Tales of a Magical Boy (For Emerald_Pheonix)

[Xatarias]

Nelton's nose twitches a little as you extend your hand. The diminutive warden surveys your face, trying to determine the sincerity of your apology. His features soften and he takes grips your hand with his own paw-like appendage. It's a little hard to tell, but you catch the hint of a blush beneath the camouflage of his white fur. He clears his throat awkwardly.

"It's... It's okay. This place can drive even the best of us a little crazy. I might have been a little harsher than necessary when we first met. We'll call it square." With that, he gives you a rueful smile and leads you from the council chamber.

The great doors boom shut behind you, and you breath in the cool evening air. The suns are setting over the leafy horizon in the east, casting an orange glow on the terraced mouse settlement. Animalistic citizens hither to and fro, completing their business before the last natural light gives way to nightfall. Further down the street, you see a nimble catmorph scale aloft to light the gas lamps placed at regular intervals throughout the city's byways. Laughter bubbles out from a crowd gathering at a nearby café. Nelton steps forward at your shoulder, and surveys the scene with obvious fondness.

"As messed up as everything is outside, we do our best to keep hanging on... It's... Good to be home." He turns his gaze towards you. "So. Seems like your here until tomorrow morning. I can show you to your bunk in the barracks. Unless... Unless you'd like to see more of the city?"

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Sayaka thinks about it before nodding "Yeah, seeing more of this place sounds nice. It can be a date!" He states with a sweet smile aimed towards Nelton.

 

[Xatarias]

The tips of the young mousemorph's ears turn a bright crimson as he lets out a surprise squeak. He coughs for a moment before attempting to bring his voice into a calm, level tone.

"Erm date? What's?... I mean, great!..." It's pretty clear that your advance has flown over Nelton's head, although judging by his flustered state, he seems to have understood on some level. "W-well, what would you like to do first? We could go to the gardens-that's where all our food is grown, but there are flowers too! O-or maybe you'd like to go to a café? There's lots of strawberries now, so the they have lots of jam tarts. Or we could see the city defenses! I could show you my favorite cannon!"

The young junior warden covers twice the distance you do, back tracking and darting to and fro as you calmly walk down the cobblestone pathway of the lamp-lit street. He is a complete bundle of nervous energy, eager to please. Evidently, Nelton doesn't get much opportunity to entertain.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Sayaka laughs, he had meant it as a joke. But he guessed that it was too late to say that now. He looked around, greeting anyone who (was brave enough) walked past while saying hello.

 

[Xatarias]

Unescorted by a band of warriors, you the people you pass seem to regard you as more of a novelty rather than a potential threat. Some return your greetings, others just pause and stare curiously until you pass out of sight. Nelton points out the different sites and during your stroll. The city takes on an almost fey-like air as darkness comes and its streets are illuminated only by the gas lamps overhead. Musicians perform on street corners and in cafes. The establishment Nelton takes you to is positively packed and, true to the mousling's word, serve fantastic berry-filled tarts.

You're taken to a nearby garden where you see more than a few couples pairing off and sitting in quiet, shadowed corners. Nelton obviously didn't consider the venue's romantic qualities as he stammers worse than usual during the tour, and is quick to move you along.

He finally takes you down the city walls at the gun port of his favorite cannon (lovely engraved "Betsy" on the side). He points a clawed finger out towards the silver ribbon in the distance that cuts through the forest and shimmers faintly in the light of the four moons overhead. "That's the Telshen River. If you're going to the mystic's temple, you'll want to find it and head north. There should be some ruined stairs leading up a limestone bluff. The temple is at the top. There are more than just demons out there... Some people don't need to have their souls corrupted to make them hostile, so be careful." He opens his mouth as if wanting to say more, but hesitates and looks back at the horizon.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Dayaks nods "Right." He looks up at the sky, then he looks at Nelton. He couldn't help but think that the morph, despite being tasked to fight, was actually very innocent. He took a deep breath and released it before walking closer to Nelton. When he was close enough, he hugged the other with a gently smile "Thank you, Nelton."

