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Where had she gone?The thought ran rampant through the red-head's brain as she scoured the streets with his eyes. The siblings had earlier been sitting in a park enjoying the new light of the day. Yes, now the sky was clear enough for souls to dare escaping from behind a book to explore. Exactly as they had done. The problem was that now he had lost her. Well not exactly. They'd stopped in a park to bask in the light of the day. Yurie had simply requested to explore around a bit more. He hadn't been so interested in it all, so instead took a seat on a bench to wait. Now the trouble was that she still remained gone.
Enough time had now passed that Zeral had leaft to hunt for her, but the problem persisted when a brief hunt turned up no younger sister.
That left him where he was now.
He wandered the streets and peered into each store anxiously, worry creasing his brow. She might not be in her right mind yet. The effects of having her memories sealed had seemed to fade upon her waking, but he couldn't shake the feeling that if he dared look away his single small object... He paused in his thoughts, his body mimicing the motion. No, not an object. Treasure, she was a treasure from his past. Something he dare not lose.
He couldn't imagine what he would do if something did happen to her. The previous nights events made one thing clear to him. Deadly clear. The worst could strike at any moment. And as much as Zeral tended to hate 'What if's and assumptions, he couldn't shake the fear that the past could repeat itself if he didn't prevent it.
It wasn't an irrational fear, nothing that drove him to a brink. No, he hid that quiet worry well, stuffing it away in some corner. At least when Yurie was around. Now though it was plain to see the trouble lining the boy's face as he turned from some sort of bakery.
Yes, he needed to find her before something happened.
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Mmmm... Cookie... Those were the first words that had come to Kailey's mind.He had been nibbling away at a cookie while standing in front of the window of the bakery. He'd come to the bakery when he realized that he was hungry and that there was very little else to do.
He ceased his nibbling when he had noticed someone approaching through the light reflection in the window.
He turned to see exactly who it was, hoping that it might be Novemeber. He was a little disappointed when it wasn't. Still, he couldn't help but think that the boy seemed to be troubled. It couldn't hurt to see what was wrong, could it?
"Hey there~!" He called out to Zeral with a smile. "What's going on?"
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All at once the boy was jarred from the continuous circular logic the recent disaster had put him in. Someone was talking to him. The voice was vaguely familiar in the way where one knows they have heard it before, but simply cannot place where from. So completely carefree in it's manner. Very fitting to the face that came with it, or so Zeral thought as he finally bothered to inspect the sounds source.He did recognize the lop eared boy after a moment though. He'd come across the rather interesting sight of a rabbit on the train briefly. No true interaction enough to justify immediate recollection of the voice. Which allowed the elf to excuse himself for his fault on that for a brief instant. Still he was blessed and cursed wasn't he? He didn't remember the ordeal either.
Zeral forced his face to become more blank, trying to hide the worry that wished so much to come out in a fountain of words. Yes, perhaps rampant emotion would like to run wild, but the boy was driven by logic. Something that would have little to do with the wild wishes that crept in at times like this.
"Hello.' Simple enough. If he spoke in such a way it was easier to mask the trouble that brewed beneath. Not to mention the fact he wasn't exactly the most social individual alive. Which made the next part more difficult. Did he want someone to know his problems? More people could suggest that it might be resolved sooner, but there was the issue of explaining it. "I'm just looking for my sister." Again, the most plain reply was best.
Though now that he mentioned his sister a thought occured. She would have adored this boy wouldn't she? What with the ears that drooped from his head in a similar fashion to the real bunnies. What an amusing coincidence.
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"You're just looking for your sister?" Kailey repeated questioningly. "Well... First... Did you check your pock-" He stopped midsentence. "Wait... No... That doesn't make any sense... Unless your sister's very small..." He murmured that last bit to himself.He stopped talking for a moment and went back to nibbling on his cookie as he tried to think. A few seconds afterwards, he began to speak again.
