Author: Akira, Posted: Thu Nov 28, 2019 4:33 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Akira turned to the girls, seeing the fear in their faces. "Don't worry. Help come." Only a couple looked at her, but none of them believed her. "I promise. Help come. Soon!" "Ya? Take a look around, little demon. Even the grown-pus break their promises. What makes you so special?" An older girl pushed on Akira with enough force that she stumbled back a step. The foxling stood her ground, however, her small hands rolled into fists.

"Akira has friends! They follow Akira here." Again, the bigger one pushed her. "In case you didn't know, they used magic. They wouldn't be so easily followed. Shut up, little demon, before I make you." Without warning, Akira got low and swept the girl's feet from beneath her, the surprise attack working in her favor. Instantly, she straddled the girl's chest, a concealed dagger from her necklace now revealed and pressed against the girl's throat. Gasps fell into a collective silence as everyone raptly watched the unfolding scene. "Call me demon again."

Her voice was low, dangerous and commanding with much more power than her small frame let on. When the girl said nothing, Akira's attention turned to the others. "Friends been trying find way help you. All you. Today, Akira give them that chance. Soon, they will come, they will free you. We find you way out, with future. No more begging. But you must help sevles too. Help us when boys come. We will leave. Together." There was a sense of confidence that could not be ignored from the little fox as her ears twitched at a noise she heard, a sound too low for human ears to catch.

Neera led the way as a songbird so that when she landed on Akira's shoulder, Akira breathed in relief. Ready to leave?" Akira released the bully as she greeted her protector. "Very." She smiled as she caught sight of Xeik and Lewis, calling their names excitedly as she gripped her prison bars. "You are shiney!" The puca groaned with a roll of her eyes. "She means you are a sight for sore eyes, good to see you."

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2019 12:27 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Waiting had been the worst part. It took everything Xeik had not to pace back and forth, wondering if he had made the wrong choice. What if Akira got hurt? What if Neera never found them? What if they weren’t able to get to her in time? Xeik furrowed his brow. He felt more like an adult now than he had ever felt. He looked to Lewis, who seemed ever the calm thief.

“How can you stay so calm?” he asked his partner.

Lewis glanced to Xeik. “Because I know we won’t fail.”

It was a simple answer, but it filled Xeik with a weird mix of emotions. Did Lewis and the rest of the boys have this much unwavering faith in him? On one hand, he felt flattered. On the other hand, he was worried that the faith was largely misplaced. But the words that Lewis had spoken had calmed him down, at least a little.

Finally, Neera found them, speaking quickly. Within moments, Xeik and Lewis mobilized. The warp spell they used had not taken them very far apparently, and it did not take long for Lewis to infiltrate the building across the street, which apparently housed a lot more than just the fake beggars out front. The would be assassin motioned from the doorway: all clear.

Xeik held up his hand and signaled the boys to move in.

Xeik and Lewis headed the charge, quickly and efficiently knocking out the patrols on the main floor. It wasn’t long before they descended to the lower levels, the boys splitting off from each other to rescue the captured girls. Lewis and Xeik, though, made a beeline for the newest lot.

Hold on Akira, Xeik thought as they tried to track her down.

Author: Akira, Posted: Mon Apr 22, 2019 1:49 AM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Akira knew what consensual magic felt like. To suddenly feel a blanket of magic grip her, the foxling felt scared, holding her ears as it weighed down on her. It took all her strength not to scream out. ”We have one sensitive to magic!” “That’s good. Makes her more valuable.” She peeked up at their hungry eyes, smart enough to know their demeanor turned from generous to evil schemers. ”Don’t worry. Do as you’re told and you’ll be, fine little mouse.” While the others missed the change, Akira moved more timidly, following the group out of the cart.

Yes, she was aware of the plot, but they saw something she had not anticipated. Akira broke character for a split moment and thus was thrust into a new character mentality. Several more adults than had accompanied them surrounded them, and the foxling realized they had been teleported inside of a building. They led the girls down a hall until it came upon a spiral set of stairs. Escorted by the men, for Akira realized that none of the adults were female, they descended to the level below. Cages filled this new room, some with a handful of girls from a previous venture, lured by lies.

With some unnecessary force, the girls with Akira were pushed into the nearest cell, Akira herself sprawled onto the flooring. As she sat up, the men jeered at them and left. The flooring was covered in dull, dirty straw which reeked something foul. She stood, ignoring the bawling orphans and inspected the cages. Sturdy, thick metal bars extended from the ceiling towards the floor like bony fingers. Neera finally poked her head out and climbed onto the child’s shoulder.

”You okay?” Akira nodded. ”Came down one floor. Find them, Lewis and Xeik wait. Akira talk to girls.” With a nod, Neera turned into a flying bug and flew the way they had come. She found an open window two stories above where she left Akira. Unfortunately, the teleport moved them three blocks away from the boys, as to further throw people off the trail should anyone be wise enough to track them. When she found the boys, Neera told them everything.

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Wed Jan 2, 2019 11:19 AM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Lewis and Xeik followed carefully, keeping at a safe distance. Every so often, the cart would shake, revealing the girls inside. For the most part, they seemed excited to live a life of luxury. Depending on their new owner, they might not even survive long enough to make it to their new home. The boy’s brow furrowed in disgust. Patience, he thought. It would all be done with soon.

Left, right, left, left again. The cart took a winding path through the streets. Xeik couldn’t get a read on where it was possibly headed. Still, he’d keep this up all day if it meant stopping them. The cart stopped suddenly, though, near the center of the town. Xeik and Lewis stopped as well, perching themselves above the cart. The swaying of Hoja Mesto seemed to count the seconds down as they waited.

Xeik and Lewis waited in silence, the lull of the town goers below them barely reaching their consciousness. The two boys were in perfect focus on the cart. And at once, the cart vanished.

Xeik’s eyes widened in panic. “W-what? What the hell?” He looked to Lewis. His eyes were wide as well, but instead of panic, there was calm.

Lewis narrowed his gaze. “Magic. We don’t have any other option but to wait for Neera.”

Xeik looked back to where to cart had disappeared. “I can’t just wait though…”

:We don’t have a choice,” Lewis replied.

Author: Akira, Posted: Tue Jan 1, 2019 10:01 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

To be suddenly crowded by so many girls, she hadn’t even noticed them. Where had they come from? ”I promise, each of you will have food in your bellies, and a place to sleep. You will be taken care of. How would you like that?” Akira, along with all of the other girls, pressed closer to the man of lies, begging for his gifts. ”Yes, please!” He laughed deeply. ”There will be plenty, I assure you.” Then a wagon came up. ”The moment you step into the wagon is the moment all of your worries disappear.”

