The brightness of a shadow (M) PinkRose
 

For a while Thalion had been trying to come up with a way to tell Mizuki that he was leaving in a week. Though he had started trying to come up with such a way to tell him for the past few months. Each time he was going to tell him something came up and he never got around to doing it. Now it was a week from the date that the group going to train for the guard or solider units were suppose to leave for training.

Now he was standing there waiting for Mizuki at their normal spot and he had every plan to tell him before anything happened or before the other went about some plan he had. This wasn't going to turn out well and he knew it but if he didn't tell him now he'd never get the chance to do so. Mizuki was against the solider units, saying magic was were it was at. Though it helped when you had a gift in magic and didn't already fail or nearly fail every test under the sun and moon there was to be had using the magic elements.

Their friend was waiting there as well. Oddly it was a young girl that seemed to keep up with the two. She was just in the area today and wasn't busy so she wanted to see how this turned out. She knew that Thal was planning to leave ages ago, even before he had made his mind up. Maybe she was here to make sure the two didn't go at each other again, knowing Mizuki wasn't going to take this well. Last time it happened Thal nearly ended up in the medic ward from one of Mizuki's untrained spells.

Mizuki ran through the people dodging and jumping as he did "Excuse me! Pardon me!" He said as he ran. His long pointed ears laid flat to a pale head and white hair that was back in a little pony tail. Light lavender eyes watched everything as it passed. He was late! That was the only thought in his mind as Mizuki rounded a corner his crystal swinging to one side before he stuck is foot down and began his fast pace once more.

Mizuki turned another corner and ran over a bridge before skidding to a stop right in front of Thalion. Huffing he was hunched over eyes closed as he rested pale hands on white clad knees "S-sorry" He said in pants as he stood his chest still heaving "Magic class ran over a little" He said after his breath finally cought up to him "Anyways...whats up?" He asked lightly tilting his head "When you spoke to me earlier it sounded rather important" Mizuki said his eye brows frowning a little.

This was when Mizuki looked at Thalion and noticed the face he was getting. Then his eyes drifted over to Nyla who was looking down at the ground kicking at a rock that was not there "Okay..." He said looking back to Thalion "Seriously...whats wrong?" He said the worry showing in his voice.

Mizuki was late, he was never late. He was leaning against a tree by the time Mizuki managed to get to where they were. At first he wasn't sure what Mizuki was going to say as he was panting and saying that magic class went over. A class that Thalion often skipped saving himself the headache of hearing the teacher telling him to focus harder.

Well cat was out of the bag now. No point in sugar coating it as he sighed once before saying what he needed to say. "I was accepted into the guard training. And before you say that I could have magic because i didn't fail all of the tests save your breath because it's already arranged that I'm leaving in a week." Mizuki had wanted the two of them to keep training together as they always did, but when it came to magic Thal seemed... either to have none and that was almost unheard of for any type of elf or he had next to no talent in the stuff.

"And im sorry I didn't tell you sooner, i know what you think of the guard training and... i mean to tell you sooner." He looked away for a moment knowing he should have said something sooner. But it was late now and he was pretty prepared for Mizuki to be furious with how he just told him.

Mizukis fastly beating heart stopped as the words left Thalions lips. The guard...Thalion was leaving to train for the kings army not to mention the fact that he is going to leave for a week. Mizuki took a step back "A week....and you tell me now?" Mizuki said in a hurt and angry voice. "How long have we knowen each other Thalion?!" He asked his voice raising a little. "And you" He said turning hurt lavender eyes to Nyla "You knew this as well?" He asked and judging from her lok she had.

Mizuki growled his ears dipping flat to his head as he balled his fists together as the anger grew "And neither of you could say anything..." This was when he began to hear the argument that Thalion tried to give saying that he tried to tell him but Mizuki cut him off before he could finish "If I meant anything to you...I would have found out before now...no matter what got in the way" With that he turned and slowly began walking. Though the light foot falls soon became harsher as he began to run.

Mizuki closed his eyes and ran. He knew the lay out of the town like nothing. Dodging and jumping he ran to the edge of town. He wanted to get away to a place that even Thalion couldnt find and only one place came to mind.

Running he jumped over logs and rolled down a hill. Passed through trees and bushes until he squeezed between two large rocks covered in thickets. On the other side an open area hid a water fall. The soft trickles calming the nerves. This was when everything finally sunk in and Mizuki fell to his knees and sniffled.

Of course he tried to argue that he couldn't or that things got in the way. Poor excuses at best but still. Mizuki always said people went to the guard training to die, no one ever came back and if they did it was rare. Though mostly it was because they were needed on active duty and not because they were slain but still. None of it mattered he already knew that Mizuki wasn't going to listen to reason.

Before he could say anything else Mizuki had run off. He sighed before looking at Nyla. "well.. that went well.." Hardly and they both knew it. Thal started to go after Mizuki but stopped half way through town. There was no way he was going to find Mizuki when he didn't want to be found. A week before he had to leave and odds were that he wouldn't see the other at all. It was true they had been friends for years and probably getting into more trouble than they'd care to admit.. but still. Mizuki was right though, he should have been the first to know.

The fallowing days went on and Mizuki did everything in his power to stay away from the other male. He did not know why but what had taken place was worse then an actual blade to the back. No it hurt so much worse. Mizuki knew that the days were getting down there and he should go and see Thalion once before the male left but if he did what would happen? Would they fight and argue? He really did not want their last day together to be something like that. With a sigh Mizuki left in search of the other male.

Walking through the streets he checked every where he thought the male would be even as far as going to Thalions home but it would seem the male was no where to be seen. What was he to do? Where on earth could Thalion be. Turning he bumped into something and groaned "Oh im so sorry I should watch wh-" But his words were stopped at the sound of his name "Mizuki" Looking he smiled slightly "Helly Nyla...have you seen Thalion?" He asked with a little tilt of his head earning a little hurt look in return.