"Well... What about where you put her last? Maybe she's there. I mean, if you're told to stay somewhere and you wonder off to do something, don't you usually go back to where you were before?Or if you've already checked there... What does she look like? Maybe I've seen her before!" He nodded vigerously.
He'd seen many people earlier when he had made his way to the bakery. There'd been that older blonde woman who'd gone out in a tight black miniskirt and matching black stillettos, a girl around his age that wore glasses and puke green shirt which clashed with the ugliest skirt he'd ever seen, and two girls who much younger that were running off to the park. Maybe his sister was one of them. Although he hoped it wasn't the one with ugly skirt.
If she was... Well... Maybe the other boy would be better off if his sister remained lost...
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He nodded slightly to the question. Had he not just said that? The rabbit seemed to be just a bit dense. Which was proven all the more with the question that he asked. Well almost asked. Zeral had to admit he was relieved that the other boy wasn't that dense. Then again... he was beginning to wonder if the other even knew what a sister was."She would not fit in my pocket." There was a touch of annoyance in his voice as he spoke, needing to answer such a ridiculous question when he was in a hurry. Why did he even bother? Even if it was meant to help, and the best the rabbit could come up with(god he hoped it wasn't.) The point was that this wasn't doing any good to find Yurie.
Alright, now without a doubt this boy couldn't know what a sister was. He spoke as if his younger sibling was a thing almost. "She requested to go for a walk around a park." He answered simpling, once more checking his tone to mask the fact he found this rather poitnless now. "I thoroughly checked the entire park before assuming she must have seen something in the town that caught her attention."
Finally it seemed the rabbit had something useful to say though. Yes, she did like rabbits, maybe she'd seen this boy. "Her name is Yurie, she has long red hair, the same hue as mine." He indicated the length with his hand as he spoke. "She's about eight years old and is somewhat shy. Have you seen her?" He disliked the idea of his sister wandering the city on her own. Just the night before she was in sunch a daze, what if the effects where still lasting? That could be the very cause for her dissapearance.
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"Mmmm... So she'd have long red hair and short..." He thought for a moment as he ran through the list of people he'd seen again. Kailey began to nibble vigorously on his index finger, but after a minute, he stopped as a lightbulb went off in his head.Just before he'd gone into the bakery, he'd seen somebody short, female, and with long red hair wave at him. He remembered waving back, but that was about it... But where had she gone off to?
"I think I may have seen her... Although I didn't really see where she went to. Although, I think there might be a candy shop nearby. Maybe she went there?" Kailey smiled and nodded.
"That'd be where I'd go if I was an eight year old." He stopped and then went on, talking more to himself than to Zeral. " Actually... I think I might go there next, since that's starting to sound good to me!" He laughed with glee.
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Zeral watched the lop-eared boy perform his odd display for a moment while thinking. Then a pause, and slight hope for ending this chase ended. Which was dashed almost as quickly as it shone. "Where was she when you thought you saw her?" He wasn't about to give up on the only chance hint he'd been given.Then the suggestion. "A candy shop..?" He frowned slightly, shaking his head. He doubted she'd be there, generally she wouldn't be drawn to such things. Still, he was willing to try just about any place. If his fears were true she could be anywhere. "Then again, she might be. I'm not sure what she would be doing right now."
Yes, there was also the possibility she'd been curious about this new town. He hadn't the faintest idea what might have possessed her to not tell him she was going off exploring, for if she had he wouldn't be worrying now. It was purely the fact he had no idea what she was doing that had the elf in this state.
"Anywhere would be a good start I suppose." He added, eyeing the rabbit. "Would you be able to direct me toward this candy shop, I've yet to learn my way around town."
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"Show you around? Sure~!" He chirpped with glee. It'd be nice to have someone else to be with if only for a short while. "And I saw her when I was on my way here... I think it was right before I crossed the street to get over here... I'm Kailey, by the way." He beemed happily and quickly offered a hand to Zeral.
"I think the shop's only a block or two away." He nodded his head. "Of course, I might not be right, since I haven't been in town very long either..."
