Celebrations Hall

Tsukasa made her way into the celebration hall. That was the last place she wanted to be but she was pretty sure that the Saiforro's would throw a fit if she were to miss their big fancy event. Though she was pretty sure that she had already disappointed them by not wearing a dress. Good. Might as well let them know that she wasn't going to change for anyone, especially not them. No way.

Things seemed to be rolling pretty smoothly without her. There were people dancing, eating treats, talking, and just having a good 'ol time. But out of it all, Tsukasa couldn't help but notice a lone figure. A pale little figure with white hair. She smiled to herself and wandered over, "Alice, are you okay?' she asked as she approached. She didn't wan't to startle the other girl.

With an energetic nod, Darla dipped her hand into the bag, replacing the notebook to its original position and took one of Ellra's hands in both of hers. There was no real link between them, as they'd just met, so it would be impossible for the inu to actually communicate with her but at least this way, she could show her gratitude. Her ears twitched, both of them tilting slightly toward Ellra with her next statement.. so, the owner's name wasn't Mr. Barlo? How complicated! 'Saiforro, Saiforro, Saiforro, Saiforro.' For reasons only known to her, she did her best to get it memorized and as she did, her tail wagged a bit slower as though matching the concentration taking place in her mind.

She donned her bag again and followed Ellra to the designated Celebration Hall, which really was just a big room to Darla. Another soft nod at Ellra's concerns; crowds were no biggie for her - she liked all nice people and even the not-nice ones sometimes. Maybe it was that mind-set that defined her and made her who she was. It was a deep topic but not something she wanted to dwell on, she had to meet Mr.Saiforro!

Assuming Ellra led her inside; Darla's attention would've seemed a bit frayed as she looked at the numerous people about her. At one point she grabbed her tail and held it to her chest after it bumped into someone who wasn't too pleased about that. While she walked, her eyes spotted a small, lone figure who tried to make herself smaller by standing behind a column - it took some willpower to not break away from her escort and try to comfort the girl. She looked so sad. Darla was happy that a friend eventually did go to cheer her up, maybe she'd still go afterward though~

Once they'd arrived at Mr.Saiforro, Darla waited for an introduction..unless she had to pull out her notebook again, which she actually would have no problem with, at all.

It was hard to be at a festival and watch others enjoying it. Food and drink were served about, people laughed and danced; but the event was more like a masquerade to Alice. Watching the unusual interactions and faces of people she didn't know--it was all a bunch of masks hiding their identities. Without Isamu, she didn't know exactly who he was talking about. All she had was a name.

Her wondering gaze looked to see if she could figure out who was who. And...well, perhaps she was simply expecting someone else, occasionally glancing at the doors to see if a sarcastic, tall and surprisingly comforting figure would appear. But instead, her eyes halted at Tsukasa, who had just strolled over. Alice's lips curved to a smile--a real one--as she revealed the rest of herself and walked away from the column towards the girl. "Hey. I'm...fine. Just a little spooked is all." Her eyes quickly glanced to the chilling woman she met last night before seeing a dog-like newcomer gliding gracefully through the doors. Where were these creatures coming from? This sea of new and unexpected people made Alice feel even more isolated, as she found fewer people familiar to her. Luckily her fashion designer was there to provide some comfort. And she wasn't hiding anything, at least Alice didn't think so. The girl herself warned her and Jordyn about them. It was good to have someone else at her side, someone who felt the same, chilling essence of the Saiforros. It was also good--and surprising--that she wasn't getting mauled by some demon...at the moment. They had left on shaky terms.

"You look great Alice. Where is everybody anyway? I mean, there are plenty of guests here but where are the rest of the residents?" Tsukasa didn't see Jordyn, Damakos, or any of the others. She found it odd that they were all supposed to be there but Alice and herself were the only ones. "If you ask me, this whole event is stupid. What are they trying to do anyway? Show off how sick and tired all of the residents look?"

Tsukasa didn't care much for the Saiforro's, she wasn't sure as to why. But she just really didn't like them at all. Not only did they give off a creepy aura, but they seemed to not care about their workers either. Isamu was a good example as such, the young man seemed to always be in an incredible amount of pain.

