To Protect What Matters Most [Private: Arianda/Ulv]

Arianda had to roll her eyes at the comment of the psychotic breakdown; AGAIN. She simply ignored that little comment and crossed her arms as she looked at the woman. Whatever she was avoiding was clearly bad, something that would annoy Ari a good deal. Whatever it was, no one had told her; and it was difficult for Ari to spend time with what was basically her adoptive family. Seeing Caly was a problem of its own, mostly because Arianda was never truly sure where she was. Aside from that, being around the rest of the Asthavon's can be troublesome. Arianda's still not sure how she feels about Mana, she dislikes being around Algos, and Inami hadn't talked about Ulv's... predicament.

Soon, the demon let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head gently. The mention of Ceal was nostalgic, even if a little painful. Regardless, the demon let out a small sigh. She was not surprised Ulv and Ceal were unable to source such materials. Sealing anyone's power so simply was extremely difficult; and, at the time, it probably wouldn't have been terrible potent in the end. Not to mention, such an affair would have resulted in an Angry Ari at the time. Regardless, Arianda let out a small sigh and looked at Ulv.

"Let's just say that I can handle it, Ulv. I don't want you to conceal something from me if it's of such gravity. What could be so wrong with you, or wrong with what could happen in the future, that you'd insist on not telling me because of losing my seal? And, Ulv, I did not have a psychotic breakdown, no matter how much you love to insist that I did."

Arianda could only roll her eyes again at Ulv, after making such a statement. She honestly did not care what Ulv thought. Perhaps that was for the better. So, the demon simply, and truthfully, ingored the comment of how someone with a psychotic breakdown would deny it. However, that meant anyone who didn't have a psychotic breakdown would then have it simply because they were denying it; silly. She simply pondered Ulv's words. Arianda had absolutely no idea what she was talking about it. Suppress what? Actually can't see what? Sure, Arianda was excellent at reading emotions at times; but she never trusted what Ulv's emotions spoke. Especially when that could change on the drop of a hat. Simply put, the demon sighed softly and spoke evenly as she left the child's room with Ulv; quietly closing the door behind herself.

"Believe what you may about why I haven't noticed... whatever is wrong with you. I just would like for you to tell me, as your friend; what's wrong. Clearly, I have absolutely no idea what you are alluding to Ulv. What, are you dying or something? Taking a trip through space? Moving to Mars?"

Arianda asked those series of, which felt like nonsense, questions more nonchalantly than she should've; which probably did give off the fact that Arianda had honestly not realized the truth of Ulv's current condition. She wasn't linked to the things she had been in the past; she couldn't tell if Ulv's lifeforce was draining the way she could have done before. Frankly speaking, Arianda had no idea the woman could be dying. Frankly speaking, all Ari could tell was that Ulv was being cryptic to avoid an answer to "Spare" Ari's mind. Even if that was the case, it was something Ari didn't want to deal with. If her friend, as rocky as their relationship can be at times, is dealing with something that will cause her to leave her child; Ari wanted to know why.

Frankly speaking, Arianda never did lose her reikaku. It was easy to sense energy. However, Arianda hadn't exactly taken the time, recently, to examine Ulv's energy. Upon Ulv's statement, she tilted her head and actually took stock of the woman's energy. Truth be told, Ulv's energy was still monolithic; in a sense at least. However, there was something odd; like it was fading with every passing day. Arianda stepped closer, squinting at Ulv closely. She took a sniff, and looked at her closely before sighing softly. She gave Ulv a big hug, which probably felt sudden; the demon suppressing the emotions that started to flow once the realization came to her. Simply put, Arianda hadn't noticed it... because she didn't want to.

"You really are dying, aren't you...?"

Arianda looked at Ulv with great concern after pulling away from that hug. Maybe Ari always knew, and was purposefully ignoring it and pretending she didn't know; because she didn't wish to believe it. It felt like Mirja dying all over again... However, the demon let out a small sigh and gently poked Ulv's nose. Clearly, the woman was resigned to the fact she was going to die eventually; otherwise, she wouldn't be resuming normal life like it was nothing. Arianda could only sigh, shaking her head softly as she took a seat on air nearby Ulv, considering it all.

"What... What are you gonna do, Ulv? How long do you have? I know Minatumi won't just go away without you; but won't the city be weakened without you...?"

Arianda only shook her head again, covering her eyes and face a bit as she mulled over the fact that Ulv was bound to die. What would happen to Minatumi without Ulv's energy protecting it like it did? Did she have a backup plan? Arianda could only pinch the bridge of her nose while thinking of all of this. Soon, she collected her thoughts, and herself, and looked straight at Ulv.

