Volume 2: Episode 6 - Slumber Party
Skeyes Enclave
Darius had been in cities before. Big ones, but never anything like this. Tall buildings packed together closer than anything he'd ever seen. Streets stacked on top of each other to the point where the map on his phone had rotate in three dimensions to be able to see everything properly. Very few of the roads had names. Directions could only be given by landmarks. Turn left at the convenience store... turn right at the post office... Continue straight past the underpants museum...
Darius was coy the previous day when he and Mikado discussed their day off plans. He didn't know how Mikado would feel about his visiting the Skeyes Enclave, so he kept it quiet. Was this a good idea? He wasn't sure at the time, but now, he was filled with regret. Determined as he was to have a look at where his good friend spent his formative years, he carried on, but he had to concede to himself that he was spending more time trying to figure out where he was than getting a feel for Mikado's hometown. And this was just a mid-sized enclave.
He couldn't see far ahead, for there was always another building in the way.
Looking up, he could only see just a bit of sky. Darius had heard the phrase "urban jungle" before, but now he truly understood the meaning of the term.
Spying a tea shop just to his right, Darius decided that it was a good time for a sit down. After ordering and receiving his drink, he found an empty table nearby and pulled out his phone.
Sipping his tea, Darius finally had some time to think instead of worrying about where he was and how he got there. It also gave him time to observe, which his why he went in the first place. Now, finally, he realized how colorful everything was, the people, cars, and buildings. A marked contrast to the gray spaceship and inky, black space for window scenery.
With his tea half finished, he pulled out his phone and had a look at the city map again in hopes that it might make sense now that he had a chance to clear his head. Perhaps a little. It was the only city map he'd ever seen where 3D mode wasn't just useful. It was essential to clearly see how the streets, footpaths, and transit interacted with each other. There was something almost video game-like about the entire affair as he rotated, pinched, and widened his view.
Then, his phone rang. A dainty little jingle, but as immersed as he was in his map, he still jumped a little. Fortunately, with his teacup half emtpy, he didn't spill anything. With a tap at the screen, he answered and found Ramses smiling back at him.
Ramses: Hey! Thought I'd check up on you. How's your day trip?
Darius: Confusing. The international zone that has the hospital is bad enough, but this is something else. I can't even imagine how residents find their way around here.
Ramses: Well, I wish I could be there to help you out, but hey, the good news is that the passenger ships are starting to return to normal routes. If I save up a bit, maybe I can.
Darius: Won't be long before I finish up here. Thing is, neither of us know what we're going to do next.
Ramses: You could stay here if you want. I wasn't sure when to ask if you'd be interested, but I already cleared it with Mom and Dad. That goes for Mikado too.
Darius: I would love to come to see you again. Definitely something to consider. I'll ask Mikado tomorrow.
Ramses: Besides wanting to see you, we could use a little liveliness in this house.
Darius: Still somber there?
Ramses: The world is getting back to normal, but it's going to take more time for some of us. Anyway, not here to be a downer. I just wanted to check up on you.
Darius: I'm always happy to hear from you. I reckon it's time I get walking again.
Ramses: In that case, I won't keep you! Oh, and don't forget. Technically, we're not "official" and you're on Tokkastra, so be sure to have some fun, right? I don't want your balls falling off before we see each other again!
Darius nodded with a coquettish smile, perhaps too much so, as he'd already been with Lapin a few times.
Darius: I promise I won't lose anything before I see you.
Ramses: Later!
Ramses kissed his fingers and touched the camera before ending the call. Darius pocketed his phone and took a big chug of his tea, looking to finish it quickly. As he took his last gulp, a voice called out behind him.
???: That's Darius!
Darius's ears flicked up and swivelled around, searching for the origin of the voice before his brain even processed what he heard. Who could it be? It's not like anyone knew him here. It didn't take him long for him to spot a brown-haired tokki rushing to him with his hand waving high in the air.
???: I mean, the uniform is a dead giveaway, but your fur color is also exactly as Mikado said.
Darius: Do I know you?
