Well ... time has passed somehow. It seemed like Bubbles has managed to get a school up and running. How did I remember Bubbles AFTER having my memories torn from me? Well, mind-blowing ... ya-know-what with a pretty mate does that to you... or something along those lines. Steering away from the topic of ... pretty mates (eyes off he belongs to me), I would have hoped that the world would have settled down when Xylar went into hiding but then again most surprisingly my memories of the bastard had actually NOT returned... eh perhaps the Shadows deemed him unworthy of remembering? Too harsh...
Sitting on a rock atop the cliff where just below sat a log cabin, I hum to myself and looked at the city that was coming to life in the valley ahead. It was no means the city Kelsy had under her rule but it was modest and business was thriving more than ever. How is it thriving? Well along the years of my self imposed exile I had saved and helped out many people. Those people all pulled in favours and trade routes had opened up to the valley which was rich in resources for any kind of trade. With business booming and money coming in you wouldn't think twice to look for a special ring of operatives that worked within the tall skyscraper building in the centre of the city that lit up like a beacon of hope for miles to come. The (insert a cool group name which we have to decide) used this as their HQ for meetings.
It was good work along the years. I stand up slowly and walked towards the forest in the back to head back to the log cabin below as the sun started to slowly reach the afternoon peak. Whistling happily I remove my sandals by the door and nodded "I'm home Ere... are you here?" Walked to the sink and washed my hands to start on lunch. The once small log cabin had been expanded to fit in some stray kids we had picked up in the past few years and the random visitor or two who preferred the simple things in life.
Sitting on a rock atop the cliff where just below sat a log cabin, I hum to myself and looked at the city that was coming to life in the valley ahead. It was no means the city Kelsy had under her rule but it was modest and business was thriving more than ever. How is it thriving? Well along the years of my self imposed exile I had saved and helped out many people. Those people all pulled in favours and trade routes had opened up to the valley which was rich in resources for any kind of trade. With business booming and money coming in you wouldn't think twice to look for a special ring of operatives that worked within the tall skyscraper building in the centre of the city that lit up like a beacon of hope for miles to come. The (insert a cool group name which we have to decide) used this as their HQ for meetings.
It was good work along the years. I stand up slowly and walked towards the forest in the back to head back to the log cabin below as the sun started to slowly reach the afternoon peak. Whistling happily I remove my sandals by the door and nodded "I'm home Ere... are you here?" Walked to the sink and washed my hands to start on lunch. The once small log cabin had been expanded to fit in some stray kids we had picked up in the past few years and the random visitor or two who preferred the simple things in life.
Two years. For a child, two years was a long time. And yet, Kiro still hadn't fully recovered from the four years that he had lived on the streets. He still reacted violently to being touched. He still preferred to sleep on the floor, in the corner of his room. And he still attempted to distance himself from the concept of childhood wherever possible. He was a stubborn, grumpy, outwardly-cold handful - but there was still room for warmth deep within him.
There were none he had opened up more to than Lilith. She was the one who had found him, after all. Saved him. Given him a home. Whenever Kiro bit, scratched or kicked her, it was entirely out of instinct - and partly an attempt to look like he enjoyed the attention much less than he actually did to anyone else who happened to be watching.
Kiro had been in a state of boredom for a while now. He wasn't in the mood for the usual video games that took up his free time, nor did he particularly want to go climbing about outside on this particular day. He had been sat on his bed - not that he ever used it as a bed - in his shorts and t-shirt staring at the ceiling when Lilith came home.
The trick was, of course, to find a way to greet Lilith without actually appearing happy to see her. Not that Lilith wouldn't be able to see straight through the ruse, but there was no harm in pretending regardless. Picking up his computer - formerly a mobile games console that he had customised into the perfect hacking device - he booted up a random game to pretend to play and ambled out of his room, eyes fixed on the screen, barring the moments where he glanced over to look where he was going - and to search for Lilith.
Eventually, Kiro lazily shuffled into the kitchen, his tail flicking from side to side as he went.
There were none he had opened up more to than Lilith. She was the one who had found him, after all. Saved him. Given him a home. Whenever Kiro bit, scratched or kicked her, it was entirely out of instinct - and partly an attempt to look like he enjoyed the attention much less than he actually did to anyone else who happened to be watching.
Kiro had been in a state of boredom for a while now. He wasn't in the mood for the usual video games that took up his free time, nor did he particularly want to go climbing about outside on this particular day. He had been sat on his bed - not that he ever used it as a bed - in his shorts and t-shirt staring at the ceiling when Lilith came home.
