I'm sad now...does no one like my story?
OH WELL!
I like it
To CloeGriffindor: Thank you! Another chappie for u!
To Sleeping Moon: I'm glad you enjoyed it. Ace's personality is a little confusong...but he doesn't seem like a bad guy...just a crazy confused butthole
Another chappie for you 2!
Chapter 4: The Art of making Coffee and the Unexpected Visitor.
KIDA'S POV
I pealed my heavy eyelids back, a yawn escaping as I snuggle deeper into the pillow. It was pleasantly soft, like it had never been used, but had that distinct scent that proved otherwise. The midday sun peeks through the window, warming the thin coverlet that wraps around me. I let my eyes lazily glance over the room I'm in. It's mostly empty, containing only essential pieces of furniture like a bed and a dresser. Clocks tick against the walls, which also contained various other things like pictures and drawings. I couple of books scatter on the floor. Just a typical bedroom, if not a little bland.
'Where am I again?'
Memories cascade upon me, reminding me of my strange set of circumstance. I glance out my window at the clear blue sky. That's right. That kind man helped me out. And...t-this must be HIS bed. I feel my cheeks heat up.
"Look at yourself, Kida. A guy goes and helps you out and you steal their bed. Some guest you are." I scold myself silently, "I better go thank him and apologize."
I sit up and pull myself to the edge of the bed, it creaking in protest to my every move. When I go to put my feet to the floor, I jump when I find them a little too cold to my liking. I can't remember taking my shoes off before bed, but I ignore that little fact as I stand and look for them. They are easily found by a chair, which has my bag and Natalie's coat on it. 'I don't remember putting them there either. But, maybe I did. I don't know'. I slowly walk toward the door that leads to, what I call, the Workshop when something suddenly dawns on me.
What am I going to say to him now?! Yesterday was a fluke, because I was frantic, fatigued, and basically a mess. I've never been good at taking to people, and the fact that he is a guy make it that much harder. My cheeks burn as I hesitate by the doorknob.
'Look, just go in there, apologize, get your stuff and leave. That's all you need to do.' I think repeatedly.
Yeah, I can do that!
Quickly wanting to get it over with, I force my hand to the knob and open it slowly, peeking through a crack between the frame and the door.
"M-mister M-M-Monrey, sir?" I whisper out into the brightly lit room, only to get no reply. I open it a little more, "H-Hello?"
No answer.
'Is he...not here?' I carelessly open the door wider, just enough to my head and a little bit of my body could slip through easily. The room was the same as I had left it. Books, paper, and various other things are strolled out on the many shelves and desks that surround the room, leaving a little rounded table and lone chair in the very middle. But it too, had boxes filled to the brim with round, golden clocks that looked almost brand new. I remember seeing Julius tinkering with them, so it's my guess that these are all the one's he has fixed. I slip through the door silently, closing it behind me as I glance around some more for the clockmaker, but all I can see are papers and parts and...what is...that blue lump on the desk?
Is that...Julius?
I cautiously tiptoe to it, bending down to give it a closer look. Dark blue tresses fan out around his face on the desk, while the little that layered against his back was tied back neatly in a golden ribbon. It cascaded lengthily downward, covering the deep navy and golden collared jacket he had on. The sound of a sudden deep snore coming from him makes me start, as he turns his head to the side on his crossed arms, his clock earring clinking against wood. His shoulders raise slightly from every breath he breathes, ruffling a couple of stray bangs that tickles his strong set nose and cheeks. I notice the slight darkening around his eyes.
I admit, his first impression to me showed to be a bossy, grumpy young man who wanted nothing more than to be left the hell alone. But the possibility that, maybe he had found me and decided to let me rest considering my long day was a very...kind gesture and proved otherwise. Poor man. He looks like he works so hard, A sense of guilt builds inside me.
'And I go and take his bed. I'm an awful guest. I need to thank him somehow...but how...'
My eyes pick up the sight of an empty cup on the edge of the table, carefully situated so that you couldn't bump into it and spill. I reach for it and cradle it in my palms as a crisp and familiar scent drifts into my nose.
A proverbial light bulb blinks inside my head as a grand plan etches itself into my brain. I know exactly what I'll do!
