Story A Day #7-19 Catch-up
Summary: Saya plays catch-up with all of the short stories she keeps forgetting to post.
Written for Story A Day, Runaway Tales, OneWord, and WriYe
Day #7 - Another Row of Reasons
Summary: Aiay and Lokuto have (another) argument over whether or not Aiay should lighten up.
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: Vagueness.
Universe: The Shadows Within
Prompts: RaTs: The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of an hour; Have I ever steered you wrong?; It's that same old riddle / Only starts from the middle & Do you really care? / Well, then pick up your heads and walk;
"Come on, Aiay! Just once, please?"
His wheedling had long ago ventured forth from the path of endearing and plodded its way into the realm of annoying.
She huffed a heavy breath and glared at him, resisting the urge to put her hands on her hips or some other undignified display of temper. Why did he have to pick today of all days to annoy the goodness out of her? Didn't he understand what all of this meant to her? Couldn't he grasp that she needed her wits about her?
His eyes widened and he looked up at her from under his lashes, trying to affect injured innocence. "Please?"
The hopeful ring of his voice made her want to throttle him. And if she growled at him, she figured it was better than killing him. "No! I'm not going to fool around right now! I have to be prepared for the ceremony!"
"But Aiay, the ceremony isn't until sundown! You have plenty of time to prepare for it. In the meantime, why can't we enjoy ourselves? I'm not asking you to do anything ridiculous or crazy. You know that I'd never do anything to jeopardize your standing with your patroness."
The whining wasn't helping her fragile nerves either. "Oh really? What about what happened last time?"
"Hey!" He cried, far more indignant than he had any right to be. "That wasn't my fault!"
"Wasn't your fault?!" She whirled on him, efforts of restraint forgotten in her anger. "You badgered me into going to that stupid party and you let me drink the wine even though you knew that it would affect me adversely. Perhaps you weren't aware my behavior would be reported back, but you were very aware of the fact you were intentionally intoxicating me! You should have known better! I was already the favored candidate, all eyes were on me. My reputation is too important and too fragile to be wasted on a stupid party!"
He didn't look nearly chagrined enough, she decided. Especially when he managed to defensively mutter "You needed to loosen up."
She pressed her fingers to her temple, willing away the headache that had started to take up resident within her brain (which she needed to be fully functional for the ceremony that evening). "Lokuto," she sighed, trying her best to regain her composure. "You know how much I want this. How hard I've worked for this. I've done too much, given up too much, to throw it all away at the eleventh hour. I'm not about to belittle everything that's gone into this by goofing off when I should be preparing. I can't let all of this sacrifice to have been in vain."
For a minute she believed he might actually drop the subject. Let them go back to their uneasy peace, back to beating around the bush and slowly driving each other crazy.
But of course, he couldn't see the wiser path even when it lay in plain sight.
"Have you ever considered the sacrifices you're demanding of everyone else because of this?" He turned to leave and she made to follow him, but he waved her off with a cold dismissal. "Oh, don't mind me. You go off and have fun being selfish and greedy and arrogant with your patroness," the title was spat with more venom than she anticipated him being able to conjure. "I'm just going to go actually enjoy life for a change."
Even if it wasn't the wisest choice on her side either, she let him stomp off without any attempt to stop him.
At least she would be able to prepare in peace.
Day #8 - Oxymoron
Summary: Aiay helps Cinawi move in, Cinawi observes how Aiay has changed over the years.
Universe: The Shadows Within
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: Minor (fictitious) religious conflict
Prompts: RaTs: That's how the cookie crumbles; Scrutiny;
Cinawi watched her friend as the maid placed the last of her bags in her new (temporary) room.
"Thank you, Iairt. That will be all," Aiay said, offering the young lady a smile as she curtsied and excused herself.
They both set to helping Cinawi unpack in a comfortable silence; shaking out clothes, arranging knick-knacks, and other fiddly things. It didn't escape Aiay's notice that Cinawi kept tossing glances in her direction. She thought they'd gotten over the morning's awkwardness? Obviously not.
As the silence in the room started to become oppressive, Aiay finally gave up. Tossing her hands on her hip she turned to her friend and demanded the reasoning behind all of the staring.
"It's just you..." Cinawi started, then seemed to think the better of whatever she was going to say and rephrased it. "It's still a bit weird, you know?"
"No, I don't. What reason would I possess to ask if I already knew?" Irritation flared irrationally in her chest. It wouldn't do to upset her friend on the first day of her stay. Especially after going to all the work of unpacking. "What's 'still a bit weird'?"
She seemed to struggled a bit, weighing her options before deciding upon frankness. "You."
"Me? How, specifically?"
"I just never took you to be a Vessel," Cinawi said with a shrug. "I mean, I know they can be anyone, in theory, but the Hinsust are always so... particular."
"Are you implying I'm somehow undeserving of the honor they've bestowed upon me? I assure you that my patroness does not agree with you." Aiay couldn't help the defensiveness that crept into her tone, why must all of this be drudged up now? First Lokuto, now this? Maybe her irritation wasn't quite as unfounded as she thought.
But Cinawi backpedaled quickly. "No, no! I never meant to imply..." She waved her hands in obscure gestures, imparting little meaning. "I just never thought you were the kind of person to want to sit on a pedestal, that's all. You used to be so free spirited, I wouldn't think you'd like others to have that kind of influence over you and your life."
Aiay felt as if she'd been struck. The wind flew from her lungs and her back tensed painfully. Somewhere behind the chaos of her mind she could hear the detached part of herself chastising her for her emotional displays. She really ought to be more careful about wearing her heart on her sleeve, it was bad in this business.
Not that she particularly liked listening to that part of herself.
Cinawi didn't seem to realize that she'd had any effect at all on Aiay, lost in her reminiscence of what once was. Brow furrowed as she tried to solve the puzzle set before her. "I don't pretend to know a whole lot about Vessels, but I know that they have to be very careful with their image and such. Aren't there some kind of rules about what you can and can't do as a Vessel?"
