves you."

Utena....

Duplica nodnods and rolls down her sleeves to cover most of her arms.
Gosh, she's missed doing this when she had that dress on. ^.^ She then
flips backwards and walks the rest of the way to an empty table-
backwards, and on her hands. Whatta showoff. O.O

Utena looks at Hawk a moment; her eyes scanning his as if looking for some
quality only she can know, before sinking back into Kaoru's gentle
shoulderrub and sighing. "I don't know that's true any more... He's gone.
He did... he did the most stupid thing he could -possibly- do..."

Washuu-chan beams, well aware of something as simple as transparency.  
She immediately reappears, though floats out of the way.  She does feel
this matter is rather important, and so will wait to bug Hawk.  In the
meantime...

Washuu-chan pops up right next to Chichiri, still perched on her floating
pillow.  She beams at him.  "Hello." n.n

Utena closes her eyes, a ghost of humor touching her. "Correction. He did
the second most stupid possible thing there was to do."

Kaoru doesn't say a word about his time with Xelloss the other day.

Chichiri looks from the smiling waitress who is jotting down his order
over to Washuu and stares at her.  Looking over the floating pillow
curiously.  "....hello no da."  o.o

Tasuki raises an eyebrow at Duplica's movements, but it doesn't seem to
really matter to him, instead he glares up to the waitress, god, does he
hate women. But the new arrival at the table literally scares the crap
outta him. He tumbles out of his chair onto the floor, snapping the tessen
off his back. "What the hell are you?!" He cries, drawing it back..
"Lekka..."

Kaoru snaps away from Utena, kisarigami coming up in a flash as he hears a
weapon being readied.

hears what he thinks is a weapon.

It's a big metal fan. u.u

Washuu-chan beams at Tasuki, then, flashing a victory sign.  She then
procures two smallish rising sun fans, holding them up triumpantly.  "I
am Washuu!  But you can call me Washuu*-chan*!  In fact, I insist!"  
She's then standing, hands on her hips.  "I am the GREATEST scientific
genius in the WORLD!"  She beams, putting her index fingers to her cheeks.  
"And I'm cute, too!"

Hawk raises a finger. "Of course he did. All romantic fools do. The more
complex, the graver the actions will be. Right now he's trying to act as
if nothing happened, but seeing as how he was depressed last night before
he did any of this...well, to be honest, he was blaming the world." He
thinks to himself quietly, before smiling charmingly. "In fact, he was
going back to the only thing he had without you."

Chichiri, "AHHHH NO DA!" as he see's Tasuki go for the tessen.  
"Tasuki-kun!  Please calm down no da!"  He waves his arms, trying to get
his friend to put it away.  After all, she is on the other side of him.  
^_^;  And he doesn't want to come out of the evening well done.

That's Tama's job, anyway. n.n

Utena sags a little in her chair. Without explanation, she just places her
hand flat on the table, a three-and-three-quarter sword just.. appearing
there. Not magic but a kind of painful reality-shift that hurts the eyes
to try and focus on. And she just rests it there, since everyone seems to
be pulling weapons on each other all of a sudden... the gesture easy,
almost thoughtless, as she returns her attention to Hawk and sighs. "I
know... but I DON'T know what to do now. I got away from Revi because she
found a better toy in Xel.. that's really all there is to it."

Tasuki blinks, he snorts softly and slips the tessen on the back once
again. o O ( So cute I think I'll puke. Yetch.. more women and just about
when I was going ta @%#$in' order too! #^$!(!#*%)^*#$% ) He grumbles
something unintelligent to accopany the thought. The amber eyes look over
Washuu. "Well, how scared tha shit outta me."

Washuu-chan grins.  "Why thank you." n.n

Kaoru slides back toward's Utena, kisarigami still coiled around him.

Kaoru says, "Kaachan, I'll be right back."

Utena blinks? "Kaoru-chan...?"

Hawk's lip twitches. "On the other hand, he is showing signs of realising
his folly. I had a small conversation with him last night...seems he's
rather sensitive over the issue. Rather than admit any feelings of his, he
fled...said that he didn't have any time for this crap, but his voice
broke."

