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Post by Jisui on Apr 16, 2020 20:17:52 GMT -5
"Plus...with how things are, especially after the war, I felt like I could do more good out here."
Garrett paused for a moment, briefly catching Sophia's expression as she spoke, along with her slight hesitation. He couldn't help but think that the akma wasn't telling them the full story there. It wasn't as if the story didn't add up, but there was something strangely off about the way it was presented.
After a moment, he shrugged to himself, focusing his gaze back to the fruit tart in his hand. Well, they had been strangers a few hours ago after all. It wasn't as if he had expected her to spill her life story. Besides that, if nothing else, the sincerity in her desire to help seemed genuine.
As Blayz and BJay began speaking, Rino began to lean back in her chair with a content sigh. Hugging her knees to her chest, the young woman couldn't help but smile slightly at the scene in front of her. Garrett had been on edge more than usual lately. It was good to see him unwind a bit, even if it was because of other people.
"I also have my darling angel of a son Qayyim! He studies abroad in the city of aquatics Hamel! I know he dreams of being a doctor and I wanna support him in whatever endeavor he peruses!"
"You have a son, BJay? I wouldn't have figured." While speaking, Rino glanced over at her friend with concerned eyes.
Garrett's expression was frozen, as if involuntarily caught in a memory and unable to escape. After some time, his features softened to an expression that the group hadn't seen before. Turning his head away from BJay, he muttered his words low as if determined to make sure nobody heard him.
"...He's lucky to have you."
Garrett's House 6:45 PM
As the casual conversation and small talk began to die down, Garrett glanced outside to the setting sun and frowned.
"Oi, Rin-"
"Mm. I'll get home before dark." Standing up, Rino offered the group a small smile. "It was nice meeting everyone."
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Post by SlvrNight on Apr 16, 2020 20:34:29 GMT -5
Sophia was somewhat surprised to hear that B. Jay had a son. With how he looked and what she had seen of his personality, she figured he wasn't the type of person to really have kids or settle down. The support he showed for his son sounded great though, so at least there was that. Many parents out there wanted their children to follow a specific path, so it was good B. Jay was different.
Time continued on as the group conversed and soon enough it was beginning to get dark. Anxiety began to creep into Sophia's mind, aware of what would possibly happen tonight. She watched Rino stand up and got up from her seat as well.
"One of us should probably walk you home, Rino. Just in case."
Even if it wasn't completely dark yet, there was no harm in being careful.
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Blayz
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Post by Blayz on Apr 17, 2020 19:50:32 GMT -5
Hearing Rino ask about Qayyim almost made B.Jay pull out one of his favorite pictures but, noticing Garrett's shift in attitude and tone he decided to wait. Heaven knows that B.Jay isn't a stranger to dropping everything and going on multi-hour long spiels about Qayyim regardless of what anyone thinks but, maybe later when more pressing matters aren't looming about.
As it was starting to get rather late, it was time for Rino to make her way home so she'd be safe and sound for the night.
"One of us should probably walk you home, Rino. Just in case."
Sophia had a point. one of them should walk Rino home, not only out of safety but, as a courtesy as well. Blayz was about to get up and volunteer himself but...
"I'll do it!" B.Jay announced standing up to zip up his hoodie to make sure he's not too revealing. "Or rather... I should say we'll do it, isn't that right, Honey?" he said walking over to Garrett who probably didn't expect to be volunteered.
"Wait, are you sure B.Jay? You know you can be a bit..." Blayz hesitated to finish his sentence as to not make the others worry in the future
"Clumsy, Yes, Yes, I know. Thats why Honey's coming with us! Right?" He said grinning at Garrett.
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Post by Jisui on Apr 18, 2020 1:45:20 GMT -5
"Or rather... I should say we'll do it, isn't that right, Honey?"
"..." That was an impressive look Garrett was throwing BJay, Rino mused. It was something between distaste and annoyance, with a splash of his signature grumpiness. It seemed like for a moment, he was ready to say something, before opting to instead just grunt and glance over at her.
"...Up to you."
