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 Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 6:49 pm
Nika's Thoughts Lately something's been driving me bonkers. Well there's two things... but they're VERY different things. I suppose they both confuse me, but that doesn't make them the same. They're still VERY different.
The first thing is: Being able to express myself, as Gee puts it. I don't think it's actually 'expressing' myself as much as it is getting something of my mind. I think that's what I'll use this book for... storing my thoughts in here so I don't have such a cluttered head.
The second thing is: Why do people like Galilee think being afraid is so wrong? I suppose that I admire Galilee's 'bravery'. He teased me about being afraid of ghosts though... There's nothing wrong with being afraid of ghosts! Is there? I don't think there is... He called me a wuss because Gee wouldn't let me watch the 'Butterfly Effect' and he said that he was allowed to watch almost anything because he knew it was fiction and that he should never do it. I suppose he wasn't thinking when he said that...
Basically he said that he'd never try anything new... 'cause, according to Gee, almost EVERYTHING is on tape these days. Galilee must be boring... Nah, I take that back, Galilee probably would try plenty of new things. That sudden outlook on what he said and how he said it just made me laugh, I had to write it in here so I can come read it whenever Galilee frustrates me.
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Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 9:36 pm
Journal Entry It's been sort of quiet lately. I'm not sure where everybody went... the peace and quiet is sort of nice though. I like being able to just sit anywhere and not be btohered by any noises. It's relaxing.
Galilee's got this cool idea for haloween. He said that we should have a party. I walked in on Io and him planning a haunted house in a forest. I can't wait to see it... as long as there's no ghosts. Gee's says I'm crazy and that ghosts aren't going to do hurtful things to me. She likes ghosts... she's the crazy one.
Gee says I might not be able to go to the party, though. Her school is having a sort of festival thing for Haloween and she has to work their Haloween night. It sounds like fun, but I don't want to miss Galilee's party. I was going to be spider-man! Or Mikey, Teenage Mutant Ninga Turtle.
Ashy grew and she's really... uh... good looking.... I'm not really sure how I feel about her... I mean I'm not sure if I like her in the same way that Galilee likes Io. I don't quite understand that yet. When I first saw her after she grew I could barely talk and my face was hot... but then I got over it and started teasing her. It wasn't a mean tease, it was more of a playful tease. I like complimenting Ashy because she gets flustered...
I spent some more time around Shiva, the girl who gave me the clock. She's sort of shy... I like her. I think we were probably close friends before... I feel like I could talk to her and tell her anything, no matter what it was.
Hmm... I can't think of much else to put...
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Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 8:53 pm
Helping Shiva chaeval Chae strode worridly about her room, hands clasped behind her and frown on her face. She did not know what to do. And she didn't like NOT knowing. Shem would know. Or even her parents. Heck, anyone else probably would know. But not her. Oh no. Pacing more, she threw worried looks to the door that had never until recently been closed. It had not been opened since the party except at Chae's insistance to give Shiva food to eat. Something had frightened the girl, but Chae was at a loss to what...or why or even how. And Shiva would not say. Her mind rutted in the last few minutes of the party, replaying it over and over again. The fireworks, the sudden panic of others, and Shiva's plea to get away from everyone quickly. Even when Chae had heard the others leaving the camp, she had not been able to get the girl to move from the room. She had huddled there on the bed and rocked quietly. There was a light hum coming from her, but that was all. Anyone else would know what to do. She repeated to herself. Anyone...other than she. Green_Eyes Nika woke up and slowly got out of bed. He dressed and wandered around the house. Gee wasn't in the house and it was quite out. He was begining to feel uneasy. It was never this quiet around here.
When he left the house he thought he could hear voices. He turned the corner and smiled at what he saw, relieved. Gee was talking to two other women. They seemed to be working on something...
He paused. There was a strange humming noise coming from one of the houses nearby. Curious, he went inside and smiled at Chae. He knew that she couldn't hear him... what could he do to make her understand him?
Nika pointed to his ear, trying to show that he had heard something. chaeval Chae had turned at the entrance and mustered up a smile. "Nika, wasn't it?" She observed the boy for a few moments, the lanky limbs and well dressed appearance. "What can I do for you?" Blinking as he cupped his ear, she thought for a few moments. "Ear hurts? or you're listening for something?" The smile was frozen on her face, stiff. She dropped it. "Im sorry sweetie, I was never good at charades." Green_Eyes Nika frowned and shook his head. The humming noise had gotten a bit louder as he entered the house, but not much. What could he do to make her understand?
It seemed there wasn't much he could do so he shrugged and began to search for the source of the noise. Curiousity, pushing him in the right direction.
He glanced back at Chae. Maybe he could write it down... He made a writing motion in the air.
'Do you have any paper? I could write what I'm looking for down...' chaeval "Oh!" she said, that motion at least...familiar. All the children seemed to know that one. She figured it came with the territory of not being able to communicate with half the people living here. Face flushed and feeling silly for not thinking of that herself, she withdrew the paper and pen she kept in her vest pocket for that very reason. "Im sorry, Nika." she said, holding it out to him. "Im afraid I'm a bit distracted." Green_Eyes Nika smiled and took the pen and paper, relieved that she'd atleast understood that motion. Sitting down at the table he began to write. He wrote in wide, clean sweeping motions and the cursive didn't appear to be written by a boy as young as Nika looked.
There's a strange, quiet, humming noise coming from somewhere in here. I was wondering what it is?
He looked up at her, thoughtfully and added a bit more to the note.
What's distracting you? chaeval That was the second surprise coming after the first. She didn't guess that anyone else could hear it. Although on retrospect, she wondered why not. "The answer to both is the same." she replied, blinking at the words again. "I'm sorry it's bothering you, I'm not sure she realized others could hear besides me. Come to think of it, I'm not even sure she knows I can hear her." Realizing she was rambling, she sighed. "Sorry again. I'm not being very clear-spoken, am I? Anyway, I don't think that Shiva is feeling well right now. She's been in her room for a few days, and not talking to anyone. i don't know what the humming is, but it feels like it's from her. A small, thrumming almost. I wish I knew what to tell you, kiddo. I can ask her if she knows its bothering you." Green_Eyes Nika was surprised. He hadn't expected the noise to be coming from someone. He'd thought it had been coming from something. What could be wrong with Shiva?
It's not bothering me, I was just curious. Where is she?
He couldn't help feeling a little worried. It didn't look like Chae knew what to do... and if Shiva was making that noise something was probably wrong. He wasn't even sure if he knew what to do, but he knew that he could try and help. chaeval She pointed to a closed door. "She is in her room." she shrugged "I am not sure she will see you, but you can try." Green_Eyes Nika looked at the door and nodded at Chae, 'Thank you.'
He went to door and knocked softly, opening it and walking in. He smiled at the black haired girl and waved.
'Hello, Shiva.' he started, not too sure what else to say, 'It's nice out... and quiet.'
Nika moved closer to her and smiled brightly. chaeval Shiva blinked, surprised someone was there. Why had Chae let someone in? Didn't she realized by now that Shiva wanted to be alone?
Hello, Nika. She greeted, geting to her feet and bowing politely. It would be rude to do otherwise. Would you like to sit down? I can see the sun rise in the window here, and set in the one opposite. This room is just situated in the right corner angle to do both. You can see the gardens from here too. Green_Eyes Nika could tell that Shiva wanted to be alone, but stubbornly he refused to leave. Not until she actually told him to.
He was surprised when she bowed. She didn't have to bow. Maybe she thought it was the polite thing to do?
He nodded and sat down, pleased that she hadn't told him to leave yet. He looked out the windows. She was right. The room was in just the right spot for him to be able to see almost everything.
'Wow... I can only see the forest from my room. The trees are so thick there that it's rare if I see anything but leaves.' chaeval Leaves are nice to look at too. she said. Chaeval was telling me hat where she lives, the leaves change color with the seasons, and turn all different colors. Red, Orange, yellow, and some stay green. I've seen pictures. It's really pretty then. Green_Eyes Nika nodded, 'Gee's got some books filled with pictures like that. My favorite were the Winter, I believe it's called, pictures. They are beautiful. With snow. I'd like to play in the snow.' chaeval I wonder what the seasons are like here. she said.I mean, are here even seasons here at all? It always looks the same. Except now for the garden Chae and I put in the back. We can see the flowers beginning to come out. Did you see them there?She pointed to the sunrise window. Chae said she'd like to plant a small maze out there for us to walk in and meditate. Her eyes crinkled slightly at the thought Not a maze to get lost in though. Green_Eyes Nika shrugged and leaned against the wall, looking out the window.
'I'm not sure if there are seasons here. I haven't been around long enough. The garden looks great. Getting lost in the maze wouldn't be too bad,' he winked at her.
'But the meditating sounds nice.' chaeval Chae said it's a maze to find yourself. She shrugged. She has funny ideas sometimes. Apparently people used to walk around them and think about a problem. They'd follow the path at their feet around and around until the path led out. There were no dead ends or ways to get stuck, it was just a winding back and forth path. I wonder why they didn't just go out for a stroll or something. she shrugged with a pensive frown. But Im talking too much. Was there something you wanted? Green_Eyes He listened ausedly to her speak. He realised with a smile that he liked listening to her talk. Shiva seemed to know a lot about many things.
He shrugged, 'I wanted to see if you were alright.' Nika looked sideways at her, wondering if he should go on.
'There was a strange humming noise coming from your house. Your gaurdian said she was worried about you...' chaeval She blinked at him, disconcerted. It looked exactly the way Chae had reacted earlier. Her eyes turned at their corners, not in a smile this time, and she tugged on her pony-tail.
I forgot about that for a little bit. she said worridly. Im fine. I just think I shouldn't go outside, is all. Green_Eyes Nika sighed, not really regretting that he'd told her why he was there. Atleast he'd been honest.
He smiled at her, not paying close attention to the look on her face, and wandered over to the sunrise window. He paused before turning around.
'Then we can stay inside. Wanna play a game?' chaeval Im not sure you should be here...she said, hesitantly. It might not be good for you. Her fingers pulled at her ponytail again, nervously. She didn't want to be rude, but she was worried. What if it happened again ? Green_Eyes His smile fell a little, but it was still there.
'How could it not be good for me?' He sat back down beside her, and watched her tug on her ponytail. 'You know, if you want me to go, I will. Don't worry about being rude.'
She looked worried about something. What was bothering her? chaeval I don't know how to explain it... she fiddled more with her hair. It's just...people get more upset around me. Green_Eyes Nika shook his head, 'I'm not upset. I'm just worried about you.'
However, he was starting to get annoyed over her playing with her hair. He smiled kindly at her and reached up and grabbed her hand.
