Asuka has been quite suspicious of her brother today. First thing in the morning, he left to buy groceries, despite the fact that the house is fully stocked. Then, later in the day, he asked Asuka if ... View MoreAsuka has been quite suspicious of her brother today. First thing in the morning, he left to buy groceries, despite the fact that the house is fully stocked. Then, later in the day, he asked Asuka if she could babysit Cookie a few days from now. Later, after they finished recording for the day, Nar asked Roy if he could borrow his acoustic for a few days. Roy only agreed after Nar pointed out he was done recording his acoustic parts for the single, and promised to buy him a new one if anything happened to it.
Asuka's father even sent her a text telling her about how excited he is that Nar is interested in learning some of his recipes. Nar is up to something, but Asuka doesn't know what. Thankfully, she has a trusty spy in her niece. With some well placed bribes of sweets, and a few promises, Cookie has vowed to keep an eye on her father, and tell her aunt about anything she hears, or sees. Asuka knows Juno is suspicious as well. When Nar leaves the house for a delivery that night, the two grab Ruby, and convene for a meeting to discuss the possibilities. In the end, they agree to keep each other updated. All eager to find out just what Nar is up to. #rp
//Posting a day early, because.
A warm breeze blows through the outdoor community structure of a Ponyville church. All along the concrete floor of the structure are tables set up. Most are currently ... View More//Posting a day early, because.
A warm breeze blows through the outdoor community structure of a Ponyville church. All along the concrete floor of the structure are tables set up. Most are currently occupied, while some remain empty. Along the south edge of the structure, three long table have been set up with food, plastic silverware, and drinks atop them. In the playground next to the structure, children play as their parents help set up, or sit and talk.
Asuka can't remember the last time the family managed to get so many people for a holiday celebration. The last time she'd seen so many family members was during her mother's family reunion 5 years ago. Asuka sits at a table with Juno, Ruby, Hiari, and a few of her cousins. The chairs next to her are notably empty. She knows where one of the occupants is. Off in the playground, she hears her niece shout "Wait for me!" as she chases after two other children, who are hurrying to climb the slide. The other, she has no idea where he went.
"Nar Thomas Yakushi!" Asuka's mother's voice shouts from the north side of the gathering. Asuka whips her head in the direction her mother is looking. There, she sees her brother standing over a bowl of bread rolls on the food table. The tin foil atop it has been carefully peeled back. He has one roll in his mouth, and his hand in the bowl, reaching for another. "You get your hand out of the bread rolls this instant!" Betty scolds. Nar quickly poaches another roll, then grabs his half-eaten one with his magic. "You'll never take me alive!" He then hops out from under the tin roof of the outdoor structure, then sprints behind a nearby shed to consume his stolen rolls.
Asuka's table erupts into giggles, and laughter. Asuka rises from her seat to go put the tin-foil back on the rolls, and check for any other stolen food. Once she's confirmed that two rolls are the extent of Nar's stolen goods, she returns to her table. Only a minute later, Nar slides into the seat next to Asuka. None of the evidence of his thievery is visible. Even so, Asuka can FEEL their mother giving him a glare. His first words when he sits down? "When are we eating?" #rp
Another evening, another visit to Shifty Sai's. Sat at their usual booth, the members of Attack on Mango, both present, and past engage in conversation as they eat. Unfortunately, Deena wasn't present... View MoreAnother evening, another visit to Shifty Sai's. Sat at their usual booth, the members of Attack on Mango, both present, and past engage in conversation as they eat. Unfortunately, Deena wasn't present at the time. She was busy finalizing the paperwork to buy a place for her own botanical shop in the city. In the right booth sit Roy, Juno, and Nar. In the left, Ruby, Scrappy, and Asuka, with Cookie in her lap.
