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 Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 7:47 pm
Once Upon a Time... Huni Pi It was getting dark in Barton as night had begun to creep into town hours ago. Most of the shops were closing or were already closed, save for one shop. The sign read "Tall Tales Stationery Store" and a light was still burning from within.
"C'mon Paestri, open up for the strained peas!" Linneas cooed to the little girl seated on the high chair.
The infant normally had no problems with eating, she used to love tasting everything. But recently, she had become a little wary of what she put in her mouth.
"Try it in front of her, she won't eat unless you eat it first." Huni suggested. Vashtya Tucking a strand of vibrant red hair behind one slightly pointed ear, Vashtya wandered the rapidly-darkening Barton streets, a behavior that wasn't entirely unusual. It was a pretty good walk, from his house just outside of Durem, and it gave him some much-needed alone time.
Many of the shops were already closing, and, with a sigh, Vash figured that it was probably time for him to be heading home. That is, until his silvery-grey gaze fell upon one shop, in particular. He'd walked by it a few times, and had even peered through the window once, although he'd always been in enough of a hurry that, to-date, he'd yet to venture through its front door. However, in the encroaching darkness, its lit interior beckoned.
No better time than the present, right? I mean, it's a place that I've been meaning to look at anyway, and it's still open... even as he debated the thought, his sandal-clad feet were already moving him towards the stationary store's entryway.
Pausing, he knocked on the front door, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. Huni Pi Linneas paused in his attempts at feeding Paestri, his golden eyes staring at the shop's door. He thought he had heard something, a knocking perhaps? Without so much as saying a word, he went to the wooden portal and opened it, welcoming whoever it was outside. Vashtya "...Hi." Vashtya said, smiling a tad sheepishly. "I'm not mistaken in hoping that the shop's still open, am I?" he asked, his quicksilver eyes darting to and fro, taking in the details of the room revealed by the now-open door. Finally, curiosity satisfied, he looked directly at Linneas, waiting for a reply before stepping over the threshold. Huni Pi The young man smiled, "The shop's always open, except when we lock the doors. But that's usually mom's job as she's the night owl in the family," he explained as he opened the door wider.
"Feel free to look around."
"Who you talking to Linny?" Huni called from the kitchen/dining area.
"A customer mom," Linneas answered.
"Alright, just tell if the Study starts acting up again." Vashtya Vash stepped through the doorway, his expression relaxing into a full-fledged grin. "Thank you." was all that he said, although something that the....woman had said to the one before him had piqued his curiosity. How does a study act up, anyway?
Shrugging, he tilted his head slightly to the side, content to just wander, for now. After all, he hadn't had any particular items in mind when he'd decided to wander in. Huni Pi "I hope you don't mind if I let you look around on your own, I'll be in the next room if you need anything." Linneas said as he excused himself.
And the young man left Vashtya alone in the shop. The was nothing out of the ordinary really, just some scented stationeries, notebooks with vibrant covers, pens whose ink had flecks of glitter in them. And that's when the door to the Study creaked open. Vashtya Pausing, bent over a particularly pungent set of scented stationary, Vashtya eyed the just-opened door suspiciously. Funny, I didn't see anyone open that... Muttering something to himself about how it was an old house, and he was probably just imagining that it had opened on his own, Vashtya stepped towards the study, his eyes narrowing slightly, every sense on the alert.
It had to be the wind or something...Yeah, that's it, the door was open a crack, and I'm just losing my skills at observation... With a self-directed nod, he placed one hand on the study door, sticking his head in and looking around, almost feeling like a child about to be caught stealing candy from the local candy store. Huni Pi There had indeed been a wind of some kind, but it was not the sort that blew the door open. Rather it was the type of wind that pulled things into its center. It was not violent, but it was insistent and it would not be denied. And right now, it was doing its best to pull Vashtya into the Study. Vashtya Entering fully into the newly 'discovered' room, Vashtya took in his new surroundings. As he made his way over to stand before the small writing table that seemed to be the main focus of the room, Vashtya couldn't help wondering what it was that had him stepping into a room that, he had a sneaky suspicion was NOT meant for the general public.
Spotting a massive, leatherbound tome, Vashtya looked down at it, debating, for a moment, whether to open it or not. Huni Pi The Study itself appeared to have never been cleaned, despite the young man's constant effort. The dust lay undisturbed in the room, covering everything from the rug, to the table, to the bookshelves. Except the Tome.
Yes, it was old and worn, but unlike the rest of the room, it was clean. And without warning, it flipped open all on its own. Vashtya Stifling a distinctly unmanly shriek, Vashtya cleared his throat and peered down at the tome, eyes widening as he noted that there was no breeze that could have done that. However, not being particularly superstitious, and having more than his share of curiosity, the half-elf perused what appeared to be a long (VERY long) table of contents. "Weird, this.." he muttered, half-tempted to scribble footnotes in the margins. Huni Pi Linneas blinked, once more he had paused in feeding his younger sister. This time his gaze fell on the Study door.
"Anything wrong, Linny?" she asked.
"It's nothing mom," he replied as he resumed his task of making the pink haired legend eat her vegetables.
All of the half-elf's attempts at writing would be for naught as the ink instantly drained away from the pages. And like his attempts, the words in the table of contents began to fade away. Save for a few random letters that began to flit across the paper until they formed one single question.
"Why can't I be naked?" Vashtya Okay, things were getting downright TRIPPY now. What the hell was wrong with him? Letters did NOT just fade from pages, or...move around to form other words. "I think I need to get more sleep..." Vash murmured, taking a step back from the tome, his eyes darting around the study, as if half-expecting someone to pop out from behind a tapestry and explain why he WASN'T going crazy. Huni Pi Answer me... a genderless voice whispered into the half-elf's ear. Answer me or you may never leave... it added. And true to its words, should Vashtya attempt to open the Study door, the Tome can guarantee it will not budge. And from the looks of things, no one was going to come for a good, long while. Vashtya Swallowing, Vash crept back towards the tome--he'd have prefered something violent that he could've hacked or slashed at, but this...was just plain freaky. "Fine, I'll answer your damn question..." he muttered, unease translating into irritation.
