[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/1trNZ24.png[/img][h1][color=fdc68a]&[/color][/h1][img] https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/654438713455149084/873479307715051540/image.png[/img][sub][color=goldenrod]Collaboration[/color] | [@Mistress Dizzy]
[color=goldenrod]Time[/color] | Late Morning
[color=goldenrod]Location[/color] | HQ; Ja’s Room — The Lounge
[/sub][/center][hr]
Kilamanjaro, simply Ja today, excitedly bounced around through his room to the beat of uptempo afrobeats. Quickly sifting through the color-coded clothes in his closet, the Son of the Red pulled free an outfit suitable for athletics but also stylish. His favorite show as a child was, ironically, a show based around teens gaining super abilities to fight monsters— The Spectacular Shifting Noble Ninjas. He had collected all of the colored shirts for each ninja, each representing a different aspect of the natural forces.

The past mission was a troubling experience to learn about later from the debriefing. For once in a very long time, he didn’t know fully what the Red Beast had done. Those were the times Ja was the most afraid. Having the Beast lurking through his instincts was both comforting and troublesome. 

King Lion told him growing up that while his abilities were a blessing, they were a responsibility that he had to uphold solely. That he was going to grow into a man, and as such, maintaining control over his primal urges was of utmost importance. When the Beast wrested that responsibility from him, it made him feel like a failure. Ja was thankful that the beast hadn’t harmed civilians or his teammates…but he felt its aggression ramping up in his being even during times of relative peace like this. It had only gotten worse after that mission in Taos with the Kobra devil girl. Whatever [i]things[/i] she had done to provoke him left some inner turmoil.

However, to combat those feelings since then, he did what Iwisa had taught him to do; put the energy into something upbuilding or productive. More often than not, it resulted in exercising or simply going outside and lightly following the Red’s impulses. Today, he had something different in mind. Something that he couldn’t do on his own. Thus, now garbed in the red dragon SSNN shirt, white sweatpants, and his Speed Force 1s, Ja went to find Kassy.

Kassandra was in the lounge, settled on the couch. With her favorite headphones over her ears, she looked quite relaxed, her eyes closed as if asleep. Ja's highly tuned senses might be able to pick up the sounds of an orchestra, as well as Kassy's soft humming. Lost in the music, she didn't even react to his approach.

The bushbaby waddled over to the couch, just out of view. A crooked smile formed at his lips on the prospect of prank scaring her. However, he caught himself before following his innate instinct to pounce on prey with its guard down. He didn’t want a repeat of what happened on the beach…So, instead, Ja carefully guided his steps around to the front of the couch and sat on the floor within clear view. Along with the pace of her humming, he tapped her thigh to get her attention.

Instead of being startled, a warm smile spread across Kassy's face. [color=orange]”Hi Ja.“[/color] She opened her eyes to give him a warm gaze. Pulling the headphones off and stopping the song, she looked to her friend. [color=orange]”You look well this morning.“[/color] Since the bank mission, she had been tending to him in her own way. Spending more time around him, asking to train, and swim, and just hang out. Clearly, she didn't want him to feel isolated. But she didn't want to force the topic of what had occured unless he wanted to speak about it again.

[color=orange]”What are you up to today?“[/color]

[color=goldenrod]”Actually, I need your help.“[/color] His expression feigned a pout. [color=goldenrod]”There is a competition at the mall today for the sports store. If one were to win it, they would be given whatever single sports item every month for ten years. That one…[i]and their teammate.[/i] I don’t have a teammate for it…unless…maybe…“[/color]

Kassy giggled softly. [color=orange]”Ok, ok. Please put away the bottom lip, it's a dangerous weapon. Viktor is still grounded, I suppose? Then, I will gladly help.“[/color] She rose up from the couch and stretched. [color=orange]”What is the competition? And when do we need to arrive?“[/color]

Ja perked up and, comically, his headbush seemed to flail in excitement as well. [color=goldenrod]”The competition is almost an hour from now. It has a combination of physical and brain challenges. I am strong and fast…but you are strong, fast, [i]and[/i] smart. So if we work together, it will be as easy as swimming!“[/color]

[color=orange]”But Ja, you are also very intelligent…“[/color] She shook her head mildly. Now was not the time for serious discussion. [color=orange]”Let me change my clothes then. I will meet you at the Zeta tubes in 10 minutes. And then, we will conquer all opponents and come home victorious!“[/color] A grin warmed her face, as she gave Ja a firm shoulder squeeze and headed for her room.

