Rick
Her eyes shift to Mox when he bristles; To the raised fur pushing his shirt up near the nape of his neck, to the puffed tail, and then shift to meet his eyes. There's curiosity rather than concern. "We can handle it if someone arrives with ill intent." Her head tilts, or rather rolls to the side almost. "I think you are scaring yourself. What are you thinking?" Without the audible curiosity in her voice; It seems to simply linger in her eyes.

When Mox states that he isn't talking to 'the girl', her head rolls to the other side. "To the girl?" There's a brief pause, and her lips move again, eyes shifting with a faint wince as the bump stretches a moment, then stills. "Psyche. This is Psyche. We're still here. Should we not be here?"
Mona
*Mox fixes his brigantine coat. Pushing down the puffed up fur poking out of his collar with a huff. Scaring himself? Hardly.* "We, don't really work for one person less times have changed eh?" *He fires back. Crossing his arms over his chest as that same tail of his gives a single flick of annoyance. He sizes her up again, taking in the fever sweat upon her brow.* "I heard Oni are strong but I doubt the powers of one who looks as if she will pass out any moment."
Rick
"You have never been involved in a collaboration?" Is that some weird joke? It hardly seems it given the deadpan nature she has. It may be a legitimate question. Stretching her shoulder she says quietly, "We needn't be physically strong. Just more aware than others who may come here."
Mona
*Mox just squints at her. Not the oddest question he has heard but still. He didn't seem inclined to answer as he pokes at the fire instead. Giving a grunt as he stirs some of the coals.* "Ya, well. There's a reason why I'm keeping an ear out for anything that could potentially be showing up." 

*Mox continues to play with the fire. Looking over in Psyche's direction every few moments and whenever she so much as moves.*
Clayton
*The sleeping Kitsune seemingly began to stir once again, until violently twitching, breathing heavily in his sleep. There seemed to be some sort of struggle as the unconscious man tried to cry out, but was silent even in the realm of dreams. He'd claw at his own neck, mainly around the area of the scar. Tears fell down the Kistunes face, and his entire body trembled. His eyes still wouldn't open. It was clear why he refused to sleep, now. Would they let him suffer, or would they wake him?*
Rick
She looks at the kitsune as he sleeps, head tilting. Her eyes shift to the scar, then the tears, then the trembling with a detached interest. Like observing an altercation at the market you don't care enough to stop. "It seems that the incident resulting in the scarring left emotional trauma behind." She says, observing aloud. 
She does not however move to awaken him. Instead she shifts uncomfortably and exhales, then grits her teeth briefly. Something slips from her back. Then another. A third. She puts her head on her knees, opening unfocused eyes as three... Winged eyes push themselves from under the hem of her shirt and take wing; Awkward and damp at first then moving quickly.
She closes her eyes taking deep, forcefully evened breaths to calm herself and manage pain. Her only comment on the Kitsune? "He should continue sleeping or else he won't recover. I'll watch the area."
Mona
*The sight, and possibly sound, of those things fall from her shoulder will be something Mox will not forget anytime soon. Ears falling flat against his skull as he just stares at her for a few silent seconds before he can get a hold of himself again. Sucking in a deep breath as he looks away from her.*

*His ears perk up again as their sleeping companion stirs and goes through their fits. One ear going down then up as he weighs his options again before deciding that he did not want to deal with... This. By himself. Standing up to walk over to the sleeping Kitsune to prod at them with a toe to see if they will stir.*
Clayton
*Ishikawa continued to squirm and claw at himself in his sleep, eventually beginning to draw a small amount of blood due to the continuous scratching at his neck. When he was prodded, he reacted violently, twisting his body to try and kick it away. He mumbled something else, but it was still hard to hear.*
Rick
Psyche turns her head towards the sounds but her eyes simply don't focus, staring onward past the Kitsune. Her eyes shift side to side periodically as if scanning before she says, "If you want him awake, perhaps the waterskin."

She sniffed, catching some faint smell of blood, but didn't seem moved to action yet. Instead she felt across the sand and dirt until she felt where it had been warmed by the fire and pushed her way across slowly until she managed to position herself close to the fire as if blind.
Mona
*The toe is a swift target as Mox pulls his foot back before it can become a victim of the Kitsune's nightmare thrashing. Turning to look over his shoulder at Psyche.* "Waste of good water if there isnt a source along the road." *He watches as she crawls closer to the fire. Smelling blood as the kitsune begins to cause self harm in their thrashing. Finally relenting as he uncorks his water skin to pour some out on Ishikawa's head.*
Clayton
*Ishikawa awoke with a loud yelp as he scrambled to look at his surroundings, smelling blood as his tails wagged in an alarmed manner. He whimpered slightly.* 

"Wh- what did I miss?"
Rick
The Oni shifts her head in the direction of Mox's speech and tilts her head. Resting where she is and warming up slowly, she lifts her head from her knees upon hearing splashing. "Ah." A simple sound of recognition before she hears the yelp.

