a mystery (nao)

[miyako kizuna]

Miyako wandered idly through the town square, not exactly sure why she was there in the first place. Perhaps the boredom had gotten to her—she never did take lack of entertainment well. Here, there were several civilians to possibly trick and prank. Oh yes, the possibilities here were endless, Miyako thought to herself with a sly smile. She looked around for a potential victim, sharp silver eyes scanning the area. Unfortunately, none of the civilians here seemed all too gullible. What a shame.

Her silver gaze then fell on the statue that predominated the square alongside the fountain. Naturally, she'd heard the rumors of the statue being cursed. Of course she didn't believe that old rumor, but she thought that some of the humans or even some of the less intelligent demons might try to prove the existence of the imagined curse. Miyako stared at the statue a little while longer before a stroke of devious inspiration hit. A malicious smile curved her lips, a plan already piecing itself together in her mind.

The first part of her cunning plan involved waiting for yet another person to try and touch the statue's face like so many in the past. She didn't have to wait for long. With practiced casualty, Miyako removed the red scarf tied around her neck and threw it in the unsuspecting, foolish person's direction. She then manipulated the soon-to-be magic medium, subtly guiding the scarf so it moved as if being blown along by the breeze. The very moment the man touched the statue's face, she wrapped the scarf around his face, and turned the red scarf into magical purple flame. She pretended to be frightened along with the other civilians in the square, but inside she reveled at the sounds of the man's agony. Not exactly what the statue's curse supposedly entailed, but it was enough to scare her target. He ran away screaming, yelling even after she recalled the scarf and put it back to its rightful place tied around her neck.

"...And that's how it's done," Miyako said quietly to herself with a satisfied smirk.

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[Roth Von]

This heat was going to kill him. At times Roth thought of just saying to hell with it and changing back to his normal form. How did humans take this kind of weather all their lives was beyond him. His normal black jacket was tied along his waist while people marveled at his stupidity. Who came outside like winter was rolling around? At least he was smart enough to wear a white shirt under it. The short sleeve had become a life saver as he laid back on the bench. If he could he would be in the park sleeping in the shade but the mp3 he set up for their nap died so here they were. Boy and butterflies laying about collecting sound so they could be a peace again. His head still hurt from their crying. In his human form he needed to rest. He couldn't just sing to them all day and night.

Leaning his head back with his feet kicked up on the bike in front of him he closed his eyes to try to get in a bit of sleep. He had nothing to be stolen and no one could see the memories. They were humans and ignored such things. Once they forgot them they never tried to find them again. What wasteful creatures they were. He had collected so many. The fountain had thousand of them perched on it as they chatted amongst themselves enjoying the sounds of flowing water. Others jumped on passing people always coming back to their protector before they wandered too far. The setting would of been perfect. The noise and liveliness enough to rock all of them to sleep without one wail or sniffle. Well it would of been if it wasn't for the screams the shot through their senses.

To a normal person Roth just remained where he was his eyes opening and looking at the sky. To another who could see them Roth was currently stay perfectly still as to not frighten his colony they suddenly clung to him. He wanted to see what cause them to run to him. He slowly sat up brushing a few off his face seeing people back away and others bolting away. "Did you se that?!" What were they talking about? "His face it just lit on fire..." "It couldn't be the statue could it?" Roth doubted it. There was one who suddenly seemed content after her yelling subsided. "Move." The memories all visibly shivered at the command. They didn't want to but Roth couldn't really move with them all clinging to him. As he stood they all slowly unlatched themselves then relanded on the bench covering it in layers. "What just happened here?" He asked walking up to the girl. She seemed fine with all of it. Maybe the humans were over reacting.

Note: For now Miyako can't see them but later they will be visible.

[miyako kizuna]

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After the brief lapse in her facade, Miyako added fuel to the fire that was the crowd's fear and unease with a few well-placed murmurs. "It must have been that curse! Did you see that weird purple fire?" "What other explanation is there?" "What else could it be?"