The foxling nearly lost herself in the near stampede. Somehow, she managed to keep her footing, avoid being trampled, and found herself on the edge of the crowd. Akira gazed up at the man, feigning hesitance. ”You promise?” ”Of course, my dear. All these troubles will be but a distant dream. Never shall you scrounge on the streets, looking for your next meal again.” She gave him a bright smile and climbed into the wagon with the other girls.

It was a loud, almost giddy ride. While life continued on outside the wagon as if nothing terrible soon to happen, the girls were excited. They giggled as they fantasized a bountiful feast. Meanwhile, Akira put her hand in her pocket to feel the irresistibly soft fur of the sugar glider in her pocket. Neera licked her fingers in reassurance. The hardest part was to not look for the boys she knew were trailing along. ~~Daddy, keep me safe.~~

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2018 5:31 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

As Akira drifted off to sleep, Xeik found himself going over the plan in his head over in his head. It was not a foolproof plan by any means, but between the three of them, and a minor bit of outside help, they had come up with every possible scenario they could think of. Even this, still, did not put Xeik’s mind at ease. Briefly he wondered if this was a huge mistake, but it was far too late to back out now. They would just have to push through, and pray to the Gods for the best.

His planning didn’t end until the morning, and when the sun started to rise, he realized that he had failed to get an ounce of sleep. Despite this, he felt barely an ounce of fatigue. Surely, he would crash the moment everything ended, but until then, he knew he would hold a razor focus. He gently shook Akira awake, and the two made their way to the kitchen, where there was already food being made in preparation for the day’s trials.

The boys noted that Akira was not eating, but their leader made no motion to force the girl to eat, so they stayed silent. It was all a part of the plan, and she had to look the part. That being said, neither Lewis nor Xeik liked the idea of it.

With explicit instructions, Akira left before the rest of the boys did. For the main part of the operation, Xeik had chosen Lewis and two others to accompany him. The other two boys, Art and Noah, took to the streets to tail the young kitsune. Xeik and Lewis took point n the rooftops, easily catching up to the girl.

The stage was set, and all they had to do now was wait. Akira went about her begging, and it didn’t take long for a peculiar person to catch her eye. Immediately, Xeik felt something was wrong about him. He had developed a sort of sixth sense about these things. Living day to day like they did, you had to.

Akira was not the only one. There were others; orphans, disowned daughters, and the like who gathered around the man as he spun words of a better life that could await them. It was just enough information to lure them, but not enough to point out the man as a liar.

From the distance, Xeik couldn’t hear the man, but he could read the man’s lips well enough to get the idea of what twisted world this man was trying to sell. The man spoke, and the twinkle in the girls’ eyes sparkled more and more. When it seemed at its peak, a large, covered wagon appeared to whisk them away. Immediately Xeik lost sight of Akira in the rush as the girls tried to all get into the wagon at once. The man told them to calmly proceed; there was more than enough room for all of them.

Xeik tightened his hand into a fist, nearly drawing blood from his own nails digging in to his palm. Lewis seemed stoic, though, as if uneffected.

“You’re calm,” Xeik said as he glanced over, trying to put his mind in a better place.

“We either succeed, or we don’t,” Lewis replied. “Any other thought will just get in the way.”

Xeik nodded, and trained his gaze back to the wagon. The last of the girls hopped in, and it started off.

“Let’s follow…”

Author: Akira, Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2018 4:13 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

The silence between them stretched as she waited for his response. Would he admit to the necessity of assistance should events turn south? Of course, even setting that fail safe up felt difficult. Akira did not want to think of what would happen to require help from her adopted mothers. What would happen that not even Neera could help? Xeik’s voice broke her spiraling thoughts, grounding her once more in the here and now.

A smile spread across her face as she nestled further against the thief. ”Akira has faith.” Something about the older boy was helping put her mind at ease, allowing her to slip into slumber. Her dreams were filled with Larka, Celeste, and Amber sitting with all of the boys, laughing and playing.

---

Akira barely touched her breakfast when it was provided. However, instead of feeling nervous, she felt eerily calm. Hunger would only make things more real to the unsuspecting. They waited until the most appropriate time, and for once, she was glad she did not have the most pristine of clothing on. Her travel-worn kimono was noticeably filthy. Opting out of brushing her hair, it looked unkempt enough to pass her inspection.

Neera stayed hidden and silent, knowing her words would not sway the child now. All she could do was ensure her safety from this point on, while attempting to maintain the success of their mission. Once Akira made it into the marketplace, she looked for the guy in question. The boys had described him often enough that she could tell who he was on sight. Her ploy was simple. She began to walk around, making puppy dog eyes, puckered that bottom lip, and plead for food. "Please, coin for food? Just a nibble ma'am?"

Her questions were always asked the ones least likely to indulge her. This wasn't for them to pity her, this was her show for the evil one. Finally she went up to him, tugged gently on his sleeve. "Please, sir, I hungry. Just a coin?" The way he eyed her sent her skin crawling. What was with the intensity of that gaze? Then he began his sales pitch, layering his trap with honey, drawing the girls as flies.

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Thu Aug 9, 2018 10:45 AM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Xeik was unsure of why Akira was being so forthcoming with her information. The name he had heard earlier that day, Xunatar, was that of a deity. He had heard of them cursed and praised his entire life, but thought little of it since it didn’t pertain to survival, but upon hearing it now he wondered. Were the Gods and Goddesses real? And if so, was Akira truly the daughter of one of them?

As Akira curled into him, he frowned at the possibilities. If that were true, and something were to happen to her, would that cause a problem for the guild? I would have to take the blame. Lewis could lead if it came down to it. Danwe would support him…. He closed his eyes.

“I promise,” He said finally. “But hey…I won’t let anything happen to you. None of us will.” He smirked, and opened his eyes. “When we work together, Heaven’s Dawn is unstoppable. We can do anything!”

“I don’t know if it’s the best idea,” the boy replied. “We can’t be here all day to watch Amber. But…you both are welcome here any time. You and your family.”

Author: Akira, Posted: Thu Aug 2, 2018 12:55 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

A single ear swiveled toward Xeik as he came down the stairs. She didn't move to see who it was, for it was one of the boys, the only ones besides herself who slumbered here tonight. Akira nodded to the question, still looking up at the moon. "Akira never plan big thing like this before." Xeik moved to sit near her, the young foxling watching him, drawn by his words. He mentioned Lewis, to which she subconsciously held her breath and a small smile began to play at the corner of her lips.

