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Akita's Seasons Return

Akita

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a part of Akita's Seasons Return, by Kura Ravengade.

Higashi-Naruse

Kura Ravengade holds sovereignty over Akita, giving them the ability to make limited changes.

3,303 readers have been here.

Copyright: The creator of this roleplay has attributed some or all of its content to the following sources:

based on a previous roleplay.

Setting

The main location where the Seasons settled, Higashi-Naruse is small village in Akita Japan well-known for its quaint sensibilities and beautiful cherry trees and scenery, as well as having close family values.
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Akita

Higashi-Naruse

Minimap

Akita is a part of Akita's Seasons Return.

10 Characters Here

Velonix Orako [43] "We're all born with selfish desires so we can relate to those feelings in others. But kindness is created individually by each person."
Kazutora Miyato [40] "Didn't ask, don't care."
Natsuo Orako [38] Summer Son of the Sun and Moon
Kazumi Orako [36] Spring Daughter of the Sun and Moon
Kazuyuki Orako [32] "I don't read enough to recommend anything, but...would you like to find a new book with me, to read together?"
Reiya Goertz [28] Shy and Sweet Teen with a brain
Iphianassa Lykaois [25] "Don't give up - there's no shame in falling down. True shame is to not stand up again."
Mafuyu Hanazawa [20] "Meet me by the bridge at 9:00? We can walk to class together, that way."
Astraea Mantrenul [12] "I am calm - whilst the storm is raging around me."
Pavo Etoile [12] Junior Star

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Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazutora Miyato Character Portrait: Kazuyuki Orako Character Portrait: Velonix Orako Character Portrait: Reiya Goertz
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kazutora miyato.
dialogue ; #853232. – thought ; #035d63.
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Class can't seem to start soon enough, though really had he ever looked forward to Mr. Iwao's lessons? It was just an excuse to escape the conversation, if he couldn't leave the room entirely without getting his ass chewed out or offending the newcomers, and...Reiya's odd shift in behavior, yet another unexpected aspect of this year. All in just an hour? Gods let me breathe, I'm begging. But conversation carries as Reiya speaks, introduces herself and then-

"I promised Iphi that I would keep an eye out for you more since she knows we're in the same class this year. I am sorry I haven't tried harder in the past. You're very intimidating."

Oh, so this was some sort of odd promise that he wasn't aware of? What, Iphianassa wanted someone babysitting him at school too? He could take care of himself, it's not like she could even come over and take care of the assholes here anyway, right? She was in college, attacking a high school student would get her into deep shit that she didn't need, especially not for his sake.

Irritation claws at him all the same, and his hands move to rub into the sides of his head, the claw at his scalp just ever so slightly. Enough to leave marks, to sting a bit, but it's hidden beneath the blonde mop of hair on his head, and they aren't bleeding. Could be my wrists, is the sarcastic thought that comes across his mind, though it brings up those stinging, phantom pains and the slits that would rest an angry red over them, but he shakes his head. I'm not starting that again, I haven't for a year now. Just like smoking, and he hadn't gotten himself wasted in awhile either. That was a good sign, right? Even though he wanted nothing more than to do all of these things, after this day.

Velonix's voice is interrupting his slowly darkening thoughts, though, a bright and happy response to Reiya in particular, "a pleasure to meet you, Reiya; you have no idea how nice it is to hear that Kazutora has good friends to watch over him." He nearly scowls at the words, tries to ignore the building anxiety and frustration with the entire situation and exchanges. Kazutora didn't need people watching over him goddammit! He could take care of himself just fine, he'd had to all his life! Why would it be any different now!?

Now, when people had decided to suddenly approach him, and be friends with him? It feels weakening.

And so his words slip out as class begins, just below a whisper and awkward, uncomfortable, hardly seeking to prolong this relationship beyond what it was already becoming. She shouldn't have to deal with the shit that came with him like some sort of package deal, right? No one should. Reiya could go back to her desk on the other side of the classroom, Velonix could find a seat away from him and her brother could follow so they could make friends that were normal, that didn't have the drowning amount of shit baggage that he did, and it would be back to the silent, silent corner he knew so well, not having to worry about anyone but himself.

"You say ‘someone like you’ as though it were a bad thing, which confuses me. I already think that you are an amazing person; why would I not do whatever I can to ensure your happiness? We are friends, after all."

...the hell? Ensure my happiness? What are we, married!?

He wants to scream, really, but Mr. Iwao didn't have his rat eyes right on him right now, and he didn't feel like drawing them over any moment he could escape them. Still, the words come as far too much of a shock for him to handle. "Someone like you" had meant he was a bad thing. Did she not understand? If she knew everything he'd said, done, the hell his life had been, someone like her would want to stay as far away as possible, no matter how kind. No one wanted to associate with a "destined to fail" person like him, it would only drag them down in the end, wouldn't it?

"I don't think you understand," he attempts, unease creeping up again, "the others will-" But he's cut off with a quirk of her brow in his direction, and he relents. "Does it really look like I care about what anyone thinks? No, I do not believe it does. I really could not care less about anyone’s opinions." Obviously you don't give a shit, but it'll still get you hurt- "Also, I can take care of myself; I will not be hurt anytime soon, especially over something involving these bullies and you."

He blanks, brows furrowing again as he lets out an airy laugh, almost shocked. She'd almost just gotten herself hurt, hadn't she? This morning when he'd had to jump in, if she hadn't just given into what they'd wanted in the end she would have ended up a bloody nose and humiliated, or worse. Not to mention, his bullies? Did she realize who she was talking about? They'd made his life hell since moving here, they'd given him his fair share of new scars and just because she'd treated him kindly and insisted they were friends, that wouldn't stop anytime soon.

How long until they decided to target her? Would they stick to words behind her back or would it turn to full fights, to violent group harassments and beatings that they exacted on him? Could he live with the idea that, not just if but when it came to be, that it was entirely his fault? That he was the origin of that pain she'd have to deal with here, just because she didn't treat him like he was at the bottom of the pecking order, as everyone else had decided to?

"Besides, you cannot get rid of me that easily." It's thrown up with a wink and a peace sign like it's no big deal, and all he can do is blank, stare, heart skipping a beat. He turns away from her, expression shifting to something unreadable at those words as he tried to process this, her. Despite all of this, she still felt that way? Will it change as soon as she sees the true colors of our classmates? When she realizes what I am? It's agonizing to think about, to continue the battle in his head. One side clings to the idea of a friend, to the comfort and kindness she's given him in this short period of time like it was the only source of life he had left. The other wants to act cruel, cold, to get her to go away, to disappoint her first before he could get too attached. Before she realized her mistake in trying to befriend him, in letting herself associate with him and backpedaled. Before he could get hurt, all over again, and the little flame of hope is thrown into the dirt and dust like it's a bug.

Mr. Iwao's voice shuts the conversation up in an instant, though, several stares glancing back in their direction and Kazutora places his head down on the desk, arms moving up over his head as if it could just block everything out, as if it could throw him into some sort of dissociation for the rest of the day in just that instant. He didn't have the strength to deal with things anymore today, he was far too tired.

Tired enough, apparently, to finally just doze off at his desk halfway through the class, into the third as well. Why Mr. Iwao hadn't thrown a piece of chalk or the whole dusty erasure at him at some point during the odd nap he wasn't sure, but he was grateful for another odd, out of character mercy the day had decided to have on him. The nap is peaceful for once, even if he wakes up with an ache in his neck and back, and that simple rest is enough for him to forget about the entirety of the day before now until the brunette next to him is speaking again, but at least not to him yet, free from her focus and stares for just a bit. It startles him back up slightly, sitting straight in his seat before wincing over the sudden movement of his neck as it struggles to pull out of its stiffened sense. A hand moves up to rub at the back of it tenderly, trying to push out the mild pain; he'd have to do stretches before bed tonight or something, otherwise he'd end up aching all day tomorrow.

The sound of the chair nearly startles him again, but he keeps still in his spot as the new girl next to him shuffles through his backpack, looking for something within it, likely for lunch given the time. Absentmindedly in his sleep, he almost finds the word "cute" running through his mind as he watches her shuffle around, faint hum and ever present, sunshine smile on her face, but the adjective is cast out before he can even dwell on where the hell it just came from.

Fighting off the sleepy sense still clinging to him, his jaw rests in his palm again, watching the girl as she finally finds what she'd been searching for, and before he can even look away, the bento box is being held towards him like some sort of offering. "Let’s have lunch together, Kazutora! We can share; I made more than enough, and Yuki has his own. I am sure you know the best places to eat, so lead the way." Blinking back the last bit of clinging sleep, Kazutora finds himself struggling again, "wait, you were serious about lunch? I didn't-"

And then her hand has grabbed ahold of his, and he deflates, turns to some empty brained idiot as he tries to process what she's just done so easily, without even a second thought and-

She's holding my hand!? Oh my god, she's holding my hand! Was he sure he wasn't still napping, stuck in some disaster dream that he couldn't escape? No, because the warmth coming from her hand through the fabric of the dainty, fancy gloves she still hasn't taken off all day feels far too real to deny. Is this a cultural thing!? Why does she need to-

And then her gaze is on him expectantly, but so are every other classmate's in the room, and he swallows hard, tries to choke back that anxiety that's been sitting at the edge of its seat in his head, ready to explode. He wasn't up for causing a scene by making her let go (and inside, though he won't admit it, the sensation is nice, reassuring, and his heart absolutely did pick up a bit with the touch), so rather than shaking off her hand or staring at her like the world had just ended while the others whispered, he moved, hold tightening a bit to be sure she'd keep up with him as he walked, maybe a little faster than normal. Anything to get away from the watchful, judging eyes that filled the halls just as they did the classrooms now.

That quiet race of his heart won't calm down, and he wonders if he's about to have a heart attack and just keel over before they've made it to the stairs on the northern wing of the school. It's much quieter here; usually, students don't seek out the roof for lunch, perhaps given there's not much of anywhere to sit, other than the concrete ground, but he's never minded it. Making way up the stairs to the top lets him know that there doesn't seem to be anyone up there today either, by the sound of silence through the barely cracked roof's door, and he carefully nudges it open with his foot, faint breeze making its way into the stairwell as it gapes open. It's soothing, a relief.

Loosening the grip on her hand now and half hoping that she'll think to let go at this point too, he takes a few steps forward into the open air of the space, glances to the railings that were, in all truth, beginning to lose their structure and strength in some spots. Sucking in a small breath, his free hand weakly gestures out to them to Velonix, Kazuyuki who had followed and was still just barely peeking out of the doorway, whoever else was trailing with them, "keep away from those edges; it's dangerous." It's all he offers before making way for the usual spot, a space where the sun always hit and kept him from the chill of early spring.

For a moment his mind wanders to Velonix's offer of food, but he casts it away; she shouldn't have to share, she probably needed that food to gather enough energy for the rest of the day. He could live without lunch, he'd gotten used to it now; Etsuko and Kenta had purchased bento boxes for him several times, Etsuko had occasionally made lunches for him when he'd left his box in the kitchen at night, but after losing the fifth one, whether entirely his own fault or someone else rifling through his bag while he was away, he hadn't had the heart to mention it again and ask for a new one. They hadn't pressed him for it, even if Etsuko occasionally poked the subject by asking what he'd eaten at school that day. He was a good liar.

Settling down cross-legged on the concrete of the roof, Kazutora's gaze wandered the area before shrugging lightly, "this is it; find somewhere comfortable to eat, I guess."

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazutora Miyato Character Portrait: Kazuyuki Orako Character Portrait: Velonix Orako Character Portrait: Reiya Goertz
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kazuyuki orako.
dialogue ; #a59bbd. – thought ; #94bbed.
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The quiet of the classroom settles easily enough as the final bell rings, and his sister settles into her desk again, starts whispering something to the boy next to her. What was his name, Kazutora? He seemed fine enough, quiet, though he hadn't missed that look of near violent hatred towards the girls that had approached earlier. Did Harmonix catch it too? As long as he doesn't look at Sundown that way, we won't have any problems. He hadn't, as far as Halcyon had seen, so for the time being the boy would be fine, wasn't particularly on his radar for a threat.

Others in the classroom were, however. Those girls who had tried to coerce his sister in a not-so-smooth way to join their group, the very ones that kept glancing at him so obviously - why do they keep...just stop! - the pair of boys a row or two ahead of them, a group of guys in the back row and-

His gaze lands on Reiya then, though he internally laughs to himself. She was, perhaps, the least threatening in this room, even if her introduction and move over here had been a tad bit odd. Nothing really set off red flags with her in his eyes, and at the very least he was relieved. Relieved to know that the one he'd ended up sitting by wouldn't be any sort of problem to him or his siblings, that she seemed particularly quiet and kept to herself.

That was just what he needed, after the chaos of the past two weeks. Going from self inflicted isolation to a family of six again wasn't so bad, but getting dumped in the middle of a small town of human beings when he was only used to seven max at a time, given you included the stars? Two thousand people felt like a lot. More than a lot.

That rising anxiety always attacked whenever he went out, whenever he was stuck in a room like this one, but at least he was with his sister now, not completely alone. Truly he was relieved it was her and not one of their other siblings. Aurora and Phoebus...they were...a lot. Harmonix had always been easier for him to get along with, even when they were little, even after he'd made himself come around them all again. Halcyon still felt that sharp pain of inferiority and insignificance around her, no doubt, have you seen her season? Yet at the same time, she didn't feel as threatening, as starkly overwhelming, and he cherished that little bit of comfort her had from his fears and anxieties, his insecurities.

Moving icy grey eyes away from Reiya then, he carefully pulled out his notebook and pen to begin taking his notes for the class in session. Mathematics, ever so boring; the last thing he wanted to do was learn numbers. Were there any engaging classes here? A baking class, that'd be fun. Or a literature class? Maybe even a-

"Hey! Pay attention back there, or I’ll send you to detention faster than you can say rice patty!" The words and sharp tone startle his attention back up from his thoughts, though as soon as it does he knows the source of their teacher's anger originates with his sister and her new friend's conversation. He glances back at her when the man looks away, brow quirked up slightly in her direction at the attention and commotion she just drew back to their corner again. Didn't they already have enough on them? New students, late into the semester, with Velonix having so delightedly defended her friend despite the cues that others didn't quite like that idea, or perhaps saw it as a challenge for themselves to take.

Lowering his head again is all he can do at that though, at the few stares that won't leave quite yet, but it's interrupted at the change of class, the ringing bell that only drags them into biology. Somehow, this was more engaging to him, or could have been if the man teaching it wasn't Mr. Iwao who seemed to hardly care for the material or being sure that his students' education was being met. Silently, he wonders how the man still had a job, but it was a small town; they probably didn't have much to choose from, and he's doubtful to think teachers from the city would more often than not willfully choose to teach at a tiny, singular high school that didn't hold much of a reputation.

If anything Kazuyuki felt it held a reputation for bullying, bad teachers, and pretty views, but that's about it.

He nearly wants to fall asleep throughout this class, catch another nap, but that wasn't really an option here; gathering more attention when their teacher inevitably sent his anger in Kazuyuki's direction was not something he'd like to deal with today with the already pressing gazes and whispers. So he keeps awake, flips mindlessly through the biology textbook that he would no doubt be leaving here; who would carry around such a heavy weight of paper and ink text?

Then the bell rings, and the man leaves, and noise picks up in the classroom as their classmates make their moves for lunch. Only then does Velonix lean up towards him again, give something of an answer to his previous joking question, and he gives a faint smile at her words.

"You know I would never leave you behind, baby brother. Join us for lunch? Unless you have already made alternate plans?"

"Sure, sure." He half mutters, waving her off slightly, "my only plans for lunch are to take another nap so I can survive the last three hours of courses..." Absolutely true, he could feel the weight of his eyelids already. This is what he got for staying up nearly two days straight, but he couldn't quite help it. The stress and anxiety of finally heading for the school had been too much for him, alright?

Standing up from his desk and shuffling through his backpack, he eventually procured his simple, black bento box, carefully wrapped in that simple white cloth to keep it shut, just as he'd made it last night while helping Velonix prepare their and their siblings' lunches too. He wasn't about to let her prep all four of them on her own, not when he was just in the other room and more than available.

Watching the two behind him jump up and hurriedly leave the room left him heaving out a sigh; couldn't they take a leisurely pace? But all the same he made his way up from his seat, in their direction only to pause at the last moment to look at the peachy haired girl that had seated next to him. Tilting his head slightly, he shrugged, "you can come with us too, you know. If you want." It's all he gives before returning to his pace out the door, and into the halls. They're filled with students making way for their spots for lunch already, and he bites back the uneasy words that want to spill out into the air. As long as he can get past them, he'd be fine. For once he was grateful for his height; not that he was towering, usually, but around the high school students not many could reach to the top of his head. Soon enough, he'd spotted the figures of his sister and her friend dodging others, and followed after in his ever lazy pace.

That pace eventually lead him to a flight of stairs, and suddenly he wished he could just nap at the bottom of them. Every single flight up he went, though, and soon to the roof, perhaps a sense of gratitude filling within him at how quiet and empty it was. This would be a perfect nap spot, thank you very much.

"This is it; find somewhere comfortable to eat, I guess." Kazutora offers before sitting at the edge, cross-legged and a little put out, it seems. Kazuyuki wouldn't be bothering him at least, he knew that.

Making way a centered spot, right in the middle of the sunlight's beams, he settled comfortably into the concrete...or as comfortably as he could. It would just have to be good enough. A glance to his sister is all he offers before breaking open his bento box, chopsticks in hand before digging into the meal that would bring him a full stomach for his nap shortly.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazutora Miyato Character Portrait: Kazuyuki Orako Character Portrait: Velonix Orako Character Portrait: Reiya Goertz
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Code- #D66B70


Reiya was relieved that her sudden appearance was okay with the siblings. They did seem nice enough, which Reiya hoped was genuine. She knew that people could be two-faced, and that kindness could be a cover. The girls who had just conversed with Velonix were a perfect example of that. She also had seen it in her parents' business for when she took over after her parents' death, a few tried to take advantage of her, but she wasn't her father's daughter for nothing. Gerard Goertz was someone who wasn't to be trifled with and his daughter was no different. Thank goodness she had her paternal grandparents' backing. She hoped they were doing okay too and emailed them every week to keep them updated.

Once the next class started, Reiya once again focused on the instructions. She did briefly wonder if she'd be able to see and hear the teacher, but thankfully that wasn't much of an issue. However, the only distracting factor was Velonix's brother, Kazuyuki. She was actually proud of herself for having glanced at him once. She also heard Velonix murmuring behind her. She better stop talking before the teacher got after her.

”Hey! Pay attention back there, or I’ll send you to detention faster than you can say rice patty!”

Too late. Reiya felt bad for the girl, but sometimes one had to learn things the hard way. And while Reiya didn't like Mr. Iwao, he was still in charge. Thankfully class passed without any more issues. Velonix spoke up again, this time to her brother. Reiya herself felt a bit torn. While she did promise Iphi to watch Kazutora, she also didn't want to come off as a pest. Still she was quick to get her things together. Good thing too because before she knows it, Kazutora is leading Velonix out of the classroom.
She had to do a double take. Holding hands?! Oh my, some might think they were already a couple. Even before she moved to Japan, she knew just how formal the Japanese were, thanks to her mother and due to her own research on the country. However her thoughts were interrupted when Kazuyuki spoke to her and said she could join them if she wanted. Nodding, Reiya grabbed her own things and followed the guy out of the classroom, where there was a crush of students. Reiya did take advantage of her petite form in weaving in and out of the crowd. It did help that Kazuyuki stood out with his height and white hair, otherwise she would have had a very hard time keeping up. Still was a bit of a struggle. She had lost sight of Velonix and Kazutora though.

As she walked, she noticed how the crowd thinned out and saw where Kazuyuki was heading. The roof? Was that a place they were even allowed to go to? Hoping she wasn't going to get into trouble for this, she looked to see if the coast was clear and went up the stairs. When she finally reached the top, she saw the siblings and Kazutora settling down. She approached Kazuyuki really quick.

"Thanks for inviting me. I'll try not to be a bother," she said before finding a place to sit down, away from the others.

She pulled out her own bento that her aunt made for her and started eating in silence.

Setting

2 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Astraea Mantrenul Character Portrait: Pavo Etoile
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”We might be the master of our own thoughts,
still we are the slaves of our own emotions."
~Unknown

Speech Code ~ #088A08
| Thought Code ~ #04B4AE




Instead of sleeping - instead of receiving the much-needed rest that the mortal form that she had acquired required of her - Astraea worked. She found her mind, for the first time in a long time within her equally drawn-out life, restless and uneasy. It raced with thoughts that clouded her thoughts and if she wasn’t careful, she felt that she would soon be drowning within the darkness there. So, instead of sleeping and welcoming the dreams that the ‘humans’ so enjoyed and feared at the same time, she worked.

Settled into bed but sitting up, she tucked her blanket around her legs. She had disrobed and instead drawn on a pair of shorts and a tank top, going for comfort over fashion, and with her blanket tucked around her legs to keep the chill away, she plopped her laptop on her lap. They were nifty devices, these computers and the internet. At least the humans are good for something, she snorted a bit at the thought. As if the humans were good for anything other than trouble and misery.

As she searched the web - This is such an interesting creation - she mulled over the different ideas that were swarming her thoughts of where to look and how to approach the search. Pavo had a point, she reasoned, and before she knew what she was doing, Astraea had begun to search for abnormalities in climates across the planet.

After a couple of hours - and some much wasted frustration - she had managed to narrow down their search to specific areas within Europe, Asia, and Australia. Each continent had experienced some abnormality or another in different locations throughout, but many of them could be attributed to simple climate change. Further research would be necessary, but at least it was progress. Notepad in hand and excitement visible in her features - she really needed this boost - Astraea found herself padding quickly from her room, across the small hallway, and fist raised to the door to knock lightly on it.

Face down looking at her notes, before the door could even open, ”Pavo, you will never guess what I figured out! I managed to narrow it down to areas within Europe, Asia, and Australia. That cut our search nearly in half!” she rushed out breathlessly, her cheeks flushed a bit in her excitement. She wasn’t quite used to taking on her human form and what that could entail, much of which was her body’s reaction to different emotions, and she found her heart racing along with her mind. Finally, the door opened, causing Astraea to turn her face up, head tilted back ridiculously far so as to see the face of the one revealed by the door - a sleepy and slightly disheveled Pavo. Despite his tired state, Astraea felt a drop in her stomach, her heart quickening a bit more at the sight, specifically his shirtless and boxer-ridden condition. She felt her eyes snag unbidden on his torso, in particular their muscled shape. Her cheeks reddened considerably, a look that was foreign to her cherubic cheeks, and she bit her lip a tad. Confusion warred within her, for she couldn't wrap her head around her body's reaction to this sight. Why? was all that echoed within her mind. Quickly, she dropped her head once more, her neck thanking her as she did, and she hid her face back in her notepad.

