|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:10 pm
Esper had known for a very long time that he was going to the Underworld, the spirits had informed him of as much as a foal and now was one of those moments when he just sealed the deal. It took all of his self restraint not to flinch at the tears and his jaw tightened considerably at the raw emotions he was presented with. Oh he had seen tears, he'd seen both fake and real ones in various situations but there was something surprisingly effective about tears that were presented by a genuinely optimistic creature. Her bubbly personality had evaporated and as was to be expected, the happiness she felt had been leeched out of her by the rather oppressive aura the stallion seemed to emanate.
It happened everytime.
He shouldn't have been surprised.
Aware that his continued presence would merely worsen the situation (and an apology never came to mind) he took a number of steps back before nodding. He should have known that it would happen eventually, he had that affect on creatures that were not accustomed to him. Only his sparring partner and fellow students had been capable of enduring such an aura; the vulnerability of the Kawani should have been obvious!
"I don't forget," he stated quietly and gave a slight bow as was customary of his kin, that done he moved in a wide arc around the mare towards the forest edge. Without looking round he did take the opportunity to chastise her though, something he found impossible to resist given the countless number of times he had been the subject of the words himself.
"And stand up - " he fought to find the appropriate manner of expressing himself in Kawani at that moment. "You are no cripple."
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:25 pm
Usagi wanted to believe that this was the stallion's way of 'apologizing'. But no. Nothing about it felt sincere. She still felt sad and lonely even after he didn't leave. But in a way she knew hurting her feelings wasn't what the stallion wanted. Maybe he really was just clueless. In a way Usagi was just as clueless, but on the complete opposite spectrum. Most only patted her on the head for such an optimistic or simplistic way of seeing things. The only reason she was so uncomfortable at the moment was because this stallion was just the opposite. He wasn't rewarding her at all! If anything, he was fighting against the ways she acted.
So maybe she was spoiled and used to a different talking situation. No matter! It was her right to be a bit selfish.
"Cripple, heh, I'm surprised you don't call me one anyways." She wasn't sure why she was standing up, but she didn't want to potentially risk another painful sentence coming up. So alas, she was standing. But confused...
"Why are you still here?" she finally blurted, while sniffling a bit with her nose. "There really is no reason for you to stick around. Especially when you don't want to." Or did he want to? Ugh she just didn't get his ways!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:40 pm
He was leaving! How fast did she want him to move? Hell he could launch into the air but given that his Great-Uncle was somewhere in the forest that would make locating him and landing a bit difficult. Similarly, he sincerely doubted he was a ninja contrary to popular believe and he didn't have smoke bombs tucked under his wings. If she wanted him to leave she was going to have to give him at least a few minutes to get out of sight again! Such was his frustration that he was rendered speechless as his indignant retort caught in his throat and then positively exploded in his head - the cheek of it all (and he knew what cheek was, he'd been told he was the epitome of it as a child).
Truth be told, he didn't actually know how to say what he wanted to say in Kawani. It was times like these when he craved the assistance of a translator, someone who could listen to his frustrations and then translate. Of course, he would probably have to hire a translator who was also a spin doctor, if only to save face - that being said it would take an incredibly talented creature to dull the impact of his horrendous optimism-draining aura.
He could only do one thing...
He roared, the foreign words erupting from his lips as he swung round. His movements were graceful despite his size and his wings flared out to ensure he remained steady in his footing. Scarlet eyes flashed with a hint of a fraying temper and his jaw tightened considerably. Releasing a shuddering breath, he shook his head and closed his eyes in an attempt to regain some composure - he just had to count to ten.
Or a hundred.
Possibly a thousand - he'd work out the details later.
He was aware by now that she hadn't the slightest idea what he was talking about, but he'd certainly become more animated! His wings were flared, occasionally shaking as though fists and his face was certainly a picture as he seemed to scream injustices towards both Usagi and the sky where the spirits were bound to be observing the scene.
Another snort.
He turned back on his 'heel' and proceeded to stalk off towards the tree line again, hooves stomping with a considerable lack of grace.
