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 Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 12:15 pm
(( Reserved for backlog. ))
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:59 pm
It was all too sudden, when Aiko returned. For six months, she'd dissapeared, and suddenly, just as quickly as she had gone, she came back.
It couldn't piss off Paine any more.
The family'd had a huge dinner that same night to celebrate, but Paine remained quiet during the festivities. No one had really been surprised, as she'd always been the quiet one of the group. This time, however, she'd sat and stewed in her own thoughts. How dare she waltz back through the door like this and not tell them where she'd been! And ontop of that, she would hardly touch the children to hug and hold them, as they desperately wanted. Once again, Paine wasn't agreeing on the choises Aiko made, but in her eyes, she'd screwed up royally this time.
And she was pissed.
So she'd snuck out of the house to get away, out into the play house that Elysia and Nigel worked together (for once) to build for them. Paine remembered helping -- she helped put the shingles on the roof. It wasn't so much a play house as it was more of just a very small house for the children to play in, when they wanted to get away from the main house. The silvered hair girl had to use a ladder to clamber up to the top.
So, there the silver haired girl sat, hugging her knees to her chest, glaring at the setting sun. She wasn't too sure how long she sat there before she heard a voice from beside of her.
"So, you guys built this while I was away? It's nice. Wish I had something like this when I was a kit."
"... what are you doing up here?"
"Well, I dunno. I've been gone for six months, and I was excited to see my daughter again."
"I'm not your daughter," Paine growled dangerously as she stood up and clomped over to the edge of the roof, wanting to get at least a little bit away from Aiko. She didn't have to turn around to see her guardian's hurt look in her mind's eye.
"Paine, if this is about me leaving --"
"It's not that!" Paine growled as she turned around, her small fists clenched tightly. Her sword, which she had been holding onto all this time, was carelessly dropped off the edge and landed with a 'paff' in the yard. "You come back and didn't tell us where you'd been. Just came back like nothing was wrong, like everything was okay. And you won't hug us!"
"I thought you didn't like to be hugged."
"I'm not just talking about me. I'm talking about Julia and Alphonse -- you know how much they love affection. You pushed them away after hardly hugging them." She could feel tears bubble in her auburn eyes, but she blinked and let them fall down her cheeks. It was out of her character, but under this duress, she didn't care.
"You just don't under--"
"Don't understand? Why? Because I'm still just a kid, is that it?"
"No, of course no--"
"Then what happened to you? Tell me! I think I have the right to kno--"
"I was forced into a war, Paine!" And suddenly, she was right in front of her, holding her by her shoulders and shaking her a bit. It startled Paine, and it shown by her eyes getting wide, and she stopped crying. The tears switched to Aiko, as the hanyou took her turn to shead a tear. "I didn't want to tell the family."
"B-but we have a right to know where our mom was..." Paine stammered, staring up at Aiko. All was silent for a moment before the older woman let her child go, flopping back on her rear parts as she stared at her hands. After a moment, she lifted her shirt enough for the girl to see the scars that crisscrossed her once flawless skin. She gasped in horror.
"I was killing people, Paine." She dropped the shirt and stared at her hands again. "These hands are stained with blood. How can I touch my children with bloody hands?"
The girl gazed at her guardian for a long moment before putting her hands inside Aiko's open palms. Brown eyes blinked up at the girl as Paine's rare ghost-of-a-smile appeared on her lips.
"There's no blood now."
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 6:14 pm
"The H Word" "What exactly does it mean to be a hanyou?"Paine and Aiko were walking toward the cafe just down the street. Aiko had promised Paine to take her out after returning after her six month's absence (just the two of them as sort of a bonding thing), and tonight was the night. Everything was promised under one condition: That Paine leave her wooden sword behind. One night when the entire family had gone out, Aiko had let her take it, and it did nothing but get in the way. It tripped a waiter or two once or three times. And that was the end of that. Aiko had been quiet about her heritage for the longest time, and she knew she couldn't keep it much of a secret for longer. She'd long since told Paine what she was, but she hadn't explained it. Curiosity must have finally made Paine give in, especially after learning why she had dissapeared for so long. The woman in question sighed. "Hanyou's a word for 'half-bred.' I'm part cat demon (neko taiyoukai) and human. Pop was the youkai, ma was human. That's why I look the way I do.""That's very interesting," Paine chided as she nodded her head. With a half grin, Aiko set her arm around the girl's shoulders. "Glad you think so, Paine. Glad someone thinks so..."The look that crossed Aiko's face intrigued Paine. It was another one of her far away looks that borderlined sadness. It meant there was something she wasn't telling. Paine had wanted to press forward on the subject, but hadn't gotten the chance as they got to the cafe. A waitress smiled as warmly as she possibly could. It was a fake smile, and Paine could easily see that. Waitresses are funny people. "Welcome!" The waitress sang. "Table for two tonight?" "Yup," Aiko said with a nod, then followed the waitress as she led the two customers to the table. Paine couldn't help but feel a little... funny as she walked through the cafe. There were several couples staring at her. Well, okay, maybe they weren't staring at her as much as they were Aiko. That was weird, Paine thought, there are many people out there with cat ears and tail. To be honest, Paine liked them. They made Aiko from most, and therefore she was easy to pick out of a crowd if Paine got lost. Also, she had the acute hearing of a cat, which made Paine feel safe when she was around. She could hear anything that would possibly threaten her coming from a mile away. And these people were staring at her as if she were some freak of nature. Now, granted, not