http://isaacmustdie.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] isaacmustdie.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] paixaorpg2006-10-12 12:56 pm

Paixao: The World Beyond The Rift [Complete (finally!)]

Characters: Karst, Alphonse Elric, and anyone else who wants anything to do with us.
Content: Karst talks for a while and they go in search of a way to go home... and the means to stay alive until they find said way home.
Setting: Starting out around Niflheim in G10, heading slowly towards Auntie Unde's in H7
Time: Afternoon-ish?
Warnings: Rambling. Karst suddenly wanted to talk a lot.



Karst was grateful for her new companion's optomism and gentle demeanor, despite the fact that she couldn't see him for all that bulky armor. And he spoke like a learned scholar, but was apparently still a child. How... interesting. It almost made her giggle.

"Then I suppose if we are to find a way to go home, it would be further into the city, yes?" She glanced about, determined that the gate was the south-west corner of the city and that logically, more of the city was north-east, and started walking. "Then let's start searching."

A goal. Just what she needed. Take her mind off of Isaac and her ceaseless vengeance quest, take her mind off of the loss of her sister, help this boy look for his brother and find a way home, but start by traveling into the city in search of clues, this was a distraction and a much-needed one at that. Her new companion's bulk and spiked armor reminded her vaguely of Agatio (only bigger, spikier, and smarter), but she didn't let that bother her.

"Well... nobody knows what's beyond the Rift," she explained as they traveled. "Prox and Mars Lighthouse are on the northern edge of the world where I'm from, so far north it isn't on any Southern map. It's a common pastime to make up stories about what's on the other side of the Rift, and most of the time it's another world like Weyard. When we realized there were edges along the Southern portions of the world, too, Agatio and I made up stories about the kinds of worlds beyond them. I guess I should have expected that another world would be very different from what I was familiar with."

She considered for a moment. "The Southern edges were submerged in the ocean and were waterfalls. The Southerners call them Gaia Falls. It's probably the most beautiful aspect of water I have ever seen, a waterfall, I'd never seen them before."

Karst hadn't realized how much she'd wanted to just talk to somebody who didn't know, didn't care who she was, to just talk and talk forever, until she'd opened her mouth and started rambling about waterfalls, about water! But the armored boy was considerate enough to let her talk and walk, which she appreciated just as much as, if not more than, his optomism and cheerfulness.

A white shape curled and uncurled at the corner of her eye, but was gone when she actually looked at it. She didn't mention it in case it upset the boy. No reason to go arousing trouble, usually trouble came for one soon enough anyway.

A stiff wind curled her double-cape around her, and it occurred to her that most of the blonde and blue-eyed (Isaac) Southerners were wearing heavier clothing than she was used to seeing, a sign they thought it was cold (it seemed rather warm to her, but then... Prox never got warm weather). She slowed, glanced over to her new companion. "... Are you okay? It seems to be somewhat cold by local standards."

[identity profile] chroma-girl.livejournal.com 2006-10-18 07:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Trapping a soul like that sounded awfully sad to the girl. The way Al had reacted caused Marona to look thoughtfully now up at the armor. While she had a talent for being quite naive at times, Marona wasn't always. A boys voice coming from a giant suit of armor, and how he'd reacted to the idea of trapping something inside an object... Could it be?

She didn't say anything, and followed them into the store, glancing behind her and only now, catching a glimpse of one of the white creatures. Is that why Karst and Alphonse were getting so jumpy?

Once in the store and after taking a moment to bask in the warmth, she turned to them, "Um .. I just saw something out there." This was a case of Marona being a little on the naive side.

[identity profile] hollow-metal.livejournal.com 2006-10-19 02:23 am (UTC)(link)
He barely manages to step through the door before the air is cut with a sudden ringing and buzzing sound. He gives a startled jump and flails with a small, unflattering cry. The sound is coming from inside his armor, his thigh to be precise. It echoes around the empty space, the metal vibrating in steady intervals.

"Ah!! Weird!!"

He reaches under the waist cloth and pulls out the journal, ringing and buzzing like it's been possessed. "What's going on?" He flips it open a bit to quickly, sending the little stylus flying. He reaches out with his other hand and grabs it haphazardly.

