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[ Journal Entry, Nov 25th, 2004 ]

It has been a long time.

It seems, that it is often a long time.

These past few weeks have been nothing short of harrowing. Kanth's disappearence on Halloween has yet to be solved. At first, I believed that it was entirely related to the bounty, but I am no longer quite so certain. From the accounts that I have managed to collect, it seems that she was active in fighting something described as Zombies, released from the depths of Gambino's mansion.

It seems almost too incredible to believe... I collected a bounty from the man not more than two months before this incident occured. The mansion was massive beyond belief, if somewhat defaced. It seems to make perfect sense that a laboratory could be hidden beneath it, yet, glimpsing the jovial, good natured power that the giant Gambino seemed to exude, I could barely believe that he would do something so... so...

So stupid. And it's cost me Kanth. So far, anyway. I have no confirmed reports of her escape, but then again, she is a shapeshifter. They seem to be adept at disappearing. Speaking of which...

The trail on my bounty has gone cold. I've no longer been able to track him by means of the staff... however, during my research in the past few weeks, I've managed to discover that it's possible to track shapeshifters through... other means. There are amplification spells, but, primarily, a focus is required.

I've kept an eye on Erae, especially during the first few days of Kanth's disappearance, but as things grew more and more frustrating, I became more absorbed in my work. At this point, I have no idea what he is doing, only that he is safe. That will change, very, very soon, however. Erae practically *is* a focus for finding Kanth, and I have no doubt that he'd be able to overcome his mistrust of me, if it meant finding his owner.

Before that, however, I have an event to record. And, I suppose, an announcement to make.

I have the feeling that my next entry will be considerably more upbeat.

---

I was tired, beyond belief. It was, without doubt, the worst that I have been in quite a long time... My bounty escaping me, my friend, gone, and all of my efforts to find either coming short. Arden had been my constant companion through all of this. It is ridiculous, how much comfort I was able to derive from his presence. He was, after all, only a simple plush animal... even if his magical aura continued to amaze me. But, I had laid him in another room, and was too tired to retrieve him.

I sat down on the edge of the bed, and held my head in my hands. It was too much. Too much. I stared blankly at the wall, then reached beneath my mask, rubbing my eyes.

"Dammit. This is my fault. What the hell am I supposed to do, now?"

A comforting hand patted me on the shoulder. "Kupo..." it murmered sympathetically. Then it thumped me, and declared, "Kupo Kupo!"

Somehow, I knew it what it meant. "Cheer up!"

Startled, I looked over, and met the eyes of a strange creature. His bandana askew, his pom dangling in front of his eyes, and his black wings flapping at his back, he met my eyes, then dropped heavily to the bed.

"Kupo..." It sighed, heavily, and stretched its wings. Rocking back onto its haunches, it gripped its legs and looked up at me.

For a moment, I stared, confused. "Arden...?"

"Kupo?"

"You're... alive! And walking around!"

Arden chortled quietly. "Kupo kupo, kupo...?"

"Oh, so you finally noticed, eh?" How am I understanding this?

"Hey, now," I murmered, "You're a little sassy, now that you've got mobility." I puffed up indignantly. "How'bout you show some respect!"

Arden laughed. "Kupo!" He exclaimed affirmatively. He grinned at me. "Kupo kupopo!"

You're looking better...

"Well, of course! I've been waiting for you to wake up for quite a while, you know..." I said, quietly. "You've taken your time about it."

He rubbed the back of his head, sheepishly, and smiled. "Kupo..." he shrugged. I was just waiting... That made sense, though. His aura had seemed very strong, for quite a while.

Arden hopped up, standing at his full height, his wings fluttering slightly. He grabbed my hand, and gestured at the room. "Kupo kupo?" Can I help?

I looked down at him, and realized that was why he'd started moving in the first place. "...Sure." I answered, warmly.

"Kupo!" He grinned. Arden hopped up, and started looking around the room, for what to do. I said he could help, but I'm still not quite sure how...

I stood, slowly, looking back over the jumble of work, evidence, crumbs, and magical components. I have to get this stuff better organized...

The weariness had faded from my body and mind, somewhat. It was amazing how much of an affect such a small creature could have on me, in such a short time. I paused.

"Arden...?"

"Kupo?"

"Thanks."