After silently putting the cup back in it's rightful place. I just as mutely tiptoe back to the bedroom. I quickly gathering my things along with the blanket off of the bed and go back into the Workroom, placing my things by the table and spreading the coverlet over his shoulders. I collect his cup from the desk and walk into the adjacent room which just happened to be a small kitchen (Very small), equipped with a stove, small fridge, and a sink fulled to the brim with unwashed mugs. I guess in my panic I hadn't noticed it before.
When I reach up into the cabinet ready to commence step two, I meet a dilemma. Bags upon bags full of it.
'W-where's the instant?'
I push the bags out of the way, hoping to find it but was sadly disappointed. So I reached for the bags, only to find that most of them were empty, so I dutifully threw them in the small garbage can. I suppose it's just one of those days, because it just so happens that the very last one was the only one with anything left in it. I've never made it the old fashioned way, so I flip it to the back, hoping for directions
…
This...might be a problem.
It's not that it wasn't there, no.
And I could read it just fine.
It's just that...what's a grinder look like?
I go to look around the small room, moving thing around only to put them silently back, when one of the objects I move catches my eye.
Its...well basically a box. A medium sized wooden box with a black handled crank of some kind on the top and small drawer in the front, the front knob also being black. I gently pick it up for closer examination, only to get wafted with that scent yet again.
"Aha!" I whisper joyfully, "So you must be a grinder. Now...how to start."
After a couple of minutes of fiddling with it, opening it and discovering the ins and outs of it, I pour some of the beans into it and start grinding away. Once done, I open the drawer and there they are, looking just like my instant back home.
"Well the hard part is done. I know what to do now."
I set up the percolator, just like I remember my grandma doing it back home, repeating the steps mentally so that I don't mess up, 'Open the top...pour water in it...add coffee in the top chamber...ah how much coffee? I suppose two tablespoons are ok. Next I have to put it on the stove...'
As I proceed to do so the sudden sound of a chair squeaking makes me quickly twist around, "Mister Monrey?"
No one answers back, so I turn back to my work, quickly cutting on the stove and setting it on the grill.
"I must be hearing things. Now...have to wait three minutes and it's done. I just really hope he likes it. I'll go wash some dishes, I suppose."
JULIUS POV
A sense of tranquility and harmony surrounds me as I lazily drift away from the realm of dream into consciousness, my senses slowly coming back on. I can feel my head rested against the crook of my folded arms as they in turn pillowed the side of my face. I suppose working for five time periods straight wasn't a very good idea. All I did was put my head down for a moment, too. I must have fallen asleep at my desk again. I could feel my stiffened back, a large and slightly heavy mass of warmth coating it along with my shoulders as they hunched over the desk.
My eyes flicker open, squinted from the sunlight in the window. As I try and bury my head in my make-shift pillow attempting to go back asleep, I jerk awake by the sudden sound of a faucet being turned. I freeze.
'Is someone here again to steal the cloaks?! Damn it!'
My cerulean eyes flicker toward the kitchen, my ears picking up subtle noises. The sound of water being filled into something. The tapping of medal against medal. I scoot my chair a little to my left so to get a better look at my intruder, when it lets out a traitorous squeak. I quickly shut my eyes and with honed self-control I make no movement or sound.
"Mister Monrey?"
…
'...Mister Monrey?'
"I must be hearing things. Now...have to wait three minutes and it's done. I just really hope he likes it. I'll go wash some dishes, I suppose."
'Is that...ah...it's just that Foreigner girl. But what is she talking about? And what is...she...'
I listen in as she turns the noisy handle, water quickly flushing the sink as the click of glass against glass starts up. A sudden bubbling sound makes me jump slightly, but still I try and not make a sound. I listen for a minute or so more, wanting to keep as still as possible so as not to spook her, when curiosity gets the better of me. Carefully, I lean a little to get a better look into the small area, hoping my chair doesn't betray me again. I can see her with her back toward me as she thoroughly washes each and every dish that I have neglected for the last couple of periods. On the stove is my coffee pot, it bubbling away as the bittersweet smell of coffee leaks out of there into here, perforating the air.
'She's making...coffee?'
My joints and muscles pop as I go a push myself up away from my desk quietly. The feel of something sliding down my back makes me jerk slightly, and when I turn to find out what it could be, I come face to face with my coverlet. I stare at if for a moment, dumbfounded, not noticing the sound of liquid being poured.
'...How did that get there?'
