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 Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 5:50 pm
* ~ "A Lewis Keys Christmas ~ *
(Lewis Keys's Romantic Christmas Daydream - A Writing Competition) "Love is in the air...so strong that I feel a shiver down my spine. Or maybe that's just the bite of the freezing cold.
Whatever the case, one cannot deny that Christmas is a season for lovers...a time when couples exchange gifts, kisses, and much much more. Beneath the picturesque backdrop of an evening snow, two young people in love embrace as the world around them becomes bathed in white. All the world around them seems to fade...and nothing else matters but he and she...or she and she...or even he and he, whatever the case may be.
I am, and have always been, a humanist...a fan of man and all their engagements. I love to watch as men and women cast aside their differences, scorn the world around them, and become locked together in their own innocent sin. And as I am such a fan, I wish to capture the essence of this feeling...the very nature of these moments...and preserve them for posterity.
Write for me a story...tell me a tale of Christmas romance, write me a snow-capped love scene...whatever you do, encapsulate a moment of sheer bliss between lovers (in this Guild) and submit it to this spot and I shall reward the best of the lot, the one who can truly capture my interest, with something lovely for their troubles.
Indulge me, won't you?" Quote: Lewis Keys's Romantic Christmas Daydream Writing Competition1. You may contribute 1 submission per couple for this contest, but each must have its own theme. 2. Contributions must have the theme of Christmas Love/Romance, featuring characters in this Guild. 3. You may make your contributions at any time, and may use any characters and/or storylines from the Guild that you wish. 4. Style, length, plot, etc. are entirely up to you. The only guidelines you must follow are those listed above. 5. Bonus points for writing about characters/pairs who are not your own. (Double bonus for writing about Soji and Rise and/or any other female romantic option from P4 ^.~) 6. More details may be added later. [quote][b]Submission By:[/b] [Gaia Name]
[b]Submission Title:[/b] [Name of Writing Piece]
[b]Characters:[/b] [What characters are featured in the story?]
[b]Text:[/b] [Write your story/submission here]
[/quote]
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Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2011 9:32 pm
Quote: Submission By: Necromonium Submission Title: Love, Actually. Characters: Rednal Ak'thiasx??? Text: Rednal looked up at the sky as he approached his house, humming lightly to himself. It was Christmas eve, the Night of Lovers, and he had just the right person to celebrate it with. The person dearest, and closest to him.
"I'm home." he called out, kicking off his shoes as he entered the building. Yes....during this time of the year, it was best to be able to get together with those precious to you, and just enjoy everything. Along with it, was the precious memories one could make with the one he loved.
"It's been a long time." he stated, seemingly to the air as he walked up the stairs, opening the door to his room. "Too long, in fact, since I've met you. My world was forever changed, by your mere prescence. Ever since that day........I've known."
The junior chuckled a bit, as he scratched the back of his head, nervously.
"Man, never figured I'd be talking like this to you, of all people." he added sheepishly as he stepped into the room more. "Since that day, I've always been a major part in your life...as you've been in mine. Whenever something bad happened, you were there to cheer me up. When someone was bothering me, you helped me deal with them. When the Team shunned me, you were always accepting, always willing to comfort me. No matter how much time had passed, nor how many things happened, you were always there for me."
The slightest of flushes could be seen on the figure's face, as he closed his eyes once again, before opening them again.
"And I've finally realized....." he stated, looking up with a confident glance. "You're the only one for me. I'm sorry it took so long to say this, but I love you....Ga-chan."The pink haired girl smiled back at Rednal, before gripping him into a tight embrace, with tears running down her face of joy.
"Thank you......Rednal." she said, nuzzling her head into his chest. "You have no idea how happy that makes me."Rednal merely smiled, as he held the girl closer, leaning closely to her ear to whisper the magical little words into her ear.
"Merry Christmas....Keira."
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Hopeful Conversationalist
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Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 4:01 pm
Quote: Submission By: Arena Emperor Submission Title: The Bard Who Became a Knight Characters: Lewis Keys and Amelia (And assorted in-story characters) Quote: 'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through Amelia's house, not a creature was stirring...save for old Lewis Keys.
She'd left the door open so he slipped through the crack...he followed her footsteps all the way to the back
of the home where the woman's bed lay...he slid in, arms 'round her, 'til a soft voice did say.
"You can't keep coming here, you know. You're too persistent, sir.
You know I'm...with Date. I gave you my answer."
And old Lewis chuckled from the bottom of his heart, then lips kissed her neck and she shivered with a start.
His lips crawled along to the shoulder and jaw...as fingers danced over skin, exposed and raw.
She responded in kind, did the girl in her bed...turning at once with fingers gripping his head.
Then gently, and softly, she kissed the master of Keys...who smirked, looked her in the eye, and whispered...
"Let me tell you a story..." ************************************************************** In the land of Tamriel, thousands of lifetimes before now, there lived a princess and a dragon. In a dungeon keep high overlooking the realm of Morrowwind the dragon lived, generally content to ignore and be ignored by the humans living in the city below. Every so often the town's Jarl, leader of the city, sent an envoy of his finest men to deliver an offering to the dragon in exchange for peace, and the dragon was revered as a protector to the town. The dragon was most satisfied, and it was quite grateful for the townspeople's offerings. To return the favor, the dragon spent much of its time patrolling the borders of the country, from the Black Marsh in the south to the Red Mountain in the north, it would fly and with its eyes take note of the happenings in all the corners of the country. If there were foes marching upon Morrowwind, it would vanquish them with the heat of its breath. If there were allies coming, the dragon's roar would alert the city to the good news. And at the end of each patrol it would land back at its keep and the people would cheer. This was the way that time passed in Morrowwind, until the day that the Divine Princess was born. She grew and became beautiful, so beautiful that everyone in the town did love her. And so did the dragon, who before each patrol would spend a little extra time circling her home so that he might have a chance to see her. Dark of hair she was, with striking violet eyes that set a man's soul into a burning ember. Everywhere she went became filled with passion, and of all the townspeople she came to care most strongly for the dragon himself, admiring the sacrifice that the town's protector had made for their sake. She admired it, and in time, she came to wish that there was more that the town could do in return. However, this was not something that the dragon asked for, and when the time came that the princess requested that she be allowed to take over all the deliveries and offerings to the Dragon's Keep, it spent days without touching the town's offerings. ...The dragon, you see, was conflicted. It cared for the girl, but it knew that if it were to embrace her, its duties would suffer for it. If it's duties ever failed, the town's appreciation would go away, drying like raisins in the sun. In time, however, even the dragon's will was not strong enough to resist what it so dearly desired. One week after the Princess began making the deliveries personally, the dragon called the Jarl to its Keep and proposed to marry the princess...an offer that the Jarl was loathe to accept. However, without the dragon's protection, the town that had become so dependent upon it would soon grow weak and might face attack. They needed the dragon...and the dragon's request could not be denied. The Princess was to be wed in a fortnight, then sent to the dragon's keep to live permanently thereafter. However, the bitterness over this agreement filled the realm...and many of the citizens grew to resent the dragon. Thus the rumors began...of a terrible dragon that had lorded over Morrowwind and even stolen away their most beautiful princess, keeping her captive inside the tower overlooking the capital. It was a great tragedy, the loss of the Princess...and yet as she ascended the stair to her new husband's keep, she felt a great sense of contentment. Her life would at last be dedicated to the protector that she had admired for so very long. Bringing him offerings, watching over him, doing everything that she could to make him happy...this was what she had wanted. And so she and the dragon were wed, the only stipulation set that the dragon's patrols should never waver...lest the princess be returned to Morrowwind once more. 