Curiosity Killed The Fox [OPEN]

[Ume]

On her hands and knees, crawling her way through the streets, the animal-human went. Sniffing the concrete of the streets, Ume traveled. From her scientists informed, after explaining her mission, this was where most saiyans lived. Rad City, where saiyans live their lives, while humans get beat up. Seems simple enough, right? Unfortunately, Ume was still in the process of trying to distinguish which one was a human and which one was a saiyan. She really haven't been in this planet for so long, or learned a single hint about probably just about anything on this planet, or the species that run it. This was really foiling to Ume, it was. So, this is the city the guys back home told me before letting me go. This shouldn't be too hard. If this city is mostly infected with saiyans about, then I can probably figure out which one's a saiyan and which one's a human. This will be easy! Ume's mind went. Ume still crawled down the concrete, she goes. Right now, her mind was as if she was a four-legged animal, specifically a wolf. A lone wolf, trying to complete her mission, even though she still doesn't know for the fact that she's never gonna go back to her real home, as she called it.

I'm gonna be honest on this part, but they REALLY need to consider cleaning up these grounds. They're filthier than seeing another Arcosian's blood all over the lab tanks! Her mind spoke, as she rose her head from the ground, as her position shifted to a dog sitting and wagging its tail. Her tail then swished its way back and forth, as her ears twitched, as Ume twitched her nose. As she stopped moving for a moment, Ume's eyes went about, as her eyes looked around the area she was in. The streets looked quite clean in general, honestly. Unlike her little trip when she first landed on this planet.  But speaking of that little trip, if she remembered correctly, before she landed here, she did remember something about that settlement thing is where that's where most of these so called humans lived, while the city was where most saiyans lived. Then again, she wasn't too sure. A year passed on her journey to crashing earth and already she forgotten half of the information she's been taught. But, since she was on this little mission, which was to explore the planet and interact with the species among it.

"There's a lot of objects around this planet that's a lot different back home. I didn't know this earth planet had a lot of life here! And the construction on this place is just amazing!" Ume said to herself. going back on her hands and knees, continuing to crawl off, as her eyes then went back to watching the ground. Just as Ume kept crawling, her head and ears suddenly bumped into a hard, and a rusty object up her eyes, which made her flinch back in a sitting position. Her ears twitched in pain, as the furry used both of her hands to comfort her head and ears. Her eyes closed to distress, little parts of tears started to form at the corners of her eyes. Ume howled in pained, but softly to herself. She didn't want to create such scenes or any sort of disturbance within this location of the city. Ume continued to whine, but only to her self. God, that hurts like hell! Even my ears can't stop twitching! What exactly did I bump into, anyway? Her mind asked. Opening her eyes, the first image she saw was a brown, tall and branchy figure. Some of these branches were long and big.

There were many leaves covering up these branches, and their color was green. This object though, wasn't really that tall to say, but it was big. And there were some rocks and stones surrounding this tall object. Some were little pebbles, while the others were just actual large stones hanging around. This object, was known as a tree. A tree, that Ume has no idea what this thing is. She shoved her head forward, closer to the tree.  "Woa! What is that thing? It's so.... Tall!" She exclaimed with such amazement, she began to investigate, still on her hands and knees. Ume began to then sniff the bark of this tree. It didn't had a good musk, though. Smelled all.. Grassy. Nudging her head back in disgust, her nose and ears twitched once again. Well, whatever it is, it doesn't smell good, not one bit. She thought, sticking her tongue out. Little did she knew anything about plants, or most sources around the planet. But with interest, Ume began to circle around the tree, still sniffing about, remaining on her hands and knees, as her tail whipped back and forth. Is it edible..? And what's with this small and big things surrounding it? Her mind wondered. Going back to her sitting position, she picked up a small, little rock laying on a stone.

Taking one, small munch, Ume's teeth went against the rock's surface. Her eyes grew with shock, as her whole body twitched in shock. Within seconds, she started to spit about, as well as distancing the rock away from her face. I knew it wouldn't taste good. Even the looks of eat doesn't look delicious. Ume thought, with a small pout on her face. I wonder if the rest is edible, though..

[Aice]

Running through the back streets of the city Aice made his way back to his house after a long day of stealing goods from Saiyan's that didn't deserve them. On his side he carried a small bag on coins that he made from his daily affair's, with all the work he had put in lately he made quite a bit of coin; enough to last him for a few days before he was going to have to work again. Until that day it was training, severing the rebellion cause and relaxing three of the things that he loved to do. If Aice could sabotage any Saiyan plans then he was more than willing too, the same goes fore training; he was always ready for any if he had the spare time. However, the last few weeks he had been having restless nights as he wasn't able to sleep very well, every time he drifted off he would have nightmares that would make him wake up screaming.  Hopefully, with a full stomach and a few days to relax he would be able to get a good few hours in before he had to return to his daily schedule of robbing Saiyan's, at least those moments brought him a smile.

Reaching the end of the street Aice round the corner just in time to see the fox girl he had met a few days prior sniffing around in the dirt, it was a most unusual sight in a city such as this, even so Aice had seen worse; meth is one hell of a drug. Skidding to a stop Aice kicked a cloud of dust into the air, curiosity was building up as he was trying to figure out what she was doing out here all by herself. Crawling on her hands and knees she moved about the area sniffing everything she could get close too, as if she was trying to find something. Noticing that she was moving ever closer to the a nearby tree Aice wanted to call out and warn her about it, but he thought she would take notice of it before she got any closer. As luck would have it though she didn't, smacking her head against it she howled out in pain, falling backwards she landed on the ground rubbing her head softly.

"Aw poor thing, she should really pay attention to her surroundings a bit more." Aice winched slightly at the impact.

Getting up from her falling position she began to observe the tree closely taking in it through all her sense's, she seemed almost mesmerized at the sight of the tree.

"Strange behavior, it's almost like she's never seen a tree before."

Sniffing the base of the tree she pulled back with a displeased look on her face, with little intrest she left the rest of the tree alone and moved on to the surrounding rock that rounded it base. Picking one up she brought it close to her face to get a better look at it, looking pleased with it appearance she shoved it into her mouth and bit down on it. Aice watched with a some strange amusment at the girl, as she took shock the to the pain of the rock smashing against her teeth, quickly she spit the small rock out pushing it away from herself.

