Post by Majin Moire on Jan 10, 2024 18:56:03 GMT -5
Thread PL: 80,000 | Items: N/ASouth City...
It had been quite some time since the majin had last been here. Back then, she lurked within the alleyways, keeping away from prying eyes, in the case that someone, anyone, was out there, keeping a close eye out for her. Back then, to make sure nobody came after her, she kept to herself. Now, however, things were far, far different. She was still rather hesitant about all of this, being so out in the open with so many eyes drawn to her because of the fact that she was a majin, but she was here for a reason that was far less malicious than what she previously had in mind. This time, she was to accompany Jackie.
This sort of thing was absolutely not her idea, but rather, something conjured up by the earthling, taking the majin around to explore a brand new place, though the big city was a step up from merely meeting a single tribe in the middle of the forest. As for what they would even be doing within the city itself, well... Moire didn't have any idea as to what Jackie had in mind. Of course there would be something for the two to do while they're out checking in on the city, but what that particularly was is a complete mystery to the majin...
It was something the Earthling wanted to do for Moire for a while now. Show them just what people were like. Introducing her to the smaller tribes and villages of Earth was a good start, but having a date out in the city was sure to soften the edges of someone like the majin a little more. There was a certain exposure therapy to contending with the stray look here and there. Something most people she knows at least encounter a few times on Earth.
"The people are maybe as curious as they are judging. That's the thing with large cities. There are so many different types of folk, it's a fool's errand to try lumping experiences you have individually with those of the whole. I used to get looks when I was a little street kid." Jackie took the lead in guiding the two down some of the inner city sidewalks, passing by other Earthlings in their day-to-day lives. Plenty of suits, students, a few fishermen carting their catches toward a market. A direction they headed in themselves. The air was a mix of car exhaust and a miasma of food. Mixed joints ranging from cuisine pizza shops to traditional sit-in restaurants. All in the distance. Downtown, where anyone wanting to be sociable was.
"Haven't had the free time for a night out in a while... I woulda offered sooner, Moire."
Thread PL: 112,000 Current PL: 5 (Suppressed) WC: 232
Post by Majin Moire on Jan 12, 2024 23:12:29 GMT -5
After some time absorbing all of the nearby scenery and people bustling about, Moire's attention snaps right back to Jackie, remarking how there's just all sorts of different people all around, and that they all look to stare and judge the ones that stand out, which a majin most certainly does. "Well, it is fair to look. I'm not exactly an Earthling myself, nor do I remotely even resemble the people, even down to the eyes." Her glaring eyes keep daring between Jackie and any other civilians passing by, some giving her a look while others ignore her, whether on purpose or because they actually didn't look twice at her.
The two would eventually make their way around the city, Jackie of course taking the lead to show just what it has to offer to the majin. Rather than trudging through all of the dank alleyways South City has to provide, it's at least somewhat nice that she won't have to contend with the filth found there. Making their way over towards the nearby marketplace and with downtown in sight, there was a nigh endless amount of options available to the two of them, but Moire wouldn't even know where to begin. There were just so many unknown choices, it makes it incredibly difficult to even pick out a handful.
Her eyes widen a bit as she was snapped out of her thoughts, Jackie mentioning how she'd been so busy recently. Moire looks back at the Earthling, replying, "I am at least thankful to not be stuck in the middle of a bustling civilization without your company. There's nobody else I'd trust for something like this aside from you, not that there were very many to begin with..." After looking around a bit more, she turns back to Jackie and questions, "I'm still not quite sure how you manage to even find your way around this maze of a city."
The aroma of the bustling evening marketplace was sure to overpower the infrastructure and vehicle emissions the closer the pair got. South was hardly the dark network and full of disrepair and neglect East City often got criticized for, but no city was without its dark corners that Moire probably slinked into to avoid most of this. With the same adeptness of her leading them from sense alone, she'd turn around and eye Moire. Walking backward and avoiding any leading people walking their way.
