Karasuki shivered a little, looking around embarrassed at the other patrons of the cafe. She looked and felt more out of place than she ever had before, and in front of a guy with wings, that was saying something. Ryokō placed a hand on her arm to steady her as Gades finished his coffee. The monk was less than impressed with him, despite that he said he could be relied upon, as given the situation, the artist still found time to finish his drink. Ryokō cleared his throat impatiently, almost about to speak on the somewhat obvious need of his contract holder, wondering if a polite but more direct nudging was needed. Gades stood up and informed them both that his apartment was nearby and lifted Karasuki up. Ryokō lifted his brows but said nothing, noting that he lifted her without asking permission of the lady herself. Given the situation, it seemed the usually shy Karasuki didn't have the energy to debate it anyway.
As they walked towards the door, the monk summon took his large golden staff back and adjusted his pointed hat over his head. He murmured a cordial apology to the others in the shop for the disturbance before following Gades and Kara back out into the rain. Karasuki was finally arguing it seemed, speaking up to Gades, "I appreciate it, but I can still walk. I can manage." It didn't appear like Gades took her insistence seriously and Ryokō couldn't help but shake his head and smile at the woman's stubbornness. She was no teenager in age, but she was as reckless and stubborn as one sometimes. Ryokō listened quietly, following behind Gades at a slower gait, trying not to eavesdrop but feeling the protective urge to stay close to Karasuki. Karasuki answered him softly, barely audible through the rain, "I think I made a mistake. I can explain it later, I just want to sleep now." Gades sounded concerned, using his large white wings like an umbrella and the monk noted the act of kindness and generosity with a curt nod to himself. Karasuki might have been right to trust the incubus, but then something still felt off. Ryokō admitted privately to himself that he didn't know all the ways of this world and let Gades lead on to a clean and well designed building with a guard outside, or perhaps a butler.
Again, Ryokō didn't know much about this world, aside from what Kara had told him. Ryokō slipped his sandals off in the doorway and entered the elevator with the pair. He felt strangely, riding up the mechanical marvel to the luxurious apartment setting. "Fascinating place you have here, no da. It seems well protected." Karasuki's eyes were closed, having fallen asleep in Gades capable arms. Ryokō has seen that sleepy look before, the woman spending time with her summons as friends, seeking out the comfort of the monk's own arms before. She really did relax and trust Gades, from whatever experience they shared. The monk felt a gnawing guilt at his own distrust of the man. Once inside the apartment, Ryokō placed his staff and shoes by the door. "I think she's out," he informed Gades. Ryokō snapped his fingers and his entire body flickered, as if half fading away.
He instantly dried Karasuki and her clothing, leaving Gades an exhausted and asleep woman in his arms. "I don't have much time left here, no da. I should have returned to my world hours ago. Please, listen closely. What I have to say is very much secret, but very much important." He rested one hand over the other gesturing to the nearby couch, a silent motion that suggested Gades let Karasuki down for the moment. After he did so, if he chose to do so, Ryokō would continue. His tone was usually light and playful, but the monk was extremely serious, his eyes narrowed on the incubus.
"When Karasuki was very young, she discovered that she had the gift of a Silvertongue. Her magic is based on reading characters, beloved characters like myself, from books, no da," Ryokō started. He felt a sad look cross over his expression, noting that he himself was only a character and his entire world fit inside the delicate pages of some script was a desolate thought. Ryokō pushed it away and continued on, "In an effort to save a character friend of her's, she tried to read out a powerful villain. A pirate, by the name of Geralt, the scourge of the seas. I won't go much into details on his history, but her magic was not advanced enough to handle such a summon. Her soul was split, fusing with Geralt's own, no da. She has lived with this villain ever since. Until three night's ago." Ryokō looked over Gades, hoping he was following the tale. Most people would get lost at the idea of summoning characters from books or talk of souls. Ryokō didn't know where Gades stood on these matters. He paused for any questions or comments, and then moved on.
"Karasuki learnt of an ancient artifact, the Ring of Broken Souls. It was said to be kept outside of Rose Garden, so she went to find the ring, no da. She wanted to study it, maybe use it to separate herself from Geralt and return him to his book. She summoned me to help with travel and when we arrived, Kara touched the ring. An explosive shock appeared, no da, and Karasuki went flying back. Geralt got himself a new body, taking a part of Karasuki's soul with him. It took us three days to travel here on foot, her condition worsening every day. I am afraid she has some sort of soul sickness." Ryokō looked up at Gades, "Do you understand? Karasuki's life is in danger every moment she spends without her soul complete. Can you find a way to prolong her life's energy, no da? At least until she can find Geralt and restore her soul?"
WC= 899+1023= 1922