Reminisce of Dark's Past [AKITA/OPEN]

[ARTEMIS VESUVIUS]

Splatters of gray and blue paint the sky with brush strokes of dreariness. Nothing seem to shine out with happiness or joy as the rain seemed to have washed it all out. Puddles of murky mud accumulate along the once dusty roads leading to the lower quarters of Kessho. Many would associate the dark clouds with dull and dark, but to a certain green clad man it meant the world was being cleansed. Everyone needed to take a wash to get clean, so then why can't the earth do the same?

Usually the green clad man would sport a happy look on his face, but it would seem even the sadness of the rain is getting to him as well. Perhaps it was far more than just the dreary sky that took away the usual smiling face of his. Maybe it was the dread of what he might find in this area. He had found someway to trace himself back to the ship he had fallen off of, but what he heard of it did not seem to please him. He feared the nightmares might be true and what he is all but a lie. He didn't want it to be a lie, he liked his life as it were now.

Stepping onto the cobble stone path he pulls the brown cloak closer to his body to keep the icy cold rain from chilling him further. Taking slow steps in the deserted streets save for a few running figures finding their way out of the rain Artemis looks up with sad blue eyes. Perhaps he shouldn't have come here after all, surely the Young King needed him. No, there were plenty of good soldiers who could protect the Young King. It's not as if he's truly need. Though perhaps Miss Tessa needs him, but she does have maids taking care of her for a reason.

Finding less courage in himself he walks towards a crate set against a wall. Sitting down on it he pulls one leg up and looks out at the streets with a cheek rested on the knee. Closing his eyes he soon finds himself drifting off to sleep, tired from the long road and tired of all the nagging fear at the back of his mind. Maybe he really shouldn't have come here with no idea of where to go.

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[fujiko]

A pair of violet eyes gazed though the glass window in his office, not a place he found himself to often, he couldn’t stand desk-work. Thought the couldn’t argue with the fact he liked his own personal space. The rain was nice, he didn’t have anything against it, if nothing else it silenced that dog that had been barking nearly for a hour before it stated raining. He sucked in a deep breath and turned back towards his desk he restacked a few loose papers and set them down in a pile not one out of place. He however couldn’t stand it anymore. Being cooped up in one place so long, the day felt so long and drawn out, ‘boring’ might be a work for it, though the guards were always on patrol, the most of them were just taking this time to relax.

He brought a hand over his forehead and brushed his hair backwards though it was quick to fall back into place halfway in his face. He pulled his black cloak off the coat rack. He couldn’t think of spending his time leisurely, surely he could be doing something that would be proactive. He buckled it in front his blade snugly on his hip, but now mostly hidden from view from people whom didn’t care to take the time to look.

Pulling his boots on and pulling them up almost to his knees he seemed to have everything in order, some would ask him not to go out, while one of the house keepers may try and keep him in warning him that he would catch a cold. But he didn’t listen to well to them, and had only gotten a cold a few times in his life.

Though his cloak could have used a hood, stepping outside and closing the door firmly the chill swept over him but it wasn’t to bad once gotten used to the rain poured and then honestly…….he began to change his mind, and turned to go back inside with a faint sigh, not realizing it was raining so bad. But he was wet now, his dark hair plastered to his face he straightened some and decided this was the best time to go on patrol. He started walking the city he would walk every street if he had to his mind was wondering perhaps it had something to do with the weather, but he felt slightly annoyed about something, perhaps something past bothered him or not. He always found his hand gripping the sheath of his blade tightly, why? He relaxed his posture and sighed a few fellow guards almost thinking he was after someone. He needed to calm down and pull himself together. He turned his eyes to the sky and closed them for a moment as the wait washed over him.

Walking over to a few guards he corrected them in saying that they shouldn’t be anymore lenient today then any other, before twisting to walk down another street, he knew this city by now perhaps maybe even with his eyes closed. He turned to warn one more guard before walking on he caught something out of the corner of his eye, and then turned his gaze over that direction to find a stranger sitting on a crate? Rather alone and cold looking, at the distance he couldn’t tell if it was a young man or anything over. He pulled at his cloak some the rain seemed to rest then beat down harder, most people were in their houses, why wasn’t this one? He walked towards the man and razed his voice hopefully over the rain.