A pen? That's convenient, wish he noticed that before. He looks around at his companions and chuckles nervously, rubbing the back of his helmet in gesture of pure embarrassment.

He finally looks down at the screen and peers closely at the little box that has appeared in the corner. His soul-light eyes burn brighter in joy. "Brother! It's my brother! He's alive!" Despite his size and shape

He calms his excitement just enough to keep from snapping the stylus between his large fingers and starts poking at the small buttons with it. The shop, the strange white shadows, this new world- all momentarily forgotten as his focus narrows in on his beloved brother.

[identity profile] chroma-girl.livejournal.com 2006-10-19 10:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Marona let out a eep herself, when the sudden noise came about, though didn't react quite as baddly as poor Karst.

She then smiled brightly at a very excited Al. "Really? You found him?" she asked trying to sound happy for him, but it was yet another reminder of the person she was so desperate to find. However, if Alphonse's brother was here that meant it was even likelier that Ash could be here too, wasn't it? That thought cheered her up a bit. "That's wonderful, Alphonse-san!"

While Karst marched up to the counter to question the clerk, Marona took the moment to look at the journal thing again herself. She found some replies too, odd it hadn't made any sound. Must not be turned on or something. It didn't matter. None of the replies were any help at all, although the 'overlord' worried her a fair bit. Anyone seeing Ash looked pretty bleak, and Ash wouldn't be able to even use one of these things, unless he took the energy to, but she doubted he'd even think to do it.

So that left her back at square one. Little hope of finding Ash. It was disheartening to say the least. Well, she couldn't give up could she? And if Ash WAS here, surely he'd be searching for her as hard as she him. Right then, she'd have to not give up hope, and try to stay strong for him.

Trying to put on a happier face she wandered around the shop looking at the various clothing with curiousity. Some dresses reminded her of Sienna, the lady she rented her island from. While they weren't terribly fancy, they were far prettier than the sort of dresses Marona wore. She felt pretty sure there was nothing clothing wise she could possibly get with the coins she had in her pocket.

She then paused as she spotted a rack of scarfs, a long one of dark crimson catching her eyes especially. Reminded once more of her guardian, she dug her fingers into the knitted object and felt the need to cry again. Fighting it off she found herself unable to let go of it. Maybe she had enough money for it. A scarf would at least be a start to keeping her a little warmer. Digging into her pocket she pulled out the few bordeaux she had. Twelve golden coins - not a lot at all.

(OOC ah sorry I was rambly. I got 12 from rolling a d20. ^_^ d20's decide all!!!! ;D )

[identity profile] hollow-metal.livejournal.com 2006-10-20 02:14 am (UTC)(link)
Alphonse would so be blushing beat red with embarrassment right now if he could. "I'm sorry, Karst! I didn't meant to startle you, I didn't know that was going to happen.."

The device bleeps again as he receives another instant message from Edward. "He says that he'll meet us here." He sheepishly scratches the side of his helmet. "He'll be alright on the way, I'm sure of it. Back home, he's known as the Full Metal Alchemist. He's very talented."

After one last message he turns the journal over and over, looking for the place the stylus flew from. When he finally slips it back into place, he closes the journal and hides it back in his leg.

He looks up at his new friends then, feeling the shift in mood between them. Karst's demeanor has become short and cold, and he watches as Marona tries to hide her pain. He's no stranger to pain, and to hiding it. Emotions are really all he has left of the boy he used to be and he feels guilty for his excitement.

He wants to apologize, but for some reason he feels that it'll only make things worse. He watches them quietly for a moment. A scythe? He thinks to himself. She must be stronger then she looks.

[identity profile] chroma-girl.livejournal.com 2006-10-20 05:57 pm (UTC)(link)
The chroma girl was distracted a moment from her scarf, as suddenly Karst took off out the door.

Marona stood in wide-eye'd shock, watching the door slam behind Karst. She'd not seen anything quite like that before. Sienna was, well, lady like and Ash was always steadfastly calm and cool-headed, rarely ever getting actually angry. She's NEVER seen anyone lose their temper THAT fast.

Shaking off her stupor she glanced to Alphonse with a 'wow, she's scary' look. "I ... hope Karst-san won't be long," she said softly with a awkward smile.