'Please stop that,' he laughed a bit, pulling her hand away from her hair. chaeval Im sorry. She dropped her hand and her eyes and clasped her palms together in her lap. Thinking, she knew she didn't explain herself well. But how could she? She didn't quite understand it herself.
Things...get worse around me. she tried again. What people feel. Not always...but when they feel it strongly...I make it worse. I think.
She wanted to tug at her ponytail again. Instead she just clasped her hands more tightly, covering her deformed hand with her good on. Green_Eyes Nika smiled, worried that he'd made her uncomfortable, 'There's no reason to be sorry. It's probably just a habit... Gee chews her nails.'
He suddenly realised what she was trying to say, 'You mean... everybody was afraid that night? You were worried that their fear would be increased because you were there?'
He noticed her holding her hands tightly, and really began to wonder if he was bothering her. chaeval Yes She nodded, fingers tightening. No. I don't know. I just thought that. Shiva looked up, perturbed. That sound crazy to you? Green_Eyes He shooked his head, 'Nope, it doesn't sound crazy, not crazy at all.'
He looked down at her his eyes showing that he truly believed what he was about to say, 'You know... if you have the ability to make somebody feel worse when they're feeling bad, you probably have the ability to make somebody feel better when they're feeling good. It evens out.' chaeval She considered that a moment, eyes brightning at the thought. Do you think so? she asked hopefully. Green_Eyes He nodded and stood up, keeping his eyes on her as his grin grew even wider, 'I really do believe so.' chaeval I guess when you put it that way, it makes sense. Her tone was trying hard to be practical. She wanted it to be true too much. Then it wouldn't all be bad. If that's the case then... she stopped, thinking. then I shouldn't stay in here, should I? Green_Eyes 'Of course it makes sense,' he teased playfully and shook his head, 'No, you shouldn't. There are far too many happy people out there who need to be made even happier by simply being in your pressence.'
He bent his arm, wondering if she'd take it, and motioned towards the door, 'Shall we?' chaeval Startled, she didn't think it quite worked that way. It seemed to only work with strong emotions. So they would have to be pretty happy in her estimation for anything to happen.
If anything happened. Besides, she wasn't entirely sure she wasn't crazy yet.
O-okay. She looked at his arm before tentatively sliding her own through the tent his elbow made. Carefully she folded her left hand to hide the extra finger, and looked hesitatnly up.
I think I know why people walk in a maze.she said finally. Because you can travel somewhere, but not go anywhere. Green_Eyes He watched her epectantly as she thought, wondering what she was going on in her head. When her arm slipped through his, he was about to take a step when she spoke.
'Exactly,' he nodded, 'and with the type of maze Chae wants to make you can never get lost.'
He reached foreword and opened the door, gently pulling Shiva into the kitchen. chaeval Chae looked up in surprise as the two came out. Big grin plastered on her face, she knew she looked like a big dummy, but didn't care. "Nika, thank you for coming. Are you going out now?" For a bit, I think.Shiva answered, the first words she had heard spoken in days.Chae was ready to cheer. Throw her hat in the air and seriously start cheering. Is that allright?."I think it's perfect. Just keep to the rules, okay?" She nodded. She wondered again at what Nika said. She wasn't sure that Chae COULD look happier.Green_Eyes Nika grinned back at Shiva's gaurdian. 'It was a pleasure.'
He looked down at Shiva and nodded, 'For a walk maybe, we won't get lost though and we won't be late.'
Nika's shoulders shook with laughter at Chae's behavior. He knew why she was happy and couldn't help feeling proud of himself.
He lifted an eyebrow at her, 'Of course we'll keep to the rules,' he glanced at Shiva his eyes twinkling with mischief, 'There aren't even that many we could break...'
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Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 11:30 am
Nika's bedroom was quickly becoming crowded and Marcelle didn't like it. She'd been the first to arrive there... what did that kitten think he was doing? She fumed, curled up all comfy looking on her pillow... her pillow!
Marcelle turned away from Lil' Blue, wanting to scream. This was so unfair! Where was her pet? Nika! She'd have to speak to him about this... They couldn't wander about her room and just do as they pleased. It wasn't right. It was rude.
Suddenly a strange unfamiliar noise made itself heard behind her. Marcelle winced and turned around, glaring at the pile of paperclips that barely hid a tiny feminine figure.
Neena blushed and quickly scrambled up from where she lay on her back, underneathe the paperclips. She hadn't meant to fall... it'd just happened. Who leaves a pile of paperclips there anyways? Where somebody as small as herself could easily trip over them...
Marcelle shook her head and shut her eyes tight. "Please... help me..."
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Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 2:42 pm
The usual noise that normally occupied his room had disappeared. Nika slowly crossed the room and sat down on his bed, confused. Where was everyone? Had Marcelle actually managed to scare them away?
He looked around the room, watching closely for any sign of movement. There wasn’t any. Odd… Where could they be?
‘Neena…’ he called out, knowing that if the little fairy was there, she’d show herself. Neena was always happy to see him. He waited patiently for the familiar fluttering of wings that never came.
‘Enrique…’ the blue dragon didn’t suddenly appear either.
‘Marcelle…’ There was still no answer.
‘Nickel… Blue?’ Neither of the kitties made a sound.
Not very worried he fell back onto his bed and put his hands behind his head, staring up at the ceiling.
It was terribly warm in his room, too warm. Nika sat up and moved to open the window, before his hand reached the sill a small blue dragon slammed into the window, sliding down the glass and laying limp on the edge of the window sill.
‘Hey!’ Nika gasped, opening the window and scooping Enrique into his hands, ‘What the hell were you thinking?’
When Enrique didn’t move Nika blinked and placed the little blue dragon on his pillow, hoping he wasn’t hurt too badly.
A familiar fluttering noise met his ears and Nika looked up as Neena flew through the open window and floated downwards, fluttering close by his nose. The fairy studied Enrique and she sighed, speaking in her high twinkling voice.
“We were playing tag… I saw him slam into the window, it looked like it hurt.”
‘It probably did…’ Nika tilted his head to the side and watched the pretty fairy for a moment, ‘Where are the others?’
“Others?” she echoed.
‘Marcelle? Blue? Nickel?’
“Oh!” she smiled and clasped her hands together, “I’m not sure…”
Nika rolled his eyes and shook his head, ‘They didn’t say anything to you?’
“Marcelle said something about going someplace where she could be appreciated… Blue’s probably off sulking somewhere and Nickel’s most likely sleeping downstairs in his favorite armchair.”
‘I thought you said you didn’t know where they are.’
“I don’t.”
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Posted: Sun Nov 21, 2004 11:52 am
‘Okay!’ Nika leaned back and smiled down at the little blue dragon, admiring his handy work, ‘You can get up now.’
Enrique obediently but shakily stood up on the pillow his master had set him on after he had flown into the window. The dragon winced when he took a step, his tiny head pounding and his back left leg stinging.
‘Perhaps,’ Nika sighed rubbing his chin, ‘Perhaps… you should stay where you are. Your ankle is sprained and there is a nasty bump on your head.’
Relieved, the little blue dragon sank back down onto the pillow, making sure not to sit on his sprained ankle that Nika had bandaged up using a band-aid that covered the tiny dragon’s entire leg.
“When will it heal?” Neena’s tiny tinkling voice spoke up from where she sat on the corner of Nika’s desk, swinging her legs back and forth.
‘I’m not sure…’ Nika shrugged, pushing himself off the bed, ‘but until it does Enrique can’t do much but sit and sleep.’
Neena pouted and fluttered up to Nika’s shoulder, grasping the side of his mask to steady herself as the young man left the room.
“I wanted to play tag though!”
‘You should be more careful then.’ Nika shook his head as he walked down the hall.
“That’s no fun.”
‘Well, then, there’s no tag.’
“Fine,” the little fairy sat down onto his shoulder, crossing her arms.
‘Good.’ He nodded and looked around the living room. Where was everybody? Nika frowned. They knew that they weren’t allowed inside the other bedrooms… but did they care?
Nickel didn’t, that arrogant cat didn’t care about much, Nika reasoned, and Blue rarely ever left his room… that kitten was scared of his own shadow… but what about Marcelle?
Nika’s shoulder shook with laughter at even considering Marcelle breaking any rule.
Neena screamed and grabbed the edge of Nika’s mask, trying to steady her wobbly legs.
Nika immediately stopped laughing and looked at Neena through the corner of his eye, ‘Sorry… Are you okay?’
Neena gulped and nodded but hopped off of his shoulders and fluttered away.
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Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 1:17 pm
A talk with Io Green_Eyes Nika watched Galilee's short exchange with Io, not surprised at how they treated each other. The new boy, however, surprised him. He seemed to be perfectly happy alone, most of the others became sulky and sarcastic. But the boy seemed at peace.
He waved to him and gave a short nod before folowing Io. He wanted to find out what was bothering her so much.
'Io,' he called, 'Can I come for a walk too?' Ice Queen Io jerked, looking over at Nika, a slight, bittersweet smile curving her eyes. Sure, why not? She said, stopping and waiting for him to catch up. But I'm not much company tonight. She started walking again, more slowly as her eyes scanned the area.
It was as bright as day for her, more comfortable on her eyes, actually. She was a dark element after all. It soothed her more then anything else could at the moment. So are you going to lecture me now or wait until I'm lulled into a sense of false contentment? Green_Eyes Nika hurried to catch up with her. He gave her a quizzical look and shrugged, deciding to ignore her comment about not being much company.
However the comment about lecturing caught him off gaurd and he almost laughed.
'Lecture you? I hadn't planned on that... but if I was going to lecture you, which I'm not, I'd do it now.'
He looked up at her, his eyes curved up in a small smile 'I wanted to know what was bothering you.' Ice Queen Io sighed, looking at the moon for a moment before speaking. I feel a little... betrayed, I guess. Galilee was MY friend, and then all of a sudden he's her puppy, and he's attacking me like I'm the one who-- Like I'M the enemy. I could do things to him... I could blind him, or confuse him, or when I get stronger, even--
But I don't want to hurt him. I remember who he was... who he used to be. And all I really want is for things to be the way they used to be. Before the curse. but it's not going to be that way ever again. And I'm just... just young enough again to hate that fact more than any other.
She turned, looking him in the eye. I'm a full grown woman in a teenager's body, Nika. And it's driving me insane. Green_Eyes Nika watched Io intently, listening carefully to her talk.
'Zahar, didn't ask him to ber her puppy,' Nika shook his head and his smile widened, 'Galilee's got a mind of his own... I think...
That's it though, isn't it? You're the only one who rememebrs who we used to be. It can't be like it was before, as nobody else knows who they were... who they are...'