???: Nope! But I know you. Mikado talks about you a lot. I'm Vaan.
Vaan thrust this arm out aggressively, though awkwardly at the same time.
Vaan: Handshake, right? That's what Carpathian's do?
Darius: The humans, yes, but it's common.
Darius offered his paw in return, to which Vaan shook a little too vigorously.
Vaan: Tokki greeting!
Darius: What?
Without even a second for Darius to register the implications, Vaan surged in and pressed his lips right on top of his mouth. When he finished, only a few seconds, he stepped back and continued talking like nothing had happened.
Vaan: Came here by yourself? No Mikado?
Darius's ears flattened as he considered his reply.
Darius: Promise not to tell Mikado?
Vaan's expression turned from unbridled excitement to dry seriousness in a blink as he circled the table and took a seat.
Vaan: Sure. Something wrong?
Darius: No, it's nothing bad. I just wanted to see the place where Mikado grew up and I'm not sure how he'd feel about my coming here.
Vaan leaned forward, his expression softening, though still concerned.
Vaan: You met his dad. Mikado told me what you said. His dad is one of the Skeyes parliament members and he'll know if he comes here. Poor Mikado has enough on his mind right now.
Darius: I can't blame him. I only met the guy for a few minutes and he had my blood boiling pretty fast.
Vaan: The good news is that, since the war, a lot of people in this enclave are more than fed up with all the extreme isolationist bullshit. A lot of the parliament members are going to lose the next election. You fought while we sat on our asses and pretended like nothing was wrong. We're tired of letting the universe pass us by.
Darius: Can't say I know anything about Tokkastran politics, but it sounds like you're pleased.
Vaan: Very pleased. Enough of that. How do you like our home?
Darius: I can definitively say that I am very, very lost. We have cities too, but nothing like this. I like what I see so far, but I'm spending most of my time just getting my bearings.
Vaan: I hear that. I've been to other enclaves and I get lost there too, but it must be worse for you. I've never been to Carpathia, but I've seen videos. Your cities aren't as dense as ours.
Darius noticed that Vaan's energy and smile appeared to be returning, which helped him relax even more.
Darius: Not even close, but it wouldn't be interesting if everything was the same everywhere, right?
Vaan: See? You get how we all feel here. I can show you around if you want. If you're here to see what Mikado's life was like, we can visit his apartment first.
Darius's ears went into a spasm.
Darius: His apartment? It can't be okay to just barge into his place!
Vaan giggled as he stood and held out his hand.
Vaan: Hee hee. You're cute. I guess I should be clearer. It's my place too, and two others. We share. Shall we?
Vaan remained as he was, smile on his face and hand extended. Darius wasn't sure what he was getting into, but he accepted, taking Vaan's hand with his paw and picking up his empty cup in the other.
Darius: I just have to throw this away first.
Vaan: Great! I'll lead the way.
Skeyes Enclave, Mikado's Apartment
Through winding streets, wide boulevards, and alleyways barely wide enough for two people side by side, Vaan showed Darius the way to their apartment. Occasionally glancing at the map on his phone, he realized quickly that he wouldn't have been able to find his way on his own even with a route plotted. After ten minutes of walking, they arrived at a tall, colorful tower with a lobby buzzing with activity. They entered and encountered a line at the elevator. It took two goes for them to get one they could actually enter. After a ride up, third floor from the top, the doors parted and they entered the apartment. Vaan immediately set to pointing out the various sights.
Vaan: And this is it! Bedrooms over there. Kitchen here. Sparring room there, but it's the living room when we're not using it for that.
The sparring room was of more interest and Darius looked in the direction of Vaan's finger.
Vaan: Only big things to move are the table and TV, so it's no big deal.
The sparring room was indeed, empty, with a table off to the side and TV next to it. Also present was a stack of flat cushions, prompting Darius to remember that tokki typically sit on floor cushions while relaxing at home.
Darius: Quite spacious.
Vaan: It can be a little cramped when all four of us are here. Anyway, something to drink?
Darius: Well, I just had tea, so thank you, but I'm fine.