She then folded the scarf into her arms, and made her way to the counter. "Um, I'm apologise for Karst-san. She seems to be rather, um, stressed," Marona said with a bow to the women at the counter.

Then pulling out a bordeaux from her pocket, she set it onto the counter hesitantly. "You ... wouldn't by chance take coins like these would you, please?" she asked the lady hopefully.

The women picked up the coin, turning it over in her fingers, looking between it and the hopeful face of the girl looking up at her.

Whether it was the value of the coin, or Marona's sweetness and politeness that won the clerk over, who could say? But the women spoke up after a moments thought, "For the scarf? Seven of them, dear."

"Ah, really?" Marona replied, her eyes widening with surprise. Digging into her pocket, she pulled out the needed coins, dropping them into the women's hand.

"Thank you so much!" the green-haired girl said, bowing again to the women, before dashing over to Alphonse, clutching the scarf to her chest.

[identity profile] hollow-metal.livejournal.com 2006-10-21 01:51 am (UTC)(link)
Al watches Karst storm off in a stunned silence, wondering if it's safe for her to go out alone. He reaches a hand out to stop of her. "Karst, wait! It's-" The door slams shut. "-dangerous..."

He drops his hand back to his side and shakes his head, metal scraping lightly against metal. He tilts his helmet down to look down at Marona when she hurries back over to stand at his side. She's so tiny and innocent, he can't help but feel the need to protect her. "That's a lovely scarf, Marona!"

But it wont be enough. He pulls the corner of the blanket up more firmly over her shoulder to make sure shes warm. He looks up at the woman at the counter. "I can do the heavy lifting if you need it. I can also do repairs as well. We've found ourselves in a bit of a spot here. As you can see my friend needs clothes more suited for the weather. So.. maybe we can work out a trade? I'd be happy to do anything you needed."

The woman looks startled when she hears Al's childlike voice. "How old are you?"

"Fourteen, Ma'am."

He doesn't react at the woman's startled response. "Oh My! But you're so... big!"

Alphonse chuckles nervously, gesturing with his hand as if it were no big deal "Ah, well... Gotta eat those vegetables! Yeah.. So is there anything I could do to help out?"

"Oh, but your just a child! Children should be working! You should be out having fun with your girlfriend there!"

"Girlfriend?!" Alphonse practically squeaks. "Uh, we've only just met!"

"Aww..." The woman gets a wistful look in her eyes. "New love!"

"No wait! Thats not what I meant! I'm not going to date her! " He looks down at Marona for a moment worried he's offended her in some way. "Not that dating her would be a bad thing, I just meant that I met her today and I don't really know her or anything." Alphonse rambling is a mighty, mighty thing.

[identity profile] chroma-girl.livejournal.com 2006-10-21 09:39 pm (UTC)(link)


Marona smiled up at Alphonse as he complimented the scarf. "Mm, it reminds me of Ash's!" she replied, "It's at least something warmer."

She blushed softly as he careful adjusted the blanket that was slipping off, looking up in wonder at him as he called her his friend. While her phantoms were her friends of sorts, they hung around her island and did their own things. Ash was her only true friend. No one else wanted anything to do with her, so being called a friend by Alphonse really surprised her.

Listening to his conversation with the lady, her eyes widened more. He was fourteen? He was only a year older than her! He seemed far much more wiser and mature than she was. It also made her wonder even more about him and his armor.

Her thoughts were interrupted, however, as a word she'd never heard EVER connected to herself was spoken of. Her hands flew to her mouth, as she turned bright, bright red. All she managed a shocked and high-pitched, "What?"

She wasn't offended at all, she was just as shocked and bashful as poor Al was. With no friends her age ever, the thought of ever having a boyfriend much less dating was completely and utterly a foreign concept to her. She'd never ever thought about that, ever.

So she stood there flushed and silent, as Alphonse rambled away, stunned at the very notion of the whole thing in general.

[identity profile] hollow-metal.livejournal.com 2006-10-21 11:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Alphonse waves his hands in front of him in hopes to deter the woman from this train of thought. He looks back and forth between Marona and the shopkeeper a few times before he decides to approach the counter. They're getting no where like this.

