We swore we'd never stray.

A playful grin extended across the phoenix’s features as he saw the blush extend across Yata’s cheeks. What was it that was causing them to do that, then again had they not blushed during their previous encounter too? Deep in thought, Calder froze for a moment. It had to have been something he said. He was so used to acting in the same manner… sometimes it did slip his mind that some may become flustered from it. Not that he was particularly complaining here, there was something rather endearing about this one’s blush.

"I’m glad that’s the case… This is all so… ghastly… but all hope is not yet lost. I’m sure we can overcome this. Including you dear Yata, you’re already holding yourself up incredibly well." Calder offered them a smile, attempting to make them feel better. He could tell that the Tengu was fearful, as words seemed to elude them at times. "If you need it, I will be here to lend you an ear, or any form of comfort you so desire. Secluding yourself here after what we’ve been told would be dangerous…"

Catching a glimpse of Yata’s hand moving from the corner of his eye, Calder’s breath caught in his throat as he realised the other was going for his hand. Surely they didn’t wish for any contact in a time like this…? Despite the civil words they were sharing, there still had to be seeds of doubt in the back of their mind…? Sure enough, the gesture was quickly taken back, with enough haste to tell him that it’d be better not to mention it. Instead, he listened intently to what they had to say and kept his tongue at bay.

"My, I will do my best if that is what you wish, however if it comes down to it I intend to keep my word." It was true, as far as he could tell this purple clad being seemed to be incredibly kind, and there was a certain attraction he felt towards them. Be it simple interest or something more, he didn’t know, and it was far too early to be making any guesses. But as the conversation turned to his state, his expression dropped. "I’ll have you know I am far sturdier than I look… You would be surprised."

Leaning against a nearby wall for support as Yata retrieved their poncho, he let out another shaky breath. Even though he hadn’t been standing up for too long his body was already shaking. Usually… he’d never get this bad… If that’s what it was… Perhaps the stress from their predicament was making the issue worse for him. Moving his gaze towards the Tengu as they smiled, Calder returned the gesture, but hesitated for a moment.

Should he really take his hand? Wouldn’t that be showing blatant weakness and a need to rely on others…? There was always the chance this was a trap too… Even if he was the one that suggested leaving… But maybe…

Gritting his teeth he leant forward and took the offered hand, bowing slightly as he did so. Whilst he was using it for support, if he was sly enough he may be able to weave it as a formality.

That wasn't to say that they didn't find this male attractive. He was, by all means. Although, in saying that, they wondered what beauty they could find under that mask...

Now wasn't the time to be thinking about it though. Shaking their head, they stop their thoughts from wandering too far ahead. Anyway, maybe it was just customary for Calder to be this nice. Yata wasn't anything special, especially next to someone who looked as regal as Calder did. Snapping back again, they just about caught wind of what the other was saying.

     "Heh, yeah... I wouldn't say I was holding myself quite well.. I feel kinda crappy but... As long as you're okay, then I'm sure I'll be fine..." it was a selfish notion, and quite a broad comment to make, but they couldn't help themselves. they wanted to make sure the other was okay, no matter what. Although, on hearing Calder's offer, brought a smile upon Yata's lips, "I'm grateful for that much... And likewise... It'd be best to stay in the company of those we trust, especially at a time like this..." Another broad statement to say trust, but comforting was the only think on Yata's mind at this point, and they wanted to trust Calder, they really did.

Realising that they may have offended the other, Yata kept themselves quiet for a moment or two, allowing Calder to stand or lean against a wall to keep himself up. Listening to the other saying that he inteded on keeping his promise gave a feeling of reassurance over Yata. Casting their glance over the other, the Tengu couldn't help but feel this odd kind of attraction. Surely thoughts of finding someone you had met only recently, attractive to the point of fluster and blushing was something of an impurity. Shaking their head, Yata tried not to dwell.

Noticing the other looking quite shaken, Yata couldn't help but feel awful. Goodness knows for what reason, but they did feel awful. They kept up the smile nonetheless, maybe it would aid in helping to reassure Calder that everything was going to be okay.

Well. If only.

They noticed the hesitation and thought process of whether he was to take their hand or not, and who could blame him, after Yata had withdrawn from the gesture only moments prior. Although, even though their hand was still extend out, it still startled them slightly to have Calder take a hold of it, and the touch was definitely welcome, nonetheless. In a futile attempt to hide a more prominent blush forming on their cheeks, Yata took the few steps forward that was led by Calder as their ticket to do so. Their steps almost led them to fall back over again, but they steadied themselves, the only thing giving away the fluster now was a stutter in their voice,

Distracted by the ill feeling, the sound of footsteps was barely recognised by Calder, his head beginning to pound far more than it was earlier. This was far too much to take in especially in such a short space of time. Murder, escape, imprisonment. Three simple words that carried so much weight that it felt like they were going to crush him. Curling into himself a little more he worked to quickly steady his breathing, more so as he realised there was a presence beside him.

