Of Fairy Tales and Puppet Strings (Private - Tacita & ACuckoo)

[ACuckoo]

The Night Forest - 23:04

 

~ Rougi & Cain ~

 

It was a windy night, but the young boy didn’t feel the air hit his cheeks. He didn’t feel it ruffle the red hood patterned with white flowers that tended to stay off of his head. He didn’t feel his cape flutter or his eyes sting as he stared lifelessly through the dark forest. He felt nothing at all as he wandered aimlessly through the black trees, listening to the voice whispering to him in the back of his head.

 

“Excellent job, pet. Dare I say that you are getting stronger? That little body of yours can certainly deal a lot of damage, though you are a tinge messy, dear. We need to teach you to fight without getting so much blood everywhere. Also, if we ever run across that axeman again we should thank him for giving you such a useful tool. Remember, pet, it is only polite to thank others for the things they give you. Do you remember if you thanked him or not?”

 

Little Red Riding Hood shook his head slowly, using only his peripherals to look down at the axe in his hand, the one he was dragging behind him with the blade cutting into the ground as he walked. Blood dripped off of it and trailed along the grass as he moved, his lips slightly parted as he tried to think of an answer for his companion.

 

“I haven’t seen him since that day. Do you remember that day, pet? Oh, how terribly upset I was. That man ruined our home, completely unprovoked! Though I’m sure his side of the story is a fair bit different than mine.” The voice chuckled at the “fond” memory, and might have made some sort of hand gesture or might have had a strange look in it’s eye if it had a body attached to it. The voice, however, was ambiguous and could only be heard by little Rougi.

 

“I’m tired,” Rougi finally muttered, coming to a halt in front of a large lake. The axe slipped from his hands, the hilt landing with a heavy thud as it hit the ground. Rougi could practically feel the toothy grin of his companion as the disembodied voice told him to undress and wash the blood off of him. The young boy quickly stripped and practically fell into the lake, keeping only the mask of the face of a black wolf on. The water around him turned burgundy as he floated atop the water, and he sighed softly as he relived his defeat of those… Men. What they wanted he didn’t know, but he also didn’t want to find out. As soon as one attempted to grab him it was all over.

“Good boy. Why don’t we relax here in the water? We’ll wash your clothes and you can make sure your body is clean before we move on.”

 

Rougi nodded. After all, it was rare that the Wolf ever gave him bad advice….

 

---

 

Heaven: Unknown Time

 

~ Bai Ze & Haetae ~

 

“The poor thing….”

 

It was rare that Bai Ze felt sympathy for a creature. For anyone. Whether they be a child, an adult, a monstrous creature, or a fluffy animal, he rarely ever felt sadness for something. Little Red Riding Hood, though… This one pulled at his heartstrings. After how he and Haetae worked so hard to save him, the boy felt he had no choice but to rely on the spirit of the Wolf. He listened to the evil creature when he told him to keep his ghost in that mask and now he was cursed to exist with him for as long as he lived. It was saddening.

 

But that didn’t mean Bai Ze would do anything about it. He wasn’t the type to interfere in situations like these. The only reason he helped Rougi in the first place was because he liked Haetae and Haetae had gone out of his way to help the young boy. In fact, Bai Ze was proud of himself for even feeling a hint of remorse for Rougi. To think this powerful god had a kind enough heart to feel sympathy for a poor pathetic wench…

 

“I am such a good person.”

 

Still, young Haetae would never forgive himself if he knew what happened to that red hooded boy, so Bai Ze set aside the looking glass he used to spy on the world below and got to work on making new remedies or modifying old ones. As soon as he began focusing on his medicines it was all he could think about; any thoughts of the poor, miserable child left him for far more interesting and fun thoughts. He had just been thinking about his best friend, Haetae, when the huntsman walked through the doors of his little medicine room. Speak of the devil... Which was something Bai Ze never liked to do.

 

“And where have you been?” Bai Ze asked, setting down his plants as he made his way to his friend, his hooves clapping loudly against the floor of the room. The snake he had for a tail stirred from it’s sleep, quick to react in case it’s master needed protecting. When it saw Haetae though, it was just as quick to relax and wrap itself around Bai Ze’s fur covered leg to sleep again.

 

“I’ll never become a full god if I don’t keep helping people.” Was the quick answer. Nothing Bai Ze wasn’t used to.

 

“You can help a child pick up old candy off the street. Or help an old man cross said street. Or help said man kill his family. You should be more choosy about the people you assist. Maybe that’s truly the quickest way to becoming a god.”

 

For a while Haetae said nothing, simply leaning his sword and bow and arrows against the wall while he took in his friend’s words. There he was little that Bai Ze said that was worth anything, but on the occasion he made the hunter think. He made him reflect and contemplate his decisions, to challenge himself and make him ask himself why he was doing all of this.

 

“Why would I help someone kill?”

 

“Because it’s for the greater good.”

 

“It’s never the answer.”

 

“You killed that Big Bad Wolf.”

 

“That was different.”

 

“How do you know you were doing that boy a favor?”

 

Once again, Haetae was quiet. He refused to answer this; he often refused to even talk about it. That was an ugly night and it was the night that forced him to accept this trial to become a god. He had worked hard ever since to forget the images that were burned into his memory of that boy and the wolf, and once he achieved his goal of reaching Nirvana he knew he could be free.

 

“You’re a bit selfish, aren’t you?" Bai Ze's teasing laugh did not go unnoticed by Haetae. "For one so keen on justice.”

 

“What?”

 

“Nothing.”

 

With a smile on his face, Bai Ze went back to his medicines. Haetae watched him though he was lost in his own thoughts. Sometimes... Maybe more often than one liked to admit, the medicine god made the hunter think.

 

---

 

The Night Forest: 23:32

 

~ Marlinchen ~

 

The stars were absolutely beautiful. Marlin had never seen them shine so brightly… Or perhaps he had. He couldn’t really remember. He remembered often looking at the sky and admiring the stars, but he could never remember what he thought about them on any given day. It was hard to imagine a time when the stars were ugly, but maybe there were nights when the stars were prettier than other nights.

 

Well… It didn’t matter. Marlin decided to simply lay there and take in the beauty above him from the comfort of under the Juniper Tree. It was a tiresome day, a hot one that had made his body weak, so when his head rolled off earlier in the night he simply left it there. His body lay next to it on it’s side, taking in the cool air to try and recover from the heat. It was nights and days like these that he was grateful for his robe, though he hesitated to call it that. It was made of a light material, something soft and delicate. Probably more of a dress than a robe, but it didn’t cling to him and ruin his skin which was what he liked about it.

 

This was what he did most nights unless there was a distraction…. Tonight there was one. He had heard a voice, an unfamiliar one coming from the lake that resided close to the Juniper Tree. Water didn’t work well with him though so Marlin stayed put. “It’s not worth it,” he told himself, though even if he wanted to move his body was stubbornly refusing to do so.

 

“You need to get stronger,” he told it sternly. “We’ll never do what we need to do if we can’t get stronger….”

 

What did he need to do again? Ah… He needed to find the person who brought him back to life. And he needed to find a new body. But those weren’t priority.

 

No. Priority was admiring the stars. They were just so, so pretty tonight.

 

 

 

 

 

Little Red Riding Hood

 

Name: Little Red Riding Hood

Nickname: Rougi, Red

Age: 19

Date of Birth: April 1

Zodiac: Aries

Gender: Male

Home Country: The Night Woods

Race: Human

Sexuality: Homosexual

Position: Uke

 

Appearance:

 

 

Height: 5'4

Weight: 112 lbs

Eye Color: Bright yellow, almost gold with a tinge of red in them

Hair Style and Color: Short and well kept, thin black hair

Skin: Pale white

 

Scars/Markings/Tattoos/Etc: Has major scars on his back from when he was a slave to the wolf. He tries his best to keep these hidden from view, so much so that even he's forgotten what they look like.

 

Clothing: Tends to wear Asian inspired clothing such as kimonos, or at least keeps Asian inspired patterns. Plus he keeps a mask on of a black wolf that he infused with the blood and fur of the wolf that kept him prisoner. By doing this and by meeting with another fairy tale character (who he refuses to reveal) he was able to trap the spirit of the Big Bad Wolf in the mask and can now summon him along with other wolves to protect him.

 

Personality/Traits: Rougi is by nature shy, timid, frightened, and typically paranoid which was brought on due to his time with the Big Bad Wolf. However, after being rescued by the Huntsman he became more independent and works on protecting himself as best as he can. He is untrusting of anyone he comes across and is known to go into frenzies if he's become too scared, at which he'll kill at a moment's notice. If his axe can't save him, then his wolves will. His lack of friends and socialization makes it hard for people to understand him, but he often feels the same about other people. To him, it's better to be alone than to be surrounded by people who can hurt you.

 

Brief History: Rougi feels like there are very few people in this world who are good or trustworthy and it is because he was betrayed by his family. Little did he know that when his parents sent him to his grandmother's house to deliver food and wine they had actually sent him to be a slave to the Big Bad Wolf. Even his grandmother was in on the deal. The Big Bad Wolf did terrible things to him mentally, verbally, physically, and sexually. He suffered this for nine years before he was rescued by the Huntsman who killed the wolf for him and then presented Rougi with an axe to keep himself safe. He met with another character to fuse the Wolf's spirit in a mask, keeping him with him at all times.

