#dream queue

Time had passed from the last time she had been able to return to Mexico. Her travels had brought her across the Atlantic ocean so often that the days long trek no longer felt so exhausting. Her stopping points allowed her to freshen up so that she could show up at the mansion front, looking bright-eyed and refreshed as she happily rang the doorbell. She was dressed in the beautiful coat Po had made for her, hiding all her feline features from nosy passerbys.

Po dropped down to the foyer, and answered the door. "Hi Umi!" He gave her a quick hug and gentle kiss. He was very happy to see her wearing the coat. "Come on in." He chirped happily.

It was no surprise to her that Po would be the first to see and she embraced him tightly. "Hi Po how have you been?" She returned his kiss with a quick one as her gaze was gentle on him. "Did you get your gift for Christmas that I left?" She hurried inside to shut the door behind her.

"Yes I did! I love it, I have been playing with it like everyday." Po bubbled with happiness. "I am doing very well, how are you doing?" he held her hands once she turned back around. " So, I will go ahead and ask, did you come with a mission this time?"

Umi gave his hands a squeeze and smiled warmly, golden tail swaying freely from her coat now. "I'm so glad you liked it. I am doing well thank you especially hearing that you liked your gift!" She laughed softly at his question. "No, I have no sort of mission this time. I just wanted to stop in and see you and everyone. Of course, I never come empty handed with me." Her hands slipped free to open her coat to reveal a large bag hanging over her shoulder. "May I please use the kitchen to prepare snacks?"

"Of course, just stay clear of the second living room for a bit." Po frowned, " Xol had a break up with his girlfriend."

Umi visibly flinched and gave a curious stare. "Is.. he alright? Was it bad?" While any creature would be able to smell a certain level of fear spike from the woman, it was clear from her tone that she was more worried than scared.

"He is taking it pretty rough, I honestly had never seen him cry before. I got a laugh out of him, asking if shoot stars are sneezes. But not a smile from him since." Po admitted.

The blue haired maiden stopped and thought for a moment. Golden ears swung back as she had to think hard. After a moment, she took in a deep breath and asked slowly, "May I see him Po? I would hate for one of Sycamor's pillars of strength to be in such a state."

"Syc is with him." Po nodded, " I am sure he would be okay with you see him."

The woman gave him a smile and held up her hand asking for a moment. Quickly she knelt down and untied the hidden wrappings around her feet, the only source of shoes she wore these days. She carefully tucked them away into her coat pocket and proudly rose back to smile to Po. "Please lead the way." Not only with her feet free could she gain more assistance from Earth if needed, but if things headed south she was prepared.

Po would lead her to the second living room where, Syc is sitting on the couch with Xol laying down, his head in his lap. Xol is rather curled up and once in a while there is a soft whimper.

Syc is literally petting his brother, and occasionally looking down softly at him.

From the moment she entered the room, she smiled in a gentle way to Sycamor, giving a bow of her head in greeting before looking at the sight of Xol. Eisen ensured her vision of the brother would be forever a 8 week old pup version but that plan backfired. To Umi she saw a hurt puppy and she froze in place. Although the scent of her fear remained, just to see an animal so hurt was enough to undo the works of Eisen for this moment.

She closed her eyes and focused as hard as she could. It would be one of the rarest moments that would be witnessed as she forcibly gathered her entire life force and reigned in control over Eisen, forcing him to release control over her sight. As her eyes opened, it was clear the hurt and pain. She slowly walked over to the two brothers and smiled warmly to Sycamor, "May I share a word with him for a moment please?" It was the first her soul was so strong within her in a long time.

Syc nodded, and gave his brother a slight jostle to get him to sit up.  Xol sat up, his voice came out pathetically, " Hi Umi."

"Thank you Syc."

There was a moment where she had to really study Xol's face before she gave him a smile and sat down on the other side of him. "Hi Xol. I'm sorry we aren't seeing each other at a better time." She pulled her bag from her shoulder and pulled out a small bag of jerky, setting it down on his knee. "Please enjoy this snack I brought for you."

This would be the first time she actually sees him eat a thing she brought, he hungrily ate it. Syc gave her a smile, " This is first thing I have seen him so far. Thank you Umi." Syc genuinely meant it.

She flashed Sycamor a small smile and quietly bowed her head to him. Umi understood how the heart could break and leave a void for days.

Earth energy summoned up through the floor with her unheard prayer. She reached down to the ground where her feet had just been. There were flowers springing forth, each containing her wish that Xol would find comfort and be consoled. As she did so, there was a soft hum that drifted from her pursed lips. If Sycamor listened closely he would note it was the same song she hummed for him when he had buried himself under his pillows.

The flowers that sprung up were oak leaf geraniums (true friendship), white hyacinths (I'll pray for you), Zinnia (thoughts of friends), and white poppies (consolation, peace). She weaved them as she hummed into a flower necklace and rose to carefully put it around Xol's head to let it fall to his chest.

[Relatedly, he smells of dry meat and flowers.] 

 Xol would sound like he was sniffling, but he was sniffing at the flowers that were now around his neck. "Am I allowed to hug you?" Xol asked quietly.

[[Well that must be a unique scent! XD]]

Umi couldn't help but smile to Syc, remembering how he had asked the same, before giving Xol a warm beam and a nod. Carefully, she opened her arms and leaned over, embracing him. Her voice was just as kind as it was to Syc that day. "It will be alright Xol. Everything will be okay."  She was still the slightest bit scared but at this point she didn't care if he did kill her; she had to do what she could to bring a soul some healing.

