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 Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 12:26 pm
Kemuri stared out the open window wistfully, one arm hanging out of it. A cool breeze ruffled his hair, but he didn't bother to flatten it; it always seemed unkempt. Sighing, he stroked the grass outside, the damp earth calming his frenzied mind. Why couldn't everything be as simple as a gray afternoon? Not that anything ever was, but it was nice to dream. That was what she had always told him. That he was an idealistic dreamer. To which he would reply that he was only dreaming until he went out and made things happen.
"Nyaa?" A small voice brought him back to the present with an unpleseant thud. Wincing, he pulled himself out of the window and turned his attention back indoors. "Cereth," he muttered. Of course it would be him; the young tiger boy was the one who always managed to find him when he was thinking. "Cereth, what are you doing here?"
The boy whimpered, holding out his hand, which looked fine except for a tiny scratch on the pointer finger. "Nyou..." He sniffled and tried to climb into the window seat next to Kemuri, yanking on the curtains to do so.
"Stop that!" Kemuri's voice was sharper than he had intended to make it. "Go bother Eriol with whatever you need," he continued, referring to the tall dark boy who was considered Cereth's older brother. "I'm busy here." Gently, he freed the drapes from the boy's grip and pointed him towards the door.
As the youth left, head down and tail drooping, Kemuri's heart felt pinched for a moment. It wasn't Cereth's fault; he simply didn't know better than to come barging in. But then, that wasn't his problem. He was alone again, and that was all that mattered to him. And that was how it should be. Wasn't it?
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Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 10:00 am
Kemuri's Journal
I have decided to start a recording of my thoughts and observations. I have no idea if it will come in handy, or if I will stick with it. At least it will give me something to do. She always said it helped clear her head, so maybe it will help me do the same.
My bond asked me to help mind a couple of her wards. It was not a demand, thankfully. If it was I would have been in trouble. But it was a request. I decided to try it. Maybe if I could get inerested in a project, life wouldn't seem so meaningless.
So far it isn't working.
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Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 10:02 am
Kemuri's Journal
The one called Cereth is starting to get to me. He even looks like me. Except his eyes. He's got her eyes, as crazy as it sounds. I mean, we're not even related. He was born on Gaia, from some crazy kind of rock. Which is also odd. I travelled through a rock, I suppose, to reach Gaia from Shisei. But they're not the same.
No, they're not. He's smaller, and looks much different. He can't speak English. I can understand snatches of what he's trying to get across, but no more than anyone else. What's really startling me is the... affection, the pure, innocent affection he seems to have for me. Doesn't he know how dangerous that is?
Is he more like me, or her? Or both of us? I suppose in some ways he's like a child we never had. We talked about children once, and only once. I can't even remember what was said. Just that a conversation happened.
I do need to do something. I can't go on like this.
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Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 10:03 am
"Kemuriiiiii!" A small, dark-haired boy ran down the hall towards the bedrooms. Bell jingling, Cereth followed behind, squealing happily. "Murrrr!" The two boys reached a stop next to one door, which flew open in front of them.
A rumpled head thrust itself out of the door anxiously. "What is it? Did something happen? Are you kids okay?" The boys had caught Kemuri during one of his long daydreams, and he'd barely had enough time to get to the door before his room was invaded. And that could be disasterous.
The older boy grabbed Kemuri by the hand and started pulling him out. "C'mon Kem! You've been boring all week, and Mom's gone, and 'Reth 'n I've been going nuts! You've gotta let us go somewhere!"
Sighing, Kemuri pulled his hair back into its usual knot and straightened his clothes. It had taken him a while to get used to the strange fashions they wore on this plane. While he still refused to wear shoes, that day he had opted for a loose pair of jeans, with a hole cut in back for his tail, and a rumpled white dress shirt. Even more rumpled due to his inattention. Frowning, he looked back up at the boys. "Eriol, we've been through this before." As the boy's face scrunched up in fury and sadness, he hastened to finish. "But if it would make you both keep busy for a while, I guess we could go somewhere today. For a little while." It really wouldn't be a bad idea to get some air every now and then.
"Really? Yay, let's go!" The boy, Eriol, punched the air with his fist, while Cereth jumped up and down, his tail swinging to and fro. "Murrrr friii!" By their excitement Kem could tell just how bored those two had been, and he felt slightly guilty for it. He hadn't been the best child-sitter, but maybe with some practice he could improve.
