Skeleton Jack~ (Open to all, Halloween Post)

How foolish of her! She should have kept her guard up around this group. It seemed that she had been snatched up into the air by what she could only assume to be a Shadow in disguise. Still... This whole thing didn't make any sense. Why was there a Shadow in the human world? Wasn't this place deemed safe enough to visit without the possession of a compendium? Or... No, it couldn't be! Had she entered a parallel world by mistake?

Normally Neith would be more than happy to be confronted with a challenge to battle. However the problem here lied not in the confrontation but rather the sheer cowardice behind it. To her it was a sin to strike a significantly weaker opponent -- let alone to employ such dastardly trickery in the process! Had this being no shame? She wouldn't let this sort of thing go unpunished. It was no secret that she had a love for combat but she was interested in honorable combat -- not battles won by pitiful tactics such as this. She couldn't let this sort of thing slide; it was simply unforgivable to attack an opponent weaker than oneself.

But for some reason she couldn't bring herself to strike down the enemy before her. Something seemed... off, about this whole scenario. Why would he make such a move if he did not intend to utilize the advantage it provided and strike? Was it simply to challenge her? Then the questions came ringing to her ears and at that moment Neith began to deduce what was going on.

“What does Neith mean she is one of many with power? Where is it Neith comes from?”


Yes... It all made sense now. Why he had grabbed her like this while she was unguarded. Why he had taken her by such surprise. Everything was so simple that the attendant was surprised that she hadn't come to such a conclusion beforehand. Without a doubt in her mind she could fully declare this process as one thing:


This being was trying to pry the information out of her by force and restraint. The reason she had not been attacked by it was simple -- she had information that this creature wanted. Unfortunately for it however, whether this thing be Shadow or man, nothing would come out of Neith's mouth. She would not let any sort of secrets flow from her mouth.

"That information is classified! It's not simply to be revealed to mere strangers. Now unhand me!"

She tried her best to make her voice sound authoritative and while it was certainly possible for her to do so it ended up sounding more like a child whining at the end -- Neith possessing a clearly frustrated look on her face that one might find upon the face of an individual throwing a tantrum. However she would suddenly stop entirely upon hearing the voice of the girl; the frustrated look disappearing as she turned her attention the way the voice came.


The childish atmosphere around her seemingly disappeared within the blink of an eye; her voice having gone from the tantrum-like demands from before to that of a calmly asked question. Truly, Neith's curiosity had been peaked... What was this thing that the female before her spoke of?

Weaknesses:

Confusion. That was the state Oki was in when everything came to crashing in upon its brain at odd and hard to understand angles as it watched and interacted the best way it could to the situation at hand. Things were moving much too fast for it to process, so doing the best it could it to keep up, Oki had watched the others and responded where it could in what it thought was an appropriate fashion.

It saw the little one come and pet the dog and Roll who did not seem to like the idea of being petted at all. She seemed thoroughly displeased with the action and maybe a bit....what was the word? Jealous? Yes. That sounds right – jealous of the little one that bounced around causing amusement and confusion to all. Even the dog seemed confused at the odd situation and when the child took to poking, the dog took to hiding. Perhaps the situation was a bit much for the dog as well.

A good thing considering Oki did not wish to be alone in the overwhelmed boat. In any case, when Oki had bowed and playfully responded to Roll’s comment about not having any attention, the girl blushed and made a comment back. In turn Oki’s eyes narrowed with delight.

“Of course, my lady,” it would say keeping up the playful act for a while longer not seeming to notice the girl’s embarrassed actions; however, Oki hardly missed anything when observing things. It took in the embarrassment, but knew from previous observations that this sort of embarrassment was not necessarily bad unless it was forced to linger, thus it was safe to play a bit, but not for too long. So timing the actions very carefully, Oki would end its play before things got out of hand as it stood straight once more and focused on the little one who had said some very interesting things that caught Oki’s attention. Unfortunately those interesting things knocked the being into analyze mode as deep curiosity filled Oki.

…And when Oki was in this mode and focused on a subject of interest, it never took into account that it needed to continue act normal in order not to draw attention and in turn questions towards itself. Forgetting to at least pretend to be normal, Oki had slipped right back into its old ways of speaking as it made an attempt to grab the small person that was moving about the area. The grab wasn’t meant to be hostile and in Oki’s mind the action was quite natural to do. It had done so with the least hostile of the creatures it was pitted against in the past without being damaged too much, so Oki did not expect to be too badly harmed in this situation either….even if the little one did demonstrate an abnormal amount of strength by carrying that large bag about…

In any case, the grab was successful, but rather the success caused joy or not to the being was hard to tell as Oki’s expression remained clean of emotion as it concentrated on not harming its catch. Oki catching the bundle of energy in both hands in a firm yet gentle grip before it lift the being to eye level examining the strangeness of the girl. This being was quiet light and surprisingly easy to scoop up. Oki hadn’t expect that and yet as the being observed her for a few seconds it could sense hostility in the other like she wanted to fight and yet she did not strike out. How odd.

