#But hey that means Rio has to come back sooner so

[boundinblueleather]

OK so is anyone going to talk about Agatha putting Teen’s safety above her own? This is the witch who is KNOWN for being selfish, and here she is with this cute emo teen who maybe reminds her of her son, and it’s all “no don’t make him drink the poison I’ll do it”, not to mention a few other scenes. I have seen this trope a hundred times and I will happily watch it a hundred more. I’m LIVING for it.

[mego42]

please enjoy this snippet from the upcoming ch 12

--

Three weeks earlier

It’s not a nightmare that wakes her. Not exactly. 

After two relentless months, Beth’s become something of a connoisseur in the finer points of that particular psychological phenomenon and this definitely isn’t that, though it’s kin to it. 

It’s a rattling echo in the cavern of her lungs, hollow and aching where they’ve been scorched by fire and smoke. It’s the acidic memory of Annie and Ruby’s faces, tears streaking through ash smeared across their cheeks, the screeching violin of their ragged, terrified gasps clawing at her ears. 

It’s a caustic, venomous hatred boiling in her veins that rouses her.

She surfaces, caught off guard by the unfamiliar sheen of the deep, velvet darkness. The angle of the bare hint of ambient light is subtly...not wrong, but strange in a way she can’t place immediately.

Her burnt hand throbs like a beating heart held in her tightly swaddled palm.

It’s the pain that drives her the rest of the way from sleep, and as she crashes all the way into full consciousness, she thinks Rio. 

The darkness is strange because she’s in his bed, not hers. The light comes from downtown high rises, not suburban street lights. She's in his loft, not her house. 

She’d almost died two nights ago, and he’d brought her home. 

Blinking, she turns slowly. He’s stretched out next to her, close enough that she can feel the heat radiating off of his body, warming her side. 

He’s asleep; she can tell from the slow rise and fall of his chest, from the soft sound of his breathing, steady and even.

Her own breath hitches, a cough bubbling up, and she buries her face in the pillow, trying to smother it. She shudders once, twice, swallowing hard to try and quell the jagged, broken glass feeling in the back of her throat. She breathes deep, letting the spicy cedar scent permeating the fabric overwhelm her, steady her and wash away the bitter taste in her mouth.

Rolling back on her side, she studies Rio. Still sleeping. 

Beth rolls again, onto her back this time, moving slow in an attempt not to wake him. Now that her eyes are adjusting, the dark isn’t quite so complete, and she can see the faint lines of the exposed ductwork snaking across the ceiling. The difference between city and suburbs—when she’s at home, her bedroom is pitch dark on nights with no moon. 

Her hand’s still throbbing, more insistent now, and her throat aches; she feels itchy, restless. That roiling, burning mass of feeling that woke her up sits heavy on her chest.

She looks back over at Rio. The sheets are pushed down, draped over his waist. He shifts slightly, and she can see a pale hint of ridged skin on his shoulder, just below his collarbone.

Suddenly it’s so much harder to breathe than it was a moment ago.

Beth pushes up, sliding out of the bed as quietly as she can, shivering a little as her bare feet hit the wood floor. She gropes around until her fingers hit fabric, and she snatches up the t-shirt. It’s Rio’s, she realizes as she tugs it over her head, cast off from when she’d peeled it off of him earlier. Hers is around here somewhere. She feels around again, searching the floor until her toes find the briefs she’s borrowed from him, flushing as she pulls those on too, making a mental note to go back to her house for some pajamas and underwear, if nothing else, sooner rather than later.

There’s a three-quarter wall shielding the bed from the open loft, and the night’s brighter when Beth grabs her phone and steps around it, heading down the stairs to the main floor, marveling at the sparkling city lights visible through those giant windows. 

She pours herself some water then wanders over to one, leaning her forehead against the cool glass and looking down at the sprawling nightlife below her. The loft isn’t in the center of downtown, but it’s close enough that even now, in the middle of the night, there’s sporadic traffic. She isn’t so high up that the cars look like toys or anything, but she still feels on top of the world. Removed from it, really.

It’s lonely at the top. 

Setting her water down on the window ledge, Beth thumbs open her phone and taps out an Are you awake? text to Ruby.

She hasn’t even locked her screen before Ruby’s picture lights it up.

“Hey.”

“Hey yourself.” Ruby’s voice is quiet. “What are you doing up?”

“Couldn’t sleep.”

Ruby makes a soft, understanding noise but doesn’t say anything, just waits.

Beth props the phone between her ear and her shoulder, dragging a finger down the window, squinting an eye as she presses the tip against the glass so it blocks out one of the streetlights down below. 

Beth wonders where Ruby is. If she’s in bed with Stan or down in the kitchen. Hopefully not in bed, Stan doesn’t need any more reasons to hate her. She pictures Ruby perched at her island, her bible open in front of her. Or maybe cooking. Making a batch of lasagna to ward off the stress. Both thoughts sit uneasily in her stomach. 

“I almost died,” Beth says, finally. 

“You did.”

“So did you.” Her voice wobbles a little on the last word, and there’s something metallic and bitter in her mouth.

“Yeah,” Ruby says, and there’s a funny weight to it that has Beth closing her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” she says, forcing the words out through the thick, aching mass in her throat.

Ruby’s response is immediate and sure. “It’s not your fault.”