~~~~~~~~~~

When Darla approached Mr.Saiforro the man greeted her with a friendly smile. "Ellra, who have you brought to meet me?' He asked the guard in a happy tone. Ellra smiled back, mostly just a fake smile though, "This is Darla."

"Well, Welcome to Barlo Mansion, Darla. I am Harold Saiforro, and it is a pleasure to meet you. Are you here for the winter party?"

(Ignore this )

(Deleted due to double post)

Alice couldn't help but smile at Tsukasa's comment. It may not have been true, but it was nice hearing the girl who had been so stubborn and quiet say something...nice. She perked her head up at the sound of a Saiforro's name. Her eyes drifted back to the dog-like creature, tagging along with someone else. The man introduced himself as Harold Saiforro, the man Isamu had been giving that deathly glare. Finally, another face to a name.

"I agree. It's like a distraction to keep people from seeing what's really going on." Alice strolled to Tsukasa's side, her gaze lingering on Harold. "You don't suppose we could do something, do you? I mean...the man on the loose you mentioned. He could pop up any time. And with everyone crowded like this?" She shook her head. Who knew what would happen. Everything here was always a surprise. But this was one she was especially frightened for. Without thinking, Alice took the girl's hand and gave it a quick squeeze. Tsukasa was so much stronger than her. Her surviving scars showed that. She would be more willing to address the situation at hand. There was something about her that made Alice happy to have her near.

"Do you know anyone else here? Particularly anyone we should be looking out for?"

Suddenly Alice went into worry-mode. Why /weren't/ the other residents here? Isamu had flown off so quickly to tend to "guard duties" but did that mean the others were in trouble? She turned to Tsukasa in hope for some more answers.

"I know I have met Mrs.Saiforro... and she makes me incredibly uncomfortable... as does Mr.Saiforro. Airi is their daughter and she told me that she doesn't like them and to watch out for them. She also said that he hurts Isamu, but she wouldn't say how... iv'e met them both, and they five me the chills. I never got to have that meeting with you and Jordyn but... what I have just said is about as much as I know and had planned on telling the two of you... Oh yeah, and you know what I thought was pretty strange? If Airi really is the Saiforro's daughter, then why is she not in any of their family portraits?" Her voice trailed off for a moment as she scratched her chin in a thoughtful manner.

She then continued to think out loud to herself, and to Alice, "Maybe they are ashamed of her? She has a hard time with her legs and stutters... so maybe they don't wan't people to know she is their daughter. Also, we didn't see her around the mansion until a few days ago. Doesn't that strike you as odd?"

As Tsukasa rambled on she felt Alice grab her hand. She ignored it, thinking that it was most likely for comfort.

"Just keep your eyes open..." she added with a mutter. Tsukasa's green eye scanned the room, then landed on the doors that wen't out into the hallway. "Whose that?" She asked when she spotted another guest. "She looks like Tarik."

There was a beautiful hawkling standing in the doorway. Her hair was wispy and brown, her eyes a beautiful amber. The shape of her body was petite and her wings were a bit smaller than Tarik's. The young woman wore a knee-length simple green skirt and shirt. Overt her shirt she had a fur poncho. Various feathers of different colors and patterns decorate her hair.

She seemed to be looking for someone specific as she looked all around the celebrations hall.

Alice frowned when Tsukasa mentioned Isamu. He wasn't pushing himself, they were pushing--and hurting--him. These people were definitely not on Alice's good side. She nodded as she listened to her explanations and predictions. "That is odd. I don't know too much about the family, but it's weird how they just randomly show up, and her daughter just..." She shook her head watching the innocent little girl twirling about. Poor thing.

"I will. And..."

Alice's eyes drifted towards the beautiful creature across the room. She raised a brow in confusion, but she knew she would be in for several surprises that evening. Alice leaned into Tsukasa to keep her voice low. "I don't know, but you're right." The girl made her slightly concerned, but she didn't have the same bone-chilling effect as the Saiforros. "Do we talk to her?" Alice asked Tsukasa. From now on, she figured all actions should be done in a team form. Splitting up now would just be...a bad idea. Especially considering that no one else was really around.

Darla released her tail and beamed brightly at this Mr.Saiforro, he seemed like such a happy man - the inu deduced that he must be a good person then since he was throwing this entire thing and felt so happy about it too. Maybe these were all his friends? And maybe some of them would be her friends too by the end of it, like that sad looking girl.