"Akira like Lewis. Like you all. But Lewis my favorite." But the looming task shadowed her thoughts once more. "Grow up in Vilpamolan, have be brave. Not brave gets hunger, snatched, beaten, or killed. Never been snatched." She grew silent as she regarded Xeik thoughtfully. "Promise Akira something? If all go bad, and can't help Akira… Contact Mommy Celeste in Sularia… And Daddy. Xunatar is deity, of darkness, chaos. But he love me."

The child slid off the window sill, sat next to Xeik, and curled into his body, head leaning against his shoulder. "Akira is Daddy's smallest. But not know long. He seem scary, his home cold, but he care." Amber came crawling up to the pair and curled up on the opposite side of Xeik. "Should Akira leave Amber here when I go home to see mommies? For the boys?"

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Thu Aug 2, 2018 10:54 AM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Xeik found himself restless before the job. They had never done anything like this since their inception, and it was making him worried. He had paced the floor of the attic where he stayed for the most part, but finally he needed more space, and went down to the lower floors. It was there that he noticed Akira sitting in the windowsill, the moonlight washing over her, making her seem radiant, almost ethereal.

The boy blushed. She was much younger than he was, but he could feel that as she grew, she would become someone stunning. He walked up to her, and smiled. “Hey, Akira. Are you having trouble sleeping?” he asked. The girl had to be worried about the plan. It made sense. Even someone with experience knew just how risky this all was.

“You’re really brave,” the young boy said as he sat down on the floor next to the window. “Both Lewis and I can see that.” He sighed. “He hasn’t taken his eyes off you since you got here. It’s weird. He’s never been so interested in someone like this before…” The boy was apparently oblivious to the fact that Lewis was practically attached to Xeik’s hip. It dawned on Xeik that it may have been him being wary, but Lewis would have said something about it the moment the two had a chance to talk about.

“Maybe he likes you…”

Author: Akira, Posted: Wed Aug 1, 2018 5:01 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

They didn't react, at least not in the way she was anticipating. Akira blinked, dumbfounded that she had ran into anyone who didn't know anything about deities. Then again, she herself didn't know much of them until she happened upon Xunatar's doorstep. Perhaps, for now, it was better that they didn't comprehend the gravity of her lineage. She allowed it to flow as water under the bridge, a conversation that would likely come back later.

"Akira, you don't have to do this. For all you've endured… This would be exponentially worse." Calmly, Akira looked up at the elf with a knowing smile. "Akira know." Neera threw her hands up. "Don't take my advice then! Don't expect me to say I told you so when I must save your sorry tail!" Akira stuck her tongue out at Neera before returning her attention to Lewis and Xiek. "Back out? My idea." The puca looked at the map, and smiled coyly. "Child's play. I can be there."

---

The plans had been drawn up, and all who would participate had gone over it many times. Akira's job was primarily to look pretty, and allow herself to get snatched. Neera would be tucked away in her clothing, fighting the urge to defend the child from the slavers. Yet, when the night before they executed the plan came, Akira sat in the windowsill, staring out at the moon above. She couldn't sleep.

Her heart beat hard. She could do this… She had to do this… It would be the first time she actually planned to get into trouble. Though she didn't have the words for it, she felt nervous and apprehensive. One word she did know was scared, but it wasn't quite what she was feeling. Akira enjoyed her time with Heaven's Dawn, already beginning to think of all of the boys as her brothers. As with all the others, Xiek she looked up to. But there was something about Lewis that made him stand out above the rest. 

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Wed Aug 1, 2018 8:44 AM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

While Akira’s name drop should have been a shock, and would have been for most people, both Xeik and Lewis looked at her with a bit of confusion. Xunatar was a name they had never heard, and growing up without a proper education in the deities of the realm was to their deficit when it came to this information. However, Xeik took her to her word that the name would be something of a shock.

“I’m not sure about the whole Xunatar being your father, thing,” Xeik said, “But the part fox is more than enough of a commodity, er…pardon my language, for those twisted merchants who…” He glanced to the side. He wasn’t going to finish that statement.

Lewis shrugged. Unlike his boss, he wasn’t one to skirt around the details. “They use the girls until they break, and then dispose of them like broken toys.” He looked to Neera and then to Akira. “We won’t force you to help. Either way, you’re more than welcome in the Heaven’s Dawn.”

“I’d prefer if if you backed out,” the leader said with a frown. “But the guild has always been about accepting the jobs that you’re most comfortable with. So…” He looked to Lewis, and then to the ledger. “Fine. If you’re determined, let’s draw up a plan…”

Lewis and Xeik brought out a parchment and some ink, and started to write some details down. They determined that, including the two of them, they would need at least two more of the boys to help track Akira and Neera. Despite the plan being that Neera would lead them back, it was better to have a backup plan just in case.

“Okay. So, this is where we’ll meet up.” He circled a cross street. “Neera, can you find that without issue? It’s one of the easier places to get to. We can start as early as….two days from now. We’ll need tomorrow to procure supplies.”

Author: Akira, Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2018 3:48 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Neera glared down at the child, who glared defiantly up at the puca. She was not going to back down when there was finally a chance to do something more than just run and hide. ”You don’t know when to keep your mouth shut, when to keep your nose clean, do you? Why do you have to be so much like your mother?” Akira smirked, having won the staring contest. She crossed her arms triumphantly.

Lewis suggested spinning the tale further, which made Akira pause. Should she tell them? ”Akira… Don’t think about it.” ”Wait, Akira part of guild now?” This surprised her, yet made her feel ecstatic. To have her family grow exponentially was breathtaking. ”Um, Akira may have tale you need.”

”Akira, don’t.” The child ignored the puca. ”Akira part fox actually, like my daddy… Xunatar.” She had leaned in and said her father’s name so low, she wasn’t even sure she made a noise. Neera groaned. ”Let me be the bait. I could get in, get out, and go back in the same way to assist from the inside.” ”You not got enough pretender. Sorry Neera.” This statement seemed to have taken the puca by surprise, because she shut up and crossed her arms a bit defensively.

”Whatever we do, we can’t drop mommys names. They scary mercenaries, becoming well known. Akira also know several of deities, like Lokir and deity of misfortune… And… Akira still untouched. No broken bone, no abused…” Oh she knew a lot of things that are often used at slave auctions, having watched from the shadows back in Vilpamolan.

