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Post by Johnathan on Jun 2, 2013 14:29:11 GMT -5
It was a warm day. The brilliant gold sun shone with the strength of early summer, gently heating the grounds of the academy. A pleasant breeze swept across the stone, fields, and forests, carrying with it the faint sounds of distant construction. It was like the whisper of a distant world, only apparent when the activity around you was lulled into silence by the sensation of a calm summer day.
The ancient and magical tree that had stood for generations atop the academy's west hill, was abloom with pale pastels and gentle whites, framed by a masculine canopy of earthy greens and browns. The great tree stood as a vigilant warden against the sun above, casting a large calming shadow on the soft grass below it. Here, a small form was curled into a relaxed crescent of black fabric, framed by a golden halo of yellow that rivaled the sun above. The small girl was fast asleep, the only movement she showed in the slow rise and fall of her shoulders and chest.
On the opposite side of the thick brown trunk, a young man sat with his back pressed to the ancient wood. His right knee was raised, supporting the arm which held an aged paperback book. To his left, resting in the bed of grass was a plain black katana, its sheath and grip fraying and slightly faded from years of continued use.
A breeze swept up and over the hill, bringing with it the whisper of grass and leaves rubbing together as they swayed obligingly. As it passed over the two figures, there was a faint metallic tinkle, as the chains that covered the teen's limbs danced with the movement of the fabric.
Erebus ran a hand through his hair as the breeze blew it askew. His normal pony tail was absent, as he leaned languidly against the famous tree. Lowering his book, he gazed out at the pleasant scene around him, absorbing the tranquility. Behind him, he could hear the small and slow breaths of his younger sister as she slept peacefully in the shade.
Erebus smiled sadly as he turned his attention to the slivers of light that slipped through the canopy above. Such a peaceful setting was pleasant, however the tendrils of apprehension clawed at the serenity, bringing questions of future conflicts and chaos.
Taking a slow breath, the heir to the Melanthios legacy stilled his mind. Conflict was a certainty in the future for him, and needlessly worrying over it would not ease the strife it brought. For now, enjoying calm days such as this was the most pleasant way to pass the time.
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Post by Rikka on Jun 2, 2013 20:20:58 GMT -5
As the breeze swept across the hill a childish giggle could be heard as two girls made their way up it. One girl in blue jean shorts and a neon grease splattered tank top had bright red hair with emerald eyes and looked to be about 16. Beside her was a child of about five years old in a multicolored shirt and flower patterned shorts with white hair and the same warm emerald eyes. Both happened to be trekking up the hill barefoot carrying a basket filled with foods and drawing supplies. As the pair got closer to the tree it was very apparent that the girls had fox ears atop their head.
The older girl with red hair smiled as her sister told her all sorts of stories before she noticed two people by the tree they were about to picnic at. Waving at the two strangers her emerald eyes spotted the soft rise and fall of the sleeping child. Kiki looked up as she spotted her sister waving and broke out into a big childish grin as she spotted the strangers. "Hello!" Her happy voice was a bit loud as her eyes went to the sleeping child that Rikka pointed out. Gasping she covered her mouth with her free hand afraid she had woken up the girl. When they reached the top Rikka set down the basket with Kiki and moved over to the boy.
"Hello. I'm Rikka and this is Kiki. We were coming up here for a picnic. Though if you want to be alone with your sister we will go find some place else." Rikka smiled when she finished and waited for his reply. Kiki looked at the boy as her sister started to talk to him. Smiling as she was introduced she gave a little wave before getting curious about the other girl. Kiki thought she looked a bit older then herself. Looking up at her sister then at the boy she quietly snuck over to the girl and tried to get a better look at her.
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Post by Johnathan on Jun 2, 2013 23:02:48 GMT -5
Erebus turned to appraise the two sisters as they approached. A picnic? Erebus gave a polite smile. "I do not wish to interfere with your plans. Please, don't mind me, however," Erebus trailed off as he thought of his sister. He had not yet spoken to her since she arrived at the academy. Today, he had arrived after she was already asleep. Veronica had appeared part way through the day declaring that she had a job to do and that Erebus would need to look after her for the day. While he no longer had a reason to avoid her, he imagined it would be awkward after not speaking for so long.
