Echo Valley

[Mellie]

Also known as "Audis Nacon" (in reference to the Audis Islands in Malscure), this valley is probably more accurately a wide-stretching canyon filled with rolling hills at the base... And almost nothing to make a sound. When, however, this stone and sediment wonder holds music of footsteps or voices, the sound is echoed throughout the entire canyon. Obviously this is not the place to be discussing confidential matters, but it is an interesting place to explore when one is feeling bored...

[Ichabod Afof]

It was certainly true, Ichabod adored the sound of his own voice. He adored every note, the glorious lack of inflections whenever he wasn't performing for someone - everything about it. That was why he came to this place, the Echo Valley. Such a marvellous freak of nature - like him. He could not help but whistle a tune to a song he didn't know the words or title of - or if it even existed as he wandered through the area. He shoes hitting the hard ground caused a resonating sound that made him chuckle in a way that would make anyone's skin crawl. Discluding his own and perhaps some very malicious individuals themselves.

He inhaled, revelling in the fresh spring air as he stopped and looked around. He so wished that there was somebody, anybody in the area who could (and would) listen to his tales. He heard of a new one, such a wonderful tale it was. Mystical, captivating and spooky. A grin formed on his face as he recalled the friend he had heard it from before. Such a nice fellow, but he didn't last very long. Oh well, people come and go BUT... their stories would live on forever. At least he hoped so. He so wished to come across a talented bard or an archivist who would listen and then turn the stories into something that would be remembered forever and ever... And they would have to listen. Unless that wanted to end up like that lovely young woman who refused to listen. The stupid little bitch. She had what he did to her coming, she deserved every ounce of pain and humiliation and-

He realized the look on his face was not one that would attract willing company. With a bit of effort he changed it back to a pleasant face that smiled out at the world in a bright way that could entice many. Lull them into some kind of false sense of security. It nearly always worked, and when it didn't he had his ways of... compelling them with... well, he didn't want to think of that. His face would contort back into that wonderfully evil and disfigured grin. That just wouldn't do. He could save that for when he did not need to worry about giving a good impression.

On that note, he sat. There was little to do but gaze about the valley - however he was hoping someone would appear. Someone who could be convinced to listen to him tell the tales that would, perhaps, last forever. or at least a life-time.

"Helloooo?" He sounded like some children's character looking for its friend in a big spooky cave. A children's character who had become empty, completely empty. No emotion just a blank call to attract attention and nothing more. Some would take it for nothing, a trick of the wind. Some, however would be enticed by the sound, and be curious as to where it came from... These were the people who would listen.

[Kiku]

The only thing that Kikuriku Gouken loved more than the female race and body... was chocolate milk. What did that have to do with him being in Echo Valley? Absolutely nothing. However, Kiku did love the sounds that were often very over exaggerated in this place, due to the echo. And if he was in here with a girl... it would be like being with ten girls! And if he were blowing bubbles in his chocolate milk, then it would be like blowing bubbles in chocolate milk... except cooler. That was how simple Kiku was; how easily amused he was.

One thing, however, he hated about the place he was in was that battles in this area were never good. It was impossible to hear your enemy approaching from behind, which made this area a easy place to be snuck up on. Even if you're looking directly at your assassin, you cannot be sure as the echo is coming from every possible direction. On the bright side,[/b] thought Riku, with a sadistic tone in his voice, It also means that we could easily kill anyone who decides to foolishly make their way into this Valley. We could make this Valley our Valley. The Valley of Kikuriku where no man who cares for his life would enter, and only women who want to be swept off of their feet and onto a bed would make their way to this deserted area. It could be ours Kiku.[/i]

As Kiku walked further into the Valley, he listened to Riku's perverse, yet oddly intriguing idea. You know, it would be nice to just have an area that all of Setsuwa knows of as yours. To be recognized by the entire world as somebody... and not just that sexy guy with the hair, you know? Somebody to be respected... feared... admired. That'd be pretty bad ass, right? Kiku asked, to which Riku replied with a grunt to show his approval. If Riku could convince Kiku to become as evil as he was, the pair would be nearly unstoppable. The ominous sounds of Kiku's footsteps seemed to foreshadow the lonely path that Kiku would eventually walk down; a path redolent with the smell of human blood.

