Chiyako

Her answer came as a bit of a surprise to Emi, causing the bunny's head to tilt slightly and one of her ears to peek out from her hood briefly until she corrected it. Why was she not suited to be someone's wife? She looked perfectly healthy. Also, and this seemed to be a prerequisite for a lot of shows she'd glimpsed, pretty. Perhaps it was some sort of internal damage. There were only a few reasons she could think of as to why somebody would get married. To gain more wealth, for the sake of creating children, or for love. However as they ventured through the halls and she continued to explain it became more and more obvious why. As guilt piled onto her shoulders Emi started to really regret asking in the first place. He had been married to her sister. Her sister and her friends had fought against her father and other Demons, including the one they served. She had been the only one to escape with her life. Fear, of course, was something she had to deal with most days, including this day. Heck, she was scared walking in here without knowing all that, even if she did a very good job of concealing that fear. But to learn that other Demons, her father even, had been responsible for so much evil? How could she not feel guilt over that? Was all of this just karma trying to correct itself? It was also possibly a trap, of course. Maybe he knew already, and this had all been planned, either as some way in which to gain vengeance upon her father or, perhaps, to lure him out. Her heart hammered away more swiftly within her little chest. Eyes darted about more cautiously as they walked the halls. But then she had also just said that they were defeated. Perhaps her own quest had been for naught? Maybe she was chasing a ghost. Was settling down the right option then? It didn't feel like it. A punishment, but also not a punishment. That's what getting married would feel like, she imagined. It was all very confusing. "I'm sorry" she whispered, gaze set forward upon the golden doors. "For what he did. And thankful that you have slain him. I had been seeking him out to do the same." Sort of. A partial lie. She did want to put an end to him. Get revenge for her mother. But deep down some part of her also wanted to know more about him. Maybe why he did what he did. See if he could be somehow redeemed. He was, after all, still her father. But then did that make her a bad person? Probably, right?

They were, as it turned out, somewhat similar. Neither spoke much, not unless it was needed. Or perhaps they were simply awkward because they had only just met one another. Regardless Emi did her best to map out the route back to her home. A departure from town. Open fields. A road. Woods. Hills. A metal gate which opened up on its own. Getting back was going to be difficult on foot, although not impossible. Multiple smaller buildings dotted the premises, surrounded a larger central structure. A very old home but well kept. Statues. Spires. Well kept hedges. This place was very fancy. Whoever lived here probably had a lot of money. Maybe I could work instead as some sort of maid? They get to wear cute outfits. But I suppose he would have even more control over me then. When her door was opened Emi hopped out, wobbling a slight bit as she regained her foothold upon a world which didn't feel as though it were moving. Thankfully she had a very good sense of balance and didn't simply fall over. That would have been embarrassing. Her attention drifted across the property in front of her but, ultimately, settled upon Alexandrine once more. "Why didn't you become his wife?" she asked, quite curious not just about Alexandrine but also as to why somebody might reject the man she was to face herself.

A quick peek in the back and Emi knew where she wanted to sit. The empty back looked uncomfortable. At least the front had a proper seat, even if it meant being closer to someone she didn't know and didn't fully trust yet. So she took her seat up front, wiggling a bit to get comfortable. It was difficult to be completely comfortable in any closed back seat thanks to her tail, but there was at least enough fluff that it cushioned things. It was the first time that she remembered riding in a vehicle. Of course it probably wasn't her first time. She had been captured once or twice before. They probably had her in a vehicle while she was unconscious. But then did that really count if she didn't remember? Besides this was, so far, a more pleasant memory to set as her first. When the vehicle started to move she gripped a hand upon the door handle. It was strange to ride in something else that moved for her. For much of the ride her gaze was cast out the window, watching while the scenery passed before her. Of course she sometimes did remember to check back in on Alexandrine, to make sure she hadn't gone anywhere or hadn't been doing anything unusual.

