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 Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2006 4:18 pm
Feeding 1 The boy crossed his arms, staring dismally out the window. A roll of thunder caused the window to shake, and in turn, caused the animals inside the shop to react.
The caged parrots squawked and squabbled, the sound of wings beating against the cage doors in a nervous attempt to escape. There would be feed and feathers all over the floor, Kirwan knew. He didn't look forward to cleaning it up.
A few puppies yipped and yelped - Dogs. Stupid mutts - why did they even bother selling them? Oh, yeah, cause Shanuh had a taste for canines. That was right. Sure, they were cute, but they sure were messy!
And the kittens. . well . . The boy glanced over, offering a little grin at the scene. Kirwan was partial to the felines - they weren't much work at all! And had adorable whiskers and faces and ears and - and - and~!
KA-BOOOOOM~!
The dark-haired boy jumped by the flash and crack of nature. Ugh. Would the storm ever go away?
"Rain, rain go away - come again another day," he hummed the lyrics, setting his head down on his arms and heaving a great sigh. The other boys had a day off and had told him he had to watch the store.
He'd tried to explain that he was nothing but the janitor and stock boy - he hardly ever came out of the back unless it was necessary. Besides, he looked as if he were about twelve - wouldn't people mention child-labor laws. . . ? Or did this dimension not have any?
Whatever the case, Shanuh had said the experience would do him some good. "Like I need experience."
Just because he lookd like he was twelve didn't mean he really was. But that still didn't stop Nikel, Shanuh and Jojo from treating him like he was young and stupid. Ironic that he was the eldest between them all.
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A bolt of lightning cracked menacingly outside, almost masking the familiar sound of tinkling bells as a woman slipped into the store. Sharp, ice blue eyes scanned the front room, wrinkling her nose slightly as it picked up the thick musky smell that usually accompanied pet stores. It did nothing to cover up the dirt-like smell of rain that had assaulted her outside, but at least the smell of dried blood was only vaguely present on her, now.
A slight, tanned hand reached up to touch a spot on her neck and she hissed almost inaudibly between her teeth. She'd been grazed, again. Damnit. Obviously she needed more training if she was going to prevent it from continuing to happen. Normally, it wouldn't bother her, but the salty drops that were dripping down her skin from the raven hair plastered to her face was causing the small wound to throb noticeably. And, unfortunately, she didn't usually carry any type of first aid kit with her, no place to keep it after all.
On top of everything she was soaked to the bone, her normally tight shirt felt like it was attempting to strangle her with how tightly it stuck to her body. Not only that, but the heavy black cargo pants, and the white trenchcoat that was closed around her body felt like they were going to drag her down to the floor and drown her they were so heavy. Not to mention the several pairs of guns that were hidden beneath, preventing her from relieving herself from the weight of the coat. Didn't need women and children screaming and anyone asking questions, right?
Her eyes fell on the boy behind the counter and a single slim eyebrow lofted at him, before she sighed and mumbled quietly. "Not only is my refuge a pet store, but it's only got a kid at the counter, great." Speaking more clearly, she directly addressed him.
"'Ey, kid. Do you have a first aid kit here?" Despite calling him kid, her tone didn't talk down to him like most adults did with pre-teens.
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Kirwan's eyes drifted over to the soaked customer and he heaved another dismal sigh. He didn't want to deal with people today! It was bad enough it was pouring outside, it was even worse that Shanuh, Nikel and Jojo had abandoned him to complete the days work; but now he had to actually socialize!?! No ******** way.
But, what else was there to do? He couldn't just ignore her, or leave her standing, dripping-wet at the front of the store. "Polly want a cracker?" He mimicked the screech of one of the stores cockatoo's, and his voice sounded as enthused as he felt.
Dragging himself away from the window, thunderstorm ignored, Kirwan went behind the counter to look. At full height, the boy hardly reached five feet, but Kirwan hoped she wouldn't notice.
Yes, he was short. Fate had a funny way of working.
Now . . . what was a first aid kit? "Not seeing one here," he chattered helpfully, looking back up at the soaked lady.
"But let me check in back. Til then, catch," he tossed (poorly) a towel that he'd found under the counter. It wasn't dirty (that he could see) but she was soaked wet and he didn't like her bringing in the rain. "You'll flood us at this rate."
Offering a lop-sided, half-hearted smile, Kirwan slipped out from behind the counter, and ducked into a backroom. There had to be a first aid kit somewhere, but it would probably help if he actually knew what he was looking for.
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A thin eyebrow lofted at the clerk when she noticed his enthusiam, and she couldn't help but smirk lightly. He seemed as happy to see her as she was to be here, in the middle of a pet store. Well, at least they had something in common. For the most part she ignored the sarcastic remark about wanting a cracker and crossed her arms around her body and shivered a little. Damn, why did rain have to be so cold? Course, if it wasn't she'd probably feel like she'd just been thrown into a bucket of piss, not a very pleasant feeling she was sure.
With eyes full of boredom she watched the clerk search under the counter for a few moments, before tossing a towel in her general direction. General being a very lightly used term in this case, as it fell about two feet away, still she was grateful for the gesture and she quickly plucked it up from the ground and began to wipe off her face and neck. Lightly she pulled a few strands of hair away from her neck and gingerly began to towel dry the wound, trying not to get the fabric bloodied, they probably wouldn't appreciate that. Afterwards she wrapped the towel around her neck, partly to keep her hair from continuing to drip onto the floor and partly to keep the salty water off her neck. "Thanks."
Her eyes wandered around the store once more, taking in everything with a bit more clarity as she studied the animals. Cats, dogs, birds, and rodents of all kinds she could see in the cages and she shook her head, sighing unhappily. Her eyes clouded over slightly as her thoughts travelled back to a memory, something that had happened not too long before her friend died. Emily had asked her once if she believed that people could be reincarnated into animals, and then had continued to say that she hoped she would come back as a cat after she died.
Takai's eyes refocused once more and she stepped closer to the cages full of cats and kittens, studying each cat in turn as though looking for something specific, before she shook her head, angry with herself for even daring to hope.
"Why do pet stores always have the same ******** thing? Different animals in different colors but... all the same in the end."
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Kirwan continued to paw through the junk in the back room. The "schedule" with scribbles all over it, various pens, pencils, nail files, eye shadow cases, lipsticks, mascara brushes and other such items all jumped out at the boy - but no first aid kit.
He rummaged through books of all sort, peeked under the desk, and ultimately gave up. If they had one, the boy didn't have a clue what it was or where it could possibly be.
"I don't mean to bother but . . . Uh. . . " Kirwan whispered, glancing meekly around the room and ducking his head.
And then he spotted it! A small, white, plastic kit that had screamingly red letters that spelled out: First Aid. So that was what it was! The boy wondered what it contained but figured he'd find out as soon as he brought it out to the water-logged lady.
