"nobody touches you!"

“Believe me, it was hard to remember.”

She didn’t really recall the letter of the apartment, since Samson had dragged the girl away so quickly upon their last encounter. It resulted in a wild hunt for the girl with the parasite. Asking for her whereabouts from the people she had accidentally disturbed made it even more so. She was just glad it was Filia standing in front of her this time. Anyways, back to business.

“So, why are you here? Do you want to go out and do something?”

Right. The dance! She couldn’t believe the scientists were dead set on celebrating with their test subjects. IN the pit of her stomach, Yukari felt a uneasiness that made her wary of the whole ordeal, but nothing had happened yet. Regardless, she kept her Evoker close to her. The dress she wore made it uncomfortable to hide the gun, but she took her chances. It was easy to pull out.

"Oh, the dance? Yeah, we... we heard about that." The smile drained from Filia's face, and she gave a shrug, as if apologizing in advance for what was to come.

"Ain't no way in hell we're goin' to no dance!" snapped Samson. "No way, no how! Stinkin' scientists think everything's all hunky-dory, so they go ahead and throw a party, but I'll show them! I ain't gonna go enjoy their stupid party."

"Yeah, we're... not going," said Filia, sighing. "I mean, it would be nice, but... I don't know how we'd do at a party. I don't know how he'd do, either," she said, pointing at Samson. "Besides, I don't have anything to wear, or anyone to go with, and I don't know if I can dance well.."

That’s it, she needs to be positive.

The strenuous scene unavoidably attracted an uninvited guest to presence the embarrassing moment and she didn’t react until hearing the feminine voice. Peering up to meet with only a girl with a peculiar hairstyle, Yukiko lowered instantly her gaze out of the embarrassing thought process her mind went through to end in this situation.

” Y..you can say that, it was a bit too heavy…but there’s no use anymore, it’s broken already. We can leave it in this place, it’s okay. Thank you. “ Better to avoid explaining it and pretend nothing stupid occurred in this alley. But with her gracious luck, Yukiko found herself in a more weirder moment— From where that masculine voice was coming from !? Why the hair of this girl was … !!? Who she was supposed to ignore !?!

As soon as the girl with black hair shouted, Filia pulled her hand back, eyes widening. It was Samson, wasn't it? It was always Samson.

"Oh, uh, that's just Samson. He's a Parasite." She nodded, as if this were a perfectly reasonable explanation that required no further info. "He might be kind of rude, but he's really nice when you get to know him, I promise! Just ignore him when he says anything mean."

"I'm right here, ya know!" he snapped. "I can hear ya talkin'! And I ain't rude, I'm a damn personable fella! Ain't my fault most people are just too sensitive ta handle my brand of conversation, kid. I like ta keep it real, no punches pulled! And speakin' of..." His eyes crawled to the top of Filia's head, glaring down at the other girl. "I can't believe you! Ya killed that poor TV! Now no one can enjoy it! I hope yer happy with whatcha done."

She had heard the rumors going around the streets of the city. A dance hosted by the scientists to celebrate the so far successes of their experiment. While Yukari was livid at the fact that they wished to celebrate the torture and kidnapping of many individuals, she decided that it was an excellent time to continue with her plan. Her plan to have Filia remember her past here in the Hive. Would it work? She didn’t know. All she knew was that this dance gave her the perfect opportunity to get closer to Filia. While the girl didn’t remember a thing, Yukari would still enjoy her company.

The brunette soon found herself at the door of the girl’s apartment. She shook slightly in nervousness. Filia wouldn’t be hostile towards her, but Samson… he was a different story.The last time Samson grew hostile, he had slammed the girl against the hospital wall, and for what? Pulling out her Evoker. He understood his intentions…but it was still painful. She knocked on the door, hoping the girl with the parasite would be home.

But this time, a knock on the door interrupted her tub of ice cream and soap opera reruns. She glared at it, as if she could will away her visitor by sheer force of will. But once she heard the voice, her attitude changed. "Oh, Yukari! Uh, um, one minute!"

Shoes back on, TV off, ice cream back on the freezer, as if she were trying to hide the fact that she'd been relaxing.

"Ugh, not this bitch again," muttered Samson.

"She's my friend, Samson," said Filia, reaching towards the door. "And I'd like it if you were a little nicer to her. She's just trying to help us!"

"Yeah, whatever."

Filia rolled her eyes, smiling as she opened the door. "Yukari! I wasn't sure if you'd remember my new apartment number, but I'm happy you came! I was hoping I'd get to see you again."

