2 Cactus Spines [Text]

[no_dreams_for_you]

[So… colors will form and overtake the grey if there’s enough social interaction, right? And supposedly, people can also strengthen their abilities…

Keeping that in mind, Gaara activates the bracelet. There’s something he doesn’t understand, anyway. Maybe he can get some answers to satisfy his curiosity.]

Since there is no established judicial system in this world, punishment was exacted by the people that captured him. In this case, killing the perpetrator was the most efficient method for ensuring the safety of the general public. He was a repeat offender, and refused to relent.

Why do so many of you oppose this decision?

Comments

[no_dreams_for_you]

[He nods in acknowledgement, and then replies.] My name is Gaara.

[His first inclination is to walk forward and take some of those supplies, but remembering how people usually feel about being in close proximity to him, he hesitates.] On the communication device, you mentioned sweeping…

[occulthymns]

Nice to meet you!

Hmm - yep! [No worries, she's shoving the broom into his hands before turning to head inside.] You can start by sweeping up the front room, okay?

[no_dreams_for_you]

Likewise.

[He nods again, and accepts it while calmly uttering.] Understood. [Inside he goes, being careful to avoid invading Euri’s personal space on the way. Despite her earlier warnings, Gaara still quirks a brow at all the mess littering around. Without comment, he starts sweeping it up, working meticulously.]

[occulthymns]

[Fortunately the dangerous stuff isn't kept out in the front room, but when the spy broke in he really wasn't careful. There are dried plants and what looks like spices scattered on the ground on top of glass and ceramic from jars and pots used as containers.]

Be careful of the glass. [She's stepping carefully around the mess, heading for the back room.]

I'm going to start cleaning up the back. Okay? There's a trash can near the front counter.

[no_dreams_for_you]

I am aware. You should be cautious as well. [He answers quietly, wishing – and not for the first time since he’s come here – that he still had access to his sand abilities. He would be so much more efficient with them.]

Mmm. [Gaara makes a noise of acknowledgement, and keeps his eyes on the task at hand. He sets the plants back up into a standing position, and removes the broken pieces from the floor. The small grains are a little more difficult to pick up. After gathering the general larger group, he bends down and starts retrieving them by hand. The trash can is quickly filled.]

[occulthymns]

I will! [She ducks into the back, heading over to the locked cabinets to see if they're salvageable.

Maybe as normal cabinets, but those locks as mangled beyond repair. With a frown she's going to start doing inventory for the most dangerous stuff, to figure out exactly what the spy stole. As she does she's calling out to Gaara.]

So how much do you want for this?

[no_dreams_for_you]

[Gaara is standing up and dumping the latest round of trash when Euri poses that question to him. He pauses, confusion flickering across his face.]

I don’t expect payment. [He responds in a calm tone.] I offered to help of my own volition.

[He glances out the window for a moment, noting the other stores nearby.]

However, I am seeking employment at one of these establishments.

[occulthymns]

[She isn't sure she can just accept his help for free, but his employment search has her curious.]

Really? What kinds of skills do you have?

[no_dreams_for_you]

[What kind of skills... Does killing people count as a skill?]

A few of my capabilities have been restricted. [He notes in a dry tone. Thank you, gods.] But I can perform both physical and mental tasks. I have undergone leadership training as well.

[occulthymns]

[That doesn't surprise her. But hey, leadership?]

Oh yeah? What kind of leadership training?

[no_dreams_for_you]

Political and military.

[He was recently elected to his current rank back in Suna, but unless Euri is a ninja from his world, it wouldn't carry any significance for her.]

Is your shop in need of such a position?

[occulthymns]

Well, we could probably use some extra help in dealing with the customers. Making sales, and filling the simpler orders, that kind of thing.

[no_dreams_for_you]

[Dealing with customers… It’ll probably be similar to dealing with his council and the other villagers. And he’ll need to learn how to interact with people anyway, so this should be a beneficial experience.]

Mmm. [He nods slightly, to indicate his willingness.] I trust training will be provided as well? You may make an assessment before the final decision, if you wish.

[occulthymns]

Mhmm! I can train you and we can do a trial run. It isn't too difficult of a job, so I'm sure you'll do fine.

[no_dreams_for_you]

Very well. I will prove my competence.

[He looks around the room, while idly remarking.] Is anything else required?

[occulthymns]

Ummm....

[She'll poke her head out of the back room, glancing around.]

No, I think I'll have to do the rest. But you're free to take a look around before you leave, so you can get a better idea of what we sell.

[no_dreams_for_you]

[He nods in agreement, and then starts taking mental inventory as he walks through the room. He can't identify most of the items, but figures that will be part of the training from Euri.

Speaking of which...]

When will the training session be conducted?

[occulthymns]

Hmmm, after Draco and I get all this damage sorted out. Is that okay?

[no_dreams_for_you]

Yes. Contact me once you are ready.

[occulthymns]

Sure, sounds good.

[no_dreams_for_you]

[After inspecting the room a little more thoroughly, he decides to stop for the day. There will be time later to familiarize himself with whatever else the shop contains.

Gaara starts heading toward the back room, though he stops before crossing over the threshold.] If the condition of the shop is considered acceptable, then I should take my leave.

[occulthymns]

[Euri ducks out from the back room with a nod, giving the main part of the store a thorough look around.]

It is, you did a good job.

[no_dreams_for_you]

[Surprised by that compliment, he blinks, and then nods in a delayed reaction.]

Until we meet again.

[With that, he leaves the shop. He feels fortunate to have come across this opportunity, and doesn’t intend to disappoint his soon-to-be employer.]