Freaking human body, making me feel things that I definitely do not understand, she internally grumbled.

”Ahem - as I was saying, I managed to narrow it down to certain areas within Europe, Asia, and Australia. Tomorrow we can discuss it a bit more as well as look further into these areas, but I couldn’t seem to fall asleep tonight so … Anyway, apologies for waking you. I was … Excited,” she finished on a murmur, sheepish in her demeanor.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazutora Miyato Character Portrait: Kazuyuki Orako Character Portrait: Velonix Orako Character Portrait: Reiya Goertz
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”A good friend is like a four-leaf clover;
Hard to find and lucky to have.”
~Irish Proverb

Speech Code ~ #B43104
| Thought Code ~ #FE9A2E
Phoenix Speech Code ~ #FF0000 | Phoenix Thought Code ~ #DF0174




The blank yet frazzled look that crossed Kazutora’s face almost made her giggle in amusement. Humans are so funny and cute! Velonix absolutely adored their reactions to different circumstances, as well as the effect that not only she but also her siblings had on them. With this human, however, it felt a bit different; more amusing, perhaps? She couldn’t place exactly what it was, but something made her want to see him flustered more often, as there was something - adorable? - and incredibly real about the reaction.

With that thought at the forefront of her mind, she found herself suddenly moving, barely able to snatch up her bag as they began to walk. At the sensation of the hand in hers tightening around her palm, she felt her pulse quicken, a small skip in her heart following. What was that? Puzzled, she found herself quickening her pace to keep up with her new friend, and unable to control herself she cast a final glance at her new classmates. Their mixture of shocked and interested looks were not something that she missed, nor were the few disgusted features twisting some of their faces. Instead of feeling embarrassed, she felt her own equal revulsion, but instead over their judgment. Who were they to pass any sort of critiques onto Kazutora, or even her?

A head shake and they were out of the room, slipping through the crowded hallways as students milled about on their various breaks. Velonix found herself squeezing Kazutora’s hand in an attempt to not be separated in the crowd, her small frame just barely able to keep up with him given the students crowding the passageways. When they finally broke through the thick of it and found themselves passing fewer teenagers, she felt herself relax a bit, a small sigh of relief escaping her lips. She wasn’t one for large crowds and hadn’t expected there to be so many people in such a small area when enrolling at human school, so it had caught her off guard, to say the least.

The stairs were easy enough to climb, with her adjusting the grip on her bag and bento box in one hand, Kazutora still holding the other. As they broke free onto the rooftop, the gentle spring breeze brushed her cheeks, a sweet relief to the stifling warmth of the school. She much preferred the outdoors - something that she had in common with her siblings - but it was a bonus that they had decided to visit Earth just after Spring and Autumn came to the world. Luckily, the two seasons were quite similar in temperament, if Spring only being a bit warmer, so she felt more than at home in the current climate.

Her thoughts were cut short as she felt the warmth of Kazutora’s hand abruptly disappear, leaving her own oddly cold despite its cloth covering, and her with an equally baffling sensation of missing the soft roughness of his palm, despite the thin material separating their flesh.

Did I not get enough rest last night for my mortal body? What is going on with me today? A head shake sent the thoughts from her mind; no need to focus on what she could not understand. "Keep away from those edges; it's dangerous." Velonix flicked a glance at the rails in question and was unsurprised to see their haphazard state. Anyone with eyes could tell that the makeshift guards were simply thrown together with obvious little care, but simply noting that fact for later, she found herself looking over the rooftop with piqued interest. It was clear that not many people came to the place, and for some reason she found herself questioning if they were even allowed up there, but it was also peaceful and more importantly, outside. So she was more than happy; the only thing that could possibly make the location better were if it were in the grass or under a tree. She wasn’t one for concrete and metal, but instead preferred nature, flowers and animals.

"This is it; find somewhere comfortable to eat, I guess."

The words jerked Velonix from her thoughts, and she was definitely guilty of having jumped a little in surprise. With a sheepish giggle and smile to go along with it, she turned to glance at Kazuyuki. ”Let’s have a great meal, shall we?” That said, she almost seemed to skip over to join Kazutora. Her brother sat a little bit away from them, clearly intending on taking a nap once he had finished eating, and she lowered herself to the ground beside Kazutora, her bag coming to rest behind her. Her fingers deftly began to unwrap her bento box, a soft hum resonating up from her chest. She moved a bit closer to Kazutora as she opened the box, revealing three sections containing adorably crafted onigiri accompanied by various sides. It was more than enough for her, and it wasn’t like she needed the food to survive anyway, so there was no harm in sharing with him. As she broke apart the two pairs of chopsticks that sat inside of one of the sections of the box - she always brought two just in case she dropped the one set - she held out a pair to Kazutora.

"Thanks for inviting me. I'll try not to be a bother.” Pulled from her current focus, Velonix cast a smile over at the girl who had spoken - Reiya, she had introduced herself as earlier. Without a second thought, Vel leaned forward on her hands and knees, reaching out to pat a spot closer to the three of them, even if Kazuyuki was a bit further away as well.

”You are absolutely no bother at all. Please, join us. I would love to become close friends,” she invited with a sweet smile as she dropped back to a sitting position. ”Feel free to ask us any questions, as I am certain you are both curious about my family. Yuki is not the most talkative so he may not answer, but I will do my best!” she said excitedly. ”I know that after this we have Japanese and English followed by our elective courses. I have home economics first. What do you both have?" ​She plucked up her chopsticks once more and snagged up a mini sausage that she had placed as a side, popping it in her mouth and almost purring over the flavor. She savored the juiciness of the meat and couldn’t contain her sound of happiness. Food was her absolute favorite thing about the mortal world. Damn, she was good, too. Grabbing another, she turned to face Kazutora, holding it out towards him with her free hand underneath to prevent anything from dropping onto the ground. ”Try it, Kazutora! I think you will like it a lot!”

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazumi Orako Character Portrait: Iphianassa Lykaois Character Portrait: Mafuyu Hanazawa Character Portrait: Natsuo Orako
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mafuyu hanazawa.
dialogue ; #7f9f91. – thought ; #bb7e8c.
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There's something about Iphianassa's reactions, the way he knows how to push her buttons just right to get them that fills his heart with a mischievous sense of joy. He knew better than to push her too far, but what he was asking about wasn't harmful anyway; if anything it just made it all the more obvious that he had taken an interest to them himself too. But instead, the brunette in front of him is a stammering mess, a finger pointed at him in an almost accusatory manner as he raises his own hands in surrender, even if the amused smile over his lips says anything but "I give up."

"I-I don’t - I mean, that is - How would I know something like that!" Comes words that might scare of most, but Mafuyu had long grown used to the girl's behavior, and frankly he was difficult to intimidate anyway. Priceless, seriously, how is she going to live this down, just offering up teasing material like that for free? He gives a faint snicker as she shoots that same familiar glare at him too, a hissed, "Don’t pretend to know what you’re talking about, Blueberry Man!" This wins him even more laughter, though, and he lets his head fall back as she makes her way out, "who says I don't know what I'm talking about! We both know I do!" Is all he calls after to her as she storms out of the classroom. Frankly, he had been in his fair share of relationships at this point, thank you. Not that Iphianassa hadn't herself, but her last one had ended less than ideal, and he wasn't about to be an ass about that. Knew that guy was bad news. Not that he was able to help much beyond trying to offer a shoulder to cry on. Had he wanted to go kick the guy's shit in? Absolutely. Though honestly, Iphignea probably beat him to it, and something tells him that the payoff would be better done by her hand anyway.

His teasing, if you could even call it that at the start though definitely by the end, lost him someone to walk with to the next class, and perhaps he deserved that. Oh well, he'd certainly survive through the quiet, that's how most his mornings were spent anyway, and the ride home.

Swiping up his skateboard from the floor and his backpack soon after, he makes his way for the doorway that the transfer students and Iphianassa went through, dodging past several lingering classmates that probably don't have a class right after this like some of them. Try not to block the door, would you? It hardly delays him in the end though, as he makes his way over and almost catches a glimpse of Iphianassa too far ahead to catch up and disappearing into the building for their second class of the day. Language arts, right after philosophy. At least it wasn't as painful, and technically he did have to pay attention in here; English was one of the subjects he'd be teaching once he landed himself a position in a high school after his graduation, and not learning the material well enough to teach it would just be shooting himself in the foot. Miyako asked me to tutor Mamoru for English this weekend anyway, so it'd be better refresh on it quick now. He was due to tutor that Kenji kid this weekend too, even if the boy was a spoilt brat (he'd come to learn that himself, and heard more than enough from his sister about the boy's antics at the high school). His parents paid him decently though, so who was he to turn down the job?

Thoughts of graduation requirements and tutoring jobs on the weekend are out of his mind in an instant when he enters the building for his language arts course, nears the door and all he can hear is the sound of Iphianassa's near yelling, that bitter angry sound showing what he would consider genuine anger from the girl that he didn't want turned on himself. She wasn't that mad about my teasing, was she? She would have actually taken it out on him if she were this mad though, and as he peeks his head around the doorway, he sees the source of those emotions clear as day.

Ah, Haruto. Cheating asshole of the century, emotionally manipulative and abusive next. Did he actually think he could win her back over? Why do people like him think they can just waltz back into people's lives after the damage they do? Astounding, really. It didn't seem he'd have to step in though; that final "fuck off" was enough to put the seal over his mouth for the time being. He nearly snorts out a laugh at the guy's face, like he thought his stupid plan would work so well, like it was so fool-proof. The narcissism is out of this world, man. Go hang out with my dad, you guys would probably click to best friends from day one.

Walking into the classroom with most eyes on Haruto and his obnoxious little gang after that scene, he doesn't have to worry to much as he half skips past in something of a mocking manner, head tilting towards the other classmate as he passes him, a, "humiliated yourself enough yet?" muttered in his direction, taking off before the male can retort or say anything back to him that wouldn't probably embarrass him further. Mafuyu knew he was higher on the social food chain than that guy, but he didn't particularly care anyway; Haruto deserved all the shit he got; he brought it on himself half the time after all.

Glance around the classroom again and there's full view of the desks, and gleefully he spots Iphi right where she always was, fully prepped to take notes and listen to the lecture, but alas, her favorite blueberry is here to ruin her plans.

I won't actually distract her that much this class though, our professor is okay for this one at least, and I need to teach it eventually.

"Iphiiii~!" A mix of whine and playful, he quickly made his way over to her again, look of betrayal crawling over his expression, "what'd you leave me behind like that for? We could've walked together! Did I make you that mad?" He cuts into a free seat close by, nearly sitting on top of the desk to chat, but he knows better than that by now; the professors would probably call him out for damaging property if they caught him doing so. But even with that teasing tone and the probably growing dread that he added to with his second time sitting near her, he tilted his head slightly, "you alright, by the way? Is he still not leaving you alone?"

A slight pause then, he glances around the classroom again before spotted the transfers once more, that same feeling hitting his chest again at the sight of them both. They were in front of where he and Iphianassa were this time, though whether that was good or bad he’d have to figure out; staring at the back of their heads with no distractions besides english lectures probably wouldn’t help make this go anymore smoothly. A slight head tilt all the same though, and he offers a brighter smile and wave. "Hi again Kazumi, Natsuo. Guess we share more than philosophy, huh?”

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazutora Miyato Character Portrait: Kazuyuki Orako Character Portrait: Velonix Orako Character Portrait: Reiya Goertz
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kazutora miyato.
dialogue ; #853232. – thought ; #035d63.
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Trying to get comfortable with a whole three extra people is more difficult than he could have imagined. The roof was normally just his, and his alone, no one else interested in sitting on hard concrete or risking that chance of falling to their death, or at least near death, through the railings that had continued weakening for however many years they'd been weakening against the weather, that wear and tear. Or they just knew that Kazutora took to hanging around the rooftops during free time, and either the assholes didn't feel like going up there to throw him off the top or the others just didn't want to spend their lunch in his presence. He didn't care either way, truly, as long as they stayed away.

But at the rate this was going, he would be seeing more company than ever before in the shape of "siblings" that looked nothing alike and Reiya who hadn't so maliciously avoided him as the others, but had still avoided him until now.

Wow, this was exhausting.

Shifting in his position a bit to try and find comfort in the glaring spring sun and the rock hard roof, and new company, he doesn't have very long before Velonix is on him again, the girl relentlessly finding ways to stay right next to him despite all the warning signs and red flags everyone had been given her, and despite his not so warmly, friendly way around her. Sure, he hadn't been a total asshole, but she seemed like the type to connect with people more bubbly and excitable, not Kazutora, who was doom and gloom and barely spoke a few words to each of her hundred. Would she grow tired of that?

His head feels like a constant battle of "please stay, please be my friend" and "please get away from me, please leave me alone." He's not sure which to feed more at this point, visceral reactions to both the more he thinks about it. Sure a friend would be nice, but the way most of his friendships went it wouldn't be nice forever. Would this thinking loop ever stop?

No, because now she was right at his side, lowering her bag and getting her food ready. In an open space like this, she could be as close as she wanted too, and he found himself curling in slightly, moving his gaze away and clasping his hands together to try and quell the nerves that this storm of energy and tooth rotting sweetness that she constantly exuded kept dredging up, kept fraying even when he normally could take a lot.

Just, not a lot of this. Not a lot of something he wasn't used to.

Reiya and Kazuyuki are settling in their respective spots now as well, and silently he thanks them for not choosing to gather in all tight and close like Velonix was, instead a few paces away and keeping distance. Kazuyuki because he clearly just wanted to sleep and Kazutora felt that in his heart, Reiya because she seemed too uncomfortable to sit close, or maybe she already wanted to go back to keeping her distance and ignoring again. He wouldn't be digging into that, he didn't particularly care what she chose to do in the end; even her closing that distance was mainly filled with silence and discomfort anyway; Iphianassa had always been the one to quell their differences when she was there and make hanging around each other more bearable, but when she was gone it was a little more than difficult, and he wasn't about to change in efforts or behavior now, when things could go back to normal after just a couple classes when words and actions started actually getting through to these people.

"Thanks for inviting me. I'll try not to be a bother," is all Reiya gives too as she settles into her spot, and all he gives in return is a shrug and a soft grunt of acknowledgement. Again, whatever she wanted she could do, her presence alone wasn't something to bother him in the end, it was too quiet and hidden.

But alas, Velonix is apparently the queen of making friends, and now she's seeking out Reiya's comfort and relationship as well.
He wants to be surprised, but it feels like he's already getting a feel for her character, "you are absolutely no bother at all. Please, join us. I would love to become close friends," and that invitation alone makes him feel like this personal space he has is about to get encroached on even more, but Kazuyuki stays in his spot at least. I guess I won't really have to worry about him either.

"Feel free to ask us any questions, as I am certain you are both curious about my family." She gives out that offer so easily, and even though Kazutora has questions, he keeps them down for now, only sparing a glance between the two of them and once again noting that there is no way in hell they're blood related. "Yuki is not the most talkative so he may not answer, but I will do my best!" He definitely wasn't very talkative, he'd rather caught onto that at this point, but he appreciated that too. He wasn't exactly the most talkative either, or so he felt. Maybe Kazuyuki had him beat in that department, given he'd hardly heard him exchange a couple words even after being around him for a few hours. Reiya was about the same too, though, but she seemed more in the field of timid, rather than their white haired classmate who just didn't seem like a person of many words. Would that change as he grew more comfortable? He definitely knew people like that. New students like that.

The barest moment of quiet for any questions is filled soon after with more from her though, small talk and conversation starter topics that most would try and take to get to know someone more, to try and add comfort and better flow in words and actions as things went on, "I know that after this we have Japanese and English followed by our elective courses. I have home economics first. What do you both have?"

For a moment he wonders if he should seriously just jump off the roof now. Not the second floor, the roof they were standing on together, and end it right then and there like everyone wanted him to anyway. Home economics, she said. Home economics, just like him. Was this the punishment he got for forcing this class off until the very last year, instead of just finishing it as soon as possible? Not only did he have to go through that class that he always dreaded, now he had to take it with the new girl? As in, spend every single class with her seeming to want to stick to his hip? His only hope now was that she would be assigned to be in a different group so he could breathe for the last hour of the day, but with his luck so far? Extremely unlikely.

Was this whole relationship turning into something of a new, quiet hope or a new level of hell?

"Try it, Kazutora! I think you will like it a lot!"

Ah, definitely a new hell.

The food being offered to him looks delightful, he won't lie, but they're being offered in a way that he's being fed by her, and something about that is too intimate- too embarrassing- too everything that he actually thinks he might combust right then and there. Not to mention, she's not even trying to do this in private? Doesn't she know her brother and Reiya are right there!? Get some manners, girl, this is way too much!

Taking in a near trembling breath, he finds dull eyes scanning over to the other two, tries not to think about what they'll say or do after this, and carefully takes the bite.

Will the humiliation ever end? God, if you're really there, will you strike me down with a bolt of lightning already!? He can already feel the heat in his face, that burning sensation that he hates so much, the way that his heart races and he can't bring his gaze up to meet anyone until it's gone. Downcast and furrowed brows, he quietly chews the food she gives him, tries to swallow the bitter sensation that wants to rise up with it. He should be grateful for her sharing food; it'd make the last classes easier to get through, and work too, but instead he just feels embarrassed beyond words.

At least it didn't happen around Kenji or something.

The food is swallowed, and he tries to settle the beating heart in his chest before he responds, gives an awkward, "...thanks," to her for the bit of a lunch he got for the first time in ages, even if it just made him more hungry than before, his stomach suddenly aware that oh, he could eat at this time of the day, and now he really wanted to.

Instead, he's muttering out a somewhat painful, "I have home ec, too, after English." And now she knows. Would she be overjoyed? Would he end up in that group he'd been shoved in, or would their teacher just reorganize everyone into new ones for fun? What would be best, what would be worse? He doesn't even know anymore. "...so I guess we have the same classes all day this time around."

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazutora Miyato Character Portrait: Kazuyuki Orako Character Portrait: Velonix Orako Character Portrait: Reiya Goertz
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kazuyuki orako.
dialogue ; #a59bbd. – thought ; #94bbed.
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The roof space is nice, Halcyon decides. He very much likes it. The quiet, the gentle splay of sunlight that warms his back as he settles into his spot, and the gentle breeze of his sister's spring that prevents it from overheating him as he's so prone to doing. No chaos, no noise, just comfort and a new, perfect napping space. Hopefully Kazutora wouldn't mind him dropping by up in this place occasionally, just to take advantage of the space for himself for a bit. Promise I won't take up too much room, I'd keep your space for you...

Shuffling through his bag, it's then that he pulls out the little lunch that he'd prepped with Harmonix earlier, still wrapped so nicely and keeping everything in place, stopping it from spilling or creating a mess in his bag or the box itself. He was quite proud of the display and selection as well, even if it was much more on the simple side in comparison to his autumn sister's. Not that any of us need to eat, but that takes a little bit of the joy out of this mortal experience if we don't, doesn't it? He'd learned to cook at home too anyway, for that little fun and life it brought, and the way it was one of the few things he felt like he could share that wouldn't hurt anyone like his season-

A slight shake of his head, he picks up the chopsticks he'd been practicing with these prior two weeks, getting them to rest mostly comfortably and stable in his hands before diving into the food, a small bit of the rice and meat mixture he'd made the night before. It tasted pleasant, though not as nice as it had for his dinner. Leftovers were rarely quite as good, he found.

His eating is paused just shortly after the first bite, though, that small, peachy haired girl from before approaching him quietly, and his gaze moves up as she speaks, "thanks for inviting me. I'll try not to be a bother." A slight head tilt in her direction, he wonders what she means by being a bother; he'd been the one to tell her she could come along, right? He'd be stupid to act as if she were annoying when he got her to tag along himself. A small shrug leaves him as she begins to move away though, brown-grey eyes looking a little brighter, a little more blue in the sunlight when he casts it in her direction, "I don't mind; do as you like, we're just eating lunch together." It was a simple activity, wasn't it? There was no need to worry over appearances and decencies when they were just sitting sort of together to eat.

His eating resumes soon after, though, taking several more bites as Velonix tries to stoke conversation, get things moving along so that she wasn't the only one speaking the entirety of this hour. "Feel free to ask us any questions, as I am certain you are both curious about my family. Yuki is not the most talkative so he may not answer, but I will do my best!" A glance up at the mention of him, his name, and he huffs a bit at her words, a quiet, "I'm not that bad, am I?" leaving him, but really, he kind of was. Conversation, talking, they weren't really his forté. Not that it was his fault- no, it was, his isolation was self inflicted after all, but that alone had certainly stunted him in speaking tactics, in the comfort of carrying conversation and topics like his sister did so effortlessly. Something about his words always got them stuck in his throat, made him feel as though they were better off just left unsaid in the end. So he'd take his sister's excuse to not speak much, not just not answer any questions he was unsure about or didn't feel up to. Ones that might make him slip up and expose their positions as gods from day one, and given how happy Velonix looked right now? He wasn't on a mission to ruin this for her already.

It's class discussions next, and he tilts his head slightly, frowns when he recalls that he and his sister were far from having as identical schedules as he'd hoped in the end. Even with same homeroom, electives and even clubs could end up widely different from student to student, and he hadn't been lucky enough to land in home ec with her. He didn't mind cooking and baking, and he was alright at housemaking sort of things - a needle and thread had been his best friend for a bit when he'd stayed in his room for so long; he had to keep busy somehow, right? But instead he'd landed himself into some sort of literature...creative writing? Class. Would it be poetry? Novels? Playwrights? He had no idea what to expect, but that wasn't to say he wasn't curious of it. The loss of his sister's comfort in proximity just left him to have to explore things on his own, and he'd survive doing so.

"They put me in literature and creative writing," he offers between bites, glancing around at the others, to Reiya who hadn't spoken anymore than him through the entirety of their lunch period. "I've never taken a class like that before..." He'd never taken any classes before, thank you. But he at least knew what to expect out of things like "social studies" and "mathematics." Those were obvious for him, no questions asked, could define them off the top of his head and already knew most of the information in those courses to pass through the coursework and exams without needing to take notes. All of his siblings were probably the same in that way, weren't they?

Sharing classes doesn't last overly long, though, not with Velonix's distraction of hand feeding the boy he'd memorized the name of finally. Kazutora, who looked sour and gloomy, but something told him he wouldn't always be that way. He'd at least been more friendly to his sister than any of the other classmates (yes, he'd been watching carefully), so for now he didn't so much mind the way he acted, his few words he was struggling to give to Velonix in his turns for responses, like his brain was already fried from all their interactions and talking as it was.

