|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:32 pm
Quote: I like the big man. He's nice. He might not have all the neat stuff that Loki does, but at least he doesn't try to ignore me. Loki likes to ignore me. I think he thinks I'm annoying sometimes. I guess I should tell you about Loki. Icey says he doesn't like to talk about his past much, so I shouldn't tell the colonist what happened. But I can't talk, so I guess that doesn't really matter much, huh? See, Icey says that she found Loki abandoned in a big dumpster on this far away planet. She's not quite sure why someone would abandone a perfectly good baby, but I know why. He had fleas. And smelt funny. He still smells funny every once in a while, but I think it's that smelly stuff he puts on once in a while. Ca-co-something longne, I dunno. I tried some on one day. It made me sneeze. And sneezing in a mask is never a good idea. *Makes a face* But the big guy smells funny too. He smells like sweat and lye soap and dirt. The guy that was tugging on my mask smells like that stuff Loki sprays on. But worse. And the big guy's hands are rough, not slightly fuzzy like Loki's. And they're like... TEN TIMES bigger than Loki's. I think he could fit Loki's entire head in one of his hands! It's so cool!
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:33 pm
Quote: I got rained on. And Icey found me and she yelled at me. But she was hugging me when she yelled, so I don't think she's too mad at me. That's good. I don't like when Icey gets mad, she has these strange powers that make my little shadow tricks look silly. But she never uses them, it's strange. I mean, she never uses them unless she's mad. Then she opens a hole out of nowhere and forces me to sit in time out. Time out is boring. And I'm still not sure exactly WHERE it's at. I've looked EVERYWHERE. I can't find it! Um... what was I talking about again?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:35 pm
Quote: I'm waiting for Icey to save Dagi from the big man... Boy, I hope she doesn't kill him. He's nice! And he's real good at digging big holes! I try digging holes to help out with the building, but I don't have much luck. I need to be bigger! But the big guy is REAL big! And he doesn't haveta jump up and down a million times just to get the shovel in the ground! He just goes "Whump!" and "Swoosh!" And the dirt is gone! Well, not really gone, it's in a big pile on the side of the hole, but you get the picture! ... I felt a new masque arrive a while ago... I didn't tell Icey about it, she's got other things to worry about right now. I need to go see who it is and if it's... well... someone I don't really want to see right now. But I don't think it is. I think I know who it is, actually. ... And he's better at digging than me, too. *Pouts*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:36 pm
Quote: I've got a pet! Well, actually, he's sposed to be Icey's, but that makes him mine, right? She's my guardian, so he's my pet! His name is Scabbard, he's a wolf! A pirate wolf!! The big man thought that was funny blaugh And he's so funny! I pet his belly and his leg goes all crazy like!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:38 pm
Quote: When I was sleeping I felt another one show up... I'm starting to wonder if having Ice get them changed back was such a good thing. I know who this one is, too. She's not the bad one, she's not even BAD. I mean, how boring is that? Oh, okay, she's fine... I luff my wolfie. He talks! He's kinda like the big man. He's got a funny accent. He says his name is Scabbard, but that everybody calls him Scab. Ice is kinda mad at him, though, because he made friends with the big man. And the other man, the one with the red hair? He's not happy right now. Of course, I'm not sure if he can BE happy, he always seemed a little grumpy. I think we'll be going back to camp soon, Ice looks tired. And I think I felt my stomach grumble... yep. It's grumbling. Wonder if I can find something to eat around here...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:39 pm
Quote: Ooooh, it's been busy! The pirates fought and we ran away and now we're at the ruins of the old temple... It really went down hill. Literally! The door was half caved in, so me and Ice and another lady are trying to clear the door, while everybody else went to look for another way in. I keep getting these... memories... it got worse when the new boy showed up. I don't know how, but I KNEW him. And I knew how hyper he would be, so I gave him a toy to keep him busy... And I--I think I remember Cern from somewhere, too. ... It's making my head hurt. Sometimes I feel... so... MAD at him! And I don't even know why! Well, other than the fact that he's annoying. Stupid mama's boy. I keep having dreams... When I get to sleep, that is. I'm almost scared to fall asleep. I don't remember what they're about, but I know I don't like them. So I crawl into Ice's pallet and she hugs me. And then she complains that I kick when I sleep. *snickers evilly* But who said I was asleep?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:41 pm
