A walk in the industrial park (private w/Mica)

[Eiji]

It may be random, but it is honest. There isn't much to do out in the wild other than kill grimm and hunt for food. Eiji answered as Mica began to have her conniption fit. There was a smile beginning to take to his face as Mica brought up the simple fact of not having trees like he did back home. And you would be correct. There isn't. However there wasn't any leaves up in Atlas either. I made due up there. Quite simple to do so as well. Eiji said as he pointed to a near by trashcan. You can find bags and other kinds of material in the trash. Some quick stiching and you have yourself some decent foot protection. Up in Atlas you had to worry about snow, but dig through some trash and that problem is fixed. As for floor hazards you saw the limbs i grew back there yes? Said hazards should pose as a non issue. Feeling quite proud of his explanation he couldn't make out what she was babbling about. What he did hear was "that clear?" Eiji nodded along.
Of course its clear. What are we shopping for?

[Mica Lecent]

She shuddered at the notion of what filth he wrapped himself in while traveling. He may as well be covered with every known sickness in the book yet baffling to still function at all. Mica held her scroll in a quivering fist as she turned and headed down the street. “For the very topic of this conversation, if you were listening! So start walking before it closes.”

The girl marched on with her eyes on the scroll to avoid having to look at that barbaric Faunus. The little marker dot plotting the course. She didn’t consider spending much on anyone at all than the few meager things needed for the school year and dust for ammo but the situation seemed to call for it. For all she knew he probably threw out the dress shoes that came with the school uniform or ate them. Probably ate them.

At any point in the walk she expected him to run off. Get distracted by something or go bury his head two feet into a trash can. Mica furrowed her brows at all these things where the words. There was no end to every little thing that made her want to grab his neck and throw him into a washing machine herself. Him screaming and drowning be damned!

The passed by various other stores within the area. Auto parts stores, a jewelry repair, dust shop, and imports among other bits and odd businesses. Not as convenient as the residential focused zones but it was a working man’s sort of necessities of living. She cross checked her mini map a few times as they crossed the street at intersections to get to their destination.

Ahead was about what they were looking for. A shoe store called Boot Straps with boxes and gear lined up to the display window. “Here’s the place. Don’t make a fuss in there and don’t be picky.” The glass and scuffed metal doors squawked loudly for grease as Mica opened it. The store was maybe four aisles wide with a man sporting a long black ponytail was seen scribbling on forums. A pile of boots on his work counter sat out of their box. One shoe turned over, a pencil scrawl on the paper, and it was boxed away for the next item. “Afternoon,” he greeted but didn’t turn more than an eye away from his work to count the students present. Grumbling about some stray kids and remained at his post.

Mica nodded and went straight to the shelves. Taking a box and opening them up to see what was within for any scant variants of style than boots. Her train of thought was narrowing down what shoes would look the part before narrowing down size issues.

[Eiji]

Eiji nodded along as she barked to start walking. She wasn't pepper spraying after the outburst, so Eiji himself counted it as a win.
Eiji walked along side to her, closely. Keeping an eye out for anything that moved, vehicles and people included. Then he started to look over her shoulder to see what she was looking at, it was her scroll and she seemed to be enamoured by it. He couldn't get a very good look at it, but he worried she would walk into a pole or another person. One should always watch where they are walking after all! He peered inside the various windows they passed and found himself less than impressed. Seemed like Knick knacks really, not much different than the baubles he would often find in the trash. Taking a turn at an intersection he followed her into a shop. As she turned to speak to him he heeded her words. Shaking his head in understanding Eiji walked over to the vendor in charge of the establishment.


Walking up to him and making eye contact he waited for a painfully long amount of time before putting his hand out. Hello. I am Eiji. Taking a look at the shelves he could infer that they made shoes. The employee looked to be confused and dazed from the sudden encounter. Selling shoes i see. i will browse your inventory. Eiji said with a chipper tone before walking around. She must have wanted company to purchase herself something. Finding something for her would prove to be a challenge. Looking down he picked up a small pair of women's shoes. Plain and grey he walked over to her and presented them to her. The material feels hard, but seems flexible. Might be difficult to repair it yourself should they need it. Is it to your liking? The shoe was much too small fit him, and the style was lacking to say the least.