But those chopsticks with the small piece of meat are still being held out to him, and even though he can see it in the boy's eyes, knows that the last thing he wants to do is take the food, Kazutora does anyway, and in that instant of action his face is already a brighter red than before, practically on fire if Kazuyuki has anything to say about it. He won't lie; he wants to laugh a bit at it, but he'll spare the teen anymore embarrassment than his bright red face was preaching about already. Human reactions were interesting in that way; is this what Velonix had talked to him about so many times before? Entertaining, no doubt, but he wasn't like his sister; he'd watch them, but wouldn't seek them out, wouldn't try and cause them himself. That just wasn't for him.

His own food is finished a moment later, comfort in the warmth and pleasure of having a meal, and he quietly shuts the bento box just a moment later, sealing it back up with a tied knot over the top and back into the bag. With that done, all he's do for is an after-meal nap now, just enough time to perhaps catch a few minutes before they were due back in class again. Faint smile, he adjusts his bag to make it into something of a pillow before laying his head onto it, tries to readjust until the concrete isn't so rough on his side. That movement settles, but not before he shifts his head up towards Reiya again, once more offering a faint smile in her direction, "thanks for coming along with us." You seem nice to be around, "would it be okay for me to call you a friend?"

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazumi Orako Character Portrait: Iphianassa Lykaois Character Portrait: Mafuyu Hanazawa Character Portrait: Natsuo Orako
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”Talent can’t be taught;
But it can be awakened.”
~Wallace Stegner

Speech Code ~ #8A0808
| Thought Code ~ #045FB4




As she rifled through her belongings and began to get her books in order, Iphianassa heard a voice pipe up, calling her name in a pitiful yet coy howl. When she looked up and located the owner of the sound, she couldn’t contain the eye roll that followed. Greeeeat, just what I needed. What an eventful semester this is looking to be. It was an internal groan, revealing her emotions through the annoyed expression on her face. "What'd you leave me behind like that for? We could've walked together! Did I make you that mad?"

”In order for me to be mad, I would need to care about what you have to say, but since most of the stuff that comes out of your mouth is either sarcasm or a flirtation, it’s hard to take you seriously,” she scoffed, really going for the jugular today it seemed. It wasn’t her fault; the universe seemed to really be trying her patience and to be honest was lucky that she hadn’t set fire to the school yet.

”You alright, by the way? Is he still not leaving you alone?" The question gave Iphignea pause; she internally debated whether or not to lose her absolute shit over Mafuyu’s words. The boy was bold, she’d give him that, but he seemed to have no boundaries for others' personal lives - something that was bound to get him into trouble at some point. She couldn’t really pinpoint it, but he seemed to be lacking something - streetsmarts, perhaps? Despite the anger that threatened to boil over the nosiness of Mafu, she paused. Her doctor had been pushing her to try and make more friends. The least I can do is give it a shot. Plus, when she really studied him, he appeared to be genuine in his concern over her ex’s actions. You lose every shot you don’t take, and all that. Slowing a bit in her movements as she finished withdrawing her supplies from her bag, she sighed. With a soft thwup sound, her books hit her desk and she lowered herself into the seat, her physical demeanor betraying how tired she felt. She hadn’t been sleeping well - not that she ever had - but lately it had been getting worse, due to a combination of things, at the top of that list being the one and only Haruto. Rubbing her face a bit as though to try and bring herself back to her normal state, she stifled another sigh.

”It hasn’t been … Good, you could say. After what happened with Yumiko and him and I broke it off between us, I figured everything would just go back to how it was before we ever dated. But …” she paused and was unable to stop the next sigh that escaped her. ”Now, it seems like it won’t be that easy. It’s been over half a year and he still calls and texts me at least once a day. I figured that since we’re in different majors, I would be able to avoid him in class, but obviously that’s not the case. And …” This time it was a hesitation and her expression was weary as she continued, ”And someone has been leaving gifts for me at my temple every week. If it was just that I could ignore it, but …” Wringing her hands together, she stared down at her fingers, ”But after work every night this week, when I’ve been walking home alone, I swear that someone’s been following me. I’m not the type to just imagine that kind of thing. I may be paranoid and may have my own issues, but I swear I’m not just imagining it, and I can guarantee that I know who it is.” Clenching her hands into fists, she couldn’t help but feel her skin crawl a bit. An unfortunate side effect of her somewhat above-average senses was her uncanny ability to be able to tell when someone was watching her, and to be honest, even without her enhanced sensory, it would be nearly impossible to miss the beady brown eyes that belonged to her slimy ex. Unable to control herself, her lips turned into a scowl; it was a consistent expression that she made, or similar ones, when at school in particular, but she found her muscles were a bit tighter due to her increased emotions. Without being able to contain it, she snapped her head to the side and shot Haruto a glare full of absolute hatred and fury. Unfortunately for her, he had chosen a seat as close to hers as possible, which left only two students separating them. In response he simply smiled at her, in what she assumed he figured to be a charming way, but instead it had the opposite effect, leaving her disgusted and annoyed.

Before she could stop herself, her tattooed hand had lifted and she let out a fake sneeze, moving her head forward as she did so. When she pulled her head back, her hand held one dainty, long finger pointing towards the ceiling, and her scowl had twisted into a look of mock surprise. As she flipped him the bird and revelled in his shocked face, she quite sweetly slipped out, ”Didn’t I just get done telling you to go fuck yourself? Because obviously you didn’t hear me, seeing as you’re still staring at me with your beady little reptile eyes.” As he was satisfyingly struck dumb, his jaw hanging slack, Iphignea ignored the surprised stares of the few classmates that were near them. She wasn’t one for many words and given the small status of their town had spent the last decade with a majority of these people, so most of them knew better than to try and approach her. She had made her feelings about her peers clear; stay away from her, she’d stay away from them, and they’d have no problems, capiche? People are so freaking annoying. When will they learn?

An eye roll and Iphi turned back to her desk, only at that moment to have her new bubblegum classmate appear. As she watched the other woman flaunt her features to none other than Daisuke, she couldn’t contain the second eye roll that revealed itself. Daisuke was a confirmed socially awkward straight-edge who followed the rules to a T, leaving Iphi about as far as could possibly be from his friend group and activities. She knew him, but barely, and wanted to keep it that way. Seriously, what a dork. It would be a lie to say that Daisuke was a complete joke, though; the siblings were definitely something to look at, and matched with their odd charm they seemed to carry gave them a deadly draw. Kazumi’s sweet voice, tinged with hues of pink and yellow, and Natsuo’s gentle baritone that held soft blues and purples - they were enticing, to say the least.

"Hey, nice to see you again Ms. Lykaois. Your name is so pretty by the way! Are you from Greece originally?"

The sudden address of her name jerked Iphignea from her thoughts. As though confused or unsure despite her name being used, she actually turned in her desk to look behind her, as though searching for who Kazumi was speaking to. When she turned back to face the trio that were near her, she pointed at herself, seemingly baffled. People don’t just go out of their way to talk to me. Seriously - who is this chick? And she recognizes Grecian names? ”Um, me?” After a beat of awkward silence - Obviously she meant you, you freaking idiot - Iphignea found herself scowling again, but this time at her own stupidity. She wasn’t dumb, but had definitely just made herself seem to be.

Dragging her palm across her forehead as though she were having head pains, she sighed and seemed to relent, but to what, who knew? ”Of course, you mean me - not like there’s any other Lykaois’ here,” she muttered, seemingly to herself. When she glanced back up at Kazumi, her features were a bit more docile, at least half of her consistent hostility gone. Given her personality, however, she found herself crossing her arms defensively over her chest. Her sudden state left her feeling vulnerable in more ways than she could count, so to counteract it she found herself positioning her body protectively, legs and arms crossed, as though to guard her inner self - the child who was simply afraid of growing close to others. ”Yeah, I’m from Greece. I’m … Surprised you could tell. Most people don’t recognize Grecian names, and I’ve gotten to be really good at hiding my accent. I’m … Impressed.”

Fingers tightening their grips on her upper arms, Iphignea frowned, uncertain on how to proceed. Her therapist had encouraged her so often over the years to step out of her comfort zone and try to make friends, but it was just so freaking difficult. What if they found out about her past and decided they wanted nothing to do with her, after she had let them in? What if they developed the same asinine belief that her eyes could see things that others couldn’t? What if they found out about her indifference to gender, instead preferring what was within an individual when attempting to find love? What if, what if, what if - it all just cycled endlessly within her mind, almost as though entrapping her within the confines of a prison cell. When these thoughts assaulted her, she felt like little more than the scared, small child that her birth parents had done their best to create. Her back ached at the memories, stinging in resistance to what her mind was recalling.

Of course, these were all things that had been discussed in length with her various doctors, none of whom she had found herself able to connect or bond with. Instead, they had simply been there to make an easy buck off of the fucked up adopted foreign kid and really just couldn’t care less about what actually happened to her. At least now, with her current psychiatrist, she felt somewhat of a kinship. The woman had been through similar - albeit different - circumstances to Iphignea, and she couldn’t help but feel a bit of a connection through the woman’s empathy.

When she glanced up again, pulling herself from her reverie - she had a tendency to just clock out and into her own little world - she found her azure gaze snagged by intense eyes that looked to hold an entire summer storm within them. The depth of them stopped her breath in its place, and despite the thundering of her heart telling her to breathe, she was unable to focus on anything other than those eyes. An odd whooshing sound dulled all other noises around her, and for a moment, all that existed was this man’s fierce stare.

”Alright, class - take your seats and we’ll begin momentarily.” The sudden words somehow managed to wrench Iphianassa from her trance. She blinked rapidly, quickly coming back to the current moment, and was unable to contain the intensely red hue that instantly assaulted her face. What the hell is wrong with me, just staring at random people like that? He probably thinks I’m a freak - way to go, Iphi! If you were possibly going to make friends before, there goes your chance. They both probably think you’re some sort of freaking psycho. Groaning internally at the thought, she dropped her forehead onto her desk with a soft thud. She really couldn’t do anything right in her life, could she? And now she had to tell her psychiatrist what an utter loser she was; what a joke.

Language Arts proceeded without any intrusions or anything really eventful to note, and as their instructor gave the departing words, Iphignea began to gather her books, ignoring the hair standing on end on her arms. She knew without looking that it was Haruto staring again that was causing this to happen, and with a clenched jaw, she shoved her things into her bag with an unnecessary amount of aggression. Freaking chill Iphi; what'd the books ever do to you? A deep inhale followed by a slow exhale and she had calmed herself enough to pull her bag over her head. She could see Haruto attempting to make his way through the departing students to her side, but before he could reach her, she spun to the nearest person to her and grabbed their arm, rather loudly exclaiming, ”Wow, thanks for inviting me to lunch! I absolutely can't wait to share our lunch hour together! Lead the way!" without even bothering to look at the person in question.

Setting

6 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazumi Orako Character Portrait: Astraea Mantrenul Character Portrait: Iphianassa Lykaois Character Portrait: Mafuyu Hanazawa Character Portrait: Natsuo Orako Character Portrait: Pavo Etoile
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Code- #790D49


Pavo was deeply asleep but had learn to wake in an instant. Even though he wasn't human anymore, he still retained some of his human habits, and the ability to wake up instantly was one of them. It was something he picked out during WWII when he joined the rebellion. You always had to watch your back for you never know when you had to move, so sleep became a precious commodity. Another trait he still carried though, was the fact that he was a crabby person when woken up suddenly, like right now.
He didn't even fully pick up what Astraea said, only that he heard his name. Someone was certainly excited. Groaning, Pavo got up slowly. He was so out of it that he didn't even bother to put on a shirt or brush his hair. So when opened the door, he was still only in his boxers, which had red hearts and silver stars all over it. He scowled when the lights hit his eyes too.

Looking at Astraea though, he saw her demeanor change from excited to demure as she noticed his own physical state. It wouldn't be the first time he got such a reaction out of a woman. After all when he had time, he did indulge in the human women of this planet, but those were quick 'one-night stands'. In the USA, the women there practically melted the moment he opened his mouth and his French accent hooked them in. When Astraea's eyes finally rested on his face and not his torso, he managed to smile. Her reaction certainly put him in a better mood instantly. All too soon though, she hid her face behind her notepad and told him she managed to narrow down their search.

Looks like she took his suggestion to heart, which pleased Pavo. He was glad they were making headway too. The question now to be where to go from there. However before saying what he was thinking, he said something else.

"It's no problem, Astraea. I don't blame you for getting excited. And um, technically it is tomorrow, so if you want to keep on talking about it, by all means go for it. By the way, would you like for me to put on a shirt?" he asked smiling mischievously.





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Code- #FF1493

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Code- #0000CD


Before Iphianassa could answer Kazumi's question, the other guy from their previous class showed up and addressed the dark hair student. Kazumi liked the nickname he gave her, it was cute. Looking at the blue hair guy, what was his name again?, oh, Mafuyu Hanazawa, she very much liked his interaction with Iphianassa. Their interplay reminded her of her relationship with Natsuo. Soon Mafuyu addressed her and Natsuo. Smiling, Kazumi answered him.

"It's nice to see you too! I'll be honest, I am looking forward to this class more then I was the last one."

Soon the subject seemed to get serious when Iphi started talking about an ex-boyfriend of hers. Kazumi wondered if Natsuo was listening. She looked at her brother, and while it seemed like he wasn't paying attention, she saw how his eyes had darken to the point of looking black. Oh dear, that was never a good sign. Natsuo might not show it, but he had a high sense of honor and anyone without was a pest at best in his eyes. And hurting women was one of his biggest pet peeves and a quick way to ignite his anger. It sounded like Iphi had a stalker on her hands and that was even worse. Kazumi could feel her own inner rage growing, but took a deep breath and decided to try and calm down Natsuo.

Without saying a word, Kazumi got out of her seat, and placed a hand on his cheek. His eyes opened wide and he looked at his older sister and saw her sad smile. He then realized just how close he was to losing it. Last thing he needed to do was blow their cover and the last time he lost control of himself, it has caused the Dust Bowl that devastated the USA during the 1930s. He felt such shame for that and it was one of his biggest regrets. Immediately he pinpointed was almost set him off, it was learning that Ms. Lykaois had an ex that just would not leave her alone. Taking a deep breath himself, he patted his sister's hand to let her know he was back in control. Nodding, Kazumi returned to her seat. Both looked at Iphi's ex after seeing her look at him. Both already knew they were going to keep an extra eye on him now. When Iphi told the guy off, Kazumi actually laughed, which earned her a few looks from her fellow classmates. Natsuo grinned himself. The girl certainly had spunk. He admired those who stood up for themselves so his opinion of her improved a bit.

Finally Iphi answered Kazumi's question. The girl was clearly flustered by the compliments, and it did amuse Kazumi and Natsuo because one minute she had a strong backbone and the next she acted like a bashful teenager.

"It's obvious your last name isn't Japanese, and I just love learning about the world. Hey can I call you Iphi too?
You have such a pretty name that I worry I would butcher it."


However the girl didn't have time to answer since class started up. Kazumi was relieved that this class was more interesting then the last one. Still there were times she almost found herself falling asleep. Still it was better to be bored then to be irritated by the subject matter. Thankfully this was to be her last 'boring' class.

Soon class ended, and thankfully this time not many students came to their area. However, both Kazumi and Natsuo watched Iphi's ex and could see he was looking at Iphi. Both got their things together quickly and ended up sticking to her side. What they weren't expecting was for Iphi to suddenly grab Natsuo and say something about inviting her for lunch, rather loudly. Natsuo was genuinely shocked at the physical contact and Kazumi laughed. It was obvious she wanted to get away from her ex and Kazumi played along right along.

"Sure thing Iphi! Why don't you show Natsuo where the best place to eat is hmm?"

An idea popped into her head too. She wanted to know more about the girl's ex, but thought it wasn't a good idea to ask the girl herself. Mafuyu seemed to know about him though. Turning she immediately when to the guy.

"Say, can I ask you something very quick? This won't take long at all!" she said before taking his wrist and dragged him out of the classroom, winking at Natsuo on her way out.

Natsuo rolled his eyes at his sister's antics and turned to Iphianassa.

"Come on, let's get out of here," he said before leading the girl out of the room.

He couldn't help but turn and glare daggers at the ex though. One could tell what he was conveying too 'just try me pal'. When Natsuo got them out of the classroom, he still took the lead though and took her to place outside where there were no crowds.
Once outside, Natsuo felt better. Once alone, Natsuo addressed his classmate.

"I don't think your ex will find us here. The other day when exploring the campus I figured this was one of the places people don't visit much during lunch. Sorry, I guess I should have asked if you brought a lunch with you. I have some here, but it's pretty spicy." he said as he sat on the ground next to a tree and opened his own bento up to reveal his meal of traditional Japanese lunch of ramen, tempura, and veggies.

Only difference was all of the spice cooked into each. One thing Natsuo found lacking in Japanese cuisine was the lack of spices found here. Oh there was wasabi, but the stuff was very mild as far as Natsuo saw. Once nice thing about society was web access, so Natsuo ordered spices online from outside of Japan and got stuff from India and China. With his current meal, Chinese Chili peppers had been cooked in with each element.

Meanwhile, Kazumi had also led Mafuyu to a secluded area outside. She was so tired of being indoors.

"Sorry about that, I just wanted to ask you a question about Iphi's ex really quick. Was it the guy who kept looking at her throughout class and what's his name? I am just really curious and I'd figured you know that much about him. And if you're worried about Iphi being with my brother, I can assure you she's safe with him. Just this morning our younger sister was being harassed and Natsuo was ready to beat the crap out of the delinquents, but someone beat him to it. He really doesn't like guys who target girls. Anyway, I've jabbered on long enough. After you answer my question, you can be on your way and I'll go find Natsuo and Iphi."

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazutora Miyato Character Portrait: Kazuyuki Orako Character Portrait: Velonix Orako Character Portrait: Reiya Goertz
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Code- #D66B70


Reiya was a bit caught off guard by Velonix's exuberance. She did see the gesture for her to sit closer. She first looked at Kazutora though and had a feeling he didn't want his personal space invaded then it already was. It was obvious he wasn't use to someone like Velonix. Looks like Velonix didn't know how to 'read the room' too or she might tone down her actions, at least to not get so close to people right off the bat. Reiya did learn that the Japanese were very formal and it generally wasn't a good idea to be so informal right off the bat. Reiya was beginning to question if the Velonix and Kazuyuki were Japanese. Despite their Japanese names, they certainly didn't look it nor sounded it. Then again, Reiya was half Japanese, but didn't look it for the most part. Her looks most came from her German side and the only thing she got from her mother was the petite and small frame.

Deciding to move a little closer, she did pick up her stuff and move just a bit closer, but not so much as to make Kazutora any more uncomfortable.

"Well I do have a few questions. Can I ask where you two are originally from and what made you move here?" she asked, genuinely curious.

She wouldn't ask anything too personal. They just met after all. Soon Velonix turned her attention back to Kazutora and offered him some food. How she offered it caused Reiya to gasp a bit for even for German standards that was too much. Poor Kazutora was as red as an apple now. Reiya would have said something, but the guy did take the food that was offered to him. Reiya sighed.

"Um, Ms. Velonix . . . you might want to be careful acting like that out in public. I know you're trying to be nice and it's sweet of you to do that but feeding someone like that here . . . . people would think you two are . . . . um . . . intimate . . . sorry! It's just here in Japan, people are pretty formal. If you look around town, there's little physical contact. Not even couples would kiss each other in public." Reiya stammered a bit, her own face a light shade of pink, matching her hair color.

Her German accent was apparent that time too. Even though she's only been living in Japan for 2 years, she still had a bit of a German accent, and it became more prominent when she was emotional. She grew up bilingual too for her mother taught her Japanese. It was then Reiya remembered Velonix's questions about classes.

"Also sorry for not answering your question, but after this I have the same classes as you do, except for the last one, I have creative writing."

Done talking, Reiya started eating her lunch. Her head turned to Kazuyuki though when he mentioned Creative Writing also. Eating lunch went fine after that, but soon Kazuyuki spoke up and looked at Reiya, who was once kept glancing in his direction from time to time. When he asked if they could be friends, Reiya blushed once more. Even though he was much more quiet then his sister, Kazuyuki certainly seem to be a bit forward also.

"Um, you're welcome and it's okay if you want to see me that way," she said.

As nice as the two new students were, Reiya wasn't willing to call them friends though, not now at least. Even with Iphi and her cousins, she didn't call them friend until like a year ago. Her father once told her that it's easy to get along with people, but it wouldn't be right to say your friends with them until you knew the person and accepted them, which included any secrets they might have.

Setting

2 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Astraea Mantrenul Character Portrait: Pavo Etoile
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”Souls that resemble attract inevitably.”
~Unknown

Speech Code ~ #088A08
| Thought Code ~ #04B4AE[/




"It's no problem, Astraea. I don't blame you for getting excited. And um, technically it is tomorrow, so if you want to keep on talking about it, by all means go for it. By the way, would you like for me to put on a shirt?"

Astraea bristled a bit - he had obviously noticed her reaction to his half-naked state, not that she had done much to hide it, but for some reason she only felt a little bothered by this. More than anything, what she was feeling was something that she could not quite name. It was something foreign, something new - something human - and she wasn’t quite sure if she liked it or not. As for Pavo, he was clearly amused by her response, and whether or not he had aimed for this type of reaction, she felt a small urge to punch him. In an attempt to refrain from doing that, however, she clutched her notepad tighter. Why did she have an urge to hit him over the way that his body made her feel? More importantly, why did her body feel this way?

Shaking off the thoughts, she moved the notepad down a bit to reveal her face despite its still-pink state. Fixating a calculating gaze on him, she mulled over how to answer. If she said yes, then he would be smug over the fact that his surprisingly attractive body had such an effect on her. However, if she said no, he would more than likely stay shirtless and she wouldn’t be able to concentrate entirely. Essentially, it was a matter of pride or progression. Plus, she felt herself not really wanting him to put a shirt on - How peculiar of a thought to have. Eventually, pride won out.

”That is not necessary. Whether you are fully clothed or not makes little difference to me,” but even as she spoke, she could feel her face heating up a bit more, the lie evident on her features. It so clearly made a difference, and despite her words she found herself regretting saying them. Did she ... Want to see him like this? But why though? He was her junior, nothing more and nothing less; she was obligated to train him to become the best Star and Guide that he can be, not fawn over him like some teenage girl. In an effort to hide this fact she turned away and strode towards the kitchen, intent on making them both a snack and something to drink. At this point, she was exhausted enough to partake in the human vice that was liquor - something that up until this point, she had only tried a few handful of times.