He nodded, understanding what she meant. 'That would drive anybody insane.' Ice Queen She stopped, looking at him for a second before falling to her knees and wrapping her arms around his waist. She was crying, silent tears falling down her mask, her chest heaving as if she was having trouble breathing.
I can't staaaanndd it!! She wailed, not caring how he responded, just needing someone to hold. No one's who they were and no one even knows they're acting weird! And--and you! She pulled back, looking up at him. You're supposed to be OLDER then me!
It was silly, actually, but she was so involved with expressing her feelings that she didn't even notice how ridiculous her words were. It didn't matter whether he was younger or older, he was still Time. He was still her father. Whether he realized it or not. Green_Eyes Nika stood still, letting her hold onto him. Amazed, that somebody who appeared so tough was breaking down infront of him, hugging him.
He gently patted the top of her head, and returned the hug. He couldn't be sure if anybdoy was acting strangely, afterall he'd only known them in this lifetime. Had he changed at all? He looked down at her meeting her gaze. He was older then her? Bizarre.
'I'm supposed to be older then you?' his eyes had a questioning look to them and they suddenly wideneded when he realised that it might be him that was acting weird. What had he been like before? Had he changed?
'Do I act differenly then I did before?' Ice Queen His question made her jerk, inwardly questioning herself. Had he changed? He had changed after she had become a teenager, so she had always looked for things that he did that reminded her of her father. Maybe she had ignored the changes in him because of that...
It... She said finally, slowly pulling away to look him in the eye. It doesn't matter. What matters is if... if you like the person you are now. I want you to be happy. Green_Eyes Nika chuckled and gently pulled away from her, sitting cross-legged in front of her. He tilted his head to the side and thought. He liked who he was... and normally he didn't much care what others thought of him, probably becausehe didn't really think about it.
Io's opinion mattered though. For some strange reason, he cared what Io and Zahar thought of him. He thought that he should know why... but he couldn't put his finger on it.
'I'll be happy no matter what,' he said truthfully, 'Have I changed much?' Ice Queen You... She stopped, remembering how sad he had been after her mother had died. Maybe this difference... maybe it was better, actually. If he thought he would always be happy-- No. Not really. I don't think anything could change who you are deep down. Green_Eyes He smiled and wrapped his arms around her, pleased with her answer.
'Oh...' he paused and gave her a shy side-ways glance, 'I won't be happy ALL of the time. I mean... nobody can be happy all of the time.' Ice Queen I know... But you can try. She said, leaning against him slightly. They were in the thin part of the woods, the moon glancing over their masks, the sound of birds hooting softly echoing through the woods.
Nika... Do you think I'm a b***h? Green_Eyes 'I suppose I could try,' Nika nodded running a hand through his golden hair, 'Even though it's probbaly harder then being miserable every once in awhile-
When she spoke he paused, and then stifled a giggle.
'Of course not! Sure... you have some bad days... but that's only natural.' he shook his head and leaned back a little, trying to get a better look at her mask covered face. 'Why do you ask?' Ice Queen Because that's what-- She stopped, shrugging. I guess I'm a little more tempermental than some. But if that's what he wants to think, then screw him. See if I care. I'm going to be happy. She sounded surprised at this thought, then her eyes curved slightly and she laughed.
I'm going to be happy, too, Nika. But I need to get revenge... no... I need to get justice. I have to. I have to have closure on my past life before I can move on with this one. Does that--Does that make sense? Ice Queen You should go back to the camp. You've got a costume to put on, don't you? Io sighed, pulling away from Mika with a slight smile. What are you going to go as? A king? Green_Eyes Nika watched Io curiously as she spoke, pleased when she announced that she was going to be happy but confused when she spoke about getting revenge. Revenge on who? Why? Justice?
He nodded, figuring that he understood what she meant.
'That makes sense but... what do you need revenge for? For what happened?'
The boy wasn't entirely sure what he meant. Afterall, he didn't know what had happened.
Nika crossed-his legs and sound aroudn to face her. He shrugged.
'I wanted to be spiderman, but then I changed my mind... I don't really have anything picked out... You're coming too, aren't you?' Ice Queen I need justice for the years we lost being trapped in these masks. For the fact that we're still wearing them. And for all of the masks that were broken before they could be brought back. That's MURDER.
She stopped, taking a deep breath. But for now you've got a party to go to, and I... I've got a horror movie marathon to watch. So get going, kid. I bet they're all waiting for you. Green_Eyes How much time had they lost, being stuck as masks? He shuddered involuntairly. There weren't too many people trapped behind masks around... How many had been smashed?
Nika pushed that thought away. It made a strange feeling swell up inside of him, in the pit of his stomache. A bubble he wished would pop.
'You aren't coming?' he looked up at the stars and then towards the building where the party was taking place, 'First... help me pick out my costume?'It wasn't an order, even if it sounded like one. It was a request. Ice Queen I'm sorry, Nika... right now I just need some alone time. Io said, shoving herself to her feet. I'm sure you'll do a great job finding something to wear without me. She turned, heading into the town the back way so she could avoid the crowd. ((From when he was a kid... felt like it should have been in here. ^_^))
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Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 1:31 pm
A talk, a story, a missunderstanding and an apology Green_Eyes Nika wandered around camp with perfect posture and his head held high, a subconscious habit he had kept from... before.
Thoughts were buzzing through his head so fast it was making him dizzy. He remembered so much... and yet he knew; that what he remebered wasn't the entire story. There had to be more to it... there just had to be.
'...And now 'tis doomed to know the worst...'
Nika stopped moving. Letting that phrase play over and over in his head... He knew that voice... Shiva?
He smiled and slowly turned around, lifting a hand to shield his eyes from the glare of the sun.
Where was she?
'Shiva?' chaeval Reciting dour poetry was probably not the recommended solution for a depressed spirit. But in a strange way, repeating the prose that she and Chae had read together seemed to make her guardian feel closer to her. So in a way it was therapy...in another it was pandering to the diesease.
Hearing her name cut through her thoughts made her break off from her wanderings, straightening up unconsciously as she looked around.
She hadn't even heard him.
Where she had expectedto see a child...she instead saw a young man. With dismay she realized that another relationship had just become a question mark. Now that he may...know.
She had not realized that the shade of the tree had hidden her,and as she stood, she mentally cleared her throat.
*I'm here.* she greeted softly. *You are looking very well.* Green_Eyes Nika's eyes crinkled in a smile as Shiva stepped out from the shade.
'Hey,' he walked over to her, running a hand through his blond hair, 'I'm as fine as ever... Was that you reciting that poem?'
He paused looking towards the tree they'd climbed together. How long had it been? It couldn't have been more than a few days... but so much had happened.
He looked back at her...
'...Beautiful,' his cheeks colored a bit, hidden behind his mask. He hastily added, 'The poem I mean.'
What was wrong with him? Why was he so... nervous?
...And now 'tis doomed to know the worst...
Perhaps that phrase had a larger effect on him then he'd thought. Perhaps not... chaeval She nodded softly. *The author is named Lord Byron. He was an earth poet that Chae is rather fond of. I was just...thinking aloud through it, I guess. I didn't mean for it to be overheard. Im sorry if it disturbed you....*
Her tone was rather stilted and awkward in a way that was difficult to overcome. It was as if she suddenly felt gangly and inelegant. Or even caught in some sort of wrong doing.
How much did he remember now?
*It's an intimidating poem.* she concluded, trying to shift attention. *A lament.* Green_Eyes Nika shook his head and leaned back against the tree, sliding down it until he sat on the grass.
'It didn't disturb me at all. It just sort of fit perfectly with what I was thinking, or more correctly, remembering.'
He closed his eyes and visibly relaxed.
'Intimidating yes but beautiful all the same.' chaeval It was unexpected that he was staying. Had she expected that? She must have somehow. Oh why couldn't it be so easy as to just climb a tree and forget?
*Did you-I mean, should I leave you to your thoughts then?* Green_Eyes Nika slowly opened his eyes and tilted his head, looking up at her. Did he want to be left alone to his thoughts? No... not really... and now that he thought of it, hadn't she been there first?
If anybody was going to be leaving it would be him. Sitting where he was, though, was so comfortable... He wasn't going anywhere too quickly and it would be unbeleiavly rude to make her go so, he figured that they'd both have to stay.
'No,' he said simply and motioned towards the ground beside him, 'Sit with me?'
It was a request, not an order. chaeval *O-okay.* Sitting down a bit apart, she looped her arms around her knees and rocked a bit. Observing him from the corner of her eye as he reclined there so easily...almost carelessly, she felt...odd somehow. Like watching a photgraph or illustration. Maybe something she had seen in a book of some sort.
Accidentally?
To have sunk so low after a high such as growing had given her was a difficult thing indeed. Everything felt so off-kilter and wrong all of a sudden. Like a record skipping, leaving a horrible noise and confused words belting out a directionless repetition. One that was not intended.
Did he expect her to talk? Or say nothing? She was horrible at being on the spot and socially adept. That was a job for others...
*How do you feel?* She finally tried. Green_Eyes Nika studied Shiva as she rocked. She seemed... upset? He sighed and leaned back against the tree, letting his eyes flutter closed again. It felt so good to just sit and relax. If he wanted to, he could think about his memories later. At that moment though, he didn't think about anything. It was comforting, in a way.
When she spoke he opened an eye and looked right at her, watching her closely. She didn't seem to be very comfortable. He frowned. What could he do to make her relax?
'At the moment?' he paused, his memories flickering through his head.
Not now. Later. He was too relaxed to try and work his memories out again.
'I'm fine...' Nika studied her. She didn't seem fine.
'What's on your mind?' chaeval She stopped rocking, hands fluttering frow around her knees only to resettle after a moment of supreme concentration.
About to pass it off as something inconsequential, she instead lowered her head.
*Was Gee happy to see you when she saw you grew up?* she asked. Green_Eyes Nika turned to face her. Was Gee happy when she saw that he'd grown? She seemed perfectly fine with it...
His chosen wasn't the type of person to get really upset about change. He gently tapped his foot against the ground in concentration. Gee seemed to accept things as they were.
He shrugged, 'She was a bit surprised, I think... and I don't think she was happy... but she wasn't sad either. Why do you ask?' chaeval Shi looked at her fingers for a few moments, right hand rubbing the extra finger that lay there absently.
