HEAVENSENT. [Isamu]

[Bonifacio Russovo [RIP]]

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It had been such a crazed past couple of weeks; his mind was frayed and disoriented, every thought that once was sharp and clear became fuddled and stumbled and swam through an ocean of hazed thoughts, half formed ideas and undeniable agony. Amongst that one secular emotion there were thousands of others, conflicting; though, this he was used to. To feeling every emotion he was able to feel at every exact moment in his life, reviewing each memory or thought he'd ever had, yet contemplating the existence and situation of here and now. It was truly an unheard of feat, to master this vast and seemingly unending mind, to harness it. Sure. Believe what you want.

Boni had wandered in the desert heat for days now, his stomach hungry and his throat dry - alas, not much had changed. That was always how your body was in The Menagerie. A pest that growled and complained of hunger and a plaguing desire for the ice cool liquid that would always be lukewarm. But, it being winter and Bonifacio being a man who preferred the warmth, he had sought out some facet of it. The desert would suit him, though it was a place of extremes he knew that it would be much better than freezing to death (which he might very well do at night, but that is another story entirely). Long, ratty slacked legs took him slowly, yet surely, in a meandering pace through the scorching desert sands, his feet smothered in some cheap leather dress shoes. Not ideal for travel, but it was a necessity for him to feel at ease in style, whether he truly felt at ease or not. He just had to look the part.

So, he tried his best to carry himself with dignity, but, try as he might he could not lift his feet, so heavy were his thoughts. His head hung low, shoulders slumped as his arms swung carelessly as he moved, a languid and smooth motion that every now and again stumbled helplessly. He came across a rattlesnake, and though not familiar with it's poison or facts, he skirted around the obviously dangerous beast, resisting the animal urge to strike out and fight the serpent. Blasted mongoose DNA, curse the day he ever found out he was a shifter at all!

Hours later found him traversing the same wild path; deserted and unknown, alone and shrouded in a veil of discord. Ngh. This is tiresome work, he thought, dark blue eyes hazing over as his vision blurred, cleared, then blurred again till everything before him was a solid blur of orange and blue, sand and sky. He fumbled for the thick rimmed glasses in his front coat pocket and placed them on his straight, pointed nose, the strong rectangular rims black. He grumbled something about 'Keepers' under his breath, realizing how common he sounded, but continued on.

Just as he thought he could take not a singe step further - just as it was nearing evening time, around five in the afternoon (judging by the false sun in the false sky) he caught in his desperate sight an oasis! As he ran toward it, laughing and stumbling carelessly, he didn't think to look for Fallen, though they had an alliance now. All he cared for was to drink! And look! To relax beneath the shade of the widespread palms. He dunked his head into the crystalline waters of the spring, drinking to his heart's content and lolling in the shade like an Egyptian king. It had been years since he had had this much enjoyment from something in life - and it pleased him.

Now, with his thirst quenched and his hunger quelled by a few natural fruits, Bonifacio began the tedious and daunting task of organizing that chaotic mess of a mind that he called his brain. He sought out a shady outcropping of land, a small ledge if you will, that overlooked the waters of the Oasis. And so he sat, long legs folded into that comfortable cross-legged fashion, palms facing towards the heaven as they rested on his knees. His back was straight and his head erect, glasses were now tucked neatly in his front pocket and his eyes had drifted closed. His breathing soon became soft and regular, deep but barely audible. And so the meditation began, in this peaceful haven, and he hoped only to come out of this ordeal with his sanity in tact, as he faced his guilt and the worse of his fears - himself.



ooc; sorry it took so long and sorry it sucks x3

has  f o r s a k e n  me

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[hypermonkeygirlx3]

Can you see the real me?

Isamu stopped and looked forward at the seemingly never ending horizon. The Fallen scout raised a hand to shade her eyes, which were scanning the orange sand for something. How long had she been out here searching? She couldn't really tell, for she didn't have a watch and she didn't know how to read the sun for the exact time. All she knew was that the sun was already up when she left, and after she deviated from the tracks it was starting to lower in the western part of the sky. Now she was covered in sand and was pretty sure she had gotten herself lost. Well, at least it isn't freezing out here, she thought as she remembered how cold it was when she woke up that morning. The desert was always hot, even when the rest of the Menagerie was not.

It took a bit of thinking to remember why she was traveling there in the first place. She had a bad enough memory as it was, and the searing heat wasn't helping much. Isamu had volunteered to scout out here, since no one else wanted to get lost in the middle of no where. The teen just thought it was best to guard everywhere for better protection, including that endless sandbox. Plus, Isamu didn't mind if she got lost. It's happened so many times that she's learned to expect it. Isa could get lost in a closet if she really wasn't paying attention, so it was bound to happen anyway. At least if she got lost it the desert, she could still do her job and scout her assigned area. Isn't the desert part of the Fallen territory as well?

