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18 Members ~ 65 Characters
12 Vampires, 8 Fae, 8 Wolves, 5 Lions, 3 Leopards, 3 Foxes, 2 Jaguars, 1 Hyenas, 2 Cobras, 2 Tigers, 4 Rats, 1 Swan, 5 Cougars, 5 Humans, 0 Human Servants, 4 Other |
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| Not Twincest. I swears. (Kaede/Keiji) | |
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| Topic Started: Mar 5 2009, 10:59 PM (515 Views) | |
| Masaru | Mar 5 2009, 10:59 PM Post #1 |
The Sorrow Eater ~ Vampire Council Member
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It was a very dark night in Paris, prompted perhaps by the storms that had been thundering all afternoon. Masaru had woken up to hail and pouring rain. Though it had stopped now, at 8.16pm, the streets were deserted and there was barely any noise, save for the occasional grumbles of thunder that were drifting into the distance. Knowing that the streets would be, for the most part, deserted, and that he didn't particularly feel like doing any forms of council or otherwise business, Masaru had decided to go for a rather lengthly walk. He had taken the opportunity to feed whilst doing so, off some teenage couple who were simply in the wrong alleyway at the wrong time. Masaru had left them on a bench in the city, moving quickly and swiftly so it would simply look like they had fallen asleep together. They weren't dead, simply unconscious and would probably wake up with a 'hangover', laughing and giggling. So very typical of teenagers. It had been not long after this that the scent of Cherry blossoms filled the air. This perplexed Masaru – it was the middle of winter, for one. Things shouldn't be growing, much less flowering. Secondly, cherry blossoms in Paris? That was...odd. Yet as the familiar, well-misse smell of the flowers filled the night sky, Masaru felt a little calmer and more serene for it. They were most definitely real cherry blossoms, not Sakura and definitely not Vale. Sakura had smelt strongly of the flower, her aura and personality suiting that off a cherry blossom moreso than anything else. However it wasn't simply because of her that he liked the flower so much. It reminded him of his youth, his time as a servant in a kiss...his general growing up. Of times long ago that he had nostalgia for. The source confused him, however it was not long before he arrived at a park, which was rather secluded from the main streets and alleyways. On a park bench laid someone who's aura was familiar, yet not...if Masaru hadn't been able to sense him then he probably would have passed off the sleeping male as a hobo. However it was the man standing by the cherry tree who caught his attention. Wearing black leather pants and a matching black jacket, stood a man with long black tresses of hair. At first, he was unsure – it had been centuries, since he had last seen or heard of/from the man. However there was no denying that his powers and his aura were very similar. Which mean the man on the bench... Masaru looked over, and his suspicions were confirmed. “It has been a long time, friend.” |
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| Kaede | Mar 6 2009, 12:45 AM Post #2 |
Unseelie
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Long fingers outstretched to touch the fleshy petals now blooming on the tree. A rare smile, for the Fae that made it his business never to do so, or at least never to waste it on the undeserving. That was Keiji's place in this world, not his own. Thinking of Keiji now, only made him sigh softly. It was hard to balance the love and hate he had for his brother, for what he had become now. Many thought Keiji was 'cute' and 'sweet', the way he wasted his time with smiles, kittens, coffee, and whatever else entered his head at the moment. Kaede missed the brother that once was, when his head wasn't completely filled with bullshit and unicorns. He had been missing a time too old for anyone to remember, when they had taken their walk. Nostalgia had been a strong enough catalyst to stir the power of Summer Blossoms. Strong enough to grow a now flowering cherry tree. Keiji had become bored with it after ten minutes, leaving Kaede to stand alone beneath it. The only person he had to share the past with, and he had nearly forasken it completely. For what? A pair of fuzzy mismatched slippers that squeeked and cellphone filled with annoying ringtones. Kaede hated this modern age. Giving the thin branch a little shake, only a few petals fell to the wet ground. Taking out his pocket knife, he began cutting off some of the smaller branches, watching them slowly grow back again. When he had gathered enough, the sharp blade was closed and he slipped it back into his jacket's pocket. Drawing the sweet smelling flowers to his nose he closed his eyes. It was a shame the entire city couldn't smell this beautiful. It was even bigger shame, he would have to tell Keiji to kill it. Couldn't feed the already paranoid humans of the city anything more now could he? “It has been a long time, friend.” Pale eyes opened slowly, to finally rest on a face he knew almost as well as his own. Inhaling the scent of the cherry blossom once more, he lowered the branches. To many centuries had passed since Kaede could recall enjoying the other's company. What were the odds that on the very night he grew the tree recalling the past, that he would meet with someone other than his brother from back then? Another rare smile, though brief as it was had found it's way to his face. Only a few steps, and Kaede was as close as polite manners allowed. He offered a thin branch, heavy with flowers over. "Far too long. Not the man I had expected to see tonight. when recalling old memories." He offered quietly. Still just as lovely as he remembered as well. "If I had known you were in this city, I would have contacted you as soon as I could." With that, his gaze drifted to Keiji asleep on the bench. Yes, he would have done it almost immediatly, if he had been aware. |
 Kaede Uesugi*The Lord of Summer Blossoms and Spring Mists*Unseelie ~*~Untagged~*~ | |
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| Keiji | Mar 6 2009, 06:59 AM Post #3 |
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Pales eyes cracked open to silently watch his brother have some Quiet Time with the tree. It wasn’t so much that he had grown bored with it, or hadn’t wanted to share time with Kaede. But he could count into the hundreds how many times the scene has repeated itself. Not in Paris yet, but everywhere they had gone and who knows how many times back in Japan. That was Kaede though, wasn’t it? Rooted in Spring and Summer, tied to beginnings and nothing but. While he on the other hand … well. He was catalyst of change enough for the both of them. Not that he didn’t sometimes miss the past. There were things he yearned for and times he certainly would have enjoyed going back to. The desire just wasn’t as strong as Kaede’s was. And that put another strain between them. A soft sigh and his eyes slid shut once more, his mind wandering through the past in its own way. He wish, briefly, that the koto wasn’t such a bitch to pack around. It would have been nice if he’d been able to have it right then, to give Kaede something more to smile about. “It has been a long time, friend.” "Far too long. Not the man I had expected to see tonight. when recalling old memories. If I had known you were in this city, I would have contacted you as soon as I could." Eyes snapped open as he listened to the two, wheels spinning behind his storm colored eyes. The chances that it was actually who he thought it was were slim, yet who else would Kaede greet so cheerfully? Or at least as cheerful as his brother ever let himself get. “Masaru?” He levered himself up, resting his head on arms folded across the back of the bench to grace their old friend with a brilliant smile. Glamour snuck across him silently, dulling the color of his eyes and coaxing his hair into a long back sheet that matched Kaede’s. Habit. Apparently, he still thought of himself that way in regards to their old brother in arms. But time had moved on and he wasn't going to let it leave him behind. While the glamor had come upon him with the ease of a morning mist, the illusion disappeared quickly, snapping out of existence suddenly. A hand ran through his hair, fingers digging through the now familiarly short strands as it to remind himself of the way things were. With a grin, he twisted around and slid off of the