The trick was, of course, to find a way to greet Lilith without actually appearing happy to see her. Not that Lilith wouldn't be able to see straight through the ruse, but there was no harm in pretending regardless. Picking up his computer - formerly a mobile games console that he had customised into the perfect hacking device - he booted up a random game to pretend to play and ambled out of his room, eyes fixed on the screen, barring the moments where he glanced over to look where he was going - and to search for Lilith.
Eventually, Kiro lazily shuffled into the kitchen, his tail flicking from side to side as he went.
The Penumbra Syndicate as my Group was internationally known worked well with partners and in the shadows. I had just arrived back from a mission and was missing the taste of homemade food.
Slightly disappointed that there was no welcome hug from anyone I wash up my hands and cook up lunch sensing that Kiro was in the area as well. Preparing for extra people just in case I set the pot to boil, veggies in the oven, some fruits from the garden and meat on the array of vegetables half down in the oven and put timers on so I could shower up
The timers went off just as I arrived out of the shower now dressed in casual clothing and drying my wet hair
Slightly disappointed that there was no welcome hug from anyone I wash up my hands and cook up lunch sensing that Kiro was in the area as well. Preparing for extra people just in case I set the pot to boil, veggies in the oven, some fruits from the garden and meat on the array of vegetables half down in the oven and put timers on so I could shower up
The timers went off just as I arrived out of the shower now dressed in casual clothing and drying my wet hair
Kiro sat himself down in the kitchen. He pretended to ignore Lilith as she left and returned, though inwardly he hoped she wouldn't ignore him in return. The game he had loaded up was still on the options screen, which he occasionally pretended to scroll through to make it look like he was busy. The smell of food was becoming more and more distracting, jostling with his inner need for attention and affection. One thing he had adapted to in all this time was the food. He couldn't even imagine going back to scrounging for leftovers or treating himself to cheap junk food any more.
I quietly eat my meal setting the plate of food for the little Monkey in front of him and stretched out. I yawn tiredly and started heading upstairs to flop down on bed and fell asleep. By the time the little Monkey would have finished eating his dinner (though after trying to fight the obvious hunger) and headed upstairs he would find a wrapped item on his bed with a little tag on it that read For the Kit. From Sensei
Kiro was somewhat disappointed by the silence, but he figured he did bring it on himself. Still, getting to spend some time in Lilith's presence was better than nothing. It was a reminder that he didn't have to be alone any more. As reluctant as he was to call this a family... that was what it was.
Kiro gave up on the subterfuge to eat dinner, given that otherwise he would get food on the computer screen. The computer's case was falling apart enough as it was. He did his best to maintain the old thing, but replacing components in a games console that was years out of date was easier to do than replacing the case itself. Especially one with Kiro's experience in improvisation.
After dinner, Kiro was torn between going back to his room and going outside. A quick search for his custom footwear however reminded him that he had left said items in his room anyway so had to go back regardless. Thus, that was where he went. The mysterious gift that awaited him immediately grabbed his attention as he approached it suspiciously, dropping his computer onto his bed gently enough that it wouldn't bounce off. He stopped by the wrapped item as though it might jump out and bite him at any moment, then sighed to himself and sat beside it, placing it on his lap to open it carefully.
Kiro gave up on the subterfuge to eat dinner, given that otherwise he would get food on the computer screen. The computer's case was falling apart enough as it was. He did his best to maintain the old thing, but replacing components in a games console that was years out of date was easier to do than replacing the case itself. Especially one with Kiro's experience in improvisation.
After dinner, Kiro was torn between going back to his room and going outside. A quick search for his custom footwear however reminded him that he had left said items in his room anyway so had to go back regardless. Thus, that was where he went. The mysterious gift that awaited him immediately grabbed his attention as he approached it suspiciously, dropping his computer onto his bed gently enough that it wouldn't bounce off. He stopped by the wrapped item as though it might jump out and bite him at any moment, then sighed to himself and sat beside it, placing it on his lap to open it carefully.
Inside the package was a box filled with red tissue paper. Resting under the first layer of tissue paper was a Bo Staff. Pitch black with intricate golden design and balanced to perfection. There was a tag on the box that read For passing my test, consider this a graduation gift. Congratulations Kit..
(Link to what Staff looks like: staff)
(Link to what Staff looks like: staff)
Kiro ran his fingers across the shaft of the staff. It looked so... expensive. There was a moment of awkwardness as he considered the fact he had far more practice and ability using swords. But then since coming here, he'd realised that when training against an opponent not following the tenets of the various swordsmanship styles Kiro had learned from a homeless sword master, the disadvantage of his limited reach was in fact greater than he had previously considered. And this staff could clearly rectify that. And besides, he supposed with a bit of tweaking how he wore it, he wouldn't have to get rid of his sword to use the staff...