However, the lack of scouting in that area wasn't the only reason Isamu decided to pick the area. In truth, she just really wanted to go to check out a rumor that she had overheard. There were rumors going around that said there was an Oasis somewhere in the middle of that barren land. It was said that there was fresh water and fruit there. Pure water and fresh fruit was just the meal Isamu had been looking for in what has seemed like forever. It's not like Isamu didn't appreciate what the hunters brought back to eat. They just always came back with little critters for cooking. Isamu refused to change her vegetarian ways, so she's been eating any plant life she could find around. She wasn't even sure if some of the stuff she ate was even eatable, but at least it wasn't an animal. But, if the rumors were true, then she wouldn't have to worry about not finding food for a awhile, and that was one less mouth for the hunters to feed. Scouting was the perfect excuse to search the desert for this little haven.

It was late afternoon when she finally saw something that wasn't sand. In the distance, she could see what looked like a palm tree and some bushes. Is that the Oasis? Isamu thought as she adjusted the sunny yellow goggles that she was wearing to protect her eyes from any sand that might blow at her. Could it be that she had finally found it? Or was it just a mirage that was made by a combination of the lack of water and the intense heat? The girl quickened her pace. This was it, she finally found it. Unfortunately for her, it seemed that she wasn't the only one who did. She skidded to a halt and stared back at the desert sanctuary. Someone had already beat her there. Sitting on a small ledge was a man. His legs were crossed, his hands were upturned, and his eyes were closed. He seemed to be meditating. Isamu stiffened at the site of him. What was an adult like him doing in the middle of the Fallen desert? Not only that, but next to him was the tree with the fruit on it.

She quickly skittered over to a bush and hid behind it. What was she going to do now? The teen could easily just go over to the tree, grab the fruit and run. But if he lived here, then wouldn't that be stealing? Isa didn't like to steal things. Plus, if he got mad and decided to take the fruit from her she could be in trouble. For all she knew he could be able to shift into some really dangerous animal. After a moment of silence, Isamu peeked from behind the bush and looked at the man. He didn't seem menacing, he seemed peaceful, just sitting there relaxing. Maybe if I ask nicely, he'll let me take some and leave peacefully, she thought,But he looks so peaceful. It would be rude to trouble him. Isamu sighed quietly and bit her lip, What am I going to do now?




ooc: It's okay, don't worry about it. I know you have alot stuff on your plate. I'm just sorry it took so long to respond! Also, it did not stink. ^^

Can you see the tears behind my smile?

[Bonifacio Russovo [RIP]]

[th][cs=3][rs=3][atrb=border,0,true][bg=242322] the world you  p r o m i s e d  me

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It was quiet. He heard a small bird chirp, a soft greeting that though quite lovely, bothered him. It was quiet, and soft, and gentle...this oasis was a paradise. But he was not at peace. The mind, oh, how it was a terrible place! It rolled and roiled and grumbled and thundered a thousand different thoughts at once, spinning and colliding in a chaotic explosion of sound, color and emotion. He felt incredible joy and incredible sadness - a deep, deep sadness that retched his soul in two, while a soothing hand mended the wound as each stitch over and over again was ripped forth from the healing flesh...there was nothing that could sanctify this terrible tug of war with his mind, his heart, and his soul.

The quiet was disturbed - just a slight sort of noise, barely audible. The skittering of small feet, sending grains of sand flying in a gentle whoosh as they landed. He and the bird were no longer alone. A single eye flicked open, the pupil dilating to take in the new light, the scars that ran the length of his cheekbones twitched as the other eye flicked open a few seconds later. It took a moment for his vision to adjust. Dark blue irises wavered in the light, as he observed all about him. To his luck, the wind shifted so that his visitor was upwind of him so her (yes, it was a she) scent drifted to him on the warm, dry breeze. Interesting. He smiled softly at the dusty, reminiscent smell of the Fallen Ring. It was a soft and subtle smell of dust and sand and sunshine. It was such a wonderful smell, more of a perfume than anything.

By the sound of the feet that barely touched the sandy earth, the Fallen was substantially younger than he. Hm. Being in the Fallen territory he actually felt more at ease than he did in his home...which he supposed was the Fulsi...well, the Menagerie had never been home, even though he'd been here what...two and a half years? He sighed softly, eyes drifting closed again, his body still poised and in the meditative stature. "You may come out, little Fallen." he cooed, trying to get his mind to focus on where she was. She hadn't moved, and his hearing wasn't very skilled; not like many others in the Menagerie who had begun to develop magnificent extrasensory skills. It was intriguing...but, he would think on that later. "I will not harm you."

ooc; D:

has  f o r s a k e n  me

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[hypermonkeygirlx3]

Can you see the real me?