"Wouldn't worry too much about not 'resembling' folk. Plenty of aliens and stuff make their home here now, since we've opened up to the galaxy however long ago." She waved the doubt away, her other hand reaching back to prop her head up. "And the story as to how I could navigate the cities with ease? It's... like, a twofold story. First off, I've gotten like... Way too good at sensing every little individual spiritual presence around me. Sus out where people walk, how fast they go, you could almost mentally map out where you're headed. More reasonably though, I... probably a year or so ago was paranoid about attacks and would spend actual days looking over cities." Was it the embarrassment letting that one out that made her look away for a moment? She thought on it a moment before stopping her backpedaling right at a stoplight. Giving those waiting at the crosswalk some space as she turned back around to face the direction she walked.
"So I know the streets well enough. Too many little booths and restaurants to try 'em all though. You said ya like sweet stuff mostly, right?"
Post by Majin Moire on Jan 13, 2024 23:18:33 GMT -5
The two would continue their little walk in the busy city, Jackie always keeping a particular close eye on Moire. With the Earthling mentioning how the majin shouldn't put too much worry in sticking out compared to the rest of the aliens that have made their way over to Earth and have already settled, perhaps Moire didn't have to worry, at least, not about that. Physically, she can still stick out quite a bit from the rest of the crowd, but it was true that there's been several other species moving about amidst the humans and other earthlings. Appearances themselves may not be what makes Moire stick out, though there is something certainly inside of Moire that may cause her to stick out...
The majin ultimately remains quiet on the subject, a bit withdrawn from that particular conversation as it may reveal a bit too much of her hand to Jackie. Rather, she put the focus on the Earthling's experiences with the city. "Perhaps when I first landed on Earth, back then when my power was far weaker, I would have a headache trying to keep track of every single soul I could sense here. At my current state, and most certainly with you, maybe not so much." she comments as they stroll past the people and crowds, "But that hyper vigilance... It helps to keep you and others safe, but to do it consistently and constantly would be taxing."
The pair soon stop at some sort of stoplight, waiting around before the Earthling mentions Moire's penchant for sweets. Despite the admittance to it before, the majin couldn't help but glance away, a bit of dark purple appearing on her cheek as she answers back, "C-Correct... But there is no need to go out of your way just to grab anything like that..."
Jackie doesn't have to prompt the crosswalk herself, as another group ahead of them had done the job seconds prior. Seems they and a few others were beginning to gather for the evening around downtown. Judging by age, one would reckon there's maybe a concert going on soon that invites a lot of the youth out. The kami herself hardly had that interest. Even when she worked as a mechanic's apprentice she couldn't stand the crowds.
"Wha? Nonsense. Like I said, I know a place. Serves what is essentially fair food. Lots of savory little things like corndogs along with confections. Think you'd get a kick out of the funnel cakes." One of the girls in the group back seems to give the pair a look as Jackie mentions it, whispering something to their friends. Curious teens probably aiming to try something new themselves, it was hard to actually decipher what they were talking about.
"Now why would I drag you out here if I wasn't gonna grab something I know you like? You can experiment when you're comfortable." The human tries easing her into the idea, just as the sidewalk's white depiction of a man crossing lights up. The group moving was Jackie's first indication it was their turn to walk, reaching to grab Moire's hand as she led the pair. They hardly had to care about cars bumping into them at their strength, it was almost more a courtesy to not total people's rides.
"Know I asked about food, but ya drink too right? Water, the like?"
Post by Majin Moire on Jan 16, 2024 21:03:37 GMT -5
As the crosswalk had changed lights and allowed everyone to cross, Jackie shares her contentions with Moire's hesitance on bending their little trip to her own desires. It was already a trip that the Earthling had prepared for Moire, and she had no intentions on steering the course herself. Even still, Jackie wished to do as she desires, and what she desires was what Moire wanted, the majin even perking up a bit at the mention of funnel cakes. She hadn't heard of a treat, but the mere mention of cake was enough to envelop her attention. "... If that is what you wish, Jackie." She replies.
Almost as if she were an android, Moire's eyes snap over to what she heard was a pair of women, whispering amongst themselves. Her crimson eyes glared at the two as they passed along, unsure of what it was they were conversing about, though full of the feeling that they were perhaps sharing gossip about her specifically. As they were walking, however, Moire's hand was taken, the majin pulling a bit at first before being reminded of the warmth of Jackie's hand. She relents, keeping her hand around the earthling's, and even tightening the grip a bit as they moved along, right before she asks the majin if she drinks anything.
