ooparts.

                Tetsuya never thought he’d see the day where he’d leave Japan! Waking up in such a strange city brought forth some panic, however, it all soon washed very quickly when he took his first few steps into the city- that feeling is quickly replaced with excitement, and curiosity. A lively city! Many crowds of people, shops, and buildings. He couldn’t help but shake in excitement as he looks at his surroundings.

                Well, before he can even explore the districts that piqued his curiosity he felt his stomach rumble. With that, a small sigh leaves his lips, “Aw man, this ain’t cool. Gotta find something to eat, yo!” He can’t do anything on an empty stomach! Especially if he wanted to bust some sweet moves- now isn’t the time to chillax, and let hunger become an impediment in his life.

                With the sudden realization, the boy clasps his hands together. With a simple pluck, he easily picks a banana off the side of his head, leaving the couple of yellow bunches on each side uneven. Perfect! The boy laughed, and begins bobbing his head to an internalized beat. Green eyes shift over to the side only to see some individual staring at him. Watching him. Probably judging him. Why… What is going on?

   Suddenly his eyes catch that of a happy smile, before suddenly the male he was watching suddenly plucks off bananas from the side of his head. Emerald eyes blink in confusion, it was one of the strangest thing the Arclight had witnessed, and he honestly had witnessed many strange things in his life so far.

   With a pinch to his side, the duelist recalls that this is not a dream, but reality. Not that he was judging the other-- although, he was curious to know why the blond had fruit growing from his head. Maybe it was there in case he ever became hungry? Mihael most definitely knew the feeling of an empty stomach, however at this point in time; hungry was not a thing he was.

   "I apologise," he bows his head forward, with a sparkle in his eyes.

かに（猫酢）

"Hmmmmhmmmhmmm~" 

[ Haru giggled under his breath, walking through the oh-so familiar streets he called his home. He…thought so, at least. This wasn’t Enoshima- he really had no idea what he was doing here! All he remember is waking up in an apartment that looked just vaguely familiar, but otherise- what was this place? The only people he could properly remember off of the top of his head was barely a handful.

He held out his arms to his sides, taking rather large steps. This felt nostalgic- though, only in the way this was something that he did when he first arrived in Enoshima. He remembered seeing a red car and a boy with red hair inside of it, and chasing it until he had reached the ‘Sky Tree’. He giggled just a little bit and increased his pace, ignoring the people that he ran by. ]

"I don’t remember this plaaaaaace!"

[ He whined, continuing on the path ahead of him. He brought his arms down and giggled under his breath, smiling as widely as he possibly could. Any feeling of remorse, guilt, or any negative emotion he had felt upon first entering the Hive was gone to him. It was like as if he had started over, and mostly..he didn’t realize where he was going.

Or that there was a cat slowly stalking him. But when he did take notice, it didn’t take long at all for a rather loud scream to emit from the young alien, and he hid behind of the closest person, whimpers leaving his lips every so often. He pointed at the cat, tugging at the stranger’s sleeve.] 

"T-There’s a scary cat there, get rid of it!" 

   It was long before he finds himself within the presence of a stranger, whimpering and seemingly acting horrified of something which had recently happened to them. Emerald eyes blink rapidly at the blonde, glancing as he clung onto the Arclight's cloth.

   "A cat?" he questions, peeking past to notice the feline scratching his left ear behind the pair. Hesitantly III kneels, scratching the itch behind-- hoping that might do the trick. "It will not harm you, at best, it may.. perhaps claw at your skin, as the most a feline is capable of is drawling only a droplet of blood." III states, matter of factly, standing back up to face his new found acquaintance.

Taking a deep breath, the angel considered the question carefully. She knew the answer well, but part of her didn’t wish to worry the pink haired duelist. Was that wrong, wanting to hide her worries..? Her friend sounded preoccupied too. While her mind still raced, the gentle pats were also reassuring and…familiar? It felt wrong to try and hide her thoughts, so she offers a slow shake of her head, yet no answer.

There’s the thought that reminds her that she needs to pull away, because the action was still awkward, but the boy’s words stop her from doing so. Warm? Yeah, she guesses it is; she’s also content there. It feels…safe? “It’s so sudden but I was— am very happy to see YOU.” And the soft and steady rhythm of the male’s heartbeat is strangely calming.

   Why was this? His mind elsewhere, and yet he felt safe and warm; the words spoken from before. Chest tightened as one could recall, breathing became hitched and heavy as he hung onto each of her words. Recalling the memories of returning somewhere-- wherever this place was, it wasn't only him.

