Chaos at peace.[Zeshin;Open][finished]

[Mishiranu Arashi]

[this takes place just after Arashi's attack on heaven.]

Arashi popped into existence above an old water basin that had run dry, the blood he had dragged with him falling with a sick splash noise against the stone floor of the basin. He had not the ability to absorb so much blood back into his body. Arashi had expended a large amount of his energy in his attack, having used nothing but the newly acquired abilities of his blood magics he was exhausted. Arashi was new to the use of so much energy and as such used a bit too much, he even left with too much flare for his own good. He hadn't meant to do so much, he merely wanted his message delivered...but the damned gaurd..

Don't blame it on anything but your lack of control Arashi. You absorbed your fathers wrath..add that to your own and you become a strange little bomb.

Arashi had been hovering over the basin without forming his haze wings to there solid white form. He simply hovered..apparently his cherubim traits weren't too far diminished as of yet. He floated softly to the edge of the basin and turned around to face the small lake of blood he'd taken from his attack on the palace.

You can't leave this here Arashi..

Arashi nodded and raised his hands before him, pulling them to his chest in a grasping motion. As he did this the energy left the blood and was absorbed into his wings. He sighed and the blood evaporated into nothing, without the energy of chaos, even his blood ceased to exist.

"You've become part of me in more then name. I cannot exist without the energy of chaos, I hope granting your wish was not a mistake Ramyaku"

Ranmyaku snickered
If it was there is nothing you can do about it

Arashi didn't like the discovery his blood showed him. The stronger he got, the more he relied on Ranmyaku and the chaos energy. Not to mention he felt himself slowly twisting into...darkness. Arashi shook his head of this and headed toward the village he'd missed for some odd reason.

"Amleia. I feel there is an ally here. Or at least..there is something I can gain from this place, the place where my journey truly started."

Okay..you sound very...cliche fictional hero right now.

Arashi laughed and headed into the village. It was bustling and a bit noisy with the mid-day life of any town. He smiled feeling slightly at peace. He headed toward the only place he really knew, the tavern where prophecy had been told Karrasi..was it. He didn't much feel like presenting himself in hell at the moment. He was still wondering how much control he really had over himself. It was as if the sight of an upright pointing a weapon at him was enough to enrage him beyond control.
I'm sure the reaction of armed uprights comes from my father...he has memories of a horrid event now that I think about it..a war..

Arashi walked down the path leading to Karrasi merrily.

Your a child at heart
"I am Ranmyaku. And I think it fair that I be granted peace...even with my sins as they are."

Arashi smiled seeing the tavern not to far from him...

[Zeshin Lak-el Ury]

Sweeping the floor of the empty bar, Zeshin sighed as today was acutually slow, in light of recent events in which their was never a dull moment found. With Issac gone, off on one of his many journey's, and Zeshin's mother at the market, the firey youth found himself doing chores to pass the time. Sweeping the pile outside, Zeshin held out his set fire to the pile of rubbish and dust, using his new found power comfortably in the solace of the empty bar.

As the ashes and dust rose from the gentle breeze, Zeshin could make out a young man heading in the direction of the bar, smiling at the potential of actually talking to someone today, he walked back inside and threw on his apron. "Hope he comes here, that'll at least gie me something to do besides burn stuff." Zeshin said in a stiff voice, growing weary of the slight pyromania he'd developed to pass the time.

[Mishiranu Arashi]

Arashi saw the young tavern boy come out of the place looking his way and smiled. It was nice to have another person his age in eyesight without them being afraid of him for one reason or another. He'd spent his entire childhood without a single friend, maybe his luck would change. Arashi sped up his stride a bit and waved at the barkeep as he drew nearer. His traveling cloak billowing about behind him as he moved toward him He grinned at what he saw as a look of relief at the sight of a customer. Arashi stopped in front of the tavern, unsure if he was even remembered. Then he remembered he hadn't a dime on him, oh well, conversation's just as good.

"Hey there. I remember you, your the bar-boy right? You were working here the night my boss brought me here with the pack of youkai. You were talking to the dragon chick right?"

