Reconnection (Shaku)

This was the second time Oki had been on Malstu, the first time being the time of festivities this place had held in celebration of the volcano that made up the place not erupting for so long. It was during this time that Oki had met both familiar and new faces. Made new bonds and strengthened old ones. Since that day many things had occurred that rocked the islands and the other worlds alike.

The thoughts such events brought were bothersome and the weight at times unbearable; however, the old being had gotten used to the heavy weight of it all. Ever since it made its choice to aid Deva, it had to learn to deal with such things as it moved about trying to live a normal life while gathering information for its ally to use. It hadn’t seen Dani in a while or even Shaku for that matter. It needed to try and reconnect with those people. See how they were and see if they had been drawn into the even more chaos than before. It made plans in its head, but before it could pay these select few a visits, it needed to do some recon work. A few days from now it would meet with Helen to give its report. It was sure the woman was eager to hear what it had to say…even if much of what it had to offer would probably displease her. Still, Oki had made a deal that it was determined to uphold…even if its own views and Helen’s clashed.

In any case, the business part was what brought it to Malstu. Of the islands that were around this was one of the few it had not sunk its teeth into and learned more about. It was still in search of the angels and that strange purple world the reporter had mentioned as it tried to flesh out the information it could offer even more. So the being moved about the island quietly and alone moving pass the few people it saw as it crossed the strange pathways of bridges and tourist booths here and there. The island seemed barren after the festival, but Oki did not mind. It was perhaps better this way. Less people to worry about if something did shake this side again.

Oki continued its walk before coming to a stop in the middle of a bridge that pass closely by the base of the large volcano of the island. Pausing here, Oki went to the edge of the bridge and leaned lightly on the railing of the bridge as its green eyes looked up at the quiet volcano and the sky above as its mind wondered just how far it would travel on this strange journey of its own. Could it reach the truth at the end of the strange path or….would it fail and like a rock tumble off the side into an abyss of no return? Taking a moment to contemplate this, the being would continued to observe the volcano as clouds passed by overhead and the cries of birds sounded in the distance.

Oki continued to think as it studied the volcano, finding it interesting that it had a physical representation of its own struggles right before it. While it prayed that things remained calm, it had a feeling that before all this was over things just might erupt like the volcano before it had the potential to do. And if that happened, what happened to the world around them? Already multiple places were either being attacked or suffered in some way from the darkness slowly closing in. There were people out there working to find angels or what not, but as time ticked on Oki wondered if what they were doing was pointless or not. Could one angel’s wish clean this world or would it only continue the chaos that already threatened the world? And what of third parties in the mix?

Oki sighed as it bowed its head and green eyes closed. The shadow of its bangs covered its eyes as the wind blew through the unprotected hair. The various charms upon it jingled, tinkled, and glittered as they were shifted and the hat it kept clipped to its side swayed lightly with the breeze. Things were becoming a headache again, but then perhaps that was a sign Oki was simply thinking too much on the matters. Maybe what it really needed to do now was simply relax and enjoy the area around it…plan at a later time…

“Hmmm…” Oki eyes cracked opened as it stared into nothing trying not to think, which in turn caused it to think even more.

How frustrating! it thought as it made a small frown…and then nearly jumped out of its skin when it heard a voice next to it.

“Neh!!” was the startled yelp it let out as it instinctively hopped back on the bridge and tensed up as it face the speaker. A bit wound up, it took a few seconds for the being to focus on the person before it and then realizing who it was, relaxed as it slumped forward with relief and a bit of embarrassment.

“Ah Shaku...Don’t sneak up on Oki like that. You’ll break us,” Oki said as it placed a hand on its chest its heart racing from being startled. It was rare that things like this happened, but Sharaku happened to catch the being off guard that time, its thoughts to bothersome to pay much attention to the world around it. Lucky him no?

In any case once it calmed down, it would take a few steps forward and resettle back in its spot as it gave the other a light smirk and shook its head.

“Sightseeing? Nah. I was trying to clear out bothersome thoughts,” Oki said as its eyes looked up at the golden eye man. “And you, why are you here my friend?”

Perhaps Oki’s reaction might’ve seemed like an overreaction to something simple; however, as zoned out as it had been, Oki did not translate what it had done into such. In any case, the scare seemed to both perplex and amuse Sharaku even though how that was and why Oki would never know; however, the way Sharaku reacted to the strangeness that was itself was becoming common place now a days, the man and the being constantly bumping into each was helping the pair learn the ins and outs of one another…more or less. There was still many unknowns, but maybe…maybe that is why this friendship worked. They didn’t have to know everything about each other. They just accepted each other as they were…or at least that is how Oki thought this worked. The assumption could be wrong, but meh…this was not the time for that sort of analysis.

