Wanderlust (Marina Elemento x Kiyiya Sakura)

[Marina Elemento]

Estelle Dominique Lareau


As they made their way through the messy throngs of people, Estelle allowed him to kind of navigate them both. She liked the feeling of being close to him; she felt more protected this way. It didn't help that she could be a bit of a ditzy blonde, especially when it came to finding her way through crowds. Wordlessly, she clung to him as they made their way through the bustling maze. Some people even looked downright terrified. She hadn't realized it, but her heart was beating rather rapidly when they finally arrived back at the shop.

Estelle watched him read the note, feeling her body shaking slightly. From nervousness or what, she wasn't sure, but she tried to relax a little bit by rolling her shoulders. "Uhm..." She looked around quickly, trying to see through the crowds. Suddenly, she realized she had no idea where she was. You idiot! Not even knowing where you live! For a moment, Estelle closed her eyes, picturing the huge building she and her family resided in. Two bronze towers, lots of windows, a balcony. Her eyes flicked open and she stood on her tiptoes (not that it would do much good) and pointed westward, up the road. In the distance, she could make out the right tower of her father's estate.

 

[Player Advisor]

Kaine(Rust) Parker




Rust noticed how nervous, or maybe scared, Estelle was getting, and he wanted to get her to safety as soon as he could. He looked in the direction she had pointed, and wondered to himself why he had never seen the huge house from his fifth story apartment before. "Okay, let's go." He wrapped an arm around her to keep her from being knocked away from him as the crowds of people flocked every direction. The man said to prepare for evacuation! Not evacuate! Yet here the people were fleeing. They weren't a complete mess though, there was no screaming or mass panic, not yet. Just an overwhelming sense of urgency.

As they escaped the masses of the lower class and industrial areas of the city, and moved into the higher class areas, the crowds thinned quite a bit, but it was still a challenge to navigate the streets. Rust was way out of his comfort zone now. He had never set foot in any place that didn't have poverty written all over it. Now he felt like he was lost. He gaped up at the houses, wondering how someone could possibly need all the space and grandeur.

 

[Marina Elemento]

Estelle Dominique Lareau


Estelle found herself craning her neck back to gaze up at the buildings they passed. She hadn't realized before that there was such a transition from downtown to uptown. It was both unnerving and highly intriguing. She smiled to herself, recognizing the huge copper-colored balcony that towered above them, connecting the two towers. It really was the fanciest estate on the block, which was both ridiculous and somewhat admirable. She hoped he didn't think she herself was as much of a snob as her parents were presumed to be. A trail of smoke curled in the skies above from somewhere behind them.

They stopped at the grand entrance of the building, and Estelle realized her heart was still beating rapid-fire. She turned to face Rust, not really wanting to go home. She could see her mother rushing to her side, scolding her for leaving the house before the others were awake. Her father would be up in his office somewhere though, so she wouldn't have to face his rage til dinner. She hoped the hesitance didn't show on her face, so she stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "Thanks again for today. I wish you could... I wish you could stay." She bit the corner of her lip for a moment, thinking hard. Part of her wanted to invite him in, but the warning on the radio had made her even more uncertain.

 

[Player Advisor]

Kaine(Rust) Parker




Rust came to the spectacular building, looking up to the masterful architecture with raised eyebrows, extremely impressed. When Estelle turned to him, he looked down at her, a gentle smile on his face. His smile faded when he saw her reluctance to leave. Was her home life unwell? Should he accompany her inside? With such chaos, he was reluctant to leave her as well. They had only just met not two hours ago, yet he felt he needed to protect her.

When she stood up to kiss his cheek, most thoughts melted away as his cheeks flushed. No he was even more reluctant to leave. When she expressed that she felt the same, he looked up to the door. It would be improper to ask to come in, so he smiled at her, "Listen, you remember where the cafe was? My apartment is up the street past the cafe sign post. It's the third complex building, room 507. If you need something, and you haven't evacuated... If something happens, I should be there. At least for a few more days." Rust scratched the back of his head, wondering how to say good-bye.