Aiay tried to settle her rapidly beating heart, focusing on Cinawi's innocent curiosity. It made sense that she would be concerned for her friend's welfare, right? She hadn't know for very long at all that Aiay had become a Vessel. She hadn't know until that morning she and Lokuto had never gotten married, as was planned. Her life had changed dramatically since Cinawi had left the city. Questions were normal.
Right?
"There are no set rules for Vessels as a whole," she congratulated herself on the evenness of her voice. She could do this, she answered questions about being a Vessel all the time. "There are certain rules of conduct demanded of the Hinsust which Vessels are expected to follow-- although not required-- but otherwise, it is up to each patron how the Vessel, or Vessels, under their patronage should behave. The Suine are unpredictable, their likes and dislikes vary as much as their tempers. What one might require in a Vessel, another might not be able to stand in the slightest. That is why there is also similar variety in Vessels."
If Cinawi noticed it was a practiced, impersonal speech, she didn't comment upon it. "I never noticed, I guess it shows how much attention I pay to the church." Her eyes widened, realizing too late what she'd said might be construed as an insult. "No offense intended, of course."
"None taken," Aiay replied with far more ease than she felt. "I can't begrudge the way you choose to worship."
Cinawi's smile was sheepish and after a moment, she made some inane comment about the situation of the room in an attempt to divert the conversation; her quest for answers regarding Aiay's character forgotten.
Both of them were well aware of what Aiay had not-said. Cinawi didn't worship at all, she'd said as much many years ago, when they were both young and foolish enough to talk about such things openly. For while non-believers were unlikely to be lynched in this day in age, they were certainly not open about it. As an official representative of the church, Aiay should be forcibly pressing her into faithful service, not excusing her.
But in reality, Aiay couldn't blame Cinawi's reluctance or skepticism. And she was a Vessel, she'd not only met the Suine, she'd shared a body with one. To her surprise, Aenthi, her Suine, didn't care in the slightest. Aiay was even beginning to wonder if Aenthi enjoyed it. The Suine were impossible to understand at the most basic of levels, let alone the complexities of their emotions and motivations.
Niqua had often scolded her for trying to understand. "It's not our place to understand, or even comprehend, ours is merely to obey," she would say. Often as a precursor to a more specific lecture. It had taken a long time to become accustomed to Niqua's scolding and lectures. To humble herself enough to accept Niqua's instructions and advice with equanimity.
Perhaps the reason Aiay had reacted so strongly to Cinawi's musing was because she knew it to be true. Being told how to talk, how to dress, how to live in every sense of the word, really rankled. She had a hard time keeping her head down and letting all of their comments wash over her. She respected Niqua, she really did. She wouldn't have done this if she couldn't respect her patroness, but that didn't mean she appreciated the intrusion into her life.
Although it wasn't as though she had a choice in the matter, all things considered. It certainly wasn't the choice she would have made.
As it was, she was just incredibly grateful that Cinawi knew her well enough to humor her in an inane conversation (about drapes of all things) while she regained her center. Maybe it was a good thing that Cinawi had come by, she needed to work all of these things out eventually.
Day #9 - Possession
Summary: Aiay runs into somebody claiming a previous acquaintance in the woods.
Universe: The Shadows Within
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: Mentions of (fictitious) religion and possession.
Prompts: RaTs: Matrifocal; Resentment; Debt;
Despite the biting chill in the air, Aiay trudged onward. She desperately needed the tranquility that the forest would bring her. She tugged her coat more firmly around herself as she made her way through town; trying to protect herself from the pitying glances as much as the cold. As much as she would like to forget, everyone knew what today was. It was the anniversary of her father's death. She tried to avoid town as much as possible in an attempt to avoid the condolences of the masses. They'd already offered them a dozen times before, why did they feel the need to give them again?
But the house had been unusually oppressive. She snorted, unable to contain her cynical mirth. The house had felt oppressive ever since her father had died. It lacked the warmth it used to and in its place were awkward silences and an empty chair at the supper table. But today, of all days, it was the worst.
It didn't help matters any that she and her mother'd had another fight.
Ny's studies were slipping. To say he was struggling would be a misnomer, he'd given up and no longer cared if he learned or not. Their mother's lectures about how hard it was to afford putting him through school did nothing but make everyone else feel awful. It was obvious (at least to Aiay) that guilt tripping wasn't working. Did her mother try another tactic? Of course not.
Aiay hadn't meant to attack her mother's parenting choices, really, she hadn't; but that didn't stop her mother from taking offense. And when she launched into the whole "if your father were here," speech, Aiay had lost her temper.
"But he's not! And he's never going to be again! So stop dragging him into our mess! Just let him die in peace and leave him be!" She'd shouted, unaware (or maybe just uncaring) that it would damage her mother so.
The tears had been fast in coming and Aiay couldn't tolerate them. Her anger was too raw, irritation too close to the surface, and the temptation to lash out once more all too prevalent. So she'd done the only thing she could think of to do. She grabbed her coat and fled for the sake of her sanity moreso than the preservation of her mother's feelings or their relationship.
And now she was stomping her way through town with everybody staring at her with sympathy when all she wanted was peace and quiet and to be left alone.
Thankfully, everyone was smart enough to give her a wide berth and she made the trek to the forest in silence.
She didn't stop when houses gave way to trees, didn't stop until she couldn't see anything but trees behind her. Only then did she find herself a tree to collapse against. Her head fell into her hands without her permission. She told herself it was to keep her nose warm, but she knew better.
Unlike her mother, she refused to allow herself to wonder what might be different about their lives if her father had survived the accident. The dangers of that path of thinking were many, littered as it was with mental traps and pitfalls. That didn't stop the ache that lingered, even after all of this time.
Just when she felt herself teetering on that emotional precipice, a voice cut through her internal reverie. "You know, that brother of yours will never learn anything."
Her head snapped up, disbelieving that anyone could have sneaked up on her, despite being encased in her own thoughts. To her surprise, it was Polhin, a young lad between herself and her brother in age. She had no idea that he thought meanly of her brother and could not fathom why he was so stupid as to follow her when she was obviously not desirous of company entirely to disparage her brother. Whom he had no business discussing at all, of course.
