May the Peasant Meet the Queen (Akira)

[Amane Mana]

Amane was using her bat as a crutch. Today's exploration took a lot more out of her than expected. She tried using Dia, the healing spell that her Silky possessed, but it only healed her physically. Mentally, she is exhausted to the point where she just wanted to collapse...but she can't. She would be easy prey for shadows if she stayed out here. Amane was close getting close to the exit…too bad she wasn’t sure if her body is going to allow her to get there. The blurring of her vision was getting worse and worse.

She collapsed against a wall and slid down, her breathing becoming ragged. She needed to sit down for awhile. If she wasn’t too far from the entrance, she should be fine. Amane then shuddered when she heard the sound of footsteps. Crap… She looked down the halls of the shadow’s home she just exited. Was it another shadow? It sounded like the sound of shoes but considering that Amane witnessed shadows appearing as gloves, the idea of shadows using shoes to pretend to be another person isn’t too far out of the imagination.

Amane weakly got up, though still using the wall as support. She gripped her bat and glared at the darkness ready to fight what would emerge from it the best she can. She raised her bat…only to fall backwards a bit as she realized it was just a girl. Amane collapsed on her behind and looked up at the newcomer. Was it someone passing by? Amane doesn’t know. All she can do is hope that this girl didn’t have the most malicious of intentions.

[Akira Nakajima]

Akira was in a nice mood. He planned to try out his garden shears, see how they worked on Shadows. Black thigh-highs stretched into the void of safety guaranteed by a pleated skirt with a criss-cross design of dull red and black. A frilly dress protected his top. The design had a thin line of white in the center, where lacy ribbons sprouted like flowers; the right, left, and back were all pure black. Gothic Lolita was the style, though he certainly could have utilized infinitely more details. His accessories were simply enough- elbow-length silk gloves and a bow in the back of his hair (effectively making it a ponytail), both black, were the primary add-ons to his wardrobe for the day. Naturally, his shoes were black as well. However, they were not tennis shoes; they were ballet pumps.

And his tests were wonderful. Shadows of various shapes and sizes were beaten, burned, lanced, and split in two. The mirth he received from being able to use those scissors properly was simply side-splitting. Time passed, and he had begun to head back towards the entrance. No need to test his luck with the scissors, or with those glorious clothes. Of course, it seemed like there was a small issue. Rather, someone else had an issue, and he ran into them. His form shifted over the stoney floor, drawing him closer to the prone girl. Outside of the fact that he hefted a large pair of scissors in his hand (and, honestly, the shears could have passed for an oddly-designed mid-length sword), the only noteworthy thing about him was his clothing. This girl, on the other hand, seemed to be having issues. She likely over-worked herself.

The presence of a weapon suggested the girl knew what was down there.

”Hello there, Miss. You appear to be slightly troubled. May I be of assistance?” English, tinted with a Japanese accent, escaped his lips. His tone was light, feminine. He wouldn't make the mistake he had before- his disguise, his drag, was perfect.

[Amane Mana]

Forget hoping this girl doesn't have the most malicious of intentions. Amane felt like she is now going to be the victim of some kind of deranged horror film. Why in the world is this lady wielding sword like scissors?! Amane admittedly crawled back a little at the rather shocking sight of the goth lolita with giant scissors. She kind of wanted to escape but she wanted to know what this woman's intention was first before such action can be taken. Amane shook her head to try to wake herself up and give herself clarity as the girl began to speak.

”Hello there, Miss. You appear to be slightly troubled. May I be of assistance?” Amane wondered how to answer. This person was being nice at least and hey she wasn't pointing the scissors at her. But now she was wondering how to answer her question. On one hand...well...she just screams suspicious but on the other hand she seems to be the only human for meters. She weakly reached for her bat and started to use it a crutch...before realizing by collapsing she can't even get up anymore.

"Sure..." Amane put no further strain on her body. "Admittedly, I'd be more comfortable if you placed the scissors away." Her eyes slanted toward the scissors. Seriously how is that even a practical weapon? No better question, who makes it look like a sword?! Suddenly Amane was missing the Japanese Arms Control Policy back home.

