[Aus] My name isn't Sydney, it's Lucy!! [Wy intro]

[Principality Of Wy]

Sydney woke up once again to seagulls. She groaned and kicked at the little bastards, they could smell the small food stash she kept in her bag and they were poking at it. They flew off angrily, and she stuck her tongue out at them. "Dumb 'gulls." she muttered. Her grumble soon turned into a growl of anger, as she discovered her whole house was covered in scraps of torn apart food. She quickly creaked the rest of her door open, squinting at the sunlight. With the broom head she collected not too long ago, she swept away the scraps she was too grossed out to eat.

When she finished, she crawled out of the cargo crate that was her home to stretch. It was a pretty day in Wy; the sun was out and the beach was crisp. A nice day for the small hobo to walk the streets and try to sell her treasures.

She crawled half-way into the crate and dug through her small paintings she had placed beside her blanket. "Hmmm, nah, not this one....this one sucks...this one ain't finished....ah!" She grinned slightly, "There we go!" She pulled out three small paintings, one of a koala, one of the beach, and one of some cool bug she found. These were the best paintings she had at the moment, so she gathered them up, along with her paints and crayons. She tied her hair in her red bauble and set off to the streets. After she locked her door up.

She strolled down the streets, avoiding people as much as possible before she got to her spot, because she was trying her best not to be recognized; also she suspected she didn't smell very nice. Whatever. She had to sacrifice to survive.

She noticed an elderly lady wobble her way down the streets, concentrating hard on not falling over. Her wallet was hanging dangerously out of her pocket. Sydney quietly skipped behind the woman, and using her growing skill in slight-of-hand, snatched the wallet out of her pocket. The lady continued on her merry way. Sydney turned away, then looked back for a second to stick her tongue out at the backside of the woman she just stole from.

It had been a month since her parents packed their bags and left her behind. Normally, a girl her age would cry and run straight to the police where they are placed in a nice ol' orphanage. Not Sydney. Not Sydney Lucy Browning! She is strong and can live by herself no problem! It didn't matter that seagulls ate her food or she could barely sell her art! She survived! And she would continue to do so. Alone.

She spied a photo on a wall, close to where she usually set up her little shop. It was a picture of her. The words 'MISSING' were spelled out in bright orange letters. Obviously, the school district was concerned of her well being, as her parents hadn't signed her out of school and they probably thought she was kidnapped. She glared at it. "My name is Lucy....." She hated her first name for a reason she didn't know.

She moved on, obviously she couldn't set up so close to a missing sign with her face on it. So she walked a few blocks away and set up. She placed a blanket on the ground and leaned her paintings against the wall. Done. All she had to do was wait.

[Australia]

Wy was certainly an interesting place, James determined as he walked down the streets barely paying attention to the odd looks he garnered. Honestly it was like they had never seen a koala before. Though, then again, they probably had never seen one so content to hang off someone’s shoulder like Bruce was doing. James merely laughed at the gawking looks, occasionally removing the koala from his shoulder when the claws digging into his skin was too much. Nothing could ruin his mood after all. When the Captain had mentioned they’d be making a relatively brief stop (a day or two) in the micronation the Aussie had practically begged to look around.

When he didn’t get permission he just took the first chance he got to run off. As long as he was back before the Grim left he was fine. So he had at least until sundown to explore.

Not paying all that much attention he bumped into an elderly woman. ”Ah! Sorry ma’am!” She waved it off, letting James continue on. At least until she seemed to realize her wallet was missing and naturally shouted after James accusing him. He blinked, turning to defend himself, but seeing police not too far away opted perhaps it was a better option to just run.

It felt like his childhood all over again as he docked down an alley, leaping over a crate to get away. Exactly when he was a kid and would get caught. Well, except for Bruce who was clinging to his back and probably leaving nice incisions he’d have to deal with later.

After successfully losing them James came to a stumbling halt, hunching over to catch his breath. ”That was a real workout, huh buddy?” Bruce just shot him what James assumed was a glare. To which he grinned as he began to walk normally down the streets. ”Oh don’t be so sore! ‘s not like you did any of that runnin’! And would you mind loosening the grip?”

The koala snorted, or one could assume it did, before it shifted positions and perched on his shoulder again. Thanking it James tried to ignore the stinging of his back as he continued down the path, pausing momentarily when his eyes caught something.

