Dice Our Shenanigans

[Katsuya]

- Rising Crane Dono -
"Inside of Bird Village, The Highlands"​

Chenglei nodded, his stern frown softened to a smile.

”Of course. Come in, I sent the students away as soon you told me of their arrival.” He suggested to the knights that are crawling all over the village, slightly glaring at them. Then he slid the door open for both the Isa and Kenren before going inside last. Shutting and locking it from behind and instructing Isa to go straight down the hallway.

By the end, he reached an empty oriental room. Sliding wooden doors mimicking the paper doors of the past with tatami mats on the elevated floor. Separating the cement and cobbled floor the trio were standing on. “Take off your shoes.” Chenglei softly reminded, watching the redhead teen quietly take his boots off and placing them on the ground before taking a step into the training area. Then he let out a big sigh, covering his face as he took a deep breath.

”I officially hate that guy.” Isa muttered, causing Chenglei to raise a brow as he helped Kenren take off his shoes— he just wanted to.

“Oh? What happened?”

”Just...just casual threats to the safety of my friend after questioning and force-offering me to join his faction with nonsense like riches and women and a house—— I could. Care. Less-!!” He growled at the end before hiccuping and taking deep breaths. Chenglei looked at Kenren, worried for the redhead.

”Isa . . . Hold on-! I’ll be right back.” Chenglei quickly kicked his own sandals off and ran deeper into the hallways. The pair in The dojo can hear a clatter of metals banging each other as the redhead plopped down on the tatami mat. Still breathing in and out hard.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

Keren warmly caressed Chenglei on the cheek, happily surprised at the gesture. "Thank you." he whispered, entwining their hands together as he listened to him and Isa talk. He exchanged Chenglei's worried glance with a calm one, and a reassuring squeeze of his hand.

He looked curiously after Chenglei when he left, wondering what on Leor he was doing. Isa would hear quiet footsteps behind him, before a paternal hand rested on his shoulder.

"Do you want some tea, juice, ramen perhaps?" asked Kenren kindly.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

Kenren can feeling his shoulder trembling as Isa shuttered a sigh. “R-ramen. Please . . . and advice. I‘m too angry- I don’t know what to do right now or afterwards at the moment.”

”How do you handle someone threatening ya with the person you are close to?”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

"For someone like the Inquisitor, well . . . I would first talk to the one I am close to." said Kenren pleasantly. He went back into the hallway, then returned with a tray of some charcoal, a small cooking clay stove, a lidded clay bowl, and a plate of noodles, dried meat, herbs, and an egg. He set them down on the mat, and with a flint and steel lit the coals.

"I would like to know what he would want to do, and what he will let me do, because some of the things I want to do are crazy." he opened the lid, there was broth inside. He covered it then sat across Isa, and began chopping green onions and shiitake mushrooms. "Once we've agreed on something, we'll talk to whoever might get affected by our actions. We'll try not to include anybody, but sometimes it cannot be helped. I think that's what me and Chenglei will do for a start." he put the herbs aside, then began cutting the meat that looked like pork belly into strips.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

Isa nodded, not coming out from his hands as Kenren prepared the ramen. Then he looked up to see Kenren chopping green onions and shiitake mushrooms. A bolt of sickly yellow striking through his usual indigo. He took another deep breath.

”Okay . . . Then I’m really sorry to you and your crew. There’s a chance that you might be involved just for me staying in your home.” He clicked his tongue, annoyed. “Maybe I’m paranoid, but I keep thinking that someone might watch me, overhear what I’m saying. Pinpoint where Moss is . . . “ He sighed, rubbing his face with his gloved hands.

”I can’t stand it-! I just want to stuff Moss somewhere safe and away from the persistent inquisitor, I already know that Moss is doing the same. Not telling me about the Tuilpost chasing him around . . . ” He sighed again. “He must have guessed that I’d pick him up despite the dangers . . . Imma ask James if he can sell me a new spell.”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

"Don't worry, I for my part want to help you. You did not do anything wrong." said Kenren camly. He opened the bowl lid, the broth inside was boiling. He placed the noodles in, then slid the chopped herbs and stripped pork belly inside. He cracked the egg in, then covered the ramen bowl, and then served it to Isa on the wooden tray, still piping hot. "Enjoy~"

"That sounds like the start of a good plan. Do you want me to call James here for you? We can then think of a plan to get you and your friend away to safety."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

Isa perked up at the sight of food, a slight grin lightened up his stressed face as he slapped his hands together. “Thank you for the meal.” Picking up the bowl and chopsticks, he slurped the noodles and sipped the broth, huffing out the hot steam as it burned his mouth.

“So good . . . Yes, please call James. I rather not have a bunch of eyes on me while looking for him.” Isa admitted before sipping the pork broth and nibbling on the boiled egg.