[Akira Nakajima]

Akira could only tilt his head to the side when the girl brought attention to his choice of side-arm. Was it really that unnerving? And, seriously! She should have understood exactly how dangerous places where Shadows were! Everyone needed a weapon! Even if, technically speaking, Akira's body was just as valid (if not more so) a weapon than the scissors. With an exaggerated shrug, scissors in his left hand, he let out a sigh and shook his head. It was almost as though he were thinking the girl to be unreasonable for such a comment- and, in truth, he really didn't care, but it was much more fun to act like that.

"Miss, you're trying to use a baseball bat down here. Presumably for defense against other people, or things, right? Then I would hope you can understand my desire for having a weapon out and ready for my own defense." He slowly nodded before crossing his arms, acting almost like a sage, all the while avoiding everything with that pair of sword-scissors. And then he puffed his cheeks out. A gothic lolita that was pouting had to have gotten extra points, right? "Of course, if I were like Doraemon, and had special pockets, it might be a different story." At that point, he lightly giggled, covering his mouth with a free hand.

"Well, either way, I assure you that I can defend you, and myself, with this tool. Now, more importantly, can you use your legs at all?" Skipping formalities, he went straight for the heart of the matter. No sense in dancing around the issue. It needed to be addressed. "If so, you may have my shoulder. If not, then you shall have my back." Taking control of the situation was the key to averting tragedy. This was especially true when they just so happened to be in a location where Shadows could, you know, munch on them.

[Amane Mana]

"Miss, you're trying to use a baseball bat down here. Presumably for defense against other people, or things, right? Then I would hope you can understand my desire for having a weapon out and ready for my own defense." Amane can't argue with his logic...though now she is wondering how this girl was carrying the things around out of sight of the public! "Of course, if I were like Doraemon, and had special pockets, it might be a different story." This girl was unique huh?

"Well, either way, I assure you that I can defend you, and myself, with this tool. Now, more importantly, can you use your legs at all?" Amane tried her best to move her legs...and she did so slowly. She wasn't in walking condition it seems. "If so, you may have my shoulder. If not, then you shall have my back." Amane didn't have any options. Her body was a mess. She didn't want to sigh in risk of just falling flat on her back and becoming unconscious.

"L-lend me your back. I can't exactly move my arms well so if I was lent your shoulder I'd unnecessarily occupy your arm." Amane reluctantly spread her arms so that she can offer her back to her and she could cling on. While this wasn't free from embarrassment it was efficient and it wasn't too far from the exit so this shouldn't take long. Doesn't stop how red her face is.

[Akira Nakajima]

So this girl was a helpless little lamb, was she? Akira would be the benevolent leader he could be, then. As the girl spread her arms out, the boy in drag nodded, but, rather than approaching, he half-turned. His neck turned slowly. A small step shifted his stance, neck still turning. He was surveying the surroundings. No signs of movement. His ears picked nothing up. It seemed that all would be well, if only for the time being. Not doubt, though, Murphy's Law would give him the middle finger the moment he began to carry her about. The Terminal would hum to life like a beehive. He was calling it. It wasn't the gift of prophecy, it was just simple luck. And Lady Luck was a bitch to please.

"Seems all is well for the moment. Well then." He turned around, stepping closer to the girl. The scissors, of course, were out the whole time, but he kept them at a safe distance. Putting his back to the girl, he scooted closer, eventually letting her ease onto his back. Despite his girlish body, he was pretty strong. Of course, when he hefted the girl up with what seemed like little difficulty, it was easy to think he was powerful. Truthfully, though, he needed to adjust his balance. And it took a moment. Fighting would be a pain like that. Of course, the probability of it occurring just rose with his mental admission of that fact. With a slight nod and a gloved right arm keeping one of her legs stable, the boy prepped his scissors with his left hand. Might have been a challenge, but, with a bit of accuracy, he could down a few Shadows in one quick attack. It'd be best to clip the fighting as short as possible if it occurred.

