Aika

Through all the drama that had quickly passed the one thing that had clung to my mind was the look of sheer horror on Mirikos face when she saw that spider. So as my knees roughly landed on the ground and I slightly tumbled through dirt pixels I felt nothing but the pain in my stomach from laughing so much. With one arm clinging to my belly and the other hand struggling to wipe away the tears that a started streaming down my face, I stumbled, trying to stand up but ended up falling back onto the ground half way through getting up as my knees were too weak to hold me. "The look on your face was priceless!" I managed to choke out, blindly aware of the commotion we had caused. 

I tilted my head and giggled at his slight confusion. "You haven't won yet! Do you remember what I said?" I asked teasingly. "We will each ask three riddles to each other." I reminded him lightly before continuing my explanation, "We have only done two each so far, so that means if I can stump you with my next riddle and still answer correctly to your next one, we will have ourselves a tie." But what will happen if there is a tie? The question hung in my mind, though I didn't really care what would happen. I found that I was actually enjoying playing this game with Hikoru. It was nice. Relaxing almost.

I stared into the dull, but still lit, space in front of me. My mind had gone blank. It was a riddle that I had never heard of before. Yet that wasn't the problem. It was as if someone had put a glass wall between myself and the answer to this... Obscure question. I couldnt think of anything. With a quiet, defeated sigh I shuffled around so to sit cross legged before looking over to Hikoru once more.

"Alright, I give in. What's the answer." I said, slightly disappointed that I couldn't figure it out, though also slightly excited that I would be learning the answer. Another thought came into my head. Though the game wasn't over yet, I was worried of that I still didn't know what the prize should be.

Curse it! I should have known as soon as that riddle started to come out of my mouth that it was too easy. It was most likely that he had seen the movie, The Hobbit. Whether it is fortunate or unfortunate, myself personally had not actually seen the movie for I much prefer books.Oh well, I guess that's what i get for becoming so unfittingly flustered.

Responding to his question, I replied, "I haven"t actually thought about that before.Well... If it was people in general i would have to say the ability to be considerate and loyal. And if it was a boy in particular..Hmmm... i guess he would have to be... charming and...persistent." I finished slightly wondering if my answer sounded proper. 

Watching Hikorus cheeks turn bright red as he... Well, half answered the question, I felt a surge of confusion bloom in my chest. Why wouldn't he tell me who his crush is? But I guess there are some things that are just to embarrassing to share with others. As I blinked and continued to watch him, I became suddenly and shockingly aware of how handsome, or cute as some might put it, Hikoru actually was. With the sudden jolt of awareness I abruptly shifted my eyes away from him and tried to occupy them on something else in the room as a light red tinge dusted my own cheeks.

"Umm... I-It cannot be seen, c-cannot be felt," I quickly stoped to take a short breath, trying to re-gain my composure before a starting again. "It cannot be seen, cannot be felt, cannot be heard, cannot be smelt. It lies behind stars and under hills, and empty holes it fills.It comes out first and follows after, ends life, kills laughter." I concluded with a soundless sigh.

I sat there for a moment in silence, thinking. I had not actually heard this one before. Gears and cogs turned in my brain as I tried to remember my #1 rule when it came to riddles. Most of the time it's over thinking that leads to confusion.

After a short while I snapped my head back up to look Hikoru in the eyes as i mimicked his crossed arms and confident smirk. "An owl." I stated bluntly yet boldly, before pondering for a few seconds about what I should ask him. "Alright, when and who was your first crush?" I asked in a teasingly playful manner.

Looking at Hikoru i pouted, unhappy that i was already giving away information. As i tilted my head to the side i gave a small smile. "Amber... My names Amber." I never understood why my mum decided to call me that but she did. And i wouldn't have wanted any other name in the world. "Alright, its your turn now." I was curious to what type of riddle he was going to ask me. I really hope its something i haven't heard before. I quite enjoy a challenge.

Kneeling back down beside Hikoru, I pondered over a few riddles, trying to figure out which one I should ask. Oh, I know! "If you drop a yellow hat into the Red Sea what does it become?" I asked with a challenging smirk and a twinkle in my eyes. I really liked mind games. They make you think. Most people don't usually figure out the answer to this one, even though it's so simple. But that's the point really. When people think of riddles they almost always try to think outside the box.