And then, he had heard it. It was a call... a beckon almost. Someone has called out into the Valley Someone is here Kiku! Let's find them! Let's kill them![/i] Kiku began to sprint... for some reason, he had wanted to kill. Kill just like Riku would. Was it Riku's influence finally taking control of Kiku after all this time? Or maybe, deep down, this is what Kiku wanted as well. Maybe he longed to feel the warmth of fresh blood between his fingers after he had just clawed through a person's ribcage. Maybe he wanted to torture a poor, helpless soul, and laugh as they begged for mercy, before teasing them some more with the pleasurable thought of death as opposed to the everlasting pain of his Frostbite slowly being dragged across their skin. Maybe before finally killing that individual, Kiku wanted to tell them that they would live this day... and the next day and the next. And as the poor, wounded soul began to trot away with the relief - the relief that they would live - fresh on their mind, Kiku would pierce their back with one of his many weapons. To see the hopes and dreams of someone fade away from someone's eyes as they die... maybe that was really what Kiku wanted the most.

Or maybe not.

After a moment of running quickly, Kiku had found the origin of the call. It was a man... a man who looked oddly familiar, but Kiku could not place where he had seen him. He did not even remember if he was friend or foe. Hopefully, he was a friend, or else Kiku would be at a disadvantage as this man remembered his relationship with Kiku. But then again, hopefully he was a foe, so Kiku could paint the walls of the Valley - his valley - with a nice, bright red color. "

"Hello," Kiku said as he got close to the man, mimicking the echo that the Valley had produced. Perhaps this man would shed some light on the clouded ness that was Kiku's memory of this man. "You called?" If he is an enemy Kiku... can we kill him?[/i] Riku asked, in a sort of way that creeped even Kiku out a little. While he waited for the man's response, he thought about killing him. What would be the upside? What would be the downside? If he was a man of importance... it would probably get Kiku put on a list of wanted criminals. A list that Tehodis would not approve of.

And then it hit him. While thinking of Tehodis, Kiku had remembered who this guy was. He met him at the Tavern... many months ago. He was making a threat on Tehodis' life, and Kiku had rode in and saved her. It was thanks to him that he had once had such high standing in Tehodis' beautiful blue eyes. Really, Kiku should be thanking him. But for the time being, he would keep that even in the past.

If he attacks us, or even thinks of it... then it is nothing but self defense, right? Then we will kill him. A sudden feeling of glee filled Kiku's body, and he knew that it was the murderous intent of his counterpart, but what he did not notice was that his own murderous intent had been mixed in as well. Even Kiku wanted this man dead. He had hurt Tehodis, he had probably hurt others. And oh, how Kiku wanted to just get some blood on his elven hands.

[Ichabod Afof]

He was rather disappointed that no one was showing up. He had expected oh so many people to be in the area, seeing as how this was such an interesting place. Perhaps it was only him who thought it was interesting? No, preposterous. It was similar to all of those other areas of Setsuwa that just had that special uniqueness to it, and yet... No one was here. Well, perhaps they hadn't heard him, or perhaps they were busy with something else. That must have been it. They just couldn't make it, or answer as quickly as Ichabod would have hoped. Someone was going to come, and he was certain that person would have something rather interesting to tell him.

Just as he was about to call out again, a reminder to whomever was on their way to him, he was met with a postponed reply. Whomever it was mimicked his previous call, and Ichabod feigned a smile as he listened carefully and turned to where he had decided the sound had come from. Nothing on his face changed to show the recognisance, his eyes didn't flash, he just smiled at the newcomer unfalteringly. Inside, however, Ichabod's brain as screaming several things to him. His mind was turbid, and dangerously so. The man he recognized was from the Tavern (the one that got him banned from the Tavern was he, in fact) and Ichabod's nose still remembered the painful break and bleeding it had suffered after the incident.

"Actually, I was calling for someone whom I was waiting for. Alas, they have not yet appeared," Ichabod seating himself on a large rock and crossed his arms impatiently, "Not that you don't seem worthy enough to call I simply..." He sighed as he looked up at the sun in a gesture to tell the time, "Well I was just waiting for someone who appears to have stood me up." He shoulders fell slightly at the realization, a depressed glaze shrouding his eyes as he frowned pitifully.

"Well, you can't win them all over, I suppose?" He stood back up, brushing off his trousers briefly before pacing slowly, "I was so excited to meet her too. She was going to publish me, you see. Daisy Wright. Ever heard of her?" His lie was convincing. They always were. No one really saw through them without the ability to... read minds or force him to tell the truth. Of course, he ought to be good at lying. It was his profession after all.