*I...remember.* She began softly *Lights. Bright lights...almost lurid. And sounds and smells. Beautiful music and laughter and toasts and banter...it's like...celebratory noise to me...no words but the tone of it all rubs up against me. I know it's some sort of social event...dancing and singing...*
Shiva paused in her narration, glancing up briefly as if to judge the emotional weather there before continuing in a stilted voice. *I could feel the people around me. More than I could count. Dressed up, feeling joyful and beautiful...I could feel it...and see it. And all *I* felt...was empty. Alone. Like I was the only person there in that crowd of smiles and laugher. Like I wasn't real.*
Swallowing, she began rocking again. *When I grew...I was so...happy. I felt like if I still didn't know who I was...I at least was close to knowing WHAT I was. I felt like I belonged in my skin. I felt almost comfortable. I never stopped to think what I was leaving behind. I didn't wonder if what I had was better than what I have. But...I'm afraid that it WAS better before...I'm afraid I lost it now.*
Her voice became tiny. *I still think I know what I was, Nika. But what I think I was....was lonely all the time.* Green_Eyes Nika listened quietly as Shiva spoke, his eyes filled with worry.
There had been lots of lights, yes and pople... but he hadn't felt lonely in all of it. Actually... Nika figured he had probably never been lonely. Not while he had had is beautiful girls. His daughters.
Not sure what else to do, he reached out and wrapped his arms around Shiva in a hug.
'You aren't alone anymore... You have Chae, the others...' he paused, 'and me.' chaeval Shi stiffened immediately, choking back on the sudden need to begin wailing and degrading herself even more.
She had little right to be acting this way. She knew enough now to realize that. She had worked too hard now to undo it by acting like this.
*I'm sorry.* She said miserably. But the mention of Chae had completely pushed her over the edge of propriety. Breaking down completely, she started to cry. *I don't think Chae wants me anymore. She needed to take care of a child...but now I can take care of myself. Why does she need to take an interest now?*
Shaking, she finished *Everything that should have changed, hasn't! Everything that should have stayed didn't. Why did this happen? What did we do?* Green_Eyes Caught off guard, when she started to cry, Nika manouvered himself so that it was easier to hug her.
'There's no need to be sorry...' Truthfully, he enjoyed holding her like he was. It was so comfortable... even if she was crying.
He listened quietly and tried to comfort her by rubbing her back, hoping it woudn't cause anymore trouble.
'Of course she still wants you! Have you even talked to her?'
His tone was soft and soothing when he spoke again, 'I don't know. I don't know why this happened.' chaeval *She won't talk to me!*She answered. *And whenever I say something, she doesn't even look my way! It's like I'm not there...like-like I'm a ghost oralready gone or something.*
She hated this. Wasn't growing up supposed to make things LESS confusing? Not more?
*Im really afraid to say anything else...because what if that let's her say that she doesn't want me around anymore?* Green_Eyes Nika leaned back, slowly letting go of Shiva. His head was tilted and his eyes crinkled in a small comforting smile.
'Maybe..' he paused and closed his eyes, 'Maybe she feels like you don't want her anymore. Do you remember the first time we talked? When you were in your room... before we climbed the tree?' chaeval *This tree.* She nodded slightly. *You always seem to find me at my most hysterical moments.*
Annoyed with her outburst, she rubbed at her eyes. This was silly. What was wrong with her? These problems were her own, not to be aired about...and certainly not to him
*You must think I'm a total mess. I shouldn't be bothering you with such trifles. I'm sorry, but I appreciate you listening. I should go now.* She was tempted to add that she had made enough of a spectacle of herself, but she was afraid she'd encourage another deluge of wailing at that thought. Green_Eyes Nika blinked. He hadn't expected that. She really wanted to go? He studied her carefully watching for any indications that she was just saying that for his benefit. He wanted her to stay... but perhaps Shiva didn't think that.
'I don't think you're a total mess... Not at all.' he shook his head and leaned back against the tree.
'Do you really want to go?' chaeval *No.*She admitted,caught off guard by his inquiry *It seemed the right thing to say, at the time.* She sighed and pounded the ground absently. *I was always a horrible liar...wasn't I?* Green_Eyes Nika smiled, pleased that she had answered him turthfully.
'You were,' he nodded and turned to her again, tugging absently at the grass.
'Shiva...? Tell me something, a story or anything.'
Perhaps if he distracted her from her thoughts about Chae and the past, Shiva would relax a little bit. She needed to relax. chaeval *A story?* Shi felt her eyes widening slightly at the request. Unexpectedly thrust on her in the midst of the frantic flurry of thoughts. He wanted a story? The request seemed so...out of place in what they had been talking about. An innocuous request.
Story?
She was surprised byt the request, but really...she owed him at least that much for listening to her. Not once, but twice. She did not know anyone else who would have. Not even her guardian.
But what story? What could she tell him? Most of what she knew were children's fairytales...stuff she had read while still a child. Stuff she and Chae had read...
Pushing that thought out of mind, she suddenly remembered a story...
*There was a time where the world was young.*She began, the words coming off easily as she slipped into remeberance. Words, cadence, song. A poem in a story, she had thought...and had immediately loved that thought. *Newness blanketed it all. The cliffs, the waves, the breeze, the light...all of it was as a newborn, fresh and innocent. The spirits blessed it all, but no more than two that walked this world. They were especially beloved because their love was the true joining of two spirits, two hearts. They saw their love, not just as man to woman...but as a complete joining of substance and thought and emotion. It was not that they breathed the air...good as it was...it was that they breathed the air that the other also took in. It was not the sun that they bathed in, rather it was the sun that warmed the other.
Everything that they thought of was in reference to the other. The spirits could not help but bless such a union, and showered them with all their affection.
But there were others that grew jealous of such purity and joy. They saw a perversion in what was clean. They resented the affection given the young lovers by the spirits. They saw what others had and coveted it themselves.
Attempting to kidnap the young girl, indeed to defile and possibly kill her...the two young lovers managed to escape and fled. The earth was kind to them, soft grass cushioning their feet as they ran. It was hard on their pursuers, rising up to cut into their skin, ripping their feet to ribbons to where blood flowed freely in their wake. The girl called upon the earth to aid them, and it had.
They ran until they reached the edge of a great stream. The young lovers ran through the water without harm, the raging floods slowing to a still trickle for them. And as the girl cried out for the spirits of water to assist, the flood returned, sweeping all before it in a merciless rampage of water and stone.
Still being followed, they came to a cliff. Too high to climb...too steep to jump. Frantic and cornered, the young male lover knew that they would never be able to fully elude their persuers. Therefore he prayed to the spirit of fire to be able to carry his love to safety. To a place where no one could ever harm her.
The spirit of flame blessed the young man, and touched him. He became a great bird of flame, rising on wings of pure light and fire, he lifted the woman he loved ever so gently and bore her across the canyon and to the plains beyond. But once there, they knew a different kind of problem. For she was still a creature of substance and earth...while he had become a thing of flame and air.
Loving him even then, she prayed to the final spirit...the spirit of air. She prayed to be what her lover would most need. She prayed to be what could carry and uphold him. In this life and every other.
So the spirit of wind blessed her and she became the wind. She would always be at her lovers side, and what held him and carried him. She would always be what he most needed. * Green_Eyes Nika waited patiently for Shiva to answer him. Perhaps asking her to tell a story wasn't the right thing to do...
...Maybe Shiva needed to dwell on the past, to come to terms with it... Well, there was no doubt that was what she needed. That's what all of them needed.
But what if Shiva wasn't supposed to relax yet? What if she didn't want to?
He was about to speak before Shiva began her story. Relieved, he closed his eyes again and listened.
It was a beautiful story and his eyes showed that he was smirking.
The flame became more powerful with the aid of wind. Wind could control fire, move it around, snuff it out.
It was the same in every relationship.
'Thank you, Shiva.' he opened his eys and they crinkled into a big, goofy grin. chaeval His amusement was contagious and her own eyes turned up in a crinkled grin. *Too bad we aren't children anymore...I might have challenged you to a race. You look too comfortable as you are though.*
Her tone grew speculative. *Nika, you had asked me if I remembered much aday ago...and I gave you an off-the-cuff answer. But ... well, how much do YOU recall?* Green_Eyes 'I am comfortable, yes. How about we have another race later on? I don't see what not being children has to do with it...'
Nika looked away and shrugged, 'Not enough... I mean... there's so much missing. There has to be more to it.'
If only he'd been there to stop it...
Nika quickly shoved those thoughts to the side. He could deal with that later... when he was alone. chaeval She accepted his retinence, but wondered how they would ever figure everything out if noone would be ready to discuss what they knew. She understood though...these memories were precious to her. They were HERS...more than anything else was at this moment.
Or at least...they were a remainder of what had once been hers. The only one she had. That made it priceless.
But was what was actually more or less than now? That thought bothered her.
Maybe not just her?
*Hey Nika...* she ventured *How do you actually feel about all this?I mean... now as opposed to before?*
Did it matter? Before was THEIRS. It belonged to them as much as anyone. They had a right to it...didn't they? But what if what they wanted was an empty ballroom where there were bright lights...with a big empty ache where lonliness reigned? Green_Eyes Nika closed his eyes again, willing his mind to go blank. He wanted to answer Shiva's question, but he wasn't sure what to answer it with.
How did he feel about now? Before? There were so many factors... So many reasons... Too many questions...
'I'm not sure. I... I remember...' he paused, thinking about his girls. They'd been his children then... but so much had changed... In this life the one was older then him.
'So much has changed... I can't really say...' chaeval *I guess it wasn't a really fair question to ask.* She said, getting to her feet. *Sorry. I should be getting back.* Her tone was reluctant at the thought. But it was apparent she could not hide out here forever. Especially since Nika had claimed the tree back. She was sure he wouldn't permit her perching up there indefinitely.
*I guess...* she said, suddenly awkward. *Thank you, I mean.*
Maybe some sort of disaster would hit before she had to enter those empty rooms. SOmething that did not hurt anyone, but needed immediate attention.
Maybe... Green_Eyes 'If you must,' Nika turned to her, smiling. She did seem a little uncomfortable again... maybe he should have given her a clearer answer. He didn't want Shiva to go... but if she was leaving he might aswell go too.
He tilted his head to the side and shrugged, 'The question was a good one... I feel a great deal of loss. Like something's missing...'
He nodded and stood beside her, 'I enjoyed our talk. Thank you.' chaeval Her own eyes turned up slightly. *Thank you for saying that. I feel a horrible whiner after the past few days. Maybe I need to go sit quietly in the garden and watch the moss grow on rocks to get some patience and equilibrium, huh?* Her tone was amused. Green_Eyes Nika nodded, 'I think that would be good for you... For all of us. Everyone should sit down and just relax for awhile...'
He turned to look curiously at the forest, suddenly wanting to go for a swim and take a bath. Maybe that would help him relax.