“I mean—”

“We were all in it,” Ruby interrupts. “This isn’t just on you.”

“I made it life and death, though,” Beth says, hearing the echo of the shotgun booming in her ears, seeing Bruno stagger back, feeling the warm spray against her face as his chest—

Beth’s eyes snap back open, staring out the window at nothing.

“I don’t want to take away from whatever you’re working through here,” Ruby says after a moment. “But it kind of already was for me, Beth. I got into this because otherwise, my kid was going to die.” 

Beth’s breath gusts out, a new layer of guilt settling over her shoulders, adding to the weight already draped across them. Of course she’d known that, known that of all of them, Ruby had the least choice. But in the rush of everything else, she’d—not forgotten, but pushed it to the back, and from the faint censure in Ruby’s tone, Ruby knew it too.

“I’m sorry,” she says again.

Ruby sighs. “That’s not your fault, either.”

There’s another long, silent beat. Beth rolls her head against the glass, finding the dark stretch of river a few blocks away, a lightless void peeking between the buildings. 

“What am I supposed to do now?” 

Beth says it so quietly that she can barely hear it herself. Isn’t sure her question carried over the phone until Ruby sighs again, longer and heavier this time. 

“I don’t know,” Ruby says, and Beth hears the thump of a book closing. She smiles faintly. The bible, then. “Mia, she’s...she’s not going to stop, is she? Not as long as…”

She trails off, but Beth can fill in the rest of her sentence. Not as long as Beth’s alive. She drops her hand from the window to the ledge, running it along the rough concrete, remembering the feel of the loose gravel from the parking lot behind the store under her nails. Remembering the way Annie had clung to her, sobbing into her bruised and battered chest. Remembering the way she’d screamed Beth’s name in that wobbly, grainy video.

Mia won’t stop. Not as long as Beth’s here. With him. 

“I know,” she whispers.

They both fall silent at that, absorbing the options that truth leaves on the table.

“Thanks for picking up,” Beth says eventually.

“Thanks for texting,” Ruby responds, and Beth can hear the smile in it as she hangs up.

Beth gulps down the rest of her water and sets the glass in the sink before padding back upstairs. It’s not until she’s slipped back into bed, tugging up the bunched sheet, that Beth realizes Rio’s awake and watching her. 

“Hi.”

“‘Ey.”

His voice is a soft, sleepy rumble, and Beth feels it roll down her spine like he’s caressing every vertebra. 

“I’m sorry I woke you,” she whispers, settling in on her side, tucking her hands under her cheek and facing him. 

“Didn’t.”

What did, Beth wonders. 

[breanime]

Bre’s Boys for their reaction when they find out their kid is getting bullied or teased in school

Billy Russo: Billy acts cool during the meeting with the teacher, but he’s seething inside. He hates that his baby boy is getting bullied and didn’t tell him. That night, you and Billy take your son to Anvil. “Violence,” Billy starts, standing in the training room in his sweats, “Isn’t always the answer. But when someone is hurting you, you have a right to defend yourself and others.” So Billy teaches him self-defense, and you and Billy have a talk with your son about speaking up for himself and going to an adult when things get too heated. A week later, you and Billy get a call that your son knocked the bully out...and Billy is so proud, he takes the family out for a nice dinner. 

Logan Delos: “Someone is teasing my princess? But baby, you’re perfect! They’re just jealous!” Logan lets your daughter know that she is smart, beautiful, charming, and unique. He leaves no room for questions--she is his perfect baby, and she should be proud of herself. So she is. Your daughter goes to school the next day with her head held high, and when the other girls try to tease her, she just flips her hair, looks them straight in the eye, and says “you know... jealousy really is the ugliest trait, ladies.” Mic drop.

Jax Teller: When your son comes home from 2nd grade in tears, Jax sits him on his lap, tells him it’s okay, and listens to him. You pace in the living room, heart pounding. When they come out, your son is holding Jax’s hand. “We had a talk,” Jax announces, “Can you call the principal, we’re gonna need to speak to the teacher.” The day of the meeting, Jax pulls up on his bike with you sitting behind him, and the whole MC accompanies you. The meeting goes well, the other kid’s parents are apologetic, but you’re pretty certain that the sight of a bunch of big, scary bikers made an impression on the bully and every other kid at school. Your son doesn’t have any problems after that day. 

Coco Cruz: Coco grew up getting teased, about his Mom, his accent, his clothes, so when he hears that his daughter is getting teased, his heart breaks. He hates seeing her so upset and unhappy, so he does what he wished someone had did for him... He goes to that kid’s father and beats his ass. Then he picks you up from work early, drops a stack of cash in your lap, and takes you and your daughter to the mall for a shopping spree. And that is that!

Angel Reyes: When your son comes home with a black eye, you’re ready to kill someone, but Angel is amused. Your son reports that he was standing up for another kid in his class, and the bully looks worse than he does, and Angel laughs, clapping him on the back. “You know what, you just earned yourself a swing on the bike! C’mon little man!” You shake your head, laughing, and watch as Angel tries to teach your adolescent son how to ride a bike. You know you’ll be getting a call from the school in an hour, but hey... Your son was a hero. 

