Closed A Small Issue

[Brandon Blackwing]

x

OOCI know Isn't it wonderful?

Brandon didn't even bother to reply to the dollmaker's remark of the bat's usefulness, his face probably did it for him. The temptation to kick the man again swelled, but this time the Kelvic refrained, suppressing it for the moment. “Whatever I've been telling her? I merely asked her to enlighten me on the contents of the book you'd helped her recall.” He stared at Kaik from underneath a scowl, eyes darting between both wooden dolls coming to their master's aid. “And when she realized she couldn't, she started to scream, as per usual.” He should have seen it coming, of course, which was probably one of the foundations of the bat's anger.

“This is exactly why I hate kids,” he muttered, not caring that said kid was a spirit who, even if she'd died only recently, was at least trice as old as the Kelvic. He started to walk then, slower than usual, but not really slow enough so Kaik could follow with ease. Whenever they had to round a bend, or arrived at a crossroad, he did wait for the man though, impatient the first couple times, but deciding to try and memorize the pressure points from the book he still had with him after that. Even while studying, his eyes occasionally flitted towards the direction of the animator -or more specifically, his dolls- analyzing the way they moved, trying to visualize the way their joints worked. All for the sake of being able to dismantle them quickly whenever he found it was time to do so.

During one of the moments Kaik caught up with the Kelvic, the animator whispered quietly, almost seeming as if he was talking to himself. Brandon's hearing picked up the words as clearly as if he'd been walking right next to the man though, despite the distance that had grown between them due to the difference in pace. He slowed down a little to hold that space between them steady and unchanging, unsheathing a dagger to watch the dolls and their maker in the reflection. Brandon didn't want to look over his shoulder for them. To Kaik it might have looked as if the bat was just studying one of his weapons, the thief realized, or, it could have been a subtle threat, a reminder of last time. He sheathed the blade again quickly, taking a deep breath in.

“Being alive means being able to die. I can die, you can die. We both are alive. They on the other hand,” he referred to the dolls, assuming the young man would know what he was talking about, “are not. They are dead wood given life through means other than Kihala's will. They're a distasteful imitation, and a mockery.” There was a brief pause as the bat took a moment to try and pinpoint the ghost's current location. “If you want to create life, then go impregnate someone. If it's company you want, then buy a dog. And if you want both, then get a wife.”

Another bend, and the spirit was moving, Brandon could sense it. Well, this was getting quite annoying; while Brandon had suspected that the animator would be nothing more than a dead weight, it was now abundantly clear that they wouldn't be able to catch up to the apparition with this snail's pace. “Emotions can only occur if one has a mind of his own,” the Kelvic decided to answer the other questions, “and for that one needs a soul. Your puppets are lacking in that aspect too, and if they don't, that means you stole souls, enslaved them, and bound them to their wooden shells.” And if that was true, then Brandon would make it a priority to destroy those puppets and set those souls free, so that they could rejoin the circle.

“Guilt? Why would I feel guilt for doing the right thing?” He shook his head. “But don't get the wrong idea, I cannot force her to do anything. If she disappears from the living world it's her choice. If I could though, I'd make her disappear whether she wanted to or not. Death isn't supposed to be something you can survive. Even if the body crumbles to dust, the soul isn't supposed to be left behind. The only thing here for them is suffering and misery.” He frowned, having calmed down considerably since the start of the conversation, if this rambles could be called that. They walked for a while longer, Kaik asking yet another question, his voice sounding more like mumbles than before. “Every experience changes you. Taking lives may just be one of those that makes changes most noticeable to yourself.” Very philosophical, and to be honest, Brandon had no idea where he was pulling these lines from. His arse perhaps, but there was too much faith in the statement for that to be true.

Books fell from somewhere in the apparition's direction, and the bat shrugged at the dollmaker's words. Perhaps it wouldn't, but maybe it would. It didn't matter. Kaik seemed to move a little faster, so his ears told the bat, but by the time they reached the fallen books, her presence was weak already. “She's not even here anymore, you fool.” But where was she? To the left somewhere, rather far away. Brandon sighed. “Try to pick up the pace, will you? She's been outrunning us the whole time, we'll never catch up like this.” Perhaps dragging the animator along by his leg wasn't so bad an idea after all, it'd certainly be faster than this infuriating speed. “Make them carry you or something,” he waved at the dolls, not buying it if the man claimed they couldn't because of their size. They were wood, and they were dolls, not children. Surely they had greater strength than their flesh-and-bone counterparts?

x

credit goes to Euthisa

[Kaik Leyr]

OOCHope you don't mind all this talking instead of 'hunting' down a ghost.

In what seemed to be an unnecessary threat Djas brandished his dagger, though he never turned around. Kaik eyed Djas with utter contempt as he reached for his own dagger, but stopped as Djas sheathed his weapon.

What the petch was that? This is not the time to be doing shyke like that!

Kaik listened patiently to Djas’s answer without stopping him to comment on his previous actions.

Once Djas finished, Kaik took on a face of disappointment. “I’m not even going to question why the petch you decided to flash your dagger.” The Dollmaker sighed. “They, as you call my dolls, can also die, so they must be alive. Once they lose their soul, then that’s it, they die, same as you or me.”

Kaik rubbed the ring on his left with with his thumb. “We might as well be the same as these dolls. We're all toys for the Gods. Bodies given life as we play on top of their hands. That I call distasteful.”

The Animator dragged his hand across the books he had passed on the shelfs. “Maybe in the past I’d be happy to have a dog, to have a wife, to have a child with her, but those things won’t make me happy now.”