'Stay within these walls and I will keep you as my finest gem. You are as such to me, Princess, and never doubt this...' the dragon told her firmly, with all the conviction it could muster. Her eyes sparkled as she heard his fanciful words, and she nodded as well, 'I will happily place my life in your hands, Dragon. Care for me as you have for Morrowwind, and I shall be happier still...'Thus, the pact was sealed...and for some time, the two lived as they always had, with joy in their hearts. Kept inside the tower and guarded, the princess indeed felt as though she herself were the most precious of gems. And when the dragon returned from abroad, she was the first to embrace him and welcome his return. She would be fulfilled by his presence and speak with him about his journeys...only to be disappointed in the morning when the dragon was gone. It continued on as such, a series of elation and duty and disappointment...so strongly had the princess desired to give her life to the dragon, that she hadn't considered the waiting, the anticipation, the cycle of loneliness and disappointment, kept inside and unable to return to see her family inside the town. Yet she was a treasure...inside herself these differing feelings began to compete, even as the town's opinion of the dragon itself began to change. Months passed... And then years... In Morrowwind, the reverence for the dragon which protected them grew into fear and disdain. In the keep, the Princess's feelings began to waver...satisfaction and admiration became replaced with loneliness, despair. But the Dragon, true to its word, continued with its duties nonetheless...and more time passed, still. It was in this tense climate that by chance, a handsome young bard came to the lands of Morrowwind, tempted by the stories of a princess with unmatched beauty throughout all of Tamriel. His life was storytelling, and he had sang so many songs throughout his years that many were committed to memory, many had been forgotten, and many were still there, waiting for a trigger to be told. None had ever moved him more than the plight of the Dragon Princess; a woman held captive by a monster overlooking the town she had once loved, afraid, unable to leave for fear of what the monster would do to her. It was so sad that when the bard heard of the tale in the local inn, he could not hold back his tears and wept for her. He could see her in his mind's eye alone inside the tower, her heart aching, her violet eyes crying out for someone to come save her...she had given her heart to the dragon out of fear, but the creature had ignored her and treated her like just another of his hoarded pearls. Oh, how she deserved to be free...to share her light and love with all the people out there who still loved her! His resolve was firm, his decision final! And on the first night of snowfall in Morrowwind, the bard set out from the inn to climb the mountain to the Dragon's Keep, a lute borne prominently upon his back. It was like this that he came to stand for the first time in the shadow of the Dragon's keep...and there, taking his lute into his hands, he strummed at the cords and played a song so deep and moving that inside the castle the princess who heard him could not help the tears that sprang to her eyes. Listening closely, she could hear the words calling out to her...as if his voice itself was calling her to join him. "Come out, come out dear princess fair!
With violet eyes and onyx hair!
Come see a heart whose love is true,
Embrace me, love, and I shall you!"Her heart ached as she listened to the bard's song, and though she was compelled by grief and admiration for his courage and skill to go see him, she held herself fast inside of the tower. But she could not ignore the man, having come so far to entreat with her, so she responded in verse...her voice not as sharp or as practiced as his through disuse, he still found it to be as enchanting as the stories had told. "Away! Away, my dearest Bard!
Before you rend this heart to shards!
Your words are sweet, and lovely be,
But I am married...away with thee!"With that her words stopped, and the bard was disappointed...placing his lute upon his back, the gentleman could not allow him to disobey her. Retreating down the mountain, the night was done, and the princess was left to think of the bard and his songs, even as her husband remained abroad. That night was cold, and the loneliness grew ever-more acute. What face could have spoken such handsome words? Sang such beautiful verse? Oh, how she wondered...and regretted sending her bard away. Until the second night came...and again, she heard the song from outside the keep, the same voice, entreating her to come forth! "Come out, come out dear princess, strong!
With lonely voice and devotion long!
Bless me once, your lovely face,
So that I might know an angel's grace!
My love for you surpasses all!
Won't you come out and hear my call?"She wanted to mistrust the bard, but there was such genuine admiration in his voice that again she found herself moved to tears by his song. Come see him, he had plead, and before she knew what was on her feet began to carry her towards the gate of the Dragon's Keep. Open the gate flew, and in the entrance she stood...but not a step further would she take. He could see her then, and she could see him...his own eyes seemed to shimmer as he saw her, reverence and admiration plain...it was all he could do not to dash and take her into his arms then and there. But what she saw was enough to move her all over again, so fair was this bard...and her voice called out over his lute, over the snow, and it reached him more clearly than before. "Away! Away, my dearest Bard!
Your words are sharp and pierce my heart.
No finer man I've ever seen,
But to go with you is just a dream!
I love him still, though your words I savor...
Away, dear bard! Before I waver..."She turned from the bard and the gate closed behind her...again, the young man was defeated and turned away, back down the mountain from whence he had come. And again, the princess was filled with regret as he silence of the evening and the darkest hours of night enclosed around her. All the walls seemed to shrink, and ghostly voices echoed about her. How handsome the bard had been! How fair his words had been! He was calling out to her now...even in her dreams, extending a hand to pull her from the doldrums of this pearl's life. Though her devotion to the dragon had been strong, she now found herself wavering...this was hardly what she had imagined, devoting her life to the protector of the town, and the adventure and affection that she had expected weren't there. She was lonely...she was alone. And even when the dragon came back to her, her heart was never filled quite so full as it should have been. Day came...and it melted into the next night. Back and forth her mind raced with thoughts of the bard, of her husband the dragon, and she was certain that she would not see the former again. Twice she had rejected him now, and to hope for thrice was a fool's mistake. High above, the moon shimmered...the stars peered down upon her like windows into the infinite cosmos...and slowly she began to nod to sleep in solemn sadness and despair. Her bard would not come for her a third time... "Come out, come out dear princess fair!
With violet eyes and onyx hair!
From shackles strong I've freed your hands,
that your beauty shines throughout the lands!
Embrace my love and I shall you,
my love, my love! Let's start anew!
Within my hand, I hold the key!
Come forth, and come away with me!"She heard the voice in her dreams, but was near the door by the time the song ended. He had come! He had come and in his hands he held her key. Free she would be now from loneliness, from the despair...from all the disappointment she had felt since devoting her life to a dragon that could never fully return her gifts. To look upon Morrowwind again, to look upon the land that she loved, the people she loved, and the fairest bard...she dashed through the corridors and threw the doors of the Dragon's Keep open, rushing out to meet the man with his fine words...with the handsome face...But when she lay eyes upon him the bard looked different than before. It was the red splashed upon his handsome skin, the lute upon his back replaced with a steel blade, dripping with crimson...and in his hand was not an instrument, but a horn...and the severed head of the dragon. "My bard, my bard, what have you done?!