After taking a huge bite of a taco, Nar looks around the table with a huge smile across his face. He doesn't even finish chewing before he speaks. "Man. This feels like old times." Asuka gives him a curt "Don't speak with your mouth full, Dingus." She then flicks her crumpled up straw wrapper at him. The tiny paper ball bounces off of his cheek, and falls to the table below. Beside him, Juno nods a few times. "Yeah. Just without all the PDA from Asuka, and Roy." He smirks slightly, noticing Asuka shoot him a glare. Roy simply laughs. The conversation becomes mundane again, but not for long.
After finishing off his food, Nar reaches over the table to swipe a tortilla from Asuka's plate with a cheery "Yoink!" Asuka growls a "Hey!" in response. Beside Nar, Juno folds his arms, and relaxes in the booth. "You know. It'd be cool if we all played a show together at some point. Or recorded a single, or something." All eyes at the table fix on him. Except for Cookie. She's busy taking a bite of her aunt's food. Like father, like daughter. Beside Juno, Roy raises an eyebrow. "An interesting idea, yeah, but I don't know any of your songs." Juno shrugs. "Who says it has to be one of our existing songs? We can write a new one." Beside him, Nar nods. "Yeah!" Then, he comes to a realization. "Everyone on our side of the table can songwrite." At this, Roy almost does a spit take. "Bull! You don't write songs!" Across the table, Asuka nods, sagely. "He's written one song for us. It was pretty popular too."
The table falls silent, only for Roy to break it moments later. "I've been writing a song for the past few weeks, but I'd need a full band to play it." At this, Nar leans onto the table to look over to him. "Then show us it later!" Roy simply nods. Before the conversation can go silent again, Asuka speaks. "So. Nar." Her tone is fairly serious. Eyes begin to shift towards him. "Why did you buy a playground set for the house?" Nar leans back in the booth, seemingly unbothered. "Oh! Camille is uncomfortable around other children, so I figured I'd buy us a playground so she can come over, and play with Cookie more often." Beside him, Juno perks up. "Does it need to be assembled?" Nar shakes his head. "After the treehouse debacle in 2015, I don't trust myself building things anymore." This gets a laugh from Roy, Juno, and Asuka. #rp
"What?!"
Asuka's shriek barely cuts through the noise permeating throughout Shifty Sai's. After yesterday's events, Artuo had opened up a few hours today for everyone who took part to celebrate. As s... View More"What?!"
Asuka's shriek barely cuts through the noise permeating throughout Shifty Sai's. After yesterday's events, Artuo had opened up a few hours today for everyone who took part to celebrate. As such, the restaurant was packed full of all sorts of adventurers, and roughnecks. Despite their gruff appearance, everyone in attendance was sure to be polite, and patient with Artuo, and his staff, and made sure to clean up any messes they made. They didn't want to take advantage of his kindness.
Sat in their usual booth, the members of Attack on Mango were a little cramped. Beyond the four members of the band, they had 4 other additions. On one side sat Nar, with Cookie in his lap, Asuka at his side, and Ruby sat next to her. On the other side of the booth sat Juno, Scrappy, and Deena. Sat in a chair pulled up to the table was the band's original lead vocalist, and guitarist, Roy.
"She broke up with you OVER EMAIL?!" Asuka shrieks to her brother again, despite him being sat right next to her. Next to Asuka, Ruby snarls. "Yeah, that bitch." Nar pumps his hands in front of him slightly. "Hey, hey. I don't think it's entirely her fault." He has a smile on his face, but it's not fooling anyone at the table. "And why's that?" Question's Juno, leaning onto the table. "Well..." Nar begins. "She told me about her family, and I got to meet her sister in person." He pauses, looks around, then continues. "She's been put down her whole life. Her parents always favored her sister over her, and she was always told she would amount to nothing." He takes a deep, shaky breath, then continues. "When we met her sister, she kept saying these nasty things to her in Neighpanese, like 'He's too good for you. You don't deserve him. You're just an ugly hermit. He should dump you.' I think... I think she may have convinced Aki that was true."