 

[Marina Elemento]

Estelle Dominique Lareau


Estelle's eyes lit up at his kind offer. It was one thing for him to want to see her again, it was another thing that he actually cared about her. It's not like she was abused at home or anything, more like suffocated and constantly criticized for everything she did. That being said, having someone else to talk to and be with beside the housemaids and automatons would make her much happier. "I-I.... Thank you," was all she could say. Unable to contain herself, she wrapped her arms around his torso in a hug. He smelled of fresh air, and something else she didn't quite recognize, but it was lovely. Then, she flashed him a smile and turned to the huge door and knocked on the brass knocker.

An automaton answered the door, its cold metallic face stern as stone. When it didn't speak, Estelle sighed and shoved open the door herself. The machine rolled out of the way and raised its arm as if welcoming her home. One of the maids rushed to Estelle's side immediately, huffing and puffing. "Look at you! You're a downright mess! And those clothes! What were you doing out there all morning, anyway?!" The door was slammed shut before Estelle could even look back and wave goodbye to Rust.

 

[Player Advisor]

Kaine(Rust) Parker




Rust was taken by surprise when Estelle hugged him, and he stood there, rigid for a moment, then slowly lowered his arms around her in return. It was a soft hug, one of someone who was genuine, but careful. When she let go, he waited to make sure she got in safely, but when the door opened, Estelle was pulled away rapidly, and the door was slammed shut before he or Estelle could react. "That was abrupt..." Rust sighed and turned, leaving the way he came.

The walk back to his apartment was difficult. His apartment was on the opposite side of the train tracks, People pushed and shoved as panic set in. One rather large man escorted his family rapidly through the streets. Rust was in the way, entirely not his fault, but in the way none the less. The man shoved past him roughly, but due to the size difference, when the man went to elbow Rust out of the way, his elbow met Rust's face. He fell backwards, onto the ground, rolling to dodge the rush of feet threatening to trample him. After a fury of crushes fingers and kicks to the ribs and legs, Rust managed to get to his feet. He pushed his way to an alley, the taste of blood in his mouth. There, the crowd rushed past, but he was safe there at least. He checked himself over. Split lip, bloody nose, but not broken, ribs? Whole, but sore. Fingers? He held up his hands. His pinkie finger on his right hand was broken, turning purple and swelling. the others scraped but otherwise fine. He had a headache, and he knew it was going to get worse. Impact headaches usually did. He wiped the blood from his face and went back out into the fray.

He made it home, acquiring two new bruises and a black eye. Someone thought to take advantage of the chaos and tried to steal what little money Rust had left. Rust fought the man off, but he managed to get one good punch in, landing it in Rust's eye socket. He thumped up the stairs, slumped and in a foul mood, and opened his door, slamming it shut behind him and dead bolting it, for good measure. He leaned back against it, sighing heavily, then slumped to the floor. He needed to pack for evacuation, but that could wait. Besides, there was no way he was going back into that crowd again anytime soon, and he had told Estelle he would be here for a few days in case she needed something. He leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes, hoping all of this was a dream, but not, at the same time. He had had such a nice lunch.

 

[Marina Elemento]

Estelle Dominique Lareau


After about two hours of being fussed over, (and being asked profusely to take a bath and change clothes), Estelle sat at the empty dining room table. It was big enough to fit at least twenty people, yet she was the only one who sat there, china silverware in front of her, awaiting her lunch. She sighed, leaning against the table and sipping her water. Her hair was so tightly pinned, it was beginning to make her scalp ache, and the dress she was in made it uncomfortable to breathe. "Is this all really necessary?" Estelle asked one of the maids who brought out her beverage. The maid just nodded her head, looking rather flustered. "Diane, where's Mom and Dad?"

"Busy, miss."
Estelle raised her eyebrows. "Busy? Busy doing what?"
The maid threw a side glance at her but wouldn't directly meet her eyes. Estelle hated when people did that. It was as if they were afraid to look her directly in the face. She didn't want people to be afraid of her, nor did she want them hiding things from her. She leaned across the table and plucked a grape off from the fruit tray. "If it's something, erm, private, ya don't have to tell me, Di. But I would appreciate an answer other than 'busy'." She tried not to sound demanding, but failed miserably.
The maid looked at her, for once, semi-directly. "It's not personal, miss. It's just business."
Estelle practically choked on the grape. "Actual business? Like what? At a time like this?" She hadn't seen her mother all day, and usually that woman always had something to say. It had been hours... had they not come back from the office yet? "They do realize we are supposed to prepare for evacuation... right?"
The maid eyed her one last time before swiftly heading out the door. "Yes, miss. Your lunch will be ready in a few minutes."

