Amidst the dusk

[Erik Cecere]

The day’s sun had already set, waving good bye to the flourescent orange and pink colours of a sunset. It was dusk, that short period after the sun had set but before the schedueled appearance of the moon. As usual the, oddly soothing, gush of surrounding waterfalls whispered across the elegant gem of Fiore; “Waterfall City”. Today however, the rush of the falls was matched by the shower of rain. It wasn’t so much a downpour but it was heavy enough for anyone to duck for cover. In the fashion capital of the world, you can bet that’s what everyone was doing. All except Erik. Waterfall city was busy just as anyother, so even come dusk the streets were somewhat crowded with busy gogetting men and women. Erik beared no exception to this rule. Erik stood at the cliff edge, staring out at the falls in deep contemplation.

He was dressed today in a knee length red leather raincoat. The waist coat was a design by none other of top fashion designer “Layla Demacia”. It was apparent by the large gold diamond pattern centered on the back of the coat’s torso. It was tied at the waist by a matching red leather belt and the coat length fell to the knees. A series of six silver buttons shut the coat together, tying the right over the left. Underneath Erik wore a pair of black dress pants and a matching black waist coat with a white shirt. All of which were products of the renowned fashion company; “Regality”. He also wore one of their pairs of mint conditioned black 6 inch high heels. His accessories were kept simple however; A thin gold chain necklace with a simple gold heart curving towards the end, diamond studded earings and a slender gold bracelet. Yes, this was at least simple for Erik. He wore his usual soft layer of foundation, the tone no darker than his own skin colour to give him a more natural look. A ruby red lipstick and eye shadow to match his coat. He held in his right hand a simple red umbrella trimmed with decorative white french curves. The Umbrella upheld the same standard as the expensive clothing but was acctually one of Erik’s own creations. Slung over his left shoulder and clutched against his waist was a leather red handbag with gold zippers and two outer pockets on the left side, each tied by a gold button. A small tag extended from the edge of the bag and read “Turbulence”, a design of the new rising start Fashion PR company.

The rain pummeled against the umbrella, sliding down and around Erik in an almost protective shield. He stood silently for a moment, ignoring the feint distant mutters of the inhabitants rushing to escape the rain. Erik never saw a problem with the water, provided it didn’t destroy his outfit that is. It was usually so beautiful, so relaxing. The shower of rain was almost somewhat relaxing, despite its empty persona. However, being Erik, he considered even his umbrella part of his ensemble. He didn’t want to stand out in teh rain too long and let it get saturated. What was he doing here, at his home town? His only connections, both his parents, were long passed now. He thought he had long ago detached himself from home but... that seemed improbable. Something seemed to root him here. Perhaps it was the guild? A symbol of his old dreams and his mother... Orm aybe he acctually liked the town, it was beautiful after all, it was apart of him. He sighed gently, doubtful to ever find an answer. At least, he felt a strange warm satisfaction brewing from within. It was good to be home....

Erik made his way through the streets of the city. The sound of his expensive heels clacking against conrete echoed through the now almost empty streets. It was rare to see the streets so, deserted, so barren! Of course, there were still the few inhabitants; those that had yet to take refuge from the rain, and those who were unphased by it. Where Erik was headed, he wasn’t entirely sure. Erik hadn’t done much to day. He browsed the stores and naturally made a few purchases; some expensive make-up now taking its place amoungst the other contents of Erik’s handbag. Other than that his day lacked productivity. His task here was done at that point, all he could do now was hope for the continued safety of his client. It was probably in his best interest to return to Magnolia town now but... he wasn’t ready to go... Maybe he could check out the guild before he left...? Then again, maybe they wouldn’t even let him through the door. For now, he had no real idea as to where he was heading. Although, he did have an idea where he would end up.