I put my finger on my lips and furrowed my eyebrows as I thought about what we could do. Hide and seek? No, there's not really any place to hide.. I spy? No, it probably wouldn't turn out that interesting. "Hmmmm... I like riddles... I know! We will each ask three riddles and if the other person gets it right, they get to ask any question they want, no matter how weird or embarrassing it is you have to answer it!" I said firmly. I really hope he likes the idea, other wise, I've got nothing.

I wish I had a brother like that... Hearing that come out of his mouth only had me realize how lucky i was to have someone like my brother in my life... it also made me painfully aware of how much i still missed him."Well," I exclaimed, jumping up with my back turned to Hikoru, desperately rubbing my eyes as tears started to fall before turning back around with a playful smile. Now was not the time to get so emotional. "I'm. Not. Tired." Yet. Thoughts bounced back and forward in my mind."Why don't we play a game?" 

My eyes slowly cracked open to find my vision still slightly blurred, but could easily identify the stranger that was knelled over me.... "You... have really pretty eyes." I tried saying in a slightly dry, croaky voice, trying to force a smile onto my lips in this somewhat awkward situation. But it was true. The strangers brown eyes were so dark that they were almost black. Quite appealing in my point of view. Feeling jagged stones digging into my back i quickly remembered that i was still on the ground. "Hey... you wouldn't mind helping me up would you?"

Turning my head back to Hikoru, my eyes locked with his as i opened my mouth once again. "He built me a tree house. The back yard of our house was a forest so there was plenty of space, but he decided to place it waaayy down the back, right next to a creek that ran through the bottom of the hill." A reminiscing grin took place on my face. "He knew that i hated walking long distances back then..... I guess that's why i like them so much now...It became my most favorite place in the world. I have so many memories there." I continued as my smile changed into one of pure joy, even though the tears building up in my eyes told a different story.

http://st.houzz.com/simgs/fd9182d2001b5b69_4-9506/rustic-kids.jpg 

Giggling at Kimbas actions I tilted my head slightly to the side, "Well then, which road do you want to take Kimba?" I asked politely. I wonder If Ariel used to play sports. The thought ran through my mind as I noticed that her arms were slightly muscular, especially compared to me. But that's normal. Skin and bones was what my grandmother used to describe me as. It wasn't that I disliked exercise or sports, it was just that I prefered to stay inside and do more... Quiet, subtle things. Like reading. That's probally why I'm always so surprised and amazed by how loud and bustling some of the inns can be at night.

Resting my chin on my knee, a small yet sad small formed on my lips. "My brother." I said softly before continuing, "My first memory was of my brother on my third birthday." Images flashed in the back of my mind. Big chocolate eyes that shone with joy within a hidden knowledge and mischief."I remember i was in my room, having a tea party with my imaginary friend, when he came in and told me that he wanted to show me something." Every night, the sound of his voice, like velvet, lulled me to sleep as he read stories of princesses that slayed evil witches and saved the princes. "When i asked him where we were going he smiled, and told me that it was a secret."   

"Im better now, knowing that im not alone." I said happily answering Charl- Oops, i mean Mirikos question. I couldn't seem to shake the giddy feeling that had bubbled up in my chest, i guess it just proves how much i missed her. With my mind racing with a billion thoughts and questions,i suddenly went still. Eyes wide, i stared across the table at a rather large black blob that dangled just above her shoulder. Without a word leaving my mouth i slowly leant forward, bringing my hand to my mouth and resting my elbow onto the table as i struggled to keep a mischievous grin off of my face. Miriko HATED bugs. Especially spiders. 

Pulling me out of my analysing thoughts, I looked over to where Hikoru was seated next to a glowing latern. The slightly yellow tinge highlighted parts of his face and contrasted against his striking blue eyes. With a silent smile and a quick nod I walked over and sat down down next to him, hugging my knees to my chest. I stared at the steady light of the lantern for a moment before moving my gaze back to Hikoru. "What was your first memory as a child?" I asked curiously.

Looking up at Hikoru as he made his way towards the old farm house, noticeably limping, I shook my head at him with an amused smile dancing on my lips before quickly bounding to my feet and hurrying after him, slipping slightly on the wet earth. By the time we had both made it across the field and past the threshold we were soaked with rain. Even though the cool rain had wet my clothes and drenched my hair, it was actually quite refreshing. As I ran my hand through my damp hair, pushing it out of my face, I looked around us and saw that it was quite dark inside the barn with only light source being the silver light of the rising moon that flooded through the wide open door and seeped through some of the small cracks and openings in the walls and roof.

