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Post by therunawaygirl on Dec 29, 2019 13:00:11 GMT -5
The Miqo'te nodded following Kujo, knowing her thoughts may as well be going out of line -especially when they were already making end's meet. Still clouded, she dismissed the thoughts as if swinging a mental blade, returning to the calm and collected stance she would usually carry. Knowing Kujo, it was best if they took the time to discuss such a thing at another point.
As for Alice, still with her focus solely on her machinery, she barely paid mind to Kujo's question. She simply nodded for a while, oblivious to what the other two had been talking about. Part of it was due to her being somewhat angry at M'Lyn for teasing her, but mostly, it was due to her focus entirely onto the waves she'd managed to get from Rein.
"I... Don't think she'll reply to anything anytime soon..." M'Lyn mentioned with unease, "If at any time, she'll most likely hide again once we come to meet your mother, Kujo..."
[Post is short. Still on Italy! XP]
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Post by hoodwink on Dec 31, 2019 13:54:30 GMT -5
The street the trio walked on continued to widen as they made their way across the empty sidewalks. Many shadows lingered across the street, ranging from buildings, floating mechanisms high in the distance, and even the group themselves due to the afternoon sun. It was always quiet here. That had been one of the many reasons he moved his mom out here. ”I…don’t think she’ll reply to anything anytime soon…” M’Lyn’s unease was clear on her face as she glanced between Alice and Kujo.
Alice hadn’t said much of anything, focusing on the small device in her hands. Whatever she was translating, it must have been difficult work. Brrrpt! Brrrrpt! A vibrating in Kujo’s pocket reminded him of the hassles of everyday life. ”she’ll most likely hide again once we come to meet your mother, Kujo…” Sighing a bit, Kujo reached into his pocket to pull out his vibrating cellphone. ”Tch—can’t I catch a break?” Grimacing a bit, the man held the cellphone up to his ear. ”Yeah?” This time the voice on the other end wasn’t loud enough for the others to overhear.
”Don’t worry, we’re almost there now.” Sighing in clear frustration, Kujo hung up the phone. With everything that had been going on, he hadn’t texted or called his mom once to let her know the meeting was still on. Luckily she was home from work by now, so the trio didn’t have to worry about no one being home. ”Well—if you want to hide Alice, I’d do it soon. We’re almost there.” With a faint smirk he pointed ahead of him, to where the culdesac sprawled and eded. The trio had just entered a wide street that looped around at the end to create a small plaza of concrete and trees between larger homes lining the well-groomed sidewalk.
Most of the homes in this area were anywhere from two to four story buildings, many having intricate entryways with either ornate pillared porches, cobblestone entryways or even brick pavilions. Far down the street where the culdesac ended was the last house at the end. This one was a two-story building, with a small concrete pavilion that held a fireplace with lounge couches circling around it near a screen-walled porch, perched on a modest yet well-groomed yard. The yard seemed like more of a garden, with flowers of every color blooming and wilting depending on the type, tall hedges lined the driveway and entryway, making more of the details of the house itself harder to see at such a distance.
Kujo had done most of the planning himself. Renovating the home and changing its layout in order to shroud it from view despite being at the end of the culdesac—everything had been well-calculated.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Dec 31, 2019 15:39:01 GMT -5
"Ah -it's not that..."
M'Lyn held her line of thought for a while as Kujo answered his phone. Her ears, despite their sensitivity, heard nothing worth noting, and she simply waited for Kujo to finish talking, paying almost no mind to the surroundings at the current time.
"Remember at the café? That's the sort of hiding I was reffering to" the Miqo'te said quickly, her tail swawing calmly back and forth as she tried to go past Kujo, her gaze held forward, "Hence the reason I said it's not unlikely she'll remain quiet and focused on her gadgets for the time being. Not until she opens up a bit."
Sure enough, Alice had still her full attention on the screen in hand, ignoring the conversation not too far from her -maybe a few feet. That also meant she wasn't aware of the scenery around them, unlike the Miqo'te, who'd decided to simply admire the place instead of making comments or questions.
In the end, despite both of them being new there, they each had different personalities when it came to know something better.
"Hmm... You don't think the hood will cause any trouble, do you?" the Miqo'te asked almost nonchalantly, "Some people tend to be rather picky when it comes to covering their head... I hope she won't." "...You can always say you're embarrassed..." Alice mumbled as she kept fidgeting with her screen. "Is that the only time you'll reply?" "Maybe. This is taking more time than I thought... They're too shut together... Even though I took the most recent ones, too..." "Well, you know who to blame for that -not one of us, for sure."
Alice hummed in agreement, as M'Lyn turned her focus on the house at the end of the street. Basing on Kujo's posture, that was their destination.
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 3, 2020 14:29:53 GMT -5
”Ah—so this is how she hides…” Kujo pondered M’Lyn’s brief explanation of Alice’s behavior, glancing over at the her, who fiddled with the small device with the focus of a chess master. So she hides by withdrawing herself…like a turtle? Though unsure, Kujo felt like the analogy fit ‘okay’. At M’Lyn’s comment around wearing her hood, one of the few comments Alice actually chimed in for, Kujo merely shook his head and waved a hand dismissively. ”Please—we’re about to shatter her perception of reality…I doubt a hood will be the troubling part…” He couldn’t help but sigh a bit. How on earth was he going to explain everything that had happened over the last few days?
Tch—how do I even begin? Kujo couldn’t help but feel a modicum of stress around the issue. Leading the two further down the street, the house that was the Tanaka Residence would finally come into full view as they circled around the culdesac. Turning the corner of the hedge-lined sidewalk, Kujo came before a tall yet sleek black gate between the greenery, guarding the brick walkway that led to the concrete pavilion off to the side as well as winding through the well-managed garden. Beyond was the two-story home—blue with tall windows and lined with a pale yellow trim, at the front was a brick entryway with a door painted to look like the sky.
”We’re here.” Kujo had gone slightly stiff as he reached into the inside pocket of his lavender coat, pulling out a sturdy looking key as he opened the gate. Opening inward, Kujo held the door for both Alice and M’Lyn before closing and locking it behind them. Old habits died hard. Despite the current area, Kujo had grown up in different parts of SanFransokyo. Walking down the brick path to the ornate entrance, Kujo didn’t knock at all as he opened the door, entering the home and moving so the two could enter. ”C'mon...let's get this over with.” Was that a trace of defeat?
