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 Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 6:24 pm
07.26.06
Durem, Gaia Tickets Lead to Miracles Adam sighed looking at the ticket. He couldn't seem to get rid of the stupid thing. He'd mistakenly showed it to Xiu Xue, his adopted daughter, only to be told he should go see what was at the adress. He didn't know why he had to, he would've just left it in the apartment to rot.
His wings flared out as he landed in the shadows. His moonstone eyes dimming as he shifted into a human. Somehow going in as a gargoyle seemed like a very stupid idea. He pulled his orange hair back, putting it in a ponytail as he knocked on the door.
"This is ridiculous," he muttered to himself.
The door slid open under Adam's knocks.
From the other side of the house Chao threw a look over her shoulder. Was that the post? A glance to the clocks showed it was about time.
"Come on in!" she called, wings flapping as she worked to slowly manuver the awkward box out and towards the trash pile out back. Maybe the merchandise had finally arrived and they could start to set up? She was sick of this place being empty and knew that Hikari was feeling the same way.
Her voice was skewed, though the teen didn't know it, and sounded as if it was coming from the slightly open door which led off the main hall, rather than at the other side of the building.
Adam raised an eyebrow, the door must be faulty to open under the touch of a knock. He rolled his eyes pushing his way inside and shutting the door behind him. Though he wasn't one to find places eeerie or scary, this place seemed haunting and for a moment he thought maybe he should just leave. He had the feeling he might not be able to and then it dawned on him, Xiu Xue would have a field day laughing at him if he chickened out.
"Definately a weird place," he muttered. He sighed going forward and trying to figure out where the voice had come from. Peering around he found the open door, it must've come from there. Opening the door, he looked downstairs. "This is really a stupid, stupid idea," he sighed.
From down below there is the caw of a bird and a voice quietly cooing to it.
"Hello!" the same voice calls before gently shushing the bird yet again when it crys out in pain, "Can you please bring down some towels? There should be a closet nearby full of them."
"What do I look like? A maid?" he snorted. What were they doing to the bird anyways? Plucking its feathers? There was no doubt in his mind that coming here was a big mistake. Maybe he could pawn the ticket off to the person, heck maybe the bird would take it!
How convient that the closet was in reach. Why he was being considerate enough to get towels, he didn't know. Probably in hopes he could hurry this up and go out. Or something. With rushed motions, he grabbed two towels before shutting the closet door rather loudly. He didn't have to pretend he was happy about this now did he?
"I'm coming," he quipped. Birds were so annoying. He was glad he usually scared them away except during the day. If it wasn't for the stone, many birds would end up dead for having the nerve to- "Sitting in the dark with a bird, in a basement? Someone's a bit coo-coo," he snickered as he fumbled down the stairs a bit. They didn't seem very even or maybe he was just stepping on something... Perhaps it was a good thing there wasn't a light.
"Now where are you?" he asked coming down the last few steps a bit more gracefully.
The lights flicked on when Adam just as Adam reached the bottom and the conductor, in all his still pantless glory, was shown.
Pere was glaring at the train and gently cradling a bird, a blackbird by the look of it, though it was partially covered by a small towel the coductor must've found.
The conductor flicked his eyes to Adam and sighed, "right here. And, ah, you brought towels. Thank you, sir," Pere was being strangely polite for once, even though it hadn't been his voice that had made the request. How long it would last was anyone's guess.
The woman who'd called to Adam was no where in sight.
"Uh, you're welcome..." Adam murmured caught off guard by the pantless man. He walked over handing the towels to him uneasily. He sighed feeling awkward and looking down at the blackbird. "What's wrong with it?" he inquired not sure what else to say.
His mind seemed to have temporarily forgotten the ticket until he put his hands in his jean pockets. His fingers rubbed against the paper taking it out and looking at it. "You wouldn't happen to know what this is for, sir?"
Pere had definately caught Adam in a rare moment, he was being semi-considerate. It seemed that both men were caught in temporary kindness.
"I'm not positive," Pere looked down at the blackbird, "it looks as if it was shot at... or perhaps otherwise attacked. I'm sad I can't say for sure. It flew it here making an absolute ruckas and flying every which way before finally landing on my head," there are a few tell tale streaks of red littering Pere's hair and the pantless conductor took the towels greatfully and, after removing the first, dirty towel, applied the clean ones. "I'm hoping it's merely bleeding and has nothing broken..." Pere stroked the bird gently and it calmed to his touch, nesting down more fully in the towels.
Pere looked up and nodded at the sight of the ticket. No wonder Naviat had invited the man down. Good timing, at the very least. "Yes, it's a ticket for the train that comes through here."
Carefully he removed both hands from the towels pinning the bird and, when it didn't move to escape Pere fished out his ticket listing and checking his pocketwatch against the ticket which, thankfully, he could see without moving.
"Aha... ah, here it is. The train should be here any moment; third compartment, aisle seat on the left," as he put away the book there was the sharp whistle as the train rolled into the station and Pere had to quickly grab the bird again before it was startled out of its temporary nest.
Normally Adam would've thought the bird got what it deserved but now he thought it was a shame. "Poor thing," he mumbled not about to admit he really might care about something.
The train whistle cut him loose from his thoughts and a bit from his kind mood. With a grumble, directed more at the oddity of this place, he pulled his hand back shoving the ticket in his pocket. He mumbled a thanks to the man, reminding himself if he ever came back to bring some pants. It just wasn't right to be sitting down here in boxers though somehow he could imagine a woman and some men finding it kinky. He shudders, such a disturbing thought.
Entering the train, he looked around. Third compartment, he mused. He mentally counted each number over the compartments until he got to the third one stopping in his tracks. He was purposely looking to the right giving a cough. Did he really want to know what was waiting here for him? He somehow doubted he was going for a joy ride. Carefully, his moonstone eyes glanced over.
When Adam looks over at first all there seems to be is a small mass of white. But then, slowly, as if sensing the man's gaze it moves and twitches. Smooth membrane unfurls and the mass is quickly shown to be curled wings which are engulfing a small child. Said child yawns, stretching out everything, from his arms to his toes to his large, white bat wings before looking at Adam with hazel, sleep misted curiosity shining in his hazel eyes.
White bat wings caught Adam's attention and for a moment he was like a child, reaching out to touch them. The child's gaze distracted him though. "Are you supposed to be on here?" he asked.
"Daddy?" Kasch asked, his eyes glistening. His fingers reached out as his wings folded back. He pleaded silently to be picked up and waited to be held. The sleep clung to his lashes as he blinked.
Adam stared at the boy. Daddy? No no no. He was not a daddy. He would never be a daddy. Grumbling, he picked the tot up and made his way off the train. He looked at Pere, walking over. This was a really big mistake. He wasn't even responsible, he couldn't be someone's parent. The daughter he had was more like his maid that he neglected at every chance he got.
Kasch's subtle greenish gray eyes peered around the train station, his face contorting in sadness when he saw a red spotted towel. Tugging on Adam's shirt, he climbed down and rushed over to Pere. "What happened?" he asked sadly.
