03/26/08, 07:13 AM
| #16 |
| Keyblade Wielder Join Date: Feb 2008 Age: 22
Posts: 297
Rep Power: 1  |  Re: Shines One Year After: Act 1 Table of Contents O’aka approached the unattractive green and yellow building in the rear of the district. “Gil, here I come!!” O’aka shouted, and cracked the door, proceeding to barge in unannounced. “Behold; the hand of God!!” Java’s hand impended swiftly upon the crown of O’aka head, “No! Bad O’wocker!” “Ouch!” O’aka winced. Java quickly shut the cracked door. O’aka hung his head submissively low as Java’s belittling stare revisited. Damned idiot... “Knock first…” Java reached for the door and knocked reluctantly; he felt that the events of almost barging in and then knocking were contradictory and redundant. Java and O’aka heard swift peddling footsteps approach the door from the inside. Java turned to the merchant and preceded a reminder, “O’aka…when we meet Scrooge and his lackeys—” O’aka blurted with subtle anticipation, “Yeah mate—I really owe ya one big! Whatever ye nee—” “—don’t talk.” The door creaked open, and a small host peeked through the cracked door. He immediately slammed the door in the faces of Java and O’aka. “Poppa!” The boy host’s voice protruded through the door and echoed from the inside. Another pair of footsteps approached to engage the door. The door opened fully this time, revealing an older fellow and the accompanying boy who answered earlier. “Oh—hello there…” the older man greeted. The snow-headed elder and the child donned humble attire. The older man wore brown tinged collar shirt and pants, and an even browner vest. Square, narrow glasses and his bushy mustache centered his face. A simple straw hat with a red feather crowned the boy’s black hair, and his white collared shirt and red overalls were accompanied by a big red bowtie. Java addressed, “—yes sir. I’m sorry for almost barging—in—” Java’s words were a non-existence leer to the demeaned merchant. Java continued, “My friends at the goods shop mentioned a meeting here. I was hoping that the Grand Ambassador wouldn’t mind us dropping by and seeking his opinion on something. Grand Ambassador Scrooge, I presume?” “Oh…” The older man chuckled with humility and corrected, “No; I’m sorry to disappoint; I’m could never put up with what Scrooge handles on a daily basis. Why don’t you both come—” but his proposal was interrupted by two voices. “Ohhh brothher…” The first voice was a raspy one, and one of agitation. The second voice was accompanied by another set of footsteps, “Hey! What’s all tha hubbub?” which advanced towards the entry. The young boy, uninterested in the idle interruptions, retreated into the foyer of the home; the source of the second voice took the boy’s place beside the meagerly dressed gent. The older man addressed Java and O’aka, “I believe that this is the man you’re looking for—Scrooge McDuck.” Java nodded nonchalantly in greeting. O’aka stared with merry eyes. Scrooge winced attentively at the daunting appearance of the weary-eyed young man in an ivory robe and then at the happy-go-lucky expression of the merchant. Scrooge inspected the merchant thoroughly and addressed, “Hmmm…you look…somewhat familiar…” Java swiftly intercepted Scrooge’s sights with words of greeting, “Ah, Grand Ambassador! How goes your day Mr. Scrooge? I came to ask of your opinion on something, and I’ll try to make my visit as short as possible. I heard from the crew at the item shop that you wouldn’t mind us coming by.” “Well now, we were in the middle of discussing something very important concerning the Travel System. So I would have ta turn ya around ‘til later…” “Oh…I completely unde—” “—if it wasn’t the goods shop crew who sent you over, that is. Ms. Rose just called me on my celly, and said that she sent a friend over with some business. Heh heh, I’m still kinda getting used to handling these new-fangled ‘cellular phones’…so what business do ya have with me fellas, and more importantly—” Scrooge winced slightly, “how much is it gonna cost me?” Java noted O’aka and his enlightened intent to answer. Java swiftly answered before O’aka could muster a response, “Only a few moments of your time, that’s all. No munny at all! I apologize for the earlier intrusion again sir.” Scrooge’s wince endured, “Or gil?” Java assured, “Nope.” Scrooge exhaled in relief, “Oh, that sounds grand then—oh well, I’m sure Bantuk and Rose didn’t send you here for simple lollygag…” Scrooge dispelled his weariness with a sigh, “So what’s business are you bringin’ to me in specif—” Scrooge’s response was stifled abruptly by several lingering voices. … Hey! Whhatz tha big idea Unca Scrooge?! I though thiz meeting was suppose ta be shhort! … Oh, don’t go blaming Scrooge! It would have been—if we didn’t have to wait for a certain wandering, conscienceless, irresponsible straggler!” … Ohhh, you call that an inssult? Don’t get your shhoes all in a knot Jiminy! … Ooh, I have the right mind to show you a thing or two— The gray haired gentleman proposed that they should all retreat inside and provide formal introductions. … Poppa! Come make sure Jiminy doesn’t knock down your thinga-ma-bobbers! He’s angry! … No, I am not angry! But I wouldn’t be wrong to be… … Ah Ha Ha Haaa! Jiminy?! Angry?!! Hahahahaha!!! Haaa hahaha!!! Yeah right!! Whatcha gonna do to me?! Huh shrimpy! Scrooge seconded, “Heh heh—yes…I kinda fancy that idea myself. Lets hurry…before things really start ta get ‘outta hand’…come-come fellas; like I always say, tha more tha munnier—oops,” Scrooge chuckled bashfully, “—tha more tha merrier.” Java gave a slight nod of approval, “Sounds great to me. Thank you again, Grand Ambassador Scrooge.” “Oh, I’d actually prefer that you shove tha formalities—ya don’t have ta call me ‘grand ambassador’ all the time, though it does sound good on a resume…jus call me Scrooge, or if ya must, or you can slip a Mr. in from time ta time. I don’t mind.” O’aka responded with glee, raring to enter the abode, “Yessir Mr. McDuc—” O’aka…I’ll kill you… Java’s irises skimmed across his bloodshot eyeballs until he captured O’aka in his peripheral version. Java coughed. The ominous chill that O’aka felt by way of the malice of Java’s leer and the black wind which escaped Java’s forced exhale was insuppressible. O’aka shuddered and corrected, “—I mean…thank ye.” Strike one Wocker… Java and O’aka proceeded, escorted by Scrooge and the mustached gentleman. The entrance led way to the main room. Chiefly, the house foyer was a giant workspace which included a neat clutter of clocks and other gadgets. Cat-shaped clocks, duck-shaped clocks, white clocks with Dalmatian spot, cuckoo clocks, alarm clocks; they all adorned themselves on plain wooden shelves with the simple purpose of laying waste to empty wall space. Other gizmos accompanied the clocks in hiding the pale yellow wall. A large round table littered the center of the foyer. A small kitchen area and an even smaller washroom claimed the rear of the house. Scrooge scolded two people, whom were waiting irritably at the round table, “You two! Simmer down this instant!” The younger boy who accompanied the gentleman earlier stood loitering in the kitchen. A flustered Jiminy stood atop the chafing table with arms folded and foot tapping. His scornful glance bore into a duck firebrand, who sat impatiently with his arms crossed. Each was dressed quite formally, though the duck, who wore the appearance of a younger Scrooge, seemed fidgety in his black suit jacket and bowtie. “Ohhh phooey…” the young duck scoffed as he reluctantly minded Scrooge. Jiminy responded fussily, “Hmph…he started it…I’m telling ya Scrooge, you really ought to keep your nephew in check. If I wasn’t an official conscience of the Blue Fairy, I would have the mind to say very terrible things right now…” Scrooge dismissed, “Oh, pish-posh! It’s time ta nip all that shilly-shally in tha bud! We have guests, so we’ll hafta be as entertainin’ as we can be.” Heh, I think a cricket and duck fight would be rather entertaining, but eh…Java’s thoughts roamed between randomness and coffee… Heh, I’d bet that a cricket and duck fight would be quite entertaining. I could definitely make some gil off that…O’aka’s and Java’s thoughts were surprisingly in sync, as both glanced over at one another with smug aspiration. Jiminy and the young duck reluctantly calmed. The older gentleman showed Java and O’aka their seats. Scrooge addressed, “Okay there! Now that we’ve all settled down, we can finally get acquainted! Shall we?” Java gave a slight look around the table to assure no one else would start, then nodded with his replied, “J. Black—not the most profile-worthy name, but…” The company awaited any additional information. None came. Scrooge readdressed, “Oh—does the ‘J’ stand for anything in particular? Like ‘John’ or ‘Jacob’ or ‘Jingleheimer’—” “Or ‘Jiminy’ perhaps?” Jiminy chuckled. Java’s face became long, lacking anticipation. He really hated when people queried his introductions. He winced slightly as he replied, “Uhhh…it…stands for ‘Java’—” Scrooge smiled and responded, “Ah, I’d prefer two lumps of sugar myself.” O’aka was the first to chuckle, Tee hee hee, that is funny. I was wondering what tha ‘J’ stood for…which was enough to spawn a slight chuckle from each guest until Java corrected it spitefully, “Yeah that’s right ‘tee hee hee’ coffee and script, I know; it’s that funny…” Java slumped into his chair to consul his insecurities, “I’d much rather prefer J…please.” Taken aback, Scrooge apologized, “Oh…well