 

Extras:

-Often seen talking to himself [see Wolf's bio to understand why]

-Uses a giant axe as his weapon of choice

-Can quickly go into a killing frenzy if he's frightened enough or feels he's in extreme danger

-Easy to startle due to his paranoid nature

-Is strangely protective of his mask

-Even though he summons wolves he still has a serious fear of them

 

Likes:

✓ Keeping to himself

✓ Long walks through dark woods

✓ Playing cards (by himself but if someone wants to join him then so be it)

✓ To eat more than he can fit inside of his small body

✓ Sewing his own clothes

 

Dislikes:

✕ Too many people around him

✕ Wolves

✕ Talkative people

✕ Loud people

✕ Most people

 

 

 

 

The Big Bad Wolf

 

Name: Cain Lupus Hargreaves

Nickname: Wolf

Age: Unknown

Date of Birth: October 30

Zodiac: Scorpio

Gender: Male

Home Country: The Night Woods

Race: Werewolf

Sexuality: Bisexual

Position: Seke

 

Appearance:

 

 

Height: 5'7

Weight: 129 lbs

Eye Color: dull yellow with dark black circles around the irises

Hair Style and Color: Very similar to Red's; short, black, and very well kept

Skin: Pale white

Scars/Markings/Tattoos/Etc: Has small, but serious bite marks on his arm from where he was bit by a rogue werewolf

Clothing: [see above picture]

 

Personality/Traits: A gentleman through and through. Wolf, or Cain as he prefers but is not often called, will always hold doors open for ladies, will always bow and take off his hat to men, will always speak respectfully, and treat others as equal. He always looks his best and he cares deeply what people think of him. That being said, he is also a sadist and loves to see people suffer. It amuses him, and it especially amuses him when he feels he owns the victim. He's had many a victim, but his favorite was Red and it was Red who really opened up his personality into a more sadistic one. It was only a matter of time before he moved from being more human to more animal.

 

Brief History: His life before becoming a werewolf is not that interesting; it's afterwards that is worth talking about, particularly his time with Red. After keeping him as his slave for nine years he was eventually killed by the Huntsman, who he bears no ill will towards. Cain was able to convince Red to preserve him before he died, and Red did by keeping him in a wolf's mask. Cain helps him by summoning wolves to keep him safe, but ultimately he constantly talks to him and gets inside his head, driving the boy slowly insane. The only way his spirit or ghost can be seen is by someone who has strong affinity with the After World.

 

Extras:

-Can escape the mask every once in a while to walk around on Earth and can even temporarily possess people

-Can also enter people's dreams to speak with them

-Uses his wolves as a weapon, though he is only in danger if Red is

-Is typically the reason Red will go into a killing frenzy

-Unusually persuasive and charming

-Has plans to gain a new body or somehow recreate his own

-Can go on for hours about fashion

 

Likes:

✓ Canes

✓ Wolves

✓ Tea and tea parties

✓ Shopping for new suits

✓ Little Red Riding Hood

✓ Messing with people in the most destructive ways

✓ Pretty, pretty men and women

 

Dislikes:

✕ Rude people

✕ Men who don't dress appropriately

✕ Women who don't dress appropriately

✕ Being trapped in a mask

✕ How much food Red can consume

✕ Playing Cards and every game that exists for them

 

 

 

The Huntsman

 

Name: Haetae

Nickname: Xiezhi (Chinese version of his name)

Age: Unknown

Date of Birth: December 24

Zodiac: Capricorn

Gender: Male

Home Country: Originally The Night Woods, now he resides in Heaven

Ethnicity: Korean

Race: Demigod (or a lesser deity)

Sexuality: Homosexual

Position: Seke (more uke than seme)

 

Appearance:

 

 

 

Height: 6'0

Weight: 155 lbs

Eye Color: They often change based on his moods, but they tend to stay within the realm of yellow to reddish colors. However, he has long eyelashes that help in hiding what his true eye color is.

Hair Style and Color: Shoulder length white hair that is usually kept unruly; also has natural waves

Skin: White

 

Scars/Markings/Tattoos/Etc: Along his arms, going down the side of his chest and ribs, and on his face he has black markings that indicate his rank in the world of the gods. The closer he gets to becoming a true god, the more black markings fill his body.

 

Clothing: See above photo

 

Personality/Traits: Haetae, much like his best friend Bai Ze, is laid back, though not in as playful a sense as the Medicine God. He is gentle, calm, quiet, and reserved. He is not the type to speak out of turn or to even speak before he is spoken to. He enjoys observing others and learning about their character in that way as opposed to speaking nonstop with them and simply hearing whatever it is they tell him. He's not a trusting fellow, however, and is quick to determine if someone is honest and good natured or not. He tries to stay out of trouble, but he has a strong sense of justice and thus will quickly act if he sees someone going against his beliefs.

 

Brief History: Being a hunter his whole life helped Haetae see and understand the good and the bad in people as well as creatures. Initially, he saw no good in Bai Ze, but when Haeta came across the lonely, desolate, and miserable Red Riding Hood it was Bai Ze who helped him defeat him the Big Bad Wolf and set the young boy free. This experience caused Haetae to see the world in a different light, one that was far less trusting, which eventually set him on the path to help those in need. Bai Ze gave him the abilities of a demigod and told him that if he was to succeed at his task then he would eventually become a true god like him.

 

Extras:

-Expert at a sword and bow and arrow

-Only has one, black, feathered wing currently, though Bai Ze has promised him another should he continue to do well on his mission

-He hasn't seen Red since the night he rescued him and has no idea what he's doing or what he has become

-The horns on his head were given to him by Bai Ze just because he wanted Haetae to look more like him

-While Haetae dislikes many of the things that his best friend does he sees the true good in him and allows him to carry on

-Can forge his own armor and weapons and now that he is a demigod he can infuse them with elements and spells to help him in battle

 

Likes:

✓ Practicing with his weapons

✓ Helping those weaker than him

✓ Swimming in lakes and rivers

✓ Thinking of different spells and elements to forge into his weapons and armor

✓ Hanging out in Heaven

✓ Telling old stories

 

Dislikes:

✕ Strong people who prey on the weak

✕ Those who care nothing about justice

✕ Alcohol

 

 

 

Bai Ze of Chinese Mythology

 

Name: Bai Ze

Nickname: Hakutaku (Japanese version of his name)

Age: Unknown

Date of Birth: Unknown

Zodiac: Unknown

Gender: Male

Home Country: Heaven

Ethnicity: Chinese

Race: Medicine God

Sexuality: Pansexual

Position: Seke (more uke than seme)

 

Appearance:

 

First Form: Chimera

His first form is his most humanesque form and the one he appears in the most. However, it is also his weakest form in both strength and magic. Though he is still considered a powerful being when seen like this there is a chance that if he battles he will fail. He chose this form reminiscent of a chimera mostly because it was closest to a goat which is his natural form. His tail is powerful snake who is poisonous, of which only Bai Ze has the antidote. The snake is representative of his final dragon form.

 

Second Form: Lucky Goat

His second form that represents a goat, his true form. According to myth if one sees this goat they will be blessed with luck and health. He has eyes going down the sides of his body, and magic is his most powerful weapon in this form, particularly the element of fire. As this form is more of a blessing than an omen it upsets him if he must fight in it.

 

Third Form: Dragon Goat

His most powerful form and the one he uses the least often. If he is seen in this form it means he has been pushed to his limit and has resorted to desperate measures. His strength overpowers his magic when he is like this, but due to his size, poison bites, and overwhelming power it is difficult to defeat him.

 

 

The rest of these will be done in his chimera form.

 

Height: 6'1

Weight: Unknown

Eye Color: A dull yellow with black lining around his eyelids

Hair Style and Color: Somewhat messy and ruffled orangish-red hair that he typically doesn't do much to in order to maintain

Skin: Grey-blue

 

Scars/Markings/Tattoos/Etc: Both of his upper arms bear two black rings that go around the length of his arm. They go away when he enters his second and third form. His legs up to his chest and his lower arms are covered in fur.

 

Clothing: He doesn't typically wear clothes, but so he doesn't offend humans when he comes to Earth he will wear a blue ribbed corset type device with long (usually red) fabric that covers between his legs to hide any unmentionables.

 

Personality/Traits: Bai Ze, or Hakutaku as some know him better as, is a trickster, playful, and likes to see people flustered. That being said, he's a generally nice person and doesn't intend to do any lasting harm or damage to anyone who he comes across. He simply likes to play. He's not the type to worry or be concerned about much of anything and doesn't usually interfere with the affairs of humans, but he finds the fairy tale characters very interesting. Curious by nature he can't help but occasionally stick his nose in the business of the fairy tale characters, especially since all of the mess with the murders started. His playful and curious nature can often lead him to trouble, but he's quick to get out of it either by resolving the problem with deals or running back to heaven where he can hide safely.

 

Brief History: Not much is known about his life, but that doesn't mean he is not willing to reveal.