She acted as if uneasy, while taking in the civilians' fear with fiendish delight. She continued to spur their fear, perpetuating the echoed whispers that spread about like a hissing mist. Mentally, she smiled to herself. This was just too good. She couldn't believe those humans believed her little trick so easily! She brushed back her smooth black hair nervously, still putting on a convincing act of being afraid.

Almost convincing even herself that she was a frightened civilian, Miyako actually jumped when a man approached her asking a question. "What just happened here?" So he missed the show. How disappointing. But of course she didn't let it show; her nervous expression didn't falter in the slightest. She briefly studied the man. He seemed in every way a normal civilian. But nowadays, you couldn't trust appearances. He could have been a demon, like her. Maybe he was. There was no way of knowing for certain, though. So for now, Miyako kept up her innocent civilian act.

"I... I'm not sure what happened," she explained, a slight waver of fear in her voice. "I saw that man touch the statue's face, and next thing I know, his face was on fire! I-I think it was the statue's curse!" Oh, how she loved the actress she was.

note: Sorry it's so short!
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[Roth Von]

Humans were such fearful beings. The race faked being strong but when they felt they were being hunted the big powerful rulers of this realm just turned into scared little deer. Of course there were always exceptions to any rule but the majority would react just as he was seeing now. At least they were smart prey. They spread rumors of what the threat could be so the pack could avoid being attacked based on stupidity. Though humans second biggest trait after being creative was being stupid. If this statue was so dangerous why was it around. He turned his head as if questioning the memories and they all tilted to the right like they were curious as well. He guessed not many people forgot stuff about this thing. Was it really that big of a threat?

"His face was set on fire?" Roth looked at the object in question as raised an eyebrow to it. "By that?" It was cursed? He wanted to know what demon was slacking on his scaring duties to the point of cursing some replica of a man to do it for him. You didn't see him living his butterflies at a night club so the bands could sing instead of him. Worthless yokai but he had to wonder... He had to identify if it really was a threat or not. Roth now lived here so he needed to know who was hunting who. "Get over there." His lips moved but no sound came out but the butterflies heard loud and clear. They looked at each other thousands and thousands of little heads trying to figure out who he was talking to until they all just returned to staring at him. "All of ya." He turned back to the whining human as he heard them complain with short high- pinched cries and sniffles. When he wasn't singing he was so mean to them. Roth didn't think so. He figured there was nothing wrong with it if the humans kept it for so long and if proven wrong he would destroy it for daring to touch what he lived for. It would be good for them to get over this little fear the humans had created.

"Why is everyone so shocked if its cursed? Wouldn't they know better?" He glanced over to see the little ones poking the man. Once they deemed it safe they took turns mimicking the earlier actions. He smiled when he heard giggles instead of cries. Well, more like smiled in his head. His eyes returned to the girl, face still set in one position. Earlier she was as calm as him. Now it was as if he accidentally flipped a switch. Did he stubble upon a crazy one? Human men did say women were crazy but it was only one of their little sayings from what he saw of the other sex. If he was a gentleman maybe he would be more concerned with her well being. Well he wasn't one. He wouldn't care if she started spilling tears next. Just as long as she left her fears and emotional problem out of his investigation.

Note: Its fine. The characters are still moving so I'm good.

[miyako kizuna]

Miyako was beginning to get suspicious of the true identity of this man standing before her. He acted just a little too nonchalant about all this, too uncaring for a normal human. She just told him another man's face lit on fire out of nowhere—information that would make any human uneasy at the very least—and he hardly reacted at all, instead asking questions as if he were a detective. As if he didn't care about any of it, he just wanted to know more. And that was, well, suspicious.

Still keeping up the innocent human facade, she explained to him, "Well... Before this, we never really believed it was cursed! It was just an old rumor, one that people would try to prove or disprove from time to time. But now..." She trailed off, as if unable to continue with the disturbing image of the man's face burning re-playing itself before her eyes.

