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DivineSaturn
Vice Captain

PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 1:24 am


DS's Journal


February 8th, 2004. Monday.

It's been a pretty uneventful week. Karan had his first sleepover last week. Imagine my surprise when Eriol brought home both Karan and little Demare? Still, it was okay. Both of them were surprisingly good for babies. Xue startled them a bit, but they slept earlier than Karan usually does, and we had a lovely breakfast in Port Gino Park. Unfortunately, more of the food ended up on them rather than in them, but it was nice, and apparently it gave Neko-san a bit of a rest. Which I'm sure she needed. I mean, don't we all?

I suppose the sleepover satisfied Karan for a while, since calmed down significantly after that. Though I'm starting to worry a little; I'm not sure whether I should classify this as calm or passive. He hasn't taken much of an interest in anything. Did something happen when I wasn't watching? I hope not. Not much way of telling.

He needs activity.

~DS


DS closed the journal with a sigh. Saying (or in this case, writing) that the child needed activity was one thing, but accomplishing that was another. She was still busy looking after everyone at home, and Eriol, her usual babysitter, was unavaliable.

"Is it time to dine yet? The children are becoming quite rowdy." Lionel stood in the doorway of the room, arms folded. "I do not wish to deal with their raucous behaviour."

Bingo! "Well then, what if you weren't here to deal with it?"

"What are you implying?"

"I'm not. I'm asking a favor. Namely, I'm asking you to take Karan in for a playdate. The address is on the counter, and I'll make you chocolate mousse for desert."

Ever since the woman had found out his weakness, she'd exploited it. "Very well That had better have whipped cream on it. And not from those queer looking cans."

"Go on you," DS laughed.
PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 1:33 am


New Faces- Loki, Seven... and Demare?

Pink while holding a large bag of supplies, followed closely behind by Cheska with a bouncing and babiling Guinevere on her back, waddled into HQ. Pink immediately plopped the bag on the ground by the wall and headed straight for the couch, looking for not only some relaxation but intelectual stimuli. She missed out on adult conversations in her house, being there were no adults in there.

Guinevere scooched off of Cheska's back and plopped firmly onto her diapred rump. She began to look around the room, Cheska following her gaze, to hopefully see some friends. Maybe the boys from the other day would come back. She particullarly liked the Loki one, he was very nice, especially for a boy!

Xiao opened the door quietly, pale blue eyes peering into the headquarters, curious if anyone was around. It looked empty, so perhaps that was a good thing... With Demare's recent development, he was almost worried about any da--

"OUTTA MY WAY!" Demare demanded, pushing the fox tahnee through the door and stepping into the familiar room. "Geez! What's with you? First you didn't want me to come here, then you INSISTED on coming with me! What, now I can't be here?"

Xiao had nearly lost his balance by the push, and as the child spoke he simply straightened himself up and listened. Sometimes, he wondered why he put up with the child's attitude at all... He'd teach him a lesson, but there was something about Demare that actually frightened him. Something about the shadows...

Quietly, the tahnee moved away from the door, crossing his arms coolly over his chest as he waited for the legend to finish what he wanted to do.


"Hmph."

In a huff, the halfling crossed his arms over his chest and began to look around, his bi-colored eyes taking in the surroundings. Empty... The room was empty. Shaking his head, he sighed as the longer part of his hair slipped over his shoulders. BORING!


A tall, handome looking man pushed the door of the HQ open gently and peered inside with squinting blue eyes. Once he had deemed it both safe and comfortable, he entered, taking care not to stir the child in his arms. The man looked like he belonged in a history book rather than the HQ, but the resting babe seemed not to notice.

In fact, Karan didn't seem to notice anything. His eyes had a rather glazed over look, and it was hard to tell whether he was awake or not.


Guinevere, apon hearing the stiring of the door looked directly at it. Suddenly a cute and fluffy looking fox came into the room and then a large, scarier child with bandages that looked bad, like he was in a fight and came out with many boo-boos appeared. He looked familar but she couldn't place it, regardless he looked scary.

She began searching for a familar and comforting face when A wierd man she had never seen before came in with Karan in his arms. She beamed at him and began waving her arms frantically. "O'er heeeeere" She shouted to him, dancing in her seated position.

Karan raised his head sluggishly and looked over. Had someone said something? Did it even matter?

The man caught on though, and placed his charge next to the calling girl. "Now you see that you behave," he said by way of warning, and proceeded to sit on the cough, back straight despite his evident exhaustion.


*The day has been long and rather exhausting for Neo. His morning was dredged down with a rainstorm , his afternood by planning...and now he had ruined a chance at a good thing and has been brooding since. The young man lowered his hood and eased into the sofa...it was more welcoming then most places*

Demare's ears twitched slightly at the sound, his wings fidgetting a little behind him. The man that walked in looked a little familiar... Wasn't that someone that lived with Karan? To confirm the thought, his glare had spotted the little legend in the man's arms, the other bi-colored child Clare had such an interest in.

Another sound, and his attention was drawn to the little girl on the floor, her slightly unusual clothing giving away who she was in his eyes. It was that touchy-feely kid... The one always demanding so much damn attention. Maybe it would be best that he left...

Please don't go... a faint voice whispered in his mind. I wanted to see them...

I don't particularly care what you want to do, Demian replied a bit angrily, and where the hell have you been the last few days?

I can't see...

What?

Something happened when we grew. I can't see like I could before when you were in control. I can't even feel anything...

You're not making any sense, stupid.

Let me have control so I can explain it a little better, please.

In your dreams.

Demare's gaze shifted once more to the new man that had entered the room. His eyes only narrowed further as he turned toward the door, wondering if it was a mistake coming here today. No one would know him... No one would care. He already felt alone in the one place he felt he could escape to.

Demian, please?

No.


Pink got startled as two men sat next to her on the couch but was giddy all at the same time. YAY, adult interaction! She thought to herself and turned to the rather wet man, leaning over and giving him a hug. "Hi Neo, how are we today, besides a little soggy?" She asked with a laugh and trying to almost brush some of the rain droplets off of him. She then turned to the other man, the one she didn't know, and greeted him. "Hello, I'm Pink who are you?"

Guinevere waved happily to Karan as he was plopped down beside her. "Hi Kar-an! You good?" She asked, starring into his eyes for they looked a little different, a little like the last time when he couldn't see her. She hoped he could see for she felt so bad for him when he couldn't.

*Neo motioned his head toward Pink and pulled his hood back , nodding slightly as he relaxed back into the subtle warmth of the couch*...I'm...bleh...thx for asking *he stated solemnly as he pulled a cookie from his pouch for Guin*

The man flinched a little, clutching his knees tightly. "Pink? Is that a name these days?" Some colors were acceptable names, like Scarlet, and Violet... but Pink? Still, who was he to judge? "It's a pleasure, Miss Pink," he murmured, not offering his name.

"Mmmm?" Oh, it was the Gwin girl. "Gweee," he warbled quietly. It was nice to see her. He suppsed. Didn't make much difference either way.


On slow, weary feet, Ruri stepped into the HQ after quite the absence, Loki at her side, both dripping wet. Loki pulled the lantern from the shelter of his shirt and shuffled off to a nearby recliner, while Ruri brushed off the water in scoops, ringing out her hair at the doormat. Leaning over to be sure she wasn't dripping too much water, she stepped over to the couch and nestled against the arm of it slowly, eyeing her adopted son carefully, a look of dejection ever-present on her tired face.

*Neo took a tiny red stone from his shirt and crushed in his palm , creating a fine reddened mist in his fist that he poured over his head. The dust scattered across his clothing and colored it a bright red as it heated the fabric and dried it instantaneously , fading away after it's intended effect wore off.* I love my trivial magic...*he murmured to himself as the woman entered the room ; Neo tilted his head toward her and echoed a slight "hello"*

Tilting her head over to face him in return, her expression remained guilted though her eyes appeared quite listless, an odd combination. Waggling her fingers in possibly the most pathetic attempt of a greeting ever, she huddled her pruny limbs to her chest and warmed herself. "Hello.." came her daft murmur, tone much warmer than her skin.

Loki, on the other end, felt slightly guilty looking at her. She was so cold, and him, insulated by fur and his powers, so warm; he held out his lantern in a kind gesture, handing it to her with a very faint grin. They both seemed to quiet.

Pink gave the man a dirty look. Why did everyone have to ask if Pink was a name, just deal with it. However she answered him polietly, "Why yes it is a name. And it would be nice to meet you too if I knew your name, sir." She added a smile to the end and turned back to Neo. "Aww what's wrong?" She asked as she watche Guinevere turn slowly away from Karan toward Neo and the outstretched cookie.

"Cook." Guinevere said firmly, taking the cookie from Neo. "Thank Mommy friend!" She said happily, about to shove it into her mouth, opening wide and getting ready for the plunge when she looked over and saw Karan. How could she forget her friend! She broke the cookie in half and put half the cookie toward him. "Cook?"

Hearing the newcommers she looked up and saw happily it was the Loki one from the other day. He was nice, fluffy, and BIG! She could hardly contain her excitement. "Loki, Loki! Play here!" She sing-songed happily to him, waving him over after shoving her half of the cookie into her mouth and spewing a few crumbs with her speech.

Demare eyed the two that entered the room, his eyes particularly watching the young boy. There was something about him... Something oddly familiar, but the memory was so faint he didn't think much of it.

Who is it? Clare piped up, hoping to at least get details from the demon.

Like I freaking know, Demian hissed.

S-sorry...

You should be.

The child's hands balled up a little bit, his fingers idly feeling the tip of the leathery wing of his dagger that hung on his side, the blade tucked underneath the bandages. What was wrong with him? He WANTED to leave... so why didn't he? Sighing lightly, he closed his eyes and seated himself on the floor, shifting his arms to take hold of his dagger and slipped the weapon out of it's makeshift sheath, setting the precious item in his lap.


*The boy removed another stone from his jackets interior pocket and crushed it accordingly. Lifting himself from the seat he maneuvered behind the girl and sprinkled it over her , sealing her in an instant and respectable heat that dried her wet form and hopefully dispelled any chills within her* "The names Neo...nice to meet you" *It was obvious that introductions weren't the boys strong suit*

EDIT: *After introducing himself , Neo noticed Guin eating her cookie and a slight smile spread across his demeaned palette of a face. Hoping it was ok , he leant down and handed Guin and Karan their own cookie along with a few veggie sticks* "Just...a bad day Pink"

"You may address me as Lionel, Miss. I must ask you to forgive my rudeness; these are trying times." He nodded his head stiffly, and turned back to watch the children.

Slowly he extended a hand towards the cookie, and once he reached it, it took even longer for him to put the confection in his mouth, where he sucked at it. His eyes started to clear a little, and finally he started to take in the room.


Shadow brushed her hand up against the door as it began to close behind whomever had entered before her. She clasped her hand firmly around the small chain that dangled from Seven's side as he tried to scramble inside infront of her.

There were people here! And other's like him! Oooh what an exciting bit of change from the norm! Seven's wings flitted breifly as his legs peddled in place. Little did he know he was being held in place by Shadow. She wasn't about to let him go to take apart something else.

With a cough she gave the chain a small tug and the boy stopped running in place and stood there, a large grin plastered across his lips. What an exciting place indeed, he'd remembered being here long ago, but couldn't recall the faces in the room.


Loki rose to his feet, shuffling over to Guin and ruffling her hair a bit. He seemed more affectionate today. He'd hugged Sai, and grinned down at a child. He waved a bit, "Hey there," he replied to the excited little bundle, smiling softly. He cast a gaze over to Demare with a light blink, though soon turned back to Guin. He remembered him, vaguely. He remembered those wings...

At the sudden warmth, she jumped a bit, cheeks painted a faint rose hue for a moment at her surprise. She sunk back into the couch leisurely, running a hand through her hair with a grin. She offered the other to him, implying a hand shake, as she added, "Ruri, a pleasure."

"Its ok," Pink said smiling at him. "Now it is very nice to meet you Lionel." She followed his intent gaze which landed apon the children. "Don't worry about them," She said nonchlantly, "All the legends seem to behave very well with each other. This is really a very safe place with no need to keep an eagle eye on them every second. It's ok to relax" She said, leaning back into the couch and trying to put the man at ease.

Guinevere looked at him as he took the cookie and ate it. She wondered why he was having such troubles, it was after all, a very simple task. She suddenly remembered what happened a little while ago to him. "Karan see or no see?" She asked waving one of her tiny little hands before his face as if to be able to justify what he would answer.

Eeedit: Her gaze broke away from Karan when she saw Loki. "Loki hiiii!" She said happily, patting the carpet next to her for him to sit. She wanted to play with both of her friends, not just be carried around by her big friend, that would be rude and even she knew that being a little baby and all. "This karan!" She said, pointing to him as she waited for him to sit down with them.

OMGMOREEeeedit: Pink smiled to Neo. "Don't worry, its always ok to fatten up any of my kids." She finished with a laugh and watched Guinevere grinning from ear to ear with all the stimuli around her and took the cookie happily munching on it before turnning back to the legends and awaiting the questions and answers at hand.

"I hope you feel better! Good choice in comming here, watching the little ones can always raise your spirits." Pink replied.

*Expecting her to slap him rather then offer a greeting he simply extending his left hand toward her , it's bandage splitting slightly and revealing an odd symbol with light blue/purple lines extending along his fist and seeminly up his arm* "Pleasure indeed" *He placed himself next to her and rewrapped his fist as he slowly wiped the dense fabric of his jacket on his glasses , removing any residual moisture* "Sorry if my method of warming you was annoying...or..whatever"

Even more people? It was all still boring. And GEEZ! That baby looked almost too happy. A slight twitch from his white wing made him realize something, as he stared a moment longer. That was another face from a long time ago... However, he remembered that face himself.

Demian?

Would you LEAVE ME ALONE?

That kid... What was his name?


Pink's advice seemed to go unnoticed; the man'sposition remaining stiff and upright. However, it had helped. "That is good to hear, Miss. I was asked to watch the young one this evening, and I want to ensure his well-being while he is in my care."

"S... see." It was as if he was unsure, but the final response was emphatic. The crowd was doing Karan some good, and his eyes cloded and opened, this time even clearer. There was someone near Guin- someone scary. Someone bright. Rather than get to close to him, and Guin in the proccess, he scootched himself back slowly. Maybe they wouldn't hurt him.


She took the hand and shook it gently. As it retreated to the side, she tilted her head and quirked a brow. "Not annoying in the least, simply startled me," she replied and smoothed out her skirt idly. Leaning back against the couch, she kept a careful eye on Loki. What was he up to?

Meanwhile, Loki, still seated near Guin, glanced up to Shadow and Seven. He's got goggles, just like me, he thought and grinned slightly, before leaning back against the table behind him. Eyeing Karan closely as he scooted back, he tilted his head and muttered, "I won't hurt you."

