The Way we've Grown [Guardians of Humanity + Sharaku]

There was a lot going on so one thing at a time. First, this odd talk of powers. It didn’t think that the comment from earlier would get the conversation going further than the basics, but somehow it had. As it listened to the girl and then Shaku, the being would sigh lightly as it leaned its head against one hand in thought.

“A wall is a wall yes, but if one persistent enough you can knock it down,” the being said as it looked to the side a small hint of its dark side surfacing, but not enough for those not in the know to notice or catch on about. For the most part, Oki just seemed to be contemplating options and nothing more. However, green eyes would shift to Shaku and Rita as they spoke of the banter, but surprisingly Oki was rather unamused by them trying to correct what it already knew.

“A joke is a joke. We get that, but perhaps the wrong set of words were used to play along with it. I will practice a bit more so this misunderstanding won’t occur in the future,” the being said its voice monotone and almost mechanical as it watched both with an unreadable expression before blinking and looking away.

Whether it was them or something else, something apparently was rubbing the being the wrong way. Perhaps it was a mood swing, but then again perhaps it was not. It was hard to say and the being gave no hints as to what was wrong. Its mood would remain rather cool as it listened to information pass by.

“So on three occasions, the black and white reality appears here. Whether it is a world or not does not really matter. What matters is what was present when it occurred. Angel, we assume is the Reporter, if so then Rita and us have the same thing in common. Shaku…mentioned meeting Thesis before, no? Was it in this black and white reality you met her?” Oki asked and then after waiting for an answer looked to DJ.

“Hmm..so if the black and white world gave us power…then why did the world remain normalish with DJ? It kept its color even if our powers were activated during that time. Does such a difference signify something? And what of the tower? What does that have to do with anything?” Oki’s green eyes would move back to the others for answers.

When the subject changed, Oki listened carefully to what was said as it shifted in its chair and folded its arms, its eyes narrowed in thought at what was heard. So Ananke and Thesis were…shifting the angels into creatures and their lands into wastelands?

“That is quite an effort. It is almost as if those two thorns are trying to prep the angels and the worlds for something much uglier. Make them...how is it put? Presentable, yes?” Oki growled lightly clearly put out with the idea of angels shifting into monsters. If that ever happened to Deva…Oki didn’t know what it would do, but that was a matter for later. At least now Oki knew what to expect should another angel fall and it also had a name to one of the angels and a small frame of said angel's state of mind. The being indeed would hunt it that one down...and find out the truth and then exact judgment upon him.

That was the plan, but for now the being kept its thoughts hidden as the subject pretty much shifted from angels to a subject the being wanted to avoid: its association with Deva. Perhaps it was overprotectiveness, but…Oki was not exactly keen on giving that information out without the right prompting thus why it had given Shaku the look earlier; however, it appeared the silver head was more perceptive than it assumed. She caught on quickly to the hints and drew her conclusions.

“Impressive creature,” Oki said as its cat like eyes locked on the silver head. “Ritz wants to know about goddess? Well, what to say? She is the personification of emotion and kindness. A sort of innocence we love to protect,” Oki said its voice calm as its eyes watched the girl. “Ritz says she want to judge for herself the truth? Well so do we. It is why we hunt the angels in the first place. To judge and draw a final conclusion," Oki said finding no need to hide anymore now that it was called out on the issue….and as a result of this, it also stopped hiding completely behind friendliness. After all, if they wanted to work together they would have to be able to handle the broken being as it was. Shaku had already witnessed this once, so he was more prepared than the others. Still just how well could any of them work with the unstable? Time to find out.

Done playing with masks, Oki would close its eyes and nod as the talk of landscapes flowed about.

“Mmm, but swamps and ice scapes can be freely explored for angels. So much easier than home. I say both are worth a second and third look. Although….that stupid weed is the swamp,” Oki said as it looked up at the ceiling with a frown. Stupid plant....

