(no subject)

[ice_cream_ai]

[Action]

[Like many others, he heard the announcement, but did not process it as clearly as others - just that this isn't good news for the humans, and muses they might be looking for momentary cheer before getting down to work. He went to a well-populated square in the entertainment district where many of the humans gathered and drops a cup on the ground, gathering their attention before he breaks out into song - most of them classics and old standards that everyone knows. When he finishes one melody, someone may shout out for another and he obliges.

After a half hour of singing, he takes a break, collecting the cup - jingling it to see how much the humans gave him before heading to a nearby restaurant to grab a quick bite, musing over the recommendation of going into the Verdant Forest]

So the Forest - I wonder if they'll find what they need there.

[He murmurs out loud as he pulls his fluffy muffler around his lower jaw]

Comments

[a_gentle_boy]

[Lucas probably ought to be in class at the moment, but he had been asked to look on for a special procedure later that morning... As a consequence, he had decided to prolong his ten minute walk into an hour and a half, because let's face it, no one really wanted to go to class before watching someone have a wound debrided.

The announcement had worried him, though, as it had probably worried everyone in the city. The distraction of the singing is enough to relieve his mind for a few moments, and he watches, afterwards, as the man begins to retire to a restaurant.]

...Um.

[The boy rummages around in his pockets while slowly trotting after Kaito.]

Excuse me...

[ice_cream_ai]

[He blinks when he heard the soft voice, and glances back, letting the scarf drop so it doesn't immediate his voice]

Hey, is there something you need?

[Kaito questioned softly as he kneels just ever so slightly so they're at a somewhat more even height]

[a_gentle_boy]

Oh! No -- I just...

[And Lucas flushes slightly as he holds out a hand with a coin or two.]

It's not much, but... um.

[It was probably obvious that he didn't get paid much.]

...I liked your singing.

[ice_cream_ai]

[He smiles, kneeling more]

Why thank you! I love knowing I can make someone happy for a bit.

[The shifter hesitates, he's not too learned up on humans, but he knew children don't usually have much, but they also don't seem to like it when gifts are rejected...]

Just one is enough, keep the rest - I had a pretty good day.

[a_gentle_boy]

Are you sure? You did sing for an awfully long time...

[Lucas seems embarrassed by this exchange, though he'll continue to hold out his hand.]

...Would you take it if I asked you a question? Sort of.. 'penny for your thoughts'?

[ice_cream_ai]

Uh... Certainly. What would you like to ask?

[a_gentle_boy]

...

[Lucas will drop his voice to almost a whisper at this point.]

Um. This might be strange, but... when I was listening to you sing....

It felt like... the way I do when I listen to a Pokemon... There was something... more.

[A pause, before Lucas smiles shyly and speaks a little louder.]

So... I wanted to ask if you were Psychic, too.

[Right direction, wrong conclusion.]

[ice_cream_ai]

[His eyes widened in surprise at the question, opening, then losing his mouth. How does one answer that?]

Uh, no I'm not.

["Too"? So the boy is a Psychic? Kaito tilts his head]

[a_gentle_boy]

O-Oh...

[Lucas seems disappointed for a moment - and embarrassed. But he rejoins quickly enough with a bright smile.]

That's alright. Ah - thank you for answering something like that...

I know there must be more psychics in the city, but... it's strange to just ask for something like that, right? I just want to know... how to really listen to the heart of a Pokemon.

[ice_cream_ai]

[He grows quiet, smiling softly before reaching over to gently ruffle Lucas' hair]

I'm sure you'll find others with similar abilities soon enough.

[Slowly he stands up]

Listening to the heart of pokemon... you're a good boy for wanting that.

[a_gentle_boy]

Mm. Their thoughts and emotions... the things that they want... They're not really that different from humans, but...

[There is a brief, pained smile.]

I guess it's a little naive, too.

[ice_cream_ai]

I don't think so. It really sounds like a good thing to try to strive for you ask me.

[Kaito again adjusted his muffler, seemingly out of not being used to it]

uh... I don't think I caught your name.

[a_gentle_boy]

Oh - I'm Lucas. It's nice to meet you, mister.