To steal our hope and steal our sun,
you've doomed the whole of Morrowwind...
My bard, my bard, why now this sin?"His smile was wide, triumph in his grin, and as he dropped her husband's head he began to sing. "My princess, whom I love the most...
I've freed you from his tyranny!
You'll be no more his haughty boast,
you will be loved, just come with me!
I love you more than Morrowwind,
for you, I'd do most any sin.
I see you now with shimmering eye,
but for our love, he had to die!
He kept you chained, I saw as much
Your tears I saw, don't lie! As such,
I fought this beast to free you so,
he would not relent, nor let you go.
But I struck him down, in your fair name.
So that our love might live to gain.
This is what you wanted, I've seen your mind...
now I'll just say 'I love you.' ...And you, in kind?"******************************************************
"And do you know what she did at that?" a low, teasing voice tickled at the nape of the girl's neck, fingers ghosting over her hips as he slid them around her waist to embrace her from behind, her body instinctively giving way to him...even as her violet eyes turned to meet his, a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.
"You can't just leave it at that! Lew-...is!" her breath caught as he nuzzled her cheek, an affectionate gesture that just seemed so unlike him in that it wasn't just teasing, it was..."Tell me...what did the princess do?"
His smile was bright. Mischievous...
"She told him..."
***************************************************** "I...love you, too..."***************************************************
"...And they lived happily...ever...after."
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Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 5:52 pm
Quote: Submission By: Rednal Submission Title: Snow Girl Characters: Soji x Yukiko Quote: Soft lips gently pressed together, burning like fire to the young woman as she welcomed the embrace that came with it. Outside, flakes of snow slowly turned the quiet town into a silent winter wonderland, free from the troubles and trials that had plagued it for so long. The girl let out a soft noise as she was swept off her feet a moment later, lifted into the air by her Adonis as he smiled that heart-stopping smile and held her in his arms. "It's too beautiful of a day to leave you alone." he said softly, the deep tones of his voice awakening just a bit of excitement within the girl as he began to make his way forward. One foot gently nudged the unlatched door open, and he made his way outside, the snow crunching beneath his feet as the two lovers emerged into a welcoming world. Holding herself just a little bit closer to help fend off the cold, the woman smiled as they slowly made their way down the street, and then into the long, empty path of Inaba's floodplains. A shelter soon appeared through the snow, a spot filled with their memories, and Soji gently set Yukiko down before lifting her hands and holding them together within his own. "For a long time, Yuki, I've wanted to thank you." the leader of the Investigation Team said. "You've always been there for me when I needed you the most. I don't think... before everything, I never really appreciated any of you the way you deserved. I-" the girl opened her mouth to protest, but paused as Soji placed one warm finger on her lips. A faint blush crept into her cheeks as his touch. "It's true. But I learned a lot about myself from all of this, and I realized what everyone meant to me. So today... please... let me thank you for being there." Yukiko nodded, slowly, then pushed up on her toes and gently kissed Soji once more, delighting in the feelings they had as their souls reached out to each other. Neither of them really knew how long they stood there together, but finally, they slowly pulled apart from each other. Soji carefully cupped Yukiko's scarlet cheeks with his hands, then gently stroked a stray strand of hair back behind her ear. "You're even more beautiful than usual." Soji murmured softly. "Most people like to remember your name with the character for 'snow', but I think of it more with the characters for 'help' and 'hope'. You've been both of those for me, more than I could have ever asked for. Thank you, Yukiko." Once more, Soji's arms wrapped around her, and Yukiko leaned into his warmth. Just for a little while... a little while longer... it was surely alright to stay this way.
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Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 10:24 pm
Quote: Submission By: StripedFluffyBunny Submission Title: The Drummer's Heart Characters: Takeshi Kedamono x Sora. Text: It was a quiet Christmas eve, and the serene silence was enough to almost feel with your own hands. Snow flakes fell, and it was cold. Cold for the two friends that sat together on the bunch, the two of them drinking hot chocolate as they both enjoyed the scenery from the bench. One big beast of a teenager and a smaller game nerd. "...and so then I accidentaly tripped and broke the kid's snowman, and her mom was watching. She yelled at me so hard I thought the other side of the world heard!" Takeshi was recalling an experience with an angry woman and crying child that happened just half an hour ago, Sora listened with a smile as he wiped his glasses, stray snowflakes obscuring the lenses. "Well it's not so bad, and least we could spend Christmas Eve with eachother... oh! Hey, how about after this we go over to my dorm room and play this new cool fighting game I bought, and I know you'll l-l-l-love it." The last words came through chattering teeth as a cold wind swept over them, chilling Sora to the bone. "Hey man... you cold?" asked Takeshi in concern as he noticed Sora shivering beside him. "Y-yeah... it's fricking freezing..." Sora took a drink from his Hot Chocolate, it's warmth only tempoary before there was none left to drink in the cup. "Here, feel my hand."
Sora's hand went over to Takeshi's as he squeezed it lightly, suprised at the amount of warmth that was being generated from the big guy. "H-holy crap Takeshi! You're like a furnace!" exclamated the freshman as he immediatly grew envious of how warm his friend was. Takeshi chuckled lightly as he also finished his hot beverage. "You can just sit close to me." suggested the senior. Sora gave Takeshi an odd look, but for some reason he couldn't refuse the offer. 'Hey... calm down Sora, this is no guy x guy thing, it's just friends that are trying to be warm...'
Finally, Sora slid over to Takeshi till the were only an inch apart, already feeling the warmth emitting from his friend. But Takeshi, seeming not to be hesitant slid right next to Sora so their bodies bumped together and made contact.
'What... what is this feeling...?'
Sora's heart suddenly began to beat as he soon began to feel warm just making physical contact with the big guy, heat surging through his body that also seemed to surge into his heart, filling his head with the drum-like pounding of his own heart. Nervously, he looked up to look at Takeshi in the eyes and his heart drummed even faster.
'Badump, badump, badump, badump.'
It was very silent, no words passed between them, and Sora felt tempted to seek more warmth from Takeshi's body. "Sora..."
The sudden speech startled him lightly as a strange tension started to increase in the air as the big senior began to speak. "Um... ever since the first day I met you... I wanted to say that..." Unexpectedly, there was a rising hue of red that was starting to show in his face. What was even more unexpected was that Takeshi had his arm around Sora's shoulder. The freshman was frozen in some sort of nervousness and anxiety. His own heart was pounding against his chest so hard he thought Takeshi could hear it. Finnally, the last words slowly danced out of Takeshi's mouth. "I love you..."
