Fantasy Moments in Time

[Zer0]

- A Day Out -
" James Pendragon "​

James had given Lydia's sneaky smile a puzzled look. "Hold that expression." he said quickly, then he snapped a photo of her. "That's a new look." he smiled, thinking out loud about making a book compiling the many faces of Lydia Dubois. That was the first time he saw someone give a sneaky, yet warm? look.

When she was picking out a swimsuit, he paused at the other end of the shop, then casually strode closer and turned, pretending to be interested in some trunks, then took out the camera pretending to clean the lenses, but really he was watching her reflection seeing which one she'd pick. 'Nooo, not the skirt --- yes just one side, mmm.' He couldn't wait to see those smooth collar bones and that cute butt.

When she came out of the bathroom, he had this very pleased smile on, and as they shopped for books and food, he kept secretly checking her out, giving that neckline a gaze.

He was delightedly surprised with her gift. This was so thoughtful of her and it was the first gift she gave him that he could hold in his hand. "Thank you, Lydia. And it has fish names too, reminds me of the time we went diving with Callie in that sunken ship in the coral reef. Thank you." he smiled and hugged her sincerely for a long time outside that bookstore.

Callie didn't seem to understand the common language very well, that or she was simply too busy enjoying the cloth she was eating. She splashed Lydia with water when she thanked her and nudged her hand for more, eventually getting closer to try and nibble on her pink flowers black wrap.

It seemed that the pool underneath the falls had been made deeper and wider by the merefolk so that it stretched beneath the city and cliffs. There were giant pillars of stone and steel reinforced with runes supporting the land above, and right underneath the cascading water was a giant cave lit up by bobbing arcane lamps, and artificial glowing corals. The outskirts of the district had clumps of houses carved into the stone or sitting atop them like ordinary wooden huts. Fields of kelp were being attended to by the half-men, half-fish folk, each with a giant tail that glistened with colorful scales.

They had no streets, but the traffic seemed to know which way to go. Giant turtles with modified shells were slowly hauling cargo into the cave, while non-aquatic folk chattered on normally in streamlined glass vessels pulled by sea horses.

In to the cave they went and in the distance they beheld an odd giant forest that seemed to be made of white stone and somehow glowing by itself in the darkness. It was a large town built like a reef forest with giant branch like towers that was dotted with glass windows. There were many tunnels and all the doors were circular. Bubbles streamed out from the bottom, and everywhere there were mosaic decorations.

James had been admiring the book clips earlier, but now he was craning his head here and there trying to take in everything. "This is so much better than the museum, Lydia." he told her, distractedly. All the mere-folk ate their food raw and alive, but here and there they'd see an area encased in glass or bubbles where land-walkers were passing through to get to their daily jobs here in the coral district. James was so amazed at the extent of how these people managed to live together despite the huge difference in habitat. They were friendly and there were helpful mere-folk guides coming up to the two asking them if they were tourists and offering their services for a price.

Roleplay Skittle
The Story | Characters | OOC
​

 

[Katsuya]

-First Impressions-
-Chenglei Zhou-​

It was night time and a lanky teen is walking alone in the dirty and sketchy streets of Akihaba in the South parts of the Orients. His shoulders slumped forward and his head down with his hair veiling his eyes, back hunching from the achy pain of his night job.

At least they let him leave before midnight. Not like the other places around the area and this place is a lot cleaner too; none of the women and girls take drugs which is great and he can talk with them without them hitting on him. They're nice and so is the owner of the bath house, giving him a good amount of pay for guarding it.

Chenglei stretched his arm up to the dark sky, cracking his back and sighing in relief. He looked like he wasn't worried but his ash purple eyes subtly looked around in case any of the hobos or gang members were around and ambush him.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- First Impressions -
" ?? "​

It had started to rain, which quickly turned into a heavy downpour. People were running to take shelter under roofs, as all around the uncapped torches and braziers in the streets that lit up the slums started to get put out by the wind and rain. Slowly the dirt road became muddy and out in the farmlands there was barely anyone on the highway.

It slowed down into a drizzle, but still the heavy clouds covered the moon, but as someone who's taken this path many times in the dark, feeling one's way was no problem.

Posh

Chenglei stepped on something squishy --- and breathing raggedly.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-First Impressions-
-Chenglei Zhou-
​

"Ah f*ck!" Chenglei cursed when it poured cats and dogs, now running instead of walking with his arm over his head as if that will cover his head.

He jumped over huge forming puddles and managed to not bump into the rocks as he continued to run his way. It was dark and without the moon's light, it was hard to see but Chenglei was used to these parts; He knows the workings of these streets and can easily find his way back home.