Miguel Galindo: Miguel calls the teacher, the principals, the school board--he wants a meeting with everyone present. His son is a Galindo, so the fact that anyone was messing with him was UNACCEPTABLE. Miguel brings every bit of that cartel boss power with him to the meeting, and once it’s done, they call your son in and they (the school board) apologize to him for not handling this sooner. Later, Miguel takes your son aside and has a talk to him about “reasonable violence” and lets him know that sometimes... it’s okay to fight back. 

Nick Amaro: Nick installed a strong sense of justice in your son from the get, so when he gets a call from you saying that your son was getting suspended for fighting, he already knew what the fight had been about. He met you at the school, and sure enough, your son had gotten into it with the kid who’s been calling him names all semester. “Your son broke his nose!” The principal reports. You and Nick try to keep a straight face, and since fighting is against the school rules, you except the suspension...but you don’t punish him when he gets home. In fact, Nick turns, smiling at both of you. “Who wants ice cream?”

Johnny Tuturro: The day your daughter comes home in tears because a boy pushed her on the playground, you thought you might have to restrain Johnny. After he had his own meltdown, the two of you comforted your daughter. “Daddy’s gonna show you how to protect yourself,” Johnny promises, “Come on, it’s time I taught you how to box.” Meanwhile, you call the teacher, who says she’s been hearing things about the boy but hasn’t caught him in the act yet. A week later, he pushes her again...and she breaks his nose, busts his lip, and makes him cry in the middle of the playground. The teacher maintained that she didn’t see anything at all, and Johnny takes her to Build A Bear after school. 

Rio: Rio isn’t surprised when your daughter admits some of the girls at school had been harassing her. He is, however, surprised to find that your daughter is upset about it. “You know it’s just jealousy, baby girl,” he tells her as she cries in her bed, “Your mom went through the same thing in high school... You just gotta let it roll of your back.” “W-what does that mean?” “It means you don’t give a shit what irrelevant people say about you, because YOU know your own worth.” She sat up, wiping her tears. “Dad?” “Yeah?” “Can I say... three curse words?” Rio smiles. “Yeah, Princess... just don’t tell Mom.” “Okay,” she takes a breath, “Fuck those bitches.” Rio nods approvingly. “Fuck those bitches.”

*******************************************************************************************

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[loudsuitlover]

Doctor Harry XXI. Si te vas

BLUE’S POV

The three of them were in my bed when I woke up. Marie and Ollie were under the duvet with me but Jason was on my other side like a kitten sleeping with their human. I don’t remember picking them both up but we must have had or maybe they came here on their own. Whatever the way, I couldn’t ask for better friends.

There’s no new messages in my phone so I text Coco to know her whereabouts and lie awake waiting for them to wake up. The fact that the three of them are here, like walls supporting the ceiling, makes it clear that what happened last night wasn’t a bad dream.

Harry was high. He was so high he couldn’t even talk to me. I remember the way he acted now and God, it was so clear I feel stupid for not realizing it sooner. His bloodshot eyes, his calmness, the way he got mad in a second and then back to the calm, the way he seemed to be disconnected to everything that was happening, how he seemed not to care at all.

I wonder what he thinks about me now. I wonder whether he cares at all. Somehow, I still don’t want him to think I’m being judgemental even though maybe I am. I’ve had this discussion plenty of times with plenty of Med students- about weed, yes or no, is it bad or is it less bad than they say?- For no one with biological knowledge dares to say it’s good. Fruit is good, walking is good- weed is not.

And yet it’s probably less harmful than it feels to me but it’s just… Last night I learnt he was the one driving and with that, the entire accident and the months that followed came back; and if that wasn’t enough he was high, just like Dylan was; and I wonder why Harry’s here and Dylan isn’t, why some people get another chance- and still smoke weed- and why some others just can’t live to change it.

I’ve never really believed in destiny. I don’t think our lives are written and we’re just players in a big board, thinking we’re free and taking decisions that were already going to happen anyway but sometimes, I do believe that there might just be this person, this person in the world that’s for you, the one who’s going to walk by your side for the rest of your life. I used to think that feeling of belonging with someone didn’t happen twice so I always thought I had it with Dylan and I will never have it with anyone else and somehow I liked that and I lived by that. But then I met Harry and for a second I thought I might have been wrong all this time and now the fact that his story could be superimposed to Dylan’s and it would connect... I feel like if this was a sci-fic movie and we have these parallel worlds and these alternative universes, Harry might as well be Dylan, in another body and with another face and another scent and that’s what I don’t want.

I loved Dylan. I loved him as much as a person can love another human being and I don’t think there’s ever been purer love but he also broke my heart to the point where I thought I was dying too. And he did because he changed and then because he died so I lost him twice all along and I just can’t go through that again.

“Morning, pixie.” Marie gives me a sleepy smile that I return. “How did you sleep?”

“Surprisingly good. I don’t remember getting here but I haven’t woken up until just now.”

“It makes sense that you were tired considering how drunk you were last night.” Jason’s voice is muffled against the duvet but I can still hear him.

I hit the back of his head with a pillow and he grunts.

“I don’t think you can call her out on that, pal.” Marie defends me.

“It wasn’t that bad.” Jason complains.

“Until you stood up on that table and take off your shirt and started yelling titties out, free the gay! you mean.” Ollie adds.

Marie and I laugh at the look Jason gives her. His eyes are widened, and his lips are set on a thin line. Before he can ask her whether that’s true, which I hope it is for the sake of humour, someone knocks on the door.

