Yuuko and Autumn's Dorm (Room 43)

[Autumn Madison]

Autumn entered her dorm room, noting the sliver, metal number “43” centered and nailed upon the wooden door. With a small smile, she surveyed the area, observing first the window from where she stood and turning her attention to detail to focus on the light fixtures, furniture and floor.

“Homely enough…though the walls feel a little empty.” Autumn voiced to herself, taking a few more steps inside the room, enabling her to close the door quietly behind her. With a pause of concentration, eyes flickering ever so slightly in a focused determination, a rectangular frame of simple oak began to materialize upon the wall above her bed. As the corners sharpened and defined themselves, a spray of colors, like a rainbow dissolving, spread across the frame’s interior, taking to shapes and images until a photo of Autumn’s parents, smiling side by side in elegant clothing appeared.

“It’s a start!” Autumn chirped and with a small sigh of exhaustion, picked up her bag of belongings and tossed it idly upon the comforter or her twin-sized bed. The picture slowly disintegrated with the lack of attention from Autumn as her focus turned to unpacking.

[Yuuko]

Yuuko walked into the dorm and threw her bags down on the bed opposite Autumn's. If she was in there, Yuuko would not have noticed considering the fact that she had her back turned to the whole other side of the room. She was more interested in putting her clothes away first.

It didn't take long for all of the shirts, pants, and undergarments to go into their respective places before the young girl flopped down on the bed, without sheets of course, and played with the sunglasses atop her head. Homesickness briefly swept over her as she did so but she frowned and hardened immediately.

"I don't need them," she muttered to herself determindly, "I'm not their daughter anymore. I'm just a freak. They don't want me."

[Autumn Madison]

Autumn silently watched Yuuko as she entered the room, apparently lost in her own thought as she didn’t bother to cast a glance anywhere but, ironically, the free bed. She took a seat, continuing to stay mute as Yuuko unpacked and smiled a bit as she recalled Yuuko’s earlier entrance into the classroom. Strange though, it felt to her as if she was viewing the life of another person as Yuuko mumbled to herself. Autumn could only catch a few bitter words, including “freak” and “don’t want me”. How she wish she hadn’t decided on spying now. Autumn did not want to be blamed for intruding on a personal moment, but her attendance had to be known…it would be discovered soon anyway. Clearing her throat, she spoke up, keeping her voice moderately steady and low, as to lessen surprise.

“H-hey there Roommate Yuuko. I’m sorry, I was just busy unpacking. I didn’t notice you until just now myself.” She chuckled weakly, mentally kicking herself for her lie and in doing so sending the image outward for any to view. “Ah!…Uhm, excuse me!” Autumn rushed, blushing deeply as she batted at the betraying image. “Ignore that please…” She finished meekly.”

[Yuuko]

Yuuko grinned and sat up in the bed, delighted to see that her friend from the class was there with her. It was no big deal to her whether she had heard her mumblings or not. After all, why would she care whether or not Autumn heard about what she thought of her parents? After all, they were going to be roommates, so why couldn't they at least let each other know what the other was feeling?

"It's okay, that's a pretty neat Alice you've got there," she noted as she walked over to her flustered friend, placing a hand on her shoulder. Though she was only an inch taller than her companion, it still felt like she was a world taller. After all, nobody was ever shorter than anyone in the Bayer family. Her brother, Max, was only 5'7" and he was nearing 20 years old.

"But really, it's fine. If you heard what I was saying...I should explain. We're friends, right? Friends and roommates and family!" Yuuko threw her hand up in the air and smiled, patting Autumn on the back as she gestured for her to sit down next to her for this explination. It'd make everything feel a little better to her.

"My family basically disowned me after they found out about my Alice. They called me a freak behind my back to my brother, Max, and just left me here to supposedly rot. But I'll show them, I'll master this and become something in the world! But for now... I need a new family. Hey, Autumn, can we make a pact? I know it's still early in our friendship and our school year, but let's just make one to see how long we can keep it." The entergetic red-head held out her hand, though now her Alice kicked in and she looked like a monkey to anyone on the outside. Still, it was the same old Yuuko.

"We're family, through and through. We'll be best friends, sisters! We'll have the same room throughout each school year, and just be like a family! And if you break the pact, then so be it, we'll just see how long it works." A smile crept along monkey-Yuuko's face, and she seemed to want this badly. Just to know that she was accepted among somebody was something that the girl yearned for ever since her own family abandoned her.

[Faith]

Faith peered into the room, her green eyes did not change as her expression was stoic when addressing the two creatures in the girl's dorm room. She was not sure if she was butting into anything or if she was simply walking in on an ordinary conversation. Not that any conversation in Alice Academy was 'normal'.