He gave her a feather light squeeze back int the hug before letting her go, " Thanks Umi."If she saw his face, she would see teary eyes.

She released Xol. In the moment that she could see his face she gave his cheek a pat. "Please take care of yourself. For what its worth: I am sorry." Those words seemed to hold true for so many reasons than she was speaking. She came to Syc's side and offered him a small bag of the treat she had learned of from Inuvean with a smile. "It is nice to see you." She bowed to him slightly and turned to hurry out of the room glancing to Po in hopes he would follow.

"Thank you." Syc smiled and Xol went back into his curled up pose, while still eating and being in his brother's lap.

A gentle nod was given to Syc as she left the second livingroom to give the two brothers time together. The moment she was out of eyesight from the room, she leaned against the side of the wall and hid her eyes. Her soul released its hold and Eisen returned with vengeance, deafening her.

"You okay, Umi?" Po questioned, putting his hand on her shoulder.

The woman couldn't hear at all so she jumped a little when she felt Po's hand. When she saw who it was, she clung tightly to him and whispered, "I was really scared I would do more harm than good."

Po held her, and rubbed her back, " Its okay, Umi."

She could feel the vibrations of Po speaking and sighed as she murmured, "I'm sorry, I can't hear." Eisen was furious and she knew there would be no rest for days. "May we go to the kitchen? I did bring snacks for everyone."

Po frowned but he nodded, and lead her to the kitchen. Po held his phone in his hand it was pretty clear who he was considering calling but he wasn't sure if the hearing thing would be resolved by telling the spirits to rest.

When they reached the kitchen, Umi smiled to Po and immediately went to work. She set out plates and brought out the small bag of grasshopper treat that she had tried her hand at again for Inuvean but she always made sure to put some aside for Po. It still was far from perfect like it was supposed to be but she tried for these souls that she knew enjoyed them.

Po would happily munch on the snack, and would make sure to drink plenty of water as well.

Eisen made awful plans practically seething with anger. If he had won before his battle for making Umi afraid of Xol, just wait until the woman slumbered now. 

Umi set out cookies for the girls and she paused as she looked in her bag she glanced over to Po, "Will the other brothers be here today?"

Po recalled she could hear so he pulled up a picture of Tez to let her know he would be stopping by.

Umi gave a nod, and brought out a weird treat that she found on her travels. It was something called swedish fish. The people she had spoken to seemed to enjoy it but she had never tried it herself. She also brought out some dried squid which she herself enjoyed for Tez as well. 

 Eisen was practically livid, 'WHY DID THAT BAT CALL FOR HIM! I don't want to see him!' Rinde snickered, 'Aw whats wrong? Don't want your dear mangy friend seeing you mad?'

It wouldn't take long for the Cat to show up. He walked into the kitchen like he lived there. " Hey." Po turned to greet him. " Hi Tez." "Hello Murciélago." Looked to Umi who hadn't turned around yet.

"She mad at me already?" Po pointed to his own ears, and then signed no. Tez took a moment...'No ears...no hear?...Oh...' Tez walked over and said sweetly, " How about you be nice and give the poor girl back her hearing?"

Eisen was much more avian looking to Tez by the time the god showed up. A glare was shot at him, 'Get out of here, Deity. This is between me and the Child! You don't know what she's done!'

Umi kept busy by setting out glasses completely unaware until Rinde forcibly twirled her around and she blinked. "Oh, hello." She offered him the plate she had set up for him of treats.

Tez smiled to Umi, and then turned his attention to Eisen, "Then inform me. What has she done, that has your feathers ruffled."

Umi could see Tez talking but had no clue what he was saying. She glanced over to Po and asked, "He's smiling. Should I be concerned?" Rinde snickered. 

Eisen surged, 'The Child DARED to force my release! After all I have done for her, she repays my kindness with defiance! I have claims and I am tired of waiting!' Tez would recognize this temper. It was similar to what she herself demonstrated. The bird like spirit seemed to grow larger and a searing pain ripped over Umi's scalp as she winced. Before their eyes, there grew a blue feline stripe marking from her scalp out toward her right eye over her skin.

The woman trembled a little as she set down the plate and she bowed her head, "Excuse me for a moment please." She moved to try and hurry out of the room to hide from being seen to cry from the pain.

Po would follow after her and try to keep her in the kitchen. His eyes would plead for her to wait.   Tez wants to tell that bird to settle down.

In her state Umi was growing too weak to fight and by the second her headache was growing. She didn't get far enough from the kitchen to exit it by the time she was holding onto a counter to steady herself on her feet, but she kept her back to Tez

Eisen was surging with anger. Rinde however seemed strangely calm and almost amused.

"Eisen calm down!" Tez ordered, " Shall you be reminded that haven't a physical form to you? That you are currently relying on her for a vesselage. One that is also shared at that. Be still and return her hearing at once, if you dare to cause her more pain I will rip you both from her. Would you rather be returned the forest from which you both came? Tired from the energy you have wasted trying keep this girl under your control."  Po looked startled. And he holding to Umi to make sure she didn't go down.

A shaking hand rested on Po's shoulder as she hung her head, letting her hair hide away a tear as another stripe started taking form on the other side.

Eisen glared defiantly at Tez, but he had clearly settled down into a seething temperament. Even with so much defiance, he was unable to break Tez's orders. He didn't stop his assault despite calming down. 'The Child caused her OWN pain; she knows the consequences of defying her fate! Rip us from her and you condemn her to oblivion.'

Rinde chuckled, 'Aw the friends are fighting.'

