"R-right," Rin says under his breath, looking to the cliff. "We had better hurry; it's only so long before they realize we're gone!"

Link: https://www.sylestia.com/forums/?thread=94683&page=114#1131 Author: Mystiria827 Time Posted: 1/4/2021 at 11:13 AM "R-right," Rin says under his breath, looking to the cliff. "We had better hurry; it's only so long before they realize we're gone!"

Shiawase says nothing, but does speed up a little. Even with her injury, she's managing to hop around the noisy parts of the ground smoothly.

Hitari breaks Itami's awkward silence. "They left. That's. . .a bit rude."

Well, you attacking Shiawase was also. . .a bit rude, Itami says, not without a slightly mocking tone. What kind of weapons are those, anyway? I don't recognize them.

"Deadly, if I want."

Cheeky little. . . Itami thinks. I already know we're going to fight at one point - again. Tell me more than that.

Rin has some close calls, but for the most part he's succeeding in navigating the maze of twigs.

Link: https://www.sylestia.com/forums/?thread=94683&page=114#1133 Author: Mystiria827 Time Posted: 1/4/2021 at 2:49 PM Rin has some close calls, but for the most part he's succeeding in navigating the maze of twigs.

You finally reach the base of the cliff - a vertical, rocky wall that stretches even higher than the treetops. "Good thing we don't have to get up there," Shiawase murmurs, gently placing her hand on the rough surface. ". . .it's. . .it's on the base somewhere. . ."

"Tell you what - " Hitari slides his hand over the crystalline shard, which expands and flattens out, becoming a razor-thin (and sharp) rod. "You can help me, or I can do it myself. Either way, I'm finding those two."

Yes, I would rather to just. . .sit here, Itami says. Not really in the mood to do anything right now, especially with you.

Hitari narrows his eyes. "I don't think you understood quite what I meant."

"Please keep stalling him, Itami," Rin murmurs nervously.

Link: https://www.sylestia.com/forums/?thread=94683&page=114#1135 Author: Mystiria827 Time Posted: 1/4/2021 at 6:00 PM "Please keep stalling him, Itami," Rin murmurs nervously.

"Itami loves talking, he should be able to keep him distracted," Shiawase whispers, still patting along the cliff face. "Come on, I know that break is around here. . ."

No, no, I certainly understood, Itami says. I just avoid the situation when I'd rather. . .not. He takes a very tiny step back. Besides, if I assist you, I'm pretty sure nothing good will come of it. Rin is from a different place, and Shiawase is a critical part of this world. Removing either - or both - would probably upset Balance.

"Balance," Hitari muses. "You say it like it has a name."

Rin clenches and unclenches his fists, trying to keep himself under control. He's pretty much at the brink of freaking out.

Link: https://www.sylestia.com/forums/?thread=94683&page=114#1137 Author: Mystiria827 Time Posted: 1/4/2021 at 7:00 PM Rin clenches and unclenches his fists, trying to keep himself under control. He's pretty much at the brink of freaking out.

"Ah - " Shiawase's fingers manage to find a thin crack in the stone - not even an inch thick. "There it is." She begins pushing hard as she can into it, her face quickly turning red with exertion. "This. . .is a bit harder. . .than I remember - "

It does - do. . .are you not familiar with her? Itami asks, genuinely surprised. Zandaka.

Hitari's grip on the rod tightens, almost cutting into his skin. "Do not tell me that you just uttered the name I think you did. That person has no connection - no understanding - of balance."

Pretty sure I did, Itami mutters.

"Do you need help?" Rin stutters. He doesn't really know why he said that.

Link: https://www.sylestia.com/forums/?thread=94683&page=114#1139 Author: Mystiria827 Time Posted: 1/5/2021 at 7:36 AM "Do you need help?" Rin stutters. He doesn't really know why he said that.

"No, I think it's almost - " The stone groans as it suddenly flips, like a revolving door. Shiawase, not expecting that to happen, nearly tumbles inside. " - open," she finishes.

Hitari shakes his head. "Come on, we're going to find those two and pretend that conversation didn't happen," he says, grabbing Itami by his remaining arm. "I don't care who I upset, and we've lost time to give chase."

I love having no say in this, Itami grumbles. But, fine. I have nothing better to do.

"That's the spirit," Hitari says, grinning. "Now. If you were Shiawase and the kid, where would you run to?"

. . .I'm not either of them. Why would I know? Itami asks. But really, there's only two places they can reach that give cover. He points to the house. They could've gone there, but that'd be stupid. Itami shrugs. So probably the trees.