Pere smiled down at the newest Passenger, this kind of kindness coming much more naturally, and he gently removed the towel to show the blackbird to Kasch, "he got hurt somehow. Don't worry, he'll be alright, he's just sleeping now. Healing. Did you meet your," Pere almost paused, never sure what term to use with these people who picked up the Passengers. He'd never really had to before either.
Oh well, instilling a paternal responsibility in the man was probably for the best. The Adam character seemed nice enough anyway. "-Dad?" he finished smoothly.
Adam opened his mouth to interject but gave up. Somehow he didn't think he had a choice in the matter. "Yeah, he found me..." he sighed. He watched the child, watching the bird. He couldn't remember being little but he doubted he ever had a care for birds.
"He? She? It's a pretty bird," he said gently giving a coo. It was a beautiful bird he thought and he reached out touching the black feathers. It was so odd to see the boy touch the bird so gently, as if he knew how to handle a bird.
"What do you plan to do with it?" Adam asked, he had no reason to care what happened to the bird but maybe Kasch wanted it. Or maybe he could give Kasch to Pere and the two of them could take care of it.
"He. And... I'm not sure..." Pere replied, silently pleased that Adam hadn't verbally balked at the paternal title. He turned his mind back to the bird in his lap. "I was thinking of taking care of him," he'd been considering keeping the bird with him until it was healthy again, as company since the Junction was so often deserted....
But... "perhaps you would you like to take care of him until he gets well again? Goodness knows this isn't the best place for a bird. Perhaps he can help you with your egg as well," Pere said, easily keeping whatever gloom there was in him out of his voice and expression as he looked to Kasch curiously and nodded to the egg in the boy's care.
Adam blinked. Egg? Leaning over he gawked at the round black thing in Kasch's hand. He hadn't noticed that at all. He stood back up and almost chuckled. He couldn't believe he'd missed it, he really was distracted.
"I'd like that. Can I?" he asked looking up at Adam who gave a nod. He was much too confused about things to say no. Of course, they'd have to walk home not wanting to show his gargoyle form yet to a child he'd just met.
The boys hands came together to cup the egg gently before tucking it by the male bird. He looked at it curiously before edging forward to warm it. Apparently he too thought it was a good idea.
Pere smiled and waited until the bird was settled before easing it, along with the towels and the egg, into Kasch's arms. He ruffled the boy's hair gently, "take good care of them, hm? And if you want to keep the towels I'm sure no one will notice them."
Kasch carefully held onto the bird smiling at Pere and then at Adam. "I will. You'll be safe with me," he whispered to the bird. The bird cooed in response, ruffling his feathers to warm the egg he'd been entrusted to care for.
"We should go-"
"My name's Kasch," the boy interrupted. He smiled at the two men as he was lifted up. Though tomorrow was sure to be interesting, what with a stone father, a new sister, and the night after would be one to hope went well. Adam surely wouldn't keep a good mood that long if he remembered he had gotten a son.
"It's was very nice meeting you Kasch," Pere said, standing once the boy had a firm grip on the bird. He smiled to Adam in a way that communicated a very clear message of 'good luck' before turning away and heading off into the Junction, waving over his shoulder to Guardian and Passenger as he wandered off to get clean again.
Even with the blood dribbling down the back of his neck he smiled to himself. So rarely did things go off without a hitch. It was nice to see what they were working towards with his own eyes.
Not that he had a choice in the matter.
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Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 11:41 pm
07.26.06
Adam's Apartment in Durem, Gaia Is This a Joke? Xiu Xue stared at Adam, he was joking right? He couldn't be serious. The thought of a child in Adam's care made her want to scream. He couldn't even take care of her, how would he take care of a little boy? The obvious sarcastic responses were swiftly draining from her mind as she looked down the boy.
He was adorable. Not that Adam wasn't handsome but, there was no way this child could belong to him. It was just impossible.
Her head was already spinning by the time she sat down. "Kasch, is it? You must be tired." She looked at the little boy beckoning him over. Only after Adam nodded, did the boy walk over to her. He watched her for a moment, she seemed ok. Carefully protecting the bird and egg, he let her lift him up.
"Only a little," he murmured. The boy looked at his bird, not about to leave it in anyone's care but his own.
"Why don't you lay down on the couch? I'll put your bird beside you," she offered. Ginerly, she lifted him and put him down on the couch. She pulled a blanket down over him and he nuzzled against his bird. "Sleep well," she whispered.
Waiting a moment for him to fall asleep, Xiu Xue waited for Adam to follow her to the kitchen. She didn't understand how a ticket would give him a child. If there was some magic wouldn't it know better than to give a child to him? A shark would take better care of a child.
"You're really annoying. I told you I found him on a train," Adam replied to her unspoken question. He growled slightly, the mood of kindness falling apart. Maybe it was just the bird or the cute kid that had temporarily made him feel nice.
"You can't take care of a kid!" she shouted quietly.
"Look, you can take him back in the morning but I doubt they'll do anything. Hell, it might not even be there tomorrow! Besides you're here, you can take care of the tater tot," he said softly. He gave a snort, like she could take care of a child either.
"I can take care of him better than you can. Just go do whatever you do. I'll take care of him." She huffed, turning on her heels and storming softly to her room. She would make a list of things to do tomorrow, such as getting a bed and some clothes for the boy.
The blue and white tones of her room muted her anger as she climbed into bed. How was she going to take care of a child? She didn't know anything about children. What if she had to discipline him? What if he got sick? What if he was sick? The more she thought, the more sure she became that she had no idea what she was doing.
Her ears twitched as she rolled over. She'd have to give herself some slack and get some sleep. Not only did she have a brother now, but one she'd have to take care of. Maybe she could ask her friend's, Dulcea, mother for some advice.
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Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 11:46 pm
07.27.06
Durem Library, Gaia Passengers Among Passages Wanting to find some books about raising children, Xiu Xue takes Kasch to the library. There he meets Reiha and Korbin though at first he is much more interesting in the crow. Though they butt heads, they both seem to have a passion for birds or at least Korbin. The bat-winged boy finds his new acquaintance more confusing as time goes on. Read along as they get to know one another.
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Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 8:30 pm
07.28.06
Adam's Apartment in Durem, Gaia Safe-Haven Decorating wasn't her strong suit, Xiu Xue being so simple when it came to rooms. She was a dog tahnee after all, as long as it wasn't a doghouse she was fine. Not that she hadn't decorated her room but it was easy to decorate for herself. It simply meant to use nothing that Adam would possibly like. His style was obvious, in fact it was a complete lack of style or caring that she'd tried very hard to cover up in the apartment.
So when she sat Kasch down, she didn't expect much of anything. In fact, she half hoped that maybe she could take him for a walk to gather inspiration. She liked him enough but she missed her friend Dulcea, another dog tahnee. A jokester who could be just as caring as Xiu Xue, but often when the two were together it was Dully's job to play jokes and be "sweet" in case trouble came of them. Come to think of it, hadn't Dully recieved a sister in a rather bizarre way too?