Something shifts in the trees but she doesn't seem alarmed or concerned. Not at the moment. "He's awake now? He should find someone to talk to of what happened. Otherwise it will just... Come out. We've watched it happen with victims of war before."
Mona
*Mox slaps the cork back into his water skin. Waiting for Ishikawa to fully wake up before answering.* "You clawing your throat out and the girl arguing over needing rest." *As Mox speaks his hackles twitch, tail flicking back and forth behind him as the scent of blood gets stronger.*

*A shift of underbrush? Mox's ears snap to attention and turn, just before his head does, towards the woods. His frame going ridged as he waits. Trying to catch the scent of whatever was near.*
Clayton
*The Kitsune looked over at Psyche, not saying anything as he locked his jaw. The expression of his face wasn't exactly that of resentment, per say, However...* 

"I-" 

*Ishikawa wiped tears from his face, and touched his neck, taking his hand back, staring at the blood quietly. He snapped his head to the side as he heard something in the woods, ears twitching.*
Rick
The Oni sits there, watching the fire before saying, "It's only him."

Perhaps referring to the three individual... *Things* That separated from her and escaped into the air. Keeping an eye on things. She keeps her eyes closed, adding, "Will you two be alright out here? You don't seem to be alright."
Mona
*Mox stares off into the woods.* "Starting to think heading to town tonight is better then the woods friend." *Letting out a huff as it was just another false alarm Mox behind walking back to the fire again to sit down next to his gear.*
Clayton
*Ishikawa began to straighten, hastily standing up. Small amounts of blood dripped from his neck, but he didn't seem too concerned with it.* 

"Yes... It seems it'd be better to head to town tonight than wait."
Rick
The Oni pushes herself up, wobbling slightly before stiffening her form. She turns on her heels, avoiding the fire by simply not moving until she's facing away from it before she begins walking. 

"Then you should both go. We know where to go in order to find the Healer, and while we thank you for the assistance, we're not sure if you can handle these situations as they currently stand."

Her back over her shoulder has dampened and her walk is again, almost drunken as she uses her hands as much as her... Well, seemingly as much as her eyes to guide herself back towards the road.
Mona
*Mox stops to put one hand on her shoulder, the one that didnt have those... Things... Fall from it.* "Horse is steadier then whatever you call walking right now. This ain't no request. You can either have the kitsune help ya or Ill drag you along following him till we get to the city."

*Mox was tired at this point of this mess he was in. Willing to risk it just to finish off this chaotic mess of a situation. While his halberd and bow were left sitting on his cloak near the fire his short sword still hangs from his right hip. The scabbard clasped in his right hand just below the cross guard.*
Clayton
*Ishikawa looked at the woman, shaking his head.* 
"We're not abandoning you, I keep true to my word.." 

*In truth, he didn't want to leave her on her own, and he wasn't going to be taking no for an answer. He was determined. Ishikawa began to put out the fire in front of them, his horse standing, and his hawk flying up onto his shoulder, as if the animals were prepared to leave as well.*
Rick
She stopped moving when the hand landed on her shoulder, head tilting without facing Mox. "Why do you feel compelled to help? We can see that you dislike this. There is no need to expose yourself to things you dislike. You could leave, and more than likely, you would never see us again."

It wasn't sullen, or upset. She delivered the information as if pointing out a rather obvious plothole in a book. As if trying to understand from the narrator's view why perhaps someone would feel the need to over extend themselves when there was no obvious gain.

Her shoulder shifts uneasily, and a soft voice whispers, "*Are they going to kill me?*"

Psyche manages a shrug to it, blinking as the firelight dies off and waiting as she counts, waiting for night vision she doesn't seem to have before moving again.

"We did not say you could not follow, but we think moving rather than lingering with poor moods is better."
Mona
*Why was he helping. Did his word really mean that much when it came to reputation? Mox just shrugs. Ignoring those thoughts for now as he comes up with an excuse. Pointing towards the road.* "Not to burst your bubble but think you were sleepin when I said I'm a hired sword. I do bodyguard work on occasion as well. So wandering the roads looking for the next one to purchase my blade is normal. You wanna assume its personal? Alright."

