Welcome to Gaia! ::

Ella allows her other self to defuse from her and then sits and pants. Ella’s chakra had replenished by some but not a lot. She was allowed to defuse her diamond necklace from her chest as her other form darts into the forest farther. After a minute it returns with two items. One was a rock while the other was a leaf. It places the items down and then touches each object to the necklace and shuts her eyes. After a minute she removes the items and places them away from Ella. Nimen watches closely when she notices Tybalt is gone. She shrugs, thinking he’s off doing Tybalt things, and continues watching. The rock emits a white light as does the leaf. Soon two forms are seen. The first form is an odd shape. It looked like a sort of weapon but it wasn’t. Before the light can even burst from him, the creature rushes towards Nimen. Ella sits and does not react and neither does Anthro as Nimen begins to run. The other form, not even completely formed flashes in front of the creature and knocks it back with a mighty punch. Nimen nearly faints when the figure turns around to face her. “T-tybalt,” Nimen stammers as Tybalt gazes at her. “Seems as though Tybalt’s spirit has chosen to take the body that the Bikou male was meant to inhabit. Perhaps this is a good thing,” Ella thinks to the group as the wild man gets to his feet. “Stop,” thinks Ella only to the male who freezes for a moment before lunging again. “Simply brainless,” Tybalt mutters appearing before Ella as the man slides to a halt. “I think I’ll call him Steel. You may name yourself though I can guess you will keep the name Tybalt.” Tybalt nods then kicks back Steel who flies into Anthro who clutches him in a diamond hard grip. Tybalt then walks over to Nimen and stares at her. “Because of Angelle and Rafael’s appearance… I have taken a body.” “Why them?” “I used to be in love with Angelle and Rafael is my brother. He killed me in a fit of rage and now I shall return the favor.” “You can’t kill your brother over revenge.” “It’s not just revenge. Seeing her made me realize how much I truly love her. I shall not let Rafael gain his memory back and take her.” “You… love Angelle?” “With all of my heart. Since my death I have longed for her but I couldn’t understand why. I had chosen my mother over her in the beginning but the less and less I saw her the more I wanted to be with her. I vowed that if I could see her again… that I would confess my love. That is all I want. Or… was. Now that I see Rafael so close to her and yet being so cruel to her… I can’t… I have to be with her. No matter what odds are against me. I love Angelle more than Rafael could ever love her.” Once Tybalt finishes Nimen collapses.

“Nimen?” “Nimen?” “Nimen?” “Rrrawrrragha!” Nimen opens her eyes slowly to see four people gazing down at her. She looks at Ella then at Anthro and then at Tybalt and stops. “Mow hare ju! Muy wush wurly choo!” “We know you were worried too, Masked Man.” “Steel, Anthro.” “Steel, better Ella?” They all move back as Nimen stares at Tybalt for a minute then looks away. “Maybe we should get her to the hotel. Reina got a room set up and everything. Besides, I could use some rest. Anthro, Steel, Tybalt, you will be in my room. I have a feeling that I have a room to myself so there should be room.” “Are we going to sleep?” “You know you all don’t sleep, Anthro. Stop being silly and let’s go.” Ella, Anthro, and Steel depart as Tybalt extends a hand to Nimen. “Lady Nimen,” he states as Nimen looks up at him. “Tch. You’re not my sprit anymore. Don’t call me that. And I’m not your lady, okay?” “I merely meant it in a polite way.” “I can help myself up.” Nimen gets to her feet as Tybalt recoils his hand. “Are you angry?” “No. Why would I be?” Tybalt looks away from her a moment before he looks back at her again. “We should get going then.” Nimen shrugs and walks in the direction Ella and the others had walked in with Tybalt close beside her.

By the time she gets to her room she finds that Shaneko is on the bed asleep. Tybalt had long left her once they entered the village but she didn’t care. She quickly undresses the normal way and then heads into the bathroom by the door to shower. In the shower she stares blankly at the lime green wall as water runs down her hair and face. “What is this feeling? Why am I jealous? Why am I angry? Sure I always liked Tybalt more than the other spirits but so what? I never LIKED him… did I?” She muses silently in the shower as the water slowly becomes colder. “Tybalt was just a follower. He was nothing more to me than a friend. How could I like with a spirit?” She squeezes her eyes shut as she curses a lot under her breath. “He was nothing but a friend. So what if he has a body now. He is just a friend. Just… a friend.”

