[FIN] If it Never Crossed My Mind [Callypso]

[Lucca]

In a park, there was a fountain, an image of a swan spitting. On the edge of that fountain sat a little Bat. She was eleven years old, going on twelve, a Ten of Daimonds...and she was completely bored. There weren't any other kids in the park today, probably because of the dark clouds gathering ominously on the horizon, though the actual rain probably wouldn't start for at least another hour. Even her good friend Joel wasn't here.

And she couldn't wander off and explore because she wasn't aloud to. After one too many...'incidents' of her getting into trouble, and one too many babysitters who couldn't handle her, they'd found Margret. Margret had the eyes of a Hawk, literally, and the ears and nose of a Wolf. Even though the woman may have -looked- deeply involved in a book, if Mirriam tried to fly out of the park, she somehow always knew.

Mirriam sighed heavily and poked at the water of the fountain with a wing claw, watching ripples form and wishing something interesting would happen. She'd even take rain, because at least then she could make an excuse for going somewhere else.

[Callypso]

Today was not the best of days for Emery to be out. The sky threatened rain and there weren’t many Cards out. Well, he supposed there were pro and cons to the situation – on the one claw, he was much less likely to be bothered, seeing as how news of foul weather had already made its way through the Capital. On the other claw, however, it meant he wasn’t able to slip among the crowds. He liked crowds. Most Cards took little notice of an Ace bobbing among the cobbled streets, assuming he was a pet trying to keep up with its master. He also liked crowds because it meant more opportunity to pick a pocket here and there, as well as ample dropped coins on the ground.

Emery wasn’t a particular fan of nicking other Card’s earned wages or belongings; it was just a habit he’d picked up over the years and it was a difficult habit to break. It was also true that it was his little way of helping prepare for the journey that he and his new friend Xopek were planning. Xopek had decent coin and didn’t seem to mind having to front the bill, but it didn’t sit well with the Highlander/Villa mix. He was going to do his part, even if meant separating some coppers from otherwise healthy purses (after all, he wasn’t going to snatch money from someone who looked like they were struggling financially – necessity called, not cruelty).

The Ace scrambled up a gutter drain and peered cautiously from behind the alley wall to survey the park. Often times, romantic Cards or giggling children tended to toss trifles into the fountain. If he was lucky, he could go “fishing” and not have to worry about any potentially dangerous interactions. Of course, he was never that lucky.

There appeared to be a little girl out with her nanny. Maybe he could sneak his way to other side of the fountain and lay in wait until they left? Nah, too uncomfortable. He’d be better off staying in the alley. Maybe if he played cute she’d give him a snack? Now there was an idea.

He pulled out a collar hidden between his wing feathers and buckled it around his neck. An engraved tag hung from the band around his neck that read “Squeaker” with an address. He was usually embarrassed to keep it on when he snuck out of his Highlander family’s home, but now it just might come in handy. Best to make the most of the situation, right? Thank Hearts for ridiculous Cards who had money to waste on spoiled pets. At least he had proof that he belonged to somebody so the girl wouldn’t be tempted to take him home… or, you know, eat him. Or whatever.

The chipmunk/fisher bird took another swift glance around to make sure no one else was about. The coast was clear. Most Cards had headed indoors for the impending rain, which suited him just fine for the moment. He left the alley way and slunk behind a bush to the girl’s left, then poked out his little head and chirped at her to get her attention.

He hoped she had a cookie.

[Lucca]

Margret's wolf-like ears twitched at the rustle of the bush and her yellow eyes peered suspiciously up over her book. She surreptitiously eyed the newcomer, and caught sight of the collar and the A on its chest. She snorted, but didn't entirely let down her guard. After all, in a city like this, it could very well be a trick, and she wasn't about to let anything happen to her charge.