He seemed finished, but another howl soon erupted though he didn't pause in his steps.
Done?
Not quite.
He mumbled darkly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 6:40 pm
As if things could get any worse, they most certainly did. Usagi had absolutely NO IDEA to what was happening in front of her. BUT there was one good thing out of all of this crazy talk that the mare was witnessing. For the first time in this entire conversation Usagi was finally able to see some emotion! Who knew??
So, Usagi just sat and listened, and watched as if an even bigger nerve was being pulled out of the stallion's forehead. "Are... are you ok?" But before she could finish her last word, he continued on, with his abundant anger and discomfort all out and in the open. Whoa. And she thought SHE was upset!
But wait a minute. This was definitely allowed when she thought about it. As she continued to watch him ramble and shudder, she realized and remembered that he honestly was doing his best to understand her and their dialogue. Here she was talking in a natural tongue and he was struggling but always answering her each time. He didn't have to, but he was.
She felt herself come back when the stallion was finally quiet, and she could only mutter "I am sorry if I upset you. I really am an idiot." she sighed slightly and wisped her mane out in a light relief. They were both able to make mistakes here. "How could I forget? You have been working so hard to talk to me and I doing nothing in your own favor." Ah well, they had done a good job until now though, hadn't they? Or really it was Esper who had.
"Thanks anyway for trying, though." she could finally muster, while realizing her tears were definitely gone and dried up at this point. How could she actually be mad at him? He was doing as best as he could! Well... that is what she told herself, at least! And it was helping her feel better which was all that mattered anyways.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 6:55 pm
Why was she doing this? Slowly but surely the mare was turning into his mother - she had yet to become quite so cuddly and nor did she seek constant affection but the other bits... She held no blame for him and regardless of his poor behaviour she appeared to be blaming herself! He had never been able to understand how certain individuals could act like this - it was clear that he was at fault (he usually was) so why was it that she chose to apologise? Like his mother, she seemed to strive to make others happy and it made absolutely no sense... Why be pleasant and kind to one who didn't deserve it, particularly when they didn't return the favour? He'd never been able to understand his mother and he was certainly never going to understand Usagi.
He made a mental note to run for the hills if she made a move to cuddle him.
Nevertheless the brief pause had given him the opportunity to surpress his frustration and his stoic expression had returned. Drawing to a halt, the manners he had been raised with slowly crept back and he very carefully glanced over his shoulder towards the mare. At the very least she had stopped crying and while he didn't fully appreciate her apologise, nor was he capable of mind reading, her body language had changed considerably and she was on her feet at the very least.
"You give me too much credit," he chastised her for a second time and furrowed his brow. However, what occured next would have caught him and his mentors by surprise had they bore witness to it. "Coming?" he enquired after a short pause. He resisted the urge to lift a scathing brow but considering his temper had lulled and his manners were back, he was aware that he had agreed to accompany the mare on a walk. Granted, he wouldn't pander to her naivities now despite her tears but he wasn't about to storm off now that the moment of fury had subsided.
...He really was getting better at this temper thing.
Although the ranting bit did need a little work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 8:13 pm
At this point Usagi was starting to wonder if this all was really happening. She had come from a pretty strange family herself so she liked to believe she had seen a lot of nonsense and was accepting of pretty much everything at this point. But Esper was a whole nother league of different! It wasn't like it was a bad thing. It was kind of fun! And lesson filled. So... were they ok now? It was sort of safe to say yes because Esper didn't want to leave her yet. This was honestly so confusing for her but she decided not to dwell on it for too long. Life was all about enjoying anyways! And enjoy she would.
"Ok, coming!" she then added while stumbling forward like a little child. She felt a slight nervousness sitting on her shoulders but that was only because she didn't want to screw up again. She did her best to try and ignore it and just act natural, but look at what happened last time... pressure was on! Either way, they both were getting a second shot right? Things could either get worse.. or better! That's just how Usagi was judging the whole situation.