'I think I'd like to go for a swim.' chaeval Suddenly uneased she answered *Relaxation may not be something we can afford now. If...whatever happened was intentional...who is to say that we are not still in danger?*
Idiot! She shouldn't have been worrying so much about her so-called sensibilities, and should have instead been worrying about BEING sensible.*Io has already been attacked once...and with the Rade out there...* Her voice was startling in its disgust as she spat out the word. *Relaxation is a luxuary. Do we have the dispensation for such?* Green_Eyes Nika's head turned so sharply, later the boy would be surprised he hadn't gotten whip-lash. He hadn't expected her reaction to be so... unpredictable.
'I can't say whether or not we are still in danger... Silva's gone and the rade rarely leave their territory, especailly now that we're here again.'
He took a startled step back and his voice was calm when he spoke. 'Relaxation is a luxury everyone deserves. It's easily attainable, if the one searching for it isn't paranoid. Perhaps you should try it sometime? Hm?' chaeval Rebuked, she blinked and flinched slightly before covering it up. *Paranoid?* She repeated.
Considering their situation, could anything be truly paranoid? And how had he known where the Rade were or were not holding to? Or even be so sure that Silva was gone for good. Was that what he thought? Let their guard down and only worry about things when in peril?
She shook her head, then whirled and ran off in the opposite direction. Before he saw her crying....a third time. Green_Eyes When he saw her reaction Nika immediately regretted speaking at all. Why did he have to be so harsh? Damn his damn defensive side. He'd hurt Shiva... and that thought was enough to make him break down.
'Shi-
He began when she suddenly turned and ran away. Nika cursed before running after her, wondering if she was still faster then him.
'Shiva!' he called, 'Wait...' chaeval She was briefly tempted to continue running. Teleport, anything to get out of this embarrasing position. But to do so NOW, afer he had called for her would not just be ridiculous, it would be insubordinate.
Why did he stop her? Why? Wasn't this bad enough already?
She slammed on her brakes, coming to a stop, ramrod striff and straight as she turned, head tilted a fraction up.
It was only until she realized she was at attention that she forced herself to cross her arms in front of her.
*I'm sorry. Did you need anything else?* she asked, staring straight ahead. Green_Eyes Nika hadn't expected her to stop. If anything, he'd expected her to keep running. He was positive that if she'd wanted to, Shiva could have out run him, no sweat.
His chest rose and fell steadily with each breath he took. The run hadn't worn him out... Not really... It was everything he was feeling. Frustration, awkwardness, confusion, guilt.
He blinked at Shiva incredulously. She seemed so distant... so cold... and merely moments ago he'd been holding her. How could a mood change so drastically?
'I wanted to say I'm sorry...' he shuffled to the side and tried to catch her eye, 'What I said was out of line...' chaeval *You have nothing to apologize for.* Shi looked down and away. *It's my fault.*
Her fault. That seemed familiar. It always seemed to be her fault when things got out of hand. Emotions got crazy. Her fault. She always tried to re-establish control by bearing down on herself,but she never could entirely control the effects that others felt. Self control did not stop what she really wanted to reign in.
*I can apologize myself if you want. I'm sorry.*
Turning, she walked away. No heedless flight this time. A tight, quick pace that had none of the desperation of before. She was still angry, but not at him anymore.
Her fault. Green_Eyes What was she on about now? Nika shook his head, frustrated. It wasn't all of her fault. If he hadn't argued she wouldn't have ran away from him...
'You don't need to apologize...' he took a half-a-step back, surprised when she suddenly turned and slowly walked away. Perhaps Shiva needed sometime to herself...
...Perhaps...
A sudden, bright smile curved his eyes and Nika turned the other way, walking to the edge of the forest. It was so simple! Why hadn't he thought of it before?
Now... where could he find...
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Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 4:48 pm
Things to Remember Shiva's birthday is May 16... (( ninja ))
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Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 7:51 pm
Sound Green_Eyes Nika sighed and followed the others, smiling politely at Ice and Scagg in spite of the feelings he was experiencing. Not all of them caused by Shi's anger which he believed was partly aimed at him.
He took the cub from under his arm and handed it to Ice, relieved to have it away from him. Ever since they'd left the ruins something, he wasn't sure what, had been playing at the edge of his mind. The feeling grew stronger the farther he was from the ruins. All at once, he knew even if he didn't know what it was, that the feeling was the reason he'd wanted to go to the ruins in the first place.
He wanted to be alone. Nika blinked at the sudden realization. He needed to think things through.
'I've gotta go...' he mumbled, trying to act as if everything was alright. Moving quickly, Nika headed towards the forest and then broke out at a run when he reached the first white stone, of many. chaeval His sudden movement took her by surprise. Turning, her eyes widened, anger vanishing in puzzlement and surprise. Upset? What had happened?
Something she did? Reviewing her behavior, she wasn't sure. She had been honest in her dislike, had that offended him?
It didn't seem so. He hadn't acted angry. She hadn't felt it, anyway. Perhaps she had merely not been listening.
*Nika-* she began, but he was already gone. Casting a troubled glance at Chae, who was eyeing her with an unreadable expression, she said *Im sorry. Please excuse us both.* and turned. *Don't trust them.* she admonished, following the path the other had taken with more quiet and contemplative footsteps. Green_Eyes If he hadn't been in such a hurry, Nika would have slowed down and found that Shi had followed him. He wasn't slowing down, though, not a bit. He wasn't as fast as he would have liked to be and it took him longer to get to his destination then he would have liked.
Breathing heavily, Nika finally slowed and pushed the branches of the tree - the one that hid the miniature lake he'd found for Shi- aside. Nothing had changed since the last time he was there. How long had it been?
Too long.
He sighed and sat at the edge of the lake, stared out at the water and tried to remember. chaeval She caught up with him not long after, stopping at the edge of the wood for a moment to contemplate the scene before her. Had he fled to any other location, she may have simply melted back to the wood, to guard him quietly as he thought whatever thoughts were now in his mind. But this was their lake. Their spot. He had found it for her.
Stepping out quietly from the trees, she let her foot scrape the stone with enough noise to alert him.
*May I sit with you?* she entreated softly. Green_Eyes He jumped slightly at the sound Shi's foot made against the stone and relaxed when she spoke.
'Of course, Shi,' Nika glanced at her over his shoulder and his eyes crinkled into a welcoming smile, 'I... I just wanted to think. There's something else important I haven't remembered.'
What could he say? He didn't even know how he knew that there was something else he needed to remember but there was something. He was sure of it. chaeval She nodded, showing a bit of relief that he was obviously not upset with her. Sliding down beside him, she watched the waters calmly. She wished they didn't have to go back.
*It's allright.* she answered. *I didn't want to interrupt you. It's enough that I'm here. Nothing else needs to be said.*
She hadn't remembered much at all. That saddened her a bit. Although what saddened her more was the whole sorry mess that their lives were at this point. Fire and Light had caused this to happen between them and their various needs and circumstances. But she wasn't sure that ... maybe they had somehow deserved this to happen?
Or was she just looking again for a deeper meaning to wash away the embarrassment of the truth? Green_Eyes It was warm out. Nika smiled, remembering that the last time he'd been there with Shi it had been cold and the water had been just as chilly. The sun was begining to set. He lifted a hand to shield his eyes from the orange light and then looked into it.
The day had gone by quickly. He sighed and gently took Shiva's hand. Had it really only been a few hours since they'd learned that Fire and Light were the reasons they were trapped in masks? The reasons he couldn't remember? Nika rubbed his eyes with his free hand and looked back at the water.
Did he even want to remember? chaeval She had told him she didn't need to say anymore, so she just squeezed his hand lightly against her fingers and watched quietly the water lapping the edges of the ground. It would be nice to start over. Not this botched "beginning" where the ghosts of the past were clinging to them still, but a pure beginning. Where they were free as they could be without this misery hanging about them. She wished she was a bird in the sky that could take wing and fly above these troubles. But her feet were firmly on the ground.
It would all be allright in the end...wouldn't it? Green_Eyes Did he want to remember? That was probably the main reason he couldn't remember. Most of his memories had returned when he'd grown into a teen but the suddeness of it all had left his thoughts scrambled.
He couldn't tell if what he was remembering was true or not. At first, he'd imagined that he'd dreamed it all. Afterall, everything had come back to him while he was asleep. It hadn't made sense.
Now, however, the pieces of the puzzle were slowly being put in their place. There was a missing piece. Actually, it was more like a large hole.
Nika squeazed Shi's hand gently, realization striking him. A puzzle was made up of pieces that fit perfectly together... Perhaps his memories were like a puzzle. Maye, if he put the other pieces together he could find the missing one...
...Io was a piece of the puzzle...
...Zahar, too, was a part of it...
...Sei, Lyra...
...Sister, daughters, brother-in-law... chaeval She smiled briefly as his fingers tightened. Just a small pressure. She still said nothing, her own thoughts troubling and heavy. Maybe a new start wasn't such a bad idea after all. What was really holding them to this place anymore? Green_Eyes Sound...
Nika stiffened visbily, sighed and stared out at the water. His memories of her were so cloudy... It was hard to believe that he'd gone so long without remembering her; without thinking of her.
Her voice came back to him more clearly than ever. It was the part of her he remembered the best, something he never wanted to forget again.
He'd been so clueless... Why hadn't he remembered earlier? Why couldn't he remember more about her? Nika recalled the time when he'd talked with Sei about how the other man was Io's and Zahar's uncle. He should have realized it then!
He gently brushed his thumb across Shi's knuckles, forbidding hiself to mention Sound to her. Later, maybe. He wasn't ready to talk about her...
'What's on your mind, Shi?' Nika smiled at her, half-heartedly. It was an attempt at distracting himself for his own thoughts... which proved a difficult task. ((I'll keep adding on as the rp goes... I just didn't want to lose these posts. :3))
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Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 1:41 pm
Green_Eyes As of yesterday, Nika's been a part of my life for an entire year! -feels like the luckiest person ever- heart
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Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 1:51 pm
Journal Entry I remember...
I remember a time long ago when the two of us used to race up and down the halls of my father's palace. We were merely children, and even then, she had been able to bring out the best in me. A passing servant scolded us for causing such a riot as my mother had been trying to rest.
Our parents were the best of friends, and so, naturally, I spent a large majority of my time with her and Sei.
She had the most beautiful voice. Whenever she spoke, my troubles went away. She was the only one that had the ability to make me feel the way I did when I was with her. Her presence allowed me to forget the person I was supposed to be, and act like the person she knew I was. Around her, I was who I wanted to be. The behavior that was expected of me, as a king, was always lost when she was near and she knew what she did for me. How her soul freed mine.
I remember her....
...and now...
