The New World

[Soren]

One hundred and sixty feet at the topmost mast, was a lone figure admiring the sight of land. They were about to dock and he could only find peace at this chaotic perch. He was on the ship that Chizuru had brought to his own homeland. His presence hadn't made her crew easy. Soren thought that he could blend in, but found that ridiculously complicated. They knew his past, from the very moment he stepped foot on the blasted ship. (He blamed her record keeper.) His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden erratic dance of the ship. He held onto webbing, treating it like a lifeline. He hadn't realized just how agile he was, until now.

The scene below him didn't interest him. It was the sight up ahead that held his interest: the land was getting closer, making his nerves fill with anticipation. He heard the shout of one of the people below and saw the flurry of bodies trying to control the ship for landing. They would dock soon and he would be left in the hands of a woman and her strange world. He let those thoughts leave him, trying to make the best of the situation. Since he had bargained with her, he no longer had authority over himself. It was an odd feeling, but it also brought some relief. He was away from the Vuri territories and away from the Queen Mother- he could finally start a new life.

Knowing they were about to dock, he made the long crawl down. When he reached the deck, all eyes were on him and his strange form. The crew considered him cursed. The only people who conversed with him, were Chizuru and Tenzo.

Soren bypassed the crew and made his way toward the docks. It was a brilliant scene that captivated him and rendered his speech. Something even more intimidating caught his attention: the guards. Their glinting armor impressed him, but left him with wonderment, as to who they belonged to. He immediately stood behind Chizuru, letting her take control of the situation. He didn't know their customs, or their ways. Soren wasn't about to sabotage his new beginning.

[Kirin]

Chizuru had spent most of her time ever since she got the news of the return of the Tyrants through a dreamvision, mulling over what to do about the return of the Tyrants. She was quiet, withdrawn most of the time, only to joke around with Tenzo or occasionally speak to Soren. Most of the time, she was deep in thought. Once land was spotted, she expected to be rushed by the guards to her uncle's small castle.

The ship docked and eventually, she filed off. With Soren behind her to her left and Tenzo behind her to her right, she was greeted with a bow. "Lord Shigeo welcomes you back, Lady Chizuru." Both guards bowed and Chizuru smiled inwardly. "He also bids that you meet him at once..with the visitor and Tenzo to discuss your travel over tea."

"Ah, my Uncle is most gracious." Chizuru said with a smile, glancing at Soren and Tenzo. She motioned for them to follow as they were escorted on foot through the bustling city of Michiba. Around them people would pause to bow briefly and continue to peddle their wares. Fresh fish was being sold at various places, each boasting to have the freshest catch. The smell of cooking food permiated the air, causing Chizuru's stomach to growl. People were selling foreign artwork, golden foreign coins, jewelry, even so-called rare artifacts.

As they got closer to the castle, the scene would become less chaotic, more peaceful. The gates of the castle would open and the group would continue to be escorted through. A young woman bowed to Chizuru. "You're back, my Lady. Allow me to take you to your quarters to freshen up."

"Of course, Haruna." Chizuru turned to Soren. "The guards will escort you to seperate quarters, where you will bathe and be 'refreshed'."

[Soren]

Soren was just like any other man in this crowd of greed. He had never been able to simply “blend” in- even if they were being escorted by a few guards. The smells wouldn't entice him, even though they should. He ate something of a different nature, even though Chizuru carried his power. How would he be able to express his need for that type of delicacy?

They were escorted through the busy crowds. His eyes averted to the looming castle up ahead. It impressed him, which was something he had to admit to himself. Their temples looked pathetic, next to something so grandeur.

Tea wouldn't be on his menu, but he didn't know how to express his need. He would have to feast on flesh or blood soon- he hadn't really replenished since he had left his homeland. It would be a difficult path, if he couldn't frequently rejuvenate. Without the magick- which was now in Chizuru's grasp- he could grow weaker.

That wouldn't help their cause at all. He looked at Haruna, who spoke directly at Chizuru. He was surprised that she had relations nearby- but thankful- since it would make things much easier.

He decided to make the request as simple and clear as he could. It was obvious, that he wasn't the humorous type, especially after their hellish trip. He turned to Chizuru, his eyes weary with sleep.

“Tell your Uncle, that I take blood with my tea.” He eyed the figure of Haruna, never-minding his impression on her. He simply nodded to Chizuru and Tenzo, before the guards took him separate ways.