”Mom, I'm home!” Closing the door behind him, Kujo cupped his mouth as he hollered into the home. The trio had entered into a simple yet comfortable entryway, lined with hard wood and a high ceiling with a flight of stairs leading up in front of them. Illuminated with a hanging chandelier, the entryway had a closet to the right, but the left was open to a large room illuminated with tall windows, letting in the afternoon sun. On the opposite wall was a small fireplace, a fixed glass panel guarding the flames set from the natural gas. Leading the two into the room on the left, Kujo took off his shoes in the entryway, motioning for Alice and M’Lyn to do the same. ”Kuta!! Where have you been!”
Before anyone could even take in the decor of the room, a loud CRASH! rang through the air as Kujo ducked a hurled cup being tossed from beyond. The room they had entered was wide with high ceilings, open and leading into a large and spacious kitchen with a wide island creating a divide. In this kitchen was an older woman only a bit shorter than Kujo, dark purple hair neatly woven into a bun held together with a long red pin. Fierce was her gaze, a fiery emerald that matched Kujo’s own, her face reddened to match the pantsuit she wore—it seemed she had only recently gotten back from work. Holding a powerful stance, steam seemed to almost leave her nose as she huffed in clear irritation.
Then she blinked in surprise, noticing Alice and M’Lyn standing near. ”Oh—!” Sighing a bit as he picked up the broken glass (his Akogare allowed him to even lift the smaller pieces easily missed due to their size) from the floor, Kujo glanced at his mother without hiding his disdain or irritation. Glad she finished her tea… It would have been messier if the cup had been full. ”—I thought you’d at least give me a moment before bringing everyone in!” The rage she displayed vanished as sudden as it came. Truly a terrifying woman indeed. ”Hey—mom.” Already a beaming smile had replaced her furious gaze as Kujo’s mom walked out of the open kitchen and into room the trio had come into. ”Welcome home. Aren't you forgetting something?”
A flicker of that rage had returned, much more maintained and composed this time around. She was as volatile as the tides. Kujo still couldn’t help but grit his teeth as he brought the broken glass into the kitchen, walking away from the small group gathered to throw away the mess made from before. Sighing a bit as he did so, Kujo motioned at Alice and M’Lyn as he worked. ”Mom, this is M’Lyn—and this is Alice. They’re…friends of mine. Alice, M'Lyn—this is...my mom.” He fumbled his way through—he hated introductions. At the mention of the word ‘friends’, Kujo’s mother beamed with joy as she offered her hand respectively to each of them.
”How nice to meet you both! I'm Kokoroki Tanaka—but please, call me Koko~” A genuine laugh escaped her for a moment, somewhat brightening her features. She was always lively. ”I’m impressed! Kuta doesn’t make friends easily.” Glancing over at Kujo, she smirked a bit as he had finally made his way back to everyone. ”Please, take a seat! I’ll make us all some tea~” With one fell swoop the three wound find themselves swept onto the long purple couch facing the open kitchen, the long glass table stretching before them as three coasters were placed. If M'Lyn had been worried about the 'hoodie' situation, luckily it seemed Kujo's mother was too busy trying to be a good host to think anything of it. Just like in the city, it seemed she too was used to youths fashion changing.
Kujo leaned back a bit and found himself sighing. Can’t I catch a break? For some reason he felt exhausted—hadn’t they just gotten here? Tch—that’s probably just her… She was always exhausting, at least in his opinion. At the moment, Kujo's mother had gone into the open kitchen, preparing the tea and allowing the trio a moment of reprieve.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 3, 2020 16:04:15 GMT -5
Following suit after Kujo, M'Lyn remained quiet, already having her answer about her issue. If it wouldn't be an issue, then... Why bother? Alice, on the other hand, didn't seem to react at all, focused as she was with her work.
She was truly devoted to it at this point.
Walking inside was hardly a change in scenery, with the overall decor and "elegance" that both Alice and M'Lyn hardly knew of -simply due to their homeworld standards. Still, it was hardly anything to scoff at, and the Miqo'te even chuckled a bit.
"Quite the fancy house you've got here..." she mumbled after he'd closed the door behind them, "Honestly, I'd never expect you to live here, of all places..."
Both Alice and M'Lyn were quick to remove their shoes -Alice even holding the device with one hand- just before both were met with the crashing sound. M'Lyn's ears and tail stiffened up, and Alice simply blinked in shock as the Miqo'te protected her by placing her arm in front of her out of reflex. They were just inches away from the impact site...
”Oh—!” The comment hardly mattered at the moment, as Kujo's mother -Kokoroki- chided Kujo and, at the same time, excused herself. By then, M'Lyn wasn't exactly in the best of moods, not really caring about herself, but about Alice, the girl still looking in shock, unsure of what had happened.
”How nice to meet you both! I'm Kokoroki Tanaka—but please, call me Koko~” "First and foremost, can I ask why you'd throw a porcelain cup at your son!?" M'Lyn asked exasperated, "Not to mention knowing he'd come with company?!"
While not exactly fuming, M'Lyn was clearly startled. Out of habit, really, as she was mostly used to common sense by that point, and also having worked in harder missions with Jack and Alice. The Navi, still in what seemed to be a permanent shock state, quickly shook her head, trying to get back at reality.
"In any case... I guess the pleasure's ours..." "M-Mm..." Alice nodded.
Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, they were pushed towards the couch near them, forcefully. M'Lyn's tail was bruised in the process, which she couldn't help but hiss at. Nothing much, really -just a nerve. Alice barely kept hold of her device, as things seemed to calm down, if only a little bit.
"For the love of... Does she know what manners really mean...?" M'Lyn sighed, "Then again... Like mother, like son, I suppose..." "She... Really is something..." Alice said with some unease, raising her view, "Definitely not how I pictured her, too..." "Really? After meeting Kujo?" "H-Hey! Jack and I are not alike at all!"
At least, with some time to reprieve, it seemed like they could get their bearing a bit taken care of.
Until Kokoroki returned with the tea that, in both girls' scenario, wasn't needed.
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 8, 2020 20:08:29 GMT -5
[[Just realized I had a different text color for Kokoroki before in the thread—but I like this new one better so that's not how we're remembering it ]]
She really didn’t know what she was asking for… There was both pangs of sympathy and relish as Kujo eyed M’Lyn on the couch. After seeing her distress and irritation, the man couldn’t help but feel pity for one who asked for their own demise. ”For the love of…does she know what manners really mean…?” The answer was no, but Kujo knew she didn’t need him to affirm. M'Lyn and Alice were witnessing the tsunami that was Kokoroki. ”Definitely not how I pictured her, too…” He was relieved to see Alice poking her head out. ”Really? After meeting Kujo?”