And this lie wasn't even a far-fetched one. Out of all of the people he would have wished to appear to him in the valley, it was the marvellous Daisy Wright. She was a fantastic writer and story-teller, not that he had ever read her works. No, he had only heard other people talking about them, reading certain passages aloud. It had sounded wonderful, and it had been in writing - and people were talking about it! It would last. People would save their papers, put them in scrapbooks when it was particularly good. It was what he so desperately wanted, but due to his lack of education and his dyslexia, he had never managed it.

Well, he had even convinced himself that Wright was who he had been waiting for.

[Kiku]

Kikuriku stood there for a minute while the familiar man struggled to get out his words. It seemed that he remembered Kiku, at least a little. Either that, or he was just a naturally scared man, which isn't cool. Even if Kiku could easily kill the man, one would think that he would be a little more... dignified. He made up some sch-peel about how he wasn't waiting for Kiku, although apparently Kiku was worthy enough to wait for. He was waiting for some girl to 'publish' him, whatever that meant. If it was what Kiku thought it was, he was a little dumbfounded. I don't see why you would wait for a girl to do such a thing. You can do it yourself. Get a little comb and some scissors and don't nip the main main, you know? Kiku, that's not what 'publish' means... Well that's what it should mean. That's exactly what it sounds like. Again, Riku was at a loss for words. He just stayed quiet... sometimes it was better that way.

"Never heard of her. Is she someone you fancy? Someone you want to take behind the STARDOM Inn and boink, you know?" Kiku laughed. It wasn't appropriate conversation for someone you just met, but Kiku didn't care. He already knew that he could kill this man, so there was no requirement for respect whatsoever. Even though Kiku was not an asshole by nature, he just felt like being one today. Unless, of course, he was correct, and this Daisy chick was someone that he did want to bone. However, even though Kiku didn't particularly know this man, he did not look like the boinking type.

Finishing his laugh and his observation of the man in front of him, Kiku held out his hand. "Haha, sorry. Kikuriku Gouken's the name. I don't do anything as fantastic as write, or tell stories, but I like to think I'm a pretty interesting person. And you are?" Kiku's hand was outstretched and unwavering the entire time that he said his little speech. So you DO know what 'publish' means, Kiku? Well if it's not the one thing, it must be the other, you know? Right... pubic hair... and books. I can see how you would get the two messed up. You know what Riku... that sass is getting real annoying. It sounds like you're Cheri or something. Well stop saying stupid shit, and then I can stop the sass. Riku, do you know who I am? I'm made of stupid comments. You've been with me for how long now and you haven't realized this yet? I need to find a way to get out of this body. Yeah, because then I could get back on my grind with all my bitches. Back on my gr... Nevermind, Kiku.

It's only a matter of time before I'm free.

[Ichabod Afof]

ooc: Check your PMs.

He had never heard of Daisy Wright? What kind of buffoon was he? Ichabod's mind was turning over with the thoughts of how one could be so woefully ignorant when Wright's words became the talk of the town - all towns really, whenever they came out. His face, however, remained impassive and he simply listened. Of course then the red head (who would soon go on to tell Ichabod that his name was Kikuriku) went on to describe her as someone that Ichabod maybe fancied and wanted to 'boink' and Ichabod felt physically disgusted. Love interests? Sex? All of it was completely perverse in his mind. People weren't there for loving or... boinking, as the lad so 'eloquently' put it, they were there to listen or to tell. They chose which one they would pursue and spent their lives continuing it.

"Ichabod," he gave the courtesy of his name, more than happy to allow another person to know it so that he was that one step closer to fame, and then (with a genuine look of confusion on his face) he continued on, "You really don't know who Daisy Wright is?" It was astounding to Ichabod that someone so famous had escaped the grasp of someone so inconsequential. It made him worry, briefly, about how his fame might not reach some of the people in the world. The thought was rather agonizing. Not that his face showed a trace of what was going on within the dark confines of the sociopath.