"You may come out, little Fallen. I will not harm you." Isamu peaked from behind the bush again and stared at the man in confusion. How did he figure out she had been hiding? The wind lightly blew, dancing with the loose strands of her light brown hair. That's when it hit her. Of course, she thought, he must have caught my scent on the wind! Well, that pretty much scratched all of her sneaky plans to get the fruit. Isamu titled her head in confusion as his scent drifted into her nose. He definitely wasn't a Fallen that was for sure. But, Isamu had never met someone outside of the Fallen before so she couldn't tell whether he was a Carna or a Fulsi. If he was a Carna, then he would be there to do harm and she shouldn't trust him. However, if he was a Fulsi then he would most likely be there under friendly terms. He seemed so calm, not paranoid like if he was on enemy territory. Plus, he did seem sincere...

Isamu cautiously stepped out from her hiding place. There was no real reason to hide if he already knew that she was there. At first she didn't do anything; just stood there next to the bush letting the wind blow her braids to and fro, because her suspicion of adults caught up to her. She knew nothing of this man and she could easily be putting herself into a trap. But the chance of making yet another friend (which would be a record in Isamu's book) was much more over powering. Plus, this man could easily be just as sweet and as kindhearted as Delilah was.

The monkey shifter took a few more steps out into the open before stopping again. She looked down at the dry sand under her feet, trying to avoid eye contact. "Um...hi," she said weakly. She surprised her self by how raspy her voice came out and her hand instinctively went to her throat. Had she really been out in the desert that long? Her eyes briefly flickered down to the small pond next to her. But she ignored her thirst, remembering that the pond could be his and taking from it without being offered was stealing. She bowed from the waist in the traditional way of Japanese greeting, and when she straightened herself up again she still didn't meet his eyes. Instead she watched for any movements that could be a sign of attack. She refused to be let her guard down, especially out in the middle of the desert where she couldn't run to get help. Isa didn't like to fight, but she will if she has to. "If you don't mind me asking," she said, wincing at the dryness of her voice, "Who are you and what are you here?" She knew she shouldn't be so curious, but she couldn't help herself. Isamu just hoped she wouldn't pay for it.

ooc: Eep, mine is short too. My muse went on a vacation to Rio, lol. Sorry.

Can you see the tears behind my smile?

[Bonifacio Russovo [RIP]]

[th][cs=3][rs=3][atrb=border,0,true][bg=242322] the world you  p r o m i s e d  me

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Boni smiled warmly as the girl stepped from behind the brush, surprised at how young she was. Were there no limits to the cruelties of the Menagerie? Would they stop at nothing, even harming the innocent children, to get results for their experiments? Boni wondered simply, and not wrongly, if there was truly any reason for these experiments - or, perhaps, were they here just to satisfy the vulgar desires and yearnings of the uncivilized world to watch a people labeled as 'different' fight for survival? Was their only purpose in this domed city to be entertainment? "Dio mio! You are so little..." He could not help but share his surprise, and though he knew she might take offense to such a statement - being little - he thought to correct himself. "Ah, I meant no offense. I am meaning that you are young to be here, in this horrible place." He sighed softly, eyes flickering to the oasis for a moment as he considered the world and it's flaws, thoughts drifting chaotically.

She asked him something, the little girl with bright eyes and pigtails and the hoarse, yet subtly soft voice. "Hm?" He smiled easily, as he was known to do, though for some reason this girl had brought him more joy in the few moments he had spent with her; perhaps, seeing one so young, so nervous, so fragile, left him feeling once again responsible for someone. It was what he needed to thrive, really, though in earnest honesty he had already failed to protect several he had come in contact with - but, he would keep trying, never stopping, until he was at last at peace. "Oh, forgive me. I am Bonifacio Russovo, a Scout for the FulsiRing. I can assure you that I have no intentions other than drinking at this oasis and meditating." He smiled again, wondering why anyone else would be out here in the desert. "Come, sit next to me. Or...if you still do not trust me, and this is wise indeed, you may stay where you are. But I offer you some fruit, for, please forgive me for assuming, but you seem hungry. And...thirsty?" He still hadn't moved, in fact, not even a muscle flinched - only the occasional flicker of his eyes to the moving world about them, amazed at how real it all was, and at spare moments moving back to focus on Isamu, observing her delicate features. "And I may only ask in return, who are you?"

ooc; shorter x3 but I find that it's more fun to post a bit shorter!

has   B R O K E N  me

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[hypermonkeygirlx3]

Can you see the real me?

"Dio mio! You are so little...Ah, I meant no offense. I am meaning that you are young to be here, in this horrible place." Isamu relaxed a bit. "None taken," she giggled nervously as she fiddled with her braids, "I'm very proud of my...um..."littleness" I guess you could call it." Isa smiled a bit at how weird that sounded. But she wouldn't change what she said, it's always healthy to be a bit weird. "Plus," She added, "It's not that bad in here. Actually, I like it better in here than where I was before." Sadly, that was the truth. Compared to her life before, the Menagerie was a much better place. Here she could be around people who sort of understand her, she had plenty of room to explore and wander to her heart’s content, and here she actually made a friend. It only shows you how miserable she was back home. He seems really nice, Isamu thought. Why would she think anything else? He worried about her taking offense to his statement, which showed that he cared about other people's feelings. But then again, it could still be some sort of trap, so she didn't completely put her guard down.