"Excuse me, young girl... monkey... would you perhaps be interested in purchasing a room-cleaning service?" She asked politely. With those words a little cat-looking creatured bounded into the room. It's white fur looked immaculate, almost as if it couldn't be real. "Oboro is hungry, only 1 rabbit for a full room cleaning and as much petting of Oboro-tan as you wish for 10 minutes." The cat looked up at both girls with black beady eyes and let out a squeaky meow that sounded as if he were a door hinge that needed to be oiled.

[Autumn Madison]

Listening, giving her full attention, Autumn sat in slight disbelief with quelling anger. How could your own flesh and blood treat someone so unique and talented, their daughter at that, so horribly. She bit her tongue however, not wishing to offend Yuuko with an unwanted outburst or misjudging comment.

The new talk of a pact dismissed all bitter thoughts, snagging Autumn’s attention. She was liking the idea with each word spoken and was all for it with the deepest sincerity and seriousness, that is, until Yuuko’s shape shifted to that of a monkey’s. Now she couldn’t hold a straight face as she had wanted to to prove to Yuuko that she really did agree, but Autumn figured a big smile and vigorous handshake would suffice.

“Of course! That’s an excellent idea Yuuko! I’ve always wanted a sister, being an only child. I’ll stick with you through thick and thin. Besides, everyone needs someone and hey, I think we’re already on a good start.” Autumn gave Yuuko a quick, tight hug, grinning like the Cheshire Cat before Faith entered, where it faltered in embarrassment, as catlike smiles weren’t really considered normal, not to mention she owed Faith Rabbits. As the cat approached she was half tempted to throw another Rabbit Faith’s way, but she did have plans to save her last two Rabbits to buy Yuuko a gift and symbol of their new pact.

“Aww…” Autumn sighed, feeling guilty for having to turn Faith down and a little blue that she could not touch the cat, “I’m sorry, I’m out of Rabbits. Except of course the ones I owe you. What a second please, if you don’t mind.” Autumn retreated to the foot of her bed where she had stashed her shoes, and inside those, her Rabbits. Popping three Rabbits into her hand, she returned to the door and offered them to Faith. I believe I owe you these for the tour yesterday and the one-day interest. Thank you again for letting me ride.”

[About the tour, I’m getting there, sorry! School started again, I’m trying to catch up…}

[Faith]

[OOC: No problem xD I understand completely, don't worry about it at all... Having two characters I don't mind taking a break every now and again.]

Faith took the coins with a nod, reaching into a small bag she had slung over her shoulder and handed a tiny slip of paper to Autumn. On it was a sort of light blue ink words in a shorthand fashion printed on the light paper, it was obviously a reciept. At the bottom in bold were the words "PAID IN FULL".

"Thank you for doing business with me, I hope the service was most enjoyable. Your business is greatly appreciated." She gave a small bow known in the country they inhabited as a respectful gesture. Turning to Yuuko she spoke still in a sort of soft and yet monotonous tone that she had never managed to get rid of. "And you Ms. Monkey...? Is there any cleaning you are in need of?"

[Yuuko]

Yuuko was so relieved to feel Autumn's hug, just glad that somebody else was going to be there for her. She instantly returned her friend's hug, just in time to see Faith there. Quietly, she sat through the exchange between the two, but began to grow a little bothered as she was being called a monkey. What was the girl getting at?

"Just who're you calling a monkey?" she demanded immediately, only to realize what was going on. Yes, her Alice had kicked in, hadn't it? Embarassed she looked down, blushing furiously. However, neither Autumn nor Faith could see that, and her emotions were just making the whole thing so much worse.

"I'm sorry, this is my Alice...my awful Alice that I can't control."

[Faith]

Faith stared at Yuuko without a change in expression at all, just as if it had been Yuuko the person standing there quite normally and not the monkey she was at the moment observing. Not alot phased the girl, as she had seen and created quite alot in her day though she was young she was unruffled by anything. "Not awful. Everything has use." She said in a casual and offhanded way. "You just haven't reached that point yet... you still have plenty of time. And people here tend to be able to help speed that process. Knowledge is boundless here."

She brushed a handful of blonde bangs from her eyes as Oboro started sniffing around Autumn's bed. "Oboro seems hungry... I must find someone willing to feed him. Will talk to you later... Madison-san, Monkey-san..." Her voice trailed off as her hand gave a little wave calling her cat-bot to her as she turned to leave. "Ja ne."

[Yuuko]

Yuuko waved good-bye to the girl as she left, wishing that she would change back into the real form that she was. With a deep breath, her eyes closed and she concentrated, almost in a medetative state as she waited for everything to come back to a normal way of being. After all, there were still things that she needed to discuss with her roommate. Like, perhaps, those looks she was getting in class!