Kiro threw on his jacket, then found a set of custom socks with the toe-sections intact and put them on too. He added to his outfit a set of fingerless gloves that matched his socks in their leathery material and black hue, then sheathed his sword across his belt and exited the room, carrying the staff with him toward the front door. Surely Lilith wouldn't mind if he tested the staff out right away?
Kiro threw on his jacket, then found a set of custom socks with the toe-sections intact and put them on too. He added to his outfit a set of fingerless gloves that matched his socks in their leathery material and black hue, then sheathed his sword across his belt and exited the room, carrying the staff with him toward the front door. Surely Lilith wouldn't mind if he tested the staff out right away?
((Casually wakes up. I LIVE))
“Kiro!” A voice called before the white haired boy could leave. “Are you there? Please will you come read something for me?” Raven asked sitting among whatever books she could get her hands on. Sadly her device only worked on electronics not real paper.
She sat cross legged with her stick laying close beside her. Dressed in simple clothing. Nothing much as it wasn’t to cold or hot for her. Just a t-shirt and pants. Since she didn’t really to care about her appearance even her hair was a bit messy.
“Kiro!” A voice called before the white haired boy could leave. “Are you there? Please will you come read something for me?” Raven asked sitting among whatever books she could get her hands on. Sadly her device only worked on electronics not real paper.
She sat cross legged with her stick laying close beside her. Dressed in simple clothing. Nothing much as it wasn’t to cold or hot for her. Just a t-shirt and pants. Since she didn’t really to care about her appearance even her hair was a bit messy.
Kiro sighed by the door, shutting his eyes tightly. So much for that idea... but no, he could not blame Raven.
Though traditionally someone who hated being touched, most of that hatred was aimed toward adults - especially strangers. Raven was a major exception to the rule, Kiro's moral compass very much placing her needs as a blind individual above his own comfort and pride. Thus the thought of helping Raven out was by no means unpleasant, despite the possibility of the need for touch-based guidance.
In case this was going to take a long time, Kiro propped his staff up against the wall and removed the items from his person that he had just put on, piling them up messily in a corner so he could get to them easily again later. He still wanted to get some practice done, after all. When he was back to being barefoot in his shorts and t-shirt, Kiro considered the staff, picking it up casually and heading over to Raven.
Kiro plonked his staff down in an empty area in front of raven and leaned against it with both arms, swaying a little as he used one end as a pivot point. "What do you want me to read?" He asked.
Though traditionally someone who hated being touched, most of that hatred was aimed toward adults - especially strangers. Raven was a major exception to the rule, Kiro's moral compass very much placing her needs as a blind individual above his own comfort and pride. Thus the thought of helping Raven out was by no means unpleasant, despite the possibility of the need for touch-based guidance.
In case this was going to take a long time, Kiro propped his staff up against the wall and removed the items from his person that he had just put on, piling them up messily in a corner so he could get to them easily again later. He still wanted to get some practice done, after all. When he was back to being barefoot in his shorts and t-shirt, Kiro considered the staff, picking it up casually and heading over to Raven.
Kiro plonked his staff down in an empty area in front of raven and leaned against it with both arms, swaying a little as he used one end as a pivot point. "What do you want me to read?" He asked.
"The titles. I grabbed them based on feeling, but I don't want anything that has already been read," she explained. There were five books. None particularly large. The bigger books she saved and used bookmarks for. Only when she knew someone had more time to read for her.
Raven offered Kiro a friendly smile. "Sorry if I'm bothering you. If you want I can always just wait until one of the others can," the blind girl told him. She hated being a burden, so she took whatever chores she could do to earn her stay. As well as provide any advice of knowledge the 'voice' in her head gave her.
Raven offered Kiro a friendly smile. "Sorry if I'm bothering you. If you want I can always just wait until one of the others can," the blind girl told him. She hated being a burden, so she took whatever chores she could do to earn her stay. As well as provide any advice of knowledge the 'voice' in her head gave her.
"It's no bother," Kiro said, his voice colder than the statement should warrant. He cleared some space beside Raven by gently kicking some books out of the way, then he sat down and lay the staff across both their laps. "Check out what I just got," he said.
When he was sat down he collected up the five books and in a bored tone, read out the titles one-by-one, handing the books back to Raven after each reading so that she would know which title corresponded to which book.
When he was sat down he collected up the five books and in a bored tone, read out the titles one-by-one, handing the books back to Raven after each reading so that she would know which title corresponded to which book.
Yawned slightly and turned over on the bed unaware of what the kids were doing and continued sleeping. It wasn't all that late but it was around 6 in the evening
Raven touched the staff lightly. "Woah where did you get it?" She asked distracted. Only paying half attention to the titles of the books. Taking them half-heartedly and setting them aside. Most she'd already have heard before. "It's so smooth in the center but the end has an intricate design. It's so cool!" She said while inspecting the staff. After being with other people she'd learned not to talk so formally as she had when she first arrived. Although her odd raspy accent never left.