Isamu returned his smile. Her whole body relaxed at the fact that his intentions were good and that he was part of the FulsiRing; a Scout like her nonetheless! This was extremely good news since that meant she could trust him; their rings were in an alliance. Isa made a mental note to remember the Fulsi scent so she wouldn’t get confused again. She felt much better now that she could be a bit more like herself. But of course not completely, he was an adult after all. The monkey shifter's face lit up at the mention of water and food. It was Bonifacio had read her mind. "Thank you Russovo-san," she thanked joyously. Isa quickly went to the pond and filled her cupped hands with water before taking a sip. "Mmmm," She said, her eyes widening, "This water's really sweet!" She giggled a bit, put her goggles back on her head, and then splashed some water in her face in an attempt to wash the sand off it. Once she was done, Isamu got up and grabbed a fruit off one of the trees, and sat near the edge of the ledge facing toward him, her bright emerald eyes staring back at his. Fulsi or not, she would not give this man her back. She also made sure to sit close to the edge so if he tried to take a swing at her, she could easily jump down and bolt out of there.

Isamu could have run out of there with a couple of fruits easily. That was why she went all the way out there in the first place. Not only that, but she was sure Delilah would start to worry if she stayed out too late. Isa had all the reasons to the world to get the heck out of there. However, something told her to stay and get to know him a bit better. Who knows, maybe she could make a new friend. "And I may only ask in return, who are you?" ”Well that seems fair enough,” she agreed, “I am Isamu Koizumi, and I too am a Scout. But, for the Fallen. I guess you already knew that though.” She laughed nervously again before she continued, “I just came here to see if the rumors where true. You know, about there being an Oasis in the middle of the desert.” The teen took a good at the paradise next to her, ”I think it’s safe to say that the rumors are true.” She smiled at him again and then took a bite out of the fruit, letting it’s sweet taste fill her taste buds. Everything about this place seemed so sweet, although, something was still bothering her. “Um, excuse me for asking,” Isamu inquired, “But why did you travel all the way out here in the middle of the Fallen desert if you’re a Fulsi? Did you know about the Oasis, too?” She was just curious why a Fulsi would come all the way out here. Maybe something was wrong and he was a messenger to Alpha Skye. Or maybe he was just a man who got hopelessly lost. The way too curious girl had to know, and hoped it wasn’t too personal a question.

ooc: Omg it got really long really fast. Sorry. Dx -dies-

Can you see the tears behind my smile?

[Bonifacio Russovo [RIP]]

[th][cs=3][rs=3][atrb=border,0,true][bg=242322] the world you  p r o m i s e d  me

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Her words hinted at a great sorrow that seemed to be perfectly hidden beneath the giddy innocence of her small, round face. A warm smile spread over the scarred, torn lips as he watched her drink from the water, thinking on her words. "I am saddened to hear that, signorina. Truly - that you have to suffer much to gain entrance to a place you feel welcome." He nodded sagely, eyes flicking to observe the detail of the bark on the palm as if it were the most interesting thing in the universe, smile dissipating. He often did this - act completely absorbed with a tiny, insignificant thing, if only to escape the often penetrating stares he was faced with. Though this young girl seemed to ignore the fact that his face was torn and beaten, as if she did not notice the two long, jagged scars that cut from the corner of his lips to the base of his ears. A constant reminder of what he had done.

Her chirruping voice brought him back to reality, and the smile returned at her delight. "Isn't it? It is a nice relief after wandering the desert." Bonifacio observed her features intently, noting that her skin was a light tan, her hair a golden brown, that hinted she was of some Hispanic origin. But she spoke as if she were Japanese, using their customary titles. He rather enjoyed the use, and noted the meaning of the suffixed title for future reference. He admired this girl's apparent ease of fitting into the Menagerie, so much so that he was forced to voice his true thoughts, something he rarely did. "I envy you, signorina. I have been here for many years, but each time I try to reach out and help..." He looked at her helplessly, his hand twitching in action, motioning to forget it. He instead looked back to his tree, brow creased slightly in thought. Hn. This presented a problem - she seemed to have him tongue-tied, for lack of a better word.

"Pleasure to meet you, Signorina Koizumi." He moved on quickly, gathering his thoughts and collecting his poise once again. He seemed rather elegant, despite the hair that splayed in awkward layers and the thick stubble on his face. Dark eyes honed in on a beetle as it scurried across the bark. "No." Came a careless reply as he grabbed the beetle, eyeing it thoughtfully as it squirmed in his grasp. He turned the creature in his hands, watching it's body move and wriggle, it's wings flap helplessly. "I did not know of an oasis. I was merely...lost."