"Go away and never speak of my brother like that again, Polhin," she barked.
"Foolish human, you do not see, do you?" His smirk was far too self-satisfied for her comfort, and seemed out of place on his young, open face. And then what he said suddenly clicked. He didn't need the telepathy she now knew he possessed to follow her thoughts. "Since we are old friends," he simpered, invading her space. "You may call me Safuri."
"As opposed to...?" She couldn't help but ask.
"God, of course."
"Of course." Aiay tried to restrain her humor at such a statement, but considering the look of annoyance that flashed over the Suine's features, she knew she failed. Served him right though, to be so cocky. "So, we're old friends. How did we met again?"
"Oh, we haven't." His eyes glittered dangerously.
In spite of the unease welling within her, she decided sarcasm was still her best course of action. Probably not the safest, but she'd heard that the Suine appreciated such things. "So how are we friends if we've never met? I don't seem to recall trading any correspondence either..."
"Well you see, your father and I were very dear friends. Business partners even. We made a bargain and your father promised me something. Something that you are in possession of, I have come to claim it." Predatory, that's what he was. Definitely predatory. "I just figured things would go more smoothly if we at least pretended to like each other, don't you agree, my sweet?"
"Don't call me that," was her reflexive answer, but it poorly concealed her agitation. What could she possibly have that a Suine would be interested in? Just because she didn't believe they were as all powerful as they claimed didn't mean she didn't believe they were still capable of a great many wonders. She was just your average human, nothing out of the ordinary. "What is it you're after, exactly?" She finally asked.
"Why, you of course." He made no attempt at displaying his delight at her instinctive recoil, probably reveling in the ability to make her uneasy. "To make a very long and complicated story short and in a format you, my mortal friend, can comprehend with your limited human mind: I have been banished from the Beyond by the other Suine and I am in need of a more permanent host."
"Go find yourself a Vessel then."
"It's not that simple, my sweet." Despite the continued light, patronizing tone, she caught anger flashing behind his eyes. "Ownership of a Vessel is restricted to those approved by the Suine as a whole. I would never be permitted to choose from among their lot. Besides, it is only temporary. A momentary complete possession to enable communication, like now," he said, gesturing to his current body. "Or miracles, or other such as deemed necessary. Your frail, corporeal bodies cannot withstand such a presence for a prolonged period of time. I would go through hosts faster than they could be replaced if that were the case. No, I need something... special."
"Special?" She inquired when he remained silent for a long moment. Unnerved by his steady, unblinking gaze.
"Tell me, have you ever heard of a partial possession?" He flicked a hand dismissively before she could answer. "Of course not, you have no interest in the church. Why should you study the finer points of Suine possession if that were the case? Partial possession differ from complete possessions in that instead of controlling all aspects of a host body, the Suine only observes. They are quite useful things, but are rarely employed. Complete possessions are seen as being less messy, less hassle, despite the danger they pose to the human hosts."
"Which of course, is sooo high on the Suine's priority list," she couldn't help but toss in.
To her surprise, he didn't seem the least bit offended. In fact, he looked amused. "Quite. Which is why partial possession are so rarely used. I quite like them because they are not so great of a drain upon the hosts. Which means, they can be done for longer periods of time."
"How long?"
"Indefinitely, in theory. As I've previously stated, they're rarely used. Never has there ever been need to test it out. Until now at least. So, care to be a pioneer?" At her bewilderment and hesitation he continued. "Oh, why am I even asking? You see, you really don't have much choice in the matter. Your father promised that he would provide me a suitable host, I believe he intended for it to be himself at the time, but since he died, it now falls to you, as his eldest, to fulfill your father's half of the bargain. I have fulfilled mine, so it is time to pay up. I have long grown impatient of hopping host to host for so long."
"Why me, though?" It was difficult to find relevant questions capable of expressing the breadth of her confusion amid the barrage of information.
"Because you are imminently well suited to being a host." He offered no more explanation than that, despite her inquires as to why specifically she might make a good host.
"Do you consent or not?" He asked tersely, having come to the end of his patience.
"Why does it matter? You have already proclaimed I do not have a choice in the matter."
His sigh was long-suffering and she huffed at his eyeroll. "Because such a possession cannot be forced. Complete possessions? Surely. Partial ones? No, they require the consent of the host for them to thrive."
"So I could reject?" Even to her own ears, the question sounded hopeful.
"Of course you could," he said easily, leaning back to examine the fingernails of his borrowed body. "But then I would have to enact my vengeance upon you and your family for reneging on our bargain." He commanded her gaze over his fingers, eyes suddenly serious. "I don't have to tell you, you really do not wish me to do so."
With that hanging in the air between them, she assented, mind whirling.
"Excellent!" He clapped, looking far brighter than he had throughout the discourse. "Let us move a little closer to town, I fear I have been in control of this body for quite some time and I would hate for you to have to drag him too far."
She quirked an eyebrow at him, but did as she was told.
In the end, the transference was anticlimactic. She felt no differently than she had before, aside from the crick in her spine she'd developed from dragging Polhin's unconscious body back into town. If one discounted the peace she'd failed to obtain from her attempt at sanctuary in the forest, the entire thing was almost forgettable.
Almost...
Day #10 - Temple
Summary: Aiay visits the Temple
Universe: The Shadows Within
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: Minor (fictitious) religious reference
Prompts: RaTs: Caution; OW: Temple;
The first time she visited the temple she felt distinctly out of place. She did everything within her power to try and blend in, but she knows she failed miserably. They probably singled her out just as easily as Safuri had.
The second time, her unease with the situation had begun to settle, even if her dislike of the temple remained. One of the attendants caught her on her way out, asking leading questions in falsely casual tones.
The third time, they asked her if she would like to become a Vessel.
As if she could say no.