Mirriam didn't really notice the newcomer at all until there was a little noise. Her large ears twitched and she glanced up curiously. "Hello? Who's there?" she called, and then she saw the head of the Card poking out, and grinned. It wasn't just an animal, then! Or...was it? He had a collar on...she turned around and hopped down from the fountain for a closer look. And that was when she saw...the marking on his chest.

"Hey...Squeaker, huh? I bet you can't talk, since you're an Ace," the Bat said, sounding a bit disappointed. After all, Khushrenada had a pet Ace, and it couldn't talk. (Of course, unbeknowst to Mirriam this was by choice of the Ace itself...not wanting to attract the bad sort of attention or make its Master angry). Really, Mirriam didn't know much about Aces. They were just something that was always there...a constant she'd never questioned. A simple fact of life.

But at least it broke up the monotony of her day so far! Mirriam reached out to pet the Ace on the head with her claw...he was an interesting mix, wasn't he?

[Callypso]

Another chirp issued from Emery's beak as he stuck his head out a little farther from the bushes. He wasn't yet ready to emerge, playing shy as he gave a sidelong glance at the wolf-like creature keeping an eye on the little bat before him. She was certainly one of the better caregivers that he'd seen, though it could make it more difficult for him to escape if the woman suddenly decided he was dangerous. He'd just have to be smart about it, like usual. An Ace didn't live as long as he did (and he was still young for Card standards) by being careless.

The Ace returned his attentions to the Avington before him and gave another friendly chirp. He quirked his head in typical bird fashion as she spoke. The effect was comical and sweet, as his performance demanded, but he was also genuinely curious. Had she sounded… disappointed… that he couldn't talk? Was it because he was an Ace or because she was merely lonely and bored?

The distraction was nice, allowing Emery to ignore his initial impulse to roll his eyes at the little bat's assumption. Sure, he was an Ace, but really? It was irritating to think that all Cards raised their children to assume that every low-ranked Card was mentally stunted. How many other Aces out there were like him, and merely putting on a show to avoid punishment? Emery had met his fair share of well-ranked individuals that couldn't find their way out of a burlap sack if their lives depended on it.

Still, she was just a kid. It wasn't entirely her fault. And he was, you know, pretending to be dumb. Damn. He hated contradicting himself. He tried to brush it off- there wasn't much he could do, anyway, was there? If he spoke, she might decide to drag him home, and he wasn't sure he could outrun her nanny. If he made it to the alley he could easily hide, but that definitely wasn't on his agenda for the day. He needed to snag some coin before sneaking back to the Highlander's for the last time. He also still really wanted a cookie.

Now what?

Well, he needed to hang out long enough for the pair to leave so he could raid the fountain, but while they were here he might as well get something out of it. Ah! Parroting! He could promptly cure her of her assumption while still being adorable enough to get a snack. Plus, the idea was rather amusing. Might as well be entertained while he waited, right?

You're an Ace! he squawked. Let her stew on that for a second.

[Lucca]

Aww, he was cute!...but...but something seemed odd, here, to the little girl. She wasn't sure what yet...something was bothering her about this situation. She drew her wing back, suddenly not sure she should pet the nice Ace. What if he didn't want to be petted? But he looked happy enough...

The long silence seemed to confirm Mirriam's assumption, and she felt that little surge of disappointment grow. But she tried not to show it, still keeping up that bright smile for the Ace, and even pushing a little of her natural Diamond charm into it. The Ace looked happy and she didn't want to make him sad by being sad herself! But her brown eyes widened in surprise as...the Ace DID talk! He didn't seem to understand what he was saying...but he could talk after all! Well, he was a bird...maybe it was like a parrot? She'd read about them once. They could mimic the sounds made by Cards even though they didn't know what words meant. This was kind of exciting!

Mirriam giggled. "No, silly Squeaker! I'm not an Ace, that's you!" She tilted her head, thinking...maybe she could get him to say something else? "Hey so...can you say...Mirriam? That's my name, Mirriam!"

