"The colour of death."

"My name is Mei... Misaki Mei..." {{Independent Mei Misaki RP Blog, takes place after the series}} {{Tracking artificialentity}} {{M!A: None}}

[csejte-tigress-blog]

Once again, the woman found herself stopping midstep, nodding her head thoughtfully at the words. Of course, Mei was right. It was foolish to speak of such things in the open but she cared little for trivialities when the secret was not her own. However, as impatient as she was, the girl seemed to prefer the privacy of a place away from prying ears and Elizabeth would play to what she wanted for now. I still need her cooperation and this thing undoubtedly would not be able to leave or hide itself so easily. Her shoulders rose and fell in a wry shrug.

In any case, it isn’t as if someone like me would not appreciate the need for secrecy.

“Certainly. I have no mind of where you tell me so long as you are comfortable.” She had seen the girl’s displeasure at her touch earlier and, this time, the elder made no attempt to approach her again, instead raising her hand to flick pitch strands from her face. What did Mei know about her that simple contact would elicit such a reaction? It was an additional mystery for her, though one that may not ensure that the girl would escape unscathed should Elizabeth not be satisfied of her ignorance at the end of it all. I don’t want to hurt a mewling child if I can help it but still…

 “Your warnings have been heard and, I’m sorry to say, duly ignored.” A playful grin traced her lips. “I think I’ve said it before but you don’t need to worry yourself about anything other than keeping your side of the bargain, my dear. Everything else is on my head, your own safety included if what I find compromises you in any way. I think that’s fair for the both of us and after all, what’s life without a little danger, hmmm?”

“Now…” She motioned with her hand, indicating for her companion to lead. “Where shall you lead me?”

[artificial-entity-blog]

Mei brushes a strand of black hair back into place and gave a short, pleased smile as the woman agreed to go someplace else. "Thank you for being understanding, I just don't want others to become entangled in this unnecesarilly." She said with a small bow of her head, the smile now only still faintly playing on her pale lips. She turned on her heels and, thinking of a quiet location closeby, figured she'd make her way over there.

"Truly, a life without some danger would be rather mundane, wouldn't it? I agree on that, but sometimes, you have just seen too much for a lifetime. Or, at least for a little while."

She kept walking until she found the spot she had thought of earlier. A few stone benches stood there, shaded by the trees that stood there. While not hidden entirely from the outside world, it offered quiet and shelter. Mei gave a nod as a signs of showing that this is where she had been headed and sat down on one of the benches, looking at Elizabeth.

"I figured this would be a suited place. Feel free to take notes if you so desire. I don't mind this time, but normally I don't like being questioned. As such I think it would be a drag to tell the story twice, I hope you understand where I'm coming from. It's not a pleasant tale."

[shslfukiishimaru-deactivated201]

Stepping along the streets of an unfamiliar town was a bit strange, even more so when it was the dead of night. During the night, humans only guide was that of the moon and stars, however the moon was absent, leaving a foreboding shadow on the world. To make this night more ominous than it already was… A feminine voice, calmly spoke out to him and Ishimaru turned to see… A younger girl? With his eye color too, despite the obvious eye patch staring at him in the face.

"Yes…" He answered slowly, slightly nervous which was a major contrast in their personalities at this moment. Clashing calm with fear. "—No, I’m actually from Tokyo, Japan… Been born and raised there all my life"

[artificial-entity-blog]

Mei's eye travelled up and down, taking a good look at the boy in front of her. Was he nervous? Was that her fault, or were it the surroundings? She mulled it over quietly, not really expecting to actually reach a conclusion on her own.

"Tokyo? Well, that is a change of scenery." Was her only comment. She wondered what he could be doing here out at night, in Yomiyama of all places? More ghost-hunting journalists or wannabe occult novelists? "Well, this is a strange place to be out at night, isn't it...?"

[artificial-entity-blog]

Death and Demons

[bunny-ears-hero]

» Hibiki blinked. Just now this girl had given him some pretty personal information. Was that really alright? He felt like she had said that by accident. He better forget she had said anything, then. But, just to make sure this girl could still feel comfortable around him, he gave her a little bit of personal information in return. 

"Yeah… Even the busiest part of town sounds silent if you’re the only one at home."