There were soo so many people here Seven didn't know where to start! Not to mention he was being held back by Shadow.. HMMM! "Pabaa!" He blurted and flitted his wings a few times, hovering above the ground a breif moment before he turned and started climbing up Shadow's side.

"Augh! Seven! Calm dooOOOW-- oof" With a thud the two of them fell to the floor and Seven scrambled to sit ontop of Shadow's head. He gripped two seperate locks of hair and tugged gently,"Up, up!" He said, making sure he would keep his balance atop his guardian. He wanted to be up high so he could see everyone, and being ontop of Shadow HAD to be the best way.

And so, with a groan, Shadow carefully moved to her feet to appease the child, and to stop him from tugging on her hair and messing it up even more. GROAN!


Guinevere climbed into Loki's lap and snuggled down with her diapred rump. She turned and looked toward where he was looking and saw a new legend. He looked nice and friendly, but what the heckk did she know, she thought everyone was nice and friendly...well except for that breena, but she knew she was evil, no doubt about that. She started to wave over the new legend when she saw in the corner of her eye Karan back away. "What wrong?" She asked, pouting slightly. "No like big Loki?"

that he was big? No, the white fuzzy girl was big, but she was nice and made him feel better. This one was... "Hot," he murmured, the most thing he'd said in days. As he spoke, he wiggled even further away. "Hot."

Guinevere nodded enthusiastically. "Loki have hot toy. But not real hot. It safe. He showed me." She crawled out of the safe comfort of Loki's lap and went to Karan, patting him gently on the shoulder. "It ok, I romise!" She said, nodding and patting, nodding and patting.

Daftly petting along Guin's hair, distantly, he eyed Karan. "Hot... yes, I am. Fire is my life," he replied, knowing the baby probably did not understand, but trying anyway. "But I can be cold, too," he added, nodding slowly. He didn't know if that was entirely true, but he felt an obligation to comfort the child. He didn't want to scare anyone, right now.

Did that make sense? It reminded him a little of what the moon girl had said, about the sun and the moon not belonging together. Curiously, Karan held out the sun side of his scarf. "Hot briigh?"

Guinevere looked from the scarf to the departing Loki, which she waved goodbye to sadly before he rushed out the door. "Kind like." She said after much though. "Nice and soft like scarf. Hot like sun. Not too bright to be bad." Guinevere finally concluded, feeling smart with all of her conclusions and assumptions she had just drawn to ease Karan.

Guin's deductions were ignored, and despite the fact that the scary one had left, he edged away from where he had been standing. It was warm there, a reminder of him, and of brightness. Besides, there had to be SOMEONE else out there he could play with. Anyone.

Guinevere pouted as Karan kept backing up. Why didn't he want to believe loki was nice, and more importantly, why didn't he seem to want to play with her. With a large huff she began to crawl away, toward the new legend. He looked interesting with the leash and all but just before she made much headway in that direction she was scooped up.

"You know the drill little one. Its night night time." Guinevere nodded and waved to everyone. "Nightnightnightnightnightnight." She said as she was carried out of the HQ.

Seven's eyes practically glowed seeing everyone in the room and he finally grew interested enough to travel on his own. The door to the building was shut, so Shadow was pretty sure he wouldn't get away, and he wasn't one to run off too far anyways, so she decided to let him go. It was better then having him sit on her head anyways.

Seven lept from his perch on shadow's head, flitted his wings a few times and landed with a small thud on the floor. He didn't tumble onto his stomach this time, so he was learning a little bit and getting better at gliding with his little wings. He grinned widely, rubbing his braids for luck, before he trotted over to the sad little Legend across the room. He was secluded, for the most part, so he would be easy to approach and examine. And he was darn interesting to! Seven didn't have any scarves like that, he just had a dirtied up white coat and pair of black pants.

Seven skidded to a hault a few feet from Guin and squeezed his hand open and closed in a feebled attempt at a wave, "Cheewiooo~" He called, before skipping across the few feet that seperated them, closing the gap completely so he could give the Legend a quick look over.


The people moving past caught his attention, and he watched the young familiar boy and the little girl leave with their respective guardians. The room was clearing fast, it seemed, peering about from his spot on the floor. The winged baby was on his guardian's head, the unknown man seemed to still be by the couch, the man that brought in Karan was on the couch, and Xiao was still waiting by the door.

...Wait, where was Karan?


See? He'd already found someone else. Someone who wasn't hot or stubborn or tall. And this someone was a new someone. Someone who looked interesting, and looked a little like Demare and the moon girl in back. "Haiii?" he queried by way of greeting.

Seven grinned at the returned greeting and pointed to the differing scarves the boy had, "What tho--" he started then gasped and looked a lot closer at the boy's face, "Ooooohhhhhh pweetty" His eyes were different! Not just one color, but two!.. Just like the scarves on his shoulders.. INTERESTING!

He stared at the other's eyes, pondering the connection between the differing colors of them and his clothes and what could possibly be the reason for it. Seven's eyes were both blue, Shadow's eyes were both yellow, Plat's were both... tiny and closed a lot when he was close by, but this boy's eye's were both different! How very interesting indeed.


This one DID look interesting. Besides the fluff on his back, he had orangey hair, white clothes a little like the shiny lady's, and things on his head that were shiny and round. Eyes? But they looked so big, they couldn't be eyes. What could they be?

"Wha at?" A questioning hand extended towards the goggles atop the winged Legend's head. They looked hard enough to touch...


With a brush of his hand the goggles fell down off his head and over his eyes. Seven wrinkled his nose a little in suprize but giggled to see the slightly warped version of the boy sitting infront of him. Seven stretched his wings a little and pulled the goggles off his head and offered them to the other boy. Maybe with a little distraction he could examine him a little closer! Yes, more learning!

He could see them? Karan took the goggles, giving the other boy his sun scarf to look at in exchange. It was the same color as his hair, he noted, but at least this one wasn't bright or hot. That settled, he poked one lens of the goggles suspiciously. It didn't poke back, and made a slight "bop" noise. At least it wasn't alive, or a real eye. Next, he slid the goggles onto his head, where he'd seen them perched on their owner. A bit big on him, they fell over his eyes. But he could still see! Amazing! Energized by his discovery, he giggled.

Seven rubbed his fingers over the fabric with a smile, impressed by the intricacies of the pattern on it. It was so pretty! Seven offered a giggle and reached his hand foreward, poking the goggles as they were over the other boy's eyes, "Protectib." He nodded. Yes they were very protectib, they had kept dirt out of his eyes on many occasions back at the house! Saved his baby blues from mini exploasions too. The goggles were a bit beat up on the edges, but still worked and did their job just fine! Strong things they were. Seven's attentions were brought back to the scarf however.

With a wrinkle of his nose, he made a slight sniffling noise before letting a small ball of spit land on the fabric, which he promptly rubbed in to see the effects of liquid on the fabric. Like when he got spit on his pillow case, the fabric appeared darker, he wanted to see if it would do the same to the pretties on this boys scarf. OoooOOOOhhh~


Demare quietly watched the babies, almost amused by how easily pleased they were. Then again, he held a faint memory of being amazed by goggles before... His wings twitched a little bit, and he lifted a brow as the winged child spit on Karan's scarf, curious of the reaction the other bi-colored baby would have.

Eyes widening behind the goggles, Karan tugged his end of the scarf. "Caful!" His pretty scarf had gotten all messed up! Maybe it wasn't his fault though... and it wasn't like it was the good one. But even so...

Lionel had fallen asleep, but the sound of the Legend's outburst brought him to his senses. "Oh my, the time has flown by so quicky," he clucked to himself, retrieving Karan from his spot on the floor.

Aw, why did he have to ruin his fun now? Karan waved to Seven sadly before setting his gaze ahead, where it rested on a new figure. Someone tall, and cool looking, but also strangely familiar.

"DMAH!?"


Just as Seven was about to discover how the fabric reacted to liquids it was tugged out of his hands and a much larger person was nearby. O noes! His research... ish.. stuff! He was so close to seeing. Seven pouted slightly but hopped after Lionel and Karan, "Goggwes!" he said, reaching for them. They were still on the other boy's head! Was he going to keep them? Oh noes!

As the man finally moved from the couch and picked up Karan, his eyes narrowed into little slits as the stranger began to take the child away. Hmph... Just as he was spotted, too.

Too bored to protest, Demare lifted a hand and waved, as if to confirm that is was indeed who he thought it was. Odd, wasn't it? Something was almost always different every time he saw that boy... And today the kid seemed so spacy.

"See ya, kid," he called out, as if a hidden promise that he'd see the child again soon.


... BIG. Demare was BIG. But how?

Luckily for Lionel, the boy didn't so much as budge as he made his way out, bidding the room a soft farewell as he left.

Seven ran after the two, with as much speed as his little legs could carry him, but he was too slow! He ran smack into the door of the HQ and fell back onto his rear. No goggles slid down over his face to pretect his eyes, no, they were gone. And that boy had them! What if.. what if they were gone forever?? Seven's wings tensed and curled close against his back and he stared at his hands, squeezing them open and closed as he tried to think. What could he doo? He made a squeak in the back of his throat and started jumping up and down agains the door, trying to reach the handle, "Ahh! Ahhh goggoos!" He cried, only to have the door remain as closed tightly as it was.

Demare's eyes followed the little winged boy across the room for a moment, watching the poor boy jump the way he did. He'd lost something precious, didn't he?

His loss, he thought to himself, unfolding his legs and standing up slowly. He stopped as his dagger fell from his lap and the blade clinked against the floor, his wings spreading at the sound as he looked to the weapon.

What would he do if he'd lost HIS most precious item? Carefully picking up his dagger, he thought for a moment as he placed it back underneath his bandages, watching the baby once more. He'd do the same thing... Try to get it back. Sighing lightly, he shifted his weight a little bit to lean on his left leg as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Hey," Demare called out to the other boy. "He'll give 'em back, don't worry."


Seven's big baby blues turned their attention to Demare as he spoke to him. Seven stopped his jumping and pointed at the door, feeling helpless that he couldn't even reach the handle, "My gahgoos!" He cried. He'd never been without them, he wasn't sure how he'd do his experiments, or anything, and he was scared.

He'd had them since birth, they were like... PART of him. They weren't something precious, like a coin he found, they were something that never left him. He trusted the little guy and he took it! What would happen if Shadow stole him away again and never came back? What would he do without them?

With all the questions buzzing in his head, he, rather uncharacteristically, burst into tears. They were gone! For sure they were gone! And he couldn't do anything about it. He was helpless, and tiny, and couldn't even speak what he wanted to say. With that, he fell to his bum and continued to cry.


Okay, THAT'S IT! Demian screamed in his mind. I tried to help, and he CRIES.

D-Demian, maybe it isn't your fault, Clare tried to reason with him, but the demon wasn't listening.

I don't know why I should freaking care, but YOU take care of him!

Without warning, Demian released the body so it could be controled by Clare, but it hadn't quite worked as usual. The body almost immediately fell limp to the floor as the bi-colored eyes had closed, and Clare was at a loss for what to do.

What have you done?? I thought I was supposed to be in control when you left...

I... I didn't do anything! Go on, Clare, take it!

...I... I thought I HAD...

WHAT?! Kid, this isn't funny!

It had taken a few moments before Demare could move again, coughing a little bit as he began to push himself up off the floor. Oh Gods... it felt like the body was dead for those few minutes.

Now, make him stop crying.

O-okay...

Wincing a little bit, Demare slowly got into a stand, and calmly made his way to the baby by the door. Were these boots made of steel or something...? His feet were dragging for most of the way, until his strength started to kick in to allow him to walk normally. ...Perhaps... switching wouldn't be a good idea for a little while. Kneeling down next to the winged boy, he gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Now now, it's okay..." he cooed, his voice much softer than it was a moment ago. "I'm sure Karan will bring them back... I don't think he meant to take them with him."


Seven's face was damp, and his nose ran a little as he sniffled from the fit he had moments ago, but he had quickly been distracted by the display Demare had made just moments before.

He lofted a brow curiously and noticed that this boy also had dual colored eyes. Quite curious.

His mind reeled for a moment as to why the boy was acting so strangly and then he spoke, "Bu..but.. wha if I dun come back?" he squeaked sadly. "I go 'way long time." He nodded gently and fought back a few tears. He didn't want to cry while he was examining the other.

"Why you fall?" He chirped, his cheeks still wet with tears.


"If you were to leave, perhaps there will be an address to send the goggles to? I very much doubt that would be the case, however," he tried to assure him. "Who knows, maybe he'll find you and return them tomorrow!"

At the last question, Demare paniced inwardly as Clare tried to get an excuse to explain.

What do I tell him??

Nothing. You say NOTHING.

But... he saw! He has a right to know, doesn't he?

NO.

He hesitated for a moment before answering. "I... ah... I felt a little... faint. I'm sorry if I scared you, I'm still trying to get used to this bo--" It felt like his mind had just been kicked. "I mean, I must be coming down with something."


Seven rubbed his little hands over his face, feeling a bit itchy as the tears dried on his skin. He then pushed himself up to brush his hands over Demare's face, "Are you sick?" He asked, gently pinching the boys cheeks. Again curious about the different colored eyes. This was the second person in one night two have different eyes, and also the only ones he'd ever seen. "Why you eyes diffent? Whassit mean?" he asked, wings unfolding slightly.

Demare allowed him to touch his face, pinch his cheeks... whatever the child had wanted to do. He smiled with sincerity, but his bi-colored eyes showed sadness as he watched the baby, thinking about how to answer the questions.

He doesn't remember me, he thought to himself, his two wings curling a little bit around his shoulders. But then again, I hardly expect anyone to...

"I'm not sure if I'm sick," he replied honestly, lifting his left hand to scratch behind his neck a little bit. "And... my eyes are different because I was born that way. The real reason as to why that is, I'm not sure, but if you hadn't noticed..."

Demare's black wing extended as far as it could with its broken structure, the small holes along the bottom more apparent now. Lifting up his right hand, he tried to indicate the bloodied bandages to be compared to the clean ones on his left. The extra pair of eyes over his right eye he decided to leave out, since he wasn't sure if the child would be afraid or not.

"...I'm not exactly normal, or of one kind."


Seven twisted his head to the side and looked him over, from his wing to his bandages. He was very interesting indeed! Seven smiled a bit and reached to touch each of the bandages in turn. "You vewy diffent." He nodded, feeling like he'd somehow done this before.

"Coooooooooolll~" He cood, flapping his wings a little as he hovered over the ground infront of the other boy.


Demare chuckled a little bit, fighting back Demian's attempt to smack the child for touching the bandages. He wasn't trying to remove them, after all... So long as he didn't do that, everything would be okay.

"T-thank you, I think," he said, a faint blush washing over his cheeks. "You're pretty cool yourself. You're the only other legend I've seen with wings similar to my white one."

His eyes grew a little bigger as the child lifted himself off the ground, placing his hands together in a soft applause. "Wonderful! You know, I don't think I've ever gotten your name..."