 

Extras:

-As the god of Medicinal Herbs and Remedies he is an expert at creating creams, ointments, teas, and soups that can heal just about anything

-Fire is his source of magic and the one he tends to default to, but he can call on other elements as well

-Is good friends with the Huntsman

-Has a high voice that he is not happy about

-Not the type to pick sides, Bai Ze is willing to make deals with anyone who comes to him as long as it is worth his while and considering he is a god he usually has good things to offer

-Has a natural disdain and fear of Hell, though he will go there if it is absolutely necessary

 

Likes:

✓ Oranges

✓ Most fruits

✓ Goats

✓ Playing tricks

✓ Children's toys (especially if they are broken)

✓ The Huntsman

✓ Massages

✓ Sleeping on soft things

 

Dislikes:

✕ People trying to pull on his snake tail

✕ Hell and being forced to go there

✕ Exerting too much effort or stressing out

✕ People who treat animals poorly

✕ Unhealthy habits (including diets, drug usage, etc)

 

 

 

 

Marlinchen of Grimm's fairy tale "The Juniper Tree"

 

Name: Marlinchen

Nickname: Marlin, Mars, Marli

Age: 18

Date of Birth: April 4th

Zodiac: Aries

Gender: Male

Home Country: The Night Woods

Race: Undead

Sexuality: Unknown

Position: Uke

 

Appearance:

 

 

 

 

 

Height: 4'9

Weight: 100 lbs

Eye Color: Large, greyish-silver eyes with eyelashes to match; if he takes off his head his eyes turn red and his eyelashes become dark black

Hair Style and Color: Short stylish light brown hair that matches his eyes very well; if he takes off his head his hair turns completely snow white

Skin: From a distance he looks to be a light tan color, but in actuality his skin color is more of a yellow sickly color; if he takes off his head his skin turns extremely pale and will sometimes begin to peel off

 

Scars/Markings/Tattoos/Etc: Has a large, bright red scar around his neck where he was decapitated. His body is weak so he can easily be injured or bruised so he is often seen wearing bandages in various places.

 

Clothing: Usually wears loose fitting clothes since his skin is weak and prone to ripping. When walking around towns he wears dull colored pants, a plain button up shirt and simple flats for shoes, but when he is by his Juniper Tree he will wear a loose black robe that goes to his knees with no shoes.

 

Personality/Traits: Marlin wasn't one who had a lot of a friends and he did not have much of a loving family either. That being said he always tried to be kind even until his last days. There's little he can do to help others considering how weak his own body is, but he's always there if people need a shoulder to cry or an ear to rant to. He's polite and sweet and will go out of his way for others on the drop of a dime, but he is very naive and doesn't often see how people take advantage of him. Some might even describe him as spacey for not responding quick enough or not moving fast enough, but it's a bit hard to do that when his body is dead.

 

Brief History: It was step-mother who cut off his head and buried him under the Juniper Tree, but he has no idea who brought him back or why. All he knows is that there is a market for undead people like him, but it's hard to hide who and what he is. He wants to find the person who woke him and ask why he awakened him in the first place. Part of him also hopes to come across the fairy tale murderer just so he can ask him if there's a way he could kill him again.

 

Extras:

-Can take off his head though he usually choses not to. There's rarely a need for it and it only gives away what he is more

-He isn't strong and never learned how to fight so he doesn't have much of a way to defend himself against danger.

-There are people who seek after strange beings like him so they can experiment with long lasting life. He spends a lot of his time hiding away from others

-If he loses his head he just has to wait for his body to find it. It may or may not fall off on the occasion.

-Hopes to gain a new body if he has to continue to live like this

-Due to his undead nature it takes him a while to understand and register what people are saying to him or what they might want him to do. He typically does what he's told regardless since there's not much else for him to do and because he's just that kind and caring.

-Does not sleep or eat as he has no need for it

 

Likes:

✓ Small animals but from a distance

✓ Loose clothes that don't tug on his sickly skin

✓ Playing games, though it takes him a while to understand the rules

✓ Making friends

✓ Spending time in the forest, particularly under the Juniper Tree

✓ Going to church but he finds it hard to step inside churches

✓ When people are particularly nice to him

 

Dislikes:

✕ Small animals up close; they tend to pick and eat at his skin

✕ Mean people

✕ Scientists who wish to capture him

✕ His family

✕ People spending too much time around the Juniper Tree when he's not there

✕ Those days when his body has more difficulty staying together

✕ Water and rain

✕ Getting so dirty he has no choice but to use water to clean himself

 

 

 

 

[Tacita_Virtus]

Lapin Blanc

Wonderland -to- The Night Forest

 

It was always like this. No matter how hard he tried. It always, ALWAYS ended up like this. Gazing up at the stars from beneath the expanse of tree branches above him, his back resting against rough bark, Lapin sighs softly. Those shining objects in the sky, no matter how far away, seemed to always be the only consistent thing in his hectic life. Each white orb shone for him, and their image reflected in his eyes, which looked as if they were filled with tears, and on the verge of crying. A sigh escapes him, only relieving a slight bit of the weight he felt in his chest.

 

What he would wish to just...not have to deal with the troubles, and only focus on things that mattered. Family, friends. Well, friends anyways...he didn't know his family. Or maybe, go somewhere else, that wasn't wonderland. Alice was no longer around, so there was no point in being here...was there? She wasn't coming back either, and neither was the boy who seemed so much like Alice in many ways. In fact, he had been Alice's twin brother, though no body knew of him. They'd gotten along so well, but like his sister before...he'd disappeared, and was never to return.

 

Closing his eyes, resting his head back, he began to doze off, completely unaware of everything that was happening, and the events that were soon to follow after the moment he'd fallen asleep there, laying against that tree. Events were taking place, and the wheels of fate were turning. The world he knew and was used to was about to be turned upside down, inside out, and backwards. Strings were being pulled at, and even if he knew of the things going on all around, there was absolutely nothing he could do about it.

 

Lapin awoke to the sound of rustling leaves, his eyes slowly opening once more. What reached his eyes was a world he knew nothing of. The tree behind him was the only object that he found recognizable, but everything else...different. Changed. What was going on? Why was this happening? Did it have something to do with what he had been thinking about earlier before falling asleep? If so...he hadn't truly meant it, did he? Or was this in fact what he wished for? Was this truly what he wanted? As he was thinking this, he heard more rustling, and quickly gets to his feet, tense, alert.

 

Moving forward, he peeks through the bushes that were ahead of him, surprised to see a large lake glistening in the moon light. It was beautiful, especially the way the moon and stars reflected off of it's surface. He was surprised though to see a single figure staggering towards it, and from what his heightened sense of smell could pick out, the person was covered in blood, along with the large axe that was being dragged along behind on the ground. His eyes widen, and quickly look away when the person took off their clothes, and just from that glance he knew that this person was a male. The boy gets in to the water, floating, and Lapin risked looking over at the lake again.

 

His ears twitched when he heard other noises around him in the forest, and looks around, a bit frightened, but Lapin knew that he would be okay. Or at least, he was sure that he would be. Considering he was in a forest in a place he knew nothing about. Biting his lip, he wondered what to do now? To stay where he was until day light? Or try to find out where he was? He was stuck between decisions, and knew not which to choose.

 

General Information

Name: Lapin Blanc

Nickname: Rabbit

Age: Unknown

Date of Birth: June 22

Zodiac: ♋

Gender: Male

Ethnicity: N/A

Home Country: Wonderland

Race: Rabbit/Human crossover

Blood Type: B+

Sexuality: Unsure

Position: Seme

Other Medical Information: N/A

 

Appearance:

Height: 5' 8"

Weight: 129 lbs

Eye Color: His eyes are a deep scarlet red in color. Has black eyelashes and eyebrows despite his snow white hair.

Hair Style and Color: Has long straight snow white colored hair that is cut at different lengths. He keeps his longs bangs brushed to the side. Here and there one can see that he has very light brown streaks within his hair as well.

Skin: Lightly tanned peach

Scars/Markings/Tattoos/Etc: A long scar on his back that runs from his left shoulder blade to the base of his spine.

Clothing: See image above.

Other: Has white rabbit ears and a fluffy white rabbit's tail

 

Personality/Traits: He quite the emotional individual, and is very loving towards those he cares about. For those individuals, he is very protective, and towards his friends and most strangers he is sympathetic. Quite the intuitive person, he often bases his actions on what his gut tells him about the situation. Another thing about him is that he is very imaginative, often coming up with bizarre scenarios within his mind and expecting people to understand him. He is a good judge of character, and is extremely astute. Because of this, he is cautious, not quite opening up to people he feels to not have pure intentions. But as always, with the good traits come the flaws. He is very moody, and some might even call him a bit bi-polar. He;s extremely over emotional, solidifying what people say about him. Whenever he gets attached to someone or something, he gets clingy, and it is hard for him to let go.

 

Brief History: REVEALED IC

 

Extras:

♣ Often visits the Mad Hatter for a cup of tea and a slice of cake

♧ Is the errand runner and such for the King and Queen of Hearts

♣ Is often late for appointments

♧ Has a poor sense of time, despite carrying around a pocket watch

♣ Can be quite the tease at times

♧ Carries around a deck of cards. For what reason, no one knows but himself.

♣ Always wears white gloves, and is hardly ever not seen without his hat, which has an 'L' on it for his name.

 

Likes:

♣ Spiced tea and carrot cake

♣ Anything carrots

♣ His past friend Alice

♣ The mad hatter to a certain degree

♣ Writing poetry

♣ His deck of cards

 

Dislikes:

♧ The March Hare

♧ Being late to events

♧ The Queen of Hearts

♧ People figuring out his hobby

♧ People who try to be his friend only to gain things from him

♧ Rude people

 

Theme Songs:

 

 

Chazamiere Shireson and Remial Altair Hatter

Wonderland -to- The Night Forest

 

For once they were getting along. They didn't fight persay, but that did not meant the two actually were chums. The two were more likely to tolerate the other's company, barely. But tonight, sitting out in the Hatter's garden, at a large table set for a company of twelve or more, were Chazamier, and the Hatter himself, each enjoying a cup of tea, having a conversation with one another in a respectable manner. Which was odd, who would think that the son of the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter could actually talk about something and not get in to an argument, yet there they were.

 

"You know, I find it rather odd how down Rabbit has been lately. I don't think I've seen him this upset since the time that Alice left us..."