Mizuki right then knew what it meant "He already left...didnt he" Mizuki said hanging his head some "Im sorry Mizuki..." Nyla said with a frown "It clearly dose not matter" He said with a growl turning his back to the female and leaving. Mizuki was crushed the male had left and there was no good by other then a fight for their last meeting.

After a while Thal tried to talk to Mizuki again only to get a similar response from the other. He expected a bit of cold shoulder but he wasn't expecting Mizuki to be mad for the rest of the week. What if... no Mizuki would at least talk to him before he had to leave right? Or so he thought anyway.

It wasn't from lack of trying to talk to Mizuki during the week that was certain. But every chance the other got he seemed to vanish. The last day he gave up finally figuring maybe things were better off this way. Odds were Mizuki didn't forgive him for not saying something sooner. It was a hell of a thing for two that were friends for most of their lives to break off all contacts for. But it seemed he had no other choice in the matter.

It wasn't fair to Nyla to have to watch the two avoid one another but there was nothing she could do about it. Maybe if fate had other plans they would someday get to see each other again, though that was many years down the road. She tried to reason with Mizuki that Thal had attempted to talk to him for the whole week and he had ignored him. But she knew her words fell on deaf ears.

Mizuki didnt know what to do but in the end he did. He knew that now that he was alone there was nothing left for him to do but make sure he was alone. After Thalion left he had decided his magic was his strong point and that was where he would go. The fallowing day Mizuki packed everything he needed and left early morning. It was time to find a master to train for as long as it took to master everything he could. Mizuki knew that his hand to hand was nothing to great but his magic with training could be better then hand to hand any day and he would prove that.

As the days went by Mizuki searched for a master until he found one that he saw fit. A male known Naveen. He was elderly in age and wise in many ways. The time turned from days to months to years and even with all the training the one thing that rested on his mind was Thalion though after awhile even those thoughts left.

Days into years and years into centries. Now it had been 95 years and Mizuki was tall and slim. His once short hair now fell in a long white braid that rested over his shoulder and fell out of the hood of his white cloak. Light lavender eyes looked forward in a dull lifeless way as they had for many years now though the time has come to return and he couldnt help but think it was a bad idea.

Now Mizuki stood at the edge of the village he left so long ago. Just from the looks of it he could see that it had grown so large when he was gone but in 95 years it was expected. "Are we going or are you going to stand gawking at it all day?" Mizuki ignored the female beside him as he walked forward his staff in his hand clinking against the ground with his level foot steps.

Walking he headed until he found a tavern inn. Walking in silently he went up to the bar "A room two beds" He said in a low voice. The bartender turned and looked at him "We are full" He said then Mizuki reached into his cloak and placed a bag of gold coins on the table and the man looked at him before grabbing the bag "Leena!" He yelled and a female came running "Show these two to the master sweet" He said and Mizuki nodded his head once before fallowing.

It had bothered him more than he had let Nyla know the day he left. He hated just leaving without at least making mends with Mizuki. Hell they had fought before but they always got over it. This time there was no getting over it though or so it seemed. She joked saying that whenever he got done this place would still be here. He figured she was just joking, though of coarse he hoped his home town was still standing by the time he finished training.

He had finished training years ago, he just stuck around in the ranks to better his own skills and to train new recruits. He had almost forgotten about his home till a newcomer got talking about how large the place had gotten over the years. How long had it been? He laughed a little at his thoughts of going back and Mizuki still being there. Yeah if he was he would still be livid for sure. This was a thought he toyed with for a few weeks before he deiced it was a good time to go back home. Maybe for a while anyway, it wasn't like he had to stay around. He had refused a number of rank ups just to avoid the paper work that followed the ranks.

He sighed a little standing at the gate to the town now, it was almost painful to even come back here. He had lost a lot even before he lost Mizuki's friendship in this place. He finally shook his head a little before walking into the town but not till after he had to tell the guards off with them saying they were having a problem with thugs and such. "Do I look like a damned thug? By the goddess the watch has gotten worse..." He groaned a little listening to their load of crap they were spouting out before he heard a voice not long before he was half tackled. "Thal!!"

He barely got to see who even called his name before he had a female wood elf attacked to him. He glared a little at the guards before they seemed to back off this time. "You two are blind if you don't know who this is! it's not been-ok it has..." One of the guards Thal remembered going to school with though she was right that was some years ago. Though this was indication enough that he wasn't the one or one of the ones they were looking for.

"Warning next time Nyla... " She stuck her tongue out at him before letting go and skipping back a little. "God you almost didn't grow any taller..." She frowned a little before Thal blinked some at her words. "I'm not that damn short... 5'10 is well enough.." She smiled before she turned and walked with him. "I wasn't expecting you to come back and even after your letter... " She looked down a little.

It was after this she explained Mizuki had left shortly after he did. It was one of the first things he had asked her in the letter was how Mizuki was. "I haven't heard form him.. I'm sorry. You two shouldn't have left on-" "Well guess it didn't matter." Thal cut her off as they walked towards the tavern, the older one that was still standing in the section of town that he remembered growing up in. At least that didn't change too much.He just wanted to relax, just a little. As far as he was concerned he was off duty for now, there was no war going on so what did it matter.

Mizuki after the room made his way down to the tavern. There is where he moved to a small table in the corner with two chairs. The table was just far enough to be covered in shadow perfect for Mizuki who didnt want to be seen. Sitting in the chair and leaning back he placed softly clothed feet on the table as the cloak flowed around him hiding everything but pale skin, soft lips and a long white braid that fell over a chest and across folded arms.