[Saya Yukimura]

Saya looked out of the large window pane. Droplets of water continued to fall from the skies and beat against the already wet concrete. She let out a sigh and shook her head as a customer called for attention. Again, like the many days when she was out of a mission and had nothing to do, Saya was working for her previous employer, Himeko Kimiko. Or Hime-Sama as Saya addresses her. The owner of the restaurant was quite a character - lax and friendly with her employees and customers, but very strict when it comes to work and how things are run in her business. That’s why a lot of people liked her and dine in her restaurant. That, and because Hime-Sama liked to pick out friendly and attentive workers. Either way Saya was always coming back to Hime-Sama for a job even though she sometimes wished she didn’t have to due to some rough-housing customers or the weather.

”Saya-Chan?” Hime-Sama called from the kitchen doors just as Saya finished dealing with the last of her customers. Turning to her longtime friend and employer, Saya greeted whilst walking towards her, ”Hime-Sama! Is there anything else you needed?”

Her employer shook her head and gave her an enclosed envelope. ”No, not at all. Just making sure to give you your pay for the week in case I missed you clocking out. Your shift ended, yes?”

Saya nodded, taking the money and clocking out. ”Thank you Hime-Sama. I’ll be going now. Ja ne!”

Just as she shrugged on her usual white coat and stepped out into the rain, Saya felt her smile drop into an unusual frown.

Rain was never really kind to her and it seemed as if today was no exception. She stood in the middle of the sidewalk for a minute or two before heading in a random direction, lost in her thoughts. Despite the streets being mostly empty, Saya was quite an odd sight to see - a splotch of red and white in the midst of blues and grays of her surroundings. Within seconds her long white hair stuck to her skin and clothes, weighing down on her fragile-looking body frame. Her pale skin took on a slight glow, an illusion made by the droplets shining under the lights of both the setting sun and lampposts littering the streets. As she walked her thigh-high four-inch boots clicked against the pavement, adding to the symphony of the waterfalls’ rushing waters and the rain’s pitter-patter.

So deep in her thoughts and not at all mindful of her surroundings, Saya felt her body give a jolt just as she collided with another body. She stumbled backwards a bit and caught herself. ”Oh! I’m so sorry. Please forgive me, I wasn’t looking at where I was going at all.” Saya bowed low, hoping to be forgiven for her apparent lack of focus. When she raised her head, all she saw was an emblem of one of the most famous lines ever to enter the fashion world. ”Oh my god... Is this one of Layla Demacia’s designs? Oh my god!”

Her red eyes widened with surprise, admiration, and envy. The rain didn’t even bother her anymore and her mysterious thoughts were pushed back in the deep parts of her mind.

[Erik Cecere]

Erik’s walk was graceful, yet strict. He walked with slight back curve in his posture, and his feet gently planting themselves directly in front of one another, as if treading a tightrope. A soft smile rested on his face as he walked, enjoying the soft pitter-patter of rainfall. Suddenly, he felt a jolt against his back. He remained unaffected however, his stern posture keeping him balanced. The jolt snapped him out of his trance, and he pivoted on his right foot, slowly turning to the woman behind him, a soft splash echoing as he returned his left foot to the ground. He looked down on the woman with a somewhat superior expression at first. However, upon noticing the white haired beauty his expression softened. She was beautiful, with long shining white hair and pale porcelain skin. Her outfit was simple and un-dazzling, yet it worked well, a simple beauty. Erik allowed a effeminate chuckle to escape his soft lips.

“No no, it’s quite alright young lady.”

Erik retracted his head slightly when he heard the woman’s delicate voice. She actually noticed Layla’s designs? Well, being in Waterfall City the capital of beauty it was to be expected. Still, not many people had noticed, she was just an up and coming designer so not all of the fashion hawks had quite heard of her yet. Erik Blushed slightly before turning and showing off his expensive ensemble.

“Why, yes it is dear! I’m surprised you noticed, not many people seem to.”

Erik spoke, absorbing the complement. He looked down at this girl once again, with a gentle smile. This woman, she seemed nice! His smile broke however as he noticed the rain pouring down on top of the woman, soaking her cute clothes and clean hair. With a somewhat worried expression, he offered his hand, inviting her into the protection of the umbrella.

“Don’t just stand there now sweetie, come under my umbrella, you’re whole outfit is getting soaked!”

[Sponsored content]