With that thought in mind, it took little time to retrieve the simple bottle of Bailey’s she had bought on a whim while shopping for groceries when she first arrived. It was easy enough to pop it open and pour them both a shot, at which point she almost seemed to smack it into the counter in offering to him. Her face half-turned away and still holding its rosy hue of embarrassment and attractivity, she held up her own small glass, awaiting him to tap his own against her rim.

”If we are going to be up all night, we may as well make the most of it … So cheers.” With that, she tossed the shot back in one gulp, letting out a small cough as she tapped the glass back onto the counter. This will take some getting used to.

Her hand rubbed absentmindedly at her upper arm, a small chill sliding across her. It was nice enough in Iceland, but the nights could become quite chilly and she found herself regretting her comfort of a tank top over something warmer, like a sweater. She would have to make due with the blanket in the living room for now.

After she had retrieved a box of cookies, she poured another shot, grabbed both the bottle and the glass, and with her notepad under her arm made her way out to the couch. With a small sound she plopped down onto it and placed her items on the coffee table.

”To be honest, I highly doubt that they would have gone to Australia. The country is well-known to have high temperatures throughout a majority of the year, so there is no way they would drag Halcyon into that climate. The boy would have a heat stroke within twenty minutes.” Her hand deftly removed the pen from where it sat on the spiral and with a quick stroke she had crossed out Australia. ”So that leaves us with Europe and Asia. I have no idea which place they would choose over the other; both have similar climates throughout and are beautiful and rich in both scenery and history. Unfortunately for us, that means we will have to comb through both countries until we find them.”

The sound of a bag crinkling could be heard as she removed two cookies, offering one to him without a second thought.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazutora Miyato Character Portrait: Kazuyuki Orako Character Portrait: Velonix Orako Character Portrait: Reiya Goertz
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”I don’t want to occupy your personal space,
But at least I want to be the small but irreplaceable part of your life.”
~Subhabrata Ray

Speech Code ~ #B43104 | Thought Code ~ #FE9A2E
Phoenix Speech Code ~ #FF0000 | Phoenix Thought Code ~ #DF0174




Still holding the food out to Kazutora, Reiya’s voice filtered in between them, momentarily diverting her attention from her new friend. "Well I do have a few questions. Can I ask where you two are originally from and what made you move here?" Despite the small flit of anxiety that she felt over the questions, Velonix’s smile never wavered. Instead, she seemed to be almost confident as she gleefully answered the girl. The less suspicious that they acted, the less likely someone was to find out their true identities. This was a major reason why she had offered up the information willingly and from herself; not only does it seem less odd if she was willing to share it, but also they would not pester her brother, who would be less likely to pull off a lie with ease. She abhorred lying, but would do so if necessary, and when it came to keeping their statuses as Gods and Goddesses a secret, she would simply have to ignore her morals for the time being and do so to protect her family.

So with that ever-present cheerful smile, she easily answered the curious girl. Velonix may be a bit of an airhead at times, but she was far from stupid. It was clear that everyone they had met so far found it odd that not only did four random teenagers move to such a remote town at such an abnormal time of the year, but they also claimed to be siblings yet looked nothing alike. The curiosity was understandable - humans were always such curious creatures - and she couldn’t fault Reiya for having questions, or any human really.

”Well, in all honesty, Yuki and I are not actually blood related. Neither are we to our elder brother or sister; you see, we were all adopted while we were under the age of ten, at different times of course.” This was where she sprinkled in a little bit of truth - that was always the best way to tell a believable lie, to drop a small bit of truth into it. She held up her hand that had been cupped under the other and counted off on her gloved fingers, holding each one up individually as she spoke until there were four. ”First there was Kazumi, followed by Natsuo, then there was me, and finally Yuki. We were adopted by an older couple who had not been able to have children of their own and were quite late in their lives. They were looking for the love and support of children, as well as someone to leave their fortune to. So they adopted Kazumi, but she was lonely and asked for a sibling. When they brought in Natsuo, she told them that she wished for a sister, and that is why they adopted me. Because of this, Natsuo complained of wanting a brother, and that is where Yuki comes from. I am originally from Scotland, as is Kazumi, but one of her birth parents used to be Japanese, hence her name. They found us both in the same orphanage, just at different times. Natsuo and Yuki are both from Japan though, and the same orphanage too, but also were not together there. Japan is where our adoptive parents are from as well, so that is why we settled into Japan instead of Scotland.” This is where she put her theatrics into work, some tears gathering in her eyes. ”Unfortunately, mother and father recently passed away from illness. As I said before, they were both quite old, so when mother grew ill, father wished to care for her of course. He quickly caught pneumonia, and due to their age … Well, I can only say that I am happy that it was quick.”

Velonix wiped a finger at her eyes, brushing away the tears and gathering another smile. ”But it is all okay, because they left us with enough to live the rest of our lives comfortably. Kazumi took on the legal responsibility for Yuki and me, so we were all able to stay together. We moved to Akita to live quiet lives. Everything will be okay in the end.”

At that point Kazutora finally took the food from the chopstick, allowing her to lower her arm - it had begun to grow tired - and she couldn’t contain the pleased look that crossed her face at his action. When she tilted her head down a bit to see his expression better, an amused smile appeared on her lips. A mixture of amusement and what she could only describe as joy settled in her stomach at the sight of his reddened cheeks. How positively adorable. Humans truly are fascinating, and this one has the best reactions. She found herself captivated by this human’s responses more so than others, however; his pink face and near-ruby eyes were positively charming to her.

"...Thanks, I have home ec, too, after English … So I guess we have the same classes all day this time around." And there was his voice, growing more and more soothing to her each time he uttered a word. It was clear the boy did not speak much, for whatever reason, so to be the one on the other end of his conversation made her feel special, as though they truly were friends. It made her happy to think like this, so she settled on this thought process with a joyful smile. Her excitement over being in the same classes with him throughout the day was uncontainable and she found herself clasping his hand up between them, almost bouncing in place.

”How exciting! I cannot wait to spend my semester with you!” she smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling with an oddly fiery glint in the bright sunlight.

"They put me in literature and creative writing. I've never taken a class like that before..." Velonix knew immediately that Halcyon was not only saying this as him simply having never taken that type of class before, but instead that he had never actually taken a class before period. They had all been raised under the instruction of their parents and the Stars, so class for them had been either sitting together just the four of them and their instructor, or venturing out and about with, again, the four of them and their instructor. Not only this, but they had never had a real friend before; the only children they knew growing up were each other.

Before she could say anything, however, Reiya was speaking, her voice timid and shy. "Um, Ms. Velonix . . . you might want to be careful acting like that out in public. I know you're trying to be nice and it's sweet of you to do that but feeding someone like that here . . . . people would think you two are . . . . um . . . intimate . . . sorry! It's just here in Japan, people are pretty formal. If you look around town, there's little physical contact. Not even couples would kiss each other in public." Intimate? As in, the intimacy between romantic couples? Velonix racked her brain for her memories of the different events that she had observed involving romance and ‘intimacy’ between humans. All of her experience in romance had been in watching humans, reading books, and observing the love that her parents held for one another. She had no idea that what she had done could be considered something that was solely between a romantic couple, and when she recalled how the image may have looked to someone outside of herself and Kazutora, her own cheeks began to turn a bit red in a mixture of shame and embarrassment. But … I never meant it to be like that. I was just happy to finally have a friend … Not that they knew that; they only knew that she had been over-excited and clearly overbearing. No wonder Kazutora had responded the way that he had; it was not because of anything nice, but instead because he was embarrassed by her actions. Velonix blinked back the tears that threatened to sting her eyes, refusing to allow them to see. ”Oh … I-I apologize if I made you feel uncomfortable … I just … I found his reactions to be fascinating - or how you would say here, cute?” she said the word as a question, uncertain if that was the correct way to describe it.

I told you before and I’ll tell you again; you shouldn’t waste time becoming friends with silly humans. They’ll never understand you. At the words, she felt a bit of sadness move into her heart. I did not ask for your opinion. Leave me alone.

"Also sorry for not answering your question, but after this I have the same classes as you do, except for the last one, I have creative writing."

After what Reiya had said, Velonix sat back down and grew unnaturally quiet. ”How nice … That Yuki is able to have a class with someone as nice as you,” she simply said softly, her eyes turned down to her bento box. She was embarrassed, and not only that, she was sad as well. Her expression somewhat crestfallen, she moved away from Kazutora a bit but at the same time slid half of her lunch over to him. She easily moved a couple of Onigiri into the box that she had given him, wanting to split it fairly. ”I did tell you I would share, right?” was all she said before starting on her food, using it as an excuse for her lack of energy.

It didn’t take any of them long to finish their meals, and when Yuki mentioned befriending Reiya, Velonix was happy for him despite her own melancholic state. At least one of them was making friends, she supposed. At that thought, she flicked a glance towards the portion of the bento box that she had given Kazutora. The sight of the empty box uplifted her spirits a bit, but she still could not shake the lack of vibrancy that she felt. She was deflated, her excitement over having a new friend gone, and felt like a wet kitten.

A small smile lingered on her lips, though it did not quite reach her eyes and was a bit forced on her end. ”I am glad you liked the food. If you want, I can make you lunch from now on; I already make my siblings lunches, so adding another would not be difficult at all.” At this point she reached over and retrieved the empty box, rewrapping them all together. Once she had finished, she looked down at the box for a moment as though in thought.

”I … I apologize if I upset you. I have a tendency not to think when I am excited, and I …” She paused, as though uncertain whether or not to continue. What she wanted to say next was not something most people would openly want to admit, and even she felt a bit embarrassed over the statement. ”I … I was just excited, because … I have never had a friend before, other than my siblings. It … Made me happy to finally have one.” At this, the smile that she held turned sad, almost bittersweet. ”So again, I apologize for being overbearing. I will try to do better, but I understand if you do not wish to be friends with me.” Even as she said the words, she felt her fingers tighten around her bento box. She did not want him to say that he did not want to be friends with her, but it was not as though she could control him or how he felt. She could not force him to want to be friends, and she could not force him to like her.

Velonix lifted her bento box and dropped it back into her bag, removing her sketchbook and pencil in the process. If they had this much time to kill for their lunch period, she might as well get some art done. Especially since she did not want to bother Kazutora anymore than she had. So like the kicked puppy she felt that she was, she settled in with her back to the small wall that was connected to the rails guarding the edges of the rooftop, flipped open to a blank page, and settled in to work.

So engrossed in her work was she that before she knew it, half an hour had passed and they would need to start heading back to the classroom soon. At least she had calmed down and recentered herself. She was still sad, but it was manageable and if Kazutora truly did not want to be her friend, she would simply have to accept that fact. So instead of happily bounding over to him as she wanted to, Velonix simply bowed, keeping her head down. ”Thank you for spending the lunch hour with me, and I appreciate your help up until now. Again, I apologize for being a bother, and if you do not wish to be friends, I understand.” With that said, she turned on her heel, not even intending to wait for Yuki to catch up with her. He could walk with them - at least he was their friend.

The thought brought tears stinging her eyes. At least he was their friend. She knew that she was weird, and she knew that she could be a bit too much, but why was it so impossible for her to make friends? When she would visit Earth with her parents as a child, the Earth children would often run away from her, saying that her eyes and hair were weird. This was before she had perfected her transformation abilities when it came to hiding her Goddess form, so oftentimes her appearance would come off as ethereal to the humans, even if they could not quite pinpoint what was odd about her. She was a freak then, and she was a freak now; it had been foolish of her to think she could ever be otherwise.

Her footsteps slowed and she came to a halt. The classroom was still about a three minute walk away, but she found herself not wishing to go back there yet, especially when she still felt the way that she did. A hand lifted and she rubbed her eyes on her gloves, attempting to rid herself of any tears that threatened to cloud her vision. All I wanted was a friend. That was one of the main reasons why I even wanted to live on Earth.

”Looks like I finally found you. You’re a tough one to track down, aren’t you? Well, I guess that’s to be expected, given how pretty you are. I’m sure you’re already popular, right? Pretty enough that lingering around that clown Tora wouldn’t hurt your growing fame, I’m sure.”

Velonix jumped and turned, taking a step back quickly at the suddenly close proximity of the person who had spoken. When she turned her eyes up, she found herself staring at the boy who had grabbed her in class earlier and spoken so terribly about Kazutora. Her back bumped into the wall, but she held her backpack between herself and the boy, almost as a defensive counter. He took the opportunity to move closer and despite the barrier between them, leaned in so that he was a mere foot away, smiling in what she found to be an eerie way down at her. He undoubtedly thought himself to be charming, but instead she felt nothing but disgust at his proximity. ”You know, I wasn’t joking earlier. You really should avoid that guy. He’s nothing but trouble, and he’ll only hurt your chances of becoming popular here. You do want to make a lot of friends, don’t you?”

The question made her pause, but it was only for the briefest of moments. Yes, she wanted to make friends, but not if it meant betraying her morals. Anyone who would treat someone so poorly could never be a friend of hers. With a disgusted look, she clutched her bag closer to her. ”I suppose you think that I should be thanking you right now for the ‘advice’ you just gave me, right?” She snorted a bit, drawing from her knowledge of how Phoenix would act in this situation. ”Have I not already said before that I can make my own judgment of who I decide to surround myself with? After today, I already know for a fact that you are not one of the people that I wish to become friends with. So, if you will excuse me,” she said curtly, attempting to push around him.

Before she could get very far, he snatched her wrist again - what was with humans and thinking that they had any right to touch her without her permission? - and she was immediately assaulted with another barrage of images from the boy’s life. This time of him stealing money from his mother’s purse, throwing rocks at a stray cat, and finally surrounded by his friends and holding a familiar blond head under a fountain filled with water.

Velonix ripped her arm away, as though his mere touch revolted her, and before she could stop herself, her hand had shot out and connected with the boy’s face, hard. Harder than she meant to, that was for sure. She had unintentionally used some of her Goddess strength, and the slap resounded through the hall with a sickening smack, sending him stumbling into the wall and clutching his already reddening cheek. It was clear that the boy was reeling from the hit, but she was not about to stick around and see what he did to her as revenge. Instead, with a small squeak, she stammered out, ”Learn to keep your hands to yourself! And leave Kazutora alone!” and she took off down the hall towards the classroom, her cheeks red from everything that had happened in the last hour.

When she finally reached the room, it was mostly empty except for the few students who had remained there to eat and a couple of strays who had also made their way back after lunch. She took the opportunity to catch her breath outside the doors. As she leaned against the wall, attempting to slow her breathing, she clutched at the center of her chest and clenched her jaw. Even if he did not wish to be her friend, she would not allow these despicable human children to continue their awful bullying of Kazutora. Even if he did not want her around, or anything to do with her, she would keep her distance and stop them before they could even start. Even if he did not consider her to be his friend, she would still see him as hers.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazutora Miyato Character Portrait: Kazuyuki Orako Character Portrait: Velonix Orako Character Portrait: Reiya Goertz
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kazutora miyato.
dialogue ; #853232. – thought ; #035d63.
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Question time is in, and Reiya is asking the first one, perhaps the only one at this rate. It's the same question that's been on his mind too, the curiosity of why they all said "siblings" when it was so obvious they had different parents. No normal being would have a range of white to pink hair, and pink to brown eyes with hardly any physical similarities and quirks. So it's something of a relief when Velonix finally spills that they aren't actually related, and finally his mind could rest. Of course he had assumed that that was the case, but just hearing it come from her herself put some of his odd trains of thought to rest.

Doesn't mean the way she talks about her passed on adoptive parents leaves an odd taste in his mouth though. Somehow, that part of the story didn't quite feel so real to him, or maybe he was reading to much into it. Regardless, who was he to critique someone through their mourning process? Even if Kazuyuki was half asleep by this point, and even this question and answer session or the mention of dead parents didn't seem to overly phase him. Maybe he's just...really good at keeping things internal.

Her story carries on for awhile, longer than he had expected from the simple question of "are you guys actually siblings?" but he doesn't mind so much, quietly listening to the ups and downs she gives, or the fact that their eldest sister was acting as a legal guardian for them. Was that rather normal in these sort of situations? It would make sense to keep the whole family together, he figures, and they all did seem quite close from what he could gather, so he wouldn't think too hard on that either.

Food is being eaten as they continue, Kazutora still trying to swallow down that flustering embarrassment that won't leave after being fed by the new girl, something he just hopes won't leave this roof itself, won't move down and twist into new rumors about either of them. Velonix, who seemed innocent enough in her attentions and likely just not quite adjusted to the cultural differences here, and Kazutora, who genuinely wasn't asking for any of it or pressuring her into doing something that others would no doubt see as strange or gross, at least when it was for someone like him. If people start thinking we're a couple, they'll probably assume I forced her into it or something. I don't...I don't need that sort of rumor going around over me. Not...not after...

Shaking his head slightly, he looks back to the ground, hands awkwardly messing with the tiny pieces of gravel that litter the concrete, some sort of distraction from his frayed nerves, but it seems that things won't quite settle yet, or end in any sort of way that will bring about comfort for the last hours of school. Not when Reiya speaks up, and at first he's a little relieved, the way she tries to gently, if not a bit nervously point out that bit of culture that the girl hadn't quite been falling into, may not have even realized was an issue yet; it sounded like they had been from more of a western place, where he knew affection and the like, more openness and impoliteness with strangers or acquaintances, even more so with friends, was perhaps more welcome.

Yet, he can see that shift in her expression, how it falls into something more upset, depressed, and he knows that what may have been a simple clarification had, to Velonix at least, been a complete slap to the face, a deflation in her energy and excitement from before as it turns into looking like a kicked puppy instead.

"Oh … I-I apologize if I made you feel uncomfortable...I just...I found his reactions to be fascinating - or how you would say here, cute?" Come her words, and he feels himself flush again at the word "cute." Had she been teasing him this whole time? No doubt in a way to be friendly, but at the same time he finds himself burning up a little more. Not that he can fully focus himself on those emotions in turmoil when more were fighting in his chest, discomfort and awkwardness, and a little bit of regret over the way she was acting, treating him now, as if she had hurt him. Which, she hadn't actually caused him pain, it was more just discomfort over the sudden change in environment and people that he was struggling to grow used to even now.

"It's not really that you-" He begins, barely over a mumble, but he's cut off at the offer of food, a reminder that she was willing to share with him despite this new discomfort and embarrassment she was so clearly feeling, if the faintly glassy look in her eyes meant anything. Was she...crying? Had he made her cry, already?

He doesn't quite have the strength to push forward with his words at that sight, at that thought, as if he'd burn her if he touched her, or if he tried to speak again, just make her actually cry rather than be on the verge. Sure, he was used to making people cry, whether it was in a physical or verbal fight, but Velonix had been kind, she hadn't brought that sort of reaction or intention from her on herself, and he hardly wanted to be the cause of the one classmate who had been kind to him in...who knew how many years. Then he'd truly be undeserving of any kindness.

She moves away though, away from him to a distance and keeps her head down in such a way that he can't rebuild the courage to try and approach or talk again. Still, the food is in his hands now, and rather than waste this hundredth kind extension from her, and waste food that he was practically starving for, Kazutora lets himself eat, slowly in a way that lets him enjoy the taste, but also doesn't grow the discomfort or embarrassment of inhaling an offered meal. Eventually, it's gone though, and in the silence of the rooftop now that's more on edge and awkward than comfortable and pleasant, he sets down the small bento he'd been offered, chopsticks resting inside of it easily as well.

The lunch hour was nearly over, so it would likely be best to solve these issues before they have to return to class, or so he thinks before Velonix is in front of him again, still as apologetic and unenergetic as before, "I am glad you liked the food. If you want, I can make you lunch from now on; I already make my siblings lunches, so adding another would not be difficult at all." The offer is sweet, but he gives a weak sound to it instead of accepting. He knew the people here; if they caught wind that Velonix was preparing meals for him and he suddenly carried a lunch with him once more, it'd probably end up in the fountain or the trash, or just flat on the ground if he wasn't careful enough. The thought of her efforts going to waste like that just...doesn't sit well with him.

"I … I apologize if I upset you. I have a tendency not to think when I am excited, and I...I was just excited, because...I have never had a friend before, other than my siblings. It...made me happy to finally have one." She's talking again, trying to apologize for something that...well, it was a little nice to know she was aware, but at the same time, somehow the flip from happy-go-lucky joy to a new wall left him more uncomfortable and embarrassed than anything had prior, "So again, I apologize for being overbearing. I will try to do better, but I understand if you do not wish to be friends with me."

Biting his lip lightly, he looks up at her again, trying to find something to say, but once more he's cut off after a simple, "Velonix, it's not like you did any-" as she backs away, bowing now and he cringes away from that sight. Why was she treating him overly formal now!? That wasn't what he wanted, it was how people who ignored him acted when he approached or when they had to work with him! Thank you for spending the lunch hour with me, and I appreciate your help up until now. Again, I apologize for being a bother, and if you do not wish to be friends, I understand."

Genuinely, he wants to scream. His mind can't decide what it wants. This would be good for him, if it meant that life could go back to normal, but after being treated so kindly as he had been, the potential hope for a new friend, half of him doesn't want to let that go, or hear her treat him like another stranger in her path. Couldn't they just be friends without outright seeming as if they were intimate and on the way to getting married already? It's not like he was trying to date her or something!

Even if she was pretty, as much as he tended not to pay attention to that sort of thing given those who did hold an appearance of beauty could turn nasty in a split second. It makes his heart skip a beat then, and he shakes his head slightly, but before he can get up to go after her disappearing down the stairwell, he hears Kazuyuki rising from his spot, unreadable gaze in his direction for a moment. Then, a faint smile, perhaps to offer some sense of reassurance. "I'll try talking to her for you. Just don't take too long in doing so yourself."

He blanks for a moment, watching the other male leisurely follow after his sister, as if he was sure he'd be able to solve the situation himself. Maybe he would; he knew the girl for much longer than Kazutora has, would likely be able to figure out how to ease her worries much easier than anything he himself could dredge up from his head. Yet, should he be grateful, letting someone else do that sort of work for him? He'd rather just take care of things himself, or attempt to.

His gaze falls on Reiya soon after, awkward and uncomfortable gaze lingering before turning back down to the floor, unsure of what to say. Iphianassa had always helped ease conversation between the two of them, but now he's unsure of if he wants to apologize to her for these things or just say nothing on the topic, before he's making his way after them, still half a bit slow if only thanks to the nerves and fears that make his feet feel as if they're dragging through knee deep water.