"I will condemn both of your asses to Mictlan if you don't stop your assault. Rinde, you really want to be put in this much danger that you would allow him to break your comfortable hold?"

In the other room Xol's ears would perk at the mention of the Underworld.

Eisen glared at him with anger, but did release and back off. 'I don't know of the place you speak of.. You can't do that with spirits not of your land!'

Rinde laughed at Eisen, 'Its his people's spirit world, idiot. I don't think you really want to test what he can do though.' He smirked at Tez, 'This small movement can't even touch where I am anymore. Humans, so easy to hold onto when you are in the spine.'

As Eisen backed down, Umi stood up a little more straight while the stripes faded away. She took in a deep breath and wiped at her face to try and hide any visible sign of her previous anguish.

Po tried, " Are you okay, Umi?"

Tez stretched a tad, waiting to see if she was alright as well.

It was clear that Umi couldn't hear still. Eisen was actually crossed arm and pouting like a child glaring at Po. He was not enabling anything like a child who was scolded.

"Eisen, hearing." Tez commanded again.

Eisen groaned and glared at Tez but he had no say as he held little power once again.

Umi's ears flicked as she clearly suddenly heard the world around her once more. She rubbed her face as if she coming out of a bad dream. "May I get you something to drink Tez?" She was clearly trying to act like nothing happened and was unaware of the fighting between the god and the spirit.

"Can you hear? " Tez questioned.

Umi kept her back to Tez but gave a nod. "I take it you and Eisen had a chat about that. I'm sorry if it caused you any trouble."

"No trouble. And to ensure you don't have any." Tez grin and commanded, " Eisen, Rinde, sleep for the week." Po held to Umi still in case her body decided it was not able to stand alone.

When ordered to sleep Po would feel her body shift slightly as Umi had to regain her own control over her sense of balance. She sighed a little with relief before asking, "May I get either of you anything to drink?"

"I am fine. " Tez purred, "Thank you for the offer though. I also got a call from Syc that our sweet brother needs family."

Umi nodded to Tez, "Your brother could use as much support as he can get." She looked to Po with a reassuring gaze that she was fine to move to go sit down on a chair.

Po released his grip to let her find a seat.

As Tez left the room, and made it the second living room they would hear him cooing at Xol and such. Followed by a little bit of their own language mixed in. 

Syc would come into a view a few moments later.

When Tez had left the room, Umi found herself a seat and let her guard down with Po as she spoke softly, "I'm sorry if I caused you any worry or trouble." She reached out and took hold of his hand, giving a squeeze. "I get weakest when I ask for favor." She released his hand and rubbed at her skin where the stripes had been, a lingering sting on the flesh.

When Syc came into view she would give him a smile. "How is your brother?"

"He is alright, Tez is there with him now, I am able to take a small break. It takes a lot to keep a God from falling." Syc admitted. "Oh by the way, thank you for the gift, can I ask about these runes?"

Umi gave a nod but there was a clear conflict in her eyes for a passing minute. She spoke in a softer tone, "You are doing well." She blinked for a moment then smiled. "Well, you know how even the most stubborn human can still feel your power just from being in your presence? If I drew them right, those runes should be able to conceal that from most humans."

"Oh excellent!" Syc smiled, " That will make it much easier to travel."

Umi gave a smile and nod. "I am not sure how well it will work since the language of the runes is back from the days my people first broke free from the stars, but I did give it my best shot. I hope it will let you interact with other humans without as much worry. I don't think it will work with Eiru though since she's already your follower."

"It will my miracle work all the nicer." Syc smiled gently.

Umi just kept her smile but a thousand questions ran through. She picked through a few of them and asked one, "Your miracle work? Do you need to hide yourself from human senses to really make them nice?" It was the most she could do to simplify the massive amounts of questions.

Syc laughed, " I have been known to make dresses for poor families for many occasions. Custom dresses with no charge just a simple little tag with a feathered serpent on it, is all I leave behind. I want to help people feel special and happy during their important occasions.”

There was a bit of surprise at first but then a gentle gaze rested on Syc and she beamed. "That is incredibly kind of you. You are a popular designer and I'm sure those families will be talking about those beautiful creations for generations."

"A lot of them I make with actual gems and metals, I imagine they can also sell parts to make some money. Once this year had a saphire the size of my fist in the center."

Blinking she looked to Syc's hand and shook her head a little, "That was incredibly generous of you. You may have saved a whole family with that single gift." A thought occurred to her. "May I get you something to drink?" She had offered everyone else but not the host of the home!

"Sure you may.”

Umi rose from her chair and to the untrained eye it looked like she was bouncing in her step to the storage of the glasses but really she was recapturing her balance. "What may I get for you?"

"Water please."

Umi gave a nod and let another question slip free as she worked,  "Has Xol been through this pain before?" She set down the glass of water in front of Syc.

"Not like this, not in a long time."

Umi returned to her seat. "How long has he been like this?" She wanted to say she could believe he would be okay since Syc had survived but she refused to bring up old wounds to her friend.

“Its been about two weeks." Syc frowned.

"Two weeks.." She thought quietly to herself. She gave a reassuring smile, "Why don't you take him on vacation for a little while?"

Syc sighed, " He can't take a vacation. His job prevents that really. "

Her smile slipped as she gave a thought. "Is there no one who can help him? Take his place for just a moment to let him heal?"

"I am sure he could get Medulla and Hueso to cover parts of it." Syc mentioned, " But they aren't enough."

"So more than a spirit is needed.." She gave it serious consideration. "I doubt humans can help... And as for Stardust..." Her eyes flashed as she looked up at Sycamor. "What if we could train Koko to do it just for a little bit?"