Tch—! I'm nothing like her! All sympathy vanished. She had asked for this. Like a gust of wind Kokoroki returned, placing tea among the table in front of all three. Steam puffed from the identical set of white cups, ornate with fire lanterns of vibrant colors. ”There we are!” They matched the one that had been smashed only moments before. Or was it hours? Time seem to blur when Kujo was around his mother. One exhausting wave after wave. She sat across the table, perched at the edge of one of the smaller armchairs in the room. Her own cup rested in her hands—despite the temperature, it seemed to not phase her any.
”So—Kujo, what’s going on?” Already her suspicious gaze set his teeth to clenching. If only he could smoke in the house. The pleasant smile never left her face—it was through the years of living under the same roof that he was able to discern that look. ”You never invite people over—especially to talk with me.” His face remained as stoic and blank as ever. She’s got some instincts… How did he begin, though? ”Surely you’ve been staying out of trouble.” For a moment her gaze flickered to M’Lyn and Alice. Her look was one of a concerned parent, a mother in distress. Bowing slightly in her chair, she seemed to look down at the floor before closing her eyes. It seemed Kokoroki was an adaptable flame, after all.
”Forgive me, if my son has caused any distress.” At this point Kujo had straightened up, a look of indignation coming over his face as he stood from the couch, pointing at his mother from across the table. ”CAN IT! What kind of son do you paint me as?!?!” A small laugh escaped Kokoroki, seeming as though a funny joke had been told as she waved at Kujo nonchalantly. ”Oh, Kuta—you’re always so energetic!” Smiling at M’Lyn and Alice, Kokoroki gave a small wink as she shook her head. ”He’s always been like that, even when he was little.” Sighing in agitation, Kujo shoved his hands in his pockets before sitting back down on the couch, slumped over while fuming silently.
”Well—if you’re not in some sort of trouble…what’s going on?” Despite everything, she seemed calm and confident, even reaching for her tea and taking a sip. Despite the steam rolling from the cup, she didn’t bother to blow on it. Her gaze rested on the three evenly as she silently waited for some sort of explanation. ”…” Staring at his own untouched cup, Kujo faltered. ”Do you remember? Two years ago?” He wasn’t sure where else to start. ”Right before we moved?” There was a distant look in his eyes. He wasn’t seeing the others in the living room anymore—he was standing in the doorway of a beaten and ravaged apartment. His mother, in all her strength, strewn on the ground unconscious. All around were bright yellow eyes, staring blankly from the darkness.
”Ah—the break in?” Her question cut him from his memory. ”Why are you bringing that up, Kuta? That was so long ago…” For a moment, she glanced once more at the two girls sitting next to him. ”Besides, I’m sure they’d rather not hear of such things…” Kujo’s gaze grew fiery for a moment as he leaned forward. ”They’ve heard and seen much worse.” He wasn’t sure where he was getting the momentum from, but they were here to get this done. So do it! Sitting up straight, Kujo looked at his mother sternly as his fists clenched on his lap. ”Mom—that night, you were attacked. There wasn’t a break-in.” A look of confusion flashed across her face, putting the cup down as her brows furrowed. ”What are you talking about? I know my memory is hazy from that night but—“
”You almost died, mom. I came home that night to something trying to steal your heart.” At this point, Kokoroki seemed beside herself. A blank look had come across her face, as though Kujo had suddenly began speaking in a language she couldn’t understand. ”Steal…my heart?” An incredulous look came over her for a moment as she shook her head. ”What are you talking about, Kujo? Did you hit your head?” At this point, Kokoroki began to stand, reaching across the table to try and touch Kujo’s forehead. ”Shut up and listen!” He was losing his patience. Grabbing her wrist, Kujo kept his mother’s hand away as he looked at her with frustration and impatience. ”These demons—Heartless—attacked you! By the time I showed up, it was reaching into you like it could pry the damned thing out!” Anger was coursing through him at the memory, the sight of a Shadow reaching its talons towards such a precious heart. Kokoroki tugged and pulled to no avail, stuck in Kujo’s grasp as she leaned across the table. ”Let go of me! What’s gotten into you?!”
Releasing his hold on her, Kokoroki flung backwards and plopped heavily into the armchair once more. Her hair was slightly disheveled and the pin had clattered onto the glass table loudly as she gasped for air. Her head felt like it was spinning. ”Alice, I know you’ve been working on the translation…but can you show her what I’m talking about?” Hopefully she’d be able to do such a thing without losing her progress—Kujo wasn’t familiar with any of the tech the Navigator had, but if it worked like the phone in his pocket, ideally she could. Looking back at his mother with a stern look, he continued. Looking over at Alice, Kujo waited for an answer. Kokoroki's gaze followed, her face still one of blank confusion and shock as she did so.
Then, silence.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 9, 2020 13:23:14 GMT -5
It was awkward, all things considered, as the two found themselves being the target for questions and the like, quickly to be interrupted by Kujo. M'Lyn saw this comming, however, knowing the explosive personality of his (to a degree), while Alice had hid back into her shell. The conversation didn't faze her much, although for more personal reasons.
She never liked it when Jack would argue with her parents. Ever.
”Do you remember? Two years ago? Right before we moved?” As Kujo began to ask his question, M'Lyn's ears twitched and focused solely on their exchange. Hearing it all helped the Miqo'te link a few things together -such as why Kujo was so adamant of keeping things a secret. It seemed as if his mother couldn't remember much, other than a distortion of the events. Alice, still on her device, was barely paying it mind.
When Kujo grabbed Kokoroki, she stood up, alert in case there was any need to step in between -force them appart, really. Although it wasn't necessary, she remained still.
"I understand this being hard to work with, but can we try and keep things down?!" she demanded to Kujo, with a hint of worry, "I get you're frustrated and angry after all that's happened, but please try to calm down."
Alice had yet to say a word. Was she even breathing at that point? If so, very quietly. Kujo's plead did nothing to shake her out of focus, and M'Lyn sighed.
"At this point, I sincerely think she won't say a word..." the Miqo'te said, dissapointed as she looked at the girl, "We can only wait until---" "AND DONE!"
The quick silence was broken by Alice's cheer, still oblivious to what had happened around her. After taking a good look at the people, she froze with a hint of awkwardness, not sure what else to say or what to do. With a sigh, M'Lyn simply shook her head.
"Uhh... Maybe I'll just... Umm..." "Explaining yourself right now might actually help, for a change..." "...Huh?" "Can't you help Kujo explain? That's what he asked you just mere seconds ago..." "Ah... Oh! RightrightrightrightRIGHT!" Alice quickly changed back to an eager self, "I finished it! It might help you, actually -since it's someone you know and a place you're aware of. In the end, Rein's memories -which was what I 'took'- are familiar to people like you... To a degree, I think."
