Fate's Direction (Invite Only)

[mugenginga]

Shinku frowned at Palette. That was not quite what she intended, but that really did seem to be the only option. Of course if they were going to go that route, she would have to tell the stuffed animal like person what she wanted. She opened her mouth to give a command when Palette suddenly sounded like an animal. Shinku jerked her head to the side, suspecting whatever had caused that reaction could not be human. She paused for a moment when she saw something that looked very human.... with eyes deader than most dolls.

He seemed rather focused on Palette, and then on Eriol as the doll approached him and demanded his name. She frowned and looked at the ring finger of her left hand, although nothing was there. No, if it came to a fight she would leave. She couldn't use her energy and there seemed little reason to protect the group. The Rozen Maiden were not meant to bring harm to humans, but no one in that little group was human, now were they. Then again, for all her worry about Jun she had to worry if her Father would approve... So she lifted her head and simply observed.

[Firebreath Fishslap]

Palette was currently trying to put as much distance between herself and Abel as possible. She was terrified, and if Abel came near her, she'd run. She wasn't aware that running wouldn't do her much good considering it was Abel; she didn't know about his speed or strength. All she knew was that he'd killed Himitsu.

"Miss Himitsu is dead. You bludgeoned her to death with the same weapon your brother killed you with," Eriol said. Abel's expression didn't change.

"How did you know that?" Abel asked. Eriol smirked.

"I did not know it. You just told me, that was all," Eriol said. And then he rushed Abel. Abel was much too fast for that, and dodged out of the way before grabbing Eriol by his shirt collar and shoved him to the ground. Abel put a foot on top of the doll so he couldn't move and looked toward Palette. He pulled his COMP out of his pocket as he did so.

"I don't want to hurt anyone any more than I already have, so I'll ask you this. Do you know who Xiu Zhou is?" Abel asked. Palette was frozen in place. Yui chose this as the moment to try rushing at Abel himself, swinging the flame enveloped golden key at Abel. Abel grabbed the key in midair. He didn't seem to care it was burning his hand. Abel then pulled the doll around so that he was holding it in a headlock.

"Urk... Miss Shinku... Miss Palette... run," Eriol mumbled. Palette was still frozen in place.

"Do either of you know the time?" Abel suddenly asked.

[mugenginga]

Shinku knew fear. She'd experienced it before, often times in regards to people she cared about. Fear about what Suigintou had tried to do to Jun. Fear about losing her sisters. The nightmares that had plagued her after she had defeated Suigintou in the Alice Game. As a result, there wasn't all that much in the way of fear here. Surprise at the way the teenager moved, yes. Wonder about Palette, Eriol, and Yui, yes. But she had a feeling this... individual, whatever he was, would not attack unless provoked.

"The last clock I encountered read as just past three in the afternoon. It has been some time since then, so it is likely almost four. Is it possible for you to release those two?" Shinku pointed to Eriol and Yui.

-----------

About two minutes away on the normal human foot, the unusual layout of the city taken into account, a teenage girl was deposited face first onto the pathways that ran in front of the many huts. Nevermind that she had opened the portal, she just wasn't used to this kind of portal. She wasn't used to portals at all in the memories of this life, but she'd had a sort of mastery of them before. But she was used to being in a building with more charms attached to it than a shrine, not on foot.

"Ow, ow, ow," she muttered, using the native language she had in this life, which happened to be Chinese. Not that most people realize it, she wasn't making a point of speaking it and the Island was odd. She pushed herself up with one arm and rubbed her face. She realized she was alone and there was a pretty solid sap being had on her powers. She turned around, "Kerro, hurry up! I can't hold this thing open forever!"

The area she had fallen in meant Abel would be more than able to sense her energy signature. Being what she was, she had one that was different than a normal human's. However, it was far far far weaker than that of the woman he had once known. White water rapids compared to Niagra Falls. The contrast of power in similar energy alone would probably be enough to get the King of Bel's attention, really...