 

[Player Advisor]

Kaine(Rust) Parker




Rust woke up suddenly when a nearby thump made him jump. He rubbed his eyes, wincing in pain as his pinkie finger protested painfully. He recalled his adventure. Looking around, he realized he was on the floor, back pressed up against the door. He looked at his watch and saw that four hours had passed. The source of the thump now meowed demandingly and rubbed up against Rust's legs. "You're such a beggar." he said to Soot-ball. he pet the black ball of fur, thinking.

After a few minutes, Rust decided he had better clean himself up, and take care of his finger. Up he got, and into the bathroom he went. In the distance, he could hear thunder. Another storm. Another cold night. Another expensive cold--- Oh wait! Rust turned around. His check! Mr. Ravyn said it would be in the mailbox. Rust tapped his foot, thinking. But what good will it do now, banks are probably closed and he would be leaving anyway. He would pay what he owed when whatever this was blew over. He returned to facing his sink, looking himself over in the bathroom mirror. His left eye was swollen, almost shut,, and had turned a nasty greyish-purple. He lifted his shirt to see three foot sized bruises on his torso. He frowned. washing the dried blood from his face, he then pulled open the medicine cabinet and found a roll of gauze. He took it, placed it on the sink and left the bathroom briefly to find a splint. He went to his work desk, moving piles of paper and blueprints he had been working on for the day he had enough money to build his own airship. There he found strips of balsa wood. Good enough. He took it back to the bathroom and began to wrap his pinkie and ring fingers together, the splints in place. He finished up and went to his bed, plopping his sore body down. He glance again at his watch as he took it off, two thirty in the afternoon. Soot-ball jumped up onto the bed and curled up next to Rust. Well, according to his cat, it was time for a nap.

 

[Marina Elemento]

Estelle Dominique Lareau


Estelle didn't eat much during the day, too distracted with her own thoughts to even focus on the idea of eating. When she peered out the decorative window of her bedroom, she could see the chaos of people below. It had been a few hours, however, so the crowds were finally clearing. Somewhere on the outskirts of the city, a train whistle blew sharply. Estelle turned to face her door, which had been locked shut in an attempt to "keep her safe". She was beginning to get quite fidgety, like a small child uncomfortably awaiting a lecture. The maid had informed her about thirty minutes ago that her mother would soon be up here to talk to her, but Estelle wanted nothing more than to hop out the window and climb down the terrace and the fire escape. It was the "escape plan" she'd been thinking about for a while now, only jokingly however. It's not like she had anywhere else to go... Her mind trailed back to the day's previous events, and Rust's kind offer. As soon as she got to her feet, the door opened.

Her mother's face was elegantly placid as always, cautious to ever show any sign of emotion. This was the opposite of Thomas Lareau, who would scream and shout until an argument was won. Estelle watched her mother smooth out the wrinkles in her dress and take a seat on her bed. She looked at her daughter expectantly, as if wanting her to get on her knees and beg for forgiveness.
Estelle coughed. "So, uh... how's work?"

The woman had that look in her eyes she got when she was hiding something. Estelle knew that look well. "It's... fine. Your father's very busy. Why you would rush out of the house without telling us where you were going during a time like this is beyond me."
Estelle sighed. "I'm almost eighteen. I can take care of myself."
"Is that so? Tell me, where did you go this morning?"
"That's none of your business."
"I am your mother. Everything you do is my business."
Her words were harsh, unusually harsh, it almost scared Estelle. She wasn't used to being spoken to this way, not by her own mother anyway. It's not like she did anything wrong; she was practically an adult!
"Estelle Dominique." The use of her full name bothered Estelle more than anything, and it displayed her mother's slight French accent. "It is of the utmost importance you stay in this house. Your father is taking care of a huge business opportunity, and you cannot interfere--"
"I wasn't interfering! I left so I could get out of your way, because obviously I'm such a nuisance! And since when do you care about where I go, anyway? Maybe for once I should be able to talk to someone other than the damn robots Dad keeps buying to keep me out of his way!"