Upon hearing his question, she shook her head and pointed to herself then did a small twirl - similar to a ballerina but rose one hand near her face and had the other outstretched to some sixty degree angle. Darla was no ballerina though and opted to stay native to her culture and do traditional Japanese dance, kimono and all, but the action should be clear enough for him to understand her intention. Sometimes she wondered why she felt as passionately about dancing as she did; surely, her past life had no bearing on what she was doing now. Having someone to talk to would sure make it easier, beside Aestrith, there was something about xem that seemed oddly familiar.
She grabbed Mr.Saiforro's hand with both of hers, looking into his eyes with a gleam in her own deep, brown eyes.

Harold smiled and nodded, "I see, I see. Well then, if you are a performer would you like to put on a nice show for us?" He asked as he squeezed her hands gently. There was a gleam in his but if she were not as naive as a small child she may be able to see the more sinister side of him. The eyes, of course, were a gateway to the soul. Not that Mr. Saiforro really had a soul... or maybe it was just tainted from all of the horrible things that he had done.

Tsukasa studied the young woman a bit longer before replying to Alice, "I don't see any harm in it..." and with that, she took hold of Alice's hand and led her over to where the petite hawkling woman was. She had no clue as to why she was being polite and going to introduce herself. Once again, this was not her. What the hell was happening to her? Tsukasa couldn't understand her sudden change in character. but ever since she had arrived at Barlo Mansion, her attitude had started to change. Maybe it was because of the Saiforros? She wasn't sure. it seemed to Tsukasa that they were all stuck in one big pile of trouble and that they would all have to work together to survive and get through whatever trouble it was that they were in. It would be an adventure and a challenge for sure. For once in her life, Tsukasa wasn't so sure that this was an adventure/challenge that she would be able to pull through... especially on her own.

Upon reaching Aamu she gave the woman a small smile, "Are you lost or here for the party?" She asked in a fake tough-girl way.

The hawkling looked up at her with sparkling amber eyes, "I am here for the Barlo Winter Event..." she then smiled at them both. "I am Aamu and I am here to visit Tarik. Have you seen him?" She asked.

Alice sighed and with slight hesitation followed Tsukasa. The girl's leadership was becoming more evident and it both scared Alice and made her feel more secure. But in taking her hand, Alice knew the she was on her side. Not knowing why, the idea of meeting the stranger--or anyone else who was new to her, frankly--scared Alice. It didn't scare Tsukasa though, at least from the outside, and that in itself inspired her to toughen up. Even for just a few minutes, perhaps she wouldn't be as weak as she appeared in her ghostly form. Taking deep breaths helped. Staying in her human form made everything feel more...grounded.

Tsukasa's words sounded more like the girl Alice had met. It made her smile a bit before the newcomer responded.

Alice didn't bother introducing herself. Anything could be used against them at this point. "Tarik?" She raised a brow and glanced at Tsukasa. Why him? And where did she even come from? "I haven't, unfortunately. Are you alright?" Judging from what she could see, Aamu didn't have any injuries that may have required medical attention. And she seemed too tame and content to have any emotional or mental incongruities. Alice glanced from Aamu back to Tsukasa. "Have you?"

"No, I haven't seen him... sorry... by the way im Tsukasa and this is Alice," She informed the new guest. "Im sure Tarik will come around eventually, all of the staff are supposed to be here right now, from what I have heard anyway... So, like Alice said, are you okay? If you need medical attention I can figure something out for you... maybe send a guard off in search of him or something..."

Aamu smiled and shook her head, "The Saiforro's invited me here to surprise Tarik. We are from the same village and they said he was pretty homesick... so I came over as quickly as I could. I can't stay long though, I will be needing to return home soon... once the party is over anyway."

Tsukasa's attention turned to the door again as it swung open and Isamu stormed inside. The ice sword remained in his hand as he wen't back to his spot by the column and death glared at the Saiforro's. The anger from before was back and it boiled even more, making him feel sick. He didn't seem to notice anyone else other than Harold. To Isamu, the two of them were the only ones in the room. Instead of picking up the staff that he had left behind, Isamu continued to clutch the blade he had made from his own body. The deadly weapon sparkled beautifully. It was strange really, how such a deadly weapon could look so simple yet so elegant.

