[Episode 5] The Warrior, The Wolf, and the Way Back Home

Archives of Occultus Magica's beginnings, ten years prior to the current story.
Kalshion
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Re: [Episode 5] The Warrior, The Wolf, and the Way Back Home

Post by Kalshion »

Sakura grumbled as she gave Riley that 'pouting' expression, her lips parsed and her hands folded into fists down by her side as she stared Riley in the face. "I don't mind green, but why my face!" she continued to grumble. "J-just fix it... please...."
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Straken
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Re: [Episode 5] The Warrior, The Wolf, and the Way Back Home

Post by Straken »

Smiling widely Laoise gently took Tegwyn. "Hello little nestling, Aunty Laoise got yoAAAAH! Ouchouchouch, easy with the hair," Laoise said as Tegwyn wasted no time trying to seemingly try pulling all of Laoise's hair at one time. She did her utmost best to maintain control and keep calm so as to not look bad in front of the others. However, with the main doors now wide open for the others, the view was easy to see by the one man who would likely not hesitate to point out the amusing sight. Laughing a hearty and full laugh Ruarc could not help but find it funny. "The village kids back home always did tried that remember? Seems bird or human, kids still love you," the Irishman thought to his partner, an act that garnered a belligerent "GRAAAA" from the girl.

Ruarc's chuckling mellowed down but still lingered as Percy seemed to be getting into the spirit of the trip, and rather comfortable with Miyuki. "Don't jinx it just yet, Raiko, we're still at the door. Now one of the guys is gonna accidentally end up in the women's bath," Ruarc replied. As the others filed in Ruarc observed and waited before moving on, and the first to approach and speak to him was a rather haggard looking Duncan. After hearing the American's question the Irishman put a reassuring hand on the other's shoulder. "Just a vacation. Hot springs, ping pong tables, milk, that whole gig. Maybe some hiking as well if that's more your thing."

After it seemed that everyone was comfortably ushered inside Ruarc spoke up to once more play the host. "Alright lot, Now that we're all in Ah'll once again thank you all for tagging along, and of course welcome you. It's still kinda early, so take this time unwind from the drive, take a look around, freshen up a bit, that sort of thing. About three hours there will be dinner ready, so before then Ah would personally recommend checkin' out your rooms and trying out the natural hot spring baths. Ladies, Raiko and Laoise can show ya to your rooms; gents, ya better follow me ta ours." As he finished his announcement, he was reminded of something Raiko had made clear that he should point out, just in case.

"And. Pro'ly goes without sayin, but while we're here to relax and have fun, there's still better be no guys peepin' on the ladies, no guys bathin' with the ladies, and no guys sleepin' with the ladies," Ruarc's voice did a pretty good job hiding the annoyed tone he had that could make it seem like he was either personally disappointed by the rules, or the rules were made with him in mind. "So, have fun, but show some decorum." With that, Ruarc waved in arm for the guys to follow him, and leaving Raiko to lead the women down their respective hall.

All the while Ruarc was speaking, Laoise continued to try and calm Tegwyn down and reclaim her hair. She tried cooing, she tried swaying, but nothing yet had worked. To try and distract herself she decided to focus on Coco. "I'd be happy to show you OW around, Coco. After a bath first of course, it'll be fun, and I've been wanting to go in with other friends as well besides just Raiko. What do you think?"
CadetNewb
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Re: [Episode 5] The Warrior, The Wolf, and the Way Back Home

Post by CadetNewb »

Though she listened to Laoise talk, she couldn't help staring in horror.

"No, you mustn't!" Coco loudly declared to the Baby-Goddess. Arms up high in the air and crossed in an X, she went on, "A grown girl's hair is everything! Without it, we'd look absolutely horrible!," she dramatically explained, exaggeratedly holding her own pigtails up. "And if we look horrible, we can't get any boys to pay attention to us - that's why our hair is a girl's everything! No hair, no boys! It needs to be kept neat and styled, and it can't be kept neat and styled if it's being tugged on, so you mustn't tug on it!" the little lich appealed to her. Holding still as the baby was briefly awestruck by the flourished display, she gave Laoise her own thanks, "That's great - I'd really look forward to it!"

Naturally, she had no idea what the baby would do next - Coco dropped the ball and focused on thanking the Bird Girl for the offer with a smile.

