A Whole New World [Nexus] (Read 630 times)

[Mizuki Kurokawa]

”Goddamn legs! Move, damn it, move!” A quiet and desperate voice whispered harshly into the night. The figure, whose soft murmur belonged to, peeked from one end of the alleyway to see if there was anyone out and about. Her head turned to the left then to the right. No one, good. Mizuki, the slave girl who had belonged to Clarion Lonsdale of Lonsdale Lacrima & Weapons, partially stepped out into the moon’s light and began to hobble her way down the empty street. Her bare feet were caked with dirt, and following her slow steps was the dragging of cloth and chains.

As the young woman made it farther towards the end of the street the building’s shadow trickled into nothing, her state of dress and features now visible to any who were awake in the early dawn. Mizuki was dressed in what could be observed as a thin, white blanket with a thick twine rope tied around her waist and nothing more. It wrapped around her like a towel, the ends tied at the back of her neck; shoulders and parts of her upper back were apparent. Of course, her magic draining shackles were in place though slightly different from the ones she usually wore. These manacles were longer (about four or five feet in length), and the added links makde it possible for Mizuki to take longer strides without fear.

Bright red splotches seeped on the back end of her toga-like clothing, an indication that she had been under some type of punishment hours before or recently closed wounds opening up again due to excess amount of movement. Her hair was haphazardly tied with a smaller, thinner rope into a ponytail that revealed the peaks of old silvery scars on her back. Clarion Lonsdale... You will pay for what you’ve done to me. She thought viciously, ignoring the pain coming from her abdominal and lower regions of her body. Even the sensation of something trickling down her inner thigh did not bother her in the slightest.

If she was going to make it through the night and succeed in her attempt to escape, she could not afford to whine about pain. Mizuki simply had to keep moving forward, never stopping for rest until she found someplace safe. But where? Where could she go? Balbadd was the utopia for slave trading. Almost everyone who caught a slave would immediately return him or her back to their masters in return for a reward. She had to let out a small chuckle.

That just reminded her of Nexus, a man she had met early yesterday morning (or was it afternoon; she wasn’t sure). An enigma that she would never get the chance to unravel. She had, after all, warned him to leave town this very night because he had managed to get himself placed in her previous master’s hit list simply because he had pulled one over Clarion by taking one of his prized possessions as a reward for returning her. Mizuki shook her head in amusement before something clicked in her mind. The oasis! That’s where she could hide for the time being, right?

It was a great place to rest, at least for the remainder of the night. Tired feet picked up the pace at the thought of the destination. Nevermind if she didn’t know where it was exactly, Mizuki would rely on her intuition and what she could remember on her way there. She didn’t know how long it took for her to reach the edge of the town, but there it was. Half of a hundred yards away. Mizuki plowed on through, stumbling from time to time as fatigue began to weigh down on her body.

She made it, however. Just barely. Mizuki sighed and almost cried in relief as she walked by lush greens, familiar ones. Following the worn out path towards the body of water, Mizuki found herself falling and falling. Eh? Why... Why am I on the ground? Her legs had given out on her. It was her knees that had hit the dirt first, followed by her upper body. She now lay face down on the ground. Her energy, Mizuki was surprised to find, had hit zero. It was to be expected. Mizuki had tried to use her magic once or twice the day before, only to have her chains take immediate effect. And just an hour or so again, Mizuki had pushed her magic to its limits as she tried to fight off Clarion.

Clarion... The very thought of him made her want to scream and punch something. She couldn’t do that now though. It hurt just to move any part of her body. Instead, Mizuki began to weep. Small, choked sounds joined in the oasis’s symphony of wildlife noise. Even she made some audible sounds, Mizuki was still fighting to stop her tears from flowing. A useless effort one might say as they began to slowly trek down her cheeks.

”I-I’ll just r-rest f-for now,” she hiccupped, trying to give herself some motivation. ”I’ll m-move again i-in a couple o-of h-hours.”


NOTES: Tagging Nexus Martel. Here's our next part of our adventure. :)

[Nexus Martel]

Nexus let out a rather large yawn as he started down the street at dawn. He wasn't a morning person at all and this wasn't helping his focus, the last thing he wanted to do was be awake right now. However thanks to a certain douchebag he couldn't stay where he was for to much longer. Despite the threat that Clarion had made and his supposed power in the area Nexus had a few friends of his own in town as well. He was able to stay with one of them for the night, but he wouldn't put him at risk by staying any longer than he had. Nexus knew he friend didn't mind a good fight in fact sometimes he believed the guy looked forward to them if nothing else, however Nexus wasn't about to put him in that position so it was time for him to leave.