Emi's ears weren't just for show. Sure, she still had them beneath her hood but at this distance she could more or less pick out the words on the other side of the phone. A proposition to join the man in his fight. Also one to be his wife. That one, she assumed, was the one that she had declined. The idea of being someone's bride caused her heart to skip a beat, the flustering to return to her cheeks. It wasn't just the marrying part. She would be expected to do certain things. To be with him. What if he wishes to inspect me? To see me? Naked even?! Her cheeks gradually heated up further until the woman snapped her out of such thoughts with an order to follow her out to a van. With any other person that might have been a dangerous request. But Alexandrine thus far had proven herself to be at least a little trustworthy, and Emi was the one person who could escape from most any situation, provided she was okay with transforming. And so with hopefully nothing to lose she followed the woman out of the shop and into her van. What would the knight be like? Was this some elaborate trap? If it was then it was certainly working.

When Alexandrine froze up, when her expression changed, Emi knew. This woman was familiar with her father. It was so obvious. Either he had done the same to her, or perhaps people she knew. A wave of guilt washed over her, gaze and head lowered. She wasn't him, hadn't done what he had done, but part of him was within her. That was reason enough. It had been all others had needed to hunt her, after all. They wouldn't all be after her if it wasn't at least partially true. He was a monster and, at least to some extent, so was she. It was even more reason why she should at the very least try to reform herself. To make something better of her life. Become someone else. It all came down to how he might react and whether or not she was willing to endure the same things that her mother had. Would it be wrong of her if she wasn't ready for that? If she ran away? Regardless, they seemed to be on the same page here. At least talk to him. Consider it. She didn't need to agree. And so with a hesitant nod she lifted her gaze once more. "Okay."

He wished to be honest. He didn't know if their species could do those sorts of things together. He believed that it might be good for their bodies however, and that experimenting was also good. Also he seemed to like the name despite the mix-up. Her already flustered mind was taking more time to make the translations, but she was doing well none the less! However she had also been so focused upon them that she didn't even realize that the man was now standing right in front of her! Or, rather, right over her, as Humans tended to do. Xyvee smiled up towards the Human. Toes pointed a bit inward and hands nervously squeezed together. Was she excited about the prospects? Certainly! But this sort of thing especially was difficult for her. Even with her own people she had been abnormally shy. Most Luanari were fine with nudity, fine with discussing this sort of thing. Not her. She couldn't place why, but then that was just one of her little quirks, one which she had grown to mostly accept. But then another thought occurred to her: should she be less embarrassed or more embarrassed to be saying and doing these sorts of things with Humans? They weren't Luanari, after all, but then they were a people. Captain doesn't know how we do it. At least we have that in common! Well, about each other I mean. Her eyes widened and head tilted a bit. Humans had multiple ways of doing it? Wait, a female Human could procreate with another female? And a male with a male?!? There was so much to learn! Bright pink shot up her face again as the captain's finger pressed against her soft chin and lifted her gaze to meet his directly. For whatever reason it made her feel warm all over. Perhaps it was some sort of Human trick. But his suggestion, that they check if they were compatible, was something which warmed her even further still! At least he started with something simple. She glanced around briefly for something to write with, or sketch with. Alas, she did not see anything immediately. Showing him, as embarrassing as it would be, was going to be the easiest way. She could do at least that much, right? "Luanari haev woon way hoetha. Only way." Finally releasing the grip that her hands together, Xyvee first pointed towards the Human, and then towards the floor beneath herself. With face still a bright pink she cast her gaze to the floor, imagining the man laid beneath her. Then she slowly crouched down, settled upon her knees, and sat up. Once her gaze returned to Draven she pointed again, this time specifically at the man's crotch. Her gaze and her finger then dropped, both directed towards her own crotch. "Meel put vir-" A pause as she tried to remember the Human word. "-peenees inseed. We sit. Waet. Foov meenoot." With a nod of affirmation to herself the Luanari lifted her gaze once more towards her captain. "Then done." Indeed, the way Luanari anatomy worked was, in her mind, probably far more efficient than Humans! Not that she knew anything about the way they did it specifically, but for a Luanari they need merely sit the female atop the male, insert the penis into the vagina, and wait for five minutes, sometimes even sooner if they were really efficient! A Luanari's body was built to do all the work without the need to expend any extra energy. It truly was a marvel! But then it also made her very curious as to how a Human did it with another Human, especially given the man's suggestion that they had multiple ways to do it, and that females and males could do it with other females and males! Maybe they have both organs?!? Oh gosh this is exciting! And maybe a little scary.