the whole cafe was staring at her oddly. It was mainly the older people, Paine noted. But why would they be staring at Aiko as if she were some freak of nature? It didn't make sense. "Here's your table." The waitress' voice bought Paine back to what she was doing. All she could see was Aiko's back as the young woman sat down at the table the waitress had bought them to. Without another thought, she sat herself down and looked at the children's menu as she was given one. Her red eyes went blank as she stared at the pictures for a moment, then glanced around at the couple behind Aiko's back. They'd been staring at Aiko the most, Paine noted, with a look none too kind. Paine's eyes narrowed on them for a moment before the waitress spoke again, asking what type of soda she wanted. "Root beer," she muttered. "What? You'll have to speak up, dearie." "Root beer," Aiko repeated, taking a glance at Paine. Usually, Paine would speak right up to the waitress and tell her exactly what she wanted. Something wasn't quite right with her, and she could almost smell it. Nodding, the waitress jotted down the order on her notepad, then turned to Aiko. "And I'll have coke.""Pepsi fine?" "Yeah.""Alright, I'll go get you your drinks!" Paine watched the nurse take a few steps away from the table before she was stopped by the couple. "Can you get us our check, please?" "Oh, but you've hardly touched your food!" the blonde waitress pouted slightly, then nodded. "Alright, if you wish. Would you like a box?" "Yes, and make it snappy. We're in a hurry." The waitress nodded and moved off. Red eyes followed her for a moment before switching back to the elderly couple. "Such a foul creature," one muttered to the other as they stared holes into Aiko's back. "I can't believe they let it in here." Paine's eyes grew round, and Aiko's cat ears swiveled to the sound of the voices behind her. The girl watched her Godmother for a moment, then stared at the table as the couple continued to speak. "Those neko youkai have been known to kill, you know." "Yes, but it's obviously not full-blooded. It almost looks too human..." "And that's what's so scary with it and the world today. It could turn any moment and dice someone to shreds, and a woman slept with one of those..." "How do you know the mother was human?" "A female youkai would tear a male human to pieces, thinking he would be able to put up with its mating habits. I've heard of it happening before. They're completely feral. One can't be trusted." The silvery-haired girl just couldn't believe these people were talking about Aiko, her godmother, literally right behind her back. Looking back at Aiko, she found that the hanyou was staring at her menu as if it had suddenly become the most fascinating book in the world. Her hair had flopped down and shadowed her face, so Paine couldn't tell what exactly was going on. Was she growling, clenching her teeth tightly? Or was she welling up with tears? "What are ya gunna get, Paine?" Aiko said as she looked up. Paine was astonished to find Aiko smiling as brightly as she always did, her eyes resembling half circles as her dimples turned up. How can se be smiling like that? Paine wondered, her face washing over with complete awe. She looked back down at the children's menu and frowned. "I'm not hungry.""Mmm? But we just got here! Surely, you--""Mom... I want to go home."There was a stunned silence in which the waitress came back. "Here's your check and boxes," she said as she set the said objects down on the elderly couple's table, "And here are your drinks!" The waitress set the drinks down on Aiko and Paine's table, then blinked at the odd expressions on the female's faces. "Is everything alright?" There was another handful of heartbeats as Aiko watched the expression on Paine's face as she lowered her eyes. The hanyou shook her head. "No... No, it's not. We really should get back home. Here." Aiko stood up, dug into her pocket, and set gold down on the table. "For the drinks and a little somthing for your troubles."The waitress was still in complete shock, but she nodded her head, telling them they should come back soon. Paine stood up and started following Aiko back out of the cafe, but stopped at the elderly couple's table. She glared at them for a long moment, causing Aiko to stop and turn around. "Paine...?""I'm not sure I want to come back here," Paine spoke to Aiko, but didn't tear her eyes from the shocked couple's faces. "They let foul creatures in here."(( TO BE CONTINUED! O:
yes this is copied from my old journal. stfu ))
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Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 11:40 pm
"Paine, I can't believe you did that," the hanyou hissed at her goddaughter as soon as the door to the girl's room was closed. The two had walked back to their home (well, more like Paine stormed and Aiko did her best to keep up with the angry girl), and the older was still trying to comprehend what had happened. Paine's fists were balled at her sides, her knuckles turning white as she clenched them. The godmother had watched the other for a moment before simple reasoning kicked in. Daughter misbehaving = bad. "That was very rude and inconsiderate. What got into you, calling two people you've never met before foul creatures."
Stopping in the middle of her room, Paine slowly turned around, her red eyes boring up into Aiko's. The mother stood her ground, but the daughter wasn't backing down, either.
"They called you a foul creature. Couldn't you hear them behind you as they talked about you like some stray animal that'd wandered in from the street?"
A silence followed, which was broken by Aiko's deep sigh, the stern look on her face softening and her eyes slipping closed.
"Yes, I heard them."
"Then why didn't you do anything?" Paine threw her hands toward her as if to make a point. "They were saying horrible things about you, about things that are out of control. You can't pick who your parents were!"
"No, I can't."
"Then why'd you let them belittle you like that?" There was no answer, and that seemed to wrile Paine up even more. "You're still a living, breathing being with thoughts and feelings of your own." She hesitated. "And you just came back from a war where similar issues were brought up. But still! You're a person, too!"
"Not everyone thinks that way, Paine."
"But I don't get it. Why were those people treating you like an animal? Why would anyone treat you like an animal? First your father's own clan, and now random people? I don't understand!"