A small smile on his face, Kemuri took each child's hand and started towards the door. "Let's go have some fun. And I know just the place!"
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Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 2:53 pm
After a long time of abandonment, the journal flips open to the last entry, seemingly of its own accord. Kemuri's Journal
I have decided to go on a trip. I need to see more of the world that is now my home. Besides, I am missing the hunt. The fact that I'm missing anything has to be an improvement. Maybe I'm finally adjusting to the shock of changing worlds. I hope so. I really want to be happy.
I'm taking Cereth with me. He wants to come, and I think some company would be nice. He is a lot like me, I have to admit, and if it would do me good to go away, maybe it would do him some good too. I'm actually starting to genuinely like the bugger.
Hopefully when I get back, I'll be a new me. Or at least a better one.
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Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 10:24 pm
The door creaked, despite Kemuri's attempts to silence it. He had decided to return to Vi'domi rather than to his bond. There were a few things he had to say, and to arrange, first.
Cereth detached himself from Kemuri's tail and pattered down one of the many dark hallways, sending echoes of his happy cries through the house.
"So much for silence." Still, there were things to do. "Kiyu-san?"
There was a pause, and then "Kiyu-san?"
An echo? The voice did sound like him, but the pause was unnatural. "Who's there?"
"Who's there?"
Kemuri frowned as he neared a corner. That definitely wasn't him. He took a deep breath and threw himself around it, coming face to face with...
"Kiyu-san!"
"Kemuri-san!" The young elf that was in charge lit up with delight. "It has been so long since we've heard from you! Are you home for good?"
Unable to contain his relief, Kemuri sighed. Probably just an echo after all. "I'm not sure actually, and-"
"Kiyu-san, is the tea ready yet?" A tall, well-muscled man stepped lightly into the hall. His white sleeveless robed fluttered around his ankles as he walked, making him look even more elegant. One hand ruffled his carefully styled straw-blonde hair, only slightly bent due to the presence of long bone white horns. A tattoo on his elbow was the only other marking, which was quickly hidden as the man folded his arms.
"Well?"
Kiyu blushed and bowed her head. "Kemuri-san, this is Rithahn-sama. He arrived here a few months ago. Rithahn-sama, this is Kemuri-san, a guest of Devi-sama."
Both men's eyebrows rose. Kemuri was the first to vocalize his feelings. "Is that right?" he asked in tones of displeasure. He'd only seen this person for a minute, but everything about him, from his carefully crafted appearance to the way he treated Kiyu-san told him that he was facing a noble. A particularly pompous noble.
"Indeed," the other man answered, no happier. He extended one hand. "Rahanim Sei Rithahn."
Definitely a noble. The name proved it. "Kemuri Riyem Shisei."
A smirk crossed Rahanim's face briefly. "An outcast."
"What of it?"
"Nothing," he replied in a tone that implied that it was anything but nothing.
The growing tension was cut by a high pitched whistle. "I believe the tea is ready, gentlemen." Kiyu took each of them by the arm, thankful for the interruption. "Shall we?"
"Sure."
"Of course."
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 9:17 am
"Outcast."
Kemuri looked up from the book he had been perusing. "I have a name, noble."
Stepping into the tiger's room, Rahanim looked around. "Of course you do. Kenry or something?"
"Kemuri," he muttered through clenched teeth. "What do you want?"
"I was told that there was a pen in here of fine quality. I have come to retrieve it." His eyes still roamed the room, unable to hide a glint of curiosity. How did the other side live on the other side?
That pushed him over the top. Balling his hands into fists, Kemuri stood. "First, Rahanim Sei Rithahn, this is my room. If you wish to enter, knock, and I will tell you if you are allowed to come in. Second, anything in this room is mine, or in my care. If you want anything, ask for it, and I will decide whether or not you can use it. Third, you are not welcome in here right now. So please leave."
Unfazed, Rahanim brushed out a wrinkle in his cream-colored robe. "I needn't waste manners on the likes of you until you show me the same courtesy, which I doubt you've even been taught. If you won't give me the pen, I will look elsewhere." With a toss of his hair, he turned and left as suddenly as he had come.
Cereth poked his head out from underneath the bed. "Nya?"
"Nothing. But if we have to live together for much longer, it might get worse."
"Nrar mya." The zodical folded his arms grumpily.
"I try. Next time, if he's more polite, I'll ask if he's the same."