bench. Hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jeans, he closed the distance between himself and the others. He must have looked like a riot of color next to Mr 'I'mma wear black all the time'. But his brother couldn't bitch too much. Not after he had been the one to get him the blue shirt in the first place. Details. Besides, it was Kaede. He'd probably find a way to be unhappy with it no matter what. Of course, there were the pants. The denim had just that afternoon been attacked by various pens, leaving battle wounds of words and lines all over the fabric. It had turned into an office project, everyone at the cafe helping to unboring the plan jeans. Carly had even drawn a little heart on the seat, and while that was cute, he was pretty sure she'd done it just to try to piss off Kaede. Ok, so it wasn't so much the heart that made him think that, it was more the note she'd scribbled around it. Again, details. His attention drifted to the branch of blossoms being offered to Masaru. Had he been anyone else, he might have been jealous. Or insecure. Worried that the person he loved would leave him for another pretty face. Thank god he wasn't someone else. What he shared with his brother would, however strained it was at the moment, last them through the ages. And like everything else it would surely come back full circle. Until then though ... Rocking back on his heels, as if remaining still had somehow bothered him, he shifted his attention back to Masaru. "What'r the chances, right? I woudn't'v thought we'd bump into mu--" He was cut off by a blast of sound from a pocket. Caramelldancen. Speedover Caramelldancen. "Aw fuck. Gimmie a sec." Fishing the little phone out, he wandered a few paces away. "Carly? Crazy. I was just thinking about you and I - what? Oh. No I don't think he noticed. Anyway, what did you...uh huh. Yea, 's fine I guess. Yeah, go ahead and keep him there for the night. I'll swing by tomorrow and get him." Glancing at Kaede over one shoulder he shruged. "Of course he won't. Right. Yep, I know. Hey, Cearbear? Gonna let you go. Sort of in the middle of something. No I'm not getting laid. I'll see you tomorrow." The phone was stuffed back into a pocket. Once he was close enough a hand was outstretched, fingers slithering beneath black fabric to rest against Kaede's familiar back. Usually he made it a point to not be so touchy around other people, what with them getting all weirded out by it, but it was Masaru. If he didn't know by now then he was, quite frankly, fucking retarded. "How's it been?" |
 () Untaged () "I looked with chameleon eyes upon the changing face of the world." | |
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| Masaru | Mar 8 2009, 02:29 PM Post #4 |
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The Sorrow Eater ~ Vampire Council Member
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Taking the branch of cherry blossoms that was offered, Masaru nodded. The last time he had seen Kaede had been when he was barely 200 – back in a time when he actually remembered how old he was to the exact minute. Masaru's age was no longer of importance to him, but he had never forgotten his past or the lessons he had learnt. He had met the twins, or rather, Kaede a long time ago...almost 500 years ago to be precise. Back when he had followed his then master without question or a second thought. Masaru had been running a high-risk errand for his master, a test to see how loyal and useful he could be. Not that he had realized it at the time. Sakura - his love, mentor and experienced fae negotiator - had initially been given the job of supervising, though she had pulled out at the last minute. And so he had gone to deliver a message to the sidhe of the local courts alone, with next to no experience in dealing with them. He had been told that his task may be compromised by the unseelie, and to be extremely careful. By chance, he had run into a Kaede with his sword withdrawn, and instantly assuming that the man was there to stop him, Masaru had drawn his own. It had only been after a few hours of conflict, when they were both metaphysically and physically exhausted that they had realized that the beginnings of it all had been a mistake. Still, Masaru had recognized him as a worthy advisory, and had managed to get his name before leaving. Kaede. The next time they met, it was in the wars...though they were on the same side. It was during those times that he had met Keiji. The twins had confused him at first, having seen Keiji first and mistaking him for Kaede. However he realized that they were identical twins when Kaede appeared. During their time fighting together, Masaru had only gained more respect for the twins, despite their...oddities. He had figured out their attraction for each other within hours of them being together – it was obvious to anyone who was looking. Most remained oblivious – they were brothers after all, and most would not think of any romantic connections between the two. Times had been much darker then. Through the deaths and the time they had spent together, the three had formed a close bond...war buddies, as it were. However somewhere along the line, his addiction to the ardeur had consumed him, and he had lost contact, not leaving Sakura's side until she left him...and then eventually, died during WW1 and the territorial fights that came with it. It had been a long time since then. But he had never quite forgotton the battles they had fought together – whether they had won or lost was not as important as the fact was that they had all watched each others backs and kept each other alive and sane. Such things simply could not be forgotton easily. “A pleasant surprise, none the less. I am glad to see you both alive and well.” Masaru replied with a soft smile, following Kaede's eyes to the fae on the bench, now sure that it was Keiji. If he had not been feeling nostalgic before, he was certainly feeling so now. Many things had changed through the times that he wished had not. The only thing that had remained the same was the eternal beauty of the cherry blossoms. It seemed that they had woken Keiji up, and Masaru gave the fae a nod. Out of the two of them, Keiji appeared the more physically changed of the two – his hair had been hacked short, his clothing was bright and colourful. Perhaps a change with the modern times...though he had always remembered Keiji and Kaede as being like a pair of intertwined, blood red roses. Smelling the cherry blossoms deeply as Keiji spoke, the smile that Masaru had previously graced his face disappeared. Keiji was different. Very different. The way he spoke had changed to the more modern style - words massacred by a modern tongue that had no appreciation for those times of old. Masaru's eyes drifted to Kaede subtly as Keiji's phone played some loud, boppy song he had no appreciation for. The conversation that Keiji had with the female did not go unnoticed either. Had things gone awry with them both? The question went left unasked, though the look that he gave Kaede could certainly not be misinterpreted. The topic of Kaede's and Keiji's relationship had always been one that Masaru respectfully avoided, though if either of them brought it up he did not have a problem in talking about it. When Keiji hung up, Masaru's face was carefully blank once more, his thoughts hidden under a mask that had taken centuries to perfect. By the contact that Keiji was making with Kaede, it seemed they still had some sort of relationship, though whether they were still as close as they had been back then was a mystery. “Its been...” Masaru paused to think, brushing a strand of his long blonde hair out of his eyes. How had it been? Was there even a word to describe all that had happened over the years? He laughed at the thought of trying to explain everything that had happened, all the changes that he'd been through, the traumas and the joys that he'd experienced through his long life. Finally, with a sigh and a shrug, he finished his sentence. “Its been different. Constantly different. So much has changed throughout the years...Sakura is dead.” Masaru crushed one of the blossoms in his hand, letting the petals fall onto the floor. Her death was still emotionally painful to think about, though he had accepted her passing long ago. “Have the years been cruel to you as well?” Masaru questioned, his eyes now dark, focused on the petals on the floor which he crushed with his left foot. Edited by Masaru, Mar 9 2009, 02:34 AM.