"...She's going to die out her if someone doesn't help here, and since everyone else here is keeping clear of her path I guess I'm that person."

Making sure not to startle her Aice walked out slowly to her, once he felt that he was safe distance he called out to her.

"Hey there, I don't know if you remember me but I saw you when you first landed here on the planet, sorry if I didn't have the best welcoming with all the Saiyan's attacking at what not. But I wouldn't recommend trying to eat anything else on that tree, it's not very good." Aice chuckled slightly.

"Anyway my names Aice Goto, and if you like...." Aice reached into a tiny bag next to his bag of coins, and pulled out a piece of dried meat,

"It's not something they would sever at a four star hotel but it beats a rock." Aice laughed.

[Ume]

"Hey there, I don't know if you remember me but I saw you when you first landed here on the planet, sorry if I didn't have the best welcoming with all the Saiyan's attacking at what not. But I wouldn't recommend trying to eat anything else on that tree, it's not very good."

With a little jump, the furry was startled immediately the moment someone spoke out to her, dropping the little rock from her. The voice however, sounded very conversant for some reason. And the irony of that part was Ume can be most forgetful about things, especially important ones, specifically telling the difference between a human and a saiyan, and speaking of saiyans, how can she not forget when the saiyans first invaded the settlement? Another irony of this is that she's in a city filled with saiyans, and maybe the ones where they invaded the settlement, but enough about that. It didn't sound like this person was all minatory as it would be, specifically maybe off from a saiyan, or how she would be made fun of her just by the furry using her canine senses to observe this so called figure, also known as a tree. Speaking of figures, though, Ume still haven't decided to look up away from the tree, to see who she was being spoken to. Looking up from the piles of rocks and stones surrounding the tree, her eyes settling down on a boy, who seems to be short, but somewhat reachable to the furry's height. When it comes to heights, there can come a time where Ume can be despicable.

Hey... Hey! It's that kid who warned about the saiyans! Ume's head went, cheering in the inside as her memories flashed back to her to say that she remembered. She also heard for the kid recommending the furry not to eat anything else on this tree, as it wasn't very good. So, this thing's called a tree now, huh? At least she learned something new. So, that large thing is called a tree? Then what are these things surrounding it? Her mind questioned. Typically, Ume was still unaware of the figures of this planet, except for trees. Now that, was something she took note of, but still, the furry decided to go along on what this kid recommended. Even the furry would say it wasn't very good either.

"Anyway my names Aice Goto, and if you like...."

Ume also learned that this kid's name's Aice, as his last name was Goto. It was also a small, yet a catchy name. Before the furry was going to stand up on her own two feet and take her turn to introduce herself properly like a regular creature would, it seems like Aice was looking into his bag for something. The furry felt like she was in some sort of deja vu trance right now. Wasn't she in a scene like this before already? Where only she approached a person on all her fours, as the person began to look into their bag, giving the fox a small treat, and also a little bag? Would this happen again to the fox, only on a different location? The furry's curiosity rose, as she sat up straightly, with her tail swishing slowly, and her ears making little twitching movements. What was he trying to get out? Another one of Ume's misleading thoughts, like a weapon? No, it was completely different. By then, she was introduced by a what seems to be dried up meat.

Is that... MEAT? Ume's thoughts questioned, as she stared right at the item. She was already feel her tongue sticking out, with some saliva running down her tongue. The furry wasn't that stupid to not tell that was meat held by the kid's hands. She wasn't fed some other random alien's meat for nothing, now, but the difference between the 'meat' she was fed, was for it had an odd, yet a sour tingling flavor for the furry. How would EARTH'S meat taste like? Would it be the same, or would it be different? Ume was just dying with curiousity, wanting to see how the earth's meat would taste like.

"It's not something they would sever at a four star hotel but it beats a rock."

A rock? So THAT'S what Ume tasted. It was actually cold.. And hard, but oh well. The furry slowly approached to the dried up meat. She wasn't too sure about taking a bite, though. What if it was poisoned for something? What if this was a trap? The look of the dried meat though... It was suddenly seducing the furry right away. Going up on all her fours, she padded right up to the dried meat, sniffling it about. It SMELLS promising, at least. Well, maybe just a little bit. She thought, as she still continued to sniff at the piece of dried meat.  Eventually, the furry just took a bite of the dried meat. Chewing the piece slowly at first, her eyes grew again, with her tail swiping rapidly with joy. This piece of meat actually tasted good! Swallowing the piece, her eyes turned back to Aice, with yet another big grin attached to face, tongue sticking out, as her tail still continued to swipe around. This was just meaning she enjoyed the piece of meat, without a doubt, but again, it feels like the furry was in some sort of deja vu trance... Wasn't this done somewhere else similarly already?

[Aice]

The two stood in the middle of street as the girl grew close to his out drawn hand, offering her a piece of dried meat she seem tantalized at the sight of the substance. Whether or not she was aware of it her tongue was sticking out of mouth as she started to drool over the sight of the meat, as if she hadn't eaten for days, however Aice quickly dismissed the idea just from looking at her. She didn't look as one might if they hadn't eaten in a few weeks, which made Aice wonder how she survived so long out here by her self.

"Even though she's been crawling out here for god knows how long, she's in relativity good condition especially with such heat we're having this summer. Maybe she has family around here, but I would find that hard to believe if she really did come down in the ship."

"Hehe...her ears...wait...what did I just say?... not this shit again...."

Timid but curious she grew ever closer eying the piece, but Aice had no plans of tricking her, he was actually amused at the actions of the young girl. Not many people would take food from stranger let alone walk on all fours to get closer too it. Barley a finger length away she stopped her advance only to start sniffing the piece of meat, examining it closely as if she was trying to find some sort of flaw in it.

"Man, you would think that she has never seen food before...well she was eating rocks...."

"Go ahead and try it out, as good smells, it tastes a lot better."

Seeming resurred by his words the girl took a small bite off it, bitting into the small piece a bust of flavor exploding her mouth. Eye's widing, her tail began to way back and forth with excitement, with a big smile on her face she looked back up at Aice.

"I'm guessing that means you liked it?" Aice laughed at her excitement, it was almost contagious.