I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had such a hard time with introductions and such.” The older gentleman stood from his chair to break the current tension. He addressed, “Well Java, my name is Geppetto, if that’s any consolation for peculiar names. I used to rent this house out before returning recently. I’m a woodcarver.” Java’s eyebrows rose wholly and he pondered Geppetto’s introduction, Well Java, my name is Geppetto…Java…Geppetto…Geppetto’s FREKKIN’ Java! Yay! Java replied with a cheerful insight that clashed with his usual sarcastic presence. Java was giddy…“Oh okay! Wowies! It’s a pleasure to meet you Geppetto—hey you wouldn’t by chance happen to be affiliated with…Geppetto’s Java by any chance? Huh, would ya? Because if you are—” Java unleashed something monstrous. His eyes cracked open wholly and the pale expression around his mouth contorted into something uncanny. Java continued with a full-fledged smile, “I’ve heard your coffee is god-sent! As a matter of fact, that’s one of my main reasons for coming to Traverse Town, sir!” The overall mood of the room was flushed with Java’s giddiness. The heads of Scrooge and Jiminy nodded with approval, and the boy in the kitchen naively shouted, “He likes your shop, Poppa!” Scrooge emphasized, “Ah, ya hear that Geppetto?! A fan of your place!” O’aka nodded in agreement. Java, with his newfound glee, noted, O’aka isn’t doing half bad, sitting there all calm and sh*t…definitely deserving of a big cookie and a mocha latte…yeah! I can treat O’aka XXIII! Coffee for the world! O’aka agreed silently with Scrooge and company concerning Geppetto’s Java, Place is a goldmine. I could never afford anything there, but still a gold mine. I’ve definitely been chased away from that place a coupla times by tha Traverse Town fuzz… Geppetto blushed slightly while humbly refusing to take full credit of maintaining Geppetto’s Java. “Why not?!” Scrooge sighed questioning Geppetto’s humility, “Please allow me to formally introduce Geppetto…Geppetto, Manager of the acclaimed Geppetto’s Java, Chief Ambassador of Traverse Town, and Chief Engineer of Wishing Star Incorporated.” Java compelled a fair interest, “O’ r’ly…Wishing Star—that’s sounds like a pretty impressive resume to me.” Geppetto commented inspiringly, “Well…it’s nothing that a little hard work and dedication can’t do, really—” Jiminy playfully scolded, “Ha! Now we all know better than that! You really ought to give yourself more credit—” “Heck! Java and friend!” Scrooge exclaimed in attempts to override Geppetto’s compelling modesty, “Ya really don’t understand—” Scrooge indicated to the kitchen, “the boy in there used to be puppet; he made his own son…outta wood! An’ taught him how ta be real! He’s flesh and bone now! If I’m lying, I’m flying!” … He tellin’ the truth! Geppetto acknowledged, “Ah yes, have you been acquainted with my son Pinnochio? Pinnochio son!” … Geez poppa, I saw them when I answered the door! Jiminy objected, “Stop with the modesty already! Let me tell you a little something about this man Geppetto. Now, while looking for Pinnochio, Geppetto found himself inside a huge whale—I guess you could call it a whale of a whale!!” The younger duck allowed himself to plop atop the table while sighed, “Ohh, not tha whale story again…” “Hmm…whale…interesting…” Java feinted interest in Jiminy’s gradual digression of a previous adventure of which Geppetto went to search for his lost ‘son’ Pinnochio, and wound up in the mouth of a gargantuan whale. Java’s thoughts were fixated on ‘the best coffee I ever tasted;’ this was quoted from Java’s ex-employer. “Well, ta conclude the whole Geppetto fiasco,” Scrooge finally intervened, “he’s quite familiar with Traverse Town. His expertise was vital in making the travel system into more than just an idea. A coupla months ago, I saw it convenient ta ask Geppetto ta return here and continue his work, but I didn’t want ta force him anywhere. So I asked him if there was anything I could do ta make his stay in Traverse Town pleasant, and I couldn’t believe it when he asked if there was a place vacant ta start a good café.” Scrooge broke into a spontaneous chuckle and progressed, “My eyes went wider than a frog’s! And I replied, ‘heck! I have no clue, but there will be! I’ll buy it! The place—the coffee! Haha, even tha kitchen sink! How’s that sound? Geppetto’s Java!’ n’ tha name stuck like munny to ma hand!” “Thus, greatness begins…” Java further directed the conversation towards coffee, “Well then Geppetto, you are honestly a busy and hard-working man! With coffee! And I see that even when you won’t give yourself proper credit, someone else is always dying to. How’s the shop today if you don’t mind me asking?” Java eagerly awaited Geppetto’s reply. He imagined it as such: Aw! Such a kind and considerate young man! In this imagery, Java pants vigorously on all fours, nestled underneath Geppetto’s warm shins…Java needed coffee…Well…just because you seem so concerned about me and my boring, miserable life, I’m gonna give you a free supply of coffee—for life! Black like your soul! Just how you like it! Heck, Java you can have the whole damn shop! And what’s a shop without your very own personal clown! and O’aka would enter fully donned in jester’s attire, ready to amuse the court of Java with a rhythmic jiggle and a snazzy jingle…the imagination of a euphoric Zombie Fiend was a paradox, or a parody. Choose one. Geppetto replied casually, “Well, the shop’s been holding up pretty well—Pinnochio usually keeps the place squeaky clean, and I just hired a fine young lady about a week ago.” Jiminy queried, “Hmm—do you think you’re going to open up today? Everything’s kinda been nonstop with this town over the last few weeks.” “Oh, I’m afraid I won’t be opening up the café today. You see one of my employees has been working herself ragged, and between lack of staff and this meeting, I assumed that I wouldn’t have time to open up. I just couldn’t leave Pinnochio by his lonesome—” What…the…f*ck…the conjured jester O’aka laughed hysterically at Java’s subconscious. STRIKE F*CKING TW—oh wait…I can’t get mad at Wocker, he didn’t do a damn thing… A cold chill whipped snappily through Java’s spine. He fidgeted vigorously and murmured morbidly, “Oh…” yet… “Poppa, I could run the coffee shop by myself—at least for a little while.” Pinnochio screamed from the kitchen. PINNOKI YOU GOD-SENT! Java’s erupted with a sudden anticipation, and impulsively expelled, “Yeah yeah!” Jiminy denied, “Oh no, you certainly couldn’t; you’d only find yourself in a heap of trouble, like you always do.” Java re-immersed into depression, damn cricket… Scrooge progressed, “Ahem—well anywho, I suppose the next introduction really isn’t necessary, but I’ll do it anyway; because I like me.” He chuckled slightly. Java didn’t smile; no one did. He brashly cleared his throat and continued, “I am Scrooge McDuck, bijillionaire business tycoon, and core contributor as well as Grand Ambassador of the Inter-Worldly Travel System which you use today.” Java temporarily snapped out of his recession to question Scrooge’s claimed wealth, “A bijillion?! Sh*t—I mean—how much is bijillion…exactly?” O’aka giggled slightly with a strong twinkle in his eye, Ye had it right tha first time mate! Ye had it right the first time… Scrooge shrugged whilst honestly replying, “Beats me. I made it up since no one’s found a number to correspond with my munny yet. It was either the flaunty-sounding one multiplujillion, one obsquatumatillion, six hundred and twenty-three dollars and sixty-two cents, the more modest seventy-eight katrizillion, or simply bajillion. Tahaha, ‘tis a gift and a curse…but what can I say…I’m in tha munny! At least I’m sure of that! The richest duck in the world, and I’ll bet my number one dime on it!” O’aka chuckled smugly and addressed, “Ye sure are in tha munny sir! And—” Java cleared his throat, Oh hell no bitch…you don’t get to talk! If I can have coffees, you can’t have wordees! Strike-motherf*cking-two b*tch… O’aka looked down at his feet underneath the table and replied, “I mean…yessir…” Jiminy teasingly jeered “Your friend certainly is talkative.” Java nodded and answered, “It’s best if we keep him that way” Scrooge proceeded to introduce the ‘conscience-worthy’ cricket before Jiminy forcefully interrupted, “Cricket’s the name! Jiminy Cricket, Chief Global Ambassador, Disney Royal Chronicler, Traverse Town Treasurer, and former conscience of Pinnochio at your service!” The younger duck sighed. “Geez duck! Let him finish.” Java had become slightly irritable after he realized that he had to look after O’aka XXIII without the sweet comfort of coffee. The young duck shot Java an irritable glance, one which Java returned in the form of a blank stare. The duck firebrand grumbled with submission. Java smirked, hell yeah, duck…strike one for you to then b*tch… Jiminy progressed, “Ahem, before I was so rudely interrupted, following up on the esteem that Scrooge placed on the Inter-Worldly Travel System, I for one would like to commend—” “Too much introduction…” the duck yawned. Jiminy continued, “like to commend all of us who put the effort in making the Travel System as successful as it is. I mean just look at it! It really has been awhile since all of us have been together like this and I’m glad to see that this dream of ours is actually shaping up! I haven’t felt this invigorated since Geppetto, Pinnoch, and I lost our world to the Heartless. It’s just like embarking on another adventure, and I’ve been tossed and