Staring down at the question before him, Vashtya thought for a moment, before picking up a pen (so handy!), and scrawling his response:
Because Daddy said so.
"...Hmmph. You didn't say it had to be a particularly WITTY response." He continued, setting the pen down, half expecting plaster to come raining down on his head for having angered whatever...thing he was dealing with. Huni Pi The Tome would have laughed, instead its pages rustled. As did the rug beneath the table. As did the layers of dust on nearly everything within the room. The rustling sound soon became a steady beating of leatherskin drums, and a chanting of an unknown language soon joined in. The chanting became louder, the drums beat harder, and a child's laughter could be heard ever so faintly.
The layers of dust swirled upwards and around the half-elf, the dark gray material brightening, becoming more luminescent, more golden. And they plastered themselves onto the Study's walls. The surroundings became a jungle teeming with lush vegetation. Little shadows darted to and fro, and the plant nearest Vashtya began to burn.
The fire swept across the jungle, devouring the plants and the darkshadows that inhabited it. But not once did the flames come near the half-elf. And in the blink of an eye, the Study turned back to normal. Everything was where it had been, right down to the last dust particle.
Well, almost everything. For standing on the table was a little boy. He was staring at Vashtya while clutching a dark black Tome. With a flash in his crimson eyes, he broke into a wide grin. Vashtya Lowering his hands from in front of his face slowly, it took Vashtya only a second or two to notice the child standing on the table before him. Where the hell did HE come from? and what was with all the jungle, and fiiiire... Oh great, even to HIMSELF, he was whining.
Somehow, he couldn't resist smiling back at the young boy--he was, to put it simply...gorgeous. From the tip of his golden horn to the soles of his black-as-pitch hooves, the almost-naked boy before him begged to be picked up and hugged. "Who....are you?" Vash somehow managed to get out, his unease at the shifting text, moving objects and disembodied voices collapsing under his fascination at the child before him.
"Hi!" the young boy said. "I'm Rasik...and you're awfully silly--you almost screamed like a girl!" he stated cheerfully, still clutching the dark black tome he'd arrived with tightly in his hands. Huni Pi "Mom, I think the Study's acting up again," Linneas stated as Paestri finally finished her strained peas.
"Well, looks like we got ourselves another Tale. I've lost count how many have arrived," Huni chuckled.
The Study door unlocked itself, indicating that Vashtya and his new charge were free to leave anytime they wanted.
And outside the Study, Huni waited to greet and welcome the newest Author. She had with her some tea, as she found out it helped soothe nerves better than coffee. Vashtya "I did NOT scream like a girl--but geez, even if I *HAD*, could you blame me? I mean, it's not every day that rooms lock you inside and make you answer questions about nudity!" the red headed half-elf murmured, grinning at the tale, to demonstrate that he really wasn't as annoyed as it might seem.
Giggling again, Rasik clambored down, handing the book to the much-taller man carefully. "Shall we go?" he asked, tilting his head slightly to the side and staring up at Vashtya, hands braced on his hips.
Looking down at the book curiously, Vashtya flipped it over. On the cover, all that was written was:
Rasik
by Vashtya
"...Huh?" Vash muttered, ever the sharp one. "But...if your name is Rasik...does that mean you're a book?" he wrinkled his brow, staring down at the young boy suspiciously.
Shrugging, as if he either didn't know, or didn't care, Rasik stepped out of the study, not even waiting to see if Vashtya was following him out. He stopped a few steps in front of where Huni waited, tapping one coal-black hoof impatiently.
Not far behind Rasik, Vash blinked when he realized that they were no longer alone. "Er...I can explain. I didn't mean to wander into the study, and then something really weird happened..." the words came pouring out of his mouth, as Vash tried frantically to demonstrate that REALLY, he hadn't tried to do anything he shouldn't have. Huni Pi "Here." Was all Huni said as she handed Vashtya the tea. "It should help you calm down. And don't worry about getting your Tale," Huni grinned at the little one tapping his hoof, "The Study and the Tome are in cahoots and they'll do as they please. I'm Huni Pi by the way, I own this shop along with Syrie who's not here at the moment. The young man who greeted you is Linneas, and he's the first Tale to be written. And if this sounds like a pre-rehearsed speech, it actually is." she laughed. Vashtya Cutting himself almost mid-sentence, Vashtya simply nodded, accepting the tea gratefully. "I...see. So this is NORMAL around here?" he stared at her, eyes narrowing slightly. "Then why the hell don't you all have some sort've SIGN posted to warn people? I mean, I thought I was going to be abducted by aliens or something!" He broke off abruptly, noticing that Rasik looked slightly...hurt. "Not that I regret the outcome or anything..." he finished gruffly, ruffling Rasik's hair affectionately.
"Just would've been nice to have not made such an idiot of myself..." he muttered, winking down at the unicorn-boy.
Brightening almost instantly, Rasik looked around his new surroundings, although he made no real effort to move too far away from Vashtya...at least, not yet.
Sighing, Vash turned more fully to look at Huni. "Sorry if I snapped." he said, looking particularly sheepish. "I promise, I'm usually far more pleasant." he went on, pocketing the book Rasik had handed him and extending one slender hand. "I'm Vashtya." he tried, some of his usual good humor returning to the forefront. Huni Pi Huni took it all in stride as she shook Vashtya's hand, "Well there's really no point in putting a lock or a sign on the Study door. It does what it wants and not just anyone can get in. I wouldn't say it's normal for Tales to appear, but it does happen every now and then." she added. Vashtya "I suppose you have a point, there." the words came out on a slight sigh, before turning his attention back to Rasik, who was, by that time, sucking on the end of his tail and peering up at Vash inquisitively.
