Offtopic: Continued from Prelude to Remembrance.

"Er-rd-kun . . ."

While whispering his name, Etsu Hikane gently nudged Eld. The two had slept in the same bed together last night, her laying on him as usual, using his chest as a pillow, and being fairly comfortable throughout the night-- and it was around the afternoon, now, but a little earlier than they usually woke up, at least when no one else awoke them. If they had the opportunity, they'd probably sleep the day away. Eld usually didn't wake up in the early afternoon, and Etsu certainly never did.

Part of it may have been the fault of those around them. Eld's parents let the girl sleep with Eld, and didn't seem to outwardly try to wake them up all the time, and their friends in Hillcrest usually had jobs to do around this time of day, and into the evening . . .

"Er-rd-kun!"

Her hushed exclamation was proceeded by a rougher nudge.

"Tsukimono Er-rdridge-kun, pr-rease wake up . . .!"

Still, she whispered-- not a testament to how meek Etsu Hikane's voice could be, but that something merited a hushed voice. It was, however, unlikely that Eld was going to be aware of that so soon after waking up.

The sun would shine down upon his eyes, the sun glaring down at him from outside his window, but Etsu's head would block half of it. The exotic Reaper sat in Eld's bed, almost sitting on him, on her knees, nudging him with her hands against his side. Her hair was a mess (she'd relented and bathed recently) and other than a pair of underwear, she wore only a maroon shirt that was too small on her-- at least in the chest region, and that usually bothered the Cizokian Reaper, when her appearance was off like that, but this afternoon it didn't, and not for any emotional reasons . . .

"Unnhhh..."

Eldridge Tsukimono was not much of a morning person, especially as he rarely saw most morning. Unless he had something to do or was otherwise roused from sleep, he regularly slept past noon. He didn't used to be quite so bad, but he didn't have any real responsibilities other than running an occasional errand and helping out when things got busy at his parents clinic. The fact that the girl on top of actually slept later than he did most days didn't help matters. It was hard to want to get up when a pretty girl whom you were in love with was still asleep on top of you...

Initially, he passed her attempts off as his imagination, the remains of a dream. However, when they persisted he realized that she really was up, and trying to wake him up, too.

"You're up early," he mumbled as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "What's wrong?" It wasn't her tone of voice that told him something was out of the ordinary so much as the use of his full name. Pretty much no one called him by his full name unless they were mad at him.

As soon as Eld was awake, Etsu glanced back at the window. Her attention was diverted elsewhere-- and, for that matter, she was tense. The Reaper (or Reaper on probational, rather) had her brow furrowed and eyes focused, not at anything in particular, just outside. Her hands were tensed into loose fists, too, balled up on Eld's shirt.

"Do you feer-r that?" Etsu asked, without yet looking away.

Of course, Eld would likely feel nothing at all, but once he was awake enough, he might well notice that there was something wrong. What, even Etsu probably didn't know, but she was stoic again. Stoic in a serious manner, humorless, almost, in a vague sort of way, doll-like, with numerous exceptions, like the way she tensed up and held onto Eld instinctively, and some uses of names, but this was how she was when dealing with a serious subject matter.

And thus, appearances simply didn't matter.

For Etsu to feel anything, though, would be strange. As far as she and Eld knew, her powers were blocked off as part of her probation . . .

"Hmmm?"

He focused, and after a few seconds he realized what she meant. Something was...wrong. But that's all he could tell; what was causing the feeling and where was completely unknown.

"Yeah, I do," he replied. He decided he probably better get up and investigate; things had been peaceful for awhile now, and he would have preferred for it to stay that way.

As his mind began clearing further and he started to get up, something occurred to him. "Etsu...how did you feel it?" Normally, Etsu's ability to sense Qi was much better than his, but her powers should still have been sealed because of her probation; she shouldn't have been able to feel anything at all.

"I do not know," replied Etsu simply, without a second of thought.

She got out of bed. Eld was awake, the deed was done. Now that she didn't have to worry about that, she could get dressed. Normally, she'd be strongly against being naked around Eld on just a spur of the moment type of thing, even when they were dating awhile ago. Of course, the fate of that was still up in the air, but currently unimportant. Etsu moved to the corner of the room, and with her back facing Eld, pulled the shirt over her head. This was going to have to go back to Mayako later. On Mayako, it was a baggy sleepshirt. On Etsu, it was uncomfortably tight. Somehow, that should have been expected.

Nonetheless, the urgency she was feeling was spelled out forthright: she may not have been wearing a bra, but she didn't really bother to think about that.

"Some-thing is here," Etsu remarked as she bent down to root through her clothes; particulars were arbitrary, she just needed something she could wear outside, "And I think it feer-r strong."