"I want to live in a bird house!" Kasch interrupted her thoughts. He grinned, holding his fallen bird in his arms. He never stopped nursing the poor creature unless it meant leaving his egg behind.
"What!? A bird house?" Xiu Xue choked a little. How the heck was he going to live in a bird house? She stared at him, thinking.
"I don't think we can build a birdhouse in your room, at least not for you Kasch. We could build one for your birds if you'd like." She added the last part in hopes of keeping the child from beind sad or worse, throwing a tantrum.
Kasch surprised her though, instead he simply seemed to think. "Can we make my room look like a birdhouse? Or a meadow with birds in the trees?" he preposed. True to others it'd look like the inside of a crate but to him- to him it could be almost paradise.
"I think we could do that." She pondered a moment, doing some minor calculations on her pad of paper and sketching a very rough design. True, they'd probably have to hire an artist or something to achieve something that didn't look horrid but she'd find a way to make it happen. It wasn't as though Adam wasn't a thief...or whatever he did to get his money.
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Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 12:54 am
08.01.06
Adam's Apartment in Durem, Gaia Dear Diary... Quote: I'm quite confused to say the least. I've written about Adam before but never did I think I would see him with a child. He's not at all the fatherly type or so I thought. But a few days ago he came home with a little boy.
He said he found him on a train. His name is Kasch and he's an adorable little boy. He has these white bat-like wings, something I've never seen before. There's a blackbird with him that he's taking care of and an egg, though I haven't seen it.
Still I'm worried. Adam doesn't know how to be a father and I certainly don't think I'm old enough to be a mother. As his older sister, I'm all that's here to take care of him. I don't know how to do that really. I suppose I'll have to finish reading these books to figure out what type of rules he'll need. Luckily, he hasn't acted up at all. If it wasn't for his wings, I'd think he was a little angel.
The other day when I went to the library, he met a little girl named Reiha. Quite a different little girl I must say. She seemed so small and yet acted like she could be my mother. I suppose some children just are more independent than others.
At least she seems to like birds so that is something they have in common. I'm not sure they have anything else in common though. Such a pretty girl but I don't think she'd enjoy many feminine activities. Not that I remember much of my childhood but playing dress-up and house were always fun for me. For an orphan, my childhood was happy that much I know.
I promised Kasch we could paint his room, it used to be the spare room in case Adam ever needed it. We, well I decided that he doesn't need it though. He seems attracted to pastels, he even likes the color pink. We found some nice blue and green sheets for the bed we bought. A bunk bed with a writing desk underneath so he can write and play.
For the walls we chose a light blue and we found a tree template so we can stencil one on the wall. We're going to hang a picture of a blackbird on it. He's excited to get his room finished and seems to have opened up to this being his home quite well.
I should sleep though. There is still quite a bit to do. Hopefully the school will have called back and I can figure out what to do about that. The only help Adam gave was that money didn't matter. I'm afraid to know how he gets money so I don't ask. Alls that matters is that there is enough to take care of Kasch now.
Until next time,
Xiu Xue
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Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 1:52 pm
08.23.06
Adam's Apartment in Durem, Gaia Fly Away Kasch's blackbird friend recovers and he thinks about releasing him.
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Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 2:37 pm
09.02.06
Adam's Apartment in Durem, Gaia Rain and Thunder A boom rattled the room, two hazel eyes popping open. Flashes of light trigged outside the window before another boom slammed the door shut. Sleepiness faded quickly as fear set in, what was going on? He whimpered as he sat up his little hands clutching his pillow. He waited a moment hoping he was having a nightmare but another crash of thunder sent him clammering down the ladder of his bunk bed. His pillow crumpled in his arms he yanked the door open and rushed into the living room only to be confronted with a hideous figure.
Lightning flashed outside, cascaded the red gargoyle in a lampshade of eerie light. Even in his living gargoyle form, Adam still looked a nightmare for a child. It would've sent a child into a terror to see him as a statue, a deep magic transforming his human features into a horrid beast to scare away evil spirits (a protection so people didn't recognize that he was a statue during the day). The scream that echoed from the little boy sent the gargoyle into a shock. His eyes glowed, his mouth open in confusion until he realized he wasn't quite human at the moment.
Darkness enveloped the room as rain pounded against the window, and with the next flash Adam knelt down to his son. There was silence as Kasch flung himself into Adam's arms whimpering about how he had been awoken and then thought he saw a monster. He sniffled, tears springing to his eyes as he thought of the monster. Holding him limply, Adam was rather confused on what to do. He patted the boy gently on the back his eyes looking around the room. Never had the man felt so awkward, not even his first time had been awkward. A smile flitted over his lips, memories filling his head until he realized Kasch was looking up at him.
Adam coughed, pulling himself back for a moment. "Uh, yes. Well, then why don't you go talk to your sister?" he suggested. He wasn't sure what to tell the child. He couldn't exactly yell that he was the monster. Then again...maybe he could-
"I want you, Daddy," he said cuddling closer to Adam. His voice seemed to leak sugar and for a moment it seemed as though Adam had given in. As soon as it had come, it passed on.
"Now, Kasch. I can't-" he stopped looking down at the boy. He sighed, running a hand through his orange hair. Just this once, he supposed. "Just this once," he admitted in defeat. He lifted the child into his arms. Entering the boy's room he heard a slight whimper but shrugged it off.
"What if it booms again?" Kasch asked. He looked up at Adam, unable to see any annoyance. He only saw a familiar face, his Dad as he thought.
"The storm has passed. It's just raining now. The boom was thunder and it can't hurt you, it's just loud sometimes. And the monster-"
"It can't?" His wings fluttered, curiousity peeking out from his fear. "Really? But it rattles everything!" Surely something that rattled his room could hurt him somehow. He watched his dad carefully as he was placed on his bed.
"No. It's just a sound. It does shake things but that's it." He debated blurting out that he was the monster and so there was nothing to worry about. A twinge of guilty threatened to spill out if Kasch didn't take it well. He wasn't sure what to do. "The monster you saw, it was me. I'm a gargoyle," he murmured looking away. When he heard no response he looked back to see the boy was looking out the window.
"So the thunder isn't mean? What about the birds outside? Are they safe?"
Adam almost groaned. Was this kid obsessed with birds? He shook his head wishing he could just yell and leave. "Why don't you talk to your sister about this tomorrow?" he suggested instead. He sighed covering the toddler up and rested his head on the edge of the bed frame. He didn't know what to do with this kid.
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Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 10:47 am
09.02.06
A Park, Gaia Weaving Nests and a Wandering Calf At a park, Kasch collects grass and twigs to finish building a nest for his egg. He seeks silence at the merry-go-round but instead is loudly asked to help. After helping a spotted girl with horns onto the horse he finds out that she's Sourire. Read along as he learns what a Sourire is.
