Magical Lotus - Mahou Shoujou Baykuren - Episode 4, Part 5 (Complete)

[Oldmansour]

>Hyozan was... talking to someone. Someone loud and powerful and distant and not very pleased to realize I had noticed them.
>Let's see if we can get some response by trying to talk to Hyozan directly: I apologize for interrupting your conversation. I... hope I haven't made things more difficult for you somehow.

>So... Hyozan's intelligent? Like us, intelligent?
>Reaching out to Hyozan isn't quite like talking with your colleagues, or even the Purpose. The connection is a bit tenuous at first, faint, but then you draw upon your experience with Breakdown and the others. You don't need anything like that level of intimacy, but the experience is enough to give you an idea on how to effectively communicate with a member of the Blood.
>You sense surprise from Hyozan as you communicate with him, but unlike with the other voice, you feel that Hyozan is pleasantly surprised. You have not. At least, you haven't made things more difficult for ME. I do not know if I can say the same for you.  he cautions.

[DracoOmega]

>I am growing strangely accustomed to drawing the ire of unfamiliar powers, though I would just as soon not add another to that list.

[Oldmansour]

>I am growing strangely accustomed to drawing the ire of unfamiliar powers, though I would just as soon not add another to that list.

>Well the good news is, he might not be the one coming to see you. In fact, I doubt it would be him. He hates Earth.
>He pauses briefly. You are not surprised to be talking to me?

[DracoOmega]

>On the contrary. But I've been through so many unexpected things lately that I may be growing accustomed to that, too.
>You seemed aware of our battle earlier today.

[Oldmansour]

>On the contrary. But I've been through so many unexpected things lately that I may be growing accustomed to that, too.
>You seemed aware of our battle earlier today.

>Yes... Just a moment. The dog pauses. Two seconds later, you hear a faint scratching at your door.
>Hyozan? Lily asks.

[DracoOmega]

>Might as well let the dog in, I guess

[Oldmansour]

>Might as well let the dog in, I guess

>Hyozan has been in your apartment before, but never quite like this. The dog seems somehow polite when you open the door and let him in.  Thank you.

[DracoOmega]

>Nod politely
>Of course.
>To Rin and Lily: Can you hear him as well, or is it just me?

[Oldmansour]

>Nod politely
>Of course.
>To Rin and Lily: Can you hear him as well, or is it just me?

>The knowledge of your fight with the Stuntrons is known to every Blood in the city. Those close to the fight detected the use of Grey power, and those farther away were informed by them. But, don't worry. he adds quickly. The identity of the women fighting the Stuntrons is unknown to any but me.
>Rin replies, No. while Lily shakes her head.

[DracoOmega]

>That is some comfort, at least.
>Pause
>Does... Letty have any idea that you're more than just an ordinary dog?

[Oldmansour]

>That is some comfort, at least.
>Pause
>Does... Letty have any idea that you're more than just an ordinary dog?

>I knew you kept a secret. I would not betray you.
>I have not told her. he states, though you detect a hint of uncertainty in his voice. As though he's not quite sure whether she does or not.

[DracoOmega]

>I... admit to feeling some sheepishness at how I've interacted with you in past. I always knew you were a very smart dog, but....

[Oldmansour]

>I... admit to feeling some sheepishness at how I've interacted with you in past. I always knew you were a very smart dog, but....

>The big dog shakes his head, a very human gesture. That life if the life I chose. he states simply.

[DracoOmega]

>Yet you still keep in touch with... higher powers?

[Oldmansour]

>Yet you still keep in touch with... higher powers?

>These were unique circumstances. It's not everyday someone like you comes along. I knew you had power. I knew you were fighting evil. But to challenge a group of evil Blood, and win, is special. To win as you did, that has never been done.

[DracoOmega]

>And others had questions?

[Oldmansour]

>And others had questions?

>Many others. After what you did to the Stuntrons, every Blood in the world is going to be looking for you. Well, they were. The search should be called off now.

[DracoOmega]

>Oh? Why is that?

[Oldmansour]

>Oh? Why is that?

>Hyozan visibly hesitates, but seems to collect himself a moment later. Because one of the Kindred has vouched for you.

[DracoOmega]

>Do we... know what the Kindred are?

[Oldmansour]

>Do we... know what the Kindred are?

>You do not.

[DracoOmega]

>A... Kindred?

[Oldmansour]

>A... Kindred?

>You've never heard of us? he asks, sounding, you think, cautiously hopeful.

[DracoOmega]

>I've never heard the term used that way, no.

[Oldmansour]

>I've never heard the term used that way, no.

>The dog sits back on his haunches. You somehow have the impression that it is a gesture of relief. Among the Blood, the non-humanoid Blood are called Kindred. We are the... 'others'. The un-noble Blood. The untrustworthy and the untrusting. His voice becomes noticeably sadder as he describes the Kindred.
>"Excuse me." Rin cuts in, stepping forward with a lock of faint annoyance on her face. "But if you can talk to my Mistress, can you talk to us, too?"
>Hyozan whimpers quietly, then looks over at Rin. He is silent for a moment, his body language showing a modicum of tension. But when he resumes talking, you sense that he is now reaching farther out, using the same means he is using with you to connect with your other two magical girls. Can you hear me now? he asks.
>Lily blinks and smiles. "Sweet, I can hear you!" The little blonde's wings flutter happily. "I'd give you a big hug, but I've got my hands full." And she does, having returned to her cooking in the meantime.

[DracoOmega]

>"Untrustworthy and untrusting?"

[Oldmansour]

>"Untrustworthy and untrusting?"

>The relationship between Inhuman and Human Blood has not always been healthy. Hyozan replies, his tone speaking volumes about just how unhealthy he means.

[DracoOmega]

>Offer a sympathetic smile
>"How anyone could think that about someone so faithful and loyal is beyond me."

[Oldmansour]

>Offer a sympathetic smile
>"How anyone could think that about someone so faithful and loyal is beyond me."

>The big dog's tail wags back and forth. Winning the trust of a Kindred was once thought to be impossible. So when a Kindred expresses trust in a Human, that carries a lot of weight. And you women have my trust. You protect this city. And you protect Letty.

[DracoOmega]

>"We do. And thank you, Hyozan. You have my trust as well."

>"Though would it be prying to ask who it was you were speaking with?"