Intro Log || The Night of the Thirteen Moogles

[melodiesmods]

Characters: All the "Heroes of Light" (only new characters can start threads).
Where: Aqures Ixen.
When: The 5th of October. The new Heroes of Light will awaken early in the morning.
Summary: The new Heroes of Light awaken in Aqures Ixen and are informed by their assigned Moogles of what the situation and what their destinies are. This a log for them to react to the situation, meet each other and be welcomed by the former batches of Heroes of Light. New Heroes of Light will not have their Crystal.
Warning: N/A

Where you were or what you were doing— It does not really matter. Not any more. Within an instant, the world around you collapses. Reality twists and shatters... Or maybe you are the one who is collapsing and shattering away from reality as you knew it. No matter what the answer is, it will only take a few seconds for you to find yourself sinking into a void, your world vanishing into the distance. There is nothing but darkness as far as the eye can see. Even you feel different: all the powers you might once have had, are now gone. It is silent, cold and it feels as though life itself is slipping out of you.

At this moment, when it looks as though nothing but a never-ending void awaits you, a red Crystal forms before you. In this void, its warmth compels you to grab it. Upon doing so, you can hear a soft, soothing voice speaking:


"Wake up."

Soon, the void itself vanishes and is replaced by distant noises of engines. Had it all been nothing more than a dream? The soothing voice repeats its call one more time, but is soon replaced with a much less graceful "Wake up Kupo," the call of the Moogle finally waking you up. But you are no longer in your world, nor in the void. You are before the Crystal of Fire, in the third district of a city called Aqures Ixen. At this point, you may realize the engine noise actually originates from an Airship flying low over the city and headed to the castle. As if it wasn't strange enough, your clothes have changed as well. They are now a reflection of the Jobs you are wielding. Last but not least, you are surrounded by Moogles, small and fluffy creatures who are more than happy to tell you about everything you want to know, about your 'destiny' as a Hero of Light, about what awaits you.

Or at least, they will tell you everything they do know, which isn't much in the end.

The only people around you are like you-- There are quite a few of them, all clothed in their Job garbs and most likely wondering what is happening. If somehow you do not realize it, the Moogle who woke you up will be more than happy to inform you there are others like you around. In fact, there are other Heroes who arrived these past months too and they will come soon! Like you, they had Jobs and a Crystal-- Wait, you don't have a Crystal...? That's weird.

Your Moogle will be puzzled by this fact, as all Heroes of Light are supposed to have a crystal with them. Well, maybe you are not a Hero of Light after all?


The Other Heroes
— Shortly Thereafter —
Thanks to the efficiency of Mognet, it does not take long for the other Heroes to come around: those who arrived in this world one or two months ago. You may have imagined heroic and charismatic figures when your Moogle told you that there were other Heroes of Light in this city. You may have imagined persons with fearsome powers worthy of being revered as heroes. And more importantly, you may have imagined them as people who would have all the answers to your, doubtlessly, numerous questions.

If so, you may be up for a minor disappointment. Still, for the most part they know more than you on the situation and may be more than happy to fill you in, especially if your Moogle didn't tell you much.


The Night of the Thirteen Moogles
— Anytime —
Something that may be obvious, is that the city has a spooky feel to it. There are various decorations, it clearly looks like a work in progress but it seems the idea is to make the city looks as scary as possible. Characters familiar with Halloween may recognize the decoration as being strikingly similar. The Moogles will be more than pleased to explain these are all preparations for the upcoming Night of the Thirteen Moogles on the 31st, and they will explain the legends to characters if they ask.

Hopefully all this talk of curse and King Moggle Mog is nothing more than legend.


The City of Aqures Ixen
— Anytime —
There are a lot of things left to do in the city, especially with everyone excited for the upcoming celebration. Starting from 18:00, a series of BLitzball games will take place at the stadium located in the tenth district, opposing amateur teams in a friendly competition. At the same time, a small group of Triple Triad players are playing before Mognet Office in the ninth district, and they are more than happy to teach the rule to anyone passing by. Characters are free to enter and play games of Triple Triad, and if they do so they will be given very basic cards and explained the rules. This may be the start of a promising career!

