Galen
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MISSING IN ACTION
"You wouldn't hit a guy with glasses, would you?"
Posts: 16
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Post by Galen on Dec 7, 2008 4:49:36 GMT 1
There comes a point in every young man's life when he has to stand up tall and confident, be mature, and take life into a serious light. This is not one of those times. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that life would get tough at some point in this... New environment of mine. I was alone in a city that I had never visited before with zero friends and zero experience. In all honesty, I think my folks ironically screwed me over instead of helping me as they had originally intended too. Oh well. There wasn't much I could do about that now. I couldn't even call and complain, seeing how I had been too lazy to plug my blasted phone in. Or recharge my cell phone. But none of that mattered right now. And why, you may ask? Simple. I found a FUZZY!!! Okay, so technically this little critter is called a bunny. But it was so small, and covered in such adorable fuzz! And I had no qualms about putting my masculinity aside for a moment or two to silently squeal over my little find, and try to approach it. The rabbit seemed rather used to humans, seeing how it just stared at me as I began to approach it. Had I pulled out a camera, I'd have gotten a very nice close up shot. But alas... Snap.The second that twig cracked under my black sneaker, that rabbit took off like a lightning bolt. But hell, I was fast too! And I took off right after it, actually able to keep up with it to a degree. Or at least that's the way I saw it. I honestly didn't have enough time to figure out which one of us was moving faster. And if you just have to know why, it's because there was a steep little hill that I did not see. And I went tumbling down it. Apparently that critter was more agile than me. That, or I just slipped on the twigs and dead leaves. Whatever it was, that bunny made a sharp turn left, I attempted it, and the next thing I knew I was rolling down a hill until I landed right smack on a beaten path at the bottom, dry leaves covering my clothing, my hair even more messed up than usual, and my glasses lopsided, which I corrected as soon as I sat up from my eagle spread position. "Fudge... I lost my fuzz."
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Mae-Lim
Dreamer
Junior
Idiot.
Posts: 110
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Post by Mae-Lim on Dec 7, 2008 10:37:42 GMT 1
"Oh is that what you people call it these days...?"
...Came the sarcastic reply, lacking emphasis because of how monotone each word was spoken. What she meant by that was a mystery, one could draw their own conclusions.
Mae-Lim would stare down at the boy, a brow raised as she took in his appearance. That had been a nasty fall, but he seemed alright. However, before Galen would be able to perhaps look up at the girl, he'd be met by a series of kisses. Wet, slobery, kisses...that were also known as licks. From a dog. The tongue became two, and then three as the first dog was followed by the other two pups. And together, they began their loving assault.
"Down girls." Mae-Lim said, with a half-hearted tug at the leashes. The dogs didn't quit, but after a while Mae-Lim would show more authority and yank them back to her. She didn't want to be responsible if they ended up eating his face. Obediantly, they'd sit by her, three large labradors with their tongues sticking out and their tails wagging. It had been her turn to walk the dogs from the shelter, and what better place than the forest? She'd enjoyed the silence, until it was broken. She eyed the culprit, Galen, for a while before shifting her deep, and somewhat heavy glare.
For a while, it looked like she wasn't going to say anything, but she finally decided to pipe up. "You know, there are faster and more effective methods." she'd say simply at first, putting one of the leashes into her left hand (which held the other two). She'd brush her bangs up for a bit before letting them go and giving a quick shake of her head. "Overdose, hanging, gun..." It would probably be more clear now, what she had meant. If Galen hadn't figured it out before. Still, Mae-Lim didn't seem concerned about him, even if she thought he wanted to kill himself. It was his decision, afterall. You could say she was being helpful...in a sick way.
The dogs would whine by her sides, all eyes on Galen now. Mae-Lim's expectant glare in contrast to the dog's longing gazes. As much as they loved Mae, there was nothing better than a new face. They tasted different. Better even, sometimes.
In an odd decision of being polite, Mae-Lim would add, "Yong Mae-Lim. Nice of you to...drop in." Would have been a corney line if it was said by someone a bit more goofy. From the lips of Mae-Lim, however, it was mockery.
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Galen
Newcomer
MISSING IN ACTION
"You wouldn't hit a guy with glasses, would you?"
Posts: 16
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Post by Galen on Dec 7, 2008 13:40:42 GMT 1
"W-... Ack!"
Don't get me wrong. I love dogs. Heck, there are a ton of animals that I like! It was just that I wasn't expecting to get licked all over the face by not one, but three canine's before I could even get a look at their owner's face. Who, judging by the tone of voice, was a girl. But hey, you never know. I had run into a fair share of guys with rather feminine voices. Confused the heck out of me when I met 'em, but hey, life is full of surprises.