Eirika groaned softly, her sleep disturbed by the activity around them. Alerted to her waking, Erebus glanced quickly at Rikka and Kiki. Pulling his leg beneath himself quickly, in an instantaneous blink he appeared kneeling at Eirika's side. Running his hand along the side of her head gently, he stilled her mind as she woke in order to prevent an attack spurred on by waking amidst unknown people. With a yawn, the frail girl sleepily rubbed her eyes as she attempted to sit upright. Erebus placed a hand to her back and pushed softly to help her, as she was weakest after sleeping.
"Eirika, Veronica had to leave the academy to complete an assignment. I'll be your guardian for today." She turned slowly to see who had spoken through half lidded eyes. Seeming to comprehend who was there, she nodded weakly. "We also have two guests. They've come with the intention of having a picnic."
"Mmmm-" Eirika moaned again as if in protest of waking up. She wobbled for a moment before tipping towards Erebus, who caught her gently and allowed her to lean against his chest.
"Please excuse her for now; she has some trouble with mornings. My name is Erebus. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
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Post by Rikka on Jun 2, 2013 23:44:08 GMT -5
Rikka watched him as he spoke but trailed off and figured he must have wanted to spend time with his sister. Already thinking of other places to go her thoughts were interrupted when he glanced at them while the small girl moaned softly. Blinking she looked at the empty spot then over at the girl finding the boy had moved. He was seriously quick.
Kiki who had been watching the girl gasped as the boy appeared next to her and fell on her butt. She hadn't been expecting him to move so quickly. Noting his look she backed up a little bit by scooting on her butt. Once she was back by Rikka she sat very still watching the boy interact with the girl. Kiki decided the girl must have trouble waking up.
Rikka smiled as the boy helped his sister out as she started to wake up. As he told his sister they had two guests she chuckled. The girl must be shy when she isn't sleepy. "Its a pleasure to meet you too Erebus! I have some tea if that will help. I know it helps when I don't wanna wake up." Moving to the basket she pulled out a blanket and spread it out on the ground. Rikka liked old fashion picnics. Though she would say baskets were a bit inconvenient for carrying things. They could only hold so much. Moving back to the basic she began pulling out dishes and placing them on the blanket until she could find the tea canister.
Kiki watched as Rikka started setting up before looking back at the boy and girl. Slowly she inched forward out of curiosity. About two feet away she looked at Eirika and waved slightly. "Rikka's tea is good! It was momma's recipe, or so I'm told. Are you her brother? Cause you smell the same."
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Post by Johnathan on Jun 4, 2013 22:54:34 GMT -5
Erebus gave Kiki a warm smile. "Yes, I am her brother. Her name is Eirika." Keeping his hold on her back, Erebus hooked his other arm underneath Eirika's legs and lifted her as he stood. Crossing the short distance to the blanket, Erebus removed his shoes and took a polite kneeling position on the cloth, setting his katana to his left. Reaching down, he gently removed Eirika's shoes as well before setting her to his right. She leaned against him, still blinking the sleep from her eyes, quietly watching as the food was set out before them.
"We would be honored to try your tea." Erebus inclined his head a short way. His demeanor was extremely polite, and hinted at the ceremony with which he had been raised. If it were not for the steady precision of his movements that belied an air of danger, or the subtle coldness of his eyes, he would have come across as a ceremonious noble.
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Post by Rikka on Jun 5, 2013 1:11:16 GMT -5
Kiki looked Erebus over and decided he looked slightly scary but didn't let that cloud her judgement. Rikka said it wasn't nice to judge others on appearances. When he gave her a warm smile she smiled back and got up following him. as he moved his sister to the blanket. Sitting down she made sure she was close enough to talk but far enough to give him his space. Humming softly she watched her sister pull out various food items from the basket before actually finding the thermos, which she had put in the storage thingy on her hip. Giggling over her sisters forgetfulness she looked over at Erebus and noted they didn't have their shoes on. Sitting cross-legged she sat up straight like Erebus.