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That was exactly what he'd meant, but it would do. Though, he made a note to get himself some sort of town map soon and memorize it. He didn't wish to need help getting around in the future."Oh, so it wasn't too long ago." He replied, once more thinking he had a chance to end this hunt. He'd rather have chosen a quiet place to rest, to deal with his thoughts in peace. Now he was forced to talk with this... Kailey. That's what he said his name was.
It wasn't as if the rabbit was unpleasant, simply that at the moment all things seemed complicated and troublesome to him. He wanted to sort out the contrasting feelings he had about the wreck, this new town, about everything at the moment.
His sister simply ranked above all of those worries until he knew she was safe and in one piece. As long as she knew what she was doing he'd be fine to retire back to a bench in silence.
"My name is Zeral, Zeral Exel." He shook the bunny's hand after it was offered. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Kailey." Yes, now he was no longer walking blindly. At times having another's assistance toward a goal was useful. Thus for now he would be tolerant of this boy, pushing aside the dark memories of the previous day.
"Well then let us be off." He didn't like the last few things that where spoken, but he didn't have much of a choice. At least Kailey knew where he was going to some extent? Zeral wasn't one to stray from the truth, which was that he was running blind in this new town. "It's more of an idea than I have. So we shall go with your hunch."
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"All right! And nice to meet you, Zeral." Kailey nodded before leading the way.Kailey grew quiet for a while, mostly looking around at the various stores that were around, just in case Yurie was still wandering and not at the candy shop. So far, he didn't see any one in the small boutiques that he'd passed.
"You seem really anxious over her disappearance... Did something really bad happen to you two before you came here? I can understand being worried about not knowing where she might be, but you kinda feel really... well... distressed over this. Or maybe that's just me." He shrugged. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
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He followed along after the other in silence, content simply to hunt each window for signs of his sister. Though none came, each of the quaint shops was filled with individuals going about their business. That was all well, but not what he was on his excursion for.His gaze returned from another empty window to the rabbit at the words, lips parting slightly in surprise. Was it that obvious something was troubling him beyond his sister wandering off? Perhaps that in itself was the reason for her disapearance. Had she sensed his distress?
Zeral quickly pushed his face back into it's neutral state even as the thoughts buzzed about in his mind, questioning the many faults he might have made. "This is a new town, I'm merely worried that she will become lost." He replied, sidestepping around the true matter.
No one could know. Kailey obviously didn't remember, which meant no one would. If that was the case he could protect his sister from this dark memory as well. So long as no one else knew of it, no one could tell. Though even that idea was dashed quickly. Two people knew. He closed his eyes recalling the pevious evening. Those two, he had told them about it in a rush. They knew the details that where important. He'd need to speak with them in time regarding that. Perhaps he could aquire a promise of secrecy.
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"Oh... I guess that makes sense." He sounded a bit disbelieving, or at the very least disappointed that he didn't learn some sordid secret about Zeral's past. Sure, he hadn't been expecting to learn much of anything, especially since he'd only learned the other boy's name only a few minutes ago; but that didn't mean that he wasn't disappointed.After they'd walked straight for about a block, Kailey stopped and took a quick look around. This was followed by a quick turn to the left. Near the end of the block was what looked to be a brightly colored store, with a white and pastel pink store front. Kailey grinned and pointed at it.
"I believe that'd be it. If she's not there, we can probably ask if anyone in there has seen her or ask how to get to someplace else she might go to."
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He nodded to the other, ignoring the hint in the other's voice. There was no need to make note of it. Nothing good would come of making a scene over it, as well as any further facts for the rabbit. It would stand as it was. He just wanted to find his sister.Besides, if he didn't intend to divulge these secrets to the person closests to him, his sibling, what chance did a new acquaintance have of extracting more than a few details from him? Even more so his state of mind left him with the urge to turn people away, to avoid them. He was not the most social person by nature, and now all the more he desired no company but his own.
