[for losthunter]

[poetwarrior]

It has been nearly six hours.

Faris can feel it. The weakness is unmistakable. He's never experienced it before, but all K'da know what it means. He's been separated from his host for too long, long enough that he needs to join or he will die, and fade away into nothing.

He still isn't sure where this Nexus place is, but there are no Shontine that he's seen. No species he recognizes as one able to serve as hosts. There have only been two compatible races that the K'da know of, and he's seen neither. Robots, aliens, all manner of creatures, but nothing he recognizes.

This cannot be the end.

Movement, from the corner of his eye. The sight of painted skin, full of life and possibility. A human, perhaps. Faris has never met one before. But if this one has willingly inked his skin, perhaps it is possible... perhaps he would allow it. At least long enough to buy him some time.

The K'da gathers his remaining strength, ready to leap as soon as the human is in range. It may be the last thing he ever does, so he intends to make it count.

Comments

[poetwarrior]

"Yes, memory only. And it helps keep the mind sharp. Skills must be practiced or they may be lost, and the mind is no different."

[losthunter]

"It sounds very interesting."

[poetwarrior]

"Perhaps while I am here, you may show me how to create visual works," Faris says, pulling the corners of his mouth up in something approximating a human smile.

[losthunter]

"Sure. I am sure that is more than possible... considering I do work on my art frequently."

[poetwarrior]

"What do you do with your works once they are complete?" Faris asks. Done with his food, he wanders over to take a closer look at Hunter's current work-in-progress.

[losthunter]

"I have a couple of art galleries that display the art pieces. And I am working with a couple of friends on creating a Nexus museum."

[poetwarrior]

"You donate them? Or do you make a profit from them?"

[losthunter]

"I sell them. Then use the profit to place in a savings account. I am working towards another project. One to help out the helpless."

[poetwarrior]

He must admit to slight disappointment in earning money from art, but there are far worse ways to earn a living than sharing creative works with others. "An honorable choice."

[losthunter]

"My goal is to build a place where anyone who is homeless can get support to improve their lives."

[poetwarrior]

To a K'da, the concept of being homeless brings somewhat more severe implications than it would to ordinary humanoids. "Does no one else look out for them?"

[losthunter]

"Not in my world."

[poetwarrior]

"That is somewhat appalling." And it makes him even more grateful that he chose this human to be his host for the time being. Things always go much more smoothly when your host has many of the same opinions that you do, after all.

[losthunter]

"I have a few pieces that actually depict those who do live on the street, in my world. They are on display to raise awareness."

[poetwarrior]

"Raise awareness? There are those who are not aware of this as a problem?"

[losthunter]

"Unfortunately, yes. In my world, with the social inequity, there are those who are wealthy and ignore those in dire situations."

[poetwarrior]

Faris's tail lashes in agitation, and he consciously stills it, so he doesn't knock down any of Hunter's artwork. "Unacceptable. I am glad you are taking steps to correct this."

[losthunter]

"Well, truth be told... I have been on both sides of the equation. I have been the rich boy who ignored the world around him. And I have been the homeless youth, who was just looking for a way off the streets."

[poetwarrior]

"Then you are uniquely qualified to know how to take steps to bring it to the attention of others," Faris concludes. "Your experiences are a foundation upon which to build."

[losthunter]

"Once my eyes were open to the situation, I knew that I could help others to see what was going on. And I do my best to tell the stories."

[poetwarrior]

"Then you have a noble cause. One worthy of my assistance, if it is acceptable."

[losthunter]

"If you think you can help, then I would be glad to accept your assistance."

[poetwarrior]

"I do not know how I may contribute, but I wish to."

[losthunter]

Hunter quickly cleans the table, and puts all the plates into his dishwasher.

"Did you need anything else?"

[poetwarrior]

"Not at the moment, thank you." All things considered, Faris is pleased with how things have turned out. He's still worried about his Shontine host back home, and how he's going to get back to her. But he has a volunteer host and a source of food, and a way to contribute to his host's goals as repayment.