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2018 1:26 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Lewis looked at the girl with a twinkle in his eye, seemingly unphased by the transformation that Neera had made. Xeik, though, was in a state of shock as the scorpion changed shape, growing as tall as the adults who had once tried to control their lives. It took a moment for the guild leader to gather himself back after the initial shock, and he shook his head.

“No. I can’t do that. You’re not a part of this guild, and I can’t compromise the safety of anyone who isn’t involved,” Xeik replied, pulling the ledger back and sighing. “Besides, we just hit them hard. They’ll probably lay low.”

“Now, now, Xeik,” Lewis said, looking back to his fellow thief. “That may not be entirely true. Not if we spin the truth a little. She’s not just any girl, you know. Her ears. She’s part something, right? Spin the tale further, and make her something rare….” He looked back to Akira with a smirk. “I think she can do it.”

Xeik shook his head again, “No. I’m not involving someone who’s outsi-”

“If that’s the problem, then just have her join the guild,” Lewis interrupted. There was silence as Xeik looked from Lewis to Akira. The girl was itching to do something, and he couldn’t blame her. He ruffled his hair and groaned. “I swear…you’re going to be the death of me!” The boy leaned back in his chair with a defeated sigh.

“Fine…fine….” He closed his eyes. “Danwe’s really going to kill me if this goes bad.”

The silver haired thief smirked, “Now, now, Xeik…since when has anything you and I have done gone wrong?”

Xeik, through his dramatic pose, opened an eye and looked at Lewis with a wicked grin. “Not once….”

Author: Akira, Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2018 8:46 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Lewis’s hand on the knife was not missed, Akira truly feared for Neera. A wave of relief flooded through her as the puca had shifted, which prompted the leader’s graceful fall. As Xeik fell, Akira squeaked a startled sound, half rising from her chair. However, she watched Lewis from her peripheral. He dropped his guard, which pleased her. ”I sorry! Did Neera and Akira make you fall?”

Xeik explained why he did what he did. And it made sense. The guild was a safe place, and heat rose when the fox was noticed missing. ”Thank you, for everything.” She reached over and pulled the books closer to her. With her growing knowledge of reading and writing, Akira was barely able to understand any of the ledger. What she did know, however, was black market slave traders and their reputations. A dark, dangerous plan began to form in the back of her mind. It would help, hopefully, a lot of girls and possibly others. Akira squirmed in her seat, already knowing what Neera would say.

”Oh, do sit still child! Do you know how hard it is to balance on your tiny shoulder without sticking claws into you?” Neera lightly chastised. ”How would you like save more? Girls I mean. Akira might have plan.” A stupid, brave, and reckless plan. It would involve Neera, and a lot of trust in complete strangers. Her heart pounded heavily beneath her chest, nervous about it already. How would they even take the idea?

”If Neera and Akira get caught… Neera could tell you where we are…” ”Akira Sno Nash, don't you dare even contemplate the notion!” Neera was now shifting into the shape closely resembling an elf, much taller than Lakra, to which Akira fought the urge to shrink in her chair. As the puca glowered over her, Akira stood, fists balled at her sides. ”Akira will! Others like Akira in trouble! Need help! You'd have Akira forget them?”

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Mon Jul 9, 2018 12:53 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Xeik had not been paying enough attention to notice the scorpion that Akira had hidden and apparently spoken to. He had been far too engrossed in the logs that he had been reading, and too nervous about what he had planned to say. Lewis, however, had noticed, and gripped the hilt of a throwing knife on his belt, but otherwise did not appear concerned.

If it had moved anywhere closer to Xeik, he would have acted to kill it. But it didn’t. While Xeik spoke, the other boy kept his eye on both Akira and the scorpion, waiting for either to make a move.

Finally, though, she seemed to speak to the scorpion. At this point, Xeik noticed it, and with a shock of surprise, fell back in his seat, hitting the ground hard. Lewis got the idea pretty quick, sighing with relief, his hand dropping from the knife. He moved over to Xeik, offering a hand and pulling up his leader.

“Well, that…that was something,” Xeik said as he staggered up. It seemed as though she had a powerful ally. Perhaps I didn’t need to save her. Still…I don’t think I was wrong.

“Well, to be honest…” Xeik said as he looked to the side. “I know most of the kids on that part of the street. I didn’t recognize you…and, well, it looked like you were being a bit careless with your coin. I was worried someone might take advantage of you. Past that…” Xeik looked down. “This is really the best place to hide when there’s heat. It was the first thing that came to mind. This place…it’s the safest place I know.”

Author: Akira, Posted: Fri Jul 6, 2018 4:19 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

A frown was creasing the foxling's forehead. She was trying to follow the words, find the hidden meanings. They dealt with the black market. Every city had one, and Akira had always made it a point to stay away from them. Especially now that she knew who she was, and how important she could be. Though, they made sense with what they could and could not expect the assisted girls to do. According to Xiek, their money went towards Bat, and helping the girls in any fashion.

The best news was their targets. Neera glared at Akira for a moment. "Your call, child." Akira blinked, confused for a minute. "Now see here! They do better than Akira did in Vilpamolan. They made family, and work hard to keep it. All I had was you." Yes, she was conversing with a talking scorpion. Although, as the scorpion began to move along Akira's arm, her form shifted until she was the size and form of roughly a six month old cat, curling up on Akira's shoulder. The child beamed. "This Neera. She like you I think. Otherwise, she no change."

Akira looked down at her hands, now resting in her lap. "As I said earlier, Akira know all too well what it like on streets. Steal to survive, avoid bad men. Been alone all my life since mommy died.. Now is better, but worse too. Akira was adopted by lovely mommies in Sularia, and made lots of friends. But, also know who Daddy is now. People would use me to get at him if they knew." One thing she wanted to know was what she could do to please her father, but they hardly talked about that. Their conversations were more on the difficult ways of life. "Xiek, why you send Akira here?"

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Thu Jul 5, 2018 10:31 AM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Xeik looked up to Akira, who seemed to be uncomfortable. Maybe we should take this elsewhere, he thought. Perhaps exposing the operation had been a mistake. After all, she was an unknown variable in the entire thing. But, a part of Xeik wondered if that were true. It was a risk that he had took.

Oh I really hope Danwe doesn’t get mad…

“Your question is hard to answer,” Xeik said slowly. “There are a lot of people who will pay for them, is the simple answer. The black market is vast, and it’s an easy way to make a quick coin…” He thought for a moment. “The reason is because we need silver. There are those of us who are more than capable of surviving off of stolen food, but there are many who can’t. Those girls we rescued…we can’t make them steal to earn their keep. They can’t even stay here, lest they get wrapped up in their ‘business’ because that’s all they know. The coin goes to helping them escape, and setting them up to learn a trade, or be adopted. Escape routes aren’t cheap to maintain, and a lot of people’s silence has to be bought as well. Not to mention,” he waved his hand around, “All of this. Bat helps us out, but it isn’t for free. We have to maintain this place, as well as employ Bat to keep the tavern running as a hideout.”