Eventually the water grows too cold for her to remain in the shower and she exits. She slowly exits the bathroom in a towel. In the blink of an eye she is in a silky blood red sleeping gown with silky red slippers. Her red hair was still tied up in a messy bun as it was before getting into the shower so she left it that way. She slowly walks over to her bed and climbs into it. She slips the covers over her and then falls asleep.

Why couldn’t she let him go? For some reason her heart wanted Rafael though it hurt so much to even look at him. Angelle then sighs seeing that now that Rafael was there her visions had stopped. Maybe he wasn’t so bad. “What are you having?” Rafael turns his head to see Angelle smiling at him then turns back around. Feeling shot down, Angelle looks forward and awaits her food. “Beef ramen,” he states as her head flashes to him. “I got the same thing. Do you enjoy beef ramen?” “Yes, I do.” Angelle smiles at him as he turns forward to accept a bowl of ramen the woman hands him. “Why are you two so far apart? You’re the only ones here. Why not sit a little closer?” “Uh… um.” As Angelle stutters, Rafael stands from his seat and then scoots it in. He then lifts up his bowl from the counter and walks over to the seat beside Angelle. He sits down his bowl then pulls out his chair before sitting. “There, much better.” Angelle flashes red for two seconds before clearing her throat. “Thank you. I could have moved.” “I assume so,” he states as the woman exits again. Rafael just sat there, staring forward and did not eat his ramen. “Aren’t you hungry?” “Yes.” “Then why don’t you eat?” “I cannot eat before a woman. It seems rude to me.” “It’s fine with me.” Rafael slides the bowl over to her and then places both hands, folded, under his chins. “Wh-what are you doing?” “You are hungrier than I am. You eat first. I will take your bowl.” “But.” “We ordered the same thing. No modifications. Eat.” Angelle looks at him, his face expressionless and focused, then at the bowl in front of her. Her stomach growls lowly as she takes in the aroma. She takes chop sticks from the container before her and breaks them apart. She then stirs the ramen a bit. “Thank you, very much.” He does not respond as she grabs some ramen noodles. She blows on it and then begins eating when Rafael stiffens. She looks over at him to see an expressionless yet surprised face. His eyebrows were slightly raised and his eyes were empty. Could he see things too? Angelle swallows and then places her chop sticks down upon the table. “What’s the matter?” “Irises.” “What?” “You… nothing. Finish eating. I’m going to go and get us a room.” “Huh?” Rafael slides out of his chair as Angelle watches him. “What do you mean Irises?” Rafael exits out of the door as the woman enters. “What was that all about? Here, dear. I’ll wrap his up since you two are obviously meeting up after this.” “Were you eavesdropping?” The woman quickly exits with the bowl of ramen as Angelle stares after him.

After finishing two bowls of ramen, Angelle walks out of the ramen shop with a container of ramen. She waits outside but does not see Rafael yet. She begins to head back inside as a man walks in her direction when she hears her name being called out. “Who?” “Angelle,” the approaching man calls out. “How do you know my name,” asks Angelle slowly motioning closer to the doorway of the ramen shop. “It’s Tybalt.” “I know no one by such a name…” She then remembers the girl Nimen stating the name Tybalt. “I know no being by the name of Tybalt,” she corrects. “You do not remember me,” asks the male stopping. “No, I do not.” “But you remember Rafael?” “How do you know Rafael? How do you know me?” “I see. You remember my brother but not me.” Angelle stares at him a moment before a vision comes into her head. A man with black hair bluish green eyes flashes into her mind. He smiles at her as a shadow casts over him. Her eyes widen as the male turns to leave. “Wait,” she calls out flashing to his side. In the light of the moon she sees bluish gray eyes but on closer observation she sees they are actually bluish green. “I remember your eyes. Your name triggered my memory. Who are you?” “I have no other name than Tybalt.” “How do you know Rafael?” “He is my brother.” Angelle stares at him surprised as she hears footsteps behind her. “Rafael, my brother. How are you?” Angelle turns around to see an expressionless man. “Rafael,” Angelle states walking over to him. She begins to hand him the box of ramen when she notices his eyes continued to stare at Tybalt. “Brother?” “That’s right. But you don’t remember me now do you? You both seem to have forgotten me. Well, I guess that’s a good thing. Angelle… I will not give up on you. Rafael, stay out of the loop, could you? I must go but I hope to meet you again. As a matter of fact, I will meet you again. Reina’s group isn’t bad. You should travel around with them. It’s safer.” “I don’t understand.” “Reina’s group can help you more than you think. Farewell, Angelle… Rafael.” At that moment, Tybalt vanishes.