Sora didn't have any time to process what Takeshi had said to him, and before he knew it the big guy had pressed his lips against Sora's. There was an electric feeling that charged from his lips, and it was as if his insides melted. His brain didn't work, and he had no idea what was happening. Takeshi liked him... more than a friend. Sora had no idea how long the kiss lasted, but it felt like a whole eternity before Takeshi moved away. Sora was left red with embarassment and in shock, he still had to think in order to digest what just happened. But suddenly, Takeshi turned away and got up, assuming that Sora was going to hate him for the rest of his life because Sora did not like dudes, and that he took advantage of the situation to kiss him, with a heavy heart he started to walk away before the sound of his friend's voice calling him back confused him. "Takeshi... Takeshi, wait!" A hand grabbed onto Takeshi's, and Takeshi turned around, his face was burning red, and his eyes were startling clear. "S-Sora?" His voice was a bit hoarse, but it was because he was positive he ruined a friendship, but that wasn't the case as Sora looked into his eyes with a firm, but clearly shy look.
"Takeshi... I... love you too..."
Sora stepped foward and embraced Takeshi, and Takeshi hugged him back, lifting Sora off of his feet and squeezing him warmly with a good ol' bear hug...
The two were back on the bench, this time they were cuddled together, and Takeshi had even wrapped his own jacket around Sora, with Sora's head against Takeshi's chest. The freshman could even hear Takeshi's large and strong heart beating firmly and loudly, keeping the big guy alive, it was strong, but it was soothing; Takeshi had said something about being a Taiko Drummer, and maybe that's why Takeshi was such a good drummer, because his heart beated as strong as his spirit, each beat of the big guy's heart filled his head, and he could feel his own heart beat almost just as strongly too. And not to mention the warmth... Sora might as well have slept against Takeshi's body because he was warmer than he could ever possibly be, but perhaps it was the love. Closing his eyes as he felt only a little bit drowsy, Sora began to speak, cutting into the silence of the Christmas Eve as it reached Midnight. "Takeshi...?"
"Hm?"
"Merry Christmas..."
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Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2011 12:44 am
Quote: Submission By: Nekama Speaks Submission Title: Redribbon Foxes Characters: Jin Raion and Kei Sasaki Text: Little flakes danced in the sky and pebbled the ground despite the yellow sun peeking behind gray storm clouds; the ground was already a blanket of snow. The ground was cold, with a slight glitter from the golden sun rays desperately trying to warm the earth underneath. The lioness had never liked the winter, it was cold and unforgiving and all of the beauty that sprang forth from the earth died under its icy touch. There was one beauty in the season of death however, one thing she always marveled at during this time of the year. Winter's only saving grace in the eyes of the warm blooded lioness was the pure white snow; not just any snow – virgin snow, the fresh droplets of frozen water that collected on every open piece of surface untouched by foot prints or animals. There was an innocence to this snow, something about it that drew her to it, but also kept her at an arm's length. Something so beautiful deserved to be left untouched, she would silently chide herself, but in reality she was afraid to touch it – she was afraid to break it beyond repair, to dirty it. This was how she regarded love, it was something to observe and never to have herself; but she was drawn to love, just as she was drawn to the fresh snow, it was his color after all. A puff of translucent white air slipped from her lips as she sighed and rubbed her hands together, long fingers trying to create warmth by friction. Caramel colored skin tinted with a chilly red, itched with the cold as snow flakes caught in exotic black eyelashes. She was nervous, it wasn't a feeling she often experienced; nervousness was foreign to the confident woman and it turned in her stomach like the tide on a windy day. How many little white lies had she told herself to keep things the way they were? His color again, it was funny how her her every thought this season kept turning back to him and he was none the wiser. The Lioness closed her eyes to pull herself out of her thoughts to no avail, the image was burned in the back of her mind and tattooed on the inside of her eyelids. Full lips turned upwards, a warm smile to combat the chill as she waited. She'd asked him to join her out here in the elements earlier this morning and he'd agreed almost without a second thought. Of course he'd waffled, she knew he would and it was almost endearing, really. His ears hard turned bright red (they were so hard to miss and this trait was oddly cute) and his eyes grew big. He could have rambled on forever if she hadn't held up her hand to silence him and told him the time to meet her. The Lioness had arrived early however, anticipation having driven her out of her room faster than if it had been on fire. She didn't like this feeling, it was like she was running straight to her deal and completely of of control. Time had been ticking away however and it was no longer early morning, she'd been out there long enough to collect a dusting of fresh powder. The crunch of hurried feet drew her attention and pulled her from her silent contemplations. Golden eyes once more opened to the world and turned to seek out the source of the sound. There was no mistaking the Tengu's footsteps, no mistaking his clumsy nature as he raced towards her. He clearly did not harbor the same qualms about disturbing the fresh beauty as he cut a path through the smooth landscape. It was a relief to see the snow broken up, to see the pure thing she was so afraid of touching disturbed by another. Jin remained in silence as she watched the goofy looking Tengu approach her, her eyes settling at last on his bright blue ones. He couldn't lie, she could read him like a book... It was easy really, he wore his heart on his sleeve and his thoughts in his expressions, in his gestures and she liked that about him. Kei was genuine, even when he was trying to lie and Jin couldn't help but wonder if he'd been lying to himself as well. “Uh... O-oh... H-hi, you... You look nice,” the Tengu said coming to a halt in front of her. His hands were jammed in his pockets and his paler cheeks tinted pink as he attempted to grin. His grin was toothy and awkward, the silence between the two only seeming to grow as Jin remained silent. Her silence wasn't meant to torture him, nor was it meant to be awkward; her silence was more, there was a metaphorical bridge before them now and she had put it there. The question was not what do I do now, but do I cross this? It was a shaky bridge full of uncertainties, one wrong step and they could fall through, but perhaps the reward would be worth the risk. “Kei,” Jin began though her lips felt like two pieces of ice. “I'm glad you could make it.” Her hands remained together, still trying to create warmth as she resisted the urge to shiver; now was a time that her lion form would have been more suitable. Fur would have benefited the silverette better than the puffy coat and scarf she had adorned. With a roll of her eyes she watched as surprise flickered across his expression, replaced quickly with what he no doubt thought was a smooth look. There was a sort of fire in his eyes and an inviting warmth about him that made her both envy him and... well she didn't dare say what else it made her feel. Kei laughed abruptly, the sound radiating from his stomach and from his heart as he seemed to relax a little (while his thoughts were really screaming “What is this?! Is this a date?! What are we doing out here?!”). “I... Yeah... I'm glad I could you know come... I wouldn't stand ya up... uh... Thanks, Jin,” he replied with another flash of those pearly white teeth, his too-big for his head ears taking on a reddish hue. He was nervous as well, unsure of what to do or how to behave – it was safe to say the head of the Sasaki clan didn't have much experience with the opposite gender. “That's good, I'd have to hunt you down if you did,” Jin joked lamely and immediately regretted it. The Lioness visibly winced, lame jokes hadn't been why she'd called him out here of all places. The breaking of the untouched beauty of the snow was symbolic, she had to see it crushed, to see it disrupted in order to reach out to the other thing she was so desperately afraid to break. She was about to take a big step, one which they might never be able to walk away from, but it had to be done. Jin pulled her hands apart at last and reached out, her cold fingers coiled around his wrist without a second thought as she pulled him to the patch of snow she had been staring at before. “Run with me,” she said roughly, not giving him a chance to say no or back out now. The Lioness tugged him forward, their steps crushing the snow, leaving deep holes that would take hours, maybe even days to fill. The pair of demons more or less frolicked in the gradually lessening snowfall, disturbing the pure white with their colors and new shadows. It was both terrifying and a great relief to finally confront her fear. It had seemed that she had spent so long just staring at it, transfixed like a child and glass figure, wanting to reach out and touch it, to know it but afraid that it would shatter in her hands. Love was like this, it held itself above her head, just out of reach and while she wanted to clutch it, to cling to it, there was the fear that she would only hurt it. His warmth was something she could draw from, as they collapsed in the pile of snow (more like she collapsed and he followed, confused and breathless). The blanket under their bodies was no longer smooth and unapproachable, but marred and imperfect and more like the odd pair resting on it. Jin's breath came fast as she stared up at the trees above them, her hand still around his wrist, the grip more gentle and wistful. Now was the time, there would never be a chance like this again – there wouldn't be another dizzying moment like this one, no imperfect day, weather or season exactly like this one. There would never be a fine balance like this one, ready to tip at the slightest gesture, at the slightest breath again... No, in summation there wouldn't be a single heart pounding moment exactly like this one ever again, it was unique – more so than the little snowflakes that gathered on their cheeks. Jin turned her head and looked at Kei, her eyes determined as she raised herself up on one elbow and swallowed her pride. “I have loved you for a lifetime and a day.”There was no turning back now.