[Mica Lecent]

Preoccupied with another box of steel toed boots, Mica wondered if they were to find something a bit more flexible as she put the box back among the series of similar designs. The box presented to her by Eiji himself was a brow raiser as she looked into it. Women’s wear, size 6, office worker and easy to slip on. She counted to three privately and lightly pushed the box back.

“Not the right size and shape,” the girl replied for lack of any explanation given with her head quickly turned away in search of something. Spying a metal device on the floor near a stool, she pointed at the seat. “Sit there and place one foot in that sizer.” Get this out of the way to narrow down some of the search.

Demonstrating her point, Mica went to the same stool and took her shoe off to put her foot in the measure. Sliding the adjustable marker to 7, she replaced her shoe back on and pointed for Eiji to do the same. “Do exactly that and read the number off of it.” Expecting Eiji can do that much.

[Eiji]

His head tilted as she pushed the box back. Well those were not to her liking. Oh well, next something colorful maybe? She was hard to read, and her demeanour seemed to be less than agreeable so out right asking her is out of the question. Eiji did as he was instructed to do and sat down. Watching her put her foot and measuring it. Oh so he needed a size seven. Thats well and good but why ask him to do so as well? Maybe a way of showing him how things are done in Vale. Alright then. Eiji put his foot on the chart. Looking down he learned that his foot was a size eleven. Whatever that meant. The chart says size eleven. Do you prefer more colorful shoes or a different type all together? Perhaps some sandals? Eiji asked her in earnest as a poor attempt to get more information on his selection. Afterall if they cant find what she is looking for then they might be here all day.

[Mica Lecent]

“Eleven. Should be a half size around.” The girl noted in her mutters. She took a small glance at the clerk who continued to take their inventory. As though sensing someone watching him, their eyes met and Mica glanced away in pretending not to notice. This Faunus began to bring up what her interest of shows were. Odd that he is inquiring.

”Bright colors are distracting. Sandals. Will see if there are any.”The thought of something brightly colored tucked away in shelves would be interesting for the right uniform. The girl went on to browse the shelves again to see what were the options around for a men’s size 11 or 11 1/2. Not that he’d be willing to wear socks. Maybe dog booties if he doesn’t pester to have one for each spider limb.

Mica stated to collect some boxes for Eiji to try out. Whatever was inside was no telling than a black outline of what the shoe was. Mainly boots of various styles. Some had laces, buckles, zippers with whatever length that hugged the ankles and higher. Collecting the boxes with her, Mica dumped them in an orderly stack by the stool. “Try each of these on for a feel.”

“Hold it,” boomed a voice from the front counter. The shop clerk having observed them took clear note that Eiji here lacked any socks.”Not having you scuff up the merchandise. Put these on or I’ll have to ask you both to leave.” He tossed a wad of disposable ankle socks at Eiji and returned to his work. Seeing as they were given to him, Mica looked to the Faunus expectantly that he put them on right then.

[Eiji]

Bright colors distracting. He nodded along with the idea, it made sense after all. He was going to get up and find something for her when she got up herself. Maybe she was grabbing something to try on. He would wait till she got back so he would have a better idea of what she liked. He was perplexed when she brought back a stack of boxes, even more perplexed when she told him to try some on. Opening a box and seeing a pair of black shoes.
The employee tossed something at him and said something about scuffing his merchandise. Eiji was only slightly offended when he looked to Mica. Her eyes were looking at him expectantly. Well looked like he was in the wrong somehow. He took the socks slowly and began to put them on. They were... Uncomfortable. To say the least.
these are odd. eiji said as he picked up a box and opened it. A black pair of combat boots. He felt them
these feel solid. Hard ends. Great construction. Though these seem too large for you. eiji said as he held them over to compare them to Mica's feet

[Mica Lecent]

”He’s going to throw people out otherwise. Stores have a policy. No shirt, No shoes, No service.” Remedy one of those and maybe this trash dog spider chimera can be more progressive in the world. Mica pulled up another side stool to sit on in waiting for Eiji to go through the shoes but he again compared the item to her.

“I’ll buy my own when needed to. Put those on and walk in them a bit.” She explained with arms folded till it came to conclusion that he seemed to be under the impression that this was her shopping. Well, no but yes, well! ”We’re here to get you something. Put them on or we get thrown out.”