"So what exactly is Rasik? Is he going to be able to eat normal food?" Vashtya mused out loud, noting, for the first time, how pointed the youngster's teeth were.
With the soggy tip of his tail still clutched in his mouth, Rasik tugged at Vash's pants leg, insistent. "Hungry." was all he said, fixing limpid, crimson eyes on the rather frazzled half-elf. Huni Pi "Erm, to be honest, I haven't figured out what they are. All I know is, they're born from the question and the answer and in their own way are stories come to life. And from what I've heard from the others, Tales eat pretty much what we eat," Huni nodded. "We're just having dinner, would you like to join us?" Vashtya Nodding to himself, Vashtya thought on that. "I'm not sure I'd be particularly good company, this evening." he replied, still rather shellshocked by the whole ordeal.
Tugging harder, Rasik opened his mouth wide. "Hungryyyy~" he wailed, revealing his sharp, pointed canines.
Crouching down beside Rasik, Vashtya tilted his head slightly to the side. "What would you like to eat?" he asked, not sure he was ready for the answer.
As it happened, it was with good reason that the half-elf was wary. Scuffing his toe lightly, Rasik peered up at Vash, his eyes glittering cutely. "...dunno." his voice was barely more than a whisper.
Utterly perplexed, Vash looked at Huni expectantly. "Any ideas?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow. Huni Pi By now, Linneas had grown curious about the newest Tale and stepped out of the kitchen while carrying Paestri. He had heard the last part of the conversation and offered his own suggestion,
"How about some chicken with strained peas on the side?"
Paestri's icing pink eyes widened at the sight of Rasik and she cooed in wonder. Vashtya Rasik shook his head at Linneas' suggestion, although he refrained from wrinkling his nose. Looking more upset still, Rasik looked up at Vash imploringly, his eyes saying 'do somethinggggg' more loudly than his words.
Vash sighed, shaking his head slightly. "I think that's our cue to head on home." he said. "Thank you very much for the offer of dinner though, and for...trying to explain what the heck happened." Vash inclined his head slightly, running fingers awkwardly through his hair. "I'll let us out." he insisted, not wanting to trouble them further. Taking the rather antsy Rasik by the hand, Vashtya made his way to the door, turning around to wave pleasantly at Huni, Linneas and Paestri. "Hope to see you again soon--and on more pleasant circumstances!" he called out, suddenly exhausted.
As they headed down the street, Vash reached down, scooping Rasik into his arms. "Ready to head home to try to find you something to eat, squirt?" he asked, running pale slender fingers lightly through the youngster's hair.
Rubbing his head against Vash's shoulder, Rasik went back to sucking on his tail, his expression stating clearly that he certainly wasn't getting LESS hungry.
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Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 7:48 pm
Still cradling Rasik in his arms, by the time Vashtya and his newfound child had reached the half-elf's rather large home, the tale was mewling pitifully, shooting Vash poignant, accusing looks.
"Hungryyyy~" Rasik whined, his shiny gold horn poking painfully into Vash's upper chest as the youngster rubbed his face against Vash's shoulder. He didn't even know what he wanted, but his insides were positively BURNING with hunger. As they crossed the threshold of Vash's house, Rasik's eyes glowed red, and, without even really knowing what he was doing, the dark child bit down into Vash's shoulder, hard.
As the half-elf's blood trickled down Rasik's throat, it was like an instant balm over his burning insides.
Despite Vash's instant urge to pull back, the half-elf didn't pull too firmly at the dark, half-unicorn-like child, as if half-afraid of doing something drastic, like break one of Rasiki's teeth.
It didn't take much of the liquid, however, to satisfy Rasik's hunger, and as his small mouth disengaged almost gently from his 'parent's shoulder, the almost otherworldly glow left his eyes, and he started, almost as if he were just waking up from a dream. As the youngster's crimson orbs shifted between the surprised, cautious look on Vash's face to the wound at his shoulder that was still trickling blood, albeit sluggishly, a look of panic entered Rasik's expression.
"I...I didn't do that, did I?" His eyes filled with tears as he stared up at Vash imploringly, as if begging to be told that no, he hadn't BITTEN someone. However, on the positive side, at least he wasn't hungry anymore.
Looking as though he'd swallowed an orange hole, Vash simply gaped, for a moment--it was obvious, however, that Rasik not only hadn't really known what he was doing, and was probably more freaked out that Vash was. "I'm not going to lie to you, Rasik--you did, but it's nothing to worry about." he spoke quietly, pitching his voice low and soothing.
"Why don't we head in and get you something to eat--it was probably just prompted by hunger and your needing some rest, hmm?" Vash murmured, running slender fingers through Rasik's blue-and-crimson hair soothingly.
"...I...I'm not hungry anymore.." Rasik muttered, wiping at his mouth with the back of one ebony hand. "Why aren't I hungry anymore?" A solitary tear trickled down Rasik's cheek, and he stared at the drying blood on the back of his hand, and on Vash. He knew, on some level, that what he'd done wasn't normal, but he couldn't even remember doing it--he'd hurt, like his stomach were being ripped in two by the hunger, and now he didn't hurt, but Vash was BLEEDING...
Making another soothing noise, Vash hugged Rasik close. At least they now knew what Rasik needed, nutrition-wise, Vash though with a wry grin. Confused though he might be about his newest charge, the youngster had already wormed his way into Vash's heart, and seeing him so obviously twisted the half-elf's insides into knots. "I hardly even feel it, kiddo--and there's nothing wrong with needing blood to survive, you know.." he continued patting Rasik on the head as he spoke. "So don't let it worry you, alright, squirt?"