"I Sewen!" He said proudly, landing back on the ground with a small thump. He couldn't stay in the air long, as his wings began to tire easily. He didn't show any signs of pain though, he tried not to.

He prodded at the other boy a little more, reaching to try and play with one of his wings, "Wha's you name?" He said, smile broadening as he examined the other boy.


Sewen...? Seren... SeVen. He continued to smile as he actually sat down infront of the little boy, his white wing fluffing itself out a little bit to indicate that it would be best to play with that one

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Seven," Demare said with a nod. "My name is Cl--.... I mean, Demare."


"Deeemaaawwee~~" He sang for a few moments ruffling his fingers over the feathered wing. "Like mine." He gave a nod before he felt a small tug on the chain that attached to his little belt and heard a cough a moment later. His nose wrinkled.

Shadow tugged gently once more, "I'm sorry to break this up, but it's way past Seven's bed time. You two will have to finish this little chat later."


Demare picked himself up off of the ground, bowing his head a little bit to the child's guardian. "F-forgive me, I didn't mean to keep him, I assure you," he apologized before stepping out of the way of the door. "I think I need to be getting home myself, actually..."

Leaning down, the halfling gently patted Seven on the head with his left hand, smiling down at the boy. "It was nice talking to you, Seven. I hope I'll get to see you again soon someday! Take care, okay?"


"Ye! I wan study you more!" He said with a small mock solute, bringing his hand to his head, before he plopped down and started playing with his braids.

Shadow waved lightly before plucking Seven off the floor, "If you want you can come visit him sometime, he needs some company around when I'm working." She offered a nod, but before waiting for a response, she brushed passed him and left the HQ.

Seven squirmed and peered past Shadow's shoulder, "Gogoos!" He cried back to him. He had almost forgot...


Demare's smile turned into a nervous one at the thought of being examined further. Deciding not to question it, he opened his mouth to respond to the offer, but quickly closed it again as the two left. He could hear a faint "gogoos" from outside as he stared at the door for a moment, hoping Seven would be able to get them back soon.

Looking to the fox tahnee leaning against the wall, he was quiet for a moment before bowing his head a little bit. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting... shall we go?"


Xiao's eyes turned toward the legend before he pushed himself off of the wall, and stepped to the door, pulling it open for the child to go through. Once Demare was outside, he left in turn, closing the door behind him and walking onward toward home.

DivineSaturn
Vice Captain


DivineSaturn
Vice Captain

PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 1:36 am


More New Faces- Levi and Kitsumai

It was Lionel's turn once again to watch Karan, a task that was slowly becoming more enjoyable. It was hard to stay angry with the boy for long, especially when he himself did nothing to harm you and was absolutely adorable. Both men's spirits were in good contidion as they came through the door, and both sat on the couch, along with a small bag of toys.

The door slowly slid open, and a bright-ruby head peeked in...

A young woman with quiet eyes and an anxious smile half-stepped into the HQ, looking about. She had never been here before, even through her months of caring for Levi... speaking of which.... she glanced downwards quickly at the little boy.

The pirate's eyes gleamed in excitement, his ragged robes fluttering about his body as he crawled out onto the open floor. He absolutely loved exploring new areas... and this was a new sensation, all right.

"Levi..... I hope you'll have a good time here. Be good, alright...?" the woman half-smiled, patting the boy on the back. "I'll be back in a couple of hours."

With that, the door quietly shut... and Levi crawled forwards, searching the area with an intrigued air.

Lionel raised an eyebrow silently. A lady abandoning her charge? While this was surely a safe place, this didn't ring right to him. He would have to watch this young one as well.

None of this was noted by Karan. All he knew was that there was someone new here. New meant possible friend and ally. After a short bit of prodding his watcher, he found himself on the floor, and started crawling towards the other boy.

Even though he had been abruptly dropped off at an entirely new area... all alone, Levi seemed perfectly at peace. Well.... if "peace" was the right word to describe his personality...

His eyes lighted as they fell upon another young boy... one with hair of pure snow, mismatched eyes, and a tattered gray cloak upon him. Levi let out a chuckle, sitting on his bottom as the other boy approached.

This new boy looked bright... Levi loved bright things. Reaching out one leather-bound hand towards the newcomer's sun and moon scarves, the pirate grinned.

He cocked his head with a smile as if saying, "What is this?"

Hrm. If he had thought his cape was tattered, that was nothing compared to this boy's. He was torn all over, and dark. His eyes looked interesting, but also seemed to be laughing at him, something Karan wasn't sure he liked. Unsure about how to take the newcomer, he reached behind him, pulling out his ball, which he rolled towards the boy.

Levi's pirate instincts reacted in a flash, and he crawled forward rapidly in a squeal of glee. This new boy wanted to play a game... what fun! He wondered who would win. Watching the snow-haired boy's eyes narrow in slight distrust, Levi grinned back openly.

He didn't mean any harm... he just wanted to have a good time!

Shaking himself to rid himself of the bothersome tatterers that fluttered behind, Levi pounced upon the little ball. With a giggle, he batted it back at the other boy, crawling around to receive it if he should bat back...

Well, at least he was playing. And laughing. Someone who laughed like this dark one laughed, wholeheartedly and gleefully, couldn't be bad. Letting out a chortle of his own, Karan grabbed the ball as it rolled back his way, hands closing around it tightly. Now, the game would begin.

Squealing, he tossed the ball up this time, watching as it soared in a wide arch towards his playmate. This was fun!


Levi grinned in excitement, his smile crooked, as the snow-haired boy grabbed the ball..... and turned about, his face now gleaming in anticipation. It looked like this sun and moon boy did have a spirit of competition in him!

He laughed and giggled as the little ball shot into the air, hurtling towards him. With some power he didn't know he had, Levi lurched forward and jumped a little into the air..... with a growl reminiscent of his pirate nature, Levi caught the ball, landing back on the carpet.

For a split second he looked surprised at what he just did.... then forgot abruptly about it, motioning happily towards the other boy. With a little "oomf," Levi whipped around and kicked the ball, waiting excitedly for his return....

Wow! Even though he'd played the ball game with other people, like Demare, he'd never seen anyone catch the ball like that. And now it was coming back toward him. Fast! What to do, what to do...

Grinning, Karan raised both hands above his head and thwacked the ball with them, sending it straight down and back up as it bounced back towards his competitor. The smacking made his hands sting a little, but it was cool!


Whoa.... Levi's eyes widened as the white-haired boy, his scarves whipping about dramatically, smacked the ball hard with precision. He let out another appreciative laugh, his navy eyes trained hard on the ball...

This was a worthy opponent. Levi loved games, but more than that, he loved winning. He would do anything to win....

Watching the ball hard as it decended, Levi squeezed his eyes shut, bouncing upwards to smack the ball with his head. Ouch!! It connected......... and there it went! Levi rubbed his jet-black head a little, then clapped his hands in eagerness.

In the meanwhile, the door creaked open once more... and the same shy young woman looked in. She appeared to be searching anxiously for the boy... and as she saw him playing happily on the ground, let out a sigh of relief.

Her charcoal eyes roaming, she caught the gaze of a man sitting on a couch nearby, watching the two boys. Smiling awkwardly, the woman waved a little bit.

Pink butt bumped open the door to the HQ and slautered in with a Guinevere atop her head. Cheska wasn't feeling too well so she decided to stay home. Guinevere was going to stay with her, but she had to show off her new walking shoes to everyone and maybe try to walk for them, being so grown up and all as she was. She pratically jumped out of Pink's arms as she bent down to put her on the ground and stood herself up, teetering a little back and forth, but doing pretty well, as she looked around the room for playmates. Pink smiled as she watched Guinevere teeter yet stand, and plopped herself down on the couch.

Lionel found himself between two ladies, the redhead who had left the boy, and Miss Pink, who he had met earlier. He gave a stiff wave to both of them and resumed watching the game. It looked dangerous to him, and if anyone got hurt, he would have to tend to them at once.

Karan would have clapped at the feat the other boy pulled off, but it would hurt his hands. Luckily, some of the bounce had left the ball, and he caught it easily. To give both of them a break, he went back to rolling it. Rolling was easier. Even if it was rolling very fast.

Once he'd sent it away, Karan relaxed a little. This was getting hard...


The ruby-haired young woman held a hand up to her mouth, stifling a small smile. This man looked very up-tight! Soon after, a new person arrived... another young woman with flaming pink hair and a sunny disposition. The redhead smiled at her, then went back to watching the little children quietly.

Levi panted a bit at the moment, having expended most of his efforts hitting and thwacking the ball.... he perked up a bit though, seeing the other boy roll it back.

Although Levi would have never admitted it, through his stubborn pirate nature.... he WAS getting a little tired.

He let out a playful, dark little scowl at his opponent.... Levi'd show HIM! Even if it was only rolling!

But...... woe was the little pirate... and his *cough* attractions. A new little baby had arrived on the scene.... a girl? Levi's head and eyes turned quickly and curiously to the side, to see her...

SMACK.

The ball hit his leg hard, and he let out a little yelp of surprise. Oh no.........!!

Ack! He hadn't meant to hurt anyone! Had he let the game get the better of him? Was he going to turn into a bad person? "Sawwy! Sawwy!"

What was the other kid looking at? He turned to see, and broke into a smile again. "Gwee!" Now that would be even better!


Guinevere waved happily to Karan which set her off balance and she fell onto her diapered rump. With a shrug and convincing herself she would try walking a little later, she crawled over to the him. She turned and saw a baby she had never seen before. Outstretching a little hand and pointing to him she asked Karan, "Who dat?"

Pink smiled and waved to Lionel and other woman. "Hi, I'm Pink." She said, looking to the new lady and wondering what her name was. As she looked around the room she spoted a legend she had never seen before and assumed he was her's. "Is that your baby?" She asked, smiling at the three legends now.

Seeing the white-haired boy's immediate look of shock and regret, uttering "Sawwy... sawwy!!!" over and over again, Levi couldn't help but break into breathless laughter. This little boy seemed like a very nice one... obviously, he didn't know that it'd take a whole lot more to ruffle Levi!!

"Arrrrrrrrrrr...."

He pretended to growl playfully at the other boy, catching the ball as it came back slowly. So what, he had let the girl catch his attentions... silly mistake of him!!

It seemed that his "opponent" knew the newcomer, though.... Levi also turned again to look in the direction his companion was looking. Would she join them in playing the game?

Meanwhile, the ruby-haired woman colored a bit at being addressed. She walked over slowly to the couch, smiling anxiously at the two seated there.
"Hello... Pink. I'm Sinclaire. The little dark, pirate-y, and... noisy boy is mine."

She laughed quietly, embarrassedly.

It looked like the dark child didn't know anyone, leaving Karan to do the introductions. "Gwee," he started, pointing to Guinivere. His outstreched finger moved to Levi, but paused. What was his name? He'd never heard it.

Instead, he shrugged, waiting for the boy to introduce himself. Maybe then they could get back to the game!


Levi cocked his head, smile crooked, as the white-haired boy introduced the little red-haired girl that toddled by. Apparently, her name was "Gwee..."

Watching the other boy's finger move towards his, Levi couldn't help but bat at it with a chuckle. "Lei," he pronounced with an air of mischeviousness, looking at the other boy, and Gwee.

He wondered what his ball-companion's name was..... maybe all three of them could get back into the action! Levi had a score to settle with his companion!

Guinevere giggled and walked closer to the other boy. She stuck out her hand like she saw her mommy do when she introduced herself. "I Guinevere. Who you?"

Pink smiled. "Its ok, my little Guinevere likes to get into everything as well. Very curious that one is!"

Giggling as his hand was batted, the names settled into the pale Legend's mind. "Gwee. Lei." Karan pointed to each friend in turn. He didn't bother with himself; both of them knew him now. And introductions were boring. Time to get back to the game!

His finger dropped, pointing at the ball, and finally, he thumped his hands onhis chest. This was getting him excited, and he wanted to get moving again!


"Gwinini...nin...gw......." Levi's tongue rolled around, before he finally let out a little "rrrr!" and smiled twistedly Guinevere. "Gwee," he finally announced, laughing happily.

Levi still hadn't gotten his snow-haired friend's name yet... but it didn't matter, he guessed. His companion seemed ready and raring to go with the ball game again.... totally fine by the little pirate!

He laughed and scowled playfully in challenge at the little boy, crawling forward to tap at the ball. Who would win this time??

Sinclaire laughed once again, this time more comfortably.
"I wouldn't say Levi is the same type of curious as your little girl... she looks sweet. Levi is just... i don't know, is pushy the word? He's so competitive, but loveable."

"Lei, Karan, Guinevere!" She prnouced happily pointing to each of them in turn. She turned and looked at the ball pointing to it. "You playing ball? I play too?" She asked, clapping happily and crawling a little bit aways from them, giving them space, so she could play whatever they were with the ball.

Kamiki walked into the room looking a bit haggard. It had been a very busy weekend: sorting throug dozens of long applications really got to her. Feeling a bit guilty about neglecting her children with all the work, she convinced herself to take a break from reading applications at the GMFC and take Kitsumai out for some interaction.

The little centuar was, as always, happy to see a change in environment. She trotted into the room, for the first time not clining shyly to her mother's hand.


Finally! Letting out a soft laugh, Karan scooted himself back. They were picking up the game slowly again, which was good, since his hands were still stinging. It would only take a single thrust to send it towards Gwee.

He never managed to do that though, as this time he was the one distracted by the newcomer. This one was unfamiliar, and looked very interesting! She (was it a she?) looked a little bigger than him, and she didn't have any clothes. The ball hit Karan's foot, bringing his mind back to the game, but only barely. Distracted, he sent the ball towards Guinivere, waving at the newcomer once that task was done.


Kitsumai waved back enthusiastically, trotting up with a smile.

Guinevere looked at the ball as it came at her and amazingly, stretched her hands out to it and caught it! She did a little dance, twiriling around in a circle when she saw the newcomer! She recognized that legend. She made pretty pictures in a notebook last time she saw her. She waved her hands about, trying to call her over, before she tossed the ball happily back to Levi, wondering if he could catch it with as much skills as she possessed! (( xd ))

Pink laughed. "No matter what anyone does, as long as they are cute and loveable, it makes up for it, hmm?"

It was hard to know whether to be happy or upset. On the one hand, he was making lots of new friends. On the other, his new friend Lei was being dragged away! Pouting as the ball rolled off towards the door, a spark of hope lit up. Maybe the girl would bring it? "Baa?" he queried, pointing to the sphere that was slowly coming to a halt.

Kitsumai's tails waved back and forth as she saw a legend she remembered. She waved, but didn't know exactly what to do next. She pawed the ground with her hoof and made a few steps towards Guinevere.

"Hewooooo!" Guinevere called toward the girl and crawled toward her, forgetting about the ball after she waved goodbye to Levi.

Bah, they were forgetting about the game! Maybe it was all for the best, since Lei was gone. After a moment's debate, he decided that they tied and crawled towards the girls. Maybe they'd do something else now.