Kazuyuki was no doubt faster than he, given his height, and Velonix had definitely picked up her pace on her way down, so he wasn't overly surprised to not see them on his way to the classroom. Rather, he saw Kenji, who looked like a mix between humiliated and burning up with absolute rage. Rage that, as usual, would be directed towards Kazutora himself if given the chance. Not that he wasn't prepared; you could cut the emotions the other teen gave off into the room with a knife.

Kenji himself twists on his heel at the sound and then sight of Kazutora making his way down, hands snapping out to take hold of him, though in the end he only gets a grip on one of his wrists and the collar of his uniform. Kazutora reels back at that, the other far too close for comfort, and his face twists into something like disgust and hatred for his classmate in an instant.

Until, of course, he notices the raging red mark that's surely bruising over his cheek, or the way that there's a strange look of something akin to fear in his eyes, faint beads of sweat that linger even after being wiped away haphazardly. What was this? Had someone gotten a move on him? That was a rare sight.

"Kazutora," he hisses suddenly, and Kazutora wonders if he'd spit in his face with the way he was acting now. "What got you on a high horse? Acting like you're better than me just because some new girl paid attention to you? You probably threatened her, didn't you? You bastard-"

"Who said I was on a fucking high horse Kenji?" He snaps back, eyes turning into a sharp glare, "Sounds like someone is feeling insecure."

It's before the other can lash out at him that Kazutora does himself, free hand moving to shove hard at his chest, another foot swinging out to knock him off balance and land him on his ass on the ground, "Fuck off man, I already have a bruise from earlier today, and I have more important things to spend my attention on right now. If you wanna screw with me then do it after school!"

Perhaps the latter words were a mistake, sounding like an invitation for Kenji to gather his shit friends and corner him before he could run for his life after his club or even just after their elective hour, make him skip out on the only activity that was...mildly enjoyable to him, given the club president didn't try and do any group activities. Working alone in the back corner with a canvas was what he enjoyed the most after seven hours of hell.

He's half jogging away before his classmate can think of trying anything else out in the unmonitored halls, slowing to a stop once it grows more crowded and he spots at least their home ec teacher, who for the record was much kinder and more attentive than most of the others. Kenji probably wouldn't try anything in front of her if he caught up, unless he wanted to end up in as much trouble as Kazutora too.

The doors to the classroom are growing closer, and he finds himself and his heart stopping for a bit, standing still in the middle of the hall as he stares at the sliding door, or the windows that line the classroom and keep the view clear from either end. Would she be upset with him? Would he have to grovel to get her to stop treating him so formally? He wasn't sure, wasn't sure if he was brave enough to enter in when he'd have to sit right next to her after everything and then-

Well, Kenji was right behind him, so why not just go ahead and get in there while he had the chance to do so unscathed?

Moving open the sliding door, there's chatter as always in the classroom, though his entry wins several stares and new whispers among them as they glance between he and Velonix. He wants to glare them all down, but again, his attention is much more necessary elsewhere.

Heaving out a slow breath, he slowly makes his way to the quad of desks that his little world had turned into, Kazuyuki himself sitting backwards in his chair to speak with Velonix in his desk behind him, though as he takes notice of Kazutora approaching, the smile reappears, and he shifts back around to face the front, as if to give them more privacy in the discussion.

Have dragging his feet over to his desk in the corner, he can't quite make eye contact with his deskmate yet, unease still building in his chest as he lowers down into his chair, bag almost missing the hook on the side of his desk. Still his eyes stay down, before he manages to choke out any sort of words, face turning red again in the process.

"...Velonix?" Choked out, hands balling into fists on top of his thighs, hidden beneath the desktop. "You...don't have to treat me so formally all of the sudden..." Gaze further away, he lets his hair shadow his face for a bit, tries to hide the burning sensation he knows makes him look red as the crayon itself. "It's a little...a little overwhelming, everything that's happened up to this point, I'm not really used to it, because..." God, he wants to run out of the classroom now, jump out of the window and run for home, or work, or a ditch, whatever to get him out of this, "I haven't really had any friends before either." Please, it was laughable to say out loud, but he at least hopes she won't judge him for it like he hadn't her, when she seems to be in the same situation, "if you could just be patient with me, I..."

Finally, he forces his gaze up, though can't quite make eye contact even when his head nearly forces him to look directly at her. His hand moves up though, to cover half his face and the color it's taking on, eyes moving anywhere they can to avoid her own gaze, "if you could just be patient with me, I wouldn't mind...being friends."

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazutora Miyato Character Portrait: Kazuyuki Orako Character Portrait: Velonix Orako Character Portrait: Reiya Goertz
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kazuyuki orako.
dialogue ; #a59bbd. – thought ; #94bbed.
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Is he half dozing off right after eating his meal? Absolutely, but he still waits patiently for Reiya's answer to his question, somewhat disappointed in her response if he's honest. Just an, "um, you're welcome and it's okay if you want to see me that way," from his hope, and he gives a soft sigh, smile fading slightly, though it practically returns to neutral with how small his usually are anyway. Friends, he supposes, aren't so easy to make, at least not when you weren't like Harmonix, who seemed to bound around and just talk with anyone who seemed nice enough, somehow seeming to have a better judgement of the inside, the genuineness of others when they approached. As such, he felt to trust her on her choice of a first friend, even if the teen wasn't overly friendly or bubbly like she seemed to be.

For someone like Kazuyuki...who often spent time alone, found himself lacking words, often overwhelmed by crowds or lacking the energy to keep up...friends would likely be difficult.

Sighing slightly, he lets himself lay a little further into the backpack, eyes sliding shut even as he listens to his sister speak, recount the story that...well, if he recalls correctly, they had all come up with together. To him, it made the most sense and was the least conspicuous or attention drawing to their situation, even if he catches the odd look Kazutora gives both of them halfway through the telling of it all. Had he perhaps caught onto the fact that it wasn't true? If he had, he certainly didn't say a word of it. Interally, Halcyon thinks, he hopes, that no one asks him to retell it. He'd never been a good liar, all three of his siblings knew that, and perhaps that was why Harmonix had specifically stated that she would be the one answering all the questions. It was just better for all of their family that way, given she had a better head on her shoulders to do so. Even if...she didn't like it much.

"For the safety of the family..." I bet that's what she's telling herself.

Telling ridiculous stories (though, no doubt if they told the actual truth it would seem far more unbelievable than some weird adoption crisis, and he's not sure he wants to be labelled as delusional from the get-go thank you) carries on for a bit, letting Harmonix put on the show of a Velonix who has lost the important caretakers of them, the way they chose to move to Higashi-Naruse just to get some peace and quiet after the pain and chaos something like that would probably cause, though he's not 100% over that honestly. The way humanity and their government, legal system, whatever works isn't overly familiar to him like it may be to Harmonix. He'd always been curious of earth, no doubt, but after what had happened with his sister, or the fact that he inflicted his season on the people who roamed the land here, he began to distance himself from it.

Until now, of course.

Soon enough, though, the cheery, excited way Autumn is holding herself is dashed away, all at the hands of Reiya. Not that it was really her fault; the girl had just been trying to explain and save Kazutora more stress, but Velonix...well, he knew that she wouldn't take it well. He can see the way her expression falls when he cracks open his eyes from his napping spot, slight frown growing over his lips as her clear joy over the situation fades away, turns into something akin to worry and embarrassment. Silently, he hopes that he'll be able to reassure her or pull her out of that slump, and with the way Kazutora seemed to be half panicking over her change in demeanor, he was rather confident that this lull in emotion wouldn't last too long. Clearly, even if he had trouble saying it out loud, the teen didn't mind her being around, or acting as a friend. It seems he just had issues to work through, but Kazuyuki could have told you that from the first five minutes of being around him.

Letting out a soft sigh, he slowly sits himself up, backpack moving to sit in his lap as the others try to rush through eating to get out of the awkward situation. This was normal, he was no stranger to avoiding discomfort and stress, and the air was full of it now. His gaze moves over to Reiya then, dull eyes staying on her as his head tilts, catching what looks to be the slightest hint of guilt after seeing Velonix's reaction to her words. No doubt it would make anyone feel awkward or bad, knowing their intentions had, unintentionally, hurt someone in some way.

A small smile again, he leans forward slightly while staying faced away from Kazutora and Velonix in their spots, only if to help keep them from hearing so clearly, though he felt his sister might catch the words in the wind anyway, "don't worry to much about that, I'll talk to her, okay? You didn't say anything wrong. Thanks for trying to look out for my sister a little, too." At least so that rumors don't start picking up too much surrounding her.

Even as he settles back into his new sitting position, time drags on far too long in the uncomfortable quiet, before his sister finally gets up to leave, and he watches her quietly, can see the way she tries to hide away her tears and embarrassment; what kind of brother would he be if he couldn't pick up on things like this at this point? They'd been living with each other for hundreds- no, thousands or more years at this point, even if he hid himself away for ages in the past. He wasn't the type to let his sister cry alone either, or wander around in her emotions on her own for too long; no doubt it would put her in a worse mood by the end of today.

He rises finally then, stretching a bit before glancing down at Kazutora. Silence prevails for a bit as he tries to get a read on the teen's emotions, tries to figure out if he can tell exactly what he wants, and if anything, he knows that his new classmate wants to clear things up and return to at least a friendly nature that they'd held before. A small smile comes to him then, warming a little; someone like that, as a friend for Harmonix, he thinks he'd be alright with it now. "I'll try talking to her for you. Just don't take too long in doing so yourself." After all, just hearing it from him and him alone wouldn't make Harmonix feel entirely better. It would be best coming from the one she was stressing over in present.

Making his way for the stairwell, he glances back to both of them then, hand moving up to offer a wave in both their direction's as he does, "see you both back in class."

Down the stairwell again he goes, keeping his pace regular, if not a bit slow to catch up to his sister, half dreading the fact that he had to re-enter the busy hallways right before class is due to start, given everyone was making their way back now. No surprise when he starts seeing more unfamiliar faces, but at least he's tall enough to see over all of them, to see Velonix just ahead, even if she keeps turning around corners before he can fully catch up and reach her, even as he falls a little more behind with every step. No worries, he could speak with her once they were settled into desks in class, before Kazutora and Reiya arrived as well; he knew they were decently far behind. He'd learned their scents by now after all, and they weren't near enough to worry over time..

Falling behind his sister proved to be a mistake, however, once he turns into the same hallway she'd gone down and seeing her slap the face of one of their new classmates, the name of which he had most certainly not caught. It was hard to forget the face of the one who had been leering at her before, though, that same sense of disgust for him springing back up in his chest. Velonix wouldn't just slap, and slap that hard, someone who hadn't hurt her or deserved it in some way, and he finds himself bristling even with the lack of context over the situation. Why was he still pestering her so often, trying to snake his way into her life? Didn't this human know what the word "no" meant, or what "leave me alone" meant? Clearly not, given he starts to stand and go after her again, but before he can Halcyon is making his way over to him.

"Excuse me," comes the hissed words from his lips, anger bubbling up to the surface faster than he was used to, and the boy turns to face him then, eyes turning to a glare, air turning into something more haughty and arrogant, as if he thinks he could do anything to someone of Halcyon's status. You would sooner meet death than harm me or any of my siblings, you stupid mortal. Still, he's hurt Velonix even if it's not physically, and he's not overly keen on letting that continue any longer.

"The hell is this?" The teen snaps, eyes looking up, if Halcyon may note, to meet his gaze, though he's still defiant and cocky with it, "is the big, scary brother going to come and help his sister? I didn't do anything do her, shitface. She's the bitch who-"

His hand reaches out in an instant then, and before the boy can react, his fingers are laced through his hair, gripping tight enough to get a startled yelp out of him, again when he yanks him to the side, forces him down onto his knees with the strength of one hand alone. It seems the shock of that alone has shut him up, but to Kazuyuki, that's not enough to teach the lesson and make it stick. Rather, it would be best to serve a warning, too.

Crouching down slowly to get on level with the teen, he finds his head tilting slightly as if to try and force both their gazes to meet, eyes burning into his very being, and the temperature in the room drops swiftly, far too much to be a simple breeze of wind through an open window. He can feel the change in his eyes, the way the colors always change from his dull grey and brown to blinding white, icy blue, but he doesn't care, only hopes that it'll scare the one at his feet into submission a little more.

"Call Velonix that again, and I'll make sure you regret it." His voice is steady, smooth, but so clearly enraged, so barely under control. "Most would consider me a pacifist, Kenji. I don't usually pick fights. I don't like to hurt people. But if you ever try to go near my sister again, if you ever touch her, or utter those sort of words about her again, I promise I'll make you wish you were dead."

The words linger in the air for a bit as the other stares up at him wide eyed, but all he does at that point is yank his head to the side again, let go and watch him half topple onto the ground in a heap of cold shivers. If that wouldn't do the job of getting him to stay the hell away from his sister, or any of his siblings for that matter, then he'd just have to learn the hard way in the future.

Brushing off his hands casually then, he doesn't spare another glance to the boy on the floor, nor to the others standing around to watch, and lets the temperature in the room return to normal once again as he walks, makes his way past lingering students and into the classroom where he spots his sister standing just outside of the door of the classroom. Seeing her there at least settles his emotions a bit, and he's grateful for it, making straight for her once he finds a path through the crowds. That faint smile has returned again, gentle demeanor back, and he stops just in front of her, tilting his head slightly to the direction of the classroom, "let's go inside and get settled in for our next classes, shall we?"

Slowly he guides her in, watches her movements and the emotions that he can see from his position, before letting her settle into her seat at her desk. He moves to his no later, pulling it out but choosing to sit in it backwards, letting himself lean into the backrest of it as he tries to talk with her, clear those overthought worries that were most certainly running around in circles in her head now.

"You know Reiya didn't say that to make you feel as if you couldn't be friends with Kazutora, right?" He starts, pausing for a bit to try and catch her gaze, "It's just cultural difference. I'm sure to some it's a bit of a shock. That doesn't mean it's bad though, Vel. You didn't do anything to hurt him, or anyone."

Tilting his head again slightly, the fingers resting atop one of his arms tap quietly, "he looked a little overwhelmed sometimes, but I don't think he was upset, nor do I think he hated it, or you. You wouldn't look up after lunch, you know. If you had, I think you would have realized he was trying to figure out a way to talk to you and clear things up." A hand moves out then, finger softly flicking her forehead in a somewhat playful manner, "don't take their words so seriously, Sundown. She wasn't trying to hurt you, just help. I have no doubts that Kazutora will be here to speak to you as well, and..."

He lets himself trail off at the sound of the door sliding open, dull eyes looking towards where the sound had come from with a pleased smile, "speak of the devil. It looks like he's just arrived."

Watching him approach, with Reiya on his heels no later, Kazuyuki shifts himself back around to face the front of the classroom in his desk, one leg moving up to cross over the other in his seat as he tries to get comfortable again, only leaving an ear open to listen in on the conversation and see how it'll be handled. Kazutora, he hopes, will be able to soothe his sister's worries. In the meantime, he turns his attention towards the peachy haired girl, smile returning once more with a small wave.

"Glad to see you made it back; it took awhile, did you run into trouble?"

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazumi Orako Character Portrait: Iphianassa Lykaois Character Portrait: Mafuyu Hanazawa Character Portrait: Natsuo Orako
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mafuyu hanazawa.
dialogue ; #7f9f91. – thought ; #bb7e8c.
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Settling into class isn't so bad, not when he knows he can sit right by Iphianassa again, even if he's rather sure that she wishes he wouldn't. Still, he goes, dropping into his seat next to her along with his bag and skateboard on the floor once again. Leaning back in his seat, he turns a content smile towards her, even as she rolls her eyes and scoffs at him, words meant to probably pierce through him, but he doesn't find himself particularly hurt or offended by a single one of them. Learn to have tough skin, or whatever. He'd had it since he was a child after all.

"In order for me to be mad, I would need to care about what you have to say, but since most of the stuff that comes out of your mouth is either sarcasm or a flirtation, it’s hard to take you seriously," come those sharp words, and he feigns shock again, an overdramatic gasp leaving him at such a pitch that a couple people turn to look in their direction, only to realize it's just Mafuyu, and there wasn't actually anything interesting or wrong going on. Just his antics, as per usual, though most didn't mind them. It came with the popularity, he supposed, even if it confused him sometimes.

"Miss Phig, how could you? And here I thought we were friends!" A little joking, though he wished it were true, honestly. He knows better than to actually think the other woman thought of him that way, not at this point, and who knew in the future. He'd keep trying, but he wasn't one to force anyone to do or tell him anything just because he wanted to hear it.

Regardless, he gives up on trying to piss her off further, lets her tell him about the asshole that was Haru in however little or plentiful detail she desires. He knew he was being nosy, even if the implications only hit him after he'd asked, but still, he wasn't overly keen on seeing that bonfire of garbage harassing someone he, at least personally, looked to as a friend. Or any of his other classmates in general, really. He'd never taken kindly to people like that, flaunting their power and status, whatever else they wanted and treading over others. His mom had raised him that way after all, and after watching his father do so for twelve years of his life, he found himself only being reminded of the man when being in unfortunate proximity with them.

Lucky for them he had a clean record to uphold for his future career, or he'd be sure to make them regret their actions. Not that it could hold him back forever, at this rate. Even in such a small town, the college student-body was full of those who didn't belong near any other being, after all the harm and pain they'd caused.

He won't lie, he's a little surprised when she actually does come out and talk to him about it, giving up the details of a little history, and his brows furrow, twitch into something of a glare most certainly not meant for her, but he doesn't look over at the other man, doesn't want to give him the time of day when he thrived off of that attention. A stalker? Haru had seriously fallen that low? What the hell was wrong with him?

He talks of winning Iphianassa back, but he's too delusional to see that he's just terrifying her half to death? His gaze finally does shift back to the other for a moment, scowl burning into his features at the other who won't take his gaze off the brunette next to him. Seriously, what was wrong with that guy?

Bubbling rage settles for a moment, or is at least pushed to the background as she finishes speaking, and Mafuyu watches her careful, takes note of the body language, the way the wrings at her hands and how her expression turns to something exhausted, wary, uneasy. No doubt these things had taken a toll on her, but who wouldn't it take a toll on? Miyako had had a stalker herself a year or two ago, and thinking of that only draws out the evermore protective side of him, leaves him thinking of Miyako in that position again, but it's Iphianassa here now, and for far too long than she ever should have deserved.

Letting out a quiet breath, he leans forward slightly as if to block Iphianassa from that asshole's view, words tumbling around in his head as he tries to take more care in phrasing his offer, but all he can do is his best, leave it in the air for her if she'd like, even if the thought of her being alone walking through the town at night makes him...paranoid himself.

"You shouldn't have to walk alone at night like that, you know. Not when there's obviously...something wrong." A pause, he tries to catch her gaze, head tilting slightly, "If you want, I could meet you after your shifts. I know you probably don't think of me as...a friend, but at least you wouldn't be alone. I doubt he'd try anything if someone else was with you."

The offer is in the air now, and he gives a small smile, warm and genuine this time, "I won't force you or anything, but I thought it might make you feel better to have someone to walk you home at night."

Hopefully, he thinks, that doesn't piss her off.

Still, a snicker leaves him as he watches her look behind him, sees her hand move up with the middle finger extended towards exactly the person he was thinking of. Seriously, this guy didn't know how to fuck off even when it was spelled out for him, it was beyond obvious. Eventually, he hopes anyway, karma will catch up to him tenfold. The day that happens, Mafuyu hopes he's there to see.

The new siblings are here again soon after though, and his gaze stays on the two of them as they make their way up towards the desks too, approached by Daisuke who seems to already know Natsuo. It's a bit surprising, if Mafuyu is honest; Daisuke was socially-awkward, a little strange at times and most certainly didn't seem the type to mesh well with what he knew of Natsuo so far, someone who seemed to hold a heated air about him, that rarely smiled and spoke even less at this point, though he was sure that would change with time.

It's the awkwardness and second-hand embarrassment that comes from seeing the other male practically melt and fall apart at Kazumi's acknowledgement, taking in her appearance. Surely that was nothing but uncomfortable for her, wouldn't it be? Unless she liked that, but most of the girls he knew ran for the hills when that was a guy's initial reaction. Tact, man. Learn some please... Sighing slightly, he turns away from the odd scene, waiting until they actually find their seats and by then he's already said hello.

"It's nice to see you too! I'll be honest, I am looking forward to this class more then I was the last one." Comes Kazumi's voice, pleasant to the ears and he smiles, nods along with her, "that makes two of us, then. Isn't philosophy such a bore?" He laughs lightly, leaning forward and turning to the side so as to easier face the siblings.

Language arts is in motion soon enough though, the professor entering the classroom and gathering most, if not all attention to the lecture prepared, and at least this time Mafuyu manages to keep focus, take notes even with the distractions of his phone vibrating with a text that he was almost nervous to see who it was from. His mom? Sisters? Or his dad, somehow finding a new way to contact him again? Ignore, ignore, ignore, he had classes to study and pass for his degree, so that he could get his mom and sisters out of that house and somewhere nice, to let his mom work less than two or three jobs at once, just one.

Shifting around slightly in his seat, another hits his phone again, and finally he relents, pulling it just out of his pocket to see the lit up screen and, perhaps expected, an unknown number.

+ 8133-560-1254
XMafuyu, it's your father.
+ 8133-560-1254
XI'd like to meet up. Respond once you receive these messages.

And that's a fuck no from me, asshole. He wants to hiss it out loud, but all he does is toss his phone without a second glance onto his backpack on the floor, quiet hope that the man would stop trying to get his attention until he could get on his phone and block the number.

The rest of class goes smoothly enough, a full set of notes for once in his notebook, and quietly he wonders when exams will be starting up for these classes. They were already two weeks in by now, but usually professors were already scheduling dates for those sort of things, throwing them up into calendars to give him another day to dread. For now, however, the professor doesn't give any out, and the class ends somewhat peacefully as the last.

It's before he can even think or say a word that Iphianassa has suddenly taken hold of Natsuo, to Mafuyu's own surprise, though he certainly knows she would never take hold of his arm like that on purpose. Still, only an idiot wouldn't catch onto the reason for her sudden latching, and as he glances over to the pair now so readily exiting classroom fast past Haru, he laughs out loud over the entire thing. So uncharacteristic of her, but entertaining all the same, and at least he was rather confident she'd be safe with the new guy; or so he hoped. Vibes alone told him he wouldn't have to worry anyway.

It's just that he doesn't expect the hold on his own wrist next, blinking once as he looks back at the pink-haired girl who smiles all brightly at him already, and his brows quirk in confusion. "Say, can I ask you something very quick? This won't take long at all!"

Without any time to respond or think, she's already dragging him away, and Mafuyu isn't sure what to think. This sort of thing had happened in the past, though it was usually when he was dating someone and they wanted alone time with him somewhere. He highly doubted the new girl carried any of those intentions in doing so, but he still laughs along with it as they make their way out of the classroom, him just barely able to grab his things before they're out of reach.

