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Post by Jasper Misiah on Jul 26, 2015 19:54:04 GMT
Note: Takes place during the second night of the dream fights. In the kitchen where the Saints are helping from.
There had been an abundance of stress in Jasper ever since the first night. Because last night was perhaps a bigger challenge then anyone had thought. To the dreamers, what Mitasu made them watch was clearly something that tug deeply on their hearts. Injuries were all over for all teams, as others could only watch over their friends and loved ones as they suffered, only able to imagine what they were facing. The first night, Jasper had been rather furious, and he could have called off any help the Saints were supposed to give. For Marzzi the indestructible gorilla to get hurt to badly, Jasper could only find blame in the Guardian of Dreams for setting the brute up. Jasper knew his friend and the Dream maker didn't get along, but for something like that to happen made Jasper feel like giving up on this cause and allowing no more harm to come needlessly to his men. But he'd been talked out of doing anything rash, and calmed down once Nanari had done what she could to heal Marzzi and the two Saints had gone into the second night.
Jasper was calm for now, but deep down he still felt uneasy. The first night had proven what a deadly thing these nightmares were, and he couldn't help but stare at the slumbering Hino and Marzzi and fret further for them. The leader was on edge, refusing to sit down as he paced, hand naturally resting on his sword. He desperately needed a distraction from this stress, understanding now that perhaps it was the ones not dreaming who had it the worst.
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Post by Nanari on Jul 26, 2015 20:19:12 GMT
Nanari was internally screaming for everyone, worried out of her mind for all, in or out of the dream land. But on the outside she remained calm, if only for the others sake, besides she had seen much in her time, so she believed this was nothing she, or the others couldn't handle. Dealing with the first night wounds was exhausting, and terrifying, most came back gravely injured, and she knew all here underestimated what they were up against. The second night only made everyone worry more, considering how shaken up everyone was, but she couldn't blame them, and all took the risk to go in again, hopefully without the bad blood this time round with certain individuals. Leaning against the kitchen doorframe, Nanari looked over to Jasper, understanding his worry, but if Nanari knew anything, it was how to determine the strong people. "It wont do any good pacing you know. Besides, these two are strong, I can tell, if Marzzi there is anything to go by the night before." She knew they were strong actually, could tell they wouldn't fall for the tricks anymore. "You wont need to worry too much. Yume wont do that again, it was wrong of her the first time."
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Post by Jasper Misiah on Jul 26, 2015 20:38:59 GMT
Jasper stopped his tracks when Nanari spoke, turning to look at her. He did respect the woman, despite her opposite views to all the Saints stood for. She seemed to care for everyone here, no matter who they were. And Jasper could respect how to everyone here, she was like a caring mother, and Jazz could understand why everyone seemed to care for her like she loved them. The leader smiled slightly, "I know I can trust those two with anything. They're good men, and I've known them for a long while now." Jasper replied, before sighing. "But I'm their leader, the one looked to when things go south. It pains me to think that when they're in there, and I'm out here, helping them is impossible. I'm like a shepherd separated from his sheep." Jasper added, before chuckling a little to himself. Marzzi would kill him for calling the brute a sheep. Jasper did decide to stop pacing, going over to the couple of seats left for him and Nanari. He stopped along the way though, frowning to Nanari. "I trust your word. But I do not trust hers. For now, I understand what importance she is for this whole thing. But, she is an Angel, and like all of her kind, they just can't help repeating their previous mistakes. They forget history the moment it comes into being, that's what makes them dangerous." That's why they needed to be stopped, Jasper thought to himself, before relaxing his expression as he sat down.
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Post by Nanari on Jul 26, 2015 21:09:16 GMT
Nanari smiled to Jasper, before giving a light laugh. "I don't know what you mean... Your helping them plenty by just being here. I mean, I understand your views on the other races, and by just being here watching over the two must give them some help, like they know your watching over them, here. Your helping more then you realise Jasper." Looking to Jasper as he spoke once more, Nanari could understand his unease, even Nanari didn't fully trust Yume for this, but if anything, she knew Yume wouldn't risk it again. Sitting next to him, Nanari smiled over and turned to face him. "I understand your unease, but Yume has as much to lose, even if she doesn't fully understand what. I don't know her personally, but I know she's the sort of Angel who doesn't care who she does stuff to, so she isn't just picking on Marzzi... Not much help to ease the mind I know. But she will keep her word for Marzzi." The previous mistakes did baffle Nanari, having witnessed herself how things change, she knew she couldn't change his mind, but she hoped to spread light on the situation. "I'm not trying to change your mind, but most aren't dangerous if you get to understand their motives. I've seen those who only make mistakes due to something that happened, just as humans and demons do as well. I've seen Angels do stuff they shouldn't just to help, even if the truth will get them killed. But they try, and isn't that all you can ask from a person? Why see them as another race, when they cant change what and whom they are? Just like everyone else?"