Kitsumai waved a greeting back to Guin. As the two young ones starting crawling towards her, Kitsu suddenly began to feel very tall. She went down on her "knees," pulling out her sketchbook and turning it to the front page. KITSUMAI was scrawled across it in purple crayon above a crude drawing of herself. She set it out, her way of a greeting, to the white-haired legend she didn't know.

Guinevere stared at the journal. She remembered that picture from before too, she just never tried to sound it out. "Kitsumay?" She asked, not sure if she said it right and wanting to say it right.

Karan peered at the pad the new girl was holding out. It was a bunch of scribbles, and a drawing that looked like... well, her. Maybe the scribbles were her name? Not that he could read it. But it seemed Gwee could. She was saying something long, and the stuff on the paper was long. His face scrunched up a little as he tried to say it. "Kaii?" Whatever, that was close enough.

"Pway?"


Kitsumai opened her mouth as of to correct Guin, but no sound came out. Looking a bit frustrated she just shrugged and nodded. It was close enough anyway. Not that she really cared what people called her.

She smiled at Karan's suggestion to "pway." She nodded, looking between him and Guin expectantly.


Good, they were ready to play. So finally they'd pick up the game and-

"I think it's quite late enough, young man," Lionel tutted, picking the Legend up from the floor. "I'm sorry, but you'll have to resume your playtime another day." Yawning wearily, he retrieved the small ball from the floor, jammed it into the bag, and hurried out.

PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 1:38 am


Pink Lemonade
Pink swung open the driver side door to her brand new car, Della almost flying off of her hear. At the same time, all the other doors opened with her's. Mesmerelda, Ursa, and Guinevere, with the help of Cheska who opened their door and let her ride on her back, all hopped out of the car and bounded after Pink toward the door to one of their friend's house. There were many on the list of stops that day and they had only just begun! Pink got there first, having a head start and all and rang the door bell. Moments later nobody came, and pressing their ears to the door, they heard nothing from inside. "They must be out doing the same thing we're doing Mom." Ursa pointed out.

"Excellent point!" Pink said and left their present on the door with a note. "They'll get it as soon as they get home. Now quick! Everyone to the car, we have no time to waste!" And with that, they raced off, hopped in, and Pink sped off to the next house.

Quote:
Dear DS and Karan,

Here's just a little something to celebrate the loving time of the year and hopefully to let you forgive my horrible memory of all the other holidays we forgot to commemorate with gifts.

Happy Singles Awareness Day!

<3

Pink, Ursa, Guinevere, Mesmerelda, Della

User Image ~ for the BIG kid in the house ;D

User Image

User Image

DivineSaturn
Vice Captain


DivineSaturn
Vice Captain

PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 1:39 am



February 14th, 2005. Monday.

With some persuasion, I've convinced Lionel to help out by taking Karan to HQ, and from what I hear, it's done a world of good. In two visits he's met four new Legends, in addition to getting to play some more.

Lionel noticed a slight fear of the firey boy known as Loki, but he liked the one called Seven much better. Levi possibly more, as they engaged in an energetic game of ball, until Guin and another girl named Kitsumai came in. I'm just glad he'd getting out more. He's far more cheerful now- though we're headed back to the overactivity I had dreaded. What is this kid, bipolar?

Also, one night Karan came home with a small pair of antique looking goggles. They look rather strange, and I'm fairly sure they must belong to another Legend. But who? Whoever their owner is, we'd better find them. I know if Karan lost his scarves (or worse, his charm), he'd go ballistic. He's also getting attatched to his ratty cape- just when I was going to try and wash it too. At this rate, I'll never be able to give him a bath in peace.

He's popular though. Aunty Pink and her girls left some presents. He adores the windchime, which I hung next to the bell from Gyre and Lu-san in the window. The candy I'm saving a bit. And she even left something for Lionel!

There's a dance at the HQ soon... I wonder if we should go?

~DS
PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 1:43 am



Karan blinked. Or at the very least, he thought he did. Yet he could feel his eyes remain stubbornly closed. Still, colors had started to flow through his vision, slowly forming shapes.

He'd gone to bed, that much he remembered. It was a little later than it usually was when he was put in the box for the night, but still quite bright due to the full moon outside. That was the only way he found it comforting to sleep. But if he was alseep, why was he seeing?

If he had been older, he might have let out a sigh as he came to a conclusion. But as he was, it was exciting. If he was asleep and seeing, then there had to be pictures coming. It was like watching that big box with all the flashing lights he'd seen once, only this one he could do all by himself, and it didn't make his eyes hurt. His body snuggled into one of the many pillows around his as his mind readied itself for the images.

The first one to truly solidify was a strange looking structure. It was almost like a covered wagon, except the top was formed of the same sturdy wood as the base, and domed. The wheels were large, and though some were missing spokes, they still looked rather grand. Each of them was painted a different shade of green, and the trim on the wagon was yet another hue of the same color. The body of the wagon itself a russet red, with lighter highlights on the top. Several portions of the walls had been decorated with intricate carvings, each one quite distinct and seperate, yet the effect of the whole was stunning. Despite the fact that there were no pictures painted on it, the artifice managed to capture the look of a true work of art.

As soon as Karan got to look at the whole picture, a word formed in his mind. "Caravan," his mental voice whispered. But it was more than a word to him, and he knew it. He knew it was why his box was so special. A caravan wasn't just a wagon, a mode of transportation, or even a artistic masterpiece. It was his home.

That realization touched the image in his mind, and as if it was a pool of water, it rippled, ceasing to exist. Already a new vision was forming, this one far more complex. A person... no, two. Three? He couldn't keep track after that. Every time he thought he'd seen enough, another person would join the group. At least they were happy, that much was obvious. They were talking, dancing, singing, cooking, laughing, crying, everything he could think of. It was almost too much to bear for the infant; the sights and sounds (when had he started to hear?) were overwhelming.

Then, it stopped.

The people vanished simultaneously, to be replaced with one solitary image that would remain imprinted in his mind for a long while.

Fire.

The people, the ones who had been celebrating, had been doing so around a fire. Rejoicing the fire. They loved the fire, depended on it, trusted it. And if they were, as Karan was led to believe, like him... why did the fire hate him so?

"It's part of your heritage. Part that will stay with you, unless you do something."

As the ghostly voice faded, so did the final image, releasing Karan into another dreamless sleep.

DivineSaturn
Vice Captain


DivineSaturn
Vice Captain

PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 1:44 am



March 11th, 2005. Friday.

I just haven't had any time to write. The house is getting busier and busier. I really am going to have to do something about it soon. Lionel and Eriol are both huge helps, taking Karan in for playdates and the like, but that makes me feel like I'm shunting responsibility on them, and that's not fair at all. Maybe this latest plot will help everyone, maybe not, but I have to try something.

Karan is being his schitzo self, now acting all shivery and fearful again. The boy reminds me of the ocean in a way. I guess his downs are like low tide, and his ups are high tide? Something like that. Which means that this is pretty low tide. I've tried to cheer him up- I've let Dusk sleep with him, which he usually likes... I've let Dawn out of her bowl, and he liked that a little... he liked watching her hop I think (Is it a her? I think so). But nothing works for long. Maybe I'll be able to get him in for a playdate this weekend. That should cheer him up.

~DS
PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 1:45 am



"Look Karan! Watch the cute dragon!"

It was a last ditch effort to cheer Karan up, but DS was running out of ideas. Nothing was working. She had finally been reduced to sitting cross-legged on the cot that held his box, waving one of the dragon plushies around in the air. As she twirled it, she cast a glance over to see if it was working.

It wasn't that Karan was sad. It was more that he lacked any feelings at all. One silvery eye followed the dragon for a brief moment, then returned to its resting spot on the "floor."

Sigh. "Fine then. Maybe we should call it a day then, kiddo. It's getting late, kinda... not that you care." It was a mere moments work to pick the child up and place him in his box. "Now let me get your blanket, and you can have a nice nap."

Karan shifted his position slightly; his guardian had set him right on top of the spiky crystal. Once that was stashed safely back in its pillow, he reached for his sleeping toys. There wasn't anything to stay awake for. Light dragon, dark dragon- wait, where was the dark dragon?

A soft grey blanket obscured his vision. "There we go," DS cooed softly. "The little boy's all tucked in for nighty-night time? Everything's okay, yes it issss..."

No, everything was NOT okay. He didn't have both his dragons, and that did not constitute an "okay" in Karan's book. Whining softly, he pulled himself up and leaned over the edge of the box. There it was!

"Ssssh..." This wasn't good, if he got too worked up he wouldn't ever get to sleep. Not that DS wasn't pleased to see him showing some amount of emotion, but this wasn't what she was going for at all. Murmuring reassurances, she tried to settle him back into bed.

Karan had to struggle. He had to get his dragon back! In a final effort, he threw his whole weight against the edge of the box, in hopes that it would tip over.

Instead, the side of the box gave a mighty ripping noise, and tore itself from the rest. Startled, Karan instead fell against DS's arms and bounced off them, stumbling backwards and finally toppling into the opposite side, which had the same reaction.

That wasn't good. She still hadn't managed to locate a crib, and besides, Karan liked the box. "Oh dear..."

At first the shock from the fall made Karan too dazed to do anything but blink. Then, slowly, he sat up, his head turning to survey the damage.

Both short sides of the box had been crudely torn away from their partners near the corners. The remaining walls drooped outwards without support. Pillows and toys leaked from the holes, and the flattened flaps of the box were bent at odd angles. It looked almost as if someone had run through it with a small car.

Even once he saw what had happened, it took his brain a few moments to register the image. Box. The box that was his home was... wrecked? Could he still sleep in the box? No... box had no support. Box would have to leave. But the box couldn't leave, it was his box! Box would not be allowed to leave!

DS watched, pained as tears slowly came to her charge's bi-colored eyes. "It'll be okay... we'll get you a crib now, okay honey? A nice crib... or maybe a big boy bed, or..."

New? No, they couldn't replace his box! It was HIS. It was his own box, where no one could tell him what to do (except the tall woman telling him to sleep, but that was the sole exception). It was... his caravan.

"CAAAVAAAAAN!"

DivineSaturn
Vice Captain


DivineSaturn
Vice Captain

PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 1:47 am


Caravans and Coffee (later that day)

Shadow pulled herself into the HQ, Seven in toe with his usual bouncy demeanor. His little metal pendant stuck in his mouth as he nibbled on it lightly.

He was quite curious today, his underdeveloped wings fluttering slightly to signify this. He tugged lightly on Shadow's sleeve, "Pway time?"

Shadow glanced down at him, the heavy bags under her eyes just screamed, 'yeah, whatever, I'm too tired to care.'.. She offered a half hearted smile, "Yes, Seven, it's Play time."

DS stepped into the HQ cautiously, holding Karan. The fiasco at home had inspired her to bring the Legend to play, in hopes that someone else would be able to make him feel better. Still, as she placed him on the floor, she wondered if it was the best idea.

Karan looked around sadly, a small piece of cardboard clutched in his pale fingers. His cheeks were still damp from crying, and once in a while a new tear would rewet them. Everything but the cardboard went unnoticed.


Shadow had made her way over to the couch to sit down, a heavy sigh passing her lips as she just allowed herself to sink into the plush cusions. Her eyes closed and she rested there, keeping them closed even as she heard someone enter, "Look, someone's here to play with." She said softly, giving a heavy sigh.

Seven burbled a little before turning his attention to the door and who entered. Something flashed in his mind, a memory about another time he'd been here and seen that lady... "Gaaboooo!!" He cried bouncing over towards DS and Karan.

He skidded to a hault, falling down on his rear as he did, leaving him in a small giggle fit before he looked up. "Hiwooo~"

A nod was the most energetic gesture DS could come up with to acknowledge Seven's presence, and after that she flopped onto the couch. "One hell of a day," she commented to no one in particular.

Who? Oh, it was him. Karan raised one drooping hand in greeting, but did little more, the bulk of his attention still on the cardboard in his other hand.


A sideways glance was cast to DS from Shadow. All she did was nod and say, "Yup." Rather flatly.

Seven, in all his dusty glory, scootched closer to Karan, "Hiwoo~" He smiled, wondering why the other boy was so interested in the small bit of cardboard.

Seven pointed a chubby little hand to what appeared to be a small piece of garbage Karan was clutching. "Wha dat?" He said, quite curiously.

Wow. If it was possible, this woman was having a worse time than she was. "He yours?" She pointed to the bright-haired Legend. Idle chatter kept her from thinking about what she would do when she got home and had to deal with everyone and the box again.

That solicited a sniffle. "Cavan go plat," he whispered, not wanting to believe it really happened.


Shadow offered DS a nod of compliance, "Yeah, he's mine.." She offered a smile. At least one of her kids was lively and well... Unlike.. "His sister's having troubles." She added, perhaps trying to explain her messy appearance and obvious exhaustion.

Seven raised a brow briefly before scootching over beside Karan. Gently he placed a hand on his back and started rubbing. He didn't know why this was supposed to be helpful, but he'd seen people do this when someone else was sad so he figured it might take away the other boy's tears, "It otay." He said, offering him a smile.

He really wasn't sure what the significance of the cardboard was or exactly what 'cavan go plat' was... but he'd try to be understanding, right??

Demare didn't bother to hold the door open as he stepped into the lobby, his arms immediately going back to folding across his chest. The split child was sulking (or was that brooding?) for one reason or another, his eyes narrow little slits as he glared around the room. Why'd he have to come, anyway? Just because CLARE wanted to go yesterday didn't mean HE wanted to go today! Stupid mortals...

Neko was perhaps getting a little too used to this, and the recent changes. Granted, it wasn't the first time it happened, but he wasn't too happy himself today. Opening the door that was nearly slammed right in his face, the now male guardian stepped into the HQ and quietly closed the door behind him. It was so hard not to yell at that child...

"Look, I'm not putting up with this today," he nearly hissed as he moved to stand next to Demare. "You're either going to drop the attitude, or there WILL be hell to pay when we get back home."


"Like that'll ever happen. You're too worried about scaring that s--"

"Demare."

Gods, he hated that glare... It was almost worse than the one he gave people. Those damn green eyes could kill someone sometimes, he swore.

"Fine," Demare muttered with a sigh, his bi-colored eyes opening a little bit as he surveyed the area again. Who the hell was here, anyway? Goggle-boy, the lady that cared for him, and... Well shoot. He hadn't seen the kid in about a month.

"I'll be back, I guess," he grumbled to Neko before making his way over toward the couch. He thought maybe Karan would want a little more company than the other baby.


"I know the feeling," DS replied, thinking back to the house. Now two of her children were visibly upset. And if she buckled under the pressure, there was no telling what would happen. She couldn't ask others to do things for her forever after all.

Yawning, she started to rummage through the baby bag. Toys spilled out, along with a juice box, a pair of old goggles, and finally, a thermos. "Nothing like coffee to perk someone up, hm? Want some?"