Which was saying something. Prior to this, the only strong spiritual presence other than Eld that she'd felt was Tabris, and before that, Vincent and Addison-- and all three cases ended with physical confrontations.

Something quick to throw on was picked up from the pile--just a white sleeveless shirt, which was promptly pulled over her head, followed by something else, a blue vest-jacket, the same one she wore when she first had any significant contact with Eld, and shortly thereafter she slipped a pair of tan khaki shorts on.

As Etsu zipped her jacket up, she declared simply: "Pr-rease bring Kageko-sama."

Just in case . . .

Eld blushed a bit, but followed her lead, going to the opposite corner to change as soon as she started to. Urgency preempted privacy today; normally, one or the other would go change in the bathroom, but it was best if they find out what was going on as soon as possible, especially if Etsu was right about it being strong.

And after this, we should try and figure out why she can sense Qi again. He hoped it wouldn't be a big deal; perhaps it was just a Reaper checking out the village, given all that had happened in it recently.

Though not intentionally, Eld also dressed as he did the first time they'd really met: black jeans, white undershirt, and a black button down shirt over it (though left unbuttoned).

He then grabbed his scythe while he waited for Etsu to finish; though it looked like a normal (beat up, in fact) farming scythe, it actually contained the spirit of Kageko, a...well, something to him. Just not servant like she seemed to strive for.

Are you awake, Kageko? We might have some trouble...

Kageko didn't respond at first. For a moment, there was silence, until . . .

Nhhh . . .

Eld had woken her up. And after a minute . . .

Yes, Master . . .?

Once her jacket was zipped up, Etsu turned around to face Eld . . . briefly. She passed him a glance, before starting towards the corner where Eld generally kept his weapon, and hers, now that she was there. Within the ability to recall it from Purgatory, and send it back, Etsu needed to keep it somewhere, and so it resided within Eld's room. For some reason, his parents never said anything about it while she was around. At least nothing that she noticed.

The naginata was lifted. It felt a little heavier than usual, but that was the problem with having no control over spiritual energy. She'd gotten so used to making it light with Qi that, at first, she could barely even pick it up. Now, she was almost as good with it as she was when she could control Qi, but not quite. She still noticed a difference in her swinging speed whenever she was out practicing with it.

Expecting Eld to follow her, she started to the door of his room, fully ready to open it and head out. It didn't occur to her that they should perhaps go out the window, as Eld's parents might be around to question the fact that they were carrying weapons out with them, and she didn't really care. That was just how Etsu was in potential conflicts and missions, though. She carried out tasks quietly, yet with very little concern for subtlety. Stealth wasn't her forte at all.

But in an ideal world, it didn't need to be.

Sorry, but I can sense something outside. Hopefully it's nothing, and you can go back to sleep...and so can I. The last part wasn't explicitly directed at Kageko, but she'd end up hearing it all the same.

Eld followed Etsu out of habit--they got to the living room before he realized what was wrong. "Ah, let's use the side-door," he suggested. That door led directly in and out of the house, while the front entrance was in the clinic part of the building. If they avoided going through the clinic, his parents probably wouldn't notice them.

Though, that wouldn't stop any villagers--especially their friends--from seeing them and jumping to the conclusion something was about to happen...

I will be awake and alert, Master.

Etsu stopped in her tracks when Eld beckoned for her to go a different way. Truth be told, she would have gone out the clinic door if he didn't say anything. That was just the way she usually came in. Incidentally, that was also where her sandals were. This was a bit of a predicament-- but one that was easily fixed. Rebbecca Tsukimono also had a few sandals, and there was bound to be pair on hand nearby the side door.

And there was. They were a regular pair of sandals and about one size too large on Etsu, but that was difficult to notice. She slipped them on without a word and followed Eld out.

"Feer-ring come from . . ." Etsu started as soon as she was outside, pausing to think about what she was feeling at the moment--which was in itself a little weird, simply because she shouldn't have been feeling it at all, "This way."

Etsu pointed towards the most packed residential area in Hillcrest: the farmlands.

"It is, huh?" That made Eld a bit uneasy, because there was a lot of area that way to cover and a lot people who could potentially be in the way of he ended up having to fight. He still didn't trust himself to fight using his Qi when other people were nearby; his control over it was far from perfect.

He let Etsu lead the way for the moment, since she seemed to have a clearer idea of where this feeling was coming from (even though, by all accounts, she shouldn't have).

However, as they walked, he said, "Etsu...if a fight breaks out, you should head back, okay? Since you still don't have your Qi back." Not that Etsu was a bad fighter with just her weapon, but that probably wouldn't be enough if they ended up fighting something with a strong Qi source.

Etsu nodded and started down towards the farms. She was a little concerned-- well, really, very concerned, but just wasn't letting herself feel it just yet --but that didn't stop her from moving forward without pause or falter.