They'd only met once since their initial encounter, very briefly, as Samson decided he was in a hurry. Only enough time for the two girls to exchange greetings and for Filia to shout her new apartment number as she was dragged away by her hair. And Yukari was one of the only people in the City who Filia would've actually called her friend, so it was nice to see her again.

"Yer ass is excessive!

I’m alone.

That clicked quick in her head soon as she found herself outside of her room. No, possibly inhabited her mind earlier than that but acceptance came later when finding herself standing in the middle of a busy street, full of noises and people walking around minding their own business, ignoring the high school student that as well tried her best to focus on herself. Inaba was more peaceful than this city if she tried hard enough to recall home but tried to stop her thoughts to strain into unnecessary nostalgia. She couldn’t help but to wish having someone else around and not be left alone like this, like a hopeless damsel.

How nice, a damsel in distress located in some avenue and staring at an old tv that was resting at the top of a trash can she found in a lonely alley. Though she was not very fitting for that role right now, huh ?

Ashamed of the mere thought, Yukiko continued to observe the tv screen in utter awe instead and continued to form out her idiotic plan. Why she would act like that when she can stand on her own ? Now it was the time to show that bravery ! Though it was easier said than done.

” Should or should I not… “ Speaking aloud to reaffirm her determination, pensive glances directed to the television’s screen that darted to another blank point. Well, she doesn’t lose anything with trying, right ? Nothing said it would not work. Digits almost graced the screen with extreme care and in a rush of excitement, the ebony-haired girl tried to jump almost on the electronic device, meeting with a hard surface that caused her to step backwards and fall on her butt because of the hit.

The television fell to the side, crashing on the floor.

” Ouh… “

"No."

"Okay, maybe... this one?"

"No! No hats, kid! Trinity, ya know how stuffy those things get?"

With a sigh, Filia put the hat down. No shopping today, she supposed. It wasn't like she had a lot of money to spend, anyhow, but it was nice to dream. The shopkeeper gave her a nasty look as she wandered out of the store, probably mad at the fact that the girl had spend so much time trying out clothes without buying anything. She began to wander through the Sector, occasionally glancing at storefronts before moving on.

But before too long, a loud crashing sound drew her attention into a nearby alleyway. Filia leaned in, a look of concern on her face. "Hello?" she called. "Is anyone in there?"

She took a few tentative steps into the alley, wondering if someone was possibly hurt. Samson gave a growl, but otherwise said nothing. He knew he wouldn't be able to talk her out of leaving until her curiosity had been satisfied. But, luckily, maybe, no one was hurt, unless you were worried about the health of the shattered television. There was a girl on the ground nearby, but she didn't seem too hurt.

"Um, are you okay," said Filia, walking over to her. "Here, let me help you. Were you trying to carry a TV or something? You should be more careful..."

"Oh my god!" said Samson, causing the girl to jump. "Lookit this! This poor TV... It's dead now... Oh the humanity!"

Yukari had completely forgotten why she had been so intimidated by Samson in the first place. He was all talk, no action. The only action she remembered him taking was when he slammed the brunette against the wall of Filia’s hospital room. Even then, she wasn’t as phased as she knew she had been upon first encounter.

“Sector 3’s the ghetto, and I have to meet a friend there. Don’t assume, especially when I’m doing you a favor.”

Samson wouldn’t notice one little lie, right? Perhaps Yukari could find something in the ghetto anyways. Some cash, or maybe even a better weapon. The wooden bow with bamboo for arrows was…nice….well, nicer than the suction cup arrows she had been forced to use in the past. However, she knew she had to find something better. Especially since she would been a citizen here for a while. She felt secondhand embarrassment for Filia. It stunk that her hair had a mind of its own, and how dull that mind was!

“Don’t worry about it. I understand why he’d act like that towards someone he first met, I guess.”

She scoffed at Samson’s insult as he got into the cab with Filia in tow. Yukari sat in the front seat, and directed the cab driver where to go. Now… What to do in the next thirty minutes? She hoped that her future questions and answers wouldn’t be too suspicious. Then again, Filia’s dumb parasite was already breathing down her neck with that disgusting breath of his.

Samson blew out his cheeks, rolling his eyes. "Eh, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Whassa buncha punks inna gang gonna do against me, huh? Nothin', that's what. Buncha punks, ooh, so scary! Or mebbe your new friend here'll protect ya, since she seems so keen to help out."

"She doesn't need to do that. She's already done enough. Once we find out where we're going, Yukari can go to meet her friend." Filia smiled at Yukari as the cab began to pull away. "We'll be okay. Samson may be rude, but he won't let anything happen to me. Right?"

"H-hey, shut up."