turned asunder on adventure after adventure for so long, that it feels second nature to dive head first into another one with you guys.” Scrooge mustered a resolve to comment, “Y’know, Java and friend—” Java intercepted before O’aka was tempted to introduce himself, “Mr. Twenty-third…my friend prefers Mr. XXIII…he was previously a clown…” Slightly nerved, Scrooge hesitantly continued, “ok…well, Java, Mr. XXIII, it may seem like you’re in tha presence of some ol’ highbrows, but in reality, if you hadn’t noticed, we’re all pretty down-to-earth. As you can probably tell, I and tha latter are always up for a good gossip…” Jiminy proudly seconded, “Ain’t that the truth. The highlight of my job is getting the otherwise impossible opportunity of checking up on old friends, and I get to peek in on ol’ Pinnoch every now and then,” Jiminy addressed Pinnochio in the kitchen, “hey Pinnochio, how’s dinner? You’ve been in the kitchen for quite sometime.” Pinnochio answered hesitantly, “Uh, just a little more brussell sprouts to go Jiminy—mm mm good!” Java grinned menacingly as he randomly contemplated everyone’s conversation, Heh heh, big wooden liar…Scrike one Nokio! Coffee denied Java. Jiminy whispered, “Hehe. Fibber. Probably sneaking cookies from the cookie jar. Things were much simpler when his nose grew.” “heh heh—wait—” Java’s replies became sparatic with each coffee-less moment. Jiminy addressed Pinnochio again, asking if he had been saving up his munny. Pinnochio replied, claiming that he was saving to customize his own Teeny Ship [1]. Pinnochio’s comment wove a path for Java’s actual purpose at the house; Java replied, “Ah Teeny Ships, I’ll eventually save up more munny to pimp out Cuppa Joe with some of those—that actually brings me to the reason I’m here. Mr. XXIII and I were sent here to see if these prints were any good; you see Mr. XXIII one true love is designing Gummi Ships and he wanted—” Jiminy leaped up, “Well ya don’t say! Why that’s marve—” Something vile happened. “Ahem!!” O’aka cleared his throat and compellingly leapt from his seat, “My one true love is not designing Gummi Ships! It’s a stress-free hobby. My one true love is the O’aka Family Business!!” Java banged his head violently upon the table, You mutherf*cker…you did it, didn’t ya…dead in the moment of truth…Strike three!!! He cryptically whispered, “O’aka, you’re dead to me…” [1] Teeny Ships are accessories of Gummi Ships, capable of supporting a pilot; very few Teeny Ships are classified as certified Gummi Ships by the DGV (Department of Gummi Vehicles); however, most are deemed space worthy for solitary travel, not requiring a parent Gummi Ship. Although, more expensive solely then as an accessory, Teeny Ships are still relatively cheaper than Gummi models. Last edited by bizness86; 03/26/08 at 07:29 AM. |
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03/26/08, 07:15 AM
| #17 |
| Keyblade Wielder Join Date: Feb 2008 Age: 22
Posts: 297
Rep Power: 1 | Re: Shines One Year After: Act 1 Top “O’aka Family…” Jiminy pondered for a second, and then gasped. He pointed conspicuously and announced, “O’aka…hey aren’t you that—” but he was too late. O’aka made his way to the bamboozled Grand Ambassador. He plopped down on both knees and clasped his hands together whilst looking up obsessively towards Scrooge, a perfectly practiced beggar stance. O’aka praised, “Scrooge McDuck—who’d a thought that the biggest cash cow in the world would land in me lap! I own ye big time Java for getting me close to ‘im!” O’aka winked in Java’s direction, and then waved him off nonchalantly. “Heh heh…” Scrooge shot an inconspicuous glance towards Java, as did Jiminy, as did the other irritable duck. Java cringed. He had no intention of being here, and he would have no coffee to show for his flawed curiosity and compassion towards nitwits. So close…Java raked his hair upward in slight frustration. He slammed both of his hands onto the table, stood tersely from his chair, and yelled, “O’aka, you conniving merchant bast—” Scrooge interjected, proceeding with threats of calling the police in an attempt to gain control over the situation. O’aka chuckled tauntingly at what he considered feeble attempts; O’aka was quite immune to such threats, “Heh heh heh…no need in involving the police,” the merchant treaded warily, “What’s a loan between chums, eh?! I aspire to be like ye!! I have ye know that the O’aka Family held much prestige—” Scrooge broke into a volatile shudder. His fists clenched; his face, keeled over with anger. Jiminy tried to intervene sensibly, “Now can’t you see that—” but there was no sense with O’aka; no sense, no logic, no threats could affiliate with the current motives of the merchant. O’aka threw himself on the floor in a familiar sobbing tantrum. He groveled, “Scrooooooooge…Oh, please! Mr. Scro-hoo-hoo-hooge! Ye are tha last thing me and me brother’s got!! I need gil!” He pounded the floor with both fists and repetitively chanted, “I---need---gil…I---need—” “Wck!” The younger duck erupted from his seat. He retorted, jabbing a condescending finger towards the pitiful peddler, “Oooooohh, enough already!” The room fell stagnant; even O’aka, as the young duck seized the abode’s attention. Irritated, he queried O’aka, “Well, which do ya want, a fat lip, or a fat face?!!” O’aka smiled in response, wincing admirably at the young duck’s tenacity. He picked himself up from the ground, and again addressed the feather-flustered McDuck, “Aw, quite the feisty young lad. Ye nephew’s getting bigger. I see he takes after his uncle, eh Scrooge mah boy…” O’aka chummily patted Scrooge’s shoulder, further goading the ambassador’s patience. Java exploded, “Get your effin’ hands off hi—” but was intercepted by the raging young duck. “Hey!! Wocker…STOP PESTERING UNCA SCROOGE, OR GET OUT!!” Scrooge tried his mightiest to gain composure. He even heard Jiminy whispering condolences, as if the cricket was his living conscience, It’s gonna be alright Scrooge. We’re gonna make it…now aren’t we? Taking deep excessive breathes, Scrooge expelled the situation’s strain, and addressed his younger duck company with the remainder of his mustered collectedness, “Nephew…it’s okay laddi—” “You’re a better man than I gave ye credit for Scrooge!” Showing no clemency, O’aka further treaded, his smile seemed to mock Scrooge’s plea for order, “That’s one sharp suit!” He addressed Scrooge’s nephew, “That suit’s gotta be worth some serious gil, eh? Sorry Huey, but I wouldn’t even trust me with a suit like that, let alone Scrooge’s little nephew.” “Huey?!” The duck refused outright. “Um…Dewey then??” The duck shivered with waxing animosity, hands on hips, unsteadily tapping his right foot. O’aka grinned ignorantly, “Louie??” “Kwack!” The firebrand shoved O’aka. “Wait. Quack?” O’aka’s face scrunched over with realization, “Oh! I know which nephew you are now! You must be Donald then, aye chum!” O’aka retaliated, repeatedly shoving, “Quack!!” and mocking, “Quack!!!” as he shoved Donald forcefully, “Quackety Quack-Quack!!!” “Oooooooooooh…OOOOOOOOOHH!!! Kkwwwaacckkkkkk!!!,” Donald quacked at the top of his lungs. He pounced on O’aka, and proceeded to beat at him furiously, “Kwack kwack wack! Razzafrazzing razzafrezzing!” “Whoa!!” Scrooge screamed, “Down Donald!! Down this instant,” and dragged Donald off O’aka XXIII. Donald murmured and ranted in an ineligible tongue whilst Jiminy and Geppetto attempted to cool him off. O’aka was left quivering on the floor. “Ooooohhh! Hmph…I was only tryna protect Unca Scrooge’s honor.” Donald suppressed. Java lurked his way over to the rickety peddler; the shadow of his cloaked figure loomed ominously over O’aka XXIII’s trembling body. J leered down, pitying the sight of the merchant with a scoff. His retort was cold and docile; “O’aka. Get the f*ck out. I don’t even know why I bothered. And give me that.” Java snatched the blueprint from O’aka’s bag. He continued to dismiss O’aka, “I’ve done everything else for you…I may as well explain you social disabilities as well. Now get out, you sh*t,” everyone stared pityingly as O’aka exited the house with his head compelled downward by shame. From Java to O’aka, the glances of the household alternated, until the merchant was out of sight. “And I may call you back in after I’m done,” Java yelled behind O’aka’s leave. Java stood, humbled in front of his hosts, and, surprisingly, he began to feel disappointed in his behavior, not that Java was acting out of character. Java knew his character quite well. He was an ass, and he felt comfortable being one; however, his recent qualms had to do with the matter of tact. His current situation was most lacking in that principle. His hosts allowed him into their home and he felt as if he had impugned their respects. “Oh, God…” in atonement, he apologized sincerely, “I’m sorry…” “We all know that,” Donald replied blatantly. “—and explain you shall—you’ll explain everything,” Jiminy mildly scolded the young man in ivory, referencing Java’s comments to O’aka before the merchant exited. “No…no, I…” Scrooge elucidated with a grand sigh and a weary expression, “I always bring that with me when visiting town—not him, just that…a general ‘that’. Controversy—what’s done is done…and my hot-headed nephew didn’t help anything either, so…” Scrooge quickly relayed the scold to Donald, whacking at Donald’s shin with his walking cane, “no harm done.” Donald writhed, “Oooh…that’s what you sshay.” hopping up and down while caressing his shin. Jiminy shook his head in regretful, yet