*Letting go of her shoulder he goes to collect his things. Resting the halberd against his shoulder once his cloak is clasped.* "Could just say I'm keeping the knife out of my back by helping what could be a monster. You wouldnt eat someone who helped ya right?" *He answers. Only half joking as he steps past then to wait at the road.*
Clayton
*The Kistune looked to Psyche, just watching her quietly. He didn't think she'd attack Mox, but was still prepared to restrain her if necessary. Ishikawa got onto his Horse, the beast beginning to slowly trot towards them.* 

"Yes, it's much faster to travel by horse, and some extra protection shouldn't hurt..." 

*Ishikawa offered his hand to Psyche as his horse slowly moved forwards, a compassionate look on his face, rather than one of hate, as the creature might assume.*
Rick
At the excuse of coin Psyche's head tilts the other way. "If you want we can pay and let you go." A genuine offer as she waits before pausing. "It isn't healthy to eat people of any race typically. It causes many issues, diseases aside."

"*Monster?*"

Her lips didn't move with the odd whisper came about. She just looked down the road as they finally got to it, pale eyes focused on nothing. She blinked once when Ishikawa offered a hand and reached her own out, missing once, then catching it for the help needed to mount the horse.
Mona
"That was... That was a joke. The eating people part. Many still think that's what we beastkin do." *Mox made a mental note not to make any more jokes near her. Both ears peeking as she finally decides to accept the help.* "Pay me back later. Dont worry about today."

*When they finally start moving he keeps pace with the horse. Staying on their left side as they head down the road, muttering to himself.* "Ain't desperate enough to take advantage of the sick anyway."
Clayton
*The Kitsune gently helped her up onto the back of the horse, the hawk on his shoulder fluttering uncomfortably before finally accepting her presence next to her. Ishikawa spoke softly as his horse trotted along, trying to stay as friendly to her as he could, given Mox's comments.* 

"The sooner we get you to the healer, the better. She might be able to ease your pain." 

*He didn't elaborate, but it seemed more and more like it would involve removing the thing in her back.* 

"You aren't a monster... Just... Different. Monsters have intent in what they do. True ones."
Rick
It took a moment for her to settle, as if remembering how to sit on a saddle. Her head tilts back awkwardly as three things fly past, spreading outwards again as if they had simply been passing by for a look-see. "We'll remember to pay you." Then a pause. "Why do they think beastkin eat people? It sounds like poorly formed understanding, or perhaps like purposefully spread misinformation to present the idea of a monster."

She was definitely on the weird stuff tonight (or the fever) but at least she wasn't attacking anyone, or anything. Just... Talking. 

As Ishikawa spoke, Psyche kept her head up to face the moon she could not see, and though her mouth still wasn't moving there was that odd whisper again from the immatured mouth. "*Different? What intention do monsters have? What intent makes them a monster compared to others?*"
Mona
*Mox shrugs. He knew one that could have spread the rumor, put the fear in the elves. But this goes further back then that.* "From what I understand most of you cant eat meat raw. Never had any of those issues back when I lived with my tribe. Could be some beastkin were desperate enough or lost their senses and decided to try elven or even Oni meat." *The thought perplexed Mox, they were probably way too tough to be a good meal.*

*Mox followed the odd shapes as they flew over them. Tracking them as they walked.* "We can discuss payment later as I said. Get to a healer first."
Clayton
*The Kitsune allowed the reigns to fall from his hands, leaning over to give his horse a good pat on the neck. The relationship he had with his horse was one of deep companionship, and he trusted it to know where to go, even if he didn't direct him. Ishikawa murmured, joining the conversation about eating people.* 

"Most likely it started to keep the Silnari away... They haven't the best relationship, as far as I'm aware." 

*His hawk never stopped watching the flying shapes, jerking around nervously. The poor bird didn't seem to like this *At all*. Ishikawa addressed the mouth that spoke to him, lowering his voice slightly.* 

"Well, most people..." 
*He paused.* 

"Most people don't have eyes growing out of there back... Or a mouth, for that matter." 
*He continued, remaining fairly calm with the creature, despite the fact that its existence disturbed him, and it could easily sink a knife into his back.* 

"There are creatures in this world that may appear monsterous, but they act like any other beast, they hunt, they sleep, they mate, just as any other. A beast only does what it is in its nature to do. When it attacks someone, it's not out of malice, it's because it's hungry, or scared... No, a monster is someone who intentionally harms others, who feeds on society, manipulating others because it wishes to..." 

