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 Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 1:22 pm
The sunset's radiant shadows against the dirt path were not nearly as distracting as the many homeless persons crowding the street. Koyama wasn't sure as to whether he should find a new road home or should he continue to trek the current one. The contradicting beauty of the setting sun against the cold loneliness of the coming night that the homeless would have to endure was quite an image to behold. In a sense he felt that no one was entirely helpless, there were ways around poverty such as finding a job or those street performances that he would occasionally come across. Then there was the opposite feeling of perhaps he should help them, offer them food if he had some and the like; not that he had much to offer to begin with.
And though he thought about this each time on the way homeward, he always came to the same conclusion of continuing to walk this particular way. It was neither a shortcut or a long way, simply just a way home. The melding colors of the sun shimmered unsteadily as Koyama took each step closer to home, or a place he was forced to call home now. His long shadow displayed against the dusty road rising and falling with each rhythmic step, lost again in his personal thoughts and debates. His lack of action becoming a more prominent issue to himself, as compared to his previous course of a more outward aggressive form of doing things. He had become quite passive lately, too much thinking and less doing. Though when a person is alone most of their time, it becomes difficult to reach anywhere beyond that silence.
As he thought about these things, Koyama realized that he would prefer to change these things about himself. Even so, he continued to walk rather expressionless towards home, disregarding the crowds of people that passed him.
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Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 1:56 pm
The sun was setting and, almost like a mirage Takara was blending into the colors of the scenery; most of her siblings avoided her when they couldn't tell where she was especially at this time of day when she became deafly quiet and, it was hard to tell where she was exactly. But today she was leaning on the door frame of their tiny house, watching the 'family' eat the little bits and pieces of food they'd managed for the day. In total, Takara had thirteen younger siblings and the two older one's that had been around when she had first arrived had disappeared into the shinigami academy, leaving them with promises to return with food and a little money so they could afford the better parts of Rukongai. " Takara, will you not sit and eat with us? " No, she thought bitterly. " No, I'm not hungry. " Her tone straining to stay neutral, yes she was grateful they had taken her in and yes she was grateful that they took care of her, but it had come with a price. As eldest she'd have to keep all the younger one's together, maybe even try and teach them a few things, though all she'd done so far was discipline them. Scowling, she pushed herself off the door frame and moved through the house sticking her head into rooms and looking for the three new additions to the house. If they'd gone off again... Takara was going to be pissed.
The two little boys and the little girl had indeed ventured into the streets of Rukongai, they were running a muck and causing quite the disturbance. No one dared touch the little children, fearing that if Takara caught them, they would face a storm. Slamming the door open, Takara took a step outside and narrowed her eyes as she peered up and down the street. People either avoided her or looked away, one new comer pointed at the direction of the kids and Takara sneered. Closing the door she marched towards where the man had pointed to, when her back was turned someone threw a rock at the man for giving her directions. Spotting one of the little boys hiding behind a building and looking at their soon to be victim Takara turned into the nearest alley, climbed onto a barrel and then pulled herself onto a roof. Careful not to make noise or step through the roof she made her way over to the other side, jumping down and grabbing onto the little boy and rolling to prevent any bones from breaking. She'd covered his mouth for good measures too, no need to draw attention into a dark alley.... Slowly bringing her glare down to the little boy she perked her brow. " If you aren't home by the time I get back... You are in deep trouble. " The little boys eyes went wide and as she released him he ran straight out of the alley and back home. Dusting herself off, Takara peered out of the alley and at the little girl now on the floor pretending to be hurt as her brother advanced towards the stranger with scissors.
Both little boys had gathered enough cloth pieces to make new clothing for each other, the only one who needed some fabric was the little girl and when she had laid eyes on the blue moon and star pattern a man was wearing she just had to have it. So the trio had devised a plan, the little girl would pretend to be hurt and as for assistance while one of her brothers came in from behind and cut out the cloth they needed. It had worked quite well so far with other strangers, everyone noticing after the fact that half of their clothing was missing. Pretending to trip the little girl feel in front of the man and started crying, asking for help. Her brother slowly made his was over to the stranger, being careful not to attract attention. -Found
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Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 2:20 pm
Koyama, forced to stop in the middle of the street, looked downward at the cause of his sudden need to halt which had interrupted his internal argument. He stood there for a good moment in bewilderment at the young girl, barely wearing any clothing and crying in front of him. Taking a second to absorb this information, he slowly knelt down beside the girl and calmly placed a hand on her shoulder. His dark deep eyes looking gently into the little girl's, his expression was extremely calm.
