Open / / . Summer is [Adventurous].

[Raine.]]

Mae stared at the area in front of her. It was rather beautiful, yet she felt an eerie shiver crawl down her spine each time the wind blew. Though her grandmother often warned her not to stray too far -- for spirits were rumored to roam the lands -- she'd never really reinforced that warning, always allowing and trusting her granddaughter to do what she wanted without getting into too much trouble.

Hesitantly, Mae stepped forward. It was bright and early in the morning, the sky a blazing orange. She stood for a while, unsure if she should proceed. She took a deep breath, thinking about everything. For reasons unknown to her, the place seemed to give out a dangerous vibe -- inhuman, you could say. She was uncertain of the what risks she'd be taking by moving forward -- she'd met no one who'd ever step foot farther than the tunnel. However, if she didn't go, she'd only be continuously called forth to it, due to the adventurous side she'd inherited from her mother. Plus, summer was rather dull for her. Nothing interested her, and now she'd finally found something worth digging deeper into. But, if she did go, what was the worst that could happen? There couldn't be anything too dangerous over there, could there?

Mae smiled a bit, thinking of the many possibilities that could lie ahead of her. She began walking, her pace quickening with each step. With an eagerness to find what was beyond this area in which no one had ever reached, she ran to the top, crossing the nearly empty river, and found empty food stalls. She frowned a bit, disappointed. She'd hoped to find something else, more interesting. The scent of food drifted over to her. She followed it, thinking perchance she'd find someone who could tell her more about this abandoned theme park. Unfortunately, all she could find was food. Disgusted, she turned around, crossing her arms and thinking to herself. If this was all there was to the place, why had no one ever crossed the dry river? Baffled, she sighed. Was her summer truly destined to be so uninteresting?

[Midnight[x]Traitor]

Kiira Zumaniku

I sat atop the clock tower, my tail lashing back and forth. I listened to the rhythmic ticking of the clock. It's smaller hand pointed east, so I knew it was early in the morning. A slight breeze ruffled my fur and made my nose twitch. In the distance, the grass rippled, making the illusion of waves. I knew those were not waves, for the water only rose at night. For now, the water had receded. I had never been to the field, only because I had never been allowed to, but I yearned to run through it. Beyond the sea of grass was a large building. I had always wondered what was beyond the building. There had to be more, for the train went far in the opposite direction. I had heard stories of a girl who came from beyond the building. She had been....strange--unlike the spirits that inhabited this land. They had called her something. Haran? Harman? Ah, human. They had called her "human." How many more humans were there? Beside the ones working in the bath house I had no idea, and I may never know. I remember asking once, but none of them seemed to remember.

A yawn escaped my muzzle. Yubaba had sent me out here, sensing a certain presence. I didn't know what she was talking about--it wasn't night. No one would be out here. There I was, though, watching the for the spirit that wouldn't come. It's better than cleaning baths... I had jobs like the other workers in the building, but since I had been there since I was little I was highly respected, but it was also because they all knew I was Yuababa's favorite. I was never teased or harassed, but I often saw people talking behind my back. They feared me, and I hated it. I try to be accepted, but I guess that will never happen. I'm not allowed to tell the other workers I'm not human like them. I hadn't planned on telling them anyway. That's the last thing I needed, everyone fearing me because I can turn into this demon-cat creature. I sighed and went back to my task.

I scanned the area with amethyst orbs, expecting to see nothing but the usual. I saw movement at around one of the food stands. It was a girl, but she wasn't wearing the worker's clothes. Plus, I had never seen her before. Was this the thing that Yubaba had sensed? Not very special looking, but I learned to never judge things by their appearance. I had been given instructions to find the person, spirit, things--whatever you wanted to call it-- and bring it back. I leaped down from the clock tower and bounded behind one of the food stands. I hated this part of my job and wished I could be somewhere else drawing. I changed to my human form smoothly, my regular black clothes. My crystal necklace rested on my chest and I took a moment to fix my hair. Then I walked over to where the human was. I could tell now (from the smell) that not only was it a human, but it was a human girl. I heard a sigh came from the human, and it seemed to be wondering around aimlessly. I cleared my throat to give away my presence so I didn't startle the girl.

[Raine.]]

Whipping her head around, Mae turned to see a girl, at least her age if not a bit older. For a second, she was tense, her body seeming to brace itself instinctively for anything dangerous or unusual in the newly explored area. Relaxing herself, she looked over the girl more thoroughly with slightly narrowed eyes. "Who are you?" she asked, the tiny bit of fierceness that was nearly always in her eyes grew a bit more intense. Strangers, she thought irritatedly, aren't worth my time. I should just walk away. Yet she didn't.