"Here" Alice handed over the phone, "You don't mind reading it aloud, right? So that we're all on the same page!"
[Whatever you wanted to do, just write it as what Alice translated. Whatever you want LOL]
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 11, 2020 14:14:31 GMT -5
As M’Lyn and Alice clamored with energy, Kujo and his mother stared silently at one another. Standing to look down at her, Kujo’s fists were clenched as he grit his teeth in irritation. Beginning to compose herself once more, Kokoroki was beginning to focus her gaze, a look of confusion stifled and constructed into one of calm disposition. She sat on the armchair still, hands folded over one another on her lap as she straightened herself. ”AND DONE!” Alice’s loud affirmation caused both son and mother to turn quickly.
Her falter only prolonged the moment of silence. ”Uhh…maybe I’ll just…umm…” For a moment Kujo blinked in confusion before M’Lyn began to encourage her. ”Here, you don’t mind reading it aloud, right?” Looking down at the phone Alice had placed into his hands, Kujo gazed blankly at the screen for a moment. ”Rein? He’s involved with the break-in?” A look of fury flashed across Kokoroki’s face—though only for a moment—before she turned her head with a look of disgust. ”It’s to be expected—I never liked you hanging out with him, Kuta.” Ignoring his mother’s comments, Kujo scanned over the text flooding the screen.
”I thought I was dead. Those beady eyes—the sharp claws. They were small yet powerful…blending into the shadows as they moved.” Kujo had begun to read aloud, though the impatience was evident on his face as he glared at the screen. ”Kuta—what are you reading?” A similar look of frustration had come across Kokoroki’s face, her gaze becoming a blazing inferno. ”Just what the hell are you talking about?” Holding up a hand, Kujo continued to read despite his mother’s interruption. ”I’ll never forget the feeling of those claws in my chest…” The thoughts seemed scattered, translated into comprehensive form yet still lacking stability or foundation.
”Just when I thought I’d be swallowed—I found strength in the darkness.” At this point, Kujo’s frustration was surmounting. Nothing he was reading was really helping him explain things to her. Damn it, Rein! Even now you aren’t helpful!!! While silently cursing his old friend, Kujo began to tap on the screen and scroll furiously. ”C’mon! Give me something, here!” Finally, a word popped out to him—not only due to what it was, but the color of the text was different as well. ”Kujo Tanaka—“ For a moment, his eyes lifted from the screen. He wasn’t used to her using his full name. Typically it was always the damnable ‘Kuta’ reference.
”—whatever stories or videos you’re watching online, you’re going overboard.” Her eyes were made of iron then, her stature posed and ready—like a coiled serpent ready to strike. ”You told me yourself when I woke up—a man broke in and tried to rob us.” Now it was Kokoroki who stood up, her fiery eyes lingering on her son just as Kujo tapped on the word that had drawn his eye. Heartless—! His intuition proved fruitful as a small window emerged over the one displayed on the phone in his hands. The red boxed window revealed a small image of a ‘Shadow’ Heartless, rotating slowly with a small wall of text beneath the title beside the image. Though the image was hardly as vivid as the real thing—relief washed over Kujo.
Calm—like pond water, undisturbed. Turning the phone so the screen faced Kokoroki, who stood just in front of him beyond the small glass coffee table, Kujo’s tone was as stoic and composed as ever. ”I lied. This is what attacked you that night.” For a moment, Kokoroki blinked at the screen, squinting for a moment before tilting her head. ”W-what? What is that?” Taking the phone from Kujo’s hand, Kokoroki’s eyes narrowed at the display in her hand as she used a finger to scroll through the small text beside the image herself. ”That’s what attacked you, mom. It’s called a Heartless.” His patience had grown beyond thin—he was deciding to be as blunt as ever.
”They’re like demons—hunting down people for their hearts…” At this point, Kujo stepped around the table to stand beside his mother. Kokoroki hadn’t looked at Kujo since taking the phone, scrolling through the text, her lips silently moving as they followed along. For a moment she stopped, her head lowering a bit as her grip on the phone tightened. ”This is…” Kujo was quick to move, having sensed his mother’s emotions. As Kokoroki went to throw the phone away from her, Kujo grabbed the device swiftly from her clutches, causing her to swing her arm wildly through the air empty. ”…crazy!!! What kinda stunt is this, Kujo?!” For a moment her gaze looked furious as she turned to her son, their heights similar yet still she had to look up.
”Mom—“ For a moment, Kujo paused, grabbing his mothers hands as he lowered her arms. ”This is what I’ve been doing since I moved you here. Every night since then—“ He paused—was he saying too much? Idiot, don’t blather about things unnecessarily! Scolding himself silently, Kujo restarted, glancing over at M’Lyn and Alice for a moment. ”I met these two recently—they helped me out against some of those Heartless…they’re soldiers, fighting for people like you and me.” At this comment, Kokoroki seemed beside herself. Her mouth going slightly agape, she looked between Kujo to M’Lyn and Alice. ”S-soldiers?” For a moment, a look of scrutiny came over her face.
But—they’re so young! There was a pain scorching her heart—one only a parent could feel. ”You’ve been—fighting…these ‘demons’—with these girls?” Slumping back a bit, Kokoroki sat back down in the armchair. Reaching for her tea quietly, she took a sip as she closed her eyes. Kujo glanced over at M'Lyn and Alice, appearing at a slight loss as silence flooded the living room.
It seemed to be a lot for her to take in.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 12, 2020 13:55:53 GMT -5
Listening to Kujo reading aloud to what seemed to be rubbish caused M'Lyn to grown visibly. She really wasn't expecting such useless thoughts to arise from someone who was as lip-tight as Rein. Alice was calm, knowing exactly what was written. So the beggining part wasn't bothering her at all, contrary to what some may think.
"Guh... A dumb child says dumb things, I guess..." M'Lyn mumbled, visibly dissatisfied. "That's just the beggining part -there's more to it than that" Alice said calmly, taking her seat back down.
That calmness only lasted for so long.
Kujo showed the phone to his mother, Alice knowing what he'd done after listening to what he said. At first, she wasn't too worried about it -just a normal interaction. The moment Kokoroki tried to throw the phone away, thankfully caught by Kujo before the tragedy, Alice lost it. Visibly shaken, she grew nervous.
"AWAWAWAWA----!" she cried, quick to run to Kujo's side, "Don't throw i~t! It's a one-of-a-kind thing back home!"
Quickly, she snatched the phone back from Kujo's grasp, ran back to where she'd been sitting, and hurled into a ball while glaring, tears in her eyes, almost hissing even. M'Lyn sighed, shaking her head with some unease.