"She's not someone I've met, simply someone I've kept in contact with. I was lucky that she had even replied the first time, but... Well, as I said, she seems to have forgotten or stood me up. She's the most famous writer at The Tablet, you know. Quite the household name. The wonderful woman offered me a chance at proving my worth, and maybe helping my name become as renowned as her's... Well, not quite. It's hard to become as well known as someone with as much talent as she," It was a lie of course. A fantastic one. One that could be more mistaken for the truth than the truth, but a lie. Not only had he never read her stories, had only heard other's talk about them, but he knew that he had far more talent than she or anyone else. He was the most skilled man in his field the world over. And he would get his fame.

"I still cannot get over how you might not know her, I thought everyone did. Even Presidents and Kings read her page. Many people even claim, well, that they only buy the news to see what she writes! That kind of fame is quite incredible, is it not?" While he spoke he let his eyes fill with a kind of awe and let his shoulders droop slightly with a small sigh as he imagined the fame she had and how she had managed to get it. "She's rather incredible. Really you should read her when you can. Get yourself in the loop. It appears that anyone who is anyone does. Read her, I mean? And I'm sure you'd like to be someone." He laughed at his own play on words, the same laugh that he always used when he wanted to seem like a normal person. It was spot on, derived from the countless years of observing how regular people acted. It was real, as far as anyone outside of his brain was concerned.

Everything on the outside was real, after all. Or at least, it certainly seemed like it was real.

[Kiku]

Kiku was a little confused at the beginning of all this. It seemed that this man really had an appreciation of sorts for this woman who he had never met. The most confusing thing was that this appreciation had nothing to do with getting into her pants, which was weird for Kiku. If he really wanted to meet a girl, especially a famous one, it would be to get into her pants, and then probably get rich because he was so good in bed. On the other hand, it was obvious that this man was nothing like Kiku, so Kiku couldn't exactly blame him for having other values. At least, not out loud.

What a loser. Who wants to meet a famous chick because of what she does? Doesn't that sound a little crazy to you Riku? Kiku, you have to remember that not everyone is the same horny bastard as you are, and that other people do other things with their life besides trying to find the next lay. Whoa, I resent that. There are other things I like doing... Such as? ...I like... fishing. And... you know... knitting...

The uncomfortable silence inside Kiku's head was broken by the mans voice, suggesting that Kiku should read this Daisy person's work, saying that anyone who is ANYONE would want to read her. "I think you may have me confused with someone who is normal. Why would I want to be just anyone? Or just somebody? I'd rather be me, and before this life is over, the name Kikuriku Gouken will be known around the world. I would think that someone who seems so distinguished as you do wouldn't settle for just being anybody. Wouldn't you rather be better than Daisy? Better than anyone?"

Kiku thought about it for a second. What did he really want to be? A warlord? Doubtful, but he wanted to at least be somebody special. It didn't matter what... as long as it was somebody liked, not feared. It would b so easy to be feared... but unless one was feared more than anyone else, what's the point? The only person that Kiku could think of who was feared above all else was Tristan... and unless he could kill Tristan, he had no hope of being more feared than him.

Kill Tristan... Hmmm... Kiku thought to himself. It's not like it's a completely bad thing. He's a warlord, he's a rival in Tehodis' heart, and he's an asshole. If I killed him, not only would many people praise me, but Tehodis would thank me. She would love that I took away such a painful part of her life from this world. She would love me for it. Suddenly, a grin appeared on Kiku's face.

"I don't think we've been properly introduced. I'm Kikuriku Gouken. You'll be hearing about me soon enough. Maybe even this Daisy Wright chick will write about me, Mr..."

[Ichabod Afof]

Well of course he wanted to be more famous that Daisy Wright. She was known worldwide, and that was his dream. There was an order to things, however, that this man did not seem to understand. Before you could truly surpass someone, you had to get to their level. How do you properly get to their level without knowing them? It wasn't as if Daisy was actually going to be showing up or anything, but now Ichabod had even dragged himself into the lie. He was believing his own words and was starting to feel antsy about her arrival. How pathetic.

"Afof," He offered his hand to shake, but took it back after there was no reply for more than a second, or perhaps it was closer to half of one. "I do doubt that Daisy will write about you, I am sorry to say. Nor will she write about me. She only writes about the famous or the people who squander their time around the famous. She's the best of gossip columnists you see, and everyone loves her - at least everyone who's not being written about! So unless you do something big, something scandalous or you become severely famous, your name will not appear in the pages. Alas, nor will mine..."