Being possessed, hit with supernatural powers, and getting pelted with books had finally taken their toll on Kaik. He stayed on his current pace, but the urge to give up crept up on him.

Kaik chuckled as Djas answered his other questions. “You should try studying up on the thing you seem to hate the most, Djas. Is it really that hard for you to believe a soul can only be created by the Gods? You seem to think that it’s either the golems, as they are usually termed, are powered on some magical fire of evil or some soul, I somehow stole.” He patted Arya on the head. “No matter what you believe, I know that at least these ones were made through souls I created. Not stolen souls or whatever else that can power golems.”

The two had reached another corner when Djas answered another question of Kaik’s.

“No even a shred of guilt, then. I suppose you’re right.” Kaik looked behind almost expecting Azura to be there. “Well if what you say is right, that only misery exists for them here, then I too wish for their souls to move on, as long as they’re willing to do so.”

The group moved forward for a time until Kaik asked another question. Djas answered to Kaik’s surprise as Kaik thought he would not hear him. “Heh, you sound like a philosopher, didn’t expect that from you. Don’t suppose you read that somewhere?” The Dollmaker did not say anything further for a moment. “Everything does change a person. Though taking a life certainly won’t bring good changes.”

What’s so foolish with just asking if she was here?

“Yeah, I’m trying to pick up the pace, okay?”

Djas waved toward the dolls, “What? You really think they can carry me? How are those small hands of theirs suppose to carry my entire weight? You could compare their strength to that of a child.”

Kaik sighed deeply as he just sat down. “Anyway I don’t think we’re gonna catch her even if we were both to run. She’s a ghost, she’s just gonna slip by us even if we caught up with her. With Azura as she is now, we won’t be able to talk with her.”

The Animator decided to take the moment to close his eyes and relax. “Let’s just wait here for a little bit and let her calm down. You can even read that book you’ve been holding onto to pass the time.”

Kaik continued to keep his eyes closed as he said, “I don’t hate you, Djas. You may be an arrogant and annoying piece of work, but I don’t hate you. There’s worse people out there who have no values, just a lust for evil. I wonder what it’d be like to be your friend…” Kaik laughed, “do you even have friends, Djas? I wonder what kind of person a friend of yours would have to be. Bah, I don’t even know what I’m saying now. Perhaps I got hit in the head a few too many times?”

Boxcode by Yra

[Brandon Blackwing]

x

oocOh, I don't mind at all. I am enjoying these "nice and friendly" conversations.

Kaik claimed his dolls could die too, but Brandon could only shake his head at the man’s delusional view. Those dolls could be destroyed, but not killed, for only beings that were alive could die. The dollmaker mentioned they had souls, and for a moment he believed to have been presented with the evidence he needed to make destroying the puppets a priority, however, the Animator then proceeded to tell him he had created their souls himself. He snorted. Creating souls, yeah right, like that could be done by a mere mortal. No, the animator was just blinded by the knowledge he’d been given by whomever had taught him his magic.

No, either he truly was stealing souls –without even knowing it- or he was splitting his own in separate parts and inserting them into the puppets he created. An alarming thought. Both were alarming, and equally bad. Kaik had called the “game” the gods played distasteful, seeming to forget that the difference between themselves and dolls was that they had free will, and those puppets didn’t. Though even if they did, the bat would still not call them alive, nor agree they possessed emotions. They couldn’t die, so they didn’t live.

“Perhaps it won’t bring positive changes, indeed, but it depends on your point of view. What is good, what is bad? Who is a hero, and who is the villain?” He recalled the conversation they’d had last time they’d met, where the dollmaker had proclaimed himself to be the bad guy. “But neither can trying to kill yourself be the bringer of good changes.” He shrugged then, striding to a nearby table as Kaik suggested they waited until Azura –as the ghost seemed to be called- had calmed down. Truly, Brandon saw no point in that, as she’d probably be sent back into the state she was in now when he talked to her again. Ah well.

At least he’d been given some useful information, those dolls were just as weak as children were, and delivered no advantage to the Animator whatsoever. They’d be easy to dispose of then. “So they’re useless? Dira’s scythe, why did you even make them then?” It was a rhetorical question, the answer was far too obvious; company. The intonation with which he’d voiced the query should have made that clear to Kaik as well. Brandon sat himself down on top of the table, opening the book he’d brought, and started to focus on memorizing the relevant pressure points once again. Things were advancing at a slow rate, but at least he could remember a couple of them already. “It’s not something you’ll be able to experience, I’m afraid,” he shot down the youngling’s ponderous question. The dollmaker seemed to be laughing it off though. “Who? Me? Of course I do.” He frowned. “Admitted, I don’t have a lot of them, but I don’t need more than a couple.” Sadly, the one friend he had before he’d left Lhavit was probably dead.

Then there was the couple people he considered more like family than friends; Dru and Enggy. True, Dru was in the city, but for her own safety it was better Brandon kept himself at a distance. Otherwise… No-one really. “I do have a larger collection of acquaintances I get along with.” Though most of his acquaintances he did not have such a positive relationship with, not that he cared too much about that. He didn’t like them either. As much as he’d rather read his book, there was one of Kaik’s statements that did need correcting. “Arrogant, you say? Hardly. Arrogance comes from the belief you are better than someone else. I simply know for a fact that my abilities are far superior to just about everyone else’s.” He shrugged. “Also, I’m a piece of work?” He laughed briefly, sounding as if he was mocking the dollmaker, which was in fact true.

