Legends of Another Word [Original RP Story by Sephiroth503]

Syrn watched in concerned horror as Shumino transformed into something completely different. He was going to need to be fast to dodge whatever Alexi or Shumino decided to throw at him. His eyes glowed a bright blue and his hands formed into claws as white fur covered his entire body. Bones crackled and cracked as they grew and shifted shape until Syrn was no longer in his human form but was no a giant fox. He thew Mama Juju, who was conscious enough from the terrible roar to grip onto his fur. The fox then picked Rhiannon up with his mouth to carry her.

Meanwhile, the unconscious Rhiannon heard a whisper of a voice inside her head. Shumino? And at his finally words of WAKE UP, she knew something was up and tried to make her body wake up. It was weak enough that it took a ton of energy to open one eye. She felt ill from nausea and pain beyond belief... She could feel the fire of Shumino's blood coursing through her veins as hers still coursed through through his giving him more power despite whether or not it was against her will. Her hand felt around and managed to touch the paper. And with a whisper to carry the spell, Rhiannon kissed the spell and sent all the rest of her energy with it to carry it out before her world went back to black...

Shumino stood there breathing in the menacing armor. Alexi stood amused till he caught wind of the spell. "You little piece of... still having something like that!" He raised a hand to attack Rhiannon from inside his barrier but Shumino suddenly jumped, or warped by the speed he just showed and slammed his fist into the barrier. Cracks formed all across tit and Alexi, for once looked like someone took the air out of him. "I'll be damned. You def got stronger since being a murderous child... but this". He lowered his hand "well I have wheat I want, i'll let him mop up here, tat ta~". he casted another teleport spell and was gone.

The demon in front of them let out another roar as the golems started to move towards him. He moved his head slightly and in an instant was in front of one, sending his hand through it's armor as if it was paper mache. He then sent in his other hand and ripped the golem in two. As he did so one of the golems hit him with a fireball exploding on him sending him back. He got up letting smoke just settle. He then started to run at the golem and when it launched another he grabbed the fireball before the strike and sent it back. in the smoke of the explosion when contact was made he grabbed it's massive blade and cleaved it's arm off, then leg and before hitting the ground it's head. the third golem started a casting but Shumino threw the blade as if it weighed nothing and it hurled in the Golems chest and stckk with a sickening thud. He then let darkness show a physical form as it escaped his body. It turned rigid and into spikes which hurled into the same golem. Each spot started to decay it, as decades passed in mere seconds till it fell motionless. He started running a the forth and jumped to attack but the golem caught him with a fist and slammed him to the ground. It followed it with a huge wind up punch once, twice, three, four and a fifth. It then packed him up and threw him. A fifth golem joined and together the started shooting spell after spell at him, each exploding on impact.the stopped and stood there. A roar was heard again and Shumino shot out of the smoke and slammed to the ground in front of them and Ice shot out of the ground impaling them both with large spikes almost as wide as their chests. the sixth cam from behind and went to start it's assault but was caught short as shumino slammed his fist into it's chest, holding it there. From in between the tips of his horns darkness swirl into a ball. Soon it blasted forth with terrifying force, leaving literally nothing below just where he was holding the golem. He dropped it and warped to the 7th landing on his chest around the shoulders. He grabbed under it's helmet and started to tear it's head off by brute force. The creaking of the metal began to sound as the golem was becoming frantic. It started to swing it's sword but it was too late as Shumino ripped it clean off. he then made the ground come to his hand as a pike and shoved it down the top. He lept off and warped at the 8th as it tried to also hit him he knocked the strike away. He then kicked it which made the almost 800 pound golem lift off the ground. he then jumped and slammed bot fists into it to knock it to the ground on it's back. He landed on it's chest and savagely punched it in the helmet, over and over, and over. He didn't stop till what was there was almost unrecognizable then a bloody mess with metal pieces.