Quote: Ice is missing... She saved us all and then she let the rift close before she got out. And now I'm all alone. Well... not all alone. I have Loki and Scagg, and well a lot of other people. And Cern. I saw him a few times before, but now that things have quieted... *Jerks as if hit* Damn them... Damn them all for their disbelief. Damn HER for believing... for believing HIM over me. I WILL get my revenge... I WILL see him suffer... and as for Earth... *Jerks again, staring at the words in the book blankly.* ... I... um... I should stop now. I don't think Ice would... *Closes the book quickly, shaking as she does.*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:44 pm
Quote: *The handwriting is smoother, no longer the meticulous childish scrawl that came before.* It's been a while since I've written. A lot has happened since that time. Ice had been left during our exploration of the temples, caught by a group of Rade. We went to save her... I was supposed to provide distraction for the rescue mission by blinding the guards. It was fun, actually, shooting the Rade with my bow and arrow and they roared blindly in rage. They had taken my guardian, after all. They deserved to suffer. But things went wrong... A man, his name is Silva, he was there, planning on killing the Rade for his own personal gain. Perhaps steal a few cubs for zoos, sell the furs to rich men, I'm not sure. But somehow my group and he began to fight. He cut the tree that Ashy and I were sitting in down, and I shot him with my bow and arrow while Scagg attacked. He beat Scagg then knocked me out. But... he could understand. Somehow he uses telepathy. And strongly, in fact I can still reach him now even though he's no longer on the planet. I don't know what happened next, I woke up back at the homebase, listening to Loki and Ice argue about making a deal with the devil. The arguing stopped then... I'm not sure why, my head was still hurting, and Ice left. I followed, meeting with the woman that had brought the houses as Scagg carried the boxes to the camp. As we started to follow I tripped, fainting. I must not have recovered as fully as I had thought. Sometime during the faint I... I changed. I am now a teenager. And... And I remember. I remember everything. *The hand hesitates, as if considering writing more, then stops, slamming the book shut and grabbing her moo before heading out the door. Leaving the journal behind.*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:45 pm
A scene from the main thread *In Io's room* Sit on the bed, short stuff, I'll get out the skir--er, kilts. *Goes over to the closet, pulling out a small pile of clothes.* I should probably ask Fauve and Ashy if they want these first...
*She digs through the pile, pulling out an actual kilt* So kid, what do you remember of what happened before?*he winces* I remember taking care of fish. And...
darkness blurring yelling, failing at the one thing he was supposed to do well...*shakes his head* I don't know. I remember nothing. I woke up and was here, okay?
*curls up, tucking his head down and trying very hard not to let Io see him upset*Fish, huh? You and that garden of yours... *She sighed, dropping down beside him and rubbing his back.* It's okay, short stuff... It's okay. You don't remember anything. I'm starting to figure that out.
*She stood, clapping her hands lightly.* Now let's get you changed!Io...if I remembered...I mean, if I remembered anything at all, even if it was bad, should I tell you? I mean, isn't it best to forget it all and start over? *he waits for her to pick clothes before discarding the "kilt" he has on.* What if all I remember are things that will upset people?
Or that um...I did bad, horrible things that I wish I had never done, and I'd change it if I could? Why should I talk about it then? Won't it make things worse? Io?*She jerks, her hand stilling before shrugging* It's all right, Cern... you didn't do anything that... I mean, nothing-- *She sighs, pulling out a white tanktop and tossing it to him.* You're right. We don't have to talk about it.
*She tugs the tank top over his head then hands him the new kilt.* The past is the past. and I screwed up. *She ruffles his hair, smiling.* I'll fix everything soon enough.You always going to fix my screwups then?
*he smooths the shirt down, then impulsively holds his hands up in the air for a hug**Io hesitates, then kneels down in front of him, pulling him into a hug.* You're such a cute kid, Cern... Wish you could stay that way. I mean, who else am I going to dress up in ski-kilts?