...I'm not sure...
...I'm not sure about anything, anymore....
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Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 11:32 pm
RP: Shi's Birthday Participants: Shi and Nika
Status: CompleteGreen_Eyes Nika wandered inside, clutching two boxes that had been carefully wrapped in purple paper. He was quite calm as he quickly placed the boxes on the closest counter.
Nika suspected that the calm, relaxed feeling he was experiencing would dissapear the moment he saw Shi. They had been alone together many times before but this time it was slightly different.
It was Shi's birthday.
...He had gifts... He had cooked the food on his own and had managed to do a fair job of it, of course, there had been much anwanted coaching from Gee... and he was dressed for the occasion...
It was simple, really, but quite obvious that he had put effort into choosing his outfit. His pants were long and black and his dark blue button-up shirt was tucked in.
As if suddenly remembering, Nika sniffed his collar. He smelled good... and Shi was due to be there any moment.
Nika rushed to work; he brought the food in from Gee's car and set the table.
Finally, Nika paused and double checked everything.
A white table-cloth covered a table that was set for two people in the middle of the room, a steaming bowl of spaghetti sat in the centre of the table and next to it was a bowl of spaghetti sauce.
Nika tilted his head to the side and sighed. It looked like he was going to be learning a lot soon. Training classes with Shi and possible cooking classes with Gee.
Pushing those thoughts to the back of his mind, Nika nervously gathered Shi's gifts and placed them underneath the table.
Everything was ready...
If only he could stay calm. chaeval She read quietly the words...simply written in a neat, ornate flourish that was instantly recognizable as belonging to Nika.
There was a slight smile in her eyes as she contemplated them. Perhaps a bit of relief in an otherwise taxing day.
It had started out well enough. A boquet of flowers laid out in front of her door when she woke. But when she had realized that Chae had opened their doors to the Rade cub, her day was shattered. Anger, recriminations, tears had followed. But Chae had been unmoved by her passion.
The cub stayed.
So Shiva left. But not before finding the card. Pushing her wayward guardian from her mind. She prepared carefully. Her uncle Shem had given her some nice clothing to wear, so she donned it. Armor was well and good, but certainly not needed for dinner.
One would hope.
Pulling back her hair, she ran her fingers through it a few times and then twirled it upward, pinning it back and off her neck. Her fingers trailed the edge of her mask and she frowned.
Io had been freed. What of the rest of them?
More worries for another time. For once, she just wanted to forget. Really forget. And do more than watch from the sidelines.
Tucking a slip of paper in her slacks, she adjusted her pale sweater and walked out into the gathering moonlight. Green_Eyes Sound had never completely been seperate from his thoughts since he'd first remembered her. In fact, the memories that had once been unclear and buzzy making it impossible to recall much of anything were now sharp, particularly the ones he had of her face.
Nika shifted his weight nervously from one foot to the other as he stood beside the door, anxiously awaiting Shi's arrival.
How lucky he was to have been cared for so passionately by two women. chaeval There was a light rain falling. A misty sort that wafted like soft petals, kissing with a warm and shy touch against the objects in its descent. Small droplets beaded in her hair, shimmering there softly as any jewel or precious thing. In her light ensemble, she could almost be a thing of rain and mist herself. A wraith or phantasm that was at play amongst the grays and muffled hues. A playful spirit that leapt amongst the clouds and fog.
The walk was not long. She dallied a bit, taking in the outside as she liked to do. But she did not want to be late.
Turning her head away from the falling skies, she walked the rest of the way to the house, and knocked gently.
The rain had barely penetrated, so light it was. It clung to her as a halo or a shroud. Green_Eyes Would she have dressed up? He fidgeted with his clothing, wondering if it was a little too much. Should he change? What if he did change and she actually was dressed up?
The knock on the door brought a thankful distraction to the worries scrambling around in his head.
He took a deep breath and opened the door. Nika's eyes crinkled into a pleased smile when he saw her, just standing there. Glowing. Nika unintentionally let a few moments pass by as he just stared at her.
It was raining, he realized suddenly. Nika stepped away from the door and gestured for Shi to come inside.
'You look beautiful, Shi.' chaeval She touched her hand to her hair nervously. *Thank you, I think. When it rains like this, everything shimmers so. It's more beautiful than we.* Her eyes crinkled briefly, as she looked about, taking in the pristine table, food, and low lighting. *Was this why you wanted to see me?* Green_Eyes Nika shut the door behind her and nervously glanced at the food. His culinary skills were lacking and he could feel the blush rise into his cheeks.
His tone was rushed and almost apologetic, as if he felt like he had done something wrong when he spoke,'I'm afraid I'm not much of a cook. I wanted to do something specail for your brithday... and I just figured that if I cooked... I mean, Gee sure laughed at me... I burnt the first batch of sauce, without meaning to, of couse... and...'
He just shut up. Rambling wasn't something he did often. Nika cleared his throat and ran a nervous hand through his hair. What if she didn't like it? chaeval His sudden awkwardness caused her to laugh. She had never seen him so flustered. Never as she could remember. Crisis and all manner of trials had not caused a hesitation in him. Now to hear the rush in his words and eagerness...
The mirth overflowed and she felt her eyes tearing with joy. *It's lovely. Really. Even if you had served it blackened and crusted. It would still be lovely. But you didn't. We might make a well rounded person of you yet! Fighting, cooking, and diplomacy.
She touched his cheek. *You really are precious.* Green_Eyes 'Aww, Shi,' he shrugged, feeling his skin flush when she touched his mask, where his cheek would have been. Briefly, he wandered what it would be like to be able to feel her palm against his face. It had been so long since he'd felt anything but the material of the mask against his face.
'I'm glad you like it. Honestly, I think the sauce might not taste normal-'
Nika paused, noticing the tears in her eyes, 'Shi? Is something wrong?' He sounded concerned. chaeval *Im fine.* she hastened to assure him. *See? Im smiling. I just...I was thinking some thoughts that made me a bit too mirthful to express only one way. Just how lovely you are when you aren't trying to be something else. Withough a mask. However ironical that is.* Green_Eyes Nika sighed with relief. Months ago, he had been unfortunately good at upsetting her, accidentally. Perhaps, he'd finally done something right.
He ran a hand though his blonde hair and chuckled at the rest of Shi's comment.
'I...' his eyes crinkled into a smile, unable to think of what to say. She thought he was lovely?
Suddenly finding his tongue, Nika smirked and playfully nudged her, 'I bet you won't find me lovely once my spaghetti sauce has you sick in bed.' chaeval *No?*She challenged. *It may be the other way around. And I would have to make you play nurse and learn THAT skill in the meantime as I recovered. Or is this your plan to get out of weapons training?* She put her hands on her hips, matching his bantering tone.
*Poison the teacher and get out of class? Have you been hanging out with Ashirra and Fauve again?* Green_Eyes 'Shi,' he laughed and rolled his eyes, 'If that was my plan, do you think I would have gone through so much trouble to warn you against eating the food? Besides, if I had been with Fauve and Ashy, I think we could of come up with much more creative things to...'
Nika tried the best he could not to laugh as he pulled a chair out from the table and motioned for Shi to sit down on it.
'I mean... ever since the first time I saw the two of them juggle, I've kind of been wanting to learn. Do you think I could talk them into teaching me?'
It was true. He wanted to learn so many things. Now, come to think of it, the nurse idea wasn't too bad of an idea. Although, he was sure that he wouldn't have to poison anybody for his own purposes. chaeval She slipped in to the seat he pulled out, glancing at the setting briefly before looking back up.
*Subterfuge.* she answered *Warning me exonerates you of suspicion if the event of poisoning did happen.*her eyes crinkled in amusement *Which I am sure will not be the case.*
He seemed much more at ease, boyishly eager to tackle any and all new things that came his way, and seek out even more. *Juggling now too? Are you planning to run off with them and join a circus?* she smirked a bit at the implication. *Im sure they'd love to teach you. Why wouldn't they?*
Part of her wondered at their banter. Didn't they have more important things to concern themselves with? What about rebuilding? Or starting over? or even the possibility of danger? What about the rade cub that was sitting in her house right now?
No. She wasn't going to think about any of that. Just some quiet for a bit. No angst. No fervor. No panic. She could manage that, couldnt she? Or did she have to keep running from one disaster to the next? Green_Eyes Nika took the seat across from her. He was hungry and curious to know what the food would taste like. It was the first meal he had made and Nika couldn't help being proud of it.
He slowly piled some of the noodles into his bowl and covered them in sauce.
'Oh, I would make an excellent clown, wouldn't I?' he grinned at Shi over the steaming bowl of spaghetti, 'I don't think I could run anywhere without you, however.'
He poked cautiously at the spaghetti sauce with his fork and glanced at Shi, 'Would you like to try it first or shall I?' chaeval *A clown huh?*she replied. *I suppose I could learn a useful skill like knife throwing...or swinging about on a trapeze...* she chuckled at the mental imagery of it all. *A masked circus. We should all be so fortunate...*
Taking her own fork, she resisted the urge to poke the dish. *Together? On the count of three?* She laughed *Or did we want a survivor left behind to get help?* Green_Eyes 'Lion taming?' he suggested, his mind wondering. The Rade cubs their camp ahd taken in were going to be a big challenge, and hopefully, they wouldn't cause too much trouble.
'A survivor would be nice...' he laughed, 'But how will we decide who takes the first bite? Better to do it together, someone's bound to notice us missing sooner or later. Hopefully, sooner.'
'One...' chaeval *Lion taming? But which would tame which?* she twirled a bit on her fork and then smirked. *two...* she slipped the food into her mouth before he could count to the next digit. *If one of us has to go, I'd rather it be me.* she smirked. *I can think of no better end than poisoned by a beloved hand on my birthday.* Green_Eyes 'No fair,' he half-laugh-half-gasped, before stuffing some of the food into his own mouth.
It wasn't great... but it wasn't bad either. Nika grinned, proud of himself. It didn't look like either of them would be going home sick.
He laughed after swallowing, 'Should we wait awhile, just in case the affects aren't immediate?' chaeval *I'm feeling daring tonight, and it's fine.* she grinned and continued to eat. *Did you really doubt it?* Green_Eyes 'No,' he laughed and shook his head, eating slower this time, 'I think if there had been anything wrong with it, it would have been Gee's fault. She insisted that I was doing it wrong... but I was following the instructions in the cookbook exactly.'
He grimaced at the memory.