"Do you think Koko would have the patience to deal with departed souls? "

Umi opened her mouth and shut it again with a sigh, "I was going to say we could teach him but.. I don't know if I can say that confidently. I know Eiru was training under Xol. What if she worked with the spirits?"

"That might help. He might be able to pull another spirit to help and that should be enough to give him at least a proper week off."

Umi smiled, "I am sure Eiru would be more than happy to be of service. She is quite devoted. What other spirit would he pull on?"

"One he hasn't had need to call for a while."

"They go by Sangre." Syc informed, "Similar a vein to Hueso and Medulla. Their names translate, to Blood, Bone, and Marrow. "

He could see that sparkle of curiosity in her eyes, "Were these their names when they were alive or is this what they are called now? Where did San.. Sanger?.. Where did that one come from?"

"Sangre, was orginally a priest of our people. He is generally left to rest. "

Syc nodded, " He knows his work."

Her golden tail swayed with her curiosity peaked, "So does this mean that you can call upon former priests and priestesses for help if you need to? Can any deity do this or just ones of death and afterlife?"

"Its a lifetime achievement type of thing. Success at your role within our system leads to the Gods calling on you for add, occasionally in the after." Syc shrugged, " Sangre hasn't been called up from Mictlan, for about 100 years."

"So to worshippers it is seen as an honor." She seemed to make note of that. "Does this mean he has been called before? Can any of the gods of this land call upon him or just the one he served specifically?"

"Rule of thumb, generally, Xol's thing."

"Is that because that place you spoke of is Xol's reign? So say if you wanted to get this priest's help, would you talk with Xol first?"

"Mictlan." Syc nodded, " Its his job to go between the two."

"Mictlan.." She was trying to remember but there was a lot of keep track of at this point. "So if this priest helps, along with the nice couple and Eiru, Xol will have time to recover?"

"It will be easier yes."

"I will send word to Eiru then of the situation. She may try giving offerings to Xol for healing so don't be surprised if gifts start showing up."

They would be able to hear slight singing, not in any human tongue.

Umi jumped slightly and turned her head in the direction of the sound. "What is that?"

"That would be Tez, singing to Xol. Which is charming, but I envy not knowing what our language is supposed to sound like. Literally cat wailing, to me." Syc frowned.

Her ears flattened back, "Is it possible he's just terrible at singing?" A sigh left her as she looked at the table. "Well as long as Xol enjoys it and it brings him comfort I guess its a good thing." She looked at Syc, "Do you need sleep?"

"Always, funny enough." Syc admitted.

Umi gave a smile, "Why don't you take this time to rest?"

Syc would change shape and literally noodle in on himself and pass out.

Umi blinked and tried to not laugh as she smiled to Po, "Do you think you could get him a blanket and pillow?"

Po smiled, " Wait for it." After a few moments, Syc's wing popped out and covered his form.  " He is own blanket."

Umi had to stifle a laugh by covering her mouth and she smiled to Po giving a nod. She motioned for him to follow her out of the kitchen to allow Syc to slumber in peace. "Do you think he would like a pillow? I mean that a floor he's sleeping on after all."

Po shook his head, " He is noodled up, that means we can't see it but he is using his own body as a pillow too. He is pretty much designed to cuddle himself."

"That is both useful and sounds very sad. Still, I think a blanket could help." She casted a worried look back to the second living room. "They will be okay, right? Tez won't do anything cruel right?"

"No he is not going to do anything bad." Po was confident of that, Po heard more of the strange unhuman singing. To his ears it wasn't terrible but that was likely because he didn't know it himself.

Umi winced at the sound. "May we please go for a walk?" It was the best way to get away from that sound and Xol didn't need anything; Syc was sleeping and didn't need anything. She couldn't go near Tez making that sound and feel comfortable.

//so umi's brother is named Erhard and I think its funny that despite the two never meeting they both were drawn to the birb brothers for the same exact reason XD //poor Thomas is so beside himself with his children and their birb friends XD //though to him its ALLL Syc and Syc's fault

Huit shows up looking like a Spaniard

He would immediately notice that Thomas has Erhard at his side almost 24-7 now. However, Thomas doesn't realize who Huit is and since he looks like a Spaniard him and Erhard greet him so warmly and bright. Erhard however is noticeably quite.  "Welcome my friend!" Thomas beamed.

//Huit's alias name is Hernando/Hernan, and I am like of course you pick that to mock the name of the man that Conquered the Aztecs but never tamed their gods. "Hello, allow me to introduce myself I am Lord Hernando Guerrero. "  He looked around a bit.

//*SNICKERS* //

[His last name literally means Warrior]]

The man gave a slight bow but spoke carefully and with perfect Castilian inflection, "Bienvenido, Lord Guerrero. Please call me Thomas, and this is my son Erhard." His gloved hand motioned to the boy who gave a deep bow. He spoke very slowly, "It is an honor. Please enjoy your stay." It was clear that this line of English was all the boy had known and practiced. Thomas beamed to warmly. "Would you care for something to eat or would you prefer to rest after your long journey?"

"Food would be appreciated, I wouldn't want to impose. In truth, I am actually looking for a place to do some trading." He informed, " I need to get together the means to return home. THe man I had put in charge of my budgeting did a poor job. He will be replaced once I return." He had an act down.

Erhard's face flashed with a momentary concern but it was gone as he turned to face his father. Thomas' smile warmed a bit. "I understand. There is much to be discussed but nothing should be decided on an empty stomach. If you would please follow me." Thomas turned to lead the way through the quaint village that looked untouched by time. The young boy would walk behind the guest watching him with a curious gaze.