Mizuki sat there with eyes closed as his pointed ears listened to the noise in the room around him. He sat there and listed as the soft rumble soon turned into many people laughing and drinking. Oh how the times changed Mizuki thought as he sat there with his staff across his lap.

Mizuki was minding his own as a man fell into the table knocking his feet over causing them to land on the ground with a thud. "H-hey...sorry man" A drunk male said and Mizuki did not reply instead he lifted his feet back up and placed them once more on the table. He was silent and ignored the male before him. Mizuki learned that words get you into trouble so speaking was something he rarely did these days.

"What...t-to good to t-talk to m-me...?" The drunk male said as he slammed his cup on the table and Mizuki sighed. It seemed to him that his night was going to be anything but calm. "Hey...hes talking to you" Another man behind the first said and Mizuki sighed "Look...I heard him the first time and I chose not to respond for this exact reason. Now if you would take your Neanderthal ways and leave me be I would happy" Mizuki said still not looking up from his hood "Why you..." And the fight was on.

Mizuki stood and with one sweep of his staff he had one trapped on the ground and the other half bent as wood from the floor and a near by table lashed out and caught the two males. "I told you...I didnt want a problem" He said "Now either a...you leave me be or b I make you leave me be" He said before he heard gurgled A's from both men "Good" With that the wood was back to normal leaving two gasping males on the floor and Mizuki once again in his chair ignoring the stairs from every other person in the bar. Even as the door opened announcing the arrival of newcomers.

Even though the fighting lasted mere seconds it was enough to cause the tavern keep to send his little worker to fetch someone to deal with this issue. Of course Thal wasn't going to get the break he so wanted, his dress alone gave away he was part of the guard. Though his rank was misleading to say the least. Maybe he liked it that way though. He was busy talking to Nyla just outside the tavern as the messenger nearly ran into them both.

He stood there listening to the rushed words of the boy before he sighed. He didn't need to hear anymore, magic was being used against others. He hardly enjoyed this part of his job, he figured both parties were drunk. Though walking in he barely caught the end of the fight as the 'newcomer' sat once more after his trouble was dealt with. The tavern keep was already at the door explaining things before Thal stopped him. "I'm handling it now.. I don't need to hear the story recited twice."

He shook his head a little as Nyla walked with him towards the stranger. he was going to handle this in a official manner like he was suppose to. all sides of the story and all that mess. "So care to tell me what happened? Or what gives you the right to use magic on commoners." This little speech including asking for identification though he paused in asking for that as the one he was speaking to looked up a little from where he was sitting. There was no way this was... that wouldn't be his luck wouldn't it.

Mizuki wanted to sigh the moment he noticed the shadow grow darker from the one that blocked the little light he had. He was about to shove the guard off when the voice rang in his head. Out of all his luck in the world and this happens. Mizuki looked up a little just the rim of light lavender eyes looked up and his thoughts ended with rage as he saw the male before him.

Even though it had been many years Mizuki would know the drow anywhere. The dark skin and pointed ears but the red hair and almost yellow eyes was what told him he was right. At the males comment Mizuki did sigh "Simple...just another male out of his place" Mizuki hissed a little as he leaned back in the chair though when the male before him didnt move he opened light lavender eyes and glared. As he moved he stood up infront of Thalion, his height of 6'0 making him look a little down at the male so his pale face and light eyes were fully seen from the shorter male "Though...we know all about that done we....Thalion" He said and before the male could react a right hook met the males cheek sending his head to the side and Thalion stumbling.

He was right, he had never seen anyone with that shade of eyes in all of the years. Though he wasn't expecting the super shot that Mizuki got off that was certain. He had wanted to avoid a fight but yet he knew already his temper was going to get the better of him. At first he had tried to ignore the fact of who it was he was talking to to handle the first situation, but now he couldn't just do that.

Nyla flinched from the sudden strike and she knew already who this 'stranger' was. "Oh no.." She whimpered a little not knowing what to expect from either side. Before at the least she knew what to expect.. but now. They both had gone through years of training, they might do more damage than - No they had to be stopped before than but how?

It took him a moment to shake his head to recover himself enough to even say anything. "Answers my question." He said before drawing a blade and striking towards Mizuki. Of course the attack was blacked, he wasn't quite trying to land a blow. "Still mad after all this time, here I was almost regretting that I didn't say anything to you before I left. I take that thought back."

Once there was a little bit of space between the two again he figured he could remind Mizuki that he wasn't the only one who had trained all of these years. He needed to goat him first. "Going to do like you always did Mizuki? Know your outmatched in such a small space... go ahead and use your magic." If the two weren't so blindly mad at one another such a taunt probably wouldn't work. But he was going to let Mizuki had a taste of what he had been perfecting over the years. A simple reflect spell would be a good start.

Mizuki growled as he took down his hood his pointed ears and pale face finally visable to everyone else and he ignored the whispers that fallowed from the other elvens in the room. "You take the thought back just like you do with everything else" Mizuki said in a hiss as he listened to the male. Though he was just going to leave until the next taunt came. Magic eh... Oh he could show him magic "Just remember you asked for it" He smirked.

Just as he spoke a white light shone from his hand and with a flick of his wrist ice shards flew from finger tips to spray out into hundreds of tiny shards. It was an attack that was meant to drastically hurt the other, Mizuki was pissed. Even with the spell Mizuki didnt stop there. With his other hand he flicked it down and the wood of the floor twisted and turned until tendrils shot forth causing the walls to shake.

Luna stood there looking out the window with a sigh. She knew the story behind the village and the history her master had here. Though she couldnt understand why he would want to return. Turning towards the bed she was about to sit before the shaking of the ground caused her to stumble a little. "Oh no..." She had a feeling and she hoped she was wrong. Running she darted down the stairs and stopped dead in her tracked at the sight before her "Mast Mizuki...STOP!" She said as she darted towards him.