ample agreement, and introduced Donald formally, “Donald Duck…Global Patrol Server, and foul-up extraordinaire! I really don’t know what’s gotten into him lately. He meant well, but that was quite uncalled for.” Scrooge continued to scold, “Well, as much as he doesn’t wanna be here, he really has no say in the matter. I really try to get him to nip all dilly-dally in tha caboose, and give it a go as a big bijillionaire tycoon…but—” Jiminy finished, “It seems that Donald will always be…well, Donald…” “Hmph, you forgot Wizard…” Donald’s voice exuded pain as he annexed Jiminy’s introduction, “Royal Court Wizard—my job—at the castle! I’m not all useless.” Java felt at fault for the recent escapade, but, with honest intentions, he began to grow tired of the digressing prattle. He had a purpose for coming here. People went out of their way for O’aka. Rose called so that four busy men, and a boy who used to be made of wood, would listen to a single-minded merchant. Frankly, he wasn’t there for a night of jokes and dialogue. He mocked playfully to himself, Ladies and Gentlemen, this…Donald… is what put me out of the Heartless Extermination Business…a fine friendly neighborhood patrol officer ‘slash’ court jester he is! Java decided to cease all digression. He told of his epic adventure from the entry of Traverse Town to the doormat of Geppetto’s humble home. Java expressed that he was tired of seeing guys like O’aka end up bothersome on the streets, and he confessed to concealing O’aka’s identity from them. He stated that he knew O’aka was troublesome, and he believed that no one would give a troublemaker a proper chance. J expressed his general vexation and loath over O’aka’s obvious personality flaws, but resolved that O’aka may actually have a talent that is extremely overshadowed by the merchant’s brash nature. “Oh phooey…” Donald dismissed, “you got it right the first time: you brought us a troublemaker. I say good riddance!” Scrooge narrowed his brows whilst judging the lad’s tale. He addressed sincerely, “Well—Mr. Black, that’s actually quite a thing to go out of your way doing. Wow—I might say that, as an idealist of this transit system era, your willing acts mirror my own obligations. Though your friend ‘ad me going there for a little while, I couldn’t possibly be mad atcha—” Scrooge sternly countered, “—but I’m afraid it takes more than the kindness of strangers for someone ta be successful. O’aka’s gotta want this!” “—with every bone in his body!” Geppetto seconded. Jiminy added, “albeit, I am quite impressed along with Scrooge on how much you’ve concerned yourself with O’aka’s well-being. If I hadn’t just heard and witnessed what I had, I’d say that you two were really close friends…that’s the only reason I see for you to stand up for him like that.” “But being close friends with that guy—” Donald snidely indicated O’aka, “that’s good fiction.” Donald chuckled under his breath. Impulsively, Java handed the folded prints to Scrooge. He replied, “O’aka did this, and I’m the first to admit that it seems to have plenty of heart put into it. O’aka may not seem like the productive type, but that’s because he just doesn’t have enough confidence in his honest work, and he feels obligated to do his crappy traditional family merchant business thing. His heart is in two different places…and I think that this,” Java indicated the prints in Scrooge’s hand, “is the only other thing he has besides being a quote-unquote merchant.” “Well,” Scrooge found a flimsy chuckle as he unraveled the plans, “I didn’t say ‘no’ yet. And if your willin’ to defend him after all that ruckus, I suppose I could see what all riot is about! I can respect his hustle! Gummi Ships are the wave of tha future, but family business is an admirable tradition!” Scrooge opened the prints. “Wow!” Donald nudged at Scrooge in order to get a better look. “Well…whaddaya know…” Scrooge removed his hat and scratched the crown of his head in awe. “Look at all the wee little blinkers and do-dads in perfect place and everything.” Scrooge turned to Geppetto, whose presence until now had been less than ample, “This…looks pretty good Chief Engineer, but I’d prefer your expertise over my own, cuz of tha fact that I don’t know what I’m lookin’ at.” “Yeah! Could ya whip up one of theze babies for my ship!” Donald repeatedly jabbed his finger into the print. Geppetto slowly rose from his seat and approached Scrooge and Donald, “Oh, okay. Let’s see here…” Java’s face was overwhelmed by a simple simper. Last edited by bizness86; 03/26/08 at 07:26 AM. |
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03/26/08, 07:16 AM
| #18 |
| Keyblade Wielder Join Date: Feb 2008 Age: 22
Posts: 297
Rep Power: 1 | Re: Shines One Year After: Act 1 Top O’aka sighed, “She does have a pretty face…but I guess pretty boys get all the luck, eh?” O’aka noted resentfully as a young lady strolled towards two young men underneath the veranda of Geppetto’s Java. He chuckled snidely, “No use in approaching her…I’d just make another fool of myself. I’m better off leaving this wretched town—” O’aka stared vacantly out towards the closed café, mildly observing the random pedestrians that loitered about it. He allowed the atmospheric humdrum to aid his coping. “O’aka!” Java’s protruding voice was prominent, “get your sorry *ss in here!” “Oh, alright…” O’aka whispered to himself and dragged inward. He was greeted by several disgruntled faces in Scrooge, Jiminy, Donald, and Pinnochio. They all stood in front of the foyer. Scrooge had the prints in-hand; Jiminy stood atop his shoulder and Donald at it. Pinnochio tried his hardest to execute a plausible pout. Geppetto stood in a moping fashion, and Java eyed O’aka with trademark restlessness. Jiminy cleared his throat, and addressed, “We’ve looked at these blueprints, and don’t think we don’t know what you did.” “Well,” Java turned away disgustedly, “I really can’t do anymore for you. I can’t believe I even tried…” Pinnochio and Donald both chided simultaneously, … You in big trouble now, Mr. O’aka! … You’re in for it now bozo... “Hey! Hey hey hey! Now wait just one minute! Just what are ye implying? Are ye applying that those prints are stolen? Look, I may come off as not being capable of anything, but I stake me life on the fac—” Scrooge sternly interrupted, “you modified the Kingdom FM model, O’aka. We know you did.” “And I’d have to say—” Geppetto leered piercingly into O’aka’s eyes, “—that I’m awfully impressed.” His morbid expression instantly dispersed into a jolly chuckle, and everyone allowed a smug simper to brush across their faces. Even Java looked somewhat jovial ignoring his usual daunting facial features. Jiminy seconded, “Everything looks sleek, and in tip-top shape!” Donald added snidely, “Who knew he was worth something?” “Can you design my Teeny Ship?” Pinnochio asked naively. “These are definitely revisions to the Kingdom FM,” Geppetto specified, “I’m acquainted with the person who designed it. I recognize what you’ve modified and why you modified it in such a way. Most of what you modified would improve the model’s maneuverability and change its fire power, although you’ve sacrificed the ship’s durability.” Scrooge corrected with a chortle which pertained a keen knowledge, “Ah, but Kingdom FM is uncatchable anyways, and making it more agile allows it to avoid assailing drivers. By the look of it, you’re obviously an avid fan of the Gummi Cup. Your pal Java informed us of this fact.” Java shrugged with nonchalance, but O’aka stood with slight unease and bemusement. Scrooge exclaimed, “Lightin’ up laddie! We’re not chiding ya, we’re congratulatin’ ya! I think about all of us here are fans of the races.” Donald’s voice ruptured, “Surre are!” Geppetto seconded, “There are some very well designed entries.” “I never miss a race!” Jiminy stated with satisfaction. Java crossed his arms, re-brandished the hood of his coat, and smirked whilst responding, “Never seen one in my life…” A brief silence aired throughout the room, accompanied by the perplexed gawks of Scrooge’s company which met the brazen Java. Java’s simper lived on as he shrugged the remaining stares off with his reply, “never really interested in them…being truthful…” Scrooge disengaged Java’s brazen claim. He eyed the still-skeptical O’aka, and then playfully addressed Jiminy, shaking the folded plans in his hand, “Kingdom Flight huh? I could definitely see myself investing in this, if only this was an original design and not a revision of a trademark vehicle…” Scrooge and Jiminy mischievously cut their eyes amongst one another. Jiminy responded in a playful, yet reassuring fashion, “—oh, but I’m sure that Mr. XXIII would have no trouble coming up with revisions for future Wishing Star prints, or by George, he could create something brand new.” Geppetto agreed, “As a matter of fact, I’m positive, that Mr. XXIII could start as soon as possible. I bet he could cook something up in no time even!” Java subtly added while smugly blowing on his knuckles, “Who knew your visit would bank you a sweet job O’aka?” He cut his eyes in O’aka’s general direction. “I’d say that O’aka’s just what the doctor ordered!” Jiminy exclaimed, “why, the purpose of our meeting was to attend to any problems Geppetto may have been dealing with. Like we said earlier, he’s a very busy man—” “Too busy even!” Scrooge interjected, “I haven’t asked anyone else to commit to the development of the travel system nearly as much, and I was plum set on finding some solution to that. I know it’s