Characters are also free to visit the city-- Be it Mognet Office just behind the Triple Triad games is filled with very busy Moogles, or the Airship Port in the twelfth district from where characters can board for free Airships from Shoopuf Airline, knowing the next airship departing from Aqures Ixen will do so on the 9th. Still, characters can board an exposition Airship should they like and visit it.

Or maybe you could visit your new house in the 11th District, and get to know your new neighbors and housemate. Hopefully your neighbors are people you will get along with.

Comments

[empty_smile]

"You may call me Shun," he said, deciding that there was no point in following formalities as far as names go, situation considered, "And yourself?"

Listening intently, he nodded to the explanation. He recalled seeing a red Crystal in the dream he'd had, prior to waking in this world. His brows listed, just a tiny bit, as it was held towards him. That was the first time he'd been offered a chance to get a closer look. Shun didn't miss the connection, either. Glancing up to the White Mage's forehead, and then back to the Crystal, "...Love."

As for the location of his own Crystal, Shun's face tensed, just a moment. That was a mystery. In spite of his efforts to figure that out, he'd only managed to discover that the previous two groups had all obtained Crystals, upon their arrival. Considering all aspects of the surrounding situation, he'd studied the legend of the Night of the Thirteen Moogles. Unable to find a connection between the Crystals and the story, he'd decided to give his mind a rest. The only possibility he could think of, honestly, was the mention of the "curse".

"While Michiko seems determined to believe that we're all Heroes of Light, the entire group awakened without Crystals. I've yet to find a plausible cause. In spite of not having Crystals, however, we're all dressed in the appropriate clothing for our specified Job Classes. As well as the Summoner Job, I also have the Job Class of Blacksmith. In spite of having never utilized a weapon, before, I possess a rather extensive knowledge of weaponry."

His brow tensed as he explained all of that. The furry, yellow creature had seemed to be at such a loss, at first, of what was going on. Currently, however, it truly seemed she had set her mind to believe what her gut told her...

Speaking of Michiko, she let out a giggle at the shy-sounding "kupo". The returned compliment earned an appreciative smile. She waited until Karura finished speaking, before responding, "Thank you...and that's great, kupo! That must mean he's grown fond of you! As for my name, it...apparently, means a 'beautiful, wise child'." She had memorized the meaning, by heart.

Shun's expression gained a thoughtful look, at the mention of 'someone very precious to him'. He could think of quite a number of people he could have picked the names of, but one, in particular, stood out. Once again, he was forcing those thoughts to the back of his mind. It was a habit he had formed, even before awakening in Crystallis. While the circumstances had changed, some of his more deeply set habits had not.

[no_dreams_for_you]

Shun. He stored that tidbit of information into his mind, and then introduced himself; “My name is Gaara.”

His gaze turned curious when Shun spoke that single word out loud. So, he could read the characters. If he wasn’t from the same world, then perhaps his mother language was “Japanese.” It was a language that sounded similar to the one spoken in the ninja’s home world, with some dialect differences.

“Yes. Do you speak Japanese?” That suddenly reminded him… if he didn’t practice speaking English more frequently, he would surely forget his skills in that language. He didn’t want to linger too long on the subject of the character itself, lest Shun become curious and ask him for the origins.

“…Hmm. Perhaps the Crystals are unavailable, at this moment in time. We have yet to realize the full mechanics and functionality of this world.” Since… people fell into that crystalline state, at random.

With the mention of clothing, Gaara casually glanced him over. He hadn’t met someone with those particular Job Classes before. He would certainly be interested in witnessing the corresponding abilities. Most likely, they would be very different from his own, as well as Luke’s skillsets. Not to mention, the weaponry knowledge… Perhaps he could ask Shun to build a stronger staff for him to use in battle.