The boy sighed. He had never had to really explain himself until now. “We only steal from those we know deserve it. There are plenty of good merchants out there. We don’t even target them, though we do tend to keep tabs on where they are. No, there are a lot of crooked men and women who use their status to opress and…well, flaunt their wealth and status like they’re better than everyone else. It’s those we target…” He tapped the book, “The man we rescued the girls from. I can promise you he had no good intentions…”

Author: Akira, Posted: Wed Jul 4, 2018 6:58 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Akira nodded and sat with him, watching with curious eyes as he ate. Did she look like that while she was eating? Amber, on the other hand, went leaping to the boys she had left, dancing circles around them. It pleased the child to see the fox becoming quite used to a cageless life so quickly. When Lewis returned, he carried a book, and the pair went over a list of stolen goods. They did more than just stole food and means for survival?

More than that, they had a successful time at saving some girls, by the sounds of it. She squirmed in her seat, a bit uncomfortable. What if she had been caught before being adopted? Would anyone even try to save her? It wasn't until after the adoption that she had even found her father, so rescue from him would not have been conceived. Was there something her father could do for them?

”Xeik, why do you steal? Gems, money… doesn't sound like stuff to survive. So why?” There had to be a reason for it all. For him to send her here, to have stolen her fox, fed her… Allowed her to hear their heist summary. Were they making a mistake and letting her get too close, or was she reading it all wrong and she was in trouble? The scorpion seemed to pick up on her distress and launched itself at the table. ”Neera, don't!” Akira cupped her hands around it, pleading with her eyes. ”Hear them first. Please?” Beady eyes shifted between the godly offspring and the leader of the guild, biding its time.

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Mon Jul 2, 2018 9:54 AM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

The bath had been just what Xeik needed, and he had enjoyed every second of it. As he descended back into the tavern below, he noted that the boys had left Akira alone to rest, and they had taken up their time playing with the fox. Good, he thought to himself. She needed the rest. I wonder if her guardians are looking for her?

As soon as his foot touched the ground floor, the fox broke away from the other children and bounded over to him, nuzzling up against him. Akira was soon to follow, her words expressing what Amber was probably trying to communicate. Xeik knelt down and pet the fox, a smile across his face. “That’s a good girl…” He looked up to Akira, who seemed to be acting shy and nervous.

She offered him the stew that Bat had made, which made him smile. “Thank you, Akira. That’s kind of you.” He stood up, and smiled. “Would you like to sit down with me as I eat?” the boy asked. One of the other boys started to go back for the stew, and returned momentarily with a bowl, still piping hot.

“Thank you, Nile,” Xeik said as he sat down back at the table. He closed his eyes, and said a quick thanks, and then dove into the food. Not unlike Akira, he had not quite grown accustomed to all of his own manners, and devoured the food with all of the grace of a wild animal. It had only been a few months since they had started eating well, but habits were very hard to break.

Lewis came down moments later, and he walked over to Xeik with a book in his hands. “All right. Time to work, Xeik. Here’s the reports from today’s heist.”

Xeik sighed, pushing the remainder of his food to the side. He took the book and placed it in front of him, flicking through it. “Twelve different precious gems, a hoard of gold and silver, a few paintings. Oh, is this what I think it is?”

Lewis nodded. “Danwe was right. That man was a black market slave trader.”

“More sacrifices to the Echoes?” Xeik asked.

“More than likely. Those that won’t work would have been sold as personal slaves…or worse,” Lewis replied.

“So, we made out well today then. I assume you took them through the right channels?” the leader asked.

“Of course. Danwe has amazing connections. But, aren’t you afraid they’ll come after you? You’ve been interrupting a lot of their operations of late.” The other boy seemed very concerned.

“I can’t help the fact that I want to save them. And since we have the resources available…” He glanced around. “And of course, none of the others are complaining. It’s no less dangerous than what we used to live in. Just now…now it’s voluntary.”

Author: Akira, Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2018 1:43 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

One by one the boys were introduced. It would take a bit to remember all of their names. ”Pleasure meet you all.” Akira beamed, happy to nearly get the sentiment correct. The door opened, the older boy from the market slipping in. Her nose immediately wrinkled. ”Smell like Kyu.” While she meant it as a joke, the only living soul in the room to understand it was Neera who decided she was glad she was tucked inside the pack.

As Lewis revealed her location to Xeik, she gave a small wave. ”She fine.” Lewis had effectively introduced both herself and the fox, something she wasn’t quite accustomed to. At some point during Xeik’s bath, Akira had let the fox wander about the tavern while she laid her head down on a table, using her arms as a pillow. If she closed her eyes, she could feel the sway of the city.

When Akira opened her eyes next, blinking the blurry vision away, she couldn’t quite remember where she was. ”Neera?” A black scorpion freed itself from her pack and crawled itself up until it rested on her head, right between the fox ears. She rubbed her eyes momentarily before realizing she was in the midst of a thieves guild full of orphans. Footsteps descending the stairs caught her attention, and she saw a freshly washed Xeik re-entering the room.

Amber escaped the attention of the boys and darted over to Xeik, rubbing against his leg. ”Amber thank Xeik. She happy. Still young. Bat has deer stew,” she seemed to be offering Xeik food in his own base. Though, that wasn’t her intention. In actuality, Akira was pretty nervous again. This time, she couldn’t say why. With the other boys, everything was quite easy, but with Xeik… Maybe it was just until she saw how everyone acted towards him beyond the guild master respect.

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2018 11:26 AM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Despite her broken language, she seemed to understand the life of those who were cast aside. But as she mentioned that she had a mother, Lewis raised an eyebrow. Perhaps she had broken free of the life they were living. Good for her, he thought. I wouldn’t wish this life on anyone.

“Suit yourself,” Lewis said as she declined his offer to rest. He, as well as most of the other boys, had noticed that she was eyeing her back with concern. The boy wouldn’t tell her not to worry, because it was a good thing she was being cautious, but there was an honor among them. None of them would steal from a child, for one. And certainly not someone whom Xeik trusted. Only those corrupt merchants who had too much money to know what to do with.