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Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 7:50 am
12.18.06
Park in Durem, Gaia Painting the Park On an outing to the park, Kasch is feeling incredibly alone with the eerie silence of the place. White snow everywhere blocks out the life around him and even with Xiu Xue there, still he finds it a bit scary. Upon a chance meeting with Arya, might life creep back into the park? Read along as Arya and Kasch paint the park with life.
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Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 9:39 pm
01.05.07
Apartment Rooftop in Durem, Gaia Vampire Birds "You're his father, or at least he thinks you are! You need to do something with him, Adam. Why not take him out sometime? Or play a game with him? I know I can't expect you to actually do something like clean or make dinner for your son but you could at least act interested!" Xiu Xue shouted softly at her guardian. She didn't want to wake up Kasch or anyone else in the apartment building for that matter. Just whose idea had it been to give him a child anyways? Didn't they know his idea of being a father was handing the kid off to someone else and running off?
"Brilliant idea, I'm sure. However, just how exactly do you suggest I hang out with him? Why not bring him up to the church roof during the daytime? I'm sure I'd be great company then!" he snorted, amused. As serious as he could be on the matter he honestly figured that would be the only way. He wasn't going to take the boy out at night, then he wouldn't have time for his fun. Or searching the church or wherever else he could think.
"..." Xiu opened her mouth but stopped. She rolled her eyes, he had a point. She mulled over the situation. There had to be something he could do besides making comments. "Why not take him out at night? You don't have to be a gargoyle, you could stay human."
"And I suppose you don't have to a be a girl, either?"
"Where did you grow up? Honestly, can't you ever just answer a question?"
"No, can you?" he laughed. This was fun, annoying her into anger. Maybe if he kept it up just a bit longer she'd give up. She couldn't really have thought he'd take out the little tyke. To be honest, he had nothing against Kasch. He even perhaps liked him a little but the point was he was a kid. He had nothing in common with the boy, he had little interest in the boy, and he knew that Xiu Xue didn't have the coldness to just toss the boy out onto the street. So really he had no reason to worry, Kasch would be taken care of. Not by him, which he was sure relieved everyone, but was that really important?
Xiu Xue growled, her ears flattened back as she curled her tail. Some days she wished she was a dog, she could bite him or... A deep breath and the growl lessened but not by much. Her eyes sparked, knowing full well what her mistake had been. She'd asked, suggested something. A smile, more of a smirk, appeared on her lips and she turned leaving the clueless Adam to think he'd won.
Only when she reappeared, she had Kasch with her. Adam raised an eyebrow, "What's going on? Why is he wearing a coat?" His brain told him to run away before she could do anything but curiosity grabbed ahold. What was she doing?
"Kasch, your dad is going to take you out. Doesn't that sound like fun?"
"I never said that!" he stumbled looking down at Kasch. He couldn't think of how to say it without possibly hurting the boy's feelings. There might be a slight benefit if he did but he doubted it. He sighed, reaching out and taking the little boy's hand, "Come on..."
Adam and Kasch stood on the apartment rooftop. He couldn't think of anywhere to go and he certainly wasn't going to take him flying. Sure it wasn't like he was back home, where he'd surely have been shot down. Still the child hadn't shown interest nor did his wings seem very strong yet. Once in awhile, when he needed to Kasch fluttered or lifted off the ground but that was severely different from flying.
"What's that?" Kasch asked pointing towards the sky. His interest in the people below had been brief and was gone now. His eyes looked up, the sky painted dark blue with specks of light. Rather than ask about the stars or the moon, his eyes fixated on the object flying towards Adam.
"What's what?" Adam asked oblivious to things as usual. He looked around before seeing the object. His human eyes couldn't make out what it was. A blob? It was hard to tell in the dark.
"That." The little boy looked up at Adam just as the object flew in. It snapped his beak at Adam, flapping it wings wildly as it tried to stop from barrelling into him. Hovering, it snapped it's beak again trying to sink the sharp maxillar tip into any flesh. The brown feathers were similar to a tree and small tufts resembled small horns. It appeared to have a flat face but large round eyes.
"Damn, Strix!" Adam shouted as the tip of the beak ripped a small piece of flesh. He growled lifting his arm and slapping it back against the rooftop. He glared as it screeched, twisting it's head as it flopped around before standing. He moved over to it ready to step on the small creature-
"NO!" Kasch screamed, running at his father and pushing him to the side. "You can't hurt him!" he pleaded, tears flooding his eyes. "Please, Daddy. Don't, please?" he begged.
Adam looked at the boy then to the pesky strix. He raised his eyebrows as the owl moved to sit by Kasch, as if it realized he was it's savior. He'd never seen one show anything but lust for tearing flesh. "If you make sure it's not flying about trying to eat me..." he started, pausing to look at the thing. Did Kasch realize what it was? "You do know what it is, don't you?"
Kasch looked at his father and then to the bird. He tilted his head looking over it for a moment. Reaching his hand out, the owl jumped onto his outstretched fingers. "No...but it can't be bad. It's a birdy and he is pretty."
"It's a Strix. A vampire owl. It eats blood and flesh from humans, it's said to bring bad luck to anyone it comes after," Adam explained. He looked at the pint size bird. It was small and the bad luck, well it was pretty much bad luck to have a bird try to eat you in his opinion. Although how Kasch was going to feed it...
"He'll be a good bird. I promise, Daddy."
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Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 6:37 pm
01.11.07
Adam's Apartment in Durem, Gaia Repercussions Xiu Xue yells at Adam for allowing Kasch to keep the strix. (Poor Adam can't ever do anything right, can he?) She tells him his 'outing' didn't count and that he should show more interest in his son. Adam opts to ignore her, though he peeks in to see Kasch naming his new bird, his pet, Tapio.
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Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 8:00 pm
01.12.07
Church Bell Tower in Durem, Gaia To Quill Time Quote: I rarely write, moreso make notes as to where I've found manuscripts. Though lately I can barely find just a scrap as I've been entrusted with a child. I can't help but snort at the idea as it's quite insane. I have no interest in being a father though it is hard to hate the child...not that I would ever admit it, save in here. A miracle I know any incantations though I am thankful to have something that keeps this safe and private. I would much rather be banished to live here forever than have that dog girl read this. I can't say that I stand her any more than usual, in fact I find it her even more annoying now that this child is around.
I must not digress, I mean to write of the boy and his new pet. I must be going soft, I let him keep a strix. I know it'll be a bother to have around. Never has there been such a horrid bird, one that nips at everything trying to rip off its flesh. It's passion is ripping any living creature up and I'm surprised that so far it's beak hasn't tried to tear into Kasch. He must have something special when it comes to birds and if I was in France, I just might wish I had that special gift except with women.