”After you’re done and feel anxious again, why not punch your anger out on this?” Chenglei’s voice piped up as he pushed a wooden pole in the room from the hallway. The pole has stubs jutting out, long enough to be a short staff and thick to hold out hits. The redhead tilted his head curiously, slurping the noodles. “Hm?”

The blonde chuckled, sitting beside Kenren to lean his head on his gently. “I’ve noticed you were tense, so I thought maybe you’d like to take it out on this pole. I use this for the students when they wanna learn how to grapple or quick punches. You can try it after, okay?”

With a grateful smile, Isa nodded and continued to eat. Chenglei raised a brow when he spotted the yellow vein in his eyes disappearing within the indigo blues. “Hm ... and I thought we’ve seen everything.”

The redhead lets out a ‘Hn?’, causing Chenglei to wave off his confusion. “It’s nothing, kid. Eat. Eat!” Isa nodded happily and ate the ramen.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

Kenren placed an arm over Chenglei's shoulder. His fingers made lazy drawing motions in the air, and an ethereal purple flower, shimmering like an amethyst blossomed at the tip of his finger. Sparks shimmering in the same amethyst sheen swirled upwards from the petals and a ghostly version of Kenren's hand appeared. With a wave, the hand floated down the hallway where they heard a wind chime ring.

Kenren offered no explanation for this, as he listened to the two talk. And then there was a whoosh of wings and a teeeny snowy owl, ethereal and ghostly flew out from the hallway, and then fluttered down on Kenren's shoulder. She hooted at them all and stuck out her leg where a parcel had been tied. Kenren untied and read it.

"It seems James is busy, the templars are interrogating him about the portal in the ruins and turning his place upside down looking for a book of sorts. He asked me to write what you want from him." Kenren said to Isa.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

At the hoot, Isa looked up from his bowl and blinked. An owl? It’s so tiny! He wanted to squeeze it in his hand. ”Hello, Sasha~” Chenglei cooed, reaching up to tenderly rub her head with a finger tip as Kenren told the news to the staring teen.

“Ask him if I can get a leyline scroll and when I can pay him for it.” A book . . . There was an idea popping in his head. Isa stared at the owl as he sipped the broth.

“ . . . Can I pet you, Sasha?” The redhead asked the tiny cute snowy owl. Is her feathers soft?! She looks soft to touch-!

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

"Say please." Kenren scolded Isa gently. He went out to look for a quill and ink.

Sasha fluttered down Chenglei's lap, then closed her eyes sleepily, when he rubbed her forehead. Hoot, her beak nibbled his finger affectionately. He looked up when Isa spoke, intelligence brimming in her large eyes and she tilted her head curiously, as though wondering who was this stranger. She hooted at him, then hopped down Chenglei's lap, and on to Isa's, staring at his blue eyes as though captivated.

Kenren came back a few minutes later, but not sooner had he begun to scribble ---

"Isa, I just got a message from the Snowy Owl owner telling me to avoid the roads and that templars are looking for me?" Moss' shivering voice spoke in Isa's head. "What's going on?"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

“U-uh. Please.” Isa quickly added, blinking at Kenren who walked away and at a chuckling Chenglei. I-Is it just him or were the couple in front of him acting like they were his parents? His cheeks heated up.

He looked down when he felt a tiny body on his lap, staring back deep sapphire blue eyes. Isa smiled warmly. ”I’m Isa. Nice to meet ya.” He said to the tiny owl as Chenglei leaned back, resting on his arms. The redhead extended a finger and gently rubbed her head like how he saw Chenglei. Then he traced down from her neck to her back, gingerly caressing her feathers and wings. He was careful and his touches were kind.

”Hn?!” Isa tensed at the sound of Moss’ shivering voice, frowning in worry. “Templars are looking for the guy we’re looking for. He’s here in the village. The inquisitor threatened me...” His voice quivered at the end, holding back a growl. “They want to catch you to force me to join them.”

He owed James back. It was fair for helping. “Can ya tell James if we can talk in a safe place too? U-uh...please, Kenren?” Isa meekly added, seeing Chenglei grin as he leaned in to lightly bump heads with his beau.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

Sasha hooted at Isa, then lazily closed her eyes, enjoying the kind touches, though she nipped Isa's finger a little hard when he touched her wings. She ruffled them away from his hand, before staying still again to be caressed.

She and Kenren looked up when Isa just started talking out of the blue. Kenren shared a look of surprise and concern with Chenglei at the mention of them looking for the same person the Templars were looking for as well.

"What? Why would they want to force you to join them, Isa? Did they hurt you?" said Moss' voice angrily.