“Pasa.” I tell her. “But please be clothed. We have guests.”

Coco is grinning from ear to ear when she appears on the doorway.

“Oh, hi!” She chirps excitedly. “You guys slept like that?”

We all nod and she laughs. Olivia sits up and pushes Marie to do the same so my sister has a spot next to them. She’s wearing party clothes, which gives away that she didn’t spend the night home.

“So” Olivia wriggles her dark blond eyebrows “Guido Matteoti, hey?”

My sister smiles despite pursed lips and that’s all I need to know Chicco is history. Yes, Guido! I sit up too and Jason rests his cheek on his fist so Coco knows she has our undivided attention. Her cheeks tinge pink.

“He’s very sweet.” She starts. “I mean we’ve only been in a couple of dates but-”

“But you didn’t sleep home last night.” I raise my eyebrows and she shakes her head with a smile.

“And nothing happened.” She adds. “We just cuddled.”

The four of us look at her and from the corner of my eye I can see Marie melting while Olivia’s face seems like a puzzle missing a piece and Jason just blinks.

“He’s… I’ve never had this, you know? It’s like I tell him something mindlessly… Like something that isn’t really even important and he remembers it.” She smiles. “I mean last night he said something about Nana’s cameo and he had to tell me when I have told him about it because even me myself couldn’t remember.” She surprises. “And… He is interested in what I think and what I want and… I mean some guys have made me feel pretty, but he makes me feel interesting and that’s just so much better.”

“See?” Marie tilts her neck to give me a look and I smile. “It’s possible.”

“Do you like him though?” Olivia presses. “I mean him, as a person, not the way he makes you feel.”

Coco stares at her like a deer caught in headlights before she tilts her neck like a dog thinking. I’m taken aback too by Ollie’s deep understanding of the situation. She’s been so disassociated with the love department that it feels strange to have her understanding this so deeply.

��Yes, I do.” Coco blushes. “He’s smart and funny and caring and kind. And so handsome.” Her eyes open wide and Olivia laughs.

“Can we see him?”

“Yeah, show us the regulation photo, girl.” Jason adds.

My sister chuckles before she gets on her phone and shows us his Instagram. I have seen him before so I let my friends be as nosy as they want. Coco’s eyes meet mine and she frowns concerned.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

And like that I’m crying again. My sister jumps over my friends and takes a seat next to me, wrapping her small arms around my body and reminding me of home. Marie tells her what happened and Ollie and Jason curse under their breath. They did that last night too, I remember now.

“I’m good, I’m good.” I wipe my tears and sit back straight. “I’ll get over it.”

Coco sighs next to me and Jason gives me a smile.

“Unpopular opinion” Olivia says “I think we’re being too hard on him.”

Us three give her a death glare and she raises her hands on the air proving her innocence.

“Let’s go get started with breakfast, Ollie.” Coco says before war starts on my mattress.

“Yes, I need to tell you some things too.”

“Me too.” Jason smiles. “Spoiler alert: David is a dick.”

“Tell me something I don’t know…”

The three of them walk outside the room and we hear the beginning of the conversation with Jack’s name being thrown around among very colourful insults.

“What are you doing for Christmas?” I ask Marie.

“I’m visiting my mum.” She shrugs. “And her new boyfriend.”

“Nice.” I chuckle.

“You?”

“I think I’m gonna go spend some days with my dad. I need to get away from here.”

“And your mum?”

“Mum’ll go to Spain, I guess. It’s been a while since I don’t visit Dad.” I feel Marie nodding next to me. “I’m gonna hop on the shower.”

“Okay.”

“You can shower in Coco’s bathroom if you’d like.”

“Do I stink or what?” Marie laughs.

I give her a silent smile and make my way inside my bathroom. I don’t have much time because Coco, Ollie and Jason are not precisely the best chefs so I’m sure by getting started with breakfast they mean adding milk to cereal.

I let the hot water run down my body relaxing every muscle I hadn’t realized was tensed. Thinking about going back home is never been as easy as it is now. It’s always painful to go back to Capitol because it screams Dylan all over the place but it’s been a while since I don’t see Dad or Rio and I’m in the mood for a family Christmas.

When I make my way towards the kitchen, I hear them all talking about Harry and me but it doesn’t bother me because it doesn’t surprise me. I know they’re on my side anyway, even Ollie.

I announce my plans to everyone during brekafast and Coco and Jason decide to tag along  to Capitol for Christmas too. Coco was the expected guest but I’m glad Jason wants to join too. It’ll be good to have a friend around when I start missing Dylan like the first day after his accident. Jason says he needs a change of scene and to stay away from David and I’d rather have him with me than getting back together with the devil.

We pack our stuff after breakfast and plan a videocall all together in a few days before Marie and Ollie leave to pack their own things. Olivia’s going to France to meet up with her family too but she seems to be very invested in my relationship with Harry or my lack of it.

Coco drives to Capitol, all the way without stopping once, and I feel safe when she’s behind the wheel. I’ve never understood how men can say women are bad drivers when women seem to be better at everything. Okay, that’s sexist too, but the fact that we’re asked to do double to earn the same amount explains why that could be true.