Both eyes turned to the store as it came into view. the very embodiment of a child's desires. Bright colors that drew you to them, quite cheery and inviting. Definitely what one might expect form the kind of establishment it was. "Yes, that sounds like a good idea." He replied, stepping into the shop as they made it to the entrance. His eyes scanning the area for Yurie. "I don't think she's here." It came out as more of a forlorn sigh than speech as he started for the counter.
There was still the chance the shopkeeper had seen her.
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"Oooo..." Kailey had nodded to Zeral, to show that he had heard what had been said. He then went on to investigate the sweets inside. He looked absolutely enraptured by the contents in the glass casing and hovered over a display of fudge. He knew that he shouldn't buy any, especially after having bought a cookie, but... well... How could he say no to his sweet tooth? Besides... He could justify buying some and give some to Zeral and his sister (once she was found, of course).
"I'd like three peices of that!" He announced to the shopkeeper, pointing at the fudge he'd been hovering over. "And he's looking for his sister. She's short and has long red hair like his." Kailey then pointed over at Zeral. "Have you seen anyone like that around here?"
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Zeral might have asked for himself, though was saved from the duty of speech as the rabbit piped up. Fudge? They weren't here for sweets. Obviously Kailey had had an ulterior motive to suggesting this shop as a place to look, or so it seemed. Still, he held his tongue as the more important words were spoken, his gaze turning up to the shop keeper for some response.The keeper seemed to be taking account of him while attempting to recall the numerous amounts of children he must see. Perhaps it was too much to ask for someone to remember each face they see briefly. This place was far more populated than his previous home. Yes, it was all entirely different. The people, the environment, the events that played out. It was all rather bizarre to him, but with time it would become clear. It would become part of his nature to see it as normal. Until that time he had some small familiarities to hold onto. Once he found them of course.
"Her name is Yurie, perhaps she stopped in here?" He inquired in an attempt to prompt some reply. Hopefully something beyond the rabbit getting his sugar fix handed to him.
There was a brief headshake after what seemed an eternity passed. In all reality he knew it was only a few seconds before the shopkeeper realized he hadn't seen a girl that followed the description given. Then busied himself with filling Kailey's order.
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Well, Kailey had suggested the candy shop based on what an 8 year old Kailey would have liked. And it just so happened that 8 year old Kailey's tastes weren't entirely too differently from 15 year old Kailey's tastes.Kailey quickly paid for his order and accepted his bit of fudge. He took out a peice and began to lightly nibble on it.
"All right, so she's not here... What other places might she like to go to? Maybe the shop keeper might have some suggestions for places to check."
This was followed by Kailey smiling and handing over the remaining peices of fudge to Zeral.
"For you and your sister, once you're back together."
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From what Zeral had seen the rabbit quite liked sweets, and so the assumption came. Then again, assuming anything was bad. He could easily be wrong when basing things off his feelings to actions, hearing the exact truth from the other would have done far better. On a normal day he might have been tempted to inquire about the rabbit's own opinion on the matter, but today was business. Yes, he could not allow himself to forget.He turned away from the counter as Kailey was paying for the sweets, stepping toward the door as a few last words were spoken. Then he was walking over again and holding out the bag as if it was an offering while speaking further. "For Yurie, and I?" He said quietly, managing a small grateful smile. "I'm sure she will enjoy that." Moreso if he said it was from a rabbit. She'd be delighted with that idea, wouldn't she? "Thank you very much, Kailey."
He took the bag and held it in one hand before pushing the door open. "I'm not certain what kind of shops might be here... She might have found a flower shop, or perhaps a pet shop." He said thinking of likely locations for his sister. Pausing to look at the older boy. "Do you know if there is a one of those shops nearby?" Or perhaps a nice quiet hill in the sun. No, she wouldn't have wandered out of the town. If she wanted to sit on the grass she would have remained in the park. It must be a shop somewhere.
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"Well... I know there's a flower shop somewhere, since I thought I thought I might have seen one when I was walking around town... I don't remember where it is, though..." He looked a bit sheepish when he said that."As far as a pet shop... I have no idea. Sorry...."