At the end of the table, Roy shakes his head slowly. "That sounds about right for Miki. I've heard stories about how she treats people in private. She's got some sort of goddess complex, and everyone who's dealt with her personally can't stand her." Asuka feels her anger subside. She reaches a hand over to rub her brother's back. For a few moments, everyone at the table is silent, and the mood is somber. "Oh!" Nar suddenly perks up. "Check out the wicked bruise Winston gave me though!" He begins to lift up his undershirt. Asuka can see the massive patch of blue under his fur. Across the table, Deena raises a hand slightly. "Maybe, you shouldn't show such things while we are eating." Nar chuckles, then drops his undershirt. "Alright, alright." In his lap, Cookie turns, and gives her father's stomach a small kiss. To which, Nar gently ruffles her hair with a "Thank you pumpkin. I feel better already."
Just then, Artuo appears, carrying a tray with a GIGANTIC plate of nachos atop it. He slides it into the center of the table, and a hand from every person at the table instantly reaches out to grab one. As Nar shoves a fistful of chips covered in molten cheese into his mouth, he grins a goofy grin. Once he's chewed, and swallowed, he let's out a content sigh. "I love all you can eat nachos." The rest of the table agrees. #rp
It's been a day since Asuka, and Cookie awoke as captives of Winston Dreamglow. Despite their status as hostages, he's treated them more like high class guests at a hotel than prisoners. Their room ha... View MoreIt's been a day since Asuka, and Cookie awoke as captives of Winston Dreamglow. Despite their status as hostages, he's treated them more like high class guests at a hotel than prisoners. Their room has all manner of entertainment options, the furnishings are lavishly comfortable, the bathroom has a JACUZZI, and the concierge has been incredibly attentive, and fast. This morning, the two had breakfast served to them by Winston himself, who was very apologetic about everything. Asuka still didn't trust him, but she figured the gesture was nice.
As Asuka, and her niece sit on their bed, eating a luxurious dinner, they watch a cartoon from Asuka's childhood. It's one she, and Nar used to watch together when they were growing up. It seems to hold Cookie's attention pretty well, which Asuka was thankful for. She's been pretty upset as of late. Mostly because she hasn't seen her papa in a day.
Asuka's ears perk as she thinks she hears a noise over the TV. She picks up her remote, and pauses the show in order to listen. Cookie begins to protest, but Asuka gently quiets her. "Sorry Cookie. Auntie needs to listen right now."
Thud. Thud. CRASH!
Asuka stands from the bed, quickly scooping Cookie up to take her to the bathroom. She quickly, but quietly opens the door, and locks it behind her as she hides inside with Cookie. Cookie is now completely silent. Asuka can feel her begin to shudder with fear, as she seems to have heard the noises too.
She hears a thud against the room's door. Asuka quickly searches for something in the bathroom she can use as a weapon. Another thud. Asuka tries to rip a hair drier's cord out of the wall so she can use it as a weapon.
CRASH!
Asuka hears the door to the room slam into the wall. Tense silence fills the air for a brief moment. Then, a raspy voice calls out. "Asuka." There's a short pause. "Cookie." Asuka can't believe what she's hearing. Though every fiber of her being screams at her to stay put, a small glimmer of hope tells her to open the door, and check. In the end, that glimmer of hope wins out, and Asuka opens the door just slightly to peer out.
A moment later, Asuka, and Cookie emerge from the bathroom. Cookie lets out a sudden cry of "Papa!" and leaps forwards into the form of Nar, standing in front of the doorway. He lets out a pained 'oof!' as her head slams into his stomach, but tries to smile down at her anyway. He reaches one hand down to gently pat her back, and uses the other to wipe away the tears streaming down her face. Asuka can tell he's injured, but thankfully, it doesn't look too serious.