"Are you alright? Please, tell me what's wrong little girl." Was his response in a very soothing and soft tone. The cold passiveness he usually seemed to emanate dissolved in the presence of children. There was a certain part of him that refused to be as harsh as he normally was towards them, perhaps it was their innocence factor. And perhaps he had one day hoped for having children of his own. He wasn't quite sure of it, and chose not to delve into it for very long unlike his other conversations he held inside his mind for long periods of time nonstop.
As he asked the girl this, his old senses were just as sharp as they were when he had been alive and knew quite well that there was a little boy behind him. Completely aware, Koyama had chosen to ignore this fact, though he did intend on finding out the purpose of this current situation.
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Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 2:52 pm
Takara had waited just a few more moments behind the building, her eyes were dangerously narrowed now. She did give credit to the children though, the plan seemed to have worked well so far since the little boy had a multitude of fabrics in his hand. She almost smiled at the fact that this was almost how she'd acquired her own fabric for what she was currently wearing, but she had never stolen anything. Then there was also the fact that the guy, whomever he was had dared even touch her little sister. Takara didn't let anyone touch her siblings, she herself didn't hit them, taking much more pleasure in keeping a very scary appearance. Rubbing her temples she left the hiding spot with a sigh, hopefully after all this was done she would be able to relax. Haha... What a joke. The little girl looked up and cried even more. " My knee hurts, I'm cold and hungry. " Before anything else could happen and above else let her sibling cut the mans clothing, she pointed a finger at the man dressed in blue she took a deep breath and raised her voice. " What the hell do you think you're doing? " Hand on her hip, angry look on her face, people were already starting to clear out that section of the street. This could get ugly very fast when Takara was involved, and she already looked pissed enough to throw a few people around. It didn't help that she had gold eyes, it made her look always angry and on fire.
The warning had been for both the man and, her brother, whom soon stopped and turned his head in pure horror. The little girl froze and didn't dare move, Takara slowly waked over, now with both hands on her hips and she glances down at the little girl. She would deal with them first and try to figure out something with the man. Though she could try to be nice, at least he'd stopped to try and help her' like every other dimwit who'd gotten caught in the scam. Takara pointed her finger at her bother. " You, home before I drag you off. " Bending down she grabbed and lifted her sister up, gently of course and brushed the dirt off of her. " I'll get you something to wear okay? " The little girl nodded, wiping tears and, some smudged dirt from her face before hugging Takara. Sighing softly, Takara put her down and patted her head. " Home now. " The little girl smiled, even though Takara's voice had hardened again she knew she'd won. Slowly turning back to the stranger, a silence feel between them, Takara didn't know what to say.
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Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 3:18 pm
Nodding sympathetically at the little girl, Koyama felt in his gut sadness that this poor child seemingly had no guardian and was quite helpless. Just about in the motion of putting his hand in his sleeve to take a few coins to give to the girl for food, he was then interrupted in the middle of doing so by a booming voice of authority.
Watching the interaction between the powerful young woman and the small child, Koyama remained silent with observant eyes. As the children scampered off, he slowly stood up again and dusted his knees. Now faced against this woman with a very fiery existence, he wasn't quite sure what to say. Her kimono alone gave a very intimidating feel, though he personally was not intimidated by anything. He enjoyed the design of the kimono rather, quite like the current setting of where they stood inside the process of the sun setting. Koyama didn't like her tone of accusatory voice which she had used against him, but he guessed that it was her protective instinct towards the children and he passed quickly over that thought. It was normal in such a situation to become defensive, especially since he was a stranger to them.
Standing quite silent and tall, he stared into the golden eyes unflinching. Unsure of what to do, seeing as this woman would most likely not accept charity. There wasn't very much else he was capable of doing for a stranger. His stern and somewhat cold neutral face had returned. After remaining this way with the young woman for a good few minutes, Koyama realized there was no longer a point for him to stand there with her. Since she had not said anything else to him, he felt there was nothing else to do about it. The children were with their guardian who would supposedly take care of them and he had no business to make a judgment upon them. Though thinking on this, he then came back around to the thought of poverty and the situation in which those children were in. Reaching into his sleeve, he gather what few coins he had on him and held them out to the seemingly angry woman.