To be honest, Mae found herself a bit curious about the girl. When she looked into Kiira's eyes, she realized, she saw a bit of the same loneliness she'd once found in her own long, long ago. However, things had changed, and she'd grown cruel. The thought of someone who'd been as full of despair as she'd once been made Mae wonder if they'd turned out any different. Yes, no, maybe -- whatever the answer may be, it intrigued her. Instantly, she felt an urge to kick herself in the ass. Don't be a fool, Mae, the human scolded herself. Whether we're the same or not doesn't matter. Everyone's the same. Everyone hates me. I hate everyone. One person doesn't change a thing.

Her eyes narrowed to thinner, brown slits and she raised her chin slightly before taking a step back. Crossing her arms, her stance grew steady, firm, and fire burned in her eyes. Her mind spoke to her, telling her she should fear the girl before her, but she denied the sense of fear. Mae refused to be afraid. Fear is weakness, she often lectured herself. So, if there was any danger, she'd find a way out of it, or she'd fight her way out of it, or she'd die trying. "What is this place?" she asked the stranger. It wasn't a personal question, she'd decided. It was a rather important question that she wanted an answer to.

[Midnight[x]Traitor]

I watched as the girl spun around to face me. I could tell she was prepared to fight if needed from the way she stood. Her eyes scanned me over, as if debating whether I was a threat or not. I merely waited for her to make a move. She visibly relaxed, and I almost felt insulted. Oh, so I'm not good enough to be a threat? I wanted to show this human that I could easily cause major inflict on her if I really wanted to. I could leap at her with claws sheathed and teeth bared, but I knew that was not what was wanted of me. Plus, I knew it wasn't what I really wanted. I played a card and kept my appearance positive.

"Who are you?" When this girl spoke these words it didn't seem to be a question. It seemed more like a command. I hated to be bossed around--not being able to live my own life. Everyone always told me what to do and how to live my life. My life. Thats why I wanted to get out of this god forsaken place and live the way I wanted to live. My name is Kiira, or Ki for short. I paused for half a second. But you just call me Kiira. I could here it in my own voice, even if I hadn't intended to say "you" like she was inferior to me. In reality, she was, but thats not the impression I wanted to make. I wanted her to trust me, even if I didn't necessarily want her as a friend. I watched as she lifted her chin, exposing her neck. It was a sign many animals used to show their supperiority. Her gaze was on me, burning right through me. I tried my best to keep her gaze, for for once, I couldn't hold it. I pretended to be interested in something else--fixing my outfit. I would have asked for her name, but I honestly didn't care. I just wanted to to get her to Yubaba and be done with it.

"What is this place?" I realized I was in my elements. She didn't know the place, which made me sneer slightly and my confidence boosted. I looked back up, staring steadily into her gaze. I couldn't help think that I shouldn't waste my breath on her. I was about to turn around and let her find out this place for herself but a breeze picked up. Leaves skittered on the rock walkway and circled my feet, climbing my legs before flying away. I sighed, knowing I had to do this. Well as you can see, there are many food stalls around us. Many aren't open right now because its not the right time. If you go up the stairs behind me and cross the bridge, there is a huge bath house where many spirits come to relax. My advice: Either come with me to the bath house while I answer any more questions or stay out here for some unpleasent surprises. She was going to find out about the spirits anyway, so I didn't bother be subtle about all this. She was either strong enough to come, or run home scared. I turned and started walking away, only to stop and look back, waiting for her to follow.

[Raine.]]

Crossing her arms again, Mae held back a scoff. After the friends she'd been through before limiting her friendships, she knew too well that the impression she'd made to Kiira was ignorant and annoying, that the way Kiira currently felt was most certainly not calm -- it was probably angered, pissed, and ready to slap Mae silly. Before her second question, Mae could see the way Kiira had hesitated to hold her gaze. Only secondly did their gazes meet, in which Mae soon realized that the smirk on the other girl's face meant trouble would probably arise between them. The proud attitude she carried was similar to her own, which would most likely result in a rather explosive argument soon enough.

However, as Kiira continued with her answer, Mae's mind grew momentarily blank. Go with her? Or go back home? The two choices seemed to tear her apart. That same foreboding feeling returned to her as she considered and thought through each carefully. Never before had Mae felt such a dangerous sense coming from a place before. Would she come back soon? Looking into the sky, she could see the time was still early. Going couldn't be such a mistake, could it? Still, her thoughts flickered to her grandmother. The old woman would worry deeply if she wasn't back before nightfall.