Asuka approaches, guiding the two to the bed. She opens her mouth to speak, but a shout from the doorway catches her attention. A lone security guard stands in the doorway with a taser drawn, and aimed at Nar. Nar tries to rise, but he instead ends up doubling over from the pain. Then, Asuka hears a mighty roar, and a black blur slams into the guard, knocking him out of the doorway! Half a second later Ruby enters the room, flanked by Ryuji, who stands in the doorway. Asuka can hear the guard outside scream in panic, and agony, as Steeltrap roars maniacally. It seems Ryuji is trying to block out the sound, seeing as how the door to the room can't close at the moment.
"Dang it Ruby." Nar croaks, barely managing to look up at her. "I told you not to come." Ruby just places a finger to his lips. "You can be mad at me later. For now, we need to get you all home." #rp
Gentle shakes wake Asuka from her magic-induced slumber. As her eyes begin to open, she sees the small face of her niece staring back at her. It would seem Cookie was nudging her awake. Asuka begins t... View MoreGentle shakes wake Asuka from her magic-induced slumber. As her eyes begin to open, she sees the small face of her niece staring back at her. It would seem Cookie was nudging her awake. Asuka begins to sit up, noticing the look of concern on Cookie’s face. She reaches out, and gently pulls her onto her lap, wrapping her in her arms with a hug.
“Auntie.” Cookie’s voice trembles. “I’m scared.” Asuka gently strokes the top of her niece’s head. “Don’t worry Cookie. I’m here. It’s going to be okay.” Asuka doesn’t fully believe her own words, but they seem to calm Cookie somewhat. Now, to get a feel for her surroundings.
The room Asuka finds herself in is akin to the bedroom of a high class penthouse, or an expensive hotel. There’s a large TV hanging on the wall across from the unreasonably comfortable bed she sits on. There’s a door that leads to a surprisingly large bathroom, two bedside tables, and a min-fridge. Next to the second door of the room rests a thermostat. As she turns her attention to said door, however, she finds that there is no lock. Likely locked from the outside.
Then, Asuka notices the letter on one of the bedside tables. Flipping it open, she finds a penned letter explaining a few things to her. She’s being held hostage. Her kidnapper? Winston Dreamglow. His motives? Get her brother to out himself as the person who’s vandalized Winston’s company property. Neither Asuka, nor Cookie will be harmed, and that she should treat her stay as a stay in a luxury hotel. Of course, she won’t have access to her phone, and the one in her room can only contact the building’s concierge, but Winston assures her that his staff will be ready to provide excellent food, and drinks for the two as needed. He apologizes for the scar, and says that should Nar out himself, Asuka will be well compensated for her cooperation.
Asuka has no idea how to feel about this, but a quick check of the door tells her that Winston is serious about keeping her here. It’s locked from the outside. From the bed, Cookie lets out a small whine. “Auntie, I’m hungry.” With that, Asuka decides now is as good a time as any to test if Winston is telling the truth about his food and drink offer. A quick call to the concierge, and a few minutes wait later, and the room’s door opens, as a group of staff (flanked by security guards) enter enter with meals, and drinks for both Asuka, and Cookie. They even brink a basket of sweets to apologize for the inconvenience of being held hostage. Then, they retreat from the room, leaving the two alone.
Asuka is sure to test the food herself first, to make sure Winston hasn’t had it laced or anything. Thankfully, he hasn’t, and all of the food is safe to eat. Cuddling up on the bed together, Asuka and Cookie begin to eat their meal, as they look for something to watch on the TV. Asuka only hopes Nar doesn't doesn’t do something stupid if he finds out what Winston has done. #rp
Well, it was two days later than Asuka had promised, but Asuka had finally taken Cookie to see Crystal White, and the Three Alicorns. Cookie was desperate for an 'Auntie Day', and Asuka finally had th... View MoreWell, it was two days later than Asuka had promised, but Asuka had finally taken Cookie to see Crystal White, and the Three Alicorns. Cookie was desperate for an 'Auntie Day', and Asuka finally had the energy to go. All in all, they both enjoyed the movie. Cookie mostly liked how pretty the four main characters were, while Asuka liked the message the movie told. It was a nice little movie about how being kind is it's own reward, and that-.