She looked up at the stranger in front of her, making her silver eyes wide with pretend innocence, secretly examining him. He looked like a completely normal human, but again she couldn't go by that, and he acted abnormal enough for her to doubt his identity. She considered dropping the act and telling him who she really was. But instead, she asked him one simple question, one that seemed cryptic but was typically comprehended by those like her. She lowered her voice, almost below the point of human hearing, and moved closer to the man. Then she asked the question that seemed strange to a human but (usually) made perfect sense to a demon like her:

"Are you one of us?"

Note: Ah, another short post! Oh, well. And btw, I practically know that Roth isn't going to understand that question. X3

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[Roth Von]

Roth was starting to understand. A "Hmm" weaseled its way out of his throat after she spoke. He turned his body so he was facing the statue but could still see the 'human' out of the corner of his eye. It wasn't cursed just a common toy among yokai. It could almost be concluded a toy for the humans as well. They got to tempt their fate to disapprove when that were afraid of. Just this person, this man wasn't as lucky. He just ended up some yokai's amusement. At least no one was eaten. That was always a positive. The hunters would have a fit and he didn't feel like running today. "Stupid humans." He mumbled to himself. Taking unnecessary risks for fun even though they had nothing to defend themselves with encase of danger. Still like always, exceptions existed.

Out of the corner of his eye he watched the girl come closer. The innocence starting to leak from her face. His face finally changed from its bored look as his eye brow raised. The human was speculating if he was one of these scared sheep? "Like hell. I'm not one of you scared little scraps of meat." Daring to compare him with these coward. It was pitiful. His gaze went back to the fake man as his flock flew around it still daring one another to land on it. He couldn't blame them for their fear. Even after touching it the memories kept their fears cause a majority were once in a human's mind.

Roth's eyes narrowed just a bit as a few people spoke on their cellphones about what just happened. If word got around a hunter may show up to investigate. He had done a really good job hiding lately and when they did figure out what he was he was a pro at escaping. Not that they needed to think much. Roth had no problem blurting it out. Why lie? If they caught him in one he would just get in more trouble. He sighed wondering if he should just stop being lazy and run away before he got himself in trouble. The yokai could still be around and may throw a fit cause he wasn't playing their game. He figured he was probably standing out too much though maybe they were just assume he was new to the town. Which was true but still. A normal human would probably care more. "Hopefully this will just remain a rumor." Roth hoped. Hunters had the oddest ways of tracking non-humans. He didn't feel like being questioned about this incident.

[miyako kizuna]

After she had explained, the man in front of Miyako seemed to better comprehend what had occurred here at the statue. Though he still didn't seem all too concerned or interested. Her suspicions were soon confirmed after her keen ears caught what he mumbled to himself—this man was certainly a demon like her. No one else would call the humans stupid as she often did. With that realization, she gave up the innocent act completely, though it had already slipped when she asked him the cryptic question that only demons knew the proper answer to.

Speaking of that question, the man in front of her, though she was almost certain he was a demon, still didn't quite understand. He thought she was asking him if he was human. Apparently she had acted too human—either that, or the man was less intelligent than she had first assumed. Miyako frowned and shook her head. "Of course you aren't. And I'm not, either. See, I'm like you." If the man wasn't as smart as she'd first thought he was, then Miyako knew she'd have to provide a little demonstration to show him what she meant.

Miyako took off her hairband and held it in her hand. After looking around to see if anyone was watching—which, strangely enough, no one was—she focused her concentration on it, as the type of magic she was attempting was more complicated than her usually simple tricks. A soft white light enveloped the hairband, conforming gently to its shape. Then, the shape of the light shifted gradually as the hairband slowly began to change. This transformation was unlike the explosion into fire she typically utilized for instant gratification—this was slow and graceful. The changing form shrank and eventually grew wings before the light faded.

Now, instead of a hairband, a live butterfly sat in her hand, gently folding and unfolding its delicate wings. Miyako stared at it, her silver gaze gentle as she looked at the life she'd made. This was a more beautiful side to kitsune magic, a side that almost made Miyako want to give up tricks and pranks for good. Almost. With a flash of light, the butterfly transformed back into a hairband—the return transformation to original form was always quicker and easier than the initial one. Miyako placed the red hairband back on her head. "Can a human do that? 'No' is the correct answer," she said, hoping that was enough of a hint to show him that she was indeed a demon like him.