Day #11 - Airport
Summary: Letting go
Universe: Departure
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: N/A
Prompts: RaTs: 3 Little Words; OW: Airport;
She didn’t think there would be tears, having said all of their goodbyes at home, but she was mistaken. They stood next to each other uneasily, awkward and silent, knowing it was time for them to part ways, but reluctant all the same. “You’ll do great,” she said after a long moment, flashing him a smile despite her tears. “Yeah,” he said, dragging her in for one last hug. And maybe it was wishful thinking, but even on the drive home she swore she’d heard him whisper it into her hair; those three little words she’d always wanted to hear.
Day #12 - Take-Off
Summary: Leaving them behind
Universe: Departure
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: N/A
Prompts: RaTs: Wanderlust
Leaning, he watched the plane take off. When they leveled off, he let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. God, it hurt to leave. Hurt so damn much, but he had too. It didn't matter whatever they said, it was in his blood. He couldn't stay, had to go. Had to be part of the miraculous things happening, despite the distance. Maybe, someday, he would return. Return to those beautiful eyes that looked up at him with such unabashed affection. Return and say all those things he'd kept bottled up, fearful of his nature. Someday.
Day #13 - Footprints
Summary: Happiness is fleeting, like footprints in the sand.
Universe: Standalone
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: N/A
Prompts: RaTs: Observation; Grass is always greener on the other side; OW: Footprint
Together they walked, hand in hand, down the waterfront. She dangled flip flops from her hand, having long ago cast them off in favor of the sensation of sand between her toes. His other hand was empty, instead occupied by gesturing wildly to underline the salient points in the story he was telling.
You watched them from your perch far away, listened to the sound of their laughter drifting up. But they are as phantoms; their happiness fleeting. Yet, their unbridled joy rings in your ears long after you watched the waves wash away all evidence of their existence.
Day #14 - First Light
Summary: Opening Pandora's Box
Universe: Yet-to-be-named post-apocalypse story
Rating: PG
Warnings: References to a major natural disaster
Prompts: RaTs: The weather outside is frightful; Better off; OW: Weathered
My hands shook with nerves as I grasped the handle to the only thing that had kept us alive for the last 24 hours. Readying myself to open pandora's box, unleash whatever horrors still lurked beyond our closed door. If the cacophony we had heard was any indication, the storm we had weathered was like no other. What could await us on the other side?
The first breath of fresh air was an unfathomable relief. Until my eyes adjusted the the brilliant light and I could see all that lay before me.
Maybe we would have been better off dead.
Day #15 - Light Switch
Summary: She can't find the light switch
Universe: Eternal Darkness
Rating: PG
Warnings: [Spoiler (click to open)]Blindness
Prompts: RaTs: Grabble; Somewhere in this darkness there's a light that I can't find;
The room was pitch black when she awoke. Aware that she had fallen asleep in the early afternoon, this didn't surprise her. Although that fact didn't make her feel any better about tripping over the rug on her journey to the light switch.
...or crashing into the wall nose first.
Backing up a bit, she ran her hands along the wall. Finally her hands found the switch, but it was already on. Flicking it on and off she could see little difference. There was a brief moment of confusion before the fog in her brain cleared and she remembered.
Day #16 - The Author
Summary: Watching the master at work
Universe: Standalone
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: N/A
Prompts: RaTs: Meta; Isolation;
Shoulders hunched, back bowed, hair sticking up in every direction; all sharp lines and angles squeezed into a single chair yet overflowing, foot dangling here, elbow sliding there; even in the disarray, he's magnificent.
You watch him as he works, brow furrowed and tongue peeking out in his deep concentration. Watch the emotions flicker across his features, unusually expressive in his focused state. He pays you no mind, completely oblivious to your presence. You know better than to interrupt, allowing him his solitude as he creates a better world with the quick strokes of his pen.
Day #17 - A Gentleman's Education
Summary: Some things, you just have to learn the hard way.
Universe: Standalone (I think)
Rating: Teen
Warnings: References to violence and alcohol
Prompts: RaTs: The hard way; OW: Education
With a groan he shoved himself off the unforgiving pavement, wiping at the blood smeared down his chin on the way up. He instantly regretted his desire to be vertical, far preferring the uncomfortable pavement over the pounding that blossomed between his ears.
Gritting his teeth, he started limping his way towards the main road, praying he could still catch a taxi at the late hour. Now, he understood what his brother had meant when he said he “needed a good dose of street smarts”.
He just wished he hadn’t had to learn that lesson the hard way.
God, he could really use a drink.
It had to be 5 o’clock somewhere, right?
Day #18 - Destination: Anywhere
Summary: Saya tries her hand at a break-up song.
Universe: Standalone
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: N/A
Prompts: RaTs: Too little, too late; WriYe: Let's go anywhere;
I packed my bags just yesterday
Waiting for the moment it would be okay
Did you ever stop to think
I would actually go away?
A cross country bus ticket
A story for the way
Destination: Anywhere
There's nothing left to say
The difference between luggage and baggage
Is the weight and the damage
I'm only bringing one
In my attempt at life salvage
A cross country bus ticket
A story for the way
Destination: Anywhere
There's nothing left to say
I went over to say goodbye
But that plan went awry
So this is your notice
To decry or to deny
A cross country bus ticket
A story for the way
Destination: Anywhere
There's nothing left to say
You were my drug of choice
With that laughter in your voice
But it's time to kick bad habits
And your loss I will rejoice
I'm sick of you and sick of this
Not a single thing I'll miss
I'm moving on
And will never reminisce
A cross country bus ticket
A story for the way
Destination: Anywhere
There's nothing left to say
You'll think of me again someday
When your future's bleak and gray
And think of all those little things
You always meant to say.
Day #19 - Again
Summary: They're fighting. Again.
Universe: Standalone
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: Marital disputes
Prompts: RaTs: Center stage; SAD: Shame; OW: Fought;
The slamming of the the door reverberated throughout the house. She let out a long sigh. It wasn't the fault of the door they were arguing (as if they ever stopped, it seemed these days). The neighbors would start talking again, she hated their reproachful stares. It wasn't as if they never got into any tiffs either. True as that may be, it didn't stop the flush crawling her neck at the memory and it certainly wouldn't provoke them to conduct themselves with any decorum; not with such a tale. It was going to be a very long week.