“As you may have heard, my name is Lewis.” He held out his hand to point at the other children, naming them one by one. “That’s Zacharaih. He’s a bit shy. Over there is Nile. He’s loud. Lyre there can’t speak, but he’s better at writing than the most of us. And don’t worry about Speck over there. Yes, he’s missing an eye…but it’s not as bad as it looks, I promise.” There were several other boys he mentioned, each one by name, and a trait. Never once, though, did he have any disdain for his family.

There was a slight commotion at the door, and Xeik slipped in, panting. “S-sorry…sorry it took so long. He was covered in sweet and dust, and he smelled a bit like trash. He wiped the sweat from his face, and took a sniff at his hand, cringing. “Er…sorry. I don’t recommend coming over here.”

Lewis’ attention turned fully to Xeik, “Ah yes, and out leader, of course.” He walked up to Xeik, despite the smell. “What mess have you gotten in to this time? Is that…is that a half eaten tomato in your hair?”

Xeik was grinning, :”Maybe. The guards are catching on to who I am, so it’s starting to get harder for me to move around on the streets. I’ll have to have you do the scouting from now on.” He looked around. “Did a girl come this way?”

Lewis stepped to the side, and nodded. “Akira.”

Xeik saw her hair and ears, and smiled. “I’m glad you’re safe, Akira. Welcome to our home!” He started to walk forward, and then frowned. “Er…let me…go wash up. How’s the fox, by the way?” he asked. Noticing that it was held firmly in Akira’s grasp, he smiled.

“I’m glad its safe…”

“Amber,” Lewis said. “Now get cleaned up.”

Author: Akira, Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2018 6:57 AM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Her heart sank as she listened to Lewis speak about their pasts. Golden eyes took in the face of every boy surrounding her, lingering on each with equal amounts of time. Were each of them abandoned at near birth like she? It was for children them she had once tried to refuse a banquet provided specifically for her. To see dozens of platters piled high with food, and so many in need did not feel right.

Yet at the mention of wings, everything brightened in her mood instantaneously. ”My mama Larka has wings too! Large black ones.” To illustrate, she held her arms out, the hanging fabric of her sleeves made the perfect set of white wings as she darted about the tavern. ”She take Akira with.” Her feet stopped cold when he started speaking about the girls, guessing his answer before he said it.

”There’s nothing to do ‘cept pray. It hard being girl on street. Akira hear some talk about me, how Akira can be taught to please. But Akira smart, small, and quiet. Always hide. Even from boys, since they like pull Akira’s tail and ears.” Slowly, she walked over and collected Amber, holding her tight in a comforting way. The child did not often recall the worse part of her past, and when it did, the cheerful demeanor melted into a somber mood.

Due to this, when suggested she rest, she eyed her pack nervously. Did she really trust them well enough not to go through her things? Neera was in there, and Steve, but she was still apprehensive. ”Um, Akira fine, thank you.” Why was she suddenly feeling very nervous and self conscious? Usually, she would be playing with the new pet. Instead, she crawled back onto a chair and glanced back at the boys, fingers combing softly through the fox's fur. ”So, what are your names?”

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2018 10:06 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Lewis watched the girl carefully. She seemed to have plenty of spirit despite her age. It was almost as if she grew up similarly to the boys in the guild. To be fair, that wouldn’t have surprised Lewis that much. In fact, at this point, he was expecting it.

As she answered his questions, and then held out Amber, he smiled. Without a second thought, he took the fox and cradled it. “Aww. Hey little one.” He petted the fur gently. “Xeik can be a bit…direct? Yeah, direct at times. But he means well.”

Although it took him some time to think, he tried his best to answer her questions. “We used to live on the streets.” Some of the other boys had finished their dinner, and started to listen along. They were being respectful, though, and not crowding the two as they spoke. “Even Xeik. There was a man named Terrance. He used to beat us when we tried to fight back. Xeik…well, he got tired of it…”

“Xeik saved my life that day. And it almost cost him his. Then Miss Danwe…she’s this awesome lady with black wings, she comes in and beats Terrance up! And then she and Xeik brought us here and made the guild. We’ve been here ever since!”

He shook his head at her next question. “No, not many. Most of the girls who end up on the streets get caught and…” The blonde looked to the side in disgust. “They get sold off to older men. We managed to save a few, but they’re hard to catch once they get sold. I wish there was more we could do about it…”

“Anyway…Xeik should hopefully be back soon. Until then, why don’t you rest?”

Author: Akira, Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2018 12:39 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

”Thank you.” It wasn’t often that people called her name pretty, but she was quite pleased with it. The name was sweet, like a prayer of hope from her birth mother. As Lewis explained the stew, Akira mentally connected venison with deer. Celeste was a huntress, and often brought home deer, but called it venison. Whoever this Bat was, he used herbs and spices differently than her mother. ”Yup. Iunno why.”

Lewis was informing her about not going out back due to some fixes. ”As in repair?” Her mothers were always talking about repairing things, fixing things. But nothing stuck out that started with Renno. ”He said he was master of Heaven’s Dawn Thief Guild. You’re thief. Akira was thief, before Akira got adopted.” She also found her father, but she was cautioned about who to reveal that information to.

The child handed the fox out for Lewis to hold should he accept. ”Xeik found Akira thinking buy Amber. But, he made me nervous. So I left. He catch up, give me fox. Akira likes to care for animals. Have lots back home in Sool… Sularia.” Every once in awhile, she still has troubles over certain words. ”Where you from, Lewis? Here?” Even though she was talking primarily with Lewis, she still felt the eager eyes from the boys upon her. ”Not many girls here… Are there?”

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2018 11:47 AM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

“Akira,” Lewis repeated. He smiled, “It’s a pretty name.” She was starting to feel more comfortable. Good., Lewis thought. “Bat made that stew last night. It was made with fresh venison and some herbs we started growing out back. The vegetables are from the market.”

Watching her eat was a treat. She reminded him of a starved animal, not unlike what the boys used to be when they were under their previous leadership. Lewis was impressed, though, that she left a small bit for the fox that she had brought in. “So, Xeik gave you Amber, did he?” Danwe is going to scold him later, but…I can’t blame him. He must have had a good reason.

“Xeik should be here shortly, then,” Lewis stated, standing up. “Until then, you’re welcome to stay here. Just don’t go out back. We’re still working on some of the ren…renno…” He frowned. “Fixes.” Between Bat and Danwe, they had been trying to teach the boys how to read and write. Xeik had picked up most everything like a sponge, per usual, but Lewis and the others seemed to be struggling a bit on the fancier words of the common tongue.