"Never again... I'll never hand you over again..." Alice mumbled, the comment clearly directed to her device. "Ignoring that interaction just now..." the Miqo'te spoke, "I believe that now's the time to clear a few things out... No?" she asked to Kujo, although not needing any answer at all.
M'Lyn decided to take it easy, sitting back down instead of remaining up. It felt as if, had she done that, maybe her approach would come off as cold, thing she really didn't want to at that time. After all, Kujo had said it before himself -they were just starting to shatter Kokoroki's perception of reality.
"Where to start... I guess from what Kujo said just now" M'Lyn said, chuckling a bit at the mention of it, "Alice doesn't exactly apply to something even near what we consider a 'soldier', since she doesn't really fight. She's our Navi -the one guiding us while Jack and I take on the missions we're assigned to. And... Well, I can't say both of us apply to that concept either, since fighting's not what we do more often... I think 'spies' is a more accurate term."
"With that out of the way... Kujo's helped us only recently, ever since us three arrived here. Before then, I take it he's been doing it on his own..." M'Lyn looked at Kujo, hoping she wasn't brushing anything important, "...And I guess now I understand the reason why you kept those lies. I didn't expect a recollection of a past event to be so distorted... So, you have my apologies for that."
M'Lyn nodded calmly, hoping to have at least lessen some of the damage dealt, and also giving Kujo some respect. Having doubted him, M'Lyn felt it right to apologize then and there.
Otherwise, she could hardly call herself a Miqo'te, prim and proper.
As for Alice... She kept hurled in her ball form, glaring every so often at the woman who'd almost broken a vital piece of tech -at least, for Alice herself. Who would've guessed that what seemed to be a mere phone would be so important to her?
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 12, 2020 21:43:10 GMT -5
Kujo had never seen Alice move so fast. Within the blink of an eye the girl had rushed forward and taken the device from his hands. With the cry still ringing in his ears, Kujo allowed a moment’s surprise to appear on his face before returning it to its typical stoic slate. Kokoroki hardly seemed to notice, staring at the vacant space that had once held the display. ”H-heart…less? Soldiers…” Her voice seemed distant, her gaze far off and focused on nothing in particular. ”I believe that now’s the time to clear a few things out…no?” M’Lyn assisted both of the Tanaka’s in recovering from the sudden outburst of passion (something the two could respect as individuals).
As M’Lyn took her seat, Kokoroki seemed to return to herself. Coughing in modesty, she listened to M’Lyn’s explanation without a single interruption—something Kujo himself was suspicious of. ”Kujo’s helped us only recently, ever since us three arrived here. Before then, I take it he’s been doing it on his own.” How many nights had he spent patrolling the streets of SanFransokyo? All those battles had led to his understanding of his Akogare, allowing him to protect the world he cherished as home. ”I guess now I understand the reason why you kept those lies. I didn’t expect a recollection of a past event to be so distorted…so, you have my apologies for that.” M’Lyn’s apology caught Kujo by surprise.
”Don’t worry about it—“ Immediately as he was going to brush off the apology, Kokoroki stood up from the chair, grabbing at his arm. ”T-that’s where you’ve been going, Kujo?!” His usual stoic demeanor was shattered by complete surprise, quickly replaced by an open look of irritation. ”I can’t believe this!” Before he could grab his mother’s wrist she let go, turning to Alice and M’Lyn with a sudden fiery gaze reeking of suspicion. Walking up to where the two sat, Kokoroki’s voice was quick to resume it’s usual tone—fire and ice. ”If you’re really spies, that means you work for the government, right girls?” There was a pleasant smile on her face—though here eyes were closed, shielding the two from the wrath cloaked beneath.
”Surely you must have some paperwork, then? Identification?” A single hand, held out expectantly. ”May I?” Kujo’s teeth gnashed together as his irritation once more bubbled over. ”Shut up!” Shoving both fists into his pockets, Kujo stalked to the space behind his mother in the room, looming over her with a gaze that all too well reflected their familial ties. ”Is some paperwork really going to make you believe this more?” There was more than just frustration in his gaze, though. Resting a hand on his mother’s shoulder, Kujo couldn't help but feel responsible. It's because of me that she's having so much trouble believing them... If he had never spun the story about a break-in, they wouldn't be in this situation. ”They’re spies—they’re not going to show you identification. That’d be pretty stupid, right?” Spinning his mom so that she would face him, Kujo rested his other hand on her shoulder.
”I should’ve told you from the start…I'm sorry, mom.” Surprising even Kokoroki herself, Kujo embraced her in a hug. ”But could you stop being annoying and believe me, still?” For a moment, the visage of Kokoroki evaporated, as her suspicion ebbed away. Hugging Kujo back, Kokoroki seemed to deflate as the surprised look on her face lingered. ”K-kuta…” A different smile came across her then, one without a lingering fire raging just beyond. It was one that showed genuine joy and relief. SMACK! It only lasted a moment before her usual demeanor returned, hitting her son upside the head. ”Idiot! Don’t lie to your mother!” The hit didn’t seem to phase Kujo at all, who didn’t even react when struck. There was a faint smile on his face as his mom pushed him away, shaking her head and sighing.
”Ah…such a troublesome son you are…” Turning to Alice and M’Lyn, Kokoroki gave a small bow and lowered her head for a moment. ”Sorry, Alice and M’Lyn. This is a lot to take in…but thank you, for making it so Kujo won’t have to fight alone.” She seemed much more collected now, straightening herself before returning to her seat in the armchair. Kujo followed suit, sitting on the couch once more with Alice and M’Lyn. ”So—these…’Heartless’…are in the city…” Still processing things, Kokoroki seemed to have believed them now. She was putting more trust into her lying son...parents are an odd creature, lurking in the realm of contradiction and hypocrisy. ”But then, surely the government should send more than just a few kids!” For a moment, Kokoroki seemed to blaze with determination at this, looking between the three seated across from her. ”Are they sending more…’spies’ to help?”
Shit…I guess not everything got cleared up. Kujo leaned back on the couch, more than over doing any more explaining. Sighing a bit, he closed his eyes and shook his head. Can’t I catch a break? No other Heartless had emerged since the other night. But were they really gone? Opening his eyes, Kujo straightened up a bit and looked over to M’Lyn and Alice. ”I don’t know if we need backup, now…?”
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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 15, 2020 9:27:43 GMT -5
A bit of an awkward apology was the last thing the two were expecting. Although it seemed that things calmed down, if only a bit for the time being, which was a good thing. M'Lyn even chuckled a bit, although not for long. After Kokoroki asked whether the "goverment" would send more "spies" to help, she frowned faintly.