"Well I'm glad someone around here likes my cooking. Here you can have the rest of the piece if you want." Aice handed the small bit to the young girl.

Dusting his hands off Aice closed the small bag on his waist back up, making sure nothing had fallen out, the last thing he need was too lose something out here in the city or worse to get rob. The greatest defeat to a thief was to be robbed themselves, lucky that  had never happen to Aice and he wasn't planning on letting it happen. Taking another glance inside the pouch from were he had gotten the strip of meat Aice now noticed that he had none left.

"Ah dang, well I'm glad she liked it so much cause I'm out now.... Oh well I was gonna have to go to the market eventually anyway, might as well get it over with now before it get's to much later. Should be more than enough to get what I need, and if not I guess some merchants items might go 'missing'." Glancing at the bag of coins he had.

Seeing that all his belongs were affixed to his person he turned his attention back to the girl, simling he resuming talking to her,

"Like I was saying I met you awhile back, and then we got jumped by a band of Saiyan's, I didn't really get to have a formal meeting with you. So what's your name, if you don't mind me asking."

[Ume]

"Well I'm glad someone around here likes my cooking. Here you can have the rest of the piece if you want."

Ume looked back up, as she was offered for the rest of the pieces. Wait... He cooked this...? That was the first thought that came to the furry's mind. Someone who's so young was able to cook excellently? Looks like she was unaware to how some functions work, such as cooking. Does he have the technology of cooking this...? Maybe some sort of manual fire made back before...? I'll never really understand how things like that work, especially back at that little place before where we were invaded.. Hah, I don't know. And once again, her thoughts just kept on playing with her mind. Thoughts that weren't necessary of thinking over, but who can blame her? For someone who has little experience on this planet, it had to be a choice, right? Should the furry really take the rest of the piece, back to the subject? It'd be smart for Ume to save the piece, just in case if she's hungry again. The streets are fully filled, completely by creatures she don't know well, and that could probably go for the whole planet! There was at least, another person who was willing to help out the clueless furry, and as of course, Ume would acknowledge that. Grabbing the rest of the piece with her mouth, she then dropped it over to one of her sides.

"Like I was saying I met you awhile back, and then we got jumped by a band of Saiyan's, I didn't really get to have a formal meeting with you. So what's your name, if you don't mind me asking."

"My.. Name?" Ume spoken, as she looked back to the young boy speaking. "I'm... U-Ume. She answered. Typically, her speech and nerves can get the best of her when it comes to meeting other races about. "And... I just want to say th-thanks for the little treat you gave me... I was s-sort of hungry and stuff... s-so yeah..." The furry said, with total embarrassment, now that she thought about it. On her fours, crawling around the streets, bumping into an object that everyone knows about, it didn't feel so sane. "So... What brings you here to this area?" Ume asked. She'd probably get the same question thrown back at her, but she was wondering what brought him here.

[Aice]

The fox girl stared at Aice as he talked about how he make the jerky that he had given to her, almost confused by the idea that he could make anything for himself. As it would happen though Aice had many miscellaneous skills that he was great in, he could cook, build furniture, sew to some degree mostly just patching, jury rig many machines and play the guitar. All them expect for the musical skill was something he had learned to do from others through out the years, since he lived by himself (before Winta came along) he had to fend for himself for the most part. If Aice need to eat he would have to find the wood, start the fire, prepare the food and cook it; it had never been an easy life for him but all the hard times he had gone through had made him a very diverse person.

The girl looked as though she was unsure about taking the small bit of meat from Aice, staring at it she quickly decided that it was best to take it, never know when you might eat again here in the city. Placing it off to the side she turned here attention back to Aice as he wanted to know her name, seeming embarrassed about the idea she stuttered out the response to him.

"Ume huh? That's a pretty name." Aice smiled.

"Well Ume it's a pleasure to formally meet your acquittance." Jokingly Aice bowed slightly.

Face slightly flushed, Ume began stuttering again as she thanked him for the food as she hadn't eaten in a while, smiling again he looked at her,

"Is she embarrassed? Over what? Aw she looks so cute.... ugh again? Why brain? These strange thoughts keep popping into my head, it's like I cannot control my thoughts some times." Aice thought frustrated at himself.

"It was my pleasure to help you out, I'm just sorry I don't have anymore to give you."

Ume nervously asked what Aice was doing out here,

"Well I was actually on my way home when I spotted you sniffing around here." He gave a friendly laugh.

"But now...well I guess I have too go to the markets, I need to get some supplies before they close otherwise I'm going hungry tonight." Aice rubbed the back of his laughing.

"Why don't you come with me? It wouldn't be right if I let you all alone out here, who knows you might find something you like there." Aice told Ume.

[Ume]

"Well Ume it's a pleasure to formally meet your acquittance."

The furry watched over Aice as he bowed slightly. This was... Strange to the fox's eyes. Never has she met, or so far met a human who talked so... What can be a word to her thoughts...? Sophistically? The last time she heard such a sentence frame would of been the, and she would quote, "the people back home", that is. The furry wasn't as always, aware of the kid's little humor or his jokeful acts, or just humor on this planet, or just humor in general. Ume wasn't even raised for humor correctly enough, or just where she's from. Weird way of meeting someone... But I'll just play along and hope for the best...! Ume's mind spoken, as her confused look still remained the same. As she was still on her little canine position, all the furry could do was just bow her head. "Same for you, my good man!" The furry responded to Aice's little joke, only Ume was a little more serious, but her voice was just a little playful too.

"It was my pleasure to help you out, I'm just sorry I don't have anymore to give you."

"Haha, it's okay! I'm just saving the pieces for later, in case if I'm ever hungry again." The furry laughed softly. She felt like this was some sort of talent she had, which was getting some food, just by going on her fours, acting all curious with her surroundings, even though it wasn't even acting to begin with. Maybe she can do this more often for more treats. Wow.. I keep getting these treats as I go by on my fours... Maybe I can take that as an advantage to take for more food! Ume's mind went, as a little sly smile came to her face, but quickly swept it off, just to erase any suspicion she might of been trying to create, either way she wasn't really trying to plot anything serious, except for maybe trying to get some food. The furry would know that she wouldn't really get far with her little idea she thought if it keeps up.