He made his way out of the place letting out a rather large yawn and stretch as he looked around. The streets were still quiet now only a few shop owners around getting ready for their day and to open up shop for the later guest. Nexus ran his fingers through his hair and felt the pull of the rug that he had taken to wearing as a scarf now. He slipped his hands into his jacket pockets and started to make his way out into the streets, he figure maybe he could catch some of the shows right when they opened up and be out of town back home before they even realized that he was gone. Normally Nexus would have loved the chance to teach a guy like Clarion a much needed lesson but there were other things to consider at this point and he couldn't afford to take the chance right now. He let out a slight sigh at this he would have really looked forward to the whole teaching that guy a lesson too. "Oh well if the dummy continues to chase after me than I'll always have a chance to finish him off then."

Nexus had turned the corner when something caught his attention from the corner of his eye. He blinked for a moment that couldn't possible be who he thought, he must have just been seeing things he told himself. Even as he said the words to himself he was already moving to try and get another look at the figure that he had just saw. He moved forward picking up his pace stopping right at the corner as he spotted her in what looked like a bed sheet, Nexus looked around was this a trap. They must have thought that they could use her to lure him out and then take him out when he approached her. "Tch, you must think me a real fool to fall for a simple trick like this. You'll have to try harder than that Clarion."

Nexus had started to turn and walk away to leave the girl and this trap to fail when he noticed the blood on her sheet. He blinked maybe this wasn't just a tap but he didn't want to just walk into it if it was, so he stayed to the shadows and continued follow and watch looking out for any possible mercs that might be in the area. Once she had finally made it to the edge of the town and started to exit it, Nexus wondered just how bad they wanted to catch him. It seemed like Clarion was willing to risk losing her again just for it...unless he was close enough to know there was no risk. Either way he continued to follow her until they had finally made it to the Oasis that her rested at the day before. It had taken longer than it had when Nexus was leading the way, likely because she didn't really know where the place was. Then she fell collapse and wasn't moving, Nexus saw no one in sight and after waiting a few moment he decided to risk it and head out to check on her.

He got a few steps away from her and looked down at her with a sigh "Just what happened to you when I left that place last night. You look a mess right now Mizuki." Nexus leaned in and brushed the hair from the side of her face looking at her, he clinched his fist as he noticed some of the scars over her and let out a breath . Once again he scooped her up into his arms and moved her to lean against the tree as he opened up the rug he was using as a rather large scarf now and placed it over her. "It looked like he did quite the number on your didn't he." Nexus knew he wouldn't get a reply as he looked at her a sleep now. He took a few steps back and started to walk around keeping look out. He would be able to get more out of her once she had rested some.

[Mizuki Kurokawa]

In her sleep, Mizuki was back again in that god forsaken house. Once more she was chained up like some dog, and her master stood over her with that same sad face whenever he was going to punish her. ‘Sorry,’ he would say and gently stroke the side of her face, ‘I’m doing this because I love you. You know that right?’ It was always the same. Empty words that echoed in the back of her mind, followed by excruciating pain. And it hurt. So much so that Mizuki ended up retreating within the confines of her mind. No one was ever in her head except for her. The only downside to that, however, was that she was alone with her thoughts, very dark and mutinous thoughts.

Outside, where she was crying in her sleep, Mizuki was picked up and propped up gently against a tree. All of a sudden her tears and weeping were almost silent as some type of cloth was placed over her. Safe. She immediately thought, snuggling and smiling into the soft fabric. And warm...

For the next hour or so, the escapee slept peacefully. She didn’t dream of a man that spoke of twisted love, but rather she spent her time with a faceless man that smelt of mangoes and of the bright sun. Mizuki burrowed further into the magic carpet that seemed to respond to her cuddling; the material wrapped itself around the wounded mage. A contented sigh escaped her. Was this what it felt like to be free? To spend her days not worrying if someone would sneak into her room at night or keep to herself whenever a man came to strike a simple conversation with her. Yes, that’s what Mizuki thought freedom was - to do anything she wanted without the fear of punishment hovering over her.

”How dare you! Going around with another man!”

Mizuki flinched as if something had hit her.

”YOU BELONG TO ME, SLAVE!”

She screamed herself awake. Mizuki’s eyes snapped open, breath coming in short bursts. Where was she? What happened? Did she get away? Panic spread through her when she found that something was hindering her movement. Her body wiggled and thrashed until she made it out of the confines of the... Carpet? Mizuki’s heart rate slowed, adrenaline decreasing as she recognized the now floating rug. If that item was here then... Her head swiveled around, looking for any signs of Nexus.

[Nexus Martel]

Nexus started to walk away from her looking around, he wasn't sure what had happened to her but there was one thing that he did know. He knew he had to make sure that the area was clear and that this wasn't just some kind of trap using her as bait for him. If it was he had just walked into it and they were both screw if it wasn't careful about this. He cased a quick glace back at her remembering how he had found her walking in nothing but a sheet and the tears that were running down her cheek when he had moved her against the tree. Something major had happened to her since he had left in that place and he was kicking himself for doing just that. "Well whatever happened you're safe here for now."