Some things were still not cleared... But they didn't have to be, as Kujo's question chimed in at almost the perfect moment.
"True... Although we can't say for sure, since it's only been 12 hours..." "I'm still checking around, y'know..." Alice mumbled. "Guh..." M'Lyn shook her head, "We could technically wait until tomorrow to say for sure. Heartless are constant predators, after all -if they stop showing up even once, then that indicates a retreat from their part. At least... That's how it goes theoretically..."
Pondering a bit, the Miqo'te's ears began to twitch a bit, although mostly out of habit. Since Alice wasn't cooperating much after the little incident, it meant that for now the Navi was dead weight.
"...I'll leave that up to you. My only hope is that Elena doesn't urge us to continue elsewhere. She can be quite pushy..."
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 21, 2020 14:51:02 GMT -5
[[Sorry if it feels rushed along, I wanted to get it moving again since I made you wait Lemme know if you want me to edit]] Kujo couldn’t help but feel relief as M’Lyn chimed in, allowing him a moment of reprove. Has it really only been twelve hours since then? With all that had happened, it had felt like days to him. Alice seemed to be clammed up, the device nearly being harmed surely shaking her deeper than any could register. ”My only hope is that Elena doesn’t urge us to continue elsewhere. She can be quite pushy…” The Miqo’te’s last comment caught Kujo by surprise as he turned his gaze back to M’Lyn. Elena? Still not knowing too much about the real organization the trio worked for, Kujo couldn’t let an opportunity like this slip. Then again… For a moment, Kujo’s eyes darted back towards his mother. He’d wait to ask his own questions later, for now they had seemed to have survived the storm. Kokoroki sighed a bit in relief before looking between the three. ”So…you've all basically done it by yourselves, huh?” A brief smile, fading fast beneath the weight of worry and sorrow. ”Well—what’s done is done.” Resuming her usual demeanor, Kokoroki straightened herself on the chair, finishing her tea and placing the empty cup back on the table. ”Kujo—you plan on helping them until it’s completely over, don’t you?” The lack of her pet name for him allowed him to understand the weight behind her words. ”Yeah.” Sliding his hands into his pockets, Kujo turned and walked away from the sitting area, leaving his untouched cup of tea behind. ”No one in this city can get anything done with those pests running around.” He felt relieved, free of a weight he hadn’t known he felt. She wouldn’t stop him, that much was clear to him. ”If there’s a chance the Heartless are still here, I’m going to keep helping them.” Turning in the entryway of the living room, Kujo turned to Alice and M’Lyn. ”C’mon—I think we’ve done what we came to do.” Without another word, Kujo began to walk towards the house door, planning to exit. Standing from her chair, Kokoroki’s look was one of fire and menace as she glared at Kujo from across the room. ”You’d leave for the night without saying goodbye to your own mother?!” This time Kujo was prepared. Kokoroki’s empty cup flew threw the air with the speed of a bullet, only to be caught in one of Kujo’s hands by the handle as he smirked. She’s acting normal again… She had seemed too somber and worried before—it had started to bum him out. ”Stop throwing your dishware, lunatic!” Despite the venomous words, there was a faint smile on his face as he set the cup down on the stair railing beside him. Opening the front door of the house, letting in the spilling orange light of the setting sun, Kujo waited for Alice and M’Lyn to exit as he lifted a free hand towards Kokoroki. ”Bye, mom. I’ll be back soon.” Kokoroki stood in the same place, her prior look of anger and fury tempered to a mere scowl as she turned her head and crossed her arms. ”Whatever, you useless punk! I clearly went wrong somewhere down the line as a parent!” She looked back at him with a wave and smile—one that reminded him of why he had to protect SanFransokyo at all costs. With that, exiting the house and closing the door behind them, Kujo sighed in relief as he reached into his jacket for the familiar beat up pack of smokes he carried. ”...” Lighting the cigarette in his mouth, Kujo began to walk down the brick entryway that spun back towards the large gate. Turning to look at Alice and M’Lyn, he raised an eyebrow and puffed on his smoke. ”So—Elena’s your boss, huh?” He hadn’t waited very long to strike. He still had his own answers to uncover. Impatient and tactless as ever, Kujo waited for them at the end of the walkway, eyeing the setting sun that would soon shift the city into night. Already the street-lights scattering the culdesac had turned on, signaling the oncoming dark.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 22, 2020 13:45:03 GMT -5
The two girls had nothing left to say as a decision was taken. Being true to herself, M'Lyn wouldn't have taken any risks, and she could only guess Jack was on the same line of thought -until the Heartless were gone, or at least given enough help so that Kujo could handle them later on on his own, they wouldn't leave.
Following Kujo's gentelmanly gesture, M'Lyn bid farewell with a faint bow, but Alice, on the other hand, almost seemed to hiss back. She still wasn't very pleased with what had almost happened with her precious device, having a grudge at someone who she would otherwise actually get along with.
Such was her nature, really. Although the comment before they left did cause her to snicker.
"I heard that" M'Lyn said, nonchalantly. "...No, you didn't" Alice said in a mumble, puffing her cheeks.
With the intention of going back to the Almira, M'Lyn began to tap onto her com located in her ears, trying to see if she could get ahold of Jack, quickly caught off-guard by Kujo's demand. Almost forgetting what she'd said previously, the Miqo'te found herself as a bit of a loss, but only for a while. It helped that Alice chimed in there.
"Not really. Well... Kinda like a 'Second in command' kinda boss" Alice said, finally raising her view off her device, "Jake's the leader, but being in the front lines means you gotta focus on one thing or the other. So, he left Elena in charge of everything that's mission-related, coordinating and managing the other Navs." "I'd suggest you hold that line of talk for a while, until we're with Jack, but... I don't know if Alice has anything to say..." M'Lyn mentioned aloof. "Hey, that was a timed thing, ok?!" "...Then I guess I'll just focus on getting Jack on the line..."
M'Lyn began to wander around a bit, as she waited to recieve a reply, while Alice took a deep breath as she saved her device back inside a pouch. Looking at Kujo as he smoked -with a bit of disgust, but barely visible-, the Navi tilted her head in curiosity.
"You're not asking because you wanna work with us even after this is over, right?" she asked, "It's almost as if you're way into what we're doing. Is it really something to look at with excitement?" "Finally, you guys call back! What took ya?!"
Jack's voice echoed throughout everyone's com, having answered M'Lyn's call in a flash. Alice, startled, was a bit shocked at how fast he'd replied. Maybe he was just killing time?