Picking it up, Kirwan discarded the yellow sticky note that had the word "IDIOT" printed upon it in black ink.
So the old boy was in a good mood today - wonderful! Maybe there was a galactic war or a few supernova's or something. Kirwan remembered that flashy displays always put his "boss" in a good mood.
Kit in hand, Kirwan pushed his way through the shop in time to catch the woman's last comment. Setting the kit on the cash-wrap counter, the black-haired boy couldn't help but give a little giggle.
"Well, a lot of exotic stores are illegal, so you have to go in 'round about ways to get those sorts of animals," he chattered, leaning against the edge of the counter.
"But sometimes things aren't always as they appear. Never judge a book by its cover, lady, cause looks can very-well be decieving."
Ha. Ironic that she thought this shop was anything but extraordinary.
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Takai turned as the boy came back in with the first aid kit and she couldn't help but chuckle at his statement, shaking her head lightly. No, even exotic pet stores were all the same thing, over and over. They would probably always be the same until the apocalypse came or some such, that was her opinion.
"Sure, looks can be deceiving, even I know that. Hell, for a few years I lived that. But be realistic, pet stores are always the same, yes even the exotic ones. Full of animals that are probably taken care of only half as well as they should." She paused for a moment, grimacing. "Not the worker's fault, there's just no time for all of those animals. Most of the rodents end up dieing a week after you bring them home, same for some of the birds. The cats and dogs end up wrecking your house or apartment or whatever, and then demand attention for the rest of their lives until they die and leave you all alone again. Why do people put themselves through that? It's like having a damn abusive boyfriend. They're all the same."
That said she moved towards the counter supporting the small white kit, hoping beyond hoping that it would at least have some sort of antiseptic medicine and a large bandaid at the very least.
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Kirwan listened to what Takai had to say, nonchalantly reaching over to tinker with the brass dog-tags that sat on the corner display. "Perhaps it's only your outlook on things. Some people don't take care of the animals in the shop, surely. That can't be helped. And sometimes, even if the animals are taken care of, natural causes, hereditary or pure fate cause the animals to die. Again, something that can't be controlled. But if the people who get animals and offer their homes to them, make the sacrifice of cleaning litter, taking them for walks, giving them the attention they demand, then perhaps it's not like living with an abusive boyfriend.
"It's all on the way you look at it. If forced labor is all you think animals are, then by all means, DON'T get a pet," Kirwan shrugged his bony shoulders, reaching up to push his bangs out of his face. "Your analogy only works for people who agree with it."
A flash of lightning, and a little giggle. "But with that said, after you're done tending your wounds, can I help you find a furry companions all your own? Or perhaps you'd rather something with feathers, or scales?"
Part of the boy wondered if he should add that if she wasn't interested in animals, than perhaps she should remove herself from the shop. The woman was being watched, being judged, being criticized like every person who entered the premises of the Birdcage.
Just because she didn't want to be the companion of an animal, didn't necessarily mean that would be the case.
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With two soft clicks Takai popped open the first aid kit, rummaging through it as she listened to the boy talk. Oh thank god, everything I need. The kit was indeed full, in fact it looked like it had rarely been used, or it was brand new. Inside she could see bandages of all types, a few packages of gauze, an ice compress, alcoholic cleaning pads, tape, scissors and a myriad of other things she wouldn't be needing. Still listening to Kirwan, she began to work on dressing her wound, first cleaning it with the alcoholic pads, then preparing the various other things.
She frowned, deep in thought at Kirwan's words. "Maybe you're right. Someone once told me I needed a pet, that it'd help me learn responsibility and all that crap." She sighed and shook her head. "Sometimes it'd be nice to have something else around the apartment besides just me, but... I don't know, I think I'd prefer a person. Someone I could talk to and they'd talk back. I mean, sure some animals "talk" back, but not the same way. And then in a few years they'd just die anyway, uncontrollable I know, and I'd be right back where I started, probably no better or worse for having had one y'know? If I was going to go through the trouble of having a pet, I'd want something that would..." She frowned, searching for the right words. "Something that would impact my life. Something that would be unique, something that after having had between ten and twenty pets in my life wouldn't just turn into a blur with all the rest of them. Does that make sense?"
By the time Takai finished talking she was almost done with her preparations, and the lack of attention she gave them indicated that she'd probably done this quite a few times before. With the scissors she quickly sliced open the cold compress, dumping the gel and the little disc into the trash before wiping it clean with another alcohol pad. She cut the leftover plastic in half easily, put one piece over another piece of gauze and quickly taped that to her neck, then taped the other piece of plastic over that in a 'T' shape. It would keep out the rain, but still allow the wound to breath. After finishing she returned everything to its proper place in the kit and closed it back up, then dug into her pocket and pulled out a ten dollar bill, to pay for the items' replacement. "Thanks."
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Kirwan watched the girl, surprised by her description of a pet. Well wasn't she nit-picky~! Most people wanted a spefic animal - cat, dog, pony, hamster - or a specific colour - black, white, striped - but she was the FIRST person who wanted one to impact her life.
"Don't," Kirwan started, looking up at Takai in confusion, "Don't all pets impact a life? Most people cry when their cat or dog passes away - some give them funerals and love them like any member of the family."
Well, maybe this woman wasn't good for any pet. Maybe she was like the handful in society who saw cats and dogs as nothing more than an animal, as if they weren't "good enough" to be in a home. The thought disturbed Kirwan, and the 'boy' reached a hand up to rub at the back of his neck.
Stupid humans. No wonder Shanuh despised them so.
"It's a shame that you see past pets as a "blur". Obviously they didn't mean much to you," he chided, eyebrows drawing together in the slightest frown. It wasn't like Kirwan to be so negitive, but Takai was making an impression on him, and he couldn't say it was a good one.
"What you're looking for is impossible. If a cat or dog can't worm its way into your heart, than no "pet" is going to be able to." Oh, there were unique things that lurked in this shop. There were things that were more than a mere pet, there were things that went beyond the living and the dead.
But if Takai couldn't even care for an animal, if she looked upon their existance as expendible and disposable, something to be forgotten than she didn't deserve to find the special things in life. The boy had to laugh inside - what Takai needed was a child. Or a slave. That was quite a list she had when it came to animal requirements.
Must talk.
Must be exotic.
Must be different.
Must make a difference in my life.
Well damn. Even the Birds that often flocked to the store couldn't guarentee they'd represent every requirement.
A rumble of thunder, and Takai contnued to be judged.