"No otay," Karan hissed, more vehemently than perhaps he'd intended. Still, he knew he was right. The box was gone, and that was anything but okay!

Though his vision was somewhat blurred by tears, he caught a glimpse of Demare and almost smiled. He would understand, wouldn't he? "Dmah, cavan go plat," he cried, waving the sorry piece of cardboard in the air.


Shadow's eyes glazed over the trinkets that poured out of DS's bag, offering a soft chuckle. "I always forget to bring toys here for Seven to play with... " She eyed the goggles a little, remembering the ones that used to be on Seven's head, idly wondering where they had gone.

--

Seven recoiled his hand back away from Karan. He wasn't sure what was wrong with the other boy and he clearly wasn't helping. He stared down at his hand, squeezing it open and closed.

Pload... pload.. was that like when the stove blew up? Shadow was upset when that happened! That must be it. "Ge' new one!" He cried, pointing to the piece of cardboard.

He beamed proudly. Oh boy was he smart. Surely all Karan had to do was get a new one! He glanced over to Demare, still rather proud of himself for his discovery. He was right... right?

As Demare neared the couch, his wings twitched a little bit as Karan cried out. He blinked once, then twice as he stared down blankly at his friend, honestly confused as to what he was talking about. Cavan...? ...What the hell was that supposed to mean? Glancing at the cardboard in his hands, he noticed it looked rather familiar. Didn't the kid sleep in a box...?

"Go... pl--oh!" It clicked. The box broke?? "What'd you do? Get a little too big for it?"

"Get too big for what, Demian?" Clare asked from the back of Demain's mind.

"Nothing. Just lemme alone for now," he grunted in reply.

"...Well, if you need any lessons for sympathy, just let me know."

"SMARTASS!"

"You can blame that on yourself."

...DAMN! He was getting pretty good.

"Can't you get a new... 'cavan', kid?" he had to ask. "If this one's broken, there isn't much anyone can do about it."


"Karan doesn't let me forget. Besides, this way I remember to feed myself. And what are those doing there?" DS picked up the goggles and laughed. "A present for my older son... but they remind me." Reaching into an outer pocket, she withdrew another pair, these smaller. "Do you know who these belong to? Karan brought them home one night, but I'm afraid their owner must be missing them terribly."

A new box? Maybe... but it wouldn't be the same as the old box. The old box was just the right size, and had a dent in one side where he leaned against it too many times, that was perfect for hiding things, and one of the flaps had been bent a little, so he could tip the box over when he wanted to.

"MY cavan. Want mine." Sure, it was a bit selfish, but everyone had things that were theirs, and they didn't want new ones. It was the same with his scarves, and probably with other people too. "Not sam."


Shadow had her eyes closed by this time, fighting to stay awake. For a moment she opened here eyes, just to see what she was talking about, but before she could respond..

"SQUEE!!!" Seven let out a high pitched little squeal as he practically dove into DS's lap. "GOGGOOOS~~" He cried taking hold of one of the straps, tugging on them delightedly. He'd almost forgotten about them and here they were! "Eiii~"

Demare sighed lightly, taking note of how stubborn Karan was, and probably would be. For a moment, his eyes turned toward Seven, as if looking for an answer to the problem. ...GAH! What the hell would Clare say at a time like this?

"Okay, you freaking win. I need a little help," Demian caved in, grumbling.

"I knew you'd see it my way. What's the problem?" Clare asked, supposedly smiling where he was.

"Karan's box broke, the other kid and I suggested getting a new one, but he doesn't want one. He wants HIS 'cavan'."

"Cavan...? ...You don't think he means caravan, do you?"

"Huh?"

"Nevermind. What about suggesting making the new one his? Perhaps he could make the new one better than the old one?"

"...Worth a shot, I guess."

Demare crouched down a little bit, resting his hands on his knees as he stared back at Karan.

"Well, kid... The new one would still be yours. Maybe you could even make the new one better?"


DS shrieked and dropped the thermos, which thankfully remained closed. Was this place created to give her heart attacks? "So... you're the one. I'm sorry for any trouble we caused you, little guy," she said amiably, rubbing his firey hair. "Glad we could get them to you."

Karan glanced distractedly over to see what the commotion was about. Oh, those things... still, it proved his point well. They were like his scarves, or his box, those goggos things.

But Demare's suggestion was interesting. It had never occured to him that he could make the box better. The old box was his by accident, but if he had a new box, he could make it his on purpose. "Be-r box?"


Seven propped himself up on DS's lap and grinned up at her proudly, pulling the goggles down on his head. They fit better than they used to. Maybe he was growing into them! He hugged the nice lady and gave another delighted squeal, "Gogoos~"

Shadow just laughed and leaned back into the couch more than before, "He likes you, watch out." He might steal something and try to take it apart... She thought. Seven liked discovering new things, there was really no limit to what he'd do to achieve it.

Demare's right eye twitched a little bit at Seven's sudden cry, but he did his best to remain calm as he focused on the box idea.

"Sure. You could make it a lot better," he said, his wings stretching and ruffling a little bit. "...Maybe I could even help a little, if you want." What am I getting myself into...?


Shrugging a little, DS kept rubbing away at the boy's head. "He seems sweet enough, I think. Yes, you like those gogoos, don't you?"

"Hep! Hep!" Now that was an excellent idea! It would be even more his box if a friend helped! It would be like the box in the picture! That one had lots of people nearby, didn't it? And lots of different pictures... maybe he could draw on it! Karan grinned. This would be great!


Was... Demare smiling?? At least a little bit... his lips curled up slightly as Karan looked excited about the idea. Maybe it wouldn't be SO bad...

"All right, all right... I'll help, since you insist," he agreed, folding his arms against his knees as he crouched down even further. "We'll make you the best little..." Maybe Clare had been right? "...caravan there is. And it'll all be yours."


Seven wiggled a little in her lap, snatching up the thermos that she had dropped, tapping his little chubby fingers against it. What was this thing? It looked like a cup of some kind...

He stuck his tongue out the corner of his mouth as he examined it, quite a thoughtful expression on his face. His little hands wrapped snugly around it and he pulled it close to his ear...

Shake shake shake~

Faevan opened the door, Prana almost bounding behind her. Two visits in two days was quite a treat. Immediately, she spotted a group of Guardians and their respective Legends socializing in the HQ, and she tried to enter as quietly as possible, hoping she wouldn't be interrupting anything.

Prana immediately spotted the other Legends on the floor, her green eyes going wide with delight. Swiftly, she made her way into the room, hoping her friends remembered her.

Such a curious child. DS smiled and pointed to the thermos. "Careful, there's coffee in there. And it's hot." He was a happy one too... though she noticed that Karan seemed to be feeling better too. Apparently she had made the right decision in bringing him here.

"Bes cavan!" Tucking the cardboard scrap into his sleeve, Karan nodded enthusiastically. He was already starting to get ideas for it. If he had another box the same size, what would he do with it the second time around? Decorate it, of course. And make better hiding places- so he wouldn't get poked by the pokey things again. This was exciting, and he could barely wait to get started!


Seven's fingers pried and pulled at the top of the thermos. His mind reeling. There was something inside!!...

He peered up at DS, fingers tapping on the lid. "Hot coffeeeeeee...?" He grinned broadly. Shadow had coffee before! And it made everything oh so fun and exciting. With a wiggle of his wings he snagged the small handle on the lid and pulled, successfully prying open the thermos, hot coffee spilling onto his leg and onto DS no more then a moment later.

He twitched.

"HOT HOT HOT!!" He cried, throwing the thermos off himself and somewhere else, who knows where, coffee flying everywhere.

Demare's eyes turned toward someone approaching as Karan continued to take in the idea of creating his new bed. That girl... wasn't that Prana? Instincts began to take over again as he threw his guard back up, standing upright and taking on his normal wariness of the others. Why did he do this...? He KNEW she was okay. ...But she hadn't seen him since he'd grown.

Something else caused him to twitch, however. His left arm began to sting a little as Seven threw the thermos, a little of the coffee having splashed onto him during the toss. He looked down at the baby, his eyes narrowing a little bit as he did his best to control his anger. The bandages were stained...


Prana stopped short as she was showered with a spray of hot brown liquid. Thankfully the air cooled it a bit, but some of it splashed onto her cheek, mildly burning her.

"Ow!"

She winced, raising a gloved hand to cover the spot, an odd warmth eminating from it and soothing the pain. Her green eyes sat fixed upon the small winged child who doused her.


"Ow! Yes, that is hot..." Wincing as the tepid beverage seeped through her clothes, she quickly reached down one handedly for the baby bag, heeping the other around Seven as best she could. Toys, those goggles, the juice box- as if they needed more liquid around- aha! A pack of baby wipes freed itself from the insides of the bag, as well as several napkins. Smiling, she looked up, and stopped.

"I think I'm gonna need more wipes."

Karan was still in the middle of planning his new box when a bit of the coffee spashed his side. "Haaat," he yelped, patting his arm where most of it had hit. The sun side of the scarf was splattered with brown spots, and a larger damp spot on his arm was starting to burn. "Haaaat!"


Chandra made her way to the HQ, feeling a bit odd in her new form. Everything seemed smaller than she remembered and the trip from her house to the HQ passed rather quickly.

As she slipped in the door, she took stock of the room noting how many people she knew were present. Demare, Karan, and Prana to be specific. And a smaller one she didn't really remember.

Making her way in their direction, Chandra made a small noise in the back of her throat to try and gain Demare, Karan, and Prana's attention without directly interrupting.

Faevan quickly disappeared into the bathroom, returning with blissfully cool wet paper towels.

"Here you go." She handed some to DS with a smile, wondering if her arrival would startle her friend at all. It had been a while. Handing over the soggy paper, she called to her child.

"Prana, let me see your cloak, I'll clean it off for you."

Prana nodded, removing her cloak, and her gloves as well, which had become doused a dull brown color as well.

"Sorry Mum."


Faevan chuckled.

"Accidents happen munchkin." She ruffled Prana's hair, sending her off to play while she cleaned up her things.

Seven was swiping his hands against his leg, clenching his teeth together as he made soft hissing noises between them, as if it would help the burning on his leg.

"Owie owieeeee." He cried, coffee soaking into his stark white sleeves. Small tears welled up in the corners of his eyes.

Demare grumbled a little bit as he noticed the damage the kid had done without meaning to, but his attention quickly turned to Karan as he started to complain. Not really thinking about it, Demare reached his arms out and carefully picked up his friend, leaning him into the knook of his right arm while his left picked up the damp sleeve hopefully enough so it wouldn't be touching his skin. Damn it! If Clare had only gained a little control over that power of his...

His attention was again turned toward a sound from near by, his eyes resting upon the tall woman wearing mostly black and white. ...She looked rather familiar... and he would have been stumped on who it was had he not immediately recognized the interesting hair and intense eyes. The colors were something that had been burned into his memory ever since he first saw her.

"Chan...dra?" he got out, blinking a few times as he tried to get himself to believe that was actually her. She grew...


A small cough caught Prana's attention and she turned to see a girl the size of Chesai, but most definately not Chesai, standing in the doorway. For a moment, prana just stood there, mouth slightly open. But the shock soon changed to happiness, and her eyes brightened along with her smile.

"Hi!" Prana waved, running up to Chandra. She hesitated for a moment, before hugging the girl. She had missed her a lot!


DS blinked the coffee from her eyelashes. "Fae, you always have impeccable timing." The added towels cleaned most of the coffee from her clothes, and there were plenty left. "Now then, she murmured, sizing Seven up, "I think your mama was right to warn me." She pressed one damp towel against his legs, and another on his stomach. It would take a while to see to everyone.

Karan scowled, too focused on the scarf at first to notice that he was being moved. Too much hot was bad... but some hot was okay, he was reminded when he saw Prana. And one other figure who looked familiar. The moon girl, he realized, reaching out to her elatedly. "Mooon!"


Chandra smiled slightly and hugged Prana lightly.

"Hello Prana. It has been a long time." She looked up to where Demare had said her name in question. "Demare." She inclined her head in his direction.

"How have you been Prana? I do not believe I have seen you since you grew. Thank you for the frog."

Looking a little surprised and then chuckling almost inaudibly, Chandra looked briefly to Karan. "Yes," she said, agreeably. "Moon."

Prana beamed at the mention of the frog. She was elated that Chandra had enjoyed her gift.

"You're welcome..." Prana bluched at the compliment, smiling broadly. "I've been well, how about you?" Prana stepped back, looking at her friend. She was so much taller, but then, she had always been taller than Prana, and she liked it that way.

"You look beautiful." Prana looked around Chandra, admiring her new clothing. But there was somthing she couldn't see. "Where did your wings go?" her green eyes peereed everywhere they could, trying to find the snowy appendages she remembered from her infancy.


Demare thought for a moment, looking at Karan as the baby reached his arms toward Chandra. ...A closer inspection wouldn't be so bad.

His wings curled around his shoulders a little bit as he stepped closer to Chandra and Prana for Karan to get a better look, his eyes still narrowed a little from the coffee incident. Seeing her a little better himself, however, he began to notice something. She'd grown quite... nicely, even if he'd only seen her a couple of times before.

"You look..." he started to say, fishing for the right word. Ugh, he wasn't good with these stupid compliment things! "...nice." Stupidstupidstupidstupud!


"They disappeared," Chandra said without regret. "I am hoping it is a sign I have left my past behind me."

She looked down at Prana, marveling at how at ease she felt around the younger girl.

"You are the only person to have received a feather from them and it looks like you will remain the only one."

EDIT: Looking serenly in Demare's direction, Chandra had to blink a couple times. She thought she had seen something for a second, but undoubtably it was simply something in her eye.

"Thank you, Demare."

Yes, he did remember right. Even though she looked bigger. Everyone was getting bigger- moon girl, and the fuzzy white girl, and Demare... but not him. Maybe they all started out bigger. That was probably it. At the very least, the moon girl was most different to him, in a nice way. "Pwetty," he commented.

What was even more interesting to Karan was that he was near the hot girl and the cold girl at the same time. Perhaps it was just him, but the mixture felt comforting, and he barely noticed the fading burning sensation from the coffee anymore.


Prana smiled, reaching into her bag to pull out the feather Chandra had given her, partly to sho the girl she had kept it safe. But in the process, she tugged too hard, and half the contents of her pouch came tumbling out. Half her feather collection, a river stone, a small bear, and a strange blue gem came tumbling out, landing in an unsightly heap on the carpet.

"Oops...I'm usually more careful." She kneeled down, carefully brushing off the feathers and putting them away, one by one. "Especially with yours." She held the inky plume carefully, pulling it off of it's resting place on the icy gem beneath it.


Guinevere seeing the door only a few steps away put on a burst of speed leaving Pink in the dust as she half waddled, half ran to the door. Once she got there, still not learning what stop really meant, she flung herself into the door to slow herself down and pushed it open with a bang. She gave a large smile as she looked around the room and toddled into it, swinging her head to and fro looking for friends.