[hr][sub][color=goldenrod]Time[/color] | Evening
[color=goldenrod]Location[/color] | Mawl Alqamar Alkhafiu, Khandaq[/sub][hr]
Kassy stepped out of the tube, shutting her eyes against the bright light of the Zeta tube as it finished the transport. She was expecting the usual weekend crowd of the Happy Harbor mall. But instead of the noise and bustle, she was greeted with an entirely different scene.

[color=orange]”...where.. are we?“[/color] Had the coordinates gotten entered wrong, somehow? Ja had put them in himself - he'd never been wrong before. 

The son of the savannah stood not too far from her, eyes to the horizon just briefly before realizing she spoke. His lips pursed. [color=goldenrod]”Uhm…Well…we are at the mall…just not the one near home.“[/color] He put it gingerly. [color=goldenrod]”Is that okay?“[/color]

Kassy gave Ja a confused look before nodding. [color=orange]”Yes, it's fine, but tell me next time. I thought something had gone wrong.“[/color] 

[color=orange]”Now…“[/color] She looked around eagerly. [color=orange]”Where is the contest?“[/color]

[color=goldenrod]”There…“[/color] Was once a time when lying was easier. A game was how it was taught to him as a child. It was an integral part of missions at one point. But outside of missions, away from Buredunia, it only got harder…He didn’t want a repeat of what happened in Las Vegas.

[color=goldenrod]”There is no contest.“[/color] His eyes pleaded his case, [color=goldenrod]”I just wanted you to come with me…I saw that sometimes in Happy Harbor, you had a sour look on your face…So, I thought maybe you’d like to try a different one…“[/color]

At Ja's soft admission, Kassy turned to give him her full attention. Something strange was going on. Ja was not prone to deception. Granted, he didn't wield truth like a club and smack people with it, but… 

[color=orange]”Ja, what is going on? You are acting very strange right now. I- I don't mind the Happy Harbor mall, it's fine…“[/color] She was not telling the full truth. Rather hypocritical to demand of him what she wouldn't freely give. [color=orange]”They just don't have clothes in my size that suit my taste.“[/color] She shrugged indifferently. [color=orange]”It's not a big deal.“[/color] 

He wasn't wrong about her moods though.  Going shopping with the others, watching the other girls find all sorts of cute fashions and so many times finding nothing that came close to fittng her thick frame - some days it was just irritating. She'd thought herself a deceiver with enough practice to keep it from showing. Evidently not.

[color=orange]”Where are we, anyway? The air seems different. Not as wet.“[/color]

His demeanor seemed to ease some with her lack of an angry response. He wasn’t sure of what to expect, but her confusion becoming the equivalent of a verbal shrug was better than the worst. With her question, his smile slowly started to come back around though still somewhat cautious. 

[color=goldenrod]”Well, we are no longer in America, but in my home continent of Africa. The country though…You may have heard of it, given how…[i]well known[/i] the leader is. We are at a special mall in Khandaq.“[/color] He let the name sink in for a moment before continuing. 

[color=goldenrod]”My amai comes here sometimes as a guest when she needs nice new things. The styles come from all over the world…so…I…uhm...thought that maybe you’d like to look around and see if you like something?“[/color]

[color=orange]”We're in [i]Africa[/i]? I'm not quite sure where Khandaq is, but-“[/color] She stopped mid-sentence. His mother shopped here. His mother, the effortlessly beautiful supermodel. Kassy felt her mood sink immediately, as she realized she'd felt slightly on edge since the moment they had arrived.