   "Yes, I can also recall..." The scientists lied, of course they did-- he honestly wasn't surprised in the least. Going home had possibly been on most of the residents minds, III himself wanted the bliss feeling of Heartland wash through his locks. Although... he couldn't recall why exactly that was... "I was afraid you wouldn't be here-- that maybe this was only a dream." What was waiting for him? III only remembered his time within the Hive and nothing else.

   "... know why, or where you wanted to go?" He finishes, gently closing his eyes in return. "Certainly I happen to be the same. I feel confused, as though there is something I should remember.... but no matter how many times I try--" His chest moves slightly, allowing his forehead to droop slightly forward. "... my mind simply turns blank."

She perks up at the knocks, unceremoniously dropping the pillow she had been hugging against her chest, when a voice follows. The child recognizes it instantly, and relief washed over her. Someone she mostly remembered clearly; someone not from this city and yet not from home either. At the moment, his strange status was what made him feel closest to her. it’s ridiculous, yet oddly reassuring.

“III” She calls back in a slightly shaky voice, albeit loud enough for him to know she had heard him, as she walks to the door. And she’s unsure why it’s suddenly hard to control her emotions (she could do that before just fine, couldn’t she?) when she finds herself loosely holding onto the teen as she opens the door.

   Something is amiss, he already knows-- nothing feels right, and his own heart feels empty. Sadness overwhelms III as he can't remember, in knowing this suddenly the Hive felt new, fresh and different. All the teen can do is wait, hoping answers would come forward; or perhaps Dlanor herself would recall, and even know what was happening.

   "Is everything alright?" he firmly presses, alas voice hitched as he quickly pats her petite limbs. Breath short, emerald eyes glance across the door, and to where Dlanor was pressed. The duelist felt calm at this instance, knowing his friend could recall memories they shared-- at least remembering his code name was a start.

   Suddenly it felt warm, as though it was a feeling III himself once experienced before. Still, no recollection of it; or any remembrance was had. Perhaps he thought it was memories of his mother, although no picture came to his mind. Why wouldn't a clear memory come? "There is no need for you to apologise. It's fine.. I feel--"

Never mind the fact that he wouldn’t have the patience to fill papers and he’d just end up trying to get III to do it for him anyway. Despite the moody reply, though, Thomas had been caught quite off guard. He hadn’t realized his younger brother was there to hear.

"Tch… There’s nothing of use. The one thing this city hasn’t lost is its knack for being annoying."

   "Yes, feelings..."

   III needn't seem so bothered, he knew right away what his incomprehensible answer would be. Deep down he knows not to be bothered by mere words, although it was all he had by this time. "I wonder.. I am certain whatever it is that Thomas chooses, will be the correct choice." Although, he hoped they would all leave this city together, in search of Chris. "As you've stated, it is very like me-- and if neither of you, or Thomas-niisama came to this city.. I would choose to go home. I will never be at ease without brother Chris, even if we all end--"

   Slowly he cut his words off, not wanting to go further. III wasn't certain what would happen if they returned, would they fall back into sacrifices for the Barian World? Still, did their father now? He wasn't sure on how to approach the problem at hand.

"Shouldn’t this be an easy choice to make? How peculiar."

   "It would depend on one's feelings, father."

Dlanor had heard about, and seen, the amusement park quite a times since her arrival, but she had never really bothered with visiting it until today. Sector 5 had its own practical use, whatnot with being the shopping district, but it also offered options that were about as recreative as those of Sector 6.

It seemed enjoyable, really. 

But even if the rides seem like fun distractions, it’s a little off-putting to be there all by herself. A tranquil ride on the ferris wheel seemed like the best way to lighten her mood, and it would also offer a good view of the whole park and what other rides there were.

There’s a quick shift in her attitude, however, as she catches a glimpse of what appears to be a familiar person within the crowds below. Her golden eyes focus on the individual, attention undivided as she follows their movements while the pod descends slowly. Could that be? It felt kind of surreal, but she was certain there was no mistake. Well, there was always the chance that…

   An experience he'd never been able to enjoy, until this particular moment. Musing the thought on how enjoyable times would seem if only his family could be here, that is.. in full-- it was a thought never worth noting, knowing the Arclight's never could be a family to enjoy trivial and so-called enjoyable times.