"Ma'am, please. I am more then strong enough to help you move things if you need it. I am also capable of repairing anything that may need fixing around here." He claps his hands in front of him and bows politely. "There must be something I can do. She needs a coat, or she'll freeze."

In a moment of mischievousness, he tilts his helmet back up to meet the shopkeepers face. "You wouldn't want that on your conscience, now. Would you?"

[identity profile] chroma-girl.livejournal.com 2006-10-22 01:14 am (UTC)(link)
Marona contiuned to stay quite quite red, but she managed to find her voice as Alphonse tried to talk further to the clerk.

"Um, Alphonse-san, it's alright," she said softly, "You don't have to go to this much trouble for me. I-I ... I can manage like this."

She was kind of embarrassed. Ash was the only one who'd normally go to any ammount of trouble for her, a almost stranger doing this for her was, well, baffling. She had no idea how she could repay Alphonse and Karst for their kindness as it was.

The whole thing got interupted, however, as Karst returned inside.

Marona gaped as she got sight of the golden coins, "Karst-san ... how did you...?"

[identity profile] justcallmeed.livejournal.com 2006-10-22 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
Ed's brisk steps slowed and eventually came to a sudden halt as he spies the MASSES of white, slippy things barring him from Auntie Unde's. Currently, they are all facing the shop. Maybe, if he's quiet enough, he can sneak around them and bypa--- Shit. One of them just turned around.

He's been spotted.

The Alchemist looks very much like a deer caught in headlights as one by one, the white shaddows turn and focus their presumably sightless faces on him. And then they started to converge on him.

"Ut oh..." Ed's muttering was only heard by himself and the enemy as they weaved their way closer before attacking. He grunts softly as he kicks and punches them away, back peddling to try to get some semblance of of a defence that looked more like a defence instead of some drunken display.

Finally he had a few feet, a couple seconds. Ed claps his hands together once, staring at the throng with intense concentration and drops his gloved hands palm down to the ground. The cobblestones spring up and melt together to form stone 'bars' that criss cross and weave their way around to form a sort of tunnel to the shop's door. They also serve as a partial pen to keep the shadows from moving to quickly. Ed can already tell this isn't going to work for long; already the things are slipping through the cracks, so to speak.

Edward runs headlong down the 'tunnel' after scooping up his journal. He crashes though the door, not mindful of any potential patrons that may be behind it and throws himself backwards against the door, panting furiously and having a 'panic attack' look about him.

"What the HELL are those things?!" He turns his head once to locate Al and instead spies the tall, not quite human looking female. He claps his hands again, his eyes narrowing. "Watch out, Al! There's a Chimera here!"

[identity profile] hollow-metal.livejournal.com 2006-10-22 05:24 am (UTC)(link)
Alphonse stands straight again and turns to face Marona. "I know I don't have too. I want to. If anything I can turn your blanket into a coat, but I still think you're going to need more then just a dress."

He's being motherly again. He knows it, he just can't help it. It's just the way he is. He's always been the one who most took after their mother, and Ed never passes up a chance to chide him good naturedly about it.

He was going to say something else, but it's quickly forgotten and he ends up joining Marona in her shock as Karst returns with an cloak load of money. "How in the world did you manage that?"

There wasn't even enough time for her to give a proper explanation before the door crashes open and the streak of red and black bolts in and slams the door shut behind him. For the countless time that day he stares in a stunned silence as Edward's familiar (if not loud) voice pierces the air.

"Brother!"

Al abandons the shopkeeper and rushes over, scooping up the tiny blond into his large metallic arms before he could finish whatever transmutation he had been planning. He hugs Edward tightly against his breastplate and and swings him around in his exuberance, the size difference making his older brother seem even that much smaller.

"Brother! I'm so happy to see you! I was so scared when I couldn't find you! I thought I had lost you for good! And Karst isn't a chimera, she's a friend! I thought she was a chimera too..." He stops when he notices Ed turning red from lack of oxygen. "Oh! Sorry.."

He sets his brother down looking a bit sheepish. It had taken Al some time for him to become accustomed to his metal body. It was easy enough for Al to adjust to the basic movements of arms and legs that are far too large. Figuring out the correct amount of pressure to apply was another matter completely, especially without muscles and nerve endings to help him judge. Al sometimes forgets his own strength. More than once he has reached down to pat his brother on the back, and accidentally sent him sprawling on his face. "I didn't hurt you did I?"