"Typically, my kind sticks with foods, but drinks aren't off of the table. Sweet drinks are an obvious choice, though back in... Back then..." She shakes her head a bit before shooting a quick answer out, stating, "I would be what they call a 'light weight'" She blushes just a tad bit before her attention snaps back to where they were moving.
The girls cross the street and over to the open marketplace, where the sounds of business and conversation blend. The more homely and local stand owners were most likely not only part of the community but grew and caught what they had on offer. Past them, more restaurants in buildings scattered the noise into a mess of the late evening diner rush. The girls gossiping to their side wouldn't be the only time Moire would hear the mundane conversations of other humans crossing and fading as they came. No more relevant to her as the chirping of birds, but it all added to the urban atmosphere.
"Perfect. You'd like sodas, pretty much just sugar drinks." She'd usher them past a few stalls towards one of these buildings, a domed affair with an ostentatious contrasting color scheme, meaning to stand out and attract the eyes. If it weren't for the more rigid material the building was made out of, one might mistake it for a circus tent that was pitched for the coming carnival or something. A stationary sign denoted the establishment as the 'Faire Place'. It's clear what it tries invoking with that, coupled with the sounds and visuals. Tenfold once they hit the barrier and could smell the fried sweets and savory fill the inside.
"MMMm, never gets old. Every shop has a subtle difference, but you know you found a good one when you can recognize it by smell alone. Here's the spot. We're fixin' to see if you are a 'lightweight'. I've seen Saiyans eat after all..." Jackie grinned at the majin as she tugged Moire forward. They'd stand in a dozen or so person line to the front. Waiting patiently with a slight sway in her stance. She wasn't used to going out when it was busy, but by this point waiting wasn't irritating. She could always just meditate, or in this case... she had company.
Post by Majin Moire on Jan 18, 2024 21:36:51 GMT -5
The majin, still remaining as vigilant as ever, was peering into conversation after conversation as both she and Jackie passed by dozens upon dozens of citizens, though none of them ever made any remarks regarding the majin, merely just going through their own conversations with people they were walking with or speaking on their phones. It didn't seem all too concerning to Jackie, however, as she remarks that Moire could partake in sodas, some sort of sugary drink. She raises a brow at the thought, never really thinking about a sugary drink before. "Truly? Consider me... Interested. I think I would like to try one."
The pair would soon make their way into some strange looking building, one that stuck out like a sore thumb from the rest of the more rigid and gray-scaled coloration of the rest. This "Faire Place" was quite the interesting sight to behold, especially on the inside when the smells came in. All sorts of different things attracted her sense of smell, ranging from fried foods to, of course, sweets. The Earthling was getting more and more excited about showing Moire what this shop had to offer, commenting on how much of a lightweight she really is, especially considering saiyans.
With the two having to stand in line for some time, Moire took the opportunity to look around, right before glancing back at her hand, still wrapped around Jackies. She thought about tearing it away, though only for but a brief moment. There was no true reason to do so, and the though almost seemed... Confusing to her. "Well, when I say lightweight, I wasn't referring to the size of the meals, moreso certain... drinks." After looking about for a bit longer, Moire couldn't help but ask, "Jackie... Can I ask... Why are you doing all of this? For me?"
The question, at first, had a pretty straightforward answer to her. Jackie wanted to show a foreigner, an entity unfamiliar with her home, the culture and life of a human. Between the urban sprawl and evening out in the city life, to the more quiet vistas and beauty of the planet. It never hurt to remind one not of just the planet's beauty, or the inhabitants, but of the experience of being. Holistically, this was a form a rehabilitation done on the part of a guardian to introduce logic, empathy, and love towards life in something that might not have had that perspective. Either by never being exposed, or having been warped by a deed or history.
