Hyrule Adventures 2

Keychain smiled softly. "Oh, but Zeze, you look better than me. Whoever made that dress must have had you in mind." Her attention was pulled to the newest person in the building. Blinking her blue eyes, she said, "Have we met before? I don't think we have. Usually I don't forget a face."

"Usually," commented Aqua. Her eyebrows came together. Staring at Keychain, she spoke her thoughts. "I can't really remember how we met. Do you?" Aqua remembered how they first met. It had been burned into her memory. From the moment she stepped from the building to see what was going on outside to the moment when the small bodied red head stood up against the kids who decided to start bullying her around.

Startled, Keychain looked at her friend. "What made you think of that all of a sudden? It's not like as if such a thing is important. We-we're shopping for goodness sake!" She shook her head lightly, hair spilling everywhere.

"Right, right." Aqua leaned across the counter top, staring into the back where Evan still was. "So do we have to pay or do we get a special discount for being your friends?" He scowled lightly at her. A laugh came from her throat. It was just like Keychain, seeing such a sour look on such a sweet person didn't look all too right. "I'll take that as a no."

"Oh," Keychain said, listening to Zeze speak some more. "Your name is Shada. It's nice to meet you. I'm Keychain, and that's Aqua." She gestured a hand to Aqua. The girl placed her hand in the air and then let it drop a few seconds later. Turning back to the dressing room, Keychain mumbled, "Now I just need to change out of this."

"If only . . ." Shada managed to stuttered out after a few seconds, shaking her head wistfully at the thought. Her expression turned slightly embarrassed as she held up a rather large pouch of jingling rupees. "I took his wallet," she finally replied, giggling at the memory. ". . . and now he wants it back."

She turned to Keychain and Aqua, smiling wide. "Yep, that's me! Shada Merellial, at your service! Pleasure to meet you." With that her attention was stolen away by Zeze's suggestion. Her eyes immediately begin to dart around the store, scouring for anything that caught her eye. "Let me know if you see something, Zeze," she called as she moved back towards the store front and began walking through the place.

* * *

Alpha's eyes flickered up to stare at the silver haired woman for a few long seconds, an expression of bewilderment on his face as she stopped speaking. He wasn't sure how to respond for a good long time to words like that. Dark, pessimistic, hopeless . . .

. . . and so terribly akin to his own line of thought. He'd not expected to ever hear such a thing from someone other than himself.

"All very true," he finally replied. A chuckle passed from his lips. "Good and evil are the two omnipotent forces that rule the world, and any sensible person has to acknowledge the power of the latter as much as they do the former." He laughed again, a bit more lighthearted in his tone this time around. It had to seem somewhat ironic; their discussion was moving into the realm of malevolent beings and malicious forces, yet he only seemed more pleasant and merry as time passed.

"Some people would call that kind of thought 'pessimistic' . . . but those are the kinds of people who refuse to look at the world as it really is. They try so hard to keep their lives happy and kind, and in doing so refuse to see the truth." He turned to look at Sakiko straight in the eye, and a smile covered his face. "It's not pessimism; it's simply realism. Accepting that evil is out there and recognizing that, no matter how we try, we cannot change that fact. After all, look at how many times Ganon has been slain . . . yet the incarnation of evil rises forth again every time. And he'll be back again, leading a war of chaos onto the order of Hyrule . . ." He shook his head, a bit more slowly this time, as though something in his last few words had touched a nerve of his or reminded him of a darkness he'd prefer to forget.

"Tell me, Sakiko," he continued after a moment, "what have you chosen to seek out: Order, or Chaos? Or are you trying to find a place between the two, a realm of Neutrality?"

Sakiko listened carefully and thoughtfully as Alpha shared his views. She couldn't also help but share his pleasant smile; it wasn't because she enjoyed being masochistic and talking about such dark matters, but because Alpha understood. Finally, she felt a bit of burden in her heart being lifted by an invisible force. Perhaps this is what she had been needing; a straight forward talk about the topic most avoided discussing.