“are you alright over there?Or are you in need of assistance?”

[ARTEMIS VESUVIUS]

He could hear something being said, but he couldn't quite register in his mind what it meant. Looking up from under his hood he finds a very tall man looking down at him. He didn't have a hood like Arty but he did have a cloak at the least to protect him from the rain. Looking at the beating rain it would seem it had gotten even more worse than it was before he fell asleep. Realizing that he had forgotten to answer the man's question, he gets up quickly and pats down his cloak with an apologetic smile on his face.

"Ah I apologize. I guess I fell asleep." Artemis says truthfully. Scratching the bridge of his nose he looks at the man's shoes then up to the sword on the side of his waist. Judging by how the man stands and his sword, he could only guess that he must be a soldier and a swordsman at that. With that in mind surely this man knows about the place and from what he said he does seem to be a local. Keeping his blue eyes on the ground with a thoughtful gaze he looks back up to the man and smiles once more.

"Have you seen me before?" Artemis asks as he pulls down his cloak for the man to see him. Sandy blond hair slowly gets soaked in the rain with his blue eyes looking at the man with a sad hopeful expression. Hoping for what he doesn't know, and sad for what he might find out. That is if the man would happen to know him at all. Even if the man had only seen a glimpse of him from before then at least Arty would know that he's on the right track. Recalling that asking if the man has seen him to be a strange question he finally speaks again. "I can't remember who I am, so I'm searching."

"Ah but I do know my name. It's Artemis." Arty says with a beaming smile and holding out a hand for a handshake. Tilting his head to the side he looks at Akita with pure innocence in it. "What might your name be, sir?"

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[fujiko]

He walks closer to this stranger not minding his books making small splashes though small puddles. This man apologized, no less said he was sleeping? The man didn’t ask why though he was a bit perplexed as to why someone would be sorry for that, or maybe just wondering how someone could sleep out in the rain. However before Fujiko could reply in any way the man looked up at him almost meekly, his man seemed to have something on his mind.

Had he seen him before?

A strange question in deep the guardsmen almost had to stop and rethink was he missing something? Was there someone he was supposed to meet today or anyone coming, well he couldn’t recall anything of the sort, and the man still seemed to be a stranger to him even though he saw his face more and his hair. Fujiko folded his arms but relaxed his shoulders trying to seem calm rather in imposing of any kind. “I am afraid I do not think I have.” he stated calmly but tried not to sound cold as some people claimed he sounded.
Finely the male spoke up again explaining his reason behind the out of the blue question. This few a slight frown across his lips. “I see…I am sorry to hear that, I hope that your searching leads you to what you wish to find” he stated politely.

The male now gave him a name. ‘Artemis‘. he pondered it silently for a little while. The man now smiling as if it wasn’t raining or he wasn’t questionably lost? This made him blink a few times almost in disbelief at the man’s sudden change however remained calm on the outside. “Fujiko Zatsu Akita. I am merely a guard here” he stated calmly as if it was nothing special. “Artemis, wouldn’t you rather be somewhere warm and dry right now?” he asked and tried to get some of the wet hair out of his face.

[ARTEMIS VESUVIUS]

Clasping his hands behind his back he looks around the area with a bit more renewed vigor. He could tell he wasn't in the best part of town, but it still seemed rather warm. With windows illuminated with a warm light he watch a silhouette of a child and an adult giving each other a hug which causes a smile to appear on Artemis' face. Hearing what Akita had to say he looked over the man with the same smile still on his face while shaking his head. He didn't really expect any kind of reaction really, it's not as if he was a wanted man. Right? He could only hope he was a nice person then as he believes he is now.

Seeing the frown form on the man's lips from his reason of asking such an odd question Artemis looks down back at the ground a bit guilty. He didn't want the man to feel any sadness for him or pity, looking back up with a small smile he laughs a little. His pointed ears twitching slightly at the laugh coming from his chest.