Another silence descended upon the two females. Aiko's eyes opened, the usual shine from them gone as the dull brown irises lifted to meet mahogany. Paine's eyes grew wide as Aiko growled out her next statement.
"Fear. Humans are afraid of me, youkai reject me because they hate humans, wouldn't have anything to do with me unless they have to. I came here hoping to escape those feelings, but they still linger. Not as badly and especially not around here, mind you, but the biases are still around. I'm surprised we ran into people like that here."
"But wouldn't you be the best of both worlds? Why the heck would they be afraid of you?"
"You'll understand one day." With that, Aiko started moving past Paine. The girl watched her for a moment, then let out a soft whine.
"I want to understand right now."
The hanyou stopped in her tracks and stood there for a moment. They were still for several moments before Aiko quickly turned around, fell to her knees in front of Paine, and clutched her in a tight hug, one hand across her shoulder blades, the other running through the girl's silvery hair. Paine was caught off guard and was still for several moments before she returned the hug.
"I think you understand a lot more than I could ever teach you," Aiko murmered into her hair.
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Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 11:42 pm
(( Thread ArPee worth posting! 4laugh ))Tenoh Aiko Paine was in the Second District of Traverse Town, sitting on the fountain's lip and staring at the water there. Fountains always had a very distinct smell that some couldn't stand. To Paine, they had kind of a clean-ish smell... if you got around the smell of damp cement and chlorine. It was kinda nice.
Tch... Kazu Kirina Curiosity killed the cat, Kazu had told Jem this thousands of times over. And yet, she never took her own advice. As she walked the streets of a place called "Traverse Town", Kazu felt herself getting lost. "We totally shouldnt have come down here, eh Jem?"
In agreement, the little gem glowed faintly, almost nervously.
"I know, its a little bit nerve racking, but we will find our way out eventually." Kazu said with a smile. She tried to stay positive around the little item, even if she knew that she was scared. Kaz looked around calmly, searching for a person to explain exactly where she was. Over by a fountain, she spotted someone.
The gem earged her on, shivering slightly. Tenoh Aiko Paine glanced up to the sounds of footfalls behind her. Eh, whot?
"..." She didn't say anything, just turned back to look down at the water. If the girl wanted something, she'd come up and ask her. Most people around here did.
... maybe it was in the water they drank? Hm.
Paine picked up her wooden sword -- which was always with her, and in this case was sitting next to her on the lip -- and sat it in her lap, batting at it with one hand so the tip hit the edge of the fountain. Tymiko the Pirate Girl I still think that was pretty heartless of you, Hook. Going around after the boy like that. Even if he is immortal, no matter how tough he acts, he's still just a kid, and you know iorn is his only weakness. Give him a break.I certainly wasn't about to let him run around on his own when we were told to watch him. Besides, a little humbling would do him some good; he thinks he's so much better than us just because he has a pair of pointed ears. And it's James, if you please, mi'lady. A telepathic voice sneered in reply.Really? Well excuse me for not knowing. I just thought since Tymiko calls you Hook all the time it must have been your name.Well now you know it's not, so would you kindly cease to refer to me with it? My name is Captain James Matthew Hook, and Hook is simply for short. I also go by King Jas., if you prefer.A wave of amusement radiated from the tamborine. Now who's the arrogant one?
Through the cobblestone streets of Traverse Town, a tamborine and hook floated together, silent to an ordinary passerby, but seceretly communicating through telepathy. Now that Tymiko, their guardian, had returned, they had been allowed to explore the town a while. The two items', as different as they were in both appearence and nature, both found a common favorite hangout in the town square, where they could watch other people, even if they couldn't speak with them. Kazu Kirina Kaz saw the girl turn towards them, and half expected her to speak to them...Apparently not. She simply turned back the the fountain she was sitting on; a rather peculiar reaction to someone approaching you.
"S'cuse me? Can you tell me where I am? I'm a little lost" It sounded lame, and she knew it, but she wanted to find her way home...eventually.
"A little lost? A LITTLE LOST? I should say you're lost..." said Jem to herself, knowing full well that the girl on whos neck she rested couldnt hear her. Jem increased her glow, hoping to get the girls attention.
Kaz continued walking towards the fountain, not entirely sure of what to expect. She watched as the girl played with a mock sword that sat in her lap. A peculiar past time, but whatever. Not her life right?
Then, something caught her eye...Two floating items coming towards them. Her eyes widdened in shock, not sure what to make of this strange new occurance.
Jem heard the items even before Kaz saw them. Tenoh Aiko Paine turned all the way around this time. While she wasn't one to start a conversation, she was one to keep it going. If she felt like it.
She... doesn't talk much.
"You're in Traverse Town, Second District." Her eyes fell on the one item next to the girl, then the two other items hovering in the distance, and let a ghost of a grin cross her face. "And might I say, welcome. Things like that happen all the time around here." She indicated the floating items with a nod of her head. "You get used to it." Kazu Kirina
Traverse Town eh? She had heard of it before, but she hadn't pictured it quite like this. Especially not with the floating items.
"Yeah, i guess....Its just Ive never seen items do that before, I just got mine recently and am pretty new to everything they can do. The only item I've seen float was a little cloud, but I just assumed it was supposed to do that." She knew she was rambling, but oh well. Kills time.
