Masato Hijirikawa

[vaportransition]

Making Progress~

With a very soft sigh Masato lowered his hand, the tips of his fingers still sparkling with the dusting of frozen droplets that were the result of the 'Ice Beam' that he had... sort of managed to project from his hand a little while before. It was... more of a icey blur than a beam.. but it was certainly a step up from the mild cooling of his hand he had been able to achieve a week or so before. It was taking time, more time than he had thought it would, but slowly, surely he was finally managing to come to grips with the very strange abilities he now seemed to have.

Water was not that much easier than ice... but he had been focussing on the slightly less mess of the two for a little while now... with the slight downside that it had left him thoroughly chilled. That.. had never happened before, and after a moment he found the real explanation as to why. It was... dark. Very dark... Just how long had he been settled out here? It had still be light when he had set to work on trying to teach himself how to control the icey swirls that were currently still getting the better of him. Ugh... He shivered. Why did tonight need to be chill? The day had been pleasantly warm... so why now? He might have been a water type, but being cold was still certainly very unpleasant. 

He had been here over two weeks now and honestly he was beginning to feel quite settled in. It was comfortable Ren's company was pleasant and for a little over a week and a half they had had the additional company of a bouncy little fire type who went by the name of Otoya. He was a sweet seeming person who always seemed to be chattering away about something. He helped out with cleaning when he was around, and also spent a good deal of time asking questions about what the water type was cooking. Add to that the fact he seemed very fond and cuddly with Ren and all in all Masato had to conclude they had a very sweet friend here with them. Add to that Tokiya, someone Ren seemed to have known for a little while had more or less taken up residence as well. It was turning into quite the merry little family.

They were both most likely tucked up in bed just now, as Masato assumed, Ren was as well. He rubbed his hands together gently with a quiet sigh. So much the pity. Right now he could have done with a fire type to help warm his hands up. 

He smiled to himself at that anything but serious though. He should definitely think about getting to bed himself... how silly to have spent the whole evening out here getting cold. He was usually far more sensible than this... but oh well. You could not be perfectly rational all the time now, could you? His blankets would warm him well enough. He shivered slightly once again, lifting his hand to try the icy ability out just once more... resulting in very little than a shimmery film of frozen droplets forming in the air around him for a moment. 

[vaportransition]

Reunited?

[ninetailing]

Things had been running smoothly since the arrival of another at his usual quiet inn, and Ren couldn’t claim to loathe the company. His first few months at Silver Shores had been lonely at best; the kind of isolation that ate at him and made him curl inward towards himself and avoid going out and mingling casually like he preferred because it was such a hassle, to act unaffected and bright and warm like he was expected to do. Hijirikawa — or Masa, as he had taken to calling him, though it had taken some time to apply his usual habit of nicknaming to his fellow resident to Ren’s confusion, such a thing usually came so easily — was a bit of a blessing. He cleaned and did tasks otherwise unpleasant to Ren, while the Ninetails focused on chatting with the occasional guest and keeping the pools the correct temperature. Perhaps the work-load was a little one-sided, but the Vaporeon seemed to enjoy the tasks enough that fire fox didn’t believe there was anything wrong with the current arrangements between them.

With a soft groan Ren lowered himself into the warm — too warm for most people, probably, though the cold air would cool the pool down soon enough — water, his tails flexing and twisting eagerly as he submerged his entire body. The strawberry blond preferred to sleep in late most days at least until the sun was high in the sky, but that morning he had risen early and walked the nearby areas in search of goods to trade in town for money, food, and berries for the two of them because delaying too long would result in a smaller bounty. Now he just wanted to relax in the water, maybe laze around the warm slabs of stone beside the hot springs and nap beneath the afternoon sun. A dip in the water sounded best, though, so he had shed his attire and sank in as soon as he returned home.

With a sigh he leaned his cheek against the stone around the pool’s edge and shut his blue eyes, warm and contented. A call of his name made his soft, sopping ears perk up and twist towards the offender, and one of his nine tails rose from the water and waved like a beckoning hand. 

They were useful something, these additions.

An arm was pulled from the water and Ren used it to lift himself up, just enough to press the top of his torso against the edge of the pool and rest his chin on his skin-kissed arm. “Mm…? What is it, Masa?” Ren paused to yawn, ears folding against his skull then swiveling and fanning out.

[vaportransition]

The answering voice confirmed his suspicion that the Ninetails was outside, in the heated pool as it turned out, a fact which brought a soft smile to his face. He certainly did like his rest and relaxation, that was an undeniable truth, however he could certainly not deny that time spent in the water was a bad thing. He was ever so fond of it himself to the point that when he did take a swim to fetch things for the Raichu he had befriended to sell, he often found it difficult to pull himself from the waves once more. 

"Sleepy...? Well do not worry. I will not bother you for too long. I do not really need anything." He replied quietly, moving over towards the pool where the honey blonde was was settled, slowly bending his knees and tucking his legs under him to kneel neatly on the ground just slightly to the side of the relaxed individual.  "I was merely curious as to where you were today, now I find I have my answer." The flicking, fluffy ear caught his eye and once again he smiled. There was something deeply endearing about them. His own elongated fin like ears were nowhere like so mobile, and the delightful way they could turn and twitch about never failed to make him smile. 

"Everything is clean, neat and tidy once again. I am guessing there is nothing else I can help with?" Absently he moved his hands to smooth out the fabric that was stretched across his legs, brushing away imaginary dust before letting his eyes find Ren's face once more. His fingers twitched once, it was so very tempting to simply reach out a hand and just touch one of the blondes ears... that would have been an awful invasion of his personal space though, and Masa wouldn't wish to be guilty of that. 

"Has your day been enjoyable so far? Do you have anything else in mind to do to pass the remainder of it?"

[vaportransition]

Finding your feet...

[copystealyourgirl]

The Raichu listens intently to what the other had to say. Quirking an eyebrow at the rather awkward speech. He chuckles and his tail flicks back and forth once again with interest.

"There is no reason to be so awkward about it. If you wish to be useful to me I’m sure we can make that work!" He snags the biggest apple of the bunch, grabbing a clean cloth to dust it off. With ease he grabs Masato’s wrist- turning it over and placing the fruit into his palm. He grins and let’s go, thinking of a few things.

"Alright- how about this? Let’s make a deal!" The electric mouse rocks back and forth on his heels a bit before circling around the water type quickly. He gets a good look at him first.

"How about you help me out with the fish- and whatever else I need in the store, and I’ll keep feeding you. We can have dinners and lunches and breakfasts together!" He nods, he thought it was a good plan. 

