photonicfighter | Chapter 8

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Chapter 8 - Festive Season

[Action A - 458 Stone Street]

[Regular life in Mayfield, as much as Dakki had previously come to dislike it, was a relief in comparison to what had happened after Thanksgiving. She had been content to just live, and tend to the house, and take care of her drone daughters, and pet Chen, and be so, so thankful that Gat was still there...

Then came a small box for her in the mail, that morning. Which reminded her of all her previous discontenment, and then filled her with excitement. It could be her body! HER BODY! He real, honest-to-light body, right there, in that box! She scooped it up, tucked the other mail under one arm, and rushed back inside.]

I have mail! I have mail! Guys, guys!

[It was all plunked down on the kitchen table, and Dakki ripped the lid off of her package in her excitement. And seeing what was inside, her face fell. It was not her body. It was a small stock of Gurhalian healing items.]

...aw, c'mon! That's not fair!

[Action B - Library]

[Once again, Dakki finds herself at the town library. While it may hold few new cookbooks for her, she's on the hunt for something different this time. And there are three or four books already held in the crook of her left arm. They're all about knitting. Approach?]

[Action C - Shopping]

[Having decided for herself that she's going to learn how to knit, she's off to get supplies. Getting the needles was no real problem, but picking yarn.. that's tough. She's holding up two different balls of red, each with a slightly different shade, trying to make up her mind.]

If I could just get one of each... no, it'd cost too much...

[Phone, evening]

I didn't even realize it until everyone else started talking and decorating but... Christmas is coming, isn't it? It seems a little different than the Christmas I'm familiar with... but there are still presents, right? And trees? And special food?

Although... on the subject of presents... I'm not sure what I can get for my friends. I can't afford to buy them all something big. I'd like to make something... but I'm a bad cook, and I'm only just learning how to knit... Would anyone have any suggestions...?

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[When Dakki came calling that she had mail, Gat came down from the upper floor of the house to see what was up.]

What'd they send you—

[Well, he didn't have to wonder for long. He can see the telltale design of 'mates from here.]

—Oh.

[Gat sounds a little surprised.]

Yeah.

[Dakki is unimpressed. She's trying to smile a little, lifting a dimate out of the box to inspect it, but she's failing.]

It's not my body.

[The dimate then vanishes with a blue glow, safely into nano-storage. Aah, and it even slots into the right section automatically. How nostalgic...]

It's not even that many of them. Five dimates. Three trimates. And... and... [She grumbles, pushing aside the antimates and noting the single moon and star atomizers, still searching to see if there's more...] ...not even a scape doll! This is just cheap.

[In Gat's case, he wasn't aware that the town sends commonplace items from home like that, which was part of his surprise. On the other, well—he can't understand why Dakki hasn't gotten her body back while it was the first thing they sent him.]

[Does the town know that's what she wants, and is keeping it from her?]

[Gat crosses over to Dakki and puts a hand on her shoulder.]

[Why hadn't she gotten her body back yet? ~~Her Mun is a horrible, horrible person~~ Who knows?

She sighs when Gat puts a hand on her shoulder. And then laughs and gives a shrug to encourage him to move it away.]

It's still useful. Here. You should take a few, in case of emergency. [She offers a trimate to him with one hand, and an antimate with the other.]

[Gat doesn't offer any resistance when Dakki shrugs his hand off, putting it back down by his side. However, he remains attentive to Dakki—Gat glances at the trimate and antimate, and shakes his head.]

I don't got a place to put them things yet. No nano transformer of my own.

Hang onto 'em for now. I'll have to get some kinda pouch I can fix to somethin'.

[Looking thoughtful, Gat props an elbow up with a hand, lightly tapping his chin with a knuckle.]

Maybe I'll jus' wear th' belt I was usin' when I was still human.

You can always get a bag? I think that's what people did, before they had nano transformers.... [She laughs. She's teasing.]