A knight who lived out of town in a large gated home. If he hadn't been a knight she might have wondered if she had stolen from him before. It was unlikely that a knight would have allowed that. He would want her to fight. She would be perfectly fine with that, after all it wasn't as though she wasn't already fighting on her own. That he was a traditionalist didn't mean much to her either as she didn't really understand what that entailed. Then came the part that might have broken the deal completely. His wife? Blue eyes widened a bit and just the faintest hint of pink was cast across her face, hood lifting with her ears. She had to be willing to become his wife. And sure, this woman said that he wouldn't try to control her, but was that really the truth? She had placed her trust in Alexandrine thus far, and she had done well with that, but could she trust some lonely knight? Would she be forced to do the same sorts of things that her mother did to survive? That was what being a wife really meant, right? Why would he willingly take this corrupted blood into his family? No, he probably would care. But then I only need to be willing to become his wife, right? I don't have to become his wife. Just be an option. Maybe? Or would we get married immediately? Her gaze dropped to the floor. I could see what he is like. Wash up. Leave if I don't like it. I doubt she lives there too. It would only be one knight. But he might be strong too. However he might also decide upon seeing me that he wants me captured, or worse. Then I would have two of them to deal with. Emi's eyes lifted again up to meet with the woman's. Perhaps she didn't know? He wouldn't want to be with a Demon regardless, right? "My father was a Demon. Zorn. He would not want that blood in his children. What if they became like me?" Her lips shifted again, a slight frown. "I would not wish what I have had to endure upon another."

An apartment building. Her mother had tried to do that a couple of times with her but it hadn't turned out well. The first they were chased out. At the second her mother was blackmailed and then they were eventually chased out. Even so, it was better than many of the places she had stayed, and for more social people it could have had more of an appeal. Probably. She didn't really remember much about living in one. It had been so long. I did have space though. But I guess having a nicer place might be nice. And not having to hide myself? "How? What is it?" the little rabbit asked, her normally soft, apathetic expression and tone both betraying perhaps a bit of hope, maybe even excitement at the prospect! Surely it couldn't be too bad, right? If she needed money she could get that through perhaps not quite legal means, but she could get it none the less! Really the biggest issue was finding somewhere that would accept her in the first place.

Alexandrine Deforest. Deforest is a silly name, isn't it? She wondered if it meant that someone in the woman's ancient past had a job specifically tailored to the removal of forests. Or perhaps it meant something else akin to forests? Whatever the case, this woman was making herself quite a bit vulnerable simply by divulging what Emi could only assume to be her real name, after all who would make up a name like Deforest? It wasn't as though giving away her own name was going to make things much more dangerous than it already was. A name didn't conceal what she was. "Ueno. Emi Ueno." Not that she knew what her own name meant. It just hadn't really come up. All she knew was that it came from her mother's original homeland. For all she knew it was also quite silly. A few moments were taken to consider just how long she had been here. Time passed weird when most thoughts were set upon survival or fleeing or hunting down monsters. "Two months. I think" she mumbled softly. "I move when people find me. It happens alot."

Sounds fun! Also I can imagine Ryan and Emi getting together potentially in some wacky attempt at getting Emi an idol persona.

I can already imagine how some might end up happening. Also the potential inevitable main team orgy bonding party.

Now how many of those will actually happen who can say! But Emi is open to just about anyone and everyone!