At this time, Pink walked straight to the couch which she plopped on, per usual.

Seven stiffled another cry before he started giggling and tugging at the towel as DS dabbed him with it. He seemed a bit ticklish when it came to cleaning.

Still, his clothes were damp and uncomfortable. With his little chubby fingers he began to pry off his jacket, dropping it on the floor before he began trying to pry off those little pants of his.

That was the last time he'd ever compliment somebody! Grrr... he knew Clare would rub this in his face later. Demare looked toward the floor for a long moment, somehow feeling a little better about being around the others as he held Karan in his arms. ...Being so careful with someone...

Faevan made room for Pink, watching her friend settle down in the soft couch.

"You missed the great coffee fiasco, be thankful..." Fae chuckled, wiping the last of the coffee off of Prana's cloak and thanking the heavens that the fur trim was brown.

Dealing with a naked infant wasn't on her agenda for the day, so as Seven started to strip, DS hastily poked the woman next to her. "Ehm, excuse me... would you mind giving me a hand here?" She still hadn't seen to Karan, but it looked like everyone else was fine, if a bit damp. Pink's arrival went unnoticed as she dealt with the fresh wave of chaos and catastrophe.

"I am sure you are," Chandra said, not a trace of anything but sincerity in her voice.

Chandra kneeled to assist Prana with the items that had spilled as well as to get a closer look at her own feather.

"I am pleased to see you have kept the feather. I hope it comes in useful someday." Chandra eyed the other items, not meaning to pry but allowing curiousity to get the better of her. "Where did you get," she pointed to the gem which had emerged from below the feather, "that?"

"I'm glad, I hate coffee!" Pink said with a laugh, "It stunts your growth don't cha know." She looked at her watch and sighed picking up Guinevere and the bag she always brought with them. "I'll be right back. I have to give Guinie some meddicine for her snuffle wuffles!" She said, directing the last part to, of course, her little girl.

"This?" Prana held up the gem, shivering a bit as the cold stone touched her fingers. "A Legend named Raven gave one ot each of us for Christmas. I thought we all got the same one." She handed it to Chandra, who seemed to be very interested in it. "Didn't you get one too?" Her green eyes bored into Chandra's yellow ones, sincerely hoping that no one left her friend out of the gift giving this past season.

Shadow shifted in her seat giving a soft groan as she was awakened from her little nap. She hadn't even noticed the coffee spill down her own leg, yet another side effect of exhaustion. "Eh?.." She paused then put a hand on Seven's shoulder, "Keep your pants on sweety, it's not bath time.." She said, without much conviction.

Seven blinked as his fingers were wrapped around the waist band of his little knickers. He thought about it, wrinkling his nose. He really didn't want to sit around in wet pants.. it just wasn't sanitary! "Bu' doo'ty!!" He cried piteously.


The sparkling gem caught Karan's eye, and he reached for it. It was pretty! And it was silvery, like the curvy pendant he had, but pokey, like the green shiny thing he had at home. Unless the lady had it in the bag? Maybe they could share them! But first, he wanted to see hers.


"I did actually," Chandra said as she gently took the icy blue gem into her hand. "But mine was yellow."

She dug into her cloak with her free hand, wrinkling her forhead in concentration and she searched about for the correct pocket. Finally her face lit up, her searching stopped, and she pulled the gem out for Prana to hold.

"Mine does not seem to do anything however. What about yours?"

As she held both gems in her hands, for an instant Chandra felt a little odd. Almost as if she was weighing them and finding the blue one more valuable.

Prana's eyes went wide at the sight of the yellow stone. What a beautiful item!
"Could I see it?" Prana asked cautiously, not knowing the value of the precious gem to Chandra. As the other Legend weighed the two stones in her hand, Prana couldn't help but feel the warmth eminating from the yellow one. She almost felt as if her whole body was warming just by being near it.

"Mine doesn't do anything either. It's just cold, like this." She held up the river stone Breena had given her a long time ago, and noticing Karan's interest, she touched him on the cheek gently before depositing the rounder stone in his hands so he too would have something to play with.


Absently, Demare looked up to see what Chandra and Prana were doing, and he recognized the blue stone Chandra was now holding. It looked a lot like the one he'd received a few months ago that his dagger came from.

"They... didn't do anything?" he questioned, looking to them both. Why did his change while the others didn't...?


Prana looked at Demare. He had grown too, and it startled her a bit. She had been so taken with seeing Chandra again that she didn't notice him immediately. But his words confused her.

"Yours...did something?" She looked at him quizzically, wondering what power the stones held.


Absent-mindedly Chandra handed over the yellow stone, her mind on the blue one. It felt so familiar. Perhaps it was the cold, the way it seemed to match her own body temperature so well.

"It does not feel cold to me. It feels just right. The other is ... uncomfortably warm. Much like I find other people to be."

Chandra grinned at Karan's obvious desire to join in the sharing of stones.

"Do you have a stone as well little one?"

Oooh, that was cold. Karan shuddered as his hands leeched the coolness from the smooth stone. How odd, that someone who was usually so warm had something that was cold. That too was comforting. Maybe heat and cold weren't mutually exclusive after all.

Edit: He looked up when he was spoken to, and nodded, pointing to the bag. If he had one, it might be there. Except the lady was doing something funny with the goggles boy...


As the yellow stone touched her skin, Prana's entire body seemed to settle into a warm haze. It just felt...right. She closed her eyes, letting her hands cup over the stone and absorb it's warmth. She eyes opened a slive, and she looked up at Chandra, who seemed to be in a similar state with her gem.

"Would you like to have that one. I'll trade with you. Raven had said it was ok." She offered, hoping Chandra would be pleased.


"Yes," Chandra murmured. "I think it fits better this way."

Her attention was caught as Demare's comment penetrated her consciousness and she looked up, brushing a stray strand of hair back behind her ear.

"Your gift from Raven did something for you?"

HA! He was SPECIAL! ...So why didn't he feel like it? He looked between the two girls for a moment, wondering if he should actually show them his precious item. ...Maybe their stones' reactions were just delayed.

"Well..." he hesitated for a moment before caving in, carefully balancing Karan in his right arm while he reached across his side with his left and slipped his dagger from his bandages. The wings on the hilt fidgetted a little bit, having been nearly neglected for so long that it was almost not used to the touch anymore. The eye in the middle moved only a little bit as Demare held the weapon in his hand, the blade resting along his fingers.

"Mine kinda turned my pendant into this..."


Chandra eyes the dagger warily, wondering what manner of gift these stones truly were.

"It is... sentient?" She asked, noting the movement of the wings and the eye. "I have never seen such a thing."

Oh, oh, he remembered that! It felt soft, and hard, and cold, and nice and not nice all at the same time! And it did something that felt weird, and then hurt a little, and he had to wear something on his hand for a while. But it was still neat, he though. The stone dropped into his lap and he extended one hand towards the dagger curiously.

Demare's two red eyes opened slightly, keeping their attention on Karan while his bi-colored ones looked at Chandra.

"To be honest, I don't know," he replied, his own wings twitching a little bit. "Sometimes I feel like it is, but there's other times I think it's just... me. I've never really left it anywhere, so it's hard to say if it moves at all when I'm not around, if that makes any sense." Then there are those days I swear I hear whispers in the shadows...


Chandra nodded, taking her eyes off the weapon. It made sense that such secrets would not be unravelled yet, since the stones had only appeared on Christmas.

"What sort of stone did you receive?"

Prana looked cautiously at the dagger, feeling a bit uneasy. It was a combination of the weapon and the boy, if she was to be honest with herself. She remembered him being so much more cheerful...

"So will ours do this too?" She asked Demare, watching the little eye on his dagger.


"The blue stone you're holding right now..." he said, looking toward the mysterious gift for a moment. "I held it for maybe a few moments before my pendant went crazy and turned into this."

Looking to Prana, he replied honestly, "I don't know. Maybe... but maybe each one does something different, you know? Like maybe that yellow one will give you some kind of power, and the blue one will turn into some kind of.... familiar."


"Odd." Chandra remarked finally, tucking the new blue stone from Prana into the dark recesses of her new cloak. "I will be curious to see what exactly is the case with these."

As she smoothed the feathers around her neck, a thought ocured to Chandra. She had wondered about this before, but had not thought to ask.

"Have either of you... met Raven?"

Apparently with the Alejandro in the house, Lafe had calmed down out of the crying phase and was well into a phase on the opposite end of the spectrum. Or, at least, that was what Wren thought. The pooka was squirming in his arms, attempting to crawl up to look over his shoulder, but he had been doing that since leaving the home.

Since Lafe had calmed down considerably, Wren had figured it would be a good idea to take him back to the HQ. After all, those previous times he had been in a 'bad mood', but now was entirely different. In fact, as they walked inside, Lafe pointedly ignored the grumbling from Wren and thumped him in the chest with his tail. He hadn't made any signs to show he wanted to go out.

... but his ears twitched and cocked suddenly, picking up the voices of others present. Joy and rapture. People.


The dagger and stone could only occupy Karan's interest for so long, and he was starting to grow bored. All the big people did was talk. Even if they talked about pretty things, if he couldn't play too, it was stupid.

Movement near the door caught his eye. Finally, someone new to play with. Karan tugged at Demare's sleeve and pointed to the floor. Talk was boring, and maybe the new kid would play with him!


"No, but if you ever do yourself, tell me where you found him so I can thank him for this," Demare smirked, slipping the dagger back next to his side.

As the door of the HQ opened, his bi-colored eyes turned to see who had entered. It was that whiney little fox... Though, oddly enough, he wasn't whining today. In fact, he looked like he didn't want to be around. Funny... Demare could relate to that.

EDIT: Feeling the tug on his sleeve, the halfling looked to Karan and saw he wanted down. Hmph... fine then. Crouching down, Demare gently placed the baby on the floor to let him do what he wanted.


"Actually...no. I never have, now that you mention it." Prana said, answering Chandra's question. "I wonder who he is."

"A mystery." Chandra said with satisfaction, straightening up from her position on the floor. She had noted the entrance of another set of people she knew.

"I must be going," she said, glancing about. "It was good to see you Prana. Hopefully it will not be this long again before we next meet. But if it has to be, I hope you are well in the meantime."

Chandra pulled up her hood, feeling the need to get out of this space. The pressing closeness of so many of the living was wearing on her.
PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 1:51 am


Cocoa and Croquet (even later that day)

Freedom! Though it seemed that the moon girl was going anyway. Karan waved at her as she left, then continued on his search for a playmate. Where had that new kid gotten to anyway?

Lafe had gone particularly still in Wren's arms, the fox-child still squirming every few seconds, but otherwise his eyes were intently focused on those around him.

"What? No more escape attempts from you?" Wren asked with a slight chuckle, though he gave a small smile and nod to those around he knew. Which was, admittedly, few.

Lafe, as was usual, didn't pay attention to Wren's words. Instead he peered over at the one girl who seemed taller than the rest. She -- she was familiar, but different. Though there was another he could vaguely recall, the rest of the lot he didn't know. He tugged at his scarf a little, as if to hide himself behind it the further Wren walked in.


With a bit of reluctance, Prana got up, nodding and waving goodbye to Chandra.

"It was good to see you again." She smiled sadly, hoping she would see the gril sooner that later after this absence. "Please stay in touch."

Wondering who had entered, Prana looked at the doorway to see a brand new Legend there. At least, she thought it was a Legend. She tip toed over to the child, and recoiled immediately. It was a fox. Fear gripped her, and she took a step back, then another. There was a fox in her dreams...

Running back to her Guardian, she looked over at DS, who she assumed had been here more than her mother had.

"Who is that?" She asked, her concern tinging the edge of her voice.


Faevan looked up, following her Legend's gaze, and found the fox child.

"Oh..." She leaned in to DS, explainng the odd situation. "She's afraid of foxes... This should be interesting."

DS, who had miraculously solved the incident with the stripping baby, and was taking a few moments to rest, opened one eye. "Hrm? Who, where?" At Fae's comment, both eyes went wide. "Really? I... I never knew that. And I don't know who that is, sorry," she finished in a soft, somewhat sad voice.

Aha! So he was up after all! Pity that he hadn't stayed up, but then he didn't want to make Demare into his own personal taxi. He could do this all by himself. A determined expression plastered on his face, he crawled over to the man and tugged one pant leg. "Eyo!"


Prana nodded at DS, crawling up onto the couch and rummaging through her Guardian's carry all and pulling out a large picture book, which she tried to hide behind. Hopefully, a big copy of Where's Waldo would keep her out of the line of sight of the new legend...

Faevan frowned a bit, this behavior was very unlike Prana. Usually, she was bright and bubbly, eager to meet any new child. But to hide? Tghose dreams must really be affecting her. Suddenly, her conversation with Airez made a lot more sense. Deep inside, Faevan hoped that Prana's frers would never manifest in this child, or any other one for that matter.

... it was entirely unexpected, at least for Wren. "Um. Something the matter? I mean, I just brought Lafe in for a visit ..." He blinked, oddly, to see the young girl come forward to see Lafe and just as quickly pull back in what looked like fear. Not a good thing. He spared a glance down at Lafe, who merely peeked out from behind the scarf. "Er." Wren blinked at the child tugging on his pant leg. "Can I help you, young sir?" At least this one wasn't running off.

Another moment, and the girl far gone, Lafe tugged his scarf down entirely. There was a faint glimmer of curiousity in those eyes of his, a swish of his tail as well. He wasn't too comfortable around people, but ... somebody running from him like that didn't settle with him well. Making a small noise, frowning, he grabbed for his tail and held it between his hands. Never mind that one at dad's feet. No clue what to do about that.


Faevan rose, patting Prana on the head and walking over to Wren and Lafe.

"Hello, I'm Faevan, Prana's Guardian." She offered, extending her hand. "Please dont' be put out, she's been having nightmares lately, she thinks I don't know about them." Faevan leaned a bit closer to the other guardian. "She talks in her sleep." She whispered. "I think it has something to do with her past...but I don't know. She's scared of foxes." She sighed heavily, bending down to look at the new Legend. "I don't know why she'd be scared of a cutie like this though...hi there." Faevan gave a wide smile to the baby, wiggling her fingers in a wave. Looking over her shoulder, she gestured to Prana. "Prana, come say hi." The look in her eyes, was gently, but stern, and Prana swallowed hard, sliding off the couch and sneaking up, hiding behind Faevan.

Pink stepped out from the kitchen with Guinevere in her arms who she set on the grownd to waddle around to find her friends. "Phew, that medicine took longer than expected. You'd think kids like bubble gum flavor stuff." She said to no one in particular and headed back toward her couch.

Over her shoulder Guinevere was sputtering as she waddled around trying to get that icky taste from her mouth.