Time is limited and I've lost much of my interest in that game, not that I would ever consider looking for a relationship. Nor would I ever consider looking at men, women might be difficult but they are one of the only things worth playing with. If it hadn't been for such a mishap I would say that magic and spells were too. I've yet to find anything that may help me go back home, if only Gargouille were alive. I am sure I could find a way to scry to him but I do not think my master has awoken. He must still slumber in the depths of the Seine, damn saints. Roman should've paid for his 'killing' of such a great dragon, how thankful that Roman was so powerless against our king, our father.
His moonstone eyes looked over his writing and he grimaced, he'd strayed again from his topic. He shook his head unable to focus on things tonight. He missed France, so many things would've been nice now but he was trapped here. Even more so he was trapped with children, two of them. He was a prisoner it seemed and ironically it seemed to make his will to find a spell dwindle more than feed it. Perhaps he was beginning to like it here or more so, become tolerant of this new home.
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Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:35 am
02.03.08
Somewhere, Gaia Preying on Passengers Kasch's strix, Tapio, gets free and rushes through the night. His sense of smell drives him to a large group of people leaving a building and straight to another passenger, Marcello. Once the bird is caught by Adam and contained in Kasch arms, the boy introducing himself to Marcello and Paul. Read along to see how they get along.
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Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 9:41 am
04.10.08
Near the Bell Tower in Durem, Gaia An Infuriating Boy and a Tower Kasch heads off to the library on his own, Tapio in tow. After wandering rather aimlessly with a curiousity for shiny things he keeps seeing, he decides he should really go to the library. Only he ends up running into Ahab, quite literally.Quote: This scene was boring him. A gaggle of people, none of them very interesting, and all of them talking at the same time- this modeling business was for the birds. Why couldn't he get a 'father' with a decent job? A real job? Or at least something exciting. A stuntman, now there was a job that could keep even an observer on their toes. If Kin had been a stuntman or even a base-jumper he would have been a lot more interesting. But he was all glamour and superficial charm, neither of which interested Ahab for very long. Not that he could really complain; the money was good.
Diago was long gone. He hadn't even lingered to look at the underfed women in their strutting over-glorified outfits. Apparently they weren't his type. Or he had just had enough of models in general. They had attracted his eyes for a moment, which was why he had lingered as long as he had, and because the hand of his guardian had rested on his shoulder as if knowing and taking advantage all at the same time. When that was gone, so was he. Perhaps, if he was really instrumental to Kin's happiness and popularity, they would find one another again. He wasn't worried about it.
Viridian eyes appraised the archaic architecture of Durem, a very keen amusement glowing dimly. He'd never been here before, being the first photo-shoot that he had attended since he arrived in this place. He didn't know how long that he'd wandered, or where he was. All Ahab's mind was focused on at the moment was the small thought that he had seen a tower of sorts on their way in. For a child he was very comfortably lost.
He was supposed to be on his way to the library but he kept taking turns to make the trip longer. His hazel eyes kept finding shining objects and he found he just had to see what they were, however thus far each one had turned out to be a disappointment. A coin, a lost key, a heart shaped locket, even a silver cigarette case- though he'd thought it was some kind of fancy purse.
With a long sigh, he mumbled something to the brown feathered creature on his shoulder- it looked like an owl with a very sour temperment or some dark desire. "I thought it'd be fun to walk to the library by ourselves, but it's even more boring than being brought," he said softly. Given that Kasch really wasn't an adventurous kid, it was a little odd that he had wanted to go on his own. Then again with a flesh eating bird, who would be stupid enough to touch him?
By the time he finally decided to head for the library he had made it about half way in the opposite direction. He paused, looking around to figure out just where he was. Just as he took a step forward to head off, he felt himself walk into another person. The strix on his shoulder hoved indignantly above the two kids- a hungry look in his eye as he surveyed the stranger waiting for a sign.
When Kasch bumped into him, Ahab's body heeded with an easy fluidity much as if he had expected it. He hadn't, of course, brows arching briefly as he flowed backwards with legs that mindlessly criss-crossed one another to almost dance him back a bit from the other boy. His eyes took in the other child, guarded, then relaxing along with his whole disposition in the next moment.
"Smart." He commented quite bluntly, looking not at all concerned with the sudden contact of the stranger though he did seem somewhat amused in a lazy sort of way. His arms remained in his blue, baggy hoodie, though they shifted somewhat. He appraised Kasch- white-blonde hair, pale skin, strange clothes. He himself was a darker breed, tanned an olive color by the sun and in possession of dark curls that seemed glossy in the light of the day. At this vicinity, one could smell the faint traces of salt on him. His eyes drifted up to the owl-like creature that had taken to the sky. It seemed familiar to him, almost.
"What's that?" He questioned, drawling with lackadaisical ease as if they had known one another for years.
Kasch opened his mouth to retort, his brows furrowed in a mixture of confusion and slight anger. Just what did he mean, smart? Colorful words filled his head, ones he knew he wasn't to say but had heard Adam muttered many times. "Sorry," he said with a hint of displeasure at apologizing. It certainly wasn't like him to be angry or not want to apologize. In fact since his arrival, the boy had never been angry. He'd been sad or slightly upset at the most.
He shook his head, getting to his feet before even thinking of addressing the boy's question. His mind screamed, Why should I tell you? but he couldn't bring himself to say it. Instead he stood quietly glancing over the other kid. He looked vastly different- though his skintone was a bit like Reiha's he thought.
"It's a strix." His voice was even, no hint of emotion as he tried to calm down. There was no need to lash out at the boy- though there was something about being almost criticized- like he wasn't right that pushed him into another life.
Truthfully, he was a bit alarmed at the anger he felt. Yet he was sure the boy wouldn't know what a strix was and then he could strike back- he could be the one criticizing the other. He waved his hand absently downward and the strix settled on his shoulder a noisy clicking filling his ear.
If he noticed the other boy's anger, or if he felt anything in return, he certainly wasn't showing it. He didn't even acknowledge the other's apology, absorbed for the moment on the disgruntled strix. Something about it made his attention stay on it for the moment. It was the frustration of seeing something familiar and not knowing where from. It seemed impossible, since nothing like it showed up by his lakeside home. Perhaps he had seen it on the train ride over?
A strix, was it? Idly he reached up, scratching the bridge of his nose with his thumb in a thoughtful gesture before he finally regarded Kasch, or to be more correct, the boy's clothes and addressed them. "You're on your own. Lost?"
Lost? He bristled slightly, "I am not lost." His voice was more forceful than he intended and for a moment he had a notion that maybe he should sent the strix at him just to get some sort of respect. Of course then he wondered if that made him think he was some sort of king, better than other people.
No, that wasn't right. Closing his eyes, he calmed down and spoke again, "No, I'm not lost. I'm on my way to the library. Are you looking for something?" he asked. It sounded nicer than asking if he was lost in return. Whatever it was, he was trying hard to quell the anger that was threatening to rise up.
The strix clicked again, letting out what sounded like a shrill hoot or whistle. It stared at the boy, it was just asking to be nibbled at the very least. Tapio clicked again, his eyes flashing with hunger. Surely this boy who was upsetting his pet-master-friend was low enough to be eaten or at least sampled. But his hopes were dashed when Kasch shook his head, and the bird let out another shrill whistle. He ruffled his feather indignantly, wanting to know just why the hell not.