Vaan nodded and then started sifting through a pile of knickknacks on a nearby desk. Finally, he pulled out a tablet and turned it on.
Vaan: Sorry about the mess. I thought it would be nice to sit and I can show you some places you might like to visit while you're here. Just a day trip?
Darius: That's right. Back to work tomorrow.
Vaan: Yeah, me too. I'll show you things nearby.
Vaan started up his tablet and then set it down, letting it warm up while he went to the cushions. After tossing two of them into the sparring room, he picked up the table and started carrying it in.
Darius: Oh, you need help with that?
Vaan: Nah, I do this all the time. It's very light.
Vaan plopped the table down and adjusted the cushions a bit so that they could share the table together. With an expectant smile, he looked up at Darius and smiled, patting the cushion next to him.
Vaan: Have a seat!
30 minutes later
So much to see. So many places, all within just a few minutes walk of where he was now. All places he would have missed if he hadn't had Vaan to make suggestions.
Darius: Hard to choose, but I'd better make up my mind. I'm burning daylight here.
Vaan: It's alright! Hopefully you can come back and see anything you missed.
For the hundreth time, or so it seemed, Darius moved the map around on the tablet, looking at the places he had already pinned. There were just too many.
Darius: The tower in the middle looks nice, but maybe that would be better at night.
Vaan: I was going to suggest night for that one. We get very few tourists here, you know, so it will probably be empty. I go up there at night sometimes to look at the lights.
Darius let out a noncommittal noise, somewhere between "hmmm" and a grunt while he continued to pore over the maps in such concentration that he didn't notice Vaan sliding closer to him.
Vaan: Or, we could just stay here and have some fun. The others won't be back until late tonight.
Every bit of fur on Darius's body suddenly prickled as Vaan stroked his arm seductively. Moments later, the elevator dinged and, up to that moment, Darius had no idea how he would respond. Vaan stood, with Darius following after, and headed to the elevator.
Vaan: Now who could that be?
The elevator doors opened and Mikado hobbled out on his cane with another tokki neither had ever seen before following behind.
Mikado: Darius! So this is where you went.
Darius hunched over and wrung his paws together.
Darius: I'm sorry. I wanted to see and I could tell you didn't want to come here.
Mikado was already shaking his head from the moment that Darius apologized.
Mikado: No, it's alright. I should have invited you myself. This is Jang. He's the one who showed me that I can face my fear.
Jang raised his hand and gave a jaunty wave.
Jang: Yo!
Vaan: Your dad. I imagine his staff is keeping an eye on the shuttle manifests. Think he'd show up here?
Mikado: He might, but I can handle it, especially with my friends here. In the meantime, I'm starving. Anything in the fridge?
Vaan: Plenty! Oh, but I don't think we have anything for Darius. Nekomi can only eat meat, right?
Darius: We can eat more than meat, but that's the part that keeps us healthy. No worries. I brought some fish jerky for myself.
Vaan: Oh, that's good! I was worried. Help yourself to that while we get something together.
Darius took his bag off over his shoulder and unzipped it, fishing out some dinner while the others rooted through the fridge.
After Dinner
A meal consumed amongst friends. For those present in that moment, it was the ideal life. Eating, talking, and laughing, not to mention the considerable time spent with Vaan and Jang admiring Mikado's new parts. The cares of the world, the missing Shadowdancer, Mikado's handicap, Jang's family alienation, and Vaan's concern for his friend, disappeared for a glorious few hours. That was, until the elevator chime dinged again.
Vaan: I'll see who it is, but I have a feeling.
Darius and Jang also stood, but did not follow, but ready to clear out if needed. Mikado stayed where he was, the effort to get off the floor a bit too much at this point.
Yuma: Is Mikado here?
Darius and Jang looked to Mikado on what to do next. He simply nodded and they understood right away.
Jang: We can hang out in the kitchen for a bit.
Darius: Call if you need anything.
Mikado smiled at them both and awaited whatever it was that came to him. His dad shuffled into the room, distinctly lacking in his usual bravado and delivered the first surprised of the night.