"Iie," Etsu shook her head, "There is one ve-ry powerfur-r spirit. Other spirit of power is not ve-ry powerfur-r. Onr-ry two spirit now." I think.

Odd, because she had felt much more than just two spirits before. There was a powerful one, and then others scattered that weren't as powerful, but still there. Now, there were only two. More than likely, her ability to sense these things were off-- or, perhaps, she didn't have that ability anymore at all, and just thought she did, and maybe she was just hungry or something, but this still felt serious enough, and Eld confirmed that something didn't feel quite right, anyways.

Hopefully Etsu wouldn't have to explain what she was getting at.

After a moment of walking, she stopped, and tightened her brow while gazing down the path. She couldn't see very well; it was too bright and her eyes weren't used to the sun just yet, but she could feel something. It didn't feel good.

"We shour-rd hur-ry."

"..." Eld didn't like the idea of Etsu sticking around, multiple potential opponents or not, but he knew it would be pointless to try and dissuade her if she made up her mind. Because he knew if their situation had been reversed, he'd refuse to run, too...

He increased his pace in response to her suggestion, starting to job--he'd have sprinted, but if he did Etsu probably wouldn't have been able to keep up with him.

And as they got closer, he asked, How about you, Kageko? Do you sense anything? She perceived the world in a different way than either he or Etsu; it was possible she'd pick on something neither of them could.

I do not, Master. I am sorry . . .

Etsu picked up her pace to match Eld's. The path was a straight shot, directly into the heart of the farmlands. Hillcrest was dominated by farmlands, all clustered together at one part of the village, and stretching out much longer than the clustered residential areas of the village, which had seen better days.

After a short period of walking, they'd hear something: voices, coming from a red farmhouse nearby. There was a direct route to it through the property via a path that split off from the main drag. It was one of the larger farms, owned by a fairly wealthy farmer and his family: the Krigensons. Joseph Krigenson had been farming all his life, but was more of a businessman than a farmer, truly. He knew how to peddle his goods, to whom, when, and where. He had it down to a precise science. He, his wife, and his children all were at least acquaintances with most people in the village. Having a lot of contacts meant a lot of economic opportunities, after all.

"Tell us where it is, old man," one voice demanded-- a younger voice, but older than Eld and Etsu's. He had to be in his early twenties, and rather than cocky, he sounded . . . demanding. Foreboding, even.

"I-- I told you-- I don't know what you're--" It was Joseph Krigenson's voice.

There was the snap of a finger, and for a second, there was nothing.

"M-Mary? Mary? Mary, answer me!" And this time, Krigenson was much more desperate. "Mary! What's-- oh my God-- what did you do to her?!"

"You know where it is and you're being difficult. My companion has given you a reason to talk."

"I told you, I don't--!"

"Two reasons to talk."

"Oh God-- Oh God-- Oh God-- no-- no! No-- Eliza . . . Eliza, please-- open your eyes! Oh God-- no . . ."

"Shall we make it three?"

"Please-- please, no . . . ."

"Their lives are in your hands, Krigenson-san. You are being very careless with them. Go-- take the last one."

"NO!" Krigenson shouted. Even from a distance it was audible, "I'll tell you, okay?! Just-- just stop this . . ."

As they got near enough to hear voices, Eld stopped and held out a hand so Etsu would do the same. What little of the conversation they overheard was enough for him to visibly tense.

"Etsu...it sounds like they have hostages," he whispered. "We have to be quiet." As much as he wanted to just charge straight in, he knew that would probably be a bad idea. He needed to get close enough to see what was going on, and the first move they made had to be to get the hostages free.

He didn't know the Krigensons very well, but he knew them all the same, and the last thing he wanted was for one of them to be hurt or even killed in this situation. So, moving with a practiced silence gained from the hours he'd spent sneaking out and evading bandits, he crept closer to the barn, hoping he could peek in without alerting them to their presence just yet.

Etsu nodded silently and followed. Eld was likely to be much better at sneaking than she, and was thus better fit to lead an "expedition" where stealth was necessary. Etsu had only really fought a couple of Ame Voleur so far, and neither of them really took hostages or anything. She didn't know how to deal with that kind of situation. And so, she followed quietly, until they got to the side of the barn, when she stopped and kept her back against it.

There was a large open window on the side, large enough to practically jump through-- and therefore easy to look into, at the very least. Etsu felt that Eld would be better to watch, while she kept her senses open. This close, the powerful energy she felt before was much clearer. Now, it felt massive.

Inside, the Krigenson family sat on the floor, tied up, but loosely. Joseph Krigenson had already escaped his bondage, even, and his captors didn't do anything about it. Joseph Krigenson was a middle aged man, about forty two years old, with graying hair and a stiff body. He was developed arthritis and couldn't work that well on their farm anymore, and so he depended on outside help. He hadn't shaved in the last few days, and had gray stubble all over his jaw. The man was shirtless, and only in a pair of sweatpants.