It was a painful thought, really. However, it was a sentiment that was held in complete truth, and he could not deny it no matter how much he may wish to. He lived his life in lies, quite like Ms Wright likely did, but even he knew when the truth was unavoidable, or so true that you could not shy away from it. In this case, stating the truth allowed him to appear more personable and modest - which he decided was a good thing. He could easily have said that Daisy was coming to write about him, but it would have been to difficult to convince the red head of that lie - no matter how stupid he appeared to be.

"And on the matter of being better than her... Well, that is obviously the goal. Let me ask you though, how do you surpass someone? You enhance your skills until you are more experienced and talented than they are. But how do you discover their skills, experience and talent to the very tee of accuracy? You must meet them. You must befriend them. You must learn from them until the student becomes a master. That is my goal, little does she knew of course. Keep your allies close and your rivals closer, you know. How do you plan to surpass your rivals?"

Ichabod took the time it would likely take for the red-head (Kikuriku?) to observe him. What was his game? Who would he be rivalling? He looked strong, someone that Ichabod would avoid fighting for he was blessed with a strong mind and lithe frame and not hardened muscles. Perhaps he wished to be the strongest of men. Or it might be that there was some other hidden talent within him that he wished to bring out to the world. Perhaps he was a musician, or an artist of some kind? An intellectual? Doubtful. Still, there was something Ichabod felt like he was missing. Still though, he knew for a fact that this man was strong. His nose still remembered it quite well. And so Ichabod would be sure not to test his boundaries.

[Kiku]

How did he plan to best his rivals? At first, it seemed like it was a good question, and that Mr. Afof's logic was rather sound. How would Kiku become stronger than Tristan Cowell, or that other red-headed old man, or anybody if he never meets them or learns from them? Is it possible to become better than someone without at least seeing their abilities? It all made sense to Kiku at first, but then something happened. It wasn't Riku who said it, but just a trigger in Kiku's mind.

"How do I plan to surpass my rivals you ask? Well that's simple. I'll just be the strongest. And if, when I face my rivals and they prove to be stronger than me? Then I will outwit them. If it comes down to it that they are smarter than me, then I will just defeat them with my endurance, pounding them until they can no longer fight. I just won't lose, that's all there is to it. I guess it's different for you, because yours has something to do with writing, and other people's opinions, and mine is just a matter of me not giving up."

Kiku took this moment to actually think about it. Could he beat Tristan Cowell? He knew that at this exact moment, Tristan was stronger. But if Kiku could get a hold of another Legendary weapon, he would be the most powerful in the world. More powerful than Tristan Cowell. At that point, he would approach him, and say something like 'Hey Tristan, where's your woman? Oh yeah, that's right, I banged her last night.' Before whipping out his giant polearm and taking Tristan's head off with it. Of course, in order for this plan to work, Kiku would have to sleep with Tehodis, and then find Tristan the next day, which would be no easy feat. Perhaps, the best thing to do would be to have sex with Tehodis every day, and just spend my mornings looking for Tristan. In order to do that, would you not have to get her to fall in love with you? Hey, Riku. Shut up.

"But maybe," Kiku said, continuing where he left off, "It would be easier for me to just do something tremendously heinous that would make me a hated criminal. She would write about me then? If I was the baddest criminal known to Setsuwa? More renowned than the Defiled Grail? Having the SSPB after me? That seems a lot easier than killing Tristan Cowell, hmm..." Kiku put his hand to his chin, and began to stroke it vigorously in thought. "What do you think I should do, Mr. Afof? Go on a crime spree and become more known than the Defiled Grail? Or kill Tristan Cowell? Because, of course, I want to be the biggest story that Daisy Wright has ever written, right?"

Suddenly, Kiku smiled because he just realized that the sentence he had just said was a bit of a tongue twister.

[Ichabod Afof]

This was getting more and more interesting. Sure, this had started off as something Ichabod felt he ought to be nervous about. This Kikuriku fellow had broken his nose before, and only because he was 'hurting' a woman whom he never met. Now, however, it seemed that such a thing could be forgotten. Ichabod loved a good story, and this good offer a very nice one.

It seemed that Kikuriku Gouken wanted to either become some mass criminal, or kill Tristan Cowell. Whichever would get him more attention. Tristan Cowell was certainly a mutual interest, and Ichabod was something that Kikuriku Gouken wasn't. Something that Cowell was afraid of. Ichabod wasn't planning on acting on such a thing, not personally. Such a move would garner too much negative attention that had too much to do with hid deeds than his stories. It did not mean, however, that having an insider's look on Cowell's prospective murderer would be something that could bring attention to Ichabod's story-telling.

