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 Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 1:28 am
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Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 9:55 pm
 Entry o1 :: Natsuki meets Shuura Yamizuki ( link)  Shuura
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Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 9:56 pm
Entry o2 :: EVENT! Durem University Matsuri ( link) Shuura Vyn Chloe Star Roux Dr. Tsu Gage
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Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 9:59 pm
Entry o3 :: Chloe Star & Roux visit Cafe Jubilee ( link) Chloe Roux
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Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:00 pm
Entry o4 :: Dr. Tsu & the Little Shop of Horny ( link) Dr. Tsu
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Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:01 pm
Entry o5 :: Event! Partie D'Amour ( o1 | o2 | o3 ) Status :: COMPLETEI received a fel essence!! whee Julian Sweet Alexandra Vizcatti Tyson & Lilian Maeve Dr. Kyoupiruchi Chloe Roux Kali Dr. Tsu
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Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:08 pm
  Event :: Fragments 'o Rainbow & Soul Bottle Pickup! Title :: "I See Your True Colors..." Music :: "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper Featuring :: Chloe Star & Dr. TsuLocation :: Partie D'Amour Tsu Having satisfied his urges and needs, Tsu headed back to the booth a little more full of energy. "Is there anyone that wants to give me a kiss? Hell... even chat a little? Having less popularity than my little brother is a little upsetting." Tsu muttered aloud. Keeping a smile plastered to his face since it WAS for the labs. After all... how could his heart shirt have no charm whatsoever? Natsuki Yanagitani "Yeah, I think he's harrassing Dr. Kyou," Natsuki said, half distractedly to the girl who talked to her. She felt guilty but her mind or more specifically, her heart, had wandered off somewhere else, leaving her in a daze. She watched Tsu walk right past her, and Natsuki felt her heart skip. Keeping a shy eye on him, the young woman worked on plucking up her courage to step into his line. Like a shy school girl hiding behind the library shelves, she wanted desperately to approach him. When he finally returned to his post, Natsuki made a non-chalant bee-line over. "That's a rather festive shirt," she said, crossing her arms and raising a playful eyebrow at Dr. Tsu. "I've come to pay my respects, Doc. I think my lips, like my heart, might be broken." Natsuki knew her words were cheesy and shamelessly flirty, but she couldn't help it. Chloe Star Chloe gave a small apologetic smile to Isi. "I'm not sure.. he's just been.. mostly normal, I suppose." Her eyes seemed to unfocus as she thought of something else. Something.. bigger. Something that quite obviously worried her deeply. Her gaze wandered to Roux once more, slowly scanning across the grounds until resting on the Kissing Booths, Julian, Dr. Kyou, and Dr. Tsu all were occupying at the moment.. she wasn't sure where Eirdirsceol was.. Natsuki stood by Dr. Tsu's booth, she wa- "Oh." Chloe blinked, giving a small gasp as something clicked within her memory. That was it! She remembered what she had to do earlier, what was of great importance! "E-E-Excuse me, Isi." She hurried past him, toward the lab, and entered the doors at a near run. That was right! She couldn't believe she'd almost forgotten. She rummaged around through the yellow sticky notes on her desk before finding the one she wanted, holding it up with a small, satisfied, "Ah-ha!" Yes... it was correct. She turned to the glass case and the last bit of reassurance that she wasn't just mistaken sat within on a velvety pillow. A Soul Bottle and Fel Essence. Chloe unlocked the glass case and removed them tenderly, making sure the lock the case back up before she headed outside once more, moving at a far slower pace. She called out as soon as she got closer to Natsuki, holding the precious glass items close to her chest as she walked. "N-Natsuki! U-Uhm... I-I've g-g-got something for you.." Natsuki Natsuki turned a bright shade of pink when Chloe walked up to the booth, putting her hand to her chest after feeling it skip a beat or three. She wondered what her friend would think about her wilder side. Turning to her friend, her eyes widened at the things Chloe held against her chest. The Lab assistant was cradling them so gently, so it was a hint that they much be rather valuable if not priceless. "Those are nice and shiny," she said, her gray eyes wide with excitement. "What's the occassion? Did I forget my own birthday, again?" Chloe Chloe's face was flushed as she bit her lip. She paused, looking Natsuki up and down carefully before giving a small nod. She very tenderly held out the Vial filled with what almost seemed to be small, colorful chips and the characteristically round Soul Bottle. "I..... I uhm.." She licked her lips, blushing. "These are.. f-for you." She swelled inwardly with pride. Dr. Kyou had given her this particular soul bottle and fel essence with direct instructions. 'I want you to chose who you think would be best for these.'   It was -her- job, a very important one, and one she felt certain of as soon as she'd caught sight of the cascade of color within the vial. Yes... it was perfect for the colorful, bright, happy Natsuki. Natsuki "They're absolutely stunning, Chloe! I promise to take good care of them," Natsuki said, her smile bright like the morning sun. She bit her own lip nervously, feeling her pulse spike. Pulling her hat off, Natsuki fanned herself with the bill. She feared that she'd faint on the spot, yet she felt energy surging through her body, like a bolt of lightning shot straight through her. Her eyes twinkled as she looked at Chloe and then over to Roux and the other Raevans he was conversing with. "Are these for what I think they are for?" Natsuki asked dreamily, leaning closer, with her voice in a mere whisper. It took all her strength to push the words past her tied tongue and trembling lips. "My own... my very own... Raevan?" Chloe Chloe smiled and nodded, holding them out a bit further for Natsuki to take herself. "Yes. It's Fel Essence is.. Fragments of the Rainbow.." She smiled and help up the vial. "They made me think of you.. a-and how your hair changes a lot.. and your clothes." "T-Take good c-care of them.. a-ah.. you know how they work?" She glanced around warily.. she didn't really want to speak too indepth about it all around the Raevens, that forboding sense of taboo looming over the subject. Natsuki "Wow! Fragments 'o Rainbow? That's so neat!" Natsuki said, admiring the shards of rainbow in the vial. Her smile softened when Chloe mentioned that the fel essence reminded her of Natsuki. Colorful. Brilliant. Changing. Rare. Unable to resist a good pun, she giggled, "Talk about a 'lucky break'..." "I will care for them greatly, Chloe. More so because I know its a precious gift from a true friend," Natsuki said, setting her cap on the counter of Tsu's kissing booth. Thankfully the white spots she saw vanished. Running her fingers through her long hair, she eyed the other bottle Chloe held. From the looks of it, nothing was inside it. "I know a little bit based on my interactions with you, Roux, Shuura, and Vyn. I remember mention that it takes a combination of the fel essence, and a soul," Natsuki said, in a hushed voice to Chloe. Pointing to the bottle with the exotic plum and golden accent cloth, she continued, "but that other bottle is looking rather... empty..." Chloe Chloe flushed as she was called a true friend, leaning forward to speak in a soft, hushed tone. "It's the Soul Bottle.. you must obtain a soul on your own. Be very careful.. the bottle will take the soul of whatever it is set beside, if it stays there for a long period of time, that is." She looked around cautiously, spotting Vyn and pointing her out, her voice dipping even lower to a hushed whisper so faint she had to almost press against Natsuki's ear so should could hear, guaranteeing no one would accidently eavesdrop. "Though her soul is of a rose, it was gotten by accident." She leaned back again. "N-Not that it makes her any less beautiful and wonderful." Natsuki "Whoa, seriously? That's something I never learned in university," Natsuki whispered back, taking mental notes of everything that Chloe said. She was so excited that she could hardly contain herself, but she needed to be wise about it. The gift she received was one not give lightly not was it something readily available. "You mean Vyn's rose was an accident? That's certainly curious," she continued, nodding in agreement. "But you're right, it doesn't make her any less beautiful. She's gorgeous." "I promise to take good care of it, and find a great soul to match the rainbow," Natsuki winked, nodding in resolution. Reaching into her shoulder bag, she pulled out a small packet, and quickly turned it inside out. A portable bag for emerengencies. Holding it open, she smiled. "Be prepared to get a phone call if I don't know what to do with these, and thank you again Chloe. This truly means so much to me." Chloe "O-Oh... of course. H-Here.." She reached into her pockets, fishing around for a moment before pulling out a small pad of yellow sticky notes and a pen, scribbling something down and handing it over to Natsuki. "Th-There's my home number.. i-if you need anything." She gave a small smile and nod. Natsuki "Thanks again, Chloe! You're the best!" Natsuki beamed, wrapping her arms around her friend and giving her a warm hug. She pressed her cheek firmly against Chloe's, helping to make the hug tighter. She placed the number carefully in her wallet, making sure it was in a safe and secure spot. Sticky notes? A girl after her own heart. If yellow was the only color Chole had, she was in for a special treat. "Now if you'll excuse me," she giggled, whispering into her pink haired friend's ear. Natsuki eye's looked almost silver in the sunlight as she nonchalantly tossed her head in Dr. Tsu's direction. Biting her lip nervously, she said, "I've got a handsome doctor to go kiss."