"Well off we go." she then added, while clearing her throat in an out-of-character way. There were definitely subjects she could bring up and some other things to avoid. Hmm. When she raised her eyes upward, she noticed something completely different about the entire situation. "This area looks unfamiliar for me." she then added, with the same honesty they started the day off with. "I hope we don't get lost..." Well, she'd be safe with Esper though, right? .... Oh crap! She had spoken out without realizing it. How would Esper react?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 8:47 am
Her stumble came at no surprise to him and while he made certain she didn't fall over herself again, he made no move to assist her either. Instead, he merely turned and continued on when she had caught up to him and refrained from mentioning her lack of grace. He supposed his mother and grandmother would note that what she lacked in grace, she made up for in enthuasiasm but he had never been one to pander to the whims of another - let someone else do it, he was sure the petite and very fluffy mare had plenty of admirers to provide her with such affection. It was just as well really, the very thought of 'affection' would have sent him running for the hills; it had taken him many weeks to adjust to his mother's behaviour!
He remained silent as they drifted down the broken and battered pathway, the soil weathered and hardened beneath their hooves through prolonged abuse. In truth, he was relying on the mare to keep up the conversation on the assumption that despite her naivity she was still a chatterbox, as a consequence he wasn't necessarily prepared for her confession when she did finally break the silence.
Had she just said she was lost?
The stallion should have known that this would happen, it was bound to happen given her nature. However, he couldn't restrain his response as his eyes lifted heavenwards and he heaved a sigh. Perhaps it wasn't just manners that kept him here, it seemed the spirits had meddled once more and had firmly tethered him to this mare. Admittedly, the tether wouldn't last forever but it was evident that the stallion had been forced into her company because she needed at least something to keep her out of trouble.
Yay.
"...Baka ja nai," he murmured at last and shook his head. He wasn't thrilled at the prospect of babysitting at all, but he wasn't going to storm off now. In essence, he was between a rock and a hard place with no sign of escape. Somewhere, something or someone was laughing at him for the predicament the 'beast' now found himself in. Even he could appreciate the irony of being subjected to the company of a permanent optimist while he emanated such an apalling aura!
"Follow your hooves," he instructed simply, failing to admit he'd called her an idiot. However, even his sensei would have been forced to admit that he had reacted rather well in the given circumstances - he hadn't blown any gasket at all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 3:52 pm
The other strange thing about Usagi's encounter with this creature was that she realized he hadn't laughed ONCE. No matter what she did he found no humor or enjoyment to her silly actions or speeches. Well boo. One of her gifts to this world was that she could bring a smile to anyone's face. But it seemed this stallion was hardly accustomed to such an idea! No matter. She wouldn't give up just because he hadn't given up on her either. From this she sensed a bit of competition arise inside and it was sort of cool feeling. She hadn't felt that way since racing with her brother so many months ago... oh memories.
"I like getting lost. That's how I ran into you, by the way." She rolled her eyes to the side to make sure the stallion was still holding a stiff impression. Check, no change as of yet. "There's nothing wrong with a little adventure every now and then. Even if it is dangerous." Well, most would argue against that. But she really loved just feeling alive. And if her fate was to end at the hands of some awful and scary creature, then damn, bring it on!
Goodness, she had side-tracked her thoughts once again. Usually she was very professional when it came to keeping a good hold of herself in front of someone else or anybody new. But with this stallion she was sometimes having a conversation with herself! So she was so not at fault.
But really. She needed to know... "Esper, don't you like to smile? Or laugh?" she made a quirky frown and continued to stare into the stallion's quiet eyes. "I can help if you need to just let the feelings out?" Everyone HAD to have these feelings, even if they were locked in some deep dark dungeon somewhere... "Or uh, if not I understand." she then added so she wasn't pressuring him or anything.
But gosh, couldn't she help him somehow?! It all seemed a bit impossible at this point.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2009 4:49 am
He was an impossible stallion and it was therefore no surprise that so few associated with him. His quiet and antisocial behaviour was off putting to most, and the others found his lack of humour to be both exhausting and depressing. He'd gotten used to that a long time ago, had thrown himself into various disciplines to forget about it and as a consequence he no longer felt guilt twist in his stomach when he didn't fit in. Instead, he merely felt bitterness for the creature that attempted to change him - he found no humour in things because he didn't want to; if someone stumbled then they were clumsy. Wonderful, they'd never make a good warrior but he wasn't going to applaud the stupidity of it all either!