"Autumn," she said calmly as her monkey appearence left her and the human Yuuko was sitting on the bed, her flaming red hair emphasizing the glare in her eyes. A malicious smirk was spread across her lips in an attempt to get her back for what had happened that day. After all, that was not helping her with the embarassing factor.

"What exactly do you think you were doing shooting me that look today in class? Hmmm?"

[Autumn Madison]

“Me?” Autumn asked with a show of faux innocence and befuddlement. “What ever do you mean? I was simply staring. It’s not like I was giving you any special treatment,” the girl finished casually, free falling down upon her bed, allowing an impish grin to spread across her lips as she stared idly at the ceiling above. She stifled back a few laughs, before speaking up again. “I was merely looking at you and Xhosa…thinking…well…thinking nice little happy thoughts that are none of your concern.” As she finished she sat up, meeting Yuuko’s eyes, impish grin still in play.

[Yuuko]

Yuuko made a face at her roommate and sat down on the floor next to her face, shaking her head and sighing. She pretended to be ashamed, but of course she was smiling the whole time so it wasn't true. A laugh escaped her, thinking of how ridiculous the whole idea was. There was nothing to even come to think about she and Xhosa. It was just the opposite really, just the complete opposite!

"You're crazy, Autumn. But then again, with your mind so fluttered off with Endrin, I can see why. Oh you must be so furiously jealous that he gave me his coat," she winked slightly and jumped back towards her bed, standing on top of it and swinging her arms out widely again. Hung up on the wall was a picture of her idol, Idina Menzel, the greatest broadway singer to ever live, in her opinion. But a song was in her eyes now, she would probably sing again.

"Only thing to do is jump over the moon!" she sang out widly as she jumped off her bed in an immitation of the song's lyrics. As she landed on the ground she began to making mooing noises as she crept closer to her roommate, not sure why she was doing this, but finding it quite funny.

"Moo with me. Moo...moo...MOOOOOOOO!!!"

[Autumn Madison]

Autumn’s smug expression disappeared completely and her impish grin uncurled into a thin line as her cheeks set ablaze, Yuuko’s words about Endrin being the flint that sparked the fire. Steeling her tone up defensively, Autumn retorted, “I-I’m not jealous! I think that was very gentlemanly of him!” Hearing her tone herself as her words came out just deepened the blush. She hadn’t anticipated that sentence coming out with such emotion.

Shaking it off, Autumn addressed Yuuko’s antics, impish smirk, though not as all-mighty, returning. “I’m sorry, but only Xhosa-admirer’s moo like cows. And you turning to one today…haha, that was a little overboard hm?” She folded her arms across her chest, a smug air now around her. “That would make you then president of the “We Moo for Xhosa” fan club now wouldn't it?”

[Yuuko]

(ooc: Haha, they are such sisters. XD Guys, we mean no offense.)

Yuuko's mouth hung open in shock, not thinking Autumn anywhere near capable of that. Another grin came across her lips as she ran to her bag and took a pillow, ready to chuck it at her roommate if necessary. Her throwing technique looked pretty good, so Autumn would have to watch out if she wanted to survive the assault from Yuuko.

"Oh really? I'll have you know that Idina Menzel fans moo like cows because that was a song she sang on broadway! Xhosa's just a copier and a clown. And oh don't you go talking about my Alice like that! Just because I'm not Ms. I-can-control-everything doesn't mean that I won't wipe the floor with you when it comes right down to it!" Her grin turned into a smirk as she chucked the pillow at Autumn, hitting the other girl dead-on, and then ducked as if she were the target.

"Oh no, Endrin. Save me from the awful Yuuko," her voice was now a high-pitched squeal, nothing like Autumn's voice. However, it was just going to add enough fuel to the fire for another retaliation from her roommate. After all, this couldn't end, it was too darn fun!

[Autumn Madison]

“I do NOT sound that way!” Autumn retorted quite tartly, whether her face was red from anger, embarrassment or the fact that a big, fluffy pillow had just crash landed there was indistinguishable. Picking up the pillow from the floor with a devilish look in her eyes, she darted behind her bed and ducked, bringing two of her own bed’s pillows down with her.

Hidden from sight, Autumn spoke up, voice edged with mischief. “Okay, okay, I guess my Moo Cow comment was a little below the belt.” At this, Autumn stood from behind her new, emergency fortress, two pillows in hand. “From now on…” Both hands drew back. “I’ll keep the hits…” A wink. “ABOVE!” With that, she catapulted both pillows in Yuuko’s direction, beginning officially the pillow war of all ages. It was on now.