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| Kaede | Mar 9 2009, 05:00 AM Post #5 |
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Unseelie
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“A pleasant surprise, none the less. I am glad to see you both alive and well.” Masaru had always been a polite man, even when faced with the obscure he had found a way. It was a trait one hoped to aspire to, even if the task seemed impossible. Kaede had the ability to be just as polite, but making it sincere for those he felt did not deserve it was not as easy. He found himself just as happy and most of the time easier to simply spread his discontent around. He might have been rewarded with the name 'asshole' a few times, but it was far cry better than the alternative. He had opened his mouth to say something further, to thank Masaru when the sound of Keiji's phone shattered the words on his lips. That annoying ringtone, one of many that made Kaede's lip press tightly together every time someone called and it began to play. "Carly? Crazy. I was just thinking about you and I - what? Oh. No I don't think he noticed. Anyway, what did you...uh huh. Yea, 's fine I guess. Yeah, go ahead and keep him there for the night. I'll swing by tomorrow and get him. Of course he won't. Right. Yep, I know. Hey, Cearbear? Gonna let you go. Sort of in the middle of something. No I'm not getting laid. I'll see you tomorrow." This was when Kaede had to wonder if Masaru would still be glad to see them both alive and well. For Kaede's part, he was almost inclined to believe Keiji not alive would be a good thing, if only he did not have to hear that phone, or the way he completely butchered the language. It was disgusting, embarressing and not to mention rude. Here was a man they had once counted as close to them as family, and he was talking on his phone to her, the little coffee bitch. She was a constant source of irritation for him, a perpetual thorn in his side, that had not the common sense or courtesy to stand in the middle of traffic. Stormy hues drifted back in Masaru's direction, forsaking a strained smile altogether for simply exchanging glances. While he didn't care much for the coffee bitch, she was not his only reason to feel displeased. The answer was clearly before them, look what his beloved brother had become. When the coversation had ended, and Keiji's fingers had slithered over the flesh of his back, Kaede found himself fighting the urge to chastise him for his phone call. However, there were some things, no matter how displeased you were, you did not do in front of friends. He had long ago given up hiding his relationship with his brother in front of those he was particularly close with. While it had been wildly rumored that Kaede had liked men, a not uncommon practice of the day, the fact that the man he liked above all others being his brother would not have gone over well. Masaru, was a trusted brother, as such, there had been reason to hide it all the time around him. It was simply never discussed at great length. “Its been different. Constantly different. So much has changed throughout the years...Sakura is dead.” While Kaede had not in fact changed at all, everything around him seemed to. Without warning every change had crept up on him, until he found himself ina world that he did not know, and did not particularly like. He had not experienced the loss of someone he devoted himself to, someone he had loved. It was beyond his ability to even fathom a world without his brother, even with his irritating habits. Though, he was certain it was a world with which he would no longer want to belong to. What was there to say in a time like this, just the truth. "I would not be able to continue, were I in your place brother.." He had offered. It was more than likely, the only words of comfort he would be able to offer Masaru, 'Sorry for your loss' did not seem to cut it. So hea had tried a different approach, playing on Masaru's strength of character to see him through such a time. “Have the years been cruel to you as well?” Well, they had certainly cruel to Kaede, one look to Keiji now was enough proof already. "I have never been the man that easily accepts change into my life. I suppose one might say, time itself has been cruel to me." He said after a wistful sigh. There was so much, he could have said. All the details of the past years that had gathered in a large pile, but he was not even sure where to begin. "How long have you been within the city?" If Masaru had been calling Paris his home for awhile, Kaede would find himself irritated over the lost time. |
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Kaede Uesugi*The Lord of Summer Blossoms and Spring Mists*Unseelie ~*~Untagged~*~ | |
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| Keiji | Mar 11 2009, 09:03 PM Post #6 |
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“Its been different. Constantly different. So much has changed throughout the years...Sakura is dead.” “Masaru, I..” He cut himself short. Though they had been raised outside of the sithen, there were some things their mother had made sure to impart to her sons. Never say ‘thank you’ and never apologize being two of the foremost things. (After that had come the edict about never cutting your hair, but he’d conveniently ‘forgotten’ that one.) Even saying ‘I’m sorry, that effing blows’ wasn’t something he could make himself do, however much he might want to. It was far too ingrained into him from both his mother and his father’s side. ”The world is surely lessened.” It was as close as he could get. To have lost someone that close… He couldn’t even imagine, though he had some small inkling. For a heartbeat his fingers dug into the skin beneath his hand, reminding himself that things had turned out well after all. Mostly. "I would not be able to continue, were I in your place brother.." He couldn’t have put it any better. Had Kaede died he would have followed within the hour, honor and duty be damned. Everything that made him who he was, was tied to Kaede. The red threads that made his life were shot through with black from his brother, twisted together so tightly that to cut one would surely sever the other. And if it didn't...there were ways around nature. His hand slid away from Kaede, dropping to the ground below as he crouched with elbows braced on knees. A fallen petal was lifted on fingertip, brought even with the multi hued eyes. He had to wonder sometimes how much of an advantage a long life was. Sure, you had a lot of time for things. But it gave you a hell of a long time to get all fuckered up about stuff too. And if something bad happened, then you just had that much longer to live with it. Ugh, what in the hell. He was getting all bent out of shape and morose. The petal lost all of its color, the soft texture drying out until nothing remained but a dry, shriveled husk. "Have the years been cruel to you as well?” "I have never been the man that easily accepts change into my life. I suppose one might say, time itself has been cruel to me." Letting the dead petal drop to the ground he rose in a smooth movement, a grin threatening to break across his face once more. "Cruel? I wouldn't go that far," he shrugged and turned to look at the still blossoming tree, hands once more finding their way to his pockets. "I'd stick with petty. Like a jilted girlfriend." |
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() Untaged () "I looked with chameleon eyes upon the changing face of the world." | |
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| Masaru | Mar 19 2009, 12:30 AM Post #7 |
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The Sorrow Eater ~ Vampire Council Member