Did the little one not know how to fight or was she simply refusing to do so because she had deemed Oki’s action not truly hostile? It was hard to say at first, but as Oki asked its questions and the tense bundle’s personality shifted from hostile to guarded, the answer to the being’s pervious curiosity came easily enough as the other responded back.

This one could fight, but had thankfully realized that Oki’s actions were not hostile. To her response, Oki gazed at her calmly for a few seconds taking in the pale skin and those strange eyes. The eyes were similar to a shadows and yet different. Shadows, as far as Oki knew, existed in their own spaces drawn out into reality only when humans became greedy for knowledge and watching others suffer for their “science”. Sure, shadows could do strange things and occasionally take strange forms, but of the various ones Oki had been exposed to, nothing in its brain matched up to this child and the strangeness she gave off. Was she perhaps an anomaly then?

At the end of the quick analyzing process, Oki would blink as her words sunk in and a light frown crossed its face.

“They were simply questions of curiosity. No need to get so upset,” Oki responded back in tone that suggested it honestly didn’t mean to offend the child. It simply was curious and so asked what bother it most. Oki never took into account that picking the child up might’ve had something to do with the way the answer was given. When it was commanded to unhand the small child in the whinny tone, the being obeyed without question and gently placed the small child back on the ground and just like that it had learned a boundary for itself when it came to Neith: Do not pick up without permission again. Right.

Oki might’ve even apologized to the child for the action if Roll hadn’t distracted it by asking about wandering around and trick-or-treating. To the question both itself and Neith reacted in different ways. As Neith turned to Roll with questions, Oki’s attention turned back to Isaac as a look of uncertainty crossed its face.

“The tricks of the past are still not played right? It’s just free candy these days, correct?” Oki would ask referring back to the earlier information it had been given about Halloween from the taller gentleman. Oki would pause for a moment to give the other time to answer if he wished to, but then noticing that the other seemed to be observing it with a hidden smile, Oki tilted its head as it raised its eyes brows slightly at the look.

“Yes?” it would ask Isaac, wondering if the other had a question or something else in mind to give it such a look. What was this one up to?

Really now, this was just... ridiculous... Neith's protests really were the result of over-thinking the issue, no? With a sigh and a puff of the pipe, Masa shook his head and nudged Roll's leg, catching her attention before signaling her about the time, displayed a bit behind them on a big clock.

"Oh, I see... time to go home, huh?" With a bit of a saddened sigh, Roll would unsheathe her sword slightly while checking it... one could see it was a dull blade, though it could still be used as a pretty good blunt weapon should she want it... Reading the inscription on it, Roll would sheathe her sword again with a sigh and look at the clock again.

"Well, I'm afraid I have to go right now... I can't stay up too late, I have work reaaally early in the morning..." Turning heel halfway, Roll watched as Masa walked up quickly to Neith and gave her a lick on the cheek, almost as if regretting he hadn't done so before... Waving his head to the front after it, Masa started trotting away as Roll gave a cheerful wave to everyone before speaking up.

"I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer, I really have to go now... I'll talk to you all later on, though, alright? See ya~!" With a kiss blown onto all of them, Roll gave a small sprint to Masa's position, walking at the same pace as him right after it... their walk home would be a bit sad, seeing as they really wanted to stay longer... though, shame, a job was a job and Roll couldn't really stay up too late for it if she wanted to get money... nevertheless, Masa would be a bit sad as well as he hoped that they'd find those three again later on... they truly were interesting characters in his mind...

Neith would nod towards Masa somewhat sadly as Roll announced they had to go; waving to them as they walked away before turning around to the remaining group. It seemed that this trick-or-treating they spoke of was the activity of gathering candy that she been conducting up to this point by herself. After a bit of pondering she decided that it couldn't hurt to lend them her strength on this night of fright.

Oki was concerned at first about this whole trick-or-treating thing and so had posed its question to Issac. In response, the other had chuckled at this getting a light relaxing of the face from Oki as its expression went back to a semi-neutral state. It did not liked to be laughed at, but at the same time it was at a disadvantage here. It did not know the holidays well. In the past, it was never shown such things and the lady that was kind enough to take it in did not celebrate Halloween. The only thing Oki remember clearly the lady celebrating was Christmas and sometimes she would give a gift or special treat to Oki on the day she had met the being. She had called the day a birthday, but Oki still did not understand what that meant.