“I am not sure….if the gases it let off has spread out since then and if so….how dangerous it is. Regardless,” Oki looked back at the others as it reached up with one finger and tapped the side of its head. “Angels are hiding in there, so we’d have to take some risk on gaining the truth no? Maybe find out what there favorite snack is and offer it to get them to come out,” Oki said with a chuckle and grin. The last part was a joke rather than something to take serious. Speaking of food…where was the fruit and water? Did they not have any?

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Note: Oki is revealing some of its true self. It is not trying to harm, but due to Rita making the connections, the being plans to be more or less honest with this situation. This does not mean it has befriended anyone (outside of the ones it has gotten along with thus far), but it is giving the ones presence some of form of trust...even if its mood is highly unstable.

Oki would give Rita and Shaku an unreadable expression as they both seemed to translate its words of knocking down a wall in a literal sense. It seemed to the being that they were putting an emphasis on something it already knew, but it let them talk not really in the mood to explain what it meant by wall or breaking them. After all, while it may be difficult a shadow was a living creature and all living creatures were mortal supernatural or not. They could die. One just had to find more creative ways to skin the cat so to speak.

In any case, the being would only close its eyes as it gave the pair a small smile and a small nod, appearing to agree, but knowing in the back of its mind these two probably would not agree or see eye-to-eye with it when it came to methods of performing things. Still, despite this rough area, Oki remained relatively calm as it let that little debate drop.

It would open one eye as Rita spoke of the joke business. To her words, the being gave her a light smirk of mischief as it looked her up and down with that one eye. “I see,” it said with a hint of play to its voice, but then just as suddenly it would become serious once more.

“Hmmm….perhaps Shaku is right. Perhaps Ms. Reporter was only there to observe a few instances and the real cause was the shadows leaking over, but if that is the case that begs the question as to why that occurred. Is someone, like our lovely destroyers, stirring them up? Or have the shadows evolved into something more and now wants our world too?” Oki said as it considered the possibility of such an event. Hmmm…was Thesis and Ananke causing the leaks or were they simply adding onto a bigger problem at hand?

“We have demi-gods are over here, shadows over there, angels are somewhere in between, and now we have machines to throw into the mix of curious things that can activate the power within those with potential. We are not sure how the machine got in there, but I know where to dig for more information. I hope it is nothing, but I’d rather know for certain if reality defying machines are being built and in turn being handed out to whoever suits the supplier’s purposes. We have enough going on as it is. I honestly don’t want to see another terrorist group added to the mix. Assuming that is even a variable here,” Oki said before thinking for a moment before it looked at Shaku as he spoke on Thesis.

“How curious. Angels are search for champions and Thesis seems to use the same method; however, the angels are more restrictive in their nature than the enemy,” Oki said with a hum before looking to the others.

“Angels cannot move from their worlds from what I can tell. They only guard what is there. Goddess has confirmed this and now we have a second angel that said pretty much the same. So if anything the battle is brought to them,” Oki would look over at Rita with a smirk as it heard her words. Both she and Shaku seemed a bit put out by the idea of being a hunter of angels.

“You draw a lot of conclusions from data gathered and while it is true that goddess seems contradicting to the world she resides in, is it not also just making up another facet of her? She is kind and innocent, but her world is cruel and merciless. The nature of each contradicts and compliments each other making a whole. The fact she resides in a less than desirable location simply means she has found a place to at least attempt to spread her idea of peace. Like it has been said, the angels are preparing to be fought in the end, so why not find a spot where fighters already resided?” Oki asked and then seeing the cat lady coming with food. It would fall silent for a moment and allow the other to place the items in front of their respective owners. When things were set and the woman had moved away, Oki would look at the fruit and pop one in its mouth.

For a split second, the being’s mood changed completely as it enjoyed the taste of the delicious items.

“Oki could marry kitty lady for such a divine choice of food. So good. We be sure to repay her well,” Oki said truly happy; however, after a few more pieces it refocused on the conversation as it pointed its fork at Rita.