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OOC: Had a sweet idea...I simply added it in but if you don't like it then I'll change it tomoz. XD YEH I GODMODDED SO LEMME KNOW KAY? XD The smile that Kaede forced back at him was strained, his eyes telling Masaru a story of suffering, and perhaps, of anger. At that moment he knew that things could not, and perhaps would not be the same between the three of them as they had been so long ago. Masaru did not say anything as the two fae came as close to apologizing as he had ever heard – not that he needed to hear the words. It was simply enough to tell someone else who would understand the loss that he faced, the grieving that he had gone through. Such suffering did not need to be explained, he was sure they would understand. Masaru nodded his head slightly at Kaede's words. Even when technology was developing, when guns and cannons were readily available for use, they had all preferred to use the traditional weapons – swords, katanas...weapons that had taken hundreds of years to create, beautify and perfect. The technique that needed to be used was complex, the movements elegant and lethal. Kaede and Keiji had been two of the best, and when combined, the deadliest. The two of them together, working as a team, was a sight that Masaru could not forget easily. Their teamwork was flawless, their concentration so focused that they could have been the very same person. Looking at the two once more, Masaru felt nostalgic once more. This feeling was only increased when Kaede asked the question of how long he had been residing within Paris. “Not long. Almost two years...” Masaru said, his voice bitter. He had not wanted to leave Japan, however he did not think he could simply up and leave Paris now. There was too much damage to heal in Paris, and he would not abandon those underneath him. “My master sent me here to die, to take a seat on the council in the hopes that I would be slaughtered.” He said it as a matter of fact. It was not like any of them hadn't been sent out on death missions, or had assassins chase them before. He left the rest of his story for them to figure out – it wasn't hard to put together the pieces. Masaru simply watched as Keiji seemingly drained the life out of one of the petals, Keiji's mood seemingly sombre for a moment. But only for a moment. “I have not known time to be petty.” Masaru stated softly, not meaning anything by the statement. He glanced at Kaede for a second as if to reassure him, before walking up to Keiji and gently placing his left hand on the small of his back, slowly tracing fingertips up the man's spine, pausing before lifting his hand off the Fae's back as he reached the top. “Indeed times have changed if you no longer carry your sword, Keiji.” His hand was back by his side now, though his eyes were locked onto Keiji's. “What has happened to change you so, Keiji of the Black Winds?” Masaru referred to a nickname that came from an old tale about the fae, and his ability to turn the world around him 'black' as he walked. He was certain that Kaede would still be armed somehow...it was something that he had come to expect of the fae though it would not surprise him if Kaede had only become more deadly throughout the years to the point that he needed no weapons. |
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| Kaede | Mar 19 2009, 07:13 AM Post #8 |
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Unseelie
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Where once there had been many occasions to smile at the sight of his brother, they were now few and far between. Once upon a time, his brother had need only to walk into a room, and Kaede had found himself quickly intoxicated. Even a simple tent on the eve of a major battle could seem like paradise, if Keiji had graced it. However, that was then, and this was now and more often than not, Kaede found himself unable to stomach ten minutes in a room with him. Despite it all, there was still a part of him that wished Keiji's hand had remained on his back, and when he pulled away, he had the urge to draw him back in, with arms around him. He never would though, affections were not for the public's eye, even when the audience was someone as trusted as Masaru. When far removed from the chatter of disfigured girls, and his little hobby he called a coffee shop, Keiji was not entirely terrible to take. Even now, he was showing small hints of the brother he had fallen in love with ages ago. While small portions of his personality seemed to resurface, Kaede knew it was only a matter of time before they fluttered away, like the wings of a butterfly that Keiji no doubt would chase after. Masaru's presence was enough to make any man sober, it commanded such a reaction, it seemed a great pity they had not come to Paris two years ago. Perhaps with the reunion of a most respected brother like him, Keiji would finally come back around. “Not long. Almost two years...” “My master sent me here to die, to take a seat on the council in the hopes that I would be slaughtered.” Kaede should have guessed something close to that. He could hardly imagine Masaru willingly leaving Japan much less staying away for two years. Of couse, he had thought the very same about himself once, and here he was, for who knew how long. Irritation slithered along the surface of his usual carefully guarded expression, "I know we have not seen one another in many years, but nothing has changed between us. My sword belongs to you brother, should it ever be needed again." Details were not something Kaede needed, nor did he really needed an excuse to defend and honor his brother in arms. It almost went without saying, that his loyalty would continue with him. Winter spackled eyes watched Masaru move closer to his beloved reflection, and settle his elegant hand on a back he knew better than his own. Had it been any other man, to touch what was his] he would have acted immediatly. It was different with Masaru, he was perhaps the only man, he would willingly give his brother to. However accepting of all this he was, he could not help but feel a little jealousy stab at his heart. Masaru was touching Keiji instead of him. “What has happened to change you so, Keiji of the Black Winds? No, it was more like petting a dog. The jealousy quickly died and was replaced with mild amusement at his own thoughts. His mind quickly swam with all the things that could be said, but it was not his place to tell Keiji's story. What might his butterfly chasing brother respond with? |
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Kaede Uesugi*The Lord of Summer Blossoms and Spring Mists*Unseelie ~*~Untagged~*~ | |
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| Keiji | Mar 22 2009, 04:27 AM Post #9 |
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“My master sent me here to die, to take a seat on the council in the hopes that I would be slaughtered.” "I know we have not seen one another in many years, but nothing has changed between us. My sword belongs to you brother, should it ever be needed again." Glancing at his other half over one shoulder, he gave a bare hint of a nod. It went without saying that where Kaede led, his brother would follow. It was the way things had always been and always would be, one thing Keiji had no desire to see change. If Kaede saw the need to send them both back into service, however informal it might be, then he would be there right beside his brother. Besides, it was Masaru. Council or not he was a comrade. And those you came to trust like family, you didn't leave them to fend off a pack of dogs on their own. The hand against his back drew his attention back to the vampire, head canting to the side in curiosity. There was a half formed urge to purr as the hand slid up his back, playful and completely at odds with the situation. But Masaru was, along with Kaede, not one of the people that would appreciate the humor in it. How was it, he wondered, that two of the more important people in his would never find the humor in something like that? Was it just him? No, it couldn't be. Carly seemed to understand it, as did most everyone at the cafe. That simple belief that life was too long to not at least laugh at it, to not enjoy everything it handed to you when it wasn't being a miser. “Indeed times have changed if you no longer carry your sword, Keiji.” Amusement washed across his features, pulling a chuckle from between his lips and diverting his train of thought. "Indeed, more time has passed than I thought if you have forgotten where that sword rode." Knuckles briefly tapping against Masaru's hip. The amusement flickered, dying in little pieces until there was little of it left. "It's been a long time since I carried the kodachi. And the uchigatana even longer still." Hints of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips as a hand lifted, fingers splayed in imitation of a fan. "Tessen, on the other hand...." “What has happened to change you so, Keiji of the Black Winds?" What little light had been left in his eyes guttered and died. His eyes shot away from Masaru's, landing on his brother for a heartbeat before settling on the cheery tree. "My pride got the best of me. The price I almost paid for that ... was more than I ever wanted to pay for my own mistake." Fingers wove though his hair again, remembering that first cut he had made; the once unfamiliar feel of a blade tugging the strands away. A short laugh escaped him, sounding forced. "After that... nothing I didn't ask for, I guess. Sort of did it to myself." Edited by Keiji, Mar 23 2009, 04:44 PM.