She then looked around as the humans started spreading the word via cellphone. Looks like she'd created more hype than she'd intended. Whether that was a good thing or not, she wasn't sure. The rumor now circulating the statue with renewed vigor could possibly attract a hunter. While she could remain in hiding if a hunter came around, the aspect of a hunter actually coming here looking for a demon made her uneasy. No matter how well she hid, there was always the chance that she could be discovered with a hunter around. "As for that rumor thing...We can only hope."

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[Roth Von]

Roth was never one who enjoyed taking memories. He would admit he had left a few empty headed in his life time but they deserved it. If this was meant to grow he'd let it. It was better to let humanity run its course and let the memories stay with the host. They all enjoyed being with their creator more than him. He was just a substitute. It was then when he noticed some of the demon memories losing interest in the fears of the others and staring at the girl. His eyes followed theirs noting the lose of innocence. It was all gone. There was no fear of what happened and it seemed like she heard his comment. Did he make her mad by putting down her race? No, better question. What kind of ears did this being have to hear that? He heard of super humans but they were only in movies showing the human dream of being powerful.

"Like me?" Did she understand what that meant? It would mean she was some sort of monster walking around in a human suit. The option that the human was mental rose to number one. There couldn't be that many of them around right? But the girl wanted to prove him wrong it seemed. He kept his gaze hard, eyes narrowed not showing any of his curiosity as the headband was removed. The demon memories were soon joined by the others as they all just stared. They slowly fluttered over some landing on Roth others floating around him.

Roth softened his gaze to a cold look as a white light surrounded the object. Okay, she wasn't lying or a crazy human. She was probably the demon taking joy out of all this. Just his luck to walk up to the cause. As the butterfly formed itself his own rushed it crowd it. So she could do magic. Yeah, he had run into the cause. The gentle display made him feel she was no threat. Yes he would admit it was beautiful but he had a natural instinct to be draw to the winged creatures. Then there was also the plus that she couldn't see his butterflies. It meant she was no threat to them even if she was a demon. He hated running into memory eaters.

Speaking of those memories they all looked over the life form wondering if it was real or not. Was it like them or something else? Then it flashed at them. Roth only knew it was gone cause a slow wave of sniffles started to raid the small beings. Roth just shock his head as they followed it up and hovered around it. As long as they were just sad it was fine. When they started cry was the issue. "Are you happy now?" His tone was flat but he was annoyed.

He really didn't want to deal with crying. They looked like they were getting over it but as long as one was sniffling the whole group had the possibility of breaking out in wails. "It was a normal butterfly. She didn't take away a friend." The sniffling stopped but they sulked. It was an improvement. When he spoke soundless words he stared above her head. Now that they were silenced he returned to the girl's face. "Don't do that again, what or who ever you are. We don't need extra rumors."

[miyako kizuna]

At last, Miyako had finally convinced the man that she was, in fact, a demon like him. Or at least, she was fairly certain he was convinced—his icy glare didn't seem quite as cold as it was. She sighed quietly to herself. It sure had taken enough for her to convince him! Already, she found herself thinking less of the demon, especially since he didn't seem anywhere near as smart as she'd thought he was upon meeting him. What a shame. The two might have possibly been friends if it weren't for that. But, Miyako had no patience for people less intelligent than her, so that chance was long gone.

But after she had reverted the transformation she had done to demonstrate her powers to him, he spoke to her with a tone of voice that sounded disinterested, with an expression on his face that seemed annoyed with her. She huffed to herself in frustration; what had she done to earn that kind of reaction? It was making her annoyed, as well. Two annoyed demons in a crowded city square—this had the risk of going very, very badly if it escalated any further.

Her ire ebbed, replaced by some curiosity as the man began moving his lips without sound coming out, simply mouthing words. Even stranger, he seemed to be staring at something above her head. She looked up, wondering if there was in fact something above her head. There wasn't anything. Two options presented themselves in her head. One, the man was crazy and she should disregard it. Or two, he was speaking—er, mouthing—to something she couldn't see. With the fact that he was a demon, option two did seem viable. So, she just decided to ask him straight out, "Uh, who are you talking to?"