"Thank you, good news is what I hope to find." Arty says with a simple nod. He is starting to like this man. He's very nice and not rude like most men have to him on his way here. Perhaps it's because he's elven, or he's blonde, perhaps just because they can be rude. Hearing the man's name, Arty bows slightly in polite recognition. "It is a pleasure to meet you Sir Fujiko Zatsu Akita."

Widening his eyes at realizing that he was correct in thinking that Akita was some form of soldier he sobers the surprise with a smile. Such a coincidence that both of them happen to be guards for different areas, it would truly be sad if their areas went to war with one another. It'd be sad if any war happened once again to Koori, it had endured enough from the last one. Catching himself from his thoughts to look at Akita, Arty nods his head in vigor. The rain is nice, but if he were to stay out here too long he would catch a cold. He didn't like the cold very much, even though he lived in Koori, so he was prone to getting colds.

"That's a good idea. It would be bad if Sir Fujiko Zatsu Akita got a cold, then he could not attend to his duties." Artemis says out of pure concern for the man. Sniffling for a second he rubs his nose before smiling once more back at the man. Pulling his hood back on from the rain, he moves the sword and shield on his back into a more comfortable position. Tightening his belt, he looks back at Akita showing that he was ready to be lead somewhere.

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[fujiko]

He watched this man’s actions closely not trying to stare he was just a bit curious, though the man had gained some pity from him he would try his best to hide it. However when this male spoke his full name no less with the added ‘sir’ this did get a reaction out of him, he blinked a few times then scoffed and looked away the lightest tone of pink etched across his cheeks. “A pleasure.” he muttered surely the male wouldn’t call him that all the time, he wasn’t used to being addressed by his full name, why did it feel so awkward?

This male smiled……..yet again, though it was used to happy people most of the people in the city and guard treated him with respect and such, but that just felt like it was their instinct to do so, just as they did with other guards, not to many people smiled like this man.

Artemis spoke up again, his way of speaking made him think of the other man in a almost child-like manner. Or he couldn’t tell if he was mocking him or not…….. He scoffed again hearing his name. “uhm.” he razed a brow slightly in front of him. “please just call me by one name. most people do” he stated fixing his composure. He smirked though however as well. A cold? He could most likely work though however he would be fighting everyone else about it.

He finely nodded watching the man pull his hood back up. Akita pulled his cloak’s caller around his neck some more. “you can fallow me back to my office, you can dry off there and find something to eat” he stated calmly he would do it for anyone stuck out in the rain, some teased him for being so cold but so easily swayed by strays. Safe to say he also hadn’t realized his man was a guard……he turned and started walking back towards where he’d come from earlier at a steady pace sure that the elven male could keep up fine but glanced back just to make sure every once in a while.

Upon reaching the area he pushed open his door to his office then growled under his breath. “as you were men!” he razed his voice, nosey guards tempted to nose about his things, they hurried out. He sighed deeply and entered holding the door open for his visitor and then pulled off his cloak and hung it on the rack giving a nod to Artemis that he could do the same before walking over and crouching down by the fireplace..

[ARTEMIS VESUVIUS]

Artemis' ears perk up as he leans to one side to see the expression on the man's face a bit better. Was he blushing slightly at something? Surely Arty didn't do anything, perhaps he is a shade of pink in anger? At the thought that he might have angered the man his ears droop at the thought. Standing there with his hands clasped behind his back he looks at the ground before looking back up with perked ears at the man talking to him in a normal composure. Then he didn't anger the man? That would good.

Thought Arty does seem to act in a child-like manner, with his responses you could say that could be from his lack of memories. He only has memories of a few years like a child, and he didn't know things like a child did. Though he would occasionally be able to state things about something he's never read before he believes because of that he could surely get his memories back. Hearing what Akita says about him just referring the man by one name Arty nods his head in determination to do just that.

"Alright! I'll do that Mr. Fujiko Zatsu Akita.. ah I mean..." Arty's ears droop down as he attempts to figure out which name he would use. His eye brows furrowing in thought he puts a finger to his lips very unsure of what to choose. "I don't...know which to use...."

Looking up at Akita he nods his head in vigor at the idea, his stomach growling at the mention of food. That's right he hadn't eaten in a few days, holding his stomach to silence it's protest at no food. He smiles over at Akita at his generous hospitality.