Arming herself with her last pillow, clutching it at the corner like a sword’s hilt, she hopped atop her bed and swung her weapon tauntingly. “Let’s make a bet shall we? I win and you can’t make any more stabs concerning Endrin. Name your claim.”

[Yuuko]

Yuuko grabbed another pillow and swung it defiantly around herself. She had a malicious grin across her lips still, and just asking to name her claim for the win of the fight was just too much. It was obvious in her mind what she wanted, and she knew that would just spur on Autumn even more. But she couldn't help it. In a wild frenzy she threw her pillow up in the air, beat her stomach with her fists, and then caught the pillow as she pointed it at Autumn.

"You must get the nerve to ask your precious Endrin out on a date if so. Now, of course, if I lose I will stop the jabs, but other than that there's nothing else I want. I just want you happy, buddy," she said with a lower lip pout that quickly turned into a wild laugh as she jumped from the bed and took up another pillow.

"CANNON ASSAULT!" Yuuko cried as she fired a pillow Autumn's way. She had a feeling that the neighbors were going to get a little angry with them. Well, that was just too bad, because it was way too much fun to be having this pillow fight. SHe hadn't had this much fun in a very, very long time.

[Autumn Madison]

“I-Is that really your claim!? You can’t be serious!” Autumn seemed slightly shocked at Yuuko’s response, though she just knew she should’ve expected it. “Geez…you could have won some Rabbits off me or something…but…this is just insanity!” Autumn grinned. Ironic how a simple careless prod or two about Xhosa had done a 360 right back in Autumn’s face. Yuuko was devious and a trickster, Autumn had to respect that much.

What really pulled the heartstrings though, was what Yuuko said afterward.

”I just want you happy, buddy.”

Her grin faltered to a warm smile, if only for a second. It was comforting to know that Yuuko was going to be true through and through. Their pact was really serious, she registered that fully now. They were sisters…and like with any sister, sibling rivalry was about to stir.

Autumn dodged the “cannon” barely, it skimming past her ear. “Don’t throw all your ammunition, here comes a frontal assault!” Autumn called playfully, jumping from the bed to Yuuko. “Draw, you knave! Let us fight to the death!” Her pillow was now extended in front of her, hanging limply for a sword.

[Yuuko]

Yuuko stood erect as Autumn drew her "sword". Her eyes darted to the other side of the room where she took a textbook and held it out in front of her like a shield. The other held the flopped over pillow that was to be her weapon of choice. If only she could find some body armor for a helmet and chainmail and they would have a real duel!

"And we shall! So the fight commences. But I warn you, do not come into the lion's den ill prepared," she said with a dark, grave voice as her first pillow slash came down, barely missing Autumn's arm. Yuuko was taunting, walking in a circle around her foe. It was a mix between swordfighting and tennis since she did a sidestep all around her.

"So come, knight! Fight for thy maiden!"

[Autumn Madison]

Oh, how Autumn wished to retort, for she technically wasn’t fighting for a maiden. That was Yuuko’s job, oddly enough, to win Endrin (in a sense) for Autumn. What a twisted fight this would be with pillows and warped motives, considering the roles. She however, held her tongue, excepting the futility of arguing with words. Wait! Did Yuuko just degrade Endrin’s masculinity? Alas, a reason to fight (for truth be told losing wasn’t too grave a lose now that she considered)!

Autumn kept her eyes locked on Yuuko at all times, moving to accommodate this whenever needed. Silently, she tried to draw up a plan or sneak strike. Right now she was the center of the circle, cornered on the outside. A clear disadvantage. Now…what was it that Yuuko enjoyed? Autumn smiled, eyes already commencing a victory dance before dulling in concentration.

Humans were difficult to make, being such a large scale and uniquely different. But, in Autumn’s logic, if she could create a projection of Idina Menzel with audio (mooing mayhaps?), her victory would be guaranteed.

[Yuuko]

Yuuko could see that Autumn was in deep concentration, but that was her opening. If she was concentrating, then she was open for a strike. After all, her mind was elsewhere and she would just be relying on the fact that Yuuko would want to win honorably. Actually, she didn't care, she wanted to win not just for herself, but for Autumn as well.

"Stop thinking and fight like a woman!" the redhead cried as she swung around from behind and smacked Autumn in the back with the pillow. She had surprising speed considering the awful running endurance she had. She scrambled to the back of the room, holding her book and pillow out in front of her to defend herself.

"MOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" came Yuuko's battle cry as she beat her fists against her stomach again. She was just waiting for Autumn to come at her now. Or perhaps come up with something in that strange concentration. Yes, Autumn was a thinker, but this was war!