"Everything else?! Your one to talk." He growled at Mizuki hearing that the other said he took back everything. Nyla stood there a little scared as to what to do, she could stop Thal but Mizuki was another story altogether. 'Please stop.. stop fighting... its been so long ago and you two are still ready to rip one another apart over nothing..' she pleaded with whatever god was listening to her.

As soon as Mizuki had launched his attacked thal was ready for them. It was similar tactics the other had used when they were younger. Of course more deadly this time around. About the same time Mizuki had cast the first spell Thal already had cast the reflect or counter spell. The orbs of course were the first to meet this defense. All the while the second spell was dismissed after the first strike it unleashed as a breaker spell was used to cancel its effects, though the wood was still warped and twisted.

Nyla finally gave in as she noticed someone trying to stop Mizuki. "Thal! Please... you said you came here to get away from the fighting" She tried to plead with him but it wasn't even registering that he was hearing her. He probably wasn't. He was about to cast something else to fuck with Mizuki's spells as she grabbed his arm. "Stop it! Your suppose to protect people remember? If you keep this up someone is going to get hurt and it's not either of you two I'm worried about."

Just as Thalions had was grabbed Mizuki was pulled back by two dragonoid arms "Master Mizuki!" Luna hissed as she pulled the male back "We should never of come here" Luna said as Mizuki struggled before he hissed "Your right...every connection I thought I had to this place was just ruined from one person" He hissed glaring at Thalion "And to think...I still held you highly in my head" He said with a growl "You should of just been a man and taken the punch" He growled before he shook Luna off.

Turning he removed the spell from Thalion before walking towards the door his staff in hand "Nothing is left for me here" He said pulling the hood back over his head "Luna its time to leave" He said his steps not stopping as he walked. Luna looked at the two "Im sorry" She said with a bow before turning and fallowing after Mizuki in a light run.

He only bit his tongue in his comment that Mizuki could have been man enough to not run because Nyla still was holding his arm. Otherwise he might have tried something else on the spell caster... Nyla watched Mizuki leave and looked down when the girl with him said sorry as she shook her head almost trying to say it wasn't his fault. It was but it wasn't they were both to blame on this one. After 95 years and they still were mad at one another?

Either way Thal went about apologizing to the Tavern owner before helping clean up the slight mess in the place. Luckily it wasn't a lot of damage so it was repairable. Once that was complete he left the tavern and Nyla was still following him. "where are you going?" "Leaving." Was the short and simple reply. "Al-already? You just got here, you haven't said-" "I shouldn't have come back in the first place Nyla, I came back because you asked me to."

He paused a little and sighed before turning to look at her. "It was nice seeing you again, but my place isn't here anymore. I shouldn't have come back." She stood there as he started to walk off again, what was she suppose to do? She couldn't stop them, she hadn't even gotten the chance to say anything to Mizuki because of all of this. What was she hoping for? That over the years they would have dropped the grudge?

She balled her fists suddenly and yelled after him. "Your both jerks! The three of us haven't seen each other in over ninety some years and you two act like it happened yesterday!" He turned to look at her just in time to see she was upset and almost to the point of cry as she ran off. "Nyla!" He sighed a little knowing he couldn't leave like this, so instead he tried to follow her. She was heading back to the spot where the three of them use to hang out, it gave her comfort over the years... it was the only place she could ease her worries and say that they both were alright.

"Mizuki!" He heard his name but did nothing to stop. His mind was troubled and his feet kept moving. Where he was going not even Mizuki knew but by the time he looked up he stopped dead in his tracks. "After all this time..." He said to himself as he looked at the spot before him. It was a grassy area covered in trees to hide the nature. It was their spot or rather...it used to be their spot.

"How did it come to this?" He asked Luna as she stopped behind him "Because some one dose not know how to control his temper" She said crossing her arms looking at him "You know as well as I that is not the case" He said turning pale lavender eyes towards her. Looking at her he noticed the arms uncross as she sighed a little her bright blue eyes closing "No...its because you love him" She said before they reopened and Mizuki sighed closing his own eyes looking down to the ground.

"Admit it Mizuki..." She said to him "You do and I know you do...no one could have conections to a place after a hundred years unless there was greater meaning to it" She said while she crossed her arms once more "Your going to deny it and say you love him like a friend but it runs deeper and your problem is that you cant see it...or dont want to" Luna said with a little growl.

Mizuki shook his head "Your wrong" He simply said with a shrug of his shoulders "Its the fact that I know I do and I know its not returned that makes the pain so much worse" He said in a barely audible whisper. "Thats why I should of never returned..." He said "I knew there would be nothing but hate that came from that man....but just" Mizuki paused "Just seeing him one last time...will have to do" He said his heart breaking a little more as he spoke.

Turning he made to leave the area his feet had taken him to "Come on Luna...we have overstayed our welcome" He said as he felt the eyes on him fallow him as he left the little clearing. He knew some one was watching them. That was why he had said what he did at the moment otherwise something like that would have been kept inside just like it had been for a hundred or more years.

Nyla was the one watching Mizuki and Luna talk. When Mizuki noticed her she decided it was time to confront him or at the least get through to one side or the other. It was probably going to fail but she knew that Thal was going to avoid this place if he could help it so she had some time between her and Mizuki. She hastened her step enough to stand in Mizuki's way. Her eyes still a bit red from her bout with Thalion.

She never said a word as she delivered a slap across Mizuki's cheek that was probably unexpected. Nyla wasn't known to be violent in the least. "Your both idiots!" She told him before she went on, she had heard enough between him and the girl he was with. "You don't even know why he left for the guard training do you? You never let him tell you, you never let me tell you either. You always shoved the topic away when I tried talking to you and you made sure he couldn't get close enough to tell you."