The monster that used to be their ally stood up. Blood covered his armor from the enemies. His fists where covered and dripping in some of the gore. His eyes fixed on syrn. They where black with red coloring where the green eyes they knew used to be, his powers still growing even higher. This was the monster that killed everyone in his town, his friends, his family. All all of Gelvia, his home. It let out a roar towards them and with one push was almost instantly in front of Syrn, his fist poised to strike and closing towards Rhiannon's head... but about 6 inches before it could hit it stopped like it hit an invisible brick wall.. The monster looked as if struggling to continue the assault but it couldn't. A mark started to shine against his armor all across his chest similar to the one Alexi took away. A similar one showed on Rhiannon... The monster was... bound

Syrn growled deep in his throat and backed up as Alexi approached to make an attack. He was prepared to do what he needed to do in order to ensure his precious cargo's protection even if that mean sacrificing himself. Thankfully yet unfortunately, Shumino the monster got in the way and stopped him. Alexi, while out of breath, was satisfied just with the book and finally made a run for it too, thinking Shumino would just take care of the rest of them. He watched at Shumino went ballistic on the ogres and practically turned them to mush. It was hard to tell whether he killed just a few ogres or hundreds of people. Slowly and quietly, he was backing away all the while, waiting for the barrier to go away so he could make an escape. But before he could make his move when the last ogre became mush, Syrn found himself face to face with Shumino. Syrn growled low and deep in his throat. And as he turned to take the full blow, Syrn was surprised to find that no pain came. His blue eyes looked at Shumino up and down in shock, but then he noticed the symbol pulsing on his armor. Was it a seal?

Rhiannon, meanwhile, let out a little whimper as an unfamiliar heat pulsed against her chest. Her world was black, but in that darkness light started to come... the light of memories and dreams. She saw visions of her and Syrn playing in the snow as kids while one of the nuns tried to wrangle them in, her Atlas family celebrating her return from a mission, sharing a secret kiss with Syrn as a child because they both wanted to know what it was like... her initial meeting with Shumino... She saw dreams of seeing her family happy and causing a raucous together, Shumino smiling and actually being there, Shumino also trying drag awkwardly for the first time with Syrn, and so much more. She had so many dreams and felt her heart eager for more to share with them... all of them. Shumino... I wanna go home... Her small voice echoed with whatever remaining connection she had to him. Lets go home... I want pocket pizzas... and a cheeseburger... Her eyes drifted open and stared at him... All she saw was darkness, so she was not completely there... Her usually bright lively eyes were blank yet glowing as they stared listlessly into his. Please can we go home now? I'm so tired...

The monster stood the there. Blood dripping from the clenched fist stopped in time. The energy that almost seemed limit-less stopped. -Home?- The beast tried to make sense of this word. -.... home?- the concentration of darkness seemed confused, which meant it was losing grasp. The energy started to drop as rapidly as it rose. The wound in his abdomen started to bleed through the armor. The demon was holding him together, now all bets where off. His hand dropped and it looked like it was still taking a second. He stepped towards the and suddenly a teleportation circle went around them all. The spell was at least 3 circles deep, meaning they where going far. He was amassing a lot of energy to the spell even with ho fast he was losing the rest. His armor began to chip away in places slowly and his wings where receding to the point they where gone. one thought echoed out -Home- and then they vanished.

When they came to the destination it was a very light landing. The energy used was huge. They where definitely not on the same continent. by the sky, not mention a 3 tier course for teleportation was not for any short trips. They where in almost the middle of a town. Though the buildings where damaged and broken. Overgrown with vines and nature. Clearly no one has lived here for a very long time. Shumino started up the broken cobblestone road. Teetering back and forth. His arms now swaying, a limp starting to form, drops of blood hitting the ground. He was moving towards a house on top of the hill, by the edge of the cliff. The house had lights on as it as the sun was slowly starting to set, smoke coming from it's chimney. Across the road was a feil that went to the cliff. Filled with gravestones and two distinct ones at the base of a very large cherry blossom tree that sat on the cliffs edge. He kept going slowly losing all steam. The armor falling off his body showing the damaged man underneath. The tendrils holding the leg where coming undone as was the arm. He was about 3 forth. of the way before he outstretched an arm, then with his leg giving out he collapsed and everything went black... However a figure could be seen in the window of the house.

Syrn shook his head after the teleportation and let out a rough sigh. His blue eyes took a glance around at their new surroundings in wonder. Where were they? They were certainly not at home. It was clear to see--- the trees and plants were different. The air also smelled different. Syrn resolved to stay cautious as he followed Shumino slowly up the hill. This was mostly because of their surroundings but also because he didn't completely trust whatever happened would protect them again if Shumino changed.