“Okay, okay. So, you’re a delusional boy, who has begged me to kill him last time we met. You talk to wooden carvings that have no emotions, but have been created for companionship anyways. And why? Because you have no friends. Oh, and dare I forget, you weren’t quite stable last time either. But sure, I am the piece of work here.” He smirked then, shaking his head and letting his eyes drift back to the drawing in the book. For a couple chimes the bat didn’t speak up, instead muttering to himself as he tested himself on the location of the pressure points, but after sometime had passed, he did proceed to make something clear. “For your information, we might be having nice and friendly conversations now, but make no mistake. Once my job here is done, I will destroy those dolls of yours when I get the chance.” What saved them now was this shaky, unspoken truce that lasted until the ghost –who was floating restlessly from one side of the library to the other, it seemed- had been sent off to see Dira. “I just thought I’d let you in on that, you know, so I don’t get any ‘Traitor! I thought you were my friend’ crap flung at me when I do.” He beamed the dollmaker a brilliant and fake smile.

x

credit goes to Euthisa

[Kaik Leyr]

Nothing had been said from the Doll Stabber, but the expressions he had worn told Kaik what he felt about what had been said about the golem's souls.

Really? Why is it so difficult to believe what I say? What is the point in lying about this?

Kaik stressed his previous statements. "Okay. Right, don't believe me. I don't know what makes you think only a god could make a soul, but go ahead and believe what you will. In a world of ghosts, magic, and whatnot go ahead and believe it's not possible for a mere mortal to create a soul."

The Dollmaker rubbed his hands together as he shivered. It had been winter, so the cold was no surprise to him, and yet he felt it seemed colder than what he imagined it would be. The feeling had been similar to when he touched Azura.

Where could you be Azura?

Memories of days before being kidnapped remained foggy for Kaik, but he too was reminded of his conversation with Djas.

"I suppose I can't argue with that logic. And I agree...yeah, killing yourself won't do anything good, though I'm sure you'd be thrilled if I did so." Kaik imagined his silver ring tightening around his finger. "Yup, just...an easy way out."

Kaik remained sitting, but he looked through the books he could reach to pass the time.

Dira's scythe? That's his god, right? Wonder if he worships any other? I do want to ask him about his god, but...since he's that kind of guy, I'd do better to not ask.

The true meaning of what Djas asked was heard clearly by Kaik. Still he decided to answer.

"It is for the reason you and I both know, but there exists another reason for why I created these two." Kaik laughed in the way he imagined an extravagant villain would do so. "This is but the stepping stone for world domination! These two are but simply experiments for the greater goal. Soon taking the souls of each mortal will be in reach. And it is then the denizens of this world shall fall to their knees… and ha, oh..man, haha ha." Kaik just laughed to himself without paying mind to Djas.

Kaik surprised himself with how he answered to Djas's Question. Still Kaik held no embarrassment for what he did as he never thought much of Djas's thoughts. He wanted Azura to laugh if she had been around.

Kaik had commented on his own performance. "If I had to be a villain, that would definitely be how I sound. I even added the whole ‘stealing souls' part in it."

Wow. He's making himself seem like an even more arrogant petcher than before.

Without letting anger take hold the Animator listened as the man in front of him mocked him. When all had been said from Djas, he smiled smugly as if to say he had won the argument. Kaik remained calm, though tinged with an aura of hate.

"You're a stubborn man who refuses to see any view but your own. You are so quick to use violence to solve your problem. Then you justify your actions because you think it is what you believe to be right. You try to destroy what a person holds dear and expect them to stay sane? You're piece of work, just like you say, same as me in that regard."

Silence was just what Kaik needed. He looked up at the ceiling and closed his eyes again. Arya and Oliver both sat by a side of the Dollmaker.

Djas broke the silence.

Kaik's eyes had taken on a scornful look as he noticed how fake Djas's big smile was. "Oh? Is that so?" He laughed, though never losing the look in his eyes. "you're going to destroy my dear dolls? ‘Traitor! I thought you were my friend' ha ha." Shaking as he did so, Kaik stood up slowly without help. "I know I posed the question, but I already know such a possibility won't happen even without you telling me so."

It felt cold to Kaik. More so than what he felt before. He decided that he had enough Djas, but more than that was the safety of his dolls. Once the job was done Djas would easily destroy the golems, so it seemed getting them outside the library would prove wise.

The Dollmaker gripped both hands of the two dolls. "Perhaps it's better we really do work alone on this. Might actually get something done if we don't argue with one another. She's bound to be calm now, so now it's only a matter of finding her." Kaik walked in the direction he believed the exit to be. "Well, with that ‘gift' of yours we're bound to see other, but it may prove better to talk to her alone."

What Kaik said was what he believed to be true, but that would be what he did after getting the dolls to safety. Kaik continued to walk out of the isle and toward the direction of the exit doors. Whether Djas had stopped him or not it mattered little when Kaik saw Azura standing in the path toward the doors.

She looked straight into Kaik's eyes. "I won't give up. Never. I won't stop. You made a promise. Kaik, you'll stay here as long as it takes."

"I know I made a promise. And I said I'd help you. I will. We just need to talk..." Kaik looked toward Djas, "alone. Right, Djas?"

OOCThe ending is in sight...