» If she could read between the lines she probably would understand what he was hinting at. Hibiki turned his head to look at the girl after she said something so… kind? Kind wasn’t exactly the right word for it, but the fact this person actual would care if something would happen to him in a dangerous situation surprised him. 

"Ah, sure. I shall keep that in mind if anything happens."

» Hibiki hoped it wouldn’t come to that. He was sure he could handle a few demons even when needing to protect a girl without any means of fighting those things, but it would be much more convenient if he could get her to safety without any trouble.

» For the first time in a long time, Hibiki laughed. There was something about this girl which made it easy for him to like her. Maybe it was because her sneaky comments reminded him of someone else. Anyway, he should introduce himself. 

"Kuze Hibiki would be the name. Nice meeting you."

[artificial-entity-blog]

Mei just nodded slowly as she listened to the words entrusted to her, letting it be known that she listened and had heard without giving a reply. Not that a reply was necessary. A cold world it was...

Even as he turned around, Mei kept facing the ground beneath her feet, only sometimes glancing forward at the feet of the boy to see in what direction they went so that she wouldn't lose him or bump into him, that would be very inconvenient. She just gave another nod at the boy's reply; it didn't sound like he intended to run at all.

Only when he laughed did Mei curiously look up and at the boy's face. It hadn't really struck her what a kind face he had, if that was any way to describe it. Yes, certainly... Certainly she would help him escape whatever grim future awaited. Without a doubt, the colour of death couldn't be a final with no possible way to change it!

"Ah.. Kuze Hibiki? I'll remember."

"I'm Mei. Misaki Mei. Nice to meet you, too, Hibi-... I mean, Kuze-kun."

[gumamela99-deactivated20160826]

"I… travelled!" Golnesa replied, throwing her arms outwards. “Lovely, is it not? I trust you, so I brought you here."

She smiled, clearly taken by the scenes around her. Her eyelids fluttered excitedly, and she took Mei by the hand.

"Come on! There’s a place I wish to show you!"

[artificial-entity-blog]

... Travelled?

That was an overly simplified way of putting it, wasn't it? Mei was about to lash out some more to try and get a clearer answer, but Gigie, seemingly enchanted by her surroundings and their beauty, took a hold of Mei's pale hand.

"H-hey, wait!" She stammered as she was pulled with, stumbling over her own feet. Was this... Really okay? She didn't know Gigie that well at all, and there were so many unexplained things. Yet... Well, the girl seemed to be honest with her feelings, she really had come here to show Mei something, even thoug she didn't really trust it.

"Where are you taking me?!"

[artificial-entity-blog]

Death and Demons

[bunny-ears-hero]

» This girl seemed to be wanting to say something, but for some reason she couldn’t get the words over her lips. Although Hibiki wanted to hear what she had to say, he didn’t push her. Nothing good would come from putting even more pressure on this girl now. His priority was to get her to safety first. 

“Yomiyama? I don’t think I’ve heard that name before. What’s it like?”

» Hibiki didn’t really have the time to help every citizen out, but there was just something about this girl which made him feel like he should give it his all to protect her. He wasn’t going to do that, however. After leading her to shelter she would be on her own. Of course Hibiki wished he could help her and all the other survivors some more, but he was left no choice. His power was needed elsewhere for the greater good. 

“Let’s go then! I shall lead the way. Oh, but one more thing. If I say you have to run you run, alright?”

[artificial-entity-blog]

Mei bit her lip slightly as the boy continued to talk away in a manner she found to be too upbeat for the current situation. Stupid, stupid boy...

Mei gave a nod and silently followed the boy as he led the way for her, having kept quiet to his questions first. With her arms crossed in front of her she mulled everything over as quickly as she could - perhaps proper distraction for the boy was necessary first.

"Ah, about Yomiyama, it's... It's nothing special, really. I found it a somewhat quiet place, where I lived at least. But I suppose even the busiest cities seem quiet if you spend your days in a doll shop."

Stop. That was already more than she had intended to tell, and already much more than was necessary for the boy to know- however, if she could get the conversation going, perhaps she could find an opening... Just a single opening was necessary, a single moment where she could explain without looking like a moron.

"... Then you should run, too. I'm not very strong or fast, but I'm small so I hide easily, so no need to worry about me."

Worry about yourself more, foolish boy.