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Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2006 4:23 pm
Feeding 2 Her neck felt so much better now that it no longer had rainwater dripping into it, and Kirwan could probably see her visibly relax. The throbbing started to fade, and soon enough it would heal up and leave another scar to match all the others on her body. Steely, yet slightly relieved eyes settled on Kirwan again as she studied him for a moment, before she simply shrugged her shoulders and sighed. "I guess I'm not really the one to have this conversation with, I've never actually had a pet of my own to be truthful. Parents didn't allow it as a kid, and after I moved out..." She visibly stopped herself from continuing, pausing for a moment before she grinned and shrugged again. "I couldn't afford one." That was an outright lie. Of course she could afford a pet. Hell, she could probably afford to buy out a pet store if she wanted to, but she had been so focused on her 'work', and finally finishing the grieving process for her friend that she just didn't have the energy for a pet.
But things are better now, right? Maybe I should... She frowned to herself internally, she was doing alot of that lately. Her eyes once more swept across the pets in the shop, before turning back to Kirwan again. "So, I'm in a pet store and I've never owned a pet. Why don't you walk me through it? Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I'm not. Certainly wouldn't be the first time I was." Part of her didn't believe that Kirwan could change her mind, part of her wanted him to. Somewhere deep down she wanted to believe that she could care for a living thing again, and yet still deeper another bit of her was terrified of ever caring again.
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Kirwan stared at the water-logged woman, not quite sure whether or not he trusted her enough to find an animal for her. Kirwan liked the furry creatures, he truly did! Unlike Shanuh's cold apathy to everything, and Nikel's flightly nature, Kirwan held a genuine respect for the creatures.
Well, at least the woman wanted to look. That was a start, no doubt. Strange though, how she felt such a strong desire to have some fantastic pet, and yet had never given the ordinary a try. Kirwan wasn't sure whether or not he felt that was a good thing - what if she did find an animal to her liking, but grew bored with it after a few weeks or months? Then what?
Another stray? Another neglect case?
Well, if that were the case, then at least it would keep them all in business.
Nodding his head, the boy pushed himself away from the counter. Blowing back a few strands of hair, he looked up at Takai and arched an inquisitive brow. "Well, what would you like to see?" He gestured over to the far corner of the shop. "The kitten cages are always a big hit. They're cuddly and mischievious and make great pets and are very easy to take care of. They're very clean animals, and very independant. Good for people who don't have a lot of time to devote to them, or new pet owners.
"The dogs," and Kirwan gestured to the puppy cages in the front of the window, "They're more work than a cat. They need to be walked, groomed, let out, fed, given tons of love and attention. Very loyal, they can be trained more easier than a cat, and tend to be more of a pushover too!
"Next to them are our other furry mammals - rats, mice, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils. The list goes on, but they're great first-time pets. Some of them are a bit snarky at first, and they don't have a whole lot of longevity, but the rats and hamsters can be trained to do tricks, and can be easily transported around.
"We also have a variety of reptiles and fish, both good pets, but take a lot of work. They don't like to be cuddled, they don't necessarily even like to be touched, and fish . . . dont' do a whole lot of anything except make a room look pretty. The reptiles, amphibians and fish are all very sensetive - you have to make SURE you have the right temperature, the right lights, the right environment for each of them and make sure you keep their environments balanced." Kirwan wrinkled his nose, showing what he thought about those sort of animals. "I like em, don't get me wrong, and you can find some exotic ones for a home but they're just too much work, with no affection gained."
The boy looked at Takai, wondering where or what she'd like to see first. He'd covered all of the animals, hadn't he? And then a flash of grey and brown bolting between Takai and Kirwan, followed by a small chorus of coo's and chirps. The boy blinked, unperturbed by a hawk bombarding the two.
Looking up, he noticed they had a few Birds in the raftors. When had they gotten in here? They surely hadn't been here when Takai first entered. Oh well. Not at all put off by the unexpected company (which consisted of a peregrin falcon, a robin, a mourning dove and a handful of chickadees and sparrows) Kirwan shrugged. "We also have birds. The tropical kind we keep in the cages back over yonder," he waved a nonchalant hand in the direction. "And then we have a few more exotic species that come and go as they please." He looked up at Takai, still awaiting some sort of response.
"You can just ignore the ones up there though - they're wild and not easily tamed."
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Takai followed Kirwan's directions with her sharp eyes, picking out the different animals and cages as she listened to him talk and nodded her head at all the right times. The kittens were cute, and looked like they'd be wonderful to curl up with during these kinds of days, assuming they'd let you. The dogs were cute too, looking up at her with those trademark puppy eyes and wagging their tails that for a brief moment Takai's eyes melted at the sight. Trained, eh? That certainly could be interesting... Visions of a trained dog with her at her side on the job brought a very very amused smile to her face.
The various rodents, reptiles and fish didn't really seem to interest Takai, she thought of them as just cute things to look in on from time to time and clean and feed, not really here type of pet. If she was going to have one, she wanted one she could -do- things with, and the tiny rodents, fish and the reptiles didn't really strike her as that kind of pet.
A sudden blink in surprise when the flash of grey and brown zipped past her and her eyes lifted to the ceiling, incredibly surprised by the sight of a few birds perched on the raftors above. She hadn't heard them before, and silently she chastised herself for being so unobservant. The birds interested her more then any other animal, obviously they were intelligent, that much she could tell from Kirwan's description of them. Wild, not easily tamed, came and go as they pleased, and he they were inside. Obviously they knew where the food was or they wouldn't keep coming back, and warmth and shelter from the rain outside, too. Her eyes went to each one, resting and studying for a moment before moving on to the next, before finally settling on the robin. For a moment she couldn't move her eyes away, she'd seen hundreds of that type of bird before but.. that one seemed different.
She finally pulled herself away from the sight of the birds above and glanced over at Kirwan with a curious brow lofted. "I have to admit, I've never seen a pet store that sold wild birds that were allowed to enter and leave as they pleased." She had to admit, she looked a little crestfallen when he'd told her to ignore them, but she let it pass and waved it away. Ah well, if he didn't think they were right for her, then he was probably right.
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Kirwan glanced up from bird to bird, before turning his gaze back upon Takai. After their previous conversation, he wasn't sure if he should really press her on the Birds - but, then again, they were the ones stopping in for a visit, not the other way around.
Was it just the nasty weather outside that kept the creatures in? Or was there more to it then that? Could they be drawn to . . . . her?
The boy felt his lips turn into a lop-sided grin at Takai's remarks. "But this really isn't your typical pet shop," Oh, all right, so he was having fun with the clientelle. He certainly wasn't shouting that they ran a business of death with animals being nothing but a cover up and pretty facade! Like a moth drawn to a flame, people would forever be drawn to animals in need of a home. "The manager of the store, Shanuh, isn't your typical management graduate. And the assistant manager's a cross-dresser~! So don't be surprised at anything around this place."
The peregrin falcon made a dive, only to quickly pull up and land proudly on top of a snakes cage. The screen kept it away from the baby ball python below, much to the falcon's chegrin.
Two sharp eyes looked upon Takai, judging, dark, before he puffed out his feathers and stood tall.