[ Journal Entry, Christmas Eve, 2004 ]

I've managed to scrape together enough small bounties in the past week or so to actually buy presents, if I am willing to risk being late on rent. It could cause all sorts of problems, but I think buying presents will be worth it. It is Arden's first Christmas, after all

Arden, of course, doesn't know about this, and I don't intend to let him. There's no sense in tarnishing his gifts with poverty... I'd like him to be able to enjoy them. It simply means that I'll have to find a few more bounties before the end of the month. And, given the way that the shoppers were acting recently, that shouldn't be too incredibly difficult.

So far, the general theme of my presents would be learning toys... I bought him a set of blocks, a Lego spaceship, and a prism. I also bought him a big set of crayons, and some drawing paper. Finally, there were a few books, including an art book, that I purchased. Of course, these aren't particularly fitted to his personality, but I doubt he'll mind.

As for fitting things to his personality... well... that's a little more difficult. In some ways, I think Arden could be happy anywhere... but he has natural talents that I don't think I've been doing that well developing. Among other things, Moogles are supposed to be adept dancers, able to weave magic into their steps, causing all kinds of powerful effects. Of course, they need to learn to dance, first. Which means that they need to be taught... however, I doubt that I am up to the task.

I am a terrible dancer. I might teach him a martial art, but dancing? We would both end up flat on our faces. I'm looking for an instructor. Hopefully, someone among the other velvet owners might be able to help.

---

It's snowing outside, and cold. Arden would like to go out and play, but I'm pretty sure we'll spend the day inside, relaxing.

Hot Chocolate is starting to sound really good...

[ Journal Entry, January 12 ]

New Years has come and gone, and we are now embarking into the year 2005. It has taken me some time to compose this entry, and I fear that I have become terribly lax in my journal. This has been in no small part due to my extreme lack of funds, as a result of diverting so much of my attention to searching for Kanth, and the bounty which eluded me.

It is, in and of itself, not a terrible price to pay for her return. I am glad that she is alive, even as my utilities are slowly eating away at my income. I may have to shut them down soon. As such, my search for bounties has renewed, and Arden is helping in his small way. It is sad, but I fear that I have taught him the meaning of money, before I taught him the most basic skills.

We have been working on those, however. I purchased a curriculum from a private school, and we have been working through it fairly quickly. He is reading on his own, though hesitantly... From his kupos, I can understand that he is learning the material. As far as magic goes, we have begun working on focusing exercises, now that he has learned the basics of what it is. Meditation seems to soothe him, and energize him. It has the same effect on me, but it seems that I am under far more pressure. He has his own difficulties.

Arden remains frustrated that he cannot speak human, although it has never caused us difficulty. It continues to mystify me, but I've grown to accept it.

- ~ -

Kanth has offered me a place to stay, should I be forced to leave my apartment. Until I make my peace with Erae, however, I doubt that it will come to pass. Which, perhaps, means that I should begin work on that immediately.

Her change in form is still disconcerting.

- ~ -

The above has been very serious. But what follows is a joy.

Arden has discovered snow. And he loves it. Somehow, through the snow, he has also discovered the Moogle dancing art. I have no idea whether he was playing or following some pattern he had known since birth... or, at least, awakening. But the magic he wove into his steps as he danced was incredible. I have yet to see what effects they accomplish, but it seems that his primary use is snowballs.

I have become very familiar with snowballs.

He has good aim. Mine is not too shabby, but in our evening wars, he has a distinct advantage. He can nearly disappear in the snow, and only my magical senses give me clue to his location. Additionally... well... he's a small target, and quick. I am not. My illusion spells, however, have made up the difference, even if he was annoyed at first. It could be considered cheating, but whether he realizes it or not, his magic is strong in the cold. I think he realizes it. The six foot tall 'Snow Moogle' I found two days ago confirms that well enough, I think.

- ~ -

There are notes to be delivered regarding the New Years party, but this entry has gone on for far too long already. Condensed, they read:

1.) Adrian, Kanth's friend (of unknown relationship) is in possession of abilities which are both strong and uncontained. I will need to learn more about him, as it seems writing him off as just a trickster or a scamp was a mistake.

He remains a trickster and a scamp.