She stands, pulling him to his feet ((Will assume the kilt is on)) and dragging him back into the front room.*
*follows meekly*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:46 pm
Quote: My conversation with Cern made me realize something. I'm not the same person that I was... before. None of us are. Somehow Ice being my guardian has changed me... I'm not sure if for the better or the worse. The same has happened to Cern. He's just a child. An actual child. Not the man I-- Well, that is neither here nor there. I'm waiting now. Patiently stalking my prey like the hunter... the ruthless creature I once was. But I don't want to ruin this time for them. Innocence, fun... I will enjoy watching them live like children. Play. I enjoy this feeling of being alone. So many years... *Sighs* I need to see the stars.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:47 pm
Quote: Ice is going to take me to the space mall! I've only been once before. They have clothing and food and all sorts of intersting things I'm going to have to get presents for everyone, and some new clothes! Ice's taste in clothing is all right, but they get worn out faster with both of us wearing them... And besides, what girl wants to claim to be wearing her mother's clothing? That's another interesting question. Ice doesn't look to be older than her early twenties, but Loki is a teenager, probably about fifteen or sixteen... I know she adopted him, but how could she have raised him since he was a kid? Wasn't she a kid, too? Maybe he grew up fast like I did... I'll have to ask him. I wonder what he'll say about me being as old as he is... I just remembered. My puff that Ice gave me after the fight with the Rade? He changed. He keeps trying to feel me up, though. It's kind of funny, actually. And at least he pays attention when I'm feeling down. His name is Baka, since he's kind of an idiot. But he's my idiot.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:48 pm
Quote: The trip to the spacemall took longer than I thought it would. We were stuck in the dinky half-ship that Ice kept for reserves, since Loki had left the main ship in shambles. The half-ship doesn't get very good milage, to say the least. I didn't mind, actually, I had brought a bag of books and a set of headphones so I made myself comfortable in the back with some snacks and reading material. Ice was quiet, I think she was thinking of something... or someone else. I don't like to carry tales, but I think Ice has more history behind her than she likes to admit. We haven't seen Aunt TB for a while, but Ice hasn't done anything about it... I wonder if she knows where she is? But that doesn't matter right now. We headed past this huge star cluster. It was gorgeous, and I wished I had brought my camera, but Ice didn't even seem to notice. I guess I don't travel much. And just when the main character in the book I was reading started to reach second base our ship docked. The place was huge, all covered with eerily glowing lights and stuff, and there were millions of ships parked there, some even bigger than our main ship. I saw one with the word "GoldRings" written on the side that looked SUPER high class. Ice dragged me away before I could get a closer look, though. We headed in, taking our time as we made a path through the huge group of people at the station. There were all sorts of strange creatures there, everything from people with fox ears and tails to actual bears! They wore clothes and walked like humans, but they looked sooo much like bears that Ice had to nudge me to keep me from staring. Not that that would have been such a big deal. Everybody stared at ME. Why couldn't I stare at a bear guy? I heard a few people call out greetings to Ice, and she waved back, but she didn't stop to talk to any of them. I got the feeling she didn't want to introduce me for some reason. I guess it is kind of awkward having a kid that can't talk, but still... Well, we hit the stores first, going to one of the furniture stores and getting a few beds and other necessities ordered. They said they would ship them to Masquerade for us, which was good, since we didn't have our usual ship. Then we hit the clothing stores. We spent a few hours looking for clothes that would last longer than a week on Masquerade. It took a while, but finally we found some, I've got a whole bagful of jeans now! In all different styles and colors. I've got TWO bags of shirts and... other... stuff. *Makes a face and tugs at her bra* This whole teenage thing can be a pain in the butt sometimes. After we had both got clothes we headed for this gigantic store that had jewelry. I picked up something for everybody, almost. I had to go to the bookstore to find something for the latest mask. I think she'll like it when she changes. The strange thing is, Ice DID introduce me to one person. He was large, and bald, with pointed ears and a goatee. But he didn't say anything, in fact, he looked worried for some reason. She laughed as he ran away, so I don't think it was something personal... I hope it wasn't. He was kind of good looking in a... old guy sort of way. He had to be in his mid twenties, at least! And he was as muscular as Scagg, but not as tall. I shrugged it off, figuring he was just one of Ice's old friends from... whenever, I guess. And we headed into another store. This time we were looking for supplies, food, and minerals for purifying water. That's where I ran into... I shouldn't be writing this... who knows who could get ahold of this book? But I need to write it somewhere... I ran into the man. The one from before? With the mowhawk and the cigarette. Ice was busy arguing with the salesclerk so she didn't notice the way he cornered me. It wsa weird, though... All he did was look at me, then smirk and pat my cheek before walking away. I don't want him to fight Ice again. I don't want her to get hurt... or worse. And... and... maybe he's not as bad as he seems. Right?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:50 pm
Fairytales *Io came out of the shower, rubbing her hair with a towel, wearing her new frog shirt and a pair of mens' boxers. She dropped down next to Shive, pulling the book into her lap and flipping through the pages. She scowled, not really liking what she saw.*
How about I tell you a regular story and we leave the fairytales to your guardian? *Okay.* she said, sitting down beside her. *What kind of story?*Something from the past... *She closed her book, making herself comfortable* At the time of the new reign there was a trouble maker. One of the people of Masquerade made a deal with the blood thirsty Rade. He had thought to trick them into killing his competition for the throne, so he brought them a small child as pay--*A sacrifice you mean?* She stared at Io inscrutably. *Was it the child's duty to go?*No, actually. You see, the others didn't know anything about this trade. The bad man stole the child, taking her with him to the Rade against her will. Her parents were terrified when they couldn't find her, so they alerted the palace guards. But the palace guards didn't think anything of it. The little girl had run off before, you see. She was a little wild, and too brave for her own good.