Kaoru says, "Just going to step outside for a moment....  Need a breath of
fresh air."

Kaoru begins walking towards ths door.  "I'll be right outside, okay,
kaachan?"

Utena says, "... okay." She doesn't look happy about it.

Chichiri sweatdrops and wonders how he's ever going to make it through the
evening.  ^_^;

Kaoru comes back over, and kisses the top of Utena's head again.  "Don't
worry....  I won't go far."

Kaoru leaves the tavern and heads out into the village square.

Kaoru has left.

Duplica then, with a flourish, bounces back onto her feet and jumps onto a
table. She then puts two fingers in her mouth and whistles- a shrill note
meant to grab everyone's attention. She then begins to pull out a silk
scarf from her sleeve. "It had come to make attention that you are all
having a rather bad evening. Allow me to take you off your troubles for
just a few minutes. ^.^" She then notices her silk scarf's beginning to
pile on the ground. "Um... I don't do these tricks routinely enough, eh?"
^.^;; That was a *genuine* sweatdrop.

Tasuki frowns to Chichiri, lifting up a thumb to motion towards Washuu.
"Ya know her, Chichiri?" He wrinkles up his nose in distaste, tiny fangs
popping out of the corners of his mouth.. but whatever else was going
through his head, it doesn't last long, the amber eyes dim as Tashiteta
regains control of the mind.. his reincarnated personality hasn't lost all
power yet. He pulls himself up to the seat and blinks absently for a
moment, eyes adjusting to his surrondings as he gains control again. He
winces at the whistle and turns to look at Duplica with a blink.

Utena couldn't help but look in that direction, a faint smile touching the
girl's lips.

Washuu-chan shakeshakes her head at Tasuki.  "Nope!" n.n She looks
Chichiri up and down, then.  "Though I'd -like- to know him."

Utena peers anxiously toward Hawk, all other senses or sounds fading
except the last few words that he spoke.... she feels a painful,
flickering hope and cranes her neck, "You saw him after he left...?
PLease, you have to tell me everything."

Chichiri looks over, watching Duplica's performance and smiles.  He shakes
his head, indicating that he hasn't met Washuu before.  He then turns to
Washuu and blinks behind his mask.  o.o;  "N..nani no da?"  Then gives a
nod to Tasuki, "Tasuki-kun, why don't you just giver your order no da."  
^_^;  Thinking maybe the sooner they finish they're drinks and leave the
better.

Washuu-chan looks back in forth between Tasuki and Chichiri.  "In fact.. I
like you -both-!" n.n

Duplica finally finds the end of her scarf, gathering it all up into her
hands and clapping them together with a loud *bang* and some smoke. When
the smoke clears, she's whirling around a much shorter and convient size
scarf. She then notices Washuu bothering Chichiri and Tasuki. . o O (
Gotta save em! O.O )

Hawk bows once, in that informally formal way of his. "After you left, he
and I had a bit of a talk. It wasn't the most friendly of talks, as that
crater in the square can attest, but it served some purpose. He learned
that I still considered him a friend despite all of this, and I learned
through the cracks in that grimly cheerful exterior that he knows he did
something stupid. He'll admit that much...without saying so, of
course...but he refuses to show pain."

Tashiteta's amber eyes widen at Washuu.. "Err.. sorry, I don't really like
women, ya know?" He holds up to hands to protect himself from the attack
of the genius. The amber eyes flicker away to the waitress, as he asks
softly, "A bottle of sake please, an' make sure it don't taste like shit
'er anythin' like that.."

The waitress gives a nod to Tashiteta, rolling her eyes a bit and
disappears in the back.