Her mind races to the ring. To Azuki. The ring's spirit, this demon, was not a naturally evil entity. It had learned to hate, festering it in an abandon of life and the experiences one can have. Azuki was a troubled youth who could always be shown a better light, even if she wasn't confident she cared about going out of her way for others. That was fine as it was, but this abandon cost both of them a possible future, a possible experience, and life for the better. Lots of the woes of the world, the criminals and so-called 'bad folk', could have their actions traced back to a past of torture, abuse, or any sort ill. This was more common than the alternative. Hate was learned.
Jackie kept up with the moving line as she tapped her foot in place. She knew this was correct, yet something bugged her. 'To show you a better life and our ways' was dry, and clearly, she was going above and beyond to make that happen for this one majin. The kami frowns and looks away for a moment.
"To show ya the world, I think. Better to guide you with light than to leave you in the dark. If I had the time, I'd probably offer it to anyone needing to ground themselves, but... I chose you, I guess. And for now, I gotta see that decision through!" It was about as good as she could explain herself without coming off as weird. Chuckling to herself as she found herself sounding silly in public.
Post by Majin Moire on Jan 19, 2024 23:50:15 GMT -5
A part of Moire had expected the Earthling to blurt out an answer almost immediately, Jackie just sharing her typical words of encouragement to the majin, to try to steer her towards something better than what she's been doing before, even if she still doesn't know the full story. Only part of her anticipated it, however, as it always felt like there was more to Jackie than what would first meet the eye, seeing her catch herself right before she would say anything to her. What it was that Jackie was thinking about was a complete mystery to Moire, that much was certain, but it was more than clear that she was holding some sort of baggage with her.
Moire's eyes narrow as Jackie finally responds back with an answer, saying that she wanted to take the opportunity to move Moire over to a pathway that would better her future, and not leave her behind in her own dark thoughts. It was to be expected, but Moire was convinced that there was far more to this than what Jackie was letting on. Her eyes dart from patron to patron, everyone so enveloped in their own little conversations before Moire questions, "Was it merely because of pure convenience that you have chosen me? That I was just around at the perfect time, and you happened to find me? Or... Was there something else? Because you picked someone who's had quite the... The path."
The majin was persistent in getting another answer from her. As more people passed by the line, Jackie felt herself fumbling a bit with words. Uncharacteristically nervous with telling the whole truth. She rubbed her arm and at first gave Moire a shrug. Was she just some convenience? She was going a lot out of her way for 'convenience'. It was an awkward pause as she tried gathering herself, and before long the counter opened up for the pair. Being next in line saved Jackie some precious seconds explaining herself.
"I know, it sounds... Just, gimme a moment." The kami turned and ordered the pair each some corndogs, colas, and funnel cakes to enjoy. All part of the experience, she reasoned, and it was like their most classic menu combo. She got a receipt with her numbers on it and was told to just sit at a booth somewhere. A waiter would bring the food out. Jackie would hurriedly nudge the majin along to a window-side where they could continue this little chat with a streetside view. Waiting for their meal was secondary to the question still posited, though.
"It's not convenience. I just... I've had plenty of friends, close and distant, who needed personal help. Knew people outside of that who could have benefitted someone helping them see the light in what they do. I was one of those people myself, at one point. It's usually those who have 'quite the path' that I wanna help the most. Especially after I sorta failed a few others by not being there. And they either turned out for the worst, or wound up... gone." There was a certain hurt in those words. Something she felt she couldn't elaborate on without unnecessarily putting that baggage on others. She wasn't trying to turn this into a pity party after all.
Post by Majin Moire on Jan 22, 2024 21:44:09 GMT -5
There was very much something Jackie wasn't saying to Moire, and they both know it. It seemed almost teeth-pulling for her to bring the words out, to explain what it is that had brought Jackie so far to go out of her way to come to Moire that day, but before she could give a proper answer, the pair were finally up at the counter themselves. Her brow unfurrows a bit as Jackie begins to order for the two of them, and as soon as the order was done, the Earthling nudges Moire over towards one of the nearby window seats, giving them a nice view of the city within the building. She takes her spot, and looks out for a little while at first, watching all of the citizens go about their days, these people she thinks... thought... as fodder...
Her attention soon snaps back over to Jackie, explaining that she's seen this sort of thing before from many of her friends, regardless of their full relations, whether close or afar, that she has always sought to steer them away from such a dark path, one that Jackie thought... and thought correctly... that Moire was on. The majin glances out of the window once more, staring right at the many people moving through, how different things would be if, perhaps, she were still lurking in the alleyways, waiting for new, strong prey to come to her like before...