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Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2011 7:46 am
Quote: Submission By: Submission Title: The Woeful Bard Characters: Teros, Amelia, Gandalf the White, the Reader, Motonari Mori, Date Masamune, Minori Koroko, Duke Devlin (note, all characters are very vague references) Text: "Ah, good good, I'm glad to have guests after such a long time of being alone, please please come in." The man says as you are ushered inside, the door creaking to a close behind you as you step inside, ducking under a low arch as you find yourself standing in the middle of a cluttered living room, books and scrolls piled high all around you. You get the urge to rub at your arm as your skin prickles, the warmth cast by a fire lit in an iron stove greatly contrasting with the bite of the frigid air outside, but despite this you resist you urge, following behind the man closely and keeping as much to yourself as possible trying not to bump anything you pass for fear of shifting the precarious balance of any one of the great piles and stacks around you, every pillar of tomes or column of scrolls just an avalance of history, fairytales, or knowledge waiting to happen. As you step around a table loaded with a few particularly large tomes, you notice there are two shoddily crafted wooden chairs sitting next to the furnace, the man already sitting in one and motioning for you to do the same, only waiting until a loud groan leases itself from the wood to announce your now sitting status before beginning to speak. "Ah yes, it has been a very...very long time. I used to have guests all the time, I was somewhat of a great entertainer... I was a magician, musician, mortician, err I mean, storyteller." He says nodding and raising a brow in your direction as your eyes brighten at the mention of storytelling. "Yes, it was one of my better talents... so many words leading to so many places... so many webs of intrigue stretched to the boundries of human imagination all drawn together by a single source... me." He continues, nodding as he procures a long wooden pipe, a small bit of smouldering tobacco glowing cherry red in the tip as he inhales, a billowing cloud of smoke escaping from a crack in the side of his mouth as he merely nods, silently considering things. "You know, it has been ever so long since I told a story... would you like to hear one?" He asks, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as you nod energetically, staying silent so as to get him to start sooner. "Ah good, good... Let's see... I could tell you the tale of the bloodclaw goblins, and their raids on the crimson coast... but no no, you might grow tired before I'm even to the best part... I could tell you of the rune lords... how their quests for power drove themselves mad and nearly plunged the lands into that same madness... but no, that's been told too many times before... Ah, I know, a tale of doomed romance." He finishes, deciding with a confident and quick nod of his head, catching your quizzical gaze. "What? You think every tale of romance ends well for everyone? No no, though there is a fair bit of that romantic sappyness you expect, it will end with... well, how about I just tell you the story and you can see how it ends." The man says, grinning as he leans back, his chair not so silently protesting the action, even as the man takes a deep breath, slowly inhaling through his nose as he chews on the end of his pipe. After a short while, once the creaking of the chair ceased to bother the room, the man exhaled his eyes widening with vigor.
"Now then boy... let me tell you the Fable of the Woeful Bard. Granted, the bard may not be as old timey as you expect with a name like this, but trust me when I say that he is a bard. And as I can not say with any ounce of truth what his name was, I shall refer to him as, you guessed it, The Bard. Now, our grand fable takes place in the land of the rising sun, Japan, though this story doesn't take place in the time of the Ronin and Warlords, Samurai and Shogunates... no this is a more... Modern, story, though not too much more. It was still well before vehicles had hit the scene, and seeing as horses (however great they were) were not the fastest creatures around, news had a rather slow rate of travel. Unless something was sent with great urgency, it could be weeks before any neighboring provinces heard word from any of the leaders of the other provinces. It was because of this fact, and this fact alone that this Fable can be woven, and as it were, our story truly begins in a small province near the land of the Nara, as The Bard makes his first appearance in history. You see, back in these days, it was common for there to be constant celebrations! And such was the case as everyone in the province rushed to get ready for the governors grand gala, a celebration being held to honor the marriage of his eldest daughter to the leader of a nearby, and much larger province. The whole province was absolutely ABUZZ with commotion as bakers made various treats, pyros made fireworks, and everyone prepared something to have on hand to offer to the happy couple as a gift. Yes, even The Bard had prepared something, a song as you may have guessed, and as he strung up his mandolin, he continued going over this wonderful and gorgeous song over and over again, practicing it with a rag on the neck of the mandolin so as to not spoil the ears of any who would attend the celebration, and so that it would truly be heard first by the bride and groom. He continued about this for the entire day, and by the time the celebration actually rolled around, he had it mastered. Why, he could practically play it in his sleep! (Something he discovered while attempting to nap). So, as he joined the governors musicians to play the common music for the gala, even he would of never guessed what would of happened later on. You see, the governor had very refined senses. He had a good taste for fine foods, a good nose to discern the best of scents, and a very keen ear to music. And as he listened to the same music all of his guests hear, he, and he alone, noticed one particular musician playing just a slight bit louder, and a large bit better than all of his own hired musicians, and in a slight lull in the festivities, he found the source of this ever so slightly better music, and had the virtuoso responsible brought to him immediately. Yes, the governor laid praise onto The Bard, and despite the poise and tact that came with his position, the governor just had to make sure The Bard had written some great work of music for his oldest daughter, and was greatly overjoyed to hear that The Bard had in fact written a song for the couple! As soon as the festivities fell back into full swing, the governor brought the happy and rather attractive couple forth, giving a grand toast, and at a quick request, called The Bard forth telling the entire province that he and he alone was the grandest musician the Governor had ever heard! Even that it honored him greatly to have a man with such talent come just to bestow a never before heard song onto his daughter for this grand occasion. The Bard was a humble man, and thanked the governor profusely as he readied himself. He took out his mandolin, making sure every string was secure and strong so that they would not snap while he played. He made sure that the instrument itself was sturdy and straight as an arrow, so that its sound would not distort, and he made sure he remembered, running through the entire song in his head, so that it would truely be flawless. With his preparations in order, The Bard turned to face the happy couple, and noticed something...