"Who's there?" Yelled Jem. She was nervous to meet the people who lived in this "traverse town"...After all, they had to be weird if they could move on their own.Tenoh Aiko "I see..." She lifted a silvery eyebrow to the rambling, then waved her hand. "Well, I suppose it gets some used to. And then they'll turn into kids." Kazu Kirina "Yeah, I kind of figured." Said Kazu. She knew she probably sounded rude, but it wasnt intentional. She glanced at the floating items when she felt Jem vibrate; she was talking again.
Jem awaited the items reply. Tenoh Aiko If she was rude, it was lost on Paine. She wasn't much paying attention to the tone of her voice.
But she wasn't sure what to say, and it was probably possible to interpret her silence as being rude. Of course, she didn't mean to be. After a moment, she turned back around and looked at the fountain again.
"You can sit for a moment, if you want. You know, to get your bearings." Tymiko the Pirate Girl The hook and tamborine hovered as they approached the fountain, pausing.
Things? Did that little wench just say what I think she said? We're things?!Calm down, King Jas., Esme giggled. Not everyone knows we can talk. But I think there's someone around here that does...hello? She greeted, sensing Jem. She remembered hearing a voice, but she couldn't be sure if it was telepathic.Look at that sword! I bet she doesn't even know the basics! How will she learn to fight properly if she doesn't know good form from bad? Hook flew toward Paine, ignoring Esme's attempt to catch him.You don't actually think she intends on using it do you? I mean she won't if you don't give her reason to, James! Come back here! You're as reckless as Puck! Kazu Kirina Jem heard the voices; more items!!! She searched excitedly for them, to the extent of her movement anyways.
Kazu sighed. She knew that she should probably get going home, she needed her rest. "Its nice of you to offer, but I really should get going. Can you point me back to Collectables Universe?" She knew Jem would be mad with her, but she would come back tomorrow when she had more energy.
Jem felt Kaz trying to leave. She blew her glow up full blast and quivered irritatedly. She wanted to stay with the new items. "She had better bring me back." She thought. Tenoh Aiko Paine brought her head back and blinked at the vibrating item in front of her. Closing one eye, she sighed and poked at it.
"Hey hey, I know you're not just some ordinary item. Back off, would ya?" It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why the item was giving off unhappy vibrations -- she'd been through this once before.
Hearing the woman's voice again, Paine looked up.
"Collectables Universe? ... sorry, I've kinda been away for a while. I've no idea what you're talking about." Kazu Kirina Kazu sighed. It looked like she would have to find her way home on her own.
"Thanks anyways. Maybe I'll see you around."
And with that, she turned around to leave.
Jem merely shuttered disappointedly. Tenoh Aiko "Sorry I could be more help," Paine called after her, then sighed, looking back at the hook item. "... just you guys and me, then?" She poked it again. For good measure. Yes. Gourmet Lemon A cocky smile was spread along Cid's face as he walked along the sidewalks of Traverse town. He was in the second district, and glad that weird guardian of his let him outside by himself.
He swung his arms as he walked, a large spear jutting back and fourth as he did so. So uncareful he was! He hadn't spotted anybody of intrest so far and he feared this solitary walk would become pointless.
There had to be someone around here his age!
As he continued walking, he passed by the district fountain. Someone was sitting there! Not wanting to waste the moment, he headed in that direction. Tenoh Aiko Hearing footfalls again, she turned her head around to glance over her shoulder, her mouth falling open in a small 'o' as she stretched. Ah, someone else her age.
"Good," she told the hook item. "I'm no longer alone with youngsters." And she poked the item again. Tymiko the Pirate Girl Excuse me!! What was that for?! If it's a fight you're looking for, it's a fight you'll get, brat,
James exclaimed, rearing back and striking like a cobra. Suddenly, he darted at her sword.
Ha! Mere wood! You expect to fight with that?! Gourmet Lemon Cid smiled and plopped down next to where Paine was sitting.
"Hi! I'm Cid, who're you?"
He had never seen this girl before. A potential friend? Hmm. Maybe.
His eyes peered over at the floating items., then back at Paine.
"Gah. That sucks, how long have you been stuck with just them?" A brow raised under the brown goggles on his forhead, a questioning look on his face waiting for a respsonce. Tenoh Aiko "Paine," she answered, never taking her eyes from the items. "And for about five minu-- hey, that's mine!" She snatched up her sword and made a face at the item. Gourmet Lemon "That's a cool name." Cid said happilly.
He noticed the item attacking Paine's sword and couldn't help but laugh. His hand moved over to poke the item.
"So, you like swords?" He moved his hand away from the hook, to rest it upon the fountains edge.
"I have a spear." He blurted, and brought it up into the air; extremely carelessly, as usual. Tenoh Aiko "Yeah, I practice with it every-- ack!" She avoided the spear. "Hey, wait, d'ya have a real weapon?" She looked down at her rather... well, wooden sword and blushed. Now she felt kinda... dumb, with just a wooden sword.
"I like your spear."(( **takes Paine's last sentence out of context, snickers** XD XD )) Gourmet Lemon ((-Laughed outloud just now.- xd )) "Thanks! Your sword is cool too. I bet if it was made with real metal, it'd be even more awesome!"
He just noticed he almost smacked Paine in the face, and slowly put the spear down onto the ground.
"Sorry 'bout that." He paused for a moment and looked into the air, then back down at Paine.
"So, you practice sword-fighting everyday? That's cool. We should sword fight or something!" He made sword fighting motions with his hands, and chuckled lightly. Tenoh Aiko Remember to ask mom for a real sword...
She watched Cid and smiled a little.
"It's okay. And have you ever practiced with a sword?" She was curious -- she wanted to see what he could do. Gourmet Lemon He thought for a moment.