"Such a gentleman." Rino commented, earning a small smirk from her childhood friend. "I really don't need that many people though, I only live about ten minutes away."
"Doesn't matter. Long as you get home before night." Garrett remarked brusquely, turning to Blayz and Sophia while making way towards the door.
"We'll be back in a bit. Try to leave the house intact."
Village Road
Once the group had left the house, an cool ocean breeze greeted them, unusually cold for their climate. Garrett walked several steps in front of the group, taking a long drag of a cigarette and sending wispy clouds into the air.
Behind him, standing next to BJay, Rino stared silently at his back, fists beginning to tighten around the clasps of her dress. While she had left the house in good enough spirits, after a few minutes, she had suddenly fallen silent with a troubled look on her normally stoic face.
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Post by SlvrNight on Apr 18, 2020 12:55:12 GMT -5
Sophia watched Garrett, B. Jay, and Rino leave then sat back in her seat. She looked at all the dishes still on the table and figured she'd at least do something to be a better guest. She was never really too comfortable with sitting around while others did work anyways. So she began to gather the dishes and bring them over to the sink, getting ready to wash them. She'd likely be done by the time Garrett and B. Jay came back.
But while she was doing this...
"Blayz." Sophia started as she turned on the water, "So you and B. Jay are from Velder? Never heard of that place myself. Where in Ardenia is it?"
There was a hint of suspicion as well as genuine curiosity in her tone.
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Blayz
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Post by Blayz on Apr 18, 2020 17:37:20 GMT -5
"So you and B. Jay are from Velder? Never heard of that place myself. Where in Ardenia is it?"
Blayz was both surprised and a bit scared at Sophia's striking up conversation with him, he didn't think he'd be asked that particular question. Meaning he didn't have any particular answer to give her. His master had always told him that the worse thing he could ever do was lie so... he decided to speak earnestly. So he got up and walked over to where Sophia was to help with the dishes.
"Truth be told? When we first arrived here, I had absolutely no idea where we were. Me and B.Jay slept through everything and when we woke up, we wondered aimlessly until we met you, Garret and Rino. Originally B.Jay was planning to go to JX City to see one of his really good friends. I just made sure to tag along so he wouldn't get into trouble." he explained calmly with a simpering look on his face. The best answer he could give? The truth. Or at least... bits and pieces of the truth. In due time everything will be exposed but, right now? Its best to keep some things under wraps. Although, Blayz did learn that this land was called "Ardenia" Good Information!
Meanwhile...
"Ah~" B.Jay had sighed contently as he had taken in a nice whiff of that night ocean breeze. Slightly salty, earthy, free of sulfur. If he could wear this scent as a cologne? He'd be glad to add it to his rotation when he's at work. However as his mind wandered about fragrances, he noticed Rino grabbing her dress in the tightest fist she could make and her face? Anything but happy.
"Hey Angel? You're gonna ruin that beautiful dress with that grip you've got on it." he started. "Hehe, with strength like that, I bet you could probably beat Honey in an arm wrestling match!" he quipped to lighten the mood.
"Everything okay?" he said looking at her with concern. He had no idea what was terrorizing the town but he was going to do whatever he could be keep spirits as high as possible.
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Post by SlvrNight on Apr 18, 2020 18:04:53 GMT -5
Sophia stopped washing dishes for a moment to look back at Blayz, raising an eyebrow at his response. He didn't exactly answer her question, kind of danced around it, and what he did say confused her a bit. He ad B. Jay just...slept through their trip here? How'd they get here then? They take a ride with someone and fell asleep during it? They get kicked off a bus? Very strange. And they were originally heading for JX City? They were quite a ways off course then.
There really were more questions than before now.
Sophia turned her attention back to the dishes, placing a few on the dish rack to dry off.
"That just gives me more questions than answers, you know. But you guys were heading for JX City? I've been there once or twice. It's pretty massive and a bit overwhelming."
She finished the last of the dishes, placing one final plate on the rack and drying off her hands with a nearby cloth.