Suddenly, she snapped her head up. "Wait . . . What?!" Confusion flashed in Mae's narrowed eyes. She'd only heard the second part of what Kiira had said. Spirits? A bathhouse? Was this a joke? The older girl must be trying to deceive her, Mae decided. Straightening her back, she began walking after Kiira. We'll see who's the idiot around here, she thought with a half-smirk hidden behind the burgundy red hair that the wind had blown across her face. This won't take long.

[Midnight[x]Traitor]

Kiira smiled. "Wait . . . What?!" She had a confused look in her eyes. I guess she caught what I said... The girl straightened up, obviously not wanting to look naive and followed after me. I waited for her to catch up, then started to walk slowly in the direction of the bathhouse. The sun was in front of us, but was just peeping out from behind the bathhouse. Still, it was bright and I blinked a couple of times to adjust to the light. The rays from the sun made my crystal pendent on my chest glow, making the skin around it a light purple. My hand went up and I fiddled with it, yet again trying to remember anything from my past. I thought what this could reprisent, but nothing came to mind. Was it given to me by a family member? A family friend? I had no idea, because even I could remember I knew the memory would have been lost. I had been told I was found a baby, of course I won't remember my parents. Though I couldn't help feeling a warmth when I looked at the pendent. It was rather eerie. The strangest thing was, the crystal glowed in the moonlight, as if absorbing the light from it.

I almost tripped over the first step, remembering what I was here for. Letting go of my necklace, I climbed the set of stairs. I cleared my throat, Is there anything you want to know? I kicked myself mentally. Well no dip! She is in a strange place with a strange person who talks of spirits! Of course she has questions!! I waited a moment before speaking again. Well, like I said, the bath house is just over the bridge. Spirits come here to relax. We get a huge variety of them, sometimes even powerful ones. This place is pretty famous around here so thats no wonder. I gave her a moment to absorb what I was saying. Now adays nothing surprised me. I had seen so many strange things that nothing fazed me anymore. But this was new for her and I didn't know how she was going to take it. I wondered if she had a family and I couldn 't help feel bad for her. She was going to be trapped here, although I had heard something about a time difference between the worlds. I didn't know much about it, though. All I know is that I wanted to tell the girl to run back to her family and never return. I wanted to tell her that if she kept following me there was a good chance she would never see her family again. I wanted to, but I couldn't. I brushed my hair out of my face and continued to walk.

[Raine.]]

Seeing the way Kiira had held the odd, rather mysterious-looking pendant, curiosity sparked once more. The lost expression in her eyes was different, yet particularly similar to the one Mae had worn once before . . . after her parents had died. "Who gave you that necklace?" she asked quietly, eyes locked on the crystal. She didn't quite see this as a friendly question; it was more personal, too sudden to be a friendly question.

With a mental sigh, Mae felt a bit of hatred seep into her heart for herself. She was rash, headstrong -- yet she continuously reassured herself, when it came to strangers, whenever she wanted to ask questions. Mae forced others to stay away from her. She isolated herself, not wanting anything to do with anybody. She looked away, disgusted with herself. She shouldn't think like this. Confidence was nearly all she had left. Biting her bottom lip, she returned to her usual posture.

As she listened to Kiira's words, she rolled her eyes. "Spirits, spirits, spirits," Mae muttered to herself in a low enough voice to the point that Kiira could no longer understand the what probably sounded like slurry words. "How long is she planning on keeping this up?"

[Kite]

Mizu Skai

Mizu's dark hair blew with the wind; the wind seemed to make a song, bing, bing, bing, bing, bing, bing. Mizu sang along, ai doch, daisuki da yo, ando, aishi, miku. She laughed. Slowly fading out of the laughter, she looked at the clocktower. "What's that?" Her curiosity led her over to the clocktower, "Who are they? Kiira? Kiira!!!" Mizu's feet padded into the clock tower near Kiira, she bowed. "Hello, Kiira-chan. Who's she?" She asked pointing at the other girl.

(WORST POST EVER)

[Midnight[x]Traitor]

The question hadn't been asked in several years, so when it was spoken I was caught off guard. "Who gave you that necklace?" My step faltered, but I quickly regained my footing and continued on. The question whirled around in my head. Who gave you that necklace, who gave you that necklace, who gave you that necklace...you gave it to me? I opened my mouth to tell her I didn't know because it was with me when I was found as a baby, but then I realized a barely knew this girl. I-it was given to me from a...a friend. That was smooth, I thought sarcastic. I shut my mouth and didn't say anymore. There was an odd silence, and although I love the quiet, this silence made me uncomfortable. I stole a quick glance at her, but she seemed to have regretted the question. I could help thinking that something about her made me think of myself. We were so different, yet uncannily similar. We both seemed independent, like a lone wolf--so to speak. From the corner of my eye I saw her straighten out, the mask over her expression once again.