...
"Nope! But we can still have fun with it, can't we?" He jumped up, clenching his one gloved hand into a small fist.
"I bet I could still take you." Tenoh Aiko Paine only smirked. She slowly stood up and went into her normal stance. Knees loose, sword held behind her back, tip touching the ground.
"Okay then, let's go." Gourmet Lemon His face went blank for a moment.
You don't have a sword, stupid.
"Erm. Lemme find a stick...or something." His head quickly looked around. Ah, he saw the perfect stick, lying by a nearby tree. He quickly ran and retrieved it. After a few seconds he was back with the stick, though it still had some small branches and leaves on it, it would do.
"Ready!" He had no idea how to stand with a sword, so he stood kinda how he would with his spear. It wasn't working too well, he looked a little akward. Tenoh Aiko Paine tried not to snicker. Cute, he still tried to hold his "sword" like a spear.
"Here, most people hold their swords like this." She lifted her sword up in a usual stance, streight up in front of her, holding onto it with two hands (it was a replica of a two hander, anyway). "You still look like you're holding a spear." Gourmet Lemon "Erm..." His face turned slightly red, and he re-positioned his hands the way Paine was.
"I..just forgot is all!" he blurted quickly; shaking his head, his hair flying back and fourth.
"So, we gonna get started or not?" He tried to reclaim what ego he had as a child, and placed a small smirk on his face. Tenoh Aiko "Sure." She held her sword in her usual stance, behind her back with the tip touching the ground.
The silver haired girl was hardly that way for a moment before she dashed forward and swong her sword somewhat like a baseball bat, aiming to hit Cid's stick.
No intention to hurt whatsoever, of course. Gourmet Lemon "Holy-!" Cid quickly rushed his stick up to try and block Paine's sword; sadly, he wasn't doing too well.
Why'd you think you could fight with a sword? Tenoh Aiko Paine wasn't going to hurt him, of course. Wouldn't dream of it. Sliding her sword off of Cid's stick, she twisted around and tapped him in the leg, bent down rather low. Tymiko the Pirate Girl Hook sighed mentally and shook his head.
Children. Never ment to have weapons. Where do they find them, anyway?! Are the some twisted guardian's idea of a joke? 'Cause I'm not laughing...after all, I lost a hand to a child with a weapon...
The hook floated back to Esme, looking defeated. There was just no getting any sense into young, ignorant minds that were too deaf to listen. Gourmet Lemon He went to counter, before he realized Paine was not where she was before, and that a sword was rather short compared to a spear. And he thought he could get used to it! He wasn't expecting the tap in the leg, but it caught his attention.
Cid turned, only to clumsily trip over Paine and fall on his face. Tenoh Aiko She was doing just fine, until Cid tripped over her. This knocked her off balance, and she swayed for a moment, trying to regain her footing.
"Ah!"
Unfortunately, she couldn't hold it, and toppled ontop of Cid. Gourmet Lemon "Oof!" Cid felt Paine topple ontop of his back. He didn't want to get up and throw her onto the grass, but he landed on his stick, and those small branches were mighty painful in his chest.
Instead of quickly standing up, he quickly crawled his way out from under Paine.
"Sorry 'bout that. You awright?" He stood and dusted his pants off, holding out a hand to help her up, if she needed it. Tenoh Aiko "Ow... yeah, I'm fine." She ran a hand through her shoulderlength hair and shook her head, causing the silvery strands swish one way to the other. She was about to stand up when she saw Cid's hand, and grabbed his hand, letting him help her up. Normally, she wouldn't and would just brush the hand away but... she was feeling nice today. Gourmet Lemon Cid couldn't help but chuckle.
"Guess you win." He rubbed a hand behind his short blonde hair. He stared up at the blue sky, as his stomach grumbled loudly.
Greaaatt..
"Uh. Do you know any good places to eat around here?" His hands quickly moved to his stomach area, as if he could somehow cover up the noise. Tenoh Aiko "There's the cafe in the first district..." she nodded a little, then dug into her pockets to check how much munny she had. "If you wanna walk all the way there." Gourmet Lemon "I don't mind walking anywhere... you're gonna come too, right?" Cid smiled and picked his spear off the ground from where he layed it earlier.
He wasn't too fancy on walking anywhere himself, for it got rather boring. As he looked around, he noticed Paine fiddling with her pocket, probably munny...
"I've got some extra Munny if you need it. Icarus gave me extra incase I wanted something! If you wanna come that is..." Tenoh Aiko "I have enough to cover myself." Always so independant -- always has been, always will be. She looked up at him, her ghost of a smile appearing on her face again.
And yes, walking was boring, but having a new friend always made the time go faster, right?
"Let's go." Gourmet Lemon Cid nodded.
"Hm, okay then!" he said eagerly. He didn't realize how great a new friend was, and he was having a lot of fun.
As they were walking, he decided to make conversation, something to make it more interesting...or something.
"Have you ever wanted to fly?" Cid asked curiously, his head turned to Paine as they walked. Tenoh Aiko "... fly?" Paine asked as she walked side by side with Cid, tip of her sword on the ground. Red eyes blinked, and she glanced at the ground, then up at the sky. "I guess I never really thought about it before, but I think flying would be kinda cool. Then you could go anywhere you want and leave everything behind you." Gourmet Lemon Cid nodded in agreement. Flying was always something interesting and spectacular to him. He was happy to hear Paine had a similar opinion.