"Are you set, young lady?" He asked calmly, shifting his head slightly. His ribbon wasn't gouging her eye out, was it? That'd be annoying. Gothic lolita stuff was a pain to clean.

[Amane Mana]

"Seems all is well for the moment. Well then." The girl looked around to see if it was clear before going over to her and facing her back to Amane. She took a small breathe before placing her bat away in the bat case she had on her and crawling on to the girl's back. Amane admittedly shuddered when she felt one of the girl's hands to keep her stable. She knew it was necessary but still. "Are you set, young lady?" In all honesty, Amane felt like this was violating her personal space on many levels...but...

"Yeah. I'm alright." Amane clung to the girl though she kept her grip just enough so that the smallest movements won't fling her off. However, admittly this was relaxing. There was another person who knew about what was down here. Maybe she can ask the girl a few questions as they began to walk. "So...you know what's down here and what's going on...right?" Amane had to investigate after all...even if she wasn't in the most pleasant of conditions right now.

[Akira Nakajima]

Akira had to wonder exactly how long it had been since he had given someone else a piggy back ride. It amused him. Reminded him of the times he'd carry around his helpless younger sister when they were little. Those were nice times- safer, simpler times. Whether it was for a sense of security or a desire for information, it seemed that the girl wanted to ask some questions. Good enough questions for someone that wasn't too familiar or confident in the events going on below the safety areas. Akira couldn't say he was too bothered to play the role of a big brother to a stranger- or a big sister, in this case.

"That'd be a correct assumption, Miss. I know a good bit about the squirmy squiggly crawlies, and just how dangerous they are. Looks like you learned that the hard way, going by your current weakness. Do be careful. These powers are every bit as dangerous as a double-edged sword. You have to keep your limitations in mind. Otherwise, someone as cute as you will be food for those things, and that'd be a huge blow to the world." How honest those feelings are were ultimately up to question, but his tone suggested that they were honest. He began to slowly proceed, head shifting every now and then as he took in the surroundings. Better safe than sorry.

"But I guess you have questions, specific questions, you want answers to, right? We have time. Ask what you need, and I may be able to answer. Trust in me, okay?" There was a slight bit of cheer in his voice towards the end, the "okay" punctuated with a slight tilt of the head.

He didn't mind acting protective every now and then.

[Amane Mana]

"That'd be a correct assumption, Miss. I know a good bit about the squirmy squiggly crawlies, and just how dangerous they are. Looks like you learned that the hard way, going by your current weakness. Do be careful. These powers are every bit as dangerous as a double-edged sword. You have to keep your limitations in mind. Otherwise, someone as cute as you will be food for those things, and that'd be a huge blow to the world." Amane turned red and wanted to bury her face into the hair of the person carrying her...but instead opted to look away. It was a good thing the girl who carried her was more focused on their surroundings.

"But I guess you have questions, specific questions, you want answers to, right? We have time. Ask what you need, and I may be able to answer. Trust in me, okay?" Amane slightly nodded. She might as well get to talking with this person. After all, she is carrying her to safety right? However, first impressions are everything to some. She might as well investigate this person while she is at it.

"...may I ask what your name is and how you've come to discover the truth about the safety line?" It was a simple question really and one worth asking. She would also ask about her fashion statement but she always tried her best not to judge others. People could wear what they wish as long as they don't disturb public order.

[Akira Nakajima]

”I guess answering those are pretty simple.” He hummed. Seemed the girl had very basic starter questions. Then again, they would likely serve as the foundation for their interactions. Slightly boring, though. ”Well, my friends call me Ran. Usually, they introduce themselves first, though!” He let out a giggle before nodding. ”Now, as for discovery, lets just say that curiosity didn't kill the cat, this time around. Rather, curiosity led the kitty into a very bleak and depressing place and gave the kitty extraordinary power, allowing it to fight back against monsters and wring freedom back to the common person.” He nodded once more.