Days were just days. Time was just time. No one had trained it to specializes this day or that time to an event, it had only been trained to survive and how to gather data in effective ways. Time….time really didn’t matter, but thanks to that, Oki was heavily underdeveloped in the holiday department. So naturally it turned to the best source of information it could find; however, if said source decided mocking was more fun than filling in the blanks, then Oki would indeed have a problem with said source. Still, the chuckle didn’t seem too harmful, so while Oki did become blank for a second, the being eventually smirked slightly as it let out a sigh of relief.

“Phew that is good. For a moment there, I thought I would need to move shop,” Oki said its voice clearly carrying joking in it. Inwardly, the news was more relieving than one could imagine. While Oki never had issues with whatever egg and toilet papering houses was, it was happy to know that it did not need to worry too much in San Malarus about such disasters happening…or at least it hoped it didn’t have to worry.

In any case, when the other brought the subject around to collecting more candy, Oki took note of how the other intentionally focused on the little one as he spoke and in turn effectively got around the earlier question Oki had posed to the taller gentleman that had been staring it with that odd look. Interesting…and what of that grin? Was that just part of the act or was this one truly up to something?

Hmmm…

While the other was distracted, Oki’s eyes would narrow slightly under the shadow of its hat. It was not sure what to think of Sir Issac; however, the suspicion only lasted a second before the being’s attention turned to Roll as she mentioned having to leave due to having to get up early for work before taking off after the white wolf known as Masa. The exit was so quick that Oki barely had time to react. Still, it managed to get out a “Bye!” and a wave in their direction before the pair was gone. It didn’t quite understand the last gesture that Roll had done, but for the time being that did not matter. What mattered was who he was left with.

Green eyes would turn back to Neith and Issac as the little one spoke about assisting in the trick-or-treating duties. A duty huh? Well Oki suppose it too could come along to see exactly what this candy gathering thing was about. …Although Oki wasn’t quite sure if the little one could add anymore to her bag of things. It already looked full enough. Hmm…well it would be interesting also to see if the bag was as deceiving as the girl. Maybe it was a limitless bag. Besides Oki was not on a time limit and it was curious to learn more about this strange holiday, so that left one answer to give didn’t it?

“I’ll come too to see what this is all about. The fresh air will be a nice change up from the norm,” Oki said with a light nod to the others it was with.

Neith appeared puzzled at the logic of Issac -- not understanding what he meant. If the business districts were a harder challenge wouldn't the most logical option be to test one's skill and attempt to gather delicious treats from them? After all, the hardest challenge was often the most rewarding; if not in candy than in satisfaction and accomplishment. But then again, she was here on an errand herself and had agreed to aid the two -- simply abandoning them would be a coward's way out.

Clear disappointment was expressed on her face in the form of a pout as she silently agreed with them within her head. Only a quick glimpse of it would be present so the two wouldn't see it as Neith instead began nodding cheerfully in a quick adjustment to her previous attitude. While she was still somewhat saddened by the fact that the challenge would be lessened she was still looking forward to this experience and found there was no purpose in dwelling in the past.



Neith would then proceed to run off at a high speed. After a couple of minutes she'd return back with a somewhat embarrassed look on her face as she now scratched the back of her head. "Uh... I kinda don't know where that is." She would admit in a defeated tone and frown as she proceeded to walk behind the two; deciding to rely on their sense of direction instead as not to get separated from the group.

Oki was had agreed to go trick-or-treating with the ones called Issac and Neith. They were still strange company, but Oki figured that the challenge of hanging out with others outside of the silence, cursed cats, and the graveyard fox back home was a good exercise for itself. Perhaps this outing could teach it something new and maybe after experiencing trick-or-treating, the being would not be so hesitant to come out the next time around. This event called Halloween did seem like something fun to do to pass time and meet others, but at the same time Oki wondered how well one could read another if everyone was what was it called? In costume? Hrmm. Aye, that will do. Would one be able to recognize the ones they met out of costume? Or was this an event where you simply met once and then did not meet again? The questions went through Oki’s head as it watched Roll and her pet go.

The being hoped that this was not a one-time thing. It would’ve been quite pleasing to meet Roll or Masa-chan again and perhaps next time interact a bit longer with them. They seemed like interesting sub – errr…beings to be around. Huh…well here was hoping to a second meeting. In any case, Oki’s attention would eventually come back to the two before itself as everyone seemed to agree on the trick-or-treating idea.

As Issac pulled out the mirror and face paint again, Oki tilted its head at the other having to use a good amout of will power not to make a comment about the other’s action. Honestly, the man did not have anything to worry about, the make-up was already flawless even if Oki did not have an image to reference. There was no denying the other had a talent for art in some fashion. The careful way the other worked on himself was proof enough of that; however as interesting as that little observation was, Oki would blink as it folded its arms and nodded at the words being spoken.