Luckily, the rain slowed into a drizzle when he was half way there, now calmly walking and not caring if he got wet anymore. Chenglei's drenched. 'Part of the summer storms, I guess.' He thought.

Then he heard a strange sound accompanied with stepping on something...squishy?

"Wat da-?" Chenglei peddled back a bit, looking down where he can hear...someone's breathing?

" 'ey...EY! 're ya okay?" He asked warily as he couldn't tell if this person really was in trouble or what, but he needed to ask anyways. Cautiously he sat down to the wet ground, not caring about the mud that's dirtying his raggedy shorts and stared hard at the stranger who's breathing hard. Then he cupped the stranger's cheek and checked his forehead, not taking his eyes off of this person.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- First Impressions -
" ?? "​

The shadow from the rain clouds parted and a strip of moonlight cast its glow upon the muddy farm road. A girl, too delicate to be a farm-hand's daughter lay before Chenglei, her long black hair spread sadly on the mud. She was burning with fever; a few feet away from her was a fallen woman, much older, wearing the garbs of a servant and who had the same hair, skin and cheeks as the girl. The two were suffering from arrow wounds and bleeding badly, they needed medical attention at once.

Clap

A hand suddenly grabbed his wrist, then the girl's eyes wearily opened. Her amethyst gaze locked with Chenglei's as she shuddered in pain, dazed and too exhausted to speak. There was sadness and defeat in those eyes that seemed to pierce his soul as though she could see right through him. 'This is the end.' said those eyes. 'Give me something happy so that I can have a peaceful death.'

She kissed him. His vision obscured by her wet cheeks. Her dying soul was asking for comfort and as her strength left her, the kiss became a sweet thank you before she went limp and passed out.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-First Impressions-
-Chenglei Zhou-​

Chenglei froze when the girl grabbed his wrist, his eyes wide as he stared back at her eyes with his own. His cold and rough heart felt a pang when he recognized those emotions all too well. When she kissed him, the blonde teen immediately kissed back, feeling her go limp in his arms as she fainted.

He blankly stared...his ears turning pink.

Then he shook his head as if to get rid of the thoughts in his head, laying the girl on the ground gently to search for something. Chenglei came back with a wooden board and a rope attached to it, placing it near the woman.

The blonde teen ripped his yukata into ribbons and wrapped the woman and the girl's injuries before placing the woman on the wooden board with her head tilted to the side; the girl he carried on his back, piggy back style with one arm under her bottom to keep her up. Then he pulled the wooden board, the wet mud made it easier for him to move the woman even when he felt his achy bones and muscles screaming for rest.

He did not stop until he reached to his home and called for his grandmother and sister for help.

******************

Next early morning, Chenglei sat near the straw beds that were on the ground, watching over the fainted pair in case they woke up. There were clean bandages on the wounds with green paste so they wouldn't get infected. A small cooling wet towel on their foreheads to keep the fever down with blankets over their bodies.

His cold ash purple eyes looked over to where his grandmother placed a cracked cup of clean warm water on a dented tray with herbs his sister picked up as medicine. Then he sighed, now looking back at the sleeping pair. When they woke up, Chenglei would patiently stare until they said something for him to ask: "How are ya feelin'?"

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- First Impressions -
" ?? "​

The girl woke up first. When she saw she was in an unfamiliar place she quickly looked around in fear, taking in her bandages, everything in a moment, then she spotted Chenglei. She froze for a couple of seconds, hands balled into fists --- there was something un-girly about her, she wasn't meek like most young girls traditionally taught by their families to be submissive to a man. Then her eyes widened in recognition and some awkward realization as she covered her mouth with a hand.

She ignored his question and looked around, then not finding what she was looking for, began to gesture at Chenglei oddly. She pointed at her throat, opened her mouth wordlessly, then shook her head. Then pointed at him, then at the door, then gestured writing. She repeated it firmly until he understood.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-First Impressions-
-Chenglei Zhou-​

He raised an eyebrow when she made odd gestures and sighed. Chenglei stood up from his spot, passing the girl the warm water and told her to drink it slowly before going out of his room to look for the items she wanted.

There were quiet noises as if he was being careful to not wake up someone as he searched around his home. A few minutes later, the blonde teen came back with a scrap of paper on a small wooden board and a broken pencil.

"Her'." He said quietly like he didn't want to startle the girl. "So...how are ya? Feelin' weird anywher'? Chenglei asked again, his face stayed blank as he observed the very strange person.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- First Impressions -
" ?? "​

She snatched them from him, wincing a little from her injuries, and hastily scribbled in bold oriental script: 'Did I kiss you?!' she shoved the paper an inch away from his nose. She was breathing hard and had this face as though she was hoping he'd say no.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-First Impressions-
-Chenglei Zhou-​

Chenglei looked at the note first then at the girl, once again raising an eyebrow. This person is strange indeed.