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() Untaged () "I looked with chameleon eyes upon the changing face of the world." | |
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| Masaru | Mar 24 2009, 12:11 AM Post #10 |
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The Sorrow Eater ~ Vampire Council Member
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“Indeed...my sword has not tasted crimson in centuries. However should you ask, I would stain it with blood once more.” Kaede was a man that Masaru would happily give his life for. The same could be said for Keiji, even though he was not in his right mind. They were old friends, possibly the only ones who had never betrayed him. Possibly the only ones that he had managed to keep throughout all the years. It was a great relief to know that nothing had changed in all that time. At first, Keiji had seem confused at the contact that Masaru had made, though after his question a look of amusement crossed the Fae's face. Keiji's joke was completely lost on Masaru, who simply looked at him blankly. He had not ever remembered Keiji sheathing a sword at his hip. It was certainly news that Keiji did not carry swords anymore, dropping them for a simple war fan. Surely Keiji knew that the Tessen was hardly a weapon that was effective in battle, save for when arrows were shooting at them, and even then, Keiji was fae and could easily dodge such crass things. Masaru had to wonder if Keiji still had the mind of a warrior. The answer to Masaru's question was not much of an answer, however he was not going to press the matter then and there. Keiji would tell him if he felt so inclined. Keiji's laugh was bitter...forced. Keiji ran his hand through his hair, the glamor not strong enough to hide the truth of Keiji's short, hacked hair. Masaru wondered when he had done it, and whether Keiji felt dishonored and had done a far more traditional Japanese method of showing disgrace and shame...such a thing would make sense. “I hope the punishment you have inflicted on yourself was not greater then the deed itself...” he commented softly, his own eyes on Kaede, cold and calculating. “Kaede, Gomen.” Quickly, silently, Masaru stepped up to Kaede, placing a hand underneath his clothes, brushing against the fae's skin gently before reaching for a sword that he was well acquainted with. The movement was faster than a mortal could keep up with, however they were all far from human. The glistening silver of Kaede's katana in the moonlight was the only warning to be had, before Masaru rushed forwards, holding the sword mere inches away from Keiji's neck. “Have you fallen so far from grace that death is the only resolve, Keiji? Or do you simply punish yourself without searching for resolve?” Masaru hoped, at the very least, that Keiji would remember how to fight. Otherwise he was probably incurable, unfixable...which was something that Masaru could not bear in his heart of hearts. He did not want to believe that Keiji had fallen so far. “Withdraw Tessen. Show me that you are not so disgraced.” The words were compassionate, angry and regretful. |
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| Kaede | Mar 25 2009, 03:07 AM Post #11 |
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Unseelie
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Indeed, more time has passed than I thought if you have forgotten where that sword rode." It's been a long time since I carried the kodachi. And the uchigatana even longer still. For a man that had made it his business to speak volumes of nothing every day of his life, it came as something of a surprise when he had not filled the night air with his nonesense. Instead, he had offered only a vague answer, that even Kaede, a man of few words found unsatisfactory. However, the past was never something that flowed free from Keiji's lips, not even to a most loved brother. How many more lifetimes would they live through, before Keiji dropped that heavy burden and let go of what could not be undone? Kaede already knew the answer; never. Had the roles they had played back then been reversed, he was without doubt that he would have chosen the same path as his brother. Honor, was not just important, it was most important. Though it had been Kaede who had suffered the physical wound, that had nearly cost him his life, it was Keiji that suffered the most and would continue to. The path he walked was not an easy one, and perhaps for that alone Kaede allowed his behavior. As long as it was within reason. That was why he had pulled himself away from those things he loved so much, to sit in that circle of Hell posing as a coffee house every day. Constant vigiliance was the only way to keep him sinking further, in that den of sirens. They might not have been calling Keiji to the water to drown, but in his own mind it was not far off. Stupidity, was just as deadly after all. “I hope the punishment you have inflicted on yourself was not greater then the deed itself...” “Kaede, Gomen.” Bliss, your name was Masaru's touch. However brief and innocent it had been, it had the potential to send him reeling, that was if he had allowed it. It had not occured to him then, to stop Masaru from reaching under his coat, where Autumn's Sentinel slumbered. He had never had a reason to mistrust the man he had pledged himself to just moments ago and let him pull the katana frree. “Have you fallen so far from grace that death is the only resolve, Keiji? Or do you simply punish yourself without searching for resolve?” “Withdraw Tessen. Show me that you are not so disgraced.” A hint of silver on the air later, and the sword hovered within striking distance of the very flesh it was meant to protect. While he never believed for an instant that Masaru would do something to mortally wound his brother, the very idea of even the smallest of scratches to his person, infuriated Kaede. There was no doubt in his mind that Masaru meant to act, he was like Kaede. Once set upon a course, it must be followed through till the end, whatever that might be. Caught between the love for one brother and the other, Kaede had wondered if he could allow it to continue. Would Keiji rise to Masaru's call? Would they battle and would they both taste the bitter results? Injury to both was unacceptable. The air around them became heavier, burdened with moisture, it trickled over all three of them, licking their skin with a cool tongue. That dense mist that had appeared from nowhere rolled and danced until everything was blanketed by the thick cloud. His hand outstretched, until falling heavily on Masaru's left shoulder, and his lips lingered close to his ear. Hot breath kissed flesh as he spoke as soft as any lover into his ear, "Forgive me." He withdrew his hand a second later, leaving Masaru in the mist's withering embrace. As swiftly as it had come upon them, it was just as quick in it's retreat. When it had lifted, Kaede was on one knee, beside Keiji. Long fingers stroked the side of his his brother's sweet face, while stormy eyes fixed on Masaru, now standing beside the cherry tree. "You must forgive me this Masaru. The edge of that sword was never meant to be drawn against Keiji." While he spoke, his head lowered, allowing his lips to barely brush the top of Keiji's head,while his eyes remained on the other man he loved. "Continue this another time. I would not have either of you injured, on the eve of our reunion." He finally withdrew himself from Keiji's side, to slowly stand once again. Perhaps this was enough incentive for his brother to find his warrior's spirit again, however brief it might be. Kaede would certainly not save him a second time, from Masaru's challenge. |
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Kaede Uesugi*The Lord of Summer Blossoms and Spring Mists*Unseelie ~*~Untagged~*~ | |
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| Keiji | Mar 26 2009, 07:36 AM Post #12 |
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“Have you fallen so far from grace that death is the only resolve, Keiji? Or do you simply punish yourself without searching for resolve?” So many things in his life came and went. Events and people simply slid past like leaves on a creek, enjoyed while they were there but hardly mourned for their passing. Out of sight out of mind. The event that had caused him to change himself so drastically, on the other hand, seemed as if it was always present. He doubted that Kaede laid any blame on him. Had things been the other way around, Keiji would have gladly done the same thing his brother had done, and considered it more than worth it. But Kaede's forgiveness was easy to get. It was his own that was proving impossible. "It will never be enough, brother." He gazed at the razor fine edge that threatened his neck with a serenity that came only from certainty. Death would never find him by that blade, be it held by his brother's hands or any other. There was no doubt in his mind though, that he might be facing some serious injury. Hands spread at his sides, fingers splayed in the age old show of being unarmed even as he stepped forward, stopping only at the feel of cold metal against his skin. “Withdraw Tessen. Show me that you are not so disgraced.” "I don't need tessen," he whispered. The grass around him hissed, a dry rustling sound as the life fled from the soft blades. Green faded to brown in an ever widening circle around him, wavering only when it approached his brother; trapped between living and dying and pushed in both directions. The last thing he wanted was to have to use the Hand on Masaru, but he knew that there wasn't any other course at the moment. What had started had to be finished. A hand had been lifted, fingers curled in a soft inviting gesture, outstretching with a seductive movement that begged to be met. The mists that swallowed them were not completely unexpected. Kaede had come to the rescue. Again. The hand that had only seconds ago been reaching for a brother found the ground instead. "You must forgive me this Masaru. The edge of that sword was never meant to be drawn against Keiji." He leaned into Kaede's hand like a drowning man, savoring the contact as if it were the first time he'd ever been graced by that touch. But that's how it always was with Kaede. It had never acquired the tired taste of the commonplace or simple routine. Every touch, every embrace and all the little things