"Wren, Lafe's guardian." Freeing a hand up, Wren reached out to take Faevan's hand and shake it with a friendly smile before releasing it. After listening to her continue on, he nodded his head slowly. "Oh, I wasn't put out, just confused, but it is understandable if she's having nightmares." He chuckled as Faevan leaned to look at Lafe and hook his head slightly. "Honestly," he murmured, "I wouldn't be scared of Lafe. Think he's shy to the bone."

As if to illustrate, Lafe's hands tightened his grip on his tail and his eyes went a little wider as he looked at Faevan. At least he wasn't trying to make himself smaller or anything. Curiousity settled back in when Prana came forward and the fox-child tilted his head just slightly to look at her. The frown on his face shifted into a small smile slowly.


The smile calmed Prana a bit, and she peered a bit more over Faevan's shoulder, curious green eyes pondering the child. Yes, it was a fox, but no, it wasn't Anasai. She offered a small wave, her heart flip flopping with fear, but the rest of her trying to be brave.

Well, phooey. No one was really paying attention to him. The man did, once, but before he could do anything, a woman started talking. Everything was all talk again, how boring. Making a "phhhbt" sound in annoyance, he flopped over and sat on the man's shoe. That should get noticed, he thought.

Lafe had gone still, but he was moving once more. The fingers of one small hand loosened from holding onto his tail and he mimicked the action that Prana made -- a wave. The smile on his face widened a bit, another small happy noise made. It was a convincing smile, because Lafe was -- apparently -- trying to make friends.

(( Edit: )) And, of course, Wren glanced down at his shoe. "Guess I'm not going anywhere, am I?" Apparently this one wanted something, but he wasn't sure what.


Halo walked in rather briskly, wincing slightly at her son Alex held in her arms. He was being quite a terror to her at the moment and she had some suspicion it was because he knew Lafe was out doing something fun without him. Or at least doing something involving people other than the house and for some reason Alex had a problem with that.

"Owowow.." The small boy had managed to crawl up his mother's chest to grab one of her prominent ears (and all her earrings) and pullpullpull on them. "Leggo! Look.. Lafe is here. And daddy.. Please stop..OW!"

The tiny black haired boy gave her one strong tug (and he was a strong little bugger) before he turned and wiggled in her arms to get near his father and Lafe.

Halo felt rather rude having to rush past people and children to find her husband but having one's piercings ripped out wasn't much fun.

"He's being a little pain in the a.. uhh.. he acted up as soon as you left Wren. I had no choice but to bring him."

The woman suddenly realized that she was also face to face to a few adults and children and she blinked awkwardly, though wasn't very embarrassed.

"Uh.. hi." She offered them all a small smile and tried to keep a hold of her wriggling and growling baby.

Guinevere, eyes wide, spotted Karan...sitting on a man's shoe. She didn't ask herself why she just toddled to him with open arms. "Kar, Kar!" She repeated a few times before she flung herself onto him in somewhat of a hug.

Faevan looked about. The HQ was getting busy, but unfortunately, it was also getting late.

"Sadly, I think it's time to go for tonight. Hopefully we'll see both you and Lafe soon." faevan inclined her head toward Wren, returning to the couch to gather her things.

Prana threw her cloak on, waving to DS and Karan before darting out of the HQ behind her Guardian.

DS waved to Fae and Prana as they left, before curling into a ball on the couch. Such a long day this was turning out to be...

"Oooof!" Karan meeped, knocking back against the man's leg hard. That HURT. Even though it was nice to see a friend, it hurt. Uncertain whether he was supposed to be happy or upset, he let out a soft moan and clutched his head.


Guinevere giggled as she huggled her friend. When she pulled back she looked at him. "Oh noes!" She said, "What wrong Kar?"

Pink, like her rambunctious little girl, jumped on the ball of person on the couch with a mighty yet full of laughter, "ROARhehehe!"

Wren winced slightly in pain, as his leg was suddenly attacked by not one -- but two babies. "... I'd believe it, sweetheart." He said to Halo after saying goodbye to Prana and Faevan. "Lafe was trying to get out of my arms the moment I left. Didn't really want to leave the house, but ... uh." He made a gesture and pointed down at the children at his feet. The one latched onto the other, and the other rubbing his head. Kind of a 'I don't get it' gesture.

Lafe was quick to pick up on Alex's scent, even quicker than that of Halo's, and he was all ready moving again. Attempting to crawl over Wren to get to Alex. After all, Alex was safe, Alex was familiar, Alex was someone he knew -- and all these others he didn't know. His scarf well down partially, dangling towards the ground, but he ignored it in favour of letting out something between a yip and a coo towards Alex. The world's most charming smile was on his face.


"He started pulling my earrings out.. or trying too. I thought he was going to bite me.. like before when he wasn't keen on getting his diaper changed and more keen on trying to crawl around naked.." What was it with babies and little kids wanting to be naked?

Halo glanced down at the rolling ball of children on the floor, "Did someone lose these?" She wasn't the most sensitive woman in the world.

Alex squirmed and wriggled and looked as if he was about to bite his mother with those tiny sharp fangs of his before she finally held him out for Lafe.

"I think we should put them down.. to do ... their thing."

"Aaa! Pink!" DS toppled over as she was attacked. "Are you sure you should be doing that in your condition, honey?"

Guin was nice, but she was weird too. "Fine," he mumbled, still rubbing his head. The pain was finally starting to diminish, and he realized that all the commotion probably would have gotten the attention of someone up. Eager to see, he tilted his head skywards.

Nothing? Tough crowd.

One thing caught his eye though. That one had a scarf! Neat! Shakily standing up, he extended one hand to see if he could reach it.


Guinevere followed karan's gaze and saw two new legends. She rubbed her little hands together at the thought. Oh boy. Two new baby friends. She leaned her head up even farther and called out. "Yoo hoo. Up there. Wanna pway?" She said, beaming a bright smile at the two new ones.

"Pshaw!" Pink said, rolling off of DS and snuggiling into a spot on the couch. "Just a little rumble tumble fun." She said with a wink. "How are you doing? I haven't seen you in a while."

"... eh, I still say we're lucky Lafe didn't decide that naked was the way to go too, then." Wren shook his head. Lafe wasn't exactly keen on being without clothing, but he couldn't complain. It was one less baby to go after during diaper changes. "But, yeah, I guess we should set them down, though I think they're being called for." He blinked, glancing down to the baby who was reaching for the scarf -- never mind the one that wanted to play.

Lafe's tail thumped against his father's chest rapidly, as if trying to make a point. He could care less about his scarf right then, but the moment dad made the motions to set him down, he squirmed and wiggled until he was. Except, the moment he was on the ground, the moment he noticed the other two babies, his ears went flat and he was trying to scoot back.


"I'm... fine, I guess. It's been a rough day, but I'm managing. What about you?" Finally righting herself, DS leaned back against the couch. Pity that coffee was gone, she could've used a pick-up of sorts.

Finally progress! Karan smiled as the boy was set down. He had funny ears like the scritchy boy, how neat! But the thing that really intrigued him was the scarf, which he tried to grab, putting his own stained sun scarf out for the other Legend to examine in return.


Alex immediately gave the two babies on the floor a suspicious glare. Apparently they both deserved it, in his mind, because one was trying to touch Lafe's scarf and the other seemed to be his age yet still talked weirdly like a grownup. Not even Mael and Otium talked like that and they were older.

"Lafe naked and escaping would be cute! Alex.. is just sort of creepy. But I love him anyway!!" She corrected herself.. sort of, at the end of that statement and set Alex down next to Lafe.

The black clad boy immediately shoved himself between Lafe and the other children. His lips quirked and his fangs bared and he made a tiny hiss noise. If Lafe was hiding then he would defend him!

Guinevere didn't move not wanting to scare the baby. "It otay. We nice. We pway nice honest." She said nodding. Her eyes focused on Lafe's scarf, and smiled brightly at him. "Pretty scarf!" She told him as she looked around for something to offer to him in returns of letting her pet his scarf. "Cape?" She asked, extending her full body cape that adorned her body outward to him.

Just as the other baby was set down with barred fangs she screamed a short yet loud scream and backed up. Pointing at the new baby with a waving finger she whimpered. "Scary. Me just wanna pway. Why you be scary?"

Pink patted DS gently on the shoulder. "I hope everything gets better dear. Mine's wasn't bad, a little tirring but nothing out of the usual order of things. Anything happen you want to talk about?" She asked her dear friend earnestly.

DS shrugged. "Karan ripped his box today, and that really upset him. I never knew anyone to get so attatched to a crib, much less a makeshift one." Luckily he seemed better now that he was interacting. "And I assume yo heard about the coffee catastrophe."

He hadn't even noticed this one at first. Still, it was strange that he was shoving himself in front. Maybe the other one was scared. Well, if this one would play, he didn't have any problems. Karan shrugged and shifted his focus to the darker child, offering the scarf to him instead.


Lafe's scarf looked like it flames on it, though the one side that was kept close to him had a tarot card attached to it. His fingers were holding onto his tail and he wasn't so sure about investigating someone else's scarf -- or letting his be touched, but it wasn't him at least.

... and then the girl with her cape? What was so interesting about his scarf? He didn't really understand. His fingers latched onto his tail and he sort of situated himself behind Alex, enough so that when he peered around the other baby, his head was partially covered by the dark cloak he wore. He rubbed his cheek against a shoulder, piercing silvery-blue eyes watching the others curiously right up until that scream, and then he was hiding again, ears back because it hurt them. ( Never mind he wasn't even bothered by Alex's apparent scary demeanor. )

"Um, sweetheart, I think we've a situation here." Wren murmured quietly to Halo, gesturing to the children. It wouldn't be a good thing if the kids couldn't play nicely. Though he was of the mind to let it sort itself out, he was worried a little.


Halo glanced down at the children. Alex was being his little bully self again.

"Let's see what happens first." They were there, afterall, if anything happened. "Kids have to learn these things you know. I know they are babies.. but it's you know.. social structure and interaction... and things like that." Well she sounded more sure when she started the sentence than when she ended it.


Alex's brows scrunched together and he bared his fangs more when Guin screamed. What was the dumb girl-thing yelling about? She had tried to touch Lafe and Lafe didn't want to be touched.

He looked at the other baby, the boy, with his intense lavendar eyes. The sneer of his lessened slightly as he looked at what he was offered. He was unsure about this. These other kids with their touching and stuff. He eyed the scarf. It was sort of pretty. He didn't have anything like that.

They weren't playing, but at least one of them was interested. Karan took that as encouragement and crawled away, over to the bag. Parts of the floor near the couch still had puddles of now cold coffee, but he didn't notice as the brown liquid soaked into his pants. Where did that bag keep his fun toys?

Guinevere have a sudden moment of backbone glared at Alex when he bared his fangs more. "I just wannaed to pway. I try nice and you be mean. Why be mean?" She asked, wondering if he would comment on the mean question because he didn't comment on the scary question. "I was even gonna wet you pway with teddy!" Guinevere said, reaching into her cape and pulling out a soft, rather large, brown plush teddy bear.

"Aww. If you need help makin a new one, or buying one for that matter, just ask sweetie." She said. "And I heard from Fae about the coffee disaster. I'll say the same thing I said to you as I said to her. I hate coffee, it stunts your growth don'tcha know?"

And Lafe was being his typical shy self, with Alex there as his protector. Wren sighed and shook his head. "Believe me, I know all about that, lover-mine, just a little concerned that's all." But he'd leave it be, because it was the right thing to do.

The tip of one ear appeared from behind Alex's back, followed by one silvery-blue eye, and then the flick of a white tail. He watched Karan move off, with curiousity. He didn't seem so bad and he poked his head out a little further, giving a curious glance to Alex.

But the girl, she was something else. She kept speaking, but he didn't quite understand. It was something nice, from her tone or the look on her face and he, for a change, let out a tiny growl. No being mean to Alex. He gripped part of Alex's cape with a hand, tugging it without realizing.

... and what was up with that teddy-bear thing?


Alex's nose wrinkled at the screeching girl-thing. If he was old enough to think of anything as obnoxious, that noise would be it. It hurt his ears.

He felt Lafe tug on his cape and turned his head to look at the other, his wrinkled expression smoothing to something friendly and comforting. He followed the other baby's eyes to Karan and watched him too, covering his ears with his hands.. or trying to.. to block out the noise.

"It's caffine," DS shrugged, "and tastes better than soda. I'd have brought cocoa, but we're all out. Besides, this way I know the kids won't get into it. Even Eri thinks coffee tastes like dirt." And for the most part, she agreed with him, but she decided not to mention that.

Aha! Karan grinned jubilantly and tipped the bag over. Out rolled a medium-sized, clear ball, which rolled over to the trio of toddlers. It stopped just next to Guin, as if waiting to be played with. Maybe that would get them interested, Karan thought. They just had to stop fighting and see that playing was far more important.


Guinevere looked at Alex and frowned. Was he covering his ears so he wouldn't have to listen to her. That must be it. Just as she started to get up to waddle away and tell her Mommy she wanted to go home a familair ball rolled to her feet. Oh BOY! She thought, happily picking it up. She remembered playing this game with Karan and the pirate child. She smiled and rolled the ball as hard as she could to Karan that was on the other side of the room hoping it would reach him. She decided to stop talking and keep her mouth shut for now, she didn't need any more mean and nasty comments of gestures to come her way.

Pink rubbed her stomach thinking about cocoa. "Mmm. Are you SURE we don't have any cocoa here? They usually keep the supplies in full quanitites around here." She asked, heaving her stomach into the air and pushing with her hands on the back of the couch to raise herself up.


No, no, no! She was supposed to roll the ball to one of the new people! Did he have to do everything? Putting a little more strength into his push, he sent the ball back the other way. It completely passed Guin this time, but also passed the other two, rolling to a halt just behind them.

Oooops. Well, maybe one of them would get it.

"I'll go check," DS offered, rising slowly and stretching her back. "Keep an eye on the kids, mkay?"


Lafe watched Guinevere cautiously as she moved away, but his attention turned to the clear ball and there was a flicker of curiousity in his eyes. He finally turned back to Alex, one small hand going up to tug Alex's hands down a little from his ears. It was all quiet, the girl was quiet. He gave him a small smile and finally started to move out from behind him, no longer hiding partially under his cape.

... but, really, was this all about that clear ball now? So it would be all right? He looked at Alex, as if to confirm that it was fine now, just as the ball went by. Luckily, his tail stopped it and he gave an experimental push of it towards Alex. Wasn't much to it -- it looked harmless.


Alex watched the ball and uncovered his ears. Lafe seemed interested.

The pale little boy looked around at everyone to make sure it was ok and then smiled at Lafe to confirm it was for the moment.

He stopped the ball with his hand and looked at it with interest. he then looked back up at Karan and pushed it as best he could towards the other.

He didn't push it to the noisy girl. He didn't like her.

That was better. At least, he knew that the two new ones probably knew eachother. They reminded Karan vaguely of the time Demare slept over, and they helped eachother a little. So they were friends. And that meant that they could make friends. And that was all the information that really mattered to him at the time.