"Thank you Mr. ......." Arty stops still not figuring out which name to use. He stands there with a blank look on his face before looking back at Akita with an apologetic smile on his face. "Thank you, sir."

Following after the man with a kept up pace he would smile back at Akita every time the man would look back to make sure Arty was following after. Clasping his hands behind his head he would look around the area with interest at the new area; excitement on his face as he looks at all the different architect from those in Koori. Kessho surely is a different place and a lot warmer then Koori. Perhaps if he decided to move from Koori he would come here to live. Thinking of how warm the area is his mind starts to wander to the idea of there being more animals. HORSES! Yes, that's an animal he would love to see once more again.

Running into the back of Akita, he steps back and rubs his nose hearing Akita raise his voice at a few men that seem to find their way into the kind man's room. He could tell they weren't very nice people if they couldn't understand personal space. Walking in after he looks at the room with interest at the place. Seeing Akita indicate that he could place his cloak on the rack as well he starts to take it off.

"I wonder why I never got an office." Arty bemuses to himself as he places the cloak on the rack. His sword and shield exposed as well as the green tunic. Looking around the area with wide eyes he puts a finger to his chin as he look up with a faint thought on his mind. "Maybe guards to the Young King don't get offices..."

Realizing that he had been talking out loud to himself once more, he rubs the back of his head and smiles apologetically to Akita. "Ah sorry....Mr....Akita!"

Arty smiles very proud of himself at finally coming up with a name that he would use. Laughing at his idiocy his stomach decides to make itself known to the two and growls rather ferociously. Quickly covering his stomach with gauntlet covered arms his ears droop finally feeling the hunger take some effect on him.

"Um...about that food." Arty comments with a light laughter the end. He felt rather foolish compared to this well composed man. If anything he did seem like a child compared to Akita. Though the Kessho guard didn't seem to smile that much. Well if anything Arty was going to do his best to see if he could have Akita have some more fun. A smile would make him look more friendly if anything. Yush!

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Comments: I had a lot of muse. =w= heh
Words: 741

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[fujiko]

The Kessho guard smirked faintly at his full name being used again it didn’t bother him perhaps like it made seem, he just found it odd, though he normally used people’s last or first name without any common nicknames given by others, like this male he would call by his full name. he smirked. “its alright it will come to you” he shrugged he didn’t really care. “really, don’t worry about it” he stated as they walked he also didn’t want to comment about hearing a rather hungry stomach, but a smirk still creased his lips.

Upon entering the office and after he’d chased the others away he heard the elf say something about an office though didn’t think to much about it as he stated the fire in the fireplace and pushed a few logs into it. ‘Maybe guards to the Young King don't get offices…’ this comment seemed to replay in his brain, Akita paused standing he turned his attention back towards the male. “Wait……..” he spoke calmly as the man hung his cloak. “You are a guard from Koori?” he asked blinking a few times a bit taken back now but now……..he also felt incredibly stupid, though he wouldn’t know him if he saw him it was perhaps just the fact he spoke to him in such a manner and hoped he hadn’t been rude, why was he hear? Really to search for his lost memories? Ah to many questions.

“forgive me, I didn’t realize……….” he trailed off not really sure what to say no less how to say it. So this was a fellow guard, from a different area no less but still, a man of honor and duty to others. He blinked a few times then a smirk slid across his lips as Artemis finely decided to call him ‘Akita’ could have lived without the ‘mr’ part but it was getting there.

However before he could say anything else the male’s stomach growls in hunger and impatience. Akita razed a brow then smirked for a guard this guy was really calm and pretty nice unless it was an act. Akita chuckled and shook his head. “seems I have put a delay in that.” he smirked once again then turned to the door and opened it to glance at someone on the outside. “fetch some of today’s meal for my guest” he nodded politely he didn’t feel like he was giving orders but asking for a favor really. "Yes Sir" a voice spoke softly.

“if you don’t mind me asking, what is your rank?” he asked hoping it wasn’t anything to personal. He leant on the wall arms folded a moment before smirking. “And please, make yourself at home” he gave a slight nod and removed his weapon from his belt and just leant it on the wall, he didn’t care to much for putting all his weapons away after all if he had to grab and run it would be right there in the corner of the room, but out of the way and slightly to the side behind his desk.