   Palms shaky as he allows himself to depart the current ride, a roller coaster; speeding tracks and loops that he would always remember-- then he hears his own name, well the one he usually went by. Not many knew of it, aside from those from Heartland, and one of his special friends.

   Slowly the duelist turns, not sure of what to expect as he does so.

   "Dlanor...?" he's confused, noting their last tenure together, and never forgetting the date. Emerald eyes widen as he gazes forwards, blinking rapidly in succession, and watching each movement surely enough.

It was difficult to begin a business, and Wendy Marvell was quickly beginning to realize just how true that was. If there was one thing she lacked above all else, it was experience. She’d been given a building in which she could use for her shelter, as well as the funds necessary to pay any employees she hired. She was so very thankful for the help she was being given, so much that she was afraid she’d never be able to somehow repay her generous donors. 

Thankfully, things weren’t very busy in the beginning. They’d taken in a few animals thus far, which was perfect for training new staff and figuring out the best way to handle different scenarios. Even if two animals were the same species, it didn’t mean they’d respond to the same scenario similarly, for example. She also had to start figuring out the supplies they needed to have on hand, such as tools or food.

Unfortunately, she’d been so busy that she’d been unable to get to know her employees on a more personal level - something she wanted to do considering how  keen she was on making friends. Quite simply, Wendy’s heart of gold was notorious, even in Fairy Tail. She was always thinking of what was for the best for her friends, who were by extension her family, and clearly those sentiments extended to animals as well.

But, as busy as she was, Wendy was often running back and forth from the establishment’s different wings - often carrying things that blocked her vision. This was one such case where she was dashing through the animal recovery wing with a box filled with toys for the animals to play with. She could barely see, so it was inevitable that she’d crash into someone, tumbling to the side and spilling the box’s contents all over the floor.

Well, that was embarrassing…

   Excitement brewed throughout, caring for animals was something he would take pride in. Attention stayed focused within his co-workers and the animals he cared for, allowing small kittens to lick at his fingers. It was an experience, that was for certain.

   Stepping out, door closed behind; just as a figure bumped into him at the same time. Taken back, it took him a matter of moments to gather his composure, emerald eyes staring within the brown. Before leaning down to help the younger between all the toys.

   "Oh? I apologise, I was in your way." he apologised, slowly nodding his head, reaching his soft hand out to reach for her arm. Mihael hoped no bruising would occur, for Wendy's own sake. "Yes, you are correct! You are a remarkable boss, although, we should worry for your own safety first."

   One too many boxes had been carried by his boss, but he was willing to help carry them; "We all make mistakes, and thankfully, I don't believe anyone else managed to notice your fall." With concerned tones, he manages a question-- while anxiety crept over.

When Tron is first told about the situation he’s in after arriving to Hive City, he feels a dull mix of confusion and apprehension that almost borders vexation. He can’t feel much else at the though of being ripped from his home world and what he holds dear, again, he fears. The first time was bad enough, and the timing of this particular abduction just couldn’t be worse. And this is all for some pesky social experiment? It just made things worse.

And he’d complain, he’d act, if not for the dizziness and exhaustion. For a moment he blames the method that was used to bring him here, if only because it reminds him of the sensation of being trapped between the Parallel Worlds. The thought just makes things even worse as he slowly starts roaming the streets.

Thankfully he has his mask, and most of his expression is hidden away from the public as he ponders his options. He can’t think much right now, sick as he presently feels, but it’s enough to reason that finding this District Alpha should be a priority. And well, it’s easy enough to slip back into attitudes and actions he’s familiar with. With some effort, he brings the cheer back to his voice.

   Hearing the tone, loud and very familiar, the youngest son stopped blankly in his tracks. Emerald eyes searching in each direction, needing to find the user-- quickly. Obviously his own footsteps had been heard, soon finding his parental figure in front; slowly he approaches, voice clear and wishing to know how the other felt.

   "Father?"

   He asks, but already knows the childish speech, the mask and matching attire. He's concerned, although he doesn't speak it, in a matter of words his speech contains all that he can fill. As always, his fathers' words were demanding, and haughty-- no love could be squeezed out of them.

   "If you wish it, I can take you there right away." Mihael wishes to say more, not knowing if he should-- or could. What information had his father received in the past few months? It had been a long while, most especially since the son's had been sent on their own mission; although, maybe it would be better to ask on another date. "I did not expect to see you for some time. It has been awhile, hasn't it?"