 

[Xatarias]

Nelton squirms a bit, that cherry red flush once again coloring his ears. Rather than looking scared or repulsed, he just doesn't seem to know what to do as you wrap him in a warm embrace. A few heartbeats pass before he awkwardly gives your midriff a squeeze. You feel the furry tuft of his tail brush your calf as it wraps around your ankle. The moment soon ends when the shy Mousemorph is overcome by his own embarrassment and breaks the hug. He stumbles a bit as his treacherous rear-appendage seems hesitant to let you go.

He puts his tail firmly behind him, bell tinkling all the while, and meekly stares at his feet. "W-well, it's pretty late... I should show you where we'll sleep.... I mean, where you'll sleep. I just meant that the wardens sleep together... In the same barracks! We all have separate bunks! It's not like people are constantly having... Relations... Not that there's anything wrong with people doing that when they get some privacy! I'm not a prude or anything! B-but it's not like I... I mean, I've barely even..." He groans and buries his face into his paws.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Sayaka chuckles and pats Nelton's shoulder "Think about what you want to say first, otherwise this'll happen. But I will admit, you are cute when you blush." He states teasingly before laughing.

 

[Xatarias]

Nelton turns away bashfully, muttering something about being sunburnt while simultaneously wringing his tail in a way that doesn't appear to be intentional. Eventually, the young mousemorph gathers his composure and gestures you to follow him to the aforementioned sleeping quarters. 

A series of back alleys and staircases leads you to the city barracks. You notice that Nelton is much more reserved in his conversation with you, sticking to neutral topics and pausing before speaking. Still, Every now and again you catch him glancing at you out of the corner of his eye and that flushed tinge returns to the tips of his ears.

The city barracks stands before a large drill yard, dotted with arrow slits and gun ports. Its whitewashed brickwork and blockish structure aren't much to look at and the interior plainly matches. Rows of bunks are placed between large wooden columns. It's hot, drafty, and despite clearly having been recently cleaned, smells of musk. The soft snores of a few prone occupants emanate from a distant corner.

Nelton stows his gear in a labeled cubby and quickly strips, tossing his dusty uniform in a nearby chute. The speed of his movements speak of long habit and he seems almost startled when he walks past you towards a door on the far side of the room. Down to a linen loincloth, he has no chance to conceal his lean physique and fair-sized bulge. Despite trying to appear casual, he fidgets while addressing you. "Erm, I usually soak in the baths a bit before turning in. No sense going to bed all sweaty."

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Sayaka nods "I guess I should change too." He closes his eyes and is covered by blue energy from his soul gem. The energy soon disperses and his battle outfit is gone, replaced by a traditional white and grey Japanese school uniform.

 

[Xatarias]

Nelton pauses long enough to shake his head your sudden transformation.

"Does everyone swap their clothes with magic where you come from, or are you just special?" He asked the question in a teasing tone, but there is a genuine glimmer of curiosity in his eye.

Whatever your answer, Nelton extends the invitation to use the barrack's wash facilities if you so choose. With that, he opens the door to the baths and disappears in a cloud of steam, leaving you alone save for a the sleeping soldiers.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Sayaka chuckles, but he turns and exits the barracks. He walked around the city by himself, wandering and learning the layout of the city. He then stopped in a quiet park-like area and looked at the moon, his face calm.

 

[Xatarias]

While Nelton and his fellow wardens have begun to turn in, the night is still young for the city and many of its inhabitants. Paper lanterns hang in windows and the streets are crowded with laborers looking to spend their coin on drink, food, and, judging by the multitude of scantily clad escorts, pleasurable company.