"Trust me, making conversation with customers helps you discover a lot more about your new bodies and how it works than wandering around aimlessly for days trying to figure it all out on your own!" He holds out his hand, awaiting for the vaporeon to give him a good grip back and shake on it.

[vaportransition]

This was honestly a little overwhelming, the brunette certainly had a very full on personality, and it was taking Masa a moment to actually catch up with his movements and suggestions. He seemed a friendly and welcoming person, which was certainly a very nice thing, but the speed at which he seemed to be able to hop from one thing to the next was leaving him slightly in the dust.  Then again the blue haired water type was still kinda stuck in something of a fog of confusion, so it really wasn’t that surprising that he was finding things hard to follow. He did however make sure not to drop the apple he had been given, that would have been careless and rude.

Regardless though it seemed like a very good idea. He certainly couldn’t complain about being given the chance to meet more people from around here, nor for the opportunity to have something more to do. It would be nice to be able to fill his days with activity rather than merely confused thoughts. He could certainly do this alongside helping Ren out as well, so why not?

With a very slight smile he reached out his hand to grip the brunettes and gave it a nice firm shake.

“Thank you. That sounds like a very good deal to me, for the most part. I would not wish to impose my time on you every meal, but I would be very glad to help you.” He found himself smiling a little more. Was it possible to do anything but when you were around this lively individual? He was beginning to feel like it could actually be quite fun working with him.

[vaportransition]

Reunited?

A week had passed by in what felt at the same time like no time at all, and months together all at once. One he had slept, and had awoken feeling actually very refreshed he found that getting his head around the strange place was maybe not so bad after all. A trip out and about had led to him encountering some interesting new companions and had left him comfortable enough to head out each day since. Really  it had all in all gone very well.

Each day had passed with him feeling more comfortable in his current accommodation as well. The room he had was very nice, easily kept clean and tidy for he had next to nothing to keep in it and over all very comfortable. Being able to find bits and pieces to sell on, small amounts of money laying on the floor as well had allowed him to buy some new clothes, garments which worked a good deal better with his new… feature,the tail, for example, which would have been terribly awkward otherwise. Longer robe like tops and looser, tied at the waist trousers worked a great deal better for him.

It seemed to him as well that the company he was able to keep improved with time  as well. Ren was… pleasant. He was friendly and generally nice to speak with. It surprised him that a week had been all it took to leave him feeling on very personable terms with the blonde, he surely wasn’t always like that? But Masato supposed as well that it was something to be glad for. Ren was a lazy creature, as far as he himself was concerned, he seemed to enjoy life at his ease… but Masato couldn’t help but note that there was more to him than met the eye. The odd moments he smiled, the observant flicker of his gaze, or the twitch of tais that gave his thoughts away. He was an interesting individual and Masato found himself strangely relaxed around him.

He rather enjoyed watching him as well, trying to get any manner of read on him. He was fascinating.

Dressed in a dark blue top and black trousers he moved himself out of the door towards the pools, curious for the moment to see if he could find his… friend? He supposed they were friends. He hoped so anyway.

“Ren?” His tone was curious as he stepped outside. he had been up a long while already and had seen to giving the inn and the area surrounding the pools a once over to make sure all was neat and tidy. He had taken a walk then, and had only been back long enough to neaten his hair and clothing before heading out to find the ninetails.

[vaportransition]

A strange start to the day...

[ninetailing]

  He’s startled when the cool hand touches his warm skin, though he doesn’t show it aside from the slight clench of his jaw. The comforting touch feels both foreign and familiar, as though he’s not used to such a gesture but from this frustratingly familiar and inquisitive creature it’s acceptable and serves its purpose. 

Ren nods his head, watching with a tilt of his head from underneath his fringe as the Vaporeon starts to depart from his company. He can’t shape a thank-you on his tongue, it feels too heavy and odd. To convey his gratitude has always been a difficult thing since his arrival at this strange place so he assumes it is something he has always struggled to put into words, but his ears perk up bashfully and tails twist and curl at his side to convey his thoughts in place of words. This new arrival has been astute to Ren’s turmoil and thoughts so far, hopefully he’ll pick up on the positive emotions as well.

"I doubt I’ll be elsewhere." He spent the whole day away from the inn conversing shallowly with townsfolk and getting acquainted with some of the new residents, and gained a new live-in to boot — a busy day fit for a socialite deserves a day of rest under the sun near the bubbling pools. 

As an afterthought and with an air of casual indifference he adds, “Rest well tonight.” The sky is darkening, after all, and curling up in a pile of cushions sounds too tempting to pass up. Ren’s day is coming to an end.

[vaportransition]

A glance over his shoulder proved easily enough for Masato to become aware that his well intentioned remarks had been taken as he had hoped. That brought a very soft smile to his lips for a moment, though he didn’t allow himself to pause or look back for too terribly long. Merely long enough to see the flick of the soft looking ears, and the shift and sway of the numerous tails.

It was still a strange thing that led him to being able to read something into the way such features move it would  never have occurred to him before, not in the least, but now it seemed to be somehow intuitive. Perhaps it was aided as well by the strange familiarity he was still feeling, and that had honestly been most of the cause for his deciding to leave. Whatever the reason he could just as well think about it later as now.

He only paused when Ren’s voice caught his attention. His hand rested on the frame of the door as he took a moment to look over his shoulder at the strawberry blonde.

“I am sure I will rest very well, thank you.” His words were very soft.

“I feel… so much better than I did before, I believe I will have a peaceful night.” His mind was still overly full of thoughts, that was true, but they seemed more manageable now. More easily kept in check.

“You do not seem the sort to be troubled in your sleep, however I wish you the same, sleep well.” With that said he dipped his head in a slight nod before letting himself step inside. It was not a difficulty to choose himself a room, he merely went into the first one that he came to which had not been designated as Ren’s. He was tired, he needed to think, and bed seemed the very best bet.

[vaportransition]

Finding your feet...

[copystealyourgirl]

  "That’s all swell, but… It’s kinda hard to fish when your tail discharges. I don’t want to kill every fish I come in contact with- just enough!" The Raichu whines. Unfortunately plagued with the habit of digging his tail into the ground beneath him. If it wasn’t his cheeks letting loose little jolts of electricity, his tail gave off quite the discharge. He sighs at the thought of all the fish floating up to the top. Paralyzed- and probably dead. It was too hard to sell them all, he just needed enough.