Putting the situation forward that the Faunus had a sense to oblige, Mica took one of the boxes and opened it up. A similar boot style that came up to the knees with buckles and straps. ”Hmm…cumbersome. Waterproof at best.” Setting that box aside, Mica arrived at the sandal selections. Some with straps up to the shin and others more closer to wraps around the foot with various coverage of leather patterns or a simple cover with ankle strappings. ”This should be breathable,” she notes and set the aray of boxes before Eiji.

[Eiji]

Oh i see. Eiji said as he looked over at the vendor who seemed to be throwing him a glare. He did as Mica demanded and put his foot into the boot. He did the same with his other foot. Probably to Mica's surprise he even laced them up and tied the laces into a knot. There we are. He stood up and started walking around. Uncomfortable was the operative word. He took a few steps forward and a few steps back before sitting back down. No he really didn't like them. He began undoing the knot and quickly took the boots off of his feet. Those were too cumbersome to wear. How anyone could get used to that is astonishing. Eiji looked over the boxes and picked one out of the pile Mica had built.
Taking a look inside they were less boot and more sandal. Eiji could clearly see how the straps and riggings attached to each other. He could repair these himself when the need would arise. Without saying anything Eiji put them on. Attaching the straps where they needed to be and just like that they were on. Quite comfortable as well. He paced around and felt little to no difference when walking around barefoot.
I think these ones will do for foot wear. Which ones will you be getting? Eiji asked Mica again. Still not quite understanding she was buying them for him.

[Mica Lecent]

Intelligence?! No! How could he even know?! Mica stared at how he managed to tie shoelaces. To think this boy never wore any shoes before! Or did he treat them as two sets of string. Placing her astonishment into the correct location in her mind had her intense glare lowered to a more pensive one as the boy paced in the boots. He did seem to move well enough in them but found the fit uncomfortable. Whatever that entailed.

“Increase in width and half a shoe size.” She noted to personally add that sort of boot to the list. When it came to the sandal, Eiji smartly adjusted the straps and had no trouble with them as the first. The design had a hardy look to it than causal beachwear. Hopefully that material can last a bit longer than a few hours.

“Both.” Mica half answered the Faunus’ question. Comparing the box of the first set of shoes to find one more appropriately roomy for the feet and the empty one Eiji was currently wearing, Mica brought them up to the sales counter.

“We’ll take these two,” she declared. a brief look at the price tag meant her funds took a deep cut. Her hesitantly held her card out to be scanned. The shop keep held the empty box after scanning it, debating on throwing it away or not. “We’ll keep the box as well.”

“Do you need a bag, miss?”

“Yes please. Thank you.”

Receiving both her card and the paperbag holding the boxes, she went back to Eiji to shove the package in his confused hands. Maybe this’ll be enough of a hint. “We’re done here so we’re leaving. Carry these with you and don’t even think about taking those off till you’re back in your own dorm. Clear?”

[Eiji]

uhh. clear. Eiji said as he took a look at the boxes in his hands. One had a picture of the sandals he was wearing. The other box had a picture of those black boots he had tried on. The sandals on his feet were comfortable and he didn't quite understand why she had bought the other boots, much less gave it too him but he simply did as she said.
Where are we going to next? He asked in earnest as he held the bag in his left hand. Humorous to say the least she was spraying him in the face with that damnedable spray and how she had purchased something for him. He had a feeling it had something to do with the conversation about footwear not too long ago. But that would beg the question of why she even cared about what he wore. Nevertheless the act of kindness did not warrant a reaction on his face, yet his tail wagged side to side. Why did you do this for me exactly? Im not complaining. Im just confused.

[Mica Lecent]

Once out of the store, the girl took a bit of the fresh air to get her thoughts together. Having to purchase two sets of shoes all at once wasn’t exactly the smartest thing on her part. No bargain bin searching or even a coupon. Knowingly the whole thing could have been done in a more thrifty and efficient manner but Mica convinced herself that the idiot would probably wander off without an eye on him.

“Where to next. Yeah,” she repeated and calculated those very words. Frankly she’d rather go back to the dorms and try to bury all this behind her. Her eyes looking at the taller student finding her gaze tugged away by his tail oddly wagging behind him. Despite trying to keep a stern appearance, this distraction left the impression this garbage Faunus was nothing more than an oversized dog.