His parents would agree with Usagi of course; he was far too serious but in the given circumstances they appreciated that it was his way of coping. He didn't need to laugh, he didn't need to smile. He dealt with life and all it's sombre tasks in a way that some might consider indifferent. It was really very simple (and awfully cliche) but if the stallion had permitted himself to feel any sense of amusement he would fall into the pits of despair and depression again. The spirits hadn't let him live to enjoy life, he was here to repent for his sins - or that was his thought.
...And that was final.
They had spattered his wings with blood after all and blessed him with a violent temper that was not normal for any type of 'angel'. He was a living, breathing contradiction and he didn't like it; but he was there and he could make the best of a situation in his own way.
"No, I do not," he replied after a considerable amount of time, well used to her quizzical gaze by now. He wasn't one to shift uncomfortably under such scrutiny anymore, it was just part of what he was. "And I have no need of help either," he added a little more firmly. He didn't need another one; not another saintly creature who sought to change his ways or make him see the light at the end of the tunnel! She could save another creature - somebody who wanted the assistance.
"You are foolish to think that danger is not wrong, especially for one who cannot protect themselves," he chastised darkly and moved on. When it came to the Kawani lands he was always lost, but there was a great deal of different between a lost beast and a harmless bunny rabbit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:40 am
The stallion was particularly quiet again so Usagi wondered if he was deep in thought of something. She still didn't believe him in not needing to smile and laugh. Everybody needed those things! He'd be a lot happier if he just tried it. But alas, that would be a miracle if there was one. Hm, poor guy. Usagi just couldn't give up on him. She had no idea to his past or what happened to him to make him so... dark. But he had a future now. He needed to take advantage of that.
"You know," she then started, while keeping her eyes off of his. "I have no idea what happened to you in the past. But the great thing about life if that we all have futures that can be molded however we want as we get older. Doesn't that give you any peace of mind to try different things or enjoy yourself a little?" That was really the only way she could bring it up seriously at this point. Sure she could laugh and ask him childish things. But that wouldn't help him see anything differently. She could tell that he didn't find her to be very impressive as a creature. And that was fine- but she had words and advice to pass on, even if he didn't want to hear it.
"I understand it's not my place to pry. But I just wanted to point out that you have enough power to change or do anything you want while you are still alive." Her father may have been the quiet type, but one of the best things he had taught her was about always looking forward no matter the circumstances. Usagi took his words to heart and used them every day as an enlightenment.
"I also suppose I should ask, what is it that you want from this life?" Did he even know? He should probably narrow that down for himself. He'd probably get some peace without even realizing it!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 10:01 am
"Ha," he leaned in towards the mare a little. "Ha," again he moved closer, his eyes narrowing. "Ha," he finished and snorted, a scarce distance from her nose. No sooner had he uttered those three syllables than he had withdrawn once again and given his head a shake. "There, I enjoy myself. You are happy now, yes?" he enquired drily, very little enthuasiasm within his voice - whether Usagi liked it or not, it was clear that the stallion was accustomed to humouring individuals when he absolutely had to...it was probably for the best that she didn't realise it was his own parents.
Nevertheless, when she mentioned that he was free to carve his own way in life and to make his own decisions he couldn't help but snort in disbelief. She truly was naive, but he supposed it suited her. She had been raised by a family who had clearly been blessed by the spirits as opposed to cursed - she was treated tenderly by all those she met and as a consequence she could believe the words her father uttered. Esper knew better than this though, he hadn't been given a choice in how he led his life and even as he had matured and tried to repent the spirits had calmly informed him that he didn't have a hope in hell.
...Why else would he be covered in blood?
"Your father is wrong," he pointed out curtly, unable to go into further details due to the limitations of his Kawani. He didn't agree with her, but he definitely wasn't going to pander to her views either! The response to her final question would have been relatively similar too. When it came to what he wanted from life he didn't really have much of a choice; he had been given his path and had to walk down it but he did aspire to a small number of goals.