With that Nexus walked away leaving her there as he checked out the area, he had to make sure it was clear and that they weren't followed for more than just the two of them. If they were followed then Clarion and his Mercs would find the kids hideout, that could put them in danger and Nexus would fight everyone of Clarion's men before he did that. He was a few yards away for the oasis now but he hadn't run into any of Clarion's men or seen anything. It seemed at least for the moment that they were safe, and so was the kids base. Nexus ran his fingers through his hair "Well at least this wasn't a trap it seems which can only mean that she ran away. Clarion won't take that little act of defiance well." The real question here is why did she risk it, why run now all of a sudden when she denied his help to escape before. The only person that could answer that question was back at the hideout sleeping.

Nexus started to make his way back to the base the sun was casting its light over the area now. If Clarion hadn't noticed that she was missing before it was highly likely that the man would have by now. He probably had his men searching the whole town for her, and the first place he was likely to look was wherever Nexus was. The man would probably think he had something to do with her escape and even if he didn't he wanted him dead anyway. Heading back to that town wouldn't work at least not for awhile anyway, which would be a bit of a pain since they had rather limited supplies right now. "Will have to deal with that later, right now should probably check on Mizuki."

It took a bit but when Nexus had finally gotten back to the hideout he found that Mizuki was already awake now and there was something else. He blinked as he looked at it and if he hadn't been seeing it with his own eyes he might not have believed it. It seemed that his rug was well floating in mid air right now, that would explain why Clarion hadn't wanted to give that little item up. The man had a flying carpet, Nexus didn't even want to imagine what he had done to get the thing. He started toward her looking her over "I see you have woken up sleeping beauty, and you even figured out how to get that thing going. Who would have thought Clarion had a flying carpet in his treasures."

He moved to stand next to her then leaning his shoulder against the tree looking at her his arms crossed over his chest. "So you want to tell me what happened to you while we have the time?"

[Mizuki Kurokawa]

She didn’t have to look for long. Soon he was standing and leaning on the tree that she had been placed against. Mizuki moved into what she deemed the least hurtful position - on her hands and knees, wincing whenever her back had to move. The grains of dried blood moved and rubbed against each other, causing unwanted friction and sharp pain. A slow breath was exhaled, trying to keep stinging at bay. ”D-Don’t call me that,” Mizuki said in a raspy voice, referring to Nexus’s ‘sleeping beauty’ comment. Her master (No! He's not my master!) had always been gloating about her looks that the young mage found it difficult to cope with. Whenever he complimented her, something horrible always happened.

”I didn’t really figure it out. It just... I don’t know, moved.” A careless shrug and a small hiss, replying to the topic of the magic carpet. ”Yeah. Who woulda thought?” The injured woman attempted to shift to another position, but stilled the moment she felt twinges of her back muscles moving. She sighed. It would probably be best to stay in her current position for a while longer. ”I was never allowed in or near his treasure room. And I’ve never seen him leave Balbadd in all my time under his care.” At the last word she let out a sneer. ”He must have gotten it before he bought me.”

Then she glanced at the floating cloth. It was about the size of a king sized bed, six feet in width and seven feet in height. As if it sensed her stare, the magical item glided towards the two mages. With it being in close proximity, Mizuki had the chance to observe its pattern and what type of threads were used. An image of a mountain was the most prominent part of the rug, done in like a chinese or japanese painting with celtic inspired borders. And threads seemed to give off a powerful vibe. If Mizuki had to guess, each strand of thread was infused with magic. A very paramount kind of magic. It seemed to be somewhat sentient as well judging by its actions.

Another slow breath. God, it burned! All her thrashing with the magic carpet had activated her pain receptors, and there wasn’t anything for her to focus on to try and dull it. Mizuki put some effort to tilt her head up so she could see the owner of the magic carpet, and give him a proper answer. Well, a very short and evasive answer. ”Nothing much...” Again, her voice was scratchy and soft like it had been overused or as if someone had choked her continuously. ”Just Clarion being a bastard, and I was done being his little doll. Heh...” She didn’t want to talk about it. All he needed to know was that she wanted out and took her chance.

None too soon did Mizuki notice the sun peeking from the horizon. It was time. She had to leave now. Taking every ounce of her strength she agonisingly pushed herself upright, using a conveniently nearby tree to help her up. ”Alright, well, it’s time for me to head out. And I thought you’d be long gone by now... Well, whatever. You should hurry and get out of here soon.” She stood tall. Well, as tall as she could with her numerous injuries and fatigue weighing down her body. ”Thanks for... you know, the rug and looking after me.” Mizuki waved a weak hand in parting before trying to make her way out of the oasis and away from the city.

It was quite comical with the way she put up a tough front. Her pace was as slow as a snail’s and she looked like she was about to drop dead. Dark rings of sleep deprivation circled her eyes, and her usually vibrant complexion was pale. The sun’s rays, even if not as bright in the morning, made her disheveled appearance more detailed. Like how some of her bare skin seemed more red than others or how the dried brown of blood stood out on off-white fabric.