He didn't notice, that the couple was very eager, or that the crowd had gone completely silent as he prepated, not even the bugs making a noise. No, what he noticed, was that the governor had a second daughter, and as his eyes scanned over her, her black hair falling like ravens feathers to her shoulders, her skin barely tanned from sitting under the sun as she tends the gardens, her statuesque form clouding his mind, even as his body continued going throuh the motions, readying the mandolin as he felt his hand pressing against the strings, trying, and not succeeding, to forget her captivating beauty. His eyes met hers, and as a light smile graced her lips, his heart exploded in his chest, thumping so loudly that he would of sworn anyone around him could hear it... And after a moment passed, their eyes locked still, he began to play. Now... the strange thing is, that at this point, The Bard had completely forgotten his former masterpiece, the original song lost to the ages. No, instead he played something completely new something no one had heard before, not even himself, and as it were, he didn't even hear it himself this time. Time passed in an instant, and as she averted her gaze, he remembered what he was doing, blinking and shaking his head quickly he stood turning to the governor quickly, and getting ready to apologize, stopping only when he noticed that the governor was crying, his large powerful hands slamming together with a ferocity unexpected. All at once, sounds returned to The Bards ears, and all he could hear was the sound of applause and whistles, cheers and praise. He stood in awe of what was happening, even as the happy bride ran to him, embracing him and thanking him for playing her the most beautiful song ever written for her wedding. The Bard was, quite obviously, awestruck as he remembered nothing but a pair of endless blue-purple eyes and then nothingness as his body fell apart at her glance. He packed his instrument quickly, pardoning himself and taking his leave, graciously accepting everyones praise as he returned to his humble cottage, throwing himself onto his bedroll and thinking how horrible his luck must be, that the girl who had with a single glance stolen his heart, was also the daughter of the man who he served with no reservations and with no intention to disrespect. "
The man stops, taking a long draw on the pipe, waves of smoke cascading out of his barely parted mouth as he takes a few breaths, watching your face as he regains his bearings, chewing on the pipe and tapping out a bit of the ash before he continues.
"Now, despite knowing in his own mind that a relationship between a member of a noble family and a commoner like himself was impossible, you can bet your bottom nickel that The Bard did everything he could to see her. In fact, from this point on we shall call her, The Lady, and within a short time, The Lady was quite aware of The Bard, quite aware of his intentions, and even, slightly receptive to them. Every chance The Bard got, he was at the Governors manor, serenading the noble family with the finest music they had heard, and every time The Lady entered the room, or passed by giving The Bard even a glimpse of her beauty he began to play like a man possessed, the quality of his music increasing so much that when his grand muse had left, he was questioned on whether that was truly an intentional part of his songs.
Yes, this continued for some time, and yet, The Bard never did anything further to pursue The Lady. Even after the Governor graciously granted him land and power, he never pursued the Lady. Even after the Governor asked if he needed any help selecting a bride, The Bard never further pursued The Lady. And even after the Governor and The Bard had become good friends, he never one further pursued The Lady, or asked his friends permission to try. For the fear of the rejection scared The Bard, more than losing his arms, more than losing his ears, more than anything. So, he wanted to be sure that when he finally did pursue The Lady, that he would be able to give her all the land, all the coin, and all of the love that he could possibly muster, so that at that time, she would have no reason to reject him. Months passed, The Bard and The Lady growing older, and nothing happening between the two. He still played for the Governor and his family, and still played like a man possessed when she was near, and she had even started to seek him out just to hear him play more than occasionally, but The Bard was a fool in love, and knew not that he had to make his move. Finally, after some time, The Governor noticed how The Bard looked at The Lady, and noticed that The Lady looked back almost the exact same way, and after a brief serenade The Governor took The Bard aside and spoke to him. The Governor joked with The Bard, empty threats being followed by his praise for The Bards choice in women, and The Bard was bolstered!
He started thinking up his proposal, ignoring when the messenger from the Nara province came, and ignoring the fact that he saw The Lady less and less as the weeks went by. When he was finally prepared he sought out The Governor one last time to recieve his blessings, though it is at this point that you learn why this is the Fable of the Woeful Bard... As The Bard requested the Governors blessing, the Governor could only shake his head. You see.. the messenger that The Bard had ignored, was a request from the leader of the Nara, a request for the hand of The Lady for his eldest son to marry. The Bard was devastated, and begged for The Governor to retract his acceptance, but it was too late, the messenger had left weeks ago and catching up to him by this point was impossible. The Bard fell... and fell fast, he stopped visiting the Governor at his Manor, he stopped playing for the people of the province, and in fact, stopped playing music at all. Months passed once more, The Bard never touching his instruments in the time, when he recieved a message from the Governor that he was once more holding a celebration for one of his daughers marriage and that he would feel most ashamed if one his close friends were to not attend. The Bard thought about it... He thought and thought knowing that it would hurt, but realizing he owed it to The Governor and The Lady to make an appearance, so once more he took up his mandolin and headed to the celebration. For the entire celebration he avoided the couple, afraid of how he might hurt upon seeing The Lady with another man, but knowing, and dreading that once more, he would be asked to play a song for the couple. And as he dreaded, the time came. Once more he prepared in front of all of the province, his gaze avoiding The Lady. He took out his mandolin, making sure every string was secure and strong so that they would not snap while he played. He made sure that the instrument itself was sturdy and straight as an arrow, so that its sound would not distort, and finally, he glanced up at The Lady, once more feeling his heart nearly explode, his body reacting on its own as he noticed how happy she looked with her groom. And just as last time, The Bard played, though he would never hear it himself, he played a score so beautiful and captivating that not a single person in the crowd had it in them to clap when it was over, everyone realizing that the next time a sound was made, it would truly be the end of the song. With the crowd still silent, The Bard stood, turning and leaving before anyone had a chance to move, an explosion of clapping erupting as he walked away. The Bard started to leave, gathering his things to head back to his home when he noticed The Lady approaching him, and biting back his sadness, he turned and smiled. But she did not. As The Lady approached, her face was awash with sadness, and as she reached out tenderly setting a hand on his cheek she asked. 'Why was it that at my sisters wedding your music was so happy, and at mine it was so sad.' And The Bard could only answer 'At your sister's wedding, my music was for you and me, and at your wedding, it was for you and him.' There was silence after the answer, neither The Bard nor The Lady knowing what there was to say. Finally, The Lady spoke up turning away and leaving as she explained 'If you had not waited until the seasons passed, waited until we had grown older, and not waited until I was betrothed to another... it would of honored me for your song to be for us once more...'"