Taking his Crystal back, he decided to demonstrate how to utilize one of his skills. Quietly muttering an incantation under his breath, he finished it with the name of the spell, “Protect…”

His Crystal glowed as the spell was cast on Shun, and then he followed up by asking, “Are you able to utilize any of your abilities? Perhaps you should try.”

Karura blinked in surprise at the other Moogle’s claim. “Do you really think so? Master’s always so quiet, kupo… I don’t know what he’s thinking, most of the time! Oh, wow! Your name is really great, kupo!” Beaming a bright smile, she started to fly around Michiko in a circle, cheerfully bouncing through the air.

[empty_smile]

"It's nice to meet you, Gaara."

The question of his language had him nodding. Kamisu 66 was in a place called Japan, after all. This posed an interesting question, however. Everyone, here, was speaking what sounded to be the same language. He hadn't considered that different worlds should, possibly, mean language barriers. Unless...perhaps, there was some sort of power that had everyone understanding one another. His brow was quirking in curiosity about something else, as well. That was the first time he'd heard someone speaking so familiarly of something of his world, "You know of Japan?"

Nodding to Gaara's deduction of what the missing Crystals meant, Shun moved to rest a hand on his hip. Looking down, in thought, he spoke in a quiet voice, "I have to wonder what else, aside from Heroes of Light, we could be. Your idea sounds reasonable."

Watching as the spell was cast on him, he gives a soft blink. What an interesting ability. As for his own, he recalled Michiko's list. Shaking his head, he offered a polite smile, "Protect...How does that work, exactly? And, at the moment, I'm unsure that it would be a good idea to summon the beings into this setting. I could craft you a weapon, if I were in possession of the proper materials, however."

Michiko smiled, brightly, "Maybe you could ask!" Though, at the mention of her name being great, she blushed a bit, "K-kupo...You think so? I think he picked it simply because he liked the sound of it..."

After blinking up at the other moogle, the yellow creature smiled and flew up to join her in the circles.

[no_dreams_for_you]

A faint, almost bitter smile briefly played over his lips at hearing those words. They didn’t carry very much significance – most people used them with the same casual tone of asking how someone was doing. Gaara gave a simple nod to acknowledge his words, but didn’t return them. He preferred not to be insincere, and it was far too early to determine how “nice” their bond would turn out.

“I have heard of the country itself, but never visited it personally,” he replied calmly, “It was brought to my attention that Japanese is similar to the language we speak in our home world.”

Tilting his head with a curious edge, he suggested in a mild tone, “You could very well be derived from the Calamity instead. They oppose the Heroes of Light.”

Hmm… He didn’t find anything particularly noteworthy of this spell. He relayed the information with ease; “Protect is a spell that increases resilience against physical attacks. Similarly, Shell lessens the amount of damage received from enduring magical spells.”

And, that was a reasonable point brought up by the Summoner. Smirking a little, Gaara boldly suggested, “Perhaps in a combat situation, then. Sometime in the near future.” He enjoyed fighting, and gathering new facts was very much an ingrained ninja skill. Only through interaction and careful observation could he determine if Shun was worth his time. “I would be interested in utilizing your services as a Blacksmith, once you have developed an adequate skill level.”

Karura, on the other hand… it seemed like she was making fast friends with Shun’s Moogle, already. For a very brief moment, Gaara considered apologizing on behalf of her intrusive behavior. She took a hold of Michiko’s paws in midair and started randomly dancing with her. Giggling and laughing, she chanted in a melodic voice, “Mi-chi-ko! Mi-chi-ko!”

[empty_smile]

The bitterness was noted, and it earned a soft tensing of his brow. Contrary to Gaara's belief, however, Shun meant his words. Just as he meant it, when he asked how someone was doing. Nevertheless, he wasn't offended when the sentiment lacked reciprocation beyond a nod. Rather, he offered a soft smile in an attempt to ease whatever discomfort Gaara felt.

While glancing to the side, he paused, a moment. Interesting, that he was from a place that had heard of something that once was. While he had become aware of the concept of different worlds, according to that place, he was still finding it funny. To think that he'd only recently learned of the dark truths of his world, only to wind up in another world, where everything he'd learned would become pointless, "The place I'm from is what's left of Japan. It's called Kamisu six-six, now."