As all this happened, Duncan merely took in what Ruarc had to say. All the vim and vigor he showed not too long ago seemed to hemorrhage out of the boy, especially after he was out of sight of the girls in the 'guys-only' group. "Really. It's not some attempt to do something? Like, get us all together and tell us there's something threatening the world?" he asked, the surprised seriousness in his voice still somehow mocking as it was asked. "Well, that's a nice change of pace I guess," the American boy admitted. Pausing for a bit, and scratching his chin, he mused over something and finally brought it forward to the other guys now that all the girls were gone. "This is a Japanese onsen or whatever, right? So, when do we peek on the girls?" Duncan asked with a grin only he could muster.
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Kokuten
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Re: [Episode 5] The Warrior, The Wolf, and the Way Back Home

Post by Kokuten »

Well, that little bit didn't go over will with Miyuki, so Percy, being the awkward boy he was, let her go with the other girls along with Laoise. He hung back a bit, now freed of child and burden, and eventually fell in with the other fellows. With a short glance, he checked up on Tegwyn as the dove tried to calm the baby down. He opened his mouth for a moment, and almost uttered something to help out the white-haired girl, but stopped. Was what he was going to say something profound that the child would understand? Would he growl something low like Aurus to put her in line, or speak softly like Zulan to calm her into a gentle state? Was there a special connection between the two that only the little one could understand?

Of course not, Tegwyn was a child-god, there's no abating that sort of self-entitlement. The baby continued to hold and tug on Laoise's hair, eventually getting a bit of it in her mouth. Those delicate strands got slobbered up good.

Good luck, Laoise, said Percival, as if saluting a hero to the battalion.

Then, he turned his attention Duncan, and saw the Yank was already trying to come up with some little scheme like he always did. Already, Percival was annoyed, and joining Duncan and Ruarc in their plots. When he approached, he put on a very knowledgeable air, letting his proper British accent carry a notion of authority.

"You think you're going to get away a few clouts to the skull, Duncan? Every one of those girls are Mages, Laoise included. You will be lucky to walk away with ashes between your legs," the Caxton boy said, straitening his tie the best he could with one hand, while still carrying a Knightly demeanor.
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Gwathdraug
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Re: [Episode 5] The Warrior, The Wolf, and the Way Back Home

Post by Gwathdraug »

Riley let herself be ushered inwards and while she was moving forward the girl grabbed Sakura by the shoulders and dragged her along.

“It took me hours ta' get everything looking that good y'know?” The young magician asked as she took her free hand and covered the other girl's entire face with the gloved appendage. A little tap of her fingers and a big smile later and the girl quickly pulled back revealing Sakura's face completely clean.

Pulling back from the archer as they stopped inside the building Riley haphazardly listened to Ruarc's 'Host Speech' while she mostly busied herself with looking around the place and admiring the artistry of it all.

As Ruarc began to run out of steam and the group seemed to be clearly splitting in to the Alstad girl took one look over to where Coco was grabbing at her head like a maddened shrike and shouting about hair before shaking her head vigorously and sending her own short crop of head covering airborne for a few seconds.

Waving at Sakura, Riley grinned at the other girl. “Lemme know if'n you change yah mind on tha' whole face art thing – oh, an' don't go and get ate by them alright!” As she finished talking the stage magician pulled a silly frown across her face and gestured towards the rest of the girls.

Racing off to follow the rest of guy group Riley caught up with them all when they were mid conversation. With a confident shout of, “Ha!” followed by a poke to Percy's spine the young magician peered from out behind her currently Watson-shaped piece of cover and cracked a huge grin at everyone.

“What'ya all cowardin' about? I can promise yah it'll only end up a problem if'n we all get caught!”
Kalshion
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Re: [Episode 5] The Warrior, The Wolf, and the Way Back Home

Post by Kalshion »

Although Sakura was grateful to have a nice clean face again, she still wasn't entirely thrilled to have had the writing on her face to begin with. The young archer followed the group into the house, although she still wasn't entirely sure 'what' was going on, so she choose to just stay quiet and not say a word and followed quietly behind Riley, as if unsure about the girl or perhaps she was just to nervous to really say a word.