"Of course, Isa, was that Moss?" said Kenren, continuing to write faster now. "If you don't mind me asking, you and your friend don't really have anything to do with the thief the Templars are looking for, do you?" He placed his arm back around Chenglei's shoulders automatically when they bumped heads, very casually nuzzling him.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

“Ow.” Isa muttered, looking down at Sasha, and moved his finger tip back up on her head. He didn’t see the exchange of worry between the older couple nor see Chenglei wrap an arm around Kenren‘s shoulders. Reassuring his worries as ash purple eyes stared at he redhead teen who is staring back at the tiny owl.

”. . . They know I can fix ruined portals. I’m not hurt, but please Moss.” Isa‘s voice quivered. “Please, listen to the owl owner, James. Don’t let the Templars catch ya.”

At Kenren’s question, the teen looked up. Brows furrowed as his body tensed, weary despite the relaxed atmosphere. ”We don’t know the guy personally, but I do need to find him. Long story short, he has a book that can cure infected victims of demon miasma.” Then, with a trembling hand on his sleeves, he pulled the cloth up to hint the rotten colored skin with morphed tattoos.

”Not just that, someone I know is after him. A very very bad person. So I need to find the guy to let him know-“

”This bad person.” Chenglei piped up, sounding firm for once. His sharpened eyes piercing through Isa. The teen felt like he couldn’t lie, not with how the blonde older man is gazing through him. “Is he somehow related to your medical issue?”

Isa didn‘t say anything, looking back down at the tiny owl with a timid frown. The blonde clicked his tongue, squeezing Kenren close. “I see.”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

"I am listening." said Moss sounding annoyed. There was a pause, then more softly. "Isa, maybe I shouldn't go there. Since they are looking for me to get to you. I think . . . I think I'll continue my journey alone."

Kenren was surprised, then looked even more concerned for the teen. "Isa, we have a healer here. She's really good, she can take a look at you." He finished writing and Sasha nibbled Isa's finger, before hopping over and sticking out her leg for Kenren to tie the message. Then off she flew in a flutter of tiny wings.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

Isa is starting to get a headache from having two conversations at once, but it’s needed. He wanted this. He needed and wanted to have this sort of conversation, no matter how confusing it can get for the teen.

”Moss, aren’t you going through the Highlands to reach somewhere else?” Isa asked, looking pained as he watched Kenren tie a note on Sasha’s leg. “It’s better that you come here. Templars don’t know it’s you as an Orca. People can help us here.”

Then he looked at the worried couple, grinning. Though, to Chenglei, that grin is more of a grimace.

”I doubt she can help, but she can look at it...I guess....” Isa muttered. “But I’m gonna look for the thief and the book he has.”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

Kenren nodded. "I understand, well, let's wait for James' reply."

"Are you sure?" said Moss' voice. "Because I can cross to Vanar, and then I'll board a ship, and take the long route around through the sea, and then . . . maybe travel through The Ghostlight Badlands . . . or go further and dock at The Dust or Menagerie Coast."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

Isa inhaled.

”I’m sure. They had eye witnesses reporting human version ya being chased by a winged monster with hundreds of human arms.” Then he frowned, eyes narrowing. “Why didn’t you tell me, Moss?”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

The next message came ten minutes later. James' reply actually arrived first. Sasha flew on Isa' shoulder and stuck out her leg for him, and written on the parcel were the words:

"Go to the Caprice farm at six in the evening, show this note to Johnny Caprice, then meet me in the Snowy Owl. Don't reply.
- J"​

Kenren asked Chenglei if it was alright if Isa could stay in the dojo for a while. He brought out iced juice for them all. It was about time for lunch, so Kenren, holding Chenglei's hand asked if he'd like to help him cook, before leaving to give Isa some privacy.

Moss voice spoke in Isa's head about the same time he started smelling smoke and meat cooking from outside the dojo. "Because I didn't want you to come and get me and then meet it on the road."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

Chenglei squeezed Kenren’s hand, smiling his puppy charm as he stood up. “Of course, Ken’en~” He didn’t mind keeping Isa in a safe area and leaving him alone. More chances to flirt with his hubby.

Isa was folding the note and was about to pet Sasha more when he suddenly heard back from Moss. His annoyed glare softened to neutral expression. His suspicions was right: Moss did want to protect him.

”. . . but you’re out there alone and you might face it again.” Isa muttered, worry seeping through. “I almost jumped on my bike and run over the inquisitor to get you, ya know?”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

"Exactly. I didn't want you to do that. Isa. It was a horror. And, alright, I'll go to the Bird Village, please pretend you don't know orca me."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Rising Crane Dojo -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

“I bet it was a horror. It sounded like a nightmare come to life.” Isa replied, then he deadpanned. “Apparently it’s called the Tuilpost . . . Yea, I will . . . Stay safe, Moss.” He added gently, worried for his friend.