[He takes note of this tic, though he chalks it up to being so cold outside.]

I should probably get going to the Medical Center now - sorry to bother you like this.

[celebrity_commentator]

[That is a talented singer. Rise - off work at the moment and wearing some fairly hefty glasses and drab clothes to try and keep it that way - gives the busker a smile and a healthy tip as she passes by.]

You're pretty good! How come you're out here and not on the radio?

[It's mostly to make conversation...which he's probably not interested in, but Rise's actually a little curious about the guy's circumstances.]

[ice_cream_ai]

[He lets a soft sound, and waves to the young lady, before giving a tilt of his head at the question]

Thanks... I just arrived here, I'm mostly just making my way until I settled down, and busking - seems a good way as any.

[celebrity_commentator]

I see. Well, you've got a real talent, so...

[Hang on a second, there was something odd in that sentence.]

Wait, you just arrived from where?

[ice_cream_ai]

[Kaito pauses, realizing he probably said something he really shouldn't]

Uh...

the forest.

My parents left... here when I was kid.

[Even he knew that sounded off]

they were about how the city is bad, but I wanted to see what it's like so I left.

[celebrity_commentator]

[Uh huh.]

I see. Well, don't let the big city get you, then. Some people can be a lot more dangerous than wild Pokémon.

And if you do go into the entertainment business, read everything before you sign it, okay?

[ice_cream_ai]

[He nods, setting down at a table]

Reading everything... okay, got it. Thanks for the advice.

[celebrity_commentator]

Hey, I have to run, but what's your name?

[ice_cream_ai]

Kaito. It's nice talking to you... Miss?

[celebrity_commentator]

Rise.

[No last name given, none received.]

And very nice talking to you, Kaito. I'll see you around.

[flowerofsendai]

[Oh Ho-Oh, that voice. They could use a talent like that!]

Excuse me!

[ice_cream_ai]

[He turns, holding the door open, noticing the young lady that called out to him]

...Huh?

[flowerofsendai]

I heard you singing just now. You're really good, have you been formally trained?

[ice_cream_ai]

[He nods, grinning from the compliment before he shook his head at the answer]

I was... self-taught actually.

[Someone from inside the cafe asked if he was going in or not, and Kaito sheepsihly shuts the door]

[flowerofsendai]

Self-taught, really?

[Wow! She can't even imagine! Talk about a lucky find!]

I'm Sakura, from the Union Divine Theater. We're looking for more actors for our upcoming production. Would you be interested? You would be compensated!

[Not well, since they've been in a bit of a slump lately, but she wouldn't tell him that.]

[ice_cream_ai]

[He nods in confirmation, hands clasp together]

Huh - acting... that does sound like it would be fun!

[flowerofsendai]

[Yes she's helping!]

It is a lot of fun! Our production isn't for a few weeks, so you have time to learn your lines and choreography.

[ice_cream_ai]

[It does sound fun, and he could learn a bit more about humans in the mean time]

So when do you want me to start coming in?

Oh... I'm Kaito by the way.

[flowerofsendai]

We rehearse every night after 6. The chorus isn't needed more than a few days a week, but we'll want to get you in as soon as possible for a fitting.

[ice_cream_ai]

All right! I'll head on over tonight if that's okay.

[He nodded vigorously, he'll have to tell Fletchling about this later]

[flowerofsendai]

Sure, I'll let them know you're coming! Do you know how to get to the theater?

[ice_cream_ai]

Yup! I generally pass by it on my way to the inn I'm staying at.

[flowerofsendai]

Inn?

[ice_cream_ai]

Least I think that's the term.

[He points in the direction, there's no real inns, but there is that one boarding house with the grouchy old lady running it]

It's not a direct route I take, but I like to meander since I don't really have a set schedule.

[flowerofsendai]

So you're a traveler, then? That's rare!

[ice_cream_ai]

Uh yeah. I just arrived recently, still settling in and all.

[He gave a careless shrug]

[flowerofsendai]

Does that mean you're a shifter?

[ice_cream_ai]

Are... shifters common?

[Kaito questioned, a little unsure if he should be honest]

[flowerofsendai]

No, actually. There are some shifters in the city, but not many.