When Sharaku responded to the being’s words, Oki looked up at the other with a lopsided smirk.

“Maybe Shaku doesn’t quite understand the power his presence has on the world,” Oki teased back as it stuck its tongue out at the other as it made a slightly goofy face before becoming calm and serious once more. The smile would remain upon the Oki’s face, the being quite comfortable around the other.

“You have valid points and maybe if I hadn’t let my mind wander so far, perhaps I would’ve noticed you, but alas I zoned out giving you a rare hole to sneak through,” Oki told the other in relaxed tones.

When the conversation came to what both were doing here, Oki nodded at the first part of Sharaku’s statement before tilting its head to the side with curiosity in its eyes.

“Trying to figure out if you like the island? That seems a bit unlike you. I thought you were neutral towards things like that. What makes this island special enough to cause you to debate over it?” Oki asked the other curious about the answer, but even more curious what was on its friend’s mind. Sure, Oki was no expert on Sharaku or his behavior, but there was something about the words spoken that made the being think something was amiss with the other; however, how wrong or right that guess was, was yet to be discovered. It would have to wait until Shaku spoke to gain clarity.

Oki would give Sharaku a small grin at his words.

“Maybe, but I find it enjoyable,” the being said as its gaze moved from Sharaku and back to the area around them. What it had said was the truth. Sure, Sharaku nor itself were perfect and it was quite sure a few out there would like to see Oki erased, but even so every meeting with Sharaku had been a joy or a relief for the being even if there were some bumps here and there. The friendship was not perfect, but then again maybe that is why it worked so well. The imperfections were what made the relationship worthwhile.

When it came to the subject of Oki’s state of mind when the other had approached, the old being chuckled softly at the words as it shook its head as it leaned against the bridge's “railings” lightly.

“Heh. Luck favored you twice in one day. A sign of good fortune for you today,” Oki said before looking over at the other as he gave a light snort in response to its words regarding the other and the island. When Oki heard the other words, it rubbed its head as it gave a nervous smile to the other.

“Well, let’s not tempt Fate. Perhaps this time around something good will happen. After all, you made it here in one piece so that is start, no?” Oki said gently to the other, trying to stay on the more positive side of things. It honestly didn’t want any disasters to come their way. It had already had its fair share of bad luck and it seemed that something had occurred recently in Shaku’s life to serve him a plate of the same bitter love. While Oki was curious as to what might have happened, it did not pry, learning long ago when it was okay and not okay to poke Sharaku for information. Right now was not a good time.

Besides if the frown was any indication, Sharaku had something else on his mind. Even the air around him shifted causing Oki to lose the smile as it tilted its head in concern at the other.

“What’s wrong, Sharaku?” it would ask before falling silent as the other began to speak. Hm? He wanted it to answer something.

“I can try,” the being would say and then listen to what the other had to say. As he mentioned the supernatural, Oki nodded before focusing on the question and the tone in which it was delivered. Hmmm....business time, huh? Well, Oki could deal with Shaku. He trusted him after all.

“Persona? No, I do not have such a thing. I have a dark friend if you get my drift,” Oki said glancing at the other waiting to see if he did indeed understand the meaning behind the phrase. If so then perhaps….perhaps Shaku and itself were indeed more similar than it had assumed. Conversations in the past hinted at this, so would this one confirm guesses? Or was this going somewhere else? Hmmm….

“In what ways?” Oki repeated as it looked up at the sky for a moment in thought. “There are many ways you are enjoyable to us, but mainly we just really enjoy the company. Can’t really explain, but despite our paths and bad luck, we find the similiarities comforting. Like we are not so alone in the world anymore. Like we actually have a different form of family out there to be there for us when needed,” Oki said before glancing over at Sharaku with a light smile. “In other words, you are enjoyable simply because you are a good friend and I just like you because you are you. Nothing more or less.”

The being finished what it wanted to say knowing somewhere deep inside such an answer was unnecessary, but it had wanted to say it anyway. It just felt…right, you know? And so the being had acted upon the impulse and said what it felt. Now how Sharaku took it was up to him. Oki couldn’t control what words like that would do, but that was alright in its book. Somethings weren’t meant to be controlled.

“Mhmm. Savoring the good luck is wise. Makes the bad less heavy,” Oki would respond to the other when the subject of luck came up again. The air between them remained calm and peaceful as the conversation went on.

“Well, perhaps Fate is testing you because something is wonderful at the end of it all,” Oki told the other in light tones as it remained leaned against the rails of the bridge quite content with this meeting until of course things became serious and the subject of Persona got thrown in there.