[color=orange]”Ja, I… I appreciate your taking the time to think of me. It's just stunning here. But if someone like your mother shops here, then I definitely do not belong.“[/color] Now that she was tuned in, she could feel eyes on her. She kept her attention fixed on Ja, trying to drown the anxiety. 

Ja’s expression went from cautious to confused, headbush even tilting to the side just so. Someone like his mother? Surely Kassy wasn’t insulting his amai…Did that mean she was insulting herself instead? 

[color=goldenrod]”…Do not belong…?“[/color] The bushbaby didn’t quite understand what she meant at first. The glances from passersby were lost on him but his senses picked up the tension building in her. Why? The only thing he could connect as far as clothing went…was her build? Kassy was certainly…curvier than he noticed in the other girls on the team. His own amai was even on the skinnier side…but…was that what made her think [i]she[/i] didn’t belong? 

He pulled out two elaborately braided black and gold bracelets, each with a currently blank panel on them. He clicked one of them onto his wrist and extended his reach out to her hand.

[color=goldenrod]”Actually, I think I know somewhere here that might change your mind…“[/color] Ja’s golden globes connected to her sunset-painted eyes. 

[color=goldenrod]”Will you trust me? I promise, no tricks from now on.“[/color]

Kassy rubbed the back of her neck. The other customers, finely dressed and dignified adults, didn't look pleased with her presence. Before she could ask him to leave, their eyes met. 

[color=orange]”I…“[/color] Her hand met his, answering him before her words were sorted. [color=orange]”Of course I trust you. We're already here across half the world - show me around!“[/color] Just like that, Ja’s warm gaze banished her fears.

With her permission, they were off; the lad of the land led the oceanic offspring along the elegant hall of the mall. There were fancy stores that exhibited varying sorts of exotic clothing, art pieces, and even furniture in some. It was a widely multicultural assortment despite being under the banner of only being able to be found here. Some of the things, his Amai had explained, weren’t even officially put out for the masses yet. An air of exclusivity only very few in the world had. 

There were many potential places to stop, but Kilamanjaro was on a mission. One that led them to a store simply named ‘Faith’s’. Upon looking at the things in the display window, it was actually a little different from the other stores. While many of the clothing shops seemed to be aimed for a more mature and ‘dignified’ consumer base, Faith’s seemed aimed towards young adults. 

While standing just outside of it, Ja paused, looking across to Kassy like a pup that had found what it sniffed out. A fanged, good natured smile filled out his expression. [color=goldenrod]”Here we are! Oh. And put this thing on.“[/color] He placed the other bracelet in her hand.

[color=goldenrod]”All the guests shopping here have to wear one.“[/color]

Just before they had begun their browse, Kassy summoned a quick illusion over her clothing. Her "Mer-muscle" workout tank and shorts were replaced. She chose a cheery sundress printed with tiny stars. As Ja led, she window shopped, gleefully gazing at the numerous displays of finery and fashion from across the globe. 

Her attention was turned from a beautiful display of pearl studded jewelry when Ja announced they had arrived.

[color=orange]”This? What does it do?“[/color] She took the bracelet from him, but did not yet wear it. Kilamanjaro had her trust, but whoever had crafted this bracelet did not.

[color=goldenrod]”Ah, when you find something you want to keep, it is scanned to tell the store who has bought it. Mostly though, it is to show that you were invited to this mall. It’s not like the one at home where everyone can walk in.“[/color]

[color=orange]”I see.“[/color] With a moment of hesitation, she slid the bracelet around her wrist. Hopefully it wouldn't be too much of a problem. [color=orange]”Let’s go in.“[/color]

Unlike the other stores in the exclusive mall, this one seemed to have a much more casual style for it's younger clientele. Kassy spent time browsing the various fashions on display. There were so many beautiful things that she would have loved to try on - but she quickly realized that she was far out of her depth. Not a single item on the rack or shelf had a price tag. Clearly, this was meant for those who had never worried about money. She did have her stipend from the palace - but that was money for the future. There was, of course, the JL credit card, but knowing someone, somewhere, would see that she'd been spending hero funds on clothing…

Oh well. It had been a sweet gesture, regardless. With a mental shrug, she started looking for Ja. The gluttonous young goat was gandering at the goodies close by the check out when he heard or really felt her approach. Ja turned with a smile but it became close-lipped rather quickly.