Rikka finally remembered where she had put the Thermos when the basket only held plates and cups. Pulling out cups she placed two in front of Erebus, one in front of Kiki and one in her spot. Noting Kiki was copying Erebus she smiled and poured everyone some tea. "Does she like her tea warm or cold?" Pulling out the plates she placed two in front of Erebus encase he chose to eat some food too, then pulled two more from her storage device for her and Kiki. Placing Kiki's plate in front of her she sat and looked over the food selection. Most of it was fruits and veggies but there was a bowl of cookie salad and a plate filled with peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches.
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Post by Johnathan on Jun 6, 2013 16:00:11 GMT -5
Erebus's smile was polite and practiced. "Warm, thank you." When Rikka finished pouring out the tea, in a practiced and fluid motion, Erebus reached out and took one of the cups in his hand. As he raised it to his lips, he lowered his eyes and they grew exceedingly cold. Smelling the teas aroma once and then taking a sip, Erebus paused for a moment; waiting, his lifeless eyes never leaving the milky brown liquid. After a moment had passed, his solemn expression returned to one of cordial ceremony, and he passed the cup to his sister.
Eirika was now sitting upright with her own strength. She took the cup from Erebus and looked away before taking a sip; the pangs of embarrassment evident on her face. Any food or drink that she received was always dutifully checked for poison, the majority of the time by Veronica. However, the dark woman made practice of doing this in a subtle fashion, so as not to offend Eirika's host. Erebus on the other hand, seemed to use it as an opportunity to express himself. It was as if he was saying, "You will never be able to harm my sister, and if you even think about trying, I will kill you where you stand." Eirika loved her brother, and appreciated his concern, but because of things like this he was always so unapproachable. It made her wonder is he ever wished for a normal life.
Taking a small sip from her cup, the small blonde girl's face lit up immediately. "It's good!" She exclaimed automatically, before blushing and catching herself. "I mean, it- it passes." Erebus's smile took on a hint of amusement as he sipped from his own cup as well.
"It is indeed very well made. May I ask what blend?"
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Post by Rikka on Jun 6, 2013 21:04:02 GMT -5
Rikka nodded her head as the cup glowed orangish red for a moment then disappeared as the tea was heated. It would be just right, not too hot and not too cold. Watching as Erebus made a point of testing the tea first she arched a brow but was not offended. They were obviously heirs to something if the girl needed to be guarded. Taking things in stride she looked over at her sister as Kiki looked at her tea then at Rikka. "May I have mine heated too? Please?" With a chuckle she heated Kiki's cup too and sipped hers cold.
Kiki grinned as her cup was heated and sipped it. Giggling she set it down carefully so not to spill it. When the girl spoke up about the tea Kiki got a wide grin on her face. "It is good! Rikka makes it when we go on outings! I'm Kiki!" Her added her name onto the end because she hadn't introduced herself to the girl yet.
Rikka smiled and took another sip of her own cup. "Thank you. It was my mothers recipe. Its made from the wild orange blossoms on Pandora and our mom's favorite secret ingredient. If you like I can make you a can or two of it. Oh and My name is Rikka. Its a pleasure to meet you Eirika." She had no problem sharing since she had brought back lots of orange blossoms from the trees on pandora. Setting her cup down she looked at the food and then over to Erebus and Eirika. "If you like you can eat anything on the blanket. We have no aversion to sharing."
Kiki hopped slightly in her spot as she clapped her hands together. "All the fruit is fresh! We brought it back from Pandora. And the peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches are good!"
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Post by Johnathan on Jun 6, 2013 22:44:44 GMT -5
"My name is Eirika. I apologize for my prior rudeness, and thank you for your hospitality." Placing her cup before her, Eirika made a bow similar to her brother's only slightly deeper. She smiled excitedly at the offer of food. Reaching out to grab something, she came to a sudden stop as though a thought came to mind. Glancing to Erebus, she was met with a calm smile and a meaningful glance, before she sat upright again fidgeting nervously.