"Tell me, Sakiko, what have you chosen to seek out: Order, or Chaos? Or are you trying to find a place between the two, a realm of Neutrality?"

Interesting question; no one had asked her before, and she didn't quite know the reason herself.

"It is just as you say, Alpha. There are two forces; good and evil that act upon nature and even form the rules of the very world that we live in. But it is as we think; one cannot pursue a life of all good, or all evil. Even if you seek the dark, there must always been a ray of light in the most unexpected places. And conversely, if you tried to live a sheltered life of all good and purity, it's only a matter of time before that white cloth of innoncence is stained.."

She paused, unable to control the small shiver down her back. She continued,

"Sometimes, I don't know if I want to fight against it...evil and chaos, I mean; like you had said of Ganon, it is an impossible feat to rule out one force over another. What is the use of trying to choose one over the other when you know that you cannot destroy that force forever? And so...I chose to be neutral. And you, Alpha? What is your stance in this counterbalancing world of ours?"

___________

Zeze laughed loudly at Keychain's compliment.

"You little flatterer, you! But thank you, my dear! I will certainly buy it..."

She threw a disappointed look at Evan upon hearing that no special discounts would be made. However, she was already happy of this small gathering, and of course the small shop was endearing.

Zeze whooped her approval at Shada's declaration that the search had officially begun - well, perhaps that wasn't the way that Shada had said it, but it seemed like that to her - the Bard shot through the store with renewed energy. She crashed against the clothing racks, her eyes darting to and fro. She yelled to Evan,

"Do you know any good stores that sell shoes, accessories and all that jazz?"

Evan smiled widely. "Yes, I do know a store that sells shoes, accessories, and all that jazz. There's one down the street. You can't miss it. The owner painted the shop name in bright colors that contrast one another." Exiting the back, he went to the window and pointed in the direction. "Just go that way. It's a few blocks down. And if you need to get anything to eat, just ask Aqua, she loves to do that one certain thing."

"Har de har har," grumbled Aqua. Scratching at her forehead, she was starting to peel away at the band-aid that she had stuck there to cover up the star scar that glowed faintly in the presence of magic. Mostly, it was the scar that made her remember the day when her parents were gone and her brother started to raise her. And the boy who gave her life to save hers. But the lightning bolt magic spell had struck her ever so slightly, leaving the engraving on her face.

"We most likely won't eat. Keychain's date is lunch time today." She looked at her red headed friend. "By the way, did you choose a place to eat or are you going to be fixing him food for him?"

Keychain leaned against the wall. Her eyes stared faintly in a distance. Lips pressed together, she said, "I'm not going to go through with it."

Aqua's jaw dropped. "Keychain! What do you think you are saying? This date would be the one that you have gone to in a long time. Backing out is one thing that I won't let you do."

"It's not the date itself I'm talking about," snapped Keychain. Her eyes narrowed, blazing with a strong emotion. "It's the person who I'll be with."

"Don't tell me you're still stuck on Zero."

Evan looked surprised. Glancing from Keychain to Aqua, he butted in. "I thought this date was with Zero. Aqua, I agree with Keychain. I don't think she should go to if she doesn't want to."

"How do you of all people know about Zero's relationship with Key?" questioned Aqua, curious.

"Keychain and I talk when she comes to help out." Evan shrugged.

Keychain smiled softly at Zeze. "We could still shop. It's not like as if this would ruin it all. A good shopping day would be fantastic." She turned her attention to Shada. "The more companions along wouldn't be bad. Even if you are using someone's wallet." Keychain's eyes flickered to her friend. "I'm sorry, Aqua, I know how much you like it when I'm in a relationship."

Aqua shrugged. "I guess I do like it. Maybe it's because I'm hopeless for getting into a relationship myself. No guy likes it when a girl is taller than him, by about two feet." She smiled softly at the thought.