"But now...well I guess I have too go to the markets, I need to get some supplies before they close otherwise I'm going hungry tonight."
 
"Why don't you come with me? It wouldn't be right if I let you all alone out here, who knows you might find something you like there."

The markets? Ume never heard of these... Markets before.  It's probably one of those places where sources and supplies are kept. She can perhaps tag along and follow. The furry can just share her pieces with Aice if he ever grows hungry, she wasn't that greedy to say. Were there that many places Ume didn't even know this planet held? Looks like there was more than just learning about the races of earth. I guess I can come with him. Even as he said, I can find something that I like! Not only that, but I can also see how a regular market would look like! Great! Her mind went, with another, big nod. The furry wasn't really all fascinated in learning new areas or environments, but it's anything if she ever wants to complete her little mission. Either that or she just doesn't want to be left along where she'd be forever lost, so it was official, Ume can tag along. "Okay, Aice. I can come with you!" The fox barked playfully, as she slowly got up to her two feet. It would be the best if she appears in a market full of many creatures and would be seen on her fours, getting quite the odd attention, and it was bad enough that her fox ears and tails would already try to attract some attention. "Whenever you're ready to make a move."  She spoke, as her tail flickered slowly.

[Aice]

Aice was glad to see that the fox girl had some what a sense of humor as the two bowed at each other in the middle of the street, none the less a strange site for any nearby watches to view. Such acts as bowing were very rare sites to see anymore in this new world for humans and Sayain alike, even with the obvious humor the two put into their stances, the nearby humans raised their eye brows in question. For the most part Aice ignore them, shooting them a quick glance, it had never been Aice strong suit too impress people, he did want he wanted to, not really caring what other people thought; as long as he though it was right. Which was usually stealing from Saiyans and goofing off when he could, there was still a kid in there it was just masked with years off outside oppression.

"Finally someone around here that likes to have fun!"

After thinking the offer over in her head the foxy girl decided that she would go with Aice to the markets, standing up on all four's she told him that whenever he was ready she would follow him. Aice smiled with excitement to her words, it was never really fun going to the markets by himself, sure he could get in and get out in a matter of minutes but it almost seem like a robotic routine every few days.  Winta never wanted to go as he was always busy with planning on taking the Sayian empire down, his fixation over the cause worried Aice but Winta reassured him that he was just being thorough in his workings. It didn't comfort Aice much, but at least Winta was aware of how much time he spent in his doings. Even with Winta around for company it was still pretty lonely, even though he had spent most of his life by himself Aice was still very much a people person. So going to a market with a new friend was something Aice was very happy about, even if it was a place that he had visited many times before, it was always different when he went with someone else.

"Well if that's the case then lets head out shall we." Aice said taking the lead down the street.

"It's not a long walk from here, even though it's late in the day you'll hear the market before you see it."

Walking on the main street that carved it's way towards the heart of the market, Ume noticed the structural and civil decay that lined the street. Broken windows, snapped door frames, whole sections of pavement missing, drunkin slobs. It was the usual here in the slums, even with the damage to their society the people for the most part didn't seem to be as down as they used to be, kids playing in the streets and the occasional group of people telling stories. Things had changed a lot in the last few months with the rebellion sparking up hope in the humans that lived here in the slums, almost as if there was something worth living for now; a better tomorrow. It always brought a smile to Aice's face when he saw humans that weren't down trough in sadness, but instead living happily with what they had.

Even so Aice could see a few on lookers staring at Ume, which was reasonable considering that she had fuzzy ears and a tail. Aice wasn't as famous as the all mighty Tido, but he did have a little pull going on with a few locals here; giving them a hardy hello as to say, 'it's ok she's with me' they turned back to what they were doing as if nothing had happened. Aice was glad to have avoided any incident with the people here, they were almost like family; family that didn't come to dinner or write but still family none the less.

"Even though they seem happier, they're still on edge from the days before and I can't say I blame them either. Whenever they see a tail all the people are on edge ready to run or fight. But from what I saw from when she first arrived here this isn't going to be the last time she gets strange looks, especially if she keeps walking on all four's." Aice laughed to himself.

True to his word, Ume could began to hear the ever growing sound of people talking in mass, with each foot step they took the sound became louder. Reaching the top of the hill that road sat upon the two crested over the top as below them rested the market's, filled to the brim with people, all trying to get their shopping done before the day light was gone.

"Welcome to the markets Ume!" Aice waved his arm out before him, with a grin on his face.

"I know it's loud and full of people but you'll get used to it."

Extending his other arm out her Aice offered his hand to her,

"Just hold on to me and you won't get lost!" Aice smiled.

[Ume]

"Well if that's the case then lets head out shall we."

"We shall!" Ume barked, as she followed Aice down the street on her two feet.

"It's not a long walk from here, even though it's late in the day you'll hear the market before you see it."

Well, that's good, at least. It was a pain to get myself wandered off all the way to this city... Ume's mind went, as she liberated a sigh. Truth be told, Ume actually did make a long way from the settlement of the humans, to the city of saiyans, mainly traveling on her fours. She can already feel the pain tingling from her arms and slightly from her legs, specifically from crawling on her knees, spreading all over her body, of course the furry didn't want to complain from the fact that she was actually tired from her little round trip, but didn't really appear tired when she was observing the tree and the pile of rocks and stones surrounding it. Maybe perhaps her curiosity chased away her pain. Curiosity would just about be the key to solve Ume's personal issues, or just screwing around with her focus, least to say, even though the furry hasn't really experienced earth for so long, which just makes an exact point about the furry's mind.

It would mean that Ume was just slacking off her duties on her mission, and that was something the furry didn't had the purposes of doing. The thought of failing her mission was unthinkable, but she knew she probably have plenty of time to complete such a task, but for right now, her thoughts were currently on what this 'market' would look like. In all her entire life in general, Ume had no idea what a regular market would look like. Did they have these 'markets' before this invasion of the planet came forth, or were they just invented? The furry didn't really get a general idea on a market's appearance would be, or again what they were in general. I wonder what they look like... Do they look all clean and spiffy...? Or, or maybe dirty and all sloppy, maybe? Ume's mind wondered, as the furry was at her thoughts again. Hopefully, she catch on quickly.