Boxcode by Yra

[Brandon Blackwing]

x

Kaik countered Brandon's analysis of his person with one of his own, his voice betraying a spark of anger and hate, one that might have gone unnoticed to the less observant. The Dollmaker had put on a nice mask of tranquility, though fooling the eye alone was not enough to convince a Kelvic. Brandon merely replied with a “Hmmmm.” Though the intonation rose slightly, almost questioningly, the most prominent tone was disinterest. True, he didn't give a damn about Kaik's vision. Not his view on the world, his magic, or the bat himself. As for violence...well, some things could only be resolved by it. It wasn't like he'd be able to convince the dollmaker to go burn his dolls, so violence it was. And if the man would decided to make more dolls, then Bran would be forced to destroy those too... and Kaik along with them, most likely. Depending on the amount he made, of course.

The bat ignored the young male's sarcasm for the most part, more interested in the presence of the ghost that was closing in on them. And it was approaching fast; for a bit it even spent some time in the immediate vicinity of the bickering duo before continuing onwards, seemingly headed for the exit. Kaik set off in that direction too, having protectively grabbed his dolls. Well, it was clear what he was planning to do, but it didn't really matter to the bat all that much. Outside or inside, when he got the chance, they'd be destroyed within a couple chimes. Besides, if he really wanted, he could just seek out the man's residence and set it on fire, like he'd done with the Animation Studio.

“Well, have fun. I'll be joining you soon.”

For the moment though, he focused on studying yet another bit, this time even touching the spots on his own forehead, in an attempt to remember them better. It had worked last time, so it should now too. The footsteps of Kaik stopped then, causing a slight frown on the bat's face, one that vanished immediately when he realized Azura might still have been hanging out in that direction. He got to his feet, closing the book, though only after having folded a corner of the page, so he would be able to revisit it without unnecessary searching. With brisk pace he followed the presence of the spirit, as well as the path Kaik had taken, overhearing the ghost proclaim something about not giving up, along with the mention of a promise the dollmaker had made with her.

The animator turned around to look at the approaching Kelvic, hoping for words of agreement. Unfortunately for the man, Brandon wasn't willing to agree with anything that made no sense whatsoever. “Alone? I see no reason for that to be necessary. ” He gave a half shrug, drawing up next to the animator, letting his onyx stare be fixed on the ghost's appearance. A ripple passed through her soulmist, giving the impression of a shiver at the sight of him. The tiniest hint of a smirk curled the bat's corners of his mouth. Dira's influence on the apparition, channeled through the Kelvic's mark worked it's magic, though Brandon wasn't quite sure -even after all this time- how this was helpful.

“Allow me to enlighten you...Azure, was it?"
"Azura," she corrected not all that friendly.
"Azura then. Your efforts will always be in vain, no matter how long you try, no matter how determined you are.” She shook her head though, not that it was unexpected in the slightest, dismissing the thief's words. “You don't know before you try,” she retorted, crossing her arms. “Admirable, but trying is a waste of time in your case. The dead lingering in the realm of the living are not given second chances. As cruel as it is, what you want most will be forever out of your reach.”

Once more she shook her head, her little fist balled in denial. “I am not dead, you dumbass! I am alive and well! I won't give up, I won't stop trying to remember.” She fell into muttering then, mumbling about all the books she still wanted to read. All the stories she wanted to become invested in. “I didn't become this old to let a foolish brat like you tell me what I can and cannot do!” The Kelvic frowned. “This old? Why, mind sharing your age then?” The apparition shot him a glance as if he was stupid, and to be completely honest, it annoyed Brandon far more than he let seep through the facade of his smirk.

“I'm sixty-eight. Obviously.”
“And yet, you appear as a brat of … hm ….” Gauging ages was still a difficult task for the Kelvic, mostly because he couldn't really link the growth of a human to his own. “Eight or so to me.”
“Well, that's why you're stupid.”
“Perhaps I am, but what does Kaik here say? Do you think he'd have helped an old hag so willingly? Of course not, he has a thing for little children-” he pointed at the two dolls accompanying the animator, “I mean, he even makes dolls modeled after them!”

x

credit goes to Euthisa

[Kaik Leyr]

It had become difficult for Kaik not to show how annoyed he was. He caught himself grinding his own teeth.

That’s it? Just a hum? Everything this man does just serves to stoke my anger. Not enough to make me want to kill him, but oh would that make everything so much easier.

The dollmaker contemplated the pros and cons of committing murder and settled for imagining Djas’s death. With the lack of friends Djas had mentioned before, Kaik figured nobody would notice his absence. Making his death seem like a suicide sounded like a perfect way to keep his hands clean. Thinking of such things during the silence helped calm down Kaik slightly.

Of course, I somehow doubt I could even beat him in a fight, no matter what tricks I use. He dodged an arrow before! Is that even human? What kind of reflexes does it take to do something like that!

As Kaik left the dark haired man to his own devices. Never bothering to respond to what he said.

It seemed Djas was no so willing to leave the two alone. Kaik had hoped in doing so the conversation would become more personal and they could talk out their problems.

Sure, no reason. None at all. Can’t wait to see how long before she can’t take what you say and just run away. It’ll be easier to talk with you not here.

Kaik muttered ‘sure’ as he listened to oncoming wreck he was almost sure Djas would cause.

Well, getting her to accept her death is good, but...honestly who’d believe they’re dead just because some person told them so? I shouldn’t have been so direct in telling her. Still what else could I say to make her understand.

In trying to tell Azura the truth, the ‘conversation’ had somehow turned to how old she had been.

Hm, guess that confirms my suspicions from before. Never thought she’d be that old though. Interesting.