Washuu-chan beams at Tash.  She wags her finger in the air.  "That's okay.  
I've dealt with closet perverts before." n.n

Duplica O.O;;;'s. She then calls out, "For my first trick, I'll need
someone from the audience!!" She points towards Washuu. "How about you?
^.^ Don't have to do a thing. Just stand here where I can see you." ^.^

Chichiri notices Washuu's attention is focused on his friend.  And takes
this opportunity to ease his chair away.  Mentally praying to Suzaku for
forgiveness.  ^_^;

Washuu-chan glances over at Duplica, a grin slowly spreading across her
face.  "Hmmm.  Sounds interesting."  She hops back up on her pillow,
floating a bit higher. n.n "Is this alright, hmmmm?"  . o O ( Let's see
what the little one's got planned, shall we? n.n )

Utena closes her eyes, but not before they lighten just a shade or two in
color; she lets out her breath. "So... maybe there's still a chance to
save him. But it means we have to get rid of Revi... and get him to admit
he made a mistake." Here, her face falls. "That's going to be hard."

Chichiri looks very much relieved as Washuu heads away from their table.  
He then glances over to his friend.  >.>;  "....da."  He wasn't abandoning
him...really!

Duplica hmms. "A little closer, please?" She grins kawaii-ly. ^.^

Washuu-chan beams.  She's suddenly -right- in front of Duplica.  "How
about now?" n.n

Hawk says, "Well..." He shrugs lightly. "...I took the news to Canal, if
you happen to know who she is." . o O ( Better than I do, I'll wager. )
"She said that she might be able to help him if she can talk to him.
Especially now that he's Mazoku. ...And no, I haven't the slightest idea."

Utena laughs faintly, and nods. "I know Canal, believe me. And she knows
me... we're all in touch, us former avatars." A dry smile curls her lips.
"Hawk, I..." She bows her head. "I'm begging you. I don't know if he'll
talk to me, but it's obvious he's willing to talk to you. I... I just
can't... I just want him to know...  I just want him back. That's all. I
want my fiancee back."

Tashiteta blinks to Chichiri, sighing softly and shaking his head. "Yeah..
thanks for bailing on me, 'n shit, Chichiri." He grins slightly, but that
fire in his eyes that he had before seems to be gone, and he's not
grinning anymore, in fact, he seems just a bit calmer. A hand raises to
rub the bottom of his chin thoughtfully.. "I wonder what she's gonna do.."

Duplica freaks out for a spilt second, yet recovers quickly. She's learned
to expect anything and everything from a crowd. "Perfect.. o/`"

Chichiri sweatdrops.  ^_^;  "Abandoning you no da?"  The waitress then
returns placing the items down on the table and the monk looks up at her
gratefully, taking up his tea and sipping it.

Hawk nods slowly. Though he smiles. "Nothing that I can promise, but I can
try. I have no idea how to contact him...but we did become so-so friends
over the last week, I won't presume too much. I gave him a little advice
on issues then, who knows. Maybe he'll come back for more." He pauses.
"Former avatars. Dare I ask?"

Washuu-chan just hums cutely, sitting crosslegged.

Utena grins a little at Hawk. "Got time to read a couple of books?"

Hawk nods brightly. "Oh, plenty. Life is dull for me until I get involved
in matters like this. Most of the women around here are too busy blasting
each other with firebolts for something so trivial as a walk through the
woods anyway." ^_^

Utena can't help but giggle a little, the first sincere lightening of her
mood since her arrival. Maybe it helps she doesn't have a bunch of
suspicious people glaring down the back of her neck and isn't having to
constantly try and restrain her overanxious adopted son from going off and
doing something dangerous.. She brushes her hand along the back of her
neck and smiles shyly. "It'd take... a good while to tell everything. If
you're willing, I'll tell you. But..."

Duplica turns to the audience. "Now, prepare yourselves for the thrill of
a lifetime. A skill so complex and confusing that not many have dared
tried!!"

Hawk nods. "Oh, that'll do quite nicely. Maybe if we're lucky, Xel will
come looking for me while we're doing that."

Washuu-chan beams.  "I bet I have!' n.n"

Chichiri takes another sip of his tea, then glances at the sake bottle the
waitress placed on the table.  Wondering if it's wise for Tasuki to get
drunk when there seem to be insane people's roaming around tonight.  o.o;

Utena hms softly. "I'd rather talk about it at home, Hawk..." She grins
faintly, realizing how that sounds. "Don't take it the wrong way, but I'd
be more comfortable telling you in the privacy of my house. Besides, all
of my history is in that house. And I've been having this sense that it's
not as secure as I want it to be."