Taking a deep breath he straightened his posture once more, finding himself face to face with none other than Yata.

It was certainly a face he was happy to see. They had been a more than pleasant conversation earlier, so he doubted that they would pose a threat now. Especially so with their kind words… Or was that too trusting of him…? “Ah. Excuse me, but I am fine dear Yata…” The phoenix smiled a somewhat weak and unconvincing smile. “But I must ask the same of yourself, you look rather… hassled. Stunning aside from that may I add, nevertheless… this is a large burden to bear. How are you feeling…?”

He let out a ragged breath before moving to cross his legs. He had to look better, and quickly, especially as the other had expressed some concern for him. But just as he was going to announce his good health once more, the Tengu’s words caught him off guard. They… weren’t going to let anyone hurt him? A frown graced his features, thankfully hidden by the mask. That was certainly a bold proclamation, particularly when it meant their life would certainly be on the line.

"Yata… thank you…" Bowing his head, he continued, voice becoming somewhat more audible that it was initially. "I also, make a vow now to protect you. However I do insist that you don’t get harmed for my sake… I…" A cough broke up his words, his head beginning to spin. "I… wouldn’t like that…"

They watched and waited as Calder sat up and gained his bearings, seeing where they could help in any way they could. It was a frightful situation they'd been thrown in, and considering how nice a company Calder had been before, this kind of scenario didn't strike them as something the other would find pleasure in.

Then again, the same applied for everyone around them.

As the other spoke up, Yata's mind switched back to the reality they were in, as they subconsciously went to scan Calder from the small distance they had between each other to see if he was hurt anywhere. They also caught a glimpse of the red flashing light on his collar. It was reassuring to know that it was someone they managed to find rather nice in company.

They listened carefully, but weren't all too convinced about Calder's current state, although, just when they were about to say something about how unconvincing he was, it was then that they were asked about themselves. And in such a way!? If they didn't know any better, they'd say Calder was flirting with them...! A light blush tainted Yata's cheeks, now wasn't the time to be feeling flustered! Bringing the back of their hand to their forehead they could feel themselves burning up, which was likely the stress of the situation, coupled with the fluster, but they finally managed a reply,

       "I... I'm alright, given the situation. It ain't the best feeling in the world but... I'll cope.." They could hear themselve stuttering between words, and was this the best time to be feeling a mix of different emotions. And they only caught wind of the last thing they had said when Calder recited it in his own words. Tentatively, Yata went to take a hold of Calder's hand but soon hesitated. The gesture was likely unwelcome, especially at a time like this. They withdrew their hand with a shaky sigh,

       "Likewise for you... Don't you get injured trying to save my ass..." They paused just as the other coughed, a look of panic shooting across their features, "You don't look as though you're in any state to do anything about it..." With another sigh, Yata soon heard a request from Calder. Maybe he was right, getting something to fill the stomach would cause for less dizziniess and nausea, and maybe they'd get to find out a little bit more about the other.

After all, they didn't want to be the only one telling the tale.

Taking a hold of the poncho that they had placed on the floor, they stood up, holding out a hand to help Calder, if he so needed it. With a warm smile, they accepted his request,

Tanned fingers rubbed gently at the base of scarlet hair, massaging an area that particularly hurt. His entire body felt weak, shaky, and he was struggling to concentrate on anything but the aching. If he wasn’t mistaken, he could have sworn that he was burning up too.

For the past… God knows how long, Calder had been feeling incredibly out of it. Plagued by headaches and pains in his limbs, the Phoenix had taken refuge in a remote corner of Reverie, nestled between some decent looking foliage. To be honest, the thought of him being alone was almost nauseating, he craved some company, but he couldn’t face the others like this. Was he overreacting? He was blatantly unwell, and had no idea how they’d react to that. Not to mention that considering he didn’t know everyone very well yet, it would be in bad taste to present himself like this. So he squirrelled himself away. Or at least he thought he had done that.

Yet here he was, curled up on the Plaza’s floor with no recollection of how, or when he got there. Rather quickly the others were pouring in around him, each and every one of them appearing somewhat disorientated… until they were addressed by an odd looking creature.

A… Griffin…?