He smiled and looked at the inside of the place..it was a bit different and he wondered if it was just due to lighting.

"You guy's remodeled the place?"

[Zeshin Lak-el Ury]

Zeshin watched as the young man entered the bar, his face was familiar and Zeshin listen to his many comments and questions before he realized who he was. "I remember you, you came with with that rich guy with the animal friends, you guys sure made a mess that night." Zeshin said smiling as he pointed toward a seat a the bar for the young man to sit at. "Take and seat and order up, I'm Zeshin by the way, I didn't make your acquaintance last time." Zeshin said, extending his hand in a friendly gesture.

[Mishiranu Arashi]

As awkward as he felt at being in a tavern with no money for an order Arashi took Zeshin's hand and shook.

"I am called Arashi. Mishiranu Arashi. It's nice to formally meet you. I'm sorry if we caused you any trouble, I hope, in any case our ruckus was paid for at least? I remember the gold the.."rich guy" so boastfully tossed across your counter top."

He sat remembering the night's rowdy bunch. He thought of what he felt at being surrounded by such a group..when he still fancied himself human. Then he took a seat near the place Zeshin was standing and frowned lightly. He forced the flow of chaos in his wings into a harmless state and looked at the light mist that surrounded him. He was sure it wouldn't cause a big fuss..after all, it wasn't anything like seeing a dragon.

"I'm sorry to say I was swept in here on dust my friend. I haven't a coin to my name at the moment."

He shrugged.
"And my wealthy friend isn't here to donate a bag of gold to my leisure so... I suppose a chat is all I can afford."

[Zeshin Lak-el Ury]

"Don't sweat it, Mom's not here and I'm the only cook, so whatever you want will be free." Zeshin said smiling as he handed Arashi a menu. "Sorry bout the weird names of the foods, Mom designed the menu, if you want to know what something is just as me." Zeshin said smiling at Arashi, trying to make the weary traveler feel welcome.

"Chat is always decent enough currency to a bored and appreciative chef such as myself, if you words are worth more than squat that is." Zeshin said eager to show off his culinary prowess.

[Mishiranu Arashi]

Elated to have a meal Arashi was feeling daring enough to eat about anything on the menu, regardless of it's translation. He skimmed over it as he thought of what was served last time. Arashi was feeling very hungry, which Ranmiaku told him was very peculiar since Celestials don't require food. Arashi attributed this to his unique makeup. He looked up to the chef he was hoping would become a good friend, as he had few to this day.

"Well then my friend I'll give dish out some gab in exchange for your grub. I'll have a Chimera Pattie and Shards, with whatever kind of fruit drink you think'll be suitable."

He laid the menu on the table and smiled.

"So, what happened after clossing time last time? I saw you rushing about outside after a ew guy's came in... I do hope nothing happened."

[Zeshin Lak-el Ury]

"Well... um... the place got pretty messed up when they came in." Zeshin said regrettably. "That's why the place looks new and stuff." Zeshin continued choosing his words carefully, unaware of how much Arashi knew of that night where his burgeoning powers seemed to nearly erupt. " Chimera Pattie and Shards with a mug of Strawberry-Banana Storm coming up." Zeshin said rushing to the back to prepare Arashi's food.

Taking out a raw patty of meat, Zeshin focused his attention on the patty, heat seemingly emanating out of thin air began to cook the meat as Zeshin held his hand over the meat. Taking out a knife Zeshin sliced a large potato into several uneven pieces, Zeshin then used a nearby spatula and flipped the well cooked meat onto a roll with all the appropriate dressings. With both his hands free now, Zeshin seasoned the potato slices and held his hands over them, heating them to cooked perfection in minutes with the hot air underneath his hands.

Putting the prepared food onto a plate and quickly preparing the fruit smoothie, Zeshin carried the meal to his company and took a seat at the bar. "Tell if you like it." Zeshin said bashfully.

[Mishiranu Arashi]

Arashi was only slightly surprised with the speed at which the food was cooked. He hadn't expected the ones who entered after them to be trouble and was wondering if anyone was hurt.