“How…cute,” Mica remarked in a sarcastic tone to cover up his strangely adorable behavior. Though it begs the question what kind of grey matter was up there to still be confused after all that! She inhaled sharply and held her index finger up to his eye level. Frustrated on how slow can he be to make her spell it out to him as she forced to glare at him than his strange fluffy dog traits.

“If I have to fully explain it to you, I’m doing you a favor. You’re going to be barred out of places around Vale less you work at a beach front. People won’t like you walking around dirtying up their stores and carpets from being outside as you are now. There are policies and social conduct. Despite policies of no shirt and shoes, even sandals aren’t fully immune where enclosed shoes are a norm. Now that you have shoes, you are one less item from being kicked out of most weapon shops.”

Her hand then whipped away to rest at her hip. “Therefore, for exchange from earlier, you saw that these costed money. Before you even say anything, yes, I am fully aware money barely even registers for you. So, here’s the proposal. For shoes you can wear for business and socially, you’re going to demonstrate how Grimm are hunted.”

[Eiji]

cute? Eiji asked her when he noticed his own tail was wagging. Sheepishly he took a deep breath and collected himself. Slowly the tail came to a stop. He had to take a second to try to parse out her reasoning. After all he wasn't used to people just doing him a favor out of no where, well he wasn't used to people period. The act in itself was peculiar, but her reasoning was sound after he heard it. Hunting Grimm? Now that's something he could do, and do well. His tail began to wag again at the prospect of being able to pay her back so quickly
now that I can do. I suppose the forests of vale will be the best place to find out prey. Have you hunted them before? And what is your weapon of choice? the prospect of going out and hunting excited him, much more than that of sitting in a class all day. I'll show you how you can take them from up close or from afar, when would you like to learn?

[Mica Lecent]

Mica smirked confidently to have his cooperation. Simple minded when not preaching to the wrong crowd. They can make this exchange quickly and maybe, just maybe, this Faunus can be less of a painful sight. She thought it over on when they can do this training lesson. Technically they could do that now so long as their curfew is kept with the school. Can’t be too hard. All they’d have to do is use their scrolls to call upon their weapon lockers and they’re set.

Except, now that Mica held this thought for a bit longer, her eyes took to the boy in doubt. He had to have some orientation but did he even listen to any of it is another story. “Tomorrow.” Mica declared. “Meet at the school’s garden before heading out to the local forest of your choosing to save time summoning the armory lockers, which I doubt you have set up and registered to your scroll. The crossbow from before has been modified but as you witnessed within Atlas, there aren’t many Grimm residing within the community. I would like to fully test its performance and do further modifications as needed compared to your methods and armaments. That said, any questions?”

[Eiji]

Eiji nodded along as she spoke. No questions for me. Ill be there waiting. Eiji said confidently. Here he could really shine. Though he had to pretend like he didn't hear her speak about that damndable device. Just the thought of attempting to get the thing to cooperate with him made him seethe with frustration. Ill have the weapons and other utilities we need when we go out. I keep everything in my dorm. Though the more he thought on it, he didn't know the area very well himself. Some scouting would be necessary. I will take these back to the dorm. Ill have to scout the area and watch the grimm for awhile before tomorrow. So ill be doing that now. I will rendezvous with you tomorrow. Eiji said as he turned from her and started running towards the school. Or as best as he could remember which direction the school was in. Why walk when you could run after all? Things to do. Traps made and set. and all that. What a fun playdate this would be.

[Mica Lecent]

“Good.” Mica nodded twice at the sentiment. “Good. We’ll meet around—wait, now? Hang on!” Realizing she didn’t give much of a time frame, the limber Faunus was rapidly beating a trail to the school. Hunting and ready to scout the landscape. “Don’t go skipping classes while doing that! Hey!” The girl yelled after him, attempting to give chase.

“You even hear me with those ears! No skipping!” The girl called before being forced to stop when the cross walk light changed to red. Light or no light though, his tall frame was already doubling the distance between them and out of sight. “Hah. Didn’t even run on all fours and he’s already gone,” she panted and tried to catch her breath on the short sprint. Once the light changed, she crossed the street and made for the first bus bench to slump into.

“Like hell I’m running back to the school.” With a tired grumble she pulled the hood of her hoodie up and waited out for a ride back to Beacon. A slight wary grin for what tomorrow will bring.

[end]