Suddenly, the fur on the back of Asuka's neck stands up. Something's off. She glances around at the street she and Cookie are walking back home on. They're the only people on the street. At all. No pedestrians, no cars. Asuka's hand reaches out to try and pull Cookie close to herself, as she swivels her head to her right. There, a group of figures come rushing at her from within.
"Cookie!" Asuka screams, suddenly, startling the little pegasus. "Go get help!" Then, a hand comes out to try and grab Asuka. Using the training she received before becoming a tactical paramedic, she weaves out of the way, and grabs hold of the figure's arm. She then pivots, using the figures own momentum to toss him over her back, and slam him onto the concrete. She can hear Cookie begin to scream. Before Asuka can turn to face the others, one of her arms is grabbed, and pulled behind her. Then, another set of hands grabs her other arm, and pulls it back.
Asuka sees a burly earth pony reach down, and snatch Cookie up with no effort on his part. Cookie is simply too paralyzed with fear to do anything but scream, and sob.
Don't let them take you wherever it is they're going! Don't let them take Cookie! If they do, you'll never see your family again!
Asuka lets out a frenzied scream, and wrenches one of her arms free! She swings it around, and smashes it into the nose of the other figure holding her! He lets out a cry, and releases his grip as his hands come up to grab his smashed nose. She quickly lunges at the earth pony, only for him to plant a boot in her chest, and send her sprawling to the floor. Then, a horn pops into view above Asuka. It's lit, as though a spell is being cast. A face then comes into view, and Asuka feels a sudden drowsiness come over her. When she looks up, a memory flashes into her mind. One of her brother's face, only much older, approaching her in the moonlight in her room at her parents house.
Asuka tries to stand. Tries to resist, but she can't get her body to move. She tries to scream, but her mouth won't move. She then feels herself lifted up, as one of the men snarls. "I'm gonna-." The unicorn cuts him off. "You heard the boss. No harming the girls." The other man snarls again, then Asuka is hefted up onto a shoulder, and consciousness fades. Cookies distressed cries slowly fade in her ears. #rp
Asuka remembers why she was so happy when she got to take such an extended sabbatical from her job. Everyone in the EMS/First Responder field was underpaid, overworked, and had their mental states hel... View MoreAsuka remembers why she was so happy when she got to take such an extended sabbatical from her job. Everyone in the EMS/First Responder field was underpaid, overworked, and had their mental states held together with toothpicks and glue. What was supposed to be a 24 hour shift ended up as a 48 hour shift. Seeing as how Asuka was one of only a handful of Advance Care Paramedics in Vanhoover, she was needed constantly. It was a miracle she'd managed to get away with 48 hours, and not 72. In those 48 hours, Asuka had only managed to get about 2 hours of sleep.
After a short tram ride from the station to a stop on her street, Asuka finally arrives home. She barely manages to get the door fully open before a little, excited squeal fills her ears. Then, a little figure slams into her legs at mach 10, and glomps onto her. "Auntie! Auntie!" Little Cookie squeals up at her with glee. Asuka tries to smile back, but she's simply too tired. "Auntie! Can we go watch the new princess movie? Can we?! Can we!?" Before Asuka can respond, Cookie is gently pried off of her legs by her father. "Now now Cookie." Nar begins. "Auntie Asuka had to spend a lot of time at work, and she's very tired. We should let her sleep before we ask her about going to see Crystal White, and the Three Alicorns." Cookie frowns, but nods in understanding. At this, Asuka manages one word. "Tomorrow." Then, she wraps the two in a tired hug, before shuffling off towards her room.