[Firebreath Fishslap]

Nearly four. That meant it wouldn't be long until she arrived. Silently, Abel threw Yui to the side and stepped away from Eriol. He looked toward Palette with the same cold, dead eyes as he spoke.

"I don't expect you to forgive me for killing Himitsu, nor do I care if you do. There isn't long until Xiu appears, if the doll is to be believed, so I'll make this--"

He stopped and looked toward one particular pathway. He sensed her. That all too energy, yet somehow it was weaker. But it was her.

Without another word, Abel started running. Eriol picked himself up off of the ground and started following the best he could.

"Eriol!" Palette yelled. "Dammit! He's gonna get himself killed!" After a moment, Palette and Yui started following after.

----------------

The doll that stepped out of the portal was slightly different from the one Eriol would remember, but it was indeed the same doll. He had long ditched the wolf hat, having realized it would make him stand out. His clothing was still in traditional Chinese style, but it wasn't like a robe or anything. Just a traditional shirt and pants. Most noticeably, he was missing the wind-up key on his back.

"I'm sorry," Kerro said. "I shouldn't have taken so long."

There wouldn't be a chance for Xiu to answer, though, as someone spoke up.

"It's you, isn't it, Himitsu."

Kerro wheeled around at the voice. It belonged to a blue haired man with eyes that resembled Kerro's own more than any human's...

[mugenginga]

(OOC: Self fulfilling prophecies need things to get out of hand and a focal point to be on the dolls. I can get Jun just past midnight my time tonight~)

Shinku wasn't sure if she should be grateful the person before her had released the two dolls or worry about what he was going to do next. She found herself settling on the latter, the only experience with those not human, doll, or animal she had being with that unpredictable rabbit. In that light, it was possible this person was some sort of demon as well. Certainly one with more direct interference, Laplace's Demon would have never killed in the manner this person seemed to have.

And then the person began to run. Once more it was clear he possessed speed beyond his apparent humanity. The first doll she had met chased after him. This was followed by the stuffed animal like creature chasing after, and Yui right behind her. Shinku remained floating there for a few moments. She gave an unkind expression, closed her box, and sent it after them. For as abrasive as she was being, she really had not choice but to remain with them for the time being...

----------

The portal closed rather quickly after Kerro came out. Even before he had the chance to speak. The teenager known as Xiu let her shoulders drop and took in a deep breath at the release of strain on her energies. They were weaker than they'd been in her past life, naturally. Thinking back. she'd probably expected it. She got to her feet as Kerro spoke and was turning to tell him to stop apologizing when her entire stance froze.

Her skin tone paled by at least three shades and she found a distinct lack of moisture in her mouth. Abel would be getting spikes of fear from her as she just sort of stood there for several moments. There was a distinct reaction difference to what even Himitsu had given off. She tried to will her body to move, but Kerro's reaction implied things she didn't really have to see to know. She forced herself to swallow and spun around, seeming stiff as a board.

"....Abel," she said, her voice hushed.

[Firebreath Fishslap]

And there it was. That fear response. That sickeningly sweet emotion that had caused so many of Abel's problems. He found himself being unable to move either as he felt it, and he was nervously grinning. At the same time, his human emotions were actually almost afraid. Was he really losing grip of himself that quickly?

It was probably a good thing Eriol had shown up then, as Abel had already taken one slow step forward. The doll stopped a bit in front of Abel, and was staring incredulously at Kerro.

"...Big... brother?" Eriol asked. "T-that's... but... how...?"

Kerro shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I have no siblings. I was a doll created by a man in another universe who was repaired by Ms. Xiu."

Eriol froze. "That's a... that's a lie... that's a lie!" The doll seemed as broken as he looked. "I know it's not true because I'm the one who killed you!"

Something seemed to force its way out of Kerro's memories. "Eriol...?"

"You're just a dirty imposter!" Eriol screamed, having finally come to a decision. He rushed Kerro, knocking him back a bit, which Kerro responded to with a sweeping kick. It looked like the Laplace Mail's prediction had come true.