He glances over at the other. A sense of familiarity gravitates the Raichu closer and closer to the Vaporeon. He grins. He was a rather jolly person and he wanted to be a little welcoming. Besides, he looked new- and some what like a potential costumer. So it was a good thing, wasn’t it? He doesn’t mind striking a conversation, or two. 

"Yes- in reality it would be very helpful! But understand that if you give of electricity, you end up handling more than you can chew! It may seem easy to you, you were made to live in the water! Just look at you fins and gils! Not to mention that tail of your’s is practically made for jetting through the water quite easily! I could never do that." He exclaims, stepping closer and as he does he moves the tip of his tail to touch the tip of Masato’s nose. A slight spark was created for demonstration, and almost immediately Reiji pulled himself away.

"I could never leave and enter the water so freely. It’s hard just standing knee-deep and trying to thrust your arms to catch one fish. Well- that’s my burden… It’s rather unfortunate but I’ll have to deal with it. Someone has to feed the people of this town!" He sighs, but then smiles once more.

"Say… First apple is on the house. You do look a little hungry, you know!"

[vaportransition]

The suddenly increasing proximity had Masato leaning back very slightly. Whoever he had been in the past he was pretty certain that people sharing his personal space had never been something he was overly fond of. This time however it turned into something downright alarming. The talking had been fine, that hadn’t been an issue at all, but the sudden flick of the brunettes tail had certainly been enough of a surprise that he had stepped back at once. Electricity. Electricity was bad. Oh boy no he did not like that one bit.  He was very, very relieved when the other male pulled himself back.

“Ah… I understand.” He replied quietly, giving the other male a wary look for a moment before managing to shake it off. It was no threat, just a little high spirits. That was all. He listened as the other spoke, nodding gently each time, though a look of surprise touched his face at the final remark. 

“That… is very generous of you. Thank you.” He stated. It was true, he was hungry, he hadn’t eaten since...well. Since he arrived here.  His mind had been too preoccupied the day before to even think about his stomach, but now he was starting to feel the effects of that.

“Did you ever think consider asking for help..?” He queried, his head tilting to the side.

“I am sure there would be someone who would be willing to help… I mean. Perhaps I could offer, though I understand you don’t know me at all. But well..” He moved his hand to his pocket and tugged out a handful of pretty shells and things that his earlier swim had allowed him to collect. “Swimming seems to be easy enough for me. If you did wish for my help… I would be happy to offer it.” He felt a little awkward suggesting that someone who didn’t know him rely on him… but he knew that were he given the chance, he would take it entirely seriously and work as hard as he could to prove himself to be anything but a let down.

“I have only been here a short while, and I don’t even know what I am, let alone what I can do, but swimming… I can do that, so if I can assist you I would be delighted to.”

[vaportransition]

A strange start to the day...

[ninetailing]

  “I don’t like to clean,” Ren automatically answers, simply because his offer is catching up with him and he feels a little warmer under the collar than usual, “so it’s fine if you want to. You won’t be treading on any tails,” he adds with a quirk of his lips, eyes shining at his own play on words. “You’ll need to shake off the point of view of being a burden, however, or you will start getting in the way. Do what you like, if I take issue with anything in particular I’ll let you know.” Ren isn’t one to play nursemaid, and he knows instinctually that this water-inclined individual can take care of himself too if provided with ample opportunity to do so.

With that he pulls himself from the water, his tails wrapping around him to at least attempt a display of modesty as he crosses the well-kept garden towards a small, water-proof shed that holds numerous robes. He ties one on, then proceeds to pull each of his nine tails individually through a small hole in the back. Had they been dry, it would have been a nightmare to force them through the slim cut in the fabric, but the water plasters the fur down enough that it isn’t a hassle. Once their free from the confines of the robe he wrings the water from them each individually.

“Everyone undergoes something like that. Most people recover at least important aspects of their memories quickly.” His shoulders rise, then fall. “Sometimes knowing too much too quickly hinders one’s ability to settle in. I remember very little, despite the time I’ve spent here.” His ears fan against his skull.

“Familiarity, no matter how frustrating the feeling is, is a good thing, though. Usually means actual memories aren’t too far behind.” He shrugs again. “Though, who knows.”

[vaportransition]

The play on words made the vaporeon shake his head.

“Well, that will likely prove lucky. I don’t believe you would take too kindly to me treading on yours.” A very, very slight smile tugged his lips up for just a moment before he dismissed it again with a very slight shake of his head, simply listening and allowing Ren to speak. Do as he liked. Well… that would be easier once he found himself more used to the place, but once again he found himself subscribing to the logic of starting as he meant to go on. Looking away from Ren however, seemed the next sensible course of action as the dark blonde pulled himself up and out of the pool again. Modesty. He deserved modesty and they could speak just fine without Masa looking at him.

“I will trust your word on that then.” He finally stated in his usual measured voice. “I hope that I do not step out of line, but I shall endeavour to do as I see right. I am happy to help you out here, however. If you simply let me know when there is a set of rooms to be cleaned then I shall make sure the job is done.” As far as the main areas went, he supposed he could simply clean as he went. That would make more sense than waiting for Ren to suggest it to him. He had a subtle feeling that he probably had a more… sensitive definition of things being unclean than this many tailed individual did anyway.

His eyes found Ren once more in time to see his ears flatten and he couldn’t help but take in the slump to his shoulders… his expression shifted into a frown, and very, very slowly he pushed himself up to his feet. Instinctively his fingers moved to brush himself down and slow footsteps carried him over to the still unsettlingly familiar male.

“Perhaps my lack of recollection will prove a blessing then.” He stated, moving to stand beside the blonde. “Perhaps it will help me take to this place more easily, however…” he reached out a hand to rest it gently against the  blondes arm.

“I am sure your own memories will return.” It had pulled at something strange inside him to see the blonde looking so downtrodden and disheartened.

“I think I’m going to go and choose a room now. I have asked you a good deal and you have answered everything very well. Tomorrow I think I will return to the town and see if I can’t manage to find my way around a little.” He gave the arm his hand rested on a very slight squeeze before retracting it.

“Thank you for all your help however. I really do appreciate it.” The familiarity was beginning to feel unsettling again. It was so unnerving to look on someone and feel as though you should know them, but not for even a moment be able to place where, how or why.

“I’m sure if you’re just  around here tomorrow that we can talk some more.”

[vaportransition]

Finding your feet...

[copystealyourgirl]

New people- er… Pokemon, would appear every day. Each one more interesting than the next. But more importantly- hungry!