Other then that the room seemed pretty plain other then the royal banner hanging down the most open wall, and his desk facing the center of the room had a few papers a few pens and a few odds and ends that made the desk, a desk, though he didn’t really seem to have any personal effects, a place on the wall that held a few swords, in two of the corners there were small reading chairs, the coat rack nearby the door that led outside, and the small fireplace one wall with the door that led down the hall.

A woman stepped in and set to plates down one for each just incase though Akita couldn’t really say he was hungry. Each had a roll, at least three types of vegetables with what seemed like venison and then a glasses of tea before the young lady hurried off as she did for everyone. “eat as much as you like” he smirked before pulling out his chair, and sitting, and yes of course Artemis could sit in either of the others he did tell him to make himself at home.

[ARTEMIS VESUVIUS]

Even though Akita tried his best to make sure Arty knew that trying to figure out what to call him was okay no matter what; the green clad man on the other hand thought it was pretty important. He didn't want to be disrespectful, and no matter how a person says they don't mind something they usually do. Well with the name figured out he guess he shouldn't really worry about it too much. Surely he isn't offended in any way by being referred to as 'Mr. Akita'.

Looking around the room with wonder, despite the plainess of it all, he was sure that Akita must be some sort of important person. All those guards seem to respond quickly to his voice and he is a pretty cool person. Turning around at 'wait' Arty blinks looking at Akita with his full attention to the man. Hearing Akita ask if he was truly a guard from Koori, Arty straightens up and nods his head vigorously. He had been a guard for quite some time, possibly seven years if he is correct. He had worked his hardest to be a good soldier and prove the nightmares wrong about himself.

Soon the mood in the room seem to become different to Arty. Drooping his ears at what Akita says a worried look starts to appear on his face at the change of the Kessho guard. Did he upset him in a way saying that he was a guard from Koori? Perhaps because of that Akita was thinking of him in a different way, and he didn't exactly like that. People always seem to be more nice around him. A fake nice. He didn't like that at all, he always preferred people being natural around him. As strange at it would sound he didn't like people looking up to him as some sort of great guy, he never liked that because it meant people were paying close attention to him. He didn't like having so much attention on him, which is why he didn't want to mention it before out on the streets when Akita said he was a guard of this area.

Walking over to Akita, Arty gives a very sad look on his face. Listening to the man ask a man to get him food, not as an order but more of a request. He was very kind indeed and didn't flaunt his rank around like he could. That's why Arty liked him, so he didn't want to flaunt his rank around either.

"I don't think it should matter really." Arty says with a genuine smile and shake of the head. "I'm only a soldier just like you who is only here for personal reasons."

Arty gives a big smile to Akita and looks towards the food and he is sure his tummy gave a happy flip at the smell of food. Setting himself down and looking at the food his mouth starts to water at the sight of it. Grabbing his utensils he starts to work on it, resisting the urge to scarf it down yet he ends up doing it anyway. Making many noises of his happiness at the taste of food, pausing at moments to savior the food. He felt like a wild beast eating the food in such a manner but it had been a few days since he had last eaten. When all of the plate had been eaten, save for the venison, and the ice tea gulped down with nothing left he sits back into his chair holding his happy belly.

"Thank you very much Mr. Akita. The food was delicious." Arty says with a beaming smile, not noticing the traces of food on his face. Like a child would act after eating good food. After a few seconds of realizing he had food on his face, he quickly wipes it away with his arm and smiles sheepishly. Laughing slightly at his behavior leans forward with his palms on the chair seat between his legs.

"Isn't Mr. Akita hungry?" Arty asks with pure innocence on the subject. It wouldn't be good if the man doesn't eat either, not eating for a while is kind of hard on the body. Looking up trying to find some way to put his 'make Mr. Akita smile' into action he opens his mouth in a wide smile at an idea. HORSES!