It was a poster of a missing child… ”Sydney Lucy Browning…” A dazed look passed over the young man’s face as he stared at the girl in the photograph. Missing, she was… Something in his chest tightened as he reached out as if to take down the photo. She looked so small, and she was missing? Was she safe? ”Wy…”

Someone bumped into him, breaking him out of the small trance that he’d fallen into. Blinking James rubbed his head, looking around not quite remembering what he had been doing. Okay, that was weird. Shaking the oddness from his mind he looked at Bruce smiling. ”Right, better keep movin’! Sun won’t be up forever!” It almost looked like the koala rolled it’s eyes.

Continuing down the street he began to whistle looking around. A blanket with a series of paintings caught his eye. Halting in front of them he cocked his head to the side, squatting down and picking up the painting of a koala with a grin. ”Looks like you Bruce, don’t’cha think?” [/color]

[Principality Of Wy]

Sydney had been distracted at the moment the young man strode up to her little shop; she was primarily organizing blank paper around so she could continue making "products" to keep going. It was also a great way to kill time; she didn't get very many customers.

At the sound of a potential customer, Sydney felt excitement. If she sold a drawing she could buy lunch! Ignoring the fact that the man seemed to be talking to himself, no, arguing with himself, she mustered up the nicest smile she could.

"Hiya! All my drawin's are twenty bucks a-" She didn't expect to see the big gray ball of fur. "Woah you really have a koala!!" Her eyes widened. She'd never seen a koala up close before!

The koala was certainly interesting, but the man it was with...who was he? Sydney took a double-take; for some reason, the guy felt more like her parent than her real parents ever did. But she didn't even know his name...

She'd have to be cautious with this. She was really hungry.

[Australia]

Turning his head at the fairly young voice James was again struck with that odd, dazed sensation from moments earlier. This girl, he knew her it was-

And just like before he snapped out of it moments before he actually realized anything. This time thanks to his lovely gray companion who had shifted on his shoulder upon the girls exclamation. No doubt wanting more attention. James gave Bruce a playful nudge almost to keep the animal balanced and no precariously leaning forward like he had been moments prior. Grinning he looked at the girl again.

”’course I got a koala! His names Bruce.” Seeing the wide eyed look just made him laugh, picking his furry friend off his shoulder and holding him in his arms like one would with a stuffed animal. ”You can pet him if you like! He’s real harm-“

It was his term to go wide eyed as why she was so familiar hit him. ”Oi! You’re that missin’ girl!” [/color]

[Principality Of Wy]

Sydney immediately recoiled from him. Oh crap crap crap!

Someone recognized her, after this entire month, this one guy did. It was over. He blew it. She'd be shipped to the nearest orphanage for sure!

"Whu- n-no I'm not! I'm someone else!" She argued desperately, but it was no use. Like she could convince him of anything. She backed away slowly, her dreams already shattering in her mind; the horribleness of being gawked at by children-less couples invaded like sharks to a speck of blood.

The idea of being the center amusement to some couple was utterly barbaric. To be picked out, or even worse, rejected by the potential guardians of your life....Sydney had already had enough of that.

She refused to be tossed away like some used up toy again.

The man looked like he was about to say something, but Sydney was too quick. In a matter of seconds she grabbed the blanket with her paintings and booked it. Dodging through people, animals, cars. She wanted to go home. Past the shops and that one hot dog stand that she loved. She wanted to just be able to paint. Through the next three streets, not stopping. She just wanted to have a home.

She jumped over the railing, and found herself at her beach. Panting, she quickly romped over to her crate and unlocked it. She opened the door, set her art stuff inside messily, and crawled in. She hugged her knees and watched the water.

She just wanted her home back.

[Australia]

Her reaction was not one that James had expected. He remained squatting there for a moment or so after her hurried exit a bit surprised. Blinking he turned is head to watch her retreating form. Okay, that was weird. Just plain weird. Why would she deny being Sydney, but then run off? That made it highly suspicious. Maybe she was running away from someone… Hiding?

A frown tugged his grin down. Standing glanced down at Bruce before making a decision. He ran after her. She was young, too young to be left on her own. In a way she reminded him of himself when he’d woken up all by himself. Except unlike her, no one had been looking for him.

She was fast too. More than once he was convinced he’d lost the little sheila in the crowds of people. He was lucky that her pink jacket made her stand out in a crowd. Soon he found himself near the beach. Tilting his head to the side he looked around, quickly spotting her climbing into a crate. He frowned more, what a lousy hiding spot.