It takes a bit of searching to find a terraced neighborhood with all of its windows shuttered and dark. Nearby is a small cherry orchard in full bloom. The small blossoms almost seem to glow in the bright moonlight. Although you can hear the sounds nightlife, they are a distant distraction. One of the gnarled fruit trees has a well worn low hanging branch, no doubt a favorite sitting spot for the people of the neighborhood.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Sayaka smiles softly and walks through the cherry orchard at a slow pace, feeling at home slightly. He then found a spot that looked over the entire orchard and smiled wider before taking out his phone and snapping a picture. This place reminded him of home, and it made him feel happy.

 

[Xatarias]

The light from your phone startles a pair of sleeping song birds and you watch them flitter away to a more secluded hiding place. You note ruefully that you don't have the slightest trace of a signal. Figures. As ingenious as the people were here, constructing cell towers was probably beyond them.

(Insight vs. Precision contest: 7 + 2 vs. 4 + 4. Success!)

You hear the slightest whisper of movement and the bobbing of a familiar pair of white fluffy ears just above a nearby hedgerow.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Sayaka puts his phone away and sighs with a chuckle "Hey Nelton." He says, approaching the fluffy ears. But he was prepared to change back if it wasn't Nelton.

 

[Xatarias]

The young mouse cadet startles at your greeting and hastily pops from the hedgerow with a rustle. A few leaves still cling to his fur and the loose cotton shirt he must use as pajamas.

"Uh... H-hi... Th-this isn't what it looks like. I'm not stalking you or anything-well maybe a little. I just got back from the baths and saw that you had left. The city can be dangerous at night and if someone tried to mug you... Well you'd pummel them, but that's not the point! I didn't want you seeing the worst of us and getting the wrong impression... Then when I found you, you looked so peaceful. Happier than I'd ever seen you. I... I didn't want to interrupt."

His ever-twitching tail treacherously snakes out and tangles between his legs as he turns to go. He falls into a nearby bush with a sickening crash of broken twigs.

"D-damn it! I-I aced my stealth courses at the academy, so why...." He groans in shame and covers his eyes in exasperation.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Sayaka chuckles and helps him up "Ara ara, you'll get there. But perhaps you should keep your ears out of sight next time. And as to why this place made me feel happy is because it reminds me of home." He pulls out his phone and shows Nelton a picture. Sayaka is there, standing next to a shorter boy with pink hair and eyes who is smiling gently, looking like a delicate person. On the other side of Sayaka is a girl with seaweed green hair and eyes, looking very elegant and composed. The three of them are standing in front of a cherry blossom tree, much like the ones in the orchard.

 

[Xatarias]

Nelton's eyes widen at the display your marvelous gadget. He takes a look at the picture on display and smiles softly. "They look nice... Why'd you leave if you had such good friends back home?"

He bites his lip and stares at his feet at the question, apparently not expecting you to answer.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Sayaka looks down "I didn't want to... But my grief consumed me... I became a witch and lost my sense of humanity, who I was. But... I saw Kyoko. He sacrificed himself for me... So I wouldn't die alone. Then I ended up here."

 

[Xatarias]

It's a long while before Nelton responds. You shiver in the breeze as the sky grows darker and lights within windows are snuffed out.

"My sister left even though she didn't want to... They took her along with a bunch of other wardens when I was really little. I learned in my classes what happens to you in prolonged demonic captivity. Your soul bleeds out of you, and you're left with nothing but feelings of lust and depravity. There's no room for love or light. Sometimes I get these dreams... Horrible visions of what Lyla does to people now that she's a demon. I barely recognize her, but I know it's her. She keeps telling me to come find her and we'll be together again."

He shivers in disgust. You can only imagine what sort of propositions his corrupted sister fills his head with.

The young commando turns to you, "But... But you say you lost your soul and the elders still trusted you. That must mean there's hope for Lyla right?"

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

"Maybe... Corruption here is different from back home. But maybe... We can try. I'll help you try and get your sister back to normal. I... Can't promise that we'll succeed, but we can try." Sayaka states with a nod.