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Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 4:35 am
Entry :: o6 Title :: "The Winter Wish I Feel with You" Song :: "Winter Wish" from the Love Hina SoundtrackAfter the Partie D'Amour...Natsuki unlocked the door, and drifted inside. Locking the door behind her, she set her keys on the table in the foyer. She took off her overcoat and cap and hung them on the back of the door. Reaching her arms over her head, Natsuki heaved a satisfied sigh. “‘What a day! What a day!” she exclaimed, leaning back against the door with a dreamy gaze in her eyes. The Partie D’Amour turned out to be quite a memorable day. She saw some old faces, met quite a few new, and to top it all off, she received an unbelievably generous and precious present from Chloe. Slipping of her shoes, Natsuki stepped into her favorite fuzzy slippers and walked down the hallway. Carrying her bag carefully, she made her way into the living room. Natsuki placed the bag on the table with great care. So as to avoid suspicion by her nosy neighbors, she drew the curtains closed before returning to the couch to sit. Even as she pulled the items from her bag, Natsuki couldn’t believe it. In one hand, a empty soul bottle waiting to be filled, and in the other, a vile with fragments from an actual rainbow. “Fragments o’ Rainbow,” she mused dreamily, holding the vial up to the light. Normally, she would be skeptical of such an item, but since it was a heartfelt gift form Chloe, Natsuki didn’t doubt its authenticity. Simply holding it up to the light made Natsuki feel like her life was suddenly more colorful and beautiful. She marveled at the fragments, trying to picture how Dr. Kyou came upon them. “Perhaps the sky really fell this time,” she giggled, reaching over and pulling her test tube zen garden closer, she plucked out one of the middle tubes with a small cluster of sweet peas, and replaced the tube with the fel essence. It stood proudly among the other tubes and their sprigs of flowers and greenery. Adjusting the position slightly, Natsuki wondered how the rainbow bits would react when the morning sunlight poured through the windows and sunned the spot she just put it. “There. Now you have some company while I try to figure out what to do with your companion.” Looking at her calendar, Natsuki sighed in satisfaction. Despite being dogged tired, she would wake up early again tomorrow to fight the gauntlet that is the West Barton Bazaar. She justified the shopping trip as picking up things for the café, but she would make certain to scope out a couple of personal items that she’s been hunting as well. Resting her feet on the coffee table, Natsuki picked up the soul bottle. Looking around the room, she tried to figure out an inconspicuous place to store it, but also somewhere that she wouldn’t forget where she placed it. The mantle over the fire place was ideal. In plain sight, but also not a place people usually look. Walking over, she carefully rearranged her photos and removed the glass bowl filled with floating candles. Setting the bowl on the table, Natsuki draped her handkerchief over the metal and delicately placed the soul bottle in the iron stand. Taking a step back, she nodded in appreciation and satisfaction. It was a perfect fit. She took her Luka plushie raevan from her bag, having successfully traded with Shuura at the event. Turns out that Luka was a light-based raevan, so Natsuki wondered if he and her raevan would get along and become friends. Flopping across the couch, she took the heart-shaped cookie from her bag, and unwrapped it slowly. She was rather amused when she heard the kind doctor baked them himself. Eyeing the cookie, she realized it needed its perfect match. Fetching herself a tall glass of icy cold milk, Natsuki broke the cookie in half, drawing the pieces apart slowly. “What’s this?” Natsuki quipped, pulling a slip of paper from the halves. “A fortune? Looks like today’s my lucky day.”
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Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 4:43 am
 Entry :: Soul Capture (Part o1)Title :: "Brilliant World" Music :: "BRILLIANT WORLD" by The Yellow Monkey Another crisp and clear winter morning woke Natsuki up earlier than she intended. However, waking up early on a day off was completely different than rising up for a long day of work. With plans to hit up the West Barton Bazaar, she would need an early start to beat all the bargain hunters. Curse those energetic old ladies! Their kindly, matronly manners go out the window when prime junk is on sale. Armed with her wallet, comfortable walking shoes, and a large bag, she left just as the sun was rising up over the mountains. "A gorgeous morning, indeed," Natsuki smiled, stretching long and hard as she rose the train toward Barton. The countryside passed by in flashes, but she always enjoyed watching the world wake up. She took her breakfast out of her bag, and set it on her lap. Opening her thermos, she poured some hot lemon tea into the cap and sipped it gingerly. It wasn't the most glamorous breakfast with only some fruit, yogurt, and a home made blueberry muffin, but Natsuki imagined herself sitting in a classy dining car and part-taking her meal with the same grade of elegance. The sunshine felt warm on her face as pale, yellow beams warmed the window. Left only with her thoughts, Natsuki planned out her route through the market. Looking over her shopping list and the map, she managed to prepare a route that would take her to the best stalls first, allowing her to get her shopping done by lunch time. She nibbled on her muffin, leaning back on the train bench and savouring every bite. She finished up her breakfast, several stations short of West Barton, so she had time to clean up and prepare herself. ? ? ? Even epic wars had the decorum and rules of engagement which the West Barton Bazaar severely lacked. Despite the severely evident lack of combat experience, Natsuki braved the hordes of gold diggers, cheapskates, and evil old ladies and amassed a stash of interesting trinkets for both the cafe and her home. After watching a do-it-yourself television program, Natsuki decided to take up decorating and restoring small things like pottery, mosaics, and stained glass pieces. The ample shelving and large windows on the north side of her condominium screamed for decoration, especially things that would catch or reflect light. By the lunch rolled around, Natsuki reached the last item on her list: a tea infuser. She bought an assortment of loose, foreign teas from her favorite tea supplier, Silken Road, for a complete steal, so naturally she bought in bulk. However, after doing so, she realized that she did not have the metal contraption used for steeping loose tea leaves. She knew of a tea goods seller, but unfortunately, finding her shop within the melee was a true quest separately. Natsuki's eyes narrowed as the umpteenth passerby smacked her in the face with a shopping bag. She would need more than a long soak in a hot bath when she returned home. "Now, here the heck is she?" Natsuki mused, catching the same bag returning for a second wallop. Using her own bag, she countered the bag, shaking a little consciousness into its zombie-like wielder. Several minutes of zig-zagging through the crowd, the strawberry blonde managed to find her way to 'The Queen's Hospitali-TEA'. The stand glittered in the mid-morning sun, the reflective surfaces of all the goods reflecting the light in every direction. Taking out her sunglasses, Natsuki approached the stall with a sense of elation. Enduring all the madness was certainly worth it. Her elegant fingers lightly traced the surface of the tables, grazing along the edges of the white table cloths as she walked slowly by. Passing the china and flatware, Natsuki found what she was looking for, the service wares. The cafe owner got more than she bargained for when she saw the ridiculously cheap prices on the wide variety of items. The tea infusers came in all shapes and sizes from simple mesh balls to more decorative shapes like stars and hearts. At the back of the table, a small display was erected. On a red sateen pillow rested a particularly interesting shaped infuser. "The Tea Genie! Imported the Mystic Desert's Forbidden Oasis," Natsuki whispered, reading the flashy signage beside it. She found the plush genie sitting beside it absolutely adorable. "The best tea you could ever wish for."Admittedly, Natsuki was taken away by the Queen's theatrics and witty presentation of the lone tea infuser, but she was rather taken back by the price. For the price the Queen wanted, that Tea Genie had to be something special. The sun seemed to shine brighter as she picked up the Arabian lamp shaped infuser, as if someone was trying to give her rather obvious hint. Personally, Natsuki thought the item was too beautiful to stick tea in, but the way it brilliantly gleamed in the sunlight, dazzled her. The woman decided to hold on to the 'lamp' while she examined her wallet. A shrewd, spinster slithered up beside her, eyeing the treasure as well, and even went as far as to ask to hold it. Natsuki knew better. Last time she did that, some old lady ran off with the beautiful vintage jacket she wanted to buy. 'Not this time' she thought, giving that lady a slow shake of the head. "I'd like to buy this, please?" Natsuki said, brandishing the lamp to get the Queen's attention. The woman hustled over with a questionable sparkle in her eye. The young woman couldn't figure out if the look was one of malevolence, fascination, or relief. Nope. She decidedly realized that it was greed, as Natsuki watched her quickly swipe the considerable amount of money from her hand. 'I guess not all royalty is rich…' she quipped to herself as the woman wrapped up the infuser, and threw in the plush toy, an extra mesh infuser, and sateen pillow for good luck. Though the woman’s interpersonal communication skills were rather shoddy, her presentation and business practices were right on the mark. Natsuki would certainly make the effort to seek out the Queen and her eccentric hospitality again. After a light lunch, Natsuki schlepped herself home. She slept on the return trip like a cat lounging in the sun. Reaching the station, she hurried home to unpack and play with her new goodies.