Emi was perhaps about half like this girl if she was being generous. Sure, she had the blood of a Human flowing through her veins, and she could transform as well. She also tried to help other people. But even she with her limited knowledge of things knew that she was very much not like the ones who hunted her. They lived in a world she could only imagine joining, one with people who adored them, one filled with adoration and luxuries she could only dream of! But, also, a world where they were followed by many people. That part frightened her somewhat. Would it be worth giving that life a shot? She doubted if she'd ever really get the chance to find out. This woman wasn't the first to suggest that Emi could be a proper magical girl. Others had tried to lure her in with those words, had figuratively and once literally stabbed her in the back through them. Nor was she the first to offer her help. She had been caught once with that, had accepted food and drink and had woken up tied to somebody's bed. It had been a terrifying ordeal but, thankfully, otherwise uneventful thanks to her abilities. Even so it had been a close call, albeit not the first nor the last of similar incidents. However there was something different about this offer. Perhaps Emi was just tired of being chased around. Or maybe something rang true within her words. Could this be one of the woman's abilities? Had she already secretly transformed? Maybe she was just trying to avoid a fight. Whatever the case Emi decided that she could, at the very least, give it a chance. I can just run again if I need to. If this is bad I'll need to move again regardless. Maybe. . .maybe this time will be different? For a moment she crouched down, mostly to allow her cloak full coverage over her skirt so that she might holster her pistol without it being noticed. Then she straightened out and nodded once, cautiously approaching the woman to step around her, eyes never leaving her. The trip wasn't long. She rarely took a straight path back to her home, but right now it didn't really matter. The only thing which really slowed them was how much attention the bunny paid to the magical girl. Emi didn't completely trust her, after all. Eventually they arrived at her home. An abandoned house which was very clearly run down. Holes in the roof, in the walls which had been patched up with wood planks and parts stripped off other nearby buildings. Inside it wasn't much better. Much of the furniture present was mismatched, patchwork, and with some pieces which had been rather poorly cobbled together. Even so she at least kept it clean enough to not be a total mess. Electricity didn't work in the home, but an electric generator was running on a balcony upon the second floor, mostly to power her obviously stolen computer system. Really her bedroom was the only place with nicer furnishings, although none of it matched and was most likely not legally purchased. Nor, upon inspection, did the place have running water. "This is where I live. It was better than normal" she explained softly. Was being the key word. She figured that she was going to have to move now regardless of what happened next.

For just a single moment her expression faltered, a single twitch of her lips into what was most likely a frown. She wasn't wrong. Emi had been tired of living like this for as long as she could remember. In fact she had never really known a day of being free from worry of hunters, whether they be Demons or magical girls or knights or police officers or mercenaries or whoever else had decided that it was their week to hunt her and her mother down. Exhausted would be an understatement, as she couldn't even really afford to sleep for too long, nor did she tend to. What she suffered almost made her pity the ones that she hunted. Almost. "I used to" the bunny whispered in response to the woman's question about family. Her mother used to be with her, used to do her best to protect her. Even then however they were forced to keep on the run. They had more money, more food, but only just, and only because her mother had sacrificed everything to maintain even a fraction of what a normal home should look like. "She was like you." Not 'us'. 'You'. Neither were like her. Emi was an abomination, some thing which never should have been in the first place. If she hadn't been born then her mother might have enjoyed a life similar to the one standing before her now. She might have been some experienced magical girl. Maybe with a job. A home. Children who were normal. Perhaps a even a husband. A life. She would not have perished from hunger and thirst and disease dressed in rags within some cold ramshackle house. Her body had relaxed, just a slight bit, as the weight of everything started to catch up to her. "I try to be" she whispered again, a tremble only present for a moment within her voice before she managed to silence it. Heck, she had been hunting the monsters to keep the very people hunting her safe! And what had she to show for that? Nothing. Maybe she had her father to blame for what she was, but she had Humanity to blame for how she lived. They weren't innocent. The blood that she had spilt was equally upon their hands.

Responsibility and duty. Those were words used often enough in the past in order to justify an attempt upon her life. They too claimed to be simply protecting others. But then generally they were already fighting by the time such things were uttered or, at the very least, both parties tended to be transformed and close to it. Alas she had ended up staying too long in one spot. Word had gotten around about her. If she wasn't what she was then perhaps it might be a neat marketing gimmick to use. The woman stood before her had apparently already decided upon at least some sort of direction. No plans to eradicate the Half-Demon, but no plans to let her leave either. At this point she didn't see any need to fight. Not unless she really was going to force her somewhere else. They could still use their words. Even so, she kept one pistol drawn and tucked away beneath her cloak. Just in case. A nod was cast towards the magical girl with regards to her assumption about Emi's life of being prey for one person or another. It was true. She could at least understand why the woman thought she shouldn't allow her to escape. It didn't mean she had to like it though, or agree to comply with it. "What happens now?" It felt like one of those old western movies she'd rarely managed to glimpse through people's living room windows. One cowboy standing off against another. Would they draw? Or do whatever else happened during those films? To be honest she'd only ever seen it end in a shootout.