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Hmm... A shop somewhere. The question was where. He looked around the street in silence, scanning for any particular sign that ight suggest it's whereabouts. "Then we can start with looking for it." He began walking down the street, but paused."Which direction do you think it might be in? If you can't remember, we can go in the direction you came from, Kailey." He didn't have any idea which way the rabbit would have come in, so he paused waiting for the reply. continuing to be on alert for any sign of his sister. He really hoped she hadn't gotten lost. It was a new town after all, neither knew their way around.
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The black-haired child entered the town in a daze. Earlier, she had been super excited about getting the chance to look for brightly colored (and nicely decorated) eggs. Unfortunately, as she neared the town, Veruvi was greeted with news of a horrible train wreck that had happened while she wasn't paying attention. She meandered through the town looking around to see if there was any major damage or anything she could help out with.After a while she noticed to people she didn't quite recognize a little ways ahead of her. It seemed the two strangers were looking for something, maybe she could help out.
Veruvi waved to them to catch their attention as she approached them, "Excuse me? Are you looking for something? Maybe I could try and help you."
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Kailey looked around for a moment to figure out exactly which direction he'd come from. "All right... Well... I came from that direction I think..." Kailey pointed straight down the street. "At least, I think that's the way I came..." He wasn't quite so sure any more as to which way he came.
"Oh! Can you help us? We're trying to find a flower shop or a pet store!" Kailey grinned when this new girl had suddenly appeared.
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"You think?" He asked questioningly, quirking an eyebrow. He was beginning to debate if the rabbit's help was doing much good. So far all it had achieved was ending up with fudge, and Zeral wasn't particularly fond of sweets. So that didn't amount to much. He was about to comment further on going on such flimsy leads when the new girl approached them.This brought two things to mind. One, that he hoped she wouldn't be as clueless as Kailey appeared to be. The second that maybe she had seen his sister?
"Yes, actually we are." He started as soon as the other boy finished. "that is, if you haven't seen a young girl, about eight. she has long wavey red-hair similar to mine." He added, glancing at the bunny. The flower shop was only a guess, not the main objective. He really wanted to return to resting and making the evenings event more rational, oncehe'd done that it would no longer bother him. It wasn't as bad as what had happened before, so he just needed time to write it down. Then it would be done. "She's my sister actually, I want to make sure she's not lost."
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Veruvi smiled glad to be of help, "Well, the flower shop should be in that direction." She pointed down a ways down the street, "I'm not sure about the pet shop though. I haven't been to many places around town yet. I'm kind of new here too." The girl looked down sadly, "and I'm sorry I haven't seen your sister. I just got into town a few moments ago, and you were the first people I saw. We should go look for her, but the people here are really nice so I think she'd be safe even if your sister was lost." Veruvi stated reassuringly. Being lost wasn't fun buisness, but she'd met some of the people around town and they were very nice people living here. "Oh! By the way. My name is Veruvi. Nice to meet you."((To be continued.))
Ahh, quiet. No sound of train tracks. No squealing passengers. No large, heavy brass objects to drop on his head (which was a major plus). No more thunderstorms. No thunderstorms was nice.
"Nice to meet you, Zeral." He tipped the book towards him, in lieu of a hat. "Nice to know what to call you now, too." Cue a grin. "Oh, so that's all? Good! You know me through proper planning instead of infamy. That gets rid of the possibility of ill will between us- a relief, I admit." He sighed slightly, trailing a finger along the cover. "Being in a new town and all, it's always good to have some people you can identify with... and, much as a friend he is I'll be first to admit Lan makes mroe enemies than friends. But he's fun that way!" Lincoln chuckled lightly. "There's no need to guard yourself against labelling it as gossip. If there was the possibility, it was doomed to be so the moment you first leaned in to listen to it. Besides, people need to be tolerant...on both sides." His tone was vaguely ominous, but physically he seemed as relaxed as ever.