"Flying really does sound cool...It's something I really want to do. But all I can do right now is build model airplanes and jump out of trees and -pretend- I'm flying." He shrugged and let out a small sigh.
"So..what's this cafe called? Anything I might have heard of before?" Tenoh Aiko Paine thought about it for a moment, then shook her head.
"Dunno the name. It's the one in the First District, next to the item shop."
Things were silent for a moment before Paine looked down from the sky and at the boy next to her. And she smiled.
"I'm sure you'll fly one day, Cid. But you gotta promise me that you'll take me too, one day." Gourmet Lemon Cid looked over at Paine, slightly surprised.
"Hm... Okay! I promise!" He smiled and looked back towards the sky.
He raised his free arm and placed it behind his head as he walked.
"I guess I didn't realize how far the cafe really was!" Tenoh Aiko She grinned. Good. She was going to fly one day. Nifty. Flying had to be awesome.
"Heh, me, either. But it can't be too far." She jogged forward and glanced around. Wow, she really had been gone a long time... things looked vaguely familiar, at best. "Wait, I think I see it." And she pointed. Gourmet Lemon Cid raised a hand above his eyes, and squinted slightly.
"I think yer right.."
He then snickered slightly, and took off.
"Race you there!!!" He shouted. Tenoh Aiko "Hey, we didn't start at the same time!" she called after him, then took off herself, tripping slightly over her feet, holding out her arms to keep herself steady. Unfortunately, this held out the sword as well, and it smacked against a random passerby, who shouted in surprise. After seeing it was just some kid, they let it go and continue on their way.
"Sorry!" Paine called over her shoulder, then did her best to catch up with Cid. Gourmet Lemon Cid laughed loudly and turned to face her, continuing to run...just backwards.
"I know you can run faster then that! " He almost tripped, but managed to catch himself before falling over. Tenoh Aiko "Oooo!" She gritted her teeth, then laughed when he almost fell down. "And I know you can stay on your feet!"
And she picked up the pace, holding her sword behind her so as not to make another mistake and actually hurt someone. Gourmet Lemon He smiled, still laughing and finally stopped when he got to the outside of, what he figured, was the cafe.
"Ha! I win!"
He dropped his spear to the ground and rested his hands on bent knees. Tenoh Aiko Soon enough, she was next to him in the same position, doubled over, hands on her knees, panting.
"Gah..." she muttered, then looked up at the building he had stopped in front of. "...!"
She probably took ten more steps before stopping infront of the building next door, turned around, and pumped both fists into the air, letting the wooden sword fall to her feet in front of her.
"Haha!" Gourmet Lemon Cid looked over, his face turning slighty red at the fact he stopped infront of the wrong building.
"Well...urmph..I was close enough!" He protested, before picking up his spear and running over to Paine.
He went passed her, and peeked into the cafe doors, before swinging one open. Tenoh Aiko She just grinned at him as she clapped him on the back.
"Nothing's going to come out and bite you, you know."
And in they went. Gourmet Lemon "yeah, I know that!" Cid snapped, not angrilly but out of embarassment. He walked in, holding the door open so Paine could walk in as well; without being hit by the door.
"Ooh! Let's get a booth!" He ran over to the closest clean table, and threw himself down in the seat. Tenoh Aiko She couldn't help but grin. He was fun to tease. Now she could see why Aiko was such a teasing type of person.
"Yeah okay!" She dashed after him, ducking a waitress who had crossed her path, and hopped into the seat across from him.
She was enjoying this. Gourmet Lemon Cid was chuckling. A waitress approached the table and handed them some small lunch menus. "Hi sweet-hearts, my name is Rachel (Random name) and I'll be your server today. Do you know what you'd like to drink?" Cid squinched his face at the word "sweet-hearts" ugh. He quickly forgot it and yelled out.
"Chocolate milkshake!" "Alright." The waitress nodded and looked to Paine. "And for you?" Tenoh Aiko Paine reacted a similar way to being called a sweet-heart. Her nose scrunched up and she snorted.
"Melon cream!" Aiko had introduced her a while ago to the green soda, and Paine had since been hooked, just as her godmother was. Gourmet Lemon "Alright guys I'll be right back with your drinks." And with that, the waitress walked off. "Melon cream?" Cid said, almost with a disgusted voice.
"What's -that?-" He rested his elbows on the table, and leant his slightly sunburnt face in his hands. Tenoh Aiko Paine sat back, setting her sword safely on her lap, hands on her sword. She smiled lightly.
"Mom introduced me to this soda thing. It looks nifty. It's green colored. And... well, it tastes like melon. Sorta; as much as an artificial flavored drink can. Or, at least, that's what mom said." Gourmet Lemon "Ohhh...Yeah. Artificial stuff 'aint never as good as the real stuff. But it can still taste pretty good sometimes!" he said with a laugh. He fiddled with his spear, which he had laying next to him and over his lap.The waitress came back with their drinks, setting them down infront of the appropriate person. "Do we all know what we want?" She said cheerfully. Cid fiddled with his menu. He was so busy talking, he hadn't had time to decide what he wanted. He scanned it over and picked the first thing that looked good.
"I'll have a cheeseburger please!" The waitress nodded and looked over to Paine. Tenoh Aiko "Uhm..." Paine stared at her menu as she took a mouthful of melon cream. "I'll have a turkey club sandwich, I suppose." She handed off her menu and smiled at the waitress, as Aiko had taught her to do. Gourmet Lemon "Alright then, it'll be a few minutes." Cid had been staring out the window, but looked back towards Paine when the waitress left.