"...Yea..." He said mercilessly. "Now would ya tell meh if ya feelin' okay or nah?"

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- First Impressions -
" ?? "​

It was like talking to a wall. She ignored him again and just slumped back down on the straw bed looking mortified and grossed out. She covered her mouth and closed her eyes, facing the ceiling as though praying for patience. She stayed that way for a long time. Then, taking a deep breath, she scribbled something weakly. 'Sorry. Please forget it ever happened and don't mention it to anybody.'

Then she added. 'I'm not fine. But thank you for saving me and my aunt.'

She took another deep breath and scribbled sternly, shaking her head. 'Why did you let me kiss you?! And why did you kiss back?! Please tell me you don't have some kind of disease!'

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-First Impressions-
-Chenglei Zhou-​

Chenglei just stared at her reaction, not giving any sort of indication that he's thinking. A corner of his lips quirked up but it left just as quickly that it might have been a trick or something. As he read the notes, his eyebrows twitched and finally a spark of anger appeared but he didn't let it out as he sighed.

"...Ya a rude one, ain'tcha? How do I kno' dat ya ain't da diseased one?" Chenglei retorted, as quiet as it was, the tone of agitation was there. Then he walked to the doorway and paused to look back at her. "As much as I would lov' tah explain dat fir ya, I need tah go. Meh sistah will stay wit' ya and yur' aunt..." He narrowed his eyes as if he was warning her.

"Dun be disrespectful tah meh family. Hav' a good day..." He said before leaving the room, his bare feet pattered on the ground as his voice was heard. Then another, more lighter tone appeared, whispering back to the blonde's. Soon enough an excited pound of footsteps echoed with Chenglei's voice saying: "Dun tackl' em. She just woke up-"

"I know that big brother! Geez." That's when a small and thin girl appeared with a huge and bright smile. Her shiny purple eyes showed her mirth at the new people in the straw beds. "Mornin'! I heard from my brother that you can't speak so just nod if ya want breakfast or tea, okay?" She walked in the room and sat next to the girl.

"What's your name? I'm Tsumiki! My brother's name is Chenglei. Sorry if he scared ya, but he's a good big brother." The little nine years old girl chatted a storm, too cheery even in the early morning hours.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- First Impressions -
" Momochi "​

'I don't have a disease.' she wrote, affronted. She seemed to look regretful being disrespectful as Chenglei continued speaking, but didn't write anymore as he left.

She was surprised when his sister appeared and nodded once, unsure. She wrote in the paper, 'My name is Momochi, nice to meet you, Tsukumi.' she chatted so much that the girl had no time to write a prompt reply, but seemed to enjoy her cheerful company. As the morning wore on and Momochi had breakfast, her injured aunt on the bed never stirred, just slept there quietly, though every now and then she'd wince a though she was having a nightmare.

Momochi asked Tsukumi many questions, such as where they were, what day it was, and how did she and her aunt get here. As for Momochi herself she told her that they had been waylaid by bandits and had all their things stolen. They barely got away.

They came from the village of Danhua, a farming village two days away on horse back. Momochi was the daughter of one of the well-to-do-families, the Jouda Clan, and asked if Tsukumi could send a letter for her to her relatives and promised she would pay her and her family back for all their help and generosity. She was very courteously formal and she had the steady, well-opened eye of someone who was used to being obeyed. Even though she was on the bed, she did not seem helpless at all, but someone intelligent used to making plans and seeing them done briskly. Yet every now and then she'd catch herself being this way and would dip her head meekly and would add 'please' and 'thank you' to her words.

* * * *​

Meanwhile, in the place where Chenglei worked, there was a commotion as news was spreading about the recent skirmishes between the rival clans. This was a common thing in their warring country. Their current emperor had fifty consorts from the fifty Oriental Clans and so had fifty heirs all vying for the throne.

Akihaba's ruling clan, the Taisho's, had been ousted by the Hakagami Clan and their allies five days ago and the heir Kenren Taisho has been killed in battle. Most of the people in their territory wept, the Taisho's were not very powerful in terms of military strength since they focused their efforts on trade and stabilizing the economy, but because of that, more money flowed in their territory diminishing poverty. They had survived by allying themselves with more powerful families, but in a brilliant military strike by the Hakagamis, the Taisho's and their allies were defeated in battle. And now, Hakagami will be taking over Akihaba and the surrounding territories.

This was the fourth time in the people's lifetime that there was another change of rulers. And always they were anxious to know if this change was for the better. The Hakagami were a warrior clan dedicated to the goal of ruling the Orients just like the others. The people hoped that it would at least be alright in their rule.