I have returned huzzah!

I too have returned!

Alright just a heads up I'll be gone until Sunday!

The bunny's hood twitched a slight bit as Alexandrine stepped out into view, as did her cloak. A single woman. Not someone as young as she was. Was this why only one was following her? As glamorous as the life of a magical girl could be it was also extremely dangerous. They shared the same threats that idols faced albeit with the vastly increased chance of death. This is, after all, why they often hunted in small groups. A magical girl operating into her twenties, or perhaps longer, was generally one who was very experienced. This isn't good. She might be very powerful. Could I escape? I suppose it depends on what she is capable of. Could she transform quicker than I could shoot her? It would probably be the only real chance I'd get. Shoot or listen. A decision had to be made swiftly. Every moment which passed brought the two of them closer to an inevitable confrontation. Of course others had promised peace before. The same words she used had been used dozens of times to get her to lower her guard, either by monsters pretending to be something they weren't, monsters desiring some minion to keep, Humans pretending not to be monsters, or the odd magical warrior hoping to capture or kill her. Generally the better option would be to simply engage them first. However this one felt different. An experienced magical girl hunting her on her own probably wouldn't enter the situation untransformed. If they'd come upon a civilian they could explain it away. The risk of doing what this girl was doing now was otherwise far too great. She was either far more arrogant than anyone Emi had ever met, or she was genuinely not hunting her. There was another issue to keep in mind as well. If she transformed and they got into a prolonged battle then that might emerge again. It might be powerful enough to allow her a victory, but it was not something that she could control either. The only time she'd brought it out had ended in the taking of a life. A Human life. She had almost rampaged further too. Thankfully there had been a team of girls present quickly enough who had been capable of driving her off, but she had really hurt them too. It had been one of the lowest points in her life thus far and she wasn't about to revisit it, especially not with someone who might have been here in good faith. "Why are you following me?" Her voice was soft. Quiet. She did her best to sound unafraid, and indeed she often did a fair enough job of presenting an apathetic expression, but the truth was that new people terrified her. The only person who really ever treated her well had passed a couple of years ago. That and she really just didn't speak very often to people, didn't engage with them because to do so would be to extend some level of trust towards them, and that had gotten her into trouble one too many times before.

A minute passed. Then another. She heard no movement. No taunting or whistling or any of the other telltale signs of an arrogant monster. Nor did she hear anybody around the nearby boarded up exit. In all likelihood it was just a single person. Probably Human. A normal one, perhaps. That or one very confident magical girl or knight. The Human will use a gun too. It may come down to whoever fires first. If it's a magical girl or a knight then they probably haven't transformed yet. Which means they aren't sure what I am. Someone careful, not just about judging their foes but also avoiding civilian casualties. More than likely someone experienced if they are also alone. Experienced or arrogant, but the arrogant ones usually talk a bunch. Within the back rooms the door leading into one of the bathrooms quietly squeaked open. Her decision had been made. She slipped out and stepped quietly, though swiftly, towards the entrance leading into the store proper. For the moment she kept her hands and, consequently, her pistol concealed beneath the cloak. A mistake if it was a criminal, but the right move if it was an experienced magical girl or knight. That is unless they also used firearms, or had some sort of magic at the ready. Then it may end the same way. Emi's short, cloaked figure emerged within the doorway. Blue eyes darted about, seeking out the one who had followed her. Beneath her hood her ears twitched every now and then. It was more difficult to nail down where her pursuer was with the hood up, but then it also concealed what she was. It was entirely possible that they may simply allow her to pass.