[Nexus Martel]

Nexus finally took the moment to really look her over now and he could see that she was hurt a lot worse than he had thought. He had noticed the scars over her before but he didn't realize how bad they were until right now. That was going to put a bit of a dent in his plan to have them moving along soon, and carrying her might not help this time because he could make the wounds worse. If only he had some way to move her and she could still lay out and be, he never got to finish his thought because Mizuki's comment brought him from them. He blinked looking at her "Don't call you what? Sleeping Beauty...why would that bother you so much." That came out of no where but he just shrugged it off and continued with the convo.

"I see well either way you got the thing to move and now we at least have an idea of what it is. It might actually be a lot more useful now than I thought it was before." Nexus had a plan forming in his head but it seemed that there were other things to worry about first. Nexus watches as Mizuki continued to try and move slow and painfully looking at the floating carpet. They had to find her someone that could treat her wounds but going back to town didn't seem like a very smart idea right now. They could always try and make it to another town that was nearby the only question then was would Mizuki be able to hold out that long if they did. There were to many things that could go wrong with this and as Nexus watched her in pain he disliked it more and more.

"I see so you finally decided that you wanted nothing more to do with that guy huh, well you could have figured that much out yesterday when I made you the offer to take you away from him. You wouldn't be as hurt as you are right now if you had I could have protected you then." Nexus let out a slight sigh there was no point in arguing over this it wouldn't get them anywhere right now and it seemed that they were about to get some company soon. In the distance Nexus could see what looked like small shadow-like figures making their way toward the hideout. Nexus cursed under his breath it seemed that they might have been followed after all. Nexus had been so caught up in his own thought that he had missed the last bit of what she said only turning to see her trying to hobble away from him.

As he looked at her he wondered if the girl either had a death wish or was just that damn stubborn "Where the hell are you going, you can barely walk and aren't going to get far on you own. So enough with the tough girl crap and be still until I finish planning things out. I'm going to get you get away from here but we need to get you look at and checked out if you are going to be able to move so we can get far enough away from that master of you." Nexus looked at her and could see that she was tempted to say something smart out her mouth and keep going along.

He let out a sigh and glared at her "Don't even open your mouth to argue because if you do I'll have that carpet of mine wrap itself around you and keep you from moving. Not like you can do much moving anyway." With that Nexus turned back to the figures that he and saw in the distance and to his relief it wasn't any of Clarions mean that was coming but the kids who's base this was. That could work for them, the kids might know just what was going on in the town and they would have some more info to go on before they moved.

[Mizuki Kurokawa]

The anger in his voice were like silken ropes. They wrapped around her limbs from moving any further, though that shouldn’t have mattered; she had only gotten as far as five feet away. Sighing in defeat, Mizuki turned. Haunted eyes roamed over him. Why? She wanted to know. Why was he doing so much for her? They only met just yesterday, not even a full twenty-four hours have passed and yet he was willing to risk a lot for her. His words, while rude and utterly annoying, held a powerful conviction to them that the young woman couldn’t continue making excuses for his behavior. Mizuki couldn’t see him using her as she had thought only hours before.

That didn’t mean she had to trust him, however. His actions were his own, and Mizuki was adamant in looking after herself alone. But for now... She supposed she could leave her fate in his hands. Futile. Weak. Can’t even take care of myself. Having to depend on someone else. Idiot. Mizuki sighed, replaying their conversation from a few minutes ago. She hadn’t replied to them lest an argument were to occur, and she simply didn’t have the energy to keep up with him. Instead, the water dragon slayer raged in her mind. Protect her? Planning? Need her to get checked up? Getting her away? If he continued to push through with his... whatever he called this... Mizuki would end up owing him some kind of life debt, and she hated being in that kind of situation. Unfortunately, she was in that particular position.

”Fine,” she growled and looked away from him, his glare making her flinch. What could she do anyways? He had been right about her not being able to move much. Her current posture, tense and strained, was a testament to his statement. Mizuki had to force her muscles to work and to keep herself from falling over with every step she took. Despite the anger and self-pity rolling in her to strangle Nexus, Mizuki swayed a little. Damn, useless body. Don’t look weak. She caught herself by taking a small step forward and standing upright again as if she hadn’t tipped to the side. ”What are you staring at? Don’t tell me Clarion’s men have already made this far!” Mizuki exclaimed and looked towards where Nexus was staring at.

Her eyes squinted to see shadowed figures coming their way. Calm down. Calm down. Mizuki could tell that they weren’t mercenaries just by the group’s smaller body frames. If she had to guess who they were, she would confidently answer that they were the kids from the day before. Guilt and horror filled her up as she realized that she had most likely made them a target by being there in their “secret” spot. As quick she could Mizuki dragged her feet to hide behind a large and thick palm tree. It was dumb of her to even try hiding, but if there were some enemies trailing after them and they saw her with the little kids then there was no doubt that they’d be in danger.