Showoff, Kirwan thought, rolling his eyes and casting another look up at the roof. "If you're interested in these Birds, I have to warn you - they do take a bit of work, when it comes to training. Some of them don't like to listen, so I don't know how interested you'd be."
He left out the part that it really wasn't Takai's choice. It was the Birds, and Takai was being scrutinized by each and every one! "Would you be up to the responsibilities that would come with one of these? Their loyalty has to be earned, unlike the ready appeasment of a dog."
A sparrow gave a cheerful chirp, encouraging Takai to answer.
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Tilting her head, Takai chuckled at the thought of a cross-dresser running a pet shop, the thought just amused her to absolutely no end, too bad she couldn't have actually -seen- it. Still, her attention was only half on Kirwan as she studied the birds, her arms crossing over her chest and her hip now leaning against the shop counter. "That's a.. peregrin? The fastest bird on earth, isn't it?" She frowned lightly as she wracked her memory, trying to figure out what she knew about 'em.
She started paying more attention when Kirwan started talking about training and the birds being stubborn, plus the responsibilities that would come with them. Well, she did say she'd want something different, something that would make an impact on her life, and the harder the work, the better the reward, right? That's what she'd always told herself to prevent frustration from taking over in the middle of a fight. And she'd always felt satisfied after taking down a particularly hard 'opponent', so maybe this could be something similar?
No, she couldn't think like that. These creatures weren't targets she was out to kill, they were living breathing creatures that had done absolutely nothing to wreck her life, they at least deserved to not be put in the same category as those she took out day by day.
"Loyalty has to be earned, eh?" That sounded like her, of course it was very rarely earned with her, she didn't let people get that close to her if she could help it. "It doesn't really seem like it's up to me, though." She gestured at the birds, watching them cooly. She assumed that if the owners and management allowed the birds to come and go as they wished, they wouldn't allow them to leave with someone they didn't want to.
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It wasn't up to Takai, her assumptions were correct. But, at the same time, it wasn't up to Kirwan either. Those who held the power were the Birds, the Guardians - only they knew what they were searching for, only they knew who would be best for them.
Different personalities, different ideas, the Birds were their own persons and none at the Birdcage dared to push them into deciding. No matter how disturbing a choice, to Kirwan and the rest at the shop, there would be no disputes. Part of the boy wondered what went on in their heads, though sometimes he'd chat with the lovely creatures.
The little rebels, that's what Kirwan used to fondly refer to them as, and they were rebels indeed! "Peregrin falcon is right - one of the fastest you'll find. He's a bit egotistical, though, but you didn't hear that from me," Kirwan grinned, giving the haughty hawk a wink.
The falcon made a strained creek, but turned to focus on cleaning its feathers. Kirwan and the Lady plum weren't worth his time.
"It's not up to you," the boy finally decided to explain. "It's up to them. If one thinks you're a worthy investment, then - - - "
His words were cut off as the robin took a dive off her perch. Circling Kirwan once, twice, three times she sang a happy tune. There was excitement in her eyes as she fluttered hastily over to Takai. In a flurry of feathers, the robin had met her match.
This one needed a girl like her. She was too sharp, much to sharp, and truly needed something to comfort her. That would be her job, oh yes it would~! Settling down on Takai's shoulders, the robin craned her head pick at some of her chosen's wet hair.
For shame, she was in desperate need of some preening!
Kirwan blinked, then gave a little giggle. "Well, looks to me like you're stuck. The robin it is, I'm sure you'll give her a wonderful home!" Oh, they'd find out if she didn't, and the results would NOt be pretty.
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Takai smirked at the falcon, partly because she was glad she was able to recognize it, and partly because it didn't seem the least bit interested in her, and for some reason that made her chuckle internally. "Stubborn indeed." She muttered, shaking her head. She turned away from the falcon to focus on Kirwan talking, before he was completely interrupted by the little red and brow flash that circled around him three times. It reminded her of a hello, how are you, goodbye, type thing, before it came to land easily on her shoulder.
Several blinks of surprise later, the most uninhibited emotion Takai had shown the entire time, the robin was suddenly picking at her hair. The woman bit down hard on her lip as the corners turned up ever so slightly. I will not giggle. I don't giggle, damnit!. Her head tilted away a little bit and her eyes narrowed lightly at the Robin. "Hey, that tic... feels weird!" She muttered, but she really didn't make a serious move to stop the little thing.
The robin, for her part, paused for a moment to look at Takai in an almost motherly way that said 'deal with it', and went right back to preening the wet strands of her hair. Great. With a sigh, that wasn't entirely unpleasant, Takai turned to Kirwan. "How much? And what do I need to get for her so she'll be comfortable at the apartment?" She had a pet, though she felt oddly uncomfortable calling the bird a 'pet', a companion, maybe? Certainly not a friend but... maybe someday. Either way, she wasn't planning on sparing any expense on taking care of the little thing, it wasn't like she couldn't afford it. And some small part of her wanted to make sure the tiny thing never regretted her decision. "And does it have a name?"
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Kirwan was pleased, and was sure Shanuh and the others would be delighted. Another home for one of the guardians. How fantastic! Their numbers were growing, and before long, they all would be able to be returned to their final forms. What a glorious day it would be when Kirwan and the other "Keepers" could finally close up shop and return to their own lives and destinies. How Kirwan secretly yearned to be rid of his child-like body and the laws of physics, to go back to where he (and the others) came from.
It would be a glorious time, but it wouldn't happen anytime soon. Their job was over only when that of the Birds was complete.
With the Robin's accepctance of a Companion, that meant they were one more Guardian closer to reaching the end of the game.
"She doesn't need much," the dark haired boy responded, giving a curt nod for emphasis. "She'll take care of herself when it comes to food, shelter and a demand for attention. Like all of our Birds, she's very independant and adaptable. Don't be surprised if she makes a nest or roost somewhere in your home, and don't fret if she disappears for a few hours or days. She'll be back. She won't be leaving you anytime soon, I can guarentee that!
"As for a cost," Kirwan gave a smile. "She's free. You'll pay the price by what's to come, caring for such a special Bird as she. Taking on this responsibility is payment enough, since we find such pleasure in our animals finding good homes."
And wasn't that the truth. The robin would be paid in full once the the Guardian took her rightful place in the final return.
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Takai lofted a slim, curved brow at Kirwan as she studied him a bit more closely, suddenly feeling on edge. Something felt really weird about all this, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it and that bothered her. Still, it was a bit late for her to be worrying about weirdness, she'd just have to hope that she didn't make a horribly wrong decision by coming here originally. "Well, alright, just hope my tiny apartment is enough to handle her." He never did say if she had a name, so she merely assumed that she didn't, she'd have to come up with one for her, eventually. When she had the time and energy to really think about it.
"Guess that's it then. Thanks, and hopefully I won't be bringing her back except to visit, eh?" She grinned, though it was a bit forced, and made her way towards the door.