He had been here for a couple of weeks, day in and day out he would set up shop outside a little tent. The early mornings would consist of simple routines- and at times not so simple, either. The thing he detested most was fishing. After all- Water and electricity don’t mix. Especially when he’s constantly discharging from the new electrical pouches in his cheeks. They still tickled every time they sparked- he wasn’t quite used to the feeling.

Well- he was out and about, making haste about his business as he usually would have. Attempting to collect as many fruits and chestnuts as he possibly could carry. He would admit that he was a little short handed, but with all the rescue teams around, he couldn’t let any of them down. Not to mention, who would want to stick around to help him when there are so many adventures to be had? Honestly, if Reiji hadn’t noticed the lack in food resources- he probably would have gone off to have adventures of his own.

However, life permitted him this opportunity and granted him the absolute grace of being a vendor for those passing by. Each one with a new and enchanting tale to tell him. And each tale captivating his interest more and more. The world out there seemed to be something so glorious to explore and venture, and at the same time so dangerous. The Raichu was simply enchanted with it. Well- eventually he would have the opportunity to adventure, however it wasn’t now.

He set up the little bento boxes and apples all on his stand. With glass bottles he had found, washed, and checked there was water. He couldn’t help but grin and at his work. He nodded and thoughtfully wiped off the counter now. Only a few fish were now on display, since it was all he could catch in the stream, before getting frustrated. And honestly- he didn’t want to kill anything lurking in the water, so he attempted desperately not to discharge, while he was knee-deep in the stream.

"Fishing is absolutely terrible! How does anyone expect me to do it?? It’s near impossible without a fishing rod!" He’s musing- rather loudly- to himself.

[vaportransition]

“It helps if you can just catch up to them. Swimming quickly seems to play a pretty big part.” It wasn’t generally in his nature to intrude on people’s conversations, he was certain of that fact, but the fairly loud remark that was made not too far away from him caught his attention, how could it not? His fin like ears seemed to help him hear well enough after all… and the speaker also appeared to be talking to themself? That was a touch strange perhaps, but he supposed that when you were suffering some manner of crisis, even an aquatic one as this seemed to be, talking to yourself was potentially better than speaking to not one. He had answered before he even had a chance to hush himself however, he regretted it at once, but, well… not knowing anyone aside from the many tailed strawberry blonde he had met the day before, perhaps the out of the ordinary attempt at putting himself forward wouldn't go amiss.

The individual he had spoken to actually looked rather jolly. He had a friendly appearing face that was… no he was fairly certain he wasn’t familiar. He’d certainly got no recollection of him so it was better not to dwell on the odd feelings that kept coming to mind. He had been here one day. He couldn’t know anyone. The logic was as simple as that, and that was where he planned to leave it off. However he couldn’t help but find himself a little curious, and, as he’d replied it seemed only polite to go over to the individual he had spoken to.

His stall looked rather pleasant. It was nicely laid out and that made him smile very slightly to himself, his eyes flicking up to fix on the brunettes face.

“Pardon me for intruding, I am sure you were in no way speaking to me, but I couldn’t help but overhear.” He bobbed his head very slightly in a nod.

“I have not been here a great while and honestly I suppose I am trying to take any opportunity that I can to find out something, anything about this place. Your display looks very nicely done, for the record. ” The fact this stranger was smiling gave him a little more confidence in trying to push forward for some manner of conversations. The majority of his mind thought it would be far more sensible to make his excuses and retreat… but he had come out to day with the purpose of understanding more, hadn’t he? And it would hardly do for him to simply avoid everyone and get nowhere.

Ren had been helpful, sure, very much so. But there was something in the fiery individuals tone that made him want to go and learn a little more elsewhere, it was almost as if Ren had been holding something back just to see how he reacted. He was sure it wasn’t true… but perhaps finding someone a little less inclined to laze about might move things on a little more swiftly?

[vaportransition]

Finding your feet...

His first night at the inn that joined the hot springs was a comfortable one indeed. He had woken a few times during the night, unsettled by his own thoughts and confused by dreams that he couldn’t recall for more than a few passing seconds upon awakening, but in general he felt well rested and slightly more at peace with the world at large. He had found… well, if not a home then at least a place. A part to play perhaps at least for a part of the time. He could help Ren clean, and Ren would allow him for now at least, somewhere to live. It was better than wandering aimlessly and alone, that was for sure.

He had awoken early, the sun had not fully risen, but he had found himself unable to rest longer. Well, so be it. He had risen and gotten himself as ready for the day as he could. He had wrinkled his nose at his clothes which he would of course have to wear again, but had pulled them on regardless. They had aired over night, and he was clean, thankfully. His next decision took him away from the inn once more, without even considering looking for Ren to see if he was awake… no indeed, instead his feet took him swiftly down towards the beach, and there he planned to indulge himself in something which had become a fancy of his… a swim.

The passing of an hour or so found him delighting in the water. He could not recall if he had ever felt such a thing before, such a delight in the water, but it gripped him now. He could swim beneath the surface for longer than he believed possible, utterly comfortable and able to see as clearly as if he were on land. It had not been too difficult for him to follow fish through the water, and looking under rocks had given way to a variety of interesting finds. All in all it was certainly something to consider, he would have to thank Ren for the idea when he saw him later. Perhaps sometime he would actually be able to think of a viable way to thank him for all the help he had been.

For now however he had another goal and destination in mind. Once he had dried himself off and redressed, promising himself he would wash his clothes that evening, he made his way back the way he had walked the day before, towards the small town like collection of what he took for shops. It seemed the best place to go and have a look around, maybe see what there actually was to offer… see if he could manage to land on his feet again and figure out some manner of occupation. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to try and talk to a few more people, for all that idea seemed unsettling, he was sure it would be fine.

With his expression thoughtful he allowed himself to walk and look around. It was all so different, but then again, everything was new at one point, and you had to get used to it before it could be called familiar. Patience would win out here as well, and he was sure he would find his feet in no time.

[vaportransition]

A strange start to the day...

[ninetailing]

He can feel the shift in the mood in an almost tangible way. His stomach roils, the feeling of guilt settling in against his own logic that how could he possibly realize his body language was so easily readable by the other Pokemon. His ears push back and down flat like those of a chided puppy, and tails stop their merry splashing to curl close to their distraught and confused master. Ren Jinguji has never been comfortable with making people upset with him, though some deep echo inside him makes him wonder if it’s something he was known for doing — disappointing or lashing out at others, even if not in an ostentatious way.