When she opens the door, she finds a few packs of peanut butter crackers have been arranged on her bed in a smiley face, and a chilled bottle of water sits on her bedside table. Nar. You're too good to me.
Asuka removes her dirty uniform, then goes to have a quick shower. Afterwards, she sits on her bed, munching on crackers, and gulping down water as if she'd been roaming the San Palomino for weeks. Just as she sets the empty bottle down on her bedside table, her body finally satiated, Asuka drifts off into a deep slumber. A half eaten cracker slowly sliding from her mouth onto her blanket. #rp
"So, let me get this straight." Asuka's voice is calm, with a hint of concern, and annoyance. Before her stand two stallions/men. One of which has his head tilted upwards with the hose a bike pump sti... View More"So, let me get this straight." Asuka's voice is calm, with a hint of concern, and annoyance. Before her stand two stallions/men. One of which has his head tilted upwards with the hose a bike pump sticking out of his mouth. The nozzle appears to be somewhere deep within the man's throat. The other stands holding the actual pump, still connected to the hose.
"Your friends got something stuck in his throat, and your solution was to... Use a bike pump to force it down?" Asuka raises an eyebrow. The stallion holding the pump nods. "It kind of worked, but now the hose is stuck, and we can't get it out. We tried, but Gemmy keeps gagging every time I move it, and starts choking again." Asuka sighs, directing the first stallion towards her stretcher, as she takes the bike pump from the first stallion. She thinks about trying to remove the hose from the pump, but the man violently wretches when the hose moves as a result.
Dear Artemis. PLEASE don't throw up on me. For the love of SOL do NOT throw up on me! Carefully, Asuka manages to get the man into the ambulance, and onto the stretcher without him hurling everywhere. This is NOT what Asuka needed on the 12th hour of a 24 hour shift.
The ambulance begins to move forward, only to hit a small bump. Everything goes in slow motion for Asuka. The man begins to wretch violently. Asuka grabs something to cover her face. There's a horrific sound as suddenly, the contents of the man's stomach are ejected all over the inside of the ambulance. Asuka barely manages to keep it from getting on her face. When she finally lowers the object from her face, she sees the carnage of vomit all over the back of her ambulance.
On the bright side, that dislodged the bike pump, and the man's mouth, and throat are now completely clear of debris! The man sheepishly looks to the paramedic beside him, bags under her eyes. "S-sorry..." #rp
Asuka can't remember the last time she rode in an ambulance. It was before Attack on Mango began their rise towards the top of the national charts, she knows that for certain. It may have been a year,... View MoreAsuka can't remember the last time she rode in an ambulance. It was before Attack on Mango began their rise towards the top of the national charts, she knows that for certain. It may have been a year, or more since the last time she wore her paramedic uniform. Though she knows one thing for certain. It's going to be a long shift.
The driver beside Asuka hasn't spoken a word since they left the station. Asuka doesn't even know the man's name, but according to their supervisor, he's been an ambulance driver for 2 decades now. He's no Frank, but he'll do.
Right, Frank. Asuka feels a tinge of sadness knowing she'll never ride with him again. After having to respond to a call involving his own daughter two years prior, he retired from EMS, and since then, has been living a happy retirement. Asuka still talks to him occasionally, but she has her own life, and he has his. She hopes that one day she can taker her niece, Cookie, to meet Frank's daughter, Emerald for a playdate.
"So. What's your name?" Asuka poses the question to her new driver. He simply looks at her with a pair of gruff eyes, that have clearly seen a lot. Point taken. Thankfully, the ambulance's radio beeps to life before an awkward silence can settle in. "Responder 143, reports of a fall at 4th and Jennings, Building 4 of the Hills Rest Apartment Complex. Possible head injury." Asuka grabs her radio to respond. "Copy that dispatch. Enroute."
As the ambulance's sirens, and lights are flipped on, and the ambulance picks up speed, Asuka has only one thought.
Help is on the way. #rp
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