Nodding slightly, his face shoved into the crook of Vash's shoulder, Rasik rubbed at his eyes, determined NOT to cry. Yeah, there wasn't anything wrong with him...right? Still sniffling, it didn't take long for his eyes to drift shut. Between the wracking hunger, his confusion, and his distinctly childlike need for comfort in the wake of his discovery of his own..dietary habits, Rasik drifted off into a fitful sleep, his nose still tucked up against Vash's shoulder.
Sighing quietly, Vash headed upstairs--tonight, at least, Rasik would have to share his bed, as Vash hadn't expected a new arrival tonight, and so hadn't put clean sheets on one of the guest beds. He was a little more weirded out by the discovery as to Rasik's dietary needs than he'd let on, however, and couldn't help pressing two inquisitive fingers against his wound, which had already stopped oozing blood. It was tender to the touch, but really HADN'T been that deep. We'll have to see what we can do to keep him from starving to death, without turning myself into a walking blood bank, I guess... he thought to himself, tucking Rasik in carefully under the covers before laying down on the opposite side of the king-sized bed, not even bothering to change out of his clothes, or get under the blankets himself.
Within moments, as he lay there listening to his new 'son's' even, deep breathing, Vashtya felt himself sliding off into unconsciousness...after all, it'd been a helluva day...
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Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2005 2:35 pm
As he scrambled some eggs in a skillet, humming off-key, Vash pondered the past couple weeks. After their initial, 'exciting' start, home life had settled into a routine, of sorts.
Sid came catapaulting through the kitchen, smirking and looking back over his shoulder. "You can have your turn after mine..." he offered, looking far too smug for Vash to eye him with anything other than suspicion.
Rasik came tearing in after Sid, skidding to a halt a foot or so away from the older child. He was, as usual, wearing only a small toga-bottom like piece of fabric wrapped around his waist. So much for Vash's attempts at getting him to dress in actual CLOTHES. "Tha's what you said LAST time...and then you hid it during your turn!" the tale announced, stomping his foot for emphasis. "I want my turn FIRST this time!" he insisted, his eyes narrowing slightly as he pointed to the object in question--Sid's favorite plushie, a bear holding a fish in its mouth, who he'd named "Salmon".
"Now now...what's the matter?" Vash asked, his tone neutral as he gave the eggs one last stir before removing them from the stovetop and transferring the breakfast onto a plate.
"Sid won't share with me!" Rasik wailed, his expression a mixture of reproach (obviously directed at Sid), and hope, as he stared up at his 'father', for lack of a better word.
"It's MY toy, to do with as I want." Sid insisted, looking smug. He'd taken a liking to pushing Rasik's buttons--it was so easy to do, after all.
"But you said I could play with it!" Rasik wailed, practically thrumming with anger. "You LIED."
"Hang on there, kiddos, and let's try to work this out, okay?" Vash started, holding up his hands, palms facing outwards, in an attempt at a pacifying gesture. "Sid, if you promised, you have to give Rasik a tu--"
Sid continued to behave as if Vash hadn't even spoken to him, raising an eyebrow arrogantly and staring down at his younger 'sibling' condescendingly. He'd share, eventually...but Rasik made it so easy for him to manipulate the younger child's emotions...
Rasik's eyes glowed faintly, and the very air thrummed with anticipation, whirling around the two combatants in a weak, whirlwind sort of fashion.
Vash cut off mid-sentence, eyeing Rasik warily as his hair lifted in what felt like a sudden breeze. Only problem with the explanation of it being a breeze was that there were no windows, or open doors, in the kitchen that would allow for that. This...doesn't bode well... he thought to himself, eyes widening slightly as Rasik's eyes glowed yet more brightly. I hope he's not going to BITE Sid... "Rasik, Noo--" he started, interrupted by what felt like an explosion of heat ramming into his forearms, thrown up hastily to cover his face.
Sid cringed back, a strangled shriek never making it out of his throat as he was seemingly engulfed in flame. In actuality, the flames flickered a few inches from his body, close enough to make him feel as though he were burning, but not so close as to do any lingering damage, save to scorch the tips of his hair.
Within seconds, the flames abated, and the wind died, leaving one very confused, and rather alarmed Rasik, standing between Vash and Sid, one of whom was eyeing his young son consideringly, and the other who looked rather the worse for wear, what with his wide, streaming eyes and his smoking hair. As one horrified tear of horror streaked its way down Rasik's round cheek, the tale sank to the floor, almost as if in slow motion. He didn't know what had happened, exactly, as his....show had been prompted by the same sort've blind instinct that had led to his biting Vash, for the first time.
Catching the youngster before he hit the floor in shaking arms, Vash eyed his kitchen with no small amount of horror--it was okay, now, to allow his expression to reflect his genuine worry. So much unexplained about one so small... he mused, murmuring soothing noises at the still-traumatized Sid, who had latched onto his leg and babbled that he really hadn't meant to not share. Cuddling Rasik's limp body against his chest, Vash allowed his silvery eyes to take stock of the damage--the chair behind Sid was charred, as was the floor around the young boy--It was as though the air directly around the winged child had simply spontaneously burst into flame.
Holding one of Sid's hands, and still holding Rasik in the other, the trio made their way back upstairs, Vash's only 'words' the occasional soothing noise directed at Sid, who continued clutching at Vash's hand like a lifeline.
Somehow, I had a feeling things were too easy...
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Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2005 4:23 pm
Finally, after the children had fallen into a deep, even slumber, Vash snuck out of the house, making his way to the small, dojo-esque building in the backyard. It wasn't really a dojo, as he didn't use it for extensive bouts of meditation, or anything like that. Instead, he used it to whale on things for a long enough period of time for him to clear his thoughts, without hurting anyone.
As the bed dipped slightly, Rasik woke up with a start, blinking blearily. His head was pounding, and his vision was slightly fuzzy. Groggily, he tried to sit up, only to fall back with a small, pitiful squeak. What...happened? And how did I get up here? Even that simple, logical thought prompted another wave of pain--the young tale felt as though he might just be sick--it was like being buffeted by a tidal wave...up against a rock.