[Callypso]

Well, she fell for it, sure enough. Though he had noticed some mild hesitation on her part while petting him. He didn't remember clicking his beak or anything else that might set her on edge. Maybe she was just a nervous little thing? Either way, he wasn't particularly worried at this point. The bat didn't seem prone to violence and her guardian hadn't left her post at the nearby bench. It was safe to keep playing.

He flapped his short wings and tilted his head again as she tried to "coax" him into saying her name. This was the fun part. Now he'd just string together, ah, choice words to make up phrases of his own. He ducked his head to grin and then shook his mane from side to side as though he were trying to settle his fur differently.

No, silly Mirriam! Silly Mirriam!!

Emery surmised that any other Card would feel guilt or remorse over the deception of another, especially a child, but then Emery would remember that "any other Card" had the luxury of feeling complex emotions. He was an Ace. He didn't think, couldn't feel any thing other than base notions of hunger, fear, and contentment. His existence could usually only be "improved" if found serving as pet, upholstery or "fine dining". The bi-realm tried not to speculate about a life without having to strive for survival; it hurt his brain to consider such limitless possibilities.

Beside, he wasn't really hurting anyone. Had he the freedom to, he simply might have engaged conversation to brighten a dull afternoon. As it was, Emery had to have a specific reason for being anywhere lest he be taken advantage of. At this moment, he was excused as being a wayward pet. Had he simply been a lone Ace out in the park, his life would've been up for grabs. Frightening, really.

He chirped loudly again and wagged his tail as if excited by the girl's activity. He was used to having to humiliate himself, but he couldn't help but hope his antics would be well worth it.

[Lucca]

Mirriam laughed and bounced a little with delight at the Ace's antics, antlered head bobbing excitedly. This was fun! Why didn't Khushrenada's Ace ever do this? She should try and get him to say her name next! All he ever did was do tricks and make animal noises, though he was a good listener and seemed to enjoy her stories.

She wondered, though, why Squeaker was still so far into the bushes? Was he afraid of her? She didn't think she was a very scary Card, even though she was a superhero! She protected other Cards, not hurt them! Unless they were bad guys, but this Ace wasn't like that. He was far too nice to be up to anything, and Aces only ever did bad things like tear up the carpet, not try and hurt anyone, at least in the little Bat's mind.

"I guess I am a little silly sometimes," she told the Ace. And then she tilted her head. "Hey, why are you hiding? You don't need to be scared of me, I'm just a kid! I know how to treat Aces well. His Highness Khushrenada taught me. He's kinda like my adoptive father since I was six." Mirriam was quite proud of the fact she could say her guardian's real name, now. It had been quite beyond her to even remember the complicated syllables when she'd been younger, let alone say them.

[Callypso]

Emery couldn't help but smile at the sweet little girl, but he managed to cover it up with another loud chirp. At her beckoning, he stuck his head out as far as possible from the bushes and then took a tentative step forward, as if unsure of himself. Once he had left the bushes (to top off the coy act), he hopped behind her as if for protection, then stood on his hind legs swiveling his head to and fro looking for possible threats. When he deemed it "safe", the little mix nudged the girl in the back to prompt her to pet him again. Hey, it might be a humiliating charade, but the head scratching still felt great!

He cocked his head again and focused on watching her mouth move as she spoke. It was surprising how much he could learn from Cards who thought he was just a dumb animal. Sometimes all a person needed was someone to listen to them, even if they couldn't (or shouldn't) speak back. The girl was an orphan, huh?

Emery had never known his parents, since they had been so eager to dump him off (at least, that was his understanding), but he too understood the importance of a foster parent. His "sister" Ellen had been the most important person in his life, so he could only imagine how significant this Khushrenada was to Mirriam. Realization suddenly hit him in the middle of his musings - Mirriam was the same age he had been when he lost Ellen, and this little girl had been with him since she was 6? What had happened to her family??