Duplica grins to the audience, saying to Washuu through clenched teeth
silently, ".....I'm tryin' to cheer them up." <.<

Washuu-chan continues beaming.  "Well.  I hate to break this to you." n.n
Actually, she doesn't.  Oh well.  "But.. they're not listening." n.n

Duplica shrugs slightly. >.>

Chichiri looks over to Duplica and gives a smile and a nod.  To indicate
that he is.  Though he doesn't look like he needs cheering up with that
smile on his face.  But at least he's listening.  ^_^

Tashiteta frowns to Washuu's comment, taking ahold of the sake bottle and
popping off the lid. "Ya shouldn't be so mean to a damn #$@*in' kid, ya
may hurt 'er feelings, and that wouldn't be to damn good because I
wouldn't like ta see Duplica get upset." He does seem to be paying
attention, or the most he can give it anyways..

You page, "Yeah, it's ok .n.n" to Kaoru.

Washuu-chan waves her hand dismissively.  "Closet Perverts never scared
me, much." n.n

Duplica grins. "It's okay." ^.^ She then takes her scarf, concentrating. .
o O ( Okay... this should be a little easier to do than usual.... )

Hawk isn't bothered at all. He isn't going to go fooling around with one
of his better friend's girl, after all. He has a sense of morals! ...You
just have to look real closely. "Works for me. I'd like to clean this
stuff up as well." n.n; He snaps his fingers twice, the ribbons and ink
from Washuu's earlier meddling visible for less than a secnd.

Utena rises, and walks around the table, suppressing a small giggle before
gesturing to Hawk to follow her outside. She does, however, turn and nod
to the other party at the other table, Washuu, Duplica, Chichiri and
Tasuki, and comments, "It was a nice performance, Duplica." before
striding outside quietly.

You head out into the village square.

Darra Village

Kaoru nods.  "She's the one that killed kaachan in the first place...."  
He looks over at the door.  "Kaachan...."

Utena emerges, smiling at Kaoru... then blinking at the girl standing with
him. ".. Buffy?"

Kaoru asks, "Oro?  You two know each other?"

Buffy blinks.. "Kaachan's..." she follows his gaze, "Utena?"

Kaoru nods, looking a bit confusedly.

Hawkeye comes out from the Dark Horse Tavern and Inn.

Hawkeye has arrived.

Utena genuinely smiles at the young woman, who, acquaintance though she
may be, Utena has a great deal of respect and recognition for, holding out
her hand to the Slayer warmly. "It's been a while. I see you're still
doing okay..."

Buffy's smile is rather faint as you see her eyes are a bit thoughtful
when she takes your hand, "Aye... I moved on for awhile. But, it seems the
roads only led me back here once more."

Kaoru looks back and forth between Utena and Buffy.

Utena nods. "It tends to do that, doesn't it." She quickly introduces
people all around, since she guesses we're all headed for the same place.
"Kaoru-chan, Buffy.. Buffy, my son Kaoru... Hawk, this is Buffy, an
acquaintance of mine who stayed at my house for a while... Buffy, Hawk."

Buffy takes your hand firmly.

Hawk stretches his arms briefly. "Another pretty face along for the ride
shouldn't hurt, I guess."

Buffy nods with a grin to Kaoru.. still rather confused, but pushes that
aside to nod to Hawk.

Kaoru punches Hawk in the arm.  "Thanks....  I didn't know you cared."

Utena says, "Kaoru-chan, Hawk and I are headed back to the house, I have
some things to discuss with him...ack.." She giggles a little when he does
that. "Buffy, are you heading our way as well?"

Somewhere on the muck, Canal has disconnected.

Buffy nods, "Yeah.. I was hoping to."

Hawk ruffles Kaoru's hair equally lightly. "Playful tyke, isn't he?" n.n

Utena nods. "I could use it. There's been a weird feeling around the
Sanctuary. I can't say it's... evil, but it's bothering me. Maybe you can
see something in it I can't..." So saying, she turns to Hawk. "Sorry to
keep you waiting..." She nods with a laugh, watching the man and the boy's
interaction with a curiously wistful expression, before shaking out of it.
"Let's all go back together."