It wasn't long before Shumino passed out at the house on the top of the hill. Letting out another rough sigh, Syrn placed Rhiannon down next to him and helped ease Mama Juju down to ground too. Then with the crack of bones and shedding of a mountain of hair, the fox spirit returned to his human form. "I'm going to go find some help. You stay with them and rest," he said before leaving Mama Juju and the other two. Since the house seemed to be the closest and most stable thing in the area, he figured he would try there first. He waved his hand and gave himself some proper pants and shoes as he walking too. This also gave him the chance to tuck away his hand in a pocket to keep his claw secretly ready just in case someone decided to attack.

Knock! Knock! "Hello? Is anyone there? We're in need of some help," Syrn said as he tried to peek through the window while still knocking on the door. "Heellloooo!"

A haggard old man swung the door open "What the hell is someone yelling at the door for..." He took a minute and looked at the man. "A facking spirit, welcome to a dead town dumbass! Now go away!" he went to close the door but saw that just past th sassy spirit layed a man. He quickly opened the door fully again and pushed Syrn away. "Shu... that stupid son of..." He quickly started down the road towards the man. "You want to make yourself useful you underdressed sasser then come help me get him and your people into the house now!"

Syrn was caught off guard by the sassy old man. "Look! It's been a rough day, old timer!" He snapped a little feeling a little frustrated for being called out for his wardrobe. He growled a little under his breath and followed the old man to the group. "I'll get the two dead weights if you'll help Mama Juju. I don't want you straining your back," he said as he picked up Shumino and took him inside the old house. He took a moment to glance around and found a bed big enough for two. Carefully, Syrn placed Shumino on the bed then went back out to get Rhiannon--- which he took great care to change her from his shirt to a modest dress at least. He then picked her up and placed her on the same bed next to Shumino. Frowning at the sight of them sharing a bed together like this, Syrn took the pillows on the bed and built a little barrier between them. He then looked around for more stuff to put between them. The behavior was certainly odd for anyone that knew Syrn and his risque ways.... But Mama Juju was preoccupied with the old man who seemed to know Shumino to notice. Besides, she didn't see what Syrn saw when he was carrying Rhiannon into the house. A low growl issued from his throat as he started stuffing a blanket between them, making sure Rhiannon was well covered.

"So how do you know our... friend?" Mama Juju asked the old man as her age was beginning to show itself again, so she was not using up unnecessary power.

"Oh we all want to know this and that now huh. Damn free loaders". He looked at Shumino and his face went grim. "Your a damn idiot kid. You must have let it out huh.... atleast there are people living." The old man picked up Shumino grunting and started hauling him to a door being very careful not to hit damaged limbs. "He is going to require more care you can give. We will be in the kitchen, DO NOT come in". he started in and put him on a table as blood kept dripping from the body. before he closed the door he looked at the group "Use what you need to from my medical supplies. There are more upstairs. As for not coming in here that I issue, and the owner of this house even if he is about dead on his own kitchen table. SO don't try no mtta what you here". he closed the door before a low audible "14 years and this is how you come back".

Mama Juju nodded in understanding at the old man, respecting his wishes. Though, she prepared herself mentally to do what she needed to do if Shumino came to harm. Meanwhile, Syrn grumbled something under his breath, thinking thoughts that only he would understand at the moment.

After the old man left for the kitchen and closed the door, Syrn let out a sigh and rubbed his temples. "I'll take care of healing Rhiannon, Mama," he said softly before he went to the shelf of medical supplies. He failed to reveal to Mama Juju that Rhiannon had used her blood melding technique with Shumino. He had only experienced as well as seen her use such magic once before when they were children. She had never used so much power as an adult. Now she was showing unusual symptoms that he was sure if even he could cure...

"Damnit..." Not finding what he thought would work, Syrn picked the limp Rhiannon up off the bed and took her upstairs, so then he could at least have the opportunity to examine her properly and in private to see if what he saw was really what it was.