“It might be dangerous,” he said, finishing his thought. “So…” he walked around the table, and leaned down to pet the fox. “Did Xeik tell you anything about us?”

Author: Akira, Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 4:24 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Akira actually began to blush at the questions and compliments, and suddenly felt quite shy. She was not used to so many kids in one area, least of all in a positive attitude toward her. None of them were pulling on her ears, or her tail, and all seemed genuinely interested. Each time she went to open her mouth to answer a question, another was asked before she could. Finally, one boy came to her rescue, placing food before her.

From under long lashes, she glanced at the boy, and decided she liked his hair. While not as white as her own, it was as close as one could get with any pigmentation. She shook her head at his apology. ”It’s okay.” Primarily, she was glad with the lack of pulling hands. The boy managed to make all the others disperse. Akira took a bite as he encouraged her to, and could not believe the flavor. It was amazing!

”I Akira. This good, what is it?” One habit, despite her mothers attempts, was not yet broken. She still ate as if she was starving, shoveling the next spoonful the moment she swallowed. The boys coming back with their own food went unnoticed. Soon enough, Akira wiped her mouth on a napkin, one thing they actually did manage to teach her, took her plate, and put it on the floor next to the fox. Akira had not eaten all of her food, saving a small portion for her new pet. A smile spread across her face as it ate the remainder of her food.

When she sat up, she had the fox in her arms, noticing the boys’ eyes upon her once more. ”I Akira.” she re-introduced herself. ”Akira from Vilpamolan. Yes, this is fox. Akira name her… Amber!” Her eyes slid over to Lewis. ”Xiek gave Akira Amber. Gave Akira advise, but Akira don’t think shop owner was happy, so Xiek told Akira how get here.” Meanwhile, Neera was listening, and was not sure that her ward should be a tavern full of possible little thieves. But Akira was a spirited child, hardly accepting a simple no for an answer.

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 3:13 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Once Xeik’s name had been mentioned, most of the boys relaxed around the strange girl who showed up. She was younger than most of them, though there were a few that were close to her age, or younger. Despite being a den of thieves, though, all of them appeared to be genuinely good people. A lot of the boys crowded her table, asking her a variety of questions.

“What’s your name?” “Where are you from?” “You’re so cute!” “Is that a fox? Can I pet it?”

The one boy in particular who brought her the food from the back, courtesy of the tavern’s owner, Bat, seemed particularly interested in the girl.

As he set the food down in front of her, he shushed the other boys, and told them to back off. Upon first glance, he seemed like a wiry sort of boy with pale blonde hair, and massively underweight. While this was mostly true, he had gained quite a bit of weight and strength compared to the rest of the boys.

“I’m sorry,” he said, looking to her. The blonde haired boy couldn’t have been much older than the girl, but he held himself with the authority of an adult. “They can be a little much sometimes.” He sat down across from her at the table.

“Food’s ready in the back. Go ahead and get some,” he said to the other kids.

“But-”

“Leave the poor girl alone,” he said.

“Okay, Lewis…” one of the older kids said. “We’re coming back, though.”

Lewis sighed, shaking his head. “I swear…they don’t have any manners.” He looked to the girl with a warm smiled. “Go ahead and eat. You can answer the questions as slowly as you need to. But…a name would be nice. And how you know Xeik.” “

Author: Akira, Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 1:00 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

A shocked and confused expression riddled her face as she cocked her head to the side. Stay safe? The boy was giving her advice as if he truly was a thief who was scoping her out. But he was being honest, if his smile was anything to go by. Akira gave him a huge smile. ”Promise!” As Xeik cursed, so did she, clutching the fox protectively. ”Fenedhis.” It was an elvish word that Mama Celeste would probably gripe on her about using.

Without thinking of where he was sending her, or why, Akira nodded after receiving his directions. She darted away, the fox appeared calm in her arms, accepting events as they came. ”Child, what are you doing?” Neera’s muffled voice called out. ”Safe place.” ”You’re not getting yourself into trouble, are you?” ”No, Neera.” When she came out of an alley way, she turned left as instructed, past two doors, and there was the tavern.

The child pushed open the door, greeted by a sea of male faces, all not much older than herself. She froze for a moment as they were judging, waiting, calculating her. ”Um… Zzz… Zee… Xeik sent me?” Their demeanor changed in an instant to a welcoming manner. Akira was drawn deeper into the tavern, seated at a table, and a meal ordered from someone named Bat. A bit overwhelmed and ochlophobic with the sudden warmth, and press of bodies surrounding her. Too many voices were talking at once, she couldn’t make out much.

With a wince, Akira let go fo the fox to grab her ears, pressing them against her head. ”Please! Too loud. One at time.” The fox darted under her chair, but remained close to her. Soon, the children had her feeling more comfortable as she began answering questions.

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 7:47 AM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

The boy was genuinely surprised at the reaction he got from the girl. She had taken the fox without question, cradling it gently. Xeik had assumed correctly this time around. The girl had a kind heart. However, this did not absolve her completely of all sense, like some kind hearted folk he had met in the past. She eyed him warily, as if expecting him to turn on her in an instance.

After the many experiences he had had in his own life, he couldn’t blame her. Xeik shook his head, “Nothing in particular. Just…stay safe. Guard your coin better. You were wide open most of the time. I’d hate to see someone with a kind heart such as yours be taken advantage of.” This time, his smile was genuine, and he waved slightly.

“Xeik Eraphim, master of the Heaven’t Dawn Thieves Guild” he said, introducing himself. “Just promise me you’ll take care of the fox, okay?” he asked. He wasn’t sure why he was trusting her with his title, but he felt that he might be able to.

There was a slight commotion behind hm as the store owner finally noticed that the fox was missing. Xeik glanced back, cursing. That was faster than I was expecting. He glanced back at the girl. “There’s a tavern…” Xeik quickly explained the instructions to get there. It wasn’t overly complicated, but it was definitely off of the normal path of traffic. “It’s run by some friends of mine. If you need a place to hide, even for a moment…tell them that I sent you. They’ll know what to do.”

Xeik turned away, and darted towards the commotion, intending to act as a decoy to throw the owner off of the girl’s trail.

Huh. I never even got her name….

Author: Akira, Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 11:13 AM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

As she walked, Akira tucked her pouch into her backpack. The shuffling woke Neera up. ”Child?” ”Can Neera go smaller, hide in coin purse?” She never requested things such as that. With Neera watching her from the shadows her entirely life, the puca knew her experience with pickpockets. Not another word was spoken as she shifted into a small scorpion and hid with the coins, ready to strike any who reach their grubby hands inside.