in between still rocked him to his core. "Continue this another time. I would not have either of you injured, on the eve of our reunion." Winter eyes peered at both brothers through a dark fringe of lashes, the barest hints of a frown pulling brows together. It would continue later, that much was for certain. And while he shied away from the past as much as he could, he wanted to fight with a brother even less. Unlike Kaede he remained where he was, the knees of his jeans drinking up the moisture that lingered from the mists. A hand reached outwards, fingers resting against Kaede's leg in a reassuring gesture. Though if it were for his brother or himself, even Keiji wasn't sure of. "He nearly died, in order to save me from something I should not have walked into." There was only a half second warning before his phone went off again, shattering the oppressive mood. For a moment, he was able to remain composed, but the face that it was Super Mario and Masaru certainly had to have been wondering where the 'princess' went was just too much for him. Hell, just the fact that the stupid music was so at odds with everything they had just been doing was enough. Maybe if they had been talking about something else, anything else, he'd had just thrown the phone on silent. But he'd take any port in that storm, just to be able to move away from something that still hurt him more than he would ever admit. Laughter spilled out of the fae as he pulled the phone from his pocket and fell back onto the grass. "Oh my god...Our Princess is in another castle, Masaru." The phone skittered across the grass, still trilling its happy eight bit anthem as an arm draped itself over Keiji's eyes, laughter rolling from him in high, clear waves. |
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() Untaged () "I looked with chameleon eyes upon the changing face of the world." | |
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| Masaru | Mar 26 2009, 11:38 AM Post #13 |
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The Sorrow Eater ~ Vampire Council Member
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Autumn's Sentinel sung in the moonlight, the edge of the blade catching that same light and reflecting it so that the sword shone brightly between the three of them. ”I don't need Tessen...” The previously green grass surrounding Keiji curled up and withered, surrendering their lives to a power they could simply not compete with. The grass surrounding Keiji was soon brown, the poison spreading outwards in a circle, hesitating when it was caught between Kaede. The grass between them swayed, and would perhaps be screaming in panic were it a person – the point between life and death was not a pleasant one to be suspended between. The metaphysical energy coming from Keiji felt powerful, though whether they were a match for each other was unknown to him as of yet. He did not want to use his sorrow on the fae, knowing the results it could very well lead to. He cared too much to put either of them through such suffering. However when Keiji extended a hand, Masaru felt the urge to grasp it, drowning the other man in a force of metaphysical energy, an act that would surely leave them both injured for quite some time. He stepped once towards Keiji, his hand extended and his eyes filled with regret that he might be the one to make him suffer so. However his second step was halted mid-way by the air becoming thicker, denser...surely it was Kaede's interference in order to save his brother. This was confirmed by Kaede's hand on his shoulder, and the warm whisper of wind to his ear. It was not the mist or the words that made Masaru stop moving, and simply let down the sword down to his side. It was the way in which the words were spoken, as if...almost as if... It was not soon after that the mist was lifted, and Masaru still stood there, sword still limply held at his side. He looked away when he saw the twins together once more, mainly out of habit. “I know it was not.” Masaru stated, staring at the blade once more. He knew what it had been forged for, its purpose. Yet he had still chosen to wield it against Keiji...perhaps even he had known subconciously that he would not hurt his brother in arms. “There are no debts between us, no grudges held.” He said softly, when Kaede asked for forgiveness a second time. “I would forgive you for killing me for such a matter...even if it were at the cost of my reputation.” Masaru hoped that Kaede understood – should Masaru ever be at the fault for the death of Keiji, he would allow Kaede to withdraw his blade and kill him dishonorably. It was something that he believed would be for the benefit of the both of them, and should Keiji ever die, Masaru's dishonoured death would surely make up for the grievances had. “I hope that we will not have to.” Masaru said on the point of continuation, though in his heart he knew that this would not be the case. Keiji needed help, needed to get back to his previous state of mind. And there were not many ways that he could think of to aid in such a matter, save for reminding him of what they had in the past. Masaru locked eyes with Kaede, when Keiji spoke his next words. “I am sorry I was not there to help, brother...though I do not know the situation I know the outcome would have been different were I there to watch your backs as I had been in the past.” The sombre mood that loomed over the three of them was interrupted by the bright cheery modern ringtone coming from Keiji's pocket. The noise was irritating – the fact that Keiji instantly burst out laughing was saddening. He did not understand Keiji's next words, nor did he even try to interpret them. Something was very wrong with Keiji, something that could not be fixed as easily as he had hoped. The phone slid across the grass, halting near to where Masaru stood. For a second, he considered destroying the small irritating object with his sword, however he simply picked it up, before viewing the damned thing. “Keiji...you have a message.” It was after these words were said that the phone restarted playing the music, vibrating in his hand. “...two messages.” He threw the phone into the distance hard, a small 'crack' and the sudden halt of the music signifying the mobile's death. |
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| Kaede | Mar 27 2009, 12:11 PM Post #14 |
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Unseelie
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The fragrance of flowers that lingered on the air, had become stronger. What was once a gentle reminder was now a violent expression. Woven amongst the bouquet, the scent of the earth brushed against nostrils, a clear indication of Kaede's other hand at work. As if the rolling carpet of green, that spread out from his feet, swallowing up the decay, was not enough already. When the last of the brown grass, had been completely transformed, the smell of growing things began to wane. There was no reason to leave the grass so scarred, it had nothing to do with his brother's condition, and thus did not deserve it's punishment. "He nearly died, in order to save me from something I should not have walked into." The subtle press of fingertips to the back of his leg, caused him to finally look away from one brother, down to the other. Clouded Winter skies met briefly, before Kaede had looked away again. He had never been a man of many words, nor would he ever be. Bringing comfort to others, even to those held abover himself had never been easy, and they never would be. He might not have spoken then, after looking in those troubled eyes, but there seemed little need to. What was there to say between the man you loved, that they did not already know? If Keiji was filled with uncertainty, he only need to look as far as brother's eyes to feel at ease once more. No, he would never be able to take away what Keiji was unwilling to let go of, but at least, he could soften the blows every time he was struck with it again. “I would forgive you for killing me for such a matter...even if it were at the cost of my reputation.” “I am sorry I was not there to help, brother...though I do not know the situation I know the outcome would have been different were I there to watch your backs as I had been in the past.” He would do anything in his power to avoid any situation, that would result in such an unthinkable end. Of course, he would not hestitate to bring Masaru the final death for such an unspeakable act, but unlike any other man he might cut down, there would be no pleasure in it. Not that it would matter, he would use the very blade he had used to on Masaru, on himself. There would be no reason to remain in a world that was not graced by both men. He opened his mouth as if to speak, to tell Masaru everything he was thinking just then, only to have the sound from Keiji's phone replace his words. There was simply no sigh big enough, to handle this. Instead, a hand moved to his own face, as if holding it a moment while pain swept across his features. Slowly his hand, slid down the side of his face, wiping the pained expression away, leaving in it's wake anger. As if the very sound was not already bad enough, Keiji had felt the need to contribute by opening his mouth. He had foolishly hoped his brother would have ended his bullshit there, and saved Kaede from further embarressment, but the laughter follwed in wave soon after. Eyes narrowed, as his hand dropped back to his side, and struck the side of Keiji's face. "You dishonor me. Your mouth. Close it." He spoke through clenched teeth, before letting his face return to it's usual expressionless manner. He had been tempted to strike him twice, but that would have been cruel. Once was enough to get a point across, and he hoped his brother still had some sense to understand it. Listening to the phone break and suffer it's digital death, was nearly enough to bring a smile to his face. Hands sunk into the deep pockets of his leather coat, stepping away from Keiji to leave him as he was. Closing the distance between Masaru and himself, Kaede removed his hands, letting them fall to his side. He allowed himself only a moment to look at that still lovely face, before sliding onto the damp ground. On his knees, he bowed respectfully, his long hair spilling over his shoulder in a dark curtain. When he sat back again, his hands resting on his thighs, staring ahead of him for a time, right through Masaru. There were no words that could repair such embarressment, nor were there any to apologize and ask forgiveness. |