The mix's thoughts were interrupted by his need to keep acting the pet. Silly kid! Treat Aces well! Emery squawked. A little subliminal messaging couldn't hurt, right? He paused suddenly, then shook his mane again. Wait… had he heard her correctly? Her foster father had an Ace? Wow, this meeting was starting to get a little uncomfortable. An orphaned girl living with some person who had taken her in- and they lived with an Ace? Emery wondered whether that Ace had to hide his nature as well, or whether he was just another sad case.

Treat Aces well!

He wasn't sure whether it was more sad to be self-aware and have to hide your identity, or to be genuinely unintelligent and not understand what you were missing.

The next chirp sounded a little force.

[Lucca]

Mirriam couldn't help but give a small squeal of delight at how cute the Ace was being as he hid behind her. She actually spread her wings a bit, as if to protect him, and then when he nudged her, her wing claw moved almost without her permission to scratch behind his ears. "Aww, it's okay, Squeaker!" she encouraged him. "There's no one here to be scared of." She glanced over to the Card on the bench, who appeared to be ignoring the two, though her ears were still perked up. "Well," her voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper. "There's Margret, but as long as we don't try to leave the park she'd not gonna bug us!" Well, she'd also intervene if someone was trying to hurt her, Mirriam was sure, but Squeaker seemed nice so it didn't cross her mind that he might be trying anything untoward on her.

What had happened to Mirriam's family was not something she would talk about, even what little she knew of the situation. It was connected to the blue tree on her back, her Secret, and it was something she'd only speak aloud to someone she truly trusted...if even then. It was also a sad subject and not something the normally cheerful little Bat liked to dwell on.

At the Ace's next words, Mirriam nodded with another giggle. "I do, don't worry!" She paused...an odd look on her face. Something seemed strange here, like a math problem that didn't quite add up, but she couldn't exactly say what. Her little leaf-shaped nose wrinkled, and she looked into the Ace's bright eyes. "At least...I think I do. I share my cookies with them and tell them stories and hug them. Do you like those things, Squeaker?"

[Callypso]

The little attentions were nice (especially the head scratches). Having such positive notice was such a rare treat for the chipmunk/fisher bird that he couldn't help getting caught up in the moment. Reality was quick to return, however, because it was damn near impossible to forget an existence as the one he lead. Letting himself get too comfortable was not an option if he wanted to survive. Relaxed was okay, comfortable got you in trouble. Right.

His head bobbed comically forward as Mirriam's voice dropped to a whisper. He was interested to hear that they basically had free rein within the park. Hmm… How could he possibly use that to his advantage? He would occasionally twist his head toward new sounds (as a curious bird-brain would) using the opportunity to study different sections of the park. There was a shallower, much smaller fountain on the other side of the park. Half of the fountain was concealed by a bush. If Emery could coax Mirriam to just the right spot, he could hop in that little pool and snag the coins while pretending to splash around. As long as Margret could see the little bat, she probably wouldn't leave her perch. Hmm… Be entertained, find money, and not arouse suspicion... Sounded like a good idea to him!

Emery felt his heartstrings being tugged as the Avington questioned her treatment of his kind. Well, she definitely seemed concerned with doing "nice" things, but it was obvious that she considered Aces goofy pets. Then again, he supposed her impression would be determined by the behavior and displayed intelligence. It all boiled back down to Aces being considered less-than-human. Aces were expected to be dumb, and if they weren't, they were punished. But they were punished regardless. All he could do was get back to business and hope to live another day.

Like those things!

He considered the strange look that crept over the girl's features as he finished his squawking. Was she scared of him after all? That was weird.

He pushed his own thoughts aside to focus on the plan he had in mind. He began nudging Mirriam and then running a short distance away every time. Then he'd repeat the maneuvers as though asking to be caught. This way, Emery hoped to entice the little bat into a game of tag and eventually lure her to the other fountain. He hoped she'd play. The sky was beginning to darken - he didn't want his chance to get money to be ruined by the weather.