He managed to get a little closer to the others again before smacking the ball once more. Where it went though, he had no clue due to the hastiness of his hit.


Guinevere scampered in front of the ball and caught it in the hem of her cape. As she picked it up she looked between the new babies. Deciding she didn't like the fanged one for the mroe she looked at him and saw his actions he reminded her of that nasty Breena girl, yet Lafe still stood a chance of being a good playmate she she tossed the ball a little, only giving it a bounce or two before it rolled the rest of the way to the fox boy.

Pink sighed and heaved herself back onto the couch. "Why must everyone always tell her to stay once she got up. "Ok," She said softly after DS and watched with smiling eyes at the children. They seemed to be playing so nicely with the ball and she was happy for that.

Wren was, personally, happy things had calmed down. At least Lafe had come out of trying to be Alex's shadow ( he ignored Hawk's Eye pointedly ). He nudged his head against Halo's shoulder, giving her a small smile.

Lafe merely eyed the ball as it rolled towards him, in fact, he reached forward to stop it with a hand. His tail was swishing back and forth a little and he rolled the ball back and forth a little between his own hands. It wasn't that interesting, but the other two seemed to be enjoying it. Finally, he gave a push and rolled the ball towards Alex. After that, his eyes settled on the dark cape he wore briefly.


Halo looked down at her husband and smiled and put her arm around him, kissing him on the forehead lightly. She didn't admit she'd have found it amusing if Alex bit someone.

Alex stopped the ball that Lafe rolled to him and looked at it again. Was rolling all it did? Everyone seemed okay though. No one was trying to bother Lafe so he was fine too.

Alex rolled the ball away again again to one of the waiting children, though he wasn't sure who, and turned to look at Lafe who was looking with interest at his cape.

Karan swept the ball into his lap when it rolled to him, smiling. The box, the coffee, all earlier incidents had been temporarily forgotten. He had a mission, and that was to have some fun with the new people. Now that he'd gotten their interest, the fun would start.

His eyes twinkling, he tossed the ball up into the air, watching it make short, high arcs back towards the others. This was the real game, or part of it.


Guinevere stood up on her feet, and rocked back and forth only once till she found her balance, much faster than other days and walked toward the bouncing ball, catching it after a little fumbiling it inher hands. She beamed from ear to ear and she bounced it a little harder than Karan had, into the ground toward the two new babies, following the arching motion of the ball it gave off with each bounce with her head, by bobbing it up and down.

For the moment, ignoring the ball ( it was still bouncing in mid-air ), Lafe scooted forward to tug on Alex's cloak a little more. Honestly, he liked it, since he could hide somewhat in it -- something that one could be safe in. He gave Alex that charming smile of his, tail swishing back and forth with a renewed good mood.

... except then the ball came bouncing over and it bounced right over to his side, rolling up against it. He wrinkled his nose up a bit, but quickly pushed it onward to continue it's motion. That was how it went, apparently.


Pink, who was thinking DS was taking way too long to make some cocoa was just about to go in after her - she had even heaved herself up and off of the couch too, when her watch went off. "Aww." She said, and went over to pick up her bobble head daughter who jostled a little in her arms before relaxing, resting her head against her mother's shoulder and waved goodbye to Lafe and Karan. "Nigh, Nigh!" She said as they walked out, only after Pink poked her head in the kitchen to tell DS she was leaving.

Alex ended up ignoring the ball since Lafe had quickly pushed it to roll away from them. The other was tugging on him so he started to tug lightly on Lafe's scarf and smile back.

It was a nice scarf with color that he personally lacked. The baby soon waspulling his cloak up and over his head. It was really a struggle and he looked like a lumpy black mound for a while until he got the fastenings around his chin and over his head. He offered it to Lafe but felt rather naked in only his black and red onesy.

The ball rolling away, and the other girl gone ( though that was barely noticed ), Lafe actually laughed a little watching Alex struggle with his cloak. When it was offered to him, he slowly pulled it to himself, fingers running over the fabric. Alex, of course, was rewarded with a particularly bright smile from Lafe and the baby crawling forward to put his own scarf around him. Not that he could manage it well, but ... well. Scarf for Alex!

With Guin gone, and the other two entertaining eachother, Karan found himself alone again. Sure, the ball had come his way, but with no one to play with it was just a rubber bubble. Pouting, he folded his arms. He could wait. He could wait.

Heck with waiting, he wanted to play!

The determined face from earlier emerged once more, and he crawled over to the pair, plopping himself in front of them.


Alex smiled and tried to adjust the scarf and got a bit tangled in it. it was so long! He did manage to get it around his neck though and sunk his head down so he was hiding behind it, just like Lafe did. Only his bright lavendar eyes peered overtop of the fabric.

Lafe's tail continued to swish rapidly, giggling a little more with how Alex looked hiding behind his scarf. It was just like him! ... which meant he had to try to get on the cloak, and after a little struggle, he managed to get it on -- though it wasn't on and clasped, but it was on. He tugged it around himself, the back of it moving with the movements of his tail.

Ears cocked forward, he turned his attention to Karan and studied him briefly. This one wasn't so bad as the girl. In fact, he gave a slight nudge against Alex so that he'd notice him. Kind of a '... well, he's not so bad' thing.

Mimicking an action he had seen earlier, he raised his hand and wiggled his fingers at Karan, the fingers of his other hand curled in the scarf wrapped around Alex


Finally, some recognition. A wave even. While he got the distinct feeling that he was being ganged up on, in a strage sort of way, he ignored it and waved back. "Eyo," he chirped cheerily.

As he waved, a small piece of cardboard flew out of his sleeve and landed a couple feet away. As soon as Karan saw it, his eyes dulled. The box. He had nearly forgotten about it.


Alex looked over at Karan and didn't seem so nastily mean now that the girl was gone. He mimicked Lafe's wave but wondered why the other boy seemed so suddenly sad about that thing that fell out onto the floor.

He crawled a bit forward, still behind the scarf, and picked up the piece.

Lafe's tail swished as he tried to peer at what Alex had picked up. Of course, the other boy looked sad -- but why? Over a piece of something? Very slowly, cloak around him and obscuring a good part of his features, he scooted forward to inspect and then peer at Karan.

... was there something wrong with the piece?


"Cavan go plat," he offered as explanation, for the third time that day. After that stunning revelation, he pointed to the cardboard, and then to him. It was, after all, his box, and he wanted that back.

DS yawned. "Goodness," she murmured sleepily, "look at the time." Or she would, had her watch been working. But the coffee from earlier had shorted it out, another thing she'd have to replace. Wonderful.

Still, at least there were adults around to ask. "Excuse me, do you have the time?"


Wren blinked, head tilting and distracted from his thoughts and somewhat snuggling Halo. He had been nursing along an idea for his book, but he couldn't seem to get past a particular plot hole.

"Um, actually, I don't." He grinned sheepishly, holding up his hands. There wasn't a wrist watch on either wrist and he didn't carry a pocket one. "It's probably late though." Not that the kids seemed to notice. They were all most nocturnal it seemed.

Lafe's ears cocked forward once more, trying to decide if what Karan said was important or not. It must have been, if he was sad, but ... a piece of something that was his? So was it not complete? He didn't know. He merely looked at Alex and the piece, crawling forward to sit next to him.

Then, after a moment ( and very slowly, as if he was expecting to have to pull back in an instant ), he reached forward to pat Karan lightly. It could've been a 'there, there' gesture, but who knows.


Alex blinked at the piece and then at Karan. The boy said something he didn't understand but he did get the bit about wanting it back.

There didn't seem to be anything special about it. He couldn't use it for anything. So the boy crept forward again and held it out for Karan to take. If it was his, he could have it.

Halo had spaced out completely while watching the kids and looked out the window. "Yeah it's dark. So I guess that means it's late enough. I think we should head out."

Karan let himself be petted, neither liking nor disliking. What he did like was that they were finally paying attention to him, and that the darker one was giving back the part of Box. "Dakoo," he nodded.

Then it occured to him. That boy had weird ears, like the other one. And Keita liked his ears scritched. Maybe this one did too. Curious, he reached out a hand-

-and was promptly snatched up by DS. "I think you're right," she said as she shifted the infant's weight. "Oh, and I'm DS, and this is Karan. It's nice to meet you." However short the meeting was.


It was a good thing too, because Lafe was all ready pulling back to avoid his ears being touched. He still wasn't too sure about this one and it didn't help that suddenly there was an adult around.

Lafe was all ready situating himself ( crawling over ) Alex, basically curling against him and snuggling up, some of the cloak covering the other as well now. He made a small noise, a quiet drawn out yawn, and rubbed his cheek against Alex's shoulder lightly.

"Probably, yeah. Time to go." Wren chuckled, pushing himself up and heading over to the kids. "I'm Wren, and the fox-child over there is Lafe. It's a pleasure." Despite the fact their meeting was short. He was all ready leaning down to scoop up both children and -- surprisingly -- he was able to do it ( at least, he had been able to in the past, and with these two it was better to carry together than apart ).


"I'm Halo and that's Alex.. the mean one." She smiled a bit.

"It's nice meeting you DS." The tall woman leaned down to pat the boy on the head as well. "And you too Karan. Have a good night you two."

She walked ahead to get the door for her husband so he didn't have to worry about handling more than he had already.

Alex put his arms over top of Lafe once he was picked up. He yawned a little too and turned to snuggle against Wren when he finally shifted into a comfortable position.

"Nice to meet all of you." DS retrieved the soggy baby bag and the ball and started for the door herself. "Get home safely," she added as an afterthought.

Already bored again, Karan curled his fingers around the cardboard again. He'd have to start a new one soon, and be sure to make it even better than the last one. And then other people could see it, and he could show the new friends, and Guin, and everyone!

But first, perhaps a nap would be in order. Just this once...


"Second what my wife said, DS. Maybe we'll run into you and Karan in the future." Who knew? Wren gave Halo a smile of thanks, since she got the door for him. It was more than enough to handle Alex and Lafe in his arms.

Lafe was properly snuggled up against Alex and his father, eyes fighting the urge to droop, but they did anyway. His fingers curled in the fabric of Alex's outfit, tail curling around him partially.

"... see, now they're being angels." Wren shook his head, chuckling a bit at some private joke as he headed out the door.



DivineSaturn
Vice Captain


DivineSaturn
Vice Captain

PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 1:53 am



DS sat back and examined her handiwork, shoddy as it was. Two long strips of duct tape encircled the broken box. It was a temporary solution, perhaps strong enough for two or three nights. This was the perfect time to buy a crib, she thought, except the last time she tried something like that, Karan hated it. He seemed to like the box.

He was asleep in the pile of taped cardboard, clinging to one of his dragons peacefully. More peacefully than she would normally have expected. Even though it was weak and crickety, he was sleeping better there than he had in her room, or at the doctor's.

Sighing, DS retreated into the living room and punched a few numbers into the phone.

"Hello... Complex Computers? This is DS Millner... I ordered two computers from you a few months ago, and I was wondering if you could send a box over... No, not a computer, just a box. Why? Well... it's for a project. Yes, it has to be one of yours. No, I can't buy another computer! It's a cardboard box for crying out loud! Yes, I will pay for delivery of I have to. Tomorrow. Thank you."

Jeesh, what did a woman have to to to get a box for her kids?
PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 1:54 am



"Why isn't he here?"

Karan looked around confusedly. Didn't the pictures usually come when it was bright at night? This was a different one... and moments later, it turned into a frightening one.

"Must he be subjected to your every whim, Ixchel?" A man in a sparkling gold cape joined the woman who had spoken first. Even though his attire was different, Karan recognized him immediately. It was the bright, blinding man.

The woman, who was all to familiar to the Legend, winced. "You know I hate that name in particular, my love." The last words were spoken through gritted teeth.

"But it suits you so, my dear."

"And why are you acting so oddly? Don't you want him to see your shining moment? Literally. The vernal equinox is your day, not mine."

"He'll have to deal with everything soon enough. I want him to be adjusted first. This doesn't count as adjusted."

"You old fool, Rajah. If he doesn't know, we'll all have to relive past mistakes."

"Do you think I'd send him off without a clue? We've both put something into this day, my wife, and he'll get something out of it. You'll see just what my- our gift will be."

Karan stirred as the vision evaporated, leaving nothing but smoke in his eyes. Almost reluctantly, he opened them. Then blinked.

His arms had been wrapped around nothing before, but now he was clenching a large oval shape. It was pale grey, with blue and gold ribbons adorning it. Several black sigils were painted on it as well.

As far as gifts went, not bad.

DivineSaturn
Vice Captain


DivineSaturn
Vice Captain

PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 1:55 am



February 22nd, 2005. Tuesday.

I know this kid is weird, but I found an egg in his box. A big one. Looks a little like him. Almost broke the box again too. Whatever's taking the computer people so long, I don't know, but it's driving me nuts. We need a new box. And a menagerie. I mean, Karan's gotten two fish, a frog, a squirrel, and now... this. Whatever "this" is. I hope it's not big.

Oh, and he's more active again. Yay.

~DS
PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 1:59 am



DS set the egg on the dresser. It was a bit cramped, having to squeeze between a squirrel cage and the aquarium. Luckily the frog seemed to be a vegetarian, and was leaving the fish alone. Now if the egg, or whatever was in it, would cooperate, everything would be fine.

Still, as she looked at the egg, she shivered. What kind of egg had fur on it? And ribbons? Gold and grey... the colors couldn't be a coincidence, could they? No, she was being silly. Of course they were a coincidence. After all, it's not like the egg had appeared under unusual conditions... right.

Shivering once more, she secured the egg and left.

DivineSaturn
Vice Captain


DivineSaturn
Vice Captain

PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 2:01 am



"What do you mean, you don't carry those computers anymore? You MAKE them! Discontinued? I have been waiting for over two weeks! You promised overnight delivery- oh, yes you did. No, not you personally, but I was guaranteed delivery within three days, if not overnight. Two weeks does not constitute overnight! Don't you dare put me on h-"

DS growled as a now familiar melody tinkled out from the phone. The darned company that put her on hold again. Emitting faint grunts, she shuffled, carrying the phone away from it's place on the table and down the hall, nearly tripping on its overlong cord. Outside Karan's room, she paused, and took a quiet look inside.

Thankfully Karan was asleep. It was unusual that he slumbered so peacefully, and so early. DS could only hope it was a sign of him finally adjusting to his surroundings. Still, his surroundings were about to fall apart, in more ways than one. The house was undergoing many changes residentially- many of the people she lived with were out on their own travels, leaving her and the Legend mostly alone, except for one new addition. Besides which, the box that served as his bed wouldn't last much longer. Each wall strained at the tape that secured it, in several overlapping layers. She would need a new one soon, or else-

"Hm? Yes, I'm still here. Not gonna get rid of me that easily." While listening to the phone, she shuffled away, so as not to disturb the sleepers. "So you CAN get me one. By the end of the week. Good. I'll hold you to that, mister- Mister Sheffeld, yes. Good day."
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