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Kaede Uesugi*The Lord of Summer Blossoms and Spring Mists*Unseelie ~*~Untagged~*~ | |
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| Keiji | Mar 27 2009, 01:26 PM Post #15 |
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There were a lot of things Keiji had been expecting. A reprimand seeming more than likely, all things considered. And while that was, for the twin, punishment enough, it paled in comparison to what befell him. Pale eyes flew open, locked on the grass below while a hand rose to brush fingertips against the burning sensation that still stung the side of his face. Oh it wasn't the first time. And he knew somewhere, some counselor was getting cold flashes when he told himself it was his own fault. But it was, and there was no point in trying to shift the blame around. "You dishonor me. Your mouth. Close it." The laughter had died the second Kaede's hand had connected with his face, leaving a familiar despair i its wake. He had hoped, in a vague way, to never drive his brother to something like that again. The fact that Kaede was burdened with him as he was, was bad enough. But to shove his brother to something like that ... He made a half formed movement to reach towards Kaede, to try to make amends, but it was halted almost as soon as it had started. It could wait until Kaede had made amends with Masaru. A deep breath, filled with the scent of his brother's power seemed to help center him as fingers dug wove into the grass, as it to help steady himself. Once, long ago, it had been easy to balance everything he had made himself into; a smooth transition between two worlds that caused no ripples. But lately Keiji was finding it harder and harder to find that place. He had, somehow, wandered onto other pathways and it was proving ever more difficult to traverse the distance between what he was becoming, and what he needed, and wanted, to be for his brother. The mantle he had draped around himself long ago was proving ever more comfortable, ever more difficult to remove. The edges had become indistinct and hard to grasp. And while it slid back on with the greatest of ease, removing it to reveal his old self was a taxing thing that almost needed concentration to attain. A gentile push saw him back on his feet, hands brushing grass off of himself merely out of habit. With the weary steps of the penitent, he crossed to his kneeling brother and Masaru, stopping behind the one he cared for more than himself. Winter eyes met those of his other brother before he dropped to his knees as well, though unlike Kaede, he remained prostrate. Kaede needed only find forgiveness from their brother in arms. He, on the other hand, had to seek it from them both. |
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() Untaged () "I looked with chameleon eyes upon the changing face of the world." | |
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| Masaru | Mar 30 2009, 04:45 AM Post #16 |
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The Sorrow Eater ~ Vampire Council Member
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It had almost seemed as though the world around them had silenced itself when Kaede had struck Keiji. The action was one that had caused even Masaru to stare – he had not remembered a time where one would ever physically strike the other. It was as though a part of his world was now truly broken, a piece that he had treasured and loved dearly was now lost; like the sight of the sun, the Keiji that he'd once known was lost to a dark and miserable darkness. The fact that Keiji was still alive was still a small comfort...it meant that perhaps one day he would return to his former self, that this facade of him may disappear. But the scene before him spoke differently. His heart grieved for the time he had not spend with them, protecting and helping them both. Nay, he had chosen his path, one of selfish desires and conflicts that had resulted in this. A facade of a man and his broken brother. Masaru's hand graced his own cheek, as though the strike had been to him personally. That he had not been there for them both, was a painful reality for him to wake up to. His hand tightened around the hilt of the blade, though he had no intention now of swinging it – he simply needed to clutch something solid, unchanging. In his mind though, he knew, that in time even the metal of the sword would sing the song of a path not taken. Bowing his head to hide the tears that he would never allow to fall, Masaru let the tresses of his hair fall to cover his face, only looking up when he heard the grass near him rustle with movement. It damned nearly broke his heart to see Kaede bowing before him, doubly so when Keiji joined him and remained face down on the grass. Masaru stood until Kaede had finished his bow, knowing that Keiji would not rise before dropping to his knees himself, sword placed delicately on the ground. Masaru could not show his own feelings in such a way, they were still in public after all, and he could not allow his enemies to gain any form of idea that he was at the mercy of a fae. Nor could he begin to explain the grief and inner turmoil he felt personally at the situation the brothers had befallen. Eyes still moist from unshed tears, Masaru simply looked at Kaede, before reaching forward and embracing the fae in a hug. “I should not have left you. Either of you. I am less the brother, and most the dishonored for it.” As fast as the hug had been, it ended. Masaru broke away, turning away from the man both to wipe at his eyes and to face Keiji. A hand was simply placed on Keiji's head, brushing the hair out of his eyes. “I will get you a new phone.” It was the closest he could come to expressing his grief about Keiji's situation. Masaru was not even sure if Keiji was aware of what he had become in modern times. However if Keiji was truly to stay this way, he could help Kaede with the burden. Masaru knew that back then, he had been naïve, young and stupid. However now he could finally pay retribution for abandoning them for a selfish love now lost, if they would let him. Standing up, Masaru picked up the sword blade first before handing it back to Kaede. The sharpened blade did not cut his flesh, his skill in handling such things was too great for such a deed to occur. His own eyes were distant now, focused on the blossoms of the cherry tree, his heart filled with guilt and regret. |
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| Kaede | Apr 1 2009, 08:14 AM Post #17 |
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Unseelie
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No man ever wished to see the things he loved most in the world, come to harm. A good man, would fight to the ruin of his very being to protect what was most dear to him. No sacrifice was too great, no path too far. The good man, would have shattered at the very thought of striking Keiji. He had come to realize years ago, he was far from a great man, or even close to becoming a good man. The journey to become such a man, was still far ahead of him, and while his heart ached somewhere for it, it did not shatter. Nor was the pain he had felt, enough to stop him from doing it again should it be needed. As long as Keiji continued to deteriorate and spiral, there would always be a need. There was one hope however, in the finding of a brother thought lost to them. While it had not lasted long, it had been enough for Kaede to believe Masaru's presence in their lives would only help. He was not a dreamer, and there were no illusions for him to clutch to. Even with Masaru, he held no hope for the brother that once was, he had died on that battlefield despite Kaede's effort to save him. No, he would never be the same child born from Winter herself, but at the very least he might return to a place of balance. A balance, he could live with, maybe. Even with eyes that stared off in the distance, he was aware of Masaru's movements, so close to him, had he the desire or been any other kind of man, he could have easily reached out to touch him. The embrace had been short enough that he had not had to fight the urge to hug the other man back. There had not been time to set his arm on the other man's back, and press against him. Nor had there been time to bury his rage in his soft looking hair. Even this brief moment between them would not go unappreciated by Kaede, it was enough to last him another five hundred years if it had to. “I should not have left you. Either of you. I am less the brother, and most the dishonored for it.” Cutting deeper than any sword's edge, those words inflicted a wound inside that would not easily be healed. To hear Masaru speak them, was almost as painful as listening to the sound of Keiji's mobile, though for different reasons.He only wished to bring comfort to Masaru, where as the mobile he wished to see stay broken. "Let us speak no more of it, fate's will cannot always be altered. We are together once more, that too must be fate." If Masaru's business had taken him away from them in the past, important or not, it was not for Kaede to judge. If he felt dishonored for not being there with them, there was no better time to redeem himself. Surely fate, had pulled them together once again for a reason. “I will get you a new phone.” He would have liked to tell Masaru to not trouble himself with replacing it. A world with less ringtones even for a short time, seemed the epitomy of bliss to Kaede. However, he would not stop him from doing what he felt was needed. Kaede could only hope that his brother, would take something away from all of this. He rose only after Autumn's Sentinel had been returned, sliding it back into it's sheath where it once again would slumber, until it was needed. Adjusting, his leather coat once again, he turned to stare down at the still kneeling Keiji. "The ground is damp." He stated flatly. Of course he was stating the obvious, but unlike so many other people that opened their mouths and never said anything useful, he had a purpose. While it might become lost on many others, he was certain the brother he shared his life with would understand his 'concern' even when there was no warmth in his words at all. Edited by Kaede, Apr 1 2009, 08:17 AM.