She balled her fists up again before blurting out the reason. "Well damn it your going to listen to me, he did it so he wouldn't hold you back any longer!" She breathed out looking up at Mizuki as she spoke. "Don't say he wasn't holding you back, he was. You would have never left if he stayed here. You kept trying to get him to find that one spark of magic that one out of the ten tests said he had. Even if you did leave to train you would have left him here. It's not like he could have gone with you."

She moved from in front of him so he could go back to walking if he wished. "Now you can leave but at least now you know. Both of you can leave for all I care. I'm tired of seeing you two fight, and all because he wanted to stop holding you back." She looked away from Mizuki and turned to start walking towards the central tree again before she placed a hand on it.

Mizuki had walked far enough from the tree that he wasn't noticed at first when Thalion finally did catch up to Nyla, though it took so long from trying to avoid this place. "Nyla. Look I'm sorry I-" He stopped taking Notice that Mizuki was standing off to the side. He was about to say something and thought better of it as he turned and started to take a few steps. It was better to just shut up and avoid another fight.

Mizuki stopped the moment that Nyla came into his view. He knew what was going to happen before it happened and the fact that his head was turned to the side and his cheek stung told him he was right. Turning lavender eyes towards her he simply listened to what she had to say and said nothing as she spoke. It was not until she turned and walked some away that he was ready to speak hut the words died on his lips the moment Thalions voice reached his ears.

"i knew he was..." Mizuki said as he paused "but no one...not one asked if I cared" he said turning to look at the both of them. "No one asked how I felt...what I thought or cared...it was only what the both of you wanted" Mizuki said with a little laugh "Did it never cross your mind that I didnt carw...as long as I stood at your side?" He asked his eyes locking with that of Thalions "no...it was only what you wanted in the end" he said and turned his feet once again walking away from the two of them.

Thal glared at a little at Nyla who went to grab him before he did something stupid. But she didn't make it in time before Thal had moved to walk after Mizuki. HE caught up to Mizuki with ease before making the other turn as he grabbed him and forced him against a tree that was luckily near by or it might have been to the ground. "I tried to ask if you cared, you never gave me a damn straight answer so don't go pulling that crap on me that it was what I wanted."

He wasn't done though not yet and he dared Mizuki to try any of his spell at this range. "Did you ever think maybe I wanted to stand at your side, as a equal instead of always being forced to stand back and watch as you took care of everything?" He meant any of the fights they got into Mizuki always won, of course he did Thal had next to nothing in magic and no means to fight against it. Even when they got into fights with others he could barely keep up with Mizuki let alone help him in the least.

He let go of Mizuki's shit finally and stepped back a little. "You know what, your right maybe I am selfish and I'm sorry. But I'm also sorry I came back to this damned place." He saw this was going no where anyway so why bother trying to reason with the other. As far as Mizuki saw it it was Thal's fault for this. That he should have accepted being weak and being unable to protect anyone he cared about just for the sake of staying here.

Mizuki growled as he was grabbed. He knew exactly how this would play out and he was right the moment his back was shoved into the nearest tree. Glaring he looked down into the shorter males eyes. He knew that if he was to try and get away he would just be forced back. This was the lesser of the two evils though he couldnt ignore the words that were said to him. "You can be sorry that you came back...that you were maybe a little selfish" Mizuki said "But for everything else you turn a blind eye" He said.

"You tried to tell me....you had so long to do so and all you can say was that you tried?" Mizuki said with a little tilt of his head his anger catching up to him "If I ever meant even the slightest bit to you...you would have found a way to tell me" He said "Even in the worst of times it would of been better then finding out last minute" Mizuki said with a growl as he stepped closer to Thalion "But no...you didnt think of that of...nor did you think about what you were doing when you did it!" Mizuki all but yelled.

Even in that time Thalion knew of the views that Mizuki had on everything and yet he still went and joined the guard even going behind his back to do so. "You lied and hid it until you felt the need to tell me....because you felt you had to...not because you wanted to" Mizuki said now meer inches from the male before him "You might as well of taken a real knife and stabbed me in the back" He hissed into the drows face before him.

Mizuki knew of the males temper, he knew how bad it could be and what was needed to be said to spark it and that was what he was going for. To hell with keeping calm and running. He was done running "Whats wrong Thalion....your superior a little to close?" he hissed down into his face hearing the gasped shock from Nyla and the look of Thalions face he knew he said the right thing.

His ears went back a little showing he was more than annoyed with all of this. He had a short temper at best but that was known. Yet Mizuki kept pushing, everything he said it was all one sided. Saying if he cared or if he thought anything other than about himself he would have told him instead of trying. Even f he had told him months in advanced he would have gotten the same reaction.

Mizuki hated the guards, let alone it was rare for a elf to want to join. Though it was rare for one to have next to no magic talents either. For the moment at the least he bit his tongue and kept what he thought to himself. He had it in his mind he wasn't about to get into another fight with him. Not this time. Screw fighting with him, he just wanted to get this over with and leave town.

But Mizuki kept going on, let alone getting closer to him. It was pressing his will to even want to avoid a fight with the other. That was when Mizuki said it... thats what he thought this was about?! Was it? Even after explaining why he had left why he had wanted to join the guard it wasn't good enough for the other. What was good enough? Would it really have been better to stay here? Was it so bad he had opened paths for the both of them to go out and live a little?

He clenched a fist before he knew what was going on. The downside to having anti magic abilities.. were that you were suppose to not have magic to begin with. Opening his hand the slight spark that had appeared vanished as he backed away from Mizuki. "You know what... its not worth it." He shook his head before he moved to turn and walk away a little.