Evan walked over to Zeze. "Hey, I can't help but to worry about Sakiko. Should I go out and see if there's anything wrong? Or should I not disturb the two while their talking?" He looked concern. His thoughts had been on Sakiko ever since she abruptly left the shop. Evan couldn't help but to think it was because of him . . .

Zeze dropped the dress that had been hanging on her arm. When she heard Keychain and Aqua exchange the conversation about the 'failed' date, the Bard felt disappointment and pride at the same time. She was disappointed because the relationship that she had been looking forward to between Keychain and Abel was now being cut off. On the flip side, she was swelling with approval at the fact that Keychain knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to get it.

And, with these two contrasting emotions, she didn't know what to say to her exactly. Instead, she ended up yelling cheerfully,

"Do what you want!"

Of course, she knew nothing about this..Zero, but she felt sad for Abel. He was such a charmer, and had gone through pains to ask Keychain out on a date. However, when did anyone get what they wanted in a relationship all the time? She shook her head, clucking her tongue quietly. She asked,

"Wait, so, are you still going to the date, Keychain? If not, we can finish up with the dress shopping here, then make our way to lunch."

Zeze was still shifting around the many dresses, but she wasn't so lucky this time finding the perfect one for Shada. She was frowning lightly when Evan came up to her and asked about Sakiko. She tipped her head to one side, examining Evan with a small smile.

"It's OK if you want to talk to her, Evan, but I'm just afraid she's going to vent out all her frustrations on you. And...to be a little honest..."

She craned her neck closer to Evan so that Shada couldn't hear and whispered,

"...that guy with her seems to be a bit..scary...go at your own risk, if you get my drift."

She raised her eyebrows slightly as if to ask y'know what I mean? and shrugged. To be truthful, she just didn't want Evan or Sakiko to get hurt or entangled in a mess. The thing about Sakiko was that she couldn't forget the past; she had a trait about her to cling to every single memory, and it didn't do anyone a bit good sometimes.

Alpha nodded sagely at her reply. "A good answer, Sakiko." He could have gone on, but something held him back - the fact was, the way she spoke of it said that she had past experiences which had led her to this decision. There was no reason to bring up a painful past . . . it might lead to her trying to bring up his own, which was something he wanted to avoid, for more reasons than just the pain.

"I too have chosen Neutrality; from what I've seen, it's the only realistic path to take." He paused there, still a bit amazed at the discussion he was having. This wasn't the kind of thing that he could normally talk about with others; as he'd noted before, most saw it as him being pessimistic, and therefore dismissed every word he spoke. Being realistic, though . . . it felt good to actually be able to discuss it with someone. Not since the departure of Master Zaris had he found someone like that . . .

"Order and Chaos both are lies to those who follow them. Order can bring nothing but pain, and though Chaos promises power in the end it betrays all but those who have absolute mastery over it. The people want to believe that Order will protect them, shield them from all that is wrong with the world, and allow them to live blissfully on in their falsehoods. But that too is a lie." He sighed. "And of course Chaos would bring about pain and destruction to everyone, even its own servants. In the end, neither of these can be trusted; neither one cares for any but the powerful, and I cannot stand by such a system.

"So I am Neutral, though I fight evil with all my strength. The people of this land may be ignorant . . . but personally, I can't condemn them for that. My chance at a peaceful life was taken from me," his voice turned solemn and quiet once more, "so I fight to ensure others never have to travel down the same path I have trod.

"What of you, Sakiko? You say you are Neutral, so what reason have you to fight?"

* * *

Shada went from rack to rack, spotting several outfits that looked like they would be rather cute . . . on some of her friends. None of them seemed to fit with her specifically; eventually, she made her way back over to the other shoppers to see if Zeze had found anything for her to try on.

"Lunch? Sure, I'd love to get some," she replied sweetly upon hearing Keychain's request. "I have to figure out someway to get by Alpha, but . . . I'd love to join you!"