When the dogs were finally pulled back, I managed to sit up again. My face was covered in dog drool, and my glasses had once again been knocked out of place, positioned at a tilt instead of a straight line. That little problem was once again quickly fixed, and right after that, I wiped the dog saliva off onto the sleeve of my... Favorite. Jacket.
D'oh.
... Wait, "overdose, hanging, gun..." Did this girl think I wanted to kill myself? Heh. That was pretty amusing, though I could see where she was coming from. The fall had been pretty darn nasty, and if it had been a building of that height instead of a hill, I probably would be dead right now. But seeing how offing myself hadn't been my intent, I decided to clear my intentions up.
"Those are odd ways to catch a rabbit," I said with a friendly smile as my right index and middle finger came up against the bridge of my glasses, adjusting them yet again. Her deep and heavy glare was met by one that was more light hearted, and almost childish. Not what you'd expect from an eighteen year old, but meh. Like I said, the world is full of surprises.
"Galen Kao. Nice meetin' you."
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Mae-Lim
Dreamer
Junior
Idiot.
Posts: 110
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Post by Mae-Lim on Dec 7, 2008 23:01:18 GMT 1
'Chasing a...rabbit?' That'd explain losing his fuzz, even though, what she thought he'd meant by that still made sense to her. Anyway, off that train of thought. What caught her more was his friendliness. He was one of those people then. The ones who were so friendly that anything she said was like a joke or something. She did not understand these people. Sometimes she wished she could.
She'd nod at his name, giving a shrug, "Pleasure's all yours, hun. Might wanna get up, I can't really be responsible for a 'second assault' if you catch my drift" The boy was just sitting there, doggy height, like a bowl of doggy treats. In all honesty, he was begging them to go at him again. As obediant Lilly, Milly and Nilly were (she didn't name 'em), they were still just rescued animals. Rescued puppies even. Big puppies. Who seemed to be rather fond Galen. Which, in her mind, meant trouble. If she wanted to continue this walk, she wouldn't be able to force these three to follow her. They'd use their superior puppy strenght to drag her right back to him. So she had no choice.
"I hope this isn't too weird for you, but..." and you could tell she was having a hard time asking. "Would you like to walk with me?" The face she had was almost like she was holding back pain. Could something so simple really be so difficult to ask? Well it was, if the person she was asking was male. She didn't really want to explain why she was asking, either. Most people didn't like to be used, even if it was something as simple as "my dogs can't live without you for the next hour". Anyway, the deal was worse for her than for him. She'd actually have to attempt at engaging in conversation to keep his interest so he wouldn't decide to leave. If he left, she'd find herself trailing behind him. And that's just creepy.
"Perhaps during the walk...we'll manage to find your...Fuzzy." She'd tilt her head, managing a soft smile. It didn't match her eyes but so long as he didn't pay attention to them she'd seem almost...inviting.
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Galen
Newcomer
MISSING IN ACTION
"You wouldn't hit a guy with glasses, would you?"
Posts: 16
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Post by Galen on Dec 7, 2008 23:15:51 GMT 1
Mae-Lim seemed like one of those introverted people. On the quiet side, showing little emotion... If I hadn't been paying much attention, I might've thought otherwise, but the look in her eyes told a slightly different tale. Eyes were windows to the soul, and keeping one's true self out of them was a difficult task, or so I had learned. Still, that didn't stop me from putting on a friendly smile of my own. After standing up, of course.
"Sure. It sounds like fun."
It wasn't really weird, but it was unexpected. Somehow, I just couldn't imagine Mae being the type to invite someone to walk with her. But whatever her reason was, was her business. I liked taking walks, and the more the merrier. So long as it didn't turn into too much of a crowd of course. I wasn't one of those people who hated other people, but I still preferred small groups to extremely large gatherings. Huh. That's probably why I haven't been to any parties.
"Maybe," I said with another smile. "Maybe we will."
But somehow I doubted it. That little critter was fast, and could've been anywhere in the forest by now. But why am I being the pessimist? There's always a chance, however small it may be. And a little is better than none, right?
I took a couple of steps towards Mae and her three large puppies, adjusting my glasses again. It's a habit. I can't help it.
"So where are we walking too?"
Yeah, it was probably a better choice to let her choose which route we'd take. One, I was new here, and didn't know where the heck half of the things in this area were, and two, I'd probably be tempted to go rabbit hunting if I was left to choose the pathway.