“You ask if we are hunter? Yes we are, but you and Shaku don’t have to frown so much. I am not out to slay angels without reason. We are simply trying to understand the views here and in turn figure out if there is indeed another path outside of this whole war against everyone thing. We will admit we are quite cruel when it comes to end results; however, before going down that path, I like to see my options,” Oki said with a smile and then hearing DJ words let the other speak before itself.

“If only it was that easy my dear; however, as stated the angels are quite stuck and while it would be nice to have decoys I don’t even think champions or servants can work. One little servant had no effect on Ananke, so I highly doubt having more in front of them would do any good…unless someone had some major power behind them. I am not sure if the angels want to protected or not. I suppose you could try that, I for one would like to see what came out of that option,” Oki said and then nodded lightly about the whole issue with the swamp.
“So we finally agree upon something. That plant…..it needs to go. And the place where it makes its home is worth a second look, yes?” Oki asked and then remembering a questions from before its eyes would look back to Rita.

“As for Red Storm. I am not sure of all the details, but I do know that the event had to do with someone or something like us. Something with power. When Hyde took on a challenge in the world and in turn revealed his power, he set off many bells and whistles that in turn put the area on high tension when it comes to our kind. I am starting to think the Red Storm may have been a person that almost destroyed the world before….and something tells me that said storm may only be at a calm point now. Perhaps the rest of its wrath will appear if this chaos keeps up….Speculations off a gut feeling, but that is what I know thus far.”

“It may be coincidence or it may not be. If the shadows’ purpose is to consume what is not itself then perhaps the angels are seen as a threat and as a result of this one moving about….they may be targeting her for specific reasons. It is hard to say without much proof, but she is indeed the strangest of the beings thus far. Everyone else is pretty clear cut, but she is quite a beautiful question mark,” Oki said as it stopped eating for a moment and patted one of its pockets. It would pull a small notebook and pen out and write in hardly legible handwriting the note to go check these questions out with the angel from the tower. As it wrote, Oki seemed to concentrate on each letter before nodding at what it considered was good writing. Once done it would nod.

“So can we agree, she is worth figuring out a bit more?” it asked as it looked up at the group before blinking at Rita’s question. It was about to say something, but Shaku’s words cut it off. As it listened it let out a light hum as it puffed its cheeks in thought as it weighed its options before it spoke again.

“Not looking to dig into that subject per se, but more like see if there is something similar on the other side. If they could make such machines what is stopping something else from doing the same? A light curiosity is all,” Oki said as it gave Shaku an even stare for a moment. “And quite frankly, I cannot leave that alone until I get a yes or no from the other side,” Oki said with a light sigh before it closed its eyes with a light nod.

“Probably best to leave that one buried then unless it is portent to the subject at hand,” Oki said before opening its eyes and going back to the fruit. When Rita made a comment about her data gathering skills, Oki gave her a light smirk.

“Mm. We are impressed with the skill, so forgive if what I said offended. Did not intend that with my words,” Oki said in a surprisingly gentle way before it was being knocked out of that mood by DJ and then the others.

“Neh…this be not a fun topic now. How did we get here? I thought we were talking other worlds not the difference between words. Come. Come. This be open table for information and coorperation. No need for flames to go flying, yes?” Oki said trying to soothe over this suddenly tense situation as it looked from one person to the other…mainly keeping an eye on DJ and Shaku. It wasn’t sure of their relation, but something was telling it maybe they were not on good terms.

In any case as long as nothing came from that Oki had no reason to shield DJ from anything yet, so it would remain more or less calm…until its fork was taken. Looking at its now empty hand and then to the silvernette that had its fork, Oki would remain completely focused on her as she spun the fork and spoke of hunters.