Even as he tried to struggle his way to full alertness, the tendrils of sleep clung more tightly to his overexerted brain, dragging him inexorably deeper, towards a deep, dreamless sleep.
Some time later, Vash slipped back into the bed, glistening with sweat, and sporting bruises and scrapes across his knuckles.
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Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 1:46 pm
[Reserved for PD with Zymbu and Jiro~]
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Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2005 1:19 am
Post-Jiro PD (that night) Laying beside his guardian, Rasik lay on his back, underneath the massive bedcovers, and stared up at the ceiling, his expression pensive. The half-elf who'd taken him in lay sleeping at his side, his chest rising and falling with a soothing sort've regularity, causing the matress below Rasik's back to shift rhythmically. He was full, having...eaten dinner right before climbing into the massive bed.
Today had been...interesting, to say the least-and he'd rather liked Jiro, for all that the other Tale had begun things rather questionably, what with chewing on Vashtya's friend's arm. It had been...fun. And he hadn't felt weird, or odd. Jiro had been closer to his size than any of the many creatures who lived with them, and he'd been so cool, as well! Yawning, Rasik smiled to himself, rolling so that his back was towards Vashtya's. As his eyes slooooowly began to close, the small tale pulled the blanket more tightly around himself even as he edged closer to the larger, warm body only a short distance away.
Vashtya blinked, coming awake instantly as a small body tucked up against his own--Rasik had apparently rolled right up against his back, he observed with a small, self-directed grin. Out of all of his adopted charges, humanoid and animal, this small child came the closest to making him feel...like a parent. It was on that thought that the half-elf allowed himself to slip back into sleep as well, still smiling slightly.
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Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 7:13 pm
Sighing and shaking his head ruefully, Vashtya bent down, picking something up off of the floor before straightening. He was unable to hide a small grin as he eyed the scrap of red fabric with a combination of amusement and horror. No matter how he tried, his young charge always slipped out of whatever garments had been foisted upon him--never mind that the half-elf he called father had long since given up even trying for anything more than the most minimal of coverings for the small tale.
As yet, the only compromise they had reached was that the dark unicorn tale would cover himself when they left the property--when home, he usually lost the attire the first time his guardian turned his back. >.>.
Meanwhile...
Giggling happily to himself, Rasik sat, enthroned on a pile of pillows, pilfered from every couch in the living room, along with the ones from the bedrooms upstairs. Kicking his feet, he clambored off the mound, as naked as the day he was born (more so, if one considered his arrival at the Stationary Store to be his birth--he'd been wearing something, then, at least).
As his coal-black hooves hit the floor with a muted click, Rasik stepped a few feet away from the towering pile of pillows he'd amassed. He ignored the slight pangsof hunger, a subtle reminder that he needed to go find said guardian sometime soon. Tensing, the small Tale prepared to fling himself back into the pile--wouldn't it be fun, to burrow into such a pile?
"Rasik?! What're you up to, kiddo?" Vash's voice rumbled through the house, an inviting, amused sound.
Smiling hugely, with an open, innocent expression on his youthful visage, Rasik froze. "Vaaaaaaaaash~" his young, rather high-pitched voice hit a near squee-like tone. "Come play with me!" he giggled, tail flicking back and forth.
Vash stepped through the entryway, eyes widening slightly as he took in the sheer number of pillows heaped upon the living room floor. When had the Tale found the TIME to lug all of these down here without Vash's noticing?! He must really be losing his instincts...^^;
"Rasik...Remember that conversation we had about picking up after oneself...?" Vash began, his silvery eyes narrowing ever-so-slightly.
"Mm-hmmm! As soon as I'm done playing, I put them all away!" Rasik chirped, pleased as punch.
Groaning, Vash sank onto one of the couches, noting idly that it was distinctly uncomfortable, what with all the pillows removed. "I swear you're going to be the death of me..." he murmured, struggling not to laugh as his eyes flicked between the Tale's discarded clothing and tne mound of pillows.
A silky black hand, small and delicate, patted Vash's knee. "Vash play with me?" Rasik's expression was earnest, and decidedly hopeful.
Vash couldn't help but smile. "Only if you put on your clothes, you sneaky little brat," he said affectionately, reaching out to ruffle Rasik's hair.
Rasik giggled, squirming and wrinkling his nose. "Fiiiiine~" he replied, eyes twinkling happily.
To be continued...
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Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 11:20 pm
Insert finish of previous RP
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Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 11:22 pm
[ Insert Vashu-Syrie RP (with Tales~)]
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Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 11:27 pm
Vashtya The sun shone brightly, golden rays filtering through a canopy of trees that lined the pathways of the zoo, and glinting dully off of inky black fur, strands of gold, and shimmering blue hair, streaked through, as it were, with crimson.
"Vash! Hurry! I wanna see the animals!" Rasik shrieked, tugging happily at his guardian's arm. He'd just fed, and his guardian was looking a shade pale--he'd be fine in a few minutes, but it meant that their entrance into the impressive zoo was a tad slower than his youthful charge wished. His golden horn shone brightly, glinting like a newly minted coin as he tossed his head, unable to stand still.
Vash smiled slightly--the young Tale's enthusiasm never failed to amuse, and it warmed him through and through, if he were honest. "I'm coming, I'm coming..." he mock-grumbled, catching up as the cobwebs cleared from his brain. He still felt a bit weaker than he liked, but a candy bar from the gift shop would fix that, he knew.
"So, what would you like to see first?" he asked, holding his young charge's hand as he peered at the map of the zoo--it was organized by country, and was pretty straightforward, really.