"Spirits, spirits, spirits," Her voice was just audable to my enhanced hearing. "How long is she planning on keeping this up?" I scowled. She seriously thinks I'm joking? Why did she come in the first place!? I was about to explain (maybe yell) how wrong she was, but a knew smell drifted to me. Mizu... I turned in her direction even before she appeared. She called my name and I gave a smile wave of my hand, putting on my best, yet false, smile. I had stopped walking and now watched Mizu walk over here. She seemed to be in a good mood for her walk had a slight bounce to it. She stopped in front of me and bowed slightly. "Hello, Kiira-chan. Who's she?" I merely nodded back. Hey Mizu. Oh this is--uh... My voice trailed off an I hoped the human girl would finish my sentence for me.

[Raine.]]

Mae's eyes had carefully studied the other girl's facial expression, an eyebrow raising disbelievingly at the stuttering and rather uncertain answer Kiira had given her. She found the story unlikely to be true, having lied a good bit herself already. About to ask another question regarding the necklace, she stopped herself, quickly realizing that -- if she and Kiira were truly alike, neither would speak of their own such personal affairs.

Mae's face wore a surprised expression when she saw Kiira's body seem to tense up a bit, as though she were angered. Had she made the girl mad? Blinking when another girl pranced over, she recognized the blank space that she was to fill. "Mae," she spoke curtly, a bit of disdain in her voice. Mizu, as Kiira had called her, seemed exactly like the kind of girl she despised most -- peppy, happy, and seemingly always eager.

Mae wasn't the kind of person to hide much of her anger, dislike, or anything around that nature from these odd people; the more she was irritated, the more openly she expressed her hatred. And, with a feeling of dread that this girl may be staying around Kiira and her, her head bowed slightly, her dark red hair concealing her annoyed face from Mizu, though she was a bit conscious of the fact that, though the annoyance in her expression was hidden from Mizu, it was still visible to Kiira. Hoping Kiira wouldn't explain to Mizu about Mae's irritation, she took a fairly desperate glance at Kiira's face.

[Kite]

Mizu's eyes hit Mae. She scenced an annoyed feeling from the two. Kiira replied to Mizu "Hey Mizu this is ... uhh." Mae finished the statment, it was obvious Kiira hadn't known her name. Mizu's Black ponytail blew side to side with the slight breeze. The grass was bright green and the sky was bright blue. It seemed as if the world was at peace. There wasn;t much to talk about, Time was ticking. The sun was moving, so were the clouds. The leaves moved like a tornado. It was silent. "If you want me to leave i may" she said softly. "I can see you guys dont want me here" she said as he voice let off.

Again. The silence took over the area. The leaves continued, so did the sky. What was to expect? its the world. Mizu, still thinking of Mae's bow. i didn't except a bow from someone like her, you know someone, uptight. He mind rolled on. why? maybe... no... She looked down. waiting for a responce from either onee.

[Midnight[x]Traitor]

I was relieved when she finished my sentence. "Mae." I could hear something in her voice, almost the same tone as mine is around people like Mizu. Mae is it? It doesn't make us official friends... Though, I knew deep down there was a part of me that liked this girl. I pushed the thought away, knowing I can't be friends with someone I just met. Plus, she was going to be a worker just like the rest of the humans. I had been close friends with a girl at the bath house and we became really close. I decided one day to show her my ability to become a cat-demon. When I showed her she grew wide-eyed and called me a monster, then ran off. I never really trusted people after that and never became close friends with anyone. My friend--ex-friend--never spoke to me again. I saw her sometimes in the bath house, but I avoid eye-contact because she usually just gives me a glare when I look at her.

"If you want me to leave I may. I can see you guys dont want me here" Miku spoke quietly to us, her voice slicing right through me. I glanced at Mae, but she hung her head so her hair would cover most of her face. I saw the desperation glance, then realized what she wanted. I turned to Miku and smiled. Oh, no need to leave! What makes you think we want you to? Mae here is just a bit shy about meeting new people. Plus, she tried some food and its upsetting her stomach. Fortunatly she quickly stopped eating it. I gave a laugh that sounded just a little bit forced. I couldn't tell how noticable it was. I shifted my weight, stealing a quick glance at Mae, hoping I did the right thing. Anyway, we were heading to the bath house. What are you doing out here? I did wonder actually. She seemed different than the rest of the humans. Her smell was a it off, but I never took notice to it. It seemed to prick me in the back of the mind, but I still couldn't figure it out. I mentally shrugged, then focused on the two people.