It's the first time Jason comes to Capitol despite our four years of friendship. When Dylan was alive, it was usually him go would come visit and during holidays J was usually with his family so I would go to Capitol alone. I hope the idea he has of me doesn’t change when he sees my house. I guess it won’t, because I know his parents have an equally big mansion but still…

The dark grey fence opens for my sister’s car after she sets the code and my sister’s Mercedes drives inside our sumptuous property. She drives around the fountain at the entrance and the set of pine trees on both sides of our private road brings back memories of my childhood underneath them.

The house looks more like a palace than I even remembered. I don’t quite know how many hectares of land my father owns but I know the entire house have glass walls looking at the back because there was no need to hide from nothing at all; there’s just a pine forest and snowy mountains behind it. I reckon if Jason was still a kid, I could tell him my dad’s a vampire and he’d probably believe it.

Dad’s waiting at the door with a big smile and his thick winter coat when we get off the car. My sister runs to hug him as Jason and I get the bags out of the boot. Then it’s my turn. My dad wraps his warm, big arms around me and presses my body against his bigger one.

“Oh, my lovely girls! How’s my favourite doctor?”

“Hi, dad, it’s nice to see you.”

“It’s very nice to see you too, Blueberry. I made soup and lamb for dinner.” He smiles.

“Thank you.”

“And garlic bread?” Coco asks. “Can we make garlic bread?”

“Already in the oven.” My dad winks at her and like that my sister is back to being. “Hello, Jason.” My dad shakes his hand. “I’m glad you could join us this year.”

“Thank you for having me, Peter.”

“No need to thank us. It’s our pleasure. Well, why don’t you show Jason around, Berry? Coco and I will get the mulled wine ready.”

“Yes! Mulled wine! This is paradise, dad. Where’s Rio?”

“He’s at the gym.” My dad explains. “Says he needs to make room for the lamb.”

The three of us laugh before my dad and Coco disappear down the hall towards the kitchen and Coco’s cheerful voice gets lower and lower until we can barely hear her. I show Jason around the entire house, the halls, the living room, the dining room, my dad’s studio... 

We climb the stairs. I get ready to open the door to my old room. I take a deep breath and keep telling him some stories about the house, like about that time Coco fell down the stairs when she was about six and everyone was so worried and then she just yelled I’m okay! from the bottom. 

Entering my room, I set my eyes on my empty desk. It looks like the room of someone who’s not there anymore and in a way I guess that’s what it is. This is the room of the girl I used to be but there’s little of her now. 

I remember it used to be a mess. I have lots of books and even now they’re all organized in the shelves like a library now, they used to be all over the room and all my records, now also carefully placed on the shelf, used to be all around too. It gives me chills to see the room like this but I guess it would be harder if it still looked just like it used to. I would notice Dylan’s absence more. 

“Berry, eh?” Jason teases. 

I roll my eyes. My dad always calls me with the most ridiculous nicknames ever. I’m going to defend myself but my breath catches on my throat when I see the bed. I remember every night I spent there with him and I know it would never come back. I storm out of the room. 

Jason’s quiet for the biggest part of the rest of the tour until he leaves his bags on his bed in the guest room. My mum decorated this room with warm colours because she says they help make the guest feel cosy and at home. I guess it depends on the guest for someone whose house was cold colour themed would hardly feel at home in a terra coloured room but if Mum says that’s the way it is, then that must be the way it is. She’s the painter after all. 

“I just have a question” he says “why did you never tell us you’re the princess of Genovia?”

I laugh and sit down on the cushion bench on the feet of his bed.

“I mean, this is the guest room and it’s bigger than the girls’ apartment in Grad.”

“It’s not.” I shake my head. “The living room might be.” I joke and he laughs. “I usually sleep here when I come home though. I was in my room when Dylan had the accident and sometimes it just gets suffocating in there.” I explain.

Jason stays quiet and I enjoy his silence for sometimes there’s little one can say.

We were on the phone. We were fighting. He had come visit me that weekend and it had been the best weekend we had had in months. The last part of our relationship was as messy as it could get; we would fight all the time. I would fight him about the weed and about how he was... Losing himself all the time. And he would tell me I had changed a lot and that everything in my life was perfect except from him and he would invite me to just break up with him and have a doctor boyfriend if I was so disappointed on him. I heard the crash. And then he died.   

“You can come sleep here if that happens.” Jason smiles. “Or we can swap rooms.”

I shake my head. I want to at least try. It’s been almost four years now and as tough as that memory is, I also have memories I treasured with my life. I remember Mum signing to me when I was little, Dad telling stories to Coco and me, Coco climbing in my bed when she was little and had nightmares. And I remember Dylan, I remember him trying to teach me how to play the guitar, me teaching him to braid my hair and I remember kissing him and him telling me he loved me. 

“Have you talked to David?” I need to stop thinking about that. 

“After breaking up with him, you mean?”

I nod and he shakes his head.

“I blocked his number and blocked him on every social media. Also deleted the apps at the risk of him creating a fake profile so as to be able to talk to me. I know it’s crazy but-”

“So is he.” I interrupt him, probably finishing his sentence and he chuckles.

“That’s right.”

I snort a chuckle and look down at my hands over the cushion. I’m sure this week I’m going to be out of it a lot of the times but I think Jason needs some time to himself too so it’s good our two sad asses are here together.

“You okay?”

“Yes.” I nod.

“Have you talked to him?”