[color=goldenrod]”You didn’t find anything, Froggy?“[/color]

Kassy blinked. [color=orange]”Froggy…?“[/color] She chuckled and shook it off. [color=orange]”There were several beautiful things, actually. But-“[/color] Lowering her voice, she looked to the sweet Prince at her side. [color=orange]”Ja, I cannot afford any of this. I've been putting away my stipend for when I become an adult. I assume even the cheapest item here would empty it completely.“[/color] Shame crept up her neck, but she was met with a smile and a giggle.

[color=goldenrod]”Silly Kassy, I didn’t bring you here to find things you like, only to leave them. My amai gave us the shopping bracelets for a reason.“[/color] Ja understood that maybe the shimmering sea-star felt a little uncomfortable with the idea of spending his amai’s money, even with permission.

[color=goldenrod]”Here, we’ll use mine! Now come on, try some of the stuff on.“[/color] He ushered, leading into a random aisle as he bobbled his head along to the Indian pop music playing in the background.

Kassy’s mouth opened,  then closed. Did Ja mean to buy things for her? That wouldn't do at all. [color=orange]”I, um, I appreciate it, but… Ja, I cannot let you waste your money on me.“[/color] She followed in his wake.

A dress caught her eye as they passed by. Without losing the pep in his step, or even a stride, Ja turned to walk backwards and look at her.

[color=goldenrod]”Hm…well, you found stuff you like, right?“[/color] 

Kassy nodded hesitantly. 

[color=goldenrod]”And you would wear that stuff if you had it with the rest of your clothes, right?“[/color]

Again, the daughter of the depths found herself slowly nodding her head. In which case, the young lion released a smile like the rising sun.

[color=goldenrod]”See! Then it isn’t a waste, Froggy. Money is just paper or numbers that you trade with people anyway.“[/color]

[color=orange]”...But I- I do not [i]need[/i] excess…“[/color] Kassandra's protests slowed to silence. That radiant grin addled her mind, as usual. [color=orange]”...Just this once, I guess.“[/color] A smile flickered on her lips before broadening. Subconsciously, her eyes wandered to the dress that was nearby. [color=orange]”It wouldn't hurt to try on one.“[/color] 


Having taken a seat on the floor near the fitting room, Ja waited while Kassy pulled a dress from the rack. Usually, this was the part that bored him when he was out shopping with his amai. She’d always pick a bunch of them and then be in there [i]forever[/i]. Though this time was different, he was here with Kassy now and he wanted to be encouraging. Still, even in the period that Kassy took he ended up pulling out his phone.

Before long, he heard her footsteps and perked up from watching funny cat videos that he asked Alisa to bookmark for him. When he stood and looked up, his lips moved to smile but froze in its tracks. He wasn’t prepared for what he saw at that moment. 

What he thought was a simple white and teal dress at first glance seemed to have morphed. A soft, sun-warm white outside, long enough to reach her knees. Inside was a vibrant teal and coral pink, having a Yoruban design with soft floral patterns throughout. It hugged her many curves just so but didn’t show too much.

Kilamanjaro had never seen Kassy in such a way before, and utterly stood no chance. She was arrayed like a princess in a fantasy, and as such the maned young lion was entranced by the view. All the while, she did not even seem to notice his silent plight to her beauty, making minor adjustments to herself in the mirror as if she wasn’t—

[color=orange]”How do I look?“[/color]

The question reminded the boy that she wasn’t simply a Mirage but that this was reality. The fluster that the realization drew from him brought his headbush down to defensively hide his face. 

[color=goldenrod]”U…Uzuri wa kichawi…“[/color] Was his murmured response as he brought his eyes down in an attempt to keep from staring further.