Behind her, the bat that had followed the limo to the house carefully made its way over the house and landed on a tree, hiding itself within the branches and curiously watching for any signs of activity.
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Kai
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Re: [Episode 5] The Warrior, The Wolf, and the Way Back Home

Post by Kai »

Miyuki was simply stunned by what Percy had said. It sort of shut her down for probably a lot longer than it should have, as her mind suddenly went into overdrive trying to process a correct response. Truthfully, the phrase thrilled her, and at once she wanted to go along with it and be Percy's Girlfriend... But on the other hand she was utterly terrified. Did that mean his attitude had changed somehow? Was he suddenly more brazen, perhaps this was just the beginnings of a change that she wouldn't like! and if she committed, well, the results could be horrifying. But then again, perhaps he had just simply gotten over his nerves! then everything would have been great. Or, perhaps, the reason he had been so quiet, and then made a show about his feelings, was that perhaps to make up for something wrong he had done? Certainly, Percy wasn't the kind of boy to do something, but then again, perhaps he had done something inadvertently! But no! That couldn't be it---

Miyuki's mind continued spinning, and she was barely aware of what was going on. Her eyes were practically rolling around in their sockets, and she didn't resist a moment when Raiko gently grabbed her by the bicep, and tugged her along with the girls. "Don't think too hard over it, Micchan" Raiko softly asked Miyuki. "We've got all weekend to relax and figure it out" she pointed out. As the passed Laoise, she nudged the dove-turned-girl with her hip, and pointed over at Riley and Sakura with her free hand. "You've got a few lost kittens going the wrong way over there, don't let them get too far."
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Straken
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Re: [Episode 5] The Warrior, The Wolf, and the Way Back Home

Post by Straken »

Laoise seemed somewhat perplexed by Coco's sudden, and oddly placed, enthusiasm and the familiar felt almost inspired by the sheer amount of energy the cloth golem gave off; it was almost enough to make her want to grab a sword and find her father's killer, though she lacked a sword and her father likely ended up a an appetizer for an Irish farmer. When Coco finished up her tirade Laoise would have clapped lightly if not for the fussy infant, but it did alleviate some of the stress Tegwyn seemed so skilled at building up. As much a she wanted to keep her cool so as to maintain a positive image, her nerves were wearing thin, so upon hearing of a couple of trouble makers she showed her first signs of being annoyed. Not quite in a position to handle it herself, she figured it would be best to let Ruarc handle things lest she end up snapping. "Hey Ruarc! Some of our runts got mixed in with your runts," Laoise told Ruarc mentally while venting some of her stress in a way that didn't effect important opinions of her.

Heaving a heavy sigh, Laoise had an idea that could potentially help her situation. "Alright pigeon egg, behave why don't ya?" she said before clearing her throat. In a soft tone the girl began to hum, and that hum grew into a gentle song. Continuing to lead the others to their room, she rocked the infant gently from side to side in her arms as her song filled the air. Others who might hear the song would start to feel very relaxed and peaceful as Laoise's serene voice weaved a warm magic into her words.
"Better be happy kid, I was going to wait for a better time to sing to the others."

Heading the other direction towards the men's side, Ruarc just hung his head after hearing from Laoise, and in the back of his mind wondered why he was blessed with having to deal with both sides of the bird while everyone else only had one; the nice side at that. Looking back over his shoulder lazily, he sure enough confirmed the presence of two who should not be there. Coming to a halt, the tallest member of the group turned on his heel and walked over to Riley and Sakura. Looking down at the girls he gave them a blank stare that showed a definite lack of amusement in the matter. "Tomboys, believe it or not, are still in fact girls," Ruarc said matter-of-factually just before grabbing both girl by the back of their shirts, picking them both up, turning them around, setting them down, and then finally giving them a nudge in the right direction.

"Don't worry Riley, there will be plenty of time to hang out later on, but for now, go with your own gender," Ruarc told the girl as his eyes were now stern and his hands found places at his waist. Using his height and stature, he puffed his chest and widened his shoulders to look authoritative.

Knowing that the matter likely is not finished with those two, Ruarc turns back to lead his own group the rest of the way. "Duncan, Percy has a point. This is hardly the group to attempt something so cliche," the Irishman said as he reclaimed his spot leading the pack, though his stern facade dropped slightly as he looked over to the American and giving a devilish grin. "That said, Ah may or may not 'ave found a couple spots that look out over the women's baths, ya know, so I can keep an eye on them an' make sure no one is trying to peep."