The silence was suffocating her already, she had to keep it going, look for an opening-

"So... What's the name of my guide, anyway...?"

[csejte-tigress-blog]

As Mei’s words called her back, Elizabeth could not help but let a tiny purr of satisfaction reverberate deep in her throat as she turned. The girl knew more than most – it was easy to see that from the way she had been acting – and whatever she did know, she’d want at least a semblance of control over. Elizabeth had simply used that to her own advantage. I could laugh with how easy this is. So much so that I shouldn’t even count a child in my list of victories; that would be almost embarrassing. I suppose she isn’t as gullible as some people twice her age though. At least that small amusement has been granted to me.

At first, the false reporter had assumed that cost for her cooperation would have been monetary. Even though, with her ancient name, no amount of gold would be of concern or great importance to her, the fact that the only price would be anonymity in the information that would not be made public in any case made her smile widen all the more. The girl was naïve. She looked into the Mei’s eyes and crooned mawkishly, bending down to grip the child’s shoulders with reassuring hands. “Of course, my dear. That sounds perfectly reasonable. There’s no need to put you or any of the other poor children in more danger than you already are in.”

“As for me…” She chuckled, releasing her grasp. The woman’s delight was positively wolfish by now, relishing in the bitter-rich aromas of death that lingered over the years and the prospects of the yet to be spilt blood, be it another’s or her own. “As for me, I think it’s safe to say that you needn’t be worried. I can assure you I’ve dealt with things like this before and I’m relatively unharmed.” A chuckle passed pushed lips; it was the truth. Elizabeth could die a hundred times over and she wouldn’t blink twice. Whatever lurked here, haunting the place, she was certain that it was a game she could walk away from unscathed though she didn’t know what the game would actually comprise of. A hunt? A new pet? Or merely casual observation?

“And if I’m unfortunate enough to have misfortune befall me, you can just turn your back. Pretend you never spoke to me. That nothing happened. One of the perks of the job is its uncertainty and I’ve learnt to cover my tracks well enough not to cause trouble to those around me. Now,” she began to walk towards where the smell of death seemed strongest, slowly so that the other would follow. “It’s time to keep your side of the bargain, Mei. Tell me about this little demon of yours. Should I be afraid?”

[artificial-entity-blog]

Mei kept a tight watch on the woman as she turned around and moved back to Mei, reassuring the girl that both she and the school would remain anonymous. It was only a small thing, but it made Mei's troubled heart calm down even if just the slightest. There was no way to tell if the woman was lying or not, but certainly- certainly it was a start.

When the woman's hand placed itself upon Mei's shoulder, her view shot in that direction. The corners of her lips, normally forming a small line, now turned themselves downwards.

Don't touch me.

The mere fact that that was Mei's first thought upon contact gave Mei her second warning. An alarm rung itself in the back of her head, and a temporary worry covered her face. There was no way out now though, so she had to push on. There was just... Just one thing... One thing that she wanted to check later on.

"Alright then miss, I'll refrain from being worried if that's what suits you, even though I do believe my concern is well grounded. But indeed you do not seem the type to be defeated easily..." 

She used defeated as a light, general term, but there was only one meaning she meant with it. Certainly Elizabeth knew, there was no question. She knew.

"Alright then... But perhaps the school grounds aren't the best place for this conversation. I mean, if you insist I will gladly tell you here..."

Truth be told, it's not that Mei wanted to move somewhere else in particular. After all, this school was her turf, her area, while she had in no way the upper hand, this location gave her the slightest advantage. It was just that others could listen in so easily...

"Ah... Well, I could of course tell you here, please do whatever suits you the best. But, no matter where we go, I'll tell you, and... I have given plenty warnings beforehand. Potential harm or death... Will not be on my account."

Death will not be on my account.

[gumamela99-deactivated20160826]

"Very good."

Gigie smiled, then uttered some runic words underneath her breath. Soon enough, a flash of white light, very much alike to a burning film reel, spread throughout their lines of vision. Though Mei wasn't able to see it- her eyes were closed. "Now, open your eyes." There were several street cafés and moviehouses in the Rue de Montmarte, but none were as breathtaking as the Moulin Rouge, or, the Red Mill. Several people were lined up, waiting inside to see a dance. The interior, as seen through a slit of the door, was lush and well-decorated, echoing past memories. "Welcome to Paris!"