[Kirin]

Chizuru's gaze narrowed at Soren as she turned towards him. At the same time of her turning, she inhaled a sharp intake of breath as though she were going to slap him senseless. Instead, she exhaled slowly.

"We don't have a free supply of blood around the castle." She said quickly. An hour later, she was escorted to a meeting room, where a servant slid open the door.

Her long black hair was pulled into an up-do, being decorated with fresh flowers. Her skin was scrubbed until it was soft and pale. Chizuru knelt down on a cushion. She wore a kimono made of a gray silk and decorated with white chrysthanamums. Her hands folded in front of her as she waited for the others to show up, her uncle included.

She still seemed lost in thought as she bowed her head. Haruna knelt down outside of the room, waiting for the next person to enter.

[Soren]

Soren had not been given what he had requested. It was a shock, for the Vuri prince, to be denied so quickly. Even though he was in a place of different customs, he had clarified what he desired.

He needed blood, flesh, and he needed it now! It was a craving unlike any other, but at least it created a driving force inside of him. He wasn't about to attack any guards, unless they made the motion first. Chizuru didn't understand him- not at all- but that was to be expected.

Vuri didn't simply hunt for their blood. After the kill, they let the body sit and manifest into a rotting shell- that was when they drank the blood. It was the same for the flesh. So, even if he wanted the kill to be quick, he would still have to wait for the corpse to rot. He had to let the hunger go, especially if he wanted to impress Chizuru. He would be meeting her Uncle, who supposedly had the authority.

Sighing, he realized he was being ushered to the meeting room. It would be awkward, since all of his senses wouldn't be with him. The guards placed him next to Chizuru, who looked oddly dressed. She looked almost exposed- compared to what the Vuri garment consisted of. The idea made him blush, considering he had never thought of her in that relation. He had only seen her in armor, but now this uniform was the complete opposite. The entire outfit, forced her to look ten times more delicate, than she actually was.

Soren decided, to keep the ties between them bearable. “You look beautiful.” He looked toward the door, wondering why the room had become so deathly quiet. Were they welcoming some God?

[Kirin]

"Thank you, Soren." Chizuru felt a warmth come to her cheeks. "Blood takes time to find. It's not like we have rivers of it."

She went silent as her uncle entered the room. He was a man that was tall and thin. He was young as well, being only ten years older than Chizuru. Chizuru bowed immediately. "Good day, Uncle Shigeo."

A maid came in to serve tea to the three of them. Shigeo had appeared to have been suffering from a lack of sleep. Chizuru sat up. Shigeo spoke finally, his voice sounding tired.

"Chizuru, things have gone from peaceful to frantic as we scramble, preparing for war, preparing for the Alignment. The Emperor has called for all the candidates for Heir to report to the capitol." Shigeo's voice was slow, patient. Shigeo wasn't remarkably muscular, holding an average build. He had a single katana, used mostly for show, for Shigeo wasn't a great swordsman either.

Chizuru bowed her head, then began to drink her tea. "Understood. Uncle, this is Soren." She gestured towards Soren, whom she was narrowing her eyes to. She leaned over, whispering in his ear. "Bow deeply." She moved, returning to her tea.

[Soren]

I will need blood, or a corpse, if I am going to survive...He spoke to her through her mind, for the first time. It would be awkward for both of them. He didn't let his emotions play across his face, which was something natural for him. Soren bowed deeply and decided to ask questions later. Their tea waited for them, but he didn't drink. His eyes didn't avert to her, but to the staff. It's very presence mocked him. He wondered if her Uncle would ask where its origins came from. How could he explain a Vuri to this type of man?

[Kirin]

Shigeo's eyes moved towards the staff in Chizuru's possession. He rose an eyebrow, bringing the teacup to his lips. After taking a long satisfying drink, he tilted his head. "Was that a gift?" He rose an eyebrow. A maid came in with a tray of rice cakes.

At this time, Chizuru had gotten Soren's message and she glanced over at him with a look that told of a mixture of anger and disappointment. Her gaze moved towards Shigeo, softening some. She glanced at Shigeo. "No, the staff is representative of a sacrifice made by this young man right here. His powers are in this staff and his magicks are quite..unique." She said quietly, sipping the tea and grabbing a rice cake.

She would address her anger with Soren later. Shigeo tilted his head. "What sort of magicks?" He glanced at Soren.