Erebus set his cup down, clasping his hands and raising his heads to meet eyes with Rikka. He opened his mouth to speak, but stopped short as Eirika grabbed onto his sleeve. Turning to her, he showed a gentle smile before returning his steely gaze to the elder kitsune.
"What dish would you recommend Rikka?"
For Rikka, the world went black, and then suddenly an entirely different scene came into view. She was hanging, her arms tied together above her head to a post of some sort. Her feet were bound together as well, dangling inches from the ground and held there by a chain that looped through a spike in the stone below. The landscape was black and unrecognizable, and the sky above was tinted with an unhealthy red. Scattered in dense quantities, speared vertically into the ground, were millions of metal spikes. On one such spike directly in front of Rikka, Erebus stood wrapped in a black cloak. His expression was a mask of utter apathy, and his cold eyes could have frozen molten steel.
"This world is my world; it exists only within our minds. There is no escape from this world, and you will only be freed when I release you. There is no dispelling this world, for even if you possessed the skill to do so, a year could pass here and not but a second will have gone by in reality. I have brought you here to ask you a serious of questions. You will answer these questions truthfully. If you lie, I will know. I do not wish to harm you, however," Extending his right arm, one of the spikes shot from the ground and into his waiting hand. Spinning it deftly, he placed it against Rikka's right shoulder, the sharpened tip just barely grazing the skin. "I will not hesitate to do so in order to protect my sister.
"Are you and a student at the academy? "Do you and know who we are? "Were you and seeking us today? "Do you and intend to harm Eirika in any way? "Is anything that you have presented to us or will present to us, harmful to Eirika in any way? "Can you vouch for the absolute security of each dish and ingredient without question?
Erebus showed no emotion. Given the circumstances he was presented with, he chose what he believed to be the lesser of two evils. In order to maintain some semblance of privacy for the girl he just met, instead of merely intruding on her memories, he chose to interview her directly. Though his method may have been somewhat excessive, Erebus would do whatever it took to ensure that his sister was not at risk.
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Post by Rikka on Jun 9, 2013 22:45:34 GMT -5
Kiki smiled and hopped in her seat slightly before grabbed her plate and placing several strawberries, a sandwich and some carrots. Sitting back in her spot she nibbled on her food before she realized Eirika hadn't touched anything yet. Setting her plate down she waited for her guests to eat first.
Rikka chuckled as Kiki tried to wait for their guests. When Eirika stopped and gestured to Erebus she blinked. Noting her fidgeting Rikka tried to figure out what was wrong. Meeting Erebus's eyes she blinked as her world went black. Her only thought was wondering where Kiki was. Blinking as a new scene came into view she struggled mildly testing the chains which held her to the spike against her back. Looking around she noted Erebus on the spike in front of her and all the others. The sky being tinted made her sure this place wasn't real. Sighing she figured this was just her luck. Turning her eyes back on the boy, she took in his apathetic look and cold eyes.
Quickly he confirmed her suspicions of the world and told her why they were here. And just as quickly he resorted to threatening her. Narrowing her eyes on him her features became almost as cold as his. "Well today just couldn't get any better. I guess you take all girl here that you meet?" As the questioning began she rolled her eyes in anger. He couldn't have just asked with out all the dramatics. She was just wanting an outing with her sister. Them being here was just pure coincidence. Once he finished talking she actually debated on answering before a thought occurred to her. Kiki's pet would be arriving any minute. Wouldn't that be a surprise for his royal highness here. Actually that would be a bad idea.
"Yes. I have been for the past 4 to 4 1/2 years. No I don't know who you are other then the hints you have be dropping. Definitely heirs to something or royalty of a sort. I was not seeking you. Kiki happens to like this hill and I thought we could have a picnic today since we had just gotten back. I had no intention to harm Eirika cause I don't harm others who don't harm me. Nothing I have or will, not that there is much in the basket right now, present to you will hurt either of you. I can vouch for everything. I made it myself and if anything besides what i had put in them were add i would know and it would have been tossed. Now can we eat or would you like to ask another round of questions?" Rikka wasn't exactly eager to still be here unable to do anything if Kiki's pet arrived before she could explain things.