Kaik looked at Djas. “Huh? What the petch are you even trying to accompl-”

Azura’s face had taken on a look of confusion as she looked at Kaik.

Kaik sighed. “You know what, yeah you’re right. I first took this job, Djas, because I heard a kid was the ghost and I felt- I don’t know...pity? But, that doesn’t mean I won’t help anyone if they aren’t a kid.” Kaik turned to Azura. “I said so many times I’d help you. I’m not just gonna give up, I keep my promises.”

“I don’t even- I can’t understand what you two have been saying.” Azura kept her eyes on Kaik, still feeling wary of Brandon.

First things first. Let’s get her to understand her current form. If words don’t work, then maybe actions will. Ugh...I could try that, but...whatever.

Sitting down before had not helped Kaik much, in fact it only made him more eager for sleep.

“Please give me your hand,” Kaik asked Azura.
“Um, what?” She said, understandably confused.
Kaik stepped toward Azura until they were in hand’s reach. Azura stood her ground, far too confident to have stepped back. Without further words Kaik used his left hand to reach for one of Azura’s hands.

A familiar pain returned to Kaik, though it had concentrated on Kaik’s hand. It was like like frozen iscles had been plunged into his hands.

Azura panicked and tried to get her hand away. “How is this- stop! What are you doing? Why is your hand…?”
Kaik continued to hold unto her hand until it became evident to Azura who had caused such pain to happen. When he let go, his hand had almost not felt like his own.

Kaik rubbed his hands together. “I don’t know how it works. But at the very least, something strange has happened to you, Azura. There could be many reasons for how that happened, but the truth is it’s because you’re a ghost.”
“No no...it can’t be.” She seemed to have reach the edge of her sanity.
“Do you not believe me, still?”
Silence had been answer.
“Azura…if you still don’t trust me, I’m sure I can find more proof that yo-”
“No. I-...I believe you, okay?” She said in a quiet tone.
“Listen, I- I kind of understand what you’re going through.”
“What? You? You think you understand? No! No you don’t! I’m just supposed to accept I’m dead? No!” Azura looked up at the ceiling. “It’s doesn’t matter anymore. Everything. Everything except the books. Is that it? I can’t read because I’m dead?”

But I do understand. That feeling of hopelessness, I know it.

“I um...don’t know what you’re supposed to do, but I guess...if you’ve had enough of it all you can just- um just…” Kaik glanced at Djas. “Just...just let go.”

OOCI'm back!

Heh Kaik and Azura pretty much just ignored Brandon. I have a feeling that will change.

Boxcode by Yra

[Brandon Blackwing]

x

Brandon had been a little surprised at the Dollmaker's successfulness in getting the ghost to accept -or at least stop arguing about- the fact that she was dead. It was unexpected that Kaik actually did have his uses, though he should have seen this coming. The Kelvic didn't know all the details of what had transpired when he'd been searching more interesting information, but apparently Azura and Kaik had been able to forge a shaky bond of some sort. He wouldn't call them friends, as it all hinged on a single promise, but on a small scale there did seem to be a certain amount of trust. Wavering and fragile, yes, but it was trust nonetheless.

He contented himself by staying out of it until the dollmaker shot a glance in his direction. He nodded slowly, arms uncrossing so he could gesture with one of his hands. “Indeed. Just let go.”
“Just let go?” she sounded doubtful, skeptical even.
“Yeah.”
“Great instructions, you idiots! Let go of what?! My earthly desires?!” Azura shook her head, seemingly having had enough of the conversation. However, she stood her ground, if only because she'd keep Kaik from advancing any further. “You let go of life,” Brandon responded anyway, it came out as if it was something he found obvious. “You give up your will to live. I believe you just need to want to die, to pass on, and it'll happen.”

She raised an ethereal eyebrow. “You know what I say to death? 'Not today.' I'll read my books. I'll remember my books, and then I'll pass on. Then I'll die.”
Brandon sighed. “You can read as much as you want in your next life.” That wasn't exactly true, but more importantly, did he see some confusion on some faces, hers especially? “It's not because death is the end of life that it is the definite end. Sometimes one thing's end is another's beginning. It's the case with death. One life ends, and then you are born again. In a new life.” A short pause. “You can read there too, surely. If your desire for it truly is as strong as you think it is.” He shrugged.

“I think you might have not have heard what I just said,” the ghost began, crossing her arms in a sassy way. The bat raised an eyebrow of his own now, being quite sure that if there was something to be heard here, he certainly would have. “I said, and I repeat; I will read and remember my books, and then I will pass on to the next life or whatever. Not before. After. I will go on my own terms.” Brandon frowned. “You both say I'm a ghost? Good. Fine. I'm a ghost. But I'm still here to read, and I will read!” She had her arms next to her sides again, hands balling into small fists. “I will not go unsatisfied! First I read, then I go to the next life. But not the other way around. If I'm not satisfied, I'm not going.”

“Then you'll be stuck here forever,” the bat stated bluntly.
“Well then so be it!”

Gods damn it! This spirit was even more stubborn than a mule, but there was nothing Brandon really could do about it. Except keeping to talk in on her, try to get some common sense through that thick skull. An urge to growl and snarl and throw stuff was strengthening within, fueled by frustration, but the bat did his utmost best to suppress it, along with keeping a straight face. He settled for gnashing his teeth and digging the nails of his fingers into the palms of their respective hands. It made things a little more bearable at least. Though still, throwing stuff sounded great too... especially if it were fragile objects that would shatter or crack upon impact. Like vases. Or statues.