"I wanna see th' lions! And tigers too!" Rasik spoke quickly, his words running together in his excitement--he loved animals, in all their shapes and forms. pinkdog Pink walked along slowly, head tilted down politely towards his much shorter companion, listening. He was dressed in adire quite unlike his usual self. First of all, he was wearing shoes. Not just shoes, but paten leather ones, with black slack, a black belt, and a collared shirt. Other than his tail, which swayed behind him every so often, he looked almost normal. His hair, not to be tamed, was as unruly a tuff of blonde scruff as it ever was, and his shirt had the first three holes unbuttoned. It mattered little; He still looked damn good.
This was a side of his life that few saw. He was close to no one, really, and he didn't share such private details as work with mere aquaintances. The short, balding man beside him was prattling on about monkeys, bouncing on in a jolly way as one does when things are moving in their favor. Pink, making the necessary appearance of paying full attention to his superior, was in fact looking carefully off to one side. He cared little for the condition of monkeys; larger animals were his specialty. Just then his gaze was floating over the familiar paths, walls, signs, and exhibits, looking for one familiar exhibit... Vashtya Holding Rasik's hand, Vash pointed out the zebras, the wildebeests..the hyenas, and then carted the youngster off towards the lion pit--they were among his favorite animals, and so, perhaps, his distraction that made him miss Rasik's curious tug as they passed the hyenas was somewhat forgiveable. It was pretty rare for the half-elf to expound on things to the extend he was doing, and had Rasik not been so determined to see more of the intriguing hyenas, he most likely would have been listening with bated breath, if only because of the rarity.
However, it was not to be. As Vash talked extensively about the hunting habits of the big cats, Rasik managed to slip free, and made a beeline for the canines who'd caught his eye. Coal black hooves clip-clopped softly in the grass that bordered the pathways, and the youngster peered delightedly over the partition into the cage, barely able to see the creatures in the pit below.
No, this would not do at all! Clamboring on top of the fence (something Vash would have discouraged him from doing-parents could be so dull!) he leaned over, eyes bright with curiosity. In an event that was, unfortunately, typical of the youngster, Rasik wobbled, and flailed his arms in what was, unfortunately, a vain attempt at catching his balance. With one startled shriek, the tale pitched over into the pit, barely throwing his arms up in time to avoid smashing his face on the ground. pinkdog His companion, the short balding man, shook Pink's hand, the thick fingers sticking to the shifter's skin uncomfortably. Nodding a polite goodbye, he watched the man go before turning in the opposite direction.
The familiar pleasant/unpleasant feeling that washed over Pink as he first caught sight of the hyena enclosure was almost immediately dulled by the shock of what he saw strolling by only a few meters ahead. Red headed Vashtya, lacking his dark sion, was accompanied by another of his dark... creatures. Though Pink couldn't help staring, the other apparently had failed to notice his presence. Glancing down at his attire, the shifter could imagine why he wouldn't be recognized. All the better.
With the other walking in the opposite direction, Pink continued towards the hyena enclosure. Overall he was relieved that Vashtya hadn't seen him; This was most certainly a side of himself he was not ready to reveal. Yet there was still an obnoxious, strange tug of disatisfaction, even annoyance, that the red head had failed to notice. Still, things might have ended well.
But it was not to be. The hooved child accompanying Vash was not so ready to follow him to a different region of Africa and the next moment Pink saw him, the hooved boy, he was standing on the fence. This was an incredibly stupid and yet incredibly appropriate thing for the child to do. The two went hand and hand with children, didn't they?
If only he hadn't fallen, Pink would have been able to walk away. If only he hadn't been Vash's kid, Pink could have escaped. If he had just waited to fall until he was out of the shifter's line of site, all could have been well. But things just weren't go well. The child did fall, Vash oblivious, and Pink apparently the only whitness yet, and most definately the only one capable of getting to him with any speed. How unfortunate.
Rushing quickly over but trying not to run, Pink stood on the outside of the enclosure. He had to decide about the clothes. He liked his clothes. He didn't want to get them ruined, and he most certainly did not want to be walking about naked. Ugh. Either way, the shoes had to come off. Taking off his shoes and stuffing his socks inside, Pink stood a moment longer, contemplating. Then, leaving the shoes in the grass on the outside of the railing, Pink pulled himself up, onto the railing and over.
He landed on his feet but nearly fell, a groaning "Ummph!.." pulled from him. Not taking the time to straighten, he sought the residence of the pit, along with his self-appointed charge. The second was easier to see at first and Pink began walking toward him, keeping his eyes on the rest of the enclosure. As he did so, however, he did something strange; He began unbuttoning his shirt. After the shirt came the pants, getting ever closer to Rasik, as if he intended to assault the child right there at the bottom of the hyena pit.
A meter before he could reach his arm out to horned boy, the -now naked- shifter's attention swivveled to the side. From the back of the exhibit, the hyena's had smelled the new arrivals and were quickly approaching. There were three, no, four, in a small clan. Pink could tell from the numbers and the movements they were more confused than hungry. He looked human but smelled... almost like them. Knowing the strength of his own kind, especially in numbers, Pink didn't wait to be attacked. He shifted.
The clothes fell out of his hands as the fingers bent back at the knuckles, his skin darkening, hair lengthening, back arching and falling. Fully shifted, he was unusually large for a hyena, larger even than the females. But that was hardly the most odd thing about him. His furr was completely the wrong colors, inverted brown hair with light spots, and as apposed to the fringe of pale hair on the others, he wore a thick, long pink mane. He was, however, distinctly hyena. Vashtya Having scrambled to his knees, Rasik bit back a small moan of pain. His knees were skinned, as were the palms of his hands, and he was lucky he hadn't sprained, or even broken, anything. Rasik's eyes widened as the shifter landed in the enclosure and started to take off his clothes. Hadn't Vash said that everyone was supposed to wear clothes when they were out?
When pinkdog began to shift, Rasik squealed in surprise. It wasn't a squeal of fear, per se, but more of complete surprise--what was this thing, that it could turn into an animal..and EEEE! It looked like the other hyenas, only it was bigger, and prettier colors! The youngster was torn between wanting to reach out and touch it, and backing away from the rather intimidating creature.