 He doesn’t deny Masato’s questions are tiring him, but he doesn’t encourage his silence, either. He’d never admit it, but he’d rather spend the rest of his days answering question after question than sit in awkward, tense silence.

"Sometimes currency can be found on the ground — like I said, it’s not hard to find…It just requires venturing out of town and into areas that can be dangerous if you’re unfamiliar to them. There are groups in town that make a living off rescuing those who venture out or get into trouble, and these hot springs were made with their need for ‘R&R’ in mind." His voice is low, soft. "Some just find items to sell to the shops, or open shops themselves." Ren has had a source of income since he arrived, so it’s easy for him to scoff and dismiss Masato’s worries, so he’s watching his tone for now. 

And without prior planning, encourage slips from his lips too. “There’s not many partial to water around here — there’s a few, but.. You could probably make a living just gathering stuff out of the ocean or lakes to sell. Or if there’s other tenants and you want to clean up after them, you can. Rescue teams that visit for a few days tend to tip well.” Ren doesn’t like cleaning anyway, that’s his excuse for the implied offer.

"Who knows, maybe you’ll find out you have some sort of special instincts or something. There’s this guy in town who can sense disasters and danger before anything happens — I don’t think he even really knows that’s what it is — but the area Rescue Teams have started paying attention to where he wanders. He could make a lot of money off a skill like that, but I don’t think he wants that kind of attention." His lips upturn into a smirk.

[vaportransition]

He had been keeping his eyes fixedly on the water when he heard the other male begin to speak. The warm flush of gratitude that radiated through him was immediate, and for a moment he simply couldn’t help the warm look that filled his eyes as he looked up at the fiery creature he was currently keeping company with. It was smothered a moment later, his expression schooled back to one of cool neutrality, but it had been there. Despite the fact that the questions were tiresome and tiring, he was still answering them and he was more grateful for that than he could put into words. It was strangely pleasant hearing him, familiar somehow, though again that thought was clearly foolish. It was almost certainly just the fact that had he not run into Ren he would potentially still be very confused and lonely. He didn’t… believe he usually minded being alone? But this was certainly more comfortable.

At the blondes implied offer however, he actually turned around to face him. He shifted on the spot, his tail slipping into the water which caused him to startle for a moment before he simply let it slip from his mind, absently drying his fingers against his trouser leg.

“You would let me help here…?” His head tilted slightly to the side at the query. “Cleaning I mean. I… certainly enjoy cleaning, or at least the end result.” He was sure of that. A few images flashed through his mind. Cleaning windows. Tidying things away. Polishing wooden surfaces to a brilliant shine…. he felt a small glow of pleasure at the idea. Cleaning was definitely something he liked.

“I admit I would rather be of some assistance than merely an unnecessary burden on your time.” He curled a knee up to his chest , propping his chin on it and hugging it in place. He felt more relaxed again, somehow from the disquiet, comfort had come again.

“I admittedly find it hard to imagine myself with any instinctive abilities.” He stated with a very brief smile.

“Though a sense for disaster sounds… equally troublesome and fascinating, I will be happy enough myself when I am simply able to understand myself a little better. It is strange barely knowing who you are aside from merely a name. I just… Augh… is it the same for you?” Dark blue eyes fixed on Ren again then. “Do you have these moments of nagging… almost awareness? Moment’s where you think you can place something but then it flutters away once more? It has been barely any time at all and they are already starting to work my nerves a little.” He sighed very quietly.

“I rather hope that some of the fog that seems to be obscuring my mind clears. You though, do you recall anything of a time before you were here? You seem very well settled.”

Once again it was back to questions… but what other choice was there? Ren seemed… inclined to a certain degree to speak with him, but disinclined to put anything much forward on his own, and the notion of sitting in silence was less than pleasing. Well. He was out of his comfort zone anyway, he supposed. What harm could a few more steps do? Besides… He was actually interested in Ren to a degree.

[vaportransition]

A strange start to the day...

[ninetailing]

His lips quirk at the dry response to his invitation, then twitch at the new round of questions and rambling brought about by his new talent. “Heating up water is nothing. You’ll find yourself able to do remarkable things too in good time. It seems everyone can do about four things that defy logic. They can be used against one another in fights, apparently, but most of us stick to using them for our own comfort.” This time when he winks a pink heart is shaped in the air. The little creation then smacks into Masato and shatters into a million little hearts.

"That, for example, if you were a female, would render you temporarily infatuated with me. If I breathed fire at you, I think you’d only feel a little discomfort." His shoulders shrug and he shuts his eyes. "You’ll figure out your body and abilities soon enough. Everyone does, eventually."

He leans his head back, the very picture of being at ease. “There are shops that sell clothes, you know. It’s easy enough to obtain currency that it’s not necessary for you to worry over making something for yourself.” His ears downturn in discomfort when his tails are mention — Ren’s hardly used to them, but Masato isn’t privy to his personal thoughts and insecurities. “It takes some getting used to.” The appendages in question stir and splash gently around him. “Mine are different than yours, anyway; I can lay on them if I want, and they’re soft to the touch.” It is implied that his new guest’s tail is the opposite.

Oddly enough, his annoying barrage of questions Ren could only bring himself to find amusing, though exhausting. Perhaps its instinctual to assume the blue-haired male isn’t usually as forth-coming; that’s the only explanation for Ren’s assessment, anyway. It’s not as if he could have known him from before the change, the odds are too slim and hope is a luxury much too bittersweet. “I’m sure your curiosity will be sated eventually.”

[vaportransition]

The shattering heart and the explanation that had followed it caused Masato’s brows to raise a good deal. Well… that was certainly an ability… Winning the heart of the opposite sex for even a while seemed an unbelievable thing to manage by… winking… but well, he’d seen the sparkly pink heart, and he’d seen the water boil, so who was he to judge?

“How casually you show off such an ability,  however...”For a moment his eyes flicked down to his own hands, a jolt of concern shooting through him. If he could do strange thing as well, when might they present themselves? Whimsically, no doubt… that was a worrying thought. He brushed it aside for now; he could do nothing about it after all so what was the point in worrying at the idea like an old bone?

“Currency? How?” His attention was focussed only absently on the lazing individual for the moment, but a slight movement caught his notice. The sudden down flick of the white ears assured his silence for the time being after that. He had hit a nerve somewhere. Entirely what it was he had no idea, but he’d certainly hit upon something. He let his eyes fix on the water once more.