After that little possibly crazy episode, the man returned his attention to her, as if nothing had happened. His little request brought her anger right back, and multiplied it tenfold. How dare he tell her what to do! "Excuse me," she said, letting her anger into her voice, "I am always careful with my powers. I was just demonstrating for you since you're so dense, you couldn't see what I was in the first place! And I made sure no one was looking! So don't you say anything else about that, you idiot!" She was so angry, she swore that if one more snarky comment came from his mouth, she would transform right then and there, regardless of how many humans witnessed, and just kill him on the spot.

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[Roth Von]

Roth was never one to think outside the box in either form. Heck he hardly thought in his normal form. You have no idea how shocked he was to have his first important idea when he grabbed this human body. He just sat for days thinking wondering how he had been living on instinct alone. It was a dangerous game though. He had stolen a body to accomplish all this so he was always fair game for a hunter. They never supported body stealing much.

Roth tilted his head slightly and raised an eyebrow to her question. He was talking to whoever he liked but he guessed it looked a bit weird. It would be weirder if people could hear him speak. Probably looked like a crazy person talking to an empty space. Happily, only this demon noticed. The humans were talking amongst themselves with fear and interest. Many continued on their phones and some just left. Such odd beings but if they didn't exist he wouldn't have a job. He put his hands in his pockets groaning about how to do this. Tell or show? Tell he would still look crazy and the little ones safe. Show was always funner though. It had never went wrong yet.

"Those." He rolled his eyes at her like he was expecting her to know then looked above her. The leash on his powers loosened as they were seeable in the small area the two non-humans were standing in. Memories just stared. All their wings stopped and they just hovered like a frozen golden mass. Was Roth trying to feed them to her? She already had one butterfly maybe she was hunting for more!

Chickens only came to mind as he wanted to smirk so badly at them. Flying golden chickens. Showing them was always fun for him. They freaking out jumping to conclusions cause they were natural prey. If you could see them you had a snack anywhere any time. So Roth being the bigger predator beat down those who licked their chops after catching one in their eye. But no memory eaters were on the island yet. It was boring so little scares like this were good for them.

He figured those butterflies would calm her down after the little explosion. Not that he minded it much. He just stared blankly at her as the words rolled in his head and came out dizzy. He heard the words but the tone was ignored. "I'll admit I don't think much but it is not like I need to." He straighten his head out getting rid of the tilt but kept the blank stare. "I like my oblivious life. I don't like tempting one stray eye just to meet another hiding. I don't need yokai latching onto me if attacked." If he was captured who would make all the crying stop? If he was kept alive he might just do crazy. Unable to go to them just siding in a cage hoping his voice could reach them alone. He was never one for dying but death always sounded better than captivity.

[miyako kizuna]

Miyako sighed softly in exasperation at the other demon's questioning look. He just seemed so...dumb. It drove her mad—in the sense that she might go crazy if she had to spend much more time with him. She let him think about the answer to her question for a little bit before her already waning patience began to thin even further.

At last he answered, rolling his eyes as if she were the dumb one, which infuriated her to no end. In fact, she had just about had it. She was seconds away from transforming into her true self and killing him, no matter how many people watched. "What are you even talking ab—" she started. Then the first butterfly flitted by her eyes. She looked again, and now saw the swarm of shimmering golden butterflies that surrounded both the man and herself. Miyako stood fascinated. She'd never heard of golden butterflies, much less ones that emitted a gentle golden radiance. Well, she'd heard of forgotten memories being represented by golden butterflies, but were these little things really lost memories? That would mean that the man was a Banrasu, a keeper of forgotten memories.

Miyako reached out for one of the small, delicate memories, but it fled from her. She withdrew her hand. It was clear to her that the little memory butterflies were easily frightened. She didn't want to scare them; even though she knew most of the memories there must have been that of a human once, she focused on what they were at the moment: fragile little butterflies. She always had some sympathy to spare for other animals, mostly because her true identity was that of a fox. She watched the butterflies flit around for a little while before listening to what the Banrasu had to say.