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Post by Jasper Misiah on Jul 26, 2015 21:49:48 GMT
As despised as Yume was, she was right about Nanari as a choice to help support Jasper. Nanari seemed to have a good understanding of how to make others feel better, and not just be healing them physically. It was something Jasper could appreciate, amongst others. He wouldn't change how he was helping them here, watching over their slumbers, but it would feel so much better to be in the nightmares with them, where the leader can decide on what actions to take that would cause the least harm to his men. But he was to remain here, as always, anchored by his curses. The red curse around Jasper's neck flared slightly as he thought of them with distaste. Jasper closed his eyes for a moment, smiling a little. "As I said, I can find myself trusting you. But not her... though, if you're sure that Dream maker won't play anymore pranks on my men, then I'll take your word for it." Jasper replied, opening his eyes to glance to Hino and Marzzi. The Saint made a effortless chuckle to how Nanari put it. He wished he could agree with her, but there were solid views that Jasper had, and that were drilled into him by Nobles, that made him a perfect Saint and Human. "I don't look at Angels and Demons with a hatred, though nor can I see them as allies. I... pity them. I know it's not their fault how the world works, but needless to say, they are a cause that blocks the world from change. I've come to understand that being different, is a cause for evil in this world. Though we all look similar, there is a distinct difference between us and them. Whilst many came claim to see past this difference, in the end, it is what causes conflict. To rid the world of conflict, we need to reduce the number of intelligent races to only one." Jasper stated, though he felt like he was reciting part of the Noble's teachings. He looked to Nanari, "That's how some people see it. I'm not sure either way, though I know for certain that I vow to protect those I can trust, it's all I can do now."
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Post by Nanari on Jul 26, 2015 22:09:31 GMT
Nanari knew Yume wanted to cause more problems for Marzzi, it was written on her face, but she knew the others needed them to fight, and anything more done would stop that, besides, Nanari was sure she was watching them closely for future use, which Nanari hated but couldn't stop, not knowing the woman. "I cant assure anything as I don't know her well personally, but I'm sure she wont, there's too much at stake for everyone." As Jasper looked to the others, Nanari took a good look at Jasper, she could tell there was something about him that could be counted for an illness so to speak, having dealt with healing for a long time, knowing the signs, she wouldn't ask just yet, not wishing to scare him away, but she knew it wouldn't be long until she did so. Laughing slightly, Nanari couldn't agree with what was being said, though some points she could understand, Nanari couldn't help but see this being the views of the nobles, who despised Angels and Demons and would say anything to get others to agree, and though she respected those opinions, some she couldn't help but view as silly. "I cannot agree with most said, though I understand the points. Again not trying to change your mind, nor seem disrespectful to your opinions. But half of what is said sound silly, and too much like you have taken it from a book. I admit, with three intelligent races things can get difficult, trying to come up with something all can agree with. But conflict will always exist, be it with three races, or one. We will just find another way to create it, so it can never be eradicated. And being different isn't all that bad, not always a cause of evil, if that was the case, we would all be considered it. Its just up to the person how they use that difference, like my sister Chester, she made mistakes as a human, and now she is spending her days as a Demon fixing them. Or Mujihi, she once served Exitium, and now she is here helping the humans in the clan. My brother Ru, Tenshi, Ikiru, Gensho, Akvan... Everyone here, do all, even the other races seem evil to you? And what about yourself? I can see in your eyes a fear, feel it in the air, and yet, all I see is a man, who wants to protect his friends, his family..." Nanari didn't know what more to say, she wasn't wanting to change his views, nor make him feel guilty or such, but she hoped to at least make him see another side of things, not just the nobles teachings, because all had a different opinion, and sometimes it was easy to get sucked into one opinion only.