The man finishes, leaning forward slightly and tipping all of the ash from his pipe into iron stove, grinning at the look on your face. "Ah come on now. I warned you it was woeful, but Romance... well it isn't always happy for everyone. But cheer up... there's always another story to be told... in fact why don't I tell you the parab-" He started, stopping as the door to the house opened, a large man in a grand white robe and grand white hat, with a luxurious long white beard, stepping inside. The old man wielded a long white wooden staff with a gnarled head wrapped around a crystal, and as he looked around, his eyes falling on you and The Man you had followed, his face contorted into a combination of annoyance and rage. "Why... who in all of the damned shire are you? And why are you in my house!" He roared, even as the Man darted out the window...
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Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2011 10:58 pm
Quote: Sumission By: Necromonium Submission Title: Family?Characters: Nix, Almaz, Mao-(Mentioned in passing) Text: "I...I've never celebrated christmas before." A voice called, as a hand went to place an ornament on the tree. "Is...Is that okay?"
A slender hand held up a red ornament, as a figure with white hair placed it on the tree.
"Of course it's okay, Almaz." Nix's voice called, looking at the clumsy looking blue haired figure. "I'm sorry I've been troubling you two. If I could just get a "
Almaz's hands went up, waving quickly as she protested.
"No no no, It's okay Gallen-san!" he assured her, as he picked up another ornament, hanging it on the tree with her. "Really. Master-Mao's Father insisted you stay over for Christmas. I hear this is something you do with family, and....well.....umm.."
Nix seemed to fall silent for a bit at the mention of family, thinking back to earlier in the year. Her foster family had been murdered, and she'd been hanging out with several of her friends throughout the year. However, being Christmas, she found her options limited. Nekama was spending Christmas with Dan, and she didn't want to intrude. Faust was with Kusuri, and most of the others on the team were paired as well. (Curiously enough, She couldn't get Amelia to awnser, nor Minori for that manner)
However, thanks to a few strings from a brown haired Senpai of hers, who claimed he would be 'Out of town' for a few days, had managed to hook her up with a (formerly antagonistic) friend of his; Mao.
However, as Nix arrived at the place, she was greeted not by the White haired Hero, but by the blue haired sidekick that she'd slowly gotten to know better over the year. She had learned that Mao had a habit of camping out somewhere to try to catch the elusive Claus of the Santa variety, and Mao's father had been busy working. The byproduct of which meant the house wasn't festive at all, despite the day. Thankfully, Almaz had managed to find a box of Christmas things from years before, and as such, they quickly remedied the problem.
The tree, now dressed in lights and ornaments, shone brightly as Almaz stepped back, marvelling at it.
"Humans...have such interesting traditions." He called quietly, as Nix moved back with him.
"Humans..." she said to herself, before blinking. "Oh, right. I keep forgetting you're a demon Almaz. You're just so....well behaved, and polite, it's hard for me to see you as anything but human."
Almaz flushed deeply at this, scratching the back of his head.
"R...really?" he called, turning to the side. "O..Oh right, there's something else we have to do, isn't there? Something about stockings.."
Nix chuckled a bit under her breath, as she moved past Almaz, reaching into the box of Christmas stuff as she pulled out the long red sock-like objects.
"Yeah. You hang them over the fireplace, or somewhere similar." She called, as Almaz followed suit, moving with her. The two prepared to set up several stockings, one for everyone in the household whether they were there or not. As they were about to finish though, the two having been working silently, one of them decided to break the silence.
"Nix....did you really mean that earlier?" Almaz called, causing the white haired girl to turn.
"Hm? Did I mean what?" she asked, the boy flushing a bit as he looked away.
"Y..You know. A...a...About me being...human-like." he stammered, the girl pausing.
"Yeah, of course I meant it." she called, leaning in a bit. "Was...was that bad? I did not mean it as an insult if that is what you.."
"N...No, it's not that." Almaz called, turning a bit to face her. "It's just....Well...ummm...how do I say this....?"
Nix seemed a bit perplexed at this, moving closer.
"I'm listening.." she called, wondering what had him so flustered.
"Gallen-san....I....Umm...I've wanted to ask you this for a while.." he stated, gathering his courage. "You said I'm very...human like.....Would you....."
Nix sat patiently at his remarks, wondering where he was going with this. Leaning in, she mouthed the words 'go On..', as if encouraging him.
"Would....Would you ever...." Almaz stammered, mustering the last ounces of his courage. "Would you ever consider....loving someone like me? Am I human enough for you?"
Nix was....taken aback, for sure. Her face reddened a bit at this, her eyes darting back and forth a bit. Did he....really just ask her that? She had gotten to known him a lot over the year, and they had become close. But....But....
"Y...You wouldn't want someone like me..." She called, nervously. "There...there are surely many more girls that are better suited for you...and more deserving."
Almaz flinched, before leaning in a bit closer to Nix.
"N...No, of course I would want you, Gallen-san!" He insisted, flushing deeper than a cherry. "I...I'm just worried...everyone would think things were too weird....considering I'm...I'm.."
At this, Nix hastily stood up, deep red.
"I..I'm sorry, I have to go....brush my teeth." she called quickly, darting up the stairs and leaving Almaz downstairs by himself.
After an akward couple of minutes, the two returned downstairs and discussed sleeping arrangements, bidding each other akward "Goodnights" before parting to different rooms.
Nix seeemed to toss and turn all night, Almaz's words ringing throughout her head. How..how he was wondering if he was good enough for her. But...but she didn't think of herself as that good. She had been raised by rather unpleasant foster parents most of her life, and as such, had very low self-worth. She liked Almaz, sure. But, surely he could do better? She thought to herself that there were several demons who were much more pleasant to be around, or had a curvier figure than her. Not to mention how he was so....nice. She didn't deserve that, no....
She felt like a hindrance, and she didn't want to trouble Almaz with herself day after day. Surely he'd grow tired of her if she talked with him every day, about everything. Yet, she couldn't help but long for that sort of companionship wtih someone. Someone who would treat her well, and who she could come to in her time of need. Someone that didn't mind to help her. Someone......
Soon, the Sun in her eyes seemed to pervade her very thoughts, as she seemed to have fell asleep thinking. She quickly arose from her bed, taking to the door and starting down. She didn't want to bother Almaz after yesterday, and the others would likely be back soon. As she moved to start down though, a knocking at the door resonated throughout the house. Wondering who it was, Nix moved downstairs, hearing the knock again.
"Who is it?" she called, opening the door without a second thought. Perhaps Mao had finally returned from the col...d...
The color that had been in Nix's face vanished, as a horribly familiar figure stared back at her, wrinkles and a pervasive nose looked back at her."Gallen, Nix." the lady's voice called, sending a chill down her spine. "So...this is where you've been hiding. I've been looking for you.."Run....run.. her mind screamed to the rest of her, her legs frozen in fear at the image. The shrill voice of the woman being hauntingly familiar to her.....
It was the lady who ran the adoption agency she had been a part of, and had been in charge of placing her in the foster family. But, what was..."I'm here because a little birdie told me that your former foster parents came down with....a sudden case of death." There was not a hint of sympathy, empathy, or any reassurance in her voice. Instead, it felt laced with a sort of venom in it, as if pouring salt on a person's wound. Reminding her of the bloody scene. "Imagine my surprise, when I learned you survived, Nix. Of all of the people to make it out of a serial murder, it was you. Worthless little girl if I ever saw one. Almost makes me wonder...."Nix's throat felt dry, as the figure seemed to be probing her for information, her eyes like a hawk's gaze, looking into Nix's soul for a telltale twitch or something, as if going to condemn her on the spot. She had to say something, she had to...