The robin chirped happily as they started to leave, her wings fluttering a bit as she settled close to Takai's neck and dug her tiny talons a bit harder into the trenchcoat to hold on for the ride. Flying could wait for a nicer day when it wasn't so wet.
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Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2006 4:43 pm
The door to the apartment clicked closed as Takai shut it behind her, letting out a sigh of relief now that she was once more out of the rain. Why was it so rainy today? Ah well, it didn't matter. After the rain came color right? Brighter greens and rainbows and all that good stuff. She'd never admit it to anyone, but bright, natural colors always pleased her. Not that you could tell by looking at her.
The robin that had accompanied her home from the birdcage flew off her shoulder and onto a shelf filled with movies and video games, the latter of which looked like they hadn't been opened and used in ages. She chirrped gently, causing Takai to glance her way out of curiousity.
"I don't know what I was thinking, little bird. But here we are and nothing can be done about it, right? I've yet to turn away from a challenge, won't be doing it this time either. Can't be too hard anyway, raising a bird, right?" She shrugged her shoulders, contemplating for a moment before striding over to the balcony door and sliding it open. The roof over the balcony made it to where anyone could sit outside and not worry about getting wet.
"There you go, they said you were free to come and go as you pleased, so I imagine you probably won't allow any other treatment, eh?" The robin chirped again, seemingly pleased with this action, but made no move to head towards the door. That could wait until later, now was the time for exploring. Gently she spread her wings and jumped off the shelf, beginning to go from room to room.
Takai watched her out of the corner of her eye, slightly amused before she headed off to take a shower, giving the robin the freedom to explore as she willed. And so the robin did, exploring the bedroom with clothes strewn all over the place, some of them sporting deep brown spots of dried blood. Various books were tossed here and there, and a few weapons were left out on the desk. Those were probably the only clean things in the entire room.
With the bedroom well examined, she flew off towards the kitchen, taking note of the dirty dishes all over the place, some leftovers left out on the counter, and an old pizza box hidden behind the fridge. This one definitely needs my help. First we fix this.
When Takai finally emerged from the shower she headed into the bedroom to search for something clean, warm and comfy to wear. Shockingly she discovered the robin sitting on the edge of her desk, looking at her expectantly.
"What?" A frown crossed the woman's features as she eyed the creature, oddly uncomfortable with the idea of it being in here watching her as she got changed. The little bird whistled a song that almost sounded demanding, and flew to the floor to pick at a particularly dirty shirt, then flew to another to pick at that one as well, before looking at Takai once more, waiting.
"Hey, I like my apartment just the way it is, thank you."
With an annoyed sound coming forth from the robin's throat, she watched as Takai wandered away to her closet to look for clothes. The avian decided drastic measures needed to be taken, and flew up to Takai's bed and landed on her pillow.
"Hey now, get off that you'll get it all dirty. I have to sleep on that!" She demanded. With a satisfied little shiver, the robin left Takai a little... present.. on her pillow.
Now you have to clean!
"That's disgusting."
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 7:39 am
Xaxis/Robin A gentle, cool breeze teased a strand of raven black hair into Takai's face as she browsed through one of those outside clothes stands. She couldn't figure out how her new tiny companion somehow managed to convey to her that she needed to go shopping. Nor could she understand why she had -agreed- to it. Sure, she needed clothes and all, but usually her they were bought at some general, anonymous store. But no, as soon as she had opened the door the robin had been off to a very specific place that had been spotted from the air a few days before on one of her morning excursions away from the apartment. Takai, mildly interested, followed the general path the bird had taken grudgingly, assuming that she would alert the woman when she was in the general area.
So, the black-wearing 'hitwoman' found herself standing in front of a small boutique nestled in between a quaint looking bookstore and a coffee shop. She had, surprisingly, picked out a few dark colored sweaters and pants, but a chirp to her right brought her attention away from the soft sweaters and faux fur coats. Her robin was sitting happily atop one of the racks, picking gently at a lavender cashmere sweater.
A curved black eyebrow lifted, and ice blue eyes narrowed slightly. "You're joking, right? You don't seriously think I'm going to wear that, do you?" A few people stared in mild surprise at the woman and her bird shopping, but most had seen much stranger things in this world of theirs, and ignored them. ************************************************************** Xaxis had been out and about, browsing the various shops and stalls in the city. The thin man was determined to find something warm to wear, but something that also was loose and would allow him to jangle. Scarves and skirts weren't cutting it, heat wise, but sweaters just seemed far too bulky to look appealing.
Chances were, though, he'd have to break down and start wearing heavier material. There were some beautiful clothes lined with faux fur (and some not so faux) that could look nice on him. The raven carried with him a few bags, proving that his trip hadn't been a complete disappointement.
Searching through a rack, he stood not far from Takai. He looked . . normal. Ish. He still was draped in scarves, though he wore leggings underneath a his knee long skirt. His top was still nothing more than various scarves tied around appropriate places, with bells adorned to his fingers, wrists, necklaces and ears.
A flash of brown and a friendly chirp had caught Xaxis' attention. A look over to witness a red-breasted robin and some . . . woman. A look longer only proved what he'd first suspected and hoped - Kin!
The robin . . the robin . . . Xaxis tried to remember his carefree days as a raven. Black feathers, black body, his obnoxious "caw". The memories were vague and seemed too surreal to do him any much good. If the Robin and he had ever perched together on the rooftop in the past, the raven had lost such memories thanks to growth and time.
But that didn't mean he couldn't reintroduce himself, now, did it?
"A little colour goes a long way, especially if all you're donned in is black," Xaxis softly responded, studying Takai, then the raven. The lavander was a good choice, and it looked soft and incredibly comfortable. It would look nice on the lady.
Besides, Xaxis DID know about colour. Being shrouded in black most of his life, with black wings, black hair and a helluvalot of black clothes - he'd only recently started to find pleasure in a sprinkling of colour.
His clothes proved that. ************************************************************** Ice blue eyes rounded slowly and hesitantly on Xaxis as she eyed the... birdboy? She had to fight the smirk that desperately wanted to show itself on her face at that thought. Valiantly she held it back, turning to face both the rack and Xaxis she shrugged her shoulders lightly, still leafing through the clothes. "I imagine it does, but that sweater would never survive at.. er.. work." She frowned a bit, mentally checking to make sure that her usual white trench was buttoned and covering the myriad of pistols hanging around her hips. She eyed Xaxis out of her peripheral vision, mentally taking in his appearance, and a mental eyebrow lifted at all the bells and scarves that he wore around himself. Must be cold.
The robin, completely opposite from Takai's reaction, was delighted to see another Kin! She chirped happily and quickly flew to land on Xaxis' shoulder, careful not to scratch any bare skin with her claws. You look as bad as her apartment. Meaning Takai's apartment. After their little incident Takai had cleaned it as little as she could manage without inciting the robin's... wrath? A gentle beak leaned over to try to pick gently at Xaxis' long locks. So, she was blunt too apparently.