The night went on.. screams of agony could be heard coming from the Kitchen, sometime not even human sounding. Also snippets of the old man could be he heard "Damn foo, quite ya bitchin!" "Stop moving ya mangled douff" hours went by but he finally opened the kitchen door a crack, just enough to get out and closed the door behind him. He had blood on his shirt and a few places around him. He looked at Mama Juju and sighed. He went to a cabinet and grabbed a large bottle of alcohol and one... two small glasses and sat at the table where they where. He poured into both and grabbed one, sliding the other towards her. "That boy... his bones have been set. The leg and arm will need to not move for awhile. The ribs where shattered, almost all. Lung punctured, liver punctured and heavy internal bleeding". He took the whole glass down in a swig and poured another. "Didn't know if he would make it through the procedure, he is resting but no one should go see him. He needs to heal and this aint no way normal people do". He took a another big gulp and poured a third. "now listen, he brought you all here, I got no clue why but he aint of the trusting type. But not seeing him for 14 years and he come here like this. I only can tell he has trust or something with y'all.". He set his glass on the table with it in his hand still and looked out the window. "Him coming back to Gelvia after this long... it can't bode well at all huh". his eyes had worry in them even if he did seem bitter

Mama Juju merely smirked as her hand catch the glass with elderly grace. "You'll hav' to blame one of me chil'n for th'at one, son," she said casually as she pointed towards the stairs. She chuckled a little and tossed back the contents in the glass in one shot. "She don't really know how to tak' no for an answer." She chuckled and poured them both another glass. "So we're in Gelvia, huh? Been many years since this one has been to Gelvia," she muttered, taking another shot. "Alexi, that bastard... h'e'll get whatsa comin to 'im."

Syrn continued mending Rhiannon with herbal salves and a small pain reliever with a sleeping aid so she could recover her power naturally. He examined her and was grumbling angrily at what he discovered. How could she have been so foolish?! And how the hell was he going to break the news to her? He sighed and shook his head...

"Alexi huh... Might be needing something stronger if that's what happened". Hi picked up his glass and tossed it back, poured another. "It's been a long time since I drank... the last time was the day he left, after the accident. that dumbass brings it out ya'know. But I worry, I know I can do the healin, because I studied. I am a healer by trade. It's how I know the direness he is in. But I know a little extra too". He poured the next one looking at Mama Juju dead in the eye. "What he did to spare y'all was he bound himself. I am guessin to the young lady, and that aint no thing to take lightly". He finished pouring and set the bottle down. "no it aint a small thing. He was bound to that thing... Alexi. It stopped him from ra... getting carried away l-like he did then. but it aint just to stop. No-no. It is to bind. They gots a fate now if not before. He has put his life on line, he put his life on her". He downed the glass. "That child in the kitchen. I dont think he like me sayin all about him here but, ya'know... even after what he has done, I know he aint bad. He struggles like a bird in a storm. he trying to soar and be free but he dont get that chance. Not since he came here as a baby, not since his parents... rest their souls.. took him in". He pulled back onother and the bottle already emptied. He got up now showing intoxicated bent and picked another one out of the cupboard. He stood up and sighed. "Ya know it's lonely since this town was taken out. Their was life ya'know. this was a nice place. He has it on his soul an heart what he did. He not to blame... no he not. now from what I see in there he still fightin. still strugglin because that heart, no matter it carry demon blood or whateva since I know he aint just that that. But no... he hold on his heart what he did, the fact he bound himself to another after what I am sure he gone through was almost like that day. He aint just healing his body in there, no he need to heal more than that. He need to heal his heart, he need more than I can fix". He poured the glass while standing and filled Mam Juju's glass too. "no... that boy... he needs something I... I don't think anyone but who he puts his life for can give..."

Mama Juju merely smiled and raised her glass to the old man as he spoke. "By the sme'll of the herbs, I could tell you was a healer. I'm a voodoo witch doctor by trade and necromancer by specialty," she explained as she slung back the shot he poured for her. "I could sense his dire need for healin in more than one way... Unfortunately, my skills did not go far in the healin of his part'icalar wounds." She sighed and shook her head, not because of the alcohol but from feeling defeated by Alexi being able to get away and not being able to help Shumino. "And if what you say be true, then that would make sense as to how we got here. Rhiannon is persis'ent when it comes to hav'ing her way, so I'm not su'prised she gain'd his trust. And I'd rather her than anyone else. Chil' is strong and has more power than she even knows about be'cause she is a'fraid to use it.... Damn but bless'd nuns..." She drank more with the old man and grinned fondly as he recalled how lively Gelvia used to be. "I remember it well..." She sipped her drink and looked at the old man and smiled confidently, raising her glass to the man. "If he needs some'thin else, I'm sure my chil' will fig'ure it out and help him. She is very good at that. I believe she adopted him already as family. Heh heh heh! She didn't give him much choice!" She laughed and clinked her glass against his and took another shot.