"Hm," Ichabod feigned thought as Kikuriku finished up his string of ideas. He took a seat on a protruding rock that he had spotted earlier and looked up to the sky as if he were looking for an answer. "That does seem quite the conundrum, and one that you should not be spreading about so cavalierly. For all you know I could be a member of the SSPB or one of Tristan's men."

He stood up again, a cat jumping on it's prey. He smiled, "Luckily for you, I'm not. What I am, however, is someone who can help you. You see, I have a small skill that has been quite useful for me in my life and career. This skill has also garnered attention from Tristan Cowell. He knows me, you see. He knows me in a way that is far more intimate than many could have with him. Not his friend and confidant Courroux, not little miss ex-fiancée. He knows me as the thing that causes him fear."

Ichabod began pacing, his heart getting excited by his remembering of events from the past. His several meetings with Cowell that had ending in the little boy running scared. "Nothing scares him quite as much as me. Thus, I am also the one person who holds the most power over him. Even Miss. Kitai - you know of her, I assume? Anyone with such interest in Cowell would - even she does not have such strong power over him. He may want her more than anything, but he would do anything not to have to face me.

"Did you attend the ball around New Year's? At that ball, I met with Mr. Cowell for the second time. He gripped his table so that he knuckles went white. His eyes glazed over. Then he ran off. He provided some silly little excuse and ran away. The next time I met him he did not even provide an excuse. He turned about and left. I'm certain I could have stopped him, but the fear he felt at the sight of me just... Well it made me feel so powerful. It would have ruined the effect.

"Now, I have an offer for you. I do not particularly want to act on getting rid of Cowell myself. It would ruin my reputation, and that is of utmost importance when you want to hold the popular vote in the world. What I would not mind, however, is his death. It would certainly provide a great story. Especially if I have the inside view.

"What I propose, is that I help you weaken Cowell so that you may kill him and take all glory, and in return, I get the story. Every detail. What do you say? Do you think I deal could be struck between us?" Ichabod offered his hand to shake, and a confident smile that was paired with an interest-driven twinkling in his eye.

[Kiku]

Kikuriku smiled for a moment while Afof remarked about being a member of some acronym, and perhaps even one of Tristan's men. As soon as he had thought of this possibility, Kiku was thinking of cool things to say just before killing or severely wounding him. Something like Well then I guess I have a message for you then, Afof. *Slice* Before Kiku could think of something clever to end that sentence with, Ichabod said that he was not a member of the acronym or one of Tristan's men, which felt a little like a let down to Kiku, but at the same time, it was advantageous as Kiku could not for the life of him think of a good way to end that sentence.

Suddenly, Ichabod was going on and on about how he was the one that Tristan most feared, and at that moment, Kiku was shocked. How could Tristan, one of the most powerful bad asses on the planet and beyond, be scared of this man, who Kiku could kill in an instant? Ichabod even said that the power that he has over Tristan is even stronger than the one that Tehodis had over him. Is it possible that Tristan is actually gay and that Ichabod is his secret gay lover? That would be a plot twist, for damn sure.[/'i] Kiku thought to himself as a shiver ran up his spine. The thought of Tristan and Ichabod together make Kiku very uncomfortable, but at the same time, he found it rather funny. Two men who are supposedly all bad ass... together in bed and kissing and holding each other and saying things like "I love you baby". Hey, Kiku, let's stop with the gay thoughts. I see what you think, okay? How about some consideration. Ass.

Ichabod then brought up an even that had happened at the New Years' ball, which was full of torment for Kiku. Apparently, it was also full of torment for Tristan, but Kiku did not care. The sheer mention of such an event made Kiku cry a little inside, as it brought back painful memories of the day that his world changed, and Tehodis left his life. Althought he would find her again, it wasn't until many, many months later, and she had seemed to already move on. It was the day that Kiku became a man, and the day that he lost everything. Of course he attended it, although he would give anything in the world to go back to a time in which he didn't. To go back and to find Tehodis right away... and kiss her and tell her how much she meant to him. If only there were such a way...