"So, is the food here really good, do you know?" He tilted his head, but then spoke again.
"I guess it doesn't matter, in a way. Icarus tells me to appreciate the food I get anywhere, but it's hard to when it tastes nasty, you know?"Tenoh Aiko Paine wrinkled her nose in agreement.
"Yeah. Mom's a good cook, but sometimes she can really bomb. But I wouldn't worry about the food here. Unless they've changed in the past... oh, about six or seven months, they're food's real good."
Another slurp, and she blinked in rememberence.
"Oh yeah, you asked what a melon cream was?" She pushed her glass forward a little. "Would you like a try?" Gourmet Lemon Cid blinked quickly in surprise.
"Oh, alright. That is, if you don't mind. Thanks!" He took the glass and sipped the drink lightly, setting it down quickly.
"Hey, this isn't so bad after all." He smiled. "Do you want some milkshake?" Tenoh Aiko "Sure?" It's not like she's never had a milkshake before. But milkshakes rocked, and she wouldn't turn down such an offer. Gourmet Lemon He pushed his drink slightly forward, and pushed her melon soda back to her as well.
"So..where do you get that melon soda stuff? Is this the only place? " He turned his head as he said this, hoping the waitress would come with their food soon, he was hungry. Tenoh Aiko Paine stretched up, then rested her arms on the table. She was a little more toned than other girls her age, and it really shown when she leaned like this.
"Well, it's a very Japanese-y drink. Some places have it, some don't. This place does." She shrugged. Gourmet Lemon "Hmm Okay. I'll have to look the next time I go to the store. ""Here's your food guys!" The waitress interrupted as she set the food down on the table. "I'll be back later with the bills!" Cid looked down at the food before him.
"Wow this does look good." He said happilly, and started to eat. Tenoh Aiko "It's a cafe drink. Not sure what they'd have in the stores. Maybe some sort of mix."
Paine looked equally as happy to get her food. Practicing fighting with swords was very exhausting and made one hungry! That was, when was wasn't tripping over the other, but that's besides the point.
Taking up one half of the sandwich, Paine started munching on it.
"This place has a habit of having real good food." Gourmet Lemon "I agree!" Cid said, with a half full mouth, trying to swallow and talk at the same time. He was doing a terrible job at it. He wiped his mouth with his glove; typical boy, and continued eating.
"Do you know what time it is? I didn't even think of what time I have to go home. I guess when the sun goes down. Icarus isn't really strict with times. " Tenoh Aiko Paine didn't seem to be phased by his eating habits. Then again, when you live in a family of 20+... and growing...
Didn't mean she was a slob, though. She kept her face clean with her napkin and didn't try to talk with her mouth full.
"Haven't the foggiest." She glanced outside at the sky. It was probably about late afternoon... by her best guess. "Afternoon, evening-ish?" Gourmet Lemon He was finishing the last bits of his burger when the waitress came by. "I brought you your bill, how will you guys be paying for this?" Cid unthinkingly snatched the bill for the waitresses hand. He looked it over, blue eyes carefully reading over the prices.
He then thrust the receipt back out, digging through his pocket. He handed the waitress a ball of money.
"Here. It covers both of us, and you can keep the rest, I dun' need it. " Cid then went back to eating what was left of his food, and sipping up his shake. The waitress looked at the ball of money, and shrugged, walking off. "Enjoy your day!" Tenoh Aiko Paine just blinked, halting in mid-bite.
"I said I'd pay for myself..." she slowly said. She was, at least to say, a very independant girl and usually didn't feel very comfortable about other people paying for her. Gourmet Lemon "I figured it'd be easier that way? I can always call the waitress back and have her seperate it, or something. Fig'red it's the least I could do for ye takin' me here."
Icarus always taught him to be extra nice to girls. Of course, this girl could probably kick his butt with her sword, but that was beside the point. He'd hoped he hadn't done anything wrong, it would stink; and be his fault.
He stopped eating and rested his head on his hand; eyes staring out the window. Tenoh Aiko "It's alright, I suppose." She stammered slightly, not sure what to say. After a moment, she smiled warmly. "Thanks for coming here with me, Cid. And saving me from being stuck with those items." Items were great and all -- after all, they all started out as one. But it was... boring stuck around them.
No, he hadn't really done anything wrong, other than shake her foundation a tiny bit. It was something easier gotten over -- after all, she had a little more munny in her pocket.
It was quiet for a little bit as Paine fished for something to say.
"So, is all you do play with model airplains?" Gourmet Lemon "No, not really. I practice with my spear, a little bit. But model airplanes are one of the only things -to- do around my house. I have a lot of other brothers but they're...weird. "
Cid turned his head from the window, and sat back in his seat.
"What do you do for fun besides practice with your sword?" Tenoh Aiko "I have a ginormous family." Paine held her hands out as if mimicing how big her family was. "So there's always something going on. Usually someone causing trouble and the rest of us joining in. Mom even joins in every now and then." She tried to think of some of the things they'd do. Gourmet Lemon "Wow, that's a pretty big family! Mine's only about -this- big compared to yours. " He used the same hand motions, holding his hands about halfway apart as Paine's were.
"All my brothers are about my age though, except two. They never wanna play with planes and stuff though, so I kinda wander around and do stuff myself. " He shrugged his arms and leant his elbows back on the table. Tenoh Aiko "Yeah, I'm the same way. I don't really like big crowds, myself. And sometimes I don't agree with mom's decisions. So I'm usually in the back yard doing... something or another."