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Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 4:50 am
Entry :: Soul Capture (Part o2)Title :: "Rub Me the Right Way" Music :: "Genie in a Bottle" (The Strokes Remix) by Christina Aguilera The bags lay strewn across her coffee table, waiting to be opened. Unlike her girl friends, Natsuki enjoyed having a rest between the shopping and playing processes. After a long soak in a tofu bath, she returned to her living room with slightly damp, towel dried hair, comfortable flannel pajamas, and fuzzy slippers. Turning on the kettle, she set out a china cup with a simple gold and purple check pattern, and its matching saucer. Natsuki set both the space heater and her stereo on low, and prepared to systematically open her new additions to the house. As she was making tea, she decided to try out one of the newly purchased flavors, a rich Assam tea. She removed the items from the bags, one by one, and lined them up on the table. They remained unwrapped as she folded up the bags into little triangles for later use, and tucked them into the smallest bag. Natsuki was not, if nothing, very methodical and systematic when it came to certain things. Taking up the mesh ball infuser and the bag of assam, she walked into the kitchen and prepped her tea. The kettle howled just as she finished dropping the filled infuser into the tea cup. Pouring the hot water into the cup, she carried the tea and a some sugar cookies on a tray back to the living room. "All right. Now while you're working your magic, I'll work on mine," Natsuki said to the cup, setting it on the end table. Pulling the small waste paper basket from underneath the end table, she set about her task. To Natsuki, a day at the West Barton Bazaar equated to Christmas. She loved shopping, more so if it was on sale, and any Saturday morning at WBB was like being trapped in a mall during holiday season. As she worked through the assortment of items, she separated her trash methodically, do as to avoid incurring the wrath of her stickler landlord. Sipping her tea and noshing on her cookies in between items, her zeal didn't fade as she worked her way toward the end. Instinctively, she saved 'the best for last' waiting to open the Tea Genie last. She took a break to put some of the other items away, as the table became rather cluttered. Finally, she removed the paper covering the lamp-shaped infuser. While distracted by the glittering of the tea tent, the Queen placed the lamp in a purple velveteen bag with golden cords which were tied tightly in a bow. Several minutes passed as she fought to untie the knot. "How could she tie this so tightly?" Natsuki gritted, employing her teeth after he agile fingers failed her. "There was no need do so unless it was dangerous or something. It’s just a tea infuser for crying out loud. It's not a wild beast."Finally, she wrenched the cords askew and wriggled the lamp free from its prison. Without the sunshine, it did not gleam the way it had at the shop. It looked rather tarnished and in need of proper cleaning prior to usage. Her heart sank because it felt like the magic was gone. She set the lamp atop the pillow, and put the genie doll on the couch where she had sat. Fetching her cleaning products and some newspaper from the closet, Natsuki figured the sooner she cleaned it, the faster she could put that Tea Genie to work. "You know, you looked much better on display," Natsuki said, shaking her cleaning rag at the tea lamp. Tying her hair back in pony tail, she continued, "Let's see if we can bring back that shine, shall we?"Pouring a generous amount of cleaner onto the rag, she dabbed the cleaner onto the lamp. Natsuki rubbed the lamp once, and felt a pulse of energy shake her hands. Perhaps she was more tired than she thought. Shrugging, she rubbed the lamp a second time, but this time the pulse was stronger and the lamp seemed to glow softly. Squinting and eyeing the lamp carefully, Natsuki was convinced that she should take a nap after finishing up. Natsuki rubbed the lamp a third time. In a flash of brilliant, ruby light, the lamp vibrated itself free from Natsuki’s hands and clattered onto the table. It bounced around, rattling like an earthquake passing before a smoke in glittering shades of red burst forth from the spout. Snaking and spiraling up, Natsuki gaped as a being materialized from the vapors. There was no fire anywhere, yet the room filled with the strange smoke.  "Who are you to wake me from my slumber, you old crone?" the being roared, taking a female form. From the waist up, she was human though her skin coloring and smoky lower half would indicate otherwise. Long black hair was parted down the middle and gathered in two high ponytails, each wrapped with a braid at the base. Her flawless skin was crimson red, and she wore veils and dripped with gold and jewels. "I told you that all three of your wishes are gone and I am not making anymore?Oh!" “You're not what I think you are, are you?” Natsuki blurted out slowly, dropping the cleaning cloth onto the floor. "My name is Princess Noor Jawahir of the Mystic Desert’s Forbidden Oasis," Noor Jawahir replied mechanically though a hint of boredom was clear in her voice. Her golden, jewel laiden bangles clanged together as she pushed one long ponytail from her bare shoulder. "I am a djinnyeh bound to this lamp in an eternity of servitude in this...tea infuser. Where am I? Who are you?"Natsuki was in shock. The Tea Genie?! The Tea Genie was a real genie, and not just a kitschy name. In the center of her living room an actual smoke and torso, straight out of Arabian mythos, wishing granting, djinnyeh towered above her. The harried looking female genie, from the sound of her tone, didn’t appear to get along with her former Mistress. The glittery smoke receded, forming the djinnyeh’s tail. The tea infuser thankfully stopped smoking, but Natsuki was nothing short of speechless. "M-m-my name is N-n-natsuki Yanagitani," she woman said in a dazed voice. "I b-b-bought your lamp at the West Barton Bazaar.""You mean my tea infuser? Of all the stupid, insignificant things, I had to get myself bound to..." Noor said with visible spite in her voice. "I guess I should be thanking you. If that dingbat of a woman poured scalding, hot water into my house just one more time, I would have lost it and cursed her."The diamond eyes flashed with a hint of amusement as a finely arched brow raised with interest. Slowly crossing her arms, Noor eyed the bewildered human with interest. Despite her plain attire, the djinnyeh found her a far more suitable mistress than her former. Hovering lower, Noor appeared to sit on the edge of the table, allowing for a better view of Natsuki's face. "So, what lame wishes am I going to be stuck granting for you?" Noor inquired, toying with the edge of her veil in amusement. "Just be careful of what you wish for, Mistress Natsuki. You never know when they might be..." she said, with her brow quirking on the last word, "misinterpreted."
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Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 6:46 am
Entry :: Soul Capture (Part o3)Title :: "Bright Lights that Won't Kill Me Now..." Song :: "It's Not a Fashion Statement, It's a Death Wish" by My Chemical Romance :: Featuring ::Noor Jawahir "Wishes? I don't know about all that, Noor," Natsuki said, slowly pushing her hair from her eyes, and putting a little space between her and the djinniyeh. "I'm still getting used to the fact that you're... well... here. I mean, I do need help, but the only thing I have a problem with at the moment is-- this."Natsuki walked over to the mantle and removed the plush from the side of the soul bottle, and removed it from its stand. Returning to the couch, she removed the fel essence from its stand as well and sat down. The weight of the glass in her hands, grounded her and brought her back to reality a little. She explained to Noor what they were for, and how Dr. Kyou would create a living being from the two elements. Natsuki also expressed her difficulty thinking up a being, thing, or creature whose soul she could take for that precise purpose. "I'm just not big on the whole killing thing, which makes the process rather difficult. That and I would hate for the generosity of my friends to go to waste." Natsuki said rather sheepishly, passing the soul bottle to Noor's long, ring clad fingers, tipped with blood red nails. "If it were something already dying or unable to move, then I could just leave the bottle around and let the soul drain out. Of course that would be far less painful for me, but not so swift and painless for the being with the soul. I mean, what would you wish for, if you were me?"Noor nearly dropped the soul bottle at her mistress's genuinely interested and pointed question. Since her imprisonment, no one ever bothered to pose such a question to her. All Noor Jawahir ever heard were requests, wishes, demands, and orders. She couldn't remember in her one thousand six hundred and twenty-five years the last time she heard a question. Like a bolt of lightning, she remembered, but it was from a different lifetime. "I suppose, one could ask for the power to do what is necessary in regards to killing whatever being necessary for the soul," Noor said, turning her eyes from the luxurious gold and purple bottle cloth to Natsuki with interest. Wrapping the cord of the bottle around her middle finger, she smiled bemusedly at the human. "But you should know that just because you have the will to kill something, doesn't mean that it will be successful. Take me, for example, the only way I can be killed is if I am released from this curse and then killed. The problem is greed possess too many people, hence I am still very much alive." Natsuki had a difficult time reading between the lines of what Noor was telling her. She felt compelled to ask a rather brazen question, especially since Joor presented her with such a fantastic example. She bit her lip nervously, trying to formulate a delicate proposition to such a bizarre response. "So, if I were to release you, would you be willing to give your soul to me?" Natsuki asked rather slowly, almost afraid the djinniyeh would strike her across the face. Taking the soul bottle from Noor's hands and placing it safely in her lap. "Wait a minute here," Noor said, eyeing her skeptically. The air pressure in the room dropped rapidly and spiked again, in response to Noor's bewilderment. "You want me to leave this bottle, and get into another? How I do know you're going to let me back out once I'm in there?""One, I have absolutely no magical abilities aside from the three wishes you have promised me," Natsuki said, crossing one striped stocking over the other and reclining in the booth. "And Two, if I were to bind you to that bottle, Dr. Kyou will have the damnedest time trying to get you back out, right?""You have a point there. I am just not sure about the death requirement," the djinn retorted flatly, her pink and red mist swirling rather tenaciously, almost enough to make its viewer dizzy. "I'm just supposed to hang around here waiting for some container to slowly draw my soul out of me.""Do you have any other suggestions?" the strawberry blonde sighed, adding fresh tea to her cup and pouring hot water over it. A bit of hot water splashed up and scalded her hand. "What do you want me to do? Kill you first, and hope it makes the process move faster?"A indescribably awkward and long silence washed over them. Natsuki's face was wrought with frustration, confusion, and fear, while Noor's remained serene and confident as ever. The human stared at her tea, watching it steep, with thin brown swirls mingling and dancing in the water. She found it soothing as did Noor who took a mild interest in it. "That would be a start..." Noor said, shrugging her shoulder and examining her nails with content. "The sooner we get started, the sooner we finish.""Well then... Noor Jawahir, I wish for your freedom in exchange for your soul," Natsuki said slowly, piecing together a wish with as few loopholes and as small a margain for error as possible."