[artificial-entity-blog]

Mei waited patiently as she could pick up some faint sounds coming from Gigie - were they words? She didn't understand them, but they sounded strange. They made Mei feel uneasy, certainly this couldn't be completely right?

She opened her mouth to speak, but she remained silent nonetheless. Only when she was told she could open her eyes, she did, her already pale face losing the last of its colour as she noticed her surroundings.

"Wait, hold on, this- this isn't possible, is it? We were in Yomiyama just now, in the park."

She felt a mixture of emotions; confusion, nervousness, and behind that there was anger. Gigie said she wouldn't do anything weird, but she did, she still did, Mei was in a place she had never even seen. This was crazy! It's not like Mei didn't believe what she saw - she had learnt to trust her eyes, especially her own - but she had gotten weary of the supernatural and the illogical.

"Welcome to Paris? This is nonsense! You can't just travel from Japan to France within the blink of an eye. This is crazy, this- this is not normal. Why am I here? What- what did you do?"

I've had it with the supernatural... 

[artificial-entity-blog]

OOC; i did it kids i did mY EXAMS

I'LL GET BACK TO EVERYONE NOW I'LL START WRITING REPLIES AND A STARTER I'M GONNA DO THIS

[gumamela99-deactivated20160826]

"Perfect, then!" said Golnesa, her face lighting up. Though, how was she to explain to Mei that, well, Rue de Montmarte wasn't exactly 'nearby'? To one who has possession of witchcraft, however, it isn't. Teleportation by leylines isn't as nasty as it seems to be.

"I do believe you should close your eyes, until I tell you to open them. I won't try anything- you have my word."

[artificial-entity-blog]

Mei stroked a strand of black hair behind her ear, eye narrowing in suspicion and thought. The girl herself seemed harmless enough, but she might not be as alone as she let herself appear to be.

"Gigie, I would say you're saying suspicious things, but something inside me tells me you already realised that. I'll humour you."

Mei covered her eye with her hand, it's not like she could see through the eyepatch anyway. She inhaled deeply and gave a last peek between her pale fingers before closing them again, leaving her sight in the darkness inside her hand.

"... Alright, it's covered."

[csejte-tigress-blog]

“Oh dear. It seems that my mouth has run off with the wrong words again and I’ve made you suspicious.” The elder shrugged in a careless show of nonchalance, the small movement all but approaching arrogance. She continued, occasionally punctuating her words with a pointed nod of her head. “You weren’t exactly making it difficult for me though. As soon as the topic came up, you were more attentive and guarded; that’s all. It was simple to read.”

“As to what you should say – the truth or however much of it you can bare to part with. I’m not going to force you into saying anything and I’d rather not waste time sorting facts from lies.” Of course, such a refusal would ire the monster to no end and there would always be more unconventional methods to extract information but it would be graceless to treat a child so. Be it that way, Elizabeth was not above manipulating where violence would otherwise stain what little was left of her conscience.

People are like oyster; the more you pry them open, the more tight lipped they will become. Better to throw them to the fire when they will open on their own accord. 

“Well, whether you answer or not, I think I should do some more digging around by myself, no? There’s bound to be something overlooked in past records or old alumni’s memories. Perhaps I should be fortunate enough to discover something no one else has. It’s happened before. In any case…” 

Was the girl still curious enough that she would be compelled to follow her? Or would she be more alarmed that a stranger was digging about in such touchy affairs? It didn’t matter. Elizabeth grinned, making as though to turn and leave. “That way you won’t need to say anything you’re uncomfortable with. But you can be sure that I’ll get down to the bottom of this, one way or another.”

[artificial-entity-blog]

As the woman turned away, Mei took a single step forward. Was it better to let the woman do as she pleased, or to tell her herself? She wondered briefly as she mulled over the situation. 

With the way the curse worked, only few people actually remembered the details of what happened and why. Mei had been lucky -or unlucky- enough to remember as much as she could manage, but that didn't mean that she remembered all. In fact, many bits and pieces had gone missing, fragments once clear as day now vague smudges that left holes in her mind. Last year, someone died, but who was it? Who died, was dead all along?

It was such things she did no longer recall. And she doubted there would be any other way to find it, so if she didn't speak, would all be safe?