In response to its answer, Sharaku clicked his tongue before speaking a simple sentence that caused Oki to raise its eyebrows slightly.

“Is that so. And you? Is it safe to assume you have a friend too?” it would ask before tilting its head lightly at the other as it watched his actions and listened to the following words. When he spoke of the festival, Oki frowned lightly in thought.

“Yeah, I can remember. You are talking about the working girl Maya right? I can’t say I connected with her since then, so all I have on her was what I gained from that short meeting. She was just a hard working bubbly girl that seemed to like you,” Oki said and then tilting its head towards the other it would meet his eyes evenly.

"Why? Did something happen?”

Oki tilted its head lightly at Sharaku as he seemed to become confused and then distress by its words regarding his presence and how it made Oki feel. Oki wasn’t quite sure what it was that made Shaku do what he did, but as it heard the simple phrase spoken, Oki gave the other a light smile before it looked back at the surroundings.

“It’s okay not too see too, you know?” the being said wondering if Sharaku would understand the meaning behind that. It wasn’t a mockery or anything, but a simple truth in the world. Sometimes things came ones' way that wasn’t meant to be understood and while it was hard to sometimes just let go and accept what was there just for what it was, learning to do so made life a bit easier to deal with. It was a good excuse to simply enjoy what you had instead of pick away at it all the time. Perhaps Sharaku had not learned this trick yet, or maybe Oki was too soft in some regards. It was a mystery it would not be solving for a long time.

When the subject switch to luck and fate, Oki snorted lightly as it shook its head, its green eyes turning downward to observe the area under the bridge.

“I think the simple things in life like being able to waking up is considered wonderful even if surviving the day is another story. At least you survive and live to tell the tale for a while longer,” Oki said to the other as it continued to observe the plant life below. It would only look back at Sharaku when he had moved in response to its question regarding the “friends”.

As it watched him observe the ring on his hand, the being had a feeling that that item was the shadow or at least its home. So they came in various forms outside of charms and tattoos? How interesting. In any case, to the words Oki nodded lightly.

“Ah a rough one. I see,” Oki said and left the subject at that before answering the question about Maya….only to get the most bizarre response back. As the other began to laugh, Oki looked the Sharaku up and down with a mixture of confusion and concern. What…what had gotten into him? Why was what it said so funny? What had it missed?

As it watched him continue to laugh the other eventually composed himself enough to speak. As Oki met that amused gaze, it found itself going from concerned to completely shocked as Sharaku told it what happened.

“That is tough love, Shaku,” the being said its response more of a reaction than an actual meanful statement to what was said. It was kind of hard to believe that someone like Maya was after Sharaku, but then again…Sharaku was like itself and so…of course he would be hunted. Guess he was tagged instead of itself. Unfortunate. It did not like the fact that its friend had been in danger.

When the other fully calmed down and began to explain the situation, Oki listened carefully to what was said. As it listened its expression became more and more serious as it took in the words.

When he was done, Oki was quiet for a moment as it let it all absorb in. What Sharaku said made sense unfortunate as it was. Still….

“I thank you for warning me, Sharaku. I am sadden to hear that your lot has been so tough as of late, but I am glad you are here and in one piece. I will do my best to remain careful myself,” Oki told the other with a light sigh of relief and a small smile before becoming serious once more as it observed the other quietly for a moment.

“Shaku…do you think she can really be persuade?” the being said as its mind briefly went to Helen and her own ways. What if….what if Maya was like her and really did come after it? Would it be able to win after she had nearly defeated Sharaku, a man Oki was sure was a lot stronger in the fighting department than itself? And what of the meeting Sharaku planned? Could he change her? Was it wise to meet at all? Was it wise to interfere? Many things weighed upon Oki’s mind, but its face remained neutral with only its green eyes giving hints of the chaos within. It wanted to keep its friends safe, but at the same time understood the risk of interfering with this….Such complicated paths….why?

“Mmm. I can agree there,” Oki said in quiet tones as it shook its head lightly. Letting go was a hard practice to master. While it was good at it, the being had to admit it still had a long way to go before it became a complete master at such a trick like its grandmother had been. After a few moments, Sharaku would dismiss that subject in his own way for now and being quite used to this Oki let it go. They could play with those sort of words later. After all they had other subjects to attend to like the meaning of wonderful and “friends”.

“Perception huh?” Oki said as it shifted, so that its back was against the rail as it leaned against them carefully and looked up at the sky. “I guess everything boils down to that in the end doesn’t it?” the old being said as it glanced over at Sharaku with a light smirk as it observed Sharaku with an appreciative eye. While Oki had its own way of viewing things, it was glad that Sharaku was not one to easily bend to what was said or heard. He stood firm in his own view and in turn could be learned from. A definite plus in the old being’s studies of this world and the things in it.