[mugenginga]

Xiu's thoughts had begun to race as Abel took a step forward. There was a way not to die there had to be way not to die why oh why wouldn't the memories of her past life cooperate in circumstances such as this. A realization of what she could do hit as Abel took a step forward and she lifted her hands in preparation to cast a spell when Eriol cut Abel off. Xiu jerked in surprise and quickly lowered her arms. Right, he would be startled. After a half a second of thinking she remembered that she, or rather her past life, had found the doll collapsed near the one next to her.

And then certain things kept from Kerro bit her in the ass. Kerro, in that annoyingly polite fashion of his (how many times had she told him to not use an honorific for her, again?) informed Eriol that he didn't have any siblings. She was reaching up to fumble with the somewhat large pendant around her neck when Eriol began to flip. She jerked her head up, her fingers still on the side of the pendant containing the Chinese kanji for lightning. Kerro remembered things she hadn't informed him off, and then Eriol launched himself at Kerro and the fight was on.

"Stop it you two! Hey, are you listening!? Eriol, if you don't calm down I swear in the name of all that is sacred I'll take your shop cleaning privileges away!"

Xiu wasn't aware of the inherent mistake in that statement. She'd have to be told to even think about it. But what she had done was make a threat based on the last weeks of her life as Himitsu Motomeru. After all, Xiu had never met Eriol, let alone known about his slight obsession with keeping said woman's shop clean. Her full attention was now on the two dolls.

Granted, Xiu's slip would probably just confuse Eriol. Wasn't like he knew about her past life, having arrived after Abel addressed her.

----------

Jun Sakurada stood in front of a mountain of televisions as tall as a house. Most were in various stages of disrepair. Some were completely broken. Many displayed live action movies. They showed the fifteen year old in various outfits, usually alongside one or more dolls. Any containing a doll had at least the red dressed Rozen Maiden known as Shinku. There were quite a few intense battle scenes, and almost as many comic ones. No more than five contained scenes that were nothing short of touching, although some were bittersweet.

The entire area, which stretched as far as they eye could see, was bathed in streams of light that seemed to come from the heavens themselves. A warm and soothing wind blew through the area, and the occasional group of miniature cards with bug like wings flew by. In the distance was a forest, and about half a mile behind the teenager stood a small stuffed animal like cottage. The only thing that ruined the scene was a growing thunderstorm in the distance. It seemed to be advancing upon a tall and slender white rabbit in a suit perched atop the mountain of televisions.

"It's you!" growled Jun.

"All stories have their gods from the machine. When the story can not advance, one must come and straighten things out. What can be done with the performers on stage refuse to play their role as casted?" The rabbit spoke.

"Stop talking in riddles and tell me what you're doing in my dream!" Jun shouted.

The rabbit seemed to smirk, "For the plot to advance, the characters must be placed in a situation from which they can not escape. No matter how unwilling, the show must go on."

Jun was glaring daggers at the rabbit. This was his dream. As Shinku and Suiseiseki had once told him, he should be able to control this world. He ran at the mountain of television sets when a feeling of scalding threatened to burn his left ring finger off. He tripped and hit his knees on the ground, howling in pain. The white rabbit "politely" waited for his screams to end. It took a solid minute, leaving Jun panting. The ring was burning, which meant...

"What have you done to Shinku!?"

"I have merely advanced her to the next act of the performance," the rabbit stated. He gestured to the side of the teenager with his long cane. A hole seemed to unzip in reality, although the only thing revealed on the other side was pure white light, "If you wish to see the ending of this play, then follow your role and advance to the next act."

Jun pushed himself to his feet, still glaring daggers at the rabbit. Laplace's Demon, Shinku had called it. He looked at the portal and then back to the rabbit. He didn't like being manipulated like this, but he couldn't deny one thing. One of the two dolls he functioned as the Medium for were in a battle of some sort. Suiseiseki didn't draw on the kind of power he'd felt, which left only Shinku. The rabbit had lowered his cane by this point and seemed intent on observing what Jun would do next. Jun realized he didn't have a choice and dove through the hole before Laplace's Demon could change his mind. The hole vanished as one unzipped behind the rabbit.