That seemed to generate something. Even though he was not really paying attention to the boy's stance and expression, his tone was loud with irritation. Ahab looked up finally as if his name had been called, eye to eye with Kasch for the first time. He looked a bit bemused, brows furrowed as he seemed to puzzle over why the other was getting excited all of the sudden. In all truthfulness, he had forgotten about what he had said earlier, and certainly didn't consider the impact. He gauged the other, watched him close his eyes and give himself his own little form of therapy.
The tan boy himself shifted while he waited, dragging a sandal-clad foot over the back of his leg to scratch an itch there. He heard the question, but his expression took on that devil-may-care air once again and his lips twitched upwards. "You're the one who ran into me, you know," He reminded the other, and there was something playful in the boy then, teasing and bold. That the strix was making noise and raising somewhat of a fuss seemed beyond his comprehension or care. Ahab ducked his chin somewhat, shook his head with a clever little chuckle as he dismissed the subject again.
"There is a tower here, white or maybe brown." Was what he mused, as if drifting on to another subject entirely. Whether it could be called the answer to Kasch's question was up for debate. He rarely gave them, at least not in the way most did. He wasn't stressed or in a rush, so there was little reason to. Even if there was it was still a possibility that he couldn't say exactly what he wanted to save his life.
"I only ran into you because I was making sure I was going the right way to the library. If I'd been a step ahead, you'd have run into me!" Kasch stated trying hard not to yell. Why was this boy so aggravating? Didn't he care at all about anything? "If you were nice I'd show you the tower but-" he stopped short.
Just because someone else is rude doesn't mean you have to be! Xiu Xue always stated, usually after a fight with Adam. He huffed, crossing his arms over his chest in anger. He had every right to be angry, this boy wasn't being nice- he didn't even have the decency to be rude so Kasch had a reason to be angry. He grumbled something under his breath, guessing the other boy wouldn't notice. He might've had eyes but he didn't seem able to pay attention at all.
"I guess I could show you the tower..." he mumbled. His hazel eyes moved to the other boy, his anger ebbing away as he tried to forget the non-sense that had been getting to him. He'd have to ask his father why it would- it didn't seem to make sense to him. It wasn't like he was ever criticized or anything- it should've been a curious encounter if anything.
"My name is Kasch and this is Tapio." He held out his hand, not sure the other boy would do anything in return. Maybe at the mention of the tower, he'd want to pay attention to Kasch and be attentive. Or at least, he would stop being so- difficult.
"But it didn't happen that way." The boy tilted his head slightly, allowing his amusement to shine through his relaxed stance and expression. Did he know how flustered he was making the other male? Well, he did now if not before.
He resisted informing Kasch that he was sure he would find something if he wandered around long enough. That was pressing it a little, surely. Besides, the other seemed to be offering to show him to his current interest (though this huffy little boy was playing a close second). Rolling his shoulders slowly, Ahab seemed to have made his agreement to the offer, nonchalant as it was. To the names he nodded, idle to the formality, knowing that Kin would be so disapproving of his less than affable nature.
"Cash?" The hand received a lifted brow, before Ahab smirked, reaching forward to take the boy's hand and hold it. The vampiric little owl received a slight nod of greeting. He knew this hadn't been what the other had meant but oh, it was so fun at the moment!
"But it didn't happen that way." The boy tilted his head slightly, allowing his amusement to shine through his relaxed stance and expression. Did he know how flustered he was making the other male? Well, he did now if not before.
Still holding to Ahab's hand as if it was no big deal, Kasch turned to point at the tower that had been looming behind him. "That's the tower, it's a good four blocks from here I think- walking I mean." He stopped short of adding anything realizing this boy had said nothing of his wings- it was ood as that was almost always the first thing someone mentioned. Still he shrugged it off, not really caring that his wings weren't the main focus- maybe for once he could not have to admit he couldn't fly yet. It wasn't a huge disappointment for him at the moment but still- it was slightly embarrassing to only be able to flutter a few feet off the ground and hover when he wanted so much to fly like his dad and join the birds.
"I'd ask your name- but you probably wouldn't answer. Did you wander away from your Dad or Mom?" he asked, he had no idea this was a passenger. Then again he'd never really sensed anything from a passenger let alone himself. Sure he'd arrived on a train but- maybe that's how everyone did?
Holding hands was more of what Kin did to keep him from putting him in a collar and leash. He tended to wander often, sometimes of his own choosing and sometimes not. It was something Diago had made clear that was NOT to be done with him, assuming their guardian wasn't watching. It seemed that it did not work with Kasch to make him uneasy. Apparently the other boy did not take contact from a stranger as seriously as he could. Well, whatever. Sure, he was disappointed, but it was only a minor setback.
Sure, he'd seen the wings. He wasn't exactly sure what they were doing there, but he had a good idea of what they were. To be honest, the boy's clothes attracted his eyes more. He slid them over the elaborate azure of the tunic Kasch was wearing, admiring secretly. He was of course interrupted by the other trying to produce conversation, and asking questions.
"Why should I when you don't really like me?" He sighed, as if the words already bored him as he spoke them. His gaze drifted away as they walked, never staying on anything for too long. "Maybe I'm not the wanderer. Or maybe I didn't wander as much as I just walked. I'm here, you're here. Did you wander?"
"I would if you were nice." Kasch mumbled. He didn't want to answer any questions from this kid now. He was sure it'd either get a sarcastic response or another question in return. For once he was along the same line of thoughts as Adam, he really did want to show the tower to Ahab and then lose him for life. Unlike Adam he'd have a guilty conscious if he did that. If there was ever a moment where being raised with manners was the most horrible idea, it was now. Without manners, he could've just pushed the other boy over and left. He could've done all sorts of things and just left- instead of trying to help.
"Why should I answer that? I'm sure you just want to make me look or feel stupid, just so you can be amused." It'd escaped his mouth before he'd much thought of it, but it made plenty of sense. Normally he would've apologize for his irritation, for being angry, for anything and everything he said, but now he kind of felt like he didn't care. In fact maybe he should be as irritating as he could- then the other boy would want to leave on his own. A guilty conscious though...
So he simply walked on, feeling as though he were dragging the most annoying kid along with him. He looked up at Tapio- he seemed even more annoyed than Kasch did. Then again when prey wandered right up to him, he still wasn't allowed to take a bite. The bird supposed he couldn't fault Kasch for that as it seemed the boy was getting his own form of "No" having to drag the annoying brat with him. He clicked- a soft whistle of comfort floating down to his master. Just as soon as that appreciative note left his beak, he made a much more menacing whistle towards Ahab and for a bird it didn't matter if he noticed him or not, he didn't care if someone didn't notice- it always made hunting more fun when they didn't.