Estelle's attempts to hold her tongue had obviously failed. For a moment, she froze, realizing that her mother had now rose to her feet with a look that could kill. Her mistake was made perfectly clear by the firm slap she received across her cheek, practically sending her toppling to the ground. But Estelle caught herself, touching the spot on her face where her mother had hit her. When she looked up, her eyes were swimming with tears, but the woman was already taking her leave and slamming the door behind her. In shock, Estelle crumpled to the floor on her knees, her body quaking hard. Her mother had never hit her before...she barely ever even touched her.
Estelle's mind still echoed with the sound of the blow that made her skin sting, and she crawled up onto her bed and closed her wet eyes.  

[Player Advisor]

Kaine(Rust) Parker




Rust lay sprawled on his bed, tangled in the sheets, one of his work boots had fallen off, leaving him with a booted foot, and one only in a sock.There was a light tapping on the window as the rain began. What had started out as a sunny morning was now a gloomy afternoon. Soot-ball glared out the window as if he had been grounded by God. Rust snorted in his sleep and turned over, tangling himself more in his sheets.

He looked out the window, unable to get Estelle out of his thoughts. Something told him that she needed help. He did not double think this, and he got up off of the bed, put his rain coat on, as it had begun to pour, and left the apartment. He traveled down the street the way Estelle had led him, but the streets were eerily empty. He looked around for anyone, just to be reassured. Of what he was unsure, but the fact that not a single soul seemed to be out made him very uneasy.

As he neared the giant house, the people who were absent from the street were all crowding around. Rust looked to see what the commotion was, and his heart skipped a beat. Estelle's house was on fire! It was engulfed in the flames. "NO!" Rust shouted and ran forward, pushing his way through the bodies of onlookers. "Don't stand there! Help! Put it out!" He reached the end of the sea of people, but the heat was so unbearable he had to shield his face. There was a loud crackle, as the rooms in the house reached flash point and BOOM! the windows were blown outward as flame exploded throughout the house. Rust screamed.

"Estelle!" Rust was sitting up in his bed, drenched in sweat, panting, shaking. What was that? A nightmare? He sighed, slouching. He looked around and spotted Soot staring at him like he was an idiot. Lightning flashed and Soot disappeared under the bed, meowing helplessly as thunder shook the windows. "Pfft. scaredy-cat." he scoffed, though his own heart still raced.

 

[Marina Elemento]

Estelle Dominique Lareau


Estelle jumped in fright at the sound of thunder overhead. The skies cracked open, revealing a downpour of rain that flooded her window panes like miniature waterfalls. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. How long have I been laying here? she thought, searching for the old grandfather clock that was usually up against the wall. She quietly padded over the floorboards on her bare feet and pressed her ear against the door. There was a murmur of voices down the hall, but they were too far to hear clearly. Lightning flashed, casting an eerie glow over her bedroom. Had the strange "natural disasters" already made their way into the city? Estelle glanced out the window at the nearly empty streets. A few carriages trotted on by in the pouring rain, but other than that, the sidewalks were clear. Absent-mindedly, she touched her face. It felt like ages ago she had just been out to brunch, exploring the town with her new friend. Rather, her only friend.

Estelle held back bitter tears and threw open the door. The hallways were creepily dark. As lightning flashed again, her shadow was etched for a split second across the walls. She looked both ways, but the whole hall was empty. There wasn't even the usual maid bot, waiting on her every whim. Estelle bit her lip and made her way down the shadowy corridors. Her parents' room was on the other side of the house, but the office was in the floor below her. She hesitated at the rickety elevator, leaning against the wall. "Do I dare?" she asked aloud, knowing well there'd be no one to answer. Thunder shook the walls around her; the chandelier above her quaked. The storm was right above the city now; she could feel it, like a giant daunting shadow above everything. She suddenly wanted to run away now more than anything.