 

Chazamier speaks up, sharp teeth glinting in the light of the candles that were set on the table around them. Despite the fact that he was always on the move, Chaz at least cared a little about each of the people whom he knew, and although Lapin, whom Chazamier nicknamed Rabbit, was an odd fellow, there was no room for him to speak, as he was quite odd himself. Yes, the rabbit was often seen crying for no reason, and always seemed to be moping, but when he smiled, it reached his eyes. But lately...that hasn't been the case. Rarely was he seen around, and whenever he was spoken to...well, it was quite depressing, as if there was nothing but an empty shell standing there. Remial nods at this statement, agreeing.

 

You are quite right my striped friend...quite right indeed. I wonder..."

 

The conversation trails off, and they both get lost in their own thoughts, but were jerked from them by an odd happening all around. A sort of weird shining aura began to encircle them, and right before their eyes the very land began to change. Both Chazamier and Remial stood quickly from their seats, glancing around, Rem reaching for the cane that he carried, which hid inside a blade, and Chaz flexed his fingers, allowing his already long claws to extend further, his ears flattening against his head. What happened? Where...where were they?

 

As soon as it had begun, the glowing disappeared, but they were no longer in Wonderland, that was for sure. Eyes narrowed, they walk away from the table, noticing that the only familiarity of the surrounding place was that the Hatter's large house, the garden, and the table with the tea, cups, and small pieces of cake and pie on fancy plates. Chazamier did not like this at all, the hair on his tail sticking up, so his tail seemed a bit more fluffy than usual. Remial removes his hat, and sets it on the table, before walking away, slipping between the hedges that divided familiar with non. Chazamier frowns, wondering what the other was doing.

 

"Oi. Where are you going?"

"To look around. What else would I be doing?"

 

Remial looks back, as Chaz growls under his breath. How was it that the Hatter, who was more content sitting around drinking tea and entertaining guests, was willing to venture forth in an unknown land, and not he, Chazamier Shireson, son of the Cheshire Cat himself? If he did not go with, he didn't know if he could ever look at anyone with a straight face again. He was not about to let that mad hatter up him on this, and forces himself to follow after.

 

"Well, if you're going, so am I."

"Alright...that's fine..."

 

They step into the night, and begin to look around, trying to figure out where they were, Remial on the ground, with Chaz jumping from tree branch to tree branch, sometimes even floating above the leaves, high above them in face, gazing out at the expanse of forest that surrounded them. It seemed to be a depressing place, but wait...Squinting, Chaz spots the shimmering of some form of water, and heads that way, with Remial following close behind.

 

 

General Information

Name: Remial Altair Hatter

Nickname: Rem

Age: 22

Date of Birth: September 27th

Zodiac: ♎

Gender: Male

Ethnicity: N/A

Home Country: Wonderland

Race: Human

Blood Type: A-

Sexuality: Bisexual

Position: Seme

Other Medical Information: Has extreme OCD

 

Appearance:

Height: 5' 10"

Weight: 132 lbs

Eye Color: A light gold yellow in color, and his eyelashes are white, as are his eyebrows.

Hair Style and Color: Has very messy long grey hair. His bangs often cover one of his eyes.

Skin: Pale peach in color

Scars/Markings/Tattoos/Etc: Has a large tattoo that consists of roses, a watch, and a skull on his left shoulder. It reaches down his side and ends just above his hip. The roses are blue in color.

 

 

Clothing: See image above. Usually wears rather oddly designed and super unique suits and clothing.

 

Personality/Traits: Despite the easy going first glance and impression, that is now quite how Remial is. In fact, he is quite studious and intelligent. Even so, there is no way of saying he definitely is not an easy going guy, and he enjoys the social life. Even though he carries around a sword and gun with him wherever he goes, he does not enjoy it, as he is the peaceable type, and is very idealistic. A reason why he is so popular and social, is his romantic and charming attitude and way he talks. Despite all the good, comes the bad. He is indecisive, and changes all the time. Extremely flirtatious, and self-indulgent, he doesn't think about how his bad behavior might effect those around him. (When it comes to romance that is.)

 

Brief History: REVEALED IC

 

Extras:

⅔ Always has a bit too much free time on his hands

⅔ Isn't as big of a bimbo/idiot as people think he is

⅔ Enjoys a cup of tea every now and then

⅔ Is actually quite the talented fighter, if need be

⅔ Uses a sword and a gun for weapons

 

Likes:

✓ Tea

✓ Mid-afternoon

✓ His house

✓ Blue roses

✓ Strolling in the garden

✓ Reading books

 

Dislikes:

✕ Over achievers

✕ Violence

✕ People disturbing him when he reads

✕ Party crashers

✕ Night time

✕ Clingy individuals

 

Theme Song:

 

General Information

Name: Chazamier Shireson

Nickname: Chaz

Age: 19

Date of Birth: November 29th

Zodiac: ♐

Gender: Male

Ethnicity: ???

Home Country: Kingdom of Wonderland

Race: Cat/Human crossover

Blood Type: O+

Sexuality: Pansexual

Position: Seme/Seke

Family: Son of the Original Cheshire Cat

Other Medical Information: ???

 

Appearance:

Height: 5' 7"

Weight: 122 lbs

Eye Color: They are a neon green in color, with a black line around the outside of the iris. His pupil is slit, just like that of a normal cat. Has long black eyelashes, and black eyebrows. When his darker side comes out to play, his eyes turn to a glowing golden yellow, with the same black ring, while the whites of his eyes become black. The slit becomes next to nothing but a faint line. Also, thin lines of black run over the middle his eyelids, reaching to the middle of his cheek, and just above his eyebrows.

Hair Style and Color: Shaggy black and medium in length. It seems to have a mind of it's own, and no matter how many times he tries to brush it, it goes back to how it was. Has light yellow streaks and light purple streaks here and there, that turn to a dark purple red in his other mind set.

Skin: Light ivory. However, when his darker side comes out, it becomes a dark tan.

Scars/Markings/Tattoos/Etc: Only when the other side comes. Has lots of random swirling black tattoos that cover the body. He also has lots of scars along his body that seem to appear as if he'd been stitched together. These appear a lot more clearly when his dark side appears.

Clothing: Casual and rather punk like clothing. Check image. All his clothing has some sort of purple, and stripes on them. His other outfit is purple as well, with black pants.

Other: Has black cat ears, a fluffy striped black and purple tail. It changes to thin pointed ears of an unknown species that are pierced, and a hairless tail that is pierced. Has claws instead of fingernails. Also has what seems to be the remnants of ebony black handcuffs around his wrists, with the remaining bits of the chain that had bound it to something.

 

 

 

Personality/Traits: An optimistic individual, who is outgoing and cheerful, despite his choice in clothing. He enjoys being free, and doesn't like being held down or in one place for too long, craving to be on the go all the time. Very jovial and happy-go-lucky, as well as good humored. He is a prankster, and loves playing jokes on people, no matter who they are. When it comes to other people, he is honest and straightforward, almost to a brutal level. He's very intellectual and philosophical, though some of the things he says only makes sense to himself. Just as there are good things in an individual, there are bad as well. He's overly optimistic, and quite careless at times. A lot of the time he is irresponsible, finding himself in deep trouble a lot because of this. Tactless, and restless, he can not stay still.

 

On the other hand, his darker side is just...evil. Cruel, malicious, and downright mean. Not to the extent of wanting to kill others, just a really dark version of his true self.

 

Brief History: Is the son of the original Cheshire Cat. More will be revealed later.

 

Extras:

↭ Doesn't live anywhere particular

↭ Often sneaks in to people's houses to cause mischief

↭ Is often seen with a few vials of strange looking liquids

↭ Can float, become invisible, create things out of nothing, become a full cat, and disappear/reappear anywhere he wants to

↭ Has all of his belongings in a brown shoulder bag

↭ Can fight with any type of weapon

 

Likes:

↝ Candy

↝ Jokes

↝ Evening

↝ Being on the move

↝ Fighting

↝ Warmth

 

Dislikes:

↯ Boring people

↯ Cold days

↯ People trying to make him change his ways

↯ Rainy days

↯ Getting wet

↯ Water

 

Theme Songs:

 

 

♥ Doll and House ♦

Uknown Place

 

All was going according to plan. It was working perfectly. The pieces were set, and all that was needed now was for the game to be set and begun. A darkness was stirring, and with it came two figures, quite surreal in appearance, and it was obvious they were not from around that certain place. One with blue hair, the other with red, they appeared as if they belonged in some sort of circus, but their actions were far from kind or fun. No, they were to cause distress, chaos, and terror. Why? No one knew. Only those two, who walked along, had any idea what their plan was.

 

As they disappeared, and reappeared in various places, making things vanish, screams filled the air, as one after another...fell. No words were spoken, no looks given, nothing at all was discussed between the two, but it was apparent that the two had worked together for quite some time, and were a terrifyingly well organized team. Nothing was going to be able to stop them, not the people, no soldier with their guns, or magician with their magic. Not even the gods from various religion could help. Nothing, nobody, was able. Time would seem to stand still as they came by, before going on, with something once their gone the next moment.

 

The two then arrive in a city, not far from the night forest, but what that place was called was not known, at least to those two. Here...here they would rest, stay for a while, and make sure they were safe. Because even those who caused terror had fears, and being vulnerable was one of them. They approach and empty cottage, and decide that this was it, their new home for now, and slip inside, shutting the door tight, as well as the curtains and shutters.