She took another sip on her melon cream. Gourmet Lemon Cid leant his elbow upon the table, unknowing proper table manners, and glanced out the window again. The sun was low in the sky, hinting that evening was approaching soon.
"It's almost time for me to go home, this sucks. Hey. Is there anything else to do we can squeeze in to do around here? Any idea? " Tenoh Aiko She thought for a moment then, after finishing her cream, lept up and grabbed Cid by the wrist.
"C'mon, I know an awesome place to go play." Gourmet Lemon "Gah!" He was not used to being grabbed and led places. He managed to grab his spear at the last minute and tag along.
"Where are we going?" Tenoh Aiko She kept a hold of his hand as she ran back towards the second district, where they'd first met, past the fountain, up and down a few flights of stairs.
When she got to a certain doorway, she stopped (she wasn't even out of breath!) and looked up at it. It was the Gizmo shop, and it looked like it had closed for the day.
"Damn," she cursed. "This is going to take some work." Gourmet Lemon He stopped and panted slightly. His eyes gazed up at the door; the place looked closed.
"Take some work? Hrm. But isn't it closed? What're we gonna do now?"
He leant his arm atop his spear and studied the doorway. Tenoh Aiko Paine winked.
"I know the people who work here. They let me in all the time. C'mon." Again, she grabbed his hand and continued leading him around until she found a slightly open window. "See?"
And she began to crawl in. Gourmet Lemon He wasn't entirely sure about this. It didn't look like anyone was 'letting her in' at all. Though the tempt of fun and excitement couldn't keep him away.
He waited until Paine was fully inside, then followed after her, tossing his spear on the ground outside. Tenoh Aiko Her sword was left next to his spear.
It was pitch black as soon as they got inside. Paine set her hands on his shoulders.
"Wait here, 'kay?" And she dissapeared into the darkness. Gourmet Lemon "Erm...Alright?" He barely managed to spit out before Paine was gone. It was dark, very dark.
He shifted uncomfortably, not liking to be told what to do, none-the-less in a dark and unfamiliar place. Tenoh Aiko Soon the lights kicked on and the sounds of whirring machines could be heard. Cogs were spinning, levers were moving, lights were blinking, and platforms were going up and down. For what purpose was unclear, but it truly was a sight to behold.
Paine's grinning face peeked around from one of the machines.
"Isn't this cool?" Gourmet Lemon Cid winced at first from the suddeness of the lights, but quickly opened his eyes back up to see what all the noise was.
"Wow!" he shouted, running over to where he saw Paine.
"This place is so cool looking! But what do you do here?" Tenoh Aiko "Climb on things!" She turned around and started scaling one of the machines rather percariously, as she was mostly stepping on turning gears and levers that boosted her up higher. Of course, she could have taken one of the platforms that would have lifted her up, but where was the fun in that? Gourmet Lemon "Sounds good to me!" he shouted and quickly followed behind Paine. He almost tripped a few times, but quickly caught himself.
"Do you come here a lot?" Tenoh Aiko "Nope." It was a fair enough answer. She hoisted herself to the top. "My mom doesn't like me coming here. She's afraid I'll get crushed in the gears."
She held up her arms as if to say 'I'm queen of the Gizmo Shop!' Gourmet Lemon He wandered off in another direction from Paine, trying to find a platform just as high, or higher for him to stand on. Though, he was doing a bad job of it. He looked clumsy, and akward trying to jump around the gears and levers without falling or being squished.
"I'd probably get in trouble if Icarus found out I was here now that I think about it. But, he doesn't need to know, now does he!"
He found a solid platform and quickly scampered up onto it and flopped down.
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Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 10:31 am
"Mom?"
Flicking her ears, Aiko looked up from the Gambino real estate book she was looking at. It'd been about a week since she'd given up looking for a large enough home to house her ever growing family in Barton Town. By this point, she was almost convinced that she would need a mansion of Gambino proportions. Finding a home with ten bedrooms and enough bathrooms to go around wasn't exactly easy. This house she had now had six...
"Yes, dear?" Aiko was slightly worried, watching Paine climb up on a dining room chair. Usually, Paine was a very independent girl. In fact, it had been a while before she even used the word 'mom.'
"Are we gunna be homeless?"
This statement made both of Aiko's eyebrows lift. Sliding the book she'd been looking at to the side, she scooted closer to her eldest daughter.
"Of course not! What makes you ask that?"
"Well..." Leaning over the table, Paine grabbed the real estate book and started flipping through it while holding a hand to mark the older woman's place. "You've been looking forever for a place to live... I was kinda worried you wouldn't find one."
Then hanyou's nose twitched. Children got some of the silliest ideas into their heads, she mused. Taking the book away from Paine, she reached over and took her daughter's hands in her own.
"Of course not. You know your mama would never let that happen. Ever." She still didn't get any more of a relieved look on the child's face.
"And if we can't find one on Gaia? Will we have to leave?"
It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what she was really worried about. Aiko added two and two and got Cid.
"Ah, young love..."
"What?" The young girl's face scrunched up and her cheeks tinted pink.
"Nothing. But believe me, Paine, we won't move out of Gaia. And even if we do, it won't be farther than Lyra and Jayde live."
"You mean..." Paine's look of slight despair and disappointment didn't change. "We might live in a tree house?"
Aiko couldn't help but laugh.
"No, trust me. I'll find a normal house for us to live in."
"Promise?"
"As nice as tree houses can be, I promise we won't live in one."
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