He turned the beetle back over and let it walk on his hand, laughing as it tickled at his palm. "How I came to be lost seems to be a mystery. I was...thinking, very hard, on such things that I must not have realized where I was headed." Boni let the beetle go, smiling as it trudged back to it's tree, seeming to forget it's momentary terrors. If only life could be so simple! "Such terrible things," he whispered, wishing again to hear the soft laughter of Laurent or feel the soft touch of Royale's hand against his cheek. "It was by chance I found this little incarnation of Heaven," He motioned to the Oasis with a wonder in his eyes.

"We could learn a thing or two from this paradise. We could learn to survive longer in a hostile land..." He grinned, imagining. "We could live in peace and harmony with the violent surroundings. I think," he paused, stretching from his cross legged position. "I think the Fallen have learned already how to mimic this sanctuary." He nodded sagely, considering. "Isamu, dear friend," Boni paused, unsure. "May I call you friend? I feel that though we have spoken only a few moments...my words are freer with you. It must be your innocence..." Bonifacio smiled sheepishly. "But I ramble. It has been a long time since I have had someone's ear to, ah, chew." He observed her clever positioning, gently poised for escape.


"You must think me odd. But in the Fulsi it is not so easy to find a friendly face amongst the cold city streets."

ooc; o: dunno where I pulled that out of! hope you like it though :3

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Can you see the real me?

"I am saddened to hear that, signorina. Truly - that you have to suffer much to gain entrance to a place you feel welcome." Isamu's smile wavered for a brief second as old, painful memories washed over her. Memories of hatred and racism; of emotional and physical bruises; of life being...different then everyone else. But, as always, the memories left as quickly as the came, running to hide in the dark corners of her subconscious. Isa had learned a long time ago to not dwell on the past, it only made it more painful. She preferred to live in the now, where things needed the most attention. Why cry over spilled milk or worry about what your parents are going to think about it when they come home? What you should be doing is fetching the mop so you can clean it up. It was Isamu's why of getting over things, to forgive and forget.

The sandy teen looked up at Bonifacio, her eyes briefly flickering to the scars on his face and to his misshapen hair. But it was only for a moment. Instead Isamu looked at his dark eyes, which were warm and inviting, reminding her of her mother's eyes. Another thing Isamu did is not judge a person by their appearance. If anyone knew what is was like to be judged by the way you look, it was definitely Isamu. She wouldn't stare at the Fulsi's physical faults, but instead look at him for what she saw on the inside, which so far is turning out to be quite a handsome man if any. Plus, the disfigurements looked painful, and she did not want to bring it up and have him begin to relive his past. So she smiled at him and showed him warmth, like what her parents had done for her.

"I envy you, signorina. I have been here for many years, but each time I try to reach out and help..." Isamu looked at the scout sadly as his voice trailed off. Sadness was evident on his face as he focused on the tree behind her in what Isamu assumed was an attempt to forget what had crossed his mind. All of a sudden she got the sudden urge to comfort him; she hated to see people in a sad state. At first though she hesitated, not knowing if it was some sort of trap or if he even wanted to be comforted. But she just couldn't stand seeing such a sweet man in that state. The monkey shifter scooted a little closer to Bonifacio and gently squeezed his shoulder, “Russovo-san, please don't be sad. Failure is one more step to success! You just have to keep trying and never give up. You've only truly failed when you stop trying.” Isa smiled at him hoping that she made him feel at least a little bit better, not knowing if she had even helped at all. “Plus,” she continued, “I'm sure that the people you have helped are truly grateful for it, even if they don't know it. I know I would be.” Bonifacio quickly changed the subject calling her “Signorina Koizumi.” ”The pleasure is all mine,” Isamu chirped cheerfully. She knew for a matter of fact that “signorina” was not an English nor a Japanese term, but she figured it was something similar to “san” or “Ms.” However, she couldn't help but wonder what language it was. “'Signorina'? What language is that?” Isamu inquired with an innocent smile on her face, happy to move on to a less depressing subject.

So Russovo-san merely got lost, Isamu thought as her mind wondered to the beetle scurrying over Bonifacio's hand. She watched the beetle quickly run this way and that on his hand, trying to find a way to escape. Isa couldn't help but giggle as the Fulsi laughed; laughter is contagious after all. She was just happy that the scout was laughing instead of sulking about the past. The teen couldn't help but giggle even more after the Fulsi explained his reason for getting lost, not quite hearing what he had afterward under is breath. “I know exactly what you mean,” Isamu related, “I do that a lot, too. My head will just float up into the clouds and then be totally lost when it comes back down. ” She looked at her hands shyly, “Sometimes it's up there so long that I forget which way is left and which way is right.” She laughed nervously and began to fiddle with her braids again. It had become a nervous habit, fiddling with her braids, though she wasn't sure where it came from. However, she looked back up at the man as he began to speak again. She smiled thinking about what he was saying, pondering on it, yet listening to him at the same time. But had the Fallen mimicked this little haven? That she wasn't so sure of. Then again, if Bonifacio thought so then maybe it was true; he had been in living in the Menagerie longer than she had.