"I assume you never called because you were worried you'd interrupt?" M'Lyn asked, calmly but cold. "Well, duh. I ain't that inconsiderate" Jack replied after a soft chuckle, "So? You girls're heading back?" "Kujo's with us. Ask him" Alice said. "Oi, don't do tha~t!" "What about you?" M'Lyn asked, "Any assignments?" "Not yet. Just some talk with Elena 'bout stuff that's been happenin'. She's hella pleased with our work, though!" "That's good, I suppose... We'll be going back, then." "'Kay! I'll make sure to make it worthwhile!" "Yeah, right..."
Jack cut the intermission as soon as the conversation ended. It seemed that whatever Kujo wanted to ask him would have to be personal. For now, Alice and M'Lyn were focused on getting back to the ship and call it a day.
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 25, 2020 0:43:14 GMT -5
”Well…kinda like a ‘second in command’ kinda boss” Kujo eyed both girls with curiosity as he puffed silently on his cigarette. As Alice went to go on and talk about their ‘first in command’ Jake, the man found himself once more pondering exactly what kind of organization the three he had met really worked for. While M’Lyn attempted to reach Jack, Kujo couldn’t help but notice Alice seem much more relieved once her device was in her pouch. She really gets shaken over that thing… He understood the value of technology—but to covet it too much was surely a bad thing, wasn’t it? ”You’re not asking because you wanna work with us even after this is over, right?” Alice’s sudden question’s caught him off guard.
Way too invested? Didn’t she realize? How was it not obvious? Before he could retort, Jack’s voice broke over the three’s intercoms, causing Kujo’s attention to divert. ”Finally, you guys call back! What took ya?!” Sighing a bit, Kujo finished his cigarette with a scowl as he muttered to himself. ”Tch—can’t I catch a break?” Despite the initial scolding, Jack seemed to be in an upbeat mood. It seemed this ‘Elana’ was happy with what had become of their efforts. Does that mean this is over? A nagging suspicion caught him, but didn’t trip him up. Peace for his city—no, his world—was what he wanted. For the past two years he had fought for that peace. Was it really finally falling into action?
With Jack cutting his mic, the chirping in Kujo’s ears finally vanished, allowing him a moment of peace. He still wasn’t used to the comm device yet. Frankly, he wasn’t sure he’d ever get used to it. Wait— He thought back to what Alice had said. Could he go with them? Did he want to? Admittedly, Kujo was still curious about his own powers, as well as these ‘Heartless’. Is the answer out there, somewhere? Gazing up at the now almost night sky, Kujo wondered what lay beyond the borders of his own world. How many are there? Were there others with powers like his own? Shaking his head a bit, he brought himself back to the culdesac they stood in, motioning for Alice and M’Lyn to follow.
”C’mon—let’s go see what he’s been doing this whole time.” With that, Kujo began to walk down the street, leading the two through the city as they made their way for the ship.
[[Figured we could just skip ahead to them getting to the ship and you could steer for a bit if you’re down ]]
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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 25, 2020 5:17:19 GMT -5
As soon as the conversation ended, the two began heading back to the ship, almost as if knowing that Kujo would follow. Alice frowned, a bit conflicted. Was it really okay to involve an outsider?
"Is it really a good thing...?"
In a bit less than an hour or so, M'Lyn managed to catch a glimpse of the ship. Rushing her step a bit to get ahead, the Miqo'te left Alice and Kujo behind as she boarded.
Just as before, the inside was the same as they left. White and pristine as usual, the trio would find Jack just sitting on the middle chair, looking at a hologram. Hearing the door shut close, he turned towards them with a smirk.
"Man... By the looks of y'all's faces, I bet it was one hell of a show..." he snickered, "Whatever... If you're hungry, you two" he pointed at M'Lyn and Alice, "There's somethin' special waitin' at the rest lounge. If ya want to, Kujo, there's some for ya, too." "How considerate..." M'Lyn retorted back, "Did you go shopping at a grocery store for frozen food again?" "Oi!"
Stepping up from his chair, Jack's face threw a scowl at the teasing Miqo'te, a bit of his pride hurt. He was trying to be nice, for once! Seeing that, Alice simply chuckled.
"So you cooked?" she asked, still laughing, "You didn't burn anything this time, did you?" "Alice! At least give me some credit!" Jack shouted in shock.
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 25, 2020 14:29:12 GMT -5
Arriving at the ship, Kujo found himself sighing in relief. The day had been full of draining endeavors and truthfully he was looking forward to their return. ”Man…by the looks of y’all’s faces, I bet it was one hell of a show…” Greeting them in the middle chair as they entered the ship, Jack seemed to be having a mundane time. Kujo found himself dealing with a minor pang of jealousy. It had been one hell of a show—one he didn't want to have to relive again. Then again, part of him was also less stressed now that his mom would bug him less about being gone. Glancing at M'Lyn in silence, Kujo found himself begrudgingly having to acknowledge the miqo'te's insight. Would I have even done that much, if she hadn't cornered me? Probably not. He wasn't so much as a sore loser as to ignore that fact. He'd have to thank her later.
At the mention of food, and the instant verbal blows M’Lyn and Alice delivered towards Jack, Kujo’s mood lightened. Seems they’re skeptical… Who usually cooked, then? Was Jack really that bad, or were they just giving him a hard time? Kujo felt lucky, as an ‘iron stomach’ seemed to run in his family. ”Let’s see if you’re as bad as they’re making you out to be, Jack.” A faint smirk on his face, Kujo would follow the others into the rest lounge. Despite the surmounting questions and pressures piling in the back of his head, he found himself able to shake them off and lose himself in the ship he stood in, surrounded by the people he had come to respect and appreciate.
That's right—today had been hell. He could relax and enjoy himself for the moment.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 25, 2020 16:30:29 GMT -5
Despite Kujo's words, Jack didn't feel supported in the slightest. It wasn't that anyone was a bad cook, but the lack of home cooking on the Almira was mostly the reason behind the skeptical comments.
For now, the lounge was a place to take a breather. M'Lyn had already grabbed her plate, and all of them having the same serving of mashed potatoes and hamburger steak. Aside from a rather low circular table, were a couple of simple looking couches, but not comfortable in the slightest. Alice had refused to take her dish, slowly cooling in the circular table, while M'Lyn had taken seat in one of the couches, trying to at least give the benefit of the doubt.
"..." Cutting an edge of the hamburger steak, M'Lyn gave it a bite, "...Not bad, really." "Still not hungry" Alice replied cheekily. "I bet you're saying that because you don't want to admit your defeat from last time..." "Am NOT!"