Standing just outside of the door, Rahanim frowned. Hearing only half of a conversation was infuriating, but still offered some insight. Maybe next time he would feign interest, if only to be asked whatever they were talking about. It couldn't hurt.
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Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 5:09 am
Kemuri's Journal
There's someone new here. A noble. Rahanim Sei Rithahn. The self appointed king of this castle.
Who does he think he is? The way he orders everyone around is sickening. He seems to think that his presence honors everyone in it. Doesn't he know this isn't Shisei? I lost everything when I came here (or just before I did), and he thinks he can just arrive and be worshipped? He'd better shape up before I decide to reshape him myself.
Maybe we got back too early.
When did I start thinking of us as a we? The kid's cute, I'll give him that. He probably gets me more than lots of people here. But he's a kid. A weird kid. Besides, I promised I wouldn't think of anymore "we's" before I came here.
But then, what from there holds true here?
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Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 7:54 am
"What do you mean, another one?"
Kiyu sighed. In some ways she preferred the newcomer to her old friend. While Rahanim was definitely annoying and demanding, Kemuri was loud when he was agitated, and lost most sense of reason. At least the noble was calm.
Indeed, he took the news as he took everything, keeping himself on top of the situation. "She means, you thick-headed bore, that your bond is bringing another through to this realm."
Growling, Kemuri sat back into his spot at the kitchen table. "She's your bond too. Or can't you believe we've got something in common?"
"Anything I share with you would be common indeed," Rahanim quipped irritably.
"That's enough from both of you." It was time for someone impartial to take sides, and since she was the only one around, it would have to be her. The elf stared down both men, aided by the fact that she was standing, while they were sitting. "All I know is that what Devi-sama told me- that there will be another of your kind joining you. With any luck, it's someone with sense," she added under her breath.
Kemuri jumped to his feet again. "What do you mean by that?"
"She means-"
"And you. Don't tell Kiyu-san what she means, how would you know?"
Rolling his eyes, Rahanim stood and faced the tiger. "You probably could too, if you stopped shouting and just listened. Have you ever tried that?"
"Have you ever tried not acting so mighty and superior?"
"Why should I?" With half a smirk plastered on his face, he turned to leave. "It's easy to see who was in control of this situation. I just hope your manners improve by the time the new guest arrives, for all our sakes."
"I... you... AUGH." Hands in the air, Kemuri threw himself back into the chair. "Kiyu-san, how can you stand him?"
The elf shrugged. "Practice? You're not always Miss Congeniality either."
"What's that?"
Apparently this Shisei place really WAS a world away. "Nothing. Come on, let's get lunch."
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Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 5:00 pm
"Are you certain it's today?"
"She already said she was. Quit asking, would you?"
Kiyu chanced a look to either side of her. The two had chosen to make her their wall, and neither crossed for any reason. It was just as well she supposed; it effectively stopped any threats of violence. All she could do was hope they would stay this calm when the guest came.
If he was coming.
Shifting in his seat uncomfortably, Rahanim stole another glance at the clock on the wall. "Really, must we wait here all this time? If he was coming he would surely have arrived by now."
"Maybe he just got held up." Kemuri unfolded his arms but otherwise remained still. "If he's anything like you, I'm glad," he added under his breath.
Showing no signs of having heard, the ox continued. "Either something is terribly wrong, or he is lazy and devoid of manners." He smirked. "Like you on all counts, Kem."
"Could you two please just stop? Just for a few minutes? I'd like to breathe freely, and I can't right now. I swear, between the both of you bickering, you'd need a knife to cut the tension in this room." Kiyu held one arm to her chest, looking quite shaken.
It caught Rahanim off guard. Certainly she wasn't implying that his behavior was at fault? But then, he had allowed himself to get riled up. "Forgive me," he murmured, letting his guard down slightly.
"I'm sorry," Kemuri said at the same time. The two looked at eachother, than looked away, but neither spoke after that.
It was quiet at least, but... "You guys not talking isn't doing anything to help the tension, you know. The least you could do is-"
They never did find out what the least they could do was. An enormous crashing noise sounded in another room, followed by a nearly as loud clanging.
Kiyu spoke what they all thought. "Could that be...?"
If it was, he had to work fast. It took a lot of concentration, which was hard to do while running, but as soon as Kemuri reached what seemed to be the right door he released the energy he had been building up. It settled into the doorframe, creating an effective barrier. Pleased, he ran right through it.
Or at least, he thought he did.
A moment later he was staring at the doorway looking rather puzzled. A soft snickering from behind him didn't help.