Written for Story A Day, Runaway Tales, OneWord, and WriYe
Day #7 - Another Row of Reasons
Summary: Aiay and Lokuto have (another) argument over whether or not Aiay should lighten up.
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: Vagueness.
Universe: The Shadows Within
Prompts: RaTs: The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of an hour; Have I ever steered you wrong?; It's that same old riddle / Only starts from the middle & Do you really care? / Well, then pick up your heads and walk;
"Come on, Aiay! Just once, please?"
His wheedling had long ago ventured forth from the path of endearing and plodded its way into the realm of annoying.
She huffed a heavy breath and glared at him, resisting the urge to put her hands on her hips or some other undignified display of temper. Why did he have to pick today of all days to annoy the goodness out of her? Didn't he understand what all of this meant to her? Couldn't he grasp that she needed her wits about her?
His eyes widened and he looked up at her from under his lashes, trying to affect injured innocence. "Please?"
The hopeful ring of his voice made her want to throttle him. And if she growled at him, she figured it was better than killing him. "No! I'm not going to fool around right now! I have to be prepared for the ceremony!"
"But Aiay, the ceremony isn't until sundown! You have plenty of time to prepare for it. In the meantime, why can't we enjoy ourselves? I'm not asking you to do anything ridiculous or crazy. You know that I'd never do anything to jeopardize your standing with your patroness."
The whining wasn't helping her fragile nerves either. "Oh really? What about what happened last time?"
"Hey!" He cried, far more indignant than he had any right to be. "That wasn't my fault!"
"Wasn't your fault?!" She whirled on him, efforts of restraint forgotten in her anger. "You badgered me into going to that stupid party and you let me drink the wine even though you knew that it would affect me adversely. Perhaps you weren't aware my behavior would be reported back, but you were very aware of the fact you were intentionally intoxicating me! You should have known better! I was already the favored candidate, all eyes were on me. My reputation is too important and too fragile to be wasted on a stupid party!"
He didn't look nearly chagrined enough, she decided. Especially when he managed to defensively mutter "You needed to loosen up."
She pressed her fingers to her temple, willing away the headache that had started to take up resident within her brain (which she needed to be fully functional for the ceremony that evening). "Lokuto," she sighed, trying her best to regain her composure. "You know how much I want this. How hard I've worked for this. I've done too much, given up too much, to throw it all away at the eleventh hour. I'm not about to belittle everything that's gone into this by goofing off when I should be preparing. I can't let all of this sacrifice to have been in vain."
For a minute she believed he might actually drop the subject. Let them go back to their uneasy peace, back to beating around the bush and slowly driving each other crazy.
But of course, he couldn't see the wiser path even when it lay in plain sight.
"Have you ever considered the sacrifices you're demanding of everyone else because of this?" He turned to leave and she made to follow him, but he waved her off with a cold dismissal. "Oh, don't mind me. You go off and have fun being selfish and greedy and arrogant with your patroness," the title was spat with more venom than she anticipated him being able to conjure. "I'm just going to go actually enjoy life for a change."
Even if it wasn't the wisest choice on her side either, she let him stomp off without any attempt to stop him.
At least she would be able to prepare in peace.
Day #8 - Oxymoron
Summary: Aiay helps Cinawi move in, Cinawi observes how Aiay has changed over the years.
Universe: The Shadows Within
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: Minor (fictitious) religious conflict
Prompts: RaTs: That's how the cookie crumbles; Scrutiny;
Cinawi watched her friend as the maid placed the last of her bags in her new (temporary) room.
"Thank you, Iairt. That will be all," Aiay said, offering the young lady a smile as she curtsied and excused herself.
They both set to helping Cinawi unpack in a comfortable silence; shaking out clothes, arranging knick-knacks, and other fiddly things. It didn't escape Aiay's notice that Cinawi kept tossing glances in her direction. She thought they'd gotten over the morning's awkwardness? Obviously not.
As the silence in the room started to become oppressive, Aiay finally gave up. Tossing her hands on her hip she turned to her friend and demanded the reasoning behind all of the staring.
"It's just you..." Cinawi started, then seemed to think the better of whatever she was going to say and rephrased it. "It's still a bit weird, you know?"
"No, I don't. What reason would I possess to ask if I already knew?" Irritation flared irrationally in her chest. It wouldn't do to upset her friend on the first day of her stay. Especially after going to all the work of unpacking. "What's 'still a bit weird'?"
She seemed to struggled a bit, weighing her options before deciding upon frankness. "You."
"Me? How, specifically?"
"I just never took you to be a Vessel," Cinawi said with a shrug. "I mean, I know they can be anyone, in theory, but the Hinsust are always so... particular."
"Are you implying I'm somehow undeserving of the honor they've bestowed upon me? I assure you that my patroness does not agree with you." Aiay couldn't help the defensiveness that crept into her tone, why must all of this be drudged up now? First Lokuto, now this? Maybe her irritation wasn't quite as unfounded as she thought.
But Cinawi backpedaled quickly. "No, no! I never meant to imply..." She waved her hands in obscure gestures, imparting little meaning. "I just never thought you were the kind of person to want to sit on a pedestal, that's all. You used to be so free spirited, I wouldn't think you'd like others to have that kind of influence over you and your life."
Aiay felt as if she'd been struck. The wind flew from her lungs and her back tensed painfully. Somewhere behind the chaos of her mind she could hear the detached part of herself chastising her for her emotional displays. She really ought to be more careful about wearing her heart on her sleeve, it was bad in this business.
Not that she particularly liked listening to that part of herself.
Cinawi didn't seem to realize that she'd had any effect at all on Aiay, lost in her reminiscence of what once was. Brow furrowed as she tried to solve the puzzle set before her. "I don't pretend to know a whole lot about Vessels, but I know that they have to be very careful with their image and such. Aren't there some kind of rules about what you can and can't do as a Vessel?"