A quiet and undisturbed life.
So far it wasn't going well, clearly he wasn't as strong as she initially anticipated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 6:28 pm
She wasn't enjoying his sarcasm very much, and she snorted and turned her head away while feeling a bad taste in the air. "Well fine, whatever keeps you well." she answered, while keeping her eyes far off of his. It all was HIS choice. She didn't care what he proclaimed to be right, wrong, or true. But Usagi knew of a power within. And the stallion just refused to find it within his own soul or body. There was no way she could help him any further, either. The rest would be up to him and him only! She started to realize that would never happen though...
Her attention was then brought back to him and she felt the hairs on her side dart upwards at his next statement. She had put up with a lot of him for the day and had handled herself and her emotions very well. But if there was one darn thing she knew out of all of this it was that he was definitely wrong. He also had no reason to be calling her father out like that. Everyone had their own opinions.. but everyone could ALSO keep them to themselves. Yet another power the stallion would have to learn as well. Keeping quiet instead of calling out her most beloved parent. She was sure he'd be angry if she did the same to him. But no matter. She didn't play games that way.
So, without further ado, Usagi strode forward very quickly and darted past the stallion. She was many steps ahead of him before she finally took a breath in while allowing her nose to filter out the angry emotions. "Think what you want, but YOU are wrong. Now I don't believe I can listen to this anymore, especially since you haven't cared to listen to me! Good day, sir." She then added, while turning her gaze back at his. "Was lovely meeting you." Oh goodness. She was a failure when it came to being mean! But no matter, she had done the right thing. And now she would move forward as quickly as possible before having to be dragged down by him again!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 1:36 am
He was definitely wrong? Some day the mare would encounter more like him, those who were not graced by the tender touch of the spirits. Instead they would be cursed and marred, subjected to unspoken tortures that she couldn't possibly comprehend and the idea that they could escape from this through sheer will power would be laughable. Alas, while there would be few who wished harm on the bubbly mare, Esper could see a reason for subjecting her to such things - it was better that she knew how inaccurate her father was... if she did, then it would be less painful when life finally bit her on the a**.
Oh - he knew that the spirits would never hurt her themselves, but her bubbly nature and insistence that a creature could change if they really wanted to would annoy some. She was fortunate in the sense that he was practising patience, any other would have struck her by now. To think that he hadn't tried to change for the better would have been wrong, the gods knew he had begged and wished for it as a child but it had never come. His solace had never been found and instead he had descended into madness. She was living a lie and her father did no favour by informing his daughter that life was all flowers and rainbows.
Nevertheless, with her hackles finally raised it was clear that she had at last been subjected to a very minor reality check. Not everyone was nice, not everyone would cater to her and her blissful ignorance was a rather unappealing quality. Esper accepted within his own mind that he had done the mare had favour, she had chosen to stay in his company and as a consequence he had provided her with a very good life lesson; she'd thank him down the line, particularly if it saved her hide!
Still... he couldn't help what happened next. Upon her retort that he had been 'lovely' he actually laughed, bizarrely or not it wasn't even a sarcastic chuckle. Instead, it was a genuine snort of amusement riddled with a hint of disbelief. Suffice to say, she was the first mare he had ever encountered who had pitched a fit and then thought better than to end on a sour note. In a manner of speaking she had ruined her own exit when most other mares would have opted to make it as dramatic and uncomfortable as possible!
Alas the male caught himself quickly at this and reigned in the rather unsettling loss of control. Shaking his head, he gave a shrug of his shoulders and ruffled his wings against his sides, "Sayanora," he replied loftily, turning his gaze to inspect the forest border at his side. It was always better to search for others on foot when canopies were involved, but when it came down to the gritty details on deciding where to start it always tossed up more than one suitable option. If he was his Great-Uncle, where would he have put himself?
Being nomadic had its benefits, but when both creatures were nomadic by nature in this region it made things a tad silly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