People were asking about what happened to the head of the Taisho Clan, and rumors said that he was captured and was now held prisoner in one of their settlements.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-First Impressions-
-Tsumiki Zhou-​

Tsumiki gave Momochi breakfast as the morning wore on, answering the questions she wrote. The little girl didn't notice the weird speech pattern or how she wrote in big bold letters instead of delicate ones like normal girls. She is however worried about Momochi's aunt because she didn't wake up and looked like she was in pain. So the little girl would try to lean over to check on her wounds whenever the older woman winced.

When the topic of how she and her aunt got here, Tsumiki looked down at her lap, kicking her legs in a calm rhythm. She told Momochi that her brother, Chenglei saved them, carrying her on his back while dragging a board with her aunt on it. How her grandmother thought they wouldn't make it, but her brother stayed beside them until their fever broke. "Ya really scared us last night. I'm sorry to hear about the bandits but ya don't need to pay us back. We just wanna to help." Tsumiki smiled brightly, eyes wide with curiosity.

For the rest of the afternoon, Tsumiki stayed with Momochi, changing the bandages and not flinching from the wounds as she talked. It's like she's used to seeing injuries as bad as theirs. For lunch, the little sister went back out the door and came back with the same dented tray with a chipped bowl of stew. Then within a few minutes, little girl perked up when she heard her brother's voice and she ran off just as energetically.

Kenren can hear a loud thud.

************************************************************
-Chenglei Zhou-
​

When Chenglei arrived at the Tori Bath house, all the girls were talking, whispering behind their long kimono sleeves as they gossiped. At first, he ignored it as he helped cut the wood for the fires and pouring hot water, but as the day progressed, the teen basically knew what happened to the Taisho's. He sighed, closing his eyes as he poured the hot water in the giant bath for the client that's coming in soon. Then he walked towards the boiler's room to let the giant and willow-like man that he will be leaving in the late afternoon.

"Alright! I'll let the Mistress know."

"T'ank ya." Then he left after escaping the girls who wanted him to stay for a bit longer, telling them that he has to take care of someone right now.

"Oh~? Is your sister sick again?" Asked a seductive cat lady in an expensive kimono, a shoulder revealed as her red lipstick spread into a nice grin. Her long and thin tail slowly waved. "I do hope the dear will feel betterrrr."

"Ja! I 'ope so too." agreed a younger human girl, bouncing up to the more mature cat lady. She's wearing a pink uniform that's tied with a red ribbon instead of a pretty kimono, signifying that she works for the baths strictly.

Chenglei bowed his head. "...T'ank ya fir yur concern. I'll be going now."

As soon he arrived home late in the afternoon, the blonde teen was tackled down to the ground, making a loud thud sound as he landed on his bottom. He winced. "...Ow...Hi Tsu-chan." Chenglei's cold face melted into a warm expression as he smiled, gently patting her head.

"How come ya came back early? Are we doing something special?"

"Nah, nothin' like dat. I just wanna make sure our guests are okay." Tsumiki smiled wide.

"Momo-chan is doing okay, still can't talk though." She told everything what Momochi said to Chenglei who nodded sometimes and he sighed, frowning. A spark of worry appeared in his eyes.

"I see..." After a nuzzle on the top of her head, Chenglei stood up with his sister and carried her by over his shoulder, making her giggle and laugh as he tickled her sides. He knocked on the door to his room and came in; his warm expression went back into his cold one. His sharp ash purple eyes made contact with Momochi's and sat down nonchalantly as he sets his sister down.

She ran out of the room when she heard her grandmother calling out for something.

"...Yur aunt didn' wake up yet?" He asked quietly after she left so that they can 'talk' calmly.

Zer0

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

-A Day Out-
​

The sneakiness of Lydia's expression lingered a while, which was lucky for James that she had paid a little more attention to her thoughts than his request, otherwise he may have caught confused and surprised Lydia rather than sneaky smiling Lydia. Of course the latter did replace the former expression once the camera had flashed and she blinked a few times, looking more puzzled than James had and laughing slightly to his musing, "do I really have so many facial expressions that they require a book?" she asked timidly, her cheeks turning red. It wasn't the first time the assortment of expressions she made had been pointed out to her.

When James was cunningly watching her pick her suit, he probably would have noticed the constant hesitation she seemed to go through. She completely disregarded any type of bikini, anything that would show her tummy, even if it was just a little. She had even considered just buying shorts to wear over a single one piece swimsuit but then decided that was just too unconventional since it would be boys swim trunks. All of these thoughts were reflected in her actions as she searched, eventually finding the one she chose, which she only chose because there were no other suits with a skirt even slightly as long, most were just decorative ruffles around the hips and weren't at all her style, even one that was all black.