Letting Bruce climb back onto his shoulder he slipped his hands into his pockets, strolling over to the crate as casually as he could. Then when he was close enough, kicked the box as gently as possible, but loud enough for the knock to be heard. ”Er, y’know runnin’ away when someone thinks they saw you on a missing poster doesn’t really help the ‘that’s not me’ case.”

[Principality Of Wy]

"AUUUGH!"

THUMP. The unwelcome and unexpected knock on her home sent Sydney sky-ward. Unfortunately her roof got in the way.

She immediately slouched over, pressing her hands on the top of her head. Tears of pain welled in her eyes. "Nnnnnnng! What the hell?!" She leaned out of her doorway, spotting the man that she had met not even ten minutes ago. Oh crap, he followed me!

"Ah, buh-..." She couldn't think of anything to say in response. But it was the image of the hands of some social security officer taking hers and leading to a new "home" that sparked complete rage. She didn't care anymore. It was over for her now, so why bother trying to hide? But first, to make sure that this complete jerk understood exactly what he did to her.

She glared daggers. "You...you complete jerk!! Why'd you hafta follow me, huh? It's all yer fault you recognized me! Now social services'll grab me n' put me in a home cause my dumb parents aren't around no more! You ruined everything!" She couldn't tell if the tears in her eyes were from the pain anymore.

She quickly rubbed her eyes. "Just go away!"

[Australia]

Again the little girl acted in a way he really hadn’t anticipated. He’d just been about to apologize for startling her (from the ‘thump’ he’d heard it had to have hurt) when her tirade began. He raised his hands defensively, eyes widening a bit in surprise.

Wait… Wait… She thought? Oh well that made a lot of sense. Lowering his hands, before raising one to ruffle his hair in a nervous manner he just listened. She thought he would give her to social services? He wouldn’t do that. He’d spent a good few years avoiding them himself, so it would be a bit hypocritical to turn her in.

Squashing the overwhelming urge to just hug her he shifted from foot to foot. He had to choose his words carefully, because he really didn’t want her running away again. ”Didn’t realize... So does that mean…” He trailed off, because asking if her parents were dead was a bit hard and probably rude. Still it would make sense since she claimed they weren’t around.

It was around that time he actually got a look at the crate she’d been hiding in… Hiding spots didn’t usually have a toothbrush and food. ”Oi… Is this where you live?”

[Principality Of Wy]

Sydney didn't answer him about her parents. What would he think if he knew they weren't dead, but rather they just left? She wasn't sure what would be more painful, the situation she had now or her parents being dead. And what about now? How did she feel about her parents? Did she truly want them back, or did she wish they were dead?

Was it her fault?

His next comment once again sparked her anger. "S-so what if it is?! Gotta live somewhere! 'sides, I thought you figured it was anyway!"

She was shaking. Was it her fault?

"It ain't a bad place to live! It's small but I can bear it! It keeps the rain out n' I can lock it up. N' I can live alone no problem! I dun need my parents! I dun need anyone." She piled up her excuses in a desperate attempt to convince herself that she was okay. But little Sydney, the one who would never admit it, needed help.

A particularly hungry seagull interrupted her by flying into her crate and pecking at her food again. She glared at it. "Darned seagull get out of my house!" She kicked at it violently. It flew off, angry. Sydney was lucky that so far it was only seagulls that bothered her.

She was, after all, an Australian micro nation.

[Australia]

He held up his hands defensively. "Whoa lil sheila don't need to yell at me!" Though his comment seemed to be lost on her as she went into a rant. She was really living in a box? One that looked like it could easily be broken if he kicked it hard enough? James stared at her in a bit of disbelief, then at her home. Did she really think she could live like this?

Then again, pointing that out wouldn't help. He could just imagine someone trying to tell him that when he was younger. It almost made him laugh. Her reaction to the seagull did make him chuckle, just slightly.

Slipping his defensive hands into his pocket he cracked a grin at her. He couldn't understand why, but he couldn't just leave this little girl behind. He wondered if Arthur'd mind if he brought Sydney back with him. Though it would probably take a bit of convincing on her end. Still grinning he held out his hand, a laugh in his voice. "'m James by the way."

Might as well be polite. [/color]

[Principality Of Wy]

Argh, why won't he go away?