"OH! G-Good morning, Mister Monrey."
I quickly turn to face the girl, who holds in her hand a cup of warm coffee and a nervous smile on her face. She glances everywhere except at me, only flickering once in a while. For some reason this make me a little angry.
"You sure have been making yourself at home."
Her eyes catch hold of mine and widen a bit, "What are you...Oh...this isn't for me." she blushes and smiles kindly "I made it for you. I-I hope you like it."
I blink as I watch her walk toward me, gently placing it in front of me before seating herself in a chair across from me. It smells heavenly, which is strange. I'm usually picky on how I like my coffee. "I wanted to say thank you for yesterday, and to apologize. I didn't mean to steal your bed."
"Steal my..." A sudden realization hit me. She thinks that she was the reason I fell asleep at my desk. Does she not remember falling asleep on the floor?
"It's fine." I mumble, a slight blush on my cheek as I slowly take a first sip. It is...surprisingly good! Much more so than Alice ever made. It almost tastes like how I would usually drink it. Maybe a little too strong, though. My eyes unconsciously close as I enjoy the simple flavor
"I-Is it ok?"
KIDA'S POV
I'm starting to sweat a little. I really wanted to do something nice for all the things that he's done for me so far. But what if it's not good?! I've never grinded my own coffee before, so I'm not sure how thoroughly ground the beans should have been. I kind of wish he would say something.
"I-Is it ok?" I blurt out,
His eyes flicker open as he lowers his cup. He stops and thinks for a moment.
"90 points"
…
I can't help but stare at him, more than little baffled as he takes another sip. Does that- does that mean it was good or not? 90 points? Is that out of 100? It sounds good, but I'm not exactly sure. The sound of him putting his glass down makes me snap out of my thought.
"Thank you. And call me Julius.", is all he says as he then gently grasps the clock that I hadn't noticed was laying on his table and, along with his screwdriver, continues where I'm guessing he left off with it without a word.
I smile at him, feeling more than a little satisfied with myself. Although on the inside I'm grinning ear to ear and jumping up and down like a little school girl.
'I did something good! Yay me! I hope I made a good first impression'
Being sure to to not interrupt his work, I silently pull out my sketch book, and other art materials out of my bag and lay it on the table. I glance around the room, curious as to what I am going to draw next, but unfortunately for me there isn't much to draw around me. Just books, paper, clocks and...well Julius of course. I blush a little as I glance at him, his long nimble fingers carefully bringing life back into the once dead clock.
'Surely he won't mind...'
I quickly start my drawing, making the lightest of marks to bring the basic shapes along. Oval shape for the head. Square for the body and arms, along with circles indicating things like wrists and elbows. And of course a rectangle for the desk and circle for the clock I his hand. Add the details little by little, slowly and carefully. The sounds around me faze out as I dive deeper and deeper in concentration, my complete focus on nothing but the drawing in hand. My eyes flicker back and forth between my page and him as he works just as earnestly as I do in complete silence. Time passes without me even noticing, without me even caring.
I am quickly finished with my simple sketch and begin drawing in more details, pulling out my special colored pencils.
Neatly tailored blue and golden trimmed coat. An off-white collared undershirt and a clock-shaped tie. 'Huh...I've never seen a tie shaped like that before. It looks like an actual clock hanging there. It even has the numbers on it. But that's silly.'
"-ida?"
Long, straight navy colored hair with a loose golden ribbon holding it in place. It settles gentle on his shoulders. 'Which colors should I mix to make such a deep blue? Ah...maybe...'
"Mis-?"
A clock-like earring dangling from his left lobe. It, too, looks very realistic. Bright blue eyes that are...
I jump when someone clasps my shoulder, and my eye jerk upwards to meet the same azure eyes as in my picture as, instead of sitting at his desk, he stands right in front of me. I blink at him, coming back into my senses, "H-huh? Did you want something, Julius?"
He jerks back, slightly startled and confused at my question. "I called you three different times. Didn't you hear me?"
I gaze right back at him, just as confounded. He called me? I didn't hear him. My eyes quickly locking onto the window as the evening sun disappears behind the trees
"How long have I been working?!" I gasp, startled. It's so late!
"For about three to four hours." He states simply, "Didn't you notice the time change?"
"Time...change? And only three hours? But it's was noon a minute ago, so why is it suddenly evening?"