( OOC- Semi-stupid question, can you actually get wet in Sao? I sort of forgot...)

Seeing Hikoru fall to the ground made me quickly jump down from the small distance that was between the ground and myself and rush over to the place he landed before kneeling down in the already saturated grass and leaning over him, "Are you okay?" I asked, concern was unmistakably evident in my voice. It was quite a stupid question if I do say so myself. Of course he's not okay, he just fell out of a tree, It's not as if he is going jump up and start doing the Macarena.

Glancing over at Hikoru I notice slight tears in his eyes but decide not to pry. I started to open my mouth in the hope of starting a conversation when I felt something cool and wet land in a drop on the back of my hand. I look at it for a long moment before stating simply, "It's raining." Not a second later the rain was pouring down as if there was no tomorrow. Wasting no time I quickly jumped up from the branch and swiftly started making my way down the tree. Halfway down I looked back up at Hikoru with an excited grin on my face before calling out over the small but audible sound of the rain, "Are you coming or what?", and continuing my quick decent downwards.

I looked down from where I sat in the tree to where Hikoru was laying on the grass below me before looking back up to the view that I was admiring moments ago. It was almost as if it was a picture that someone had painted. The dark, cloud filled sky cloaked the town below with a shadow of sorrow and mystery. As if all the happiness had been stollen from it. It wasn't the happiest looking place I will admit, but none the less it was beautiful in its own way. "Why don't you come up and see for yourself." I said to Hikoru in an awe filled voice, slightly turning my head in his direction but never taking my eyes off of the sight before me.

I eased my eyes open and turned my head to the left to find that Hikoru had fallen asleep. Looking at how peaceful and quiet he looked I couldn't help but let a small giggle escape my mouth. Slowly I stood up and brushed a few stray pixels off my clothes before making my way towards the trunk of the tree we were laying under. I stared up at the large tree for a moment before starting my climb. It was simple enough seeing as there were a excessive amount of sturdy branches. Once I was a reasonable height I found a branch that looked like it would have the perfect view. After a clambered my way to the branch and made myself comfortable, a satisfied grin spread across my lips, as I soon found that the view I was presented with was in no way disappointing.

I looked up at the sky and sighed. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, inhaling the smell of dewdrops and fresh air, before spreading out my arms and allowing my self to fall backward onto the soft grass beside Hikoru. "Isn't it?" I replied to his earlier comment, with my eyes still closed. Everything was so quiet, the only thing you could hear was the gentle wind, the slight rustle of leaves and the soft breathing of Hikoru and I. It felt like the rest of the world just drifted away. The fact that we were stuck inside a game, the thoughts of never being able to see real daylight again, every problem just disappeared without realisation. Right now, it was only the present that mattered. Nothing else.

As soon as the suggestion was approved I took Hikoru by the hand and started running through the crowd, eager to be somewhere more peaceful. The thoughts and memories of laying underneath the shaded trees and looking up at the sky, trying to make pictures out of the clouds, while the gorgeous green surroundings and smell of freshly fallen rain made reminded me of the lake that my brother use to take me to when I was younger. As a navigated my way through the maze of people my excited smile never left my face. All the sounds, all of the people, they were all a blur. Just as I thought, it didn't take long for us to find our way out of the town and to a lush green field with a few big trees and a rather large old farm house off to the side. I lead the way the big, shaded tree in the middle of the pasture.

Why was it so hot today? The sun literally felt like it was sucking the life out of me. I really shouldn't of decided to go for a walk today, I knew that I was probably going to get lost again. *sigh* It looks like my horrible sence of direction wins again. The lack of sleep from the night before had really done a number on me aswell. As my vision started going out of focus, I knew I had to find somewhere to sit down and have a drink. But of course, all odds were against me and I found my self stumbling over my feet and and falling. The last thing I saw before my vision went black was that damned forsaken sun, floating in the sky without a worry in the world.

I giggled at how blunt he was being but answered none the less. "Life is treating me just fine, just as long as I treat it the same." I stated, looking back up at the sky, but this time noticing the dark clouds that had started to gather. By the looks of it, it was going to rain tonight. Not that I minded, it would be nice, refreshing even, to have some rainy weather. I could already feel the cool moisture in the air on my skin.