Vash stiffened, every instinct coming to attention as Rasik's squeal reached his ears. shitshitshit! His silvery eyes scanned the area, but saw no trace of the young tale. WHEREISHE?! somewhat panicked, it was at this point that Vash spotted the pair of shoes sitting just outside of the fences of one of the exhibits. Ohgod... He didn't even hesitate, already sprinting towards the hyena pit, and hoping that Rasik was still alright. pinkdog After he had shifted, the clan had made a hasty retreat a few meters away. Shifting wasn't too terribly uncommon in Gaia but surely these hyenas had never been exposed to such a thing; even if they had, it was none the less disturbing. After a moment's breath of observing the oddly colored hyena, one of the four moved a bit closer. It was one of the two biggest of the clan, no doubt the matriach. Pink, to be honest, wasn't quite sure what the correct amount of intimidation/submission was. Vashtya, whatever his feelings at that moment, was better off being oblivious of to such details.
Stepping forward slowly, blocking Rasik from sight, the shifter settled for a half downcast glare. He kept his eyes off on a distance spot on the ground, his head bowed below the others, but his teeth visible: He was not interested in fighting, but he would if it came to that. It was a dangerous hand to play; the matriach could easily decide she didn't like this haughty male and they would snap them both in half. Again, one could hope Vash was oblivous to the power of a hyena's jaws as he no doubt looked down on the scene from above. Vashtya Vash stared down at the scene unfurling below him with horror. He did, indeed, know enough about this particular canine species to be more than slightly concerned for Rasik's safety. however, he noted, forcing his mind to calculate and analyze the situation as best he was able, the large...strangely colored hyena (there was something familar about it, he was POSITIVE) was standing protectively in front of the small black tale. It was enough to make the half-elf stay where he was--the other hyenas within looked as though they hadn't decided whether to back down, or attack--and his...interference might just push the issue.
Some instinct told Rasik that his best bet was to freeze. Barely breathing, the small black unicorn boy's eyes flickered between the pink-maned hyena, the suddenly-intimidating other hyenas...and up at the fence he'd fallen from, and could now see Vash's face hovering above. I think...I'm gonna be in trouble once I get outta here... he thought to himself, although somehow...he'd rather be up there getting scolded than down here.
Not even his tail flicked, as he waited tensely to see the other hyena's reactions. And what was this strange, bigger, pink-haired hyena-thing, anyway? The thought of someone shifting into something else was particularly puzzling to the youngster... pinkdog Pink could hear the crowd gathering at the railing above them. This was bad. There were a few shifters working among the staff, but he was the only hyena that he knew of; He really hoped he wouldn't lose his job over this. Damn man, can't keep track of his own kids...
Blocking out the senseless noise of shouts and frightened whispers, Pink lowered his head and raised his shoulders, the mane of brightly colored fur standing up menacingly even as he took a more submissisve position. It was not necessary, in the end. Raising his eyes carefully, he saw the clan reatreating to the far end of the exhibit, sulkily. They must have decided the noise and attention from above was not worth the curiosity. Whatever it was, the shifter was not about to second guess them.
Without so much as glancing at the child behind him, the hyena walked back to where he'd landed, picking up the clothing items carefully between his teeth. What a site, a hyena doing laundry; That should give the tourists something to write home about.
With a mild degree of disgust, Pink walked back over to the black furred boy. He thought a moment on how to go about this. He would NOT be shifting here, in front of the crowd; That would not be terribly good publicity for the zoo. But he still had to get the boy to the back entrance of the enclosure.
After a moment, he walked along and stood behind Rasik, "nudging" him forward with his nose. Get up, He commanded in vain. Of all the times to need his voice... Vashtya Rasik stumbled, but went where he was pushed, tail flicking nervously as his gaze darted from side to side. The youngster knew one thing for certain--he'd listen better to Vash the next time they were out! gonk
Vash leaned over the railing, breathing a bit easier when he saw the hyena pack slink off. Thank...god. He watched the large, pink-maned one pick up a pile of clothing, and it was like a lightbulb went off in his head. Ahhh...shifter, that explains it. Thank god he was around--I'll have to treat him to dinner or something, and thank him for saving Rasik... he mused, noting that th shifter was ushering Rasik towards the back entrance of the enclosure. pinkdog When they were safely at the back of the enclosure, away from the hyenas and the gate's line of sight, Pink shifted again. As the final bones snapped back into their new position, the now naked man stared down at the boy for a moment, musing. It was the same, deep-gazing stare he'd used with Vash, only slightly more curious; Not a terribly unintimidating expression to use with a child, but Pink was oblivious.
Without a word, he picked up his wrinkled clothes, eyeing them with an inward sigh. Well, hopefully no one has stolen his shoes.
Still buttoning his shirt, Pink led Rasik out along the service paths behind the enclosures. They came to a flight of stairs, which led to another walked, which eventually led to a locked gate. Fortunately, it was only locked from the outside. Ushering the child along, firm fingers pressed against his upper back to prevent daudling, Pink readied himself. The service entrance wasn't too far off from the main visitors path, and Vashtya could come into sight at any moment.
Smoothing his wrinkled, dusty clothes off, the shifter set his jaw; he would not give up an ounce of pride to his disheveled clothes and bare feet. Vashtya Rasik didn't say a word, practically trotting to keep up with the shifter's pace. Now, he was scared--it was the first time he could remember that he'd done something he'd known was wrong, and he wasn't sure he wanted to face the red-headed half-elf who he knew was waiting for him.
Vashtya was practically trotting too, but for an entirely different reason. Part of him wanted to check that his baby was alright--he couldn't REMEMBER a time when he'd been so freaked out--and part of him wanted to turn the dark tale over his knee. As he rounded a corner, the half-elf ground to a complete halt, his jaw falling open in surprise. It wasn't bad enough that he'd managed to humiliate himself in front of this...shifter, apparently, in his own home--no no, NOW he owed pink. BIG TIME. And does he have to run around with his top button undone? should be illegal... he thought to himself, crankily.