The flying carpet hovered between Nexus and the slightly crouched Mizuki. It moved from its owner then to the chained female, and back again as if confused in who to go to. Neither of them seemed to need it for the moment, but it could feel the tension in the area. Like a little puppy it continued to go back and forth from one person to the other. Mizuki stared at it with a weary smile before waving it off. In the end, the magic item rolled upon itself and wrapped itself around Nexus’s neck and shoulders. Mizuki sighed and slowly went to her knees, wincing every time. This is going to be a loooong day, she thought to herself, anticipating on what was to come.

[Nexus Martel]

Nexus stared at her for a moment just waiting for it, waiting for that angry arguing and fighting him on not leaving. He was sure that she would argue and try not to listen to him so he was rather surprised when she had stopped and didn't even say anything to him about it. She had just stopped and even though he could see the anger in her eyes with it she actually listened to him and wasn't about to give him a hard time. The fact that she did this scared him a bit more than if he would have had to go through with the whole tying her up plan. It meant that she really was hurt and something big must have happened after he had left her with Clarion.

For a moment Nexus was actually torn between heading over to her and just sitting with her to comfort her or planning their next move so they could get away safely. He knew what she should do but what he wanted to do was starting to grow it's own voice. He turned to look and see how far the kids were and to make sure that there was no one following them. It seemed clear enough from what he could tell at that distance, he would be able to get more details from the kids once they were there. Nexus turned back to see his magic carpet seeming to have a hard choice in whether to go to him or Mizuki before settling itself around his neck once again. He really hoped this thing was as useful as he thought because a large part of this get away place was counting on that. Nexus let his eyes move over to Mizuki who hadn't moved or changed the angry face she wear.

His eyes traveled over her looking at her in nothing but the bloody sheet, they would have to fix that with the kids coming. It would also look bad her walking around in that outfit while they are on the run. Nexus nodded to himself as he unwrapped the carpet from his neck letting it float by his side. He looked at it, the way it acted and moved you'd think it was alive Nexus rubbing it as if it was a dog and then leaned in to it and whispered "You make sure to stay by her side, if things happen to look bad you get her out of wherever we are." With that Nexus rubbed it again then pulled of his jacket and shirt, and walked over toward Mizuki. He handed her both items "You should probably chance into these, I'm taller and bigger than you so the shirt should fit like a short dress. The jacket should help to cover what the shirt doesn't, oh and you don't have to worry about me looking at you change I'll go to meet the kids on their way that should give you some time."

With that he lift the clothes and the carpet with her and started to head forward away from her toward the kids shirtless. It was pretty warm to he wasn't to worried about freezing, and she had needed something to wear. Nexus started to look back in hopes to catch a glimpse at her then shook his head keeping straight, he might be a lot of things but he wasn't that bad. As he made his way toward them the kids must have noticed him because some started to wave and their pace quickened. When they finally reached him they stopped and smiled looking at him as if they thought something would have happened to him. "I told you they wouldn't get him" another one turn and spoke then "Don't lie you were just as worried as the rest of us." Nexus shook his head and smiled at the kids "Just what are you lot on about, someone trying to get me? How about we get to the hideout and you guys can tell me just what has you all so worked up."

With that Nexus took the littlest one of the group and picked her up lifting her onto his shoulders as they all started toward the hideout. It seemed that he had been right to get out when he had the only question now was just what was happening to the town.The group was almost there now, and Nexus could start to make out Mizuki's outline, hopefully she was changed or they were in for a surprise.

[Mizuki Kurokawa]

Again, she was going through the same breathing technique to keep her mind off of the sharp pain coming from her back. In and out. In and out. it worked for the most part, but Mizuki was still highly aware of the pain that she hissed after every count. She paused and raised her head, however, when Nexus came to her in just his pants. ”Eh?” Mizuki blinked, not noticing the two articles of clothing that was being offered until he started talking to her. She shook her head slightly before taking the shirt and jacket, careful not to accidentally touch his hands. ”Thanks...” She mumbled and forced her eyes away from his half-naked form, too tired to yell at him for even mentioning that he wouldn’t look. Of course he shouldn’t be looking.

The dark haired woman sighed as he left. Great, now she had to stand up again. Grunting with effort, she stood and cautiously looked around to make sure no one was looking before reaching behind her neck and untying the knot. The thin cloth dropped to the ground, creating a small, circular bundle. Mizuki supposed that was the good thing about the blanket; it was easy to take off. With her back towards Nexus and the distant kids, Mizuki began to wonder how to pull on the shirt and jacket without causing herself any harm.

She looked around and growled when there weren’t any branches for her to hang either the shirt or jacket. Mizuki couldn’t very well keep bending down to pick up whatever she dropped; her wounds were bound to keep opening up if she did. So, how in the world was she going to do this? Just then the magic carpet that she had thought had gone with Nexus hovered around her level as if offering to hold one of the items. Gratefully, Mizuki placed the jacket on top of it and slipped her head through the shirt. Hissing and cursing under her breath Mizuki couldn’t seem to pull the shirt over her body, however. Her back and shoulders seemed to scream every time she tried to raise them above her head.