Aiay tried to settle her rapidly beating heart, focusing on Cinawi's innocent curiosity. It made sense that she would be concerned for her friend's welfare, right? She hadn't know for very long at all that Aiay had become a Vessel. She hadn't know until that morning she and Lokuto had never gotten married, as was planned. Her life had changed dramatically since Cinawi had left the city. Questions were normal.
Right?
"There are no set rules for Vessels as a whole," she congratulated herself on the evenness of her voice. She could do this, she answered questions about being a Vessel all the time. "There are certain rules of conduct demanded of the Hinsust which Vessels are expected to follow-- although not required-- but otherwise, it is up to each patron how the Vessel, or Vessels, under their patronage should behave. The Suine are unpredictable, their likes and dislikes vary as much as their tempers. What one might require in a Vessel, another might not be able to stand in the slightest. That is why there is also similar variety in Vessels."
If Cinawi noticed it was a practiced, impersonal speech, she didn't comment upon it. "I never noticed, I guess it shows how much attention I pay to the church." Her eyes widened, realizing too late what she'd said might be construed as an insult. "No offense intended, of course."
"None taken," Aiay replied with far more ease than she felt. "I can't begrudge the way you choose to worship."
Cinawi's smile was sheepish and after a moment, she made some inane comment about the situation of the room in an attempt to divert the conversation; her quest for answers regarding Aiay's character forgotten.
Both of them were well aware of what Aiay had not-said. Cinawi didn't worship at all, she'd said as much many years ago, when they were both young and foolish enough to talk about such things openly. For while non-believers were unlikely to be lynched in this day in age, they were certainly not open about it. As an official representative of the church, Aiay should be forcibly pressing her into faithful service, not excusing her.
But in reality, Aiay couldn't blame Cinawi's reluctance or skepticism. And she was a Vessel, she'd not only met the Suine, she'd shared a body with one. To her surprise, Aenthi, her Suine, didn't care in the slightest. Aiay was even beginning to wonder if Aenthi enjoyed it. The Suine were impossible to understand at the most basic of levels, let alone the complexities of their emotions and motivations.
Niqua had often scolded her for trying to understand. "It's not our place to understand, or even comprehend, ours is merely to obey," she would say. Often as a precursor to a more specific lecture. It had taken a long time to become accustomed to Niqua's scolding and lectures. To humble herself enough to accept Niqua's instructions and advice with equanimity.
Perhaps the reason Aiay had reacted so strongly to Cinawi's musing was because she knew it to be true. Being told how to talk, how to dress, how to live in every sense of the word, really rankled. She had a hard time keeping her head down and letting all of their comments wash over her. She respected Niqua, she really did. She wouldn't have done this if she couldn't respect her patroness, but that didn't mean she appreciated the intrusion into her life.
Although it wasn't as though she had a choice in the matter, all things considered. It certainly wasn't the choice she would have made.
As it was, she was just incredibly grateful that Cinawi knew her well enough to humor her in an inane conversation (about drapes of all things) while she regained her center. Maybe it was a good thing that Cinawi had come by, she needed to work all of these things out eventually.
Day #9 - Possession
Summary: Aiay runs into somebody claiming a previous acquaintance in the woods.
Universe: The Shadows Within
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: Mentions of (fictitious) religion and possession.
Prompts: RaTs: Matrifocal; Resentment; Debt;
Despite the biting chill in the air, Aiay trudged onward. She desperately needed the tranquility that the forest would bring her. She tugged her coat more firmly around herself as she made her way through town; trying to protect herself from the pitying glances as much as the cold. As much as she would like to forget, everyone knew what today was. It was the anniversary of her father's death. She tried to avoid town as much as possible in an attempt to avoid the condolences of the masses. They'd already offered them a dozen times before, why did they feel the need to give them again?
But the house had been unusually oppressive. She snorted, unable to contain her cynical mirth. The house had felt oppressive ever since her father had died. It lacked the warmth it used to and in its place were awkward silences and an empty chair at the supper table. But today, of all days, it was the worst.
It didn't help matters any that she and her mother'd had another fight.
Ny's studies were slipping. To say he was struggling would be a misnomer, he'd given up and no longer cared if he learned or not. Their mother's lectures about how hard it was to afford putting him through school did nothing but make everyone else feel awful. It was obvious (at least to Aiay) that guilt tripping wasn't working. Did her mother try another tactic? Of course not.
Aiay hadn't meant to attack her mother's parenting choices, really, she hadn't; but that didn't stop her mother from taking offense. And when she launched into the whole "if your father were here," speech, Aiay had lost her temper.
"But he's not! And he's never going to be again! So stop dragging him into our mess! Just let him die in peace and leave him be!" She'd shouted, unaware (or maybe just uncaring) that it would damage her mother so.
The tears had been fast in coming and Aiay couldn't tolerate them. Her anger was too raw, irritation too close to the surface, and the temptation to lash out once more all too prevalent. So she'd done the only thing she could think of to do. She grabbed her coat and fled for the sake of her sanity moreso than the preservation of her mother's feelings or their relationship.
And now she was stomping her way through town with everybody staring at her with sympathy when all she wanted was peace and quiet and to be left alone.
Thankfully, everyone was smart enough to give her a wide berth and she made the trek to the forest in silence.
She didn't stop when houses gave way to trees, didn't stop until she couldn't see anything but trees behind her. Only then did she find herself a tree to collapse against. Her head fell into her hands without her permission. She told herself it was to keep her nose warm, but she knew better.
Unlike her mother, she refused to allow herself to wonder what might be different about their lives if her father had survived the accident. The dangers of that path of thinking were many, littered as it was with mental traps and pitfalls. That didn't stop the ache that lingered, even after all of this time.
Just when she felt herself teetering on that emotional precipice, a voice cut through her internal reverie. "You know, that brother of yours will never learn anything."
Her head snapped up, disbelieving that anyone could have sneaked up on her, despite being encased in her own thoughts. To her surprise, it was Polhin, a young lad between herself and her brother in age. She had no idea that he thought meanly of her brother and could not fathom why he was so stupid as to follow her when she was obviously not desirous of company entirely to disparage her brother. Whom he had no business discussing at all, of course.