[Raine.]]

Mae gave a silent sigh once Kiira quickly reassured the other girl. Though she hadn't been quite sure whether or not she'd wanted to spare Mizu of her harsh feelings, she'd given a tiny nod, unnoticeable to anyone else -- it looked a bit like a simple twitch or flinch before she tossed her bangs from her face, in reply to the glance she'd received from Kiira. Realizing this was indeed what she wanted -- because the sad-head-hung-low thing sort of bothered her -- Mae forced her lips to curve upwards a bit (the effort and feeling was a rather odd sensation to her -- she didn't often make herself smile; either it came naturally or she didn't smile at all).

"Heh, yeah . . . Shy." She ran her hand through her hand, her bracelets clacking together again, though her facial expression was truly one of effort to appear happy. Smiling . . . How do people do it so often?! Mae turned away to face towards the clocktower, pretending to look around, yet was relieved to finally allow her face a rest as her lips fell into neither a frown nor smile, but fairly in between. She changed her direction back to the other two girls, the forced smile gone, but replaced with her normal expression, but a bit less emotionless (but God knows what emotion there really was -- a mixture, perhaps, of exhaustion, fake joy, real joy, and irritation).

As she analyzed her feelings while the others talked, she thought of the reasons: fake joy and irritation caused by Mizu, obviously; exhaustion caused by the occurrences of the day; and real joy . . . Real joy? She had real joy in her? Mae scrambled her mind to understand. Perhaps it was because of . . . Kiira? She and the girl were clearly alike. The connection . . . Did it make her happy? To have found someone who she could speak to with true honesty; was this what was making her emotions change? No . . . She's a stranger. Remember that, Mae. Don't fool yourself again.

[Kite]

"Do you really think i can't read through you? I no what your thinking." she smiled. "not to be mean or anything, i'll be on my way" Her black hair twisted and twirled as she turned around. Her feet crunched with the grass. Her pace picked up and she started to run. "Have a nice day!!" she said turning to the two girls. They could care less about her.

The smell of air continued through the day. The grass looked taller. The sky looked higher. It wasn't. It was just the illusion from being so small in her rabbit form. No one was around after all. Her little rabbit mouth moving. Her feet were moving with the beat of earth. it seemed so was the grass, and sky. She looked back, would the girls follow? Nah they dont care... right?

[Midnight[x]Traitor]

I was surprised when Mae smiled. Her whole face seemed different when she did, even if it was more of a forced smile. "Heh, yeah . . . Shy." Her smile quickly disappeared though. Mine, however, stayed planted on my face. It just wasn't the same beaming smile that was there when Mizu arrived. I still had the mask on, the invisable mask that hid my emotions. Only certain people were able to see through it. The ones who cared enough to look into my eyes and figure out whats wrong (which only happened once), and the ones like me--who hide their own emotions behind a veil. It was the only way to protect yourself from the world when it was cruel and confusing. I learned to hang back and let other people deal with the world while I watch. I winced. I guess thats the cowards way out. Though, I also learned to look at the better things in life. The silver lining I guess you could say. Sometimes its hard to find that tiny silver line and we just have to deal with the rest of the cloud.

"Do you really think I can't read through you? I know what your thinking. Not to be mean or anything, I'll be on my way." She turned to leave and I scowled. I watched as she raced away into the field. I narrowed my eyes, completely forgetting about Mae. My amythist orbs scanned the field, yet I couldn't find her anymore. How could she have just disappeared like that? I know I've seen people disappear over a hill? Did she fall? I stood up on my tip-toes, knowing it probably wouldn't help. My hand went up over my eyes to shield from the sun, still searching. I knew I shouldn't care, but it was weird enough that she was out here and not in the bath house. I remembered that its still rather early in the morning, but I still had an hour till my shift. I tried to remember when Mizu worked, but I couldn't. It wasn't really something I cared about. She still hadn't appeared. Suspicion grew on me and I turned to Mae. Do you mind if I see where she went? I know its probably not my business and you probably don't care, but I really want to see something... My voice trailed off. Erm, you can come if you want... I turned and walked towards the field, my pace quick and direct.