Glancing over her shoulder, Mizuki swore a line of things not meant for a child’s ears before taking off the shirt that encircled her neck. They were getting close and she needed to have something on. Frustrated, she placed the shirt on the carpet before taking the jacket. Mizuki noted that it would be easier to slip on than the shirt, which required her to raise her arms and back muscles. Nodding to herself, she proceeded to put one arm in the sleeve and then the other. Hey, it actually worked. Sort of. Even though her arms were in each sleeve, they hung at her elbows, not being able to go further than that. All she had to do was push them up over her bare shoulders, but it was not to be as intense pain would shoot throughout her body.

”Oh my friggin’... Urgh!” Mizuki leaned forward to the bark of the palm tree and began to thump her forehead on to it. ”Why... Why... Why me.” She could hear Nexus and the kids making their way towards her. If she had to guess how far away they were, Mizuki would have answered three yards. A groan of frustration escaped her, ”This is so embarrassing.” The group was already here and she was practically full on naked with nothing but a jacket hanging off of her. Maneuvering to keep herself from out of sight, Mizuki went a little deeper into the thick foliage; the floating rug following after her. Poking her head from behind one of the thicker trees, Mizuki called out to Nexus, who just came into view.

”Hey! Nexus,” she hissed, hoping that she wouldn’t be drawing too much attention. A hand was raised, gesturing him to come over. As loathe as she had to admit it, Mizuki needed help trying to put the jacket on. ”Come here!” She then snatched his shirt that was still on the carpet and tried to use it to cover her front. God, she hoped that the kids were not one of those nosy types.

[Nexus Martel]

Nexus did all that he could to try and stall the kids and his arrival to the hideout. He talked and played with the kids tossing them up and down a but as they made their way to the base. The more time he spent with the kids, the more they reminded him of his old days running with his own little gang. Those had been some good times for him, and then they had also been the worst but that didn't matter now. He was only about a yard away from the base now. he was pretty sure that Mizuki had to be ready and changed by now. They had finally reached the base and Nexus was about to ask the kids to explain just what they had meant before about something having happened to him.

It was then that he heard his name being called from somewhere, the voice rather low. At first he had almost missed it because the sound was so low but after the second time he looked around and noticed Mizuki peeking out to him. He sat the kid that he had been carrying down and smiled looking at them "Hey guys how about you all wait for me in the water then you can tell me what's going on in town. There is one thinking I need to do really quick then I'll meet you there." One of the kids grinned and let out a slight laugh "I bet he just has to use the bathroom and doesn't want us to know it." The other kids laughed at that and Nexus made a face as if they had caught him, it seemed to work because they all ran off to the water and Nexus moved to see just what Mizuki was up too. He started around the bush heading into it to get a better look at her and figure out just what she needed.

"Hey what's wrong I figured you'd..." he never finished that sentence because he was actually looking at her now. She was barely covered his jacket oddly hanging on her and his shirt covering her front. He knew that she shouldn't but he couldn't help but stare at her for a moment, she was there in front of him barely covered after all. His eyes scanned over her before he blinked catching himself and started toward her "You should have told me you needed help I wouldn't have left then. First we need to get the shirt on your....I'll do what I can not to look to much but yea."

Well this had gotten rather awkward quickly but it did answer one thing for Nexus, she really had been hurt badly. Now he could see just how much since she couldn't even get the shirt and jacket on herself. They would have to more fast to get her checked out and bandaged up. He knew someone that could do it heal and fix her up a bit but he would have to go back to town and from the way the kids were acting that didn't seem like much of a good idea. This was turning out to be more of an issue then he thought but first think first he had to deal with helping her get the clothes on. "I have an idea but you will have to lift you arms...I'll use the magic carpet to cover you as much as I can. I'll get you get the shirt and jacket on then we can see about getting you looked at."

With that Nexus moved and took the shirt from her calling the carpet over to cover her as he stood behind her and opened the shirt. he was about to start putting it over her head when one of the kids came by calling for him "Hey what are you..." That was about all he got out as Nexus stood there holding the shirt for the pretty naked Mizuki the carpet the only thing really covering her now.

[Mizuki Kurokawa]

Mizuki clutched the shirt closer to her body as if it’ll protect her under Nexus’s stare. A little unnerved by his gaze, she took a step back and avoided making eye contact by shifting her eyes to the side. ”I didn’t think I needed it, alright?!” She snapped. If she thought she had needed help before he had gone out then she would have asked for it. Or not. Mizuki knew herself to be particularly stubborn about receiving help from people. That characteristic usually had her in similar situations such as this. Time had been wasted and she was filled to the brim with frustration and embarrassment.