[Soren]

How could he explain their power? The magic was complex, being a literal part of their souls- maybe that was why he felt so empty without it? He looked toward Chizuru and spoke with a voice of shocking honesty: “It's magic, that you've only seen in your dreams, Sir.” It would not be safe to explain what the Vuri could do. He still didn't know who this man was. He further explained. “I am not a natural being. We call ourselves Vuri. We are immortal creatures, who only seek peace. I come here out of my own free will.” That was partially true. Even though, he had given her the magic and had sacrificed it, it had been with a purpose. She could easily destroy his magic, but did she know that herself? The thoughts suddenly became clouded in his head. He needed blood, or flesh. His heart raced, from his body reacting to the sudden loss of energy. Soren bowed, then finished his explanation. He hoped it would be enough for this man. “I have come here to train and discover my true potential. I wish to serve in this land.” The last statement may shock Chizuru, since he had stated he would be returning.

...But what would he have to return to? He didn't get to wonder about those thoughts, since his vision began to turn into a thick haze.

“Sir, you may not understand my request now, but I need some sort of human blood or flesh.” His body began to slump over to one side, but he held himself up with a single arm. His free hand, gripped at his chest. “Chizuru does not understand. It is what the Vuri survive on...it can not be fresh, but of the ones who have been long dead.” He didn't know if he had the strength to beg, or the personality to withstand such humiliating behavior. He hoped that her Uncle would understand, or his training would end before it began.

[Kirin]

Shigeo was quiet, listening. "You wish to train?" He rose an eyebrow. "Hm. All right. I will send word ahead of you." Shigeo's tired eyes examined Soren silently for a moment as he tried to decide who would be appropriate.

As he contemplated, Soren interrupted his train of thought. His gaze turned back to Soren and he sighed softly, almost non-chalantly. "We don't just keep bodies hanging around the city. If you need a body, you're going to have to find a cemetary." Shigeo's voice sounded sharp. Even Chizuru flinched slightly. And Shigeo was being relatively nice.

His voice lowered. "However, I'm not too keen on having to give up bodies. I'd rather not have a request of such being asked of me again. I will send an escort with you to the cemetary. However, there is only one section of the cemetary where you will be able to do whatever it is that you would do with a body. We don't take desecrating the dead very lightly."

Shigeo stood. Chizuru bowed. "Chizuru, I would like for you to come with me, where we will confer about his training." Chizuru responded. "Yes, Uncle." She stood, taking the staff and walking towards her uncle.

"Shino!" Shigeo waited as the door slid open and a young man entered the room while bowing.

"Lord Shigeo." He greeted the lord.

"Take this man to the cemetary and show him where the criminals are buried. Help him pick a grave and you will probably have to help him dig it up."

Shino's facial expression didn't change. Chizuru rose an eyebrow, then followed her uncle out of the room.

[Soren]

They walked and walked, until they came to an odd looking clearing. It wasn't a clearing, so much, as it was a place where mortals dreaded their end. The cemetery was not a common place for Soren, so he looked at it in awe. His facial expression, made the man next to him, look in wonderment.

This place was like a banquet. The smells should bother a normal mortal, while they dug a grave for him to literally rob- but he wouldn't be after jewels, or trinkets. Soren was there for the skin, marrow and heart of the being, who rested six feet under.

Without any warning, he hopped in the grave. It was fully exposed now, the shades of the moon making it more eerie. He could see the bloated body with ease and knew which part to go to first. He looked toward the man and had a bout of courtesy. "I would suggest shielding your eyes...unless you want to be haunted by this image? I am not a tidy dinner guest." It wasn't a question, but a statement and fact- when a Vuri fed, it could be nightmarish.

The man turned away while Soren fed. The sounds of the man eating, sounded like an animosity never before witnessed. (The escort would certainly have stories to tell at the taverns that night!)

Soren made his way through the most tender flesh and into the ribcage. The ribcage acted like a nice soup-bowl. Everything was compact, but he could easily get to the delicate parts. The heart would be saved for last, something he savored in his dreams.

After the first body, he moved onto the next grave. The escort was less sociable and that made the process easier for Soren. He wouldn't be distracted. Blood and pieces of bone stuck to his clothing- that was when he realized he would need to clean up, before he set eyes on Chizuru again.

The second grave was shallow, compared to the last. He had been some sort of murderer, according to the escort. The history of the man, didn't stop Soren from enjoying the flesh and blood. If only he could tell his family back home, the feast he was having! But those letters would have to wait. He finished his gorging and followed the man back. Soren noticed that the man walked ten paces ahead and constantly fidgeted.

That was just as well. He could handle some rumors like these.