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Mae-Lim
Dreamer
Junior
Idiot.
Posts: 110
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Post by Mae-Lim on Dec 8, 2008 6:46:42 GMT 1
She wasn't surprised at how easy it'd been to get Galen to agree. Most nice people were very compliant. He was no exception it seemed, which was good. Mae-Lim would be wary of accepting such a strange invitation from a stranger. The only reason she'd accept was to satisfy her curiousity. Luckily for him, Mae-Lim had nothing sinister planned for him. Perhaps he should still have been more cautious. With eyes filled with so much anger, like those of Mae-Lim, how could you not expect even a bit of danger?
Her smile would be wiped from her face as soon as she had his response. Fun. Yeah, maybe for you. When he didn't seem to sure that they'd find his Fuzzy again, Mae-Lim didn't disagree. In fact, she never expected the guy to see it ever again. If he wanted a rabbit, she could give him one. Plenty to go around at the shelter.
When he came closer, she would place a firmer grip on the leashes, shifting one of them back into her right hand so she could devide the force of the dogs better. She could feel them pulling, wishing to stand and greet him. She was nice enough to have him join them, she would not let them kill him with love. They had a walk to take afterall.
Mae-Lim would take a moment to look around, staring off towards her right and nodding in that direction. "We'll keep going that way. I've never actually been this far before, but, I figure finding our way back can't be too complicated." Her voice seemed confident enough, so, Galen had nothing to worry about. While she'd never gone this far, Mae was observant enough to know her way back, just by noticing familiar things.
She'd begin walking wordlessly, confident that Galen could follow along without prompting. To destroy the wonderful awkward silence, before even being able to appreciate it, Mae-Lim would start her plan to keep Galen's attention. "So, what school do you attend?" A tyical question, but it was always a good one. It told her much about the individual, and then she could find suitable follow-up questions. Unless, of course, Galen had something to ask in return. In which case, Mae-Lim would reply. Not always truthfully, sometimes vaguely, but at least she would answer.
The scenery was beatifully dead. The smell of dead leaves was one she'd grown to like. The cool air did not cause the half-asian to shiver. It was the perfect time of the year for her. It made wearing sleeves more comfortable in comparison to the summer. Summer was much too hot. Her long locks of raven hair didn't help her cool in that season, as it obsorbed the heat. But at a time like this, everything was perfect.
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Galen
Newcomer
MISSING IN ACTION
"You wouldn't hit a guy with glasses, would you?"
Posts: 16
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Post by Galen on Dec 8, 2008 18:24:24 GMT 1
What? Was it something I said?
That smile hadn't just casually faded away. No, that thing had been wiped off of her face as faster than it had appeared. I couldn't help but think I might've done, or more likely said, something wrong. That feeling lingered for a little longer as Mae took a couple of seconds to glance around, apparently deciding on a direction. I stood there in silence. Patience wasn't a problem for me. I always had something to occupy myself with while waiting. That brain of mine was always ticking, constantly churning up new story ideas, drawing ideas, and questions. You never knew when a good story would pop up. Every little thing had a story to tell.
I was snapped out of my trance when Mae motioned to her right, saying we'd be going in that direction. It was a place unfamiliar to her as well. Cool! We could go exploring! We were going to have ourselves a little adventure! And maybe a little chat, if either of us felt talkative. Honestly, I usually kept to myself. But that didn't mean I didn't like to talk with others. Humans are social beings after all.
Our walk began. Mae kept a firm grip on those leashes to keep her puppies from playfully murdering me, and I kept my hands in my coat pockets, wearing a relaxed look on my face as I gazed at the scenery around us. True, the visuals were kind of drab, but still, something about being out of doors triggered something inside of a person. The air outdoors was much more calming than the polluted air inside of the house. Did you know that the air inside of the house is more polluted than outdoor air? That alone made it worthwhile to step outside. That, and the weather wasn't half bad. If I wasn't walking with Mae right now, I'd have considered going for a jog. Cool days like this were perfect running weather, and in my opinion as well, much better than the sweltering heat of a summer day. But the silence was quickly broken. Mae asked a question, and I turned my head towards her. I thought for a minute, trying to remember the name of that school I just got accepted into.
Huh. What was the name of that school again?
"I think it's called Hiricane High. I just transferred in a couple of days ago," I said, smiling casually. "What about you? What school do you go to?"
Hey, I was curious too! Maybe there was a chance we even went to the same school! It was pretty darned low chance, but heck, I could hope, right?