And then, there was the plan. Apparently, Ichabod would help Kiku kill Tristan Cowell, as long as he got the story in the end. It seemed like a good plan to go along with, as Kiku planned on killing Tristan anyway. However, apparently this way, it would be easier, and Kiku would end up famous, Sure, Ichabod would end up famous as well, but Kiku would be the man who killed Tristan. And who would stop there? After that, he could kill more and more people. Kikuriku Gouken could be the man who killed all the Warlords, and bring the pain and suffering to an end for all the people of Setsuwa. Kiku could be a Hero.

"You know, that does sound like a mighty fine plan. You would weaken Tristan, and I would kill him. Of course, no one will know of your part to play in this little equation. The public will only know that Kikuriku Gouken was the one to strike down the most feared Warlord in all of Setsuwa, the famous Tristan Cowell. That sounds like a plan I could go along with very easily. And of course, if you hold your end of the bargain, I will gladly give you the inside view. Full story and everything." Kikuriku smiled for a moment, and stuck his hand out, shaking Ichabod's.

Let's be real Riku, what's the worst case scenario? He double-crosses us, and we kill him. He's of no threat to us. Really? I prefer, he doesn't double-cross us, and we kill him anyway. Hmm, that does sound like a nice plan. We'll see how things go then, shall we?

"So, partner. How's this going to work out? How are we... excuse me... how am I going to kill Tristan Cowell?"

And, for the life of him, Kiku could still not think of something cool to say after beheading someone...

[Ichabod Afof]

Gouken seemed to like the idea, and - on the inside - Ichabod was incredibly happy. Perhaps if it were not for his erratically cruel nature or his negative outlook on the world, he would have even smiled outwardly. But, that was who he was, and so he instead smirked confidently. The smirk slowly transformed into a small emotionless line across his face however, when Kikuriku asked him how it was going to work. What did he expect? A flawless plan after only a few moments of thought? I know I'm a genius, but even I cannot come up with a method of killing Tristan Cowell in a poetic and picture-perfect way in a few seconds...

"If you want to ensure that everything goes smoothly, and that everything works out in such a way that you become famous and not dead then it will take longer than a few moments, Mr. Gouken. Now, seeing as I do not know you, and you do not know me, I think that it would be best that we make an official oath. Bind ourselves by the power of the Gods."

Ichabod removed his dagger from his belt, doing so slowly to ensure to Kikuriku that he was not aiming to attack. He brought the dagger to his opposite hand and, in a quick gesture, cut across so that his hand beheld a bleeding wound. He held the bleeding palm up, and held the other to his heart, "I promise that I will work to ensure that you have the opportunity and the means to kill Tristan Cowell in order to become famous for being the most powerful man in the world...

"And in return," Ichabod flipped the dagger over so as to offer Kikuriku the hilt to cut his hand as well.

[Kiku]

At first, Kikuriku was a little shocked. Why was he supposed to cut himself with a blade in order to keep this promise? Granted, there had been times that Kiku promised to contact girls and didn't, but a 'blood oath' probably wouldn't have changed that. And, if Kiku began taking blood oaths, before you know it, Kiku would be making blood oaths every day to girls promising to finance their fashion companies or something. It wasn't primarily something that Kiku felt like doing, and he was almost offended that Afof did not just accept Kiku at his word. Reluctantly, he took the knife in his hand, quickly slashing it so it bled.

"I, Kikuriku Gouken... promise to..." At this moment, Kiku forgot entirely what he was planning to do, or what he was pledging to. I know it has something to do with me killing Tristan. Maybe my oath is to kill this Afof guy too? Why would you swear to kill the man who is helping you? Why would he even want you to do that? Hey, Riku, this world is full of crazy people, you know? Maybe he's into that sort of thing. You are supposed to swear that you will give Afof the inside scoop to the fall of Tristan. ... Oh yeah. Thanks.

"I vow that after I kill Tristan Cowell, I will give you and you alone the inside story, thereby increasing your fame... and stuff. Kiku said, with his hand over his heart and his bleeding hand up like the person across from him. "Now what?" Kiku asked, adding "This is kind of my first blood oath.

(wow I need to shake off the rust....)

[Ichabod Afof]

Hesitation. That's a good thing for a hero to have in a story. Before the hero takes a great fall from grace, he hesitates, for however shortly. Then he succumbs... Ichabod watched as Kiku finally took the blade and slashed his own hand with it, Aha there it is. And now... Ichabod reached out and grasped Kikuriku's bleeding hand tightly with his own, mixing their blood together in a powerful shake. He locked his almost fluorescent green eyes with Kiku as he did so, the irises flashing excitedly at this wonderful new development.