Sydney pouted as she realized her outburst didn't drive him away, but she had half-expected it. He didn't seem like the type to just run away; how she figured that she did not know. She sat back down and hugged her knees, glaring at the water in the distance. She shot him a glance when he introduced himself.

"....Lucy." Of course, she told him her middle name. Like hell she'd tell him her real name. Especially him. For whatever reason, she reasoned he would be the one to tease her about it, use it all the time, make it somehow special for him. Ugh.

Thinking about it though...was that how her relationship with her parents start to decay? As a little girl, she clearly remembered yelling at them that she hated it. The name they chose for her when she was born. How would a parent feel?

They had conformed and called her Lucy instead, to Sydney's pleasure. But...was that what started her parents to despise her so much? She fought back a few tears. Why couldn't she be nice when it really mattered?

[Australia]

James raised an eyebrow. ”Posters say it’s Sydney.” A name that seemed oddly suiting for her to have. Though for the life of him James couldn’t figure out why that was. His grin faltered when he looked at her hug her knees, glaring at the water. It looked like she was going to cry, and that thought made his heart clench.

Taking a risk he sat down besides her, saying nothing at first. Who would have ever thought someone so young, so small, could be so brave. Acting like it was no big deal that they were alone, that they had to rely on themselves and had no one to rely on. Again he couldn’t help but reflect on how his childhood had been. Sydney seemed to be good at bringing up those memories.

James shut his eyes, leaning back on his hands. It had been a long while since he allowed himself to dwell on the more depressing points of his life – especially when he’d first woken up with no memories. He could still remember that initial fear, the tears he’d shed curled up in a ball in some alley. More importantly James could remember the words a dream had told him. ”We have to keep smiling, ‘cause no one else in the world is.”[/i][/color] He still couldn’t remember who had told him that, he had a feeling he never would. But when he’d woken up that next day the ten year old had taken them to heart. He wiped away his tears and smiled. And despite how hard things got, he continued smiling.

Opening his eyes he offered that same smile to Sydney, and decided who cared if she didn’t want him around. James wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a hug. ”Hey, y’know it’s okay to cry every once in a while.”[/size][/color]

[Principality Of Wy]

She glared at him."Whatever! It's Lucy! That's my name!" She had a feeling he would nag her about it. How annoying!

She let him sit down beside her. Oddly enough, it felt sort of comforting. She had shown him the wild child that she was, and he was still willing to sit beside her and understand her. It was...really nice. How often did her parents, or the kids at school for that matter, feel this way? They never did. Ahh, it was so confusing! She wanted him to go away, and yet she didn't too.

Her eyes widened when he pulled her into a hug. Woah. Wait. What's going on here?! What he said hit her hard. She paused. Maybe...maybe it's ok if she cried on front of him? Maybe it would make her feel better? She looked at his big, dumb, grinning face. Why do I have to rely on him? "M' not gonna cry!! Not gonna!"

[Australia]

”Posters say Sydney.” His tone was teasing, because for some reason he couldn’t help himself in teasing her. Even though he just knew that it would frustrate her, for some reason James really didn’t care. It felt natural to feel the need to tease her. Something he could probably dwell on later.

When she didn’t shove him away as he’d half expected, the Australian felt a little bit relieved. He wasn’t too sure what he’d do if she had pushed him away… Well, he probably would’ve tried hugging her again, or just sit there. Or something. Even if she kept telling him to go away James wouldn’t. He couldn’t.

”No harm in cryin’ y’know.” Continuing to grin he squeezed her just a bit in a comforting gesutre. ”It might make you feel better. And I won’t tell anyone if you do. ‘S not like I know anyone to tell though!” [/color]

[Principality Of Wy]

"It's Lucy!!!" Was Sydney Lucy Browning gonna have to kick a face? Because she was close to due to the whole name thing. She didn't like being teased. Maybe it was her turn.

She remained silent from what he said, finding a small amount of comfort in his hug. Strangely enough, he felt more like a parent than her real one's did. Which did not bode well for them, since he looked like he was around eighteen or nineteen. Annoying as he was, she still felt like she could confide in him, and talk to him. Which was rare enough for a normal teenager.

Also, it was really cool that he had a koala.

But still, she needed revenge for his teasing. No one teases Sydney Lucy Browning! Not without some...fallout anyway. But how...?

Aha.

She stared at his hand around her shoulder, raising an eyebrow. "Ya keep hugging me. Are ya a pedophile? That's gross, man."