kinda crazy to ask a man to do so much, and away from his home too. Wishing Star Chief Engineer, Traverse Town Chief Ambassador, the man’s runnin’ his own shop for Christmas sakes! But who else can I ask in this screwy town?!” “Heh heh—O’aka perhaps?” Java continued into satire, “nah, just effin wit ya, but point definitely taken…” Scrooge progressed, “We’ve been trying to hire people left and right in this town. A handful at Geppetto’s Java, Jiminy’s taken up town treasurer, but that still leaves help at Wishing Star—” Scrooge removed his top hat and scratched nervously at his messy, hat-worn feathers whilst addressing, “I’d pluck mah feathers to find at least three anxious greenhorns,” then replaced his hat atop his head, and looked assuredly over towards Mr. XXIII, “but I’m sure we could settle with one natural in O’aka XXIII.” Light tears cascaded over O’aka’s plump cheeks. He fidgeted with a newfound confidence, and grinned widely from ear-to-ear. He forced his grin to a soft smile, and responded, “Thank ye so much—Java me chum, Mr. Geppetto, Ambassador Scrooge, Ambassador Jiminy,” with each person O’aka thanked, the next person whom was anticipating his gratitude would smiled wider and warmer than the last. “Pinnoch lad,” O’aka patted Pinnochio on the head. O’aka turned to Donald, who basked himself within the warm moment. His chin was raised high and his smile was strong and bold. O’aka nervously addressed while fiddling his fingers together, “Uh…heh heh, I know I kinda got a little rough with ya buddy.” A tear rolled down the feathers of the cheek of a humble Donald. “Forget about it,” Donald vigorously extended his hand in sudden forgiveness, “Put ‘er there, pal!” O’aka immediately accepted his hand and shook with vim, “Aw! You’re a good man, Dewey!“ “Surre thing buddy…Wck?!” O’aka released and continued, “—ye’ve all given me more chances than I deserve…heck all lot more chance then I’d give me self. But ya see…” O’aka dropped his head, but quickly managed to avert his sight directly at Scrooge. He pressed with a heavy heart, “I-I have te decline your offer…I have te run the O’aka Family Business…I’m the eldest son and me brother’s the only thing I have left, and his passion’s somewhere else, not in bein’ a merchant. You all have given me reason te look forward, and I’m sure that everything will work out for me in the long run.” Stillness and uncertainty sacked the room, but after a few silent seconds, O’aka resumed, “I again apologize for my belligerencies, and thank ye for shopping at O’aka’s!” O’aka recollected his nigh empty sack, and proceeded to make his way to the door, “I’d best be making me early departure of Traverse Town now...you can keep the prints…” Java leered at what he perceived as a betrayal, and elucidated with the intention of purveying sense to his misguided acquaintance, “Look at what everyone’s done for you. O’aka! Don’t think I’m gonna let you—” Scrooge cleared his throat and slowly raised his hand, and Java reluctantly calmed. Scrooge approached the departing O’aka and addressed, “Java’s right laddie. I won’t be taking no for an answer so easily—” O’aka nervously averted his gaze from Scrooge and hesitantly inched from the door. Scrooge sincerely continued, “what would you be needing to maintain your business?” O’aka scoffed, then chuckled unfavorably, “Hehe, just about everything it take t’run a business. I’d basically be starting from scratch…like me pa before me’s done countless times before, prevailing in the face of adversity! Ha!” O’aka mustered a false boisterous poise before falling into humility, “I think I’m gonna take some advice that Java’s given me, and learn how ta make a coupla potions, and then sell enough to buy some more useful merchandise. I’d prob’ly hafta scrounge enough change ta get the materials. I’m sure I could volunteer at the temples at home, and perhaps gain a little patronage,” he concluded with another boisterous tone, “And then, I’m off! And then I’ll be able te pay off me debts!” Scrooge pondered, “Hmm, you’ve found yourself in a pretty sour pickle laddie…and it may take some time ta get out of, but I can see that you’re willing ta commit ta that. You’ve still gotta strong pair of legs and a good head on your shoulders. Something I’d have ta ask though, hypothetical speaking, if you had the materials you needed to open up shop here at Traverse Town, about how long would you be staying?” “Well…I haven’t been making too many sells here. As a matter a fact, Java’s been my only sell since I came here—” “Wait…” Java intercepted, “so you actually came to Traverse Town with the sole intention of selling a potion and a vile of ether…” O’aka annexed, “And te scope out what the competition is selling…just so happens, ye were the sap that bought ‘em from me.” Java yawned and reproached himself simply, “Figures…” “Hehe, I’m awfully sure that I could have worked more on my approach as well mate. Standing by the door and leaping out at blokes won’t do me any good in the long run.” O’aka returned to Scrooge, “But heck Mr. McDuck, if I were actually getting sells here, then I would milk it as long as it lasts, and then get up with me brother and divvy up the earnings.” “Hmm…” Scrooge nodded judgingly, “well I’d think that you’d have a hard time just trying to sell potions and ethers in Traverse Town. I wouldn’t bank on one person not having at least twenty of each to sell here. It’s the same soup just reheated; everybody’s trying ta one-up each other, and seeing the way that people slash throats to make a sell, I’d doubt that you would make a decent profit trying to compete with the next man.” “So then, you’re proposing that I leave Traverse Town then…” “No, I’m proposin’ that you should get better merchandise; something more exotic.” Jiminy snapped his fingers, and added with assurance, “I’m sure he could set up a booth in the Accessory Shop in no time flat, right beside the counter. Gary definitely wouldn’t mind.” “And that place is usually brimming with customer. We could get on that right away.” Scrooge retrieved a black pen, and a small list from his coat. He pressed while examining the list, “We could start you off by selling some synthesis items while the Moogle is on vacation.” O’aka replied excitedly, but skeptically, “That tha ticket! Except for the fact that about the only way I’d get me hands on such loot is by looting—I guess this wouldn’t be the first time an O’aka has had ta borrow goods, so ta speak, but I’d rather not go said route—” Scrooge’s face screwed into a scolding leer, “Don’t talk foolish lad.” O’aka ceased talking immediately, and stared at Scrooge blankly. “He’s basically going to pay for everything you need,” Java elucidated to O’aka, and then to Scrooge, “Sometimes you have to spell it out to him.” “Ha! Alright then.” O’aka emerged into his sack and retrieved a stained blanket. He gave the homely thing a slight nestle, and then grinned widely as replied, “I guess I’ll be taking me sack and me blanket over to the Accessory Shop for tha night, and then—” Scrooge cut off, “I’ll buy ya a hotel room.” “And the hits just keep on coming!” Jiminy added, “And this should help you on your way to honoring your family tradition!” O’aka replied dumbfounded, “I don’t know how te repay you. I’m almost sorry to ask ye this; why are you doing all this for me business? For free?” Scrooge corrected O’aka mockingly, “Ha! I never said anything about ‘free’ Mr. XXIII! You have to meet three conditions.” Scrooge’s expression hardened with earnestness as he clarified, “Condition One; you’ll be paying me back whatever I loan ya—with interest! But of course, you’ll be rolling in dough regardless, so you’ll have more than enough means ta do so. Condition Two; you’ll hafta maintain an honest living. You’ll eventually pay back every person you’ve conned, cheated, or hustled. You’ll cease flailing about like a madman when you don’t get your way. You’ll become a respectable purveyor of goods! We know you’re a big fan of Gummi Racing, but betting is a poor habit that’s best left to its own devices.” O’aka leered plaintively towards Java, whom broke into a light discounting whistle. Scrooge demanded attention, “Don’t worry about how I know about it, understand me, Mr. XXIII? Condition Three—” Scrooge released a light chuckle, “you’ll at least consider a job at Wishing Star.” Scrooge extended his hand outward. “I’d be more than obliged,” Geppetto confessed. O’aka reluctantly smiled, peering towards each anxious face in the room. He answered, “That’s a done deal sir. Thank you!” O’aka tightly grasped the stalwart hand of the Grand Ambassador, confirming his agreement. “Great!” Geppetto clasped his hands together and rubbed them excitedly, “It’s done then! Welcome aboard Mr. XXIII. You could start job training by looking at a couple of new models I’ve been cooking up. You could tell me what you think about them.” O’aka XXIII nodded, “That sounds like a grand idea.” “This warms my heart.” Jiminy sniffed, swiping several tears from his eyes, and gazed towards Java, who stood, restraining his coffee-yearn. Jiminy called out, “Java,” and addressed as Java snappily gave notice, “this was a very good deed you did. I’d be proud to be your conscience. It’s really too bad that the café’s closed today—” Jiminy pondered for a solid moment, and then indicated with a snap of his fingers, “Wait one minute! Since the whole meeting was about finding an employee for Wishing Star, I’d say meeting adjured! I see no reason why we couldn’t go open up shop.” O’aka noted