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Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 3:34 pm
Takara blinked a few times, money? Her siblings had caused him trouble and he was giving her money? ... Wha? ... Slightly confused she brushed her hand through her hair and glanced around, of course people were watching. She didn't take anything from anyone, much less asked for money or food, people had decided it was a very interesting scene and, decided to watch her reaction. Rubbing the side of her face feeling quite awkward, she extended her hand and closed his hand over the coins. She retreated her hand quick and hide it behind her back. So childish Takara... Coughing slightly, she looked to the ground and then back up to the man. " You know uhm... We're having supper at my house, and you seem kinda new around these parts... To repay you for my siblings er... " Attitude? Way of living? " Behavior. And you know... We have a spare bed among the kids if you need. " All she wanted to do was rip her hair out, though she didn't want to be in anyone's debt and, he had been nice. People would mostly likely take advantage of him out here anyways, and she was always glad to help people out.
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Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 4:04 pm
Koyama's hand remained extended towards the woman. As he listened to her speak, he gathered that she did not handle kindness very well or rather that she didn't know how to handle it. Very slightly, his lips curled into the tiniest most unnoticeable smile. Reaching out to take the hand which she did not manage to hide, he gently placed the few coins into her hand.
"I know how difficult it is growing up in poverty. Your children can use this, as little as it is."
And to clarify his action, seeing he understood the fact she most likely didn't not enjoying receiving things...
"Please don't misunderstand. This isn't an act of charity. It's so there will be one less crying little girl to bump into on the way home."
He gave her a small nod of acknowledgment before turning to see that they had an audience. Apparently this woman was an attention attractor? Sighing slightly and looking around awkwardly, he continued his trek home towards which was towards the sunset which remained as beautiful as ever.
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Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 4:21 pm
If Takara could have made herself look small she would, but instead her cheeks reddened and her eyes grew wide. Calm down... But she couldn't, in fact she was staring at the coins he'd placed in her hand rather dumb fondly, not exactly knowing what to do or how to act. Say thank you and run along? Just go back home? All these questions buzzed in her mind and, she just stood still looking like a statue with a very expressive face. She remembered a similar gesture of kindness from a shinigami who had appeared into town with a list of people to take back to the academy. She had been cornered by a few people who had started trying to pick a fight with her, and the whole thing had turned into a brawl. The shinigami had appeared out of no where, chased everyone off then stayed with them for two days. He'd went out and bought the material for what she was wearing now and had taught her how to sew things together before disappearing back behind the large wall. He'd never asked anything return, though Takara had sworn to become a shinigami and help others just like him. That was until other shinigami started showing up and took her older siblings away...
Finally snapping out of her daze, she turned on her heels and ran after the man. When she caught up to him she grabbed his arm and, yanked him back to semi stop him and, maybe drag him along with her. " My mother would be quite upset if I didn't offer you some kind of help. " Liar. " So please, I insist that you come. " As if her mom would care, if anything the old woman would think she'd adopted another kid and welcome him into the family like everyone else. Technically, there wasn't much room with the new children, but she could stuff him into a corner for a night then send him on his way out. Worst comes to worst, she would drag him back home if she had to. So, with the most eager face she could pull without looking like an idiot she waiting for a positive answer.
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Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 5:39 pm
Suddenly, getting jerked back with a tug against his arm, Koyama was forced to turn. He looked down at the young woman's eager face and her plea that he go with her. Seeing her determination and forwardness, he felt that he should oblige her and simply go for a short time with her. It wasn't as though he was in any urgency to go home, but it wasn't very often that he would be asked to go home with a stranger. Slightly confused by this, Koyama reluctantly nodded his head with a polite smile flitting across his face for a moment.
"... If you insist." Another awkward smile in place. He wondered why she was so earnest on having him go with her. Of course he had shown her some kindness and perhaps she wanted to repay him for that. But to him it really didn't seem like such a big deal. Nonetheless, Koyama obediently followed the girl's lead.
"Uh... May I ask your name...?" There wasn't a better time to ask something like this, was there? It would make things much less awkward if they at least exchanged names to become a little more familiar with each other. Koyama was definitely not used to being around the presence of a female... At least it was something he liked to believe, pushing back the thoughts of the face which he could not remember entirely.
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Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 6:50 pm
Takara released the breath she had been holding and, him altogether before turning and walking the other way. If she was going to make a fool of herself today she may as well finish with a boom, she unconsciously shrugged, she didn't care what others thought. She didn't want to stay in debt to the man, anyone for that fact. People tended to call up on favors at the worst of times, and if you didn't repay the favor... That's how things worked in this district anyways. She turned her head slightly in his direction, weighing the good and bad of telling him her name. " I'm Kohane, Kohane Takara. You? " Well that had sounded forceful... Soon the house was within her view and Takara sped her pace a little. " I hope you like kids. " She said playfully before entering the house and being surrounded by 13 yelling and, smiling children. " TAKARA! "
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Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 8:30 pm
"Koyama Yuichi."