There Ume was with Aice, voyaging the main streets, as they came across of a construction, which wasn't all pretty, like the part of the city she was before. Broken shards lying on the grounds, shattered windows, they were just sending shudders to the furry's ears, as they twitched slowly, more in shock, with people, probably to the furry's point humans, going about, and already she can tell she's getting some odd reactions, just from her ears and tails, but that didn't concern her one bit. It was the appearance of this location that struck her. What happened here... Is this the market or whatever...? Even though there's people here... This place looks like a wreck! Her mind went.

Ume wasn't aware to certain parts of this city, specifically the awful parts, or for this was the actual market, but she wasn't actually expecting.. Such energy that's coming from this 'market'. Groups were everywhere chatting away, people walking around, and little human children were playing about. How can they be so... Happy? Especially in this area where the construction is awfully poor? This place actually does look active, judging by the amount of people here, with many various sounds being created. Was this actually... The markets?

"Welcome to the markets Ume!"

"I know it's loud and full of people but you'll get used to it."

So it WAS the markets. I know I won't try to be getting used to it... But how can such poor construction site have so much activity here... Is that even right?! Ume thought, as her ears continued to twitch. The noises were actually annoying the furry, but she did need to get used to it, if she doesn't want to act off rude and disgusting. She then looked at the hand from Aice that was extended to Ume.

"Just hold on to me and you won't get lost!"

This place was pretty big, and Ume didn't want to get lost in the crowds. With another nod from her head, the furry reached out her hand, then grabbed Aice's hand. "Al-Al..right." Ume still went on of her stammering speech dialect. She just hope she wouldn't get lost, or try to make some sort of drama scene.

[Aice]

"Don't worry there's nothing to be nervous about, you got me here." Aice said smiling,trying to reassure the young girl.

Now that Aice was linking hands with Ume he started his descent from the top of the hill in the masses below them, being well trained in the art of moving in and out of large crowds like this Aice was nimbly able to maneuver between people. It was a bit more difficult that he was used too being that he was guiding Ume through as well, but they were able to carve a path deeper towards the stalls. A bit smaller than the people around them it was hard for Ume to see much other than the body's of them people around them, but it some how seemed that Aice knew where he was going. Aice had been going here for quite a long time, after awhile he had formed a mental imagine in his head of where he was located, navigating across the markets became almost second nature after that.

From in between the gaps of the people Ume could make out the wooden structures of the market stands, as they got closer she could see all the items that the merchants were selling. Various assortments of fruits, they came in every color of the rainbow with every shape and size, most of which Ume had never seen the likes of before. There were clothes not the best qualities too speak of but none the less clothes to any degree, if you were lucky and had enough coin you might find something descent, something with laces or buttons. Other stalls were not so glamorous as they sold the basic necessities for life, tools, blankets, rope. It was a modern version of a general store, you wouldn't find anything really worth while of mention here unless you were looking for a spade. Pulling on Ume's hand gently Aice lead them pass the stalls deeper into the disorderd masses, he knew he would have little luck with the small stands. Most people traded/ bartered for what they wanted now a days, coins were weak with influence here in the slums and most merchants wouldn't take them, if you couldn't eat it or use it as a tool it was virtual useless to these people. Aice however had made a few connections over the years, and one of them he knew would take coins over trade goods any day.

The crowd of people began to thin out making it much easier for the two to travel, eventually they were walking side by side. Aice loosened his grip on Ume's hand for now as they approached a large canvas tent, it was tan with faded red strips going down its length. Numerous patch jobs had been done on it, and sun bleached the tent had been around for many years. Standing out in front of the tent were two large men, each one holding a sword in their hand. As intimidating as they looked Aice had no problem walking straight up to them with a smile on his face,

"Good to see you two again, how are the families?" Aice asked the two, in a joking manner,

"You know the drill Aice." One of them said in a deep voice.

"Ya, ya I know." Aice said annoyed, raising his hands into the air the man began to pat him down looking for any dangerous devices.

"Alright your free to go, enjoy your visit." The man said.

"What about the girl?" The other guard said.

"Oh she's with me." Aice said cheerfully.

"Rules are rules Aice, if she wants to come in." The guard said.

"Fine, it's alright they won't hurt you." Aice said at Ume with a smile.

If Ume didn't refuse the guard would gently pat her down, after he made sure everything was clear he would let her pass. Guiding Ume forward Aice opened the flap on the canvas tent and let Ume enter first. It was much larger on the inside that it looked on the outside, wooden posts that held the tent together had torches strapped onto them lighting up the store. Ume saw shelves, upon shelves full of many different foods, clothing, blankets,tools,dinning wear,paintings and various other devices Ume had not seen before. Behind the corner of the store Ume could make out a cabinet full of gold and silver jewelry, as they sparkled in the fire lit room.

"So what do you think Ume?" Aice grinned.

[Ume]

"Don't worry there's nothing to be nervous about, you got me here."

Nervous... That wouldn't be the correct word to describe how Ume's feeling, or mostly feeling that is. Of course she is actually nervous, but that way far from what the furry is actually feeling, but she would feel nervous even if she had someone with her, but this wasn't the thought to go over right now. The furry was still surprised on how massive this market actually was, and how active it was. How can these people survive? Where did they get such merchandise? "You know, Aice, I'm actually that there's a lot of people here, specifically the humans, I think." Ume spoke. The furry was still confused here and there of the difference between a human and a saiyan, but the only trait Ume needed to remember was that saiyans had tails, while humans didn't. Let's just hope Ume can remember it well enough. "I mean, like mostly the environment itself is unsafe, with all these shards lying around, a-and all these broken windows and doors!" She went on with exclamation. With all of a sudden, it looked like Ume was a bit cautious with safety hazards, specifically her own safety.

Even though the look of this market itself didn't look so safe to the furry, there was some pretty useful items that could of been bought. Ropes, weaponry in case of an emergency, blankets for warmth, and many other useful items. As Aice continued to guide the furry through the market, her mind began to speak again. Wow... Look at all of this stuff! I wonder where they got it from.. Did they steal them or something? Her mind wondered. Where DID they manage to obtain these items then sell it? Did they steal it from the saiyans or something? Come to think of it actually, she did remember something about the humans if she was correct, living under the saiyans, and survival was very difficult. With some sympathy added, it wouldn't really much matter to a human if another human stole from a sayian, but it looks like it wouldn't really matter, if the saiyans plans to track down somebody, but it looks like these items would make a good use for others, survival wise that is, or in general.