...and give me the strength and means necessary to, kill you, so you may be reborn free of this curse."+ + + Natsuki's eyes filled with tears as she looked down into Noor's eyes. The djinnye's cryastal clear eyes had a sublime quality locked deep within. She slowly picked up the golden dagger, feeling her pulse spike. Natsuki realized that without Noor's help, she would not have the gumption to do what they were planning. Gripping the knife in her hand, she found it surprisingly light weight, so Natsuki knew that it would take great force to plunge it into the djinnyeh's heart. Noor laid down on the rich and colorful ethnic print blanket. She closed her sparkling white eyes, taking in the soothing sounds of the ocean and bathing herself in the crystal clear light of the full moon. Natsuki sat astride the djinnyeh's waist, pinning her to the ground. She shuddered feeling Noor's body sink to the gentle creek of the sand. The tears staining her cheeks glittered like the stars twinkling above, and the djinnyeh reached up and wiped them away with a soothing, tender touch. "Forgive me for what I am about to do," Natsuki sobbed softly. Though Noor granted her the power to do what was necessary, it certainly was not without the guilt, fear, or emotion like she had hoped for. Thankfully, Natsuki wouldn't need that wish granted a second time. She lifted the dagger up with shaky hands, one wrapped firmly around the grip, and the other clasping the butt of the dagger. "There is nothing to forgive, my friend," Noor said, as a tear of elation streamed from her own eye. Freedom. How many hundreds of years had she waited, daydreaming of the day she'd find a master or mistress generous enough to give her the one thing she craved-- Liberation. Lucky for Noor, Natsuki's gift was not only death, but life renewed. The fallen princess would rise again as a phoenix does from ashes. It had been well over a century and a half since she'd felt such complete bliss. "Only things to thank you for, Natsuki. I hope in my next life, I will remember the sacrifices you made for me. Thank you."At that, Noor Jawahir wrapped her own hands around her human friend's. In the flash light, the initial pain was over. Blood stained the silken sand and seeped into Noor's gorgeous garments of sapphire, silver, and golden silk and satin. The dying djinniyeh's life blood shimmered like jewels in the sunlight, much like her misty lower half previously did. Panic consumed Natsuki. With the piercing of Noor's heart, the willingness to complete the deed vanished. Sobs racked her chest as she tried wrenching the dagger free from Noor's chest. Like her eyes, Noor's heart was pure diamond, and it held the dagger fast in place. "Leave it, my friend. You've done your part, now let me do mine," Noor whispered, short of breath as she touched Natsuki's blood spattered cheek lightly. The woman, held it close against her face, feeling the heat rapidly vanish. The dying djinnyeh reached for the soul bottle with her other arm. Looping her long, bejeweiled fingers around the cord, Noor drew the bottle closer. Taking the bottle in both hands, she twisted the top and pulled the stopper free. The djinniyeh kept the bottle, but handed Natsuki the cap, at which Natsuki noticed that Noor's vibrant skin turned pale, almost ghostly white. The color seemed to leave her as the blood continued flowing from her body. The mischievous sparkle lingered in Noor's eyes, as she clutched the bottle tightly, resting it against the golden dagger that was lodged in her chest. "I'll take good care of you, Noor," Natsuki wept, touching her dying friend's face, tracing the scrolling script across the bridge of the djinniyeh's nose. The onyx black faded at a slower rate than her skin, but that was in part to it being the curse binding Noor Jawahir to her current life. Pushing a stray black hair from Noor's forehead, Natsuki kissed her lightly on the forehead. "See you on the other side, my sister," Noor smiled with anticipation, feeling her voice waiver. "Now, go and rest. I'll only be a few minutes."Nodding, Natsuki reluctantly stood up, and mechanically wrapped the edged of the blanket around Noor's body. Seeing how far the blood spread and soaked the sand, Natsuki fell back in shock. Scrambling to her knees, she clawed her way toward the shore break. Staring at the moon, Natsuki openly wept as the tide washed over her. She had no energy to wash any of the blood off, Natsuki begged the ocean to help her wash away the blood, but more importantly the sin of taking another being's life. The clattering of metal and glass jolted Natsuki from her lamentation. Groping her way back up the shore feebly, an audible gasp left her lips when she returned to where she left Noor's body. Lifting the soul bottle up, Natsuki refitted the cap, watching the mist swirl within. The mist seemed to dance in celebration, reveling in its new found liberation and sanctuary. Taking her wet handkerchief from her pocket, she wiped diamond dust from the bottle. Without a soul, the body of the great djinniyeh princess turned to the powder fine sand. All traces of blood vanished, and all that remained of Noor Jawahir was the golden dagger, several pieces of priceless jewelry, and a pile of powder fine sand. Place the soul bottle in her satchel, Natsuki proceeded to collect the belonging of the deceased, wrapping each one carefully in small bags. This included a jar of the princess' "ashes", while the majority would be released to the ocean and other places Natsuki deemed fit. The cold winter air swirled and blew, yet Noor's shandy remained remained unmoved. Natsuki executed Noor's last wishes as requested. After she finished, Natsuki waded out into the shallows and floated the blanket atop the water. Sprinkling handfuls of remains, she stood in the freezing water until the waves dragged it to the ocean depths. "See you on the other side," Natsuki said, blowing a kiss to the wind and waving good-bye into the darkness. Their contract was complete. "My sister..."Slinging her bag over her shoulder, Natsuki walked back into town, leaving her car at the beach parking lot. It was clear that she was in no condition to drive. She needed see someone. Some one she knew could help her, or more importantly help her forget what she'd just done. Soul Capture Complete. Obtained Djinniyeh Soul of Princess Noor Jawahir. crying
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Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 3:18 am
Entry :: oo8 Thread LinkTitle :: "I've Never Seen You Shine so Bright" Song :: "Lady in Red" by Chris De Burgh :: Featuring ::Niksia, Alex (Chrystali), Shuura, and Lillian (Ac.Wings)Natsuki Yanagitani Natsuki walked in a daze. She was cold, wet, and smelling of salt water. Finding a bar near the side of the road, she entered and made a bee-line for the bar keeper. Her gray eyes were dark like storm clouds, completely devoid of their usual sparkle and charm. In the dim lighting, her blood splattered clothes made her look like an overzealous painter. Staring at the bartender through her curtain of disheveled hair, she sighed in relief when he handed her a warm hand cloth to wear off the chill. "I want an Dirty Girl Scout. The strongest you've got," Natsuki said, placing a large bill on the counter. "I want it double tall, light on the ice, and none of the cheap stuff either. I want to get drunk, very fast."She ignored everything around her, and simply watched the coffee liquer, Irish cream, vodka, and creme de menthe mingle with the ice. Taking her drink and coaster, she found herself an empty corner booth, and took a seat. Taking out her mobile phone, she dialed Alex's number. "The Crusty Barnacle on Route 53. If you are free," Natsuki said in weak and raspy voice. "I need a friend. It's Natsuki..."
Niksia Niksia had been taking a nightly walk when she got caught in the weather. Rather than force herself home in the pouring rain, which was currently too far away to consider, she nipped into the nearest open business at this hour instead. A bar, wonderful. At least it was relatively quiet and low key. She took a black cloth from a pocket and wiped her face dry before sliding onto a stool at the bar. 'Hmmm... Just a soda, thank you.'Passing a bill across the bar she left the change sitting there as she sipped at her drink, watching the weather through unappealing window. 'To you, Mother Nature.'[[Liberties with weather, bad me! *smack*]]
Alex (Chrystali) There was a 7 minute lapse between Natsuki's call and the moment Alex's boot touched in the inside of the bar's floor. The woman's normally peaceful expression was torn between doubt and worry, the latter of which dominated her face when she saw the familiar but bedraggled form of Natsuki. She'd recognize that hair anywhere. The woman moved with purpose through the bar, ignoring the other patrons. She extended her hand to Natsuki's back, hesitating a fraction of a second before settling it against the cold clothes of her friend. Alex carefully placed her own slightly damp self next to Natsuki, concern creasing her brow. The other woman seemed well and unhurt, although she did note the strange pattern of...of something on her clothes. "Natsuki," she said quietly, green eyes dark.