Isamu's ears perked when he called her “friend”. Had he just referred to her as his friend? She had made yet another companion? Her smile widened even more, all suspicions melting away. “Of course you can call me 'friend',” she replied blissfully, “I'm always happy to make new buddies, Boni-san!” The teen couldn't help but giggle in excitement. Isa had made another friend, and in such a short amount of time! Never had she been so lucky, and she couldn't be more happier. “It's okay to ramble,” Isamu encouraged, very much enjoying listening to Boni, “It's a good way to vent your feelings. Plus, I don't mind.” Isamu crossed her legs and got herself comfortable; something told her she would be here for a while. “And, I don't think you're odd,” she continued, “You seem very much normal to me.”


ooc: Yay for randomly appearing muses! 8D And it got long again.

Can you see the tears behind my smile?

[Bonifacio Russovo [RIP]]

[th][cs=3][rs=3][atrb=border,0,true][bg=000000] through chaos and  c a l u m n y

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Boni smiled thankfully at Isamu for her words of utter comfort and solace. It was a shy, gentle smile that worried him slightly. When he smiled, it transformed his face into some grotesque, monstrously scarred thing that hinted at something dark and wicked within. He thought desperately on Isamu and what she must think of him and his scars, the accursed memories that would haunt him for the rest of his life. The smile vanished and he looked away, but again his gaze was drawn back to the child as the small hand rested on his shoulder. Tentatively, he touched her hand with a finger or two, failing to comprehend the gesture, almost failing to even register it.

"Grazie, Signorina..." He murmured, cool fingers resting for a moment too long, so he moved his hand smoothly away. Everything with Boni was smooth and subtle, always hinting at the reserved and intellectual man that he was. "I think you are correct, and I believe you. It is often the young who are all the wiser." He nodded softly, inwardly trying to convince himself that he believed her words. In a way, he saw the logical argument, and saw the conviction in her deep green eyes, and smiled briefly. However, he paused painfully when she said that those he helped were grateful. No. No, they were all dead. Except, for...Jovi. He smiled at the thought of his dearest Jovi, eyes brightening with some semblance of hope. Perhaps, yes! I do believe that this young girl is right! "Si. To fail is only to stop trying." He grinned fearlessly, his eyes brightening considerably as she inquired as to his language. "Ah! Signorina, it means...Miss. It is my native tongue, Italiano. I come from Licata, Italy. It is a wonderful place!" He sighed softly, fondly. "I miss it very much. And you? You are from...Japan?"

"I think perhaps sometimes it is better to get lost in thought. It helps with coping." He nodded, eyes flickering to the skies above. "If not for that I do not think I would have lasted this long. Four years, it has been. I have lost so many who are dear to me, in this place." He paused, eyes wavering to Isamu's gaze once again, curious to find her staring at her hands. "How long have you been here, Isamu?" he cleared his throat, realizing how dismal he must sound. "Forgive me. Once again I must drag down our pleasant conversation with my gloomy thoughts." He smiled thoughtfully, casting his eyes around the oasis, admiring it's beauty.

"I am much relieved that you call me friend," he said, laughing audibly. "And yes, rambling...well, I hope that you mean that you don't mind. I am prone to rambling," He chuckled. "Very prone."

neither soul nor h e a r t  may yet still beat

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[hypermonkeygirlx3]

Can you see the real me?

Isamu smiled warmly at Boni's shy grin, completely unfazed by the scars that contorted as he did so. In fact, the terrible sight barely registered in her mind. The only thing she cared about was the fact that he was smiling. Isamu always believed that smiling made things all better. You could brighten up a person's day by just smiling at them or saying hi when you see them. She always felt good when people smiled, it made her believe that their was still some happiness in this world. However, she was confused when Bonifacio looked away. She couldn't understand why he wouldn't want to smile. "You shouldn't be sad about smiling. That's what they're there for, to make people happy," she told him, "Plus, I think you have a nice smile." What's even weirder was that she wasn't lying. His smile was sincere and a bit shy, and she thought it was cute. Then again, she thinks everyone has a "nice" smile. That's just how her mind works. He's so shy...Isamu thought as she felt his fingers rest on her hand and then smoothly move away. It was almost like if he was afraid to be himself because she might turn away from him. But, Isamu would never do that to him. Why would anyone turn away such a sweet man? "You're very much welcome," she responded to him, smiling once again. As she always did, and as she always will do.