"You think this about who was stronger or because I didn't care? Fuck your more dense than I ever could be." Least on this he was. "I left so I could be with you, no matter where you went or what you decided to do. I left so I could at least try to protect those that I cared about. But you can say whatever you want about my reasons for not telling you." He didn't care if the other had more to say at the moment he was done and he had barely kept his composure as it was.

"Time to explain is never worth it...at least not in your eyes Thalion" He said lightly as the male turned from him "It never was and it never will be" Mizuki said with a shrug of his shoulders "You say you did it for me...to stay here beside me...yet you knew how far and how long you would be gone" He said with a growl "You knew exactly what was to happen if you were to sign up" Mizuki said "Thats running away from me...not staying beside me" Mizuki said turning and walking the other way from the male.

"I knew me coming back was the worst thing I could of done" Mizuki said though paused in his steps "I...just needed to say an actual goodbye" Mizuki said before turning. This was where he shocked the three before him "Goodbye Thalion" It was short and simple but it was the goodbye he was never able to say as a child. Now...maybe his mind could rest a little.

Standing right up he never looked at the three as his eyes stayed closed as he turned and began walking again "Come along Luna..." He said simply and before long he heard the steps fall behind him. He half wondered if things would have been different if he confessed what he should have but that thought left as soon as he entered the darkness of the trees.

He had nothing left to say to the other, not till Mizuki said goodbye. He cared more than he let on to. Mizuki saying those words hurt, he liked it better when they didn't say good bye. It made it see like someday they could see each other again and everything be well. But now ... it felt over.

"Tsk, have your good bye than." He said towards the other hardly caring if Mizuki was listening. "If I never see you again it'll be all too soon." He said before going back to walking the other direction. Nyla was going to stop Thal but didn't. He had a right to leave, they both did. She sighed before leaning against the tree again. They'd never get along would they?

Mizukis steps slipped a little but he kept walking. He knew that Thalion would say something but he never thought he would get the answer that he did. Yes...it was good bye or so he thought.

The fallowing days he gathered what he needed but there was one herb he was out of and he knew that it was going to be hard to get. Going to the herb shop he stepped inside and went right to the keeper "Hello sir" He said bowing his head "Aww good day my boy what can I get for you?" The elderly male said and Mizuki smiled "You by chance wouldnt have any Ivies tongue would you?" He asked and right then got a weird look.

"One second my boy" The keeper said before going into the back. It was a herb that not many knew how to use so hardly anyone kept it. Not to mention the fact it was imported from the eastern mountain range. Mizuki waited though the longer the keeper took the more he began to think his welcome was outstayed.

Just as he turned to leave the door opened and two royal guards stepped in. Mizuki tightened the grip on his staff "Sir...would you please fallow us" The male said and Mizuki raised a brow "Where and why" He asked simply and the guard simply said "The king request" was the simple reply and Mizuki groaned.

He had thought twice about what he had said to the other, maybe he shouldn't have said it. But it was days later by now and he was busy ... up until yesterday in traveling back to where he was. Though one of his commanders stopped him about half way meeting him and saying that the king was requesting to see them. The commander knew why but he never breathed a word to Thal.

Once they were there, in the last place Thal wanted to be, they waited in the room the King told them to meet in. Though this was after being stuck waiting a day and a half for him to track down the other person he was looking for. The King entered as both of the two already there kneeled like they were suppose to. Once the King was seated he seemed to tap his fingers on the chair arm waiting for the reported someone to be escorted here.

Mizuki was head to the castle and to the very same room where the King seemed pleased with who was brought to him. "Good your here now, I have a task for you. Though you will need assistance." With this he looked towards the other two aside from his personal guard in the room. "This is the one commander?" The dwarf spoke saying yes, this was when Thal knew he was in trouble. It never meant a good thing if the King was asking for you. He never bothered to see who else the King had suckered into this.

"Very well... you, your promoted and its not optional." It was everything for him to bite his tongue to keep from protesting. He didn't want to be promoted! He didn't want whatever job was being offered. But this was when the king dismissed the room saying the two that were suppose to be working together could get the information they needed for the mission elsewhere. Though he reminded them both he did not accept failure. Pff failure meant they were dead anyway.

Mizuki sighed. Out of all the people in world he had to go with Thalion. It would seem that the gods truely did hate him. Even thou Mizuki wanted to protest he bit his tongue and nodded his head then bowed as they were dismissed. Already knowing what needed to happen he found no need in going and getting more information. It was simple really, get in look a guy without being seen or heard then getting out. That was why he was summoned. With the knowledge he had of herbs and his ability with magic the king thought it would be best to go in hidden by magic, kill with herbs then get out. Thalion was there for extra support.

Mizuki found it all to funny. All he wanted to do was get a herb then leave but now instead he was thrusted into a job he did not want and a rank he could live without as well. Though it did amuse him that in one day he out ranked Thalion. Yep it was true for Mizuki was now general of herbs and healing for the kings army and guard. This put him a level over Thalion. the thought brushed his mind that he could make he male do as he pleased but that thought stopped there as he heard his name being called out.

Turning Mizuki looked at Thalion as the male approached him. "Before you say anything...I didn't ask for this i was more told just as you were..." Mizuki said with a sigh "trust me..." He said before looking at Thalion with sad and hurt but also angry eyes "this is the last thing I wish to be doing..." He paused a moment "let alone the person I have no choice but to do it with" Mizuki said with a growl before he turned and continued walking down the hall.

((yay phone post didn't have time to post before work so now i do it at work))

((x'D its ok ive been busy most of today with the baby hehe though i get tomorrow mostly to myself kano works almost all day))

This was hardly what he had in mind, every plan was to go back to where he was and settle back into the same routine he had for years now. But no now he was forced to go on this little side quest let alone with someone he had said he never wanted to see again. Those words came to bite him real quick now didn't they? He wanted nothing to do with this, if Mizuki was this great wizard they made him out to be or herb expert or whatever why the hell did he have to go along!?