 

[Player Advisor]

Kaine(Rust) Parker




Rust was still sitting in his bed as the storm loomed over the city, unrelenting. He realized he had fallen asleep in his clothes, and though he had washed up before falling into bed, he still needed to shower completely. A brief thought of walking outside and letting the rain wash him crossed his mind, but he shook it out. He untangled himself from the sheets got out of his bed, bending over to look under it. Two bright green eyes stared back at him. "Soot, come on, the rain can't get inside, you're fine." The cat did not budge. Rust gave up and went to shower. He looked at the towel hanging there, sniffed it, then decided it was still clean enough to use again before he had to clean it. He undressed and turned on the knob for the hot water, adjusting the cold to make the temperature to his liking. Steam was building up fast and he stepped in. The water was heavenly, especially after the pounding he had endured trying to get home earlier. He washed up and lingered in the hot water, letting it sooth his aching body.

Stepping out, he dried himself of, mostly. His hair still dripped. He turned to the mirror, unable to see, but he knew he was beginning to get some chin hairs. He put his finger to the misted glass and drew a picture of the sun, peeking over two hills, like the cafe sign. On the two hills, he drew two stick figures, one with a bow on its head. He left the bathroom, thinking about brunch, wondering if it would ever happen again. With this evacuation going on, he figured his chances of see her again were slim, but he still hoped.

he went to his dresser to pull out something comfortable to wear, when he thought about it. If he were to ever see her again, it would have to be now. A rich family like hers would be on the first available train out of the city as soon as could be. He looked at the door, back at his dresser, out the window. It was pouring, and by the direction the rain was slanting suggested it was getting windy. He bit his lip. He could offer her family some help with bags or something. Listen to yourself Rust! You're acting crazy. You've only just met her, yo know nothing about her other than she's rich, and you don't even know if she likes you back! Rust's breath caught in his throat. He had just admitted to himself that he like Estelle. How did he know? He had never had many friends, and not for any remarkable length of time save the few waitresses who found him endearing. Certainly no girl would be interested in him.

He found himself dresses and at the door, unlocking it. He took hold of the door knob, but something was stopping him from turning it and opening the door. What was it? Cowardice? Self consciousness? He stood there, unable to act.

 

[Marina Elemento]

Estelle Dominique Lareau


Gathering up enough courage to move, Estelle reached for the elevator button and pressed it, her previous hesitance disappearing. The doors pulled themselves open, dinging cherrfully as if expecting her arrival. She half expected there to be a maid carrying towels awaiting her, but luckily the machine was empty. Estelle stepped inside, pressed a couple more buttons and waited. The feeling of the elevator made her stomach churn more than it already was, but she kept her head high when she finally reached her destination.
She passed the arched doorway and slipped down the hall, her bare feet giving her the advantage of stealth. Draperies hung in the hall, supposedly having been passed down from generations, but were probably Christmas presents from her father's many business partners. Estelle held her breath as she passed the first door. She had no idea where it lead, which is as much as she knew about most of the rooms in her entire house, ironically. When she reached the grand entrance to the office study, she halted in realization that one of the doors was cracked open.
A man's low voice rumbled from the crack, matching the sound of thunder.

"Yes, I know damn well about this evacuation talk," Thomas Lareau spoke roughly into the receiver. Estelle leaned in just enough to make out the outline of his body. "I do not think it will interfere with anything, no. The only problem I have with it is--...... well yes, I know. But, you see--- ah, yes..." He laughed nervously, and Estelle raised an eyebrow in surprise. She had never heard her father speak like that before. Rarely did she hear him speak at all, but when she did, it certainly wasn't like that. "N-no... They don't know. Yes, I understand." His voice hardened. "The merchandise will be ready on time,I guarantee it. Her Majesty will not be disappointed. Do not mistake me for a fool, Lord Brent." There was a pause, a rather long one. Her father erupted in fits of giddy laughter, and this time both her eyebrows went up in surprise."Y-yes! Of course, my lord. Of course. Thank you." He hung up, and Estelle covered her mouth in shock. Whatever she had just heard, she knew she wasn't supposed to have heard it.
"Estelle?"
Estelle jumped, turning her head just in time to be met with a pair of furious brown eyes. Her mother was walking towards her rapidly, and not only that, but the door to her father's study was wide open, completely revealing her cover. Oops.