There was one that believed the parents, though, and she headed out into the forest to look for the little girl, not realizing that the bad man and the child had already reached the caves of the king of Rade. Back then he was strong and powerful, larger than a house, his paws as big as your head. And he was hungry. You see, nothing is quite as tender as a little girl.Considering the words carefully, she blinked *Then she fought, of course.* Her words indicated a forgone conclusion. If one was taken in such a way, against their will, then there was nothing to do but to fight.Fauve leaned on Merci and watched passively as Io told her story to Shiva.She fought. She scratched and bit and screamed, but as strong as a masquerade child is, an adult is even stronger. She was bound and gagged, shoved behind the bad man like a piece of luggage. And he began to speak, telling the Rade that she was just the first of many. That they would dine on tender little girls until they were so fat they couldn't walk any longer. But only if they killed King Time.
You see, he didn't care if the Rade died trying to get to the king. He merely planned on using them, then killing them all when they were no longer useful. The Rade didn't realize this, or perhaps they planned on double crossing him, as well, but they agreed. The bad man shoved the little girl forward, leaving her helpless at the feet of the Rade king.Fauve squeezed Merci's leg Did they eat her?They were going to. They had already started fighting behind the king when the single guard rode up. The bad man didn't notice, he was too busy trying to get the king to hurry and kill King Time. The child was terrified, but she rolled, rubbing the ropes that bound her against a particularly sharp rock. Soon they started to break.
The Rade king growled, yelling at his people that the child was his to consume, and the group went silent again, watching as the king sniffed the child, then licked her cheek, tasting to see how sweet she was. The child was terrified, trying to pull away from her captor, holding her arms behind her back as she clawed at the ropes. Her wrists were bloody, her nails bleeding from trying to undo the cord. And she watched in horror as the large mouth opened... She knew she was going to die.*clings to ED tightly, hiding his face in her neck*Fauve leaned just a little more against Merci.. The guard saved her right? She just.. can't die..Shiva listened quietly now to the story as it unfolded. It was good that the girl continued to act in the face of impossible odds. And yet it seemed that perhaps at one point, dignity would have been prefereable.
She wasn't entirely sure why she thought that. *Io looked away for a second, drawing out the tension slightly* Not all tales end with happily ever after, you know. The Rade have eaten children before. No doubt they will again. But you see, the Rade were not the most dangerous creatures that the guard went against. The bad man who had brought the child had a special ability. He was one of the speed men, faster than any normal masquerade person could hope to be.
The guard didn't think of this as she fired her bow and arrow, aiming at the heart of the beast about to consume the little girl. The man reached out, hitting the arrow as it passed him and veering it from its course. The arrow grazed over the Rade's eye, but caused no serious damage. And the guard found herself face to face with the bad man.