“Yes. That be the problem of the word, but I am not looking to kill if there is another option in the game,” Oki said and then blinking would look at the fork being offered. It would hesitate for a moment as it looked at the other suspiciously an old habit gained from being hurt in the past by such gestures, but eventually it would reach out and take the fork surprisingly gently from the other. With its fork back in hand it went back to the fruit content once more.

“DJ does to have to worry. Oki will stick with her like we said before,” the being said and then shook its head lightly.

“I cannot say if the angels are malicious or not. They be as confusing as the instructions given. Thus why going face-to-face with them is something that has to be done. As for Thesis and her brother, while I am sure one was just toying with us, I wonder how we can stop what they are plotting before they get far. If we need the angels’ powers to fight back, then I am not sure if it is better to go after angels or go after them. Unlike the angels we have no idea how to track them…do we?” Oki asked looking at the group for answers or opinions. How did they go about hunting those two anyway? Or were they sitting right in front of them? Derp...that was going no where now was it? Neh. What to do?

“Hmm,” Oki would look over at DJ with a blink as she mentioned having someone before it swallowed the fruit it was working on as it gave her a sheepish grin.

“This be true, but still. She be wonderful to find such food. I wonder if he can cook or do the same, Neh is it wrong to want both?” Oki said the last part trailing off as it looked at the ceiling a bit distracted until it heard the silvernette speak in quiet tones. Oho?

“How is the circus lady? Did she recover? And what of the glasses gent? Seen him as of late?” Oki would ask Rita as it watched her with a gentle gaze. It wasn’t being cruel this time, it was genuinely concerned about another that had survived Ananke. Was it so wrong to get off topic a bit? And who knew maybe those two could lead to more doors being open. In any case, it had to ask.

In any case, as Shaku went to simply listening as the decoy thing came up, Oki would consider each lady's words carefully.

“A decoy…might work. Not for angels, but to draw out other things, but that would require more than one servant of an angel to work. Hmmm….and I am not sure how many would be willing to carry such a burden…I know from experience it would be most unwise to jump on an offer without considering what they say carefully,” Oki said in quiet tones as it rubbed its chin in thought for a moment before nodding.

“Mmm..yes. Each world has 'a friend to be found and visiting the purple world can help humanity greatly'...” Oki muttered and then blinked as it came back to reality. “The Reporter said these words before when I first got my power. It didn’t make sense back then, but now that is a bit clearer. The angels of each world…and the corruption that is now occurring….she said it would happen, but what could be helpful from going to the world of corruption if monsters wait there? This is not making any sense the more we try to untangle it….Makes less sense when you only know one "friend" well and the rest only by name…” Oki said with a light huff as it went for another fruit piece.

Clink!

Hmmm?

Oki looked down at the bowl. There was no…no more fruit….why?

Oki’s eye twitched slightly at this, but thankfully Rita distracted it from the issue of fruit and brought it back to the task at hand.

“…” it was quiet for a moment as it considered her words watching her carefully before making a judgment call and nodding.

“The angels don’t control their worlds they reside in. They wait for the right hosts or allies to come to them and gather under a banner to achieve their goal. I am not sure how aware the people are of goddess, but I know for fact if it was just her, I might not be here now. The power of an angel is quite impressive. The fearful would have no problem destroying that if it meant protecting home,” Oki said watching her carefully. "I don’t think it is goddess who protects me in that situation. I think it is her champion. Her champion is quite strong both physically and up here,” Oki tapped its head. “I am connected to the champion and the champion is in turn connected to enough in that world that I have my safe passage in that world,” Oki finished leaving it at that as it tilted its head as Rita as if it was allowing her to dig further if she wanted too.

“Mmm. Sure,” Oki said as it gave the silvernette a light smile. Maybe…maybe she wasn’t so bad after all. She seemed generally nice, maybe the straightforwardness was what made her seem tense or cold at first. Hmph. Curious creature. Oki would like to know more about her, but for now it would put that on hold.