as he placed his sack on the round table, “There is a good crowd under the veranda.” Geppetto queried, “I’d have to call some employees, but I’d imagine that it is far too late to ask them to come to work for only a couple of hours, and I’m afraid that I don’t quite feel up to managing it today.” Pinnochio approached Java, who had been coping with lack of coffee his reclusive corner. He boy tugged at Java’s coat. The coffee fiend peered down at the once-wooden boy and addressed, “What.” Pinnochio replied, “One good deed deserves another!” and informed his ‘Poppa’, “I could go set up Poppa.” Geppetto declined hastily, “But I couldn’t possibly ask you to—” Scrooge insisted, “Then I’ll manage the shop! How hard could it be?” Jiminy agreed, “And if Scrooge isn’t qualified, then I’ll manage the store. You just worry about getting at least one or two of your employees who wouldn’t mind making some extra change.” O’aka approached Java, and warmly addressed, “Java, I really owe you one mate. I’ll make it up to ye! I promise!” Java allowed himself to pass judgment on the merchant once again. He released a small chuckle at the sincerity he noticed, and noted, “So—I’d hope that you’re on your way now after the hell you put me through Wocker.” Java placed his unstill hands within the security of his coat pockets. O’aka leered down at Java’s concealed hands. He could see them quiver from outside of the pockets. O’aka diverted his sights to Java’s hood-shrouded face. The merchant smirked with a renewed smugness as he received another unsure leer from Java. O’aka smiled and chided, “Tsk tsk. You’re hopeless, you know that, right? Don’t worry though, mate. You’re gonna get your coffee!” Last edited by bizness86; 03/26/08 at 07:22 AM. |
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03/26/08, 07:19 AM
| #19 |
| Keyblade Wielder Join Date: Feb 2008 Age: 22
Posts: 297
Rep Power: 1 | Re: Shines One Year After: Act 1 Top Sebrea lounged comfortably in the red couch which was conveniently located beside the fireplace. Sheesh…I’m glad Mr. Gary agreed to do this for me……but did he have to do it at this time of night?! I’m exhausted… Sebrea slowly drooped into the corner of the couch, the corner closest to the fireplace, and snuggled with the nearest chair pillow. She eyed the wall and located the wayward clock hanging behind the counter. 9:13 PM. Her sight grazed Gary, the clerk at Traverse Town’s Accessory Shop, who was diligently examining a bulky grayish shard of metal with a magnifying glass. She smiled groggily at the young man’s willingness to aid her. She slipped off her Enchanted Boots, lifted her weary legs atop the soft couch, curled up, and immersed herself into a lucid solace, a girl could really get used to this couch—this fireplace—heck, I guess I could get used to anything that’s not standing at a counter… Sebrea allowed a soft chuckle while playfully and sleepily scolding the steadfast Gary, “Hey O-Gii-san [1]! You called me at nine o’clock at night just to stare at some old hunka metal? Talk to me Gary.” The clerk was too engrossed by the shard and missed Sebrea’s chide. He shook his head and confessed, “I really couldn’t tell you exactly what this is.” Gary yawned and pulled himself from his magnifier to address his company, “Did you say something just then Ms. Sebrea?” Sebrea chuckled at Gary’s absence of mind, and rolled her eyes playfully whilst replying, “Oh…nothing. Just that it seems kinda late.” Gary shrugged and returned to the shard, “O’ r’ly? Hadn’t really paid it any thought. S’only quarter past nine…I look up at the sky—always night…ye get used to it, really.” “Oh…heh heh, yeah. I really did get used to it being night all the time…weird. But, I really thank you for taking time out to help me Mr. Gary.” “Well…I thought I could help you; otherwise I would’ve never called you this time of night Ms. Sebrea. I figured I had plenty of time to do this now. Most of the day’s business has been next door, as I’m sure you know. And with what you did for the Missus the other day, this is the least I could do. She really takes a liking to those earrings.” “Oh, I didn’t do anything. I just placed and delivered the ordered. You’d have to thank Bantuk; he spent all night making them.” “Better you than Scotty. Thanks…but yeah, I remembered you checking for the Item Workshop since you first came here, and I just now heard that the mogul Moogle will be out on vacation for another week—travesty really. If he were here, he could tell you the exact mineral composition of this here shard and tell you where it naturally resides. Heck, he’d probably tell you more than you care to know. But I figured the least I could do is give you some kind of answer—” Scotty diverted his attention from the shard and to Sebrea, whom he just noticed was half asleep and comfortable on the Accessory Shop couch. He spouted into light laughter and spoke softly before removing the shard from his scope and winking, “Hehe, work sinking in? Sorry about waking you up and all. You look worn for wears. Even worse carrying that chunky bag…” he regressed to eyeing the metal piece, this time bare-eyed. Sebrea playfully stuck out her tongue, “Hehe. No, I’m fine. I’m just happy that you are able to look at it for me. You’re doing fine, Mr. Gary. My Gii-san would be happy.” “Ah, I’m sure he’s a fine man to have a fine granddaughter such as yourself.” Sebrea’s voice became instantly sapped, contradictory to its natural cheer. She sunk into the chair as if she had been hit by a chill. She replied in melancholy, “Yes…he was a fine man.” “Oh—” Gary refrained from the shard and tended Sebrea with his sincerest attention, “I’m sorry Sebrea. That was bloody stupid of me. Please forgive me.” Sebrea softly bit at her top lip and then forced a smile. She noted the extent of Gary’s concern, and became warmer; her smile became easier to maintain, and she spoke softly, “Oh…no. Don’t beat yourself up. How could it be your fault Mr. Gary?” Gary’s attention refrained slowly and uncomfortably from Sebrea as he fiddled with the shard with his fingers. Neither Gary nor Sebrea ensued in any conversation for the next fleeting moments. After several minutes, Gary sighed and declared timidly, “Uh—well, whatever this mineral is, its obviously rare. And see the way the shard broke off?” Gary leaned across the counter and held the shard whilst pointing at the aforementioned spot so Sebrea could get a fair glimpse from the couch. Sebrea sat up and leaned forward to get a better look. Gary indicated, “A clean snap—I’d declare this some type of rare orichalcum. Royalty, wizards and fairies and such, hire miners to mine this stuff. I hear it’s good for powering spells and making special tools.” “Oh,” orichalcum…Sebrea queried while blankly staring towards the shard, “Where do you think this came from?” “Well, I hear that miners are often sent to Radiant Garden, but I guess orichalcum could be produced anywhere, just not in large quantity, or high quality at that. You heading there? I guess you could get a pretty penny by selling it there. I doubt no one here could find use for the like.” “Uhh…” Sebrea scratched her head while attempted to recall such a place from the last time she checked a universe map. She drew blank, and grinned abashed as she admitted, “Radiant Garden? Heh heh—never heard of it. I’m definitely going to have to pick up a star map [2].” Gary pointed to a small stack of pamphlets, “There’s a stack on top of the fireplace.” Sebrea looked down at her knees and then allowed her hand to caress her forehead. She shook off her relentless wear, and reluctantly rose from her warm seat, lugging her hulky travel bag. She walked past the calm flame and grabbed one of the pamphlets and browsed through it thoroughly while inching her way to the counter; the pamphlet listed other-world upcoming events and job advertisements, chiefly featuring some ‘struggle’ event at a ‘Twilight Town’. Sebrea laid the pamphlet fully open on the counter in front of Gary, who pointed over the map with his fingers while directing, “Radiant Garden’s not extremely far. It’s the Charter to Stardust Sweep [3] here, and another Charter straight to Radiant Garden, but I’m sure you’ve heard about the accident.” “What accident? I hope everyone’s alright.” “Well, I hear that the lucky bastards came out with their arses. That’s always pleasant to know—“ I hear…I hear… Sebrea couldn’t help but to give away a light chuckle while confirming, “Hm, that’s good.” “Did I say something funny?” Sebrea poked fun, “You ‘hear’ a lot more than I do, even though it seems that you’re always here in the shop.” Gary jokingly clarified while returning Sebrea’s mystery shard, or alleged orichalcum. “Haha. Well, between gossiping customers and whatnot, I also have this lovely thing I’d like to call ‘the Missus’. I swear she knows when a cat sneezes from three worlds away.” Sebrea fought a smile by softly biting down on her bottom lip. She scolded while shaking her finger, “Hmph, treat her right Mr. Gary.” Gary nervously chuckled at the response, and gave a hybrid between a response and a sigh, “Heh, someone needs to tell her to do the same regarding me—but anywho, the Stardust Route’s going to be congested for at least a few days. Gotta love it, aye? You’d be best off taking the alternate route, which is a decent trip in itself.” Sebrea sighed and looked down at the map with a solemn face, “Oh…then I guess…I’ll be waiting for the traffic to get better then?” Gary thought for a few seconds while picking at the inside