"I...didn't.." Nix stated, her throat feeling tighter as she struggled to find the words, the woman's expression turning into a wicked smile."Of course you didn't do it, Stupid girl." the woman called. "You wouldn't have the courage, nor the skill. You would have gotten torn in half. No, No..that's not why I'm here..." Nix's heart seemed to stop at these words, realization starting to dawn on her.
"No...you don't mean..""I'll simply have to find you a new Foster home, Nix." the lady called, reaching to grab her arm. "One that can keep a tighter leash on you. Maybe you'll even be homeschooled....Wouldn't that be lovely?"A hand gripped Nix's arm, before another appeared, this one from beside Nix. One involving a familiar shade of blue.
"What are you doing to Gallen-san?" Almaz's voice called, his usually timid glance replaced by a stern gaze, his friendly demeanour replaced with a sort of cold seriousness."Why my dear boy, I'm merely taking her back to a real family~" the woman called. "The poor thing clearly needs it, as she's far too helpless for her own good."Almaz didn't flinch, as he stared the woman down.
"Gallen-san is not Helpless." he stated firmly, his eyes showing a sort of resolve reserved for most life-threatening moments he'd faced earlier in the year. "Besides, she has a home. Right here. Can't you tell?"The woman sneered at this, tossing a glare at Nix. "I see you've managed to seduce a helpless boy, you harlot." she called, raising a hand. "Maybe I should find a family more suited for your attitude. If you want attention so badly.." "Did you not hear me? I said that Gallen-San has a family." Almaz's voice called again, the lady turning back to him. "If I wanted your opinion, I would ask for it, wretch." she stated, reaching down into her pocket. "As far as I'm concerned, you have nothing to do with this, so just let the adults talk now, okay?"Almaz stood firm, the demonic blood in him starting to boil, as his fists clenched.
"Miss..." he stated, before the woman drew a small container, pushing down on the top and giving Almaz a face-full of Pepper-spray.
"AUGH..." he groaned, hands clutching the stern glance he formerly was showing, now reduced to a stinging, teary red mess. With this oppurtune moment, the lady grabbed Nix, and began dragging her out of the house. "Come Nix! I'm taking you back Now!" she stated sharply as the white haired girl found herself being drug along. "A...Almaz!!!" Nix cried out, struggling against the woman as she drug her outside.
"G...Gallen.." Almaz called, rubbing his eyes a bit more as he charged out, trying to catch up to the two as the lady made it to her car. "Get in there!!!" the woman called, opening a door and tossing Nix in, shoving her down and slamming the door shut before climing in the front door and locking all of the doors. The woman pressed the key into the ignition and turned, the engine roaring to life as Nix finally regained her balance enough to look out the back window. As she looked, the blue haired figure seemed to emerge from the household, his eyes squinted and red as the woman looked in the rear view mirror. "We're Leaving!" the woman called, shoving her foot to the gas pedal as the wheels of the car turned, accelerating to put as much space as she could between the house as quickly as possible. "Almaz!!!!!" Nix screamed at the window, watching as the blue hair began to get smaller, the car moving away. However, before the car could make it more than a few meters, something magical happened.
The engine.....simply died, the car rolling a few feet before stopping. As if the very spirit of Christmas was willing her to stay. Provoking another turn of the key to start it up, but again the car died down as soon as it started up. A third time even, resulting in the same exact result. "What is the meaning of this?" the lady called, as Nix Unlocked the door and darted out, grasping the blue haired one in a tight grip. "Oh... Almaz," she called, crying into his chest warmly, and clutched him tightly, never wanting to let go.
"Gallen-san" he responded, as the lady got out of the car, stomping towards them furiously."Nix Gallen!! You are coming with me, Or.....or..." she started, before suddenly freezing. As if petrified by some higher power, she cowered for a bit, turning. "No.....No!!..Stay back! STAY BACK!" The lady called, Almaz giving her a perplexed look. The lady then turned, running as fast as she could away from the pair like a woman possessed. "Wh...what?" Almaz called, turning around to try to see just what had provoked such a reaction. Strangely enough though, nothing was there. Turning back, Almaz looked down, at the white haired figure still clutched into his chest.
"I thought...." she sobbed, worried. "I thought....I thought I was going to be forced back to that awful place... I thought...I'd....never see anyone again. Never see...you again..."
Almaz froze for a bit, before hugging Nix tighter, leaning in.
"Don't worry, Gallen-san." He called softly, reassuring the girl in his arms. "As long as I'm around...I'll never let them take you away. I'll protect you.."
Nix sobbed more, but it was different. Happy, even. She had a home, she had a loved one, and she...She had Almaz.
"H...Hey now. Don't be sad. I'm with you, Gallen-san." Almaz called again, attempting to reassure her. "Nothing bad's going to happen again. I promise."
Nix smiled, as she looked up at her own blue haired hero.
"Hey Almaz......could you call me....Just Nix?" She replied, the blue haired demon flushing for a bit, stammering.
"I....Umm....." he started, before smiling with her, and hugging her tightly. "Okay...If you insist......Nix..."
A small, girlish giggle rang out, as the two stayed in each other's arms, their feelings from the previous night having returned, but without the same, akward conversation. No, no words were necessary for this moment, only their tender embrace. Meanwhile, a small ways away, a certain brown haired figure in a Red Suit and Hat looked from afar, grinning. "Mmm. That was nice and sweet." he called, looking to the side. "Glad I came home early. I still can't believe that you drank all of that Gasoline though. That couldn't have been very appetizing""It tasted like that one thing Purple Dinner gave me, only much cheaper and bitter. What was it called...Booze?" a voice called, as the Red suited figure started off."Good job to you too Sui-Ki. You certainly have a monstorus appearance. Very handy for situations like this." he called, as a sound of distaste could be heard uttered from another source."Bite me."
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Hopeful Conversationalist
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Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 9:01 pm
Quote: Judges - 1st Place (2 pts.), 2nd Place (1 pt.)Yoko - Necro's 'Family?", En's "The Bard Who Became a Knight" Necro - En's "The Bard Who Became a Knight", Bun's "The Drummer's Heart" En - Myth's "The Woeful Bard", Necro's "Family?" Ryo - Rednal's "Snow Girl", Bun's "The Drummer's Heart" Zero - Nekama's "Redribbon Foxes", Myth's "The Woeful Bard" Hiba - En's "The Bard Who Became a Knight", Nekama's "Redribbon Foxes" Nekama - En's "The Bard Who Became a Knight", Necro's "Family?" Results1st - En's "The Bard Who Became a Knight" - 7 pts.
2nd - Necro's 'Family?' - 4 pts.T-3rd - Myth, Nekama - 3 pts.T-4th - Bun, Red - 2 pts.
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