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Post by Jasper Misiah on Jul 27, 2015 20:50:27 GMT
Jasper was impressed with Nanari's reply. Sometimes he wished all issues could be solved with just talking. But he doubted the future would end that way. Nobles had told Jasper numerous times that they were beyond the point of listening, and that he'd be the sword they wielded. Jasper, and all Saints. Jasper didn't always want to hate Angels and Demons. Like he'd said to Nanari, he pitied them. A sin committed by one Demon or Angel, was then carried by their entire race. Blame was all Humans knew how to do, Jasper himself couldn't help but want to blame others. Jasper would add no more points to the argument, if it could be called that. He knew in time, this issue would come up again, only on a grander scale. He smiled a little, "I remember when I was in training, that some Nobles spoke of the views once expressed by two Human woman. How they managed to convince the counsel that perhaps a three-way diplomacy could be made. It had been a delicate, but hopeful situation, that was sadly destroyed not long after by the great pandemic." Jasper stated. His smile was lost as Nanari directed to him, becoming curious about what made Jasper different, how he seemed so distant. Jasper sighed, he supposed he did owe Nanari an explanation in part, she'd earned his trust after all. "I suppose I am rather different from my own kind as well. In fact, I wonder if one day in our future, I will be considered a sin as well by others." Jasper mumbled, before looking to Nanari. "You can feel the unease in the air, can't you? Well, that is due to my magic. It's curse magic, forced upon me after my father cursed me. He stole some of my lifespan to curse me with skin of 'Demon's blood'. It means I cannot touch another person, in any manner, without it leaving them burnt and in pain."
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Post by Nanari on Jul 27, 2015 21:03:37 GMT
Nanari gave a light hearted chuckle at the mention of two woman, she knew which two, considering both were here, one being spoken to. And despite the terrible times that came from that, Nanari still felt that if Itami never lived, perhaps a peace would have been made that day. "The pandemic was a terrible time for everyone, and without it, we perhaps could have made peace. And hey, I can tell you, those two woman still hope that peace will one day be met even if ones now Demon, and the other is just a healer in the Mun clan, not exactly influential anymore to the Nobles." Winking to Jasper, Nanari sat back to listen to him, feeling bad for his situation, never able to feel the warmth of another due to that, and it cleared a few things up. Smiling softly to him, Nanari took a breath, knowing what she could do. "The only way for you to be considered a sin, is if you used this curse magic to kill pointlessly, and from what I've seen, that's the last thing you want... Now then, this I cant touch anyone business. I'm going to fix that, if only for a moment." Holding out her arms, Nanari gestured to Jasper, letting him decide what he does from here. "I can stay in a painless hug for about ten seconds if I use my magic, and I would very much like it if you let me hug you, this is but a burden for such a strong child like yourself, but you are a child none the less, and no child should go without the warmth a hug can bring. So please?"
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Post by Jasper Misiah on Jul 27, 2015 21:24:17 GMT
Jasper could've guess that Nanari was one of the woman the Nobles had once spoken to. She just had that kindness about her, one that must have been spread onto the Nobles at such a time. He did smile for a moment, before looking seriously to Nanari. "Then I'd like to apologise on the Nobilities behalf. Whilst I cannot speak for the one who is now Demon, the healer shouldn't be shut out by the counsel. And that they should forget titles when looking for influence." Jasper replied. It was how things were now. The only people the Nobles were willing to listen to were other Nobles, or Humans with enough power. Time was far from when Angels and Demons were allowed to walk the halls of Baransu Tower to meet with the counsel. Now they'd probably be killed on sight for trespassing in such a 'sacred' area. "I've yet to draw blood from anyone. A strange statement, coming from the leader of the Saints, but it's true. Perhaps I'm not yet at the age to see my first, life or death fight, but I want to know what it is like." Jasper said, before quickly raising a hand, "N-not because I want to kill, but because... Many of my men know what it's like to have taken a life. I don't know how I can sympathise with them, or support them, without knowing what it's truly like." It was an almost contradicting view of Jasper's. He wanted to be like his fellow friends to understand them, but at the same time, he didn't want them to be sinned and cursed like him. Jasper didn't know where Nanari planned to go on helping him, but he assumed it would be in the way everyone always suggests. They think letting Jasper burn them helps him cope, but it's always the opposite, and makes the Saint feel worse each time the curse flares up. But Jasper felt something break that wall with Nanari's suggestion. How she claimed she could prevent the curse from hurting her for a moment. Jasper didn't know if she knew just how strong the curse was, but the temptation was crushing. The last time Jasper had even felt physical comfort was when he'd embraced his dying father, and even then, Jasper's father claimed to despise the boy. Jasper's shoulders relaxed down, almost moving towards the open arms, before shaking his head. "I... can't, I'm sorry."