"... I can only wonder what will happen, Ulv. And why you are dying... What happened?"

Arianda let out a small sigh. Of course it was more subtle now. Coughing up blood and having blotchy skin, that looked yellow, were quite telling signs of something bad. Losing energy? Far less telling unless you actually were to examine it like Ari just did. If you were used to said person's energy, and used to ignoring it a small bit because it's literally everywhere in Minatumi; you kinda end up not noticing shifts in it unless you try to pay attention to it. Regardless, Arianda crossed her legs as she looked at Ulv, quite puzzled at the entire predicament. Apparently, Ulv got briefly intimate with Algos long enough to have children with her; and then use said child as a way to remind Algos of Ulv. The child did bear some resemblance to Ulv, as much as could be seen while it was a baby; and it wouldn't have the hinderances of her test-tube created body.

The demon could only listen to Ulv as she explained what was to happen to Minatumi, the name Shadin sending a tingle up Ari's spine, and why she was dying. Frankly speaking, it was quite amazing Ulv had lasted this long on pure regeneration alone. What was literally destroying her body was slow enough that such regeneration made life easier; but it would fail. A few months instead of a whole week. It made sense why Ulv was likely more... carefree than normal. Then again, the woman was always carefree; so there probably wasn't a huge difference in her behavior. Aside from the whole, about to die, thing. Arianda simply let out a small sigh after Ulv stopped speaking. Whether or not Arianda had been denying what was happening subconsciously, she shook her head softly and looked at Ulv carefully.

"A few months, huh...? I wonder... Do you think your child will grow enough to actually know you? Demon children and age are quite... funky. Caly wasn't too old, from what I remember when I first saw her, and yet she was clearly cognizant of everything around her, she made her own decisions, and could fully comprehend things. Just... if your child does grow enough to actually interact with you before you pass; make sure she knows that her mother loved her. It's a horrid fate to not know or remember ones parents; especially when they loved you so."

Arianda let out a soft sigh, slowly mulling over the memories she had recently recovered thanks to Amphy; memories of her own parents. She had no idea where they were, obviously, but something in Arianda told her they were alive... it was an odd feeling, but one she knew wasn't false. It certainly felt as real as the realization that Ulv was to die in a few months; assuming nothing horrid accelerates the process.

"What'll... Will the parts of Mirja that stayed alive inside you pass on with you, Ulv? I can't imagine they can sustain a life force of their own without some form of help. But, Ulv; what will you do now aside from take care of your child? Three months isn't long to live... Got a bucket list?"

Arianda couldn't help but chuckle a small bit, smiling gently as Ulv spoke. Indeed, it was for the best that Ulv finally got some rest; the woman had basically been through two life-times, even if Mirja herself wasn't conscious anymore. The demon did hope she would at least get that rest like Ulv talked about. Damn woman really did deserve it, especially after all the shit she'd been through. Eventually, Arianda let out a soft sigh when Ulv had finished speaking. It was very good that Ulv had no doubts or regret, and especially good that her child would know her mother loved her. Arianda simply nodded at Ulv as she spoke. It all was good, especially the fact that Mirja would finally be able to rest. Soon, however, Arianda had to let herself relax as she took the other cup of tea; holding the warm cup in her hands as she stared into the colored liquid.

"I'm not surprised in the slightest that your entire life was a bucket list, Ulv. Honestly, sounds just like you. I'm glad you have nothing to doubt or regret when the time comes... Tell me something, though."

The demon considered her tea for a few moments, but never drank it; simply staring at the hot liquid while she thought. She didn't drink it out of disrespect; she simply was thinking of other things. Drinking the tea wasn't a terribly huge priority.

"You're basically Minatumi's self-appointed mayor, but; will there be a new mayor? I can't imagine someone'll simply just step up, ya know? And I don't like the sound of Shadin possibly gaining control of Minatumi again; a man who dislikes demons more than the normal being. Regardless, I still can't help but wonder what the future holds for all of us; including when you are reborn through the soul cycle. You never know what will happen, after all... Heh, I just hope you can experience being a normal person for once; even if for not that long. Being mundane can be surprisingly comfortable for some..."

Arianda smiled to herself gently before she contemplated her left arm as her thoughts drifted away from the fate of Ulv and Minatumi and bore more towards her Tulpa once again.

"Mmmm... I guess I should find someone who can help me train this Tulpa up, huh? And won't tie me up if I pass out. Got any suggestions~?"