Yuma: Mind if I sit?
Dad never asked to sit before, Mikado thought. It was always his way to simply barge in like he owned the place and do what he wanted.
Mikado: Go right ahead.
Yuma approached the table and sat, still looking more deflated than Mikado had ever seen. Whatever script he had for responding to his dad's predicted lectures were already going out the window.
Yuma: I want you to know... well, a lot of things. First, I've decided not to stand for reelection in the parliament. It's time for a new generation to take over, particularly from people with outdated ideas like me.
Mikado was now at a complete loss for words. All he could do now was listen and nod.
Yuma: I'm jealous. Jealous of you. You're brave, and I don't just mean what you did up there. No, you're braver than I am because you did what I never could. I wanted to join the Carpathian Exploration Force as soon as it became open to tokki, but my father said to me all the same things that I said to you. I obeyed. You made your own path.
Mikado listened now in full astonishment.
Mikado: I... I never knew.
Yuma slid his hand across the table until he was able to grasp Mikado's.
Yuma: I hid it well, even from myself. Seeing you and having Darius yell at me caused me to reflect on my own past. I'm so sorry for all the things I said and so proud of you for making your own path in spite of everything I did.
All Mikado could do now was nod as he sniffled, wiping his eyes.
Yuma: I don't intend to stay unemployed after I leave parliament. The opposition is campaigning on setting up a commission to set up cooperation with Skeyes Enclave and Carpathia. I intend to get on that commission. Tomorrow, I will announce my intention to leave parliament and voice my support of the commission.
Mikado nodded again and managed to croak out a reply.
Mikado: A lot of people will like that.
Yuma: Nostalgia is not a strategy. It's a new world and we're either a part of it or we're left behind. Now, enough about me. I want to hear all about your adventures.
Yuma smiled, a face Mikado had never seen on his dad before. A warm smile, caring and attentive and, suddenly, he could feel the warmth radiating from his dad's hands. A new sensation for him altogether and it created a calming sensation that filled his body.
Mikado: Heh... well, one of the first things I learned, thanks to Darius, is that Carpathians prefer people to take off their clothes after they get to the public bath, not before...
Kitchen, Mikado's Apartment
Jang: It's been two hours. I hope everything is going well.
Vaan: If it wasn't, Mikado would have thrown him out already.
Darius: Best leave them to it.
Suddenly, Vaan jumped and slapped his hand to his mouth.
Vaan: Oh! I never took you to any places to see!
Darius: Nothing to worry about. I'll come back another time, but this, sharing a meal together, meeting you, this is what I wanted to see all along.
Vaan: I'm glad your trip was worth it. You know, with everything you've said about you and Mikado on Shadowdancer, it kinda makes me want to try it out. You said you can join as a one-year cadet before age 20, right?
Darius: That's the rule.
Their conversation ended when they heard footsteps drawing near and braced in anticipation for what might come next. Both? Just one? Good news? They would all learn soon. It certainly seemed like good news was afoot when Mikado and Yuma came around the corner together.
Yuma: Darius!
Darius panicked at first, and then Yuma stretched out his arms and drew him into a tight hug.
Yuma: You keep on watching out for Mikado. You're a good friend.
Yuma released him and stepped back, leaving Darius still surprised that he was looking upon him with genuine affection.
Darius: I... I will, sir.
And now, Yuma turned to Mikado.
Yuma: I shall leave you to your good friends. Whatever you do after you get well, I will be your cheerleader.
Mikado: Thanks, Dad.
Yuma: Take care, everyone. I have a speech to write.
With a wave, Yuma left, leaving the rest to eyeball Mikado expectantly.
Mikado: Everyone okay with spending the night here?
All nodded, and Darius grinned.
Darius: In Carpathia, we call that a slumber party. Been awhile since I've been to one of those.
Mikado: Great! I'll call Hopper and ask if he wants to come. Or, at least, that we won't be back until tomorrow.
Darius: Good idea! I'll call Lapin, if you don't mind.
Commissioned art in this episode from:
Zelbunnii
Avareonart
Less_end