The king was outraged, forgetting about the child as he, too, attacked the guard. The child broke free, running for her life, but the guard didn't have the same opportunity. *Io went silent again, looking pained*
She had a daughter, though... A young, intelligent little girl who was the same age as the hostage child. I-- *She stops, standing* I think that should be the end of this tale. For now.Fauve blinked her eyes and looks up at Merci then back at Io... the little girl pulled away from Merci and walked over to Io hugging her around the waist instead..*Io blinked, patting the little girl on the back for a second before sighing.* It's okay... it was just a story. It's to keep little girls from sneaking out of the house so often, you know. Like that earth tale, about the boy that called wolf.Fauve looked up and her eyes curved up into a smile Inathe would protect me!Shiva's eyes were speculative, but she put a pearl white hand on Io's leg. Her eyes were sad, but she said nothing. She knew insinctively that any words she spoke would be met harshly. Instead she kept her hand there for a few moments and then got to her feet.
*There is always...vengence.* she said quietly.*Io nodded, looking down.* And there was. The man was banned, sent off planet to spend his life in the emptiest depths of space once the treason was uncovered. And the king... well, my guardian took care of him. His death was far more merciful than I would have made it. And the child... she learned the bow and arrow, and all other means of fighting. She grew to be a strong warrior. But... not strong enough, it seems.
*She turned, heading into the darkness of the night.**Ashy tugged on Io's sleeve, but changed her mind about asking why she knew that story... sorta... maybe... it was kinda fading now... So she turned and looked at Shiva* Does vengeance really help? It doesn't bring people back... *She trailed off, feeling very confused and almost depressed. She didn't like that feeling, she picked up enough of that from Haisyn for both of them. And right now maybe it was better she didn't say anything, Io didn't seem to want to talk and left...*
Anybody know a happy story?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:52 pm
Quote: We've gotten back to Masquerade. We even picked up a persopet for Loki named Plink. Plink reads comic books, too! It's so funny, watching a kitty reading comics! And he gets all intense when he's reading, his tail twitching. He likes being scratched behind the ear. He also plays a mean game of double solitaire. Problem is... Ice seems to have found out about the encounter with Silva... I don't know how. And I'm worried that she's going to be angry. But she hasn't yelled at me yet. Maybe I'll luck out. Probably not.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:53 pm
Cern Once upon a time, before I remember and before the stars we see above us were born, there was a beautiful princess. She was so lovely that the people adored her, bowed down before her and all but worshipped her. This kinda...went to her head. The princess was not a bad person. But from the start of her life, people had made much of her on the grounds of her status and beauty. She was just a little off centered in life from it. Yet, who could blame her who saw her, was blessed with a smile from those perfect lips?
*he blushes a bit, looks at Fauve, then at Io, and continues almost earnestly*
Of course boys fell in love with her right and left. How couldn't they? She moved with the grace of a bird of prey, spoke in a voice of velvety whispers, was a dream and a gift. And one boy fell so hard, he would have done anything for his princess.
While the princess had many suitors, he managed to make himself known to her. He was never quite sure what caught her eye. He only knew that one day, he was lucky enough for her to smile at him.
And then to speak to him. For her to touch his hand in passing. Like a puppy, he followed her thoughtlessly.
One day the princess vanished. Some said that a sorcerer had passed and been so fascinated with her stunning, he stole the princess away. That she was locked away into a glass coffin.
Others said that the princess, not knowing how much she meant to her people, or not caring, fell in love and abandoned them. This, her follower did not want to believe.
Still others thought she simply grew tired of the adulation, as spoiled children will, and ran away from them all.
In other words, no one knew, and her parents gave up searching.
Her parents searched, pouring most of their money and the nation's money into finding her. No luck.
He couldn't leave the country to search for her, having no means of survival. So his nights were spent dreaming of her, dreaming of scouring the countryside for her. During the nights, odd landmarks and towns he'd never seen zoomed past him. During work he was exhausted, nearly passing out over his labors.
Still the princess was gone, fading into a memory in the thoughts of everyone else. He clung to his thoughts of her because they were all he had left to think of, time erased the scent of her hair and the sound of her voice.
His love possessed him so strongly he started to sleep outside, beneath the window of what used to be her room. And dreamed he looked for her.
You see, the princess really HAD left her people. She didn't know she meant that much to them, was that loved, whatever her reason was. She sought her happiness elsewhere.
And if it weren't for the dreams, he would have been happy sleeping beneath the window of an empty room, remembering the way her gaze lit on him one day, and he blushed before he said hi.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