*He murmured quietly, knowing that Psyche could hear him, or at least the face probably could,* 

"Someone like what did all of this to me."
Rick
The shapes were spheres it almost looked like... Ones with wings. Given what Ishikawa had said, and Psyche's own words as to 'keeping watch', it left little to imagine what they were. Though perhaps it did explain why the Oni suddenly seemed blind and reacting to things she could not perhaps herself see.

"Most cannot due to their bodies losing such an ability." She acknowledged. "Cooked meat is gentle on the stomach. Raw is not. Though one can do so when it is needed. But then that is not considered 'civilized' either." Her eyes shift as the things continue spreading out a good distance in the sky. "...I wondered once if it was purposefully spread by the Silnari given their penchant for slavery of such races hurt by such ideas. It becomes noble in the eyes of those frightened by the ideas to subdue and 'civilize' such individuals if the idea of fear and distrust is strong."

As Ishikawa says what he does there's a measured pause before the odd voice emanating from Psyche's back shoulder speaks again.

"*We do not think we are a monster then. We wish to watch and observe, and understand.*"

"Though we may have met one full of hatred and need for revenge. We watched what they did in Silnaria."

"*They've traded their eyes for ones black as soot now. They would enslave the Silnari if it pleased them, but they will settle for their blood and deaths whether they are guilty, or not.*"

There's another pause.

"*Is that a monster?*"
Mona
"As someone who lives on intentional harm I'd say it takes more then that to be considered a monster. Then again I have been called that before." *Mox goes quiet as Psyche talks of one who seeks to destroy Silnaria, having a good idea of just who they are speaking of.*

*He remained silent instead of joining in on this conversation. Keeping track of the flying things for a moment before focusing straight ahead.*
Clayton
*Ishikawa slowly closed his eyes, listening to the others carefully, finding some peace in the relative quiet of the night, turning slightly to Mox.* 

"There's a malice in it... You are not a monster. I should have clarified. A mercenary holds no malice when they kill someone, they don't torture, they just... End it. As it should be." 

*His hand creeped up along his own body, gently touching the scars that ran along it, sighing quietly.* 

"Hatred, yes..." 
*He frowned, his ears perking up slightly at the talk of the eyes.* 

"Ah, yes. A vampire. They feed upon others without any concern for the damage it causes... *Parasites*. The one you speak of certainly sounds like a monster, someone who has allowed themselves to harm with no reason except for pleasure, to permit wanton death wherever they go.. You're lucky to still be standing after encountering that."
Rick
"So harming is not inherently evil, but the intention behind harming. For sake of living, it is not. For the sake of a job, it also is not?" Psyche asks, staring at nothing. "It makes things difficult then."

She paused then as she listens to the talking, head tilting again, mouth slightly opened as the words begin again.

"*Are parasites bad?*" It whispers, voice high and whispery. "*We think he became one. What he did indicated such. However, we do not fear seeing him again. We are not the ones who made them a monster.*"
Mona
*Mox thinks on it while they continue forward. Wary of joining in on this conversation before finally deciding to speak.* "There are rumors they've been experimenting on slaves. It really anyone they can get their hands on. Could be they made their own monster."

*He tried to think back to anytime he might have enjoyed killing. There were a few who deserved it really, but that was neither here nor there.* "What do you do for a living that such thoughts are common enough for these conversations."
Clayton
*Ishikawa nodded slightly, opening his eyes just barely. He'd glance at the stars above them, trying to pick out constellations among them.* 

"Things in life often are difficult.." 

*Ishikawas hawk would attempt to nuzzle into his neck, wanting to avoid the eyeballs flying around. It didn't hurt that Ishikawa was warm, as well.* 

"Parasites feed on their host, weakening them. Generally the host dies by the time it is done. In some cases, they even take over the mind, until the person that used to remain within the shell is dead. It's still their body, but it simply... Isn't them." 

*He turned to Mox, raising an eyebrow.* 
"I'm surprised you don't know what I am by looking at me. I'm a monster hunter. Mostly hunt beasts, but I wouldn't call them monsters... People, on the other hand..." 

*He trailed off, looking at the road ahead, not focusing on any one thing in particular.*
Rick
"They didn't mention specifically, but it seems they brought the monsters he feared to the surface. Which is not ideal for them." She pauses, speaking over at Mox. "Where did they do this? Do you know?"

Then she paused at the question. "Do for a living? I watch. I want to understand why. If I can I want to know why things happen and how. This requires watching. So, we watch."

"*Feed on their host? How? Is that malicious?*"

"So you hunt beasts... Then not monsters. Why be called a monster hunter?"