He sucked a large lungful of air in, slowly letting the air fill his chest, while telling himself to calm down. He held his breath for a bit, letting his mind chant “calm down” over and over again, along with providing reasons not to lose his temper. Then he let the air escape, slowly blowing it out over the span of a small dozen ticks. And he repeated the process a couple times, trusting the breathing technique -it was a glorified sigh really- taught to him by his mother to help him gain full control again. Perhaps not true meditation, but it was part of it, and it did help. Usually, that is. It took a while of altered breathing and inflecting pain on his palms to get him somewhat in a normal state of mind again.

“Alright,” he whispered, more to himself than anything else, “Alright.” Another sigh. “Kaik. You wanted to talk alone? Talk to her alone. I'll be over there-” he pointed at the spot they'd been resting at before. “-for a bit.” And then he strode off with quick and large steps, each one adding some frustration he thought he'd got rid off. If his breathing technique had calmed him down, now the walk was doing the opposite, his mind now creating a pile of rage and frustration in his mind. He reached the reading spot rather quickly, and within ticks he had grabbed the back of a chair, the seat raised above his head. With an angry grunt he threw the furniture through the aisle, watching it sail through the air before bouncing on the floor, then sliding a little further.

The table attracted his attention next, and he put his hands under the top, then throwing them up violently, flipping the table with a scornful snarl, all items on top of it being bucked off. It was satisfying. An outlet for the anger he couldn't take out on anything else. He'd have been glad for one of the dolls being within his reach, that'd have been even better. Now he simply settled for a bookshelf, trying to topple it by pulling at the top of it, realizing after noticing it didn't even budge slightly, that they were made out of skyglass, and were attached to the floor. The other chair then, he grabbed that one instead, slamming it into the small side of it as hard as he could, twice, in hopes of breaking the chair, but it was sturdier than it looked. The third time he just flung the chair at it, and watched it bounce off, fall to the floor and spin a little before coming to a stop. He was breathing heavily, and some locks of hair had fallen in front of his face, but at least some of the anger was gone. He threw his head back and stared at the ceiling, refocusing his breathing to calm down once more. Now it'd work. Now that some of that rage was gone, it would work.

Yes. This was good. He was panting, he felt as if he'd done some running. This was a good feeling. He straightened up after a while, striking the locks out of his face, and then headed back to Kaik. Perhaps that petcher had managed something. It'd be about time too. He wasn't sure if he'd manage keeping his temper in check in front of them a second time. In fact, the ghost's appearance was enough to piss him off already, as he had subconsciously linked her wail to her presence. That, and the sight, scent, and sound Kaik worked as an amplifier for frustrated and angry emotions. It was a bad combination. Both just already pissed him off by existing in his presence, and then he had to try and keep calm. Of course it was bound to go awry. He sighed brief and fast. Well, he could only try.

OOCWell that happened

x

credit goes to Euthisa

[Kaik Leyr]

Djas seemed to have agreed to what Kaik said. Azura, however, had differing opinions.

Hm well...she didn’t like that. Who would, I guess? Most people want to keep living, even in her form it’s just another form of living. Still...this can’t be happiness. Forced to wander never able to get what you want.

The dark haired man had tried to convince the Azura that she could still read in the next life. Not only did Azura not seemed convinced, Kaik also began to question how much of what he said was true. Seeming to have notice their confusion Djas followed it up with an explanation.

Why’d he shrug? It just makes what he’s saying seem like a guess. I never did understood how death works. I suppose what he’s saying makes sense, I think there was a word for it? Oh well...I’ll remember later.

Azura was still not swayed by the man’s words.

Wow, I thought Djas would be the type to get frustrated and resort to using physical means, but he seems to taking Azura’s attitude quite well. Though I guess using physical means is kinda useless against a ghost, though I did somehow touch her, so maybe?

Kaik had been under the impression that nothing wrong was going on with Djas, despite his breathing techniques. Not thinking about how Djas truly felt, Kaik simply nodded as he watched the man walk away.

What’s he up to?

The Dollmaker slunk down to the ground, leaning his back to a side of the book shelving. There was no better time for Kaik to try to convince the library ghost.

Before he said anything, Azura talked first. “Don’t think you’ll change my mind either.”
Kaik rubbed the back of his head. “You’re scaring the citizens.”
“Let them be scared! Why should I care?”
“Maybe you’re husband is waiting for you in the afterlife.”
Azura laughed mockingly. “Him? Bah, he’s probably having the time of his life. Besides don’t you know how it works? You get reborn another. I’m not seeing him again.”
Kaik looked down at the ground “Oh...I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. The marriage never worked out.”
“I uh...see. Hey um…” Kaik looked down at his silver ring. “I understand your pain, I really do.”
Azura shook her head. “I said it before, but you don’t. You’re not ‘dead’. More than that, because you’re just a youngling. What pain could you have? Love problems? Parent issues?”

How many people have heard my sob story now? I’m not gonna cry. I’m over it...well, not Ellen, but other then that I’m fine.

“I guess in a way you’re right. Where to begin?”
Azura looked annoyed. “Great. Some tragedy tale. Why are you even telling me about you?”
“Well...you told me about you, so I should tell you about me, right?”
Azura never responded. She opted for just sitting on a nearby table.
“Okay, so I was the only child of a metalsmith and carpenter. I met a girl as a kid and later we became lovers.”
Azura rolled her eyes. “Ugh, you’re story is actually a drama, right?”
“It all started with her unexpected death just days after we became lovers.”
The ghost girl sighed. “Yeah yeah, big deal.”
“It was then, my mother left us...and my father began drinking.”
Azura had not remarked again.
“It’s a common story, really. He got drunk, beat me, then ignored me when he was sober. Anyway, he died of drinking too much.” Kaik rubbed the side of his neck. “I got depressed. Tried to kill myself; gave up after my first failure. The library then became my safe haven. It helped me at my lowest.”