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Post by Nanari on Jul 27, 2015 21:45:35 GMT
Nanari smiled over to Jasper, there really was no need for him to do that. "No need, I understand where they are coming from, understand their dislike for the other races, as well as those associated with them. Its the fact they are so proud that annoys me. After the pandemic, that was started due to a Demon trying to protect a Human, they secluded themselves from all those with different opinions to them. If a war starts between the races due to hate, I would blame them, and I know the Saints rely on them, are part of that. But I don't see you starting a war over hate alone, I see there being something to make you snap. Sorry, I ranted there, I mean no offence or anything, even if it sounds it." Nanari really had a big mouth sometimes, and she didn't mean to sound cruel from that, not even close, but what she said was still what she believed. Looking to Jasper as he said some more, Nanari could understand where he was coming from, she herself having thought that sometimes, when dealing with others wounds. "I get what you mean. Just remember though, just being there helps okay?" Sighing slightly as Nanari noticed Jasper move towards the hug, before moving back and denying it. She gave a light chuckle, before covering her body with healing magic and giving him one anyways. It was a little hot, but it didn't burn, and was nothing she couldn't handle. And a few second before she started to feel it become hotter, Nanari gave him a motherly kiss on the cheek, it was the least she could do for him, feeling bad that he couldn't touch another without this curse magic causing problems. "Told you it would be fine. And if you ever need another, I'm always around to do so. Either in Baransu or here, and I know Angels and Demons aren't someone you wish to deal with on a normal basis, but if you need a hug, they'll be fine with letting you in to find me with no problems."
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Post by Jasper Misiah on Jul 27, 2015 22:19:14 GMT
Jasper thought on it. Nanari felt like the person he could tell his opinion to, an opinion even his men didn't know. "If I was to speak with my true thoughts, I'd admit, I do not trust the Nobles. They've given me a home, a new purpose, but... They don't seem to understand the costs of what they do. And... you cannot tell anyone this but, as far as I'm aware, their reasons for despising Angels and Demons are empty, it's more power, that they really want. I fight for my family, and for the survival of any families to come. If that means I have to be at the forefront of a war, then... so be it." Jasper replied. He was hardly offended by what Nanari said. She wasn't the first Human he'd met who was on the side of Angels and Demons, and beyond that, she was a respectable woman.
Jasper felt bad for refusing the embrace, but he'd never allowed one before, from anyone. He knew that Nanari considered it a gift, but Jasper's mind saw it as just a reminder of what a literal pain he was. For no matter what others told him, Jasper felt like a burden upon others. His only use were the powers given to him with his curse magic, he was just a weapon of Nobles. One that hurt everyone. He didn't want to hurt Nanari, and didn't think the risk was worth simply getting a hug. After all, Jasper had no idea what kind of feelings hugs even brought, not since a long time ago. But even with Jazz's refusal, Nanari gave him the offer anyway. Jasper couldn't struggle, fearing it might make it worse. But he was incredibly tense for a second, before relaxing down, without knowing himself why. Why, why did this feel so right? The motherly kiss brought even more unknown feelings to Jasper, and the moment he was released he'd gotten up, leaning against a tabletop. He partly listened to Nanari's offer, though remained distracted with trying to calm down himself. It was impossible to control the tears in his eyes, that momentary feeling of belonging that Jasper wasn't sure he'd ever felt. "That was... strange. Why did I feel so... calm?"
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Post by Nanari on Jul 28, 2015 13:20:49 GMT
Nanari gave a large smile to Jasper, glad he could trust her with such a thing. Naturally his secret would be kept safe with her, and his words further proved her point with him not starting a war for no reason, which she knew the Nobles would do at a click of their fingers. It was a cruel and unjust system, but one they had to live with. "Don't worry my lips are sealed. And, I'm glad you fight for friends and family, not just because you have to... Because if war ever broke out because of you guys. I know it was another race at fault, and you don't deserve that." Nanari didn't want a war to break out, but as much as she loved the other races, as well as her own, she wouldn't pick a side, knowing all could be in the wrong about things, she would heal who needed healing, and that's as far as it would go with her involvement, despite most family being that of another race. After the hug, knowing It must be a foreign feeling to Jasper, Nanari gave him a few moments to calm down before getting up standing in front of him, this time covering just her hands in healing magic, so she could take his for as long as needed, over the years her magic had strengthened, and compared to some of which she's used, this was nothing. "I cant say for sure, as I don't know exactly how your feeling. But my guess is, you felt safe, like nothing was wrong for a moment... Hugs do that, they free the mind for a moment getting rid of worries. Its okay to cry you know, you cant always remain strong." Nanari saw the tears in his eyes, and from what she could guess, he remained strong for so long, dealing with this curse, the Saints, she couldn't guess what else he has been through to get here at such a young age. "Question, you don't have to answer, but how was life before the Saints? Like Family and such?" She felt guilty asking such a thing, but she needed to know, she wanted to help him with this, and to do that, she needed the full extent of things.