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Mae-Lim
Dreamer
Junior
Idiot.
Posts: 110
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Post by Mae-Lim on Dec 9, 2008 1:51:30 GMT 1
'Hiricane High? Like...Hurricane?'
The thought made the corner of her lips twitch, perhaps a smile attempting to force it's way back onto her face. Though more sincere this time. However, the force of her will was much stronger, and the smile was quickly shackled up and thrown back into the cellar of her mind. Bad smile. Who let you out? Anyway, she pondered it, and made connections. He was new, Hiricane sounded a bit like Hircine. That's probably what he meant. If not, then she had no clue where that school was.
"Might you mean Hircine? If so you're in luck." she said. A bit of envy seeming to merge into her tone. So, his appearance told her enough. He couldn't be one of those hidden psychos in diguise, otherwise he'd probably be at a different school. There was even less to fear from Galen as she had previously thought. He just seemed like an average nice-guy. Why did nice people seem to trigger emotions in her? She remembered not being completely herself on the V-day date with Alkaiser. This felt much the same. With people like Conner or Seth, she'd always retained who she was. 'Cept tolerant of their constant picking on her...and being a bit more "playful" in a sense. Jumping on Conners back...that'd been challenging.
She wasn't surprised when the question was thrown in her direction in exchange. Mae-Lim had been prepared, and she saw no need to hide it. Perhaps if he knew enough about the schools, through reputation at least since he did seem a bit new to these parts, then the school she attended could cause him a bit of discomfort. She wished for that. To be certain she was clear, she'd even tell him about it. "Paragon. I trust you heard of it? If not, it's where all the disturbed piglets of Hircine were sent to. Because we've been naughty children." There was certain disgust in her tone, obviously Mae-Lim wasn't too fond of where she'd been sent, explaining the envy in her tone earlier.
"Tell me, Galen, do you think me dangerous now?"
It was a pretty offhand question. To be honest, she wasn't really THAT dangerous. Just mostly bitchy. Mae-Lim rarely let things move on into violence because she didn't like getting her hands dirty. But considering the people she surrounded herself by, it could go either way. Anyway, what she was most curious about was, was Galen one who feared at the chance of danger? Or one of those people who treated it like a joke? Perhaps he'd surprise her with his answer.
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Galen
Newcomer
MISSING IN ACTION
"You wouldn't hit a guy with glasses, would you?"
Posts: 16
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Post by Galen on Dec 9, 2008 2:12:01 GMT 1
"Ah, that's it," I said, snapping the fingers on my left hand, eyes widening slightly upon hearing the name that I should've known. "Hircane."
But being lucky? That puzzled me. I heard the envy in her voice, and turned my head towards her, setting those dark eyes upon her, wondering just what she meant exactly. Did this luck have something to do with the school she went too? I couldn't think of any other reason. Unless... Hircane was somehow an extremely good school.
Well, I was somewhat right. It did have to do with the school she went to. But until she gave me a little peek into what Paragon was for, I didn't know anything about it. Hell, I didn't know it existed until she told me about it. I guess that comes with being new to the area. I knew nothing.
'Piglets' though? That was a funny way of describing the students. And I thought 'sheep' was amusing.
I didn't really have to think about my answer. Not that anyone around here would know, but I just formed one as I went. If I was sitting at a keyboard, I'd just be winging it off of the top of my head like I was taking a timed test or something of the sort.
"Maybe, under certain circumstances," I said, adjusting my glasses again. "So far I'd have to think of you as a nice person. But something about the... Aura around you tells me I wouldn't want to rub you in the wrong direction."
Maybe it was the near emotionless demeanor. Maybe. But I didn't see her as all that dangerous. Now if she had tried to kill me when I rolled into her path, then I'd see her as dangerous. But she had invited me to walk with her! If anything, she reminded me of a tame lion. Strong, quiet, but wouldn't hesitate to rip my damned throat out if I did the wrong thing. Dangerous only when she had to be.
"And... Sorry, but I the only things I've heard about Paragon are what you just told me."
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Mae-Lim
Dreamer
Junior
Idiot.
Posts: 110
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Post by Mae-Lim on Dec 11, 2008 6:39:58 GMT 1
"Hircane."
'Hircine...' Mae-Lim corrected him, only...in her mind. He'd probably get it right eventually, otherwise he's in for a series of strange looks by his peers.