The feathers that had appeared on the back of his neck were still there, and one by one, more were emerging.

Alice stayed close to her friend's side. As spooky this whole event was, it did allow for them to be closer. At least she could appreciate that.

Aamu's reply wasn't something she could argue with. But the Saiforros did invite her, which had to have meant something. Unless her and Tarik were working together on something, but that was unlikely. And Alice was not about to let Tarik get into similar trouble as Isamu. Speaking of which..

Alice picked her head up at the sounds of the doors creaking--more like thrashing--open. "Oh, good." Alice let out a breath of relief, but it didn't last long. She instantly grew worried about his increasingly angered state. Now she really had to know. Things were happening around her. She could handle surprises if they happened right in front of her--but behind her back? Alice shuddered and turned towards Tsukasa, not meaning to be rude to Aamu who, Alice still had suspicions about. "Think we should go check on him?" she whispered, and saw the feather on the back of his neck. Oh, this was not good.

Tsukasa watched Isamu for a moment before looking at Alice, "I'm not sure... I don't know him as well as you do... maybe you should go over there yourself... he seems to like you... all I have ever done for him was cause trouble," she shrugged and then looked at Aamu, "So, what kind of relationship do you have with Tarik anyway?" Tsukasa asked the young woman bluntly.

Aamu raised a thin eyebrow at her in speculation, "We are just friends, and that is all."

Darla smiled brightly and nodded yet again to his question; she was a bit disappointed that even though he was so friendly, she wasn't able to make any kind of link with this Mr.Saiforro; it almost felt as though something was blocking the connection, something big and ominous. The young inu was really hoping, deep down, that they would be able to talk and maybe he'd even be able to help with something else that'd been on her mind; the identity of her past owner. Provided he was still alive, Darla wanted to know where she came from, who took care of her - maybe get to meet her parents as well. The thought of that happy reunion made her want to laugh but.. she couldn't, unfortunately.

Her human mind had her feeling lost sometimes; usually, she was just happy to be alive and do what she enjoyed, dancing, but other times.. she fell into deep pensive moods where she wondered about everything she'd seen in the world and things that the world have offered so thus far. Sometimes it made her sad or confused but usually, she'd be happy again when she thought about all the people she loved, seeing the smiles of people she cared about was the greatest treasure at the end.

Not letting that be any sort of setback though, she indeed wanted to perform - she'd been training hard, as she did for each performance, and it was going to pay off now. In more ways than one. Darla pulled her hands from Mr.Saiforro's and held one open, pointing to her empty palm with the index finger of the other hand. She'd been taught to be very upfront about payment since according to Aestrith, there were too many sleazeballs who'd try to get a free show from her. Poor Darla didn't fully understand the importance of the colorful papers and shiny circles that she collected before her shows but she knew it had to show certain numbers on them.

Her gazes shifted between the two, unsure if she should take Tsukasa's advice. Aamu wasn't going to be off her radar just yet, but Isamu was looking worse. Hesitating first, Alice nodded to her friend and gave her hand a final squeeze before walking off. On the way she eyed the dog-like creature, still talking to a Saiforro. For a moment she thought maybe the family wasn't as horrible as they seemed to be--despite everything that was said about them--because of the charming way they presented themselves. Conversational, charismatic. But how could she trust strangers?

Alice walked hurriedly to Isamu's side and took his arm. "Isamu.." She tried to block his gaze with her's, but it was hard to look into such fiery eyes. "Isamu, what is it? What's going on?" He was by far twice as tense as before. Why couldn't she help in any way? Well, she knew why..but he was hurting himself. Too much. "Where did you go anyway? Is everyone okay?" Waiting for answers was almost as painful as seeing him hurt.

Mr. Saiforro watched Darla with curiosity. When she pointed to her hand he assumed that it mean't she wanted something else... and what did performers usually want? Money. The man smiled and reached into his pocket, then pulled out a leather wallet. He opened it and showed her all of the bills inside, "Take as much as you wish to be payed," he told her.