Natsuki Natsuki dropped back the drink like a frat boy, taking large gulps without stopping until she drained the glass. The creamy drink went down easy, and started warming up her system quickly. She slammed the cup back on the table in satisfaction, taking a large sigh as the alcohol coursed through her system. "Keep these comin', Boss," Natsuki called to a passing waiter, sliding her glass over to the edge of the table. A bemused smiled crossed her face as the waiter picked up the glass, and looked at it. "It's a Dirty Girl Scout. Does good deeds, but is naught at the same time... like me."Natsuki subconsciously, patted her bag as she talked. Keeping the strap, looped over her leg, so she wouldn't forget it in her drunken state. Crossing on long leg over the other, she ran her fingers through her hair with a twinge of impatience. The bar tender hustled the drink over personally, and Natsuki polished it off like it was child's play. With an empty stomach, the young lady would be getting drunk... and doing it very fast. Then Alex walked in the door. "There you are, darling!" Natsuki giggled, waving her hand at her friend. Kicking a chair out with her wet shoe, she smiled. "Pull up a chair, Al! You're never going to believe the story I am about to tell you."
Niksia [[That answered my question. razz ]] Niksia pondered what she heard over her shoulder, half turning her head to focus more clearly. She wasn't being nosy, far as she liked to think of it, she was in a public place after all. It was just, taking an interest. It didn't take long to become loud enough for it to pass into the realm of easily overheard conversation. Tilting her head thoughtfully, she felt a strain of familiarity for a moment. Maybe a little later she'd turn around properly to look at the source, right now she was stuck in her patented habits of lying low. Information was important.
Chrystali Alex tilted her head, observing Natsuki as she did most people she didn't know. She was smiling like Alex was used to, but that was probably the kiss of the alcohol making her so giddy. There was something dark around her eyes, and judging from her remark about a story, things were going to become clear quite soon. She impatiently waved off a waiter without ever looking at him, still curious as to the condition of Natsuki. "Tell me a story and we'll see," she replied, offering a wan smile. It was hard to surprise the woman with stories, as she'd read some and lived a few of her own. Especially after the Raevans...she wasn't sure she had the capacity to be shocked anymore. But, she caught herself, every time you think that, you're proven wrong. Keep an open mind this time.Green eyes turned to the bartender, offering a dark warning due to her friend's fragile condition, before Alex's full attention was on the excited woman before her. She was hoping everything was okay, but the more she looked at the splattered pattern on Natsuki's clothes, the less she believed the story was going to be a happy one.
Shuura
Shuura straightened up ever so slightly the moment Natsuki had step foot into the bar. The teenager could distinctly sense the smell of blood, although at this point she couldn't really tell or care who was the cause of it. For some reason alcohol heightened her senses instead of dulling it, and the dank bar she was in was so sharply in focus that it was hurting her eyes. She closed them.
Situated near the far shadowed corner of the bar, the dark-haired girl was quickly becoming inebriated, continuing to bum free drinks off one of the bartenders. "Another cossmo......" she demanded, with the slightest hint of a slur. "Heavy on the cranberry syrup....you know how I like it." Ahh, the convenience of a fake I.D.. Shuura was 22 years old to anyone who was concerned, and being ex-coworkers with Timothy, the bartender tending this end of the bar, didn't hurt things either. Sipping down the intoxicating beverage, Shuura leaned forward until she was in danger of falling off her bar stool, an almost-lopsided smile revealing a set of curiously pointed canine teeth.
Ac.Wings As the occupants of the bar enjoyed their drinking and chattering, it was obvious one wouldn't notice the new customer. Atleast...that's what the newcomer had hoped as she tried to fix her hair. She couldn't afford her make up running or her hair acting fussy. If that occured, her illusion of appearing older would fade as quickly as it had been made. Lillian couldn't help but curse under her breath at her current conditions. Why did the weather have to get so bad out so quickly? On the night she was actually taking such a high risk too! Well...compared to the things she was already involved in, it was hard to call such a stunt a real risk. As the teenager pondered about it, she actually begun to wonder if someone up above was telling her that this wasn't a good idea. Bah...she looked the part...no one would know that it was a sixteen year old hiding behind the make up and wig. Many teens forged I.D.'s, and drinking couldn't be that bad since every adult did it. As Lillian thought it over, her confidence had returned. She could do it! Everyone said it was a piece of cake. You just show them your fake I.D., order a drink, and you're home free. All she had to do was order a drink... Lillian stared up at the selections, her confidence diminshing as she became utterly confused with the names. What the heck!? How much alcohol did these have in them? Why did they have such odd names...how was she supposed to know which was actually good? Ugh...maybe this was going to be harder than she thought. If she asked about the drinks that would draw attention to herself, and she didn't want that at all. 'M-Maybe I should go...Wait! N-No! I came here to do what adults do! I can't say that I'm an adult if I haven't gotten drunk off my rump before!' Lillian's determined thoughts cried as she clutched her purse that contained her key to a drink.
Natsuki "So, yesterday I went to the West Barton Bazaar, and bought this tea infuser called 'The Tea Genie'. Guaranteed to make The Best Tea in the world!" Natsuki started, leaning heavily on the table, and beckoning Alex closer with her flapping, drunken hand. "Got home, and sure enough, the Tea Genie was a REAL genie. Rub the lamp. Glittering smoke. Grant ya three wishes GENIE!"She giggled, and shook her head, having the suspicion that her friend might back away and tell the barkeep to cut her off. Natsuki recounted the tale in long, gory detail. From striking the deal with the djinniyeh, Princess Noor Jawahir, in which Natsuki promised the liberate the cursed woman from her servitude, in exchange for her soul to be used in the creation of her raevan. Toying with the lip of her empty glass while she signaled to the bartender for another, a rosy blush swept her cheeks and her eyes focused. "I could have wished for anything, Alex. I mean, I had three... one-two-three wishes, that I could have used, but you know, djinn are really tricky. And Noor was a Marid-- one of the most powerful of her kind," Natsuki pouted counting with her fingers and waving them at her friend. "So I had to be careful what I wished for, ya know? Thank ya, handsoooome..." she drawled at the other waiter, who was rather far from being handsome on any scale, unless someone found sweaty, nasty, and unkempt attractive. Clearly, Natsuki's beer goggles were hard at work.
Niksia With raised brow Niksia listened intently to Natsuki's tale, still not having turned around enough to realise who she was listening to. The fact that she mentioned Raevan sparked her mind though, it hadn't been that long since her first proper contact and the thought of it was still fresh in her mind. Lowering herself to the bar, head resting on her arms, she glanced around to look at her storyteller. Did she know who that was? It was hard to tell. She had a promise to keep, say sorry to Natsuki about leaving at the Valentine's day events so suddenly. Something strange going on...
Ac.Wings "I think I'll have....that one!" Lillian told the bartender as she pointed a finger to the drink she was interested in. She already flashed her forged I.D. to him and he went merrily on his way in getting what she had asked for. When he returned with it, Lil gave him the money and turned away from the counter. 'That was easy enough...' The teenager thought as she picked up her drink and took a wiff of it. The young woman's face suddenly contorted to one of discomfort and distaste. It smelled awful! Wasn't this supposed to be a sweet drink that she ordered? Lillian gave a defeated sigh as she turned on her heel, holding the drink close as she looked about for a place to sit. In her search she heard the loud voices...but who couldn't? Whoever was talking could be heard clearly where Lil stood. Out of curiousity Lillian moved closer to the booth Natsuki was seated at. Lil became bolder as she sneaked a peek at the speakers face. Lil was a girl who never forgot a face, she pinned the face to the woman who had told her where Tyson was during that festival! Boy....was she drunk if she was talking about such odd things. A genie? Bah...she must have been delusional or drunk a lot to be saying she saw a REAL genie.
Natsuki Swirling her glass skeptically, Natsuki's eyes narrowed at the formerly attractive server who had the nerve to bring her water of all things. Rolling her eyes in annoyance she, figured the sooner she'd polish off the water, the faster she'd get the hard stuff back. However, she was temporarily in disposed and needed to use the dank facilities. Slinging her heavy bag over her shoulder, she patted Alex heartily on the shoulder before waddling toward the ladies' room. "Stay tuned, 'Lexi! There's more after this commerical break," Natsuki giggled, dragging herself toward the bathroom. Looking around, she gasped seeing familiar faces. Shuura, Niksia, and the other girl she met briefly at the Partie D'Amour were all in attendance. Thankfully, it seemed that all three ladies were unaccompanied. The perfect makings of a ladies' night! "Shuu-shuu, Niksie, and girl with the really obnoxious little brother--- come over and join us. We're having a riot of a time."At that, Natsuki dramatically flung herself through the door... of the men's room. With a boisterous cackle, she reemerged, and drove through the door of the ladies' room. "Ooopsieeee!"
Niksia Surprised at being recognized, Niksia's eyebrows shot up somewhere in the region of her hairline. It was Natsuki! The voice had been familiar, if rather roughed and slurred by booze, and Niksia was far too good at remembering people. While Natsuki took the time to depart to at least one restroom, hopefully returning unharmed eventually, Niksia took her drink from the bar with a resigned look on her face. Sliding off the stool she took a chair near the booth and shrugged her jacket onto it. Too warm now, mostly due to embarrassment, and the scarf was in its normal place. 'I didn't expect to be remembered... I don't usually visit bars...'She managed it as a faint introduction to everyone else being roped into Natsuki's night of... Confession? 'I'm called Niksia. Though she wasn't as far off as I expected.'