It was after the story was said that a sudden noise could be heard in the distance. It sounded like wood breaking. Kaik recalled how odd Djas’s breathing had been.

Did that guy actually get frustrated to such a point? Maybe something else is happening? But that had to be the sound of wood breaking. Perhaps I should just ignore it? Hmm...should we try to finish this up quickly? I don’t think that will calm him down. The dolls will be next.

Azura seemed too preoccupied with her thoughts to have noticed the noises.

Kaik asked, “Azura?”
Azura seemed surprised. “W-what?”

It was useless to convince Azura to pass on, that was made clear to Kaik. With Djas at the tipping point of anger, the ‘negotiations’ could not last any longer. With force not being an option against a ghost, at least to Kaik’s knowledge, compromise was the only option left.

Kaik made sure to keep eye contact with Azura. “Listen, I have a proposal. Now that guy over there seems to be at his wits end, so bad things will probably happen if this isn’t resolved now.”
“Whate-”
“And I know you won’t give up. Okay so I figure, what we came here to do was get rid of you, therefore you simply have to move to another location and just visit the library occasionally, when not a lot of people are around. You look real enough to fool an unsuspecting eye.”
Azura thought for a chime. “I don’t want to leave here.”
“Azura! Listen, if you stay here then they, whoever they may be, will get rid of you by force. This city is filled with plenty of talented magicians, you know this, it’s not hard to imagine one being able to deal with ghosts. So please! Just listen to me!”
Azura thought for another chime. “Hmm, I-...fine. However, you still have promise to uphold. You’re going to figure out a way to let me truly read. I’ll be staying in your home for the time being.”
“Umm...sure. That’s good, I guess. Thank you for accepting my proposal.”
“Yeah yeah.”

Kaik turned around to where he expected Djas to be. It was not out of sense, but of experience. Djas seemed to always be there when he least expected. Kaik also figured the man would use the same route he departed in. When Djas showed himself Kaik spoke up.
Kaik had almost begged Djas to consider his plan. “Please tell me you’re okay with this, Djas. That was the job they gave to us. To just get rid of the ghost staying the library. You’re tired of this, aren’t you? Convincing her won’t work and I doubt fists will do much to her, so let’s just comprise, right?”

OOCI'm a bit worried Azura agreed to Kaik's plan too easily. Though Brandon seems like he'll throw the plan out the window, though he might be too tired of it all to do so.
Also...I think Brandon needs anger counseling.

Boxcode by Yra

[Brandon Blackwing]

x

oocI think Anger needs Brandon Counseling

Upon approaching, Brandon overheard fragments of a conversation-well, it was just Kaik pleading to the ghost- spoken in hurried voices. Well well, it seemed the Dollmaker had gotten nervous from the ruckus the bat had caused, probably fearing for his dear abominations. As such, he was trying to wrap this job up without really actually attempting to resolve the situation. The bat quickened his pace, not allowing either of them to leave until he was satisfied with how things turned out. If that damned ghost was going to be stubborn, then so would he. And they would not like it at all.

“Compromise? Heck no! Convincing might not work indeed,” one thing he had to agree on, “however, convincing is not the only way. I can also try and crush all hopes. Make her lose the will to remain among us.” He smiled a heartless smile filled with ice. “You’re quick to give up since this whole situation doesn’t mean a thing to you. Why did you come here anyway? Because you heard about a little girl, yes. And?” Brandon made an exaggerated expression of “I have no idea”, accompanied by an equally exaggerated shrug. “You’re just here to feel better about yourself. To ‘help’ someone, though you’re really just trying to help yourself.”

He took a deep breath. “I on the other hand, am here for her sake! Because just maybe I can free a wayward spirit of their own misery! Because if I don’t, they would have approached the resident spiritist, who would have removed her by force!”
“I’m right here, you know.”
Brandon ignored her nevertheless. “Tell me, Kaik, what do you know about dealing with ghosts? What do you know about spiritists? Have you spoken to one? No? Thought so. But I have! I know what they can do. Removing this brat is really easy for them –for Lhavit’s resident spiritist. But removing is just the first step. They can capture ghosts. Trap them for as long as they like. Enslave them! You think she’s got it bad now? What about then, huh?”

Another deep breath, and he stroked a lock out of his face. “Yes, I am tired of her. Yes, she annoys the shyke out of me. You both do. But am I going to quit this because of that? Ha! Don’t make me laugh. I’m not as weak as that. I’m going to get her to pass on, one way or another. It’s my duty to do so.”
“Are you done?” Brandon turned to her then, sending a dirty glare her way. “Firstly, your reasons are just as stupid as you make out Kaik’s to be. Secondly, if you truly cared, you’d help me find a way to remember!”
“There is none.”
“But instead you say crap like that, and go on about crushing hope and make me lose the will to remain in this world. You don’t care one bit, you’re just interested in fulfilling this duty of yours!”