Considering the look that James gave her when she was done changing, she couldn't help but blush and glance away, and each time she felt his gaze upon her, she reacted in the same way - giving him a coquettish smile, maybe nervously swiping her hand over her hair or twisting one of the curls of her ponytail and of course blushing. Though her expression wasn't the sort to say that he was making her uncomfortable, more so that she was happy he apparently found her pleasing to the eye.

She couldn't have described it in words if she had tried, but James words about the book clips made her feel warm inside and she was so happy with his gratitude that after that long hug outside of the bookstore, she had such a dreamy expression on her face that it seemed like she had actually been sleeping there in his arms.

A little yelp escaped her when Callie splashed her and it was soon followed by a giggle as she tugged her wrap away from the manta ray, she reminded her of a little kid with how she either didn't understand or didn't care what she had said, but she just shook her head and gave her another piece of cloth before they went on their way.

Everything they saw inspired new curiosity in Lydia and she found herself asking the most random of questions. All of them had to do with undersea life, but where they came from was anyone's guess. At one moment she had been staring at one of the meremen while he was tending the fields of kelp, her gaze very scrutinizing and if asked she would respond that she was curious how they breathed. Fish had gills to circulate the water, but she wasn't sure if they did and so she was watching to see any sign of gills and also considering that maybe their nose and mouth acted as a way for them to breath, like with fish gills the water went in through the mouth and out through the gills, so she thought that maybe they breathed the water in through their nose and out through their mouths. Her hands at that moment clapped against her mouth and she gave a sheepish look to James. She had never previously known anything about aquatic life, but after her previous excursion with James she had become more interested, if anything to just have another point of conversation with him.

Lydia was just as intent on focusing on their surrounding as James, tapping his hand slightly every now and then to motion towards something that she found interesting or awe inspiring. At one point they passed an underwater school with a yard full of various species of mere-children and she giggle slightly as she watched their roly-poly forms wiggle around in the water, "James? Do you think that mere-folk have many children like fish or a smaller number like people?" from there her questions spiraled into wondering what it was like to actually just spend all ones time in the wate - was it difficult to keep things from floating away and how did they remedy that - was it cannibalism for them to eat other sea creatures, even if they weren't humanoid? After a while she began to feel very silly about her questions, covering her face in embarrassment and apologizing for being ridiculous.

"It is! So much more immersive!" Was her response when James said that the trip was better than the museum and anyone that regarded received a timid smile and slight wave from Lydia because she thought it would be weird to just watch them. When the guides started to come around and sell their services to the two, Lydia looked to James, unsure, "as long as we don't wander too far, I think we'll be okay..." in reality she'd rather just be with James and not have someone else with them but the only hint of what she might be thinking was the way she curled her hand around James' as she checked with him, "but what do you think?"

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- First Impressions -
" Momochi "​

Momochi shook her head. She looked relieved to see him. Then, she sat straight, drew out a rolled piece of paper wrapped elegantly in string, then handed Chenglei what seemed to be a formal letter of apology.

Jouda Momochi
Bedroom by the Water Barrel
Zhou Family House, Akihaba

Dear Mr. Chenglei Zhou,

I am sorry for my behavior earlier today. I understand that I must have spoiled your morning and I insulted you after you compassionately saved me and my aunt from death yesterday. It was my first kiss you see and so I panicked when I realized I gave it to someone who is not my husband. It was very promiscuous and unbecoming of a lady and so I was very upset and it was only later that I realized how much I have angered you. Once again I apologize for all the discomfort I have caused.

Please forgive me and I promise I will not behave in such a manner again. I would like to be friends with you. And about taking responsibility and wedding me for the kiss, I assure you, you need not feel honor-bound to do such a thing. It is our secret and I will keep it with me to the grave, so you are free to live the life you choose. It is no dishonor at all, as it was I who kissed you. Believe me, I will not speak to this to anybody.

Once again, I apologize for all the inconvenience, and I hope I can make it up to you.

Sincerely

Jouda Momochi

She had a bold elegant handwriting, and her grammar and level of education seemed to be above the usual home-schooled or no education at all for Oriental women. She sat on her bed looking at Chenglei still with that regal bearing, but her eyes were sincere.

Katsuya

- A Day Out -
" James Pendragon "​

"We'll be okay without a guide. We're fine, we'll just explore the district ourselves." added James to the merefolk, who politely persisted, dropping their prices and boasting about the things they were sure to miss if they went off by themselves. Their charming haggling skills reminded him of the twins who would sell their inventions not by how much it actually costs, but by how much a potential buyer can afford to pay. And right now, though he'd never tell Lydia, his gold pouch was close to empty after buying that nice history book, and so he patiently declined their offers.