No, definately not. The woman would find out as much as she could, and she might mention Mei herself, which could put her in a dangerous situation. After all, it was not a subject encouraged to talk about. If she told, could she perhaps influence the woman enough to keep the tiniest of details a secret from the public, to preserve the privacy?

It was worth an attempt.

"Don't get me wrong, miss. I'd be willing to speak, but it would be unfair to give it all out for free, wouldn't you agree? So, I was thinking of something is all..."

"Hmm... Here's my thoughts on it. If you inquire too much, you will draw unnecessary attention. That's bad. Also, there are few records about the finer details concerning this matter. You might get the global idea, but wouldn't that seem another dull, run-of-the-mill story? Of those who remember more than the others, I think I'd be most willing to give out some secrets."

"However, it'd leave a bad impression of I did. So in return for a good story, I merely ask two things; firstly, that you do not release any information about the school or it's location, including names. Secondly, that the information source be kept merely to 'a student' or something of the likes, I might get in trouble."

"I believe it sounds fair enough, I wonder if you agree with that. Also, on a side note; even if you do not agree with the terms and want to go about it the hard way and find it all on your own, that is completely fine. But either way, I suppose there would be some danger involved. Getting too close to the subject might pull you into it as well. Albeit there's no sure way to tell, there is no way to rule it out, either."

[artificial-entity-blog]

OOC; i apologise for the inactivity lately! truth is, i've been drowning in tests and exams lately as well as last-minute assignments and homework. so yes, i'll get to the replies i have to do immediatly! but i'll be on a bit of a semi-hiatus for the time being. i really need to focus on studying especially since i procrastinated a lot this year and i'm severely behind on my work

so yes!! thank you for understanding uvu

[gumamela99-deactivated20160826]

"Trick you?!" said Golnesa, taken aback. She may have hidden things from Mei, but never has she tried to trick her. Or anyone, for that matter.

"You misunderstand- but I'm afraid that's my fault as well. I've hidden things, in which I will explain if you come with me." She stared intently at Mei, her face hardening. "Yes, or no?"

[artificial-entity-blog]

There was a curiousity in Mei that she wished to ignore, but had a hard time with doing so. Was she to accompanty this girl she only just met, to some place that she had no knowledge of, under such suspicious circumstances?

Her brain screamed no, but her curiousity gnawed at her. Curiousity killed the cat, they said, but curiousity is also what saved her before.

Her fingers gently touched the eyepatch on her face. It might be a wise idea to get a look at the girl with her doll's eye; but even if she did that, what good would it do? Either she'd see the colour of death on the girl, or she would not, and neither of those things actually would say anything about the current situation, other than the fact that, well, whether Golnessa was dead or dying or not.

"I just might as well, then. But do not hold me for a fool, if I do not make it home tonight there will be trouble, not just for me but also for you as well as others, so don't try anything."

[gumamela99-deactivated20160826]

"A place." said Golnesa, blinking slowly. "Somewhere nearby."

She slowly straightened the ends of her skirt. The vivid glow of the dying sunset echoed off the two figures, facing each other. "Specifically, Rue de Montmarte."

[artificial-entity-blog]

A place...? 

Sounded rather shady to Mei. Why would you invite someone to someplace, and then not indicate where it is or what it was? It was drenched with bad intentions, and it made Mei uncomfortable above everything else.

"Rue... De Montmarte...? I've never heard of it. It sounds shady enough, though, that is certain."

"Why would I accompany you? What are you trying to trick me into, Gigie? I may appear as just a girl, and I am, but do not hold me for some foolish teenager, if you'd please."

[teratophobic]

He should’ve, somehow, expected it to backfire on him and get the question send back to him. David rested his elbows upon his knees then, folding his gloved hands together so he could lean his chin on top of them. Christ, what was he gonna answer? She seemed like just a kid to him, but.. Still, she seemed highly intelligent. Far more intelligent than most of her age that he’d met.

So.. Answering her question and not lying to her seemed to be an acceptable choice, right? As long as she wasn’t going to turn into the kind of person that would judge him for what he was. .. Not that he’d ever see her again after this, but.. Whatever. It was the moment that counted.