If Erhard was observant he would see a Golden hummingbird pin on the visitors jacket fastened atop the pocket. "I agree. Thank you." Huit wasn't sure how to feel about this time warped town, part of his brain whispered to himself, 'This place could use the progression of war.'

The pin definitely caught Erhard's eye and he was staring at it whenever Huit wasn't looking at him directly. Thomas on the other hand was unaware of his guest's attire or feelings. Or perhaps he rather chose what to acknowledge and ignore. "Do you drink, Lord Guerrero?" A beautiful old world tavern with wood trimmings everywhere, and carvings in all the corners of nature showed the hint of their nature loving ways. All the staff of the tavern welcomed Huit the moment he walked in before they were shown to a table. "What do you prefer to eat?" Thomas sat across from his guest while Erhard sat beside his father but those eyes would dart to that pin now and then.

"Is it too much for a homesick man to ask if you have Mencía, wine?" Huit inquired soulfully. " It has been far too long since I last ate I can't even begin to think, what do you recommend? "

"A guest to this humble village may ask for whatever they wish." Thomas raised his gaze a waitress who was standing nearby and immediately she was at the side of the table. "Please check and see if you have a bottle of Mencía for our friend here. Also, please bring some pretzels, and glasses of water." The woman bowed her head and hurried off. "I recommend any of our meat products. We take great care in the raising of our livestock and our butchers are tremendous with their knife skills. I hope you enjoy bread." Erhard quietly interjected, "The spaetzle is nice too." Thomas gave an approving nod. It was clear that the man who placed the order was respected because the drinks were already arrived: A bottle of the requested wine, one wine glass, a stein of beer and three glasses of water were all rested on the table before their owners. Thomas raised his cup, "To our new friend, and his safe travels home." Erhard raised his glass and looked curiously at the strange man.

"Thank you." Huit was gracious. " I trust you recommendations. Perhaps I should keep things simple and go for a cut of meat, you can always taste quality better that way. "

"Very well." The waitress who served before stepped forward when another gaze was casted her way. "Veal schnitzel and a side of spaetzle for our friend and for my son please."  The waitress was off but if Huit noticed, there was a minor flinch from Erhard when he mentioned 'veal'. He kept his gaze down at Huit's hands. Another server came by and sat down a massive plate with a huge braided soft pretzel coiled around the plate and ended in the shape of a flower. Another clue of their nature bond. "Please help yourself. As you eat, will you share with us how you found yourself here and so far from home?"

"Ah, here I have a question for you have you had any run ins with" he raised his hands to make air quotations, " foreign Gods" he allowed his hands to drop as he got a bit of pretzel, " I have been tracking one or two of them.  I plan to finish for my name sake did. End the Aztecs." Huit is well informed. [This is what happens when Huit and Syc talk. Huit is a man of action and violence. Syc is a peace and patience type]

It was like lightning flashed over Thomas' face but with two blinks it was as if that twitching angry frown had never made its special appearance across the man's face. Erhard was not as skilled as his father though as his eyes went wide. His voice remained even, "No gods are permitted in this village I assure you. As for carrying on your ancestors mission, I assure you its already been handled." His hand slipped into his pocket and pulled forth a beautiful golden pocket watch. "The people were wiped out, and without people to worship there can be no gods. They died and we inherited their riches." The gold shimmered a bit under Huit's gaze. "Any spirit that claims themselves a god now is a liar and is handled by one of our many skilled Children of Spring." //Erhard is dying XD Hes just sitting there like O_O;;;;;;

"I see, I am going to get rid of these pretenders then. The memories still linger and the land that was properly conquered is still holding to close to their supposedly lost heritage. What would prove more belief shattering than bringing those people the head of a pretender? " [Huit BSing like a champion]

"You have my blessing in your mission. I just ask that you mind not harming our Children of Spring as you work on your noble cause. They are sensitive to such things. That is one of the many reasons we do not allow gods here." Thomas sips on his beer as casually as possible. Erhard on the other hand is wide-eyed and drinking his water to keep from saying anything. //XD HUIT kills me XDDD and Erhard XD //

"The reason I ask, if because I thought I had managed to track one here. Or at least near here in recent memory of the land. You can tell where ever those things have been." Huit sneered. "The one I am most after is that damnable serpent."

Erhard nearly chokes on his water but Thomas flashes a glare at the boy before smiling to his newest guest. "All gods who try to come here leave... one way or another. Perhaps you were drawn to the relics I just installed in my home from our ancient battles? There was a rather persistent spirit here who took on a terrible joke too far but I assure you that spirit is long gone. If he had not taken his leave, I would have personally made sure he would have never left again." While it was all said with a smile, there was no mistaking that dark almost sinister tone. The food arrived just in time to distract from that cruel nature that he rarely bared. "Ah here we are! Please dig in, Lord Guerrero." Erhard tried picking up his fork but it was clear the slight tremble in his hand.

Huit looked at the boy, " Don't be afraid child, its dead before it ever hits a fire. At this point you are doing a service to not let its meat waste." It was an odd comfort. Huit ate a bit of the food prepared for him. "Did this spirit drop mention of anything else, a name?"