Ac.Wings Lillian nearly jumped out of her 'disguise' when Natsuki addressed her. The young woman looked utterly confused once more as she watched the other hobble about. This time it wasn't over drinks though. Should she go? Did she REALLY want to spend the night with drunkies? As she watched Natsuki stumble about, Lillian made up her mind. She might as well join the drinking party. They seemed friendly enough and maybe she could achieve her goal. All she had to do was make sure she didn't get as drunk as that woman and stumble into the....men's bathroom.... When she saw that Natsuki successfullty made it into the ladies bathroom. Lillian headed to the booth were the rest of the woman were. She broke out into a wide smile as her nerves eased while she introduce herself.
"Hello there, I'm Lillian! I hope everyones is enjoying their drinks!" She told them politely as she sat herself down in the booth. 'Just remain cheerful! Take a swig of the drink and be happy. You came to get drunk! You're going to do it! Just....please self don't get so drunk and stumble into the men's room...' Lillian told herself as her eyes fell to the alcoholic beverage which she still hadn't tasted yet.
Natsuki Natsuki staggered from the bathroom, feeling such relief and elation. After her venture into the men's room, part of her sobered up really quickly. The bright lights in the women's room, clearly showed her what a sight she really was. Using the soap, water, and hand dryer, Natsuki made herself a little more respectable, and less like the waking undead. Though heavily inebriated, she looked much better than when she first entered the bar. Aside from the blood stains gritted into her clothes, she looked more or less like herself again. "Sorry to keep you all waiting. I had to pay my water bill, and there was a bit of a line," Natsuki snorted, setting her bag back on the bench and plopping herself down. Her strawberry blonde hair was slicked back into a tight bun in a deeper shade of red. "So, I was telling Alex here about this genie I met, and how I set her free. Unfortunately, my story gets much darker from here on out, and it's not for the weak of heart. Are you ready?"Still heavily drunk, Natsuki's flair for the dramatic took hold, leaving the possibility that everything said could in fact, be false.
Niksia Niksia tipped her drink to Lillian silently, taking a sip as she waited for Natsuki to return. When she did Niksia listened thoughtfully to what she had to say, smirking slightly at her joke helplessly. 'Weak at heart I'm not. I would like to hear what else happened.'She tipped her drink a little to Natsuki this time, encouraging her to continue her tale.
Chrystali Alex rubbed her temples, her face half buried in her palms. She had to threaten bodily harm to the bartender and his waiters if they kept giving Natsuki drinks...at least drinks with heavy alcohol content. Apparently her promise of making a fresh batch of wolf food had worked, although it wasn't to the pleasure of her dear friend. It was just as well, since she didn't want to have to force water on the strawberry blonde. The Italian woman had no doubt in her mind that Natsuki was telling the truth. She had received the phone call before her friend had gotten drunk by the sound of her voice, and she wasn't going to call her a liar anyway. Alex shot one of the passing waiters a death glare before turning her full attention back to Natsuki. Her eyes shifted to the stains on the other woman's clothes for a moment, before she looked her friend square in her grey eyes. She gave a single nod to encourage Natsuki to get the memory off her chest. Whatever it was must have been what drove her to drink; Alex did not take such things lightly.
Lillian Lillian sat back in the booth, looking Natsuki over now that she had stopped flitting about. The young teen took in her appearance, find the woman very lovely. She knew how to dress too...but...what was that spattered over her clothing? Lillian squinted her hazel eyes to clear her vision and understand what it was. The young woman's eyes quickly widened as she realized that it BLOOD! What was that woman doing before she came here!? Was she in some kind of fight? D-Did she KILL someone....Oh dear lord what had she stumbled into!? Frightened, confused, and very curious to find out the cause. Lillian sat up in her seat soaking in each word that came out of Natsuki's mouth. Her nervous expression changed to one of interest as she tried to store away all that Natsuki was saying. Maybe she'd be able to figure out what had been going on lately. All she had to do was keep her ears alert and try to piece everything together when she got home.
Natsuki A veil of darkness appeared to fall over Natsuki's eyes. Regaining the stormy gleam of earlier, she leaned back in her chair and tapped her finger on the table. Unfortunately, the idiot server set down a glass of ginger ale. Clearly, Natsuki's night was about to get far worse than it previously had been. She was slowly sobering up, and felt eh giddiness in her system leaving at an alarming rate. Like the happiness was being sucked from her system. "A djinn can be released from their obligation only if the person they serve wishes for their release. However, in the case of Princess Noor Jawahir, wishing for her freedom wasn't enough. The curse upon her prevented her from ever being truly free, except in death," Natsuki said darkly, taking note that her companions seemed rather fixated on her clothing. Despite using the scented soap in the toilet, she couldn't mask the metallic scent of blood and mingled with the crusting of salt. "For nearly two thousand years, Noor's masters and mistresses were much like her, greedy, wanton, and selfish. Many of them laughed in her face, keeping all their wishes for themselves, and they paid the severe consequences there after."Reaching into her bag, Natsuki removed the soul bottle from her bag holding it at a height in which only those in her close proximity could see what it was. Inside glittering mist swirled and churned, occasionally catching the dim lighting of the bar. She cradled the bottle from the bottom with both hands, as if it were heavy like a fish bowl. "Knowing that Noor would be trapped forever, was something I was not willing to be a part of. I offered her the chance for rebirth, and she willingly accepted. I wished for her freedom, but that merely wasn't enough. Unfortunately, I needed to make a second wish."
Niksia Niksia shoved some of her long red hair from her eyes as she watched Natsuki, some of it always managing to get caught and dragged forward in her scarf. Her soda was long since flat, as cheap soda generally went after a very short time, and she grimaced after drinking it. She listened to the take intently though, eyes slightly narrowed. It wasn't a sort of story she was surprised to hear, it was almost like a child's nighttime tale. With the bits they usually tried to gloss over, left in. The scent of blood didn't seem to bother her, she breathed it in without the slightest change of expression. It was the soul bottle that took her eye though, she hadn't seen one before but the way Natsuki spoke as she held it told its own story. The mist was confusing to the eye, almost hypnotizing. If you only had a wish...
Lillian Lillian listened to Natsuki very carefully as she spoke. Her gaze fell to the soul bottle as she thought more on the subject of what would come out of it. One of those annoying things....like that Rivener.... A sudden chill went down Lillian's spine as she thougt of that beast. All she could do was hope that whatever the soul turned into in it's new life, that it would not be like that other...reavan. Atleast, the soul was pretty as it moved about in it's containment. Surely, something so beautiful could not be so rude. As she listened, keeping track of whatever was said, Lillian lifted her drink up to her lips and finally tasted the alcohol. Sadly, the girl could not contain the coughs that erupted from her mouth right after she tried to swallow. Quickly, the embarrassed miss brought a hand up to cover her mouth as her coughing fit continued. 'What a way to ruin a serious moment...' Lillian thought as she tried to ease herself out of the spell. The whole time trying to say "Sorry" for interrupting but her words not coming out right. They were strangled and odd, as she began sounding like some kind of animal. To be honest, it was a humorous sight to behold.
Alex Alex's eyes wandered to the bottle. She remembered the conversations she heard at the event, which seemed like an eternity ago. So Natsuki was an Owner? And this was...a soul bottle? She extended her hand to the distraught woman, resting it on her shoulder, trying to give her some comfort. Alex didn't know what to say...then again, she wasn't certain there was anything that COULD be said. The blood, and the talk of freedom in death...while it was true she was no puzzle solver, even Alex could piece this one together. Her green gaze flicked momentarily to the bartender. She rolled her eyes in a slightly annoyed fashion, as if giving in to Natsuki's unspoken whims for more alcohol. She just hoped they didn't make it strong enough to get the girl smashed. With the soul of someone who had obviously touched her life in the palm of her hands, Alex didn't really want Natsuki to be inhibited. She squeezed the other woman's shoulder lightly, doing the only thing she could do and listen. It was probably the longest span of time ever that Alex had said nothing while in the company of others.
Natsuki Natsuki slowly, returned the bottle to its sheath within her bag. She found the combination of reactions from her acquaintances a little unsettling. The reception of the fel essence and the soul bottle brought Natsuki a great deal of luck, unfortunately with all the good, came a healthy dose of bad. She felt nauseated from the constant ups and downs her life was taking, like being on a seesaw with the kid who likes to play rough. "As you all have noticed by now, but were kind enough not to mention, I have blood all over my clothes. Another loophole in Noor's binding is that she could not kill herself, meaning if she and I were to complete our contract," Natsuki paused, taking a long swig of her ginger ale and waving to the barkeep for another. "I would need to be the one to kill her. You might have guessed that I am not exactly one keen on killing things, hence my dilemma. I used my second wish to gain to power to do what was necessary. In Noor's case, it was driving a golden dagger through her diamond-coated heart."Briefly, she pulled the vial filled with Fragments o' Rainbow out to show them. The fragments glowed brilliantly, catching the light and casting small swatches of color on the table. To the naked eye, it looked like nothing more than a test tube filled with bits of stained glass, but Natsuki stared at it again, feeling refreshed by their calming colors. "Once I get my head back on straight, I am taking Noor's soul and vial of fel essence back to the Lab where we all met," Natsuki said in a softer tone. "I promised Noor a new life. One as rich as these pieces of rainbow, and I won't stop until its finished." At that, she returned her fel essence to the bag, and zipped it tightly shut.