“Mmm. That is ideal. Perhaps we should start over that way?” Oki said pointing in the direction it knew the most houses were located. Despite its isolation, the being did wander and while easily distracted it was still making a clear mental map in its head of the area. It had much to explore still, so it could add onto the map both in its head and the one it worked on at home if they went beyond the few houses it had passed. Reminding itself mentally to get more pastels on the way back home, Oki would turn back to the others, its eyes lowering to the little one as she reacted to what was said.

Oki did not see the pout for it was turned away when the small one had performed the action; however, it did catch her cheerfulness and smirked as the other said she would race them to the residential area before taking off full of energy.

Shaking its head, Oki would’ve followed the child, but instead it hesitated for a moment not exactly sure if it would be rude or not to leave the other. The brief moment of debating about playing or not kept Oki rooted long enough to see the small form come back into view and head towards them once more.

The smirk that the being wore before faded as it tilted its head at the little one’s approach wondering if something had happened to make her return; however, upon hearing her words Oki relaxed as a small smile crossed its face as it leaned down slightly so it was eye level with the little one.

“No need to worry. We can find it together,”Oki said in a way that it hoped could cheer her up a bit; however, how well that worked out was yet to be seen.

In any case, Oki would eventually stand back up and when Issac was ready he would move along side of the taller gent in a fashion that made the other the leader of the group in a way.

Neith paused for a moment -- curious as to what he meant when he stated that she was their secret weapon. For a moment or two she pondered on the subject matter until she eventually realized what he meant. Yes, it was all so clear now... The real trial of Halloween came not when one was given the sweet treats desired but rather when they were denied it. At that point in time a battle of wits, will, and guts would ensure it seemed; a spar mono-e-mono to determine the rightful holder of the candy! It seemed that Issac believed that, even without her compendium, she was worthy of leading this charge into battle to get the candy. This merited a big grin from Neith and an energetic yip full of delight!

Of course, it wouldn't have mattered if she had got her compendium anyway. She couldn't utilize such a thing on a commoner -- to do so would give her an unfair advantage and would be flat-out irresponsible. Plus if her assessment of the custom was correct then utilization of any sort of weaponry would be against the rules of this practice. Alas, it seemed that she wouldn't really be needed all that much regardless. At least in this town it seemed commonplace to give the individuals requesting treats candy without a struggle which, while disappointing, was something Neith would respect. It was not her role to decide for others -- it never was and it never would be.

Turning to her comrades-in-arms for this night-of-fright, she would give them her biggest smile and nod her head. "Don't sweat it: I'll make you guys proud!" Neith would shout aloud; turning her attention to the direction that Issac had pinpointed.

When Neith had returned from her previous run with a defeated look upon her face, Oki had automatically become concerned for the younger one, but then finding out why she looked so defeated, the being had relaxed as it tried to encourage her when it came to finding the residential area. Afterwards, the being had stood up and upon hearing Issac’s words Oki nodded quite please that the  direction that it had pointed to was the right way and on top of that it now had a bit more information about the residential area that it had yet to explore fully. Apartments huh? Those were the strange buildings of many rooms that belonged to different people, yes? They might a bit more challenging to get a reward from than the houses, but the test to see if people in those rooms were willing to hand out candy to the group would indeed be fun to experience.

Besides, Issac seemed to think the outcome would be positive with the only issue being adorable children? To this, Oki blinked as its mind try to wrap around the logic of what had been said. How could adorable children be competition? Did not everyone hand out candy to the ones who said “trick-or-treat” regardless of age? Had its earlier observation of the strange event been wrong? For a minute, Oki bowed its head in thought as a light “Hmm..” escaped it. It was indeed puzzled if this was the case.

If the adorable children got more candy, then how was it that they were going to get can-?

Oho!

Oki’s eyes drifted over to Neith just as Issac pointed out that they had a secret weapon of their own. Mhmm. Neith was indeed an adorable child, wasn’t she? That is probably why she had such a big bag of candy as it was. Yes. Yes. It made sense now. This trick-or-treat thing could work and the reward of candy could be large…if the little one agreed to help. It would be kind of saddening if she refused to help or share the candy, but Oki supposed if that happened it would simply have to deal with the disappointment of not having something sweet to chow down on later. While it did indeed love sweets and food in general, the being was not sure if it wanted to try and challenge the small one for her bounty if she refused to share. It was still a bit unnerving that she could carry that giant bag as it was, but that was a concern for later.

Despite the thoughts that went through Oki’s head, the being would grin as Neith made her speech before pointing towards the residential area and saying they should march off to victory. Ah. So she had agreed to help. Excellent!

“To victory indeed,” Oki said with a light chuckle as it began to follow the group to the residential area and hopefully tons of candy.