[identity profile] chroma-girl.livejournal.com 2006-10-22 06:58 am (UTC)(link)
Things are happening so fast. The green haired girl stands there feeling .. well ... lost.

So that is Alphonse's brother? She regards the boy, who's entrance was certainly rather spectacular, with great curiousity. Watching them interact is even more interesting to her. She smiles watching them, and finds herself hoping her reunion with Ash will be as happy.

She then turns her attention to a rather angry sounding Karst. "Oh ... I see," she answers, her eyes then turning wide as Karst divides up the money. She's surprised by Karst offering her any, much less have any complaints about the amount.

"Ah .. Karst-san," she started, trying to formulate words. "That is so kind of you! I don't know how to thank you enough," she says as she clasps her hands together, bowing to Karst.

Taking the coins, careful to not drop a single one, she puts them carefully into her pocket. Since Karst is rather busy with the clerk, she turns her attention back to the clothes. Although now she looked truly lost, with the option she can purchese something. She had learned to sew and made her dresses herself, so never really had bought anything before. This was all a strange concept to her, so she had no idea where to start.

So she stood there trying to figure out how to go abouts this.

[identity profile] justcallmeed.livejournal.com 2006-10-22 03:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Just before Ed has a moment to place his hands on something, he suddenly gets snatched up by Cool Metal Binders of Squeezing Doom.

"Urg!" He can hear Al rambling on about something or other, but only catches half of it. He takes in a full, deep breath once he's set back down. Ed looks up to his little brother with a calming smile, his hand reluctant to release Al's arm for a moment. "I'm glad I found you, too, Brother!"

He looks around, arching an eyebrow at the red-head's 'salute.' He gives a cursory once over, noting she's not wearing either a military uniform or an Alchemist's pocket watch. Definitely not someone of importance to pay too much attention to. But he grins at her just the same, a cocky smile and a wink that he's learned from Havoc that makes the girls go bonkers (and Winry always threw a fit on that one, too.) "Well, that's good to know you're not being tailed by a Chimera, Al." He then nods his head once to the red head. "A Chimera is a product of human alchemy, combining at least one human and one animal into one form."

His golden eyes pause at the little girl shivering behind Alphonse. Green hair didn't faze him much-there were mush worse things he's witnessed, like those white shadows and Humumculi. Even though she's half buried in the plant patterned blanket (looks like Alphonse's work) and new scarf, she still looks like some waif that will freeze to death if she goes outside again. He offers her a little smile as well as the Red Head goes about passing out gold coin. It is definitely different than the gold coins he has in his pocket.

Ed looks to the coins in Al's massive hands and then up to the helmet. "So, Al, you think those things are a part of this world and this is the proper currency?"




----


[[Heh, sure! Al~mun said I could jump in anytime, and I thought she'd managed to get a hold of you to be forewarned. :) ]]

[identity profile] hollow-metal.livejournal.com 2006-10-22 04:22 pm (UTC)(link)
"We didn't mean to be insulting, Karst. That's why I asked you about the three headed chimera you mentioned, chimera's are very different creatures back home. We had a few chasing us for a while.."

He 'rolls his eyes' at his brother's flirtatious behavior before responding to his question, at least he isn't pressing the matter. "I... I really don't know. Besides, why would they be dropping money in the first place?"

Al looks down at the coins in his hands for a moment, then shifts almost unconfortably. He looks over at Karst again, his voice becoming a bit more quiet. "It doesn't feel right accepting this, Karst. You did all the work."

His voice brightens a bit as he holds the money back out to her. "I'm sure I can find away to earn it myself!" He glances back towards the door, he can still hear those creatures slipping around outside. At least they weren't coming inside for the moment, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't try.

((OOC: Yeah, sorry! I know I mentioned it to marona-mun, and I could have SWORN i dropped you and IM too because I saw you both online. MY FAULT SORRYS!!))