Slowly his fingers reached out to brush his own tail. It certainly wasn’t soft. Nor was it very warm, but it felt strong, muscular really, and strangely textured. It was definitely more for use than decoration. For swimming, he supposed. That would make sense. He would try that at some point… but for the moment he felt oddly… self conscious. This… Ren was certainly very relaxed and at his ease, but somehow the idea of removing clothing and getting into the pool himself made him feel wildly uncomfortable. For now he would… simply content himself with sitting on the edge, letting himself think. He truly had been speaking out far more than he was entirely comfortable with, but sometimes it was necessary. Uncomfortable, but necessary.  Why on earth was he expecting to be laughed at any moment? Surely being curious and confused had to be normal.

With a slight shake of his head which caused his hair to slip from behind his ear Masa finally let himself sit down comfortably, his fingers trailing in the water. Why did his memories have to desert him…? Why did he have to utterly lack any comprehension of this place? Even a little to start with would have left him feeling at least a little less out of his depth, and possibly less dependent on this… strangely irksome individual. Yet at the same time… the idea of walking away from him felt honestly? Horrible. Something he couldn’t place was nagging at him and it left him feeling that turning his back and walking away from Ren Jinguji was possibly the worst notion he had landed on so far.

“I’m tiring you.” He finally stated. “I don’t… usually talk this much. I am sorry.” His words sounded a little strained now as he tried to keep himself concise.

“I will think on what you have told me, look around for myself and I am sure I will soon understand.” If he was going to be here to stay he was going to have to find his feet. He couldn’t be dependant on someone else forever, so why let it happen at all?  He could go now… but there was that strange sensation. A part of him felt so disinclined to leave Ren. It was almost as though he’d missed him. What a silly thought. What on earth… or wherever they were, was causing him to entertain so many of them?

[vaportransition]

A strange start to the day...

[ninetailing]

The name ‘Hijirikawa’ strikes a cord in him, but its with irritation that he doesn’t know why that his ears fold even closer against his head. How loathsome it is to have something on the tip of one’s tongue, but lack the means to understand it. “Ren Jinguji,” he answers absently, still searching for the familiar ring to the new arrival’s name, but it ultimately eludes him.

One shoulder shrugs casually. “You aren’t the first, nor the last, that will stay without paying first. It’s not something worth fretting about.” He eyes the hand offered to him, a brow arching as he takes it in his own and shakes it once, firmly before he releases it. “And the pleasure is mine.” The smirk and wink he offers it more habitual than meaningful.

With a sweep of his long tails he turns away from his new guest and steps out the large glass doors on the opposite end of the lobby to the smooth patio of rock outside and the steaming pools. “Pick whichever room you like — except for the one at the end of the right hall, that one is mine.” He sinks to his haunches to feel the water with his hand, testing its temperate for himself since there are no others around. Deeming it acceptable for most but seeking a hotter soak for himself, the Ninetails hybrid sinks down further, leans in closer, and proceeds to breathe fire across the top of the water until it looks as though it may come to a boil.

In two quick motions he divests himself of clothes — absently noting if Masato is still watching he won’t view anything scandalous because Ren’s tails work as an efficient block — and plunges into the water. When he comes up for air he shakes the heated liquid from his hair and feels around in the crevices of the piled stones nearby until he successfully locates a few of the many pins and clips he has hidden all over the place. With a swoop, strawberry blond is up and ears are perked as he settles more comfortably into the water.

"Make yourself at home."

[vaportransition]

Ren Jinguji… Ren… Jinguji. Why on earth did that seem so familiar? He was utterly convinced he had never seen the individual in question before, but that name. There was something about it. He could almost recall his lips forming the two words time and time again; but that was entirely impossible. He had never been here prior to today. And really, what were the chances of meeting someone from the life you… must have had… but simply couldn’t recall in a place that you simply couldn’t understand? Suffice to say they were -beyond- remote. He gave his head a very slight shake. His thoughts were foolish. Perhaps even idiotic. It had to be that he had simply known someone with a name that was similar? It couldn’t be that uncommon. That had to be it. Anything more was simply a pure flight of fancy. He carefully reigned his thoughts in, that was quite enough of that.

The slight noise of irritation, and the fact he closed his eyes with a frown as the blonde winked at him however were entirely instinctual responses. He couldn’t fathom why the expression had twinged a nerve at once, but it had, and he had reacted before he even knew what was going on.

“Must you do that?” He asked at once, though he didn’t expect an answer, and a moment later he was proved right not to. Retreating footsteps were the only reply. His blue eyes were open once more, and he found himself trailing after Ren… that was getting to be a touch irksome as well. Following him everywhere like this. But just now what choice did he have? He could just… select a room for himself a little later. It wasn’t as if he had anything to place in it.

For now, stepping outside proved the more interesting course of action, and he found himself very impressed by what he saw.

“This is lovely.” He mumbled despite himself.

“You clearly keep the place very we- Oh….” Part way through his attempted compliment he had found himself glancing at his host once more, only to be entirely amazed into silence. Had he just… all but boiled the water in one of the pools with his breath…? How could  that be? He fixed his eyes on the water, viewing it with a look of absolute amazement which he completely failed to hide.

He had done that so casually.

His eyes had thankfully been on the pool when the swift removal of clothing had taken place, else a good degree more embarrassment would likely have been felt. As it was he only looked away in mild discomfort for a moment when he realised, after the act itself, what had happened. Decency! This many tailed Ren Jinguji entirely lacked it! He cleared his throat once, trying to shake the mild discomfort that had caused.

Make himself at home… It was… still so casual.

“You are too kind.” He stated slightly dryly. “At least it seems my presence here will not disrupt you even remotely but…” He frowned slightly. “You just heated up the water by breathing on it… that was incredible.” His tail lashed once and he looked down at it again. Of course. Tails, fins, furry ears… he was in a world full of incredible things. Why shouldn’t this uncanny individual be able to breathe so hot he could boil water? Did anything here need to make sense? He simply sighed slightly.

“I am sure I will find myself at home soon enough. Once I can understand this world, the currency perhaps… how to even live here. I believe that once I can grasp that I need to find fabric or something. I believe I can sew. I can certainly not survive with one set of clothes alone. How the devil do you make yourself comfortable with that many tails? I appear to be struggling with one.” He made a slightly despairing sound for just a moment before steeling himself again. He was talking alot. An awful lot. He was certain he didn’t usually speak quite so much nor ask so much. He was irritating himself, what effect must this be having on Ren…?

“Are you sure you wish me to stay here? I am certain to ask you a great many things.” He let himself drift over to one of the other pools, leaning down to trail his fingers in the water… he found himself smiling. It felt so, so nice.