My heart stops. For a second, I think he’s talking about someone who’s dead but then I shake my head. I did tell Harry not to contact me again and as strange as it seems knowing him, he might be respecting that. I don’t know if I really want him to though but I know it’s what’s best.

“Should we go downstairs have some of that mulled wine?”

“Yes, please.”

Dad and Coco are sitting in front of the chimney with a glass of mulled wine each when we join them. She’s telling him about Guido now. I feel bad for mum but she can’t keep a secret to save her life so it makes sense she wouldn’t tell her yet.

“Hi, guys.” My dad greets. “Do you like your room, Jason? Are you comfortable?”

“Yes, sir, thank you. It’s incredible.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Please, take a seat and help yourself with some wine.”

“Thank you.”

“So how are you, Dad?” I ask. 

“Can’t complain.” He smiles. “Rio’s doing great at the bank and we’re happy and my daughters are home for Christmas. Couldn’t ask for anything else.”

I smile at the sweet man who raised me.

“How are you, Berry?”

“I’m…” Should I tell him? “I’m good.”

He smiles but I know it’s his way of silently saying we both know that’s not true so I smile back and it’s my silent way of letting him know I don’t particularly want to talk about it.

“Have you seen the Meyers?”

My dad’s light hazel eyes set on mine. I know he’s taken aback by my serenity. I think I want to have a cup of tea with Dylan’s parents but it’d be great to have some background before I contact them.

“They passed by the bank in the morning, wished Merry Christmas like usual. Amalia cut her hair. It looks good on her.”

“I think I’m gonna text them. See if they’d like to have a cup of tea.”

“I think they’d love to.” He smiles. “I’m proud of you, Blue.”

I nod and give him a little smile and we all hear the door opening and my brother’s feet shuffling inside the hall. He drops his gym bag on the floor and Jason gets more excited than any of us. He’s got Rio’s fever.

“It smells like women in here.” Rio jokes.

“It smells like mulled wine, dofus.” Coco explains and he grins.

“Long time no see, Coconut.”

“She’s been busy with her boyfriend.”

“DAD!” She panics. “That’s exactly what I meant!”

My dad just laughs and then Rio’s interrogation begins. He asks for pictures, age, family name, degree and every little thing in between and Coco answers but cries for help at least five times.

I help my dad set the table while he finishes up with dinner and then the five of us sit around the table and enjoy dinner among shared stories of Rio’s adventure on the bank and the rumours he’s heard. Harry would like this nosy conversation too. But why am I thinking about him? He’s a junkie and a liar.

My dad tells us a messy love story between two of his associates and Rio adds the juicy comments every now and then. Coco and Jason are really invested but I know my dad is just filling in the conversation so I don’t have to participate. Much like me, he’s never been interested in other people’s business. As a matter of fact, he’s been in charge of the Anderson Bank for over thirty years and has never had trouble with any employee. He only learnt about relationships when he got invited to his employees’ weddings.

I look up to my father. He’s had everything handed to him on a silver platter but he’s able to admit it. He knows half the things he has, he doesn’t even deserve. For years I thought the right thing to do was getting rid of all of that but growing up I learnt, it’s a lot more useful to be a part of the system and make a change from within. 

Harry: Where are you?

I turn my phone upside down and look at my dad, pretending to listen. We usually disagree on pretty much everything but he still talks to me about politics and economy and all that and I like the way he disagrees with me. He gets frustrated because he treats me like an equal.

Where are you? 

My dad used to say I could do anything I wanted. He told my entire family I’d make a great cook when I was about sixteen just because I had taken upon creative cuisine and cupcakes with fondant and heart shapes. 

What does he care where I am? 

And then when I was seventeen, I started playing volleyball and he told everyone I’d be the national champion.

Why does he think it’s okay to text me at dinner time and ask my whereabouts?

And then… Then… Ugh, I can’t get the text out of my head.

“Blue, is everything alright?”

I look up at my brother’s concerned eyes and only then I realize I’ve been torturing the dead lamb on my plate. I clear my throat.

“Yes, I just have a virus or something on my phone.” I give him a tight smile.

“Alright.” He chuckles.

Jason types on his phone and gives me a look so I grab mine to see his text. There are messages from Harry.

Jason: What’s wrong?

Indie: Harry texted me.

Harry: Come on, Blue, it’s me.

Harry: Open the door.

“Who wants dessert?”

“Let it be chocolate coulant, let it be chocolate coulant.” Coco prays with closed eyes.

My dad laughs and makes his way to the kitchen with as many plates as he could get and Jason follows suit helping pick up stuff from the table. Rio hisses for me to look at him.

“Is the virus that guy you were seeing?”

“How do you even know about that?” I narrow my eyes at him threateningly so he would confess nothing but the truth.

“Mum and I talk, you know.” He shrugs.

I roll my eyes but his hand rests atop of mine on the table.

“If you want his legs broken, just say the word.”

“Rio!” I chuckle and he smiles.

“I’m just saying.”

         After dinner, Jason and I sit on the balcony despite the cold. We brought a little mulled wine and got blankets from the wardrobe before we sat down on my favourite part of the house. I have two armchairs and a small table in between on my balcony and the view is magnificent. You can see the mountains behind a huge, now snow-covered, forest of pines.

“Did you text him back?”

I shake my head.