The pace of the dragging slows considerably once they make it outside, but she's still leading him along like some sort of lost child, or so it feels that way. Eventually, she releases his wrist, and he finds himself standing with her somewhere quiet, away from the crowds of students and staff. What was such a secret little spot chosen out for now?

"If I didn't know any better, I'd think you brought me here to have some sort of private date," he tries to joke through the awkward, confused sensation dredging up inside of him, but even he outwardly cringes at his own attempt for a joke, offers an apologetic smile as soon as it's out, "yeah, sorry, that was a shit one."

Pausing, he quirks his eyebrow again slightly, turning towards Kazumi and trying to settle into comfort once more, "ignore what I just said; what's up? Something you need to talk to me about here?"

"Sorry about that, I just wanted to ask you a question about Iphi's ex really quick. Was it the guy who kept looking at her throughout class and what's his name? I am just really curious and I'd figured you know that much about him. And if you're worried about Iphi being with my brother, I can assure you she's safe with him. Just this morning our younger sister was being harassed and Natsuo was ready to beat the crap out of the delinquents, but someone beat him to it. He really doesn't like guys who target girls. Anyway, I've jabbered on long enough. After you answer my question, you can be on your way and I'll go find Natsuo and Iphi."

Her words come out quick, and he almost finds himself falling behind as she talks, but rather than be annoyed with it, he's rather pleased. She seemed comfortable talking to him at least, hopefully didn't mind his presence or his personality of what she knew of it so far. He was a great listener too anyway, so she could talk all she wanted.

"Iphianassa's ex?" He echoes, head tilting slightly before he lets out a hum, wonders if it's even his place to tell someone else about any of the things he'd learned or knew at this point. Well, if it was basic knowledge, that wouldn't hurt anyone, right? Seems he had someone as nosy as himself on his hands, and silently he tries to remind himself not to gossip too much. "Yeah, that's Haru. I'd keep your distance from him if I were you. He's...bad news."

A light laugh, he waves off her second words, "I figured she'd be alright with your brother, he doesn't seem too bad. Pretty sure she could stand her ground if he weren't anyway. Not gonna shit-talk your brother right to your face though, that'd be stupid. He seems cool, maybe he can get her to relax a little."

His arms are crossed over his chest now, fingers tapping absentmindedly at his arm as she finishes speaking, "eh? I mean, I wouldn't mind tagging along with you to see them. Iphi..." He pauses, laughs awkwardly, looks away quickly, "I guess she probably doesn't think of me as a friend. I'll just make sure things are okay and then leave you all to your own thing."

Setting

7 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazutora Miyato Character Portrait: Kazuyuki Orako Character Portrait: Velonix Orako Character Portrait: Astraea Mantrenul Character Portrait: Iphianassa Lykaois Character Portrait: Reiya Goertz Character Portrait: Pavo Etoile
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Code- #790D49


”That is not necessary. Whether you are fully clothed or not makes little difference to me."

'Really? Could have fooled me,' Pavo thought.

Astraea probably didn't like the physical reactions her body was showing. From what he knew about her, she liked being in total control. While he did come to admire her for her abilities and good leadership skills, it was nice to see her ruffled like this and made her more human to him, which he did enjoy. For now though he we continue to focus on what she wanted to do.

Watching her, he saw her get some alcohol out, Bailey's, and filled two shot glasses with them. Being French, of course he like alcohol, but he never had Bailey's before. Still the Irish fascinated him. Taking the 2nd glass, also drank the shot quickly after Astraea did. Man did that hit the spot and he was definitely awake now. Next Astraea grabbed a bag of cookies, and with her shot glass and the Bailey's, sat down on the couch. Taking his own shot glass, Pavo joined her.

Taking the Bailey's himself, he refilled his cup and took a cookie that Astraea offered him. While he definitely had better desserts, this would do. Drinking from his shot glass more slowly this time, he listened as Astraea talked again. He did agree that Australia was out of the question.

"Hmmm, did the Seasons ever expressed any interest in any specific area? I know Aurora always loved French things, especially Rococo. You've known them longer then I have." he said.

Even though he would love it if the Seasons were in France, something told him they weren't there.

"Now as far as WHO would want to initially go to Earth, I can only see the girls wanting to go since the boys never fully expressed interest in going. Phoebus would only go for protection purposes. Halcyon would go to be supportive."





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Code- #D66B70


It seemed that Velonix slightly misunderstood her question. Reiya merely wanted to know where Velonix and Kazuyuki came from. Instead she got a life story. The girl seemed to have no secrets, but something about her story was off. At least that's what her instincts told her. Oh, she figured the two siblings weren't blood related, anyone could tell that, but it was like she practiced her answer. That was it! It sounded rehearsed, not natural, even the part about losing her caretakers. Deciding not to worry about it, Reiya merely nodded when Velonix finished.

"I lost my parents a couple years ago . . . so I know how it feels to lose someone dear," Reiya said, trying to keep her voice stable.

It still hurt. Work and other family did help, but it still hurt. She still cried at night from time to time too. Hopefully one day she could fully move on.

When Reiya tried correcting Velonix's behavior, she saw she might have jumped the gun for the girl's attitude seemed to take a complete 180. It went from cheery to a complete meltdown in less then a minute. Instantly Reiya felt awful. She really had only been trying to help. The teen was so distraught, she didn't even hear Velonix apologize to Kazutora nor hear her talk to her. Was there any other way she could have said it? She knew she'd have to apologize.

Suddenly, she heard someone say to her softly, "Don't worry too much about that, I'll talk to her, okay? You didn't say anything wrong. Thanks for trying to look out for my sister a little, too."

Turning, she saw it was Kazuyuki who said it. She honestly didn't know what to say to that, so she simply nodded. Sure, she didn't mean to do anything wrong, but she should have had the foresight to know that might have been a reaction. She still knew she was going to apologize though, if only for her own peace of mind. And she would do that as soon as she finished eating.

However, just when she was almost done eating, it seemed that Velonix finished and started talking again.

"Thank you for spending the lunch hour with me, and I appreciate your help up until now. Again, I apologize for being a bother, and if you do not wish to be friends, I understand."

Suddenly the girl took off and Reiya for once tried finishing her food as quickly as possible. It looks like Kazutora would follow her, but then Kazuyuki spoke up and said he'd talk to her. Looks like she wasn't the only one feeling regrettable since Kazutora looked flustered too. Suddenly he looked at her and an awkward silence hung in the air. Before she could say anything though, Kazutora left the roof. Cleaning up, Reiya was hot on his heels. However he was still faster than her, so she did fall behind slightly. She really needed to work out more.

Lucky for her though, she did see Kazutora run into Kenji. Well, unlucky for Kenji. She was close enough to see the red mark on Kenji's cheek. Now who could have done that?! Well, Kenji did deserve it. Soon enough though, Kazutora himself put Kenji on the floor and Reiya was close enough to get the tail end of what he was saying to him.

"If you wanna screw with me then do it after school!"

Oh that was not good, not good at all. Without even thinking, Reiya pulled out her cell phone and instantly texted Iphi.

Iphi, I hope classes are going smoothly for you. I have been trying to hang out with Kazutora more and Kenji keeps harassing him. Today I ate with him and two new students, their names are Velonix and Kazuyuki Orako. They are . . . really something. Anyway, just now Kenji bothered Kazutora again. I was able to get the tail end of their conversation after Kazutora pushed Kenji to the ground and basically told him to leave him alone and wait until after school. I worry Kenji may do just that. What should I do? I know I promised to keep on eye on Kazutora, but if I tell a teacher, he might get in trouble. I know I keep saying this, but I do wish I was as strong and brave as you Iphi. Anyway, I need to get to class.

After sending the message, Reiya went to her next class. Seeing the siblings and Kazutora, Reiya makes a beeline to them and approaches Velonix.

"Miss Velonix, I am so sorry, I didn't mean to make you upset. I just wanted to help. You're no bother at all either. I just had a huge adjustment myself when I first moved her. I lived most of my life in Germany, so when I moved here after my parents died, it was a big adjustment for me and I was just trying to help you get adjusted. I would still like to get to know you better, if that's okay. Oh Kazutora, are you okay? Please forgive me, but I saw what happened with Kenji and I texted Iphi about it. I kind of panic because I don't want you to get hurt and I know Iphi would do a much better job of protecting you then me."

After that, she sat down and got ready for class.

Setting

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Iphianassa Lykaois Character Portrait: Reiya Goertz Character Portrait: Natsuo Orako
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”It's hard to trust when all you have from the past is evidence of why you shouldn't."
~Unknown

Speech Code ~ #8A0808
| Thought Code ~ #045FB4




It was only when the person began to speak that Iphignea realized who she had actually grabbed onto. With an internal groan, she slowly raised her eyes to meet those stormy gray orbs that already had left such an odd impression on her. Unable to stop herself, she found his gaze to be hypnotic - otherworldly - and was rooted in her spot, barely registering when his sister cheerfully piped in with, ”"Sure thing Iphi! Why don't you show Natsuo where the best place to eat is hmm?" Her name brought her to reality, however, and internally shaking off whatever that had been, she turned and gave Kazumi a grateful smile - genuine. At least she seems to have a brain. Women have to look out for each other. Maybe she isn’t so stuck-up? She booted the thoughts from her mind; either way, she had promised her parents - they were really her adoptive parents but who really cared at this point? - that she would try to make friends, just as she had her doctor, so it didn’t really matter if the woman had intelligence, so long as she wasn’t a bad person.

Before she could respond, Kazumi was already walking away to speak to apparently Mafuyu - Since when were they friends? - leaving her alone with Natsuo. Alone with Natsuo. Iphi swatted away the thought; just why would it matter that they were alone together or not? A bittersweet laugh escaped her as she exhaled. Even if she wanted to ‘be alone’ with Natsuo, she had already made a promise to herself to not become involved with anyone, at least until after she had graduated. It was just too much work, too much time, and too much heartache that she simply couldn’t deal with when already juggling school and work. Still, a thought bothered her a bit; just what was Kazumi talking to Blueberry for?

"Come on, let's get out of here,"

Jolted from her thoughts, Iphignea jumped a little, almost guiltily. Here they were helping her get away from that disgusting reptile, and she was thinking poorly of them both. I suppose that says a lot about my own character, she thought bitterly. Her parents and doctors were right; she really did need to open herself a bit and try to make friends. She couldn’t stay bitter towards everyone. Not every single person was out to get her, and unfortunately she had to consciously remind herself of this fact. Despite this, she couldn’t help the words that bounced around in her head, telling her that the only reason anyone would want to be close to her is with a goal in mind.

Turning a somewhat strained smile his way, Iphi managed to squeeze out a quick, ”I’m in your care!” before Natsuo was walking away. To make sure she kept up with him she immediately took off as well, clutching her backpack straps uncertainly as they passed a heated Haruto. His expression of anger didn’t last long, though, before he went white as a sheet and took a step back from the pair. She couldn’t tell from the angle that she was at, but somehow she knew that Natsuo was responsible for this abnormal reaction from the man. At least it was enough to keep him from saying anything to or following them, and only once they were out of the room and finally out of his sight did she relax. She couldn’t quite ditch Natsuo, seeing as he had just helped her. Hah, wouldn’t that be super fucked up? She almost snorted a bit at the thought and barely contained the sound. Gods, she was a terrible person, really.

So absorbed in her thoughts was she that she almost didn’t register Natsuo stopping in his tracks. She barely stopped herself from slamming into him - she really needed to start paying attention more - and glanced around their immediate area. It was outside which was nice, and in a fairly secluded area that most of the campus goers didn’t visit, and she could feel the warm rays of the sun kissing her skin. Winter would undoubtedly be back before too long, so she would much rather enjoy the outdoors while she still could before it got to be miserably cold.

A small ping echoed from her pocket, prompting her to remove her phone and swipe it open. It was a message from Reiya, one of her very few friends, and as she skimmed the words her expression began to harden with each sentence.

Iphi, I hope classes are going smoothly for you. I have been trying to hang out with Kazutora more and Kenji keeps harassing him. Today I ate with him and two new students, their names are Velonix and Kazuyuki Orako. They are . . . really something. Anyway, just now Kenji bothered Kazutora again. I was able to get the tail end of their conversation after Kazutora pushed Kenji to the ground and basically told him to leave him alone and wait until after school. I worry Kenji may do just that. What should I do? I know I promised to keep an on eye on Kazutora, but if I tell a teacher, he might get in trouble. I know I keep saying this, but I do wish I was as strong and brave as you Iphi. Anyway, I need to get to class.

Unable to contain herself Iphignea sighed, hand raising to rub at the bridge of her nose. It wasn't the first time and definitely wouldn't be the last that the little shit known as Kenji would try to pick a fight with her precious little Zu-Zu, and every time she'd go and teach him a lesson, but as a wise man once said, 'Stupid is as stupid does. She'd just have to keep beating his dumb ass until she rocked his shit up enough to knock some sense into him. The thought alone caused her hands to clench into fists, nails digging into her palms. Despite her anger, she tapped the open bar and began to type.

We had a couple of new students join us too. Siblings. They seem...decent enough I guess. I'm about to eat with the brother. That blueberry Mafuyu is with the sister. They must be related to your new classmates. They're names are Kazumi and Natsuo Orako. I have an hour after classes until work, so don't worry about Kenji or Zu, I'll take care of the little fucker myself. Thanks for the heads up, wouldn't have known without you. I know he can be a tough nut to crack but I really hope that you can become friends. Just keep on keeping your eye on him for me, please. Thanks so much! You're the best! Have a good rest of your classes!

"I don't think your ex will find us here. The other day when exploring the campus I figured this was one of the places people don't visit much during lunch. Sorry, I guess I should have asked if you brought a lunch with you. I have some here, but it's pretty spicy." Pulled from her phone, she locked it and tucked it back into her pocket. To say that Iphi was surprised was to say the least. She hadn’t even expected him to go along with her words, let alone be willing to sit and share a lunch with her. She glanced around the area again, only then truly registering how secluded it really was. A light flush rose to her cheeks; she would be lying if she said she hadn’t had her own teenage trysts in places just like this. She roughly shook away the thought. Just where was her mind going? Get your freaking head out of the gutter, Iphianassa. What the hell is wrong with you? Stop being so thirsty and go drink some water.

Surprisingly calm, Iphignea approached the tree where Natsuo had chosen to sit. She came to a stop about a foot or so away from the man, dropping her bookbag down to the ground, and then followed after it with her own body. As she sat she tucked her legs underneath her, suddenly conscious of her skirt, and went about rifling through her things to find her rather plain lunchbox. Once located she set it in her lap, found her chopsticks, and broke them apart. ”I do have my own lunch, but I appreciate the offer. I doubt you have anything spicier than me, anyway,” she said, almost teasingly. Was she being … Playful with him? Something about the man had her oddly relaxed, more willing to be friendly and less guarded, but she still felt her walls holding strong and true nonetheless. It was nice, though, to sit with someone like this other than Reiya and Tora. It had been a long time.

Plucking up a piece of sausage with her chopsticks, she eyed it for a moment, contemplatively. Almost decisively, she held the chopsticks in his direction, offering them to him along with the juicy sausage. ”Here, you can try mine. If you like spicy food, then you’ll like spetzofai. It’s a traditional Greek recipe with spicy sausage and other seasonings. I may not be a master chef, but I can make this much,” she shrugged.

After they had been eating in silence for a few minutes - it was surprisingly comfortable and serene to be sitting under a tree in the quiet with this man - Iphignea found herself unable to contain herself. She set her lunchbox down in her lap, open and only half gone, and turned a serious look onto Natsuo.

”I really appreciate your help and your sister’s kindness as well, particularly with getting away from my ex ... But to be completely honest with you, I’m a little confused. Why would you help me? You don’t even know me, and I’ve done nothing but be rude to and glare at you since we met this morning.” She wasn’t lying; she was baffled over his actions, but not only his but also his sister’s as well. They didn't know and had only just met her, so what was their aim? Almost everyone had a goal in mind. ”If you think that there’s any benefit of being close to me in any way, you’d be wrong. Not only am I poor, but I also tend to scare a lot of people off with my resting bitch face." At this, she moved the stick in the direction of her features in question, a skeptical look resting there. "I’m not really the type of person that’ll boost your popularity, if you catch my drift,” she warned, pointing a chopstick in his direction. ”So what’s your goal here? I don’t have any money, and I don’t own nice things. I don’t have many friends, and it’s not like I’m pretty; so what’s your end goal? Huh?” For extra measure, she jabbed it in his direction, on the second one lightly tapping it into the center of his chest.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazutora Miyato Character Portrait: Kazuyuki Orako Character Portrait: Velonix Orako Character Portrait: Reiya Goertz
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”Sometimes you wake up;
Sometimes the fall kills you.
And sometimes when you fall,
You fly.”
~Uknown

Speech Code ~ #B43104 | Thought Code ~ #FE9A2E
Phoenix Speech Code ~ #FF0000 | Phoenix Thought Code ~ #DF0174




Startled from her thoughts, Vel jerked her head to look up at Halcyon as he approached her. The sight of her brother filled her with comfort; at least she knew that she had someone on her side here no matter what.

"Let's go inside and get settled in for our next classes, shall we?" A sigh and a nod was all she gave in response, hands tightening around her bag as they made their way inside. The few students within cast the duo curious glances but didn't rush to their sides, wanting to enjoy what little remained of their lunch periods. Once at their desks she hooked her bag on the side and dropped into her seat, a sullen look on her face until her brother spoke again.

"You know Reiya didn't say that to make you feel as if you couldn't be friends with Kazutora, right?" She could feel him looking at her and after a few beats lifted her gaze from the table, meeting his as she did. "It's just cultural difference. I'm sure to some it's a bit of a shock. That doesn't mean it's bad though, Vel. You didn't do anything to hurt him, or anyone. He looked a little overwhelmed sometimes, but I don't think he was upset, nor do I think he hated it, or you. You wouldn't look up after lunch, you know. If you had, I think you would have realized he was trying to figure out a way to talk to you and clear things up." His words did help to qualm her worries, and she was happy that Halcyon seemed to understand her worries without her even having to speak them aloud. Her concerns over hurting others, either by her own or Phoenix’s will, was enough to make her nauseous, but her siblings always had a way of helping to stem those worries. The mention of how Kazutora had been looking at her sent a small thrill through her body, leaving her understandably confused. Why would it make her happy to know that he was looking at her? It had to be due to the fact that she wanted to be friends with him. Of course, that is all it was. Suddenly she feels a hard tap on her forehead which draws out a sound of surprise from her lips, hand raising to rub at the spot., "Don't take their words so seriously, Sundown. She wasn't trying to hurt you, just help. I have no doubts that Kazutora will be here to speak to you as well, and... Speak of the devil. It looks like he's just arrived."

She would have to thank Halcyon for his words of encouragement later. The entire classroom seemed to almost have a hush go over it when Kazutora entered. It was an odd sensation to say the least, for the excited chatter of teenagers to die off so suddenly, especially over a simple peer of theirs. What is wrong with these people? The bias was unbelievable, and she highly doubted that any of them had actually had a conversation with the boy. Velonix would be lying if she said that she didn’t notice the stares that she was receiving, the darted glances between herself and Kazutora. Such an unnatural reaction to someone simply attempting to become friends with another person. There had to be something more going on here.

As she gazed at Kazutora, she studied his aura for the first time since meeting him, only now having the perfect opportunity to see his full frame as he crossed the room towards their seats. Her eyes blinked as she observed the swirling hues, a mixture of shades of yellows and blues, streaks of gray sliding through them, all resulting in a beautifully crafted yet desolate shimmer around his body. It was mesmerizing, really, and the urge to run her fingers through the shades grew rapidly within her, fingers twitching in want. Such fascinating colors … She moved her gaze down his form and took in his frame, a piqued interest at the forefront of her mind. Something about him … intrigued her, and when she brought it back up to his face, her cheeks were blazing in embarrassment. Just where was her mind going?

Momentarily distracted from her study of Kazutora, she found herself glaring in the direction of the doorway that he had just come from. The boy from earlier stood in the frame, his cheek swollen and red, a dark bruise already forming, and when their eyes connected a small flash of rage crossed his face, her satisfaction over the budding wound too much to hide. The anger was gone quickly though as she observed his eyes move to Halcyon, his skin paling instantly at the sight of her brother. Absently she noted to ask him about it later, but for now, she simply watched the exchange with a small amount of humor. The reaction amused her, to say the least; hopefully it was enough to get the child to leave Kazutora alone, even if it turned his attention to her. She could handle it; Kazutora on the other hand … Could not. If he did not learn his lesson… Well, then unfortunately for him, he just might have to worry about Phoenix taking care of the issue in her stead.

The thought made her skin crawl. Just how could she think like that? To stoop as low as Phoenix and be okay with a human suffering disgusted her. She was nothing like her alter, and a small bit of fear crept over her at the thought. Does this mean … That she is gaining more control? A chill swept over her at the mere idea of it. Whatever happened, no matter what, she could not allow Phoenix out into the world of the humans, especially in the 21st century - and especially so close to Kazutora.

Attempting to rid herself of the thought, she refocused on the scum as he slunk back to his seat. As he dropped into it with a small clatter, his friend shot forward from behind, a look of concern on his face.

”Yo, Kenji - what happened to your cheek man?” So his name is Kenji - good to know for later, she internally noted, arms crossing over her chest. At the question, Kenjiy flicked a glance in her direction, prompting an eyebrow to be raised in response, daring him to say anything. His friend followed his gaze and his expression merely grew more puzzled when he saw that Kenji was eying Velonix. After a moment of intense staring, the air between them so thick with tension that you could cut it with a spoon, Kenji averted his gaze, the mixture of anger and interest still visible in his features.

”I ran into a door. Mind your damn business,” he grumbled out, slumping down a bit in his seat.

Pleased that he had backed off for the time being, Velonix turned to begin setting up her books for Japanese and English, but was diverted by Reiya slipping into the room, and a small bit of shame slid through her. She knew that she had overreacted to the girl’s words and she felt guilty over making her feel bad for simply trying to help. Her intentions had been nothing but good and Velonix had undoubtedly made her feel as though it were her fault. She was distracted from her thoughts, however, when that voice slid across her - the one that was already oh-so-familiar and in its soft inflection was like a warm blanket on her skin. She found her movements slowing to a stop but looked down at her hands as they held a notebook in her lap.