[etsuukorin-deactivated20150723]

ほぼ神宮寺詰め２

[vaportransition]

A strange start to the day...

[ninetailing]

He doesn’t slow his pace for the new arrival, but he isn’t surprised when the other finally catches up. He clicks his tongue at the onslaught of questions, shaking his head and pursing his lips, bemused. “Everyone finds a place to go,” Ren responds, choosing the answer the questions in the order of inquiry, “you’ll find that place on your own. Some choose to build a home near that place, others choose a more feral living.” A pause, “I prefer a roof over my head, myself.” The thought of being outside exposed to the elements of nature had his tails curling inward, closer to his body. 

"What about me, hm?" His blue eyes narrow and tails quickly unfurl again, tips wagging with playfulness. "Telling you would just take away from the mystery, wouldn’t it?" His grin is a little toothy, but he dismisses his own mischief with a shake of his head. "I did. A native couple found me on the beach and took me to their home. They ran an inn, you see." The same inn that towers in the distance, just past a few more rows of forest trees. The shops of the town were still visible behind them, but only barely so. "I stayed under their care for a few months while I adjusted. It turns out they didn’t have any children and planned to retire, and I happened to be an excellent candidate for receiving their property."

Ren halts, abruptly turning towards the left side of the road, towards the sturdy wooden building. It’s a large structure, obviously meant for more than one inhabitant. The sign on the front reads “Hot Springs & Inn” plainly, but beneath the writing is an intricate carving of long, sweeping tails. “Those who are uncertain where to go, or simply need a vacation from their home and responsibilities are welcome to rent a room. Payment in the forms of labor or coins is accepted — or credit, if you’d prefer to pay at a later date.” 

He says nothing more and starts ambling towards the door — the stranger had said it, hadn’t he? He wants a point in the right direction, not someone to hold his hand. If the water Pokemon needs a room, Ren expects he’ll follow or appear later in the evening, when the night chill forces most inside.

[vaportransition]

The building he eventually found himself in front of had a very pleasant look to it. Set away from town it already promised relaxation… and the idea of water was almost uncomfortably appealing to him. Fins. Water… Yes water did sound entirely too comfortable just about now. His eyes did not linger on the architecture however, and instead were pulled to the tails each time they shifted and twitched . They were… strangely amusing to watch. It was almost as if they had a life of their own, though they accentuated the others remarks, adding more meaning to the words. Since when had tail flicks started to mean something to him..? His own tail swayed again at his confusion and he found himself glancing down at it. Hmm. Of course. He had one too… No where near so flamboyant of course, but a tail none the less. 

His mind however soon found alternate occupation to worrying about tails. By what the strange strawberry blonde was saying… it seemed that the suggested direction he had been offered was actually directly in the footsteps of the retreating individual himself. Who, now that he thought about it, had yet to be forthcoming with anything resembling a name. Surely he should have offered one by now? Was it not normally good practice when in a situation with someone who was clearly at a loss, to either offer or ask for a name? For a moment that thought rankled him, causing his tail to flick back and forth once more. Well. If good manners were not to be entirely observed then he would clearly have to be a little more proactive in his own behaviour.

That thought however he put on hold for a moment as he continued to listen… He did have a good deal to be thankful for now. He had some options at least. He could look around in an attempt to find somewhere that ‘felt right’ and return here later, or merely remain here for  now. There seemed to be options for how he could afford his stay which was a comfort, as, honestly, finances were clearly going to be an issue here. He had nothing on his person which could serve as money, in fact, he had nothing on his person at all. At least being assured of a place to stay had the effect of helping him to feel at least a little grounded. With that comforting sensation wrapped around him he moved after the many tailed man once again.

“Might it not be good manners for you to offer me your name?” He finally put the nagging thought into words, keeping his tone level and polite.

“My own is Masato Hijirikawa, and honestly I would like to know yours for the sake of knowing how to refer to you. Also. I would… appreciate greatly the option to stay here for a short while, though as much as it pains me I will have to offer you payment at a time other than this.” Another flicker of irritation swayed his tail from side to side.

“I have nothing as things stand. But...thank you for bringing me here, however. I do not wish to lack gratitude. It was good of you to take time to attempt to help me understand rather than simply send me on my way as you could have." He moved a little closer, holding a hand out. 

"On which ground, it genuinely is a pleasure to meet you..."

[vaportransition]

A strange start to the day...

[ninetailing]

Ren expects to be follow, honestly; all who arrive are the same, full of questions about their location, about what they are — Ren was like that too, at first. It’d be worrisome if the new arrivals didn’t ask questions.

He doesn’t stop ambling down the path, though; if the other is so determined to receive the answers he seeks, he’ll have to follow. “Silver Shores, that’s the name of this place.” He pauses for a moment, allowing time for that to sink in before he continues, “and no, no one can quite place it on a map. Or the maps they can show you don’t show what you expect of them.” 

He’s going to try to answer questions before they’re asked while he’s at it, even if his answers are a little cryptic. “You aren’t the only one to ask such questions,” meaning the blue-haired stranger isn’t the only one to wash up on the shores. “And you’re not who you once were, correct? Most of the population here is in the same boat.” He flicks a wave of his strawberry-blonde hair over his shoulder, ears twitching before consigning to lying flat against his head. 

He know longer is exercising rigid control over his nine lovely tails, and they sway and move seemingly of their own accord to avoid dragging on the ground. He’s never been able to associate them as part of himself, so it’s easier to think of them as a foreign appendage he has fractional control over, but he is the one moving them always, if only unconsciously. Ears move to adjust to perform their functions or to display his mood. “As for what you are, I don’t know; asking someone who was born with these er, appendages, is your best bet for specific answers.”

He stops, blue eyes brushing over the other’s form, then resumes walking. “Fins usually mean you’ll be most comfortable in the water, though.”

[vaportransition]

For a moment he had actually thought the other man was going to simply ignore his query. That had caused a surge of indignation to rise up within him and he had actually been about to ask again, slightly louder when he heard the longer haired individual begin to reply. Well. At least that was something. Even if this stranger decided he was far too busy to be of any real help at least he had told him where- Oh. Okay. He planned to carry on talking then, did he? That was surprising, but helpful none the less, even if the answers he was being given were coming before he was able to ask any manner of question at all.

Silver shores, a place which could not be located on a map. A place with other people… or whatever he was now who had found reason to ask about this strange place. He presumed then that the others he had seen vaguely from a distance and probably this… many tailed individual had all  undergone this bizarre transition. He frowned slightly, his tail swishing swiftly back and forth in response to the slightly irritated confusion he was now feeling. It made him jump as it caught his leg. Right. Yes. That would be a new limb… how very strange.