"This reminds of me the twins." said James once Callie had swam past the guides. "Did you know, Lydia, that they invented waterproof fireworks, marshmallow bombs, a tasteless levitating potion, a bubble hiccupping potion, and stopped going to school this year to start up their own guild and now their guild has research funds from the government to develop their marshmallow bombs to use on shades?"

He told her about the Cool Beans Guild, how Sen and Seth sold barrels of ale during the warlock tournament in Kingsbury, and how he never understood why they only get below average grades in school what with their street smarts. James sounded proud of them, even though he complained to Lydia about finding out just recently that they've been secretly spiking his food with their concoctions as their test subject.

He opened his bag of every flavored beans as they talked, telling Lydia to be careful. "When they say every flavor, they mean every flavor. A friend of mine said he ate a bean that tasted like crickets, though I have no idea how he knows what crickets taste like." he popped a brown patched white one in his mouth. "Mmm, safe. Tastes like paper."

He liked Lydia's marshmallows filled with fruit jelly, it was his first time eating them, and asked if he could take a small bite from her spiral sesame cookie. Callie squeaked and James thought she was hungry again, but she would not accept the cloth and seemed to be wanting to taste what they were eating.

If ever Lydia took out her book about the marine life in the area, James huddled close to read and clipped on some of the fish book clips, smiling at her. The merefolk had gills on their necks, underneath the back of the jaw, but he had no idea if merefolk had many babies, but he surmised that they probably laid eggs and tried to glimpse inside windows to see if there were any.

"Maybe we could ask someone politely?" he suggested, wondering if it may be rude. Lydia brought up many curious points in their way of living, like how they remedied things not floating away, and he suggested they eat in a merefolk restaurant to find out.

Roleplay Skittle

 

[Katsuya]

-First Impressions-
-Chenglei Zhou-​

Chenglei sighed, his brows furrowed a bit as he stared at the sleeping woman in a bit of worry. Then he blinked when Momochi handed him a roll of paper? Oh, it's a letter...

At first, the blonde teen didn't respond, but then the corner of his lips quirked. His dirtied cheeks is dusted in pink just like the tips of his ears as he re-read the letter, pursing his lips. His shoulders shook a bit as he bowed his head a bit, veiling his ash purple eyes.

This...is really...

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- First Impressions -
" Momochi "​

Momochi was still looking properly apologetic as she waited for his response. She gave him a puzzled look, though, when his shoulders started shaking.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-First Impressions-
-Chenglei Zhou-​

Chenglei snorted, clapping his hand on his mouth as his chuckles slowly change into a quiet laugh. He lifted his head up revealing his once cold ash purple eyes be warm and in mirth with a tear hanging on his lashes. His cheeks turned red as he laughed and laughed, now hugging his stomach.

"D-Dat is da most formal ap-apology I've eva read! Kufufufufu~!"

Who apologies like that? Of course, it had to be a rich kid of all people. Is that his address on the top? Next to the water barrel...Buddha, that's cute. Is it part of their education? Who knew that rich kids can be funny?

"I'm sorry. I shouldn' laugh when ya were bein' sincer'. I-I just nevah read anythin' lik dis befor'." He cleared his throat, chuckling for a few seconds before breathing in and letting it out. Chenglei gave Momochi a charming smile.

"Yea, I would lov' ta hav' ya as a friend. Nah worries on da kiss. I nevah considered marryin' ya eitha' 'cause it's just a kiss, but if it'll make ya feel bettah," He leaned in a bit so he can whisper, amused about this rich mute kid and his behavior. "Dat was my first kiss too. So...at least we gav' each otha' our first kiss. K-Kufufufufu~!"

"Oh and dun worry about bein' yaself. It's okay, I just didn' want ya to be mean tah meh sistah or meh ol' maid of a grandmotha'...or well ya can if ya like but be warned: Her slipper of doom is a livin' thing of it's own." Chenglei said, tilting his head a bit.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- First Impressions -
" Momochi "​

Momochi froze when he leaned in, but gave him an awkward smile with her lips pursed, and wrote that she would never be mean to his sister or his grandmother. His grandmother was stern, but nice. She became very friendly after that, and that night her bedside table had a pile of pencil shavings from all the writing she did telling Chenglei about who she was, where she came from, and asking him about who he was and the life he's been living here.

She seemed to be interested in how the war between the rival clans had been faring and was eager for any news. She wanted to know if bandits were seen more often on the road, and if there were any strange folk in town that look like they're not from around here. She told him that his sister kindly sent a letter for her to her family and that she's expecting a reply in four days time. She had written, asking her family to pick them up here and spoke about how relieved they would be to know that she and her aunt were fine.