 

The male with blue hair went up the stairs, and goes into one of the rooms, closing the door behind himself and setting up his things, pulling items one by one out of a tiny bag that he was carrying. It was rather odd really, that he was able to fit a huge, intricate, and ornate dollhouse within the bag, and pull it out as if it were nothing, but then again everything about them was odd. Reaching in again, he smirks at the dolls within his hand, clenching them in his fingers before setting them up in the house, stepping back, and nodding. Perfect. With that done, he sits at the desk, and once again reaches in to the bag, pulling out some scraps of cloth, a needle, and some thread, and begins to sew.

 

The other, with red hair, follows suit after making sure the rest of the cottage was safe, and goes into the room across from that of the room the blue had taken. He had his own bag, similar to that the other hand, and pulls a few of his things out, books, clothes, and several different types of weapons, and other odd objects, like a crystal and a huge mirror with a gold frame and jewels lain in the the frame. He too set things up, and once he was finished, sits on the bed that was in the room, after changing in to a pair of pajamas, picks up a book and begins to read.

 

It was here. The terror. The fear. But why? Why was it here? Why had it come to this particular place? and what...what did they want? What exactly was their plan

 

 

 

(Is the one on the left)

General Information

Name: 人形の魂

Name Translation: Ningyō no Tamashi

Name Meaning: Soul of the Doll

Nickname: 心 (Kokoro)

Age: Unknown. Appears to be in his late teens

Date of Birth: June 2nd

Zodiac: ♊

Gender: Male

Ethnicity: Japanese, so it seems

Home Country: N/A

Race: Living Doll

Blood Type: N/A

Sexuality: Information Unavailable

Position: Seke

Family: 狂気の家 : Brother

Other Medical Information: N/A

 

Appearance:

Height: 5' 7"

Weight: 116 lbs

Eye Color: A brilliant mixture of icy blues and ocean greens. They almost appear fake. Has black eyelashes, and very faintly there thin black eyebrows. Is seen with a mixture of black, grey, and light blue eye shadow.

Hair Style and Color: His hair is a mixture of medium and light blues, and light neon green streaks. His hair is slightly long and straight. He keeps his bangs hanging over the right side, but sleeks it back on the left.

Skin: Pale ivory, and feels cold to the touch

Scars/Markings/Tattoos/Etc: Over his right eye is a large blood red heart, and over his left is a line with diamonds on his cheek the same color as the heart. Has a heart tattoo on his chest where his heart should be.

 

 

Clothing: See image. With the top he wears white pants, and brown lace up boots that reach his knees.

 

Personality/Traits: Extremely adaptable and versatile, Ningyō is able to work well in any place that he goes to. He is quite the talker, but that is only around his brother for the most part. Very witty, and sly. He knows how people work, what makes them tick, and what buttons to push, every single time. He is extremely intellectual, and eloquent. He is also youthful, bright, and just all around lively. But like before, only with his brother. Around others he is nervous and tense, and seems to be fake to some people. He can be rude, and downright creepy most of the time. Highly cunning and inquisitive, and not to be underestimated. Takes joy in seeing others in pain, but gets furious if his brother is hurt.

 

Brief History: Where he comes from is a mystery, along with his brother. What he is planning, one can only guess. More to be revealed.

 

Extras:

♥ Can create dolls from people

♡ Is known as a 'puppet master' (Can manipulate what people say, think, and do)

♥ Can fight well with a sword

♡ Can do different types of magic

♥ Is quite talented at creating clothing

♡ Has a very unique bag

 

Likes:

♥ Dolls

♥ His brother

♥ Fairy Tales

♥ Mild weather

♥ Reading

♥ Creating things

 

Dislikes:

♡ People who hurt his brother

♡ Getting wet

♡ Sleep

♡ Night time

♡ Too much heat

♡ Food

 

Theme Song:

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(Is the one on the right)

General Information

Name: 狂気の家

Name Translation: Kyōki no Ie

Name Meaning: Crazy House

Nickname: ダイヤ (Daiya)

Age: Unknown, appears to be in his late teens to early twenties

Date of Birth: October 25th

Zodiac: ♏

Gender: Male

Ethnicity: Japanese

Home Country: N/A

Race: Human?

Blood Type: A-

Sexuality: Information Unavailable

Position: Seke

Family: 人形の魂 : Brother

Other Medical Information:

 

Appearance:

Height: 5' 8'

Weight: 120 lbs

Eye Color: A mixture of reds, yellows, and oranges. Has black eyelashes, and faint black brows. Wears black, grey, and light red eye shadow.

Hair Style and Color: His hair is long and straight. It is slightly choppy in the way it is cut. It is mainly red colored, but has pink and yellow streaks in it. His bangs are left down on the left side, and slicked back on the right, opposite his brother.

Skin: Pale ivory

Scars/Markings/Tattoos/Etc: Has a crimson diamond over his left eye, and a dark blue line over his right. Underneath his eye are two smaller blue lines, and dots between the lines. Has a tattoo of all of the symbols on a card.

 

 

Clothing: See image. With the top he wears black pants and off white lace up boots that reach above his knee.

 

Personality/Traits: He is a determined and very forceful individual, with a personality of fire. He is somewhat emotional, but has a way of turning this off, making him cold blooded, ruthless, and bitterly cruel. However when he is around his brother, he shows a bit more affection. He is a powerful person, in his actions, words, and pretty much everything about him. Like a blaze in the forest, he affects everyone and everything around him. He is passionate in what he does, despite that it may be considered evil. Despite this fact, he is an exciting person, and people can't help but be drawn to him, almost like an overly energized circus master. When he's around others, he may seem to be a bit jealous, not wanting to share his brother. For some reason, he is also resentful. He tends to be compulsive, and is known to be extremely obsessive. The worst part of him is his secretive behavior, and how stubborn he can get.

 

Brief History: Where he comes from is a mystery, along with his brother. What he is planning, one can only guess. More to be revealed.

 

Extras:

♢ Is excellent at hand to hand combat, as well as using a sword.

♦ Holds a dark secret

♢ Can create life

♦ Is known as an elemental master (can control the elements at his whim)

♢ Is known to have quite the foul mouth

♦ Has an extremely short temper

♢ Can hypnotize people

 

Likes:

♢ His brother

♢ Being in charge

♢ Sweet food

♢ Circuses

♢ Reading and writing books

♢ Going on walks in the early morning

 

Dislikes:

♦ People who get in his way

♦ People who doubt his abilities

♦ People who are rude to his brother

♦ Bitter food

♦ Getting caught in the rain

♦ People who nose into his business

 

Theme Songs:

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[ACuckoo]

~ Marlinchen ~

The Night Forest - The Juniper Tree

 

“Stop! Stop it now!”

 

He hadn’t meant to scream. Screaming hurt his throat regardless if it was attached or not, but he had to. He had to yell at the man who was jumping on his tree. The Juniper Tree was important to him and there had been so many times people had come to it, trying to pick leaves or branches off it, poison it, cut it… It was hard to protect it, but Marlin had to. He absolutely had to or else his tree would die.

 

“Please get off of it!” He cried, his body sitting up with it’s arms waving widely at the being sitting on one of the higher branches. “Please don’t sit on the branches! Don’t touch it! Just get off it! There are other trees you can jump on, but you can’t jump on this one!”

 

Marlin’s body finally stood up in desperation, not noticing another man walking close by the tree. All it could focus on was the one actually in it, and the body eventually picked up it’s head and attached it where it belonged. Marlin’s red eyes slowly started to fade to a light brown color, but it was hard to tell in the darkness. It was hard to tell he was undergoing a transformation at all. His white hair changed slowly, like the color of leaves from summer to autumn as did his skin. But that wasn’t important.

 

“Please. Please, come down.”

 

How… How had all these people gathered around his tree and he hadn’t even noticed? He would have cried, but it took his body a while to generate tears so if he did cry about it, it would be much later. Right now all he could do was ask these people to leave. The purple man sitting on the branch, the one holding the cane… Maybe he could help him? Even though he close to his tree he wasn’t in it or touching it. Maybe he could get the purple man away from it.

 

“Monsieur! Please! Can you get that man out of my tree? And then… And then go. You guys can’t be here. This is my grave!” He cried out bluntly, not realizing that he might have been revealing a bit too much about himself, not that everyone didn’t just see him with his head removed. He pointed to a spot under the tree, a place that had once held a body in it, but did a poor job of keeping it in. “If people keep trying to desecrate my grave, then I won’t have a home to go to anymore. I don’t mind if you look at my tree from far away, but you can’t run around in it or come near it.”

 

Marlin wasn’t the forceful type. He wasn’t the aggressive type. He wasn’t one that could tell people to leave his precious things alone and actually do something about it. All he could do was stand there and plea and hope these people would listen to him.

 

But some simply wouldn’t.

 

“You poor thing. I’m sorry that people are in your tree, but perhaps it’s safer than being where you are?”

 

More people? Where had they all come from? Marlin’s little mind couldn’t register it all… Never mind the sheer amount of people, but the new person looked more like a monster than a human and on top of that his hoofed feet had to have been digging into the branch he was standing on. He was frightening to the already frightened Marlin, and it took several moments for what he had said to register with the undead boy.

 

He was in danger.

 

~ Bai Ze & Haetae ~

The Night Forest - The Juniper Tree/The Lake

 

Bai Ze’s smirk rested peacefully on his face as he looked down at the most unfortunate person he had ever seen. The poor thing was confused and scared and his life would only get more difficult. People resting on the branches of his tree would be his last problem, though Bai Ze was sure the cat person accused of being in the tree was floating… Not that it mattered. Just the fact he was near the tree upset the undead boy, but they had bigger problems.