The number of crowds slowly began to decrease, as for the traveling is becoming much easier for Aice and Ume to do now. Well, at least now it's more easier to walk by safely. She thought. It was pretty annoying bumping through some people. She can still tell she was getting odd looks from the others humans, just by her outer appearance. Luckily enough, she was at least able to walk on her own two feet, instead on being all on her fours, otherwise most people would really get a wrong impression of the furry. She was at least glad she wasn't pointed out by her ears and tails, and all of a sudden her worries and suspicions lessened by this.

And there Ume was, guided in front of a large tent. Whoa... That thing's huge! Her mind spoke, with a little gasp. Now for this, Ume wasn't really aware of these "shelter" things, like a tent. And followed up by the tent, stands two, large men, armed with weapons. As Aice and the two large men started speaking to each other, she can maybe tell that the kid might know these two. After then, the guard then checked on the kid, making sure he didn't have any weapons or devices or whatever, also the same on Ume. Her ears did twitch a little as she was being patted down, but as the two were clean, Aice then led the furry inside the tent.

The tent was actually bigger in the inside than the out. It was huge, and contained many valuable items. More items like weapons, tools, food, and many more useful items. "Whoa... What... IS this..?" She asked, as she then suddenly got on her four arms, as her eyes grew with joy. Everything was so.. Light and shiny! Where would Ume even begin to look around on?

"So what do you think Ume?"

"....I think I'd like to start shopping, now..." Ume mumbled, as she suddenly padded off around the shop. The look in her eyes appeared to be a little crazed, as her tail flickered about, with her tongue rolled out, and a huge grin on her face.

[Aice]

Aice chuckled to Ume's response as she began to wonder on all fours through the shop, it was full of treasures and mysteries that had yet to be revealed to her. Aice was glad to see that she took a lot of interest in the items here, thinking that she might be bored of the idea of shopping Aice almost decided against bringing her here; from the looks of it Ume seemed to be enjoying her trip very much. Checking over at her one last time Aice was satisfied that she would be more than content with browsing through the shelves of valuables.

"Just be sure not to break anything, I'll be up by the counter if you need me." Aice pointed up at the wooden desk, not sure whether or not she took notice.

Carefully Aice made his way to the front of the store making sure not to brush up against something the wrong way and send it hurling towards the ground. The last thing he needed was break some highly expensive object, and then have to pay out the ass for the cost of it. Had it been any other shop though he might have just ditched out on paying for the damaged goods, but Aice had been going here for quite some time. The owner of the shop, Cazzin; was a old time business partner of his. If Cazzin needed something no one else could find for him he would always seek out Aice for his specials services in thievery and in return Cazzin would give him great deals on anything in the store. Although there were times where Cazzin and Aice would not see eye to eye, a fight would break out and neither one would talk to the other for awhile. After sometime they would make up and things would go back to normal, it was a continuous cycle. Thankfully though during this visit Aice was more than welcome into Cazzin's store, they hadn't fought for quite some time hopefully it would stay that way...hopefully.

Sitting behind the wooden counter was Cazin as he loomed over a red gem, being no expert in identifying the fancy stones Aice had little idea of what the object was other than a shiny rock. Cazzin was in his late thirties, even in is still young age random grey hairs could been seen sticking out from the rest of his black hair. Very tanned, skinny and covered in wealthy looking clothes Cazzin was a model of a healthy human with little worries, something people saw little of here in the city. With all his connections Cazzin had  it was quite easy for him to sit back and rake in the coin. As usual though Cazzin was too interested in his work to take notice that Aice had walked straight up to the counter and was now watching the man work. Leaning in right next to Cazzin's ear Aice whispered,

"Boo."

Almost falling off his chair Cazzin struggled to regain his balance from the scare, a few curse words shot out from the man's mouth. Quickly taking notice of the person that had caused him such a fright his faced turned from one of anger to joy.

"Aice my friend! It's been a while, how are you fairing?" Cazzin shook Aice's hand.

"Not bad Caz, you know if it wasn't for those guards in front of your place, anyone could walk in here and steal everything you own before you would notice." Aice laughed shaking Cazzin's hand.
 
"Why do you think I hired them? I have no time to worry about others business, just my own business! So what brings you here today, the usual supplies I would guess?"

"Of course, you know me, I'm such a big spender." Aice joked.

Finally taking notice of Ume rummaging through the shelves of the his store, Cazzin's brow rose in question. Before he was able to ask about the girl Aice jumped in to answer,

"It's ok she's my friend."

"Really? That's something new, I didn't realize you had any friends. Quite a cute one might I add." Cazzin chuckled.

"No need to be a jerk now, you might hurt my feelings, and do I sense a bit of...jealously?" Aice said sarcastically.

"Me jealuous? I think not, but...if you don't mind me asking, what's with the tail...and the ears?" Cazzin leaned towards Aice and whispered.

"To be honest I don't have the slightest idea, I'm pretty sure she's a alien or something, but she looks so human-like...well aside from the ears and what not."

"And what a pretty coat she has on her tail...would be worth a small fortunate on the black market you know hmm?" Cazzin's hinted slightly at Aice.

Aice could obviously see at what Cazin was hinting at but he wanted no part of his plans. With Cazzin you always had to watch him, one second he would be trying to sell something and the next second a group of angry Saiyan's would be dropping down on you for "stealing". Always having a secret second agenda on him, things Cazzin did where not always what they seemed to be. It wasn't the first time he had tried to convince Aice to do his dirty work and it certainly wouldn't be his last. Sighing Aice shook his head side to side and looked Cazzin in the eye,

"Look CAZ, I've told you once before not to get me involved in your business schemes. I'd steal anything to make a quick buck, but I'm not going to attack someone for you, especially not her. If you want it, go get yourself, but be expecting to deal with me first. I'm sure you remember that little 'trading incident' you had a few years back, you know what I'm capable of." Aice said in angered under tone.

Being so hushed in their conversation it was most unlikely that Ume would have heard them, preoccupied with digging through the shelves.
Aice felt that he had come across a little to strong but the constant harassment from Cazzin on matters such as this was getting on Aice's nerves. Was it too much to ask to just go out and shop without being asked to jump someone?