Rahanim swaggered forward, not bothering to disguise his self-satisfied smirk. "Forbidden, commoner," he gloated before sailing into the room.
At least, that was what he had meant to do. In addition to failing, he'd bonked his head on seemingly nothing. Furious, he whirled around. "What trick is this?"
It took all that Kemuri had to keep his temper under control. "If I can't go in, neither can you." The fact that he'd been planning to shut his rival out from the beginning didn't seem worth mentioning.
And then he began to laugh, for suddenly the whole thing seemed quite funny.
"What are you... stop laughing! This is..." What was it? He had to admit, it was mildly amusing in its own way. Worth a chuckle, possibly, and he gave it.
The only one who'd been unaffected by the barriers was Kiyu, who had reached the room first. She stood over a pile of books, or rather, the figure lying amongst them.
He was splayed out spread eagle, his glossy crimson ponytail draped elegantly over one shoulder. The ends of his hair mingled with the ring of darkest purple fur around his neck. The first part of him to move was his left ear, which swiveled suddenly. Then his right. Apparently convinced it was safe to move he lurched upwards, eyelids flickering open to reveal clear blue eyes.
"Come on." Kiyu offered a hand, hauling it and the new guest up one it was taken. She scooted closer, so that her body might be adequate support for the thin, tall creature. Together they somehow managed to hobble to the door, but stopped when they reached it.
Tears streamed down Rahanim's face, and his clenched fists beat the floor helplessly. His mouth was wide open, a hearty laugh making its retreat none too hastily. Robed legs kicked, and he titled his head back, leaning it against the wall to allow the sound an easier escape.
On the other side of the wide hallway, Kemuri was barely standing, his hands on his knees for support. The red in his face was hidden somewhat by the always messy hair that swept over his squinted eyes, but still apparent. He blinked at Kiyu briefly, then collapsed onto the floor, the laughter too much to keep up whilst standing.
"What's your name, soldier?" Kiyu asked, unable to tear her eyes from the unlikely scene in front of her.
The dog Juusanshi smiled a little. "Hannya," he replied, before sliding to the floor to join his housemates, completely unconscious.
"Welcome, Hannya, to Vi'domi."
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Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 9:24 pm
Caring for three fiesty young men wasn't what Kiyu would have seen herself doing a year ago. Of course, there were dozens of other residents, but somehow she found herself in the mostly abandoned halls of the onsen sector more and more. There were no complaints, in fact several of the older occupants were more than happy to pick up the slack. Besides, those three alone were a full time job. If she wasn't breaking up and argument between Kemuri and Rahanim for the millionth time, she was playing patty-cake with Cereth or serving soup to her newest charge.
Hannya was sitting up in bed, looking out the window of his small room with a bit of unease. As Kiyu entered, he waved cheerily. "Really miss, I'm quite well enough to get around. There's no need to wait on me."
"Nonsense." She set the tray next to the bed, being careful not to jolt its cargo. Steamy soup and crackers, and a few carrot sticks hardly made a meal of champions, but it was good for anyone with a delicate constitution, and Kiyu wasn't taking chances. "You're still recovering from your tiring journey. Besides... I take it you're used to being waited on."
It was hard to reply with his mouth full of carrot, so Hannya was forced to take a few moments to swallow before answering. "I am used to nothing, except perhaps being alive. I'm alive now, so what else matters?" He winked before taking another bite, tail swishing slowly.
Her words had been out of line and she knew it, but there seemed to be no window for apology. No need, rather. "What else indeed?" Kiyu agreed amiably. "Keep this up and you really will be up and about in no time."
"I could be up and about now if you like-" The dog took in the stern look giving him and fell silent.
"There is no hurry, so why not just rest yourself? No one's going to push you out, you'll have all the time in the world here."
"I don't trust that anymore," Hannya said softly.
After a moment's consideration, Kiyu bowed her head. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I'm alive, and what else matters?" Draining the bowl of soup, he patted his mouth with his napkin and set everything back in the tray. "Thank you very much for your kindness. May I have tea in a few hours?"
"Of course."
"Thank you." Before any more could be asked, Hannya stretched out on the bed again, turning towards the wall. If it was rest she wanted him to have, rest it would be. In the meantime, she would have some things to think about. He had no intention of punishing her, but at the same time everyone needed to know what exactly could happen. Preparation was key.
But once he was prepared, and rested, the fun would begin.
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