 

“Let’s try not to move. Everyone just stay calm.”

 

Bai Ze raised his eyebrow at his companion who was on the ground, currently being surrounded by several large black wolves. The wolves came from all sides, trapping them all beside the Juniper Tree. Not that the medicine god was worried… These wolves were weak, but they had a strong master. Not strong enough to have caused such a worrisome disturbance though.

“These wolves have nothing to do with that strange rift we felt, Haetae.”

 

“They’re still a danger to all of us.”

 

“I think these men are more than capable of taking care of themselves.” Bai Ze shot a wink to the fun looking cat floating around… What an amusing creature he was. But not the creature he was looking for. Not the one who was responsible for whatever power he and Haetae had felt. And from what Bai Ze could guess he had no idea what was going on either.

 

Since he had figured all of that out in just a matter of moments Bai Ze was ready to leave. He was ready to go back to Heaven or to try and find the source of such strong power or go to sleep… Anywhere but here, but Haetae wasn’t like him. Haetae saw someone in danger and simply had to protect them.

 

The first wolf attacked and Haetae easily cut it down with his sword. Bai Ze would leave this to these men and the poor little undead boy. There was something a bit more interesting happening down by the lake, and perhaps he could gather information that way. In an instant he was gone, leaving the others to deal with the onslaught of canines coming their way.

 

~ Rougi ~

The Night Forest - The Lake

 

“Get dressed quickly! Summon the wolves, but be careful. I think something fun is about to happen, pet.”

 

Rougi instantly did as he was told, not bothering to try and dry off before throwing back on his still bloody clothes. His trusty axe was once again in his hands and he whistled loudly along with Cain, though anyone listening would have only heard him. At the call several wolves appeared around him and the area, scanning and scouting for any danger.

 

However, there was no danger. Just prey.

 

“Rabbits are prey, right?” Rougi said, walking closer to the hiding creature as his wolves encircled him. “Wolves are dangerous. Rabbits are not.” He tilted his head at the strange man, feeling a small sense of amusement at his long ears. It tickled him… Those ears. He even chuckled aloud which was something he hadn’t done in a long, long time.

 

But it didn’t matter. No one could be trusted. Not even fluffy bunnies.

 

“Don’t kill him.”

 

Rougi blinked. That was a rare command. He stood frozen to the spot, his yellow eyes staring right into the eyes of the rabbit man. His knuckles turned white as he gripped tightly to the axe, unused to not using it once the opportunity presented itself. His instincts told him this man wasn’t to be trusted. His wolves were ready to devour him. His axe was ready to drink his blood, but all was silent. Only Rougi could hear the quiet whisper of his constant companion….

 

“Don’t kill him. Not yet anyway. Keep him alive until I return, pet. Don’t stain this hood with anymore red until I say so.”

 

Then he was gone. Even rarer than the command to keep someone alive was the Wolf leaving Rougi’s side. It was… Frightening. Rougi almost began crying at the uncertainty of it all. There was too much he was unused to, too much he was unfamiliar with, too much that wasn’t normal for him and it didn’t take much for him to break down. His breathing grew heavy and he held his axe in front of him, determined to listen to his “master” but also determined to keep himself safe.

 

“Don’t come near me,” he mumbled, slowly backing away from the mostly harmless looking rabbit man. “I won’t kill you unless you come near me. I’ll cut off your head if you do!”

 

How paranoid he was. But that was the nature of Little Red Riding Hood, especially without his wolf there to protect him.

 

~ Cain ~

The Village/Unknown Place

 

It was nice to walk around, or as close to walking around as he could get. It didn’t take him long to get to the little village and it took him even less time to find the source of the strange power he had felt only moments before. There were benefits to his ghost like abilities such as knowing things others didn't, wandering around mostly where he wanted, and being very aware of new powers that showed up out of the blue. Of course Rougi wouldn’t have felt it, but Cain wondered if that power had something to do with the strange rabbit man that had suddenly shown up. It would be better to keep him alive and get some answers, but he wouldn’t be too upset if Rougi lost his mind and killed him.

 

After all, there was a better place to get answers. It was just a matter of whether or not the owners of those answers were willing to share.

 

Cain stood in front of the door to a little house, smiling at how familiar this all was to him. He straightened his jacket and buttoned it, adjusted his top hat, dusted himself off and knocked on the door. Anyone walking past would not have seen nor heard him, but he knew that the people residing in this home would be aware of his existence. They were far too powerful to not have the ability to see him, and if they couldn’t see him… Well, maybe he overestimated them.

 

“Don’t stay in the shadows, my boys!” He called, simply making an assumption as to the gender of the ones staying inside, though he knew there had to have been more than one. He bowed before the door had a chance to open, ready to show that he was coming in good graces. Not that he was worried if these people decided to kill him… No, dying was the least of his fears. “I could just come inside, but that’s so terribly rude, don’t you think? But don’t think locked doors can keep me away. I’m a very special man, but you two are as well. Won’t you grace me with your presence?”

 

It would have been easy to show up in their rooms. It would have been easy to startle them with his ghost like abilities of being anywhere at anytime.

 

But that’s just rude. Just because one is a ghost doesn’t mean one has to be rude.

[Tacita_Virtus]

Lapin Blanc

The Night Forest

 

He had no longer been gazing from the bushes, but did not move away from them, using the leafy foliage as cover to hide underneath. Lapin did not like this at all, he was in an unknown place, everything around him was unfamiliar. From the grass he was kneeling upon, the the trees that were surrounding him, and the very scent of the air itself was tainted with strange smells that he could not figure out.

 

His ears flicked a bit when he heard a soft sound, but the sudden appearance of a boy, more specifically the boy from the pond, standing there in front of him, froze him in his spot. He could not move, fear flowed through his veins. It was that inner instinct of a rabbit, being caught so suddenly. He began to tremble ever so slightly, his ears back, drooping a little bit. He stared up at the strange boy, unable to speak, his eyes traveling to the ax that the boy was holding. He was going to die. He knew it. This was the fate that he was to be given. To die here, chopped up by an ax. He could only imagine how funny this would be to the Red Queen if she saw him like this.

 

He closes his eyes, waiting for the blow that was going to kill him, flinching when he heard shuffling of feet. But was a little surprised when no wooshing sound came, no sudden oblivion, lights being turned off, pain. There was nothing, except silence, until the boy spoke again, warning Lapin not to come near him, or he'd have his head cut off if he did. Slowly he opens his eyes, and risks looking at the boy. There was no way he was going to chance getting too close, so did the opposite. He scoots back, not getting up, until his back hit the trunk of the tree that he'd originally appeared here with.

 

However, as he had been moving, something had fallen on the ground. It turned out to be a deck of cards, which were now splayed all over the dirt and grass. Lapin does not move to pick them up though, fearing that he might have pushed his limit from moving to the tree. So, he remains where he was, eyes lowered, staring at the face card of the jack of spades, biting his bottom lip. What a predicament this was indeed!

 

 

Chazamiere Shireson and Remial Altair Hatter

The Juniper Tree - The Night Forest

 

Every step they took, brought them closer to the lake, but they were soon distracted by a voice. Yelling at them to get away from the tree. Chaz looks down from where he was floating in the air, not even touching a single branch upon the large tree, and Remial was about three feet away from the base of the trunk. So what was this boy's problem? They weren't even bothered by the fact that the head was detached from the body, but that was fixed soon enough when the body picked the head up and re-attached itself. Chaz gives Remial a look, before turning his glowing eyes to the figure.

 

 

"You sure are an odd one. Though, I must admit, we two have no room to talk..."

 

He gives a big grin, revealing razor sharp teeth. Remial sighs, and puts his hand to his forehead. Now was not the time for goofing off and being a complete weirdo. Right now, they needed to get more information about the place where they had arrived. That was top priority, and yet here Chaz was, being his usual self. His eyes look around when more voices could be heard, same for the cat, though the huge grin on his face does not disappear. Two people had arrived, though like this guy right here, they too looked odd.

 

A few words were exchanged, and then something appears. Wolves. They attack, and one of the new comers took it out, then leaves, letting Remial and Chaz to deal with it. Remial pulls out a sword from the cane he was carrying, and easily kills three in next to no time at all. More came, and more blood sprayed as they were cut down by the shining silver blade that was wielded by the hatter.

 

Chaz on the other hand had gone invisible, and, holding a dagger in his hand, sneaks up on them and slits their throats. One after another, Remial and Chaz killed them, until none remained. Pulling out a handkerchief, Remial wipes the blade of his sword off, before sliding it back in to it's sheathe, the cane. Chaz reappears as a fluffy striped purple cat, curled around the boy with a head that comes off.

 

 

"Well now, THAT was interesting. Who might you be? I'm Chazamier Shireson. But you can just call me Chaz. This here is-"

"Remial Altair Hatter at your service. Also known as the Mad Hatter."

 

Remial interrupts Chaz, sweeping off his top hat and bowing low to the boy, holding the hat against his chest. Chazamier raises an eyebrow, rolling his eyes, before disappearing off of the boy's shoulders, only to reappear once again as human-ish by Remial's side. This place sure was interesting.

 

 

♥ Doll and House ♦

The Village/Unknown Place

 

Just as they were beginning to settle down, a knock could be heard coming from the front door. Both look up from what they were doing, wondering just who would be at the door. No way it could be neighbors coming to say hello. It was much too late for that. So, what was it? Who was it? A voice was heard next, telling them to not stay hidden in the shadows. Going on to say that they could just come inside, but that would just be rude. It was a man, and apparently he was special, and somehow he knew that the two inside were special too.