"You're both pretty far away from it, you realize that right? Thankfully since JX City is so important there's a train that goes straight to it, but it'd be a pretty long ride. Looking at about four or five hours."
The akma woman walked towards the long-haired man, stopping a few feet from him.
"My job is to go around the world, scout it out, record my observations, unnatural phenomenon, and stuff like that. You two are a very curious case, Blayz. That's why I'm being so nosy."
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Post by Jisui on Apr 18, 2020 18:46:35 GMT -5
"...Mm." BJay's efforts yielded a small smile out of the young woman, who eased up her grip on her dress. She hadn't meant to worry her new friend, but it had probably been obvious what she had been feeling.
Ahead of them, unable to hear their conversation, Garrett kept walking forward without stopping, his gaze steady on the setting sun in the horizon.
It might have just been nervousness over what would happen tonight, that was playing on her anxieties. But she couldn't help but remember that day, eight years ago.
The setting sun, casting warm orange rays around them and dying the sky a fiery red. The retreating form of Garrett, who's back was getting smaller and smaller. And the same clenching, gripping feeling in her chest...
It was all the same as that day, eight years ago, that he had left them.
"...Keep him safe." Rino suddenly muttered after a brief period of silence, offering a weak smile to BJay. She spoke low, trying to avoid being heard by the aforementioned young man.
"Sorry. I know I'm being weird." Hugging her sides with her arms, she looked down at the ground, expression hidden through a bed of frizzled hair.
"Sometimes... it feels as if he'll disappear if I take my eyes off of him."
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Blayz
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Post by Blayz on Apr 18, 2020 19:07:58 GMT -5
"You're both pretty far away from it, you realize that right?"
Upon hearing the information about JX City, Blayz chuckled and scratched the back of his head nervously. "I do now. Thank you! I'll be sure to tell B.Jay when he and Mr. Garrett get back." he responded but, without much time to talk more about JX City, Sophia was telling Blayz a bit more about herself.
"My job is to go around the world, scout it out, record my observations, unnatural phenomenon, and stuff like that."
...Huh! So Sophia and Blayz actually had something in common, their jobs! Blayz actually does the same thing she does! Sadly I dont think telling her that with his added on twist of being able to travel through dimensions would bode well for him.
"I completely understand Ms. Sophia! It makes a lot of sense of someone in your profession wanting to know as much as possible about people and things that are a mystery. So I dont mind answering any questions you have to the best of my ability!" he said with a smile on his face. Maybe agreeing to answer more questions isn't the easiest thing to do in this situation but, gaining everyone's trust is important.
"Sometimes... it feels as if he'll disappear if I take my eyes off of him."
B.Jay looked at Rino, took a deep breath then chuckled.
"A feeling I know all to well if I'm to be completely honest." the scantily clad lad began. "Its... scary isn't it? knowing that one day someone you lo-- really care about could be gone and there might not have been much you could do about it." he continued. He took another deep breath then smiled at Rino warmly.
"But you know what helps me get through those days where I cant shake off those 'creepy crawlies'? I take a deep breath and ask myself if I trust in the person I care about. And if I do? I trust that they'll do everything in their power to always come back to me." he said looking at Garrett's back who might have been out of ear-shot of the conversation they were having.
"Don't worry though Angel. I'll do my best to protect him, after all I'm strong too!" he said with a wink and a subtle arm flex that couldn't really be seen considering he was wearing a baggy hoodie.
"Oh! But I wont allow you to think you're weird! Considering the looks I've gotten from You, Sweetie and Honey? I'm probably the weirdest one of the bunch!" he quipped then started laughing to ease the tension more.
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Post by SlvrNight on Apr 18, 2020 19:29:43 GMT -5
Once again, Sophia raised an eyebrow. Blayz was being...far more cooperative than she anticipated. She expected him to outright say no or give some half-hearted excuse or lie. But he said he would answer to the best of his ability, so it was time to continue. She decided to cut right to it.