Sitting in a cushion near the table, Alice began checking her devices yet again, for reasons unknown. Knowing Elena was happy with their results did give her a bit of eagerness for their next assignment, but something was bugging her at the back of her head. Still unsure about the thought, she noticed Kujo entering the lounge just as calmly as before.
"You're going to eat?" she asked.
While looking at him with a bit of confusion, Alice quickly resumed to her duties, all cramped inside the screen she'd been carrying with her ever since morning. Already having something to do while they remained there, the Navi continued to scan for any Heartless activity, although still popping at 0.
"Odd..." "What is?" "Well... It's a first for me. Not seeing any Heartless popping up anywhere." "Isn't it solely because of where you're scanning?" "Nope. You'd be surprised at how many I've got roaming around."
Already having digged half of her plate, the Miqo'te looked at Alice with no reaction whatsoever. Hearing that no Heartless were showing up was both a relief and a worry. So far, their patterns had been constant, albeit illogical and mostly instinctive. But why were they not showing up now?
If it kept up the next day, then surely something had made them retreat.
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 26, 2020 1:54:12 GMT -5
”You’re going to eat?” Alice’s scrutiny caused Kujo to smirk as he eyed the mashed potatoes and hamburger steak. M’Lyn had already began to eat, claiming that it wasn’t bad—Alice on the other hand seemed steadfast in her determination. Waving a hand nonchalantly, Kujo walked over and grabbed a plate for himself. ”I’m not cowardly enough to refuse.” The jibe was soon put to the test as Kujo took a seat himself and forked a helping into his mouth. It...really wasn’t bad. Glancing at Alice, Kujo wondered if perhaps M’Lyn’s comment of an ulterior motive was true.
As they began to eat, Kujo raised his eyebrows at Alice’s notice of the lack of Heartless. So they still haven’t come back, huh? He was sure his skepticism was reasonable, but how long could it last? Suspicion and paranoia walked a fine line between each other, after all. ”Maybe they really are gone…” Kujo looked up from his plate, not seeing Jack in the room. Looking between M’Lyn and Alice, the man seemed oddly serious as he sat in his chair, crossing his arms in thought. ”Whatever Jack did might have really worked.” It wasn’t the first time the possibility had crossed his mind.
He still wasn’t quite certain about what Jack had done, though. The odd weapon that suddenly appeared in his hands—why did it just make the Heartless vanish? They didn’t have enough information, yet.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 26, 2020 12:49:24 GMT -5
At first, neither placed much attention on Kujo's first comment, Alice simply nodding along his line of thought. In fact, it seemed as if they truly had taken their leave. But why?
”Whatever Jack did might have really worked.”
The comment remained in the air for a bit. Alice flinched after hearing her brother's name, and glanced over towards Kujo. Neither of them knew what had truly happened -not completely, at least.
"Whatever... He did?" Alice asked, tilting her head with a hint of worry, "What do you mean? ...Did something happen when you were fighting that Demon Tower?" "If there is... Jack hasn't told us" M'Lyn continued, "Not that he could've, considering what's happened up until now. But now would be a good time to explain, right?"
Alice left her devices alone, her attention completely focused on Kujo and his explanation. After all, the explanation they'd gotten from Jack only cleared part of what happened. But what did he do, that could've forced the Heartless to dissapear from that world?
As both girls looked at Kujo, Jack walked inside, calmly and silently. Seeing the sudden silence taking hold of the lounge began to step back. M'Lyn, having heard him beforehand, stood up, left the plate in the table, and grabbed him by the back of his collar.
"Wha-HEY!" Jack yelled, surprised. "If anything, shouldn't we ask the man in question? How polite of you to show up right now, as well..." the Miqo'te said. "Wha- 'BOUT WHAT?!" "You'll see. Eventually." "That doesn't help me at all!"
M'Lyn let go of Jack near a couch, sitting down and indicating for him to do the same. Sighing, he took a seat, scratching the back of his head.
"'Kay, what do ya want now?" he asked, a bit annoyed, "I legit have 0 clues..."
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 29, 2020 0:19:04 GMT -5
Kujo was genuinely caught off-guard by the silence that hung in the air after his absentminded statement. Almost at once both girls began to erupt in their own questions, causing Kujo to sigh a bit as he shook is head and crossed his arms. Damn—that’s right… With all that had been going on, he had completely forgotten how Alice’s transmission had been cut off during that night. As though on cue, Jack happened to appear from the doorway, entering at the perfect time.
M’Lyn’s actions were fluid and swift—holding Jack within the blink of an eye as he shouted in protest, causing Kujo to stifle a smirk. As the miqo’te prompted Jack to sit, Kujo leaned back in his chair with a slightly exasperated look. So much for a relaxing and restful meal… The hamburger steak and potatoes had really begun to grow on him. He hadn’t realized how hungry he had been. Refusing to betray his sense of forlorn, Kujo pushed away from the table and stood, walking over to the couch Jack and M’Lyn sat on.
”Kay, what do you want now? I legit have zero clues…” Jack seemed amiable enough to go along with what was happening, but his confusion and frustration were understandable. She has zero tact. Glancing at M’Lyn for a moment with the barest hint of a grin, Kujo leaned against the back of the couch, looking at Jack from over his shoulder as he moved to clear things up. ”That makes sense—even you don’t know what you did.” For a moment, Kujo heard the faint click! sound firmly in his memory—despite the blinding light, he had still been able to hear.
Alice and M’Lyn’d never of heard it…the transmission cut short. Gazing over at Alice, still sitting at the table in what appeared to be confusion, Kujo couldn’t remember at what part the footage cut out for her. Wasn't it right when that light appeared? Before the sound? ”That night, Jack…when your weird weapon showed up—” It was odd, putting it into words. For a moment, Kujo’s gaze was one of scrutiny as he eyed Jack on the couch. Wouldn’t Jack have noticed what he had? Was he as oblivious as he seemed, or playing an act? ”That blinding light that appeared, there was an odd sound, too.” He was trying to remember it vividly, to describe it clearly.
”Like…the clicking...of a lock tumbler, or something.” It was the first way he thought to describe it. Like someone picking a lock. Though he wouldn't admit it to those around him, many of his youthful years were spent doing less than reputable activities. ”Ever since that night, Alice hasn’t picked up any readings from the Heartless.” Turning to face Jack, Kujo kept his hands in his pockets, his face as stoic and stoney as ever. ”Whatever you did with that weapon—something changed.” This time, he turned to look at both M’Lyn on the couch and then Alice at the table, before looking back at Jack. ”I dunno if asking you questions is gonna help, though…” For a moment, a look of exasperation returned.
”You didn’t even know about it when it appeared, right?”
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