“And do you want to?”

“It doesn’t matter what I want to.” I sigh.

“I think it does.”

I tilt my neck to give him a warning glare.

“Olivia and I have talked.”

“About me?” I frown. “And why do you think I care about that?”

“I agree with her.” He confesses.

I have a long sip of my wine to busy my tongue and not curse at him.

“For all we know, it must have been the first time he smoked weed. I mean, think about it, he was really affected wasn’t he? And he told you several times he didn’t want to talk in that moment. He didn’t want to discuss it with you while he was high, Indie. I think that means he cares.”

“I think that means he was that high he couldn’t even think properly.”

“And yet he was lucid enough to know that was not how he wanted to be when he talked to you about that.”

“Why are you defending him?”

“I’m not defending him. I just think you’re overreacting, which is normal, I mean. We all know why you took it like that but he doesn’t, does he?”

I sigh and look ahead at the mountain.

“I mean… You’re getting mad at him because he didn’t tell you about that but there’s a lot of things you didn’t tell him about, either. Can you get mad at someone for keeping secrets from you while keeping secrets yourself?”

“I don’t do drugs, Jason. It’s not the same.”

Jason sighs.

“Before it happened, you were… Happy. I haven’t seen you that happy since Dylan passed” he whispers that part, afraid to bring upon us the weight of those words “and it’s all on Harry.” He shrugs. “So I think he deserves to at least be listened to. I mean you don’t even know why he was high.”

“Because he smoked weed, Jason, there’s just one explanation.”

“I mean why he smoked.” He chuckles. “Haven’t you thought about that?”

No, I haven’t.

“It was a family reunion, J. You weren’t there but it was cousins and aunts and his mum for the love of God. Who gets high with his family there? It was his older sister’s birthday.”

“That’s right. The same sister who was on the car the night he crushed it. Now, I don’t know why he crushed the car or how the accident was but neither do you and don’t you think it must be hard? Whatever the reason was, to be at your sister’s birthday, someone who’s on a wheelchair somehow because of you?”

My anger drops a knot. Or two.

“You said he doesn’t drink, right?”

I nod.

“And he… He has trouble sleeping.” I add.

He’s tortured about his sister’s accident and now I understand it a lot more. He lied to me that one time too, when he explained to me why he felt so terrible about it. He doesn’t feel guilty because he didn’t help during her recovery. He feels guilty because he thinks it’s his fault and for all I know it might be.

“He should have told me sooner.”

“That’s true.” Jason agrees. “I’m not saying you shouldn’t be mad. You have every right to be. Just… Don’t pretend like you don’t care about him.”

I feel my bottom lip quivering, but this is just Jason. It’s okay to cry in front of Jason.

“I… I don’t want to do it again, J; to think I can fix him because I can’t. I’ve been there before and I don’t want that again. He…”

Warm arms wrap around me so I rest my head on his shoulder.

“He’s not Dylan, Indie. He wasn’t driving that night.”

             I think I fell asleep after that because I wake up on Jason’s bed and see him peacefully sleeping beside me. I’m happy he’s here and I’m happy he’s finally free from fucking David Dick. He didn’t deserve the way he treated him, no one does. I have five missed calls and new texts from Harry. He really isn’t given up, is he? 

Harry: I know you’re with your dad. I’m glad you’re okay and with your family.  

Harry: I’m truly sorry, Indie.

I don’t like it that he calls me Indie. It feels like we’ve gone backwards but then again I guess we have. I don’t answer him because I still need to think. I’m not sure what I want even and I know if I see him or even hear his voice he’ll get in my head and I’ll say yes to anything he has to say because that’s how much of a fool I am.

I think I’ll go to the lake today, show Jason our rope and where we go in the summer. I get up from the bed carefully so as not to wake the Sleeping Beauty and make my way downstairs. Dad’s having a cup of coffee reading his newspaper in the kitchen and the image is so familiar I feel like nothing has ever happened. I wrap my arms around his chest from behind and know he’s smiling.

“Morning, Blue.”

“Morning, Dad. How did you sleep?”

He looks me in the eyes. I frown and suddenly feel the air falling on top of our shoulders. It’s like without saying a word, he set the mood for something terrible. I rest my hand on his shoulder.

“What is it, Dad?”

“I don’t want to scare you” and that’s how you scare someone “but… I’ve been feeling a little weird these past few weeks. I’ve been more tired than usual, more… Anxious, I guess I’d say and my chest started hurting just after walking to the bank every day so I went to the doctor and they did this bunch of tests, you know and it was all good except from an X-ray from my chest.”

“What is it?”

“They found a nodule next to my heart.” He swallows. “Now they don’t know yet whether it is on the lungs or the heart or the aorta or even the thyroid so they have to do some more tests but… They said it could be a tumour, Berry.”

His words are a direct punch in the guts but I know what he needs right now is not me crumbling so I do what I can to give him a smile.

“Well, it could just be. There’s a hundred other things that could be and even if it was a tumour, it might be a benign one and even if it was bad, the diagnose might be in time to fix it if they didn’t treat it like something urgent.”

“Thank you.” My dad smiles. “I know how hard it is for you not to say what your doctor’s mind is thinking.”

“This is my doctor’s mind speaking actually.” I tell him. “My daughter’s mind is running wild but doctor Anderson is calming Blue down.”