of his ear, then replied, “Well actually, if it’s all about the orichalcum, then one of the places on the scenic route is also known to mine orichalcum—” he returned to the star map, ”should be able to take Stardust Sweep. The normal Charter to Radiant Garden runs through there, but I’m sure the road will be littered with traffic checks. Take the other Charter to the ‘Kingdom of Shining Castle’ and you’ll reach said destination with no trouble at all. You could lag there until traffic gets well…Sebrea—” Sebrea glanced attentively in response. Gary advised, “If you think you’re going to need a little extra cash, check for a place called ‘Twilight Town’ on the star map. They are usually good for jobs, and my wife’s seen a couple of HELP WANTED ads in the Kupo.” “Hehe! Actually I’ve been saving up since I got to Traverse Town. I still can’t believe how much I’ve made here—” she dove into her bag. “Good girl. But you have been busting you arse doubly. That’s more than what most of the people in Traverse Town combined could say—” Sebrea emerged halfway from her bag with a distraught expression. “I—wasted my time—” Gary queried, mishearing, “What?” Sebrea replied quietly, peering vacantly towards her bag as if glazed from exhaust, “Oh……no—all of my munny…” “Sebrea, what is it?” “My munny’s been stolen.” Gary sighed, and plopped his elbows on the counter. He plunged his head into his hands and grumbled, “Oh dear—hold on,” He retrieved his wallet, and offered its contents, “I have two hundred munny on me. That should be more than enough to get you off this ball of mud. You probably had much more than that, but take it.” Sebrea reluctantly reached out, “Wow. That’s really generous, but I—” Gary forced the munny to her half-closed hands, “Oh no dear. You’re about the hardest working woman I’ve ever met. You deserve every inch of kindness from even the lowliest of the dirt rats out here. But what you don’t deserve is some ingrate hooligan conniving you out of your hard-earned munny. I wonder if Ambassador Scrooge is still in town; he’d help.” Sebrea’s voice became dry, “Wait…” Gary pressed on despite Sebrea’s quiet protest, “Or! I can definitely call the constable. Once he meets you, I’m sure he’ll be dead set on helping you, and we’ll have this straighten out by to—” “No,” Sebrea halted Gary with sternness, as a slow tear rolled down her soft left cheek, “I have to go. I can’t stay here another day. I’ve digressed for too long…I’m so sorry, Mr. Gary.” Gary sighed and responded warmly, “Oh…well, I’ll still call, and if I hear hide or hair of your munny, then I’ll definitely tell Bantuk or Mr. Scrooge. Just promise me that you’ll drop by every now and then lass.” Sebrea found a wide smile as she responded, “Hmm…I can do better. Here’s my cell.” She fumbled into her bag and retrieved a pen and scrap paper on which she wrote down her number. Gary secured the number and winked, “Heh heh…I’m sure the Missus won’t appreciate me bringing home numbers.” Sebrea rolled her eyes, and then laughed aloud, blushing as she recalled one of Gary’s previous remarks. She giggled and addressed him, “Hehehe…Mr. Gary, you said I was the hardest working woman you’ve met…even harder-working than your wife? And I can’t wait to here your response.” Gary halted himself altogether, and his face ascertained nothing less than a foolish innocence. He gulped and jokingly replied, “Uhh…don’t—get me in trouble lass.” Both Gary and Sebrea bawled with laughter. O’aka fiddled through each rolled up piece of paper on the round table which was flooded by Geppetto’s many concoctions, some of which stunningly passed as Gummi designs. How in the heck does he get some of these things to get off the ground, no less fly in space? O’aka managed to focus on the eternity’s worth of plans, but he had only been able to peck away at the tip of the iceberg. Geppetto fiddled in the kitchen, thinking aloud, “I thought I had kept some plans in the cabin around here somewhere…from when that boy rescued me from Monstro…” A lukewarm dinner patiently awaited his return to the dinner table. ‘Bbbbring! Bbbbring!’ The ringing of the phone pierced from the back room. “Did ye want me to answer it Mr. Geppetto?” O’aka screamed towards the kitchen, hoping for a chance to escape from the heap of crumpled papers. “No, that’s okay O’aka. I’ve got it.” Geppetto abandoned his late dinner, and made the trek to his and Pinnochio’s bedroom. He retrieved the phone and answered, “Hello? Geppetto speaking.” “Hello, Mr. Geppetto. How’s everything going?” Geppetto’s eyes narrowed slightly in recognition of the voice. He replied with enthusiasm, “Oh, Sebrea? How’s everything going young lady?” “Perfect, Mr. Geppetto. Did Mr. Scrooge and Mr. Jiminy find little Donald, and meet up with you and Pinnochio?” “Yes, as a matter of fact, that meeting ended some time ago. Believe it or not, we all met the most interesting acquaintances…as of now Pinnochio’s setting up Geppetto’s Java, and I was calling a few employees who could use the extra hours.” Sebrea’s reply was a little less than enthusiastic, “Oh…that’s…great Mr. Geppetto.” Geppetto laughed in response, “Oh. Haha— Ms. Rhonda and Mr. Clark were actually more than obliged to see the extra munny. With Scrooge, Jiminy and my son there, I believe that the café is well managed and prime for at least a few hours. My mistake, Ms. Sebrea; I didn’t mean to scare you like that. I wasn’t going to call you, as I was pretty sure that you’ve had more than enough to do today.” “Oh! Ha, that’s sweet of you Mr. Geppetto, but I wouldn’t have minded.” “Don’t ever be afraid to ask for a day or two off.” “Yeah, about that…” Sebrea explained to him plight concerning orichalcum, only mentioning that she would need to leave Traverse Town because of it. Geppetto listened with a mild disappointment, drawing the conclusion that Sebrea would be taking her leave from his employment. Geppetto sighed and reluctantly confirmed, “Well, do what you must. I’ll miss you Deary. I’ll tell Scrooge early tomorrow, or did you want me to walk over to Bantuk’s for you?” “That’s okay,” Sebrea chuckled due to Geppetto’s gesture, “I’m right at the Accessory Shop. I’ll stop by and tell him myself. I’m sure that I can catch them before they start cleaning.” Geppetto responsively hesitated, but responded questioningly, “Uhh…do you think everyone will take the news well?” Slightly puzzled by Geppetto’s apparent concern, Sebrea’s reply staggered slightly, “I—I suppose…oh gosh, did I do something to offend someone?! I didn’t forget to box next week’s order, did I?! No wait! I did box that order…Mr. Geppetto, I don’t think I did anything to make anyone resent my going away…I hope everyone can cope with me leaving…” After a slight settling pause, Geppetto ultimately replied, “Well, okay Sebrea. Your heart’s set. Be safe, and take care,” and they said their adieus. — “What?!” Rose screamed with an unnerving tone, and in response, Sebrea stood unnerved at the Goods Shop counter. Bantuk stood beside Rose with a mixed expression which displayed empathy in respect to Sebrea, and slightly abashment in respect to the over-reactive Rose. Scotty was enduring forty winks behind the counter. Rose continued her rave, “Leaving! Sebrea?! I really don’t think so!” Sebrea looked down at her boots with mild distraught. She replied cautiously, “Uh…you’re—stopping me?” Rose quickly restrained her tone, but still found it difficult to secure her words, “Oh—I mean…doh…you actually worked around her. Don’t leave! Please.” Rose added in her thoughts, Now how am I going to get days off? Now how I’m I going to get time for a date?! Geezus…I’ll have to call off my day with Jeff…way to eff up my weekend Sebrea… She submissively sighed, and sleepily placed him arms and head on the counter while drudgingly pleading, “Please…don’t leave yet…another week please?” Bantuk conclusively breezed the hysteric Rose from the counter. He retrieved a worn pair of flip-flops from under the counter, and, clasping the pair of shoes, he proceeded in tapping them on the counter. He addressed Sebrea with exclamation, “You were a good addition to tha crew lassie! Not a harder working woman in miles!” Rose seemingly drooped behind the counter. She moaned, “I’m right here, y’know. Sheesh…” Bantuk declared, “Do what ya muss Sebrea. The goods crew will always be here to home ya, so come back from time ta time—” a horrid screeching inhale from Scotty interrupted Bantuk. “Ooh…” Sebrea jumped, and then fought her chuckles. “Damned lazy snoring bastard…” Rose leered towards Scotty with slight disgust. Bantuk grunted, and then regressed into a menacing chortle. He whispered to himself, “Sleepin’ beauty…squealin’ piggy!” Out of the blue, Bantuk flung the shoes at his sleeping nephew-in-law, nailing him directly in the head. Bantuk bellowed, “Wake up blimey itjut! Said bye ta Ms. Sebrea!” “Dah!” Scotty screamed in lieu of his rude awakening. He settled himself, “Huh—oh,” and climbed from the ground, thoroughly caressing his forehead. He approached the counter with a yawn, and then configured a stalwart posture. He addressed with a concerned demeanor, “Sebrea you-you’re leaving? Well gosh…I’m really gonna—gonna miss you.” A small stream dripped from Scotty’s cheek. Wow…Scotty’s actually crying? Sebrea wore a nervous grin, “I’m sorry everyone. It’s just—time for me to go.” “Well, don’ worry lassie. I’ll find yer munny! You jus’ take it easy, and enjoy yer break from workin’!” Sebrea gave a small bow, “Thank you Mr. Bantuk.” Scotty pondered wearily until he conceived his farewell with a raised finger of enlightenment, “Ah. May your endeavors lead to life that is simple and clean.” Sebrea couldn’t help but to chuckle, “Good one Scotty. The only thing I have is ‘parting is such sweet sorrow’. See, I’m a poet too…” “Ah! You’re a poet, and I’m certain that you didn’t even know it. Everything sounds superb from your lips, mon cheri.” Scotty playfully flirted. Sebrea jokingly shoved Scotty with one hand. Flushing slightly, but rolling her eyes, she snubbed, “Oh stop.” “Take care, and do drop by.” Rose stood with slight chagrin. “…fine…” she shooed, “…bye…I’ll…miss you too, dude.” Sebrea simply smiled and nodded, and rushed out of the goods shops. Another tear rolled down her eye, I should have hugged them…I’m sorry everyone…but I’m finally on track Gii-san! She departed for the ten o’ clock Charter. [1] Sebrea teasingly calls Gary ‘O-Gii-san’ (‘Old Man, sir’, or ‘Mr. Old Man’). |