"I think you are correct, and I believe you. It is often the young who are all the wiser." Isamu giggled, "Wiser? Oh I'm not sure about that. I mean, I'm smart but I wouldn't say 'wise.'" She looked at her hands again shyly. Little humble Isamu never really thought of herself as smart, or anything special. In her eyes she was just average, despite what her parents always told her. Isamu's face light up when Boni agreed with her about never giving up. That fact she helped him made her feel like a million bucks. She always found joy in making people feel better. Isa was even more joyous when the Fulsi told her about Italy. Many books had she read on Italy, and she always found it a fascinating country. Who knew she'd meet a native Italian here in the Menagerie? From the way he spoke of it, she could only assume that he had a lovely home. "And you? You are from...Japan?" Isamu's smile wavered a bit. "Hai," she replied, trying her best to still sound chipper, "I used to live around Tokyo. But I can't really remember what the village's name was..." The name of the village was one of the many things that were fuzzy about her past. She always thought it was some sort of subconscious coping method. "But I'm not really Japanese," she informed him, not exactly sure why she was saying it, "I was adopted from a orphanage in Japan. I think my mom said that my real heritage is Hispanic." She laughed nervously, scratching the back of her head. She's never really admitted to anyone that she's not Japanese. That's what she considered herself as, that's how she was raised. Simply to be Japanese. So why did she just say that? And that brought up another question: Why did her parents drop her off at an orphanage anyway? In Japan, no less. Her eyebrows furrowed in thought as her mind drifted off into imaginary scenarios of what could have been; what might have been.

Her thoughts were cut short when Boni began to talk again. She giggled at the irony, him bringing her back down to earth by talking about wondering minds. However, she stopped her giggling when he talked about his poor friends. Isamu scooted toward the scout some more, looking at him sadly, "I'm sorry for your loss," she said quietly. "At least they're in a better place," she continued, always looking towards the brighter side. "How long have you been here, Isamu?" Isamu smiled again, the subject to her being a more brighter one. "I've only been her a few months; maybe less. I'm not quite sure exactly. I lost track of the days," she chirped, wonderful memories of her time here flooding her brain. "Oh, and it's okay. It's always better to speak what's on your mind then keep it bottled up."

"Me too!" she said happily, "Making friends is the best part of meeting people. Especially when they're as sweet as you are." Once again a smile brighten up her face. Isamu rocked back and forth a bit, all of her energy starting to bulid up for sitting still for so long. "Don't worry about it, Boni-san," she assured the Fulsi, "Rambling can be tons of fun! Plus, you can learn all sorts of things from listening to people ramble."



ooc: So...long...*dies again*

Can you see the tears behind my smile?

[Bonifacio Russovo [RIP]]

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[atrb=background,http://i35.tinypic.com/169ero8.jpg] "Plus, I think you have a nice smile." At this, his smile faltered, hand instinctively flying to his face in some meager attempt to cover the scars there. Thick brows furrowed slightly, shame seeping into his navy blue gaze. A soft sigh escaped as he struggled to shove the invading thoughts aside, but to no avail. He would simply suffer with them. "Ah, ah, do not underestimate yourself.” The smile was back, though it seemed somehow muted and demure. But he found himself watching her tanned, round face with unmasked curiosity. What lurked there behind that smile? Behind the deep, green eyes that shimmered with an un-containable light? Was there a darkness to her, as there seemed in all humans? Then again...none of them were humans, really. At least not according to the monstrous things that kept them locked in his godforsaken place. At the mention of her heritage, he noticed the fall of her face, the stumble in her voice. He felt the need to reach out and draw her into a hug, despite the fact they’d only just met – he had a tendency to attach much to quickly to people, to grow to care for them dearly in such short periods of time. And this young girl, the image of innocence, was no exception."I am sorry you had to go through such a thing as that. But your parents - they cared for you greatly I imagine." He paused, his hand still muffling his face a bit. "How could they not?" He felt himself grinning despite himself, blue eyes sparkling with the honesty of his words. How could someone not care for this girl? This apparent angel? "Do you miss them?" He bit his lip, thinking back to his family. "I miss mine dearly. They are gone, now, though. My brother...was with me. In this place." - - - whaaat

[hypermonkeygirlx3]