Shumino? Shuuuuuuuumiiinnooo? Can you hear me? Rhiannon's small voice called out in the darkness, wondering if they were still linked. She was too numb to feel if his heated blood was coursing through her veins still. Shumino. Are you all right?

"Well you cant just go and heal one of demon blood ya'know. No, it needs something more, especially his blood". He took the next shot down. "That boy... he aint got family, no more. He knows darkness better than anyone... even a necromancer. and he aint just gonna change like tha tide. However maybe... if he ad a new family, a life worth ta live he'd heal... I just dont know if ya child there can even do that though". He took another drink back.

The space was dark, as if almost empty. There was no call back, no answer from the never ending abyss. There was even the maddening laughter or anything from whatever lashed out before. just empty, black loneliness. It almost seemed as if the words themselves got swallowed.... but suddenly, very faintly there was something, someone talking... no wispering maybe. "I... I am so sorry" there appeared a light, dim as could be as if a streetlight in the distance on a foggy night. "I should have kept running"

"I know... But I figures at least get him part way, so his body can do the rest. Ah well...," Mama Juju looked up at the ceiling and sighed. "I know it'll take time... But, I like the chil'. He is good despite the bad juju in him. I'm sure my girl chil' will help or she'll try till she can't try no more. She's a strong willed one. She's the one who found him... They saved each other too. They been saving each other. She don't leave his side when he tries to push her away, and he stands to protect her from harm... I think if anything their fates will certainly be interesting stories to be told in legends." She took another shot and sighed. "This stuff is good, man."

Run? What do you mean? Rhiannon asked she came closer to the dim light of their intertwined minds. Shumino... We're all alive and safe as near as I can tell. There's nothign to be sorry for.

"it is... shame I drink though cuz I know he may not make it". he grabbed the bottle and took a swig rather than pour. "though you mus promise a thing. No blood magic here, this aint a place to brig up the past. Aint no place he should be. Aint nothin he should be coming to where he killed his own family at... nor others... that could kill any man no matter who be working hard to save."

"I... should have kept running. I should have kept running". Stabbing memories jolted as if flashes. Blood, bodies, crying, screaming, it all jolted on after another. The space itself shifted in jolts too, showing the town, the sceneray change from a gory mess, to serene with people and back to what it was when he arrived. Then jolted them meeting, the memory of him feeling at peace for the first time in so very long. The smile he gave. "I am so sorry... so very sorry, no one deserved it". A flash pinged of the screams, the emotions that came with each memory was as if amplified. The people he saw dead at the town when Alexi showed up and asking for the book. "I am so sorry. I dont belong, I know I cant be forgiven... so very sorry". The pings of memories shot through like a blinding light. he was remembering every life in which he took on that day, the happiness he killed, the happiness he felt he did not deserve that day he saved Rhiannon, the sincerity he felt when they helped. "Why? why, why, why!.... I don't know why... I dont. I dont deserve forgiveness". and in the light was Shumino, looking like he just before he took everyone away. Sitting on the ground holding his legs with his buried in them.

"Well, thankfully, we have a gay fox spirit who likes to make disguises by hand and magic to help keep his presence 'ere under the wraps," Mama Juju replied, glancing at the old man. "And we promise, no blood magic. The only one who can do it anyways is upstairs passed out."

The flashes of memory nearly blinded Rhiannon and made the sensory ground beneath her feet shake. It was almost overwhelming with all the memories that were coming from her friend. "Shumino..." Rhiannon looked at her friend with sorrow on her face. He was blaming himself for everything, including the things that were beyond his control. Walking towards him, clad in nothing but a lavender sleeveless dress, she bent down in front of him and placed a gentle hand on his weary head. "Shumino, you need to forgive yourself first. What happened today with Alexi was beyond your control. It would have happened anyways and probably much worse if you had not been there to help Mama Juju, Syrn, the rest of the Atlas teams, and myself fight long enough to evacuate as many townsfolk as possible. Alexi probably would have already destroyed most of this world if you didn't steal the book like you did..." She sighed and gently brushed his hair with her fingers. "Remember when I told you that you cannot keep carrying this burden yourself anymore? Well, it still stands. You need to share the load and forgive yourself more everyday because I know and I'm sure everyone else sees that you're trying to atone for what happened so long ago. In fact, I'm very sure your parents forgive you too and still love you. That's what family does... They forgive each other. But no one can give you forgiveness properly if you keep shutting them out--- you need to forgive yourself first. I can help you carry the burden of your sins, but I can't make you forgive yourself, Shumino. That's all on you." A soft smile formed on Rhiannon's lips as she continued to squat in front of her friend's knees with her chin casually resting in her knee propped hand while she continued to gentle and soothingly caress his hair with her fingers, trying to ease some of the tension out of his head.