Filia gave a small giggle, folding her hands in her lap as Yukari spoke again. "We only just got here today," she said in answer to the other girl's question. "I mean, when we woke up and saw the video of the scientists talking to us..." She trailed off, expression changing to dismay. "They said we were returning subjects, that we'd been here before. But that can't be right, can it? I think I would've remembered something like that..." Filia began to wring her hands, glancing around the cab in order to avoid making eye contact.

"They said there might be some errors with returnin' memories," said Samson. "But who really cares?"

What would your character do if he/she witnessed the death of their most loved?

If your character is from a different world/time period, explain their personalities if they where placed in this world.

What do you think your character likes to eat the most?

What is your character’s biggest fear?

Character’s biggest strength

What are the traits that you look up to in your character?

What are the traits you don’t like in your character?

Your character’s biggest flaw.

What are similarities/differences between you and your character.

Do you think your character is a man/woman magnet, or is their beauty more subtle?

Is your character artistic?

Is your character tough?

Make up some hobbies you think your character may enjoy.

Do you think your character is insecure in any way?

What makes your character jealous?

What makes them happy?

Has does your character’s past effect who they are now?

What do you think your character’s favorite type of music is?

Would you be friends with your character.

What is your favorite character’s favorite type of day?

Character’s preferred date night.

Character’s type of guy/girl?

Do you think your character is a rule-follower?

Truth/Dare: Be reasonable with the dares! If you start getting ridiculous no one will want to do them; characters aren’t really obligated to do all the dares they receive. Don’t forget about the truth part as well!

Situation: Give the character another character or characters, a place and a reason in order to create some interesting thread ideas (if both parties are willing to do it that is)! For example: You could send an ask to Ventus saying: “Roxas, Sector oo6, clothes shopping”.

Headcanon: Anons send the character a word, or a name and you may write a small/long headcanon about said word!

Litchi heard that right… right? Hair that got sick? It could have been construed as a figure of speech, but the hairs actions were quick to put that theory to rest too. Surely it wasn’t Ars Magus either, so what exactly could grant hair sentience to that degree?

Questions would have continued to plague her had she not snapped back to reality in time to prevent the stranger and her—friend?—from leaving. Litchi was more versed in human remedies, but she had accosted the girl and she’d feel bad about not trying something. It’d be a learning experience, at least. And she could stop the streets from being littered with giant furballs.

…And she’d look cute in a cheongsam, wouldn’t she?

Litchi’s hands clapped together in newfound resolve, a frantic smile spreading across her face (although she did her best to contain herself.) “I-I don’t have anything with me now, but—!”

"A world without me's not a word I'd wanna live in!" said Samson, not nearly sick enough to force him to be quiet. He then made a gurgling sound, as if reminded that he was actually quite ill.

Filia made a noncommittal sound, turning to leave before the woman spoke up again.

“I-I don’t have anything with me now, but—!”

The girl's eyes widened as a smile began to form on her lips. "Oh? Well, I'm willing to try anything, as long as it's not too expensive. We don't have a lot of money..."

"Hey, I wanna say in this!" said Samson, extending his body to face the ollder woman directly. Immediately after, he spat up another hairball, which landed right at Filia's feet.

Filia rolled her eyes. "Samson, at least warn me nex- is that a bone in there?"

"Guess I don't chew my food well 'nuff," said the Parasite, giving a weak laugh.

Soon enough, her thought process was interrupted by Samson getting in her face.

”People don’t just give away somethin’ for nothin’ to people they just met!”

Having to deal with him was a small price to pay to get one of closest friends back.

“I guess it’s healthy to be suspecting of someone, but that doesn’t mean you have the right to bark in their face like a wild animal. No, I don’t want anything in return; it just so happens I have to get to that sector anyways.”

Was he always this curious?? Ugh. Anyways, back to business. Yukari kept her eyes peeled and after a brief wait, a taxi headed in their direction.

"You kind of are," said Filia, in a tone that suggested she was very used to this kind of behavior.

"Whatever! What's even in Sector 3 that'd interest a girl like you? A minimall? Boy band? Puppies? These places all got names, right? So what's Sector 3 called, huh?" The Parasite got closer and closer with each word, eventually gnashing his teeth right in Yukari's face.

With a sigh, Filia began to reign him in, pulling him back until the two were next to each other again. "Samson, calm down, Yukari's just being nice, I know you're not used to things like that," she said, stroking his head.

Still growling, Samson retreated to his spot atop Filia's head. "Fine. But I still don't trust her."

Filia sighed again, brushing a lock of hair away from her ear, only to have it fall back into place a moment later. "Sorry about that," she said to Yukari, forcing a smile. "I know he can be a pain sometimes. But don't worry, I'll make sure he behaves himself a little." Her eyes flicked to the taxicab that stopped nearby at Yukari's summons, wandering a little closer to get a better look. She'd never ridden in a taxi before...