“What was that all about, I wonder,” asks Angelle as Rafael and Angelle begin walking towards a large hotel building. “Thank you for getting my food for me. I took longer than I figured.” “No problem… you are quite talkative today.” Rafael looks forward without speaking and Angelle smiles. The two enter into the building and then wander up the stairs after Rafael gets the room key. He unlocks the door as Angelle gazes down the hall. One of the doors was cracked and she could hear faint scratching. The door opens and she wanders in while still staring down the hall. Once she sees a red eye she quickly darts inside and shuts the door. She locks every lock before turning around to see Rafael removing his shirt. “Wh-what are you doing,” she cries out. “There was only one room left. And, the old man only provided me the money for the groceries.” “You stole from Matte?” “Keep your voice down some.” “There’s only one bed.” Rafael looks over at her before flopping down on the floor. He had no intentions of using a bed. He leans his back against the bed as Angelle stares at him. “I have no clothes other than these.” Rafael shuts his eyes as Angelle twirls around her fingers. “I wish to take a shower.” Rafael nods and she turns a little red. She wasn’t uncomfortable around naked males because she had seen her fair share of male bodies. It was just that, unlike her brothers forms, she was attracted to his. Though only his chest was bare that was enough for her. His perfect figure only tempted her farther. “How ripe is the fruit,” she thinks and then clasps both hands over her mouth. Rafael opens one eye for a moment before shutting it again. He leans forward and slowly gets to his feet. “Fifteen minutes,” he states walking towards the front door with his shirt flung over his left shoulder. He opens the door and then exits.

After taking a quick shower, Angelle loses track of time in her imaginings. She then hears the door open and turns to see Rafael staring at her. She couldn’t speak. He did not speak either and his expressionless face was soon filled with a surprised expression. “I… I…” “Twenty minutes,” he states composing his face and flying back out of the door. Angelle’s face, completely red, was also in shock. Not just because the only thing covering her was a small towel that could hardly be the length of a normal short skirt and low enough to see her cleavage but also because he had the same surprised and flustered expression. He truly was hiding his feelings. He was as entranced with her body as she was with his. Without wasting time this time, she takes a shirt from the small bundle that Rafael had been carrying when he returned after getting a room. She slips it on and then climbs into bed as a knock comes upon the door a few minutes later. “I’m descent.” Rafael opens the door slowly and then motions inside. “I apologize for earlier. I should have knocked.” “I wouldn’t have heard you. I wasn’t paying much attention,” Angelle replies as Rafael shuts the door. His hair was all wet and his chest shined in the dim light of the room. His shirt was slung over is other shoulder now. He looks at his bag and then at Angelle. “You do have on clothes, right? I neglected to mention I had gotten some clothing before.” “I have the t-shirt on.” “The big one?” “Yes,” Angelle laughs as Rafael sits beside the bed like before.

