Eld nodded in response, and placed a hand on Etsu's shoulder to reassure her. "I won't...though I'm not sure how long that will keep things peaceful." The two waiting for him didn't seem to know he was in possession of the scythe they were looking for, but if they were part of the same group, they'd find out before too long. And from what they'd seen and heard, there were at least five of them in this group.

What if they all came back at once to take it from him? Or worse, what if they started wantonly threatening the villagers? Already nearly two whole families had been taken hostage, essentially, if they were to be believed, not to mention some people in Galaens. Toushikyo certainly had no problems with attacking if he didn't get his way, he mentioned his superior, Gestahl, would actually enjoy a violent approach. The two here seemed to be trying to avoid violence, but Illorex was still a mystery; he was doing something to people, but what--other than apparently knocking them out--he wasn't sure.

"C'mon, I don't want to them to get tired of waiting and leave," he said, not voicing any of these concerns immediately. He didn't intend to start violence, and he hoped that he could diplomatically at least get the villagers back, though he wasn't sure these people would give up on his scythe just because he refused to give it to them.

Content that Eld wasn't going to outwardly talk about the scythe at all, Etsu nodded to him and let go of his shirt. He was allowed to go, now. She followed him out of the house, into the clinic, and outside of the clinic, where the two were waiting.

Her concerns were easily swayed, by virtue of her trust in Eld alone. He wouldn't lie to her or go around behind her back, this Etsu was convinced of. To an extent, she was convinced of an absolute truth. To another extent, it was quite the opposite.

But that wasn't important.

Hugh and Kyla were waiting for them outside, the two talking to each other. They wouldn't notice Eld and Etsu until they spoke up, and would continue on with the conversation until interrupted. It was soft, though, and only between themselves, with Hugh casually wrapping his arm around her waist, and her content to just stand beside of him.

Etsu's concerns seemed abated, making Eld glad. Tactically, it might actually be the wrong move; it would be easy to think of these people as all enemies already, and if there were more, taking them out one or two at a time might very well be the best option. Similarly, they didn't seem to expect Eld and Etsu to suddenly attack any more than they seemed ready to attack them. It would have been the perfect chance.

The fact that he even was capable of thinking that way made Eld uneasy. Sure, he wasn't sure this situation would end without further violence given what he knew, but was that any reason not to try?

As they approached, he noticed that they were talking amongst themselves and looking...close. He couldn't help but look at Etsu briefly; he still hadn't worked up the courage to talk to her about...well, them. But now wasn't really the time anyway.

"Umm...sorry for keeping you waiting," Eld said a bit more meekly than usual, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Oh!" Hugh exclaimed, caught off guard by Eld.

He and Kyla turned to face Eld and Etsu. Both couples stood side-by-side, though Hugh put his arm around Kyla again. She didn't seem to mind. In fact, she always showed a hint of a smile when she was near him. Despite the potential that they were strapped for time, she still leaned into him a bit, her head against his shoulder, a smile upon her face, as if she wasn't stressed over anything at all-- as if she were the happiest girl in the world.

Neither of them seemed embarrassed to be that close to each other in public. Not even the faintest hint of a blush crossed their cheeks.

"It's fine," Hugh replied simply, "We still have a few minutes."

Just to make sure, he reached his free hand into his pocket, withdrawing a small brass pocket watch. He clicked it open and checked the time.

"Yeah, we've got a couple minutes still," he reaffirmed.

"I'd like to ask you guys for a favor," Eld began. He wasn't sure if this would do much good, but he thought it was his best chance of solving the situation without violence.

"Your comrade with the mask, Illorex I think, he did something to some of that man's family, and apparently another one. I'd like to speak with him, I want to talk about releasing them."

"So, can you deliver the message that I'd like to talk with him?" he asked. "I'll be waiting on the hill over there--" he pointed to the hill, his favorite spot to go, one that overlooked much of the village, "--tonight, around sunset, if he can make it."

"Please understand, the people around here are mostly just farmers and ranchers...they don't know about anything outside of ordinary life, and a lot's happened here recently...there are still people on edge. I don't want these people to have to suffer anymore."