 

The red haired one gets up, putting down his book, quite knowing that the other would not answer the door. Carefully, on high alert, he leaves his room, goes down the steps, and crosses to the front door. Reaching to his hip, he unsheathes his sword from his belt, and grips the handle. He waits a second before opening it, to reveal a well dressed man bowing before him, his top hat off, and a smile on his face. The sword was pointed right at the stranger, not moving once, not faltering. He would kill if he had to. For a moment the red head just stood there, staring at the man. Just who...was this guy?

 

"What is it you want stranger? If it's trouble you're looking for, I suggest you leave. I'm not in the mood for killing at the moment, but I will if I have to."

 

His voice was cold, and his eyes were of ice, despite his fiery appearance of reds, oranges, and yellows. He'd not seen anyone like this before, and from what he could tell the people who were still out and passing by the house could not even see the man standing there before him on the front step. Honestly, they could not see him either, because of the rather odd spell that he'd put on himself that makes normal humans unable to see him.

 

Footsteps could be heard, and the blue haired boy steps up behind him, tiling his head slightly to see who was at the door. He gazes rather blankly at the stranger, before looking at the red head's face. He takes a step back, allowing his brother to step back too, who lowers his sword, but only slightly.

 

"Come inside. But don't try anything. Might I inquire as to what your name is?"

 

He allows the man inside, not once taking his eyes off of him, same with the male with blue hair, who had pulled his own sword out. They weren't about to be taking any chances. Leading the way through the house, they head to the front living room, where a rather comfortable space was set up, with a large couch and several cushioned chairs. A piano sat in the corner, and all kinds of decorations were everywhere.

 

"So? What do you want?"

[ACuckoo]

~ Rougi ~

The Night Forest

 

Cards? Rougi tilted his head at the rain of cards that fell from the tree. When was the last time he had seen cards? He loved playing with them, but the Wolf never allowed him to keep them. It might have been a way just to torture poor Rougi, but it worked. There was little Rougi missed more than sitting alone in a corner playing cards with himself. But when there was someone else to play with…. That was something magical all on it’s own. It was rare for him to have a partner to play with, but he wondered if this bunny wanted to play.

 

His axe slid out of his hand as he slowly made his way to the fallen cards, picking them up one by one. There was a slight smile on his face, a melancholy one formed from memories long since gone. He got on his knees to pick up the rest of the cards, looking at them with interest and longing. He wanted to play. He had to play before Cain came back or he would never have a chance to play again.

 

“Play with me,” he told the bunny instantly, scooting so he was sitting closer to him. Little Rougi had no idea how intimidating he looked, covered in blood with such a blank look in his eyes, but even that blank look held a bit a hope after seeing these cards. “We have to play before Cain comes back. He doesn’t let me play with cards. Here.” He shoved the cards into the bunny’s hands. “You deal. I don’t care what we play. I just want to play as much as I can before Cain comes back.”

 

~ Marlinchen ~

The Juniper Tree

 

He couldn’t deny that these men had saved him. Marlin sat cowering by his tree as the two strange men fought off the wolves and killed them all. They hardly broke a sweat, but Marlin wasn’t intimidated or scared by their power. He felt safe with them, and he was especially fond of the cat. Cats tended to leave him alone and eat the other tiny animals that bothered him. What luck that he found a cat who could talk and turn human!

 

He grinned happily at the soft fur that rubbed against his neck and shoulders. It was rare his dead skin ever felt something so nice and gentle. He lightly nuzzled against the other’s fur before the cat was gone, standing beside his friend in his human form. Marlin missed the feel of the nice fur against him and he instantly ran to stand next to the cat man.

 

“Are you a cat too?” he asked the man with the cane, though he suspected he wasn’t. It must have been a rare ability, to turn into an animal like that. Before even realizing what he was doing he took a hold of the cat man’s hand, Chaz he said his name was, and brought him closer to his tree, something he had never done with anyone. He motioned for Remial to follow him as well and soon they were back under the branches of the Juniper Tree.

 

“My name is Marlinchen,” he told them, still holding Chaz’s hand. “You can call me Marlin. People always did when I was alive. Or I think they did. My memory isn’t that good. But I like you guys! You can stay here with me if you want!” The little naive Marlin couldn’t tell that these men truly didn’t belong here, and even worse Marlin hardly realized how lonely he was all by himself with his tree. “Remial and Chaz….” he repeated happily, just so he wouldn’t forget their names like he forgot everything else so easily.

 

~ Bai Ze & Haetae ~

The Lake

 

Haetae instantly recognized when there was someone else who didn’t belong here. There was a rabbit man not far from where he and his partner were standing, interacting with a young boy that the demi god was all too familiar with.

 

“Hold your emotions, dear Haetae,” Bai Ze told him, knowing the instant guilt he would feel at seeing this boy. Bai Ze had always known Rougi had become this, but he never told his companion for this exact reason. It had been Haetae who had killed the wolf and released this boy from his prison only for him to run right back into the arms of the devil. There was no way this young man could escape the big bad wolf, but Haetae didn’t understand that.

 

“I saved him…” he mumbled, ignoring Bai Ze’s words. “I saved him from the wolf. And now he’s covered in blood! That axe is--”

 

“Is none of our concern.” Bai Ze took his friend’s hand and began to move away from the strange rabbit man and the . “Did you see the man he was with? The rabbit? Something is not right here and we need to figure out what it is.”

 

“But Bai Ze! I--”

 

“I’ll send you right back to Heaven if you can’t control yourself.”It was rare that the god was ever stern, even rarer that his voice ever held a serious tone, but tonight was different. Tonight something disturbed him, something had made him come all the way down from Heaven out of fear for what could happen to this world. “Help me first, and then we’ll deal with this boy. Understand?” He threw the other’s hand away from him then continued to walk towards a little village that was not too far from here. Bai Ze had left no room for argument. Haetae would have to wait.

 

~ Cain ~

Unknown Village

 

“You would really kill a ghost?” Cain laughed loudly, already amused at these two men. “If you can, sure. Put me out of my misery.” He laughed again, though the other two were hardly laughing. That was fine. Cain often laughed when there was nothing to be laughed at and he often laughed around people who never laughed at all. His own companion had barely cracked a smile in all the time they had spent together.

 

Still, the two men despite their distrust allowed him to come inside, which he did. He bowed to each of them, taking their hands one at a time, and placing a gentle kiss on them. If there was one thing Cain liked it was pretty men and there was no denying how pretty, pretty, pretty these two were. “Thank you for allowing me into you home,” he told them, taking off his hat and holding it to chest.

 

“I don’t come asking for much,” he said, walking deeper into the house to examine it. Considering it’s residents, the house itself looked normal, but Cain knew better. These men were far from normal or he wouldn’t have even bothered with them. There were a few decorations that Cain knew he would never see anywhere else, and that piano was of great interest to him. This village didn't seem like the kind of place where one could afford a piano. “I simply want to know what you’re doing. What your plans are. It was you two who caused the strange rift not too long ago was it? A strange character appeared before me and I knew he wasn’t from around here. That was you two who did that, wasn’t it?”

 

He grinned a large, toothy grin; it was the kind of smile a wolf would give to a helpless rabbit. He sat down on a couch, intending to make himself comfortable until he got at least a bit of useful information. Besides, who wouldn't want to spend time in the company of such pretty men?

[Tacita_Virtus]

Lapin Blanc

The Night Forest

 

At first he thought he was definitely going to die, that this boy was just prolonging the process, but when the one in red and blood began to pick up the cards that had fallen, he blinks in surprise. Seeing the ax drop from the boy's fingers was a relief to Lapin, and he silently and inwardly sighs to himself. Though he didn't relax all too much. Who knew what this kid was capable of?

 

However, when the boy spoke, saying for him to play, he looked at the boy's face and saw the longing within his eyes. Something in Lapin's heart stirred softly, and nods a little bit. Accepting as the cards were shoved in to his hands, he straightens them out, quickly thinking of a game they could play that was quick, so it would be over by the time that this 'Cain' whoever that was, came back.

 

"A-alright..."

 

He deals the cards, deciding on the game of war. Half of the deck going to this boy, and half to himself, he takes a deep breath. If this kept him alive and kept him from getting chopped to pieces by that giant ax, then he was all for it. His reddish eyes glance up at the boy, before flipping the card that was in his deck, beginning the game, and the count down that would determine whether or not he was to stay alive.

 

 

Chazamiere Shireson and Remial Altair Hatter

The Juniper Tree - The Night Forest

 

Chazamier was a bit surprised when the boy ran over to his side, to stand next to him. He couldn't help but shoot a feisty grin at the Hatter, waggling his eyebrows just a little bit. He knew that this kind of thing, someone choosing himself over the handsome Remial was enough to make the hatter steam with jealousy. Remial indeed got a look in his eyes, a glint of something, but says nothing, not wanting to satisfy that damned cat with a reply of any sort. However, when the boy asked if he was a cat too, he shakes his head no. He'd rather be dead than be anything similar to the grinning idiot standing next to him.

 

His eyes take in the fact that the boy was now holding on to Chaz's hand, and saw the grin on the cat's face grow even wider. Chaz was enjoying this a bit too much, but then again, it was his sort of thing. He doesn't pull away, in fact he let the boy lead him wherever he wanted, following behind obediently. Remial follows too, wondering what the boy was doing, what he was trying to show them. However, that thought was soon answered shortly.