------------

Isamu continued to glare at Harold. He watched as the man acted in a fake manner towards the innocent guest. Now he was giving her money. It angered Isamu how fake he was. Only a select few people knew how the owner of the mansion truly was. The young man's revenge would come, in time.

Then, Alice broke his gaze, and therefore his attention as well. He blinked a few times then looked at her with a bit of surprise showing in his tired eyes. "Alice!?" He stated in a bit of shock. "I didn't even see you approach... I..."

He would have to get his revenge some other time. Now was not the time. not in front of Alice and all of the other guests. No, he couldn't let the others be affected mentally or physically. They didn't need to see what he so desperately wanted to do to the man on the other side of the room. He also knew that Airi was nearby, and he would never be able to forgive himself if he scarred her mentally, for life.

"I went out in the hall... there was strange wolf wandering around... it just turned out to be Luka, that bleeding girl. She jumped at me then just kind of wandered off. it was really strange. I don't know whats going on with her right now, but she's the least of my concerns." it felt good to Isamu to have somebody to help him calm down. The ice sword in his hand evaporated but the feathers on the back of his neck remained.

"I am just very very angry right now... im at my wits end, really.. I need some professional help or something."

Sighing, Alice took the poor man's hand and brought him further from the crowd towards the pillar. He was clearly way too much in his head to realize how awful he looked. His thin, aching body. The tired eyes. The anger. He was a combination of all things...horrible. But Alice wasn't too far behind. She had barely eaten, and besides last night she was always missing sleep. It didn't matter now.

Alice left his side quickly, only reaching the tables to fetch him water. She placed two hands on the table and took a deep breath. Man, there were a lot of those today. But between Isamu, the Saiforros, this strange woman and...well, the fact that Tarik and Jordyn were nowhere in sight...things were not going as well as she had hoped. The one day she began to feel good, and everything else wasn't.

A moment later she returned to Isamu's side, handing the glass over to him. "Here. You need to take it easy." Her eyes watched him with deep concern, quickly glancing over to Tsukasa to see if she was alright, then back to him. "Breathe. Relax. You're not going to get anywhere in the state you're in."

Isamu's hands shook as he took the glass of water from Alice. He took a few long sips and let it sink into his stomach. The cold refreshing liquid was like an eraser, it calmed his nerves and eventually, after a few more moments, the shaking nearly stopped altogether. "Im sorry... " he whispered.

All his life, Isamu was told to keep things to himself and not let anyone else in. but so far, he had never really met someone he trusted as much as Alice. She was quiet and gentle, so maybe, just maybe he could let her in. "If you wan't to talk... we will have to go some place more private..." He then gently took hold of her wrist and led her to the staircase that went up to the balcony of the celebration Hall.

Once at the top he opened one of the sliding glass door and took Alice out onto the outside portion of the balcony, then shut the door behind them.

The balcony was beautiful, it had a view of the garden which Isamu often tended to on his less busy days. Of course, all of the leaves on the trees were gone. The flower bushes were bare and the grass was browned from the cold weather. It was kind of eerie, really, not to mention that the water fountain was not turned on either... it was now just a slab of cold looking concrete. Winter was here, but the snow was not.

As Isamu stared out towards the ground he let out a heavy sigh, "it hasn't snowed once since I came to Barlo... I miss it..." He was mostly just talking to himself when he said this.

Caught by surprise, Alice followed him up the steps to the balcony. The air sent chills down to her bones and sparked the ghostly feeling, but she refused to the let it in. Suddenly she became nervous and wondering what they were doing up here. She shook in the cold and turned towards him, concerned even though he was rambling about the mundane. "Isamu, what are we doing here? You should be...resting. Or something." But she couldn't be impatient with him. He was hurting, and he was going to provide some explanation.

Wrapping her arms around her waist, she watched Isamu look drearily out over the balcony. She smiled faintly at his words. Simplicity of snow...it really did make a difference. At least he could do wonders with his icicles. It was the first trick she saw him do, and it was marvelous. But now--so much had changed. "Well?" she asked gently, hoping to not prod him too much.

Isamu let out a heavy sigh, "I first came here when I was seven years old. I had run away from my home and looked towards the Saiforro's for help... I don't know why... i guess just because, I saw Mrs.S outside gardening one day and Lark was playing with a ball. The two of them just looked so happy together. Needless to say, they took me in and my life has been a living hell ever since. I wish I had just stayed home... but I couldn't deal with drunk parents and the crime that was happening in the town that I lived in. It scared me and I ran away..."