Erhard blinked and tilted his head a bit to the strange man. There was a moment Huit would see a smile before the child looked up at his father. Thomas' smile slipped free at last. He spoke in almost a cold fashion, "It is time for you to go home Erhard. Be with your mother and never leave her side until I get home." The boy nodded, and bowed his head to the guest before doing as he was told. With the two men alone, Thomas sighed. "I ask for your understanding. Erhard is not a Child of Spring so discussing such matters in front of him is inappropriate. Were it not for your mission being a noble one, I would not wish to discuss it either. However, I wouldn't mind ridding the world of one less spirit." The stein came to rest as his hands grasped together and a serious gaze landed on Huit. It was the first sincere emotion he allowed to be shown. "This creature claimed to be the dead feathered snake of Mexico. I wouldn't care about such a claim but it tried using a familiar name that was once adored here to gain credit. That thing left here of course but it would seem its come to bother my son now in the same way. I am not a Child of Spring. I am a Son of Summer, and as such I govern and have no say or will with the spirits. This doesn't stop me from cursing that creature's very existence even though the Children of Spring here have no idea what it is I saw."

"What did this spirit, demon whatever it truly may be, show you? " Huit questioned.

"It put on this illusion of a winged giant snake with feathers. It claimed to know someone who is long dead and then had the nerve to criticize how we live here in this village. How it ever found us to begin with is beyond me; we serve as a tourist destination to glimpse into the past. What a spirit like that wants with a place like this I will never understand. If you want to kill it be my guest."

"Quite strange indeed...but to make a manifestation like that...it would have to an old thing. There is no denying that it is a menace, the worse case scenario is that it is the Winged Serpent. Best is that is just an old demon." He shook his head, " Thank you for this information." [What an actor this one is.]

//XD Right. Note how Thomas ain't talking too much on syc talking about his 'dead' daughter. no matter how hard he seems, that one hurts him still//

Meanwhile there is a little bird waiting for Erhard at the house, sitting on the window sil "Die damnable Schlange ist nicht die, die Sie gesprochen haben ." It fluttered as he approached, landing on his shoulder.

"Be careful Lord Guerrero. This one likes to play with the dead and takes great joy in old wounds. Should anything happen, please know you may return here to find rest and comfort as my guest."   Erhard was pouting as he shuffled along to the house but seeing the bird, his eyes brightened. He hurried over and as it landed on his shoulder, he blinked. "Ich verstehe nicht. Was Schlange? Sind Sie von einer Schlange gejagt zu werden?" (I don't understand. What snake? Are you being hunted by a snake?) Realizing he was talking to a bird, Erhard was quick to duck behind the house to continue his conversation.

"Süd - Kolibri. Ihr Vater spricht zu den südlichen Kolibri . Er ist der Bruder der Schlange ."  The hummingbird informed at least tried to. Giving a care that its master is not normally this peaceful. Huit shook his head, " No simple demon could both manifest that way and insight provocation over the dead. This creature, where did you last see it? Maybe I can pick up its track from there."

His one brow raised at the bird on his shoulder. Did it just say 'her'? "Wer auf diesen Vogel spricht? Warum sollte ich über das? Bist Du in Schwierigkeiten?" (Who is speaking to this bird? Why should I know about this? Are you in trouble?) He spoke with such concern for the little feathered friend. Carefully he pet the top of the bird's head and spoke with such a gentle tone, "Ich werde versuchen, Sie sicher zu halten." (I'll try to keep you safe.) The boy had no clue the position he was in nor the position his father sat. Thomas gave a nod. "I would be glad to show you once you have finished resting wit your food and drink. This spirit was a strange one. How it had knowledge of the dead from this land when it claimed to be from the other side of the world is truly disturbing. That is why you should be careful."

The bird slowed down its normally rabid speech, " Das. Kolibri. von. der Süden. Ist . Im Gespräch . nach. Ihre. Vater. "( The. Hummingbird. of. the South. Is. Talking. to. Your. Father.)  It was trying to give a warning. "It truly is." Huit shook his head again, but allowed himself to lighten up," Yes, yes of course. No need to rush the meal." Huit laughed.

His eyes grew wide. Now it made more sense to the boy. He was still young and the faster one spoke the harder it was for him to understand but he understood that. "Ist der Vogel schlecht? so wird er mein Vater verletzt?" (Is the bird bad? Will he hurt my father?) Thomas smiled to him. "Please enjoy and rest yourself. You certainly have come a long way. May I ask how long you have been traveling from your home?" The bird puts head down, "Ich weiß nicht, seine Pläne . Es tut mir leid."  The bird flicked back into the air, "

Ich weiß, er will ihn an der Stelle zu sprechen , wo er die anderen sah ." Huit made quick work of the meal before him revitalized by the idea bouncing about in his brain.

Erhard's eyes grew wide. He shook his head and smiled to the bird. "Warten Sie bitte hier." (Wait here please). After running inside for a few minutes, he came back out with a shallow bowl that was full of a sugary syrup. The edge of the bowl had a rim for the little avian to rest on. He set it down on the window sill and smiled warmly, "Vielen Dank für alles, was mein Freund." (Thank you for everything my friend). The boy took off running back to the tavern. He had to get to his father! Thomas allowed the man to consume all the food before him as he only took small pieces of the pretzel before finishing off his beer. He had not ordered much to eat for himself. If Huit would notice, Thomas had actually not ordered any food for himself at all. He was far too concerned with his guest's well being to remember to do so.

The little bird sipped at the sugary syrup. "Danke." "Thank you kindly for the meal, Now lets go see if I can find a trail from that creature." [Dude this is so mirrored I didn't even plan that!]

//XD Oh manz! XD// Thomas rose from his seat as he smiled to his friend. "I would be happy to show you the way now that you are rested." He would lead him toward the last place he had spoken with Sycamor. Erhard ran as fast as he could to the tavern but unfortunately by the time he had gotten there, the two men had already set out so the boy was off in search of his father. He didn't understand the 'Southern Hummingbird' but he didn't want to see trouble to happen. "PAPA!" The boy's call echoed out in hopes to find him.

"So this is where you saw him?" Huit looked around, doing his best to look as if he truly was investigating. He had plans for this...something his brother wouldn't have done. The little hummingbird zipped back up to the boy, " Diesen Weg." It was leading him back to the point of where he had initially met the man before. Huit knelt down and touched the ground, there was still signs of his brother's presence oddly enough. He brought his hand to his face restoring the yellow and blue war paint that he was so accustomed to.  Leaving his back to Thomas.

It was Erhard's turn to offer thanks as he beamed to the little bird. "Danke!" He followed after the small bird but was only able to run so fast at this young age.  Thomas sighed as he looked around the spot. "This was the place. Funny enough this is also the place my son saw him." He watched the man curiously but remained as his back. He looked away for just a moment as he muttered to himself, "This was her favorite place too when she was young." Shaking his head he smiled brightly, "Was this helpful?" Erhard was relieved to see his father's form just a little further ahead. "VATER!" He called out to the man, but it was all he could yell. By the time he would reach Thomas he would be panting from all the running he did.

Huit laughed darkly, " Well, well seems I was betrayed by one of my own messengers." He stayed down on the ground for the moment, " There is something to their whole "God" problem you are having." He stood back up finally, perhaps a bit taller than he was initially. " Achtung!" The hummingbird called out.

Thomas almost missed Huit's strange behavior as he watched over his son was catching his breath but a cruel icy gaze was thrown his way. "Don't tell me you believe in gods as it were?" The bird's call and Huit's words made Erhard grasp hold of Thomas' hand. He looked at the man and spoke clearly, "Was willst du mit meinem Vater? Wenn Sie etwas Gutes taten, würden Sie nicht Verrat erhalten Sie Segen bekommen würde." (What do you want with my father? If you were doing something good you wouldn't receive betrayal you would get blessings.) Thomas looked confused at his son before squeezing his hand and looking back at the man.. Did he get taller? The man yanked Erhard behind him and stood proud. "What is going on here?"

"Well there is no use in hiding anymore, thanks to that little tattletale." Huit hurled a dart through the air pinning the wing of the hummingbird into the tree.  "The thoughts you carry, the ill will towards the Quetzalcoatl, that is the type of thought that fuels the hearts of men for war." HUit took deep breath, " As much as I can delight in that seething rage you have, its misplaced. The one that spoke to your son was his brother."  He kept his back to them still .

Erhard screamed when he saw the terrible act against the little bird. "HÖR AUF!" (Stop it!). He shook free from his father's grasp and ran towards the tree to try and help his little feathered friend. Thomas began to walk towards the area where Erhard moved towards to keep himself between him and this man. "I don't know what a filthy bird claims to have told on, but it seems you were rather displeased with it." That friendly tone was gone. "I hardly care about hearts or war. I will not have anyone shamefully talking of the dead as if they know them and I certainly request you not upset my son again. I don't care for birds but it seems my boy has taken a liking to them."  His eyes narrowed at this man's form. "What does that dead god have to do with this land? We already have enough dealing with the Norse stars, why are we plagued with more god talk who have nothing to do with our blood?"

"They do have a thin string of connection, all through you have disowned. Claim bitter ignorance, there is a soul of this land that remains plagued by spirits of this land. Your daughter is Alive. Umi.  My brother cares about the person she tries to be even after the life in your town. Still raised a manipulator, this is something I can see. She was once raised to be a trophy. Seeing how you are treated first hand in your town, it makes sense."

Erhard desperately reached up to try and remove the dart from the wing of the hummingbird to free it. "Es tut mir leid Sie verletzt wurden! Keine Sorge! Es wird in Ordnung sein, ich werde..." (I'm so sorry you were hurt! Don't worry! It will be okay I'll...) He stopped overhearing the name that was spoken before. Slowly he turned to look over to Huit. "Einsames Vogelmann?"(Lonely Birdman?) Thomas growled a bit. "BITE YOUR TONGUE!" He couldn't hold back that rage that lashed out. "Umi died long ago. I don't know who told you about her name like this but its got nothing to do with you!" His eyes narrowed. "If your brother has come across someone claiming to be Umi I assure you its no relation to me. Its either a ghost or a liar. Probably both."

" Should I relay a message to this phantom then? And be done bothering you  and your kin?"  Huit offered.

Thomas scoffed. "If anything you should look to free your brother from that phantom before it gets him hurt or killed if you care for your own kind that is!" Erhard turned back to free the hummingbird, holding the little one in his hands but he looked at Huit with a heartbroken gaze. He glanced over to Thomas, "Bitte verzeiht ihm Vater. Er ist allein und nicht weiß, Freundschaft." (Please be forgiving to him Father. He is alone and doesn't know friendship.) The man glared down at the boy. "Enough Erhard! Be silent and go home!"  There was a pout and he looked back to Huit. "Bitte nicht zu verletzen mein Vater. Er war schon weh genug." (Please don't hurt my father. He was hurt enough already.) "ERHARD GO HOME!" The young one flinched at his father's roar but obeyed the command as he turned and started walking back, still holding the little bird in hand. Thomas turned a wrathful glare toward the man. "These lands are my home. I will run them as I see fit. The dead should REMAIN dead. Free yourself!"