...The Calamity.

Shun's expression dimmed, a bit. With just those words, his mind trailed back to that place he was to spend his final days, alone. The place he'd warped and darkened, just with his own subconscious. It trailed to the other two he'd met, who had claimed to have been dead, prior to awakening in Crystallis. It trailed to each person he'd encountered on his path to meeting Gaara. Could any of them had been similar, to him, in some way? There had been something about Caius that gave him an odd feeling, but he wasn't sure, yet, what it was. It hadn't, necessarily, been familiarity, but...

Blinking out of thought, he realized his eyes had lowered to the ground. Looking back up to Gaara, he held a blink and shook his head. He kept his tone steady, and spoke in a quiet voice, "I can only hope you're wrong in that assumption."

Shun lifted his brows at the information, a soft look of curiosity appearing on his face. While he'd grown up around many types of abilities, he was starting from scratch, in that place. Everything he'd learned, up to that point, was all but relevant. So, nodding, he gave a slight tilt of his head and spoke, "Those sound incredibly useful. I imagine having skills, such as that, must warrant you an invaluable asset."

The mention of a combat situation had him glancing down. Apparently, he did need to train. He'd been pondering how he'd even be able to go about doing that, considering his lack of skills. So, it would be best to team up, right? Nodding, he offered a polite smile, "Simply let me know when." As for his services as a Blacksmith, he gave another nod, "I have no problem with this. I'll be learning how to improve the state of weapons in the future. When that time comes, I'll let you know. For now, the only thing I'm capable of is crafting weapons and armor."

Michiko didn't mind, one bit. In fact, she was gladly going along. Grasping the paws, in return, she followed the movements of the dance, to the best of her abilities. Giggling, in return, she began spinning with Karura. She enjoyed games. While Shun could be accommodating -- in terms of petting her head...or returning a hug -- it was nice to have someone her size, to place with.

[no_dreams_for_you]

“What’s left…?” That tidbit of information elicited some surprise from the composed ninja. He hadn’t been told that the country was left in ruins, back at the facility. “Your country was… destroyed?”

While those other two individuals had been much forthcoming, Gaara wasn’t about to reveal the same facts. He was also condemned to die, once he returned to his world. How… ironic, that they should all meet in this manner, as though trapped within the same purgatory. Speaking to Shun in a casual format, he couldn’t tell what was secretly dwelling behind that polite smile. Only time would reveal his true nature.

A faint smirk creased his lips at hearing Shun’s response. Most people didn’t want to be a part of the opposition, of course. Unless they were originally the villainous type. Because if it turned out that he had to fight Shun in the future, in that capacity… Well, it would certainly be foolish to develop any attachment to him, at present. “I should hope so.”

The reassurance with regards to his White Mage Job Class, reminded him of Luke. While Gaara truly appreciated medical shinobi and other healers, his skill level was nowhere near theirs. He was simply trying to be useful to others. With a modest shake of his head, he replied in an even tone, “I am not the only White Mage in this city. There are others capable of healing, as well.”

If Gaara knew that Shun didn’t know how to fight without the use of his original powers, he would offer to train him. His physical skill level was far below Luke’s, and it frustrated him at times, being unable to compare. Not that he resented Luke for his strength. He had earned every bit of those attributes, through diligent training and fortitude. The ninja just despised being useless; it would surely cost them the advantageous edge in a fight, one day.

“At your discretion, Shun. I often train during leisure time, whenever I am not needed at the hospital.” Never mind the fact that he had been spending much more time there, as of late… It got to the point where he didn’t see Luke as often as he used to, before they both became employed.

“What items do you require, in order to craft weapons and armor?” He needed to know, because he had long since wanted to upgrade his equipment. He wouldn’t be able to equip armor in this particular class, but his weapon could certainly stand to seek improvement.