Looking slightly angered when Aice mentioned "trading incident" Cazzin took a deep breath, seeing that it was pointless to pursue the matter he sighed,

"Alright Aice, alright. I see that there's no point in discussing the matter any further. In any case please accept my most humble apology." Cazzin's bowed slightly.

"You're so full of shit Cazin." Aice thought to himself.

"It's whatever Caz, let me just look around a bit more and I'll give you the coin." Aice turned away from Cazzin.

"Very well, I shall wait for your return."

Heading off in the direction he had last spotted Ume, Aice called out for her,

"Hey Ume, where did you go off too?"

[Ume]

Where could the furry begin on her little "shopping" trip. There were so many items! What should she even get, though? Wow... There's so many items I can choose from... Anything I want..! Yeah! Her mind spoke, as she kept nodding to herself, remaining the crept look on her face. Ume was of course part fox, so she can have maybe a habit of stealing goods, and the furry doesn't even realize it either, but Ume can have her self control, but at the same time, it's just the furry. But! I have to remain my self control. I can't get all touchy and just grab stuff and get out of here! That's just.. W-Wrong! She thought, as she shook her head quickly, just to knock some sense into her. No matter how much Ume's little foxy sense wanted to jack some items, Ume knew it wasn't the right thing to do, but there was just so many... Shiny... Items.. No, must resist!

And I should probably get back up on my two feet.. I don't think I'm getting back any good impressions as I thought I would. Her mind continued to speak. Getting back up onto her two feet, Ume then dusted the dirt off of her hands, her clothing, then onto her knees. Though.. There are a lot of items I can choose from.. Probably won't do much use though, if they aren't food supplies, that is, but then again, I'm not sure. I just hope it isn't really too expensive. Ume thought. She knew she didn't have any earth money on her, or didn't really think Aice would have that much money to afford such high priced items needed for mainly survival. The furry might as well just browse around, but that was until Ume saw an item that caught her eye and her mind.

There it was, it was light navy colored, soft and some sort of cloth material being held up at a shelf. This was of course a blanket. Something that doesn't seem so unique already caught Ume's eyes. Wow... It looks so soft I can just cuddle all over it! I want it! She thought. The furry's mind was currently... Her focus just diverged into another direction. But the problem was, the blanket was just so high! Stretching her arms out, Ume then kept jumping repeatedly, trying to snatch the blanket out from the shelf, but no matter how much Ume tried to get it, she just couldn't. Man... It's so high up... The furry's mind then spoke.

Typically, this shelf was a little higher and larger than the other shelves. Until then, an idea shot to the furry's head: Climbing up to it! Well, climbing it up quietly and safely shouldn't be too hard, yes? ..Maybe I can give this idea of climbing up this thing a shot. What's the worst that can happen? She thought. Throwing her hands up, onto a shelf level, Ume pulled herself up, as her feet then landed onto a lower shelf level. Gently... Gently... She kept repeating in her mind, as she slowly started climbing up.

As she kept climbing,  she did knocked over some items here and there. Looking down, she did see some items all over the place. Lowering her ears down in embarrassment, and her tail's movements freezing, That's not gentle, but it's worth it later.. She thought, with a sigh. Looking back up, she then continued to climb up. Finally, reaching to the top of the shelf, there it was, the blanket! All Ume had to do, was grab onto it. Lifting up her right arm, she quickly extended her right arm, as her hand then snatched onto the blanket. "YES! I GOT IT!" She yelled, as the furry started to swing it around.

"Hey Ume, where did you go off too?"

Ume's little triumph was interrupted by a call, which was from Aice. Ai-Aice! Her thought exclaimed. The shelf then began tilting forward. "Aice!" Ume then repeated out loud. Taking a quick note, she noticed how the shelf was coming along down. ...Crap. Her mind cursed, as the shelf then began in motion of falling down forward. With little time to think, the furry quickly leaped her way off from the shelf, landing her way down onto the ground, rolling her way from the shelf that has just fallen, with her right hand still clenched onto the blanket.

Lying down on her back, Ume rose up the blanket,

"It's okay, everyone! I got it!"

[Aice]

Aice had heard the falling objects earlier but his in depth conversation with Cazzin had held his attention whilst Ume was busy climbing the shelf. Only now that he had started looking for her did Aice now notice the objects that laid scattered across the isles, many of the things still looked to be in good condition. Glancing back over at where Cazzin was sitting he still hadn't seemed to take notice of the mess yet. Bending over Aice quickly began to pick up the miscellaneous items that she had knocked down,

"That crazy girl, I told her to be careful." Aice thought slightly annoyed.

Shoving the items back on to the shelves in random locations Aice looked up and down the isle for the fox girl.

"Where could she have gone off too?" Aice pondered staning in the isle.

Suddenly a lamp came crashing down from above and smacked Aice on his skull, being unprepared for it Aice yelped out in pain.

"Son of a bitch! What the hell?" Aice rubbed his head.

Looking up his eyes widen as he saw Ume up high on the shelf climbing ever higher with every second. She seemed to be trying to reach something  but it was quite clearly out of her reach.

"Ume what are you doing? Get down before you get hurt!" Aice hissed quietly.

However his words came too late, extending her arm she grabbed a blanket the item she had been trying to reach. With the sudden extra movement it caused the shelf to come off balance, tipping slightly towards the left the whole shelf was going to come down. Falling off the shelf Ume called out for Aice, he could already see how this situation was going to play out and with little choice he dove out under Ume. Landing on his back with a thud they both collapsed on to the ground, groaning with pain from his head and back Aice watched as the shelf crashed into another. With the momentum of the falling object, the second shelf slammed into the third and then the fourth, like a domino effect eventually all the shelves leaned against each other, there contents sprawled across the floor.

Eyes wide and jaw almost hitting the table Cazzin sat there baffled at what he had just seen happen to his store. Aice could almost see his blood pressure rising as a vien in his forehead began to swell.

"Oh fuck..."

Of course Ume calling out that she had gotten the blanket didn't help the situation at all, as Cazzin seemed to snap out of his trance.

"Look Caz, it's not bad! I'm sure we can clean it up and it will be-"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP! SHE JUST DESTROYED MY STORE! AND FOR WHAT! A FUCKING BLANKET!"