Niksia Niksia felt a slight urge to speak, but forced it down after a moment. It was Natsuki's story to tell and while she could guess the outcome, it wasn't kind to speak it before the teller. Such were all stories of any value, a little bittersweet. When Natsuki explained about having to kill Noor Niksia nodded every so slightly to herself. It became clearer as to why the sweet and bubbly figure she had met would end up in a bar getting herself drunk. Normal people generally did have reactions like that, to death and the causing of it. The test tube of rainbow fragments was a distraction to look at, though it didn't take away from what had just been said. Niksia looked at it in her careful way, blinking at the colours catching her eye. As Natsuki put it away again, zipping the bag shut with a note of finality, Niksia found her voice stirring again. So many things she could say about what had happened, some more telling than others. 'To Noor then? Having found the right hands to fall into, finally.'
Chrystali "To Noor," Alex agreed, although she had no drink of her own. With a heartfelt sigh, Alex leaned over and curled her arm around Natsuki's shoulders, giving her a squeeze that could have darn near been a hug. Sitting back with a smile, she looked to the gathered, who all seemed to be preoccupied with what was just told. Except for Shuura, anyway. "Tell you what," she said, breaking the silence. "I'm going to be on my way shortly, but..." She paused, then continued, "I'll take anyone home who is heading out of Durem. Otherwise I'll wait until you have a ride." She pointed her last statement at Natsuki. Although she didn't really know the rest of the people at the table, she felt it was the least she could do to extend the same courtesy to those that Natsuki trusted (or otherwise liked enough) to share her tale with. Alex didn't want to seem as despondent as she felt. To see Natsuki, who seemed to be such a pistol, so serious and drawn, it worried her. She truly hoped that Natsuki could do what she promised, as Alex didn't know how the process of building a Raevan went behind the scenes. Moreover, she didn't know what those two foreign objects were going to create once fused. Would it be like the soul of the cursed genie, or something else all together? Could Natsuki hold her end of the bargain, seeing the face of the magical being she had freed? Alex had seen the haunted look in her friend's eyes, but she had faith in the fiery woman. Despite her dark thoughts, Alex smiled, staying with Natsuki until she was safely on her way.
Ac.Wings "To Noor." Lillian squeaked as she recovered from embarrassment. She took another swig of her drink, this time able to swallow it without any trouble. As everyone began departing, she turned to Natsuki when she was free and gave her a gentle smile. She couldn't just stay silent as se watched Natsuki looking so upset. Maybe a few words would help her? Yeah...the least Lil could do was give her her support.
"I wish you, and your friend, a happy and bright future. It'll all turn out well for the both of you, I know you might be thinking what do I know...but being hopeful never hurt anyone." Lillian told her, adding in a weak laugh. She knew it was hard to stay cheerful when you had to do something you truly wished you could have avoided. Natsuki appeared to be a strong woman with a good head on her shoulders, though. The teenager had a feeling that everything would work out for her. That woman didn't seem like the type to allow herself to be dragged down by anything. After she said her goodbyes and seperated herself from the group of women. Lillian turned to a waiter and asked for another drink. She still had her goal to accomplish and had to get back on it. Atleast she was distracted thinking about Natsuki and her position to notice the awful taste of the drinks.
Natsuki "Couldn't have said it better myself," Natsuki nodded in appreciation to Niksia's thoughtful toast, tipping her glass of ginger ale back. At times like this, simple truly was the best. She leaned into Alex's embrace, using it as a shied to wipe away the mist gathering in her eyes. She felt reassured and comforted, even if it was merely temporary. "Nah, I'll be fine, Alex. I'll just ring up a taxi. My parents live close to here, and it's a far shorter trip in this tattered state. Thanks though. You all head home, it's a long time to Durem."Leaning back against the booth, Natsuki called over the server for a heaping pitcher of water and a large cup of ice. She would need to be completely sober, if she were to show up at her parents' house unannounced in the middle of the night. Filling the glass to the brim, she waves to the others as they started going off on their separate ways. "Thanks again, girls. Just do me a favor. Keep tonight's conversation between us, please?"
Niksia Smiling faintly, Niksia gathered her jacket from the back of her chair as she stood and shrugged it on. Her scarf was tightened around the lower half of her face and she grinned behind it, the look appearing to some degree in her eyes. She felt better about Natsuki and what had happened now, not that it would be any comfort just yet. Whatever came of those two strange items, she would like to see, the process finally making more sense in her own mind. 'I can find my own way home, and I might amuse myself on the way too...'With a mildly formal nod to Natsuki she responded to the request for secrecy, she understood that quite well. It wasn't a story for second tellings anyway, only Natsuki had that right. 'Don't worry, I don't tell tales. But, it was nice to bump into you again.'Niksia remained a solemn figure, waving over her shoulder as she left... Right up until the door was nearly shut behind her.
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Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 8:01 pm
Entry :: oo9 Drop Off! COMPLETETitle :: "No More Dark Days, Only Sun Rays" Song :: "Lucky" by Hoobastank :: Featuring ::Chloe StarNatsuki Yanagitani Natsuki didn't sleep at all. After sneaking her way into her parents compound in the wee hours of the morning, she took a long soak in the onsen before sitting on her veranda. Her cotton yukata kept the warmth in as she sat and watched the sunrise. Visiting home always had a sense of security, but at the moment, it was lacking. Natsuki ran over the events of the previous day in her head, but still hadn't come to terms with what she did. Also with her drunken caterwalling in the bar, she spent the night wide awake, fearing that some thieves might try to take her precious merchandise from her. After taking breakfast in her room, she dressed for the day, and followed the familiar directions to the Lab without saying a word to her concerned parents. Her eyes were dark, and her complexion pale. She clearly lacked her normal vibrancy despite her bright strawberry blonde hair. She entered the lab, clutching her shoulder bag nervously, but despite all her concern, she still remembered to bring baked goods with her for the staff. "Excuse me... is anyone here?" She asked, her voice still raspy from the previous night's drinking. "I would like to make a drop off, for Dr. Kyou. It's Natsuki Yanagitani..."Chloe Star Bright pink hair followed by the mementary glint of sunlight on glass as Chloe stood up from where she'd been crouched behind her secretaries desk. The voice was familiar and upon seeing Natsuki she smiled. "A-Ah! Natsuki, h-hello!" She noticed the familiar items she held in her hands, smiling a little wider. "O-Oh, you've g-gotten a s-soul rather quickly." Natsuki "Oh, Chloe. It's so nice to see you again," Natsuki sighed, smiling and setting her items on the counter carefully. She also set the second bag on the counter, containing the cakes she picked up on her way over. Shifting a little nervously in her kimono, Natsuki straightened her collar and adjusted her sleeves; clear indications that she was troubled by something. "I wasn't expecting to find a soul so quickly either, but it wound up being my lucky day, I guess. Sorry to bother you so early in the morning, Chloe." Chloe Star Chloe smiled, delicatly reaching for the soul bottle. She did as she always had and gingerly lifted it up to the light as though she might be able to see some quality in the swirling colors. The mist moved slowly and mesmorizingly. "O-Oh.. it's not a bother a-at all. I-I'm always here, after all." She gave a small smile, gently letting the bottle down. "M-May I ask wh-where you gathered this particular subject?" It was then that she looked up and saw the strain in Natsuki's face, her own instantly crumbling into an expression of worry as she reached out to lightly touch the other woman's fingertips with her own. "O-Oh.. are you alright?" Natsuki "It's the soul of a djinniyeh, a female genie. She was bound to an object for almost two thousand years, unable to leave and unable to die." Natsuki said slowly in an a voice almost devoid of happiness. She knew she should be happy about the rebirth of Noor and the creation of her raevan, but the lingering horror of the murder of the beach clouded her mind. "She wanted to be free, but with the curse she had-- liberation only came with death at the hand of another. Her name was Noor Jawahir, and her one and only wish was for me to kill her," Natsuki continued with tears gathering in her eyes. Her delicate hands wrung the strap of her shoulder bag nervously, so much that her knuckles were nearly white with strain. The infamous gray sparkle in her eyes was non-existant, making her look eerily hallow. Strands of loose hair, fell over her eyes in attempt to shield them from Chloe's look of concern. She knew her friend would understand the delicate circumstances as she probably went through something similar with the Roc before Roux's birth. "The only thing I wished for was the power to do what she asked of me, but I failed to mention that I didn't want to feel the guilt that went along with it. Even at the very end, Noor's razor wit beat me out..." Natsuki's voice trailed off as she eyed the soul bottle affectionately, watching the mist with swirl within. The simple action of Chloe's touch broke Natsuki's resolve, and she began to cry. Her knees faltered, and Natsuki sat on the floor of the lab reception area weeping. Chloe Star Chloe listened with a small, strange