She was significantly calmer when she spoke to him this time. "While ignorance may be bliss sometimes, other times it's better to use your brain," she said, her tone now gentle, if not somewhat condescending. "Just thinking a little can get you out of trouble from time to time. And even I don't like tempting fate sometimes. It's just, I need to get my entertainment somehow, you know?"

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[Roth Von]

Something bad hung in the air. It was just a hunch based on his most primal knowledge. A few pieces of hair wigged a bit like they wanted to rise and puff out like in his normal form. To make himself look bigger to discourage a fight. He didn't get why but his body assume danger was somewhere. Then his body just simply relaxed. Miya had transferred her gaze. He felt as if he just avoided something. Would he dwell on it? Not at all.

The memories noticed they were spotted. No one looked dead on them just by chance. Movement returned once they concluded she was as curious as them. Of course the chickens of the spirit world were still careful. As she reached out she received a poke from a rare brave one before they all fled from that small area. A few landed on their protector staring from a safe distance. The ones Roth concluded would get eaten first if danger ever arose sat on the yokai. They wanted a closer look as about ten perched on her head and shoulders.

The rest flew around chatting amongst themselves to create the sound they were so fond of. "Ignore their weariness. They should know better by now. I wouldn't let them get eaten so easily." A shudder went through the group when he gave the biggest mass a glare. No matter how much he scared them they should trust him a bit more. Felt like they were doubting his power.

"While ignorance may be bliss sometimes, other times it's better to use your brain,"

She was talking to him again. He guessed the little ones amused her enough and now he was back to being important. Yet it really wasn't a topic he was fond of staying on. All he had to do was sing, run and fight. Then nature just kicked in. Everything else was benefits he was just getting use to. Being alive for hundreds of years didn't make you a fast learner. It just made it harder to adapt to a whole new life. "You can't expect me to know how to work this brain thing." It liked to wander off on its own too much. Sometimes it was more trouble than it was worth. Tried to contradict his instincts during his escapes from smart hunters. Like it knew better. Like it was still thinking for a human. "It fills my head with too much nonsense to help. Instincts have never failed me yet."

"I cause human trouble for my entertainment. That bike over there..." The bike twitch thinking it was being called but settled when it noted the Banrasu was just talking. "Is the only thing I need powers for now. Being chased by these things called cops is enough at the moment." They make so much noise for just a few humans. A few hunters even found him once when he transformed to eat the rotating lights. That wasn't one of his better days.

[miyako kizuna]

After she'd spoken to the Banrasu again, Miyako turned her attention back to the butterflies. These little memory butterflies were quite interesting to her. Their lustrous golden glow was beautiful, a perfect companion to the silver color in her own eyes. They acted intelligent, though she supposed that was normal considering their origins. They act smarter than their protector, actually, she thought to herself, the edges of her lips quirking up. They seemed afraid of her—they must sense her demonic nature, she thought.

"That's quite alright," she said to the Banrasu's words about their wariness. "They're just being careful."

She stood in wonder when one of the braver ones briefly touched her finger as she reached out. The kitsune woman actually found herself smiling, especially when several alighted on her head and shoulders, curious about her. She took care to move slowly, so as not to frighten the little memories. She found them endearing; they were just like timid, curious little children. Not those awful, crying, screaming human children—no, she was comparing these little butterflies to kitsune children, curious about everything and entirely precious.

She snapped out of her little reverie when the Banrasu spoke again, in response to her words. She listened quietly, no longer in the mood to fight. "Well, I'm not going to argue with you on that," she said to his statement about trusting one's instincts. Sometimes overthinking gets one in more trouble than following their instincts. There were times when she herself nearly dug her own grave by thinking too much. But sometimes it felt as if she were out of touch with her own instincts...

"Human trouble...Hm. Believe it or not, that's a bit too conspicuous for my tastes," she said with a little laugh.

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