"We just ave to play it by ear". He said looking at the door. "he can only take it from here"

When touched the imagine of the demon that showed up that day flashed "DON'T!!" He tightened the grip on himself. "I could have... could have stopped it. I should have worn that necklace. I could have not hurt anyone". The flashes continued and now they included the faces of the people... his mom, his dad that he had when he lived in the house they where in. "I wasn't theirs... they cared, I killed. I am a monster". He tightened the grip more and the surrounding got darker as did the already dim light. "I should have kept running... kept running with the book. No one would have been hurt... no would have been hurt". the light started to kind of flicker. "how can anyone help me carry these sins? I..I..cant"

"Indeed... Same for her..." Mama Juju added in agreement.

Rhiannon let out a sigh and shook her head. "Who is to say the necklace would have stopped it, Shumino? You were just a child!! Even my power were all out of wack as a child!! Even with the cross in my hair!!" She frowned as he continued to not listen to her words and more faces and painful memories kept popping up. So finally, Rhiannon decided to take drastic measures into her own hands. "Argggh!!" Suddenly, the small witch grabbed Shumino by the shoulders, tackling him to the ground and pinning him there. Keeping a firm grip on his arms, Rhiannon's eyes began to glow bright once again beneath her furrowed brow, meaning she meant business. "You look at me, Shumino, right now and you listen well." Her grip on his arms tightened as she basically brought her face forward to where they were touching nose to nose. "You, sir, cannot single handedly stop people from getting hurt. As for the book? Who's to say I couldn't have stolen it  before you if you weren't where you were at that time and place to intercept me or that crazy chick?... Alexi would have hurt people one way or another whether or not you were there. That is what he does. You saved lives today, Shumino. And what happened in the past is in the past. You need to atone for those sins by making better of your future and living a life of goodness, happiness, and love. You know why? Because you're living for all those people--- and those are the lives they would have lead. So you live out your life for them to make up for what they are missing. And you know how someone can help carry that burden is by letting you tell them your darkest secrets and still care and be by your side. They can also help you on this road by helping you finding whatever brings you so much happiness that your heart might burst." A slight smile broke her stern look as she continued to look Shumino dead in the eye. "Got it?"

"the child like Shumino vanished from her grasp and adult version showed up behind her. "I... I live for them?" He looked at his hands. "I... I dont know love, happiness or whats good. I know... I know I failed them. I know, cant atone:. He turned his back to her. "But... but you think... think they would forgive me if I tried?" He dropped his head and his hands. "You think they would have.. have said that?". He let a tear fall from his cheek, making an echoing sound in the emptiness. "You think they would... forgive me... if I choose to live for them?"

At Rhiannon's feet the necklace showed itself and a light, calming voice spoke to her, her alone from it "Thank you, he cant hear us but he shouldn't. I abandoned my child, I his mother bear that guilt. He not know that he is no monster. I never imagined another soul in here than his own. My power I bestowed to him by my amulet, it wanes so that I may not speak to him. This child needs help, he needs guidance. I may ask one favor before my power is gone. My amulet will continue to absolve his demon side. However you must help him. Help lead him to something else I have left. I know not where, know not if you can do this but he must not know I told you. He may only have more hatred in this broken heart if he does. I know it lies in the valley of the drakes. Where they go to no longer live. Please, take him there. I... am glad, someone is there for him unlike I could'.

Shumino still standing there oblivious to this was confused as ever. He was running wild with the flashes of the people suddenly, his back turned to Rhiananon. "Why doesn't this all stop? My mind... it hurts, it's trying to trick me? It's trying to lie?

by this time, a few days have passed with Shumino still not waking. The old man kept the door closed and would go in from time to time. He said so far the body was healing, but him awaking from the current condition was looking slim

Rhiannon let out a little squeal when Shumino disappeared under her and reappeared behind her. Getting up she followed his pacing and reached out to try to say something until something at her feet caught her attention. It was the necklace, and it was glowing. The soft voice that echoed from the necklace was soothing and warm but also incredibly sad. Carefully, she picked up the necklace and listened to the woman's words and the favor she ask. "I will," Rhiannon replied quietly while Shumino continued to mourn in his confusion. She prayed that whatever was at the Valley of the Drakes would help Shumino's heart heal for once.