When the subject came to the subject of “friends”, Sharaku would roll his eyes before explaining his situation with the shadow. To this Oki raised its eyebrows.

“Huh. I guess they are just as different as us. Mine’s is more calm and protective. Granted it is not a male, so we are not sure if that is what causes this or not. It would be interesting to test one day. If you ever are curious for answers,” Oki told the other with a light grin.

It wouldn’t push Sharaku into anything uncomfortable, but if he was willing to take the challenge, why not study the shadows a bit more to see what made them tick? Meh. The offer was there, so Sharaku could do what he would with it. In the end, Oki would not be hurt by the answer.

“Tell me about it,” the being would respond back to Sharaku’s words regarding tough love and then tilting its head lightly it would give the other a contemplative look.

“Would Oki really be a good thing to have around? I can come along if you wish, but I don’t want to cause explosions for Sharaku,” the being said still not sure how to handle that situation. On the one hand, if things went bad, Sharaku would have back up, but on the other if its presence caused her to attack…what then? Still... If Sharaku found the risk worth it, then why not learn more about this huntress that was like them? It could not deny it was very curious…despite how cautious it was being. Oki would continue to ponder this for a while longer before its green eyes would drift to Sharaku and land on his golden colored ones.

With time he believed he could persuade her to stop going down the path she was on….

“Different angle….Mmm….those are often hard to convince others of, but I would…like to see if it can be done," Oki began before noddinf lightly and continuing. "I take back my earlier statement. I…want to come down this path with Sharaku and see how change can be created in this world. If Shaku allows it this of course, ” Oki said as it watched a butterfly flutter about before deciding to land on its gloved hand that was resting on the bridge's rails.

It would watch the butterfly of blue and black quietly for a moment as it considered this idea of change heavily. If one could be persuaded on this side of the worlds to change, then perhaps another could be persuaded to do the same on the other side. In any case, the journey would be worth it if Sharaku allowed it to come. It was a step somewhere at least, right?

Oki nodded quietly to the statement about perception. There was nothing else to add onto that subject. It was what it was. Sometimes things went well when another agreed with you and at other times the views were so different there was really no hope in the matter. Perspective…such a tricky and at times rough little beast. In any case, while it would be fascinating to examine the beast closer, Oki would let this subject go too as they instead moved onto other things like shadows for example and their personalities.

To Sharaku’s words, Oki found itself letting out a faint "hmm" as it nodded. “Yeah…not sure if it is the shadow's connection to us or something else that determines the way they behave or not,” Oki said as it rubbed its chin in thought truly curious about the answer to such a puzzle. When Sharaku agreed to the experiment idea to a degree, green eyes would glide over to the other as a pleased smile cross the being's lips. It honestly was not expecting Sharaku to agree with such a thing.

“Of course. Don’t want to scare people and besides it might be easier to get them to interact on their own turf. Oki will put this down as a potential future thing to do. Not sure how much we can get from it, but learning some truth would at least put my mind somewhat at ease,” Oki told the other with a light chuckle. While the being didn’t expect such research to help all things, perhaps understanding the little buggers could help not only deal with the wild shadows, but also perhaps help them both get a clearer grip on their relationship with their personal demons. It was an exciting if, but for now was simply stored for later examining.

When the subject came back to the Maya and visiting her, Oki had asked a question that got it an answer it was more or less expecting. Much like itself, Sharaku wasn’t sure if Oki coming was a good thing or not. After all, who knew what she would do if it saw Oki too? As if lining up with its own thought pattern, Sharaku spoke.

“Mmm…that sounds logical enough,” Oki said as it considered his words carefully. Yes, this was the better choice. After all, Sharaku had faced and defeated her and maybe going alone once more would help the situation. Oki might ruin what hope there was for the field to change if it went so soon. The being would remain quiet in thought as it would watch the butterfly for a moment longer before the creature fluttered off deciding to land on Sharaku’s shoulder for a brief second before taking off to the air again. Strange creatures, but a good omen nonetheless. There may be hope yet.

“Alright then,” Oki said as it shifted from its spot and placed its hands on its hips as it leaned forward and blinked up at Shaku. “Oki expects a full report when you get back from such a visit. Don’t leave us out of the loop, got it?” Oki said a light tease to its voice despite what was said. After all, it was up to Sharaku if he wanted to give information or not. Oki was fine either way. To be honest, all Oki really wanted was for its friend to come out the encounter safe. Defeated or not, Maya was a still a hunter....It wondered if that nature could be changed.