Another brow lofted at the robin from Takai, and the woman shook her head lightly in surprise. Guess the robin felt some kind of.. friendly connection with the birdboy. She didn't think she'd ever figure out that damn bird.
"Guess she likes you. Then again, I don't follow her around the city to see how many shoulders she sits on." ************************************************************** Xaxis didn't respond to Takai's words, at least no initially. He was absolutely delighted to recieve such a positive response from the Bird, and allowed his pale lips to curve into a smile.
The last Bird he'd had perched upon his shoulder had been Savius - and that had been such a very long time ago~! Some of the Birds weren't nearly as excited to see grown Kin as others - some were jealous, some were impatient, and some of them just plum didn't care.
But today was different! Xaxis reached a hand up, carefully extending two of his fingers in an attempt to softly stroke the robin's crimson belly. He'd forgotten how small they all had once been, how soft and covered in feathers.
At the Bird's words, though, Xaxis gave a shy smile. "I suppose that's one way of putting it, though I've never been witness to her apartment. And if it looks as disheveled as me, then perhaps it's best I keep away."
Xaxis always looked a wreck, no matter how hard he tried to "pretty himself" up. His skin always held a yellow, sickly look and the rings under his eyes never completely dissappeared. His feathers were in a constant state of molting, and disease was always present in his system.
Colds, fevers, flues - it was an endless cycle, but a cycle the raven was slowly learning to deal with.
At Takai's comment, Xaxis allowed himself to spare the companion a mild look. So, she had no idea, no clue? It figured. Shanuh didn't seem to like giving away their secrets. So should he. . . ?
Eh, only if she asked.
His look said it all, left him without need to comment. Of course the Robin would like him. They WERE Kin, afterall. ************************************************************** The robin practically cooed lightly at the petting, and she shifted a bit to get comfortable on Xaxis' shoulder, intending to stay there for at least a little while. She watched him out of one eye, a happy look present within those depths to finally find someone that she could talk to. Sure, she could talk all she wanted at Takai, but the woman couldn't understand her, yet.
I'm teaching her to clean it, but she's stubborn. So now we're working on clothes. The robin took on a motherly, almost authoritative mental voice, before she huddled closer into herself when a stiff breeze blew by. Any small amount of cold wasn't going to keep her from enjoying this encounter, however. What's it like? Being so big? It looks clusmy. The robin was excited about growing, but incredibly apprehensive about it as well.
Takai's hands stopped mid-browse when she watched Xaxis talk to her bird. And it wasn't the same kind of talking Takai did. It was almost like...they were having a real conversation. She frowned and sighed, shaking her head gently. "Let me guess, you're some kind of... bird whisperer? Can talk to birds and all that?" The woman found the idea both amusing and absurd, granted her little... friend? was incredibly intelligent. She had already proved that to Takai. But... talking? That was stretching the imagination a tiny bit far, wasn't it? ************************************************************** Xaxis smiled softly at the robin, amused by her ideas of being big. "Well, you won't be getting this big right away, remember. You'll start out much smaller first, like I used to be, much closer to the ground. But you grow to like having feet, and even though bodies are a bit clumsy, they are much more practical."
In a way, Xaxis had forgotten what it was like being a Bird. Oh, sure, he missed feeling the wind through his feathers, soaring high above the world at his own leisure. But, then again, he liked having opposable thumbs, and janglies, and the ability to eat more than insects and road kill. To move on in life, they would have to sacrifice one form for the next.
Xaxis didn't reply to Takai right away, his attention focused only on the robin. When he finally did process what Takai had to say, his violet eyes turned to study her curiously. She really didn't have a clue! Patient, the guardian of disease gave a small sigh and a little shake of his head.
"Actually we're Kin."
It was the most obvious thing in the world as far as Xaxis was concerned. So why Takai was having trouble putting two and two together, the raven wasn't so sure. Yes, he understood that she couldn't "feel" the link between Guardian and Guardian. Yes, he understood she couldn't communicate with the Robin but . . . it still was incredibly difficult for Xaxis to see how she just wasn't putting two-and-two together.
Silly companions.
Strange how they were needed in the first stages of life.
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 7:40 am
Xaxis/Robin Cont. A happy chirp left the robin's beak as she listened to Xaxis talk. It was a good day, it was bright out, there wasn't any rain, and the cold wasn't so bad it was hard for her to bear. People milled around them at the shops, talking to each other and going about their usual business. It was Xaxis' words about having feet and it being more practical that caused her to pause and study the humans around her, then to stare intently at Takai for a moment. That makes sense I suppose. Will I be as... odd as they are? When I start looking like them? And can we still fly when we change? Who are you, anyway? She hadn't asked his name, and for that she was a little embaressed. Not that she thought she'd ever forget all the pretty scarves and bells that he wore all over himself, or the sickly look, but he had to have a name, right?
She paused for a moment and fluttered her feathers a little, her neck turning so her beak could reach her back as she attacked a particularly itchy spot that the wind had irritated.
The robin's companion finally gave up all pretense of actually looking through the clothes and she stared at Xaxis, suspicion written across her face. "You're telling her she's going to... look like you?" Once more another shake of her head and sighed. That's it, the boy was crazy. "That's enough for me for one day, I'm going to go wander into that bookstore. You two have fun." For some reason, her mind wouldn't let her believe that her robin was going to turn into some humoniod. She wasn't at all ready for something like that. Quietly she payed for her purchases and moved away from Xaxis and the bird. Already her denying mind had pushed the thought of the tiny avian turning into something human-like away.
Well. She'll be getting a big surprise sometime, won't she? ************************************************************** Xaxis ignored Takai, not caring one way or another if the ignorant Companion stayed or left. It was neither here nor there, he was enjoying his conversation with the robin and didn't need her silly "chosen" to be present. Shopping forgotten, he decided to take Takai's advice and move some place where they weren't in the way of other customers.
Moving off to a quiet corner, careful not to disturb the Robin's perch, Xaxis found an abandoned seat. There, that would do for the time being - and it would allow him to set down his few packages.
"You will be as you are," Xaxis finally responded to the robin, stealing a mild look at the varying customers. Those who shopped came in all sizes, shapes, colours and backgrounds. Strange that those that they were meant to destroy were also the ones that they became.
Oh well. Maybe Xaxis just didn't care about humanity like some of his friends. To each their own, he supposed. Humans were useful, certainly, but Xaxis instictively knew he was different - and did the raven EVER indulge in those differences!