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Post by Johnathan on Jun 16, 2013 20:44:50 GMT -5
Erebus continued to regard Rikka; ignoring her obvious discontent, he read her mental state. Able to intrinsically know whether someone was speaking the truth or not, Erebus knew the validity of what she said, but noted her slight apprehension and understandable anger. Lowering the spike he was threatening her with in a show of good faith, he dropped it. When it hit the ground, there was a massive splitting crack as the alternate reality began to fall away.
"I understand your anger and accept it, but please do not think badly of Eirika; she has nothing to do with these preemptive measures. Due to her fragile state, my family looks after her with the utmost caution. Therefore, I am responsible for everything that has happened up to this point, and Eirika is free of guilt. Finally, worry not about this exchange being noticed by your sister. While in this forced mental reality, time is of no concern. If I wished, we could spend a year here, and not but a second would have passed in reality." As the illusory world cracked and fell apart around them, Erebus turned away from Rikka; perhaps a hint of remorse on his face. "Even though you did not have a choice in the matter, I thank you for your patience and cooperation." With one final crack, the reality fell away.
Erebus turned to Eirika with a slight smile. "No need to be shy; go ahead and eat whatever you like." Eirika smiled in relief and looked over the food spread out before them excitedly. Suddenly, I thought seemed to cross her mind and she turned back to her brother, an angry flush in her face.
"You did something weird again, didn't you?!" Erebus smiled slightly as he raised his cup to his lips.
"Well now, I wonder." Eirika's cheeks puffed out with her cute, angry expression. She turned away with a 'hmph' muttering quietly to herself.
"Stupid brother, always making unnecessary trouble for people." She popped a piece of finger food into her mouth and chewed on it angrily, making sure to face away from him.
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Post by Rikka on Jun 19, 2013 19:47:10 GMT -5
Rikka looked him over as he regarded her. Once he lowered the spike she stuck out her tongue like a child as he finally seemed content to let her go back to reality. Huffing out a breath she eyed him and decided he was just an overprotective brother under it all. She could sympathize with that. "Don't do this again. I am a very peaceful sort and if you wanted could have just asked right out and I would have told the truth. As it is I am labeling you the overprotective brother with a stoic personality." As the word finally shattered around them she found herself back at the picnic blinking her eyes.
It only took a moment before Eirika seemed to figure out that Erebus had done something. A grin jumped to her face as they acted like the siblings they were. "Any older brother or sister would be concerned with their siblings well-being." Glancing at Kiki she her grin softened to a smile as the five year old finally allowed herself to bite into her sandwich as their guests started to eat. Remembering her earlier thought as her ears picked up on the sounds of Kiki's pet's foot steps she looked at Erebus. "With all the excitement I forgot to mention that Kiki's pet will also being joining us. Don't worry, he may look scary but he is actually a very big softie."
Even as she finished a very large grey animal with spikes sticking out of its back all the way to its tail bounded to the top of the hill. Looking around with red eyes encased in a very bony head it noted that there were more people then his masters. Blinking he walked right up to the child next to the male and sniffed her. He dwarfed her as he stood at about 14 feet high. Before anyone could do anything he licked her face before moving on to Erebus where he stared at the boy. Something didn't sit right with him about this boy. Looking at the five year old he noted she seemed perfectly comfortable with this boy. Looking at him again he looked him hard in the eye before attempting to lick his face too. It was a show of confidence before he moved over to Kiki and laid behind her.
Kiki looked up as Shadow made it to the picnic. "Hello Shadow! Shadow that's Eirika and Erebus. Be nice." Smiling she popped a piece of fruit in her mouth before giving half her sandwich to her pet.