“Water. Yes. Down on the beach the waves did seem rather inviting.” He replied absently, thinking back to it. There had been a powerful temptation to simply forsake his confusion and settle for enjoying the cool water instead.

“Thank you… I am afraid I cannot claim that I find myself any less in the dark.” He picked up his pace a little, meaning to catch up with the other male.

“If I am not the first here however, which by your presence it seems I am not, could answer this. Where should I go? I have no notion at all where I am but if others ask such questions frquently there must be some place to which they are directed. What about you? Did you arrive here in such a manner, confused and uncertain of who you were before?” He spoke quietly, curiously, but in a tone that was perfectly designed to subdue any emotion at all. He was… a little afraid. Not of this other strangely featured individual, but of the weight of confusion and powerful dread of the unknown that was gripping him. How did you go about surviving in a world you failed to comprehend?

"I am aware I am asking a great deal, if you could merely point me in the right direction I will attempt to find my way onward from there." He absolutely refused to let his fear get the better of him, or show itself to the blonde haired stranger. 

[vaportransition]

A strange start to the day...

[ninetailing]

Ren leaves his post to venture into town for only a few reasons — nourishment is needed and gossip is entertaining. He’s increasingly popular with the females in the town — they like to coo about his pretty tails and they fall victim to his silver-tongue, but not without purpose; the girls serve as his source of news and have yet to prove faulty.Today there’s whispers of a new arrival who washed up on the shore, though no one has spoken with the individual directly, yet. It’s not uncommon any longer for strangers to wake up on the beach, Ren’s a digit in the small percentage of people, er, Pokemon, himself.

The tidbit of information doesn’t peak his attention, and the subject of conversation changes.

 He’s become adept at keeping his tails curls against his back when they threaten to take up too much space, but his control is not perfect, yet. It’s not unusual for one of his nine to stretch without explicit conscious permission to do so and he’s knocked over baskets and things before because of it. So when one tail-tip brushes against something decidedly solid, the appendage recoils and he spares a glance over his shoulder.

The girls he was speaking with grow silent, then abandon him to return to whatever they were doing before he sauntered into town. Ren notes their shyness with an arched brow, then turns fully in the direction of the stranger who’s tail his own accidentally bumped. His triangular ears perk up of their own accord. 

"Pesky tails," he tsks as his apology, lips curving into a half-smirk. He gathers his purchases and doesn’t wait for a reply before he starts walking towards the edge of town, and the hot springs that lie beyond it. 

[vaportransition]

Shocked fascination was a deeply difficult sensation to shake off, and honestly Masato felt that he could probably have stood and surveyed the unusual [to him at least] looking.. uh… individuals that were roaming around this peculiar town for quite some time had a rather intrusive distraction not come along quite suddenly. He had been looking over at a group talking together across the way when something very warm, and very soft brushed against his own tail. Now on it’s own that might not have been too remarkable… but he was still entirely unused to feeling anything in his tail, let alone something warm.

He wasn’t used to having a tail above everything else.

With a very slight frown he had met the gaze of the cause of his surprise. For an instant he had thought that maybe he was familiar… but that was a fanciful delusion of the moment and the idea was soon swept from his mind. He couldn’t possibly know someone from here. He had only been here a scant few minutes. With a silent reminder to try to be a little more sensible even in the face of such a ludicrous situa- wait...

Was he walking away already…? He was. A slight frown darkened Masato’s gaze and narrowed his eyes as he looked after the many tailed man that had seemingly taken him in and dismissed him in little more than that single glance. Well. That was certainly charming… Perhaps it was was the fact he still felt the slight fluttering of panic that had gripped him on the beach, perhaps it was the fact that he just wanted to know -someone- here, whatever it was however he turned tail [literally] and moved off after the languid seeming individual.

“Excuse me.” He called out. “Excuse me, I can see you have somewhere to be, but do you suppose I could delay you a moment? There are a number of things I would ask if you have the time, but I would settle to have someone merely tell me where it is that I am?” He had to take the chance to ask, and better this than trying to approach someone under his own power. They had at least exchanged a glance.

[vaportransition]

A strange start to the day...

He had felt very… very strange. For a moment he couldn't make sense of anything, nothing seemed to feel right at all, but slowly, very slowly his senses seemed to be coming back to him. First was sound; what was that? There was a soft whisper of noise that got louder, louder,  and then fell away again. Then smell; the tang of salt in the air, crisp and strong. He tried to open his eyes but the light was bright, too bright and he squeezed them shut again for a moment, at least he could see. That was certainly a good thing. He slowly licked his lips, they tasted of salt as well, something from the air… and finally touch. Heat.. uncomfortable heat… he shifted slightly, trying to brace a hand to push himself up only to have it sink away. Soft grains of sand have given under his fingers. He fought to open his eyes again. This time he had more success. Blue skies… Sand… The sea.

Okay… Where was he…? He needed to clear his head.

The next few minutes had not left him feeling any better, in fact for a time he felt a good deal worse as well as far. far more confused. What… had happened? He hadn't always had a tail. Nor was he entirely sure that the strange feeling appendages that now appeared to be affixed to the side of his head in place of his ears had always been there either. He certainly hadn't had odd lumps on the back of his neck. In reality he was pretty darn certain that he had been a perfectly normal human before. He was sure this couldn't be right. His name at least he could recall. Masato Hijirikawa. A great deal of good that was to him now, however. Hmm. His clothing had seen better days. His shirt was alright, his trousers however, though fair enough, were not as comfortable as they could have been with the tail in the way as it was... oh well. They were concerns which could be addressed later.

The town that lay seemingly not far away from the sandy beach where he had woken up had caught his attention before long. He had gotten to his feet and brushed the sand from himself with a mildly displeased expression on his face. A brief paused had been allowed to move closer to the sea to allow him to lean down to rinse his hands in a wave… the cooling water felt soothing and delightful… but then it had been time to look around. He needed… something. He needed to find out where he was. After a little walking around and trying without luck to find his bearings the cluster of buildings seemed like the obvious and potentially only place to head.

Upon reaching the town however, he still felt no better at all. Nothing here was normal. Everything seemed strange and everyone looked like he did… with strange ears, tails and who even knew what else. Irregular, that was what it was. Decidedly irregular. What choice did he have, however, he needed to find out something or other, and this seemed to be as promising a place as any...