"How exactly did you and B. Jay get here? You said you two were sleeping, then woke up, then eventually came across Garrett, Rino, and me. But you were aiming or JX City, which is pretty far from here. So how were you two sleeping through your trip here and how did you suddenly wake up here? If you two were driving, then you would have just drove you vehicle into town. If you were getting a ride with someone else, I doubt they would have just tossed you two out if you fell asleep. I haven't seen any air vehicles either and if you two had that, then you likely wouldn't have gotten lost around here."
She cupped her chin with her right hand, going deeper into thought.
"If it were a magic spell gone wrong, I suppose that would make sense and strand you somewhere random... Teleportation magic isn't exactly easy to get right after all."
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Post by Jisui on Apr 18, 2020 21:46:39 GMT -5
BJay's efforts earned a giggle from Rino, which elicited a raised eyebrow from Garrett and glance backward as he heard the noise.
"...Thanks." She responded with a slight smile, quiet gratitude in her simple response. Despite his appearance, BJay had turned out to be a kind person and a surprisingly good listener.
Have faith that they would return to you... it wasn't new advice to her by any means, but that didn't mean that it was unappreciated. After all, there was living proof that it worked in front of her. Despite it all, Garrett had come back.
In considerably better spirits, Rino continued their walk along the village road until part of BJay's words registered to her.
"Its... scary isn't it? knowing that one day someone you lo-- really care about could be gone and there might not have been much you could do about it."
She flushed a bit, glancing over at Garrett and then back to BJay with low eyes. She wasn't a total dunce, it was obvious what he had meant to say.
"...Its not that obvious, is it?" Rino muttered in a low whisper to BJay, face reddening as she speak.
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Blayz
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Post by Blayz on Apr 19, 2020 0:07:51 GMT -5
O-O-Oh! W-Well then. I guess Sophia really wanted to know just how Blayz and B.Jay came to be near them. As the onyx haired fellow listened to the baraage of questions and statements, one thing Sophia let slip caught his attention. "Teleportation magic isn't exactly easy to get right after all."
There's teleportation magic in this universe? Hmmmm... Well, I guess he can tell more or less the truth, right?
"W-Well... I wouldn't say 'teleportation magic' exactly. its more like a teleportation device that Velder has. That's why earlier B.Jay said we were from 'far away', we actually have no idea the distance relation between Velder and Ardenia" he answered calmly. "I know this probably sparked even more questions, so I have to ask one of my own; would you like a cup of tea?" he offered knowing that this might be an all-night interrogation. U-Uhh... Oops! At least this was a... small can of worms? Not like when B.Jay suggested Sophia and Garret sleep in the same bed.
"...Its not that obvious, is it?"
Hearing this question made B.Jay chuckle a little. He had no idea on just how far these went back but, there was an obvious bond there and he couldn't help but feel happy for the both of them.
"Mmm. Truth be told, Angel? Its only obvious to someone like me. My profession requires me to be able to read people at the speed of light. I'm sure Kitten and Sweetie have absolutely no idea." he said assuring her that all was alright. "W-Well... Kitten has no idea, Sweetie probably has those really good 'Womanly Instincts' so I wouldn't put it past her but, she doesn't seem like the type to make a big fuss over something like that" he said chuckling sheepishly.
"Its okay though! Your secrets safe with me~" he said with a wink. If there was one thing B.Jay was? He was a man of his word. Nobody would get that info out of him!
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Post by Jisui on Apr 19, 2020 11:51:02 GMT -5
Rino seemed to sink inwards despite BJay's reassurances, as if she wanted the ground to swallow her at that moment. Thankfully, true to her words earlier, it was indeed a short walk to Rino's house. Before the group knew it, they were in front of a small brick and mortar building that was about the size of Garrett's house. The porch lights were on, meaning the inhabitants were clearly waiting for their daughter's return.
"...Do I wanna know?" Taking one look back at the two, Garrett looked between Rino and BJay with a raised eyebrow. After a few seconds of silence, he relented with a shrug, watching as Rino scurried up to the porch.