After a few minutes of spinning, Karura started slowing down. She was getting dizzy! But she kept holding onto Michiko’s paws; she was having fun with her new friend, and didn’t want it to end just yet. Since Gaara didn’t like to have fun, she usually had to find her own source of entertainment. “Your Hero seems nice, kupo! Do you like him? He has a pretty smile, kupo!”

[empty_smile]

His expression didn't hold any remorse. He wasn't talking from experience, after all. Everything he'd learned, he'd learned from a creature after it had been threatened with...violence, honestly...by Saki. To the question of Japan's destruction, Shun nodded, "...Yes; almost a thousand years before I was born."

Gaara wasn't the only one less-than-eager to reveal any facts. Shun didn't elaborate, any further - though, he wouldn't outright refuse any questions. It was just a matter of him needing to be prompted, really. The smirk didn't earn any particular reaction out of Shun, though he was curious to know the reason. Silently, he allowed his eyes to shift to the side.

For him, he would be happy to never be the source of that kind of pain, for others, ever again. He still remembered the way it had felt to have the reality of his home village sinking in. The way it had felt to realize he was the cause of everyone in Pinewind being...dead...wasn't something he would soon be forgetting. That dark, unpleasant feeling would linger around him, for a long time.

A softer smile appeared on his lips at the humble display. There was something familiar about it, and it had him lowering his gaze, for just a moment, in thought. When he spoke, next, his tone held a friendliness within it, in spite of the softness to it, "Most everyone is in possession of more than one Job Class. As such, there is differential value within each person on this world, in spite of similarities in Jobs. No one's value should be placed on how many others share their talent."

"Understood. I will contact you, as soon as I know what my schedule will be like, here..." Which would be more a matter of figuring out where he stood, in this world.

In regards to items, Shun only needed to think, for a moment. It was still strange, to barely even need to think about the sorts of things that were required, for him to craft things he'd never even heard of. At least, not prior to coming to Crystallis, "For weapons, I would require a variety of metals and wood. For armor, it would require leathers, cloths, and metals. It will depend on the strength, weight, and size of the item I'm attempting to craft. For your weapon, it would depend on if you wish for something more suitable for offense or defense."

Michiko giggled as Karura had to slow down, and she knew why. She was getting dizzy, as well, kupo! The yellow moogle was very happy to play with the pink one, and would never hesitate to join in on the games. With a happy 'kupo!', she nodded to the other female creature's questions, "Master Shun is very nice, actually! He's always complimenting me on everything I do to help him!"

...Mention of his smile, though, had her slowing in the spins. A thoughtful look appeared on her face, "Yeah...It is nice." But...

[no_dreams_for_you]

A thousand years… Did that mean Shun was from a future standpoint? Because none of the people that had been born in Japan even hinted at their country being left in ruins. Gaara considered asking for clarification, but if this was Shun’s first time coming to another world… he might not understand the concept of different time periods. It wasn’t a simple matter to accept, let alone comprehend.

Destruction of his home village… being hated and feared by others… getting discarded once their utility had expired… The main difference between them lied in their individual consent. While Shun didn’t like to harm those people, Gaara… couldn’t admit the same without committing a lie.

So… evidently, Shun already understood the benefits of combining two Job Classes of skills and attributes. He nodded slightly in agreement, despite his next words, “True. However, you should wait until you have witnessed other abilities… before making an accurate assessment.”

He would be far more confident in his abilities, had his retained his original powers. He was very familiar in how to utilize those particular skills. But in this new setting, being reduced to a weaker status, he wasn’t going to be so foolishly arrogant. It was almost strange, passing off as a normal human, walking down the streets without witnessing fear in other people’s eyes… He wasn’t completely sure how to handle this change of pace, just yet.

“Mmm. Understood. I am unable to equip armor, in the White Mage Job Class.” But his other one, should he switch Job Classes before a mission… then armor would become useful. Glancing down at his own weapon, he tapped it just once against the ground. “I would prefer to obtain additional offensive capabilities.” Since the only ones he had at the moment, were all tied in with his Dark Knight Job Class, which he rarely utilized.

“Oh, our new Heroes are so kind, kupo!” Okay… she needed to sit down for a little bit. Too much spinning. Karura flitted over to the closest tree branch, and plopped onto it, resting her wings. She pulled Michiko along with her, and didn’t let go of her paw the entire time.

Now that they weren’t right next to their Heroes, they could talk a little more freely. She had noticed Gaara giving her strange looks every once in a while, when she said something that she probably shouldn’t have. “What’s wrong, Michiko? You look like something’s bothering you… kupo…”

[empty_smile]

Gaara would have the right idea -- namely, considering he would be from the year 3011, were humanity to not have started the year count over. Of course, Shun didn't currently have a grasp on the concept of people coming from different periods in time. He was just wrapping his head around the idea of different worlds, alone.

Fortunately, it wouldn't be the most difficult thing for him to accept, considering he would regard how unbelievable the situation, alone, should be.

Well, he was the type to do his homework, after all. He'd asked all the questions he could think to ask, of Michiko. The younger teen gave a faint smile when he heard those words. He couldn't argue Gaara's point, all things considered. It wasn't as though he had seen anything that he could compare to. He's only aware of the types of Jobs people have, and the basic skills of what some do, "Fair enough."

Gaara wasn't the only one who would have more confidence with original abilities -- though, in Shun's case, it was more the abilities he had when he was twelve. Or, at the very least, the abilities he had prior to becoming the Karma Demon. If he had the very same abilities he'd had just before arriving in Crystallis, he'd be more worried than...confident. Those abilities came at a rather high price, after all.

"Got it. You'll be wanting something lightweight, yet sturdy. Having a lighter weight would give you more of an ability to swing it, faster, while ensuring you didn't become tired, as quickly," he said, a hand resting on his hip, before continuing, "I could try giving it a sharp tip, as well. The only challenge, with all of this, however, will be finding suitable metal and wood..."

It was strange to have this knowledge, but he was forming an appreciation for it. It meant he'd be able to do something useful. So long as he wasn't warping the very reality, around himself -- and putting the life of everyone and everything in danger, while he was at it -- he could be appreciative.

Michiko had no issue with sitting down, honestly. Willingly going with Karura to the tree branch, she dropped onto the limb with a content sigh. When she heard the question, however, she blinked. Ah...she hadn't intended, at first, to go into that, "...Kupo. It's just that Master Shun seems a little...sad about something. But, he won't tell me what's wrong. He gives me a different kind of smile, and claims he's fine, kupo. How am I supposed to be able to help him, if he won't tell me what's wrong, though?!"

Her cheeks puffed out, just a bit. It was frustrating not knowing what she was supposed to do to help. She wanted to do more than just be around to send letters, or switch out his Job Classes. Those were things any moogle could do...

[no_dreams_for_you]

Try world hopping several times, Shun. Then he would be forced to believe it, whether or not he wanted to.

The White Mage nodded in agreement with a thoughtful look. Materials weren't impossible to come by, but definitely region-specific. He hadn't explored enough of all the cities to determine where he could extract suitable metal and wood. He would need to conduct further research. It was his responsibility to gather them.

"Once I obtain those materials, I will deliver them to you. Along with the payment that you desire."

In fact... Gaara wanted to depart for the quest, sometime soon. Though, he would need to tell Luke, first. Perhaps even invite him to come along. His mind was still focused on Naruto being trapped in that crystalline state. He wouldn't be able to function to his full capacity, otherwise. He glanced at their surroundings, searching for Karura... and found her sitting on a nearby tree branch with Shun's Moogle.

"He's sad? Oh, no..." she pouted, lips tilting up in a frown. "And he won't tell you why? That's not very nice, kupo... Maybe he just needs some time?"

Michiko looked so cute with her cheeks puffed out! Even though their conversation was pretty serious, Karura couldn't help reaching over and poking her in the cheeks with a soft giggle. "Awww... I wanna do that too, kupo!" She trapped air inside her own cheeks and puffed them out.

[empty_smile]

Shun wouldn't say it was solely Gaara's responsibility to gather the supplies, but he wouldn't oppose the assistance. The Blacksmith only required final payment, honestly, for the work that it would, likely, require. Still, the finality of the mage's voice earned a soft smile. If he was sure...

"Very well. I will make it as soon as I receive the materials. I won't accept payment until the item is finished, however. That is to ensure that, should anything go wrong, I won't find myself more indebted to you."

More, considering the hard work that would come with gathering those materials. His words were blunt, but the truth. The future was never guaranteed, as he'd learned just before leaving Kamisu 66; a harsh, eye-opening experience, to say the very least. After a short pause, the once-TK user's head tipped to the side.

"Might I ask you one more thing?"

Michiko nodded, with just a small air of hesitance. Her voice was quiet as she spoke, "Yes, kupo. I think so, anyway. Whenever other humans aren't looking, his expression...changes. I'm hoping he'll tell me what's wrong, so I can fix it, soon..."

She blinked at the poke to her cheeks, but only out of surprise. After a short pause, however, she found herself giggling at Karura's cheeks puffing out. One paw reached out to mimic the other female moogle's earlier action, giving a gentle poke, "Hehe! You look really cute, kupo!"

[no_dreams_for_you]

He quirked his a brow a little at those words, but nodded. "As you wish."

It said a great deal about Shun's character, that he would want to be so cautious... Typically, only warrior types, or people with some level of combat experience, would think ahead like that. He found himself feeling more intrigued about this new arrival, though nothing on his face showed. People, in general, fascinated Gaara in various ways. This one might be worthy enough to warrant some time and attention.

"Hmm?" Gaara tilted his head in the opposite direction, light turquoise eyes shining with renewed curiosity. "What is it?"

Well, it looked like Karura and her new friend would get to spend a little more time together. Pink brows drew down even more, when Michiko told her about Shun's behavior. "Humans really like keeping secrets, kupo! Don't you think so? Master doesn't talk about his problems either! He's quiet a lot, kupo..."

She really wasn't very good at staying serious. And when Michiko reached over to poke her, Karura made sure to keep her cheeks puffed up. Maybe she picked up some stubbornness from her Hero counterpart? But she had to let the air out to answer, "Nu uh! You're the cute one, Michiko!"

Giggling again, she playfully batted at the small red bulb hanging from the antenna atop her head.

[empty_smile]

He gave a soft, pleased smile at the agreement. Shun was the type to think everything out, to the fullest, before taking action. When he was younger...he had been far more reckless. Taking actions without fully considering all the possible outcomes, he had assisted in his friends having their powers taken away. Then, not long after that, he had helped push Saki into returning his powers to him. If...he hadn't done that, things might have turned out better.

Every mistake he'd made, every decision he'd set his mind to...they'd all led to him being the type to be much more careful.

Narrowing his eyes in thought, he considered the question, before even asking it. So far, the things he'd learned...were all aiding him in his attempt to find connections between everyone. He'd already learned that there were some who claimed to have been dead. In Shun's case, he hadn't been far from becoming just that. No part of him was comfortable with outright asking if someone had been alive or dead, prior to their arrival -- there was another part he'd yet to look at, however.

He spoke in a quiet voice, making sure to keep it to a simple 'yes or 'no' question, "Did you have any abilities, before arriving here?"

So, she wasn't the only one that was dealing with a human that kept a lot of secrets? Well, that was almost a little reassuring, but it also lowered her expectation that she'd ever get Master Shun to talk more. She'd give fifty kupo nuts to have a better understanding. If they didn't understand one another, how would they manage to work together...? Kupooooo...

Michiko let out a soft sigh, "My head hurts, now. I don't think I'll ever fully understand them."

Another giggle escaped at the refusal to accept the compliment, but then she was blinking at the attempt to turn the tables. A hint of color appeared, turning her cheeks a tinge of orange. Shaking her head, she tensed her brow, "I'm not the cute one, Karura, you are!" To the playful batting, however, she smiled and gently swatted at the paw.