Brandon snarled, getting quite annoyed again, though she was right. He usually didn’t care all that much about the ghosts themselves; he was doing this for Dira, which he believed was more than enough. Just as the ends justified the means, so did the end justify the reason for achieving those results. “Perhaps,” he agreed eventually after a brief bit of silence, “Though I’m sure Dira forgives me as long as I get the results she desires.” His gaze hardened then, intensifying as he focused on the apparition. “Well tough luck, I’m not planning on giving you those results. ” She gave a mocking look which only served to infuriate Brandon. “But what you’re going to do about it?” The Kelvic balled his fists, feeling the rage that had been diminished fill up again. “Hit me?”

You know what, that was a good idea. She might believe she was untouchable being an incorporeal spirit, but the thief did not give it any thought. He had hugged ghosts before, so he’d certainly be able to slap them too. Brandon exploded into action, rushing towards the spirit, and before she even noticed, he was right in front of her. His hand moved like lightning, the back of his hand connecting with the side of her face, still passing through the soulmist. It kind of felt as if his hand passed through cold, cold water. Azura blinked away, yelping in pain as the attack cut off some of her mist-like body. “Hurts, doesn’t it? There’s more where that came from!” She quickly blinked a little further away.

Although, this was likely to be a one-time thing, something that had only worked because she’d been caught off guard. The bat dropped his aggressive body language, straightening out of his stance with a shrug. “I could do other things too, you know. Like burning down the entire library, if it’d rid you of a reason to stick around...”
“You wouldn’t!”
“Would I? Or wouldn’t I? You have no idea what I’m capable of.”

x

credit goes to Euthisa

[Kaik Leyr]

Djas did not betray Kaik’s expectations, though Kaik did have a sliver of hope that he would agree with the plan. The Dollmaker crossed his arms and patiently listened to the arrogant man as he questioned his motives for taking on the job.

That same logic could be used for everybody. Is that not the end result of helping people? It makes us feel good to do so. Does that make everyone selfish?

Trying to get a talk common seemed an easier task than ending the situation in a peaceful manner. Djas being the sole reason why nothing good is being done. After Djas was done justifying his own actions he mocked Kaik’s lack of knowledge regarding Spiritism.

It was true the Dollmaker had no previous experience with the subject of Spiritism, but it did not take much to understand what it entailed for those working under the subject. Kaik was somewhat suspicious to Djas’s own knowledge on the subject, given his thoughts on Animation.

Right...you know all about Spiritism, because you talked with a Spiritist. And all this talk coming from the man who thinks I steal and enslave souls. I have to wonder if you know all about Animation becaused you talked with some guy.

Kaik sighed. “You make it seem like every Spiritist plans on hunting down ghosts and enslaving them. And you’re saying ‘can’ quite a bit. People ‘can’ do a variety of things, from murder to magic. They ‘can’ work with willing ghosts and perhaps one day let them pass on with satisfaction, but I guess you’re right, what do I know about Spiritism?” The Dollmaker looked to the direction of his dolls, both of whom sat on the right side of him. Kaik turned Djas’s question back at him in order to prove a point.“What do you know of Animation? Who’d you talk to, to make you think you know how Animation works?”

Djas expressed his determination to make Azura pass on quickly out of duty.

I’m sure you annoy us too, so...the feeling is mutual.

Azura spoke her mind on what Djas said previous. Her words seemed to have won over Djas’s as he only snarled in response.

Kaik agreed on Azura’s standpoint, but hoped the conversation did not get worse. Of course it did end up worse as the ghost mocked and taunted the darked haired man.

Before either Azura or Kaik could react Djas dashed toward the ghost and backhanded her.

Kaik walked in the direction of Azura. In a sarcastic tone Kaik said, “Just petching great! She’s sure to do what you ask now! This part of your ‘make her give up hope’ plan? Because she definitely looks like she wants to give up.” The Dollmaker stopped just outside of the middle of the two. “What was it you said? ‘I cannot force her to do anything’. Well this sure does look like force. I guess that means you actually believe you can get rid of her now.”

He placed his head into his palms after he said what he wanted. Kaik raised his face from his palms when Djas had spoken. What the black haired man said disturbed him greatly. It was not because of his love for the library, nor was it because he realized how Djas had to be more crazy than him. He was reminded of the simple house where he felt he belonged.

Life seemed to have drained from his eyes as he remembered the Animation Studio and its owner, Maeki Cho. Kaik remained still, as if he had been one of his own dolls.

No. I’m letting my grief get to me. Just trying to place the blame on something. It was an accident...but...it all seems too suspicious.

It was not hard for Kaik to imagine Djas burning the studio. It all seemed to line up perfectly. Djas had the motive and what he said seemed too coincidental. There only existed the means of how he would have accomplished it. If it was assumed the fire had been no accident, then the culprit had to be skilled. It was not as if the area was not patrolled by the Shinya and the culprit was able to get out of the area once the Shinya were on alert.

Or maybe it was just luck that the culprit was able to set fire to the studio and get out.

Kaik’s body returned to life, but his eyes remained lifeless. “Yeah, we don’t know what you’re capable of. Still I suggest you give up now. I know you’re quite skilled, better than me at least, but you’ve taken this ‘duty’ of yours too far. If this is what your Goddess wants, then she is just as crazy as you are.” Kaik locked eyes with Djas. “I have to ask...were you the one who burned down the Animation Studio? The home of a lady by the name of Maeki Cho?”

Will he answer honestly? Based on his personality, there’s a chance he will. Still what will do once I know? I don’t know. I just have to know.

OOC"A Small Issue" hmmmm...
Right, 'small' issue.

Boxcode by Yra