Krigenson's wife, Mary, lay beside of him, her side on the floor, her eyes glazed and staring out-- out beyond the window. She was a little younger than Joseph, with short brown hair, and was a little heavy set. She only wore a sleepshirt and a pair of sweatpants, too. It seemed they hadn't even gotten out to work yet. Despite the situation, she seemed completely relaxed. She was breathing normally and her heartbeat did not fluctuate-- nor did her spirit.

Joseph's daughter, Eliza, was just the same. She was in her late twenties and often came to help with the farm, despite living with her husband in Galaens. She was dressed to work, unlike her parents younger brother. Eliza lay flat upon her chest with the side of her face upon the floor. Her eyes were closed, but just like her mother, she was completely relaxed. Unnervingly relaxed, even.

Krigenson's son, however, was not. He was huddled in the corner of the barn, shaking, whimpering, and trying not to scream. He was only nine. His breath was quick and heart beat rapid, and his spirit was fluctuating as rapidly as his father's. They were stressed. They were horribly stressed. Scared out of their minds, even.

Their aggressors stood within the barn, as well. One stood at the entrance, while another stood just off to the side of Krigenson. He who stood off to the side of Krigenson was as outlandish as Etsu Hikane. He had very light azure hair-- almost ice blue, in fact, which fell down to the same level as his chin. Hazy blue eyes stared down at Krigenson, whom was regarded with a humorless expression: a frown. He had all the traits of a Cizokian, including height: he was somewhat short. Oddly enough, he wore a thick, brown winter coat, a thick pair of jeans, heavy boots, and a warm scarf wrapped around his neck. It was almost as if he were dressed for winter. The man was deathly pale, and appeared to be in his early twenties at best.

His companion, who stood at the entrance of the barn, actually looked even more outlandish. He stood at the same height as Eldridge Tsukimono, and appeared to be Algerothian-- perhaps. His brown hair was only long enough to cover his eyebrows, though only one would've been visible anyways, for he wore what seemed to be a mask. It was bland, smooth, and steel colored, with only a red piece of glass over where his eye would be, red markings up and down from the eyepiece. However, it only covered half of his face. It was split down the middle, as if intentional. How it remained on his face seemed to be a physical impossibility. And just like his face seemed half-- one half showing, the other half wearing a mask --his clothes, too, all seemed halved. His shirt was an amalgamation of a button down dress shirt and a hooded sweatshirt, both cut down the middle and sewn together as if they were meant to be that way. The same applied to his pants, too: on one leg, shorts, and on the other, long pants.

The man in the half-mask stared directly at Krigenson, specifically saying nothing. His was a stare that could send a man into a terrible fit, though. It was strong and intentional, as if he were looking beyond the body and into the soul-- and yet, his stare and his expression were completely blank. In his left hand, he held a keychain. On it, he had a total of twelve keys. Nine of them had an unnatural shimmer to them.

"Th-the . . . the Tsukimono boy . . ." Krigenson whispered frantically, "He has it-- that . . . that farming scythe you described-- that's his. I swear it!"

"Tsukimono?" the azure haired figure asked.

"Y-yes-- the-- the son of the people that-- that run the clinic, just down the road! I swear it!"

"I see," the azure haired figure trailed off in thought, before turning to his companion, "Illorex, please report this Gestahl. He's mentioned that name before."

The man at his right, Illorex, nodded, before turning away himself and walking out of the barn. The keychain in his hand was pocketed, much to the dismay of Krigenson. He instantly pulled himself up and started after Illorex, passing by the azure haired figure thoughtlessly in a rush, only to be stopped by him in an instant, with a hand upon his diaphragm. It seemed like a light touch, yet it had Krigenson completely still.

"B-but . . . but Mary . . . and . . . Eliza . . ." Joseph Krigenson spoke slowly as he reached out towards Illorex, who was, by that point, already quite distant.

Less than a second passed before Illorex disappeared before his eyes-- the same time as the massive spiritual energy felt by Etsu seemed to vanish from the vicinity. She reached for Eld, taking hold of his jacket, and lightly tugged on it. The look she gave him was one of confidence, as she nodded to him. She felt they could assault without concern, now.

"Think of them as collateral, Krigenson-san. Now, remain here, less you wish for the same fate as the Lattes." The azure haired figure declared as he pushed Krigenson back lightly.

Krigenson fell back onto his rear, his entire body shaking. It wasn't adrenaline, though. He was shivering. His skin, likewise, had the faintest hint of blue to it, and even in his gray hair, frost seemed to have collected. Slowly, coldly, he moved his arms up, hugging them to his chest, and shivered violently. And with that, the azure haired figure turned and started out of the barn, as well . . .