"The only real thing about all of my abilities, are my wings. I was born with them, everything else is fake. The ice ability I have is fake... the other, darker side of me is fake. I hope you aren't around here long enough to see it, but this isn't the only body I have. The ability for me to turn into an eagle is fake. it's all fake but real at the same time. I guess what im trying to tell you is, the Saiforro's did this to me. I am their experiment. I am their tool and their weapon. I wish I could have warned you from the start, but, once you stay a night at Barlo Mansion, you may never leave. You can try, but some other sense will make you turn around come right back. believe me, I have tried up countless times, to escape this retched hell hole." Isamu then ran a hand through his hair as his anxiety returned and his hands began trembling again.

"The only reason I am not dead yet is because this place is cursed. Not only can a person not leave after spending a night here, but no one may die within the walls of this building from anything other than old age or disease. Noe one can kill you here. I don't really know what im trying to say right now, im just trying to get this all off of my back right now. But... there's so much more to it Alice. Not only have the Saiforro's robbed me of my childhood but... I don't even care about myself... I only care about you guys and..." he trailed off and stared out at the trees for a few moments before looking Alice in the eyes, his own eyes filled with fear of the unknown, and a true sadness.

'Alice... Airi is my daughter."

Alice's face went from concerned, to curious, to worried, and back to concerned again. Why had he been keeping this to himself for so long? And why was he telling her, of all people in this horrid place? She held up a hand to her forehead and paced on the balcony. For a moment she forgot that she was ever cold. Her internal advice to breathe wasn't exactly working at the moment. She had stopped breathing but moved back and forth. It was hard enough to deal with her own secrets, her own darkness. But what Isamu was saying was completely triggering older emotions. She felt enclosed somehow.

Her hands gripped the railing and she finally took in an icy breath. "Well," she whispered. "Isamu..I.." She shook her head, not sure exactly what to say. This place..it scared her even more. Isamu, her dear friend; even he had struggled and held such horrible truths. What did that mean for her, then? Could she not at least have some joy and comfort in anyone here?

Alice's eyes suddenly went glossy and wet. Salty droplets skidded down her face like snow itself. There wasn't a real reason for it, only perhaps she felt lonelier than ever after hearing what Isamu had to say.

"And the mother?" she managed to ask after clearing her throat. The cold was hitting her again and her gaze drifted back inside towards the guests. She saw Airi, and sighed. The poor girl. And Isamu. Her eyes caught Jordyn among the crowd. At least he wasn't missing and in trouble, as Alice assumed about everyone else. He may not have been safe--just as no one here was--but at least he was there. Her hands rubbed her pale cheek and she returned her attention to Isamu, seeing him differently. Not as the playful creature who awed her with his sculptures, but as a combination of unwanted creations. It was all...a mask. Just as she had thought.

"She's gone," was all that Isamu managed to reply at first. His voice was quiet, and just barely audible. He remained in his spot and once again stared off at the garden below. "It wasn't a romantic thing... just something that Harold had insisted on and threatened us into. She died a few days after giving birth. Airi was premature, which is probably why something has happened to her legs. But I am not sure... I think maybe she didn't develop correctly or something. But Airi's mother and Lark were the only two people here for me, keeping me sane."

"I have come so close to losing my sanity so many times, but I prevented it from happening. Having Airi has given me a will to control myself. I would never do anything to hurt her... I would never be able to forgive myself. If it wasn't for Airi I would be even more of a wreck I am now. So many times I wished I would die, but she gave me a reason to keep fighting. She means everything to me... Airi is the most important being in my life and I will never change my mind on that."

He took a moment to be silent and think to himself before speaking again, "Even though no one may die here, I will have my revenge." His hands balled into fists, "The only exceptions to the curse are the Saiforro's. He is not protected, they are the evil doers. The curse exists because the original owners of the mansion were murdered long ago... and who did it? I bet you can figure it out yourself... I am just waiting for the right day to put my plans into action and free us all."

"it is my belief that once the Saiforro's are dead, the curse we be lifted and we can all leave."