"End Act II, Träumend. Begin Act III, Puppen" stated the rabbit before taking a step back into the hole behind it and vanishing as it zipped itself up.

(OOC: After extensive looking up, I believe that "puppen" is the German plural form for doll, meaning the translation would be "dolls". I'm not 100% so excuse my use of gratuitous German. The "name" of "Act II" is the name of the second season of the anime and also means "dreaming" according to Wikipedia. Its an inside joke based pun. XD)

[Firebreath Fishslap]

Xiu's threat managed to get something out of Eriol as he froze and turned toward her.

"Hi... mi... tsu?"

That momentary pause was enough for Kerro to strike back, knocking Eriol to the ground with a quick belly strike. He stepped back.

"Ms. Xiu, I don't know what's going on, but I think we should leave," Kerro said. That other doll had called him his brother. Kerro didn't know what to make of that, but...

Abel turned as he heard at least two other people approaching. Palette and the red-clothed doll, and a box. Abel looked toward Kerro and Eriol.

"Are you two done yet?" Abel finally asked. Eriol didn't respond, and stared blankly at the sky.

[mugenginga]

Xiu blinked as Eriol froze and turned to her. Saying a name that wasn't hers. But was. But wasn't. She covered her forehead with her hand as if she had a headache. Why did she feel like she was in a CLAMP manga right now? That confusion allowed Kerro the time to attack Eriol again. She jerked her head up at the sound of wood hitting wood and turned to Kerro as he spoke. She opened her mouth to say something when she saw Palette and a... a... Rozen Maiden walking towards her. She blinked several times and one could almost see the series of lights going off in her head.

"Kerro, we can't run. Stand down. Eriol, snap out of it!" She turned towards Abel. She had to go with her gut right now. She was still frightened, but the biggest problem was Abel. If she could handle him (and it was a big if), she could move on to what was going on. She did position herself between Kerro and Eriol, "What do you want?"

Shinku hung back still. The lid of her box was lifted up, but she looked ready to slam it down and flee if she had to. Before Abel could answer, he'd sense something. That "energy" he'd felt moving through the Island before, and it was near by. In fact, it was possible it was all but on top of them...

[Firebreath Fishslap]

After his slip in self-control previously, Abel was doing a lot better job at the "keeping calm" thing. He finally spoke after a moment of silence.

"You can stand down. If I was going to kill you, you'd be dead already," Abel said. Finally answering Xiu's question, he added, "I want your help."

Abel wasn't liking that strong energy he was feeling. It was the same as the energy that cut off the island before,..

[mugenginga]

Xiu swallowed hard. Himitsu had taken that death for a reason. Some of it was exactly that. If Abel had decided she needed to die... there was another part. Xiu seemed someplace else for a few seconds. On purpose? To make a point? Xiu lifted her hand to her forehead and rubbed her temple while slowly shaking her head. The first surge had put her in a coma for a week, but the memories were still problematic. She looked up as Abel informed her his reason for contacting her.

"Say what you mean. Not want, demand," she said, looking a bit cross, "If I don't, you'll kill me... again. Right?"

She broke eye contact and seemed to glance at Abel's hands. There was a slight relief there, although for what reason it wasn't clear. She jerked her head back up to look the King of Bel in the eyes when a voice could be heard in the area. She jumped in surprise and whipped her head around.

"...Begin Act III, Puppen."

Shinku had one of the calmest reactions to that. One of the most annoyed, as well. Her expression soured and her box hit the ground. She leapt just as it shut on itself and landed on one of the posts around the cities' paths. It guided the ropes as a sort of barrier, but she was standing on the posts. She looked up, seeming to have a better idea of where the voice was than not. What she hadn't expected to see was an all to familiar boy coming straight towards Abel, flailing in surprise. Only reason Abel would be able to dodge is his demonic speed. It was possible he'd be more concerned with the voice and the fact it seemed to come from that short surge in energy...