Within minutes, Rafael and Angelle fall asleep. In her sleep, Angelle dreams terrible dreams and murmurs and whimpers in her sleep. Her hand slips from beneath the covers and falls in Rafael’s hair, awakening him. He turns his head slightly to see Angelle’s arm. He lets out a low sigh when he hears her murmur. “No… don’t kill her… she did nothing wrong…” Rafael listens carefully as he turns around more. “Naomi… don’t kill Reina… she… was protecting you… take me…” Rafael watches as tears stream down Angelle’s face then turns around quickly. Angelle gasps and then sits up in the bed. She places both hands over her face a moment before placing them on her knees. She breathes in and out hastily for a minute before regaining her breath. She places her hands over her face again and cries as Rafael stares across from him. After hearing her muffled cries for two minutes he gets to his feet. Surprised, Angelle stops her crying and looks up at him. Tears continue running down her face as he turns to stare at her. He couldn’t figure out what to say. For some reason, her crying pained him. He had no answer to ease her pain so he just stood there. “I… I’m sorry if I woke you… I’m just… homesick. I-” before Angelle could finish Rafael’s arms were wrapped around her. She stares forward without speaking, her eyes wide open, as the two of them remain silent. Rafael squeezes her waist closer to him as Angelle lays her head in his hair. After a minute, Rafael releases her and then looks away from her. “Thank you. I feel… better now.” Rafael turns back to Angelle to see a bleak smile on her face. “I apologize for such an action.” “Don’t apologize. I needed a hug. Whenever I had a bad dream or was upset… my mother would hug me. She would hold me until I stopped crying. When you embraced me… I remembered how my mother embraced me. It made me happier. I am grateful for that.” Rafael stares at her, his face softer than it usually was, then looks away. “Try and get some sleep,” he states crouching down as Angelle lies back down on the bed. He sits down and then leans back against the bed as Angelle stares down at him with a slightly larger smile. Before long the two fall back asleep.

The next day, Angelle awakens to see Rafael standing in front of her. “Rafael?” He turns his head slightly as she sits upward. She looks pass him to see the small boy from before, referred to as Sai and Akou, standing in the doorway. “Angelle, you have awakened.” “What do you want?” “Well… I was only told to find you by Reina,” he smiles. “Who are you today?” “Oh… uh… you noticed people calling me by two names? I am Sai for the time being.” “Well, Sai, where is Reina?” “I will be gladly to take you to her but Rafael won’t let me.” “It’s all right Rafael. Remember? They will protect us. Tybalt says so.” “Tybalt? Who is Tybalt?” Angelle’s eyes bulge. “You don’t know him?” “Well, I don’t know him but Akou might.” Rafael stares at Sai as Sai stares at Angelle. “Hold on a minute and I’ll bring Reina to you. Is that better?” Rafael nods as Sai exits. He then snatches Angelle into his arms and runs from the room. Before he can get down the hallway, Tybalt appears in his path. Without stopping, Rafael leaps over Tybalt only for his leg to be grabbed. Tybalt slashes Rafael from the air and into the ground before him as he grabs Angelle’s wrist with his other hand. “Stop! Rafael,” she hollers as Tybalt grabs her with the hand that held Rafael and clutches her close to him. “Who are you?” “Easy, Sai. Tybalt, I see you have a form now? Release those two. You cannot force them to meet me.” Tybalt releases Angelle as Sai and Reina appear at the open doorway of Angelle and Rafael’s room. As soon as he does, Angelle flings back her hand and prepares to slap him when he flashes out of her sight. Her eyes fly open as he appears beside her. Rafael slowly gets to his feet to see Angelle lashing out at Tybalt with constant misses. Just when he begins to jump in, long black strands of hair wrap around the three of them before hardening. “Enough,” echoes a voice in their heads as Ella emerges from the ground beneath them. Her fur shines brightly as Reina and Sai approach. “Nice work Ella. Seems like you’re really snapping the reins. Care to share how Tybalt has a body now?” Ella smiles at Reina and then releases Angelle first and then Tybalt and Rafael. “Please, follow me. I do not wish to harm either of you. And I apologize for Tybalt. He’s new to things.”

Shaneko, finally awakening, sits up on her knees in the bed only to fall backwards off of it. She flings back her left hand to prevent her from hitting the floor then flips off of it. She then stands in the center of the empty room. “Where is everyone?” Shaneko quickly maneuvers out of her completely metal attire and then flashes into the bathroom. After showering she exits in a towel. In the blink of an eye she is in normal civilian clothing; a green, spaghetti strap, short dress and navy blue leggings. On her hip was the blade of her home that she often wore once it was bestowed upon her. And on her chest, hidden by her dress, was her beloved Garment Grid. She looks around quickly before exiting the room. She then sees Reina and Sai walking with a group of people. They enter a room and shut the door as Shaneko scratches her head. “Eck, my hair is disgusting!” She couldn’t remember the last time she’d washed it. She runs back inside and undresses. She then washes her hair, dries it, ties it in a high pony tail, and then gets dressed again. She runs out of the room and shuts the door then walks over to Reina’s room. She knocks then opens the door to see it is empty. “Darn, I was too late. They’ve all left. I wonder where they are,” mumbles Shaneko shutting the door.

After some time she exits the hotel to see a lively marketplace. She explores a bit before she grows terribly bored and stops. She notices a nearby ramen shop and then runs over to it. Through the window she spots Nimen.

“I’m going to eat away my problems.” “Nimen,” cries Shaneko as Nimen’s face is doused in tears. “How did you find me,” asks Nimen, her face clear. “Well… I was hungry and saw that this was the only ramen shop so I stopped by. Did you know that the last ramen shop was blown to bits? And that bar I met you in is the new ramen shop? Right here. It’s weird. I found you where we first met.” “You’re making it weird.” “Shrimp ramen,” calls out the woman when she notices Shaneko staring up at her. She places the bowl onto the table and bends down to smile at Shaneko. “Want some ramen little one?” “Oh yes, please. I’m very hungry.” The woman nods and then exits as Shaneko climbs onto a seat beside Nimen. “Reina and Sai had a meeting with Angelle and Rafael… there was this guy that resembled how you said Tybalt looked but I said nay. He knows Reina though. I wonder who he is.” Nimen lowers her head as a ghosty image appears above her head. “What’s the matter Nimen? Why don’t you eat?” “Because you keep talking!” “Well sorry for making conversation!” With that the room grows silent as Nimen stares at her ramen. “Why do you seem sad?” Nimen turns to Shaneko prepared to clobber her then her face softens. “That… that was Tybalt.” “What? No way! Really? I thought…” “He sealed himself inside of the object Ella was sealing a soul into. That is Tybalt now.” “Wow! Tybalt is a homunculi now? How weird.” The woman returns and hands the small girl some chicken ramen and smiles. “I LOVE chicken ramen! Thank you!” Without a second to waste, Shaneko snatches up some chop sticks, splits them, and digs in. “Wow, you must be hungry. I’ll go and make you some more. Eat up red head. You were inhaling those before,” states the woman waving a finger in front of Nimen’s face before leaving. Nimen begins eating as Shaneko finishes her bowl. Nimen’s eyes fly open as she tilts her head to Shaneko. “PIG!” “SHUTTTTTTTUP! I was hungry!” “Here’s another bowl.” “Thanks!” Nimen begins shoveling food into her mouth as the woman glares down at her. The woman leaves as Nimen swallows then sighs. “I dunno, Neko. For some reason… I’m not happy for him.” “Vat?” Nimen turns to Shaneko to see her mouth full of ramen. Shaneko swiftly slurps it up, Nimen staring at her with an astonished look, before sighing. “You aren’t happy that he has a body finally?” “Well.. when you put it like that,” murmurs Nimen turning to her ramen. She stares into it as Shaneko looks at her. “Why aren’t you happy about it?” “You wouldn’t understand. Maybe if you were older…” “It’s a relationship thing, isn’t it?” Sweat runs down Nimen as she turns to Shaneko. “Not at all!” “It IS,” Shaneko gasps. “Is there another girl?” “Shuttttttttttttttttup!” “It IS,” she gasps as Nimen swiftly turns back to her ramen and pouts. “Kids shouldn’t know these things.” “I’m not a kid! I’m a woman. I’m maturing!” “Women don’t mature,” Nimen mutters as Shaneko gasps. “How dare you! At least… when I mature, according to Ella… I will have boobs. You don’t have any.” Nimen’s eyes blaze as she turns to Shaneko. “I have breast! And I am still maturing too but I’m not a little kid! I’m a big kid!” “You’re just the same as me. If you’re still maturing then maybe you’ll never become a woman. Because my rate is faster than yours,” murmurs Shaneko poking her lips out in a mocking manner. “SHANEKO!”

“I have decided to follow after Reina and the others… I hope you will come with me.” “I prefer not to be in large groups,” states Rafael as Angelle lowers her gaze. “I will go with you,” he states walking away from Angelle who beams. The two walk away from the hotel and find the ramen shop open. “Let’s get some beef ramen. I saw your container was bone dry. You love it so let’s get more.” Rafael nods to Angelle as the two enter into the ramen shop. “Hello Shaneko and Nimen,” calls Angelle as the two turn around to see Angelle running over to the counter. “Two bowls of beef ramen, mam.” “Love it that much?” “It’s for me and a friend.” “Two coming up.” Nimen glares at Angelle as Rafael approaches. He catches her glare and motions in front of Angelle. Nimen looks over Rafael and can’t help but to stop glaring. Rafael was unworldly. He was just, if not more, gorgeous than Anthro. He might even be more gorgeous than Tybalt. After thinking his name, Tybalt enters the ramen shop. All eyes fall on Tybalt as he stares at Angelle. “I came to apologize. I reacted the wrong way.” Rafael steps in front of Angelle which causes Tybalt’s serene expression to become hard. Angelle stares up at Rafael as Nimen gets to her feet. “She’s not worth it Tybalt! Why do you insist on going after her?” All eyes fall on Nimen but Rafael’s. “That’s what love does… I will go to the end of the Earth for Angelle.” Rafael steps forward a bit then inhales a sharp breath before falling back. “Do you care to fight? I can assure you that you’ll lose.” Rafael begins to step forward when Angelle takes his arm. “He’s too fast.” “Very wise, Angelle. Nothing less to expect from you. Those eyes of yours are very special. I can easily match Rafael in speed. We are both Bikou… after all.” “Bikou,” Shaneko questions. “I will take my leave. I merely wished to apologize to Angelle. I did not intend to create tension in such a place as this. Until next time.” Tybalt then vanishes as Nimen runs from the shop. Shaneko begins to give chase but decides not to. “Nimen,” she mumbles as Angelle stares at the small pink haired child.

“I didn’t mean to upset her.” “It’s not your fault. Love problems.” “Love problems?” Shaneko pats a seat near her as the woman places the bowls near Shaneko then leaves. Angelle takes a seat next to Shaneko as Rafael stands where he is a moment before sitting down. “Well… someone loves this person while another loves the person that loves someone.” “What?” “Never mind. I would have to break trust to tell you. All I have to say is that you need to decide between Rafael and Tybalt.” Angelle’s eyes fly open as Rafael splits his chop sticks before staring at Shaneko. Shaneko looks at him and then nods. She begins eating and soon after Rafael does. “Huh?” “Rafael is like Sai. He won’t eat before a female. He feels wrong if he does.” “Sai seems like a sweet boy.” “Oh he is. Sweeter than Akou sometimes. But…” “But what?” “Though they are the same person… they are different. Their personalities are different. Akou does not seem to give me the time of day while Sai does. But Sai has no interest in me, I know it.” Angelle stares at her as does Rafael. Shaneko stares down at her ramen before speaking again. “Sai is more interested in Reina, like Akou but not like Akou. Akou loves Reina because she is his mother. I don’t think he shows any type of interest. But… sometimes… the way he looks at her is off. He gazes at her like he loves her in a way aside from mother and son. They aren’t related at all.” “But he is just a boy.” “That doesn’t mean he can’t love Reina.” They all grow quiet as Shaneko continues on. “Seeing them together makes me wonder sometimes. And seeing them together makes me wonder if I can continue liking Akou the way I do. Kind of like with you but different.” Shaneko looks at Angelle who stares at her. “Tybalt and Rafael seem to care about you and yet you seem to only care for one. But if you could remember Tybalt… you would love them both. Akou and Sai love me but not in the way Rafael and Tybalt love you. I only care about Akou in a liking way. Hm. Maybe it is more similar than I thought. Well… I better get going. I need to go and find Reina.” “She’s in Ella’s room, I believe.” “Thank you.” Shaneko then leaps from her chair and lands delicately upon the ground. “Bye then,” she calls as she waves while running from the room.