Letting out a sigh, she pocketed the necklace for a safe reminder of where she needed to go with her friend. Her brow furrowed in determination as she turned to Shumino's broad back. He needed to stop thinking even for just a moment, so she could reason with him--- and she only knew one way how. The young witch stomped over to the taller man and grabbed him by the arm. Now that she knew he was still... Rhiannon took immediate action.

The small girl let go of his arm. And as she did so, she rose up to her tippy toes as her hands simultaneously moved up and planted themselves firmly on the sides of his face, bringing his face down to hers.... and her lips met his in a kiss. It was a brief spark of a moment, but it was swift and shocking enough that maybe it would have some effect... Otherwise, she could just stay really really embarrassed.

"Shumino! I need you to shut up and stop thinking for 2.5 seconds!" Rhiannon gulped but remained firm on her mission even though she wanted to run away super super fast and hide. "I, me, Rhiannon will show you the way. I will show you happiness, how to love, and whats good. I, me, Rhiannon, your friend, your family will show you how to atone and that you can atone. But, I need you to trust me."

he stopped and the light that was so dim started to grow brighter, his mind that was thinking so fast stooped dead in it's tracks. "I... I..." he had no words, he had traveled, fought and done so much but this, had to be be quick on his feet to survive but this, this was new. "I'm sorry" The blackness turned bright. He held her arm like when the first met but instead of the seriousness and anger, it was a gentle grasp, it was filled with something different. "I can't take back what I did, but if you... if your right, I can make it right?" He let go and then it seemed as if he was getting further and further away. "I will try, just tell me you forgive me okay?" His mind went blank, but not from him clammering down, but from him stopping the connection.

He slowly opened his eyes for the first time in atleast a week. The light hurt and he tried moving but his body didn't budge. "well i'll be damned. Ya finally decided to wake". said the old man. He was tending to the wounds again, him looking as if he had barely slept. "I.." He took a moment feeling weak as could be. "i know this place." he said softly. "you should, your back home ya know". Said the man with a slight smirk. "Home". the word sounded a little hollow to him. He thought for a second "did any.." he was cut off by the old man. "shush, you got some freinds ya'know. Came and brought ya here. Dun know what woke ya but musta been some dream. I think they be glad to see you finally about. Sum of them been askin about how ya doin." Shumino let out a slight smile. That dream, was it a dream. Felt real as ever but his head hurt and things seemed foggy. "C'mon kid, you have some people who might wanna talk. After all you been stickin to deaths door for a week an a half.". He helped the ragged man off the table and slowly brought Shumino through the door. "I think he gonna make it ya freeloaders" He sat him at the table and helped a sling onto his damaged arm. He looked gaunt, from the blood loss, from not having any substance for so long. Almost like a husk of what he was. His eyes tried adjusting to the light, he couldn't see much. "i'll get ya a drink kid, just dun exert ya self". He nodded and smiled a little while kinda looking around the room slowly, his eyes not being able to fix on anything so he looked deadish in the eyes. "h-hey everyone" he said weakly

Rhiannon blinked and glanced at Shumino's hand that held onto her arm after the kiss. She could feel heat rising into her cheeks, but she knew she had to be strong and not let her nerves get the best of her. Turning her gaze up to him, a small smile formed on her lips. She was about to answer him, but, suddenly, he disappeared right before her eyes. Then in mere moments after, Rhiannon found herself jolting up on her mat and throwing up into a waste bin Syrn had put beside her. The fox spirit made a little private room for the witch, so no one could disturb her and he could monitor her condition privately.

"I don't know why you insisted continuing to connect with him when you know it does this to you," Syrn muttered as he took a handkerchief to Rhiannon's nose that was now starting to bleed. Rhiannon had been awake several days before Shumino, but she continued to make a connection with him despite the waning blood connection they had.