She closes her eyes before turning away from the window, asking, "... And you say that same thing in me... You've had such an experience with it, that much is more than certain... But I want to point this out: We... We were never friends. I have never heard of you before all of this, nor have you ever heard of me. You didn't know who I was, why I was destroying everything in my path in the forest, why it all came to... that... Yet you came to seek understanding. Sure, you've come to stop me for one thing, but where others would strike me down for my actions, past and present, you sought to extend a hand to me... If only you knew the full extent of what I..." She falls silent once more.
The path to knowing and understanding... It was something Jackie herself fronted, even as she still had her own furies to quench. Yet, trying and trying again was worth it in her eyes. Someone like the Majin, who rightfully thought she deserved none of that consideration as a stranger, was right to question Jackie's motive in the end. Others might have strung Moire along for something else, a darkness of their own to channel. Moire herself might have done just the same to someone else if given free rein.
Jackie wanted to be better than that. The kami nodded, wrapping her fingers together in a coupled fist on the table as she leaned away from the window.
"There are far worse beings that I've offered this hand to, Moire. You seem to think you're some awful being beyond reason and without the ability to love, but that's simply not true... Most wouldn't even bother to think about the wrong they have done, not with the hesitation you do. Some would go as far as to denounce any reason for life for life's sake, and revel in the destruction of experience and memory, even for themself. But you? Nah. You just accepted my invitation. That told me what I needed to know. Your past and how you deal with it will ultimately come to you and IF you wanna share it in the first place." It was ironically the magically immortal beings that came around to see her reasoning. Guess they still understood how living was, huh?
"Friends or not, I saw someone struggling with a part of themself. That's all I needed."
Post by Majin Moire on Jan 24, 2024 21:38:25 GMT -5
A simple nod was all the confirmation Moire truly needed regarding Jackie, the majin studying her gaze and composure. She never really thought that there was anything wicked behind Jackie's motives, but rather they were moreso just out of mere confusion, confusion as to one could extend a piece of their heart out to the likes of her of all people. And yet, perhaps it's because of these thoughts in Moire's mind that exist in the first place that are the reason for Jackie reaching out. It all seemed to be confirmed once Jackie pointed it out, as rather than lash out continuously, she hesitated, and eventually took her hand.
"I... Heh... A fool I am, then..." She mutters to herself, "Judgment becomes so... Clouded after a century of being sealed... But even before, I haven't had to confront anything like that. Hell, at one time, I had a similar outlook to yours, back when I was but a 'humble servant.' It wouldn't stayed that way had I not been so curious about my own origins... With all of the fury built inside of my mind because of... So many different things, I just... I couldn't think straight. I was just set on a suicidal path for vengeance, and I cared not what it took to achieve my goals... Not even eradication."
She giggles a bit, leaning back in her chair, glancing at the ceiling for but a brief moment before tilting her head back down to Jackie. "Perhaps it's far too late for me to go back to those days, days where I just didn't know a thing about my true self, back before I was on a warpath, but... At the very least, I still have well over a millennia to live, to change... For the better, hopefully..." Moire sighs before leaning back in, her hands on the table as she keeps eye contact. "Jackie... I thank you for your insight."
Apr 6, 2024 1:21:15 GMT -5
Lottus: Friendly reminder for new folks to check the rules regarding art claims - AI Art is not accepted on Sparking for character sheets.
Apr 17, 2024 14:43:28 GMT -5
Lottus: Hey folks, got a new phone, but verification is preventing me from downloading Discord for now
Apr 17, 2024 14:43:57 GMT -5
Lottus: I won't be available until I get home from work!
Apr 17, 2024 14:44:58 GMT -5
Lottus: Feel free to dm me if needed!
Apr 17, 2024 21:13:47 GMT -5
Dingo: I'll post what you've said here up in the discord so it doesn't get missed!
Apr 18, 2024 19:19:20 GMT -5
Yakito: I am the #1 Tenrec hater (Striker will be struck)