Kassy’s hesitant smile disappeared in a blink. [color=orange]”Uzui wa ki- kich-“[/color] She had picked out more than a few Swahili words and phrases from him, but this one was unknown. Although… [color=orange]”You've said that before… I [i]think[/i]? It sounds familiar but I don't remember the meaning.“[/color] She sighed softly, tugging the inner dress in places.

[color=orange]”I usually don't wear things that are tight like this. It's not uncomfortable, but…“[/color] She rubbed the back of her neck, her confidence dropping like a stone in the sea.

[color=orange]”Maybe it doesn't flatter me?“[/color] She figured that was why Ja wasn't looking. He was too gentle to hurt her feelings. 

[color=orange]”You can just tell me. It's fine.“[/color] 

[color=goldenrod]”…“[/color] He…had said it before? Ja could only remember one other occasion that he would have used that phrase…Which he could only hear the harmony of Kassy’s singing voice in his mental background now. He didn’t realize that he’d said it out loud…Much less that it was loud enough for her to remember. As her self-esteem seemed to falter, Ja felt the falling stone smash into his heart to become many butterflies.

[color=goldenrod]”I…the english word that fits is…uhm…’enchanting’.“[/color] He translated, timidly drawing his eyes back up to take more mental picture

[color=orange]”Oh, I see.“[/color] Kassy gathered up her thick curls, trying to arrange them into style. 

And then the meaning of Ja's words jostled her mind and heart, all at once.

[color=orange]”What?!“[/color] She whirled to face him. The dress flared around her with her movement, adding an ethereal quality to it. [color=orange]”Is that really… are you sure you mean that?“[/color] A pause before a verbal retreat. [color=orange]”Wait, that's not -  I mean, I know you know your own - But that doesn't make -“[/color] A steady heat was flooding her face.

[color=orange]”I… I…“[/color] 

Oh no, had he said the wrong thing? He thought that “enchanting” in english had a positive meaning. Yet her response suggested otherwise. Ugh, what should he do? What did he say? 

Kilamanjaro felt a small ache in his now spinning head. His eyes were intense as he internally panicked. Yet, the quiet tension in his body seemed to relax. He took a breath and blinked several times, refocusing on Kassandra. A small, pleased smile melded his expression.

[color=goldenrod]”My amai has walked many fashion shows. She has told me that there are some models that elevate the outfits they wear. I think you and the dress together make quite a view.“[/color] 

[color=orange]”...“[/color] Kassy made a few unintelligible sounds as her mind tried to make sense of what was happening. [color=orange]”Are you serious? Ja-“[/color] Trailing off, she looked closely at her friend. [color=orange]”Kila?“[/color] Her voice was a gentle whisper as she approached him.

[color=orange]”Did you actually mean what you said? A - about me?“[/color]

[color=goldenrod]”Of course, Ms. Keigwan.“[/color] He teased, but continued on in a supportive manner. [color=goldenrod]”And this is just [i]one[/i]. Surely there are others you’d like to try?“[/color]

Kassy stepped a fingertip shy of too close, and looked into Kila's eyes. Her untranslatable gaze stretched on longer than was socially polite.  Finally, her eyes softened and a sweet grin graced her face. [color=orange]”...You're a good person, did you know that?“[/color] If he wanted to do all this to show her kindness, then so be it. This was Kilamanjaro at his core. 

[color=orange]”Well, Mister McCabe… perhaps there are a few other items that caught my eye.“[/color]

For once, an unrestrained warmth radiated from within Kila, and with a chuckle he gestured for her to continue. While the moment was nice, the young veteran found himself wondering how exactly he got to the mall. 

Sure he had thought about offering to bring Kassandra here before, even talked to his Amai about it…It didn’t feel like he was dreaming, and yet, Kila still wondered.  He thought his Red half to be more primal in nature, so surely it hadn’t brought her here.

Regardless, having woke up in worse situations than this, Kila decided to take the moment for what it was. After all, self-doubt was cripplingly cold, a feeling that he has come to learn that Kassy also suffered from. So to see that smile of hers come from a truly warm place in her heart, the heat was enough to make his own doubts melt away.