The direction of her stare stayed firmly where they were as she felt him move closer to her. A bright red hue colored her cheeks when Mizuki chanced to look up at how close he sounded. There. Nexus stood just a couple of feet from her without a shirt, which he needed to put back on. ”N-No. It’s fine,” she replied as he easily plucked the shirt from her hands. Immediately, she turned her back to him, her arms moved to cover her front. The magic carpet floated sideways so that it covered her body like a screen. ”You can put your shirt on back, by the way. I won’t be able to lift my arms up.” In all honesty, she could force herself to do what he asked but didn’t want to for two reasons. One, Mizuki was not a fan of sharp stings and burning sensations on her back. And two, Nexus needed to put on a shirt; she absolutely could not be found staring at him.

”I just need you to help me with putting on the jacket, and --- “ She paused in her sentence, tensing at the sound of a young voice. Panic was rising when the kid also stopped his question. That meant that he was staring at them, probably a million more questions at the tip of his tongue. What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What are WE going to do? Mizuki’s arms wrapped around herself even when she knew the carpet was covering her up. She turned a little to see if she could get a glimpse at the nosy kid. Unfortunately, with Nexus superior height, Mizuki had to turn around again and actually lean out a foot or two to the side to see the child.

The little boy blinked in confusion. Not knowing what to do, Mizuki hesitantly raised a hand and waved. ”Ah... Hi. Erm... It’s not... You know... Uhm...” Then the boy’s jaw dropped a little. ”It’s not!” She yelled suddenly before her forced smile dropped, and she went back to hiding behind Nexus and the magic rug. How could have she been so stupid to show her face? They probably could have made some kind of excuse without revealing her presence! Idiot! She glanced at Nexus’s face to gauge his expression. Did he think she had been stupid too? Probably.

”Asim!” A girl’s voice this time. Mizuki groaned and brought her forehead to her palm. ”Where are --- Hey! Nexus is here too!” The little girl’s footsteps did a little crunch, crunch, pause, then a fast trot towards the bare chested man. A giggle escaped from the Asim’s friend as she suddenly popped from beside him, her eyes clearly only for him. ”Why are you... Oh!” Large doe eyes landed on Mizuki’s face with curiosity and suspiciousness. ”And who are you?” The little girl then demanded whilst taking a hold of Nexus’s hand, a whole new side of her emerging.

”Hah?!” Mizuki blinked and scowled at the child. The young woman clicked her tongue in irritation and opted to ignore the girl altogether. Her focus returned to the man in front of her. ”What’s up with these kids?! Why are they so damned nosy!” Then, in a childish manner, she told him, ”Make them go away!” For the most part, Mizuki didn’t dislike children; she just found them annoying. And for some reason or another, the little girl clinging to Nexus irritated her more than necessary. Though she probably attributed that to her being in a very vulnerable position.

[Nexus Martel]

Nexus couldn't help the small sigh that left his lips as he listened to her complain about not wanting to put on the shirt. That just made him sure that she was hurting a lot more than she let out, but that wasn't the issue at the moment. The real problem was the little voice that he had heard from behind the two of them. This situation couldn't possible get anymore awkward he thought to himself, I mean what were the chances. He was sure that he had sent the kids along to play in the water until he got back there. From this angle however it seemed that the kid couldn't see Mizuki that was good it meant that if Nexus could keep her hidden he could make up something and get the kid to leave. That would...god damn it all to hell. Nexus wanted to bang his head against the wall when Mizuki picked out from behind him, there when that cover up plan right there.

Nexus started to turn sighing as he looked at the boy "So yea it's like she said their really isn't...." He had heard another voice and it was making it's way toward them. Just great just when he had thought that thinks wouldn't get any worse, he recognized the voice it was one of the girls of the gang. He had only knew it because she seemed to be around him a lot not that it bothered him much either way. It was just as he thought when she popped at his side a giggle on her lips as she looked at him. It was Tala and he he remembered right she was Asim sister which would explain why she had been looking for him. Asim on the other hand hadn't moved a single step from the spot that he was to busy staring at the pretty much naked Mizuki hiding behind him. Yet things couldn't get any worse now that was for sure, he stopped that thought with his luck they just might.

Nexus was trying to talk but it seemed that the two ladies there were in the middle of their own little talk, and it didn't see at all like it was going to be a friendly one. He was sure of it when he felt Tala take hold of him and Mizuki's comment for them to go away didn't help matters. "For the record this is our hideout so if you have a problem then you can leave old lady." Tala turned to Nexus then with a smile "Not you though Nex you can stay with us of course. Lets go back with the others and enjoy the water." She had started to turn and pull him away from Mizuki, Asim was looking around slightly nervous now. it was easy to see he didn't go against his sister and wasn't about to start that now. He cast Nexus a glace and Nexus nodded at him "Now now ladies lets but the claws away, Tala this is a friend of mind and she needs my help right now, so you and Asim head back to the oasis and I'll be over there in a bit." Nexus turned to Mizuki then and continued "You calm down and stop acting like a little kid alright this is their place like she said, we are guest remember." He made sure to stress the guest part hoping she would get the hint that they needed to stay here for a bit.