"Age before beauty, ladies," said Samson, opening the door and pulling him and his host inside. Filia could only give Yukari an apologetic, and somewhat sheepish, smile. 

“Yeah clearly dude’s just a big ol’ teddy bear.”

It really was kind of cute, in an odd way, to see how the two interacted. It was definitely something the likes of which Josuke had never seen before. It was like having your best friend attached to your head, though he didn’t think that he would ever want to have Okuyasu stuck to his head. He’d probably lose brain cells that way.

“Eh? You don’t know how old you’re turning? What’s up with that?”

He quirked an eyebrow as he leaned forward in his seat. It dawned on him then that they had been here for about an hour, and he still didn’t know much about Filia or Samson besides their names. He figured that information would come out in time however, and didn’t worry himself too much about it. He put his hands up defensively when Filia started pointing at him, beads of sweat rolling down the side of his face.

“Fine fine! I got it! You can give me all the presents you want, I won’t complain!”

There was no time to complain once the pancakes arrived. They looked delicious – a short stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes covered in whipped cream, ice cream, and sprinkles. He failed to see the “birthday” part of the happy birthday pancakes, but once again, he wasn’t going to complain. Josuke dug in himself, mouth wide open in a grin which disappeared once the food went into his mouth.He swallowed it, but afterwards, looked up at Filia with a heartbroken expression.

"Uh, well, I have amnesia," she said, a bit sheepishly. "I don't really remember anything about who I used to be. I didn't even know my name until Samson told me. But that's not really important, is it?"

"I wouldn't mind a bit of mob money, actually..."

"Samson."

"Sorry, sorry."

Filia's stern expression and voice actually cowed Samson for a brief moment, but the pair went back to their normal dynamic just as quickly. The girl frowned, poking at the pancakes with her fork. "Well, it doesn't matter anymore. We... tried to get my memories back, but it didn't work out. So there's no point in dwelling on it. I am who I am, not who I was. Does that... make sense?"

She shook her head, going back to the pancakes. She almost tried to take another bite, just to show she wasn't ungrateful towards Josuke, but when he tried them himself, she was a bit relieved to find he shared her sentiment. "Thank the Trinity, I thought it was just me," she muttered.

"Lemme see," said Samson, snaking a limb down to Filia's plate to snatch the whole thing up. It vanished down his gullet, where he spent a few quiet moments chewing. "Oh jeez! Bleck, that stuff's nasty! These pancakes taste like he looks!" he said, pointing at Josuke.

It probably went without saying that a few weeks was more than enough for any new citizen to Hive City to gather their bearings. For some it took only a day or two, others longer—but for the most part it was safe to assume that even with the drastic change in scenery people got used to it eventually.

In the case of one woman she certainly was the former, heading out on the city within hours of arriving just to survey the landscape. It was different, and she didn’t entirely trust the “doctors”, but she was at least confident enough to venture out on her own. She still had her staff, and seemed to be able to use it normally, so she was alright, right? But even when she had seen everything she needed to see, something kept pulling her to the city streets day after day, her brow always knitted as she traced sidewalks up and down.

More specifically, the ones that ran in front of empty storefronts.

With each passing day the area she canvased shrank, until the only place she’d end up was one boarded up hole-in-the-wall space. Lips pursed and thumb and forefinger cupped her chin for what seemed like ages before a smile broke out, her hands moving to her hips in a pose of triumph.

“I guess this is the place then! What do you think? A clinic here would do alright, right?”

The target of her words—the small panda that perched atop her head—let out an agreeable squeak, but just as quickly as his owner’s mood turned so did his attention, to a lone person only a few meters away. Probably inconspicuous to most, but to a woman (and pet) that had seen more than their share of illness it was clear to both that something was wrong.

“Excuse me!” Litchi called out, a hand waving the stranger down as she moved in. “Are you alright? Is something the matter…?”

“Excuse me! Are you alright? Is something the matter…?”

The girl looked up, wide-eyed as she tried to reorient herself to reality. "Huh? Um, no, I'm fine," she said, breaking eye contact. Who was this woman, and how did she know Filia was having trouble? Was she just a friendly stranger who noticed her distraught expression?

"Well, I mean I'm okay, but my hair isn't... I think he's sick." She gestured up at the Parasite attached to the back of her head, who looked quite unwell, even for a monster impersonating a head of hair. A long tongue hung limply from the side of his mouth as dull, yellow eyes opened at the mention of him.

"Wuh? Kid, we at the pharmacy yet? I think I'm gonna be sick again..."