"...Velonix?” Who knew her name could sound so soothing? You...don't have to treat me so formally all of the sudden..." A pause, but she said nothing, fingers tightening around the book. "It's a little...a little overwhelming, everything that's happened up to this point, I'm not really used to it, because…. I haven't really had any friends before either." This struck a chord within her, drawing her head up so that she was gazing at him through her bangs. His face was hidden from view, something that she noticed he did frequently. She understood loneliness, despite being surrounded by the love of her family, the loneliness of not having a confidant outside of your blood to talk to, gossip with - to do so many things with. The fact that he lacked friends baffled her though; he was a human and surrounded by so many people, yet he was alone? It made little sense to her, but at the same time, she did understand that the cruelty of humanity knew no bounds. "if you could just be patient with me, I..." Patient? Oh, now that was something that she was good at at least. Her mother had always told her that she was a fantastic teacher since she had the patience of one of the saints that humans had theorized. Paired with her empathic personality, she found herself wondering if it was somehow meant to be that the two of them were to become friends - a human with little confidence and few close companions, and an eons-old yet still adolescent-like goddess with only adults and siblings for friends.

Velonix watched as Kazutora lifted his apple-toned face, hand lifted in a half-attempt to hide the crab-like color. She couldn’t help it and found herself amused by his actions. What she had said earlier wasn’t wrong; he was cute, from what she knew of the word. A quick glance around found Reiya and Yuki in discussion, and their classmates had seemingly lost interest for now as they hurried to finish their conversations before the teacher arrived. "if you could just be patient with me, I wouldn't mind...being friends." She returned her attention to Kazutora as he spoke, and to her annoyance and satisfaction - she couldn’t decide if it was cute or annoying - he was still hiding his face behind his hand. Observing the nimble fingers that attempted to shield his eyes for only a moment, Velonix reached out and gently grabbed his wrists, pulling lightly so as to reveal his features. A soft smile was on her lips and she released him, not wanting to overstep again.

”I can promise to be patient with you … If you can promise to be patient with me.” At that moment, Mr.Okamoto slipped through the doors, dividing her attention for a brief second. ”It may take me some time, and I may do weird things, but … All I ask is for your understanding.”

Reiya suddenly slid between them, at least verbally, but Velonix did not mind one bit. She wanted to apologize to the girl anyway. "Miss Velonix, I am so sorry, I didn't mean to make you upset. I just wanted to help. You're no bother at all either. I just had a huge adjustment myself when I first moved here. I lived most of my life in Germany, so when I moved here after my parents died, it was a big adjustment for me and I was just trying to help you get adjusted. I would still like to get to know you better, if that's okay. Oh Kazutora, are you okay? Please forgive me, but I saw what happened with Kenji and I texted Iphi about it. I kind of panic because I don't want you to get hurt and I know Iphi would do a much better job of protecting you than me." She managed to get all of that out in one go, which was impressive to Vel especially given her obviously timid nature. However, what she had ended on left an unsettling sensation in Velonix’s stomach. What did she mean, ’what happened with Kenji’? Her eyes flickered over to the boy in question before moving back to Reiya. One thing at a time. Casting a smile at her, Vel gave her a thumbs up. ”Please, do not stress yourself out over it. I have a tendency to be sensitive and I will admit that I overreacted, so if anything it is I who should be apologizing to you. So for that, I am sorry as well. I still hope to become close friends.”

Unable to contain her curiosity, especially since her anger was reaching a steady simmer at the different things that her mind was imagining, Vel leaned forward a bit, closer to Reiya. ”What do you mean, ‘what happened with Kenji’?” Her voice was a bit off, betraying her inner boiling fury. Something about that human boy just enraged her. ”What did he do? One good slap was not enough, I see,” she ended on a mutter, almost as though she were speaking to herself.

The bell went off with a sharp shrill, signaling the end of lunch. Those who weren’t already made their way to their seats as the teacher plopped his books on his desk a bit flamboyantly. ”Take your seats, and no dilly-dallying please.” Velonix grabbed her pencil pouch from her bag and dropped it onto her desk, flipped out an orange pen, and with a small paper in hand, scribbled something in glittering ink. She deftly folded it twice before she plopped it onto Kazutora’s desk quickly as their instructor turned to the board.

I wish you would show your face more. At the end of the sentence was a quickly drawn little monster instead of a period, along with a small smiley face. When he opened the note, she felt her own smile become more relaxed, feeling like her normal self once more.

And with that, class had begun.

It passed uneventfully, with the teacher droning on. At one point, Velonix took the time to study the man’s aura, and shivered a bit at the sight of the swirling reds and black, with some hues of indigo. I should warn Reiya to keep her distance from this man. His piercing gaze gave her goosebumps and not in a good way, and she found herself focusing on her books instead of actually listening to his lecture. Her thoughts drifted and she found herself daydreaming, head turned to gaze absentmindedly out the window, her mind miles away.

The sound of the bell was jarring and also quite effective in yanking Velonix from her reverie. Clearly the teacher had finished his lectures, as he was in the process of gathering his things to leave, and as she studied him he suddenly went still. After a moment, during which she could feel an odd tension growing, his head tilted up ever-so-slightly, and suddenly his eyes were on her. The abruptness of it actually made her physically jump in surprise, and combined with the depth of utter darkness ricocheting throughout the man’s irises sent a shiver up her spine; just who was this human?

Her stare remained on him as he finally made his way from the classroom, her expression betraying her suspicions. Once the man was out of sight, she turned back to her desk, intent on packing up her belongings. She still had one more class and then club activities; she had chosen to join the Art Club and was quite excited to spend time between school and work doing what she loved.

Without realizing, she had begun to hum as she moved, and when she caught herself she was unable to contain the giggle that escaped her over her own silliness. She just couldn’t help it; other than a few hiccups, today had been a great day so far! She was able to start school and meet so many new people, and she even made her first friends, too! It was all too much and Velonix found herself continuing her hum with her lips turned up a bit at each side. Once everything was gathered, she held the straps of her bag with it atop her desk. It was easy enough to note the stare that Kenji was sending her way; he clearly wanted to approach her but was either too afraid or something else was stopping him from actually following through. She was perfectly alright with that, though.

”Yuki, you and Reiya have the next class together, correct?” Velonix paused, tapping her chin. ”Unfortunately, we will not be together, but with Reiya there I am sure that you are in great hands.” Her gentle gaze flicked to Reiya and then Kazutora. ”I suppose that we might as well walk one another to class, correct? Considering we have separate classes but together. I do have Art club after classes end. What are you two in? Would you mind so terribly showing us where the club rooms are?” Her voice was a bit hesitant but she asked the request anyway, figuring that they at least had a companionship of some sort with these two, so they might as well ask for their help to avoid getting lost.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazumi Orako Character Portrait: Iphianassa Lykaois Character Portrait: Mafuyu Hanazawa Character Portrait: Natsuo Orako
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Code- #FF1493


The date comment was pretty funny and Kazumi did giggle at that.

"Hehe oh please, if I were to go on a date with you, it definitely wouldn't be in a school setting. Besides, aren't there rules for that here?" Kazumi asked.

Even though Kazumi was the type to bend the rules, a lot, she would never break them without good reason. Like they all pretty much broke a rule by coming to Earth without telling their parents or Astraea. Kazumi knew they were all going to be in for an earful whenever they were found. She just hoped it would be later rather than sooner. Her thoughts refocused on Mafuyu though when he answered her question. So the ex's name was Haru huh? A devious smile appeared on her face when Mafuyu warned her about him.

"Thanks for the warning, but I should warn you, I get a special thrill of putting guys like him in their place. I can't stand guys like that either and if he tries to put any moves on me, I'll crush him," she said menacingly.

She meant it too. Her attitude brightens though when Mafuyu talks about her brother a bit. Oh, she wasn't 100% sure about Natsuo helping Iphi relax since he was pretty uptight himself. He would no doubt protect her. Her brother didn't carry his kendo sword around for show after all. He was very proficient and was taught by the best. The only one who could best him was their main protector Astraea. Now there was someone you never messed with.

When Mafuyu said he'd like to stick around, Kazumi nodded.

"Sure thing! Oh sorry for dragging you off too suddenly. I am hungry so let's go find them. Just give me a second and I'll call Natsuo," Kazumi said before pulling out her cell phone.

After pressing a few buttons, she called him up.

"Hey where are you? . . . Oh that place. . . . uhhhh, sure I know where that is . . . . . okay right . . . . See you soon."

Kazumi was annoyed that she forgotten the location of the place Natsuo had mentioned. It was the exact place they had met that morning before the incident with Kazutora and Vel. Thinking of her sister, she hoped she was still having a good day. Well in several more hours they would know.

"Okay I know where they are. Let's go shall we?" Kazumi said before leading the way again.





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Code- #0000CD


Natsuo, being the observer that he was, did look at Iphianassa as she took out her cell phone and read what he guessed was a text message for her expression changed. The girl was quick to show emotions so she was a pretty easy read. She was definitely not happy about what she read too. Curious, he decided to ask what was up, but before he could even do that, Iphianassa sat down and started talking to him. Her mentioning spicy food cause the corners of his mouth to lift and he found himself smirking a bit. How would she react if he told her he could jump into lava and still think it was pleasant? He was pleasantly surprised when she offered him a bit of her meal. Instead of taking the chopsticks offered to him, he just took his own and took a sausage. He wasn't expecting much, so when he tried the food, it was nice to see that it was really good. It was certainly had a kick to it, but was still a bit mild for his taste. Still what he was eating was not as spicy as he preferred too. After all, his sister made it.

"Very nice. You're welcome to try mine if you like. Sadly I didn't make my lunch this time, it was my younger sister who did since I was too busy training this morning."

After she took one of his tempuras, he started eating his meal. It was pleasant and it was during this time, Natsuo saw his sister and Mafuyu approaching. Iphianassa's back was to them so she wouldn't be able to see them. The girl then started talking again.

"I really appreciate your help and your sister’s kindness as well, particularly with getting away from my ex ... But to be completely honest with you, I’m a little confused. Why would you help me? You don’t even know me, and I’ve done nothing but be rude to and glare at you since we met this morning."

Natsuo looked at her, puzzled.

"Because no one deserves to be treated that way Miss Iphianassa. If there's one thing my siblings and I don't like it's those who prey upon others."

Ipianassa continued on though by saying, "If you think that there’s any benefit of being close to me in any way, you’d be wrong. Not only am I poor, but I also tend to scare a lot of people off with my resting bitch face. I’m not really the type of person that’ll boost your popularity, if you catch my drift."

Natsuo frowned and would have replied, but Iphianassa continued on, "So what’s your goal here? I don’t have any money, and I don’t own nice things. I don’t have many friends, and it’s not like I’m pretty; so what’s your end goal? Huh?"

Kazumi and Mafuyu had arrived in time to hear that last comment.

Raising an eyebrow, Kazumi was quick to say, "What are you talking about Iphi?"

With a flourish, she sat down next to Natsuo, right across from Iphi and took out her own lunch, which was a regular a bowl of ramen and some vegetables mixed in.

"Miss Iphianassa here seems to think that by being around her, our reputations will be shot."

Kazumi's eyes opened wide and she suddenly laughed before saying, "Oh my, it's sweet of you to worry, Iphi, but the last thing we ever worry about is our reputation. And we could care less if you have limited means when it comes to currency, which I always never liked, it causes more problems than solutions. Seriously, the day humanity decided to put a cost on something was the dumbest decision humanity has ever made. Also, as for you not being pretty? Girlfriend, have you ever looked in the mirror? You've very attractive. Isn't she Natsuo?"

Natsuo nearly choked on his food for he wasn't expecting Kazumi to say something like that. Seeing Kazumi's look, he knew she did that on purpose too. Looking at Iphianassa, he felt his cheeks redden suddenly. She was attractive, but for crying out loud, they had just met. Still better to be honest then to lie and hurt the girl.

"Yes she is," he said, not looking directly at her.

Smiling, Kazumi turned back Iphi, "See? If you're not feeling comfortable about your looks, maybe I can help you out there. I do great make-overs. Anyway, let's eat before we need to get to our next classes."

Natsuo was grateful his sister finally stopped talking and just focused on her meal. They continued to eat and after finishing, Natsuo decided to ask Iphianassa about her text message.

"Miss Iphianassa, was something troubling you earlier? I saw you looking at your phone and I can only assume you got a troubling text message."

That got Kazumi's attention and she looked at Iphi to see what was up.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazutora Miyato Character Portrait: Kazuyuki Orako Character Portrait: Velonix Orako Character Portrait: Reiya Goertz
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kazutora miyato.
dialogue ; #853232. – thought ; #035d63.
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The walk back to his desk isn't entirely without incident, or well, at least it's not noticeable. He can see, and feel the stare from her as he approaches, but he can't quite build the courage to look up and see how she's staring at him. Was it one of anger? Disappointment? Was she still crying now?

Not that he could really walk around back out of the classroom now, she'd already seen him, and trying to run from the situation would probably only make it worse. So he sits into his seat next to her, still can't force himself to make eye contact or even keep his face showing all the way as he mutters the words that feel more humiliating as time passes, as things carry on further. As the classroom chatter picks up, he at least can feel like people aren't listening into his embarrassing confessions, snickering to themselves when they know the exact reason why he hasn't had much in terms of friends and relationships.

Words are out now though, and there's no taking them back. Time travel certainly wasn't real, as much as he wished it were. Oh, the things he would do differently with his life. Anything, to not end up back here where he is now...the black sheep of the town, the rejected foster child and...whatever the hell other nickname and title could be thrust upon him without his own personal desire or want.

He supposed, in some ways, that was the way of living in a small town. Everyone talked, and after the history behind his face and the first year of uncontrollable violence and emotions he'd been dealing with, no one saw any meaning in changing their way of viewing him. Did he just have himself to blame, or his last foster home? All the previous foster homes?

Whatever, it didn't matter at this point. Once he was done with high school and got a decent enough job for even a shitty apartment in the city, he'd be out of here.

His drifting thoughts are brought back to reality soon after though, even with the way he tries to cover his face and the growing blush, some sense of humiliation and that clinging inability to hold eye contact when it came to people like Velonix. That little shield that keeps him safe from sight in the form of his hands soon ends though, the sensation of that soft fabric she always wore over her hands for some reason as it gently takes hold of both his wrists, pulls them away from his face and he doesn't have the will to fight against the soothing pull, even if his heart picks up just so slightly with the touch again. Why did she keep having that affect on him? Such simple actions like that, usually they wouldn't phase anyone else, right? Was he that deprived? But his hands are pulled down into his lap now, released as soon as they're taken into her palms, and they feel cold without the contact.

Muddy eyes turn up to look at her finally then, at least, a weak, "sorry," escaping him in the process, as if trying to cover up the burning face was something anyone else would apologize for. Yet still, he feels guilty trying to hide away in the middle of an apology and make-up, tries to steel his heart and the anxiety enough to keep eye contact with her as they speak. It would only be right to try his best for her too, right?

"I can promise to be patient with you...If you can promise to be patient with me. It may take me some time, and I may do weird things, but...all I ask is for your understanding." Her words bring a sense of relief, it seems, as his heart slowly settles and the building nerves that are already frayed enough from this entire day can finally rest and relax. She had accepted the apology...right? And...she still wanted to be friends?

He feels the faintest sensation of a twitch to the corner of his lips, and for a moment he thinks a smile is trying to break through, but it doesn't quite make it, not enough to be obvious anyway. The feeling is...foreign to him, after all these years, but somewhere, he's a little happy over the turn of events to this point, even if that nagging anxiety and the overthinking tell him it was a mistake, and that he should have let the misunderstanding continue. Should have let the quiet loneliness return with such an easy way out.

But it's alright for me to enjoy this...just for a little bit, isn't it?

Letting out a soft breath, he finally nods, wrings his hands together over his lap. "Yeah...yeah. That...that sounds good. I promise, too."

Their conversation feels short and easy, even if his mind wants to make it feel like it's dragging out for ages, and he's grateful for that. For the way she doesn't seem quick to judge, or quick to hold a grudge, lets him try and explain himself and return back to normal, if not a little less of an overwhelming normal. This was healthy communication though, wasn't it? Was this what his therapist had been trying to get him to do for all these years? Wonder what she'd say, if she saw this?

Reiya has settled into her space now though, and before he can say anything else, she's begun speaking, giving out a nervous but clear apology for her words from before, as if they had been offensive in the first place. Kazutora knew better than to ever think Reiya did something in outright malicious intent, the girl was far too timid and reserved for that. The day she went out of her way to be rude to someone, especially someone new in an...apparently extremely similar situation (dead parents, a move to somewhere new and unfamiliar in culture, what else would they be able to relate on?), would be the day Kazutora was sure that his sanity had really reached its last string.

Not that her address to Velonix lasts forever, given the girl has soon enough turned her gaze to him in question, perhaps to be nice, but he cringes a little when he feels that burning gaze of Kenji once more, seemingly picking up on the sound of conversation, the mention of his name. "Oh, Kazutora, are you okay? Please forgive me, but I saw what happened with Kenji and I texted Iphi about it. I kind of panic because I don't want you to get hurt and I know Iphi would do a much better job of protecting you then me."

The last part makes him cringe away for a bit, face twisting slightly as he takes in what she's said. As if he would look to Reiya for protection, it should be him protecting her, though no one seemed to have a bone to pick with her in general anyway. Iphianassa though...of course Reiya had told her about this. A small groan escapes him, near silent and he glances to his phone that sits at the top of his desk. He'd have to text her, tell her to ignore what Reiya had told her or something. He can take care of himself, alright!?

"...'m fine, Reiya." He mutters, looking away out towards the window again, "he's done worse than this, all he did was grab me." Truly, that's all he'd done. Or managed to do, before he'd ended up on his ass in the hallway. If he'd had his way, Kazutora is rather confident that he'd be walking away with more than a little bit of a messed up uniform collar.

Velonix isn't so easy to drop the mention though; almost as soon as the apology is accepted she's pressing into the matter, trying to figure out what happened when they weren't around. "What do you mean, 'what happened with Kenji'?" There's something else muttered, but he can't quite catch it, and before he can try and get rid of the conversation for good, the bell rings and class is in session. Should he be glad for this or not?

Once again Kazutora can't find it in himself to take notes, leaving the one he has in his backpack to grow dust for another day as he just stares up at the board, tries to ignore the teacher that had always given him bad vibes since the day he'd been here. Like the Yoneda couple, hits his mind suddenly, and he shakes away the thought before the feelings can surface beyond vague unease, distress, phantom touch. I'm sure Velonix already feels like she should keep her distance. Should I still mention it?

A paper lands on his desk. His gaze moves down to it then, glancing over to the brunette at his side before opening it himself, blinking once at the contents.

"I wish you would show your face more."

There's a small doodle at the end of the words, cute, though he's a bit flustered by the words themselves, brows furrowing slightly as he tries not to think of how many times he'd turned himself away from her up to this point. It's all he can do to pull out the cheap black pen in one of his backpack's side pockets, scrawling out in the neat handwriting he'd always had, much to most people's disbelief.

"Sorry. I'll try to be better." And it's folded back up, slipped across their desks to her side again and he's settling into his desk, staring up at the lesson, Mr. Okamoto writing on the board over English and Japanese, occasionally having students stand to read phrases or paragraphs from books between both language's literature. He'd never been that great at English himself, not speaking it anyway, though he was starting to catch up, hoped that in the meantime he could keep his grade in this man's classes up.

And then the bell rings, and it's time for elective courses, though Kazutora despises his. Home ec, because of course he would have to take home ec his last year if he avoided it the other two. It was one of the elective courses that he simply couldn't work alone in half the time, until the sewing and needlework section come along, and even then it was difficult at times. Sure, Ms. Hanagaki was kind, patient, she'd never been overly cruel or rude to him, but she didn't seem to understand that people didn't like him. That people didn't want to work with him. He was either being ignored out of the group, harassed whenever she wasn't looking, or doing all the work, sometimes all three at once.

At least he got good grades on the food he made himself.

Silently though, he wonders if Velonix would end up in a group with him. If they were given the option, would she choose to be in a group with him? If not, would Ms. Hanagaki choose her to be with him after undoubtedly hearing the whispers and rumors at this point, knowing that Velonix seemed kinder to him than the others?

There was also the potential of any other group too, but he doesn't think about that for now.

"I suppose that we might as well walk one another to class, correct?" He comes in halfway through the conversation, eyes turning to look to her as she speaks, "considering we have separate classes but together. I do have Art club after classes end. What are you two in? Would you mind so terribly showing us where the club rooms are?"

Oh yeah, they were still new students. Obviously they wouldn't know where everything was day one. Kazutora at least nods for now, leaning back in his seat, "sure, since we share home ec together, I wouldn't mind." And then a pause, and he almost wants to laugh out loud. Okay, so they were literally sharing the entire day together, every day, every week, every month. No separate classes. Good? That would remain to be seen, he supposed. How long would she tolerate him if she saw him every hour of the day during the school week? She'd no doubt see his lows soon enough.

"Art club, too. Guess we'll be there together as well, so I can show you the classroom they hold it in."

With that cleared up, Kazutora finally rises from his seat, backpack lifted from the desk hook and the strap back over one of his shoulders lazily, exhaustion catching up to him again after the second come down from adrenaline and nerves for the day.

"...wanna head to home ec with me, Velonix?"

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazutora Miyato Character Portrait: Kazuyuki Orako Character Portrait: Velonix Orako Character Portrait: Reiya Goertz
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kazuyuki orako.
dialogue ; #a59bbd. – thought ; #94bbed.
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His words seem to get through to Harmonix some at least, and he's grateful for it. Grateful that, at the very least, he can help her some way, despite the stress she was clearly feeling, or the emotions that wouldn't settle inside of her. It wins a small smile and laugh out of him at the sound of surprise she makes when he flicks her forehead, happy, at least, that she doesn't seem nearly as upset or downtrodden as before. That was a step in the right direction, right?

And would continue moving down the right path as Kazutora sat down next to her, so uneasily tried to talk to her and apologize, and the faint smile settles in its place for the time being as he listens to them talk, exchange their words in somewhat hushed tones. Glad, that the misunderstanding hadn't continued for more than an hour in the end. It's best to keep misunderstandings low and take care of them quickly after all, isn't it?

He's settled into his seat, comfortable in his desk and with the space he has for the time being until their class starts again, and its onto more subjects that he knows well enough already, but he's a "human teen" now, and teenagers in this land have to learn, so along with them he will.

That doesn't mean that class is in yet, though, nor does it mean that he can feel people staring at them, some to Kazutora and Velonix, some to him specifically much to his dismay, including those girls from before though they have yet to approach him, and he's grateful for it. Rather than be concerned over them, though, he finds his eyes on that head of ashy hair who stares at his sister, despite his warnings. By god this kid was stubborn as hell, or perhaps he just had a habit of inflicting problems on himself. Was it the narcissism? Probably.