"Ah...that's right. I hadn't explained everything to you." he slowly goes back to his desk and sighs. He reaches to get another sip of his coffee, only to glare at it when he finds it empty. I can't help put giggle at him, but I stifle it the best I can.
"Would you like another cup before you start explaining? I wouldn't mind one myself, if that's ok."
"Do as you please", My giggles leak out a little as a slight blush creeps up on his cheeks at my kind gesture. He seems like a hard, quiet person, but I think he is a caring and attentive man.
I stand and walk over to get his cup, "I'll be right back."
I go back into the kitchen and proceed to repeat the new (to me anyway) process of grinding the coffee to perfection, determined to get 100 points this time around.
*WHAM*
'What was that?!'
"Julius! I'm-"
"You're late. Again." Julius interrupts, but by the way he talks to the new guest suggests that he's someone he's used to, so I don't worry.
"Haha! Yeah, I guess I got lost again. And I meet the nicest person along the way, too. Come on, princess!"
The sound of an all but familiar voice makes me drop everything and rush into to other room.
HIKARI'S POV
I was wrong. I admit it.
I was horribly, horribly wrong.
It had been a good long while before I had realized something wasn't quite right. It's either that or every other tree stump looks EXACTLY like every other fucking tree stump. When I tried to voice this out, Ace had only laughed, assuring me that we were going to get there soon and kept going in a straightforward direction. I could only shrug my shoulders at the time. Surely going straight would lead us somewhere.
Three different "time periods", as Ace called them, had passed us and somewhere in that 'straight' we ended up running into a bear, being chased by bees, and had fallen down a waterfall. Oh, and lets not forget having to spend another night outside. I definitely remembered falling asleep on my side of the tent BY MYSELF, however it was a completely different matter upon awakening. One arm draped around my waist, his forehead pressed between my shoulder blades as we lay in a spoon position. Let's just say my knuckles are still sore from bopping him on the noggin, but damn if he isn't hard headed!
And now here we are, walking in the direction of a huge, tall concrete building. Pillars of some sorts surround it, each labeled with a Roman numeral while the building itself has some kind of arrows pointing out to them, and it almost looks like it's moving. The sky glows orange with the evening sun. I'm covered in dirt and leafs, and I'm soaked to the bone. I'm in desperate need of a shower, so I'm not in the best of moods.
"Never again, you directionally challenged idiot. NEVER. AGAIN." I practically screech at the Knight, who just laughs as we climb up the steps.
"Aww, don't be like that princess."
"HIKARI. MY NAME IS HIKARI!"
"Hahaha! Whatever you say, princess!"
I want to hit him again. Nothing explains how effin much I want to hit him again. The only thing that's holding me back is the intense ache I already have in my knuckles. So instead, it's stern talky time.
"Look, Ace." He pauses, already at the top of the steps from his steady pace and looks back at me, "You've been dragging me in circles since we've meet. Even if I am a princess, which I am NOT by the way, is that anyway to treat one?"
He taps his index finger on against his chin, "Am I not being a good Knight, princess?"
"It's not that, it's just..." I pause.
'Maybe I can play this up a little. Use it to my advantage.'
"No, I was wrong, you're being a bad Knight!" I quickly shout, wiggling my index finger at him like a parent would a misbehaving child.
His smile falters a bit, but is nonetheless still there," Well, that just won't work. What can I do to be a better Knight then, princess?"
"You could start by calling me Hikari."
He laughs then, making me jump. "Ahaha! Why didn't you just say so! Princess Hikari it is then!"
'Don't hit him. Don't hit him. I REALLY want to hit him.'
"I suppose it's an improvement."
I walk up the step, catching up with him as he opens the front door and let's me go first. Strangely gentlemanly. I eye him for any mischievousness as I enter the large building. Strange twisting gears and chains riddle the wall, making the whole building seem like a huge machine. Now that I think about it, I suppose it is considering the strange mechanism I saw outside. Clocks hang on ever empty spot on the wall in what I can only guess is the foyer. A spiral staircase around the edge leads upward into the second floor.
Ace takes this moment to head of is some direction that I'm positive isn't the right one. I grab the cuff of his cloak like a mother would grab the wrist of a straying child and lead him in the direction of the stairs.