"Tsk... I think i'd rather rot in the dungeons." He hardly wanted to do this, what was his purpose in tagging along? Sure he was hardly a poor fighter and was rather talented at repelling magic... But that hardly meant he had to go along, there were others he could name off that would work out better for this. Maybe the gods really did hate him, that or they found some sick humor in this. No what was he thinking he never gave a damn about them before and he still didn't.

After Mizuki started to walk off he shook his head a little before walking t catch up to him. "Well you can go take care of this all on your own if you want, I'll hardly care. Would hate to get in the way of my 'superior'" He reminded the other of the words he used mere days ago. He hated saying them actually but this was already going to be a long trip so he was going to at least get some jabs out there while he could. Though he'd pay for them later and he knew it.

Mizuki didnt stop in his stride even as Thalion caught up to him and continued to speak "Hm yes I could go and do it alone" He stated "But I am not taking care of the issues you cause by not going yourself" He spoke as he rounded a corner. He was going to keep silent over everything else until Thalion made the jab about him and what he had said before. Mizuki couldnt help the smile that crept onto his lips as he heard it.

Stopping in his foot falls he looked to Thalion with the same smile on his face "Yes superior and you better get used to that" Mizuki said "Because I am indeed your superior now that I am general of healing and herbs" He said with a cocky smile and judging from the look of Thalions face he knew he hit a cord "Oh what...you didnt know?" He asked with a tilt of his head "Seems once again I passed you with out even trying"

With that said Mizuki continued to walk away from the drow. He knew that it would cause Thalions temper to rise but he was not looking for a fight. No instead all he wanted to do was get a reaction out of Thalion...even if it was out of anger. "So lets go and get this over with so I can leave this place and never return" He spoke almost sadly.

((sorry the post take so long kano is weird about me rp'ing when hes home anymore -.- and iw as suckered into minecraft pvp maps))

Like he cared about a rank, hell if he did. Though Mizuki was the type to rub in such a fact wasn't he. "Like I care, I'll let you know the day I begin to care about how many people are my superiors. Your hardly the first." He got his reaction alright, though Thal was managing to keep his cool.. for the moment. Though Mizuki was pushing his luck.

"Oh yes lets, the sooner I'm rid of you the better." One thing he did know.. like hell he was going to risk his neck if Mizuki needed it during this little mission. Hell he felt like they were sending him along as cannon fodder anyway. Why did he get dragged into this... Oh how he would die to have Mizuki need help during this, there would be a rude awakening than. He could take his rank and shove it than. It was a settling thought for the moment at least.

Ok who was he kidding. If Mizuki needed help he wasn't going to just let him die. No if anyone was going to kill him he'd be the one to do it and he knew damn well he couldn't. It had nothing to do with rank or power either. It wasn't something he'd be able to manage... his past still haunted him with how things use to be. He sighed slightly before he started walking not really rushing to catch up to the other. He hardly wanted to go on this trip... he'd be stuck with Mizuki for at the least a night... maybe a bit longer depending on how long it took for them to get the opening Mizuki needed.

Well Nyla would be happy at this. Knowing her she'd be saying something like they needed the time alone to sort things out. Even if it was forced time. Though Thal hardly saw anything being sorted. Not with Mizuki trying at every turn to piss him off it seemed. honestly what was he expecting? Even if Mizuki had stayed at the town he'd still be ticked. At this rate even if Thal said he was wrong in everything that he did or said back that Mizuki would still be unhappy with it.

The rest of the day was a pain to say the least. Here he had to sit theough all the details that he already knew. One thing was bothering him though. Not once did he get a name or a picture to put to it. They only got where the male that they needed to kill wad going to be. This was one thing that really troubled him besides the fact he had to do this little mission with Thalion.

Sighing Mizuki Hung his head as he walked. They had gathered everything that was needed to do the mission. He had every herb he could think of that he would need not to mention rations for it seemed the walk alone would take two days and the king refused to give horses. It was just another thing to piss him off.

Mizuki kept silent as he walked. His mind was troubled and it thought of many things. what wad tgis mission going to bring? Would it change things between him and his ex best friend? Or would it make matters all the worse? Mizuki hoped for the first option but knowing how stubborn Thalion was he doubted things would get talked over the way he wished. No instead mizuki saw one if not both on their death bed before it was even thought of.

((sorry it sucks...at work and off the phone plus the brains like kush lol))

((oh your fine ^^ it didn't suck))

Seemed simple enough, go to said location kill this guy and leave. All the while do so without drawing attention to yourselves. Simple... so why was it he had to go? Mizuki could handle this alone, it was rather silly that they even were forcing Mizuki to do this. They could slip the poison through other methods.

Though aside from that he saw this was going to be a very long next few days. Probably of Mizuki reminded him he was out ranked every turn he got. Let alone they were having to spend longer together because of no horses, go figure! He hated this, being forced into this. He liked not having a high rank because it normally meant he wasn't going to be forced into missions where odds were stacked against his life. Yet here he was out ranked by someone he hated and forced to follow their orders if they gave any. He knew he was screwed if it came down to it.

Though for the time being he seemed lucky enough, least Mizuki wasn't trying to talk. Between the two of them normally Mizuki talked the most when it came down to it. Yes Thal had a bit of a mouth but for normal conversations or starting them he normally avoided. The fates were cruel indeed was a thought. Sure things could be tlked out but odds were tha wouldn't happen. Maybe they could go through the whole mission not speaking.

Mizuki walked and walled as his mind whirled. He knew what needed to be done but the timw of day was getting late. Now the first few stars dotted the sky as mother nature painted it in red and oranges as the sun began to set. Before pong the animals of the night would come out to play and Mizuki really didn't want to waste his energy on them.