[identity profile] chroma-girl.livejournal.com 2006-10-22 07:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Distracted away from the whole puzzling matter of clothing for now, she was sad to see Karst suddenly turning so angry. Apparently Ed had triggered her anger further unintentionally.

Feeling bad about the horrible awkwardness that was forming in the store, she stepped over to the brothers, and uttered softly, "Ah, Karst-san was upset by the lady-san there earlier, um ... it seems it's getting worse."

"Ah anyways, Hi! You're Alphonse-san's brother?" she says a little louder, planting a smile on her face. She bowed slightly, "Pleased to meet you! I'm Marona," she greeted, looking upwards at the blonde boy, "What's your name?"

(OOC Hakuna Matata :) It's all good ^_^ )

[identity profile] hollow-metal.livejournal.com 2006-10-22 08:24 pm (UTC)(link)
"Karst!" He actually sounds a bit angered himself, more frustrated with her sudden bursts of anger. "You know we don't come from the same world as you do so there is no way my brother could be one of these 'Southerners' you keep talking about. There is no reason for you to be so... mean." He's used to his brother pissing people off on contact, but that was just uncalled for.

Revenge is lost on him. This time though, he knows better then to try and school someone, or even try and stop them. His thoughts drift back to Marta, and his hand moves to rest over the lower portion of his breastplate. Her death still fresh in his mind.

He watches the interaction with the shopkeeper and groans internally, figuring the woman to be pricing the device unfairly due to Karst outbursts. He approaches the counter, hoping to stop another argument before it starts. He places his hand on Karst's shoulder, the movement slow and practiced. "I could always make you a scythe if you can't afford one. That way you don't have to spend all of your money."

[identity profile] justcallmeed.livejournal.com 2006-10-22 08:35 pm (UTC)(link)
It takes a moment for Ed to fully process what the Red Head was implying. Obviously she didn't understand sarcasm if it bit her in the a--.

His outburst is halted by Al's snapping. It makes his eyebrows lift in suprise at the way Al reacts, and takes note at the way Al runs his hand ove his metal body. Something's happened, and Ed doesn't know what, yet. He's distracted from Al's peacekeeping skills when the green haired girl speaks to him. He softens some, nodding once. "That's right, I'm Ed, Al's older brother!"

He looks around the shop now, ignoring the persistant tapping on the windows and barricaded door. "Well, it looks like we got holed up well. There's plenty of supplies for us here." Ed eyes the shelves of food, but doesn't head off in that direction, yet. He looks over to Marona. "You hungry? Go find something, okay?"

[identity profile] chroma-girl.livejournal.com 2006-10-23 12:12 am (UTC)(link)
Marona smiled at first at Ed. Older brother huh? Things just kept getting stranger. He did seem older, sort of, but he came across to be much more abrasive than Alphonse. She shifted her hands to her hips, looking a little put-out. Go find food? She knew when she was being sent out of the way. "Holed up...? You mean we might be trapped here?" she asked, ignoring the suggestion of finding food for a moment.

The green-haired girl didn't like the sound of that at ALL. Stuck here meant she wasn't going to get anything accomplished towards finding Ash. She really wished with all her might he was here. He would know what to do, surely.

Their small mish-mash group was close to falling apart, and the situation was getting worse she realized, as Karst hid further into the shop. Well, maybe she could try to fix things. "Alright, I'll go look at things," she said a moment later, with a plan on her mind, and disappeared down the aisles, leaving the brothers to themselves.

She sat down in a different aisle and pulled out her journal, playing with it for a few minutes. She wrote something again in the vague hope that someone might be out there to read it and that it would somehow lead to Ash. If they were stuck here awhile, it was the only source to beyond. Or if anything, perhaps someone could come help them.

Feeling she'd given Karst a few minutes to herself now, she tucked the journal back into her pocket, and approached Karst. She was crying wasn't she? She could easily tell when someone was trying to hide.

Reaching out hesitantly, she touched Karst's arm. "Karst-san?" she spoke softly, to let her know it was her, before she slipped her arms around the warrior's middle. "Don't cry. They're not trying to upset you," she said softly, looking up at Karst with her large, innocent eyes, "We're all strangers from very different places, but we got to work together so we can get out of here, and find our ways home where we belong right?"

Funny how children can sometimes see things much clearer than adults.

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