Especially not on my account, he added silently, remembering how Krigenson had resisted giving out his name to Toushikyo.

"We understand, don't worry," Hugh waved off any concerns Eld might have that they wouldn't understand, or even remotely see where he was coming from.

"We're treasure hunters, all of us," Kyla added. Her voice was soft and genuine-- loving, in fact, "And there's a treasure around here we're looking for. We'd rather just barter for it, with who ever has it. Some of our associates don't feel the same way, though . . ."

"Yeah-- like Toushikyo," Hugh continued on with Kyla's point, "Who'll start fights with people for almost no reason. Like with you today. You were probably just trying to help that family, right? I'm really sorry about that. But-- anyways, there's Illorex, who'll just do almost anything someone tells him to . . ."

"Even if someone's telling him to hurt someone," Kyla added with a frown.

"We try to make sure nothing bad happens with us here-- but, well, you know . . . it's hard to keep track of everyone," Hughed gave a regretful smile, "Sometimes, problems slip through our fingers. Anyways-- I'd just like to apologize for it all, that's all. And I'll deliver your message, too. I can't promise anything, but . . . well, you never know."

"Thank you." Eld tried not to look uncomfortable as they mentioned the treasure--he was certain they were referring to his scythe. Though he was glad they just preferred to barter, the fact was that Kageko wasn't just a scythe, she was a person too as far as he was concerned; there wasn't anything they could offer that would make him part with her.

"A-Anyway, if you're in a hurry, I won't keep you any longer. My name's Eld." Since only his last name was mentioned to Toushikyo, he hoped no one would immediately make the connection between it and his last name. "Ummm...if you need something else here in Hillcrest, please come to me, alright? And, thank you very much for helping with Mr. Krigenson," he said specifically to the male.

It was weird talking to them, people who could potentially be enemies, like they were friendly acquaintances. Still, it was preferable to fighting them. He had an idea how he could potentially convince Illorex and maybe keep these people from attacking him for his scythe, something he wanted to work on, and he needed to check on Krigenson's son, whom they left in the barn in the rush to get him to the hospital. He also wanted to see up close the state of his wife and daughter, in case they were in any danger.

"You're welcome," Hugh nodded.

Hugh extended his hand to Eld, to offer to shake his hand. Etsu stared at it, letting a number of scenarios run through her head. What if he grabbed him and threw him down or something? What if he took his hand and broke it, and told him to give him the scythe or die? There were thousands of doomsday scenarios in her head at that moment.

All Etsu's doomsday scenarios would be proven wrong, however.

"I'm Hugh," he'd introduce himself, before motioning to the girl next to him, who'd extend her hand to Eld, as well, given the opportunity, "And this beautiful lady here is Kyla."

Kyla giggled a bit at the comment, but didn't blush. "It's really nice to meet you, Eld."

Eld took Hugh's hand without hesitation. Despite Etsu's worry, he was more certain these two, at least, were trustworthy; and even if they weren't, between his spirit and his ability to call on a burst of massive strength, messing with him at this range would have been a mistake on his part.

"Likewise," he replied as he shook Kyla's as well. He refrained from introducing Etsu, figuring that if she wanted these people to know her name she'd introduce herself. Besides, given that she was supposed to be dead as far as the world was concerned, it was probably better if less people knew her name anyway.

He briefly entertained the thought of asking where he could find them in Galaens, but figured that would be pressing his luck a bit; besides, talking to their leader, from what little Toushikyo said, may have been a bad idea anyway.

Etsu refrained from introducing herself. Once all hands were shaken-- excepting hers --she retained a stoic expression, displaying no further emotion upon her face. Not suspicion nor aggression, both of which she felt towards Hugh and Kyla. After the confrontation with Toushikyo, she couldn't begin to trust anyone that was affiliated with him, no matter how much they said they were peace keepers or whatever the sort.

The azure haired girl abstaining from introducing herself didn't seem to bother Hugh or Kyla much. Hugh glanced at her once, expecting her to introduce herself as well, but once she didn't he simply shrugged his shoulders.

"We should be going . . ." Kyla declared as she tugged on Hugh's jacket lightly.