 

[Xatarias]

Nelton is dumbstruck by your offer.

"Do you mean it? I-I mean we just met, and not on the best terms... I'm sorry, I don't mean to doubt your word. It's just.... Whenever I mention my sister, people always tell me to give up and forget about her. Everyone's lost someone here, some of them in worse ways than what happened to Lyla. People consider anyone touched by corruption to be a lost cause. Some demons are so twisted, you wouldn't even recognize them anymore..."

His eyes fix on you with a determined stare.

"But that's going to change. We'll stick your soul back inside you, and then do the same to everyone the Soulless have taken.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Sayaka nods, returning the determinated look with a smile "Right. Like true heroes of justice!" He proclaims in an almost child-like glee. He holds his hands out for a handshake.

 

[Xatarias]

Nelton's nose twitches in amusement as he grasps your hand. His paw is warm and calloused.

"It's decided then. I'm coming with you... That might be a little tricky to explain to my superiors, but I do have a reputation for disobedience."

The warden chortles a moment before realizing he is still holding your hand. He startles and releases you, turning away shyly.

The fey cityscape has dimmed save for the flickering lines of the gas lamp. Judging by the silence from the streets below, the party-goers have either turned in for the night or taken their merry-making to more private locale.

"We... We should probably get some sleep. We've got a lot ahead of us in the morning."

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Sayaka nods and smiles "Right. Let's go back." He then offers his hand for Nelton hold as they walked. He didn't know why, but it felt... Comforting. Good to be close to this mouse-morph. He even finds Nelton adorable enough to want to hug him.

 

[Xatarias]

You walk back towards the barracks through the shadowy streets and stairways. You reach for Nelton's hand, but he doesn't seem to take the hint, focussing on the cobblestones beneath your feet. He doesn't object to your closeness though and the backs of your arms brush as you walk side by side. It's a little hard to tell in the dim lighting, but the tips of Nelton's ears seem a little more rosey than usual.

You arrive at the barracks, now crammed with sleeping soldiers. It is a little warm, but it is a welcome change from the somewhat chilly air outside.

Nelton stows his gear and hops into the bunk above your own. It doesn't take him long to start gently snoring, his tail curling around the bedpost.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Sayaka chuckles quietly before getting in the bed below Nelton's, smiling softly. He took out his soul gnawed looked at it closely, losing his smile as it glowed softly. He then changed it into a ring on his finger before closing his eyes, letting himself drift off to sleep.

 

[Xatarias]

You shiver under your blanket as a breeze from the window nearby. Someone must have opened it while you were slumbering. Tough as you are, yesterday's trials took quite a bit out of you. You listen to the birds chirping outside curl in the patch of sunlight splayed across your bed and snuggle deeper into the mattress. A few minutes sleeping in certainly couldn't hurt, besides you had earned a little bit of luxury.

You hear a shallow intake of breath and the feeling of someone watching causes you to open your eyes.

You awaken nose to nose with Nelton. Leaning with his elbows on your bedside, he watches you with a tender expression that soon melts into horror as you rise.

"I-I... I was just about to get you up! We um... We don't have much time to cross the forest so... So you um should.... Well I guess you're already up..." He stands frozen for a moment before taking on scarlet hue that would rival a ripe tomato. Overcome with embarrassment, I he dives under a nearby bunk and scurries to the exit, calling over his shoulder.

"I'll um... I'll just be double checking our packs! Take your time!"

You wince at the crashing noise following his departure. Apparently Nelton was getting better acquainted with the hallway's broom closet.

.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

When Nelton was above him, Sayaka felt a blush rise to his cheeks as he watched the other over him. Then he sat up and winced when Nelton crashed into the broom closet. He then slipped out of bed with a sigh before heading out. He could easily figure out now that Nelton had feelings for him. He felt... Slightly honoured about it, and couldn't help but smile at the thought of them together. Sayaka had forgotten about Kyosuke, his original crush.