'So, finally, I said that I would wear an apron if she would leave me alone. She took pictures...' chaeval *aha!*her eyes lit up *Future blackmail material! I must see if I can get a copy. Frills and lace would look SO cute on you!* her own audacity amazed her, but it was too amusing not to tease him. Green_Eyes 'Its not too late for me to ruin that film, you know. I don't believe she's gone to get them developed yet,' Nika winked at Shi, suppressing a laugh and tilted his head to the side as he ate. He would never admit it aloud, but he hadn't hated wearing the apron.
'So?' he pointed at the spaghetti, 'What do you think? Pretty good for my first try?' chaeval She savored her answer for a moment. *Passable. And for a fact we both live. I would qualify this as a success. Dinner, an empty house, and a fine misty rain. What next?* Green_Eyes Nika grinned slyly at Shi and ducked his head under the table cloth, to emerge seconds later with two carefully wrapped packages of the same size. The wrapping-paper was purple, sleek and shiny. Wrapping gifts was fortunately something he was fairly skilled at.
'Presents,' he grinned and carefully handed the gifts to Shi over the big bowl that had once been full of spaghetti.
He stood up and cleared the table, dumping everything into the sink in the kitchen before hurrying back to his seat.
'I hope you like them...' chaeval She laughed and began looking for the seam to open the paper from so that she could preserve the wrapping as well as the gift. Frequently exasperating was her tendency NOT to rip open presents with gusto. She preferred to savor the moments, and the memories.
Slipping her finger up the one edge, she felt the paper fold away from her expertly applied pressure and winked at Nika. *Should I ask what it is before I finish?* Green_Eyes 'It's not food,' he laughed, finding it hard to watch her slowly unwrap the presents. He had never been patient with things like that and usually found himself tearing through the paper at record speed...
Atleast Shi's way was a lot cleaner.
When Shi had finally gotten through all of the paper and flipped the flaps of he first box open, a large, beautiful Faberge Egg sat in the middle, wrapped in bubble-wrap...
The second box contained a second faberge egg, wrapped much the same way.
 There was a note taped to inside of the second box that read;Note Dear Shi,
I had a heck of a time finding something I knew you would love. Even now, I'm not sure about them. They are beautiful, yes. However if they do not bring a smile to your face, I have failed; for your smile is a beautiful thing in its own and so worth anything I could do to put it there.
-Love
Nika chaeval Shiva's fingers agitated the orbs from their packaging. She touched them gently, the luster of them shimmering in the light. They were beautiful. Perfect.
Carefully nestling them back down, she got up and walked over to his chair, sliding her arms around his shoulders and hugging him tightly.
*Thank you.* she said softly. *Not just for now...for this, but for always.* Green_Eyes Nika grinned and returned Shi's hug. He was so glad that she liked what he'd done tonight. He'd certainly had his doubts. Afterall, he HAD been the one to make the food.
'I'm happy you like them.'
Nika used a hand to gently push on the back of Shi's knees. If he had managed to startled her and he was correct, the affect should have toppled her into his lap. He wasn't sure if it would work, though, as Shi was a warrior and her reflexes were likely very impressive. chaeval If anything had been on her mind, it had not been self defense. As a result, she tumbled quite as expected. There was a startled sound that was part squeal and part cry of startled indignation...but then she was laughing.
*That was hardly at all fair.* she accused through narrowing eyes. *Are you sure you wanted to bait me now?* Green_Eyes At first, he'd been worried that he'd hurt her. That would have been a horrible end to a lovely night. He relaxed when she started laughing, relieved that he hadn't hurt or angered her.
'I feel daring,' he shrugged simply, smirking playfully at her.
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Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 11:34 pm
RP: Nika's Birthday Participants: Shi and Nika Status: Complete chaeval The first thing she had needed was a setting worthy of the occasion. The general was not too hard to figure out...but the specific was what was called for. After all, it was a day that needed to be properly prepared and centered.
From the trees to the lake, they had always made nature their touchstone. Something that they could parlay and meet in accord in. A safe haven, a refuge.
So outside was the spot. But where?
It took several days of careful search before she decided. It was a small growve not on the lake, but near enough that the vantage point showed it. When the sun settled there, it spread gold and red across the placid surface. Beautiful.
The area itself needed work though. Dried and dead leaves, muck and time had worn at its beauty. She needed to bring that back to life, without making it too artificial.
Pulling her hair back, she began to work with a will, using sand and water to wash down the rocks, so that they could be used as seating. She pulled another few in to place that could serve as a table. She scrubbed these down as well, and then raked carefully the area, clearing the dead leaves from it. These she hauled out of sight, and then smoothed the dirt underneath her hand.
A path. It needed a path of some sort. Nothing too elaborate though...
She searched for the flat stones needed for several hours. Wide enough for the human foot to trod on safely, but not too large that they stole from the nature of the setting. She wanted nothing to detract from that.
When she finally hauled them in to place, she was perspiring heavily, her hair ragged and knotted, and her clothes torn and muddied. She sighed and kept going. Time was not on her side in this case. The pun almost made her laugh and groan both.
Removing the small laterns, she hung them where they twirled gently in the branches, dangling a small set of chimes there as well. They were of a medium pitch, neither too light nor too deep. Something that would enhance the sounds of water and sky, without overbearing them. A reminder of things that moved around them.
Then she set out the instruments she needed. The stone carved tea-set that her Uncle had sent her for her own birthday. She thought of noone better to share it with. Setting them aside reverently, she did not want to soil them by the dirt on herself. So she dipped briefly into the pond, relaxing her musles that were stiffening up. And then finished her settings.
Now all that was needed was the means to draw him there. . .
++++++++
Shiva crept quietly to the door that she knew Gee and Nika slept behind. Slipping an envelope under the door, she turned and retreated with silent haste. The name on the envelope was addressed to the one she wanted to read it. She trusted Gee to see Nika got it.
Under pouting branches we met
A childhood challenge
Where we sometimes fled
Her next destination was the tree where she had run to and Nika found her. She had decided on the means to lure him to the spot.
A treasure hunt, of sorts.
Green_Eyes It hadn't taken him long to figure the riddle out. When Green had handed him the unopened envelope he'd immediately recognised the writing and realised who the letter had came from.
Shiva. He smiled and looked towards the sky, letting his mind wander as his legs carried him towards the place he knew she would be. Her riddle had surprised him. The young man had simply assumed that nobody had known about his birthday. Gee had made a small cake, and he had celebrated with her and Bizzy, but he had wanted to spend some of the night with Shi. So, he'd been pleasantly surprised when he'd figured out where he was supposed to go. chaeval The tree had obviously not moved from its location, there hanging in the breeze was a small, brightly colored pouch swinging from the very branch they sat on.
It was bulky, but light, as if there were something inside that weighed little. Swinging in a rather teasing fashion, as if challenging the now adult Nika to scale these heights he had dominated as a youngling. Green_Eyes Nika hadn't spotted the brightly colored pouch immediately. The young man stood beneath the tree for countless minutes, wondering where Shi was or if he'd been wrong.
'Under pouting branches we met
A childhood challenge
Where we sometimes fled'
The words cycled through is mind and Nika turned every single one of them around in his head, looking for something he had missed. Anything.
He through his head back in frustration- and that was when he saw it, swinging from the branch he and Shi had sat on so long ago.
A smirk was hidden behind his mask as he spoke, 'Clever Shi.'
He was only slightly worried that the limbs would not hold him as he climbed. Bits of bark and leaves fell as he went and there was one sickeningly tense moment when he heard a crack.
He hurried upwards, planning on choosing the branches more carefully when he climbed back down.Finally, he was there. He carefully manouvered himself into a sitting position on a branch that hung just below the branch the pouch hung from. His breathing was slightly irregular as he took the pouch from the limb and opened it. chaeval 
A boyhood pasttime
whittling away the hours
where water lies as still as glass
where fish lie just below the surface
where plants grow, in painstaking labor
a truce with nature.Green_Eyes Nika examined the shard of glass carefully, holding in it in the palm of his hand. After a moment or two, he gently placed it back in the pouch and turned his attention to the hint.
He ran it over and over in his mind several times, looking at the clue as a whole. Inspiration struck and he looked at it as seperate pieces of a puzzle.
'Where plants grow, in painstaking labor,' he murmured, contemplating what it could mean. A forest? No. It just didn't... fit.
..Hardwork; there was something... where plants grow? Hardwork and plants... A garden! That had to be it.
A boyhood pasttime? A truce with nature? Water and fish?
Satehl came to mind. He smirked. Nika had heard about the time Satehl had run off in search of fish for Cern's pond.
'A pond has water,' he spoke the words as if nobody had spoken them before, 'and fish, possibly.'
The young man was still unsure of where to go. Okay, so Cern had a pond, that didn't necessarily mean that Cern's pond was his next destination.
Even if the other teenager had created the thing when he'd been a boy... and he DID have a truce with nature. He was Terra, after all.
There! He had it.
A feeling of achievement flooded him and Nika placed the hint back in the pouch, pocketed it, momentarily forgetting about the piece of glass, and climbed back down the tree as carefully as he could.
Once on the ground, he headed for Cern's pond. chaeval The pond area was relatively undisturbed. The long grasses swished gently in the wind, and the water trickled gently in the calmness.
Looking about, a glint of gold flashed tellingly against the pond itself. There, lying on the edge was clearly something meant to be found.
Picking it up, there was a slight rattling sound, as if there were something inside. . .tilting it ever so slightly, you can see that there is some parchment curled up inside. Green_Eyes He spotted it instantly. Nika hurried to the glint of gold and picked it up. The rattling sound surprised him as he'd spent a moment or two searching for the next clue and the young man used two fingers to carefully pull the piece of parchment out.
Nika was enjoying the scavenger hunt Shi had sent him on; it made him think and his mind was always wondering where he would be sent to next. A smile curled the corner of his eyes upwards as he uncurled the parchment and read it. chaeval The parchment read simply, in an azure blue ink Try looking at things with a different perspective.Green_Eyes 'Try looking at things with a different perspective?'
Nika stared at the newest hint, bewildered and at a complete loss as to what he should do next.
This was surpising a twist, but something he considered a pleasure. He'd thought it had been challenging before, and now, he was presented with a real thinker.
A smirk played across his face, hidden behind his mask.
She was so clever and he loved her for it...
...but he wasn't sure he would be able to figure out what the newest clue was getting at.
He worked everything over inside of his head; thouroughly considering everything he thought of and after a few long minutes he had not come to a conclusion.
He retrieved the dark blue pouch containing the last hint and the shard of glass from his pocket and placed the golden fish inside the pouch.
It was then that he realized he really had absolutely no idea what the piece of glass was for. As far as he could remember; Shi and he had never encountered glass during their adventures... and he wasn't sure what it could represent.
He took the piece of glass from the pouch, replaced the pouch back in his pocket and turned to examine the piece of glass. There didn't seem to be anything specail about... What if he turned it this way?