"I found it wrapped up on my bed," Kiro explained. "A gift. From sensei. I don't know if you can tell, but it's a fighting staff." He tried to hide the pride in his voice, but it still got through. Of course the fact that he was showing off the staff in the first place was probably sign enough. "I was about to go out to test it out."
Kiro thought about asking Raven if she wanted to come, but there wouldn't be much for her to 'watch'. That, and he wasn't really one to enjoy showing off that much - at least in a premeditative manner. Spontaneous showing off was still very much something he did from time to time. Hence why he had shown Raven the staff in the first place. Though that was also partly due to wanting to be inclusive. Perhaps he should at least offer?
"You can come if you like..." he decided to offer. "Though I don't think it'll be very interesting for you..."
Kiro thought about asking Raven if she wanted to come, but there wouldn't be much for her to 'watch'. That, and he wasn't really one to enjoy showing off that much - at least in a premeditative manner. Spontaneous showing off was still very much something he did from time to time. Hence why he had shown Raven the staff in the first place. Though that was also partly due to wanting to be inclusive. Perhaps he should at least offer?
"You can come if you like..." he decided to offer. "Though I don't think it'll be very interesting for you..."
For a moment Raven thought about the offer. Trying to think of a way she could see or even somehow feel what was happening. A small smile spread across her face.
"Yea. It'll be a change from just reading and playing games all day. What time is it? If it's getting late anyway then I could summon Shad! He could watch what you do and then tell me about it. Since he can't see normally," she suggested. Shad, while it was her codename is was also the name of a voice that only she and mind readers could hear. Unless she summoned him in spirit. In that case, he always took the form of a crow. Raven had been the only one who could hear him until Lilith found them. Shad had been pretty happy when there was someone else to talk to.
While the summoning did tire her Raven was trying to increase her time. Towards the end of the day she'd be going to sleep soon anyways so it'd be fine to summon a spirit.
"Yea. It'll be a change from just reading and playing games all day. What time is it? If it's getting late anyway then I could summon Shad! He could watch what you do and then tell me about it. Since he can't see normally," she suggested. Shad, while it was her codename is was also the name of a voice that only she and mind readers could hear. Unless she summoned him in spirit. In that case, he always took the form of a crow. Raven had been the only one who could hear him until Lilith found them. Shad had been pretty happy when there was someone else to talk to.
While the summoning did tire her Raven was trying to increase her time. Towards the end of the day she'd be going to sleep soon anyways so it'd be fine to summon a spirit.
But of course if Raven had looked closer in her room she too would have found a gift waiting there ... possibly impatient now at being kept this long unattended on the bed. It was not wrapped but a surprisingly LARGE box was set up on one side of the room with a note taped on it Two Year Anniversary Gift. Well done on passing my test..
Kiro stood upright after taking the staff back and waited for Raven, stretching a little as he did so. The idea of practising whilst being watched was a little awkward, but at the same time, it seemed like some fresh air would be good for Raven, and he was always happy to help out.
Once Raven had gotten up, Kiro put his outdoor clothing back on, checked to see if Raven was ready to leave right away - and if not, waited for her - then stepped outside, holding the door open for Raven. He scanned the area for a suitable clearing, then tapped Raven on the hand with his tail. "Do you want me to lead you, or would you prefer to follow by sound?" He asked.
Once Raven had gotten up, Kiro put his outdoor clothing back on, checked to see if Raven was ready to leave right away - and if not, waited for her - then stepped outside, holding the door open for Raven. He scanned the area for a suitable clearing, then tapped Raven on the hand with his tail. "Do you want me to lead you, or would you prefer to follow by sound?" He asked.
"It's quite alright. Actually, I'll find you in a bit. I'm going to run back to my room real quick to get something is that alright?" She asked walking stick pointed ahead of her. "I'll send Shad with you," Raven told Kiro. The shadow of a bird appearing on her shoulder and flying to sit on Kiro's head. "Hello!" He cawed loudly. Raven grinned at his voice. Which to her was different than when he was in her head.
If raven was to open the box after reading the note that was written in braille for the ease of Raven's reading she would find two creatures laying patiently for her to find them. One was a Raven that was beautifully black and the other was a wolf pup that was pure white with curiously admiring eyes.
There was also a small handbook on how to take care of each of the creatures and their details also printed in braille especially for Raven packed next to them with the note For future partners. I will help you with them later. Love Lilith
There was also a small handbook on how to take care of each of the creatures and their details also printed in braille especially for Raven packed next to them with the note For future partners. I will help you with them later. Love Lilith