With that Nexus turned around making sure that he was still keeping Mizuki covered as best he could and started to walk Tala to Asim. "You to start over their without me I'll be along in a bit alright." Tala didn't look at all please and puffed up her cheeks before casting a glare at Mizuki. "Alright but you better hurry over, come on Asim lets go." With that the two of them started away and Nexus let out a breath turning back to Mizuki "Well that was...interesting."

[Mizuki Kurokawa]

What did that little brat just call her? A low growl began to build up at the back of her throat when she heard the phrase. An angry vein began to pulse over the right side of her temple. Her hands clenched over her body, ready to summon a water whip to the little girl’s face. Call her “old” would she. Hah! Impudent child wouldn’t know what hit her. Mizuki could feel the hum of magic flowing towards one of her hands. Just one push and a flick of her wrist was all that was needed. It felt so invigorating! Unfortunately, Mizuki’s chains glowed a faint blue, draining her energy, and Nexus had to go off and protect the girl.

Wisely, the young woman kept her mouth shut and settled with glaring back at “Tala,” and almost forgetting about the boy entirely until she caught him staring at her a little. For a moment a larger man took his place, causing Mizuki to inhale sharply. The familiar beady eyes that tracked her every movement flashed in her mind’s eye. Then all too fast the illusion was gone and only Asim stood in his place. Once again, she felt drained and tired, waiting to just break down and give up in the middle of nowhere. Her arms lost its tension and simply hung at her sides while she watched Nexus pushed the kids away.

Now that she thought about it, she didn’t know why she acted immature against Tala. Mizuki sighed despondently and glanced up at Nexus, who had just stepped back to her. ”I guess...” She shrugged, still feeling annoyed at Tala and her nosy self. The rug then did a little wave in between them as if expressing its discontent at being ignored. The little shimmy it did made Mizuki do a little guilty smile for keeping it at the same position. ”Alright. Let’s hurry and finish this,” she said to Nexus, a scowl on her lips. ”... So you can hurry up and attend to Tala and play in the water with her.” She turned her back towards him and waited for him to help bring the jacket over her shoulders.

”Oh, and Yama, you can just lower yourself and cover my waist?” The young woman addressed the carpet, having given it a name on the spot. It was a bit weird, but Mizuki reasoned that she didn’t want to keep calling the magic item, well, a magic item. And it was somewhat sentient as well; it felt wrong to not give it a name. Looking over her shoulder, she raised a brow at Nexus as if daring him to say something negative about it. But just a couple of feet away was the blanket she had unintentionally left behind. ”Er...” She looked at Nexus again and forced out her question. ”Do you mind getting the blanket too? I was planning on using it to cover my legs...” The faster this was done, the faster she didn’t have to feel weak and always needing his help in everything.

[Nexus Martel]

Nexus could feel the tense between the two girls so it was a good thing when he finally got Tala out of there along with Asim. As if things hadn't been awkward enough already the last thing they needed was for her to end up fighting with one of the kids, and half naked at that. For a moment Nexus found himself thinking about that then shook his head when he heard the sound of Mizuki's voice. It seemed she was ready to get this done and to have something covering her. However there was something else that he had picked up on. The slight hint of annoyance and possibly jealousy at the fact that he had said he would be there soon to play with Tala and the others. Nexus looked at her for a moment wondering, no that couldn't possibly be the case could it that she was jealous. Nexus shook of the thoughts as she was once again behind her looking at her.

He sighed slightly and shook his head as she gave the magic carpet a name, not that he was going to fight her on the issue right now. "Look I get you don't want to move to much, but we need to get the shirt on you for more reason than to cover you up. The jacket is to short like I said and the sheet is nice and all but with us kinda being on the run right now it would get in the way and draw to much attention to you. I mean what would people think if they saw a tired, wounded girl walking half covered in a bloody sheet. So how about just this once you trust me and we do things my way alright." With that Nexus moved and reached out to take off the jacket so that he could help her get the shirt on that she had tossed back at him.

He pulled the jacket off slowly trying to make sure not to cause her anymore anymore pain thank she was likely already in. When he finally got the jacket off he had the chance to really look at her noticing the scars from the wounds that she had suffered. He couldn't help himself as he lightly brushed his fingers over the back of her neck along one of the scars. He blinked realizing what he was doing and and cleared his throat opening the shirt as wide as he could looking at her "Alright I'll try to do this as fast as possible just lift you arms and I'll slip this on you like a dress. Trust me it will be much better, you might even thank me later. Then I'll help you with the jacket and we can go find out what the kids know about your old boss and what he is up to in town and I'll think up a plan to get us out of here safely."

With that Nexus shifted a bit and spread the shirt before pulling it down over her his fingers brushing against her as he did. He moved as fast as getting the shirt on then stepped back to let it fall and so she could adjust it if she wanted. He then helped her into the jacket before moving to grabbed the sheet from the floor. He walked to her looking at the magic carpet and said "You stay with her Yata, help her out if she needs it." He turned to Mizuki then and said "Umm...you can come join us whenever you want, I'll let you have a moment to yourself now." With that Nexus moved around and headed toward the oasis with the kids.