Holding the handkerchief to her nose, Rhiannon merely smiled and took the cup of water Syrn brought to her, gaggled it and spit it in the waste bin. "Well, nosebleeds are to be expected. The nausea... Well, I don't know why that's still here considering what happened a couple of days ago," she said cryptically as her tired eyes met Syrn's, who still looked royally pissed at what happened. "I'm going to punch him square in the jaw. I should do the same to you too for being so stupid," Syrn said as he brought her a tootbrush and some mouthwash he whipped up. "No, you're not, Syrn. It wasn't his fault. It was mine for being reckless. But I mean, who knew that could happen... I mean... I guess, at least... at least it didn't make it," Rhiannon replied as a saddened look started to form on her face at the thought of what happened. "Remember though... We promised we wouldn't say anything about it to him, Mama Juju, or the old man. It's not Shumino's fault, so I do not want him to feel guilty for something that we didn't know would happen." Syrn frowned in disapproval but grunted in agreement. "Pffffftttt... Fine... Clean yourself up, and put the bloody handkerchief in the linen bag, so I can dispose of it all today. This room smells like illness." Rhiannon smile and took a swig of the mouthwash, swishing it around her mouth. "Mmmhmmm!!" She agreed and started to get herself cleaned up to go downstairs. She could smell coffee, which meant breakfast which meant she must feast!

Mama Juju smiled and sipped on her liquored up coffee as she looked at Shumino. "Welcome back, chil'." Syrn walked downstairs and saw Shumino was awake. Despite the sudden urge he had to put the man back to sleep, he remembered Rhiannon's words and put on his most charming smile while thanking the heavens for giving him superior talents in acting. "Well, look who's up!!" He laughed and walked over to Shumino, placing a firm hand on his uninjured shoulder. "You know, you've been haunting my dreams all week, stud," he said with a wink and gave him a peck on the cheek just to tease him and freak him out a little. Turning his attention away for a mere moment, his eyes met Mama Juju's, who was raising a curious brow at him, and smiled. "Rhiannon will be down in just a moment. She just woke up."

Moments, which seemed like forever, passed by... Then finally, Rhiannon came downstairs, looking as bright and well as she could be. Some of it was thanks to a couple of medicinal herbs she too before coming down, but she looked much better than when she first arrived. "Good morning, every---," Rhiannon stopped short when she saw Shumino sitting at the table. While her stomach flipped and her heart was pounding in her chest, the young woman was too excited to see her friend finally awake. "SHUMINO!!" She exclaimed loudly in excitement before running over, wrapping her arms about his neck, and hugging him closely from behind as he sat and she smooshed her cheek next to his. "I'm so glad you're awake!!!!! We all missed you so much while you were recovering!"

He actually gave a smirk when he started to hear the voices, even when Syrn started act like he did before. The kiss however, normally he would have dodged but his body wasn't wanting respond at all. "glad your not hurt Syrn said the gaunt man. "I am glad to hear your here too Juju". then he heard her, his eyes tried to dart around the room but he still couldn't focus on anything nor really move to try to, but then he felt her embrace, though it felt like a boulder since he was so week he felt her warmth. 'Y-yeah, im finally back". He left a smile escape, remembering the dream he had, remembering feeling her warmth in that dream... was it a dream?

The old man put the glass down by Shumino "Ya might wan be careful with our sleeping dumbass. He isn't quite back up to speed as you can see." He looked at the gaunt thing sitting there. it almost made him a little sick to see what a husk he had become from the week and a half of hanging by a thread. "Hell im not sure he can really even see ya at this point yet".

Shumino let a small frown shown at this statement. "N-no, I-I cant really see yet. the light hurts my eyes." He said breathing shallowly. He felt good to feel Rhiannons warmth but his body, he couldn't move a single muscle to say hi back or anything. He was already feeling drained too, he had been in practically a coma for almost 2 weeks but he felt like he hadnt slept in days.

"Hehehehe!!" Rhiannon smooshed her cheek against Shumino's one more time. "Prickly," she commented lightheartedly in regards to the facial hair on his face before pulling away. "I'll get you some food." She gave him another quick hug and ran into the kitchen. Thankfully, she was quick because another nosebleed set in. Placing a small handkerchief to her nose, she carefully made some eggs and toast for Shumino. He needed protein for sure, but she didn't want him to go overboard. "Must have gotten a little too excited," she muttered to herself.

"Well, you're lucky someone in here likes to accessorize," Syrn said as he whipped up some sunglasses and placed them on Shumino's face. They were big, bold, and hot pink. Perfectly Syrn. "That should help some until your eyes get adjusted."

"Here you go, Shumino." Rhiannon said as she set the plate down in front of him with a smile and a clean nose. "Hope you like it."