I'll keep them safe. You let me know when you have somewhere to put one, right? Even if you have to rummage for it for a few seconds, you'll still have it.

The belt's not a bad idea at all.

[Gat shrugs.]

Bag, pouch, it's all th' same thing.

[His tone of voice suggest he's taking it in good humor, though. However, he looks at Dakki more directly after that—and his tone of voice changes to something more somber.]

You'll get your body back some day, Dakki. They can't keep it from ya forever.

Backpack, knapsack, purse... [She bites the inside of her cheek to help stifle a snicker.]

...no. No, they can't. Maybe I've been wanting it too hard.

[Her expression becomes darker and more thoughtful, too.]

How well do people usually treat you, Gat? They might be surprised to see you, but... they aren't distrustful? Scared?

[Well, that was a bit out of left field! Gat tilts his head in an inquisitive manner.]

Here in Mayfield? Well—I ain't met anyone who's been scared or distrustful of me outright, naw. Most folks just seem surprised to see a CAST walkin' around.

[A beat. There's a tinge of concern in his voice now.]

Has anyone been givin' you trouble?

[She suddenly looks embarrassed. Oh dear, is she making Gat worry, now?]

Not really... trouble. A few people have been a little leery of me once they hear that I'm a CAST. [There's a pause, and she lowers her head slightly.] Well.. wait, that's not the main factor, I don't think... it's interesting to be a CAST, but alarming to be a CAST that has weapons and has made a career out of using those weapons on things...

[Her head snaps upwards. Revelation has descended. Enlightenment of some sort has been reached.] ...everything makes a bit more sense, now.

[That causes Gat to tilt his head inquisitively.]

What're ya sayin'?

[Dakki laughs, somewhat embarrassed now.]

I'm sorry. I should start from the start. Taiwan seemed a little frightened of me, once she found out that I was supposed to be a CAST. But there aren't any artificial lifeforms like us where she comes from, I think.

I was just a bit upset at the idea of her being upset. I'm not a bad person.

Huh ... Never met somebody by that name.

[Gat holds the back of a fist up near his chin in thought, while supporting its elbow with his other hand.]

Can't say I've really met anyone who's acted frightened, though. Though there was that one car that slammed on th' brakes when I was walkin' past, a while back.

[Gat shrugs.]

(Chen walks in as Dakki happily announces having mail. Last time Chen got mail, She got her human form again! Maybe the same would happen to Dakki! The neko is already examining the box, but isn't exactly sure what she's looking at. )

Mail time! Mail time! What'd you get?

[Dakki can't bring herself to keep being angry around Chen. Now she's just a bit dejected and sad.]

Healing items. Not my body.

[She looked to Chen and she sighed. Even the cat had stopped being a cat and started being a cat-person, when she got her package...]

Aww, but I thought you would get it this time! Are they at least good healing items?

(Not to say there's bad healing items, but there comes a point when healing only 50 HP just doesn't cut it.)

I thought so, too! I've really wanted it...

They're mostly good ones. No scape dolls, and only one star atomizer... but they'll come in handy if someone's hurt. [Which is bound to happen around here. She gives Chen a bit of a worried look.]

At least being able to survive could help, right? It seems like a lot of people are having trouble just doing that.

To survive a little longer to make sure that someone else does... hm... [Pretty grim thoughts. Grim, unpleasant ones. She tried to think more positively.]

You do come back to life when you die, but... not every injury kills a person. Poor Loki lost an arm... [Because you chopped it off, Dakki..] ...and then there are broken bones, burns, bruising...

[He leans across the pile of yarn between her and him and pokes the lighter one.]

I like this one.

Hm?

[She looks up from her thoughtful yarn considerations, and blinks at the redhead in surprise.]

You do? [She looks at the lighter red ball a little closer. Feels it with her fingers again.] It's a bit softer than the other one... is that good, too?

Yes ma'am I do.

Softer yarn makes for a softer sweater, am I right?

Ah, I'm not anywhere near ready to make a sweater! I'm hoping to make some scarves!