Kaoru smirks at Hawk.  "What needs to be discussed."

(Sanctuary)

Kaoru asks, "Does anyone want anything to eat or drink?"

Utena squeezes her hand along Kaoru's shoulder. "Kaachan is going to tell
Hawk about her and Xelloss and what happened, so he can really know what's
going on." She shakes her head, stifling a yawn. "Not for me, thanks."

Buffy nods slightly to Kaoru, "If you don't mind.. got any tea?"

Kaoru nods, and turns towards Hawk.  "Anything for you?"

Hawk shakes his head. "No thanks. I'm not thirsty at the moment."

Kaoru nods, and walks off towards the kitchen, the golden chain of his
kisarigami oddly silent as he moves.

Utena mms, and sits on a couch, rubbing at her eyes. "There's tons of
room, either in the couches or in the guest room upstairs. I'm pretty
tired now, so I think I'll leave you in Kaoru's care for now. Hawk, I'd
like to ask you two favors before I retire."

Hawk cocks his head in Utena's direction. "And how may I be of service to
the Lady?"

Utena says, "The first favor is that I'd like to ask you, if you're
willing, to help me with security here. I'm willing to pay- it won't be a
lot, but I can compensate with free food, board, and laundry services."

Utena says, "The second.. well..." She leans forward and whispers to him.

You whisper, "Please keep an eye on Kaoru. He's only 13, but he wants to
be this 'great assassin'... I just... I wish I could reach him. Maybe it's
because I'm a woman... can you just... I don't know... direct him a
little?" to Hawkeye.

Hawk's eyes widen. "Heaven!" He glances around, squinting. "What happened,
a break in?"

Utena shakes her head. "Not that I know of. But... I've been having a
feeling. The trees are restless, and I can feel it in the ground.. like
there's something dark poking around the outsides of my defenses."

Kaoru silently makes his way back in, with a large cup of piping hot tea
on a tray.  "Here you are, Miss Buffy."  He moves off to one corner,
standing ready.

Hawk tilts his head again, regarding Kaoru quietly. "It's not too much to
ask. Although when we get around to talking tomorrow, I might have a
little advice in mind." He nods. "I'll look into the area. I assume
Xelloss told you somewhat about my past, from the nature of the request."

Buffy smiles and nods.. "Thanks.." before taking a seat in one of the
chairs and sipping it quietly.

Utena nods. "A little." Maybe on her home ground, surrounded by her
things, mentioning his name doesn't hurt quite so much. Nonetheless.. she
yawns, and stifles it behind her hand. "Buffy, if you're also willing, can
you look for ... the things that you know how to look for? Same offer I
made to Hawk I can extend to you. I don't need someone to do chores- I can
do that myself. But I need some protection here, and I can't handle that
alone, now."

Hawk snickers to himself. "Well, I'll try not to bust into your room in
the middle of the night. It's the least I can do."

Kaoru nods, and looks on.

Kaoru smiles slightly at Hawk's comment.

Buffy lowers her cup with another nod, "My pleasure.."

Kaoru walks over to Utena, standing right behind her.

Utena yawns again, more powerfully... "I'm sorry. I really need some
rest..." She grins weakly to Kaoru, reaching and squeezing his hand for a
moment. "Please, make yourselves at home, and if you find you need
anything, ask me when I wake up and I'll see what I can arrange. We'll
take care of room arrangements and things then as well."

Kaoru takes her hand, and turns to Hawk and Buffy.  "If you'll excuse me,
I'll be back shortly."

Buffy says, "Agreed... rest well, Utena."

Hawk bows again. "Ignore any sounds you here outside, that'll just be me
trying to break in."

Utena stands, and heads toward the foyer, with a quiet little wave over
her shoulder.

Utena o.O' *twitch* "... uhm, okay. Eheh."

Kaoru nods, and moves towards the foyer as well.

Utena disappears to the foyer and can be heard heading upstairs to her
bedroom.