"Well.. did anyone get hurt? I mean... no offense, but from the looks of you and the lady who was here that night, you couldn't have fended them all off alone. Of course, looks can be deceiving. It's just that... by the looks of the place you had to fix a bit more then a gang of thugs would've busted up without a scuffle."

He had meant nothing in the way of an insult but what he said wasn't without merit. Most cases of robbery and such were simple, money and death then leave. The collateral was relatively low unless opposition was met. Shrugging it off as a topic too personal to tell a stranger Arashi took a bite from the burger and nearly shook in enjoyment.

"Wow it's great! I didn't think a grill could work that fast and not sacrifice some of the juiciness. You're quite the cook Zeshin"

[Zeshin Lak-el Ury]

"Me and my mom got mugged that night, I saw you talking to that rich guy when I ran outside to grab my weapon, but I couldn't protect her." Zeshin said looking at the ground, ashamed at his weakness. "Luckily, a customer was in the restroom and when he came out he broke up the scuffle." Zeshin said, hiding the more personal details of that night.

Looking anxiously at Arashi while he ate, Zeshin was pleased when Arashi complemented his culinary skill, his words bringing a smile to Zehsin's previously sadended face. "Thanks, I... we have a nice grill, it's like magic." Zeshin said smiling, "So Arashi, where are you from, and are you traveling aroud for something?" Zeshin inquired.

[Mishiranu Arashi]

Arashi felt a bit as if he should be guilty that he hadn't assisted Zeshin, even though he had little ability to do much at that time. He smiled however as Zeshin's face lit up at the compliment. He was sure the grill was just as magical as he said..the proof was in the food. Arashi nodded and agreed.

"Magic indeed. Of course, I give the credit to the cook. I'm actually from a country in Asia called Japan. I wasn't born there but it's my earliest memory so.."

He slipped over his origins without telling a whole lie, just a twisted truth.

"And I guess I'm taking a break from a bit of soul searching"

[Zeshin Lak-el Ury]

"Searching for something must be nice, I never get to go anywhere, I'm always here cooking or doing chores. It must be nice to be able to go as you please, I mean except for relying on charity for meals that is." Zeshin said after slumping in his chair. "How many places have you been to in your travels, and how do you get around without any money?" Zeshin asked, now curious about travels, his wanderlust overcoming his sense of tact in conversation.

[Mishiranu Arashi]

Arashi paused with a face of actual excitement. He was often the source of other peoples interest, but not to the extent where they bombarded him. He almost actually told him everything. Yet, he was quickly advised against it by the usual voice in his head.

This boy wouldn't accept the things you've done. Nor would he believe you've been to heaven..AND hell and back.

Arashi sighed and gave his agreement to the sprite. He would again have to warp his truth. He was too used to avoiding the whole truth with Tomo, he didn't think it would be necessary everywhere.

"Well it is very fun to travel about when you can, though searching for your purpose isn't a thing you do with a goal in mind."he laughed a bit
"It's actually just aimless wandering. You go where you can on foot, you hitch a ride on a bus or a bandwagon. You might even get lucky and happen upon much more convenient transportation. Me personally, I'd rather fly around the world. I've been through a lot of Asia and not much else really..."

[Zeshin Lak-el Ury]

"Sounds like the life buddy, I so wish I was you. Man, how cool is that, no chores and just travel, I'm jealous!" Zeshin said loudly, smiling at Arashi. Despite not knowing the young man, Zeshin felt like he was a decent enough person. Outside of Peteo, Zeshin didn't often converse with people his own age, so this was a refreshing distraction from work.

"Hey Arashi, you think sometime if I ever escape the shackles of slavery here, I could roll with you, I mean I won't be in the way much and I can cook so you'll never go hungry." Zeshin asked bashfully. "Man there's gotta be so much to see out there, I just feel like I'm missing everything here." Zeshin said softly, looking at his feet. "I... just can leave mom alone. I guess this is my lot in life, I just... I just wish I could go somewhere sometimes!" Zeshin said loudly, his temper flaring up, as the exicted conversation he was leading caused him to slightly scorch the table he slammed his hands on.