2.) Acia, Mooful's sugar glider, has apparently made quite an impression on Arden. He has been urging me to set up a time where they can meet, and I certainly could do with some company. It seems that, despite my constant searching for bounties, I have become more and more isolated from Gaia of late.

- ~ -

In peace, I close this entry.

May the future come, the past recede, and may we keep our senses in the present. May fortunes, good or bad, come as they may, and may we have the strength and wisdom to deal with them when they do.


I am going back to watching Arden play.


[ Shard ]

[ Journal Entry, April 16th ]

I was fishing today. It seems that, now, the pier has become a hotspot for gossip, information, and exchange. While I still have yet to hone my own skills at catching the creatures, it did not take me long to start getting information from my fellow fishers. Arden was with me, wearing a fishing style hat to keep the sun off, watching me fish. He yawned tinily. Fishing really isn't a good spectator sport.

"Dammit! All I'm catching is junk!" Someone beside me groaned. He was dressed in the full fishing gear, as was pier policy, but his spikey brown hair stood out. He glanced over at me, his eyes hidden behind green goggles. "Uhh... how're you doing so far?"

I returned his gaze. "Well, so far, I've managed to get about 10 guppies and a bass or two..."

I had, in fact, caught more than a few bass, and a few less guppies. But he didn't need to know that. "But, I'm not all fished out for the day, and I've got a newer rod..."

Interested, he peered at me. "Is that... is that the best one? I'm kinda new at this."

"It's good enough. It's made for distance, but I can't afford the really good ones yet. Still, it's better than that one you've got."

"Well, sure. Anything's better than this piece of trash. But it was cheap, so, you know."

I sighed, not insincerely.

"Believe me, I know."

I heard shuffling beside me, and glanced down. Arden had closed his eyes, and was glowing with magical energy. Meditation... well, I guess that's better than him falling asleep...

"Is he yours?" The man asked, setting down his rod, and coming over. "He's beautiful."

"Yeah, he's mine." I didn't say more. After a bit, he asked again.

"So... uh... what is he, and what's he do?" I didn't feel like explaining magic to this man, so I simplified it a bit.

"He's a miniature Moogle, a kind of magical creature. They're supposed to do magic with dancing, but I haven't found anyone to teach him. They're pretty rare."

The man straightened, grinning broadly. "Well, you're in luck! I know an AWESOME dance instructor. She lives down in Aekea, mind, but she's top notch. Any kind of dancing you want... hip-hop, jazz, tap, ballet... Anything at all, she can do."

I glanced back up at him ruefully. "Sounds wonderful. So... how far out of my price range is she?"

"Oh, I dunno. She's fairly expensive, but I'm told she'll help you for free if you've got a lot of talent..." Free. Perfect.

"Thanks. Hey, anything I can do for you?"

"Sure. Buy this rod off me. I'm tired of catching junk. I need a better rod, or maybe I'll just quit, but this isn't helpin' me, and I'm too tired for today."

"Sure thing." Money changed hands, and I wound up with the rod. The man wandered away, tugging off his fishing gear somewhat unsuccessfully. What am I going to do with a bad rod? I watched him leave, then glanced back at Arden. He wasn't there.

"What tha'....??" A few feet away Arden was dancing, dipping, spinning, moving in a kind of motion that was both graceful and absolutely overflowing with magical energy. He was dancing.

He was dancing across the surface of the lake.

"Arden?!?" His eyes snapped open, and he looked at me, startled. BLOOSH! Arden disappeared into the lake, then came up spluttering.

"KuPO!!!" Arden yelled angrily, then dipped under the water again. I haven't taught him how to swim. Reaching out, I grabed him by his wings, and pulled him out of the water. His face tightened into his best menacing glare. Which honestly wasn't all that menacing.

"What did you just do...?" I asked, looking him in the eye. His glare faded a little bit.

"Kupo...?" What do you mean, what did I do?

I couldn't help staring. Is this what they meant by a Moogle's dance? Gently, I put him down upon the side of the dock.

"Hold on a bit, Arden. I think we need to find you a teacher, if you're going to go dancing on lakes. But first, lets get you dried off."