With the screen flickering off the little Luanari released her grip upon the desk, dropping back down to her feet. It was a shame too since it looked somewhat exciting! But she had also heard about sports before. They varied greatly, and some could be quite combative! Of course she didn't know what this one had been specifically, but that was fine. There was plenty of time to figure that out! Her head tilted somewhat to one side. Why would she be unfamiliar with security? Or had she used the right word? Security. Secretary. Oh. Woops! "Seecooreetee" she repeated, holding out a hand with her pointer finger extended. Much like a sidearm! "Secoority? Security? Security!" Xyvee's smile widened and her tail briefly flicked about! There it was! Or at least she was pretty certain. Her gaze lifted towards the large furry creature whose name, she had just learned, was Modeltwoforfive. Or was that a number? Two. Four. Five. Model. It was probably that. Also a nickname, much like what she used. Vulture. A bird, if she remembered correctly, which was a creature familiar to Humans. Was this a bird? A vulture? That was just a nickname, wasn't it? "Vootoor. Is nees meet!"

As much as I couldn't imagine Emi participating in one of those conventions it could be a fun thing to throw her into.

Silence fell over the store. Then came the muffled jingle of the shop's door. Someone really was following her. Or this was all a coincidence but, given what she knew already, that was unlikely. More silence. Whoever followed was doing exactly as she was doing now: listening for movement. Or they were much quieter than she'd given them credit for. But, again, that was unlikely. Or maybe they are capable of moving without contact with the ground? Flight? I would probably hear wings. They could be quiet wings, like an owl's. I'd need for them to be closer then. Some sort of hovering ability? The possibilities raced through her mind. For her this might as well have been life or death. She operated alone, after all. There was nobody coming to back her up should the worse come to fruition. In fact it was even more dangerous considering what she might be facing. A monster or a demon could have any number of capabilities or minions to worry about. As for a magical girl or a knight, they tended to operate in groups. If that were the case it meant she could very well be outnumbered. Or surrounded. They could be moving to pin me in now. I only heard one but there very well could be others. Staying here might be more dangerous if that is the case. There is a back door but it is boarded up. A transformation would allow me to pass through but it might also draw more suspicion, and if it is a monster they might be able to sense me more easily. If they were being cautious now would they really fall for her trap? Then again they might not even catch on to the trail she left. For the moment she decided to remain as she was. Time would shed more light on the ones following her. A group, after all, wouldn't allow one to linger for too long, and if there really was just one then it meant she was either being chased by a monster or, perhaps, some sort of acrobatic criminal. Maybe. She was only so experienced in these things, after all.

It's okay. I'll be more or less gone this weekend so I might not be back on starting tomorrow until Sunday. Also you know life gets in the way sometimes that's understandable!

So focused was Emi on her destination that she didn't notice her new pursuer. At least not initially. The darkness hid them both to a degree, sure, but it was also one of her greatest allies. Her bestial blood enhanced her senses, including her vision in the night, but most importantly her specific breed could detect sounds far beyond what any Human may be able to achieve. This was especially true at night when the air grew colder, the wind speed generally decreased, and ambient noises fell overall thanks to reduced activities, especially in a place like the one she was in now. By the time she had noticed the one following her it was too late: she had arrived at the little safehouse she'd been traveling towards. Suddenly directing her attention elsewhere would give away the fact that she did indeed know. No, at this point it was safer to continue as though she were unaware. Allow the one following her to let their guard down. Then she could strike or run depending on what it was that was following her, an answer she had not yet deciphered. And so the cloaked figure slipped into the long abandoned boarded up shop. Once inside she hurried over to one of the display cabinets, pushing it aside to expose the little hole which had been created beneath it. Her backpack was pulled around to her front. Bags and packages of snacks were stuffed inside, as were a few bottles of water and tea and sodapop. She filled it as quickly as she could before slinging it back into its proper place. Then she snatched up a bag of chips and pulled the shelf back into its proper place. Probably not law enforcement. They don't use the rooftops. Not like that. No common criminal either. It's a monster or it's one of us. Not good in either case. The bag was popped open as she made her way towards the door leading into the back rooms. She made certain to munch upon the chips far messier than she might normally do, to leave behind traces. Into the back office she went, and then into the storage closet. There she tossed the bag. Then she left, moving into the bathroom opposite the storage closet. Once she was inside the little rabbit drew one of her pistols and waited next to the door, allowing one ear to leave her hood and press against the door itself. She only need wait for her pursuer to follow the trail. It would, if she were lucky, provide her a brief moment to surprise whatever it was that was following her, and in that moment she could trap them. Or so she hoped.