In a moment of slight embarrassment, all Zeshin could do is look at he burn marks and say, "Opps, man... not again."

[Mishiranu Arashi]

Arashi had a smile on his face as the boy spoke of his wish to travel. He realized how much his travels had been more of an escape from his own helplessness then a wish to see new things. Yet, he still understood what the boy meant, he wasn't much younger then Arashi himself so he could imagine the feeling of an oppressed life. he would have continued into telling him that it wasn't a walk in the park to travel about. The dangers and such were as much a chore as cleaning this tavern

As the young Zeshin got more passionate in his speech he rose and slammed on the table, a surge of energy made Arashi blink. He looked down at the table and saw scorch marks on it. He hadn't seen much in the way of fire magic, but it seemed it had acted almost on it's own. It was strange, when a skilled mage got angry he would get a bit of an aura about him, or even use magic absentmindedly as a reflex. Arashi looked up at the boy and wondered what exactly this boy could do. He wasn't sure if it was possible, but he got the feeling the boy was more skilled then himself in the use of his element, either that or he just did that on purpose to get his attention.

"So..your a fire element user? I thought this town was void of magic users by the look of things."

Then he thought about what he said about the thugs and was shocked again. How did the thugs take advantage of a fire mage? Surely some band of thugs wouldn't stand a chance against a magic wielder...

"But wait..you said the thugs got you guys?"

His mind now on magic and off of traveling.

[Zeshin Lak-el Ury]

"I...I... umm..." Zeshin stammerd as he face grew red with embarrassment, a stark contrast to his cerulean eyes and hair. "I don't know what I did. I can use fire magic a little, but I'm really in no control..." Zeshin started. He wanted to stop, but he had found no one, not even Peteo, to whom he could confide with about his strange abilities. Seeing Arashi as a traveling visitor, Zeshin decieded that he would be in no serious harm divulging a secret such as this to someone he would most likely never see again, if the boys own travels took him as far as he claimed.

"What happened that night... those guys came in and tried to rob the place. They held my mom at knife point, and there were to many for me to fight off by myself. A customer who hadn't left intervened and handled most of the chumps, and then the guy tried to cut my mom so I rushed at him. Stupid huh, anyways he stabbed me with his sword and through me across the room. When the guy came to my mom's rescue he knocked that big loser who held my mom over the bar and took off one of his hands, but he got back attacked by the guy he wounded helping my mom.

"I was hurt real bad, but after a moment I couldn't feel nuthin'. My heart was beating fast, and my skin became burning hot. I was mad, real mad, and when I stood up a shouted for the guy to stop and he burst into flames. I started shakin' real bad after that and couldn't stop, I was too angry. Right when I felt like I was gonna explode, everything went white, and I woke up the next morning and found the place in ruins after I got out of bed." Zeshin said, looking at the scorches on the table the whole time he spoke.

"I don't understand what's going on, and mom won't tell me squat about that night. I'm not a mage, I don't know what I am anymore, I can use fire a little bit, that's about it." Zeshin said, regretful about that night, thinking about the small burn he caused on his mother's neck.

[Mishiranu Arashi]

Arashi was a bit surprised when he heard the beginning of what Zeshin had to say. There was no reason for a boy who barely knew magic would emit flames when agitated. The rest of the time Arashi simply looked curious. He had a feeling that whatever he learned here would be rather unique in a large way. He relaxed a bit in his chair though, not so anxious now that he knew that Zeshin had no serious magical knowledge to give. Arashi was still interested in what he had to say however and listened intently.

As the conversation got into what happened in the tavern the night of that romp with the youkai pack Arashi's interest peaked. The situation wasn't as simple as he had first claimed. He told of how he rushed at the man holding his mother and was stabbed and tossed. Arashi couldn't imagine having done something like that, at least, he wouldn't with his current mindset. The fact that he was discarded so swiftly was an embarrassing detail indeed, though he figured it was normal that a boy his size lose to the men he saw bust in.