"No Tapio," Kasch whispered to the strix. As tempting as it was- it was the last thing he wanted to happen. But with the encourgement from his pet he decided to try not to be irritated anymore, giving it another shot at trying to be friends. "What's your name?" And if he didn't get an answer this time, he might just not talk at all.
Ahab had to laugh at the other's words, a soft and breathy thing descending into a small chuckle. Those dark brown curls swayed when he shook his head, something he did often it seemed, as if he were sharing in his own private joke that Kasch wasn't seeing something very important. "I'm amused. Do you feel stupid?"
Another chuckle, his azure eyes flickering over to Tapio, as if considering whether or not he would try and tease it as well with a couple clicks of his own. Best not to push it, right? The strix seemed to be withheld by the owner himself, something Ahab at least could vaguely realized. "This is me being nice," he addressed Kasch instead, tan fingers giving the opposite set a small squeeze before he began to swing their arms a little. Usually he wasn't much of a talker at all when he was presented with questions, but it seemed as if the other boy's frustration with him deserved something. "You've done better than my brother. I'm called Ahab."
Kasch looked quite confused at the boy's laughing but said nothing as he watched him. When he first heard the question, he had to wait before answering- the word stupid seem to make him feel angry again but he pushed it away. So far being angry had just amused the other boy- so it was no good getting angrier. He took a breath, pondering over it. Did he feel stupid? Yes, sometimes he did but did he right now? No, he felt more irritated. Perhaps this is why Adam never came around in the daytime- Xiu Xue was always irritating him. In the end though, he simply shrugged. So far in life, feeling had not been his strong suit unless he counted being scared or happy.
He was quiet surprised by the squeeze and sudden swinging of their arms- but it was much better than being asked questions or being irritated for sheer amusement. "It's nice to meet you, Ahab." Ok so that wasn't entirely true, but for the moment- it was. He pondered for a moment, trying to think of what to say. "What's your brother's name? What train did he come on?" he asked quite sure there was no other way to arrive in Gaia. Not that he remembered the train much- though for some reason when he thought of it, he could remember a name on the side of it. "Did he come on the Naviat?"
Tapio looked a little sullen at this turn of events. They were talking- almost friendly like. He made a depressed hoot and turned his back to Kasch and Ahab. Next time he'd make sure to bite the little beast before he could decide to get into his master's good graces!
Life for Ahab thusfar was either an amusement or a disappointment, the former dissolving into the latter before he could properly enjoy or grasp it. It wasn't really anything personal against Kasch himself. Ahab didn't do personal, at least not yet. What he said, or didn't say, wasn't really what you could call malice for Kasch or anyone. As far as he was concerned for now, he was rather neutral, if not amused with this new boy and what seemed to him an uptight . So many other things just went over his head in the meantime. Like how the other may feel about him and how he was offended by what was said.
There was only a shrug towards the statement. Was it really nice? Things like that were things Kin said all the time to people he may not have meant it to. This boy was really chatty, wasn't he? At least he seemed to know how to keep the subjects interesting. "He didn't come with me here so I don't know which train he rode in on, but his name is Diago. He must have come in before I got here... Was he on your train?" Well, Kasch didn't look nearly as old as Diago, who was in his early teens about now.
"No, I came alone mostly. There weren't any other children, just my egg. He or she doesn't seem to want to hatch though, it's been months," Kasch frowned. He really wanted his egg to hatch and because it didn't he felt he was doing something wrong. It was really hard because no book could tell him what it was! It was like it didn't belong in any world and had never been seen before- so there was no way to find out if he was doing something wrong or even if he was doing something right.
Had his mind not strayed off to his egg, he might've asked about when Ahab arrived on the train. It was quite odd he'd never asked anyone else about the train they'd arrived on though but then he never thought of it. There was no reason to ask when or how or to who- not for him.
"So why do you want to see this tower?" Kasch asked in hopes of keeping things friendly or at least not irritating. The only real thing he could think to say about the tower was that it was tall and that really didn't seem interesting enough to seek it out.
"Maybe it's for you to eat." Made sense to him if the egg was supposed to be a dud, which it sounded like it was. And he had eggs for breakfast all the time. The thoughts of the egg drifted away after that, and a few minutes into the silence until the next question, Ahab took on a distant sort of look. At one point his steps slowed, and he was about to come to a stop until the other's hand tugged at his because Kasch had gotten ahead by this time. Absently, Ahab picked up his step again, following the other like a lost lamb in all complacency. Until he asked a question again, of course.
He looked like he was waking from a dream then, blinking lazily and looking back at the boy with a sort of dazed look. "Tower?" He murmured, then seemed to remember, shrugging. "It's not the tower I want to see."
Normally the suggestion that he was to eat the egg would've caused a very unnatural explosion of anger from him- but he wasn't paying attention when it was said. He'd become lost in thoughts of his egg. All in all it was probably best he hadn't heard it- he was very protective of his egg and birds. It was almost like they were treasures. By the time he'd moved onto another train of thought- he'd ask another question and now he was confused again.
"You don't want to see the tower? Then why do you want to go there?" Kasch stopped, bewildered. He'd said he was looking for the tower and now he wasn't interested in it? The wheels in his brain could find no logic and had ground to a halt as he stood just sort of gaping at Ahab.
The sudden turn of events made Tapio peer over, perhaps hope wasn't lost. If he was lucky they'd start fighting again. For fear of ruining the moment, he was silent just watching and waiting.
"What do you want to see?"
"Not the tower," He replied, halting as Kasch did. He couldn't help being amused at the other boy's face then, wondering to himself now if he really did not want to go to the tower. Oh, it couldn't hurt. It was that or go back to Kin and his facetious company.
"Easy," The boy drawled slightly, quirking a small grin, "The tower is where I want to go." There was a small tug to Kasch's hand, as if to encourage him to move again. "How much farther?"
"About two blocks," Kasch said slowly. He started walking again, glancing over at Ahab curiously. Was the boy playing with him? Was it just some joke to make him look stupid or something? He mused silently unwilling to speak- not wanting to say something that would make him look worse than he sure he already did. Nor did he want to continue amusing the boy. So he said nothing, just silently walking.
Once in awhile he made glances at Tapio, urging the bird to stay quiet. He didn't know if Ahab was playing with Tapio or found him amusing but he didn't want to chance it. Both because he felt it reflected badly on him, making Ahab even more amused, and because he didn't want the strix attacking the boy.
A block later, the silence was broken as Kasch decided he didn't much like the silence- "Do you like being on your own?" Honestly he couldn't think of anything to say and so ended up with heading back to square one.
The darker male didn't seem to mind whether they spoke or not, whether or not the other got angry or not. Very suddenly he was... over it. But he had answered the question before, didn't he? In his own way, certainly. Either Kasch would understand in time or continue to be in the dark thinking that what he did was always to set him up. And no one could blame him for it, certainly not the current narrator. He was so new to the world, at least this one, and even his family was still trying to puzzle over him while he bothered little in return. There was a spectacular, almost serene indifference to him as they continued down the streets, to everything around him to even the hand in his.