One false move caused the glass to slip and cut his hand. He gasped, more surprised than hurt, and the newest hint and the piece of glass fell to the ground.
He took a moment to examine his hand; the cut wasn't deep as the glass had barely grazed his flesh. It looked more like a long paper-cut.
Nika ignored the tiny stining pain and bent to carefully pick up the hint and the piece of glass. He paused and blinked in suprise, staring down at what he'd found. The glass had landed directly on the blue ink... chaeval The newest hint had been nestled behind the old, the words so carefully formulated and spaced as to be obscured by the blue text. Only by filtering the blue out could one see the real message. It was short. And blessedly unobscured. Hungry yet? Meet me by the lake.Green_Eyes Nika grinned, relieved that he wouldn't have to figure out another clue as he was having to think harder then he normally would, which was a good thing, he supposed.
'Actually,' he chuchkled, 'I'm starving.'
He picked the piece of glass and the piece of paper up of the ground, placed them in the blue pouch and hurried to meet Shi by the lake. chaeval She waited patiently, dressed in the colors that suited her best, light lavendar and silver. It felt odd to be so...feminine. So unarmored and defenseless. On one level she squirmed as a child would. On another level, she felt almost as if some hungry part of her had come alive in this fake skin she wore.
There was a fluttering by her ear and she smiled up, waving her hand. *shoo* she said, knowing they would not hear. *You will ruin the surprise.* It was just then that she saw he was arriving. *oops too late.* Turning, she let her eyes grin at him. *Happy Birthday.*
Green_Eyes Nika approached Shi quietly, hurrying once she was in sight. She looked beautiful.
The lavender and the silver really do suit her well, he thought, the butterfly-like creature fluttering by her ear having caught his eyes and distracted him for a short moment.
After a short moment of studying the fluttering creature, he turned his attention back to the beautiful young lady in front of him and the corners of his eyes curled into a fond smile when he replied, 'Thank you, Shi. You look lovely.' chaeval She touched her hair breifly and gave a short laugh *Im not sure whether to feel mortified or not wearing this.* she flickered her fingers at the small buttermoo and watched it wibble its delight. *They are quite a handful, but entirely too sweet.* she warned, and then looked at him. *Like one other I know.* The buttermoo was only 14 inches from wing to wing, but it used all that length to whizzing effect. Green_Eyes 'Mortified?' Nika shook his head and chuckled softly, 'Shi, you'd look lovely in anything.'
Was this little buttermoo meant for him? Nika's attention never entirely left Shi. His eyes may have been on the whizzing buttermoo but his ears were listening to her. At her words, a smirk, hidden by his mask, spread across his face.
'Surely, you don't mean... me?' he faked innocence, 'When I have I ever been a handful?'
He winked at her. chaeval * I know how to stop that overly innocent mouth.* she answered *I need to feed it.* Turning she indicated the dishes that she had spread out. She had borrowed a food warmer for the occasion, so everything was still at temperature. Which was good. The chill here would ruin any attempt at dinner.
* We seem to feed each other quite a bit.* she noted * I think we both feel it will keep the other out of mischief if we are thusly occupied.* Green_Eyes 'Ah, food,' Nika gave a happy sigh and playfully rubbed his stomach as he took a seat beside Shi, 'one of my many weaknessess.'
'You're probably right,' he nodded, smiling at her with a not-so-innocent twinkle in his eye, 'afterall, I'm a very curious person. Mischeif normally finds me.'
It was only partly true. He wasn't one to turn down a good joke, but too often trouble was the one that found him. chaeval *You are mischievious. And very troublesome* She pulled the bowl nearer to them and lifted the cover. Appraising the contents she sniffed lightly. *I like trouble.* she gave him a slit eyed corner look that was impish. *I hope you like this, at any rate.
Pulling the bowl closer she revealed stuffed chicken, mushrooms, italian bread and salad. Off to the side was some slightly seaming tea.
*I hope you like tea.* Green_Eyes 'I'm sure I'll like it,' Nika grinned with delight when he saw the contents of the bowl and rubbed his hands together in excitement, ''It smells wonderful, so it should taste just as good.''
He loved food and the meal Shi had prepared was a special treat. It looked delicious and he couldn''t wait to enjoy it.
'In fact,' he glanced at the tea and turned back to Shi with a pleased smile, 'I love tea.'' chaeval She was quiet a short moment and then said *I used to make tea for Chae all the time. Sometimes the best ways to show how you feel is in the care thats taken in preperation to something that seems simple. I wanted to do something special for you, Nika. Not because you did so for my own birthday...but merely because I wanted to.*
It wasn't fair, was it? To saddle the present with so much when the past was still unknown? What right had they to pretend that they were free?
*I wanted at least this much from you.* she concluded. *These memories. This moment. It's ours. It will never belong to another. In that sense, it is a gift to us both.* Green_Eyes He sat quietly, staring at the sky and listening carefully to what Shi said. Something special for him? The young man rubbed the back of his neck and studied the food Shi had prepared.
It did look like she had put a lot of effort and care into planning tonight. A lot of time, too. How long had it taken her to come up with those riddles?
He wasn't sure what to say.
'I'll treasure these moments forever,' Nika slowly took her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeaze, 'I hope we can have many more.'
'And Shi,' he paused and tried to meet her gaze, 'just being around you is a gift to me.'
It was true. He loved being around her.
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Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 11:36 pm
RP: Sister Dear
Participants: Nika and Lyra
Date: August 19, 2005
Satus: CompleteGreen_Eyes It was rare that he wasn''t thinking about Sound or Shi.
One of the two always occupied his mind.
... but for once, he wasn''t thinking about either of them. At the moment, his mind was completely blank and he found it completely relaxing.
It was a wonderful feeling, not thinking about anything; not worrying about anything.
For the moment, he was just there, weaving a new path through the long grass of the forest. He''d wanted to be away from the camp; away from everybody else and so, Nika had decided to take a stroll.
It was calm and for a few short seconds, he felt at peace. Ice Queen Unfinished business, Lyra told herself as she appeared on the branch of one of the tree above him. This was merely unfinished business. Old hatred was hard to kill, after all. She hesitated for a moment, just looking him over. He looked so... young. "Your own daughter looks older than you, dear brother." She told him, breaking the peaceful silence. "I''m sure many a man would give money for such a blessing." Green_Eyes He froze when she spoke, recognizing her voice instantly. Lyra?
Nika blinked, and studied her for a moment. Her mask? Where was it? Had she been cursed like the rest of them in the first place?
Yes, he reasoned, she would had to have been. Not even she could have forseen the curse Light had brought upon them. She would have been just as unprepared as the rest of them.
''You''re probably correct,'' he stated simply, and then he crossed his arms and stared up at her...just, waiting. Ice Queen "You know... of all the things about you that irritated me when we were children, that kind of response was the worst. You''re always so calm and collected, aren''t you?" She asked. Then she forced herself to calm. A smile touched her lips, but not her eyes. "But I digress." She dropped to the ground, standing in front of him and looking him over. "I lived for so long in your shadow... watching as my brother ruled where I should have been. But now... now you have no kingdom to rule over, save for a small group of children and aliens from another world." She reached up, brushing a speck of dust from his shirt. "And you still have your mask." Green_Eyes What had she expected? He wasn''t about to run and hide, or scream and rant. So what if he was ''so calm and collected''? He had nothing to say, so, to him, the most logical thing to do was to say nothing at all.
Nika''s back straightened when she came closer, and he subconsciously pulled himself to his full height.
He purposefully ignored her remark about his kingdom. She was trying to get him worked up... and he refused to give in to her.
Instead, he turned his attention to her mask... or lack there of.
''And you don''t?''
It sounded like he was stating the obvious, but it was meant as a question. His mask hindered his abilities considerably... and she was far more powerful than him without a mask. Ice Queen "I''m flattered that you noticed." She said. "I have no mask, it''s true. Neither does your daughter. Has she not told you how to get rid of it?" She asked. Obviously she hadn''t. Otherwise he would be maskless as well... right? Green_Eyes How could he not notice? Until a moment ago, he had thought that Io was the only of their people without a mask. He had been surprised to find Lyra without one.
''I have seen her... and I believe it had something to with Sei? Am I right?'' Ice Queen "And you haven''t sought him out yet?" She replied. "Well, of course you haven''t." A thoughtful look crossed her face as she glanced him over. It didn''t even feel like she was talking to her brother. Just a teenager that happened to look like him. "How much do you remember, dear brother?" She asked. "Of me... of others... of how we became cursed?" Green_Eyes Nika had thought of seeking Sei out... more than once; but something had held him back. He sucked in a breath. How much more would he remember after his mask was removed?
What feelings would those memories bring him? Happiness? More pain?
''I remember enough,'' he said stiffly as his mind strayed to the few memories he had of Sound. How far was she going to push the issue? Ice Queen "Oh really." She said. "Do you now." It was too easy, really. "About your dear, loving wife? She''''s dead now. Or how about your precious daughters? Light was the one that cursed us. And Dark? Don''''t even get me started on that one. And how about me? Your beloved sister." The sarcasm was heavy in her voice. "I tried to kill you, little brother. Oh sooo many times." Green_Eyes How dare she?!
His finsts cleanched and his mind screamed for him to do something. How dare she mention Sound?
How could she say those words so easily, when the mere thought of them had caused him so much pain for so many years?
He was losing his control. Fast. Nika''s chest heaved with the effort of keeping himself in check.
''Then why didn''t you?''
He spoke slowly, angrily, forcing himself to calm down with every breath he took. Ice Queen She blinked, then a smile lit her face. "Because, dear brother, you were always so much more powerful than I back then. You seemed to know what would happen before it did. Except with that little light incident." She shrugged. "But I don''t want to kill you now. This is ever so much more entertaining." She whispered. "Watching you deal with all the past problems. Watching you try to patch things back together. I almost feel sorry for you, actually." Green_Eyes At her words, he forced himself to calm down. He wasn''t about to willingly entertain her, he had more pride than that. She would sit and laugh at him while he struggled to understand everything...
He''d known about Light before, and he knew about Fire... and he didn''t need his memories to know that Io wasn''t an angel. It didn''t matter. He still loved them both.
They were his girls... and he''d let them down.
''Do you think I could have stopped it? I should have been able to do something...''
He was talking more to himself than he was to his sister.
''...So many lives were lost.'' Ice Queen "True, true..." She replied. "But it looks like I''m not needed here, now am I?" She asked, raising a hand. "Farewell dear brother. Live well. Or as well as your conscience allows you to." She disappeared, leaving a slight perfume smell behind her.
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