However, his outward expression, once he shut his mouth, shifted smoothly into a polite, if slightly awkward, smile, although it was overlaid with a continued measure of concern and fury (at Rasik) and extreme gratefulness (at pink). "Thank you." he started simply, silvery eyes meeting the shifter's squarely. pinkdog It was fortunate that Pink was so well trained in keeping his expression unmoved; The urge to give a self satisfied grin when he saw Vash's initial expression was overwhelming. He reisted that urge and said nothing, nodding and pushing Rasik's trembling form towards Vash.
It struck him as ironic that Vash, who always accused him of being harsh with his sion, would be the one doing the scolding now. Vashtya As pink gave Rasik a small shove in his direction, Vash's eyes narrowed slightly, and he remembered why pink was standing in front of him. Right. Way to be the responsible parent. he scolded himself, crouching down in front of Rasik and taking the youngster's chin in his hands so that he met his guardian's eyes squarely, forgetting, for the time being, about the shifter who was probably listening in with no end of amusement.
"What. The hell. Were. You. DOING?!" his voice was soft, and startling in that there was a dangerous edge to it--something that would probably come as a surprise to anyone who hadn't known him in his pre-gaian days. As he said it, however, he ran his hands over Rasik, as if verifying that the youngster was most assuredly unharmed. "Do you have ANY ******** idea how scared I was?" his voice shook, and his fingers tightened reflexively, although the waver was almost imperceptible if you weren't listening closely.
Rasik's lip wobbled. That tone of voice...it sent a chill down his back. This, paired with his tense, frightening experience in the pen, was enough to leave the youngster virtually speechless. In addition the tale was beginning to feel tendrils of guilt, causing his crimson eyes to shine brightly with tears. As the first one trailed down his cheek, Rasik brought both hands up to rub at his eyes with the backs of his hands, starting to sob outright. "I...I'm sorry! Just wanted t'see 'yenaaaaasss~" he wailed, flinging himself at Vash, the motion catching the redhead off-guard, and sending him sprawling.
Hell, no wonder Vash wasn't really big on discipline--he barely had time to brace himself for the small, furry body that knocked into him full-force, and it was enough to make him grunt with effort, although the action also caused his expression to soften, slightly. "You're still in trouble y'know, squirt." he murmured, sighing as he wrapped his arms soothingly around Rasik, getting to his feet and propping the unicorn tale on his hip as he rubbed his back, tracing small circles between the youngster's shoulder blades as the tale continued to sob.
Clearing his throat awkwardly, Vash shifted Rasik slightly, and turned back to face pinkdog again.
"Er. Look, uh...I'd like to, y'know, offer you dinner, or something--I really appreciate your quick thinking when it came to Rasik-I hadn't even noticed that he was gone yet..." the words tumbled out, probably running together, although Vash couldn't, for the life of himself, slow them down. What had happened to his suave demeanor since coming to gaia? he couldn't help but chide himself.
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Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 11:29 pm
A few weeks later...
Rasik woke up slowly, feeling a bit disoriented. Hunger was sinking its claws into his belly, and Vashtya was, oddly enough, nowhere to be seen. The half-elf's side of the bed wasn't even slept in. However, the young tale could hear telltale sounds of people moving around downstairs, a sure sign that Vashtya was making breakfast.
Swinging his short legs over the side of the bed, Rasik rolled over onto his stomach, wriggling until his little hooves connected with the bedroom floor with an audible click. Yawning, he shuffled toward the door, crimson eyes still half-lidded and unfocused with sleep.
Barely even looking where he was going, Rasik made his way downstairs, hooves clicking softly with every step that he took. The hunger was getting stronger, and so it was that he heard, but didn't really register, the second voice in the kitchen...
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Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 12:26 am
Reserved for the rest of Rasik's second meeting with Pink-suu
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Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 12:51 am
Allowing himself to be ushered off, Rasik headed out into the backyard, accompanied by Sephir. The soul stone, who lived on his own property a short distance away, was acting a bit strange--it was almost as though he were rushing the small tale out of the house, even going so far as to say that Rasik could stay with him, the following night.
Almost as if Vashtya and that kinda mean man (although he HAD saved him from the 'yenas, at the zoo...) would want to be left alone...but why would they wanna do something like that?
...again, tbc *so bad about starting these late at night* x.X <3
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Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 3:15 am
Rasik sat in the backyard, head resting on the palm of one small, furry hand as he stared back at the forest behind Vashtya's house. Vashtya himself was cleaning house today, and the half-elf's intent focus on what he was doing had driven the tall tale outside. Things had slipped into a routine, of sorts--Vash and Pink, who he, for some reason, called Dane now, went out periodically, and when they did so, he was left with the soul stone, Sephir, who, although he'd been somewhat grudging at first, had begun to treat the small tale with genuine affection.
After an instance where Vash had almost passed out from being the sole food source for him, the now teenaged Sid and Sephir had offered to take on some of the burden. It had been weird, the first time, as he'd felt Sid's rich blood flow down his throat-the flavor had been different than what he'd been used to, and had had a slightly different consistency to it--not unpleasant, just...different.
Stretching his short legs out in front of him, Rasik watches the early afternoon sunshine sparkle off of the gold markings that wound gracefully up his limbs. It was kind've like having his own treasure, it sparkled so prettily! Giggling, he got to his feet, not even paying attention to the fact that his "clothing", as usual, was hanging rather precariously, as though it might fall off at any second.
After brushing off a few stray strands of grass that had gotten tangled in his fur, he trotted up to the back door, tail swishing--he was getting hungry, not to mention Vash should be done cleaning up the house by now, and so be ready to play~
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Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 8:28 pm
~. Reserved for Continuation of Prior Posteh .~
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