 

They were currently underneath the branches of the tree that the boy had freaked out about not moments earlier, and was soon being told that his name was Marlinchen. But, in short, they could call him Marlin. The cute way that Marlin talked made Chaz smile more, laughing softly under his breath. Even though the offer to stay was tempting, they knew that they could not. They had to get going, move on, find clues.

 

"I'll call you Merlin, my little undead friend. I like you too, you're different. And different is good! I would love to stay here with you, and we can talk and stuff-"

 

"You know we can't Chaz. We must get going. We have to find out just what is going on, and staying here won't give us any answers. Thank you for the offer my young Merlinchen, but we really must go. Lingering in one place is not an option we can choose, I'm so very sorry."

 

He bows slightly in apology, and Chaz frowns at the man, eyes narrowing, the slits of his pupils becoming thin. It wasn't fair. What did this pompous man think he was, calling the shots around here? He was the boss of no one, especially not him, Chazamier Shireson, son of the Cheshire cat himself. A free roaming individual with nothing and no one holding him down. Then an idea pops in his head, and his eyes light up. Turning to Merlin, he smiles brightly.

 

"Hey, I know! How about you come with us? That is if mister Hatter here is okay with it..."

 

Remial shrugs at this, and they wait for Merlin's answer, before deciding where they should head next.

 

♥ Doll and House ♦

The Village/Unknown Place

 

Not a single thing was said from either male when the man bowed to them and kissed their hands. However, a glance was spared between the two, their eyes glinting just slightly. Despite this man's obvious differences, he had class that was for sure. And there was a certain darkness that they could sense coming from the other man, something they both found intriguing. They weren't sure about the bit of him being a ghost, but then again, anything was possible. Considering some of their own secrets.

 

The questions then come, asking what they were up to, what they were planning. If they had caused the rift. And if they were at fault for him seeing a strange man that obviously did not belong there in that particular place. Once again the two exchange looks, as if speaking within their minds to each other to figure out just what they would say. Only a glance was needed, before the red head spoke up. His voice hiding nothing, making it obvious he wasn't playing games here.

 

"I'll only answer your questions when you answer ours. Like the first one. What. Is. Your. Name? Maybe we should introduce ourselves to give you an example. Would that be what you need?"

 

He steps forward, raising an eyebrow and flipping the brandished sword within the palm of his hand a few times before continuing in his speech.

 

"My name is Kyōki no Ie, circus master and magician. And this is my brother, Ningyō no Tamashi."

 

Kyōki gestures to his brother, who stood there, staring blankly at the person whom was in their house. Blue green eyes fixated on the stranger, not blinking once, as if he was simply a wax doll, unalive, but life like. His eyes flicker to look at his brother, before focusing once more on the person whom they'd allowed inside. If anything was out of the ordinary, they would be able to deal with it easily. Ghosts were not all that hard to deal with. Especially where they were from.

 

Only when the stranger introduced himself, did they answer the questions. Well, mostly anyways.

 

"One, our plans are our own. Just know that this world will never be the same. It will be a world so unique and undeniably different that one could not even think about wanting to go somewhere else. Where life is free, you don't have to worry about things such as death or disease, or even pain for that matter. Things will be run differently, and they will...indeed, I promise. But that is all you will be finding out. For now anyways. Secondly...Yes, it was us. And thirdly, yes again. Many individuals who don't belong here are here now...but not for long. They're quite special. Indeed."

 

Kyōki smirks, his fiery eyes glinting cunningly, as he gazed upon the man. He then asks what that man was up to, who he was, and just what was so different about him that made him feel like he was something else than human. He'd never felt like this about any other being, not even that rabbit man, or the cat who could turn in to a human. What was this guy's deal?

[ACuckoo]

~ Rougi ~

The Night Forest

 

This was amazing. This was incredible. When was the last time he had ever played a card game? Rougi would have been fine just picking the cards up and throwing them around over and over, but the rabbit man gave him a true game. For the first time in who knew how long, Rougi was finally playing a real card game with a real person and Cain was nowhere to be found. This was a dream come true. He had to have been dreaming.

 

“I haven’t played this in so long. I haven’t played anything so long.” Rougi’s voice was dreamy, distant. There were no memories in his mind of him ever playing a card game, but he knew he had at some point. It was Cain who had stopped him from playing, and Rougi couldn’t help but obey. But now... Now he was playing! The game went on and on, a smile slowly growing on the young boy’s face. Had it not been for his blood stained clothes he would have looked innocent.

 

Yet he was far from that. He was jerked from his dream of being a normal person who could sit and play cards all day by the howling of a wolf. He abruptly stopped playing and looked up, wondering if Cain was somewhere around.

 

“You should go,” he whispered, his gold eyes zipping back and forth. “If Cain finds out that we have been playing together he’ll kill you.” He hadn’t known this strange man long, but Rougi didn’t want him to go. He also didn’t want him to get killed…. His sad, drooping eyes remained on the rabbit man. Here was someone who could maybe help him. Here was someone who could maybe destroy the wolf and free Cain just like that other man had tried so long ago.

 

But Rougi couldn’t risk that. He could already tell that Cain was coming back. “Go!” He cried, shoving the cards back in the rabbit man’s hands. “Go, please! Please run!”

 

The wolves were beginning to surround them again. Rougi picked up his axe, intending to defend this kind man, even if it meant dealing with Cain later. “Please, Cain. Please don’t hurt him. Please….”

 

“You sound so pretty when you beg. But don’t worry, sweetie. I won’t hurt him. My wolf might though.”

 

“No!”

 

“Sorry. A rabbit is simply not as fast as a wolf.”

 

~ Marlinchen ~

The Juniper Tree

 

“Merlin?” Marlin wasn’t sure if he heard correctly or not, but he didn’t dwell on it much. The two contradicting men were confusing him. He stared at them with wide eyes, going back and forth from looking at the cat to the man with the cane. So… Were they staying or going? After a blinking a few more times his mind caught up with the conversation and he realized what was happening. His hand squeezed Chaz’s tighter, silently begging him to stay.

 

“I-I can’t leave my tree… Someone might hurt it. Why can’t you stay?” He asked Remial, animosity growing inside of him. Why did he say they had to leave? Why did he want to take Chaz with him? He moved a bit behind Chaz so he wouldn’t have to face the other man. Marlin knew what it felt like to dislike someone. He had never felt so much hate for anyone as he did for his mother, and while he didn’t feel so strongly towards Remial he felt angry that he wanted to separate Chaz and him. Yet Chaz didn’t put up much of a fight either. He wondered if the cat worked for the other man.

 

“Besides, I might be a… A….” He forgot the word. He stared at the ground for a few seconds, searching his broken mind for what he wanted to say. “A… Hindrance. A hindrance. I may fall apart or I might distract you guys. And I can’t fight. I can’t protect myself so… ” He slowly drifted off, trying to think of something he could do to keep Chaz here. He didn’t want his new friend to go. He looked up at the cat, his hand moving up Chaz’s arm to grip it tightly. Desperation was written on his face. This was his friend… His new friend. He hadn’t ever had a friend before, not one he could remember anyway.

 

“Where are going that you can’t stay with me?” he asked quietly, not caring much if Remial heard. It would have been easy to forget him just like he forgot everything else, but Marlin couldn’t ignore that Chaz was somehow attached to him. “Are you forced to stay with him?”

 

~ Cain & Bai Ze & Haetae ~

The Village/Mysterious House

 

Cain couldn’t take his eyes off the gorgeous brothers. Oh, how pretty they were. When was the last time he laid eyes on such pretty thing? If he were a lesser man he would have licked his lips and devoured them right away, but patience was a virtue and if there was one thing Cain enjoyed it was the wait. The wait always made the reward so much sweeter.

 

Kyoki was feisty and strong while his brother, Ningyo, was icy and silent. Cain loved both. He smiled as he let the other’s lovely voice flow into his ears. “Circus master? What’s the circus? I can’t say I’ve seen one around here.”

 

Though before allowing the brothers to answer, Cain quickly bowed his head, taking his hat off at the same time. “Forgive me, you’re absolutely right. I’ve been so rude as to not introduce myself properly. My name is Cain Hargreaves, and I… Well, put simply I am a ghost. My spirit is trapped in a mask that is worn by a young boy.” He came back up and put his hat on. “That is a simple version of my story.” And after listening to Kyoki’s vague explanation of their activities he grinned and whispered to them, “Maybe we can help each other out.”

 

He slowly approached Kyoki, who he considered the stronger of the two, and took his hand to kiss it again, though he didn’t return it. He kept it against his lips as he spoke, his soft, cold breath gently ticking the surface. “I want my body back. I’ll help you if you help me. I’ll do whatever you need me to do. Consider me… A very willing assistant. Dare I say, slave?” He chuckled before returning Kyoki’s hand. “I’m quite useful. I can sense many, many things. It’s how I found you. And it’s how I know that you’ll soon receive another knock on your door from two men, if they decide to knock. They’re not of this world. They’re not nice like me. They’ll try to hurt you. And if I were you I would kill them.”

 

He bowed again and disappeared, his voice remaining in the air to express his last thoughts. “Please find me again. Look for the boy with the red hood and the wolf mask. I’ll be with him.” Then he was gone entirely and outside, sitting on the rooftop, were Bai Ze and Haetae, with Bai Ze ready to run at a moment’s notice. The two inside were stronger than he had expected and he didn’t want to risk Haetae’s life. “Get ready to leave if they catch us. Gather any clues you can, but don’t engage them. Understand?”

 

“I don’t—“

 

“They’ll kill you. Don’t fight me on this, Haetae.”

 

Then the two snuck into the house though a window and searched, hoping to keep their enemies at bay for just a few moments.