Hugh instantly looked at his pocket watch again. He nodded in affirmation.

"Well Eld, we'll take you up on that offer if we need any information or anything," Hugh declared as he waved somewhat, "You two take care of yourselves."

"Bye~" Kyla chimed as she, too, waved lightly.

Hugh took Kyla's hand, much to her appreciation, and began to walk away from the clinic, down towards the road to Galaens. They didn't have any horses waiting for them, but that didn't seem to matter, as in less than a minute they were gone, anyways. Vanished in the time it took Eld and Etsu to blink.

"Bye."

How do they do that? he wondered after they were gone. He knew that was what it tended to look like if a non-Reaper saw someone go to Purgatory, but he had the powers of a Reaper: he'd still be able to see them if they went into Purgatory. And he sensed spiritual pressure from them to boot, but guessed that like Toushikyo they probably didn't know what Qi was.

To Etsu, he said, "Let's go back to the farm--we shouldn't leave the boy alone, and I want to check on the sister and mother. If he used Qi to do whatever he did, maybe it's even something we can reverse."

That would be convenient, but the problem was that Etsu lacked Qi, and he was certain he didn't know enough on his own to be able to do it. Perhaps if she could guide him, though.

"Hai," Etsu replied with a nod.

She followed Eld's lead. Truth be told, the whole experience was kind of a rush. She barely kept track of where they were going. She had essentially followed a feeling blindly, and then followed Eld's lead back. So, she'd just have to follow Eld's lead to the same place again. There was no powerful spirit there for her to look for, after all, and she couldn't remember what path she took. All these barns looked the same.

Once they were there, they'd be treated to an odd sight. Odd, and somewhat worrisome. The boy was still in the barn, but his sister and mother were not. The boy had remained sitting in the barn. He wasn't in the fetal position anymore, but close to it. The little red-head sat on his rear, arms wrapped around his knees, but not holding them to his chest. He looked like he was on the verge of tears.

It was a situation Etsu didn't really know how to deal with. Eld would probably do better at this than she . . .

The sight tugged at his heart; here was this kid, and he had nothing to do with any of this. He was just a normal boy, dragged into something terrible by simple luck. No, not just because of luck...he might not of intended it, but it was he who brought these people here. Just like all the others, only here because of him...

Fortunately, talking to families of patients was something Eld was intimately familiar with. Though there was something he did need to get out of the way first. "Hey, how are you doing there?" he asked gently, kneeling next to the boy. "You're not hurt, are you?"

He didn't look it, but that didn't mean much. "Don't worry...your dad's at the clinic right now, with my parents--they're really good. He'll be fine."

The boy didn't say anything, not at first. Initially, all he did was shake his head when Eld asked if he was hurt. There wasn't a scratch on him. But then again, everyone except his father was the same way. Not a single scratch on them. The statement about his father seemed to cheer him up a little, but he was still silent.

Etsu didn't kneel down beside of the boy. Rather, she stood outside of the barn, glancing out into the fields. She could see someone out there. Odd. Maybe they hire help?

Finally, the boy relented and spoke, whispering, "But . . . but . . ."

He sniffled. Still, he was on the verge of tears. Their entire family didn't ask for this! But for some reason, the boy's father tried his damndest to keep the information about Eld away from Toushikyo and Illorex . . .

"But mommy a-and . . . and Lizzie . . ." he sniffled, "What about them . . .? A-and-- and what if daddy dies, too? What'll happen then?"

"You dad won't die; and I'll make sure your sis and mom are okay," Eld reassured him. "I'll take you to the clinic, alright? My parents will look after you until your dad gets better." It shouldn't take too long; if he recovered from the hypothermia, which was very likely, as it was caused by abnormal means so nothing would aggravate it further, it wouldn't take him long to be out of the clinic and back on his feet.

Though as he looked around, he noticed something amiss--his sister and mother, who'd previously were both laying dormant, were nowhere to be seen. This was...worrying. He didn't the boy took them anywhere. "Say, did you see where your mom and sis went?" he asked, a bit of urgency creeping in his voice. There was no way this could be a good thing...