"S'many pritty yun' gels!"

A rotund man, belly bouncing quite comically inside his three layers of tattered coats and vests, approached the women by the clothing racks. A frayed tophat sat on top of his belly-length, tangled black hair, and behind the homegrown veil shone a boyish face with bright blue eyes and a somewhat toothless grin. He broke right into the conversation, no shame or reservation in his voice--or the scent of alcohol on his breath. "Yew ladies' lookin' fer lunch, I's knows a gud spot 'ere in Rahruh!"

Behind the round man could be seen Saber, who, now that the other man's focus was no longer on him, looked around swiftly and then snuck off along the isles, holding a finger to his lips in a desperate attempt to keep the girls quiet about his departure. After all, he didn't know any of them--well, maybe he'd seen a few of them around before, but he'd never talked to them personally, and this wasn't exactly the atmosphere he hoped for when meeting new people. Especially women.

Saber crept towards the front of the store, looking over his shoulder frequently and trying to ignore glances from other shoppers. Finally reaching the door, he stepped out and took a breath of the fresh, non-materialistic air--the outdoors, comfort. "Never following Burlo anywhere again. Of course, it'd be nice if I stopped running into him every place I--Alpha?" The mercenary stopped mid-sentence. Two of the mages seemed to be conversing. Both of them he knew. Well, somewhat. He really didn't talk to people much. Maybe he should work on that? Either way, all he could do was stare upon the male of the group for a few seconds, his mind working like crazy. Breathing deeply, he said weakly, "Sorry to bother you." and turned to leave.

Keychain clapped her hands together, smiling widely. "That settles things. Evan, how about we--" She stopped, looking around for the guy. "Evan? Where did he go?" She directed her last question to the girls.

Aqua shrugged. "Who knows. The guy was a former slave. He must be good at sneaking around. Besides, it's not like as if I babysit him. It's not my turn to keep my eyes on him."

Keychain was going to add something to what Aqua had spoken when the man appeared. Her eyebrows shot up, surprise showing on her face. Blinking her round, blue eyes, she said, "Um, I don't mean to be rude, but may I ask who you are.

Seeing a person behind the man, Aqua stared in confusion when she saw him. Seeing him press a finger to his lips made her nod her head lightly. It was understandable, trying to get away at times when you didn't want to be there.

Evan had gone outside. He stayed close to the door, making the words from Zeze known in his head. His soft brown eyes turned to Sakiko with a small, worried frown on his face. "Sakiko, I just came out to see if things were alright. I've got this small feeling that I might have been the cause of why you left so suddenly. It would be nice if I knew what I said or done to make you so upset."

Ooc: well, well, well....look who's here! I haven't RPed with you in what seemed to be forever, Saber!! Oh...and don't be annoyed (please...) at Saki's manners... ^_^;

IC: She always knew that Alpha was a hero - even though she never knew his reasons for his fighting and his devotions, she had always gazed and admired him for his efforts in battle; always giving his best, strong and unshakable in her eyes. Sakiko was in the midst of renewing her respect with almost shining eyes when he asked her the question.

Why did she fight? When she knew so clearly that there was no point in hopes of winning for eternal peace? Alpha gave his reason - to restore a bit of hope and opportunity, even for a little while to give others happiness and a chance to strive for what they believed in. But she?

Sakiko stammered, losing her cool expression,

"I...I don't know..."

But deep inside, she did.

In her heart was vengeance; that dark, malevolent energy consuming her desire. She wanted to cause pain to the origin of hers, but to make it of equal or greater magnitude. Sakiko wanted to hurt, to destroy...what had stolen her innocence. When she killed each beast that belonged to the darkness, when she touched the blood of each monster...deep inside, she felt a pang of sadistic satisfaction. It was wrong, and she didn't want to admit it. Sakiko denied most of the time that this was so, but could such evil in one's heart be hidden and stowed away for forever?