"Thanks for walking me home." She said with a quiet smile after collecting herself. Strange. For whatever reason, she wished that the walk was longer. Looking over at her childhood friend, she placed a hand on her door and opened it with a creak.
"Don't cause them any trouble, Garrett."
"Tch. That should be my line. Hopefully my house is still intact." Garrett grumbled, earning a soft chuckle out of Rino as she began to walk inside.
"Oi, Rino." He called, the young woman looking back inquisitively. Garrett was standing to the side, awkwardly scratching the back of his head and looking away.
"Call if anything happens."
"Mm." Nodding with a smile, Rino offered the two a final wave goodbye as she went into her house. "See you tomorrow."
A comfortable silence settled over BJay and Garrett as the door clicked shut. Garrett looked over at the horizon with narrowed eyes, where the setting sun was beginning to be replaced by night. It was odd to think about, now that he thought about. At some point, he had begun to think of the day as his ally, and the night as his enemy. And it wouldn't do, to be caught in enemy territory.
"Come on. Let's head back."
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Post by SlvrNight on Apr 19, 2020 12:09:30 GMT -5
Well, once again, this brought more questions. If they were using a teleportation device...what kind of place was Velder? How did it have functioning technology for teleportation? Was it just tech and not magitech? If so, that was both impressive and concerning. Then again, it did seem like the tech wasn't perfected, judging by Blayz and B. Jay being thrown so far off course.
"If Velder is so far away, then how did B. Jay even come across this friend of his in JX City? You accidentally get teleported over there as well one time?"
"I know this probably sparked even more questions, so I have to ask one of my own; would you like a cup of tea?"
Sophia paused for a moment, briefly thinking this was an attempt at changing the subject and then pushing away these suspicions.
"Yeah, that'd probably be good. Thanks."
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A minute after Rino had closed her door, the sky gradually began to redden. The clouds were beginning to slowly part, giving the heavenly body above center stage as its color started to shift.
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Blayz
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Post by Blayz on Apr 20, 2020 14:15:25 GMT -5
Watching Rino deflate like a balloon almost made B.Jay burst out laughing but he had to keep his cool for her sake so that Garrett wouldn't question anything too much.
"...Do I wanna know?"
Welp... So much for that! That question went unanswered as they approached Rino's quaint little house, B.Jay thought it was absolutely adorable. Seeing Garrett and Rino say their good-nights almost had him yell out "Awwww!" but, he didn't wanna be too big of a tease. If they ever visit Velder or if he comes back after this whole ordeal is over? They're gonna feel his wrath tenfold!
"G'night Angel, See you tomorrow!" B.Jay exclaimed waving with a wink. As the door closed however, it was starting to get dark, the color of the sky was not comforting at all.
"Come on. Let's head back."
Hearing that, his grimace was replaced with his usual grin as he made his way right next to Garrett, this time right beside him.
"Oh, and to answer your earlier question? I'll tell you when you're older, Honey~" he teased chuckling. Technically, He would find out when he's older so... he's not wrong. B.Jay however did take note at something he had just caught though. He was actually taller than Garrett. Once again, he had to hold back his instincts to tease as they walked back home.
Blayz smiled at Sophia as he got up to prepare some tea for everyone, B.Jay and Garrett might want some when they got back at as well. As he moved around the kitchen gathering everything he needed, he glanced out of the window above the sink and saw that the sky was blood red. He didn't have time to stew and worry about why this was happening, he had to worry about what was currently at hand and take things step by step. Its what Rena taught him after all.
"If Velder is so far away, then how did B. Jay even come across this friend of his in JX City? You accidentally get teleported over there as well one time?"
Hearing Sophia's next question, Blayz quickly finished making preparations for Tea and sat back down to face her.
"From what I remember? B.Jay's friend visited Velder actually." He started off, the next words that were gonna escape his mouth might make Sophia doubt him more than anything.
"They actually became friends because he helped her solve a murder mystery that happened in the High-Class area of Velder." the onyx-haired fellow recalled. He still cant believe to this day that B.Jay of all people helped someone solve a murder mystery. That in of itself is the real mystery.
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