[ Shard ]

[ Journal Entry, April 29th]

I am looking forward to meeting with the dance instructor tomorrow. It had been nearly a week since I first made the appointment with Silver. During that time, I have purchased a small storefront in the Gaian marketplace, and sold off a great deal of excess clothing, both mine and my bounties'. Additionally, the tin cans which I seem to have caught so often in Durem and Bass'ken have proved invaluable to getting back on my feet financially... There is a great hunger for metal in Gaia. I suspect most of it finds its way into Aekea's booming housing and robotics industry.

Along with quite a bit of scrap from broken bots. Although, that's generally covered by the bounty. I have become less and less caring about whether I damage bots that I bring in, as most are simply melted down and re-formed into more law-abiding robots. Now that I am more accustomed to the technology of robots, I know its weaknesses, and have been able to make capture almost routine.

Arden is excited to have the chance to meet the instructor, although he is a little leery of the experience. I suppose that I need to acclimate him to meeting strangers who we are not about to capture and turn in to the authorities more often... I would, in fact, have him spend more time with Kanth and Erae, and less following me on missions, but I have been more and more out of touch with Kanth lately, and Arden insists. He has, however, been practicing his artwork more lately, and even become quite good.

Sadly, however, I have had to buy him new crayons recently. He was so impressed with his "Heat" spell that he decided to practice the rune, even if he had to grip the crayon with both hands. When he charged it, though... well, he overdid it a bit, again, and forgot to move the crayons. It was a horrible mess, but thankfully, I have hardwood, not carpet, and he didn't get them hot enough to light them on fire.

I've caught him jiving in the corner, lately, when he thinks that I can't see him.

The need for lessons has never been more apparent.

[ Journal Entry, May 2nd ]

I realize that the last entry left a bit out, but that was mostly due to the fact that there was not much to say. It seemed to be just another trip through Aekea. However, Silver herself deserves a bit of description.

As the two of us entered the studio, we waited in the front for a while before Silver appeared from the back to see us. For some reason, she seemed to be uneasy, and I was instantly on my guard. The moment that I turned my eye to the magical, I saw why. Silver was mechanical, and had no aura. Her grace had seemed almost unearthly, and this explained it.

When she saw Arden, however, and his hopeful but nervous look, she recognized it immediately, and we started to talk about getting him training. She told me that she would need to see him demonstrate, and that having me watching him would probably only make him more nervous. I waited in the lobby.

But not before giving Arden a wink and a nod, and setting up a magical eye to trail him.

The poor moogle was clumsy, but enthusiastic. When she asked him what his favorite dance move was, he put his left hand on his hip and pointed down, then at the sky, with a flourish that was almost unreal. ... I hope she doesn't think I taught him that...

... even if he might have learned that from me...

The rest of the interview was mostly giving him a lesson and seeing how well he learned. He picked it up quickly. She started toward the door, and I barely winked out the eye before she came back through. Arden came out, winded, with a happy, "Kupo!"

She beckoned me through the door afterwards. I, apparently, needed to be talked to. The moment the door closed, her entire demeanor changed, and her hologram flickered off, revealing a sleek, metalic robot beneath what had been a form-fitting leotard.

"Hunter. Why are you here?"

The name was bitter. I took a step back, then raised an eyebrow. "I'm here so that Arden can learn to dance. Apparently, it's something Moogles are supposed to be good at."

Her eyes flickered red. "That was not what I asked. I asked, 'why are you here?' Of all places, in all of Gaia, why come to me? Even if you did not know I was a robot, you would have seen that before Arden even entered the door."

"Is there some kind of reason that I am supposed to avoid you, because you are a robot? It's not like I -"

"You have made a career out of killing us, Hunter. I would not expect you to trust a robot with your little one."

My voice hardened. "I had not expected you to do anything to Arden, but if you have any intentions, I warn you... You robots may be powerful, but magic is beyond your grasp. Do not presume -"

She paused. "I have no desire to hurt him, Shard. He is charming, intelligent, and talented, even if he is completely unskilled. But he could learn the basics from someone else."

"I don't want him to learn just the basics. I want him to learn to dance, and dance well enough to dance on water."

Her eyes brightened, and she turned her head to the side. "So. He has come that far, even without any training?"

"Only once."

"How?"

I described what happened. "I have no idea what it was, or how he did it. But the barrier to him doing it again shouldn't be magical, and that is what brings me to you."

Her answer was harsh. But our appointment is soon. I am at once rejoicing, and sincerely regretting this.

Arden is happy as can be.