"Has Mr. Akita rode on a horse before? They're really wonderful creatures! I have ridden on one before, she was a very nice mare." Arty says with a lit up face. Since Koori is such a cold place horses aren't animals that are seen there much. They can't survive such harsh climates and it ends up causing their hoofs to crack which is pretty lethal to a horse apparently. "I know! When the rain clears up Mr. Akita should come with me to the stables. We can pet horses and I'm sure Mr. Akita will smile and if he smiles he'll be more friendly!"

Arty quickly closes his mouth with his hands after saying those words. He hadn't meant to say his plan out loud and even more he might have offended the man by implying that he might not be friendly. Looking down at his shoes he awaits the man's reactions. Ears drooped. Blue eyes creased. Lips pouting. He really does act like a child sometimes.

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[fujiko]

Purple eyes watched the other male trying not to stare as he gave him a nod, he wasn’t sure if he should be surmised that he is a night because of his behavior or not? He wasn’t the type to judge regardless, it simply just caught him off guard. When Artemis finely spoke it was to tell him his rank didn’t matter? What if he was a the general of the guard? He would want to treat him with the up most respect, not that it wouldn’t be real but…………but……. He finely gave a faint nod and smirk, brining a hand up to the back of his head and messed his hair up some. “I suppose you have a point” he stated his own position might had been looked at as a high one however it didn’t feel like it to him he felt like he was at a rank he could do good, but not have to be completely relied on, not that responsibility frightened him or anything, perhaps it was just something else…

As Artemis took the place and sat down seemingly comfortable enough he seated himself behind his desk and stretched his shoulders back some and brought his arms up folded behind his head for a moment, he tilted his gaze towards the ceiling. Either he truly spaced out or Artemis was done eating in mere moments he blinked a few times in almost disbelieve the man finished it all so quickly.. He said it was delicious though. “if you want more you can have it” he smirked looking at his own plate he hadn’t really touched much of but had pulled the roll off and ripped it in half to cool.

He blinked at the questioning of his eating and he gave a gentle shake of his head. “I ate not to long ago I am alright though thank you for thinking of me” he stated still didn’t stop him form poking a piece of the roll into his mouth, ah yes well hungry or not he always had room for one of those delicious rolls, it had a faint sweet taste, he didn’t know how the cook did it, because honestly he could barely cook when he needed too, and this wasn’t often. Chewing then swallowed his eyes scanned across his table then turned to Artemis he defiantly felt his eyes on him as if he was being observed, he honestly didn’t think he was that interesting, though now it was hard to tell if this guard would possibly be observing him for some real reason or…..it was just in his rather lofty personality.

Sometimes he wished he was that free spirited maybe it was something about elves? He couldn’t say he’d met a vast amount of them Akita wasn’t necessarily cold unless he was having to be serious, but his personality was rather cool, partly relaxed, maybe he just held himself like this to have a wall to hide behind? He slowly pushed that thought from his mind and snapped back to reality once the elf spoke, and asked him…if he’d ridden a horse before? That seemed rather out of nowhere though almost everything about the male did. He smirked faintly and brushed his hair over his hair.

“I ride mostly when traveling a great distance, I cannot say I spend a vast amount of time around them however I have been around them a lot.” he stated then looked at him again as she said they could go to the stables and pet horses, his face became a bit softer for a moment, alright maybe? Why not? He wasn’t sure but he figured it was alright, however the rest of the statement made him paused……. What? ‘and I'm sure Mr. Akita will smile and if he smiles he'll be more friendly’ he blinked a few times rather dumbstruck, his face completely changed to being rather empty kind of blank, the noticed the elf seem to suddenly change as well meaning he either didn’t mean to say it or it came out wrong. So….Akita wasn’t friendly? He wasn’t sure what this meant though honestly he couldn’t argue fairly with it.

After a few more moments of silence, he sat up in his chair and a chuckle echoed from his chest, his lips twisted into some form of a humored smile or smirk. “Hahahah…………” he leans his elbow on his desk and rubbed his hand over his face chuckling still a mild laughter though not to loud, he couldn’t help it……just seemed to creep out and he didn’t mean to laugh ‘at‘ him but……well. . Finely he sucked in a deep breath. “to the stables then, when the rain stops.” he said still somewhat amused.