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Post by Jasper Misiah on Jul 28, 2015 14:30:05 GMT
War wasn't what Jasper wanted, though of course he wanted change. The Saints were supposed to be a group of elite Humans, tough enough to be the knights for all Humanity. They would be tough enough to make a crater in war, and could probably take on a whole army with their small numbers. Jasper had faith in his friends for their strength, but he almost didn't want to see them have to use it. When trying to make change, war was a great contributor to it, but not always in the positive sense. Jasper didn't know how life would go, but he did know Humans very well. He knew that deep down, the temptation of conflict was hidden in their desire for peace. For thousands of years, Humans had been influenced by Angels and Demons, even when they didn't even know it, so as the offspring of two races that knew well the taste of war, it was no surprise that Humans were the way they were. Jasper found a lot of things confusing.
And thinking of things that confused the Saint, he still didn't know how to feel about Nanari's comfort. She explained what he felt to him, like she knew exactly what it felt like. So it was to do with feeling safe. Jasper wondered if his shock was from that, being able to feel weak and, young again. Jasper glanced down to Nanari's hands, unable to move then, even feeling the heat of his curse flaring up. It was another comfort that Jasper couldn't understand, but didn't want to forget. He swallowed hard, nodding his head slightly. He supposed someone could know his past, it wasn't something Jasper had told anyone before. Apart from the Nobles who'd helped him when he'd been orphaned. "I was raised by a single man, Lycost. He said he was my father, and looked after me just like one would. I didn't know anyone else, Lycost was pretty protective of me. But, when I was thirteen, I saw him in a different way. He was a Demon, and casually killed Nobles. He said that I was a Noble kid that he'd bought from my real parents, where they seemed to prefer money to children. Lycost was chased down and killed by guards. Even though I was just a toy to him, I still... loved him, he was my father no matter how much he really hated me. Before he died, he punished me for living by giving me this burning curse, and forcing me to learn curse magic. After that, I simply turned to the Nobles for help, thanks to my true blood-line, they were more lenient on helping me, and since then I've trained to lead the Saints, nothing more."
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Post by Nanari on Jul 28, 2015 14:48:02 GMT
Nanari felt tears fall from her eyes as Jasper told her of his past. He never really had a childhood, and the one he considered a father lied to him and then proceeded to do something unacceptable. It was wrong and heart breaking, knowing Jasper never got experience a real childhood like that... Even herself had something more, despite things. Swallowing, Nanari moved her hands to brush the tears from her face before grabbing Jaspers again, before he felt like she didn't want to anymore. There wasn't much she could do to help, this curse magic too strong for her to rid of, but with hearing his childhood, and what he lived with, there was something she could think of, if he accepted. "I'm going to ask you something big... Don't feel like you have to accept, or even give an answer today, I need you to be comfortable with what I'm asking... But this past you had, its so wrong, he should never have done that to you, I understand you still cared for him... But no man should take away your childhood... Or adulthood like that... And I cant replace anyone, real or fake... But I want to give something back to someone so strong, I want to be there for you, just like how a mother should be, even if I don't know you all that well, because god knows you deserve it. So... Would you allow me to adopt you? To give a home and family outside the Saints?" It was a huge question, one Nanari didn't expect an immediate response with, even if he took ten years to decide and say no in the end, she wouldn't mind, disappointed yes, but understanding.
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Post by Jasper Misiah on Jul 28, 2015 15:17:50 GMT
It was funny, in a way, to see how different things here seemed when compared to when Jasper had told the Nobles his past. To them, the tragedy was enough proof to trust Jasper to follow them. Whilst many Nobles with a heart supported the young Jasper, he could tell all of them saw the boy as a perfect weapon. Here, things felt much different. The pity Jasper could see in Nanari's eyes was easier to bare, and he knew it was completely real, not faked in the slightest. He held strong to not break down himself. Getting over his past was impossible, but Jasper was expertly trained in acting like he'd forgotten it, having his curses as the only reminder. Jasper held his breath as he watched Nanari look more determined, and began to propose some idea to him that seemed very important.
He'd never had guessed that Nanari would ask Jasper if she could adopt him. Of course Jasper knew what that meant. Hino often spoke about how some of the kids from his orphanage got adopted from time to time. It meant being taken into a family when one no longer had one. Jasper's emotions spiked again, he could have a family again, an adoptive mother. And that longing in the young Jasper did want such a thing. Though he had to think hard on this, what would the others think? Jasper was dedicated to the Saints, he had to be, as their leader. But that said, the Temple wasn't their own living quarters, Marzzi and Hino both had lives outside the group, one a guard, the other the owner of an orphanage. And the other Saints all had family and other jobs they were equally dedicated to. So, why couldn't Jasper try to have that as well? Lips quivering, Jasper moved his eyesight down, finally nodded ever so slightly. "Please."
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