growing sense of... horror. Horror for Natsuki, for having to go through with such a task. And then there were tears, and Natsuki was on the floor. Chloe gave a small, strained sound of worry and hurried out from behind the desk, immediatley falling to her knees beside her friend. The receptionist reached out, hesitating for only a moment before leaning forward all the way and wrapping her arms tightly around Natsuki, one hand coming up to stroke the back of her head. "I-If... she wanted it.." Her words died out. There wasn't any way she could make it sound any better.. and certainly no way to make Natsuki feel better. Chloe's throat clenched as she thought of all the souls she'd taken. Closing her eyes she sighed and let her cheek rest against Natsuki's in a moment of courage. "..I..." oh, it was difficult. She paused a few more moments before very carefully beginning again, her words slow and chosen. "I've reaped the s-soul of Gage.. the Unicorn just set it's head in my l-lap and looked at me.. so trusting... w-we asked it, though." She pulled back now, hunching over in an attempt to look into Natsuki's face. Her hands tightning on her shoulders as she forced herself to say what was next. "I... r-reaped th-the soul of.. Sisay.. y-you wouldn't h-have known her.. A K-Kirin.." Her voice grew weak as she looked down at the floor. "It l-lay in my lap too... a-and we asked permission. A-And I told it... it'd have a new life.." But not anymore... "And Roux.. I d-didn't even ask. I just took him... l-like it was my right." She sighed, closing her eyes. "N-Noor wanted it.. didn't she? Sh-She asked.. you helped r-release her, didn't you? J-Just.. don't let it go to waste. Give her that f-freedom she asked for, please?" Natsuki The tears rolled down her cheeks, but the warmth of Chloe's cheek against her own made them feel less lonely and cold. "I-I know. I wanted her to be free. Oh you should have seen her smile, Chloe. When she knew this would be the beginning of something... liberating," Natsuki whispered gently, giving her friend's hands a tight squeeze. They trembled, lacking the strength of which everyone was familiar "I never saw something so beautiful. It was a look of pure, unparalleled bliss." Natsuki listened to Chloe's recount of the souls that she harvested for the sake of the Lab and giving new lives to their carriers. Each story varied in their degree of severity, but her talk of Roux's made her eyes widen in surprise. If Chloe could do all that, and remain the sweet, gentle person Natsuki adored and called her dear friend, then Natsuki knew she wasn't going to be lost for long. Feeling Chloe's grip tighten on her shoulders, Natsuki knew that she wasn't the only whose felt these sharp, confusing pains. She put her own hands over Chloe's, giving them a firm, comforting squeeze. "Thank you, Chloe. Thank you for sharing your experiences with me. Now I don't feel so completely alone," Natsuki sniffled, as a relieved smile spread across her face. Taking a neatly pressed handkerchief from her kimono sleeve, she wiped the tears from her cheeks and dabbed the corners of her eyes, in a hastened attempt to pull herself together. Natsuki didn't like showing such vulnerability to others, especially if Dr. Tsu or Dr. Kyou were around. Natsuki hated causing scenes, unless she was upon the stage. "I won't fail Noor, and I certainly won't fail you, Chloe. I want to be the fantastic sister she believed I will be in her next life. Just like you are to me. Do you think she'll remember anything from her previous life?"Chloe Star Chloe gave a small smile, though it's size did not mean it wasn't full of emotions. She lightly pulled away and stood, reaching down with both of her hands to help Natsuki up. "W-Well.. maybe over time. A-At first is a definate no. Roux d-doesn't remember a single thing.. a-although lately he's been l-looking at the sky more.. w-wanting to fly more. W-Well I think he is, at least." She righted Natsuki, making sure she was standing steadily before letting her hands drop from the others. She gave a small flush. "O-Oh.. y-you... a s-sister?" The thought gave her an incredibly warm feeling that she wasn't entirely used to. Natsuki "I was curious because when I laid on the beach afterwards, thinking about what to do next," Natsuki started slowing, rising to her feet with Chloe's help. "...I wondered how the soul and the Fragments o' Rainbow would react to one another when Dr. Kyou works his magic. Noor lived for nearly two centuries, so I wondered if she's ever remember any of it." Patting her face a final time, she folded and tucked the damp handkerchief in her bag. The color had returned to Natsuki's face and the bright sparkle danced in her eyes once more. Though strains of fear and confusion lingered, her brilliant smile made them fade away quickly. "You are one of my dearest friends, Chloe. I've always been an only child, so it feels great to have a girl friend who I can share my secrets with," Natsuki said, cradling the sides of Chloe's face with her hands and giving it a soft squeeze. "If you're not too busy, shall we continue our conversation over cake. Though it's a little early, they are really delicious."
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Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 1:45 am
Entry :: 1o Title :: "When You're Your Momma's Sunshine..." Song :: "In the Springtime of His Voodoo" by Tori Amos Gone. Thirteen days ago, she received a prank call at three thirty in the morning, from a "concerned party", stating that Cafe Jubilee was on fire! Half-dressed and half-asleep, Natsuki sprinted as fast as she could across Durem only to find the shop completely unscathed, but the entire cafe staff waiting with cameras and cake. Too exhausted to check her calendar, the owner of Cafe Jubilee fell prey to a wicked April Fool's Day joke. Always appreciating a good prank, Natsuki simply laughed and promptly started a food fight in retaliation. However, today there was not a single smile amongst the staff. Cafe Jubilee laid in ruin, burned completely to the ground. The night sky was alight with red and blue flashing lights and a large crowd gathered to mourn the loss of a local legend. The staff members were huddled under blankets with singed costumes and light injuries. Natsuki stood at the edge of the fire truck watching the rescue workers putting out the remaining flames. She didn't cry at all. The numbness she felt when Noor died returned in full force, leaving Natsuki stunned, but she quickly rebounded when the police officer pulled her aside to discuss the matter. "Everything was up to fire safety codes, Officer. The building was only two years old, and everything inside was brand new when we opened last year," Natsuki said, her gray eyes holding his firmly. Pushing matted hair from her eyes, and sighing heavily. Her jaw dropped when the fire inspector, approached her and informed her there were signs of arson in the remnants of her kitchen storage and the employee lounge. Her eyes widened as she grabbed the fire marshal by his jacket, the color drained from her face. Traces of kerosene and gasoline were found, but from the damage it was impossible to tell where it came from initially. "That's not possible because the only people who have access to those areas," Natsuki said, turning her gaze stunned toward the huddles of people, searching for hints of any kind, "...are the staff members. Are you trying to tell me one of my own employees did this?!" When the fire marshal nodded solemnly, Natsuki's knees buckled and she fainted. Thankfully, it quickly ruled her out as one of the suspects. The emotional overload and smoke inhalation proved to be too taxing for the young cafe manager, and she awoke two days later in the hospital. Waiting for her were her parents, countless baskets of flowers, goodies, and get well cards, and a fat check from the insurance company.
+ + +
A fresh start in a familiar place. Natsuki's new Cafe Jubilee made its home on a sweet slice of beach front property on the Isle de Gabino. Sitting on the second floor balcony, Natsuki let the salty sea air sweep over her face. She tapped her pen atop the stack of slightly singed employment applications, trying to figure out how she'd avoid another incident like in Durem. Her confidence in others had been shattered by those she had trusted, causing her to go as far as to require any interested partied in re-interviewing for their positions. The police managed to capture the culprits after intense interrogation of the staff members, taking two of the female staff members into custody. Slamming the file folder shut and tossing her pen down, Natsuki reached for her coffee and a copy of the local paper instead. On the front page, a disturbing headline stared back at her: "Lab Go BOOM!" She nearly spat out her iced coffee as she stared at the front page in disbelief. Sure enough, it was the same Lab she visited previously, and it was a smoldering pile of rubble. "Sources were unable disclose the events leading up to the explosion, but there is speculation that questionable experimentation was being performed by the Lab's Chiegf Scientist, Dr. Kyoupiruchi," Natsuki gasped, reading the article aloud. Her eyes widened in surprise when she recognized the familar face of the lovely man, she met at the Partie D'Amour. However, the printed photograph was less than flattering, as Dr. Kyou's beautiful silken hair was singed and turned into a large afro, and his sunny face was covered in soot. Beside him was his assistant, and her good friend, Chloe. The picture also detailed the remaining interior of Lab, and Natsuki saw faint outlines of what could be the raevan tanks. Suddenly, a sense of forbidding swept over her. Her fel essence and Noor's soul were in the lab when the explosion when it happened! She hadn't heard anything from Chloe or Kyou about what condition they were in, if they were even in tact still. This couldn't be happening, she thought, closing her eyes and rubbing her hands over her face. Just when things were starting to look up, something else happened. Packing up her things quickly, she decided to head over to the labs and see if she could get some answers. How would this affect her raevan? If it was still possible for it to even be born...
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