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03/26/08, 07:34 AM
| #20 |
| Keyblade Wielder Join Date: Feb 2008 Age: 22
Posts: 297
Rep Power: 1 | Re: Shines One Year After: Act 1 Top What was a blithe crowd had become a small commotion by the time Scrooge and the others exited Geppetto’s house. “Hmm…what have we here?” Java peered, intrigued, into the pool of astonished faces as he and his companions approached the veranda-parked disturbance, and drawing early conclusions, he sulked slightly. He replied hissing, “Shit…I’m not waiting in line for coffee. I’ve paid my dues, damn it…” “Hey, hey, hey! What’s all tha ruckus?! Shoo! Shoo!” Scrooge shooed away. Heading the unlikely party of Java, Donald, and Pinnochio, the Grand Ambassador inched his way to the heart of the commotion. “Hey! Wait for me.” Jiminy frantically bounced behind, “hmph, it was my idea in the first place to open up the coffee shop…” In approaching the center, Java could barely hear two voices in the nucleus of the hubbub. … You deserved every bit of it. You know that? … See! You do get it! I did deserve it! I wanna be humble, but women just can’t keep their hands off of me! … Pssh…whatever— Shoving their way through the crowd, Scrooge and the others spotted the two people amidst. A grown man around Java’s height stood restraining his forehead with his right hand while scowling slightly in frustration and abashment. He yielded medium-length brunette hair and his eyes revealed blue irises. A diagonal scar skewed across his brow and down the bridge of his nose. He wore an ensemble of leather; a short leather jacket with long sleeves, leather gloves, leather pants, two belts crossed at the buckle, and leather boots composed his dress. His jacket bore cross emblems on the arms and red wings on the back, and a fur ruff along its collar. He brandished a blade strapped to his back. The hilt of the odd blade was replaced by revolver components. The grown man loomed above a grounded young man with a monkey tail. The younger man, who securely caressed his own flushing cheek, was considerably shorter than his acquaintance. His hair was blonde and shaggy, barely shoulder-length. He donned a more or less dingy appearance. A short denim vest with a frill-collared white sleeveless shirt robed him top-wise, and bagged blue slacks ruffled down his legs and eventually tucked into white boots. “Hey look!” Pinnochio screamed, pointing elatedly, “Leon made it!” The party approached the two men as the crowd gradually dispersed into the monochrome of Traverse Town. “Hey!” Jiminy yelled, leaping upward in front of the man with the blade of revolver hilt, “Leon!” “Huh?” The brown haired man blankly searched for the voice’s source. “Down here!” Leon looked down in front of him and spotted Jiminy hopping ecstatically, “Oh! Jiminy—” Donald strolled past the young man, who was just picking himself up from the ground, and approached Leon with bright eyes. He noted, “You got a haircut.” Leon allowed a placid chortle, and recited the duck’s name with a confident zeal, “Donald.” The young blonde asked groggily, “You know all of them, Squally?” Leon, returning from his brief world of reunion and reminiscence, quickly snapping at the prehensile tailed blonde, “My name is Leon.” “But I like Squally,” Pinnochio chortled as he and Scrooge approached with Java slouching behind. Scrooge declared in salutation, “Well scratch my eye! It is Leon! Didn’t half recognize ya with your locks sheared.” Jiminy smiled, complementing the greeting, “Fancy meeting you here! Especially with what went down on Stardust. Everyone thought you got caught in that huge mess on the road.” A salty pout occupied Leon’s expression. He replied, “Hmph—I just missed it,” and chided, “although, I kinda wish I got caught dead in the middle of it. I’d honestly rather be back there sorting things out…instead of here, not sorting anything out.” He exhaled strongly; subsequent to a burly sigh, he acknowledged with minute regret and a hint of submission, “but I was told that being here was the right thing to do. So…where is he? The constable.” The young blonde with the monkey tail, still securing his blushing cheek, hissed begrudgingly, “Well, that’s what I was trying to tell y—” “You shouldub jush stayed at home Leon,” Donald sighed with concern for Leon’s plights, “Radiant Garden needs you more anyways. Nothing interesting happens here. Never does. You know that.” Donald slid Leon’s way and remarked with a wink and a playfully guile, “Have you ever heard of playing hooky? You had the perfect opportunity.” Leon expressed an appearance of long-faced doubt. “Donald!” Jiminy screamed with rebuke. Donald chuckled slyly and continued, “And beside, if anything does happen, then I’m here as backup remembah. I could have handled things, no sweat—” “Oh-ho-ho, no yer not!” Scrooge reprimanded with anticipated gusto, “so that’s whatcha been up to all the day!” “Uhhh…” Scrooge’s voice gradually acquired a tint of scolding wrath, “I won’t be havin’ a rotten liar for a nephew! You told me ya weren’t at the police station! Have you no shame Donald?!” “Uhhh, eh heh heh…” Donald quivered fretfully. Jiminy added, his hand stroked his chin as if to ponder a riddle, “Hmm. No wonder we couldn’t find you earlier.” Donald objected; his voice attempted to muster dominance, but in the end, he only managed a hoarse exclamation in protest, “But the thief—” ‘Snap!’ Scrooge’s fine ebony cane met with Donald’s knee before the impish duck could gripe. Donald writhed, humbled by nipping pain, “Qwck! Hey!” ”What have I told ya about the constable and his dilly-dally?” “Dohhh…I’m tha Royal Court Wizard!” Scrooge shook his reproaching finger at the unnerved Donald, and conjured an omnipotent rant, “No. No! Do ya hear me Donald? No wayward wizard nephew of mine is going to wander off all willy-nilly and such—going around playing detective—wasting your time and such, when you could be learning something constructive.” Scrooge’s voice peaked with prominence, “I won’t have it Donald! I won’t allow you becoming a lazy bum! You’re not getting involved with it. Leon has been called ta handle this mess—not the ‘Royal Court Wizard’. Y’know what the Royal Court Wizard will be doing? He’ll be learning how ta make bijillions of dollars from his ol’ uncle, an’ that’s final!” Donald bellyached, “Ohhhhhhh! But I’m a patrol server, Unca Scrooge! It’s my duty!” Jiminy compliantly seconded, “Well, he’s right Scrooge, and Leon has enough to worry about at home to be out here in Traverse Town. I’m sure that one day of hooky wouldn’t have been too heavy on his conscience.” Leon interjected with a sigh, “Well…I’m here now. But the constable isn’t. I’m supposed to be meeting him here in the First District…“ The blonde haired young man rushed to interject, “He’s not—” Java interrupted, “Wait…I’m lost.” Intercepted once again, the tailed blonde sighed meekly. Java pointed towards Geppetto’s Java’s entry, “this is where the coffee is, isn’t it? I mean, I just thought…” Java sarcastically chided, shrugging suggestively. Leon eyed Java with bemusement, then hesitantly addressed, “Oh…I’m sorry,” as if to suggest an introduction of sorts. “You two haven’t had the pleasure—” Jiminy cleared his throat, “—ahem, Squall Leonhart is Radiant Garden Chief Officer, as well as a Global Patrol Server. You see, Traverse Town’s constable recommended Leon to come investigate a crime, but there was an accident out by Stardust Sweep last night. Everyone made it with there skins intact, but it left some mess to clean up. Part of the reason why Donald’s here, to his displeasure as well as that of the good ambassador I might add, is because we thought Leon wasn’t going to make it. Since Donald’s here, I’d suggest that Leon skedaddle, but since the traffic is bound to be awful near Radiant Garden, Leon’s pretty much stranded here.” Leon added with a sigh, “There’s really nothing better to do. Duty calls.” “Ah…” Java mildly feigned interest while longingly gazing towards the entry of the café. Although barely listening, he managed to recall, Leon… Java addressed Leon enlightened, “Oh wait…Scary bread guy, right?” A small unexpected stillness ensued. Leon stared at Java, astonished. Elated, the young blonde haired man responded with an undeniable satire, “Scary bread guy? Squally? No! I don’t believe it. He’s too—cuddly, for lack of better word…” Scrooge and Jiminy turned their attention to the smug monkey-tailed boy. Flabbergasted, Leon skeptically queried, “How…how do you know that name?!” |
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