He smiles again and gets up from his chair and starts making French toasts for everyone. He shows me the x-ray and I pretend I don’t get scared shitless when I see it. The lump is as big as a peach and is right next to his heart. Now I don’t know what that is but it can’t be good.

Harry: Indie, I’m trying to give you space but I suck at this and I think the more space I give you, the harder it’s gonna be for you to listen to me.

Harry: I miss you.

Harry: And I’m very sorry.

“Who’s that?” My dad smirks. “Is that your boyfriend?”

How can he even care about it after what he just told me? His nosiness surprises me so I just stare at him as if the devil had possesed him. 

“Yeah, Blue, is that your boyfriend?” Jason smirks too.

I give him a death glare.

“Good morning, Jason.” My dad tells him.

“Good morning, Peter. So, what is it? Is he your boyfriend?”

“Don’t make dumb questions, Jason.”

“There are no dumb questions, honey.” My dad teases.

“Just dumb people, I guess.”

Jason just laughs and starts setting the table for breakfast as if he has been here before.

“Are you mad at a boy, honey?” My dad presses.

“If it was just at the boy, Peter, it wouldn’t be so bad.” I death glare at Jason again but it seems like he wants war today. “She’s mad at the world. She always is.”

“What was that?” I frown.

“Nothing.” Jason shrugs and gets the empty plates on the table. “I just want you to talk to him, I’m sure you’ll feel better.”

“So there is a he! I knew it.”

“Dad, stop.”

My phone screen illuminates and both Jason and I see Harry’s name. I defy him with my glare but he shakes his head. He’s not Ollie. Olivia would have picked up.

“He doesn’t give up.” My dad adds.

I can’t believe him. I grab my phone keen to set an end to this.

Indie: I’m with my family. I’ll talk to you if I want to.

Harry: Please want to.

Harry: Thank you for answering.

Oh, no, he’s going to act all kind and innocent now. I hate it. He’s not like this. He’s smug and irritating, he isn’t sweet and delicate.

After breakfast, Jason agrees to go for a run with Rio. I almost go along because Jason never runs, he just said he did to impress Rio, so I bet that has to be funny but I have something else in mind. 

Coco and Dad stay home to set the Christmas tree and I go to the lake with an old copy of To Kill a Mockingbird and my laptop. I re-read the book I’ve read at least five times and promise to myself I won’t google my dad’s x-ray, I know that’s probably the silliest thing to do but...  I send an email to professor Gibbins. I trust him and would like to know what he thinks. A second opinion is a thing. 

He sends me his phone number and tells me to call him and that scares me to death.

“Hello, Indigo.”

“Hi, doctor Gibbins.”

“Call me Danny, dude.” He laughs.

I swallow but appreciate the easing. I wonder if he’s using one of the techniques we learn in Comunication with me but don’t waste more time before I tell him what my dad told me in the morning. He sighs.

“Well, I’m seeing the radiography as we speak and I mean it could be anything.”

“Yeah but it doesn’t look good, does it?”

“He needs a surgery.”

Harry’s voice freezes my blood. I wasn’t expecting to hear his accent so soon, much less to say that. 

“Am I on speaker mode?”

“Mmm… Yes, I’m sorry. I’m at work and Harry was here. I thought two doctors were better than one.”

He’s probably right. Plus, Harry is the smartest person I know and I’m actually glad he asked him because as mad as I am at him I would love to know his opinion on this. He’s brilliant. I have no doubt of that. 

“Does he have high blood pressure, Indie?” Harry asks me.

“Yes.” I frown. 

“And did he feel a pain in the chest recently?”

“Yes!” 

There he is playing his magic. 

“I think it’s an aortic dissection. Look at it, it’s an A type.”

That last part wasn’t for me but for Danny. Why is he so smart? Why does everything he says seem so interesting and impossibly right to me? And why does he always make me feel safer and better? Why can’t he be normal, just like any other guy? And why did he have to ruin everything like that?

“If you need anything else, I can help you too.” Harry says very softly, as if he was afraid I was going to hang up.

“I know, and still I called Danny, didn’t I?” I sigh. “What do you think, Danny?”

“I think he’s right.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

I hang up without saying goodbye and hold my tears in before opening my book again. 

"First of all," he said, "if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view ... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."

[nelllraiser]

the kids are alright | adam, ariana, athena, blanche, connor, nell, orion, & winston

TIMING: a few days before the full moon. LOCATION: connor’s beach house. PARTIES: @walker-journal, @letsbenditlikebennett, @athenaquinn, @harlowhaunted, @connorspiracy, @nelllraiser, @3starsquinn, @danetobelieve SUMMARY: just a truly wholesome and youthful time.

Connor didn’t know what everyone liked, so he tried to get a little of everything; chips, dip, beers, spirits (no pun intended), and a few takeout menus scattered around in case they wanted to order. The house wasn’t huge by any means, but one thing he prided himself on was having a bloody good entertainment system, complete with several consoles and a massive telly. They’d have some fun. Watch some shit movies, play some Mario Party, forget that the world outside was shit, at least for a few hours. As the first knock at the door came, he headed over to answer it. “Hey, welcome. Come on in. Make yourself at home. Telly and consoles are obviously in here, but we have this bit of beach as well if we decide we want to take it outside.”

While Ariana wasