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 Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2012 12:12 pm
Time: a summery afternoon
Where: Durem park
What: A fly ball accident
Involves: Prajna & Namini, and Sheperd, Vivi & Cesc
- - - - - -
Summary: What started off as a nice day in the park with Prajna practicing its cello for the first time in an open space and Namini casually reading some texts for school, quickly turned into an interesting afternoon of casual encounters... after Prajna gets struck in the face with a fly baseball. A concerned man and pink-haired newborn make their appearance soon after the hit, leading the Nao's to be introduced to Shepard, Vivi and the charismatic Cesc! It's a pleasant afternoon picnic and a small artistic bond is formed between the stag and the star.
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Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2012 11:15 pm
Practice makes perfect Time: a casual afternoon
Where: In Namini's room
What: A musical surprise
Involves: Prajna and Namini
[in progress]
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 10:25 pm
Time: high noon Where: Summer 2012 Garden Party What: Trapped inside a maze! Involves: Prajna and Luka
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 10:27 pm
Time: early afternoon Where: a Durem salon What: A simple hair cut Involves: Prajna, Namini, Doucette and Revontulet - - - - - - Summary:
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 10:29 pm
Time: a bright afternoon Where: Downtown Durem What: A simple encounter in a local fabric store Involves: Prajna and Anastacia
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Posted: Wed Jul 03, 2013 6:33 pm
Sparklers Time: evening
Where: Downtown Durem park
What: Fireworks watching
Involves: Prajna, Namini and David
As with any Fourth of July prior to Prajna’s arrival, the Nao’s prepared for their annual trip to Gambino’s famous beaches. Namini busied herself in the kitchen, preparing a small assortment of sandwiches: tuna for herself, egg salad for David and a few peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for anyone they could possibly run into at the fireworks event. A tender part of the girl wished to run into Josh or Doucette but she knew not to hold too tightly to those expectations. For Prajna, the aspiring nurse double checked her purse, to make sure she had a fresh flashlight and charged pair of batteries. David folded a plain colored blanket for them to sit upon. Prajna merely “sat” on the couch and continued its usual activities. Whatever Namini and David did for this event was of no particular interest for the Star (yet).
Humans and some of their decisions were simply beyond the young Frei. For example, why eat something that one does not like? A many a time had the Star listened to Namini attempt to persuade her older brother into eating more vegetables and less red meat. She kept saying it was bad for David’s health but Prajna didn’t understand. If he didn’t want to eat it, good for him or not, why try and force him? Especially with someone like David. Prajna snorted as it gave the older Nao a quick, sideways glance. The man was as stubborn as a mule and Prajna assumed, just as dumb as one. It chuckled smugly again: An a** was too befitting of the man. The redhead changed the channel just in time to catch yet another patriotic commercial.
It fumed. Just because Prajna was forced to live in Gaia, it did not mean the networks should be allowed the freedom to change all the programs! Prajna wasn’t patriotic and, with the way things were going, it definitely wasn’t going to start being so any time soon. Thankfully, albeit surprisingly, Namini came to the rescue. Stealing the remote from her fiery charge, Namini turned off the screen and gestured that Prajna get up, “C’mon Prajna. Time to go.”
Any other time and the Star would have rudely snatched the remote back and stubbornly turned the television back on. But seeing as there was going to be no end to the red, white and blue noise playing, Prajna complied. Soon, it was watching the scenes of blurred city architecture and swiftly passing greenery instead.
- - - - - -
When they arrived in Gambino a few hours later, opting to drive rather than taking the typical train, the sun had begun its descent. Night came quickly. Though it was summer time and the evenings were usually muggy and unappealing in Durem, in Gambino, Prajna felt content. The sea breeze trickled refreshingly through the busy streets, intermingling with the savory scents of local food trucks and the advertised perfumes of tourism vendors. It gave the city a different kind of night life. While Durem was all sophistication and quiet at night, Gambino seemed so lively and full of possibility once the stars came out to play. As David parked, praying thanks to some God for blessing him with such a perfect parking space, Prajna’s inquisitive eyes flickered between Namini and her brother. Then it returned to lusting the crowded streets outside. Why live in Durem when Gambino seemed like such a nicer place? Though it had been a few years since the Star had entered and become part of the Nao family, Prajna realized it still did not understand its guardians too well. Maybe something kept them in Dur—
“Prajna, do you need help with your seatbelt or something? Aren’t you coming out?” Namini’s voice shattered Prajna’s thoughts. David was already out of his seat and retrieving the blanket from the trunk. Namini stood at the door opposite Prajna, with curious eyes and her woven basket of sandwiches hanging from the nook of her right arm.
The young redhead ‘tsk’-ed as it hastily removed its safety belt and exited the vehicle, as if not only irritated with the mental interruption but embarrassed to have fallen behind the others. David closed the trunk and quickly took lead over his family’s little pack. He pointed to a trail of people crossing onto a sand ridden bridge, “Follow them. The show is supposed to start in like an hour but finding a good place might be tricky.”
Namini turned to smile at Prajna. She offered her Star a guiding hand but, as expected, Prajna refused it and continued to float close behind. The girl shrugged Prajna’s rudeness off, so accustomed to her charge’s proud nature, but as more and more people began to join the herd to the shoreline, Namini tried again, “Prajna, I don’t want you getting lost. Please, just give me your hand.”
But Prajna remained diligent, “Is fine. Prajna sees Namini and David. Will not be lost.”
Namini had to give in and so, returned her attention forward, making sure that she never lost sight of her brother’s back. Prajna halfheartedly did the same with Namini, keeping tabs via her side ponytail, a hair style most older females did not usually don. Mentally, however, the Frei attempted to put together its thoughts. What had it been thinking in the car? Ah, the idea that something kept them in Durem. Prajna envisioned the entirety of the Nao residence. There was no extra room and no extra bodies coming and going. There had always only been the three of them. As Prajna floated over the bridge, David still in the lead like a dog on the hunt and Namini trailing behind, like a pup keeping up with its mother, the redhead couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. To fully understand the situation, Prajna knew it would need to ask questions. Ah! David had found something.
Bravo, Prajna thought as it watched the siblings scuttle off in excitement. Namini turned back and pointed after David. Prajna waved its acknowledgement. Like it was really going to waste any actual effort chasing after them. Prajna hoped the Nao’s knew it better than that by now. David had picked a spot closer to the water, a location most probably avoided since it meant more distance to cover after the fireworks show. Plus, Prajna concluded, by sitting closer to the bridge, families and couples were closer to the vendors. Its ragged ribbon skimming the exiting stairs of the bridge, Prajna noted how some people already had steaming meat buns or bubble guns. The androgynous soul dodged giggly children and rowdy teenagers like a cat amongst hyper puppies. Something made it feel so out of place here. For a moment, the Star even yearned for the crappy Fourth of July commercials and the quiet of the Nao apartment over these bustling beaches. But the thought was shaky and by the time Prajna reached the Naos, Namini evening out the blanket and David gorging a sandwich and checking out the view, the yearning for television was completely gone.
Odd, Prajna thought, its expression neutral and secretive. As it “seated” itself on the blanket, its gaze fell upon the crowd once again, forever inquisitive and defensive. Then it turned its attention, not to Namini but to David, who was now checking his phone. As David read the time to his sister, Prajna knew it was going to have to (unfortunately) ask the older Nao for answers. While Namini was usually quite responsive and open when it came to Prajna’s questions, something about this topic made Prajna distrust Namini. Something told Prajna that this topic, this inquisition into what defined the Nao home, something was going to set the usually easygoing and casual girl… off. The Star felt its head begin to throb lightly and it frowned, but never shifted its eyes from David. Suddenly, a roar and a flash of color! Prajna thought perhaps its head had literally exploded but when it looked up into the black night sky, there was another roar and spectrum of pinks and reds. Fireworks!
Namini joined the crowd in their “Ooooh”s and “Ahhhh”s but Prajna and David remained silent. And while the Star wanted to watch more of the fireworks, immensely impressed by their magnitude and the variety of their colors, it knew now was its own chance at getting answers. Reaching into the basket of sandwiches, Prajna looked for the water bottles it had seen Namini throw in right before leaving the apartment. There were two. The mischievous redhead checked to see that Namini was preoccupied and, when she exclaimed at a firework that looked like a fish, the Star removed the water bottles and then floated to the edge of the blanket. Prajna double checked on David. He too had been caught in the wonderful show taking place in the sky, raising his phone to try and snap a picture. When the Star felt it was safe, it pushed back some of the sand at the edge of the blanket and tossed the water bottles in. Quickly, it threw the sand back over them and then covered them again with the edge of the blanket.
Noticing that its hands were dirty, the Star rubbed some of the dirt into its wings. I will tell them the wind must have blown it in when I sat down Prajna thought, nodding to reassure itself as it floated a bit closer to Namini. The girl let out another squeal, pulling on Prajna’s sleeve and pointing to a large fading firework, “Prajna! Do you see it? Ohmygosh, aren’t they pretty?”
Prajna feigned a partial smile and shrugged, trying to keep itself as normal as possible. Its cerulean eyes flashed back over to David who was now sitting beside his sister. Soon. Prajna need only be patient. It watched as Namini take out one of her tuna sandwiches and hand David a PBJ. She offered Prajna its “food” but the Star declined, its eyes shifting constantly between the fireworks and the Nao’s. Soon…
- - - - - -
After about fifteen minutes of eating and spectating, David finally reached into the basket and, to Prajna’s relief, turned to his sibling and asked, “Hey did you pack anything to drink?”
Namini seemed a bit offended at even the suggestion that she could have forgotten refreshments, murmuring “Of course I did… Of course I did.” But after she explored the basket for herself, paused to try and remember, she finally had to confess, “I guess… I didn’t? I can go buy something from the vendors if you want. Want a soda or just water?”
“Ah..hm.. ” David seemed hesitant to let his sister run off but eventually decided everything would be fine. He removed some bills from his wallet and handed them over. “A water and a popsicle if you can find one. Get whatever you want too, just don’t get kidnapped or anything. Prajna, want to go with her?”
Immediately, perhaps a bit too quickly, the Star shook its head and gestured with its chin at the sky, which had been temporarily returned to its darkened state as the demonstrators prepared their next bunch of fireworks. David scowled and was about to insist that Prajna go in his stead but the girl silently waved her hands at her brother, frowning herself. Behind Prajna’s partially formed back, she signaled an X with her arms yet called sweetly, “I’ll be back before they start the next bunch of fireworks! Prajna, make sure David doesn’t eat my sandwiches while I’m gone!”
And with that Namini was gone and only Prajna and David remained. The tense silence that filled the air upon Namini’s departure was immediate and merciless. It felt as if Prajna was now lifting a sinking night sky on its shoulders. It wondered if maybe Namini’s departure was a mistake. Maybe it was not something Prajna actually wante—
“So… What is it? You’ve had this weird look on your face since leaving the car” David’s voice was impatient but not demanding or overly stern. He did not even turn around to face the Star but merely kept his eyes out on the endless black ocean across from them. Prajna was thankful he did not turn as a crimson tide washed over its genderless features. It did not look away from David’s silhouette as it gasped for air and then words, but the man was faster. “Better spit it out now otherwise I’ll make you ask Mini herself. And we both know how she loves to talk. … So, Prajna, what is it?”
Prajna bit its lower lip as it attempted to literally swallow its pride. It averted its gaze and began studying the fabric beneath its ribbon. David let out an annoyed sigh, which finally triggered the Star’s bravery, “David, why do you and Namini stay in Durem? Is something… holding you two there? I won’t ask her because I don’t think Namini will tell me the truth or I imagine she’ll only tell me what she knows, which I believe… is limited. So, what is it, David? Why do you two stay?”
David had to admit: he was surprised. Rarely, if ever, had he or Namini experienced Prajna’s proper grammar. They had, separately, come to the conclusion that Prajna had simply never quite understood the correct construction of a sentence. When they had tried to correct the Star, it had ignored them out of stubborn ignorance. But now… Here, suddenly, Prajna was speaking coherently! And without restraint. Obviously, the Star realized it had struck a chord with David. As the older Nao turned to speak directly with the redhead, the man’s face pinched and his brow furrowed. David almost seemed sorrowful. He responded slowly and carefully and yet, Prajna could tell this was something David had seen coming. Somewhere in the distance, somewhere across the water, there came an ominous rumble from the darkness.
“Prajna… there was someone who meant everything to us. That someone was our …was our mom, Prajna. You may not ever know what it feels like to feel such a connection to someone, though I hope one day you do but… She was everything. Everything. She’s even the reason why Namini’s nickname is ‘Mini’; her smile, her stupid little mannerisms are so much like our mom’s, we used to tease her and call her Mom’s ‘mini’” David sighed, rubbing his temples. Prajna felt its own head throb a little harder, though it pushed past the increasing pain. Why was this so difficult, for both of them? Something about David’s words seemed to carry such a heavy significance yet Prajna felt itself growing more and more frustrated with being unable to identify its significance. “She’s why we’ve stayed in Durem, Prajna. I don’t have enough time to tell you tonight but… you’re dumb.”
Prajna wrinkled its brow and was prepared to hiss an insult back at the man when the stormy-eyed Nao continued, “This is definitely something you should have brought up with Namini instead of me. She’s… a little …better at this. But Prajna, a home is a home. Does it matter where we are? I… ahhhhh, God this is pisssssiinnngg me off!”
David pulled at his eyelids and kicked up some sand in frustration and pain. A smaller, diamond blue firework went up, starting the second half of the show. Prajna thought, if it received answers to its question, everything would be clearer. But now it just seemed as if everything had complicated tenfold. As the next few arrows of light began to ascend through the darkness, suddenly David placed a hand on the Star’s shoulder and gripped the androgynous soul tightly, tight enough to worry the Star a bit, “Prajna, obviously, I can’t make you change kiddo but you have to go easier on Namini. If not me, just treat her a little better. Please. I mean… Don’t question this weird family set-up we have but appreciate it. She’s done a lot for you, you know. Like have you even asked her about the scars on her arms? Has she even told you?”
Prajna’s head felt like it was going to explode. The squeal of the fireworks did not help. Now the Star simply wanted to sit and ask its million questions, to both Nao’s, and finally understand this void it had been feeling since its arrival. But the genderless Frei knew now was not the time. And as Namini returned, the drinks in her intertwined fingers, the conversation was ended and replaced with a new topic, “The second half has started! I didn’t miss much right? It took me a little longer to find you that popsicle, David, but I got it. I was talking to a vendor about this one installation art piece I saw getting set up in the front of the dock during the intermission. It seems like it might rain so they’re setting this thing up so people can stick around and watch the show, if it doesn’t rai—hey… why are you two so quiet? Did something happen?”
David shrugged as he stole the bottle of water from his sister and immediately began to chug. Namini tossed the rocket ship popsicle into her brother’s lap before returning to her charge’s side. She continued to question the silence but did not speak her curiosity aloud, for fear of upsetting one or both of her companions. The brunette made mental note that, if no one spoke up soon, to simply question David later. The show continued and Namini could not resist more cooing while her brother and Prajna watched wordlessly. How they couldn’t even exhale a tiny “wow” at the fiery flowers and colorful pom-poms in the sky, Namini could not understand but she continued to let them be. It wasn’t until a series of cloudless rumbles and scattered gasps among the crowd did Namini break her silence.
“I think it’s about to rain.”
As if summoned by the girl’s soft whisper, a p***k of cold pierced Prajna’s cheek, David’s hand and soon the heaven sent teardrops spread quickly over the shoreline. Hustling, the Nao’s tossed the remainder of their goods into the basket and shook the sand off the blanket. Scared squeals and disappointed crying spread through the crowd just as quickly as the rain had. As the trio lifted the blanket overhead, using it as a cloak, Prajna continually shot David an awkward glance of mixed respect and suspicion. It then looked at the fretting Namini as they made their way through the crowd, back over the bridge and towards the parking lot. Everything about her screamed childish. From her bouncing curls to her frilly apparel, to her rose-petal lips to her dollish eyes, Prajna just simply could not see what maturity and grace the girl was capable of possessing. A maternal likeness? How was that anywhere close to possible?!
But suddenly Namini pointed to a hanging display of umbrellas. It seemed as if an overhang of lights had been constructed with the possibility of umbrellas being slipped through the trellis-like design. Once through a square, the umbrellas could then be opened, contributing to a dome of protection, though only possible through collaboration. Prajna had to admit, it did look inviting, if only temporarily. Many other families and individuals, nonetheless, proceeded to their vehicles, disappointed at going to miss the finale or being unable to see it up close. But the Nao’s agreed: Taking refuge underneath the installation piece seemed like the most appealing option. As David draped the blanket over his arm, his feet soaked through to his bones, Namini pointed suddenly to the sky.
“THE FINALE!” she screamed and everyone turned to look at the darkness. The fireworks had stopped with the comings of the rain but what Namini said was true. As soon as everyone had turned to gaze into the night, the remaining fireworks were suddenly released in unison, covering the black night in every color imaginable. Prajna looked at Namini’s face as the fireworks proceeded, taking in her features as they were decorated with the soft warm glow of the fireworks. Was there really something the Star had missed in this silly guardian of its?
Overcome with a random burst of bravery, Prajna floated a bit closer to Namini. Its fingers twitched and brushed her scarred fingertips. Namini’s eyes flickered sideways but she made no motion, wanting to see if the Star would take some action of its own. And then… it did. Taking her hand in its, Prajna continued to look up at the sky as it asked, “Namini… how did you get these scars?”
The brunette, taken aback, quickly eased into her sweet expression and smiled.
“Finding you, of course!”
Prajna tried to nod, tried to fully comprehend what those simple words could mean but gave up. It would ask her another day, another time, whenever there was no pain preoccupying the Star’s head. David watched quietly from behind the pair and couldn’t help but think, Mom, you would not believe the little s**t we got for a ‘kid.’ Yet… I’m pretty sure you’d love Prajna. It’s not sweet like you or Mini but it has spunk.
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Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 8:02 pm
Time:
Where: Downtown Durem
What:
Involves: Prajna & Basil
- - - - - -
Summary:
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 7:59 pm
[Meta-solo] Curiosity kills... “It’s not that simple” David’s voice sounded just as weary and conflicted as his stormy eyes appeared. He knew it was just that simple. All he would have to do was grab a taxi and arrive at the appropriate time. He knew, emotionally, it was a simple decision as well. As he ran his hands through his already disheveled hair, not having showered yet, he shot a glance at Namini’s closed bedroom door. He knew if this had been her, he would have paid the Lab community to find her. And maybe that was why Prajna was so persistent. Maybe to the temperamental redhead, Dr. Kyou truly was some kind of blood-bonded family. David sighed, “It’s just not that—“
“Don’t be such a coward” came the rejecting hiss.
Prajna threw a small pillow at David and the man thought he was going to lose his s**t and smother the Star. Instead David just sighed again, punching the pillow into couch. Prajna couldn’t “sit” so calmly and thoughtfully as the older Nao. It floated around anxiously, beating its crow feathers hard, losing one loose feather here and there.
“It’s not cowardice, Prajna. This is nothing like what happened at the fourth of July. Dr. Kyou could be somewhere dangerous. They asked us to pack supplies. This doesn’t sound like your typical manhunt. I mean, it’s expected, that guy works with tricky substances but.. What about Namini?” David couldn’t think. If he let Prajna go by itself, Namini would never forgive him if the troublemaker came back with even a scratch. But if they both went and got injured, again, he would never be forgiven, let alone hear the end of it. It would be ammunition for any future squabble they could have. You think you can take care of yourself? Remember that time you went out with Prajna, trying to be a hero, and you nearly got yourselves killed? David could just feel his sister’s rare fury now.
His eyes fell back on the two cellphones on the table: his…and hers. When he had received the call, he immediately snuck into his sister’s room and checked her phone for a similar message. He wasn’t stupid enough to let her get involved. She would definitely come back severely injured or dead. And he couldn’t bear the thought of –
“Everyone is going. Prajna is going too. With or without any Nao here” Prajna’s voice was gaining an impatience David was getting tired of. This kid truly had to learn manners at some point… David picked up Namini’s cell phone and stared at the “1 New Message” with a changed expression, a look of acknowledgement. He deleted it and went to go put it back beside the girl’s bed. Prajna made a ‘tsk’ as David had entered the room but it waited patiently in the living room. It had no doubt that they would return safe and sound, the concept of danger too hidden by the potential for adventure. But in the quiet of Namini’s room, as David listened to his remaining blood murmur and breathe, the eldest Nao felt a heavy sense of impending danger. Something about the call implied risk and trouble and… David had surrendered. He had made up his mind to go in Namini’s stead. He glanced at the scars on her arms, only partially covered by the sleeves of her apple-themed pajamas. Then he brushed some hair out of her face and planted a tender kiss on her forehead.
“We’ll be back soon. I promise,” David whispered. Namini didn’t move. The man then turned to the girl’s desk and searched for a piece of pen and paper.
- - - - -
“David? Prajna? …Guys?” Namini glanced around the apartment, confused. Her worry was quickly growing but when she reached for the pink cellphone on her bed stand, she noticed a note underneath:
Namini,
Dr. Kyou’s gone missing. Praj + I went to go be heroes.
Go to class + work like usual. Keep apt clean.
Eat well. Will try and call.
We will be back soon.
Promise.
The best,
David
Namini held the note to her chest and pouted. Why had they gone without her? But glancing at the time, she realized her brother was probably best. And so she grabbed her bag and proceeded out the door to her clinic.
- - - - -
Somewhere in the early morning, a sleepy David and an energetic Prajna arrived at their destination. ... only to find themselves on another bus. Prajna didn't like the stuffiness and the noise of the bus but it got on with its small cross body bag filled with batteries and flashlights and a little money with nothing more than an irritated grunt. David got on with a black backpack filled with water and some snacks, half stumbling on the stairs. Both scanned the faces on the bus, David more intrigued than Prajna. Prajna was fuming as it caught the faces of some of its mortal enemies: Rivener and Lulu to be more specific.While there were others who made the Star glisten with affection, it overlooked them to focus on its hate.
To David's surprise, because of the ruckus and the poor company, Prajna sat up front, across the aisle from him. Both laid their heads against the windows. David had just started to wake up, mesmerized by the blurred forestry they past while Prajna found itself dozing.
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Posted: Fri May 23, 2014 3:14 pm
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Posted: Fri May 23, 2014 3:18 pm
Christmas [email PRP in progress]
Time: Over the course of Christmas break; middle of the night
Where: Revontulet's home
What: A Christmas surprise...
Involves: Prajna & Revontulet
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Posted: Fri May 23, 2014 3:20 pm
Time: Saturday afternoon, early May Where: Durem Recreational Dog Park What: a fundraiser hosted by North Durem Animal Clinic (David's daytime work) Who: David & the Bishops (Anita, Cruz, & Tango!) - - - - - - Summary:
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Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2014 5:53 am
"On the first day of Christmas" Time:
Where:
What: With the new year right around the corner, Prajna decided it was a fitting time to finally ask the Naos a series of questions Prajna was never able to solve on its own. Thus, after taking a suggestion David had given the Star back in July, on the first day of Christmas, Prajna decided to ask Namini about its most unsettling curiosity: What happened to the siblings' mother? More specifically, what about their mother's death forced them to remain in Durem instead of moving on to see other parts of the world?
Involves: Prajna and Namini
[in progress]
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