“Oh, uh.. I’m here for entirely different reasons. I was.. Looking to get admitted to a rehabilitation centre or something, haha.. I got addicted to.. Well. I’m sure you can figure out what yourself.” Was his answer after a moment of contemplation,  the smile never disappearing off his face. 

[artificial-entity-blog]

Mei kept as still as ever as she listened to David's story; the short story, certainly, but still a story. Only when he was finished explaining his current situation did she appear to move again, fingers shifting in her lap and head tilting to the side.

That was quite the situation, indeed nothing like her own, though it was entirely different from what she suspected. Initially, it did put one and two together; his appearance and his speech. She was not one for pity, not even such a person in such a predicament; but admittedly she was glad that he opted to come here. Neglecting a problem long enough gives more problems, she came to realise that by now as well.

"... I see. In that case, it's good you opted to get help, and I hope you get what you want and need."

"... I'm glad you recognised the problem in time and seek to fix it..."

[gumamela99-deactivated20160826]

"I do believe so. Names are quite interesting."

Golnesa smiled, and brushed a lock of hair behind. This girl was quite wise, for one seeming so young. She was rather impressed. Soon enough, she checked her cheap wristwatch- it was already eight PM! "Oh dear, I have somewhere to go, and-" She looked into the other girl's eyes, and sighed. "Won't you come with?"

[artificial-entity-blog]

"I'm glad you agree."

Mei kept quiet as the girl checked her wristwatch and appeared to be shocked at the time it showed. Mei turned her face away to look at the sky with its orange tint at the horizon and purple star-speckled stains higher up in the sky. Clearly, it was getting late; and clearly, Mei had missed dinner. Her mother would be upset, she figured. Had that much time truly passed in this simple conversation?

Won't you come with?

Those words put Mei on high alert. One didn't just simply invite someone they just met to go somewhere, after all, if there was no good reason for it. 

"Hmm? Go where, exactly, if I may ask?"

[teratophobic]

”..Oh..” Well, that was certainly something entirely different than what he had.. Well, expected to hear, even if he had not initially expected an answer at all. He merely shifted his gaze away from her and towards the ground, his leg once more bouncing up and down as if it was a sign of nervousness. 

It remained quiet for a little moment more as he tried thinking of an answer he could give the girl, but came up with nearly nothing, before a small awkward smile formed upon his face. “Hope it’ll be soon for ya. Waiting sucks pretty hard.” Whoa, shit, David? That really all you can think of to say to a girl with some sorta family member in the hospital? Yeah. Probably.

[artificial-entity-blog]

'Oh' indeed. It was alright, she didn't expect David to have seen this coming; often you find people in the hospital with something like... Like a broken bone, is all. Or in Mei's case, one might've suspected she had some sort of minor eye infection. It wasn't strange. It happened.

Mei locked her fingers together as she placed her pale hands in her lap, turning her face down to look at the floor. Yes, David, waiting 'did suck pretty hard', but then again, is that not what you were doing right now, too?

"Hm, yes, thank you... She's probably just resting is all."

With her own privacy so crudely invaded, Mei felt like she was in the position with the right to ask questions about David and his situation as well. Were he to turn out to not be willing to answer, she'd just know more of what kind of person he would be in the end.

"David... Well, you invaded my privacy so I hold the right to ask some things as well, I suppose. You don't have to tell me much, but are you here for similar or for very different reasons?"

[gumamela99-deactivated20160826]

"That is indeed strange."

Golnesa looked to the setting sun once more, and breathed heavily. Perusing about what Mei said- yes, this was very odd.

She caught her breath at the comment the other girl made, then let a smile return to her face.

"Thank you. And I don't wish to give my name to another, as well."

[artificial-entity-blog]

"Makes one wonder where they are."

She gave a faint smile when Golnesa returned the comment that Mei had made. She wondered if the other caried a similar baggage with her name much like Mei did. Everyone was connected to their name and their name connected to them, and even if people shared names then they were still only connected to their own and not to the other's. As such, didn't every name cary it's own baggage?

"Then I suppose that is a trait we share. In the end, we are all connected to our names and even if we hate them, we wouldn't -couldn't- give it to anyone else. Even if their name would be the same, it still would be theirs and not yours, and vice versa. Don't you think that names are just so curious like that? To seem the same yet to carry a different meaning for each."