"So then we have a deal," Ichabod said, pulling his hand back stretching out his fingers as he did so. The stretch forced the wound to widen painfully, another flow of blood escaping as the scab that had been forming pulled apart again. "I'll contact you sometime in the new year, in a few months." Ichabod stared down at his hand, tracing the lines of his palm with his unbloodied fingers and then dragging them across the new new scar briefly. "When I have the information and the plan I need, of course. And then we'll be ready to start work on a completely flawless story. Does that sound acceptable to you, Mr. Gouken?"

While awaiting a response Ichabod pulled a small bottle out of the pocket of his trousers, pulling the cork out of it with his teeth after examining it for a brief moment. He held out his hand, pouring the potion on it. In mere seconds the wound disappeared, all that was left behind it was the blood that had seeped out. He tossed the empty bottle to the ground and flexed his hand. Good as new.

[Kiku]

Kiku looked down at his hand, covered in blood that was dripping down to the ground. The cut itself didn't hurt, thought he did wonder as to why this 'blood oath' was even necessary. Even if Kiku wasn't going to be honest, it's not like the mixing of their blood was going to prevent Kiku from fulfilling his end of the bargain, or Ichabod from fulfilling his. In reality, it was a pretty stupid thing to do. Maybe he's gay, and just wanted to touch this greatness[/b], Kiku thought to himself. Still, it doesn't change the fact of how inconvenient this is. At that exact moment, he witnessed Ichabod use a potion to close up his wound. Ugh, bitch! Why even cut yourself in the first place!? Kiku screamed in his head, while keeping a straight face. Just because no one else can hear you Kiku, doesn't mean I can't. Keep it down, I'm trying to think. How do you think? You're just a figment of my imagination. Right...[/i]

"It sounds very acceptable, Mr. Afof. Though how you will find me is up to you. I don't stay in one place for too long," Kiku said. He wasn't lying, he just wasn't telling the whole truth. He didn't stay in one place very long, but that was because he was homeless. "Until then, don't die. I don't want to have to go and give Daisy all the details of this plot, making her even more famous than she already supposedly is. Goodbye, Ichabod" Kiku said. With that, he turned around, and began to walk away; slow enough so that if Afof had anything else to say, he could, within a small period of time that is.

Kiku, let's kill him. He's one of Tehodis' enemies. Won't she be happy if he was dead? Well, wouldn't she be happy if Tristan was dead too? The way I see it, one thing at a time. Tristan is the more difficult opponent, and Ichabod... he's just a pawn in my master plan. Well, Kiku. What is it you're planning then? Because frankly, I cannot think of any possible outcome where this turns out in the positives for you.

It doesn't really matter, does it? You're just... a figment of my imagination after all. You won't be around forever.

That's right...[/i][/b]

[Ichabod Afof]

"Until then, Mr. Gouken," Ichabod smiled, a plan bubbling at his lips. Everything was coming into place in a way that he had not anticipated when he returned to this place. Returned, Ichabod thought briefly as he ensured he had everything that came with them (save for the empty bottle on the ground), How ironic that the place I first met Mr. Cowell was the place where two people formulated a plan for his death. Ichabod clarified it as simply a death. It was not an attempt. It would be successful. No matter how many people had tried in the past and failed, Ichabod knew that this would be different. After all, he was involved this time. He had never failed in plans. He didn't plan to start now.

Once upon a time there was a powerful man. A man who sat high upon a pedestal and was sure that nothing could touch him. But he did not know that the pedestal was too small, and that it could simply be chopped down from beneath him, by an unknown figure whom did not need to be seen to be feared more than death itself... Ichabod smiled as he wandered off, in the opposite direction of Gouken. He was not sure what was going to come if he followed this path, but he supposed that it was all part of the fun. With a small glittering of green eyes, Ichabod realized that what he had conceived was not a good beginning. After all, this was going to be about Kikuriku Gouken killing Tristan Cowell. Not Ichabod Afof orchestrating the death in a plan that was so easily defined as perfect. This was about a man who was as feared as much as any muscle-bound idiot. Not about a man who was feared by the powerful (by Tristan, nonetheless) more than they feared losing their power. Losing their wealth... From what he knew, they often feared these men more than they feared dying and having to face their wrongs in Ephilroa.