Engrossed in her own confusion, she nearly jumped when she noticed Sabertache and Evan standing there.

"Sakiko, I just came out to see if things were alright. I've got this small feeling that I might have been the cause of why you left so suddenly. It would be nice if I knew what I said or done to make you so upset."

The Mage stared at Evan silently, her face showing no emotion. And for once, it was what was going on internally. What am I supposed to be thinking...? She immediately realized that he was hovering near the door; is he afraid? Why does he look like he's ready to flee any moment? She opened her dry lips to answer when Saber turned to leave with a small "sorry to bother you". Sakiko looked confusedly at the both of them...

...then a small frown creased down the sides of her mouth. Not trying to make clear if she was answering Evan or Saber, she muttered,

"Go if you wish."

Because that's what they wanted, wasn't it? Who would want to accompany a cold, unfeeling being, disagreeable and unpleasant in every manner? The Mage threw another look at Alpha, wondering if he knew what she was inside. They shared very similar outlooks; for that, she was grateful. But did he know? Did he know the evil lingering in her heart and hidden by her cold facade? And did Saber? Did Evan? Did she, truly?

__________________

Zeze couldn't have asked for more. Shopping with the girls, and now a nice luncheon with a big crowd. She leaned towards Shada and murmured,

"Now...let's think of a way to avoid Alpha."

She frowned, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. After a few minutes, she said dejectedly,

"I can't think of any. Shada, you know him better than I do. What distracts him? I am more than happy to be a prop for this plan."

While Zeze was consumed in her thoughts, she noticed Burlo standing and smelling very...drunk. She motioned to him, a big smile on her lips.

"I don't know if I met you before...might have, might not have. I have very short memory. Anyway...everyone, gather 'round! Two minds are better than one...and with Keychain and Aqua, that's..."

She stuck out her hand, squinting at her fingers.

"...five minds? Yes, five minds. Now let's think of a way to get past Alpha..."

Ooc: My creativity is drained... Someone think of something shockingly good, quick! ^^

'What distracts him? Distracts Keyru?!' Shada all but gaped at her friend. "Aside from a natural disaster that will wipe out half of the known world? Nothing that I know of."

Shada crossed her arms and glanced towards the exit. "Seriously, the guy's the most focused person you'll ever meet. Don't think about trying to get him with feminine charms, either - I've been trying that for a while now and he's not shown even a hint of interest."

* * *

Alpha glanced about as two new faces suddenly appeared beside he and Sakiko out in front of the store. "Saber," he nodded in greeting, then looked to the second man; by his words he was apparently a friend, or at least an acquaintance, of Sakiko's. The silver haired mage jumped at the voice; was she surprised by what was spoken, or by the very fact that they were there? She had suddenly seemed to grow very distant after his last question . . .

Then Saber was turning to leave, and Sakiko was softly muttering, "Go if you wish."

He stood there all the while, calmly surveying her face all the while. There was something deeper there now, something that had been missing a few minutes before. Before Saber, before the second man, before . . . before he had asked her why she fought. Yes, that was what had caused it - a return of her depression, a sad detachment from the world as she searched her soul for an answer that didn't come, either because she didn't know it or didn't want to admit it.

He wasn't sure what to say, or if she'd even be willing to continue their discussion while the other two were around. So he just stood there and looked at her, lips pursed as he thought through and tried to analyze her expressions and body language for further clues into what had caused this sudden change.

OOC: Yes, it has been a long time, Sakiko, partly why I wanted to join. And I won't hold Sakiko's behavior against you, you don't control her, she has free will.

...

IC:"Go if you wish."

There was a slight hesitation in Saber's step as the words hit him, and it only served to further his inclination. Yes, they don't want to be bothered. Probably having some kind of important magic talk or something. The mercenary carried on down the road, headed for the Tantari Desert and his booth.