"As a child, you won't be able to fly, your wings will be much too small. But, they grow as you grow. I don't think we're ever really going to be able to fly again - but who knows? I can't fly," he added, a note of wistfulness entering his voice. Shuffling his wings, he allowed the tangled feathers to flare. It was a sad sight - for as large as they naturally were, their lack of feathers proved them far too flimsy to do Xaxis much good.
Oh well. There were other ways to "fly" without necessarily doing it himself. "My name is Xaxis," he introduced himself cordially to the robin. "I'd ask if you had a name but . . . I don't ever recall having one before we grew. Do you have a name?" It was blunt of him, but the raven was suddenly curious. Maybe he'd been the only one??
Just how he'd discovered his name, the raven suddenly hadn't been sure. Lucien didn't name him, and as a raven Xaxis hadn't ever known himself as anyone other than himself. But as a child - as a child he'd just known that Xaxis was his. It was his and no one else's . . .
Would it be the same with the Robin? He wanted to find out. ************************************************************** The robin watched as Takai wandered over to the bookstore, before she turned her attention back to her new found friend. Mentally she just couldn't get over how -big- he was! She wondered, briefly, if the other Kin were just as big as him? She fluttered her wings to steady her balance as he claimed a seat nearby, and then settled down happily. That's good, I wouldn't want to be anyone other then me. She bobbed her head down, almost sagely. She liked Takai, but the woman sure did need her help! It seemed like she couldn't do anything except kill people, apparently. The Bird had followed Takai one evening, unseen, to see where exactly it was she went every night.
Being the guardian of death by obesity, the violence wasn't exactly up to her taste. She'd returned to the apartment before Takai, and made it look like to her companion that she'd been hanging out on the balcony, making a little soft place to sleep on the fence that kept people from falling off. After all, to the robin the apartment was too disgusting to sleep in, and she'd only go in when it was too cold to sleep outside, or too wet.
She seems forever afraid. Keeps these.. weird shiney things underneath her trenchcoat that hurt people. She didn't know what guns were, but she had witnessed them in action first hand, even if from far away. They're noisy.
She seemed to shrug her shoulders, before turning the conversation back to getting bigger. She wouldn't be able to fly anymore? Well, that's certainly daunting, but all the others got by she imagined, so she would be able to as well.
Too bad about your wings. I'd offer to try to help, but not sure what I could do. Another little bird-like shrug, which mostly consisted of her head dipping down further then normal. Are all the others as big as you?
She seemed to frown internally at his next question, her little head twitching slightly as she contemplated. Name? She didn't have a name, nor did she think she needed one, she was, after all, just herself. I don't think I have a name. Takai hasn't given me one. ************************************************************** The raven listened intently to what the Robin had to say, though his eyes studied the oblivious shoppers. Humans were a funny thing to watch, really, though Xaxis much preferred to look on from a distance than interract with them much himself.
As the Robin spoke about her Companion, Xaxis couldn't help but wonder about a human's mindset. They were interesting to watch, curious to investigate, and overall did the damndest things. Like Takai - apparantly the woman allowed her life to be driven by fear. Whyever would she do that. . . ? What could she possibly be afraid of? Pain? Getting hurt? Pain was only temporary, it never lasted forever. Death? Was she afraid of the eternal rest? That was sillly too - death claimed everything and none could escape it. It wasn't evil, it didn't hurt, it just . . .was. The sooner one accepted their fate, the sooner they needn't worry about it. Besides, with the Robin as her Guardian, there was no need to fear about dying. Companions couldn't die, as far as Xaxis was certain.
So what was there to be afraid of?
Oh dear, silly, silly people and their silly, silly lives.
"No need to fret or concern yourself over these," he gave a little nod to his tangled feathers. "I have a good friend who helps me out when I need it, though I appreciate the offer." Perhaps he could let her help him preen her wings when she grew if she still offered. Another problem with human skin - it was far too stiff to be able to reach certain areas, such as their wings.
As the robin continued to question, Xaxis gave a little laugh. "Some of them are. The children are still much shorter and closer to the ground, like you'll be when you grow. And then, after some time, you'll grow again and be tall like me.
"Height is just a sign of being human, I guess, to become tall, big, and awkward." ************************************************************** The robin tilted her head to one side as she listened to Xaxis, following his line of sight for a bit before she finally settled to watch Takai in the window of the bookshop, browsing the isles and picking up a few books here and there to read. Good that someone helps you. She nodded her head, satisfied. And as though she could feel her own wings itching just by looking at his, she preened herself for a moment before turning back to once more stare at Takai.
What does growing feel like, anyway? And, well, at least I'll be able to keep her apartment clean when I grow, right? She chirped gently, her eyes catching site of a spider crawling nearby. She hopped away from Xaxis for a moment to scoop it up in her beak, swallowing quickly.
Height was a sign of being human? That.. made some kind of weird sense. Humans were tall, so the taller they became the more human they became? She shrugged to herself, it was too much to think about and worry about right now. She'd worry when she got there right? ************************************************************** The bird gave a gentle smile, eyes light with good humor at the Robin's words. Had he been so curious about the world before his growth? The black-feathered bird reminisced, but for a moment. As a raven he hadn't the oppurtunity to speak with others, those odler and mature.
He could speak with Shanuh, and his other kin, but at the point in time . . . there had been no one to chat with. They had been the first, they had been the pioneers of the living.
Xaxis couldn't help but be pleased. Did that make them more important than the others? No, not really, but did make their lives a smidge different. At least the robin would know what was happening to her, and why. At least she had others to learn from which in turn would make her greater. . . . in a twisted sort of sense.
Whatever the case, the raven quickly broke off his train of thought. "Growing feels like a lot of different things. I don't really remember going from a bird to a child - I don't remember that at all. It just . .. happened.
"But when I got taller, like I am now, it hurt. I got really sick, much more ill than I usually am, and I felt as if I were being stretched out, twisted." In a sense, he really had been. Going from three feet six in a matter of moments hurt. It wasn't a natural thing, and it was an experience Xaxis didn't look forward to. Thankfully it was over and long passed. "It was quite unpleasant."
Xaxis watched the people fidget around them, intent only on their own lives and the materials they wished to posess. Strange people, really. Xaxis had no interest to be a part of them or their society. The raven was much more partial and biased towards kin.
A few moments passed, before Xaxis decided he'd best get back to his window shopping. Careful, ever so gently, the winged boy rose from his chair. Much better. He'd felt cramped, his large, gangly wings not having anywhere to go within the confines of the furniture. Standing, he could at least stretch them out.
"Well, robin - not to cut our conversation short but I'm feeling a bit congested and think it's about time I finish my browsing." It was the truth. Besides desiring to finish shopping for scarves, the boy could tell his health was slowly starting to deteriorate. He'd been sick for so long, he just knew that the little scratch in his throat and the pain in his head would only progress and get worse and worse.