"Oh, no you don't.", I half-scold "This way"
He just laughs and lets me lead him up into the building. Up and up we go until I'm sure there isn't anymore up to go. My companion tries to lead me down a different hallway once or twice, but I jerk his arm and lead him into, what I'm hoping, is the correct way. Door after door we pass in this ostensibly empty place, and I start to mentally question if there is even anyone who lives here.
As we come up to a doorway that is a little more elaborate than the others, my ears pick up the sound of someone talking. It sounds like a male due to its deep, baritone voice, and he seems to be talking to someone else. Not wanting to interrupt and be rude I quickly pass the door, only to be yanked to a stop by Ace.
"Don't be shy now! Julius won't bite."
"Julius?" I ask.
"Ahaha! He's my best friend! And he should be able to help you." He then, to my astonishment, abruptly opens the door, "Julius! I'm-"
"You're late. Again." comes the deep voice of, what I assume, is Julius.
"Haha! Yeah, I guess I got lost again. And I meet the nicest person along the way, too. Come on, princess!" He yanks me until I stand in from of him. A blush sneaks it's way into my cheeks and I nervously scratch the back of my head.
"Ahaha. Sup, guy. It's nice to meet you, I guess. My name is-"
"HIKARI!"
I feel a force slam into me, almost knocking me on my butt, and my arms automatically grasp it by the shoulder and pulling it away so that I can get a closer look at my assaulter. I blink and grin wide when I meet the face of my one and only friend.
"KIDA!" I yell and grasp her in a tight, rib crushing bear hug as I assault her with a multitude of question, "Where have you been?! Are you alright? What happened!"
"H-Hikari! If you let me breathe I'll explain everything."
I quickly let go of her and drag her to the nearest seat, where I too, settle myself for the long conversation to come.
"I have so much to tell you, so let me tell you my story first. And then you can start from the beginning. OK?" I ask.
"OK! Ah! I almost forget about the coffee!"
"...and that's what happened. I've been here ever since."
Ace had patiently sat in a chair opposite of us, occasionally piping up more detail on my side of the story. It was a little weird that he was so quiet. But once Kida started on her story, he got this devilish look in his eyes and started mercilessly teasing Julius. Something about 'finally finding him a good housewife' to which he blushed furiously and argued otherwise. I didn't really get it until I found Kida's drawing pad layed out in her lap, with none other that a perfect drawing of the man. I gave her and elbow to the side, smirking. She blushed and quickly closed her booklet, but not before hitting me in the side with her fist. I gotta say, she's got a strong punch. Ouch!
After that Kida, Ace, and I had set there for a moment to relax and enjoy the quiet while Julius continued the task of repairing the clocks. I ponder for a bit on these new bits of information in silence.
Of course it's Ace that breaks it.
"Ahaha! Things sure did get quiet all of a sudden."
Julius sighs and puts his work down once more,"I suppose I should explaining some things before you make your decisions. You both have a vial, correct?"
"Yeah, why?" I ask pulling it out of my pocket to prove my point, only to notice that it wasn't as empty as I remember, "Hey, I thought I drank all of it!"
"You willingly drank it?!" he shout, eyes wide. Kida's head whips around to stare at me, her mouth gaped open.
"I was half asleep and thirsty, OK? And I didn't know! It's not like the moron knew anything.", I say, pointing to Ace who's over there laughing his ass off.
"That vial is your only way home.", Julius explains with an exasperated sigh, "You had a chance to return before, but once you both drink it, you're stuck here until you finish your games."
I shrug. "Sounds easy enough. Well then, I'm glad I drank it."
Kida gasps, "Why?!"
"What kind of friend would I be if I just left you here to fend for yourself. Not a very good one, that's what! So, I don't regret drinking it now." She blinks at me, surprised at my words. I just grin at her, daring her to try and argue with my logic.
"As I was saying" Julius cuts in, "In order to finish your games, you must meet with the various Role holders and let the liquid accumulate. Once it's refilled, you can go home. Now, there are some other things you should know."
Oh Kida...you who lives in the age where everything is instant...never knowing the greatness of freshly ground coffee. And a little hinty-hint of a maybe pair story!
(Any requests on those are welcome!)
CLIFFHANGER!
Do you hate them as much as I do?
THEN REVIEW PLZ and TELL YOUR FRIENDS!
or i will..FIRE MUH LAZUR
BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
