006: Abandonment [Action]

[Action, Castlevania grounds/Everglade, late evening]

[So her nephew had left Genessia before she had the chance to meet him in person...he'd said he would come by Castlevania, hadn't he?

Why was she always the one abandoned? Why did those cowards always run away?

Bitterness, hurt and upset stewed within her. She knew it was unreasonable to throw all those emotions at Susano-o, but right now, she honestly didn't care. Even if Genessia itself threw people out as easily as it drew people in, she still blamed him as if he'd chosen to leave of his own accord.

Late that evening, Izanami could be found strolling the grounds of Castlevania, burial shroud catching in the cool night air. That, at least, calmed her fury.

She wandered into Everglade proper later that night, taking on her human guise as she always did when she left. The monsters that roamed after dark never bothered her, so at least she could explore the city freely.]

[Action, Castlevania, late night - closed to Dracula.]

[It was the early hours of the morning when she finally returned to Castlevania. The dull ache in her chest hadn't faded, of course, but at least the walk had calmed her rage.

Despite the time, she couldn't help but wonder if, maybe, Dracula was still awake. Right now, Izanami could use the distraction, and she didn't feel right waking the others at this hour. Besides, despite their radically different views on humans...she did enjoy his company.

So, for now, she headed towards Dracula's throne room.]

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[Terra watches as the sun descends below the horizon and she knows she should be heading back soon. She has a basket in hand filled with flowers, seeds and anything of interest she's found in her search. Pretty soon she'll have enough to start her shop.

She moves through the darkness easily though her crystal blue eyes almost glow in the soft light of the stars.

Terra sees a figure and pauses unsure what to do. She doubts it's one of the monsters that lurks here though Terra isn't scared of them. It looks like a person and so the young Esper calls out softly.]

Hello?

[Izanami was so caught up by her own thoughts and anger she didn't even notice Terra nearby until she called out to her. She glanced over, watching the girl a moment. The way her eyes glowed...interesting.]

...good evening.

[For now, at least, Izanami looked human - even if she did tell herself there wasn't likely to be anyone else out at this time of night to see her. It was lucky she had.]

[Terra's fingers rose to her lips unsure of what to do. She doesn't make a habit of meeting people in the middle of the night.]

Good evening.

[Her voice is light and for a moment she stands in place unsure of what to do. She needs to walk passed Izanami but she doesn't want to be rude either.]

...I'm surprised, not many are out at this hour. There's at least a few monsters that wander the city after dark.

[She knows the dangers of wandering around at night but she also knows that she can protect herself if need be. The fog around them seems to thicken for a moment as if a cloud is passing over the ground.]

I know. I was heading back.

[Terra looks up at the sky for a moment.]

I lost track of time.

[Her gaze then fixes curiously on the woman before her.]

You are out late too.

[Having controlled the fog back in her own world, the feeling of it thickening outside of her own power was something Izanami was acutely aware of. It was still a little...disconcerting.]

You must have been busy.

[At the comment on her own business, she sighed heavily, watching Terra with tired eyes.]

...I needed a little air.

Are you alright?

[It's almost a reaction to ask. Though Terra looks a little awkward after the fact. She shouldn't go prying into other peoples affairs and it's probably strange enough that she's out so late.

Picking flowers no less.]

[Strange question though it was, she appreciated it.]

...My nephew was here for some time, but he disappeared.

[Said through gritted teeth. She was still bitter.]

[Terra isn't sure what to say to that. Her heart reaches out but then she doesn't know if it's how she feels or how she thinks she should feel. Something in her chest hurts and so she buries it away.]

I'm sorry...

[A hand comes to rest over her chest as she speaks.]

...thank you.

[A heavy sign escaped her. However angry she was, there was no point taking it out on this girl.

Since chatting to Yui about her nephew's intentions, though, she was at least thinking a bit more rationally.]

This place takes people away as suddenly as they arrive... I suppose that is the true force to blame for this, rather than his cowardice.

[Terra nods.]

This is my second time here. Maybe he will return.

[Though that might bring little comfort.]

Is that possible...? I was told there were people who had returned once they had already left, but I was not aware it was true.

[It helped, a little. Certainly, despite her role at the welcome centre, she'd not met anyone who'd disappeared and come back before.]

I can't say for certain but..

[Her eyes find an easy place to look on the ground. She wishes that she could say more.]

There is hope.

Perhaps there is...although I'm far more used to others running from me than coming back.

I appreciate the thought, though.

[Terra nods her head slightly. She doesn't really understand but then she probably won't be able too.]

I should go...

[Not because she's frightened but because she has no idea what else to say or how to hold a conversation.]

[Izanami broke her glance at that, trying to hide the fresh wave of bitterness that came into her expression.

It shouldn't be a surprise, really, that this girl had no wish to stay in her presence.]

...If you wish.

[Then, in a less bitter tone: ]

Although I hear some coffee shops are open even at this hour.

[Terra blinks.]

Coffee? Are there? I thought everything is closed.

[She doesn't really know but curiosity gleams in her bright blue gaze.]

Yes, a few. That and a handful of bars.

[At least...that curiosity might get her to stick around a little longer.]

[Terra made sure that she has all of her things before stepping up next to the other.]

Please lead the way then.

Of course.

[Once Terra had joined her, Izanami started making her way toward the town proper.]

There seems to be no rhyme or reason to who stays, and who disappears.

[Terra just nods.]

That's how it seems.

[She can't think of words of comfort the woman so she doesn't really say anything else past that.]

Where is the place?

006: Abandonment [Action]

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night

Everglade, Late evening/Night