[She laughed, and set the coarser ball of red yarn back down.]

...I think it would be even more important for a scarf to be soft, though. You're still right.

Ah! You're new at this then! Best way to start is with baby steps. You gotta walk before you can run and all that good stuff.

[He nods.]

Oh yeah, for sure. Wouldn't want some coarse thing rubbing against your face, now would you. Who are you making them for?

Of course, of course! Little by little. Maybe it'll go better than my efforts to learn how to cook... [She laughs again.]

For myself, for now, I guess. Then for my friends. I'd like to give some as presents, if they're good enough.

Not adjusting well to the idea of house wife then huh?

That's nice of you. I bet whoever you give em to will enjoy them well enough. Who doesn't need a scarf during the winter?

I'm adjusting! I'm just... not designed for it. [It's a bit of a sensitive spot, it seems.]

That was exactly what I was thinking. Scarves are useful, and warm. People should have warm, useful things available to them in the winter. I hope they turn out alright.

[Designed for it? Hmm...]

I bet your kids here adore you.

[There's a little squinching of her eyes at the talk of kids. But she's still smiling.] They're both droned... but Aurica and I got along well while she was... still here.

I suppose Chen's like a child. She's actually a pet. A "nekomata", she said. And we get along fine. What makes you think they'd... adore me?

Ah, sorry to hear that.

[He shrugs.]

You're out stressing over which yarn to get to make people scarves and you're trying to fit into your roll as the mother figure here. That's good enough parenting, isn't it?

I... I guess you're right. I'm making the effort. It's more than some people must do...

[Then it hits her. All this talking, and no introductions! She shifts the yarn out of her right hand, and extends it to him for a handshake.]

I'm sorry. I think I've been a bit rude. I'm Dakki Sigal. It's nice to meet you, Mr...?

From what I've seen anyway.

[He looks at her hand for a second before returning the favor.]

Axel.

Axel! Good to meet you, like I said. [She laughs.]

And thank you for your help. I'd better get these up to the cash and paid for.

Edited 2012-01-02 04:35 (UTC)

[He nods.]

Sure thing. Nice meeting you Dakki Sigal. Be seeing you around I'm sure.

[He waves over his shoulder as he exits the store, not purchasing anything.]

Oh, I'm certain there are all sorts of doo-dads here that could make excellent gifts!

Are you sure? [The sound she makes doesn't seem very sure.]

I'll have to go out shopping again, and keep an eye out for what's actually being sold. Ugh, getting presents for people is hard.

...have you seen anything nice?

Oh yes, I'm absolutely certain! [ Pops is always completely certain. ] There are lovely ribbons and candied products, decorations~!

Ah, candy... I'll have to see how much that costs. I don't know if I could get candy for everyone...

You sound like you enjoy this time of the year, sir. [She laughs happily.]

[ Completely joining in on that laughter. ] It's one of my very favorites! I just adore the holidays!

I hope you have a pleasant holidays then, sir. [Ah, more warm laughter! This is nice.]

I'm Dakki, by the way. I don't think I caught your name, sir...?

Oh, I'm Pops! It's very nice to meet you, Dakki!

Ah! A pleasure to meet you too, Pops!

I'm hopeful that it'll be a pleasant Christmas. So far, so good, hmm?

Yes, yes, indeed! We'll make a welcome holiday for Mr. Claus yet, eh?

Yes. Yes, I think we will!

...by Mr. Claus, you mean... Santa Claus, right? I've been reading about him!

Yes, that's him! I didn't know he had a standing in literature!

[Dakki laughs.] There are books about him at the library. He sounds like just a legend to me but... anything can happen in Mayfield, can't it?

That's one of the nice things about May Field! And one should always appreciate the nicer things.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Chapter 8 - Festive Season

Action A - 458 Stone Street

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Action C

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phone;

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My sincere apologies for lateness.

Don't even worry, I'm on slowatus as it is. o/

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