"Go away and never speak of my brother like that again, Polhin," she barked.
"Foolish human, you do not see, do you?" His smirk was far too self-satisfied for her comfort, and seemed out of place on his young, open face. And then what he said suddenly clicked. He didn't need the telepathy she now knew he possessed to follow her thoughts. "Since we are old friends," he simpered, invading her space. "You may call me Safuri."
"As opposed to...?" She couldn't help but ask.
"God, of course."
"Of course." Aiay tried to restrain her humor at such a statement, but considering the look of annoyance that flashed over the Suine's features, she knew she failed. Served him right though, to be so cocky. "So, we're old friends. How did we met again?"
"Oh, we haven't." His eyes glittered dangerously.
In spite of the unease welling within her, she decided sarcasm was still her best course of action. Probably not the safest, but she'd heard that the Suine appreciated such things. "So how are we friends if we've never met? I don't seem to recall trading any correspondence either..."
"Well you see, your father and I were very dear friends. Business partners even. We made a bargain and your father promised me something. Something that you are in possession of, I have come to claim it." Predatory, that's what he was. Definitely predatory. "I just figured things would go more smoothly if we at least pretended to like each other, don't you agree, my sweet?"
"Don't call me that," was her reflexive answer, but it poorly concealed her agitation. What could she possibly have that a Suine would be interested in? Just because she didn't believe they were as all powerful as they claimed didn't mean she didn't believe they were still capable of a great many wonders. She was just your average human, nothing out of the ordinary. "What is it you're after, exactly?" She finally asked.
"Why, you of course." He made no attempt at displaying his delight at her instinctive recoil, probably reveling in the ability to make her uneasy. "To make a very long and complicated story short and in a format you, my mortal friend, can comprehend with your limited human mind: I have been banished from the Beyond by the other Suine and I am in need of a more permanent host."
"Go find yourself a Vessel then."
"It's not that simple, my sweet." Despite the continued light, patronizing tone, she caught anger flashing behind his eyes. "Ownership of a Vessel is restricted to those approved by the Suine as a whole. I would never be permitted to choose from among their lot. Besides, it is only temporary. A momentary complete possession to enable communication, like now," he said, gesturing to his current body. "Or miracles, or other such as deemed necessary. Your frail, corporeal bodies cannot withstand such a presence for a prolonged period of time. I would go through hosts faster than they could be replaced if that were the case. No, I need something... special."
"Special?" She inquired when he remained silent for a long moment. Unnerved by his steady, unblinking gaze.
"Tell me, have you ever heard of a partial possession?" He flicked a hand dismissively before she could answer. "Of course not, you have no interest in the church. Why should you study the finer points of Suine possession if that were the case? Partial possession differ from complete possessions in that instead of controlling all aspects of a host body, the Suine only observes. They are quite useful things, but are rarely employed. Complete possessions are seen as being less messy, less hassle, despite the danger they pose to the human hosts."
"Which of course, is sooo high on the Suine's priority list," she couldn't help but toss in.
To her surprise, he didn't seem the least bit offended. In fact, he looked amused. "Quite. Which is why partial possession are so rarely used. I quite like them because they are not so great of a drain upon the hosts. Which means, they can be done for longer periods of time."
"How long?"
"Indefinitely, in theory. As I've previously stated, they're rarely used. Never has there ever been need to test it out. Until now at least. So, care to be a pioneer?" At her bewilderment and hesitation he continued. "Oh, why am I even asking? You see, you really don't have much choice in the matter. Your father promised that he would provide me a suitable host, I believe he intended for it to be himself at the time, but since he died, it now falls to you, as his eldest, to fulfill your father's half of the bargain. I have fulfilled mine, so it is time to pay up. I have long grown impatient of hopping host to host for so long."
"Why me, though?" It was difficult to find relevant questions capable of expressing the breadth of her confusion amid the barrage of information.
"Because you are imminently well suited to being a host." He offered no more explanation than that, despite her inquires as to why specifically she might make a good host.
"Do you consent or not?" He asked tersely, having come to the end of his patience.
"Why does it matter? You have already proclaimed I do not have a choice in the matter."
His sigh was long-suffering and she huffed at his eyeroll. "Because such a possession cannot be forced. Complete possessions? Surely. Partial ones? No, they require the consent of the host for them to thrive."
"So I could reject?" Even to her own ears, the question sounded hopeful.
"Of course you could," he said easily, leaning back to examine the fingernails of his borrowed body. "But then I would have to enact my vengeance upon you and your family for reneging on our bargain." He commanded her gaze over his fingers, eyes suddenly serious. "I don't have to tell you, you really do not wish me to do so."
With that hanging in the air between them, she assented, mind whirling.
"Excellent!" He clapped, looking far brighter than he had throughout the discourse. "Let us move a little closer to town, I fear I have been in control of this body for quite some time and I would hate for you to have to drag him too far."
She quirked an eyebrow at him, but did as she was told.
In the end, the transference was anticlimactic. She felt no differently than she had before, aside from the crick in her spine she'd developed from dragging Polhin's unconscious body back into town. If one discounted the peace she'd failed to obtain from her attempt at sanctuary in the forest, the entire thing was almost forgettable.
Almost...
Day #10 - Temple
Summary: Aiay visits the Temple
Universe: The Shadows Within
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: Minor (fictitious) religious reference
Prompts: RaTs: Caution; OW: Temple;
The first time she visited the temple she felt distinctly out of place. She did everything within her power to try and blend in, but she knows she failed miserably. They probably singled her out just as easily as Safuri had.
The second time, her unease with the situation had begun to settle, even if her dislike of the temple remained. One of the attendants caught her on her way out, asking leading questions in falsely casual tones.
The third time, they asked her if she would like to become a Vessel.
As if she could say no.