Her eyes wandered about the forest, snapping "pictures" in her mind of certain things she saw. It would be her mental marks for the walk back. Even though she concentrated mostly on doing this, she still managed to pay attention to Galen. His answer had intrigued her. Firstly, because he said she was nice. Of all things she was called, she never recalled nice being one of them. Perhaps her acting was better than she expected? Still...something inside her seemed to protest. She did not like this adjective pinned to her. What he continued to say eased her. If there was something one could not fully hide, it was the feeling they gave off. Or in Galen's own words, her 'aura'. It made her smile on the inside, nothing however projected on the outside. "A most unexpected answer" she said gently.
As Galen admitted to having no knowledge of Paragon, Mae-Lim would say simply, "Now you know." Her eyes would trail down to the three pups, who were starting to nip at eachother playfully, moving around a few steps infront of Mae-Lim and making her control on the dogs a bit more difficult to keep. She bared her teeth and her upper lip lifted in frustration. Her eyes lowering and burning on the back of the dogs' heads. Almost like she was shooting lazer at them. Or trying to yell at them telepathically. Once she was tired of them pulling her forwards a few steps with their jerking, Mae-Lim would jerk the leashes back, suprising the pups and making one yelp a bit dramatically.
Great. Now she looked like an animal abuser. Damn it Nilly, that didn't even hurt and you know it.
She stopped suddenly, whirling her head towards Galen, almost looking like she was about to yell at him for some reason. But of course, she didn't. "Hungry?" she asked softly, making the dogs sit, putting each leashe in one hand and pulling off her Patrick Star backpack. She'd open the zipper and reach inside. "I brought snacks and drinks."
Intense as she may be, there was no hiding her kid-like quirks. Today, in her backpack, she had packed juice boxes (mostly apple and grape juice), dunkaroos, apple slices, some doggy treats (not for humans, but, if Galen wanted some she'd let him take it), crackers, and little cheese pieces cut in little squares. She'd packed her own lunch, at least. Looking towards Galen, Mae would pull out a few of the items and tilt her head. Obviously, silently asking him again if he wanted anything. If not, it was snack time for Mae. She'd been walking for a while even before meeting up with Galen and now she was hungry.
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Galen
Newcomer
MISSING IN ACTION
"You wouldn't hit a guy with glasses, would you?"
Posts: 16
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Post by Galen on Dec 11, 2008 20:17:17 GMT 1
Hopefully. Hopefully I'd get the name down at some point in the very near future. At that moment, I hadn't even realized I mispronounced it again. I just kept on walking through the forest alongside Mae and her puppies, taking in the sights. I took note of a few things. Not intending them to be landmarks, but if they served that purpose, then I'd have killed two birds with one stone. Honestly I eyed what I eyed because I simply thought it was interesting, whether it was dead or not. A bird's nest here, and tree that looked like a giant bony hand there... But what caught my attention the most was one of those shallow streams you pass by. It seemed to curve away from the path Mae and I were walking on, but it was close enough that I could hear the trickling of water, and hear it start to slowly fade away from my reality like I was waking up from a deep sleep and a pleasant dream. Nature had a way of entrancing me. I just found it so fascinating.
What snapped me out of my little reverie was a sudden yelp. My eyes widened suddenly, and I flinched a bit, quickly looking at the source of the sudden noise. One of Mae's puppies. Apparently she had been having some trouble with them pulling ahead of her. They did seem to be moving a head a bit last time I looked at them, before I heard that stream and curiously turned my attention to that.
After that yelp, Mae whirled around and faced me. And for a second, I thought she was going to kill me. She had that angry look. I expected a slap, or at least a little yelling, the reasons for which were completely unknown to me. I didn't even remember doing anything wrong.
To my relief, neither the slap nor the yelling actually happened.
Huh. Until now, I didn't notice that it was Patrick Star on her backpack. Boy, did that image bring back memories. I used to sit in front of the TV with my lunch, occasionally stopping on that particular show where he and his yellow buddy were doing something... Stupid. Funny, but stupid. Never failed to get a laugh out of me.
I would've declined politely, since I didn't want to deprive her of food due to my mooching off of her, but one thing caught my eye. An I couldn't resist.
"Could I have a couple of those apple slices, please?" I asked. "It's been forever since I've had one."
A good apple had been out of my reach for months. Why? Probably just bad luck. Really bad luck. I had a particular liking to fruit. Hated vegetables, loved fruit. Apples especially. When I used to go apple picking back where I used to live, before moving here, I set a record among my friends for eating twenty apples as we walked around the orchard. Got sick after it too, but hell was it worth it.
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