He said with a small bow of his head as he continued to follow the girl to her home. Without being given a chance to absorb her words, in an instant there were several children calling out her name as they entered the house.
Slightly bewildered, Koyama made a sheepish and perhaps somewhat shy smile as he acknowledged all the young faces. Not quite sure how to act around so many children, he simply stood there rather stiffly and awkwardly in the girl's front door. He was simply there to be there anyway, he would have to endure his current predicament until it was appropriate for him to take his leave.
Seeing so many smiling little faces really wrenched at a certain part of him which he could not understand, or subconsciously refused to. And at which conditions all these children had to live made part of him also quite sad. He wondered about their predicament and how it had come to this for them. How were they being taken care of? So many of them at least... It seemed rather unreasonable for so many children to be crammed into such a small home. No wonder a few had tried to trick him. He pondered momentarily about if maybe there was something else he could do for them...
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Posted: Sun May 10, 2009 5:13 pm
Takara was starting to feel a little claustrophobic with all the children crowding her and, Koyama probably might start feeling a little awkward if she didn't keep the kids back. " Guys back, get back. " Most of the children moved back, while the younger one's stayed close. It was then all eyes turned to the stranger and they all feel silent, Takara never brought anyone back home, only mother did and this was quite weird. " Is there food left? " When no one answered her, Takara rolled her eyes. She would have to answer to many questions later on, but right now her mind was on food. Turning slightly towards Koyama she beckoned him to follow her with a simple head gesture. Getting through the hallway without the kids trying to get a good look at the stranger in their house they finally made it into the kitchen where some rice had been left for them. Grabbing two cups Takara equally separated the rice and handed Koyama one of the bowls. Moving through the mass of children, she went to the dinning room, almost forgetting about Koyama would would probably be trying to swim his way through the kids while either trying to answer questions or just avoiding them.
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Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 7:17 am
Looking down at all the children, Koyama was a little curious as to how it was possible for so many kids to be living in such a place. But he put this thought aside and figured if he was going to be there surrounded by them, he may as well be as friendly as he could to them.
"Good evening. I am Koyama Yuichi." Introducing himself to the kids and surprisingly with a very gentle smile and bow.
Though unfortunately, his host was already making her way through the children and further into the house. Since it would be best to follow her, he attempted to do so while continuing to pay attention to the little round faces that kept their gaze on him.
Koyama was taken aback when given the bowl of rice, he was not in dire need of food and there was still some left at home. He wasn't worried about such things for himself. When he looked around at the little faces, he found the girl from earlier who had been trying to cheat him and instead gave her the bowl of rice with a small smile and a nod that, yes, she should take it. When he had a moment to look up again at Kohane, she was already moving further along. He obligingly followed her and without thinking very much asked suddenly:
"How do you take care of so many children?" More out of concern, and a little out of judgment. Though perhaps it was better not to strike up a conversation like this within the first meeting of someone, he could not help it. It would probably not end well if her answers were not sufficient enough to Koyama's opinion.
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Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 4:32 pm
Takara made it to the living room, plopped down on one of the many cushions and straightened up. Looking around it seemed all the kids had followed... What was his name again? She really was bad with names sometimes, even keeping track of thirteen was hard. His question struck her a bit odd, and she herself wondered how they managed to keep every single child healthy and out of trouble. Putting the rice down and sliding it to one of her siblings that had been intensely watching her food, Takara wiped her mouth and thought for a bit. Mom always had just enough money to get buy and sometimes a bit more, though Takara worked and was secretly saving up a bit of money so the family could enjoy a better life style. " I... Well I'm not alone. We have our mum and two eldest that recently left for the shinigami academy... " She shrugged. " The oldest work, mum works and yea. " She really didn't know what else to add... Like who asked that kind of question anyways? Grabbing onto Aiko who was still eating some rice she placed her on her lap. " Aiko you need to apologize.. " This was another very good reason why she'd brought... Yuichi? Yes Yuichi to the house, if she wanted to teach her siblings manners, they would have to learn how to apologize to people they had tried to wrong. Takara had always liked teaching others, especially the younger kids and, it gave her an opportunity to actually have a good side for once. " I'm sowwy. " The little girl said in between mouthfuls of rice, Takara rolled her eyes. It's a little start.
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