"I'm sure she's sorry, right Ume?" Before even waiting for a response Aice spoke again,

"See, look she's sorry!"

"GET THE HELL OUT OF MY STORE, YOUR NEVER WELCOME HERE AGAIN!"

"Come on don't be like that Caz!"

"I SAID GET OUT."  Cazzin's face was lit up red with anger.

Quickly Aice got out from under Ume, and helped her to her feet Aice looked her over to make sure she wasn't hurt.

"Ume what were you thinking? Look at that you hurt your arm." Taking the blanket Aice tied it together and wrapped it over Ume's neck and arm like a sling.

Leaning in close to Ume's ear while doing so he whispered, "Just play along and you'll get to keep it."

Of course Ume's arm wasn't actually hurt, but Aice hadn't planned on leaving here empty handed. Aice had seen Cazzin this angery before and often over looked small details such as a missing blanket in the havoc of things. Hopefully this time it would work also, as long as Ume played along she would get a free blanket. However it looked as thought Aice would go with out the supplies he needed for the week, being so mad with him it was very unlikely that Aice would conduct any business with Cazzin for awhile. Thankfully he always had a back up plan in case anything like this were to ever happen, always had to be prepared in a city like this never know when your supply line might run out.

Making sure not to damage anything else Aice guided Ume outside of the tent past the two large guards. Eye brows raised they looked at the two as they went.

"Won't be seeing you again for awhile I suppose?" The gaurd joked too Aice.

Of course this wasn't the first time something similar like this had happened, Aice had been ban from Cazzin's store so many times he had stopped keeping track. It almost seemed like a monthly thing, he would let Caz cool off and after awhile things would go back to normal. Although this was the first time that it wasn't completely Aice's fault.

"Ha ya, tell the family I said hi." Aice joked.

Even though they had not been inside the store for very long, the large crowds of people had seemed to died down quite a bit as it was much easier to make their way through the market. Holding on to Ume's hand as they went, Aice wanted to make sure that she didn't cause any more trouble. Eventually Aice lead them to a bench that stood against the wall of a fallen building, it wasn't the most pleasant place to take a break but Aice needed some time to get this thoughts together. Sitting down Aice sighed slightly frustrated at his current situation, with out any new supplies he might have to dive into his reserves.

"Well I always have my reserves but I was really hoping to save those... and most other people won't take coins... I could always steal though....ugh." Aice sighed again as his stomach began to rubble with hunger.

"Great and now I'm hungry too."

[Ume]

"So... Soft...!" Ume exclaimed to herself, having her head snuggling on the blanket. The blanket was actually quite soft. The furry wasn't exactly paying attention around her surroundings. The only thing that was on her mind right now was as expect, the little blanket. I never knew this... This "blanket" can be so soft! And I can't believe I'm holding it, too! Her mind went. Even though it was just a blanket, this was an item Ume never seen, or felt, or knew before in her entire life, up until now. Apparently, it already taken over the furry's mind, as for her still remaining unfocused on what she just caused. That was until she heard a little argument bursting about. As the furry's attention drew from the blanket, she can already notice the tension between Aice and... That other guy. Who was that? Whoever it was, he was flaming with anger.

"Look Caz, it's not bad! I'm sure we can clean it up and it will be-"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP! SHE JUST DESTROYED MY STORE! AND FOR WHAT! A FUCKING BLANKET!"

Sitting up, Ume looked around, as she heard the man mentioning about the furry destroying his store. His.. Store? So, he must be the one who owns it, then, and judging by the amount of damage she's done, this can't be too good. At first, the furry thought she only knocked down one shelf. "I didn't destroy your-!" Stopping her sentence, she took a glance once more around the store. "...Okay, Okay. So, I've done.. Some damage... B-But you have no right to insult my blanky with such vocabulary, sir!" Ume barked. "Isn't that right, blanky?" She whispered to the little blanket, quietly to herself. Even for having such interest in an inanimate object, already she became so fond of it.

"I'm sure she's sorry, right Ume?"

"Sorry..? That old thing just-!!" Before Ume can even finish her sentence,

"See, look she's sorry!"

...Well! Well, that didn't go out as planned for the furry, but the sparks between Aice and the old man still bursts.

"GET THE HELL OUT OF MY STORE, YOUR NEVER WELCOME HERE AGAIN!"

"Come on don't be like that Caz!"

"I SAID GET OUT."

With Ume's ears still down, with her tail making little movements, Aice then helped the furry up, as he said how she "injured" her arm then took the little blanket, placing it on Ume's neck and the "injured" arm together and wrapped it over Ume's neck and arm like a sling. "But Aice, my arm's perfectly fine tho-"

"Just play along and you'll get to keep it."

"...Ooohhhh." Ume whispered back, with a nod. And for that, Aice then guided Ume out of the store afterwards. As she made her way to the exit, she just so happened to find a bag of some sort of a little bag of mini chocolate chip cookies, stuffed with vanilla filling. Without even being hesitant, Ume used her free hand to grab the snack that was lying on the ground. This can come in handy in case if she's ever hungry, along with the little bits of the rest of the meat she was given/currently saving. And so making her way, the furry was now out of the store, or at least banned from it for now, that is, or possibly permanently. Yikes.

Ume was then leaded to a bench, that was near a ruined building. The furry just decided to sit down on the ground, "doggie positioned" near Aice. Now she just felt terribly stupid and guilty for what she's done. She didn't mean to get Aice kicked out, or at least destroy that store.  The furry was ready to give her little apologizing speech, until she took note of the words:

"Great and now I'm hungry too."

"And look who was smart enough to snatch these out of the store when we left!" Ume then exclaimed, as her ears shot up, with her tail constantly waving back and forth again, but in a slower motion. The furry then held up the bag that had mini chocolate chip cookies, with vanilla filling inside. "I want you to accept it as an apology.. Gift, yeah that's right! I didn't mean to cause any trouble or anything... It's just that... This blanket was SO soft, and it looked like it too..! But, I didn't know I'd end up wrecking the place, but hey! I luckily got you something to eat! And don't worry about me, I still got those bits of meat you gave me earlier, so I can eat those later, too!" The furry then barked happily.