”I promise to hug ya.” So Moss can heat up faster-! No more chills! Or fears! The redhead swore he will do something really nice for the merman. Calculating on what he should do and how to get it. With a whiff and gulp from his mouth watering, Isa found his solution and smiled warmly. Oh yea . . . He has a plan, optimistic about their plan succeeding.

Isa stayed in the dojo until he had to leave, thanking Kenren and Chenglei for the meals and help. He trudged over to the Caprice farm before it was six in the afternoon, hands in his pockets as he looked up at the farm. Then tilted his head.

He missed the day where they stayed in the ruined barn during a blizzard . . . So calm and peaceful.

He shook his head and politely knocked the door. “Hello? Is there a Johnny?”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Caprice Farm -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

"It was more than a nightmare. It was real." There was a pause. "I-I'll hug you too, I guess." he sounded embarrassed. "I'll tell you when I'm close to the village. Stay safe too, Isa."

Kenren packed for Isa the leftovers from their lunch: rice balls wrapped in crunchy seaweed with tasty insides, crispy buttered tempura, wasabi, okonomiyaki, and fried tender salmon belly. It was a lot, and Kenren insisted Isa take the food, telling him he can come to him or Chenglei any time if he needed anything.

In the farm, the surroundings were wild and overgrown in a beautiful way that felt peaceful. Grazing inside paddocks were giant sheep of many colors their wool all poofed up and very well groomed. There were racks outside where curtains of dyed wool were hanging out to dry, including cloths, silk, and a couple of very brightly colored and intricately patterned clothes, and a fabulous checkered quilt made of many patches of cloths of different patterns. It looked very cozy. Apart from a sheep farm, this place seemed to be a weaver's home as well. A voice answered from inside: "Yes, who is it?"

The door opened. And there was the sheep horned man who sold Isa the hazelnut galletes. "You! Hi!" he grinned cheerfully, putting out a hand to shake. "It's nice to see you again, how can I help you?"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Caprice farm -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

Isa blinked. Surprised, he grinned. “Nice to see ya too. Um...James told me to give this note to you?” The redhead handed Johnny the folded paper, raising a brow. Then he pointed at his own cheek.

“Y-you have a bit of lipstick there, Johnny . . .” Isa stared at the bright red kiss mark on Johnny’s cheek, his grin softening to a half smile.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Caprice Farm -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

Johnny was startled. "Oh!" He smiled, embarassed. He quickly turned around and rubbed the wrong cheek. "Excuse me, s-so . . . " He read the note. His cheerfulness dropped a notch. "I see you are here for custom vest. Come, come in, sir, inside the tailor room"

And he allowed Isa inside his home.

His cottage was full of fluffy colorful things and a lot of plants. There were many cloths, all with hand weaved intricate geometric designs. There was someone else in the house or someone visited for there was the remains of a vegetarian dinner with plates and mugs for two. Johnny led Isa pass a brick kitchen that smelled of apple pie, and into a tailoring room where there were wooden manequins. One particularly had impressive wooden antlers on a female satyr manequinn, where fluffy antler muffs, some mittens, and a beautiful green dress still in the making with pins sticking out of fur linings was draped around it.

"In here, please." Johnny ushered Isa inside a dressing room. Once the door was closed, he dropped the act. "So, James must want you to meet in secret. That's usually the reason he sends people to me like this. Either that, or you need to get away somehow. You don't need to explain to me anything, the less I know the better. Only, once you're done meeting James, you have to come back here and exit my house, make it look like you've been here all this time. So, are you ready to be turned into a mouse?" He grinned.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Caprice Farm -
"Bird Village, The Highlands"​

Isa could only smile as he watched Johnny wipe the wrong cheek, assuming that he knew where it was and just didn’t want to wipe the mark off. He just nodded and came inside the house.

It was super colorful, like a rainbow just splats itself on every piece of cloth within the workplace. Reminds him of the Southern lights back at home somehow. Then as he was ushered into a tailoring room, his eyes went straight to the fluffy ear muffs. Having an urge to touch it....

He wants to touch it-!

Resisting the urge, he felt himself be slightly shoved in a dressing room- the man didn’t know his own strength! “Eep!” Isa steadied himself as he listened to Johnny’s explanations and stared at him. Then he nodded. His eyes were wide. So James does know how to be secretive!

Taking a deep breath, the teen stood still as Johnny placed the spell on him. Feeling his body be squished like taffy as he got shorter and shorter...

In front of Johnny, stood a tiny red mouse who’s grey ears were pointy, slim and his fur shiny. His beady indigo eyes were surprisingly wide and almond shaped. His tail was slightly grey in color and bent by the tip as if someone crushed his tail between the door and it’s frame. His tiny jutted front teeth was slightly pointy too. Isa squeaked his thanks before running off to the Snowy Owl.

Zer0