The boy much preferred to be home to deal with his disease. ************************************************************** With a flick of her head, the little Robin quietly listened to everything that Xaxis had to tell her, her body shivering a little at the thought of growing being painful. But she had time before that happened, right? After all, she had to go from a bird to a small human-like thing before it got painful. At least she hoped so, that was the impression she got from Xaxis anyway. Sounds like lots of fun. Was muttered into Xaxis' head, each word practically oozing sarcasm. Still, she fluttered happily, unwilling to worry about things that didn't need worrying about just yet.
Idly she noticed Takai head out of the bookstore, glance their way once, before shrugging her shoulders and making her way back towards the apartment, a few bags in hand from the various places she and the robin had visited. Not too long after Xaxis stood and made clear his desire to continue on and the little bird chirped cheerfully at her kin. Maybe the next time we meet I'll be able to do human things, like walk and talk! And hopefully you'll start feeling better soon. If she could smile at him, she would. But for the moment all she could do utter a few warm sounds towards him and offer a slight bow of her head. Guess I better head after Takai and see if I can get her to clean some more. Until next time!
With a flap of her wings, she lifted into the air, circling Xaxis once before she turned and took off after her companion, determined to get the woman to listen to her somehow and start taking better care of herself and her surroundings.
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 7:54 am
Takai had noticed that the Robin hadn't budged from her "little nest". She'd happily settled there the night before, but this morning the robin had stayed asaleep. An hour had passed, and the robin still made no motion to move.
With further investigation, Takai couldn't help but find the robin dead. She looked to have a peaceful death, her wings tucked and her eyes shut. In fact, if it wasn't for the fact that her body was stiff and cold, one could only assume the bird was asleep.
She was, in a twisted way. A sleep that the feathered bird would never come out of.
But, such is the wheel of life. With all the death that surrounded Takai and her work, she shouldn't be surprised or shocked. Death was something she dealt with everyday, so why would this be any different?
Before the idea that her robin had died had really sunk in, there was a clattering in the kitchen. A cabinet had been open and a few pots and pans had clattered to the ground.
"Oops," came the child-like voice. With a little giggle, a red-haired, freckeled face girl poked her head out of the kitchen. "That wasn't supposed to happen~!" Another giggle, brightness and radience exuding from the girl. Takai was going to help her cook today, and the robin was absolutely delighted!
Mitagna, the little guardian of obesity, had officially arrived.
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 8:30 am
A soft frown crossed Takai's face as she eyed the little robin outside in her nest, the damn thing hadn't even twitched! Part of her hoped she wasn't sick, partly because she didn't feel like having to coddle the bird, and a small part because she actually started to care a little. She moved over to it and poked it gently. Nothing. No movement, nada. Upon closer inspection Takai realized she couldn't see the bird's stomach expanding with the air that gives life and she sighed, confused. It was dead? How the hell did that happen? She hadn't been mistreating it to her knowledge, and it didn't -look- like an old bird. Not that Takai would really know, of course.
A million and one thoughts ran through her head as she tried to figure out what the hell went wrong, when a large bang and a few follow-up clatters shocked her out of her thoughts. Immediately her hand drew a gun that was already at her side, but before she could even begin to creep towards the kitchen, a child's head popped in the doorway.
"Who the hell are you and what are you doing in my apartment?" How did she get -in-? Takai had two padlocks on her door, just in case someone thought they could take their revenge on her while sleeping. And there was no way in hell that child somehow climbed up three floors to her balcony. No longer alarmed, but certainly confused and more then a little angry, Takai quickly re-holstered her gun before the little girl had time to think she'd really shoot her.
"I'm Mitagna!" She grinned happily, as though that answered all questions Takai might ever have.
"Mitawha? How did you get in here? That's it, where do your parents live cause I'm taking you right back to them." She started to move towards the child before her next words startled Takai so hard she almost fell backwards.
"What are you talking about? I live here." She gestured towards the dead robin outside, then giggled softly. Her companion sure was jumpy. Takai turned to look at the bird, and then at Mitagna. She never would have made the connection, if not for the child's next words. "You know, it's really hard to find things in your kitchen. Should clean it." Holy ********. Once more Takai's ice blue eyes went from the bird, to the child. The wings, the hair, that same oddly intelligent look in the eyes.
"Oh s**t. I think I need to sit down." And she did, flopping down into the couch as her mind reeled with these new implications. Mitagna, either oblivious to her companion's stress, or just not caring, strode over to the couch and bounced down next to her with a grin.
"So, you're going to teach me to cook today, right?" The woman stared at the child that was, apparently, hers blankly for a moment. Before she suddenly groaned and dropped her head back on the couch.
"Do I get a refund?" And then, "********, where am I going to -put- you?"
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Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 1:25 am
A soft squeal crossed Mitagna's lips as she jumped from the cab and ran up towards the very large house that said cab had stopped in front of. Takai, following behind a bit more slowly, stuck her hands in the pockets of her trenchcoat and looked up at the house, whistling gently.
"I'd asked them to find me a bigger place, this wasn't quite what I expected." It was a beautiful house on the outside, with manicured lawns, simple and clean landscaping, a walkway all the way up to the front door, and a "Sold" sign out closer towards the street. It was in a nice neighborhood, one that wasn't too loud, and didn't have a high crime rate, which Takai was thankful for.
"This is ours?" Mitagna asked Takai, awe painted across her face. It wasn't a mansion or any such thing, but it was certainly bigger then the apartment they'd been living in!
"Seems that way." Takai muttered, more to herself then anything. She strode forward then, tugging a key out of her pocket and opening the door to see what the inside looked like. She'd asked her employer to help her find a larger place to live in, saying that she suddenly had unexpected company drop on her and would be staying for awhile. She didn't mention that unexpected company was a small girl who'd popped out of a dead robin, named Mitagna. Better for that to be on a need to know basis. A few days later, the call had come informing her that a house that met all of her requirements had been found, was furnished to her tastes, and the deed was already in her name.
Takai had never been one to flaunt her money, or even 'preen' herself over it. But, she decided, it certainly came in handy sometimes. At least here the two of them could be comfortable, and Mitagna could persue her interests, hopefully with enough room in the house to not bother Takai too much.
Said house was just as nice inside as it was outside, with a soft, almost homey type feel to it. Comfortable. Takai felt out of place in it, like she was an intruder in some happy family's home. Hopefully she'd get used to living here eventually.
"Your room is over on the left side, past the TV Room I'm told." She shrugged her shoulders, and Mitagna automatically flew off to find her room. She was amazed to find that inside there was a beautifully made bunkbed, though without the bottom bunk, a desk that was attached to one side, and a dresser. As well as various toys and kid things, which she wasn't so sure she wanted. But still, it was a wonderful room!
The two spent a good amount of time exploring, before they finally settled down at the kitchen table.
"Well, welcome home Mitagna." Takai couldn't help but chuckle at the little Robin-girl's awe at the house. "Don't expect me to cook tonight."
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