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[atrb=background,http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i319/sketchedesigns/isatablemid.png] Isamu gave Bonifacio a concerned look as his smile dropped and his hands flew up to his face in order to hide the scars. “...You know, you shouldn't be ashamed of your smile, ” Isamu said to the Fulsi scout softly, “A person's smile is what defines them, and I honestly think yours is the best I've seen yet.” The monkey shifter gave him a warm, comforting grin, hoping to encourage him to bring his hands back down so she could hear him talk properly. "Ah, ah, do not underestimate yourself.” Isamu fiddled with her braids a bit more at the comment, chuckling slightly. “I am not underestimating myself, just telling the truth.” Isamu did believe it was truth, despite what her amazing grades in school said, or what Delilah-sama had told her. After fifteen years of hearing the same comments over and over again, one starts to believe those comments themselves. At his apology, Isamu only waved away his concern with a cheery beam. “No worries, it could of been a whole lot worse, ” The monkey shifter assured Boni, “I have no regrets.” Well, except Madeline, she thought to herself, though she dare not voice that allowed to her new friend. She never really told anyone about the things that troubled her, even though many people have told Isamu that sometimes it was better to vent. Isamu always kept things to herself since she believed that her negative feelings were just her mind and heart being silly, so why bother others with it? At the mention of her parents, however, Isamu's whole face brightened. “Oh they did! They always did their best to take care of me and I am thankful for it every day.” It was her parents that helped Isamu make it through all of those tough years before she met Madeline. They would forever have Isamu's eternal gratitude, even if they weren’t her “real” parents. "Do you miss them?" Isamu's eyes floated back down to her lap for a moment, debating on how exactly to answer the question. But it didn't take long for the girl to look back at her new companion. “...Sometimes,” Isamu whispered in response, “But it is better if I am here, that way they won't get in trouble for sheltering a shifter.” The scout always imagined that her family's life would be better without her. Now they could live their lives without having to worry about the cruel glares of their neighbors and colleagues. Not to mention that since Isamu was adopted, the Keepers couldn’t justify stalking her Japanese family because they didn’t have her shifter genetics. "I miss mine dearly. They are gone, now, though. My brother...was with me. In this place." Isamu looked sadly over at Boni for a moment before squeezing his shoulder a bit, trying to show him that she was here for him. “Well, at least you got to spend a little time with him here before he had to go?” - - - - - Lulzsoshort. xD

[Bonifacio Russovo [RIP]]

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[atrb=background,http://i35.tinypic.com/169ero8.jpg] “...You know, you shouldn't be ashamed of your smile. A person's smile is what defines them, and I honestly think yours is the best I've seen yet.” Bonifacio’s eye twitched slightly as he listened, and though he saw her point he didn’t quite agree. He shook his head lightly, blue eyes drifting shut as his thoughts overtook him. Pain lanced through his brain as a migraine sprang to life. The onrush of memories at the thought of his scars – his hand trembled as he pinched the bridge of his nose as he attempted to rid himself of the sharp, jabbing pain. “You are a kind soul, Isamu...but it is not a happy smile." He said at last, eyes flickering open, dragging his finger along the gruesome scars that scourged across his face in a gnarled, mocking smile. "Nor a willing one." A soft sigh and he waved his hand, dismissing the point - it was plainly moot, and though his heart seemed to flutter with a brief flash of happiness at her compliment - how badly he wanted to believe her. How badly he wanted to be able to smile freely heedless of the gawking stares and judging glares. He knew what they thought - that he probably deserved what he’d gotten. And they were right - he did. His family was dead because of what he’d done - what he’d said. It was only...only right that he should suffer for his sins. It was only right that he should be reminded every day of how he had let them down - let himself down. It was a constant reminder that he would never again touch a drop of alcohol. His thoughts had drifted, but his eyes remained focused, easily able to deal with his roving, distracting thoughts while at the same moment listening, processing and observing Isamu as she spoke. “Oh they did! They always did their best to take care of me and I am thankful for it every day.” At this he couldn’t resist a smile, and he felt a bubble of laughter rise in his chest, surprised as a soft chuckle escaped. He shook his head, unable to understand how one so young in such a terrible place could remain so optimistic - so cheerful. It inspired him, and his spirits lifted for the moment. “But it is better if I am here, that way they won't get in trouble for sheltering a shifter.” "Ah, this is true." His face smoothed as a sadness swept over him, ebbing and flowing, hand in hand with shame and guilt - but amongst the swirl of emotions there was the nag of constant jubilance. Even in the darkest hour there always remained that one flagrant disregard for logic - that one intangible feeling of bliss or happiness. It had always been that way - drowning in the never ending vortex of thoughts, memories...emotions. Eyes flickered to Isamu, lips parted softly as he contemplated what she’d said - “Well, at least you got to spend a little time with him here before he had to go?” "I...I suppose you are right. But I could not save him." His voice cracked with emotion and he looked away, focusing on the bark of the tree again. “There are some days it feels like he isn’t gone at all - like he’s just walked out of the room. But then...then I remember. I remember that I found him...cold. He was gone. Gone.” A shuddering sigh and he smoothed back his black, straight hair trying a sad smile. “But you are right. I should remember the good times - though I did not get a chance to say farewell.” His b rows furrowed, and he shook his head lightly to clear his thoughts. “I digress,” He mumbled softly, stumbling for some clarity. - - - confused xD