_______________________

"I's Burlo, Clerk o' Nayruh! Naow den, if'n yeh go daown the strit a ways t'de left, ye'll com 'crost dis wunnerful res'raunt call' de 'Rahruh Pub o' Plenny'! Dey's gort ever't'ing yeh could wan', lik yer ale, served 'n a nerly clean glais, by d'way, an' d'ose li'l salty crackers ter warsh it daown. Jes' t'inkin' 'bout it be makin' me thirst." Without pause, he reached into a vest pocket, removed a dusty bottle, and went at it, cleaning out half the contents in one swallow. He heaved a hefty sigh as he replaced the cork.

"Now den, if'n yer gels 's warntin' ter go 'round the *hic* Alphalpher bloke, we's kin jes' go *hic* t'rough de cealin'."

Evan frowned. Somehow, he had been expecting something different. A reaction mostly. Maybe he was hanging out with soft spoken Keychain and loud mouthed Aqua. Maybe he should go start a conversation with Jasper. He was at least sane. . . . Slightly. "Well, um, I'll see you later." Evan turned around and made his way back into the shop.

First thing he saw was Aqua sitting on the counter top where people went to purchase their clothing. She was swinging her feet, letting them bang into the marble hard. "Aqua, what the hell do you think you are doing?" he said sternly. "Stop that. You're going to damage it."

"Just a little more time. Then I'll get off. But first I need to ask you a question." Aqua stopped kicking her feet and looked straight at Evan. "Keychain's birthday is in a few weeks. She'll be a legal adult. I was thinking that since she's been fighting lately that she should have an outfit that fits the role. I need one of your black sleeveless shirts and some pants. Same color as the shirt."

"And Keychain won't notice you walking out with a bag how?" Evan questioned. Then he felt like hitting himself on his head. "Oh, I forgot about her birthday. How rude of me."

"I think she forgot herself. Oh, and by the way, I think you have a drunk customer," Aqua added, pointing to the man.

Evan whipped around. His eyebrows shot up. The fact that he didn't know about the customer made him angry. He walked up to the man, a frown on his face. "Excuse me, sir, but how long ago did you have your last alcoholic drink?"

Keychain pressed her lips together, not even knowing about the conversation between Evan and Aqua. "Um, I don' t think the problem is distracting, um, Alpha. Couldn't we simply invite him along? Or is that too much? Oh, wait! You're trying to avoid him, aren't you Shada? Oops, sorry." Keychain rubbed her head, pointing to the back room. "We could go through the back."

Sakiko watched blankly as the other two left. As expected. Of course they'd leave; didn't I tell them to? Why would I expect otherwise? Certainly, she hadn't expected otherwise. That's what she wanted to think, and therefore that's what she concluded.

__________

Zeze raised her eyebrows at Burlo, her lips pressed together tightly in order to keep from laughing. That would be rude. Obviously.

"The ceiling, my dear Burlo?"

Her eyes were watering from the effort, and she soon decided that it was too much the effort to keep a common courtesy. The Bard slapped her thigh and began to laugh crazily, pointing at the ceiling that appeared sturdy and solid. She was considering magic, but she took a quick glance at Burlo. She hated to be a judgmental person, but this Burlo was clearly delusional and drunk. Drunk - no one in their clear state of mind would suggest to crash through the ceiling.

She was about to suggest to Shada that they might as well beg Alpha for forgiveness and just forget all their misery and drink the night away, but was interrupted in her thoughts by Keychain.

"We could go through the back."

"Ehhhh?? But not's no fun... we should think of something mischievous. And exciting. And adventurous. Put our life on the stake, ya know what I mean?!"

She slammed her fist against the palm of her hand, all seriousness and gravity on her face at once.

"So, then, Burlo...explain yourself!"

_________________

Sakiko glanced through the windows, watching a small gathering. She murmured,

"Aren't they supposed to be shopping?"