In any case, the whole shadow hunting thing seemed to pass along with the issue of machines that could allow them to use their powers on this side. Even misunderstandings seemed to pass by…at least between itself and Rita. The being had just given the girl a small smile of appreciation when quite suddenly that changed as she went after Sharaku and DJ.

It was true the pair had been quiet regarding the conversation and instead seemed to go after each other and so Oki knowing better than to interfere just was going to let them duke out. As long as unnecessary yelling or item throwing wasn’t occurring, then there was really nothing that could be done about it. But Rita….she interfered and punished them for such behavior. The move was so unexpected that Oki could only blink as it looked from the dangerously moody Shaku to DJ. Ermmm….this wasn’t going to ruin anything…right? Oki stare would remain blank as it tried think of Plan B if something negative came out of it all. Whatever happened there would happen and the being would react accordingly to the end result.

That issue aside, as Rita spoke about the angels, Oki titled its head one way and then the other as it consider the information.

“Mmm. You are probably right when it comes to tracking unless like so many others things, the angels aren’t allowed to track the Primordials thanks to the rules of whatever this game is we are involved in. Either way they don’t seem to see it coming or perhaps alone can’t do anything against corruption. As for needing their power, I’d say after Ananke we may need all the help we can get. Better safe than sorry, but at the same time collecting power takes time. So there is that issue to contend with too. We could attempt a fight on our own, but perhaps the angels' powers can level the field between us and them,” Oki said giving its opnion on the subject before it turned to DJ when she mention Standasen.

“I would like to meet the angel of that place myself to see what it may be thinking. Maybe by understanding each one’s reason, then perhaps some clarity to what really needs to be done can be gained. Honestly, I would prefer not too battle any of them, but due to positionings who knows what may happen. Oki would go with you, but if you do go without us, then please be careful and wise about your choices. I am not sure if you can put an angel in debt, but you can try,” Oki said as it gave her a concerned glance. It did not want DJ to do anything reckless and end up hurt. If Oki lost DJ…that would be too much for it. Wasn’t the issue with Hyde pain enough?

Shaking that thought out of its head green eyes would shift to Rita as she spoke of Kitty.

“Well, if she does not marry Oki, can Oki at least come back here for more delicious food and request it be made by her?” Oki said looking at Rita with eyes that seemed to glow with something akin to love, but not love for someone’s beauty or anything, but a love for good food. The being would remain this way for a few seconds before it blinked and became serious as it listened to her words.

“I thank you for the information, Ritz and I am very happy to hear Lia is well,” the being said in kind tones before the next subject was brought to attention. As it spoke in response to being questioned, the girl would listen and seemingly take notes in her own way and then after a moment, agreed on asking the Tower Angel about the questions they had and then afterwards meet once more once each one had more information on what they were looking into.

Oki nodded easily at this.

“We can agree with that plan,” it said before becoming distracted by Rin and Shaku talking about Hyde. To Shaku’s words, Oki would simply sigh lightly with a shake of its head. It understood his dislike for the redhead, but seriously?

“Hyde is no foe. He is a good heart, but his personality is not everyone’s cup of tea. Still he is worth meeting. Just no stealing, okay?” Oki told Rin with a wink and a grin before refocusing on the bowl that was now empty. It had not thought anyone had noticed its twitch, but as it heard Rita’s words and looked up, Oki saw her give it a strawberry with some frosting on it.

As it looked down at that one fruit, Oki face brightened as if it had just been given a million dollars.

“Ritz, arigatō,” Oki whispered in joy before eating that wonderful fruit and savoring it. At this point, Rita might as well have been a goddess in Oki’s eyes, but it was not enough to let it show all of its cards.

As it was asked about the champion of the alternate side of this world, Oki eyes would narrow as it considered Rita for a bit and then turning away, it would shake its head.

“No,” it would say at first and then looking at Rita from the corner of its eyes it would continue. “However, if you would like a meeting, I can see what I can do for you,” the being said showing it was willing to work with this group despite differences and boundaries.