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Post by Johnathan on Jun 20, 2013 1:15:58 GMT -5
Erebus regarded the large creature warily. As it approached Eirika, he did not move to prevent it from licking her; however, its tongue and saliva never truly touched her face. Bacteria was a large concern to the frail girl's weaker immune system, and so the shadow between the chimera's tongue and her face acted as an impossibly thin but impenetrable divider. Erebus opted to use the same method for himself as well, deciding it best not to potentially offend the large creature when it was so close to his sister. Eirika, much to the contrary of his own cautious attitude, seemed fond of the large creature immediately.
"I've read all about chimeras!" She declared proudly as she stood to follow it over to Kikki's side. Dropping to her knees once again in front of him, she showed him a happy smile. "Hello shadow! You have beautiful fur." Erebus grabbed a small sandwich, taking a bite as he managed to relax by a small amount. He was glad that Eirika was out and meeting new people. Shy as she was, animals had a tendency to lubricate her social gears. The slight elevation in her respiratory function and the flush in her cheeks however, was cause for worry.
Turning, Erebus placed his hand to the ground. Where he touched, the shadows darkened and pooled out in a three foot diameter circle. Turning his hand over, he beckoned upwards. Three small, winged, imp like creatures rose from the darkness. When they were through the portal, it vanished and they were left standing in the grass. The one to the right dropped into a kneel before him. The one on the left attempted to do the same, but was interrupted as the center imp swiftly kicked him over. As the one on the right cackled, the center one dropped into a kneel as the left one scrambled back into position to do the same. Erebus gave them a stern look and they all fell silent, a comically nervous expression coming to their strange faces. He pointed over towards the tree, and the three imps leapt into the air, fluttering over to the object that was there.
A black lace umbrella lay in the grass. Two of the imps lifted it by the handle as the third attempted to open it. After a short struggle of comical hijinks, they managed to open it, and proceeded to bring it swiftly above Eirika's head to shield her from the sun. Satisfied with their adequate performance, Erebus closed his eyes and continued to slowly eat in peace.
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Post by Rikka on Jun 20, 2013 21:19:49 GMT -5
Rikka watched as Shadow licked their guest and noted that Eirika's face had stayed nice and dry through it. She couldn't help wonder about Eirika and if there was more to her than that met the eye. Probably was. A chuckle escaped her as the small girl lit up like a light as she moved closer to Kiki and Shadow. "Hes apparently a 1st generation. I have been doing research trying to learn more about him. Maybe you could teach Kiki how to take care of him for me."
Shadow looked at the girl as he joined them and let out a purr like sound before gently curling his long tail around the two girls. Seeing the Imps he gave a slight growl apparently not amused by their antics. They had come out of the ground! When they just held an umbrella over Eirika's head he huffed out a breath at them and eyed the imps a moment longer before gently sniffing Eirikas hair and laying his head next to her hoping for a rub behind the ear or two.
Kiki smiled as Shadow seemed to like the older child. Giggling took a bite of her sandwich again and looked at the Imps as they appeared from the ground. Amazed at Erebus's Abilities she watched their comical performance as they held an umbrella over Eirika.
Rikka watched the Imps and smiled over their antics before they finally got the umbrella over Eirika's head. Placing her hand against the ground she gently coaxed the heat deeper into the soil leaving the earth pleasantly cool for the children. She would heat it back up if they got too cold. Relaxing she placed some food on her plate and nibbled on her vegetables as she watched over the two little girls.
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Post by Johnathan on Jun 21, 2013 15:48:36 GMT -5
Eirika began to rub Shadow's head affectionately as she rattled off fact after fact about chimeras. Her mouth was moving a mile a minute and it was easy to loose pace with her. Erebus simply smiled to himself, happy to see his sister so lively. Turning back to face Rikka, he continued to slowly eat, but projected his thoughts to her so that only she would hear.
"Do you find this academy a suitable place for children." Pausing, Erebus shook his head to himself. "No, that came out wrong. I did not mean to question you having your sister here. My intended question was more along the lines of, 'Is the protection the academy offers to it's younger and inexperienced students adequate in times of emergency?'"
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