However, she didn't expect to be answered, and she felt rather ashamed of herself for dampening the mood. Had she been a social elite, she would've immediately fell to cheering up the ruined atmosphere, asking questions and answering in the most correct way to brighten up everyone. However, she was nothing of the kind - the only thing she had in common with this imaginary elite was the vague determination to keep the conversation flowing. Sakiko turned to Alpha and tactlessly blurted out the questions that had been bothering her ever since the welcome back party,

"What is your relationship with Shada? Do you live with her?"

She really couldn't imagine someone like Alpha having to share the same living space with someone so....annoying...as Shada. She herself didn't feel comfortable being in another's company for an extended period of time, and kept mostly to herself by switching living quarters frequently.

"The back? That's possi-"

"Ehhhh?? But not's no fun... we should think of something mischievous. And exciting. And adventurous. Put our life on the stake, ya know what I mean?!"

Shada hardly minded the interruption - she was too busy giggling at Zeze's outburst. "So then, Burlo...explain yourself!" her friend continued, and the Sheikah was forced to agree. The drunkard might well be imagining some sort of false possibility of escape from the ceiling, in which case a back exit would be quite sufficient . . . but in case he really did have a plan, she was all ears.

* * *

The two departed after Sakiko's pronouncement, apparently each thinking that the order had been meant for himself and neither one wanting to be around the silver haired witch when she had so obviously wanted to be left alone. Or did she? The words didn't seem directed at Alpha at all, and when he stayed put she made no attempts to be rid of him as well.

"Aren't they supposed to be shopping?"

"That's what we'd expect them to do," he muttered under his breath, glancing back to see the girls - and one man, from the looks of things, though he could only see the guy from his back - all gathered together as if discussing something of great importance. He leaned in towards the door, his ears twitching as he tried to orient them in a manner that would help him pick up on their far-off voices -

"What is your relationship with Shada? Do you live with her?"

He did a double take at the unexpected question, mouth falling open as his eyes narrowed - in disgust. "Goddesses forbid!" he all but cried, barely restraining his desire to yell out his revulsion so all could hear. Taking a moment to compose himself and lean a back from the door, he shook his head in a definite 'NO.'

. . . and then took another few seconds to be silent, trying to decide what to say. The past was a touchy subject for him, not one that he dealt with lightly or even thought about most of the time. "Shada and I . . ." he began hesitantly, ". . . are just old friends. We were best friends until we were separated at the age of seven, and since then have led decidedly different lives." Yes, that was a concise way to say it; still, he felt that if Sakiko read between the lines, she might realize that there was much more to it that he wasn't saying - or rather, did not want to say. "Our . . . 'relationship' . . . is that she bugs me constantly, and I loan her money for food and other essentials in order to get her out of my hair - though I sincerely doubt she uses my charity for 'essentials' most of the time." He grimaced in annoyance as he glanced back. "And she never pays me back, either. A pest and a freeloader both.

"I imagine that she wants something more from me . . . something that I would never even consider giving to someone like her - we are far too different, and though she may be beautiful that makes her no more attractive in my eyes." He finished, snapping the last line out in anger - though, given the subject matter, the snap was likely directed at the not-present Shada rather than Sakiko.

As the conversation continued amongst the girls, a wide, guilty smile spread across Burlo's face. Yes, things were going perfectly. "So's ye wan' avenchur 'n 'citement, dew yehs?" He wheezed, rubbing his hands together.

"Now...'ow ter 'splain..." He fell silent for several seconds, before his head shot up and he attempted to snap his fingers. Difficult when said fingers are large and greasy. Drawing his staff from the back of his innermost vest, he let the magic run to his legs, and shot up, some thirty feet and through the ceiling, leaving a hole, then disappearing along the rooftop. After a while, his head peered down the hole again, and he added as an afterthought. "Yew ladies 're pro'lly gon' need a lift. I's be daown in a se'ond." He then proceeded to start maneuvering his ample rear towards the hole, scrabbling to fit through the opening he had created at a much larger speed.

OOC: Obscure spells sure do come in handy.