Day #11 - Airport
Summary: Letting go
Universe: Departure
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: N/A
Prompts: RaTs: 3 Little Words; OW: Airport;
She didn’t think there would be tears, having said all of their goodbyes at home, but she was mistaken. They stood next to each other uneasily, awkward and silent, knowing it was time for them to part ways, but reluctant all the same. “You’ll do great,” she said after a long moment, flashing him a smile despite her tears. “Yeah,” he said, dragging her in for one last hug. And maybe it was wishful thinking, but even on the drive home she swore she’d heard him whisper it into her hair; those three little words she’d always wanted to hear.
Day #12 - Take-Off
Summary: Leaving them behind
Universe: Departure
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: N/A
Prompts: RaTs: Wanderlust
Leaning, he watched the plane take off. When they leveled off, he let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. God, it hurt to leave. Hurt so damn much, but he had too. It didn't matter whatever they said, it was in his blood. He couldn't stay, had to go. Had to be part of the miraculous things happening, despite the distance. Maybe, someday, he would return. Return to those beautiful eyes that looked up at him with such unabashed affection. Return and say all those things he'd kept bottled up, fearful of his nature. Someday.
Day #13 - Footprints
Summary: Happiness is fleeting, like footprints in the sand.
Universe: Standalone
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: N/A
Prompts: RaTs: Observation; Grass is always greener on the other side; OW: Footprint
Together they walked, hand in hand, down the waterfront. She dangled flip flops from her hand, having long ago cast them off in favor of the sensation of sand between her toes. His other hand was empty, instead occupied by gesturing wildly to underline the salient points in the story he was telling.
You watched them from your perch far away, listened to the sound of their laughter drifting up. But they are as phantoms; their happiness fleeting. Yet, their unbridled joy rings in your ears long after you watched the waves wash away all evidence of their existence.
Day #14 - First Light
Summary: Opening Pandora's Box
Universe: Yet-to-be-named post-apocalypse story
Rating: PG
Warnings: References to a major natural disaster
Prompts: RaTs: The weather outside is frightful; Better off; OW: Weathered
My hands shook with nerves as I grasped the handle to the only thing that had kept us alive for the last 24 hours. Readying myself to open pandora's box, unleash whatever horrors still lurked beyond our closed door. If the cacophony we had heard was any indication, the storm we had weathered was like no other. What could await us on the other side?
The first breath of fresh air was an unfathomable relief. Until my eyes adjusted the the brilliant light and I could see all that lay before me.
Maybe we would have been better off dead.
Day #15 - Light Switch
Summary: She can't find the light switch
Universe: Eternal Darkness
Rating: PG
Warnings: [Spoiler (click to open)]Blindness
Prompts: RaTs: Grabble; Somewhere in this darkness there's a light that I can't find;
The room was pitch black when she awoke. Aware that she had fallen asleep in the early afternoon, this didn't surprise her. Although that fact didn't make her feel any better about tripping over the rug on her journey to the light switch.
...or crashing into the wall nose first.
Backing up a bit, she ran her hands along the wall. Finally her hands found the switch, but it was already on. Flicking it on and off she could see little difference. There was a brief moment of confusion before the fog in her brain cleared and she remembered.
Day #16 - The Author
Summary: Watching the master at work
Universe: Standalone
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: N/A
Prompts: RaTs: Meta; Isolation;
Shoulders hunched, back bowed, hair sticking up in every direction; all sharp lines and angles squeezed into a single chair yet overflowing, foot dangling here, elbow sliding there; even in the disarray, he's magnificent.
You watch him as he works, brow furrowed and tongue peeking out in his deep concentration. Watch the emotions flicker across his features, unusually expressive in his focused state. He pays you no mind, completely oblivious to your presence. You know better than to interrupt, allowing him his solitude as he creates a better world with the quick strokes of his pen.
Day #17 - A Gentleman's Education
Summary: Some things, you just have to learn the hard way.
Universe: Standalone (I think)
Rating: Teen
Warnings: References to violence and alcohol
Prompts: RaTs: The hard way; OW: Education
With a groan he shoved himself off the unforgiving pavement, wiping at the blood smeared down his chin on the way up. He instantly regretted his desire to be vertical, far preferring the uncomfortable pavement over the pounding that blossomed between his ears.
Gritting his teeth, he started limping his way towards the main road, praying he could still catch a taxi at the late hour. Now, he understood what his brother had meant when he said he “needed a good dose of street smarts”.
He just wished he hadn’t had to learn that lesson the hard way.
God, he could really use a drink.
It had to be 5 o’clock somewhere, right?
Day #18 - Destination: Anywhere
Summary: Saya tries her hand at a break-up song.
Universe: Standalone
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: N/A
Prompts: RaTs: Too little, too late; WriYe: Let's go anywhere;
I packed my bags just yesterday
Waiting for the moment it would be okay
Did you ever stop to think
I would actually go away?
A cross country bus ticket
A story for the way
Destination: Anywhere
There's nothing left to say
The difference between luggage and baggage
Is the weight and the damage
I'm only bringing one
In my attempt at life salvage
A cross country bus ticket
A story for the way
Destination: Anywhere
There's nothing left to say
I went over to say goodbye
But that plan went awry
So this is your notice
To decry or to deny
A cross country bus ticket
A story for the way
Destination: Anywhere
There's nothing left to say
You were my drug of choice
With that laughter in your voice
But it's time to kick bad habits
And your loss I will rejoice
I'm sick of you and sick of this
Not a single thing I'll miss
I'm moving on
And will never reminisce
A cross country bus ticket
A story for the way
Destination: Anywhere
There's nothing left to say
You'll think of me again someday
When your future's bleak and gray
And think of all those little things
You always meant to say.
Day #19 - Again
Summary: They're fighting. Again.
Universe: Standalone
Rating: Everyone
Warnings: Marital disputes
Prompts: RaTs: Center stage; SAD: Shame; OW: Fought;
The slamming of the the door reverberated throughout the house. She let out a long sigh. It wasn't the fault of the door they were arguing (as if they ever stopped, it seemed these days). The neighbors would start talking again, she hated their reproachful stares. It wasn't as if they never got into any tiffs either. True as that may be, it didn't stop the flush crawling her neck at the memory and it certainly wouldn't provoke them to conduct themselves with any decorum; not with such a tale. It was going to be a very long week.