Instead he walled a little more before the trees broke into a clearing. A spring softly trickled to the side. It was a good enough place as any "we will stop and male camp" was his short words as he dropped his pack and began gathering some wood for a fire. Mizuki did not look to see what Thalion chose to do with his time. No instead he gathered the wood and with a little spell he had a blazing fire in moments.

Sitting before the flame he took a kettle from his pack and filled it with water from the stream he then added some different herbs and began to make a tea. It was meant to give the body the energy and means to continue with out food. Something Mizuki came up with himself.

The longer they walked the more he knew for sure that nothing good was going to come of any of this. Neither of them had breathed a word to the other until Mizuki said this was where they were going to set up camp for the night. Even then that was the sole exchange of words. Though he had a feeling the silence was not gong to last forever. I'd be a matter of time before Mizuki decided to use that whole superior rank as a excuse to order him around. Honestly he was a bit surprised he didn't already.

Though Mizuki seemed content setting up things on his own, so Thal was going to let him. The less interaction the better off they both were probably. Less chances of the two of them ending up at each others throats again. That was the last thing they needed out here was to fight among themselves. There was a thought to try to talk to Mizuki but he didn't see that going well, both of them were too stubborn for their own good.

Instead of getting in the way of Mizuki and lord knew whatever he was doing... He stood off to the side a bit. It was probably better off if they did avoid each other, the sooner they got this mission over with the sooner they could go their own ways and probably never cross paths again. Though he seemed to have different luck in the past few days. Shaking his head a little he went back to just watching the surrounding area. He wasn't fond of making a fire in the middle of no where but it was a bit late now to voice that thought. Ok sure it was probably a good idea because nights could get cold. But it would have been better to find some cover and do so.

The night went on and Mizuki was not sure if he liked the silence between them. True he thought what thalion did those years before was low and dirty of him but for the other to hate him as he did seemed a little much to Mizuki but in alreality what could he say? After while of sitting infrony of the fite he took the tea off and poured two cups out.

He placed one before himself and the other off to the side. Before long the silence got to him and he could not help hut asked the one thing that had been on his mind for a while now "why do you hate me?" Mizuki asked his eyes never leaving the flames before him. He was not expecting qn answer and when silence was the only thing to reach his ears they dipped back "heh...foolish of me to expect you to share feelings..." He said before drinking the cooled tea and lqying bqck with his braid over his shoulder and his arms folded under his head. "forget i even asked" he said lightly.

And there is was, the broken silence he was expecting. Though it wasn't what he was expecting to be said or rather asked. Why did he hate him? What the hell question was that? Every time he had tried to talk to him it was Mizuki that went off on him. But he figured maybe if he didn't answer for the moment Mizuki might stop talking. Though that didn't seem to be the case as h said something else and went on to say forget he asked.

That was when Thal turned to glare a little at Mizuki. "Why do I hate you? Do you listen to yourself at times? Who was it that nearly snapped my head off every time I tried to say sorry for the last week before I left? Oh or should I remind you who threw the sucker punch as well at the tavern?" He huffed a little hardly believing the original question. "Where did you even get that I hated you? Pissed sure but hate is a but harsh even towards someone who sucker punched me after 95 years."

He left out the part he couldn't hate Mizuki if he wanted to. Even if he was mad at him for never once accepting that he was sorry for not telling him sooner. Not saying anything to the other before leaving was something he had paid for three times over with the guilt he felt for all these years. Even if Mizuki refused to talk to him he could have left a note or something but he was young and dumb, ok they both still seemed to be that. Besides... maybe he did care about Mizuki.. not that he was going to admit any feelings or thoughts till they were on better terms than Mizuki thinking he hated him. "I couldn't hate you, anyone else probably."

Mizuki sighed a little "i do suppose hate is a bit harsh" hr said lightly almost under his breath. Mizuki was unsure if he shpupd tell the male before him why he was pissed instead he gave a half reply "if you asked me you got off easy with a punch to the face" he said "it was better then me leveling the tavern and hqving to rebuild it" he said with a little shrug of his shoulders.

After that the silence stretched on till Mizuki spoke again "I dont hate you...nor am i angry" he stated "the punch was 95 years over due and now that's out of the wqy we can continue on with our lives" he stated simply. Mizuki then opened his eyes half way to look at Thalion "unless your to big of a man to accept an appology" he said tilting his head to the side.

Mizuki had a while to think of wverything and he knew that if left as it wqs there wqs ne er a chance at more...though even if they rebuilt what was he doubted anything would comw from it so friendship was qll he could ask for in the end.

He shrugged a little. "Well if you did level it.. the place is over due for repairs anyway." Probably true enough, though he still didn't think a punch was deserved no matter the reason. "Well we survive this mission you can go all out for all I care, just away from any towns or villages." Ok he knew he deserved whatever Mizuki wanted to dish out. He had known for months before he was leaving, yet he nearly waited till the last moment to tell him. Even if Mizuki never made talking to him easy.

"I'm not the one looking for a apology... if you had let me I would have said sorry to you ages ago. But you didn't. Do you know how long I let that eat at me that i never said a damn word to you before I left? Thinking on it I could have told Nyla to tell you something or even wrote a letter. Not that you would have read or listened to either." He sighed a little before shaking his head. "You were right, I should have told you sooner but I already knew what you were going to say."

Mizuki hated the guard, probably with good reasons, elves never joined the guard because they were suppose to have magic. The guard was mainly composed of dwarfs and humans along with a few other races that were more melee driven and had little to no magical abilities."But like you said, on with our lives..." If fate was going to let them. Honestly he hated being at ends with Mizuki, he had hated it for 95 years. Even if they two said it was even or over with now he knew it wasn't repairing anything. After this they'd go about their own ways and odds were they'd never cross paths.