"Let me go!" Estelle wailed, struggling to get out of the grasp of two machines that grabbed her harshly by her wrists. It felt like metallic bars were being wrapped around her wrists, and every time she tried to move, she felt small bruises blossom around the edges of her palms. There hadn't been much talking between her parents, but she had been hit for a second time, this time by her father, who had pretty much screamed his business's plan to the entire household. After one of the most embarrassing and immobilizing scoldings she had ever had, she was "escorted" back to her room by the robots in a harsh fashion. The rest was ultimately a blur, and before she knew it she was locked up inside her bedroom again, screaming her head off.

 

[Player Advisor]

Kaine(Rust) Parker




Rust bit his lip. Just do it! The worst that could happen is that they tell me no and slam the door in my face. He closed his eyes and breathed in. He checked himself in the small wall mirror by the door, he had hung to make sure he never forgot anything. He looked like he had been in a brawl, black eye, split lip. He looked at his right hand, his pinkie re-splinted after his shower and wrapped to the ring finger to give it stability. What would they think when they opened the door to see this scrap of a nobody standing there. Just do it! he told himself again, and he opened the door, grabbing his umbrella and shutting the door, locking it behind him.

He made his way down the street, the streets not as empty as in his dream, but not crowded anymore. This would have made the trip easier, if the rain and wind were not against him. He got there, soaked regardless of the umbrella. As he approached the manor, he though he heard screaming. He was nearly at the front door when he saw movement in a nearby window on the second floor. "What?" The screaming seemed to be coming from there. "Estelle?" he asked, but it was a whisper, as if he was asking himself. Something was not right. He backed away from the front door and contemplated what to do. He surveyed the surrounding shrubbery and architecture, thinking of a way up to that window. If he climbed that tree, then jumped to railing of the balcony, he should be able to get there. Time to put his theory to the test.

Though not exceptionally acrobatic or athletic, Rust was in decent shape, if only a bit underfed. Climbing the tree was a challenge due to the rain, but he managed. He looked down, seeing his umbrella that he had propped up against the trunk get blown aside by the wind. He let it, and focused on the balcony. the limb he was on was slightly lower than the balcony, and slippery with wet. This was looking like a mistake, but he took a deep breath and jumped. He reached out with all his might, and slammed into the railing, knocking the air out of him briefly. He dangled there, gripping as best he could with the lack of oxygen, the broken finger, and the wetness of the railing. He gasped and pulled himself up, his arms trembling with the effort. He rolled off the railing and onto the platform of the balcony, panting.

Not bothering to catch his breath, he ran to the window and hid off to the side of it, leaning over ever so slightly and peeking in. Estelle was there, and she looked distressed. He was still breathing heavily as he looked around her room to see if she was alone. It seemed she was. He tapped the glass and came out of hiding. He was slowly catching his breath, but he was shivering now, the rain having drenched him and from the exertion of so much energy at once in the chilling weather.

 

[Marina Elemento]

Estelle Dominique Lareau


Estelle balled her hands into fists against the cold hardwood floor, still shaking, this time in anger. Tears refused to find their way to her eyes now, she was much too angry. Damn them, damn them both! Just when she was starting to think there was some hope for this ridiculous family, she was very wrong. Whatever deal her father had made, whatever plan he had, she knew it was bad. Especially if it involved the opposite side in this damned war. Her nails dug into the wood, just before a loud tap on the window made her jump. She was doing that a lot today: jumping in surprise at everything like a scared animal.

Estelle looked up and sucked in a breath. Rust stood on the opposite side of the window, looking like a downright mess. It looked as though he had come through so much toil just to get there. Had he climbed up the balcony? She rushed to the window and pushed it open with all her might. Rain sprayed onto the wooden floor, staining the wood, like a sprinkler. "Rust!" She glanced down behind him, and a forceful icy wind pushed her against him. She looked up at his beaten up face, his shivering body. "My God, Rust, what happened to you?" If it weren't for the fact that he looked in desperate need of care, she would be smiling profusely. Realizing he was still shivering in the rain, she took his arm and did her best to help him climb through the window.

Her hands were shaking uncontrollably, but she did her best to grab a towel from her dresser and wrap it around his shoulders. "What...what are you doing here?" she choked out, touching his face worriedly.