But he couldn't help but listen. Sound attracted him more than anything, and the streets seemed at peace here. "My own...?" He echoed, absently coming back to himself like a tide in and out. "I don't mind company... depending on it is, of course. You?" There, maybe he'd be pleased and babble and comfort himself. Was this the custom of the world, he wondered, to have no silence unless you were alone? Discomfort in the presence of others...?
"I like being with people sometimes. As long as they aren't mean, I don't mind people," Kasch replied. Truthfully he liked being in a crowd of people as long as no one paid attention to him for the most part. However, when he was with someone he did want some attention. Just enough so that he knew the other person cared he was there. He hadn't met a lot of people, mostly passengers without knowing it and most were nice. Still he liked being with Tapio and before his strix, he'd liked his blackbird's company most with exceptions to Xiu Xue and Adam of course.
Right now he was much too confused with Ahab to say much more. One moment it seemed they were bound to be enemies, that Kasch would hate him and Ahab would find it amusing. The next it seemed they could get on rather well, granted Kasch didn't lose his temper or flare up enough to amuse Ahab and feel stupid.
So it was a relief to see they'd come to the tower, finally. "There's the tower." He gave a bit of a shrug still unsure of what Ahab wanted. But he looked up at the tower, he'd been here once at night and had an inkling that his father came here quite often. Yet it still didn't hold much interest for him. It was after all a tower and buildings didn't seem very interesting. True he was rather in awe of them but once he had gotten over that- he'd realized there really wasn't much that was special about them, at least not to him.
"So it is..."
The darker male lifted his eyes to follow the form of the inorganic giant, head falling back slightly in an attempt to see to the very top. Such an imposing thing, in the middle of small town. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he wondered if it were some sort of place of worship. And if it was, was the 'god' Time?
"Have you ever been inside?" He asked Kasch, glancing sidelong at the winged child. "All the way to the top?" Now maybe some of those riddles would unravel a bit.
"I've been to the top- but never inside. My dad took me there once. I think he likes to go there a lot though," Kasch answered. He looked over to Ahab- wondering if he actually was interested in the tower. Then again- at least it was something to talk about. He'd never realized how hard to it was to talk to people sometimes. Except maybe Reiha.
Tapio, restless from being allowed to do nothing- clicked his beak and with a small jump started to fly up into the sky. He paused momentarily to listen if Kasch wanted him to come back but heard nothing and decided to go hunting. Maybe next time he could take a bite out of someone but it didn't look like he'd get to today.
"Sorry about Tapio," Kasch said hoping that he wouldn't be sorry about letting the bird fly off- he really didn't want to start arguing with Ahab again. He had an inkling it made him look as stupid as he felt.
"You flew." Those eyes finally seemed to recognize the pallid appendages on his company's back. He found Kasch looking at him as well, and returned his gaze for a moment before it seemed as if he no longer could, as if he were staring into the sun instead. A short mutter of dismissal was all the apology received, unimpressed, understanding. He could relate, of course. Boredom wasn't a feeling he could tolerate for long, and should he possess the same means, he would have undoubtedly done the same. Were he a disgruntled Stryx, anyway.
"Is it worth it?" The view. He didn't seem possessed with the urge to pester the boy, at least not at the moment. His attention seemed elsewhere.
He opened his mouth to say that he hadn't flown, to be quite honest he could only hover briefly off the ground but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Besides, in a sense he had flown, granted it'd been with his father doing all the work while he just pretended to be flying. So he said nothing and waited for Ahab to say something else.
"It's a nice view but after looking around for awhile- it gets a little boring. You can't do anything but sit and look around. I think my dad likes the view." Kasch answered. He thought back to when his father had taken him to the tower- they'd sat and he had asked his father questions. Then he'd taken him to another rooftop and he'd found Tapio- he thought. He might've been mixing the days up, his memories wasn't wonderful with days. They had a tendency to blur together unless something special happened.
Probably best to keep such a tidbit to himself, yes. Who knew what sort of things Ahab was going to grasp onto. As of now, he was considering Kasch's words and opinion. Boring, was it? Then again, he wasn't Kasch, so their interests may not follow the same line. To be frank, he had never ever been so high up in his life.
"Good-bye, Kasch." The other had things to do- he wouldn't ask him to follow, and wouldn't expect him to. He loosed the other's hand and re-inserted it in his hoodie, nodding once in his temporary companion's direction before he let the invisible pull of the place take him. He was quite unceremonious, leaving the boy to himself and not thinking one more moment about it.
Kasch watched as Ahab walked away- he pondered going after him but figured he wasn't wanted. He gave a shrug before turning around and heading off. He supposed he had a bit of time to get to the library though now he couldn't quite remember why he'd wanted to go there. Turning in the opposite direction he headed for home.
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Posted: Fri May 29, 2009 11:53 pm
05.30.09
Adam's Apartment in Durem, Gaia Oh Summer, Are You Coming He rolled, gracelessly, over in his sleep sending him over the edge and landing in a heap of new clothing. He sat up blinking, hazel colored eyes caked with yellow sleep, wondering how he'd ended up on the floor. He folded his fingers towards his palm and used them to rub at the crusty substance crowding the corners of his eyes. His blonde hair stuck up at odd angles, twisting and turning much like a ruffled birds feathers. He let out a breath of air, standing up only to be blasted by cold air being pulled in through the window due to the fan. He wrapped his leathery wings around himself, squawking indignantly, as he made his way to the desk situated under his bunk bed.
A black egg gleamed in the night, sliced light filtering in through the window as blades whirred, lovely and safe as ever. He stroked the smooth shell with a tender finger before turning to the semi-snoozing strix that was hunched nearby. He lifted his hand to pat it on it's head but the motion caused yellow eyes to widen like saucers and n** at the soft flesh. It cooed, recognizing the taste of it's master's blood, then stuck it's head under a wing to return to sleep. It ignored the distasteful snort that came from the boy. It was after all only a n** and for a bird barely reaching eight inches in height, it surely couldn't hurt much.
The night was silent, except for the steady sound of fans nestled in windows, as the heat turned up telling that summer was officially near. A soft chirp of crickets at the edge of town nestled in long grass was hard to hear and even if it had been louder, the child was must more interested where his father was. It had been three days, a very long three days since he'd since his father and been left with his sister. She meant well but it seemed her attempts at distracting him only made the days longer. A trip to the art museum had turned instead to what his father looked like as a statue, he found none that made him want to say "my dad looks like that!", much to the dog tahnee's dismay. A trip to the library had consisted of books of gargoyles and French being checked out, the language book was eventually neglected for not making any sense, no matter how hard she tried to steer him towards books on birds or eggs. Even a trip to the store for groceries had ended up about what was Adam's favorite food, the boy was strongly undecided between cheese less pizza and turkey tacos (neither were foods Adam liked in the least), which Xiu Xue promptly ignored.
TBC...
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