[Firebreath Fishslap]

Abel looked guilty as Xiu spoke. He let her finish before he spoke up again. "I'm not here to kill anyone if I can help it. If you won't help me without me forcing you to, then fine," Abel said. He took a deep breath and seemed to be about to demand she help him, when he suddenly heard a voice ring throughout the area... and that exact same energy again.

Quickly, Abel moved, just as a boy's flailing body hit the ground where Abel had been standing just a moment previously. Palette, who had finally caught up, looked at the boy and sweatdropped.

"Geez... what's with everyone falling out of the sky lately?" She then realized just how close to Abel she was and scooted away.

[mugenginga]

Xiu took a stumbling step back as Abel finished up. He intended on making her if he had to. She didn't even know what he wanted help with, but she didn't like the man. It occurred to her to think it odd Cain wasn't with him, but she supposed it was possible he'd killed the man. Her head jerked up as she heard the voice, and the dark grey haired teenager came crashing to the ground. She jumped back as he hit the ground.

"Jun!"

"Ngggh...."

"Jun, get up this instant! You are making a fool of yourself! Jun!" Shinku narrowed her eyes, walked over to where one of his hands were laying on the ground, and stomped on it.

"Gaaaah!"

Jun jumped up, and had this been an anime he would have come up off the ground. He was on his feet in seconds and glaring at Shinku. He opened his mouth to yell at her when he blinked and the realization of his surroundings hit him. He whirled around, noticing the blue haired teenager (cosplayer?) first and then... what the hell? Where the hell was he and what convention was going on!?

"I was worried about you, you stupid doll!" he said to Shinku.

"You are being rude, Jun."

He was glaring daggers at her.

[Firebreath Fishslap]

Abel wasn't surprised by Xiu's reaction. It didn't change the fact that he found it likely he might have to use that kind of force to get her to cooperate. She obviously had the memories of her past life... and memories of someone slowly beating you to death weren't relationship setters.

Still, the current problem seemed to be the kid who had fallen from the sky... who seemed to know the doll in the dress. Abel let them talk before turning toward Xiu.

"We should continue this somewhere private," Abel ordered. Even with the new moon, he sounded like he expected his orders to be followed.

Kerro had walked over toward Jun and was examining him. "He doesn't seem to have sustained serious injuries."

"I don't think he'd be alive if he had," Palette said. She looked down at Jun and raised an eyebrow at the ring on his finger. "What the hell, kid?" She laughed. "What is that, a wedding ring?"

[mugenginga]

Jun stopped as Kerro walked over to him and began looking him over. He gave a dirty look towards him, stumbling back a bit. It wasn't exactly comfortable having someone check you out like that, even if it was just with their eyes. He kept a somewhat unkind look as Kerro spoke, lifting his left hand to push his glasses up. It was that motion that allowed Palette to see the ring. He froze in that position as Palette began laughing at him, and then jerked his head towards the... that had to be a costume. She looked like an oversized stuffed animal for crying out loud. He opened his mouth to speak.

It was then Shinku chose to kick him in the shin. His eyes widened and he hit the ground, holding his leg, "What was that for you stupid doll!?"

"You are too inarticulate to speak here," Shinku said, turning to Palette, "That ring is proof that Jun is my servant."

"I'm not your servant!"

Xiu had gotten distracted from answering. She was looking at Shinku and Jun and sweatdropping. This was rather identical to what she'd seen in the anime. It was a bit odd the outfit Jun was wearing, but remembering that voice... that seemed an awful lot of interference for Laplace's Demon, though. She looked back towards Abel and shook her head, maintaining eye contact.

"If you want to talk we'll do so here or in... Void City at lunch hour. Here or in a crowd, where if you act you'll have more trouble than I expect you want," she swallowed hard, and despite her fairly even voice she was still clearly scared. What if he decided to grab her and force her somewhere more private?