Realising that he must have looked an absolute mess at this point, Calder smoothed down his hair and sat up, leaning back on one arm to make it seem as though he was simply relaxing on the floor. He silently hoped that he wouldn’t have to maintain that pose for long, as his arm was already shaking and threatening to give up on holding him up. Trying to push through it he turned his gaze towards the beast that had begun to talk, squinting through his tilted mask to try and focus on it. In the end it just looked like a monochrome mass, with an ever changing muffled voice.

He raised a hand to rub at his eyes, before freezing in his tracks as he processed what was said. Murder? Had… Had it just said murder…?

Panic rose up in his chest and he had to grip at the edge of his robe with his free hand to subdue it. No… that couldn’t be the reason they were trapped here? To slaughter each other? Then to be trialled for it, and presumably to face an execution of some sort? What a ghastly justice system…

But at the same time, he certainly didn’t want to be trapped here… forever…

Caught up in those thoughts, he barely heard a word about the collars. His head had begun to pound again, and unable to hold himself up properly any more he forced himself to sit up and curl over. Was this really happening…? Trapped again…?

With a sigh he grimaced, sneaking a glance up at the others who seemed to have mixed responses to all this. What they were going to do now, he could only guess.

They'd met a few people on their travels, most seemed to be in the same boat as they were, and they kept crossing paths with all these people, minus one that they had met prior, but never really saw much of afterwards. Calder he said his name was, and Yata couldn't help but think that maybe he'd found an access out of here. Maybe he did. Good on him.

It was only when Yata found themselves lured over back to the entrance plaza that they felt the true pain of their investigation kicking in. Not only did their back hurt from their fight with Aiden, but they must not have sat down during their search at all, since their legs were in agony, and their entire body shivered from time to time with their impact with the theme park walls. Just what in heaven's name was going on around here. They looked around, seeing a few familiar faces, and some new ones, but their gaze lingered on Calder for a little longer than the others. He didn't find a way out after all. A shame.He looked a little ill, maybe they'd go tend to him after they found out what was going on, which the small Griffin was about to explain to them all, surely.

Although they kinda wish it hadn't.

The word "Murder" echoed in Yata's mind to the point where they had to cover their ears to try and block it out. Wide, purple optics couldn't find a focus, and just ended up looking at random spots on the floor, as the Tengu tried to figure out what was going on. If someone here was murdered, they'd all face trial, then whoever was found guilty was to be executed!? But if they weren't to be found out they were the only one able to leave! As much as they didn't wish to kill someone, the very thought of staying here wasn't their idea of paradise. Then the topic of the collars was brought up. Oh this was far too much information to take in in just 30 seconds.

A pair, was it?

Delicately, Yata removed their poncho, maybe it would give them a better sight of who was to be their pair. Using the brass buttons as a reflective surface of sorts, they held it up to just about where the collar was, to see a small red flash up on the brass. So if they weren't mistaken, their twin would also had a red light. Scanning the group of people, they tried to catch a glimpse of red. And that's where they saw it on the male they were looking at just earlier.

Calder.

Hesitantly, they made their way over towards the masked male, placing the poncho on the floor beside them, crouching down to Calder's level forgetting that they were no longer in female form due to the fight with Aiden their mannerisms and tone of voice were only slightly different to that of what most people here were talking to before. but now wasn't the time to dwell on that. With a sigh, the spoke up,

Whoa it was a voice of a…. who knows what, it was definitely a person’s voice though. Kouki tried looking up and only saw a blur. Maybe he crushed his sunglasses on the way down or something. At least he knew what a hand looked like. He nodded a thank and pulled himself up with it. "Ye’th. It appear’th th’o," Kouki muttered as he straightened out his back. Gosh darn fangs in the way.

      "No one you know, probably... My name is Sennin Yatagarasu, but Yata is just fine." They offered a small respectful bow towards the other, before straightening their posture, and continuing to talk to this other creature before them, "And who could you possibly be?" They asked, a small smile pulling at the corner of their lips. They knew they had to be polite, but part of them really wanted to make some form of Dracula comment.

Nathaniel sighed. How long was he stood around doing nothing now? God, He would have thought he would have seen one cute girl by now. Or at least Kain. He dug through his pocket quickly and pulled out a small pack of smokes. He leaned back slightly against the wall behind him and pulled out his lighter. He wasn’t sure if he should take it easy on them considering he couldn’t see any sort of vendor for them.

They soon moved a little closer to the male, inspecting him from a distance. Tilting their head, they gave an attempt at snapping him out of his little daydreaming world,

This open was rather late to the party, because of reasons. Kouki found himself sprawled out on the floor of someplace. As soon as his nerves settled in, a cold feeling of a hard floor was noticed. He groaned as he got his torso up. His cape was just wrinkled everywhere, looks like he had to iron that out later. “Ugh,” Kouki groaned as he looked around his new surroundings. 

Well fuck i underestimated her, he thought, “well Toots seems you can fight me after all, I will accept your challenge Missy” Aiden tried to reply in a steel icey tone but it came out a bit weak due to his fall.

Aiden played with his hands warming them, pushing the magic down to the tips, hmmm what to do first? Aiden started to make circular motions with his hands, slowly but surely an ice ball formed in his hands until it was about 5 meters across in his palms, big enough to hit and cause damage but not to kill. That should do it, he thought silently. Then without another thought he threw it at the girl waiting to see if it hit.

Expression unwavering, the Tengu wordless studied the laidback posture of Aiden. Surely that wouldn't last very long. Withdrawing back a little, they swung the fan twice more, but this time, instead of the sonic booms hitting any obstacles in their way, it hit the floor, just in front of Aiden. Perhaps they'd scare him for punishment, before being able to properly hurt him. Or torment him some. They hadn't decided, however, they weren't tolerating his attitude any longer. 

As they awaited Aiden's next move, however, Yata couldn't help but feel slightly exposed. Mismatched wings that looked cut and clipped around the edges were open target for mocking and questioning... But they weren't ready to keep their guard down, not now..! Shaking their head, their kept their gaze poised towards Aiden, fan at the ready.

Patiently he followed the Tengu’s gesture, glancing upwards. What exactly were they pointing at…? The wall? The frown on his face only grew deeper as he noticed that it really didn’t seem to come to an end. A shiver crept up his spine. He really, really didn’t like all this… There had to be a way to mask his fear though, his fear of being trapped. Once more he followed the other’s gaze to the entrance, that was also blocked off. Clenching a shaking hand into a fist, he exhaled before speaking, putting immense effort in to ensure that his tone remained stable. “This really isn’t very welcoming…” Nervously he chuckled, running a hand over his hair. “Agreed though… I also don’t wish to touch it…” He cut his words short, noting that Yata had trailed off and began grinning. Were they really that excited to speak about their origins? Nevertheless, he wanted to know about them… even if it did also provide a good way to distract him from their predicament. 

“Sadly, yes, I am unfamiliar with your kind. Although they certainly sound like a magnificent crowd, particularly if they’re like you.” Smiling to himself, he locked gazes with Yata. “A Tengu… are they…? No… Yata I am so sorry, the term eludes me. I can’t say I’ve had much of a chance to expand my knowledge on other mythical beasts.” If anything, Calder was wholly unfamiliar with an array of creatures. Of course he’d come into contact with a few back in his day, but even then they were rather secluded and there were cultures that he still knew virtually nothing about. “Although being a heavenly messenger is such a hefty task… honourable even. Perhaps when times are less hectic you could grace me with more about this…? Well, maybe even as we explore you could tell me more…? If you like that is.” Returning the Tengu’s smile, he made another note of the small blush, before frowning for a moment at the sigh.

“Are you sure Yata dear? I wouldn’t want you to feel uncomfortable in my presence for any reason.” The answer was a little too quick for his liking. That could be down to the fluster though rather than discomfort. Unable to hide a smile, Calder reached forward once more, carefully brushing his fingers against Yata’s before pulling away. As if frozen in motion he kept his hand partway through the air. Perhaps that was a step too far? It was instinct, going in to reach for their hand to emphasise that it all was okay, and to bring some comfort to them both… “Ah… I apologise…I do lose track of my own actions sometimes, and it appears particularly around you. Please let me know if I am ever out of line…” Silently he studied that Tengu’s blush, still finding the sight rather endearing. For a second he blinked, before muttering “And it would be a terrible shame if I wronged someone as attractive as yourself.”. Shaking his head as if it never happened, he cast his gaze downward and continued with the conversation.

The sound of Calder's voiced followed by what sounded like an anxious laugh put Yata a little on edge. No one had a single idea of what was happening around them, and if anyone was hiding anything, they were doing a pretty good job of it. Sighing a little in relief that Calder wasn't going to touch the god forsaken wall , the Tengu turned back round to face the male, attempting a slightly braver expression, to perhaps distract Calder from his thoughts and distract themselves from their own. However, that expression soon turned into a concerned frown,

       "... I don't think it was built to be welcoming at all.." Yata spoke under their breath, but they were sure that Calder was able to hear them. With a pause, a lot of thoughts ended up running through their mind. Why was this place so unwelcoming? What was it built for originally? Were there souls here before them. Each question got darker and darker, and sent a chill down the Tengu's spine. Realising they had been frowning for a while, and the silence was soon beginning to grow slightly awkward again, they were about to pipe up again, but soon the conversation went back to something more lighthearted. Though it wasn't quite the right time or place to be discussing it, Yata just smiled and continued to listen and Calder continued to talk.

So he hadn't heard of their kind. That was a given, considering the majority of them were in captivity or dead. The thought of that brought a wave of unease over them, but they soon recovered quickly. However, the comment about their job being seen as something honourable, and perhaps even admirable, just led them into more of a fluster than before. Clearing their throat, they finally managed to pipe up through their embarrassment,

       "I.. I can assure you, it's nothing more than an ordinary task... It's a tough business, and those counted as heavenly aren't as pure as you'd probably think...-" Realising they must have said too much, they stopped themselves from speaking, and allowed their last comment to hang in the air. How could they drop something like that in conversation to someone that they had just met, and someone as respectable as Calder as well! "... I'm sure I can explain some more.. But you could tell me about yourself too...!" Grimacing at their own dimwittedness, Yata gave a sigh, before the conversation was drawn to a different point. The idea of Calder's formalities.

        "No, no, I'm completely sure...! I.. It's actually kinda reassuring..." Realising they'd kind of jumped the gun a little with a comment like that, Yata mental kicked themselves for slipping out of the persona they started off with. Talk about starting as you mean to go on. Just then, they felt a gentle touch brush against their hand. Rather stunned by the gesture, Yata stared down at Calder's hand that was frozen in it's place. Almost fixated on the hand, they almost missed what Calder had said, and honestly, they wish they had! Did he just call Yata attractive!? The once calmed down blush had now grown a vibrant red, and this was a difficult one to hide. Their gaze snapped up to look at Calder, blinking in astonishment.         "Y... You know that's all fine! I don't mind at all..." Nervously, they played with the small bronze cross attached to their poncho, they allowed themselves to calm down, before continuing, "... D'ya say these things to everyone...? Surely the compliments aren't a custom, right?" Pursing their lips, another mental kick was issued. What right did they have to question Calder's methods!?

Finally, the conversation was changed back to the wall. Heaving a small sigh, Yata could only remember why that wall was bad news, and they didn't wish to relive it. Playing through the memory of recent events regarding that wall, they figured it was best to warn Calder,

Karma? Probably not.

Shaking their head to snap their thoughts away from that conversation, their thoughts soon moved on. So Lyle was in fact an dead soul. Feeling a lot more uneasy than they had before they remained silent for just a little bit, blinking at Lyle who oh so nonchalantly said they were not a living soul. With a sharp inhale, Yata still was lost on the idea of what exactly Lyle was.

"My apologise, I could tell you came from, well, heavenly decent and got ahead of myself." She was being far too polite to this messenger, especially considering their dress code, but whatever. "I was putting my safety first."

       "I understand... It's easy to become jittery and startled in a place like this. Especially since no one so far seems to have a single clue on what's happening around us... The entrance is blocked, and the walls are dangerous to touch... This is all I know." Providing Rous with as much information as they could gather may or may not calm her down. It depended on how she took said information. Turning their head to look round at the place a little more, the Tengu pursed their lips, a chill sent down their spine at the mere look of the remaining bodies still on the floor.

       "... Mhh... I guess, if you're unaware what's going on, it sends a feeling of unease through a person.. Maybe we're more comfortable knowing what's going to happen... " Then they paused. Why would Lyle ask about their fears? They'd have to be careful that this didn't bounce back on them at a later point. Keeping it straight to a point, Yata grimaced before speaking up again, "I guess, call it irrational but I have a fear of sharp objects!" They weren't ready to reveal more than that at this point. Not about their fear of the past catching up to them, or the fear large bodies of water or having their wings removed or chained down. However, they backtracked the conversation a little.

"Shut it with the Miss bullcrap! I am Rous A.Sehrman, huntress of the heavenly rogue and master of combat!" She yelled at the person. This was bad. Rous knew that persons of heavenly decent could conceal all of the evidence that they were from such a place, but the one thing that couldn’t be hidden was, of course, their spirits. Pure, or putrid.

      "..! Hey now, I don't want any fuss. I'm Sennin Yatagarasu, but Yata will do just fine." They trailed off. Huntress of the heavenly rogue? That didn't sound good, frowning, they knew they weren't able to get round this situation with ease. They soon responded to the second part of the question,