The next day when Chenglei was out working, Momochi got gingerly out of bed and asked Tsukumi if she could talk to her grandma. Perhaps she had overdid it last night, staying up late talking, because today she felt feverish again.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- First Impressions -
-Zhou family-​

Chenglei read the notes Momochi wrote, happy that she's at least optimistic about seeing them again. Not wanting a 'happy moment' for her death like before. Then when she asked about himself, the blonde teen told her who he is and the life that he's been living.

"It's pretty hard to support meh family since I'm da only one who can get a job. Meh grandmotha suffas a lot from achy bones an' can't really move much. Meh sistah's too young an' I dun want her to work in da bath house eitha'. I wanna send her tah a real school that accepts girls in an' learn how tah write lik' how ya write." He said happily. He told Momochi it's his dream to get his sister out of the slums and to take his grandmother with her so she can have better care. It's like he doesn't have a dream for himself; just that of the two important people of his life to be well since they took care of him most of the time.

"I used tah be in fights 'cause of the creepy bas*ards around da area. I wouldn' be surprised tah see anotha one around her' eitha." He told Momochi when she wanted to know more about the war between the rival families. Though there were moments where he stayed quiet and just stared as if he was thinking about something before shaking his head and just continued with their conversation. "I'll let ya know more if I hear anythin'." He confirmed, grinning.

Next day, Chenglei left for work again and the grandmother came in the room where Momochi is resting, frowning a bit at the young one who's too formal for her age. She noticed the slight flush on her round face.

"Good morning, dear. I heard from Tsumiki that you wished to speak with me?" The grandmother asked as she sat on the straw bed, resting her achy bones. Rainy days tend to make them worse for her it seems.

Zer0

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

-A Day Out-
​

Lydia nodded firmly, solidifying James decision. She hadn't thought about who would be paying, but she was glad that James didn't want a guide either, even though she didn't know it was because he was short on cash.

When James started talking about the twins' inventions, Lydia recognized some of them and others she didn't, but she didn't say otherwise and just listened to James talk, nodding when it was appropriate so he'd know she was listening. She liked to watch him talk and there was something about his voice she found soothing. When he mentioned that they had been using him as their test subject, she laughed slightly and suggested that when everything she'll get back at them for him and told him how when they left, Sen shook her hand with a joy buzzer so she at least owed him one.

She watched him as he opened his every flavored beans, laughing at his story and laughing harder when he declared that the one he ate was safe, "James, you aren't a goat. How is paper safe?!" she giggled to the point that her eyes watered slightly and she had to pull out her handkerchief to dry her eyes. Maybe she laughed a little too hard at that, but she found it really funny for some reason.

Lydia was happy to share, she had never had the marshmallows herself, they just sounded tasty. The cookie she didn't mind sharing either, she had a whole bag and they were really more like chips than cookies even though they were called cookies and this she mused on out loud as she shared them with James. When Callie showed interest in what they were eating, Lydia laughed slightly before asking James if it would be okay for her to have some. She wasn't sure what would be okay for a manta ray to eat, but then again, the creature ate cloth, which was strange on its own.

At some point Lydia did take out her book, hurriedly, when she saw a particularly colorful and unusual looking fish. It was oblong in shape with six fins that lined its body from head to tail and each fin was large and fan shaped. It had a plethora of different colors, blue, orange, yellow, green, and red - the arrangement nearly dizzying. When she found a picture of it and information, she happily showed it to James. It was a called a Mandarin Fish. The book also helped to answer some of her questions about the mere-folk there and as James sat with her reading and marking pages with the book clips she gave him, she smiled warmly and affectionately bumped him with her shoulder.

When they talked about how mere-folk reproduced and James began trying to see in through windows they past, she laughed nervously, "James, stop! Someone might see you and think you're creepy!" she tugged on his arm to get him to look away from the windows, "I don't know if we should ask..." it felt kind of weird going up to someone and asking how many babies they could have or how they had them and she laughed nervously once again, shaking her head, "maybe when we come back from the other side of the Storm Wall we can come back here and stay longer and maybe visit a library... or a medical campus!" It shouldn't be rude if they were asking a doctor.

When James brought up eating at a merefolk restaurant, Lydia looked at him with evident hesitation, "but James... they don't cook their food... and some of it's alive..." Lydia shuddered at the thought, "besides that, you already got food poisoning and Renee's not here," she frowned and her large green eyes were lined with worry.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- A Day Out -
" James Pendragon "​

"It tastes alright, it has parchment texture!" reasoned James, chuckling, when Lydia laughed about the paper-flavored bean. He fished in the bag and shook it, then took out another white bean that had brown patches. "It tastes safe, promise. Try one?" he offered it to her. Apart from paper flavah, there was peppermint humbugs, a bland one that was probably rice, banana, coleslaw, and a brownish yellow bean that James would not even dare to nibble because he said it reminded him of ear wax.