After a bit more walking for either group, they reached their respective rooms. With either host opening the sliding doors wide, the groups would see very spacious and ornate tatami mat rooms. Stepping off to the side, Ruarc welcomed the guys in, and Laoise welcomed the women. The guys room sported a scenic balcony, among other things, that presented a fantastic vista of the rolling winter mountainsides; and the women's room boasted a walk-out patio that sat next to a koi pond and a small waterfall.
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Kokuten
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Re: [Episode 5] The Warrior, The Wolf, and the Way Back Home

Post by Kokuten »

Tegwyn's teeth chewed gingerly on Laoise's hair, as if it were some kind of angel hair pasta hanging from her head. When the dulcet tones of the dove-girl's voice came into play, though, the energetic child began to calm down. She squirmed a bit, hair still in her mouth til the point she fell to a more quieted state, and at that, the white strands were free from her. The child let the soothing voice rock her all the way to sleep, which had her curling up very closely to the girl. Occasionally she would kick, very lightly, or perhaps show a disgusted face, one that would expect her father's face to show, if he had a face. Thankfully, the precocious little god was quieted, and even better pacified, Laoise had appeased her well.

Percival, on the other hand, free of having to take care of the baby, chaperone Riley, attend Miyuki, and keep the guys in check, felt positively energized. He did appreciate the company of others, but it wasn't until now that he realized that he missed a bit of his alone time. He was free of a hospital bed, physicians, and nosy officials. Now, he was with other boys his age, with only their own morality to restrain him. Despite the facts of responsibility, he felt much more like an adult with this kind of freedom, especially as he entered into the pleasant room.

Yet, when he walked into the room, being greeted by Ruarc, he entered it like a businessman would enter a hotel. He tugged at his tie, loosening the hold it had on his neck until the collar was loosely spread. Then, he began to unbutton his jacket, and then his vest underneath, as he did so he looked at the others.

"So, how are we doing this," asked Percival, looking for his luggage while setting his vest and coat onto edge of a small table, leaving him in his dress shirt, which also had the left sleeve tied into a knot. His free had played with the knot on his tie, his eyes, cold and calculating, "The two of you have already made up your minds, so I might as well join you."
CadetNewb
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Re: [Episode 5] The Warrior, The Wolf, and the Way Back Home

Post by CadetNewb »

Smug was a byproduct of humanity, one that threatened to change the fabric of space and time itself!

And off of Duncan, this foul miasma was wafting off in waves. In Japan, there was that classical cliché of guys peeking into the girl's hot spring - that trope had been played with all across history! Sometimes it was played straight, with the guys doing just that. Sometimes the girls would cleverly foil every single attempt the boys would make! And even rarer still, the classic was completely and utterly turned on its head as the girls tried to peek in on the guys - bottom line, there just wasn't an onsen in Japan without peeking! The smile he had on his face was one of utter amusement and victory, the smug practically engulfing the room as the American boy clasped the shoulders of his accomplices. 'I knew you guys had some awesome stashed somewhere in you both,' his smile smirked to the two. Real men simply didn't need to speak - their HOT BLOODED PASSION was all that was needed! Riley would have no clue what was conspiring here.

Meanwhile, Coco kept pace with the others, the lot of them completely oblivious to the machinations of the boys.They'd reason that, after all, none of them had it in them, right? And even if Duncan was to try it, the others would stop him. Wouldn't they?

This was the farthest thing from Coco's mind, though the others might have worried about it - instead, the little girl madly waved an arm at the two black sheep of their little herd. "Hey girls!" she energetically shouted. Before she could say much more however, Coco simply stared at Laoise as she sang to the Baby-Goddess. The little lich kept pace, eyes wide as saucers and glittering with light as the older girl wove and spun her song. Just when it ended, she cheered, "Wow Laoise! That was awesome -I wish I could do that! Have you considered trying to be an Idol here in Japan?" the Mahou Shoujo Zombie excitedly asked. "You could be an Exotic Beauty from Another Land who just happens to Be Into Otaku Culture! It'd be a brilliant campaign to conquer Japan, as they'd all Listen to Your Song!"

"Nobody would be able to withstand firepower of that magnitude!" Coco mischievously schemed in her own little world, eagerly rubbing her hands together.
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