But when Halcyon turns his gaze towards the boy, Kenji looks towards him as well, as if catching that sense that someone else was watching, not just Harmonix. The ways his skin pales, or his features twist slightly in panic or fear pleases Halcyon; at least something had gotten across well enough to keep him on his toes. Would this fear alone at least keep him from actually trying anything with his sister for awhile? Somehow he's unsure, but Halcyon wasn't one to forget promises...or threats. He wouldn't let them go without actual consequences, not for someone like Kenji.

As the boy turns his head back to face forward and his friend questions him on it, he's quite pleased to hear him avoid the topic too, even if somehow he feels running into a door hard enough to bruise is far more humiliating than getting slapped across the face by a girl. The prior just held less consequences.

Letting his head fall back onto the desk to rest over crossed arms again, Kazuyuki lets out a small sigh over the new situation, or more so the fact that he never got his nap on the roof in the end. Honest, he'd needed it, the way his eyes were struggling to stay open the more he let himself relax and get comfortable...or as comfortable as he could in these wooden seats. It's a little better than straight up concrete, he supposes.

He's nearly about to fall asleep in class again, until the bell rings, until the new teacher steps into the classroom, and suddenly he feels as if he has to be alert around this man. Something was...off about him, no doubt about that, though he couldn't tell what. Velonix would have a better read on him than he ever could, so maybe he could ask her about it later, yet still...

Once again, a nap ruined. He didn't feel comfortable enough sleeping in this man's presence, or knowing his sister was in the room of someone who seemed...potentially dangerous, maybe just unsettling at the very least. Humanity...was capable of things he knew too much of, and no doubt there were some that had just grown worse over their time on earth. Would he be one of those?

Japanese and English were quite boring, but they passed all the same, as time always does. After this class would be where he splits off from his sister to go to...creative writing and literature, was it? He faintly recalled signing up for that sort of class upon transfer, if only because it sounded quiet, and was perhaps something he'd be able to relax and rest more in than others like...sports, or the like. No, you would not catch him dead playing soccer or basketball with the others. Did he look like he had the energy for that right now?

Yawning and stretching his arms over his head once Mr. Okamoto had left and he could finally relax, Kazuyuki turned his gaze back to his sibling, to the two he hoped to eventually genuinely call friends, before Autumn spoke, "Yuki, you and Reiya have the next class together, correct?" He nodded along with that, glancing to Reiya in the process with a faint smile again before looking back at his sister once more. "Unfortunately, we will not be together, but with Reiya there I am sure that you are in great hands."

It's a small laugh from that, and he nods along with her words, "mhm, I think so too." It's true, he didn't feel like Reiya would leave him in the dust to find somewhere himself, and silently he hopes that she'll let him sit next to her in class once they're there, though given how the roof went, that might be something that doesn't happen in the end.

"I suppose that we might as well walk one another to class, correct? Considering we have separate classes but together. I do have Art club after classes end. What are you two in? Would you mind so terribly showing us where the club rooms are?" Again his sister leads the conversation, and all he really does is nod along. It had always been this way, hadn't it? Velonix had often just talked for him at home too, and he would follow along.

"Orchestra," he offers, "that's what I've got for my club." A pause, and a glance to Reiya, he tilts his head slightly, hair shifting a bit with the movement as his eyes catch a glint of the sun, barely showing off the muted blue hues for the moment, "would you be alright, showing me where they meet for their club hour too? After creative writing, of course. I still haven't figured everything out here."

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Character Portrait: Astraea Mantrenul Character Portrait: Pavo Etoile
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"Without enough sleep,
we all become tall two-year-olds."
~JoJo Jensen

Speech Code ~ #088A08
| Thought Code ~ #04B4AE




"Hmmm, did the Seasons ever express any interest in any specific area? I know Aurora always loved French things, especially Rococo. You've known them longer than I have."

Nibbling on her cookie, Astraea mulled over her memories of her interactions with the Seasons over the years. The boys had rarely expressed any interest in Earth, let alone the mortals, but the girls on the other hand had been extremely curious, especially when it came to anything involving the mortal realm. She recalled many times that she had been used as a babysitter to keep the girls in check and out of the looking pool room. They were curious little buggers, but it was understandable; mortals were something foreign and fascinating, something to study and understand. What they did not understand, unfortunately, was how terrible humanity truly was. This was why she was in such a rush to retrieve the Seasons and return them to their parents and Aequinoctium to resume their godly duties. Not only was the Earth slowly becoming unbalanced despite the young ones having left after the change of seasons, but also she wished to protect them from the horrid existence that was humanity.

”Aurora indeed adores France, and Harmonix loves all things Scottish and Greek. As for the boys, they never outwardly expressed much interest in Earth, so I haven’t a clue as to where they would have wished to go. Unfortunately, that does not mean that they went to those locations; they may have gone elsewhere in an attempt to throw us off track,” she ended on a murmur, almost seeming to speak to herself. She finished her cookie and poured another shot, offering the bottle to Pavo so as to fill his as well.

"Now as far as WHO would want to initially go to Earth, I can only see the girls wanting to go since the boys never fully expressed interest in going. Phoebus would only go for protection purposes. Halcyon would go to be supportive." Astraea undid her long ponytails, allowing her hair to fall free, an uncommon occurrence for the mature Star to do in front of others. As she ran her fingers through the golden tresses in an attempt to somewhat untangle them, small sprinkles of stardust fell from the soft strands and her porcelain digits, disappearing as they connected with the man-made floor. It felt good to release some of her magic, having been holding onto her mortal form for as long as she had, and she sighed a bit at the lift of pressure from her back. Rolling her head to stretch her neck, she held up her shot glass to tap it against Pavo’s. As they clinked them together and she tossed it back, her face twisting a bit at the unfamiliar burn, she ran her tongue over her lips.

His question was a valid one. Who would have wanted to go to Earth was something that Astraea had wondered to herself many times over the last two weeks. She had ruled out the boys entirely, just as Pavo seemed to have. Halcyon was too … Halcyon to suggest it, and Natsuo was by far the most stubborn and hard-headed of them all. It was unlikely that he would have brought it up in conversation. Kazumi was a possibility, as she enjoyed pretty things and pushing the limits of her freedom, but at the same time, that did not really strike Astraea as reason enough for them to pull a stunt like this.

So that unfortunately left her beloved Harmonix. Given her history, it was difficult to say whether or not she would suggest such a thing, so to be completely honest, it was more than likely that it had been entirely Harmonix’s idea.

”It was more than likely Harmonix,” she answered simply after a few moments of thought. ”Kazumi may enjoy her fashion and be fascinated with humans, but I find it highly unlikely that she would be willing to put her family at risk as well as worry their parents for such an excursion simply due to those reasons. As for Harmonix, her past shows that she is unpredictable in the decisions that she makes. She may have her reasons for them, but they are unpredictable ones nonetheless, so I believe that leaves only her as the viable option.”

Astraea tossed a finger in the direction of the map. The alcohol had warmed her and she could feel her cheeks were turning rosy in response, and her mind was growing foggy - much to her satisfaction. This was exactly what she was going for; an escape and something that could possibly help her insomnia ridden mind sleep. ”I think we should start in Scotland, since Harmonix would more than likely want to go there.” The movement combined with her words made her dizzy. She had barely drank anything before in her life, as it was a human vice that she had never considered taking part in it, so despite her disappointment it was unsurprising that her mortal body was reacting so intensely to what most would deem a small amount of alcohol. She caught herself on the back of the couch as she swayed a bit, hand raising to rub sleepily at her right eye.

”Pavo, do you … Think that we will find them? Before anything bad happens?” she asked softly, her stare a million miles away. Her hand reached to the back of the couch and tugged the blanket down from it, tossing it over her legs as goosebumps began to speckle them. As she did so, another wave of dizziness assaulted her, and this time she gripped the nearest thing to stabilize herself with - which was unfortunately Pavo’s arm. As soon as she touched it, however, she found herself swimming through the fog in her mind to piece together a sentence that actually made sense. I never knew … That his arm could feel so nice … Her eyes fell half-shut at the thought and she found herself leaning before she could stop, her head connecting with his shoulder.

”Warm … Comfy,” she mumbled sleepily to herself, attempting to keep herself from nodding off entirely. She inhaled deeply as she snuggled in, letting out a content sigh. ”Smells nice …” Completely out of her control, she rubbed his arm gently, almost as though it were a comfort to her to do so. In all honesty, she was too far gone to really realize what she was doing. She was operating on no sleep in three days, and as soon as the liquor hit her virgin system, she was done for. So there she was, as defenseless as a baby lamb, pressed up against her subordinate’s side. His arm was hard, as it was obvious that he spent many days exercising and working out, but despite the muscular state it was still surprisingly comfortable to rest against. Through the haze she knew that she should move away and gather her wits, but Gods, she was so tired - and he felt so good to rest against. He was comfortable; he was familiar. He was … Part of their family, so in a way, he was … Home.

Setting

6 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazutora Miyato Character Portrait: Kazuyuki Orako Character Portrait: Velonix Orako Character Portrait: Astraea Mantrenul Character Portrait: Reiya Goertz Character Portrait: Pavo Etoile
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Code- #790D49


As Astraea talked, Pavo nodded in agreement. In the back of his mind, if HE was the Seasons, he would definitely visit someplace to throw the others off. Still, it be a good idea to be sure too.

"As far as places to rule out, I think we can also rule out warn-torn places too, so a good chunk of the Middle East. And any tropical area due to Halycon not being able to handle it, so most of Southeast Asia. Of course the same goes for the polar opposite, the extremely cold areas too, like anywhere in Himalayas."

There were other factors too to consider, like he doubts the seasons would go to an area where the government was pretty corrupted and would have 'big brother' watching over them. So that would rule out China. Now there was a country that he felt was taking a wrong turn, but that country had always had its ups and downs. Another thing was would the Seasons go to a rural area or a city or somewhere in between? Aurora and Phoebus were extroverts and would crave a place to be around people. But Harmonix and Halcyon were introverts and prefer the quiet, although Harmonix's curiosity about humans always helped her overcome any anxieties. So, Astraea was probably right, Harmonix was the catalyst for this whole situation.

"You know one thing is for sure, I bet all four of them are in school. All of them could pass for teenagers or college students. You wouldn't think they were so much older than that. Mon dieu, I look older than them and I am pretty much a baby age wise compared to the rest of you." he said with a laugh.

Suddenly a memory came to him, it was the last time he had a personal conversation with Harmonix.

"Oh, you know what, gosh it was like almost a month ago, Harmonix asked me a lot about my life prior to the war. Of course all of you already know it, but she was more interested in details, like how currency worked or what was needed buy a house. I couldn't answer all of those, but it did make me wonder. I should have mention that before."

"Pavo, do you … Think that we will find them? Before anything bad happens?"

Looking at his superior, he could see the fear she was feeling. Taking his free arm, he placed it around her shoulders and hugged her in comfort.

"We'll find them. In time, trust that they'll be able to handle themselves until we get to them."

He knew she didn't like humanity, but Pavo, being human himself once upon a time, knew there were good humans out there. His family were good examples and then there were the rebels he helped with. He even heard from those who did spying missions that there were a few Nazis that had been forced to be in the army, so even amongst evil there was good. Maybe that's why he and Astraea made a good team, he saw the glass half full and she half full; hence, they balanced each other out. His attention became diverted though as Astraea laid her head against him and started to fall asleep while murmuring random words. Well, this was an interesting development. Soon though she was asleep. Pavo sat there a few minutes, thinking about what he should do. He really didn't think Astraea would like to sleep on the couch, but he was worried he might wake her up too. Also, having her close to him like this, it was pretty unsettling, and he did briefly consider taking advantage of the situation, he was male after all, but quickly squashed that. He prefers to have the person's permission first. It was one thing his father told him, to always have a lady's permission, and he did not have that yet, not with Astraea at least. Oh, even after becoming a star, he still had his occasional paramours, but he'd always be careful and was selective. Besides, he was busier as a star then he was as a human.

Wanting sleep himself, he decides carry Astraea into her room. Moving gently, he gathers her into his arms and goes into her room. He lays her down and pulls the covers over her. Closing the door to her room, he cleans up the food and drinks before finally going to bed himself.






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Code- #D66B70


Reiya sighed in relief when Velonix spoke to her, still wishing to be friends. Whether they would become friends or not was a good question, but Reiya could see that happening. She barely caught Kazutora's own response to her. It was then Velonix asked about Kenji, but before Reiya could answer her, she heard her cell phone go off, indicating she got a text message. Reminding herself to put her phone on silent, she did that before checking the text.

We had a couple of new students join us too. Siblings. They seem...decent enough I guess. I'm about to eat with the brother. That blueberry Mafuyu is with the sister. They must be related to your new classmates. They're names are Kazumi and Natsuo Orako. I have an hour after classes until work, so don't worry about Kenji or Zu, I'll take care of the little fucker myself. Thanks for the heads up, wouldn't have known without you. I know he can be a tough nut to crack but I really hope that you can become friends. Just keep on keeping your eye on him for me, please. Thanks so much! You're the best! Have a good rest of your classes!

Unfortunately, Reiya didn't have time to respond to Velonix nor to the text since the next class started right then and there. Instantly Reiya paid attention and started taking notes. However, she kept a sharp eye on Mr. Okamoto. He made her feel very uncomfortable, and she did notice how he kept looking in Velonix's direction. Briefly looking at the new student, she could tell the girl didn't like him looking at her too. Still it would be a good idea to caution her. Reiya was just relieved her Uncle Ryu, her Aunt Risuki's husband, was on the school board, so if anything DID happen, she could notify him. How someone like him became a teacher, she will never know.

The next two classes passed by easily enough though and the first person to speak up was no surprise for it was Velonix. She asked again she and Kazuyuki had a class together next. Kazutora speaks next and mentions his club is the same as Velonix's, art club. If there was one thing Reiya couldn't do, it was art. Kazuyuki was the last to speak and it seems he had the same club as hers, orchestra. While Reiya couldn't draw to save her life, she was proficient at the piano. It was one thing she learned from her paternal grandmother and continued to enjoy doing it. She was curious on what Kazuyuki's instrument was. Well, she'd find out eventually.

"Oh, sure it'll be no trouble to show you where our next class is. I also have Orchestra as my club, so I can show you the way to that too. Can you give me a second though. Miss Velonix, about your earlier question, Kenji bothered him again, but he didn't hurt him. Don't worry though, a mutual friend of ours who's in college will watch over Kazutora after school in case anything happens. Oh she also mentioned having a few classes with your older siblings. If they're anything like you and Kazuyuki, I wouldn't be surprised they have caused a stir too. Oh, I don't mean that in a bad way either, you and your brother are very nice, it's just so rare was someone moves here, especially with no connections to this place. Well, I'll let you two go to class. Shall we go Mister Kazuyuki?" Reiya rambles again, turning to Kazuyuki at that last statement.

She leads him to the Creative Writing class, where students we already there. Amongst them was her first cousin, a 3rd year like her, Yuki, who was the daughter of her Aunt Risuki and Uncle Ryu.

"Rei-chan!" the teen called out to here before coming forward and giving her a hug.

Yuki was very exuberant and unlike most Japanese, enjoyed physical contact whenever possible. Reiya was used to this kind of behavior. Pulling back, Yuki was quick to notice Kazuyuki behind her.

"OOOHH! Who's the new guy, Rei-chan?! Hi there, I am Yuki Aikawa! Rei's my first cousin, our mothers were sisters," she said with a bright smile before bowing.

Seeing her cousin blush caused her smile to widen more. Reiya sighed and turned to Kazuyuki.

"I am going to sit down now. Class will be starting soon. Feel free to sit wherever you like. This class is very easy going."

Bowing herself, she sat down.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kazumi Orako Character Portrait: Iphianassa Lykaois Character Portrait: Mafuyu Hanazawa Character Portrait: Natsuo Orako
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mafuyu hanazawa.
dialogue ; #7f9f91. – thought ; #bb7e8c.
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Perhaps his joke doesn't fall entirely flat, given the way the pink haired girl before him lets out a small laugh. That was good, right? She didn't already completely despise him? He'd take it as something of a win, that he'd managed to take the smallest step forward in terms of becoming a friend.

"Oh please, if I were to go on a date with you, it definitely wouldn't be in a school setting. Besides, aren't there rules for that here?" He blinks once at the words, and takes this as his second small win. She wasn't completely averse to a date? Enough at least, that she didn't mind playing along with his joke. It makes his smile a little brighter with that in mind, and then shrugs, "probably, I'm good at letting that sort of thing slip my mind though. There's a whole booklet on rules, it's impossible to keep track of them all here." Besides, this was a college campus, wasn't it? Couldn't they be allowed to let loose a little more than in high school?

Probably not, there was still reputation to uphold for universities after all.

Maybe it was something he should catch up on more, given he'd be teaching high school soon enough. Not that he was overly strict, but letting too much slide would let teenagers walk all over him, and he wasn't exactly for that by the time he was free of the school system. In just two years, really, he'd be graduated and working soon enough.

"Thanks for the warning, but I should warn you, I get a special thrill of putting guys like him in their place. I can't stand guys like that either and if he tries to put any moves on me, I'll crush him," Blinking once out of his own thoughts, he finds himself staring at Kazumi for a second longer before his head tilts and he lets out a small laugh. Crush him, huh? That was certainly a choice of words. She wasn't the type to take shit, was she? Iphianassa and her would get along that way, he was rather confident of that now.

"If you say so; don't put yourself in a bad situation though, Haruto's dirty as they get." Mafuyu doesn't think he'd try anything...insane, or so he had thought until he'd crossed the line of stalking with Iphianassa. How long until he went further into that depraved territory? She seems like she'd be able to handle herself, but it still doesn't settle well with me.

Shrugging off the thought of too many unknown futures, he waves off her apology as she turns around to pull out her phone, call her brother and ask where he and Iphianassa ended up. Not far off, probably. It wasn't that big of a campus in comparison to others nearby. Higashi-Naruse only had space and funds for so much, after all, and as much as he would have enjoyed attending college in the city somewhere a little more prestigious, staying close to his sisters and mom, to home, and going somewhere cheaper even with a full scholarship to other places was better for him in the long run.

He was a bit eager to move eventually though, what with Hisao having tracked him down at this point. More anonymity in a city, less in a town of just barely over two thousand people. It wouldn't be long before that trash starting pinning things, or places down a little easier, would it? As long as he stays away from the girls.

Looking back up from where he had been absentmindedly kicking around tufts of loose grass, Mafuyu's eyes settle on Kazumi for a moment as she begins to walk away, and a faint smile comes to him then, "mhm, lead the way, Kazumi. I certainly wouldn't know the directions." His skateboard is back in his hands from the ground, a little careless in its retrieval, and he jogs for a bit to catch up to her and stick to her side, comfortable in the presence they shared for the moment. She really didn't seem too bad, a likeable personality and a seeming caring side to her as well. And yes, she was pretty, but you'd have to be blind to miss that fact about her. It's just the way her apparent personality thus far makes that sort of beauty a little more true, a little more deep than just the skin, and he finds himself appreciative of that. It wasn't always that way, after all. He'd met plenty of people who turned ugly the moment they opened their mouth.

The air is quiet as they walk for a bit, Mafuyu's mind continuing its wandering, but after a second he glances to the pink haired girl again, head tilted ever so slightly before slipping out the question that had been on his mind since they'd first entered, before he'd been able to given they were all in class or the two siblings were surrounded on both sides by curious classmates that wanted to meet them. "You and Natsuo, where'd you guys move from? I figure you're probably not from Higashi-Naruse originally, right? I feel like I would have met you both by now if you were, it's such a small town."

His words are up in the air only a moment before the answer to that question can even be spoken, interrupted by the sound of Iphianassa's voice, her apparent interrogation on the man who she'd had help her escape Haruto earlier before. His brow quirks slightly at the tone, at the words themselves; couldn't people just want to be friends? Though, knowing her, it made sense that she'd question everything that way. It was rather rare that most would seek her out in any positive manner or lacking some sort of ulterior motive, he knew that, he'd watched it go on for several years now, hadn't he? So truly, in the end, no shock here.

"So what’s your goal here? I don’t have any money, and I don’t own nice things. I don’t have many friends, and it’s not like I’m pretty; so what’s your end goal? Huh?" Silently, he follows in with Kazumi, though the woman doesn't seem keen on staying quiet in their positions as she questions her brother on what the conversation was over. "Miss Iphianassa here seems to think that by being around her, our reputations will be shot."

Looking down at her the, Mafuyu tilts his head slightly, faint smile picking up over his features. Sure, maybe reputation was at risk when you hung around those that had the bad rumors and the like hanging around their heads, but Mafuyu was rather confident that anyone who would treat someone else terribly just because of, exactly what they were, rumors would be far from worthwhile. Iphianassa's anger and harsh personality certainly were there for everyone to see, but that didn't make her a bad person. If anything, the brunette reminded him of his sister. Of Ran, who certainly had her own reputation and bad rumors building with each year they spent here. If someone were to treat her badly, how would he feel? Enraged, no doubt. So why treat someone like his sister cold or cruelly?

But there Kazumi goes again, that swift talk, though this time it's more of a pep talk than just general rambling. He listens quietly all the while, nodding along with each statement, stifling a laugh when the question of how attractive Iphianassa was is turned on Natsuo, who half chokes on the food he'd just put in his mouth. If anything was obvious in this sibling dynamic, it was that Kazumi had her way with teasing, and seemingly found every moment to inflict it upon the dark haired male. He often did the same with his sisters, so he could appreciate that. There was just a joy like no other, getting a reaction out of those related to you like that.

In the end, Natsuo agrees, even if he can't bring himself to look at Iphianassa. Mafuyu tilts his head then, looking over to her with a slight piqued curiosity over the situation. They'd practically just dashed away her concerns, or at least done so in the form of words; whether or not she'd take it and consider any weight behind them was up to her in the end.

"People can like you even without material things, you know. It's not all about money, in the end." Maybe it was for some people, but Mafuyu certainly wasn't one to care for it, and most people who did didn't stick around him for long when they caught a glimpse of his wallet. He shrugs lightly though, glances away, "and people shallow enough to only stick to a pretty face aren't worth your time anyway. Not that you aren't pretty, Iphi." It's a little teasing in tone, he's rather sure that he's the last person she wants to hear compliments from anyway.

"Miss Iphianassa, was something troubling you earlier? I saw you looking at your phone and I can only assume you got a troubling text message." Natsuo's voice cuts through a moment later though, and a brow quirks up in her direction at the words. Text message...of what? Had Haruto tried to get ahold of her again? Or was it something else? Well, he supposes he'll stick around just a bit longer to be sure things are alright after all.

cron