Soon enough, the boy called out to her once more. Akira was nervous as she turned around, only to find the fox she had been eyeing shoved practically in her face. Hesitance showed as she glanced nervously up at the boy. Did he steal it? Pay for it? No, the vibe she got from him was not an honest streak. Slowly, Akira reached for the fox. Once in her hands, she cradled it against her body, nuzzling its head while simultaneously running her fingers through its fur.

It didn’t matter how he acquired the fox. ”Don’t worry, foxy. When we go home, you have plenty of space. No cages.” Remembering the boy, she looked up at him. ”Thank you, but nothing free. What you want in exchange?” While Akira was being genuine in her gratitude, it was obvious she still didn’t trust him, her guard still up. Her ears were still straining to catch wind of any possible friends of his waiting.

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 8:12 AM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

As the girl spoke, Xeik realised he may have misjudged the situation. She clearly knew how much coin she had, and she knew well that it could be swept away at a moment's notice. However, the fact that she hid it behind her back was a shortcoming. Had Xeik been out to get the coin, it would have been far too easy to grab the coin, especially with the help of the Guild.

Shopping had been her answer, and her eyes gave her away. It was less shopping, and more that she had been distracted by the caged animal. Xeik had learned early on that animals were a commodity, just like spice and alchemy, and could fetch a pretty price for the right client. Recently, though, he had also known what it was like to be the fox, caged and miserable, just waiting for someone to come along and use you for their own gains.

She started on about her guardians being close by, but Xeik knew very well that was a lie. The fact that she was lying though meant she had seen through his false smile. As she started to walk away, Xeik shook his head. She was too focused on her nerves, making her an even better target. He glanced to the caged fox. Ok, ok…

With all of the training he had done, it would be far too easy to pick the lock on the cage. The problem was the stall’s owner. Xeik glanced to him. He seemed to be distracted by something. It’s a risk. He could look at any moment. Still, it would be less than three seconds.

He slid forward, pulling a tool from his pocket. As he thought, the lock was old, and it come undone with ease. The boy looked to the shopkeep once more. Still distracted. The cage swung open, and Xeik grabbed the fox, cradling it. By the luck of the Gods, the fox stayed quiet, and he darted back into the crowd.

Not a soul seemed to notice, or care. The girl had not gotten far in the time he had stolen the fox. Whether she had decided to hang around and watch, or not, he caught up to her.

“Hey! Here…take it.” He held out the fox, who surprisingly, was still cooperating.

Author: Akira, Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 12:04 AM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Her ears twitched, listening for anyone who might be bold enough to swipe the coin right out of her possession. Being raised in Vilpamolan had taught her that many people were ruthless. She still spent far too much time alone to fall into a false sense of security from her mothers’ protectiveness. Akira eyed the fox once more, its pitiful whine sealing her decision. It was a solid third of her current supply. But to Akira, it was worth every coin.

Before she could make the purchase, however, a young boy greeted her. Hastily, the child stuffed the coins back in her purse, and hid it behind her back. When she finally looked up, the boy was obviously older, but too young to be considered an adult. But he was approaching it soon. He was at the age that adults tended to press far more responsibilities on. ”Shopping.” Akira glanced at the fox briefly.

Was it time to find the bell? Ring it and Daddy shall come. But, she did not like to abuse that gift, and has yet to ring it even once. ”My mommies are waiting close.” Akira’s voice was hesitant, and too soft to come off as convincing. Nevertheless, she spun on heel, and began to walk away. Something about his happiness reminded her of the pirate haven. Often there was a decoy, and they worked in packs. Her heart was beating loud enough, she feared anyone could hear it.

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2018 7:51 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

The streets of Hoja were crowded as always, and ripe for the picking. Xeik scanned the crowd from the rooftops. The coordination of the Heaven’s Dawn Thieves Guild had gotten to near perfection. Down below, a heist was going down without a hitch. Xeik’s main lead, Lewis, had infiltrated a merchant’s household with two other boys. They had gone in just moments before, and were already on the out.

Xeik was on lookout duty this time around. Sure, he could have hogged all of the fun to himself, but the boy wanted to make sure his other guild members could hold their own weight. However, there was a shimmer that caught his eye from the side street. The dark haired boy looked over, his eye twinkling. What fool of a- Xeik saw the little girl holding a coin purse.

Xeik facepalmed. “Oh Gods, why do you test me so…” He looked down. “Lewis should be able to hold his own…” He sighed. Damn it. Danwe, please don’t be mad… He jumped down, blending into the crowd. He effortless weaved in and out of groups of people; merchants trading their wares while shoppers eyed their prices. Most of them would be easy targets, but right now that was not his focus.

Suddenly, he broke through the crowd, and standing there eying her coin was the smallest of children, a girl. Xeik walked up to her, and put on a childish smile.

“Hi!” he said with an over exaggerated enthusiasm. “Whatcha doing?” the boy asked. While his ‘child-like’ curiosity was fake, there was the question of what she was doing. There didn’t seem to be any adult figures around, and she had a hefty bit of coin on her. It would be a shame if someone stole it.

I’ll judge her character and see if she deserves that coin or not… the thief thought to himself.

Author: Akira, Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2018 3:19 PM, Post Subject: Two of a Kind [P]

Hoja Mesto swayed back and forth, reminding Akira of the ocean voyages. Her eyes wandered the diverse city. There was so many different people here, the plethora of languages were grating against her ears. A lot of things were on sale, and the curious child looked at each item eagerly. Mommy Larka’s belly was getting bigger, and Akira was slowly realizing that soon, she would not be the only child in the Nash home. It was odd to try and wrap her mind around the concept of two little ones being her siblings.

Yet, as she walked through the marketplace, the child wondered what one would buy a baby to be. Fabric could be acquired for the making of clothing, and this vendor had a beautiful assortment. But then again, this woodcarver had beautiful carvings dangled on strings to decorate their field of vision from their cradle. The room that Celeste and Larka had picked out, right across from Akira’s own, was already being filled with furniture and gifts for the children. Excitement for them was mounting with each passing week.

Akira was playing it smart though, keep her options open before making the decision. There was only so much coin she had before she must return home to her mothers. Amidst the crowd’s cacophony, one sound reached the child. She turned, golden eyes spying a few dozen crates of animals. Her heart squeezed tightly, as this was her weakness. Almost in a trance, she approached one of the cage. In one was the most pathetic looking kit, a baby red fox, looking up at her with the biggest eyes she had ever seen. The child pulled out her pouch of coin and began counting to see how much she truly had.