He let Lydia give Callie some food, and to his astonishment the ethereal maori liked the marshmallow with fruit jelly. And when she showed him the colorful fish he liked how close her face was and nuzzled her hair. "It looks . . . there's a word for it . . . colorful in a hippie way . . . what's that word . . .Groovy?" he pondered, rubbing his jaw, but he wasn't able to remember. Instead he asked Lydia to pose as the fish swam around and snapped a photograph. He took another when she was just reading happily and asked if he could have a close up of her face.

He agreed to her idea of coming back here in the future, and wondered out loud if an underwater library was possible, and if there was such thing as submerged surgery.

When she voiced her concerns he gave her a determined look. "The experience is worth the food poisoning." he clutched her hand. "And don't worry, don't worry, my Lydia, I'll just order something safe, like sea weed!" he reassured her cheerfully, patting her shoulder. Taking some gold out of his pouch, he pocketed it then stripped to just his shorts, then rubbed the maori's back asking her to slow down. "Ah, there's one with divers!" he pointed at a cheap looking diner where two blokes wearing diving gear had just swam out the circular doorway talking to each other through sign language.

"Hey, buddy!" called James as Callie swam beside them. "That eatery, do they serve seaweed?"

One diver, gave him the thumbs up; the other suddenly squeezed his friend's shoulder and pointed at James and Lydia excitedly, gesturing rapidly in sign language. He pulled out a white plastic board and scribbled on it with a pencil.

'Miss, are you Lydia Dubois, the Lady Deathbane?' he showed her the board. 'I'm Michael, this is my buddy Coal. We saw your warship dock yesterday. We're fans and we could show you and your friend around! Could we also have an autograph?'

Roleplay Skittle

- First Impressions -
" Jouda Momochi "​

'Good morning, grandmother, thank you for coming. I just want to say thank you for all your hospitality.' Momochi bowed respectfully. 'Are you the one who dressed my wounds?'

Meanwhile, outside the bathhouse where Chenglei worked, news reached them that soldiers led by Cho Hakagami Clan were riding into town. It seemed the take-over was beginning. The master of Akihaba was meeting them right now and negotiating the peaceful surrender of the people here.

There was the thundering of hooves, and travel worn samurai's atop armored horses stopped by the bathhouse bridge. They seemed to be looking for someone, and a quick look at the posters they were carrying showed the drawn faces of Momochi and her aunt.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-First Impressions-
-Zhou family-​

Grandmother Zhou grinned a bit and bowed back, her old violet eyes has a twinkle. "Yes, I am. Though I must say," She lowered her head to keep their eyesight on the same height, leaning in too close. "I would never expect my foolish grandson to pick up a boy in a kimono and go by a girl's name..." That grin disappeared, but that twinkle in her eyes stayed.

***************

Over at the Tori Bathhouse, Chenglei just finished scrubbing the floors, bruises on his forehead and elbows appeared as he kept falling from the polish wood while cleaning with the bath workers. He wiped the sweat off his forehead, standing by the doorway when suddenly a pair of thin furry arms wrapped themselves around his waist; a purr was heard in his left ear with the scent of very harsh perfume hit his nose and made him sneeze.

"Bless you, child." Said the cat lady who's wearing different expensive kimono, now with her hair decorated with kanazashi and makeup to show her profession as a geisha. "Don't frrret, Chenglei. I'm only here to tell you the news I heard from the halls while you were cleaning in this stuffy room."

The blonde teen looked at the cat geisha and blinked, waiting for the information. She chuckled. "My, I never knew you were into politics, Chenglei. To actually wait for my information instead of demanding it-"

"...I'm nah impati'nt."

"I know, that's what I adore about you, deary." Purred the cat geisha who was smiling seductively. "Now listen and listen well..." She told him about the beginnings of the take over and how there's a guy looking for two people; a woman and a child. "Look, there he is now with the wanted posters." Chenglei didn't react to it, staring at the worn out man who was searching around with the wanted posters. However his eyes did get a bit cold when he saw Momochi's face, breathing in and out calmly.

Then he patted the cat geisha's arm gently. "Thank ya fur tellin' meh, Felidae." She purred again, nuzzling his head.

"No problem, sweet child."

He didn't leave until mid-afternoon which he told the boiler again that he needed to go early. Then he left, walking and thinking: Why was that samurai looking for Momochi and her aunt?

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- First Impressions -
" Jouda Momochi "​

Momochi's demeanor changed, and his eyes immediately darted to the door where he heard Tsukumi moving around. Very calmly he pulled up his hair and with a chopstick, held it in place in a bun. "So, you knew, grandmother." He had a refined voice, with dulcet tones that embraced the morning air. "I'm sorry for deceiving you. Does anyone else know?"

Katsuya