”A thirst for knowledge is often dangerous. Fortunately, the reward is often worth the risk, so long as you prepare yourself accordingly.” Another hum escaped the boy. They were making decent progress, all things considered. A little further, and they'd probably see the light feeding into the entrance of the terminal. No signs of Shadows, shockingly. ”Now, certainly, an adorable young lady like yourself must have a name of some sort? Why don't you share it with me, please?” The question was punctuated with a slight tilt of the head. At least he could then call her something other than “Miss”. Formalities were often too stifling.

[Amane Mana]

”I guess answering those are pretty simple.” The girl began. ”Well, my friends call me Ran. Usually, they introduce themselves first, though!” Ran...a simple name. Though Amane would've preferred to know a last name too but she did not want to push her luck. ”Now, as for discovery, lets just say that curiosity didn't kill the cat, this time around. Rather, curiosity led the kitty into a very bleak and depressing place and gave the kitty extraordinary power, allowing it to fight back against monsters and wring freedom back to the common person.” Weird phrasing aside that means Ran was in the same situation as Amane was. Got curious and started to investigate, only to unlock their strange powers to fight these creatures.

”A thirst for knowledge is often dangerous. Fortunately, the reward is often worth the risk, so long as you prepare yourself accordingly.” Boy, this girl loved humming. Though at least that sound is pleasant next to the sounds of battle and the gurgles that the shadows make. ”Now, certainly, an adorable young lady like yourself must have a name of some sort? Why don't you share it with me, please?” It was only fair. Amane did ask for this girl's name first.

"My name is Amane." To return the courtesy she didn't want to give out any last names. Considering that her father's last name is known being a representative here...it is kind of to be expected Amane wouldn't give out her last name anyway even if someone were to ask. She didn't want to run the risk of being recognized somehow. "You can't have gotten those scissors out of nowhere. Where can I get a more efficient weapon? A bat is only going to do me good in the short ru-." Suddenly Amane started to let out a small yawn before slumping a bit further on the girl's back.

[Akira Nakajima]

Amane, it seemed, was in the middle of speaking before yawning. Well, that was adorable in its own right. But she never did seem to quite pick up where she left off. The girl didn't fall asleep on his back, did she? Well, that was just swell. He was literally carrying dead weight at that point. He still moved forward, of course. Light could be seen. The way out was there and good to be taken advantage of. The issue at present was more a case questionable circumstances. They were safe, sure, but what was Akira going to do with the girl on his back?

”Hey, hey~ Y'asleep? Wake-y, wake-y, sweetheart. We're almost there.” Of course, his words weren't too loud. Just enough to pull a lightly sleeping child out of sleep's clutches. If this girl was entirely out, that wouldn't draw her back to consciousness. Options, options. There were probably a few good places to lay her down safely at. Maybe a restaurant with private booths? Food would be nice.

[Amane Mana]

”Hey, hey~ Y'asleep? Wake-y, wake-y, sweetheart. We're almost there.” Amane shuddered as Ran's voice. She looked and squinted her eyes. Sweet sweet salvation was all Amane had in her mind. She could go to a beef bowl place right now...if she could find one. She stirred a bit for a second to get herself more comfortable as she looked forward.

"T-thank you...for carrying me all this way." Amane said. "Say you think you can carry me to a beef bowl place? Once I recover a bit...I'd like to ask more questions there." It was a hefty request if it was far away though. "Of course, if you don't want to carry me all that way, I understand."

[Akira Nakajima]

Beef bowl place? Picky little thing, she was, wasn't she? She could deal, though. Akira would carry her, sure, but only to the first applicable food establishment. Beyond that? Well, they could walk side by side to a beef place if she wanted one that badly. His steps did not slow down, and, despite the fact that they were heading top-side, the boy did not care one bit about whether or not someone saw his scissors. He'd just have to cut their objections short. Figuratively or literally depended on the rudeness!

”We'll go somewhere. Whatever's nearest, though.” And as the boy carried the princess into the light, he saw one good place. A perfect place.

A maid cafe.