The little bird fluttered its wings and became airborne enough to go back to Huit. "Es tut mir leid Huit." Huit put out his hands for the little bird to settle in. It tweeted a bit in its birdy little ways. "Lo siento tambien." ( I am sorry too)  He cooed to the little bird. "El descanso, mi pequeña ave." (Rest my little bird.) "I will speak to my brother perhaps their is some hope in reasoning with him. To start dealing with this phantom when all it does it bring harm."

Thomas seemed to calm at those words. "Then you understand how bad it is to keep around something that doesn't belong? That can only bring sorrow and harm?" He sighed a little. "I will take up responsibility." It was a begrudging utterance. "I thought if we destroyed its resting place it would go where it belongs but.." He shook his head. "Sounds like all we did was drive it somewhere else." His arms crossed over his chest and a pained gaze rested on the ground. "I will take care of this issue once and for all. Bring that monster a message: Return to where you were born. I will handle the rest." Poor Erhard was worried for the little bird friend but he continued on his way back to his home as he was told.

"I can make no promises." Huit ran his fingers over the little bird's wing, and it was back to health. " I am not the one that has made himself close to them. I will speak with my brother though. If he comes back he would be under direct order to only speak to you. No further interaction with any of your kin. "

His gaze shifted back to Huit. "Do you really risk it? Wouldn't it be easier to handle this for good?" It was not something he was a fan of doing; Thomas had avoided this as a last resort. However, he was tired of hearing about this issue and would do whatever it took for it to be over.

"I have only just recently restored my relationship with my brother. To handle this my way there would be a swift death."

Thomas didn't flinch. His gaze remained solid. It seemed that they had the same notion. "I feel you and I are more alike than your brother and I are."

"My brother is too sympathetic of heart to allow my methods. He is content to watch this phantom suffer under the weight of the spirits pulling upon it  and how it desperately clings to the code of your land even so far from here."

"The heart can be blinding to danger. Are you older than him?"

"Younger actually. But age is not a relative thing among my brothers and I. It changes every other century."

"Age usually brings wisdom when it comes to humans. I have misspoken it seems. Please excuse me; your form can be very deceiving for a human." It was clear he was without spiritual sight or knowledge unlike his daughter. "Can you tell me where I can find this phantom on my own then? I rather handle this sooner rather than later. I don't want anyone else finding out that burning down the cottage didn't work."

"I am afraid she is roaming all the more now. The loss of home, has transitioned them to a life of travel."

"Could you take to your brother's lands then? I know from these little visits I can be sure to find the monster there. "

Huit laughed, " It's hardly that easy. Nor do I want his lands.  He is actually rather hermit, the fact he left his comfy little snake burrow, means that this ghost means something to him. But that is what happens when you give a God something they are supposed to have..." He shook his head.

His eyes narrowed a little not out of anger but more out of concern that reflected in his curious inquiry. "What do you mean give a god something they aren't supposed to have?"

"My brother has become what I would consider inflicted.  YOu have undoubtedly heard that Aztecs took the still beating hearts. We needed that ultimate show of devotion for sustenance for years.  But one, gave their truest essence, the son of a priest.  Offered up his very humanity to our God Of Wisdom. "

Thomas eyes grew wide. "No.." It was a whisper as if pleading for a lie but what reason would this creature have to lie about his own kin? He shook his head growing silent and then looked back at Huit. "What becomes of a star child who gains all the light that a human soul has to offer?"

" He stopped all sacrifices of human hearts, and became deeply peaceful. Suddenly made aware of the complexity of human life, it made him weaker and stronger all the time same. " Huit informed, " He banished himself for a time after being coerced to sleep with a chaste priestess. It was during that time that the Aztecs supposedly fell. "

"Tch." Thomas' left hand wrapped around his eyes as his brow furrowed with frustration. His lips parted several times but never once was a word uttered. He was not a careless soul; he minded his words. Taking a deep breath, his hand fell away from his face. "It sounds like your brother is something entirely different than what he was born as. I can see how things could get complicated." His hands fell to his hips as he sat in thought. "If you just bring me back to his hand, I will take the monster out of that land upon its next visit and then you will have protected your brother."

"I feel that his state explains why he feels so  kindred towards this ghost, they are both part of what they shouldn't be. The worse part is this human infection seems to be spreading to my other brothers, and I will not have that. I will leave a messenger here and let you know when the ghost is there, and bring you then. Until then you will live as normal as ever. We will not bother you otherwise. You have my word."

Thomas gave a bit of a nod. He even gave a sympathetic gaze. "It sounds like the damage is getting more severe with time. Ghosts are very dangerous. I am sorry one has come to haunt your kin." At his offer Thomas stood up straight. "You have my word that all will continue as if we haven't spoken today. Upon your word I will move and act to restore your family's home." //XD OMG //

" I will take my leave then, be mindful of the hummingbirds." Huit gave a bow, as a charm of hummingbirds descended upon them and a moment later he was gone, with the birds.

///OMG SHARKIE XDDD //FREAKEN HUIT AND THOMAS ALLIANCES XDD

//Wasn't expecting this...but apparently they bonded.

//XD I WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS EITHER //OH /MY //BYAKKO! //Thomas man //I know Huit didn't care for Umi but DAYUM thats a new level of dislike XD

//Issue is he is starting to care about his brother. And what he sees is his brother being made to feel helpless and he doesn't like it

//Its weird how alike huit and thomas are

//Huit told me this was plan B //Plan A was to kill him and bring the head to Umi.

//XD What was that supposed to do?

//Make her not come back to the Cavern he hoped.