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Kaede Uesugi*The Lord of Summer Blossoms and Spring Mists*Unseelie ~*~Untagged~*~ | |
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| Keiji | Apr 3 2009, 05:41 AM Post #18 |
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He had long ago cut pieces out of himself, severed whole portions of what once made him who he was. It had not been a clean surgery, with clinical precision and care. Field surgery was a closer analogy; frantic, hazardous, ill supplied and only half thought out. More than once since that fateful battle Keiji had cut and discarded pieces of himself, remorselessly leaving them behind without a second glance. But he would do it again if he had to, and would keep doing it, keep sacrificing himself on the altar of Time, until he thought it wasn't needed anymore. But until that day came, he would keep being what he was to get things done; he would change so Kaede wouldn't have to, taking everything into himself to keep it from the one he cared about more than himself. He knew what his brother thought of it. Or at least had a vague idea. It was, after all, what he'd have been thinking had their places ever been reversed. It was better this way though, wasn't it? Keiji harbored no doubts when it came to his brother, either in regards to his abilities or his devotion. But change had always come easier to the Autumnal twin. “I should not have left you. Either of you. I am less the brother, and most the dishonored for it.” The hand that brushed against his hair drew him out of his thoughts, tugging his attention and focus around and pulling his body with it. He twisted with the brief caress, like a cat leaning into an absent stoke. “I will get you a new phone.” With a fluid, boneless grace he flowed with the movement until he was stretched on his back, cool grass pricking against the back of his neck, a ghost of a smile pulling at his lips. "Don't. There's a spare floating around somewhere. I just need to find it." With a shrug, he let his gaze drift towards the sky. He knew exactly where the phone was. But he'd give it a week or two before he 'remembered' where it was and 'found' it. "The ground is damp." An arm stretched upwards, his hand waving vaguely at the sky that curved above them all. "I used to think that if anything was forever, it was mother and the stars. They've moved, ya know?" Pulling himself into a crouch, hands vainly attempted to brush off the damp that had seeped into his clothing. Giving up, a hand scratched at the back of his neck before running forwards along his head, pulling the short hair with it and into disarray. It was getting longer again, long enough that it didn't simply stand up from the gesture. Probably due time to cut it again. While anyone else would have missed it, or read his brother's words as cold, Keiji knew better. A soft sigh slid from him, his body leaning until he was able to rest his head against his brother's leg. It wasn't an apology. But it was, in the way of Kaede, concern. That was enough to erase the whole incident from Keiji's conscience. Staying that centered, that grounded was starting to take its toll. The strain of keeping a death grip on every impulse that slid by was tiring. |
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() Untaged () "I looked with chameleon eyes upon the changing face of the world." | |
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| Masaru | Apr 4 2009, 02:39 AM Post #19 |
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The Sorrow Eater ~ Vampire Council Member
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It had almost seemed that with the destruction of the phone, that a portion of the Keiji he'd once known had returned, if only for a short while. Masaru nodded his head slightly at the talk of a phone – though a sigh escaped his lips when Keiji stated that he did not need a new one. “Then I owe you a favour, brother. At the very least, let me be content with that.” The guilt was not over the phone, but over the near death of both Keiji and Kaede. Words could not explain what grief he would have gone through if either of them had left this world. "Let us speak no more of it, fate's will cannot always be altered. We are together once more, that too must be fate." “Fate has been cruel to us all...but my heart is warmed to see you both alive and well.” Masaru smiled, one of the few that lit up his whole face and ran right through him. Yes, they were all there now...amends could be made. It was more than nice to be around those who did not have motivations behind every word, every touch. For the first time in centuries, Masaru felt comfortable and safe, a feeling he had long forgotton since rising to the council. The familiarity and comfort of being around people he cared deeply about unconditionally, was something he had not realized he'd missed. Hazel eyes turned up to the glowing lights in the sky, nodding at Keiji's words. “Though they may have moved, they still remain the same in substance. Such is the way of stars.” Masaru's hands were now in his pockets, buried deep as if to prevent himself from doing anything else that may harm them. “Where is it that you are staying?” He questioned, eyes still on the stars above. Masaru was concerned that they might not have anywhere to stay, given that Keiji had been sleeping on a park bench. Though he doubted that they were in any sort of financial trouble, it did not hurt to ask...and he would not mind visiting them both on a regular basis. Finally, his eyes turned down from the stars in the sky, looking now on a more beautiful, eternal sight. “I would like to see you both more often...I have missed you both more than words express. There is a lot of lost time that we need to catch up on...and now that fate has brought us all together, I do not want to lose sight of either of you any time soon.” |
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| Kaede | Apr 7 2009, 07:52 AM Post #20 |
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Unseelie
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There was an urge within him to reach out and touch that feather soft hair that remained in disarray. Much the same way one might pet a faithful dog, his fingers wanted nothing more than to feel how soft that messy mane really was. No matter how harsh the punishment given, Keiji continued on the same path he always followed of soft obedience. His sweet submission while nothing new, pleased Kaede greater than any victory on a battlefield, and made him almost too weak to stand. However, for a man that had always liked to be obeyed, such a reaction was common place when faced with his own weakness. It was no easy task to refuse your own body of what it wanted, but it was only an urge. "I used to think that if anything was forever, it was mother and the stars. They've moved, ya know?" If there had been any lingering desire within him, it had been swept quickly away at the mention of Mother. She had that affect on people, even from a million miles away she could stop the hot blood in man's veins. A nightmare, she continued to live in the hearts and minds of the Japanese people, a real living legend that few could boast meeting and living after. To Kaede, she was lovely. No other woman could hold a candle to Mother. In his eyes, she was perfection itself, if just a little frightening at times. “Then I owe you a favour, brother. At the very least, let me be content with that.” Immediatly his attention fell upon Masaru. Of all the things he could have promised or said, he chose to speak those words to a Fae. Had they been spoken to any other, he might have been worried and while he might question Keiji's mental state from time to time, there was never any doubt if his trust was misplaced with him. Where is it that you are staying?” “I would like to see you both more often...I have missed you both more than words express. There is a lot of lost time that we need to catch up on...and now that fate has brought us all together, I do not want to lose sight of either of you any time soon" What more could he say, that had not already been said? That Masaru could understand his own feelings so completely, touched Kaede where very rarely anything stirred. He had known nearly the moment he had first met his other 'brother' that there was a very special place for him in his heart. It had nothing to do with oaths and duties, and everything to do with soft whispers, and gentle caresses. At least, it would if he could ever go against his own self discipline. "We have made our home away from the city." He had offered finally, his eyes drifting back to the cherry tree, now raining it's fragrant petals over them. The barest hint of a smile found it's way to his face. Far enough away from the city of man's creations, nestled amongst the trees and French countryside, they had taken as their home. It was unhealthy for them both to linger so long in a city, they belonged in the heart of nature. His head turned back in Masaru's direction, "I would not let go of you now that I know you are alive, you will see us often." Of course, he had spoken for Keiji as well, but what one brother might say, was often how the other felt. "Would you like to go there now?" |
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Kaede Uesugi*The Lord of Summer Blossoms and Spring Mists*Unseelie ~*~Untagged~*~ | |
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1:05 AM Dec 4