The story continued into how Arashi had been hurt, then it got interesting. Arashi listened very intently at what he had to say the moment he mentioned his body started acting funny. The experience of losing control of ones body was something Arashi knew well. He'd lived with that demon before, and now he owned it. What he explained was so much like what Arashi himself had been through he almost thought that maybe the boy had more in common with Arashi then he thought. Though, when Zeshin said he didn't know what he was anymore, Arashi felt a kinship to him that was nearly brotherly. That feeling had haunted Arashi for years until Ranmyaku had told him what he was.

"I... I know the feeling. I really do."

Everything that Zeshin said somehow affected Arashi, he felt that Zeshin was like him in a way. Yet, as usual Ranmyaku had something to say.

I don't know of any fire element ability to make the bond we have Arashi. Even if he has a sprite his energy is nothing like the magic I've seen.

Arashi just looked at Zeshin with a curiosity that he hadn't felt in a long time.

"Well Zeshin. About you going with me on a trip. I'll have to take you up on that sometime huh?"

He needed to lighten the mood. He wanted to pry a little more and it was unlikely to happen if the boy was depressed.

[Zeshin Lak-el Ury]

Relieved to her that he'd had not been the only person to experience such event, Zeshin smiled a faint smile at Arashi. Zeshin has spent most of the latter year hiding his abilities from those closest to him, as not even Peteo had been made aware of Zeshin's unique talents. Much to his chagrin, his mother found out first hand the capabilities of her son, as his attempt to save her resulted in their home being nearly destroyed a small burn on her neck.

Feeling more at ease, Zeshin took his seat again, sitting closer to Arashi. "Man I thought I was truley alone out there, I'd never met anyone who had powers besides myself. I had always heard stories from the old man Aki about mages and magic but I've never seen it personally. I never been anywhere to far away and I'd love to go with you Arashi, anywhere has got to be better than here." Zeshin said, placing his elbows on the table, plunging his face into his hands as he sighed at the prospect of not having anyone to talk to about such things after Arashi had left to continue his travels.

In the short time Zeshin spent with Arashi, he felt a connection to the mysterious young man. "Will you be back through here anytime soon, dinners free if your stories are interesting." Zeshin said, lifting his head as he looked at Arashi.

[Mishiranu Arashi]

Arashi smiled seeing the relieved face of Zeshin. It wasn't too fun feeling alone and dejected by the world around you. This was a fact that Arashi knew well, and it had sunk in deep. Arashi rose from his seat as Zeshin finished talking about how he'd love to go with him. Arashi wondered exactly where he could safely take Zeshin, it wasn't like he'd just pop into hell. Though, it wasn't all too much a bad idea. Arashi frowned lightly at the thought and stopped, he was sure he needed to be careful about what he did. He was positive he was being tailed at times, but it wasn't likely a problem to him at the moment. He looked at Zeshin with a smiled that seemed to be pride in a find.

"I'm sure I'll be heading by again. Next time I'll have a good story to tell. If I don't wow your socks off I promise to take you wherever you want."

He grinned and readied to leave. He'd spent a lot of time here, and he needed to go and train the power he'd gained so recently. He wasn't finished mastering the abilities he'd gained, and his skill in the element he used needed work. So he would need to go practice, or... ask for help. He bowed lightly to Zeshin.

"It's about time I left now. I'll be back, even if only to share a story and mooch a meal."

He chuckled and headed out of the door.

[Zeshin Lak-el Ury]

"I got ya next time, see ya Arashi!" Zeshin yelled happily as he watched Arashi walk out of the tavern, smiling to himself. Standing up from his seat, Zeshin wiped the table and cleared the dishes his guest used from the table, returning them to the kitchen.

Grabbing a broom, Zeshin walked back to the front to find his mother and Issac carrying in groceries. "What's that devilish grin on your face for?" Maia asked her son, placing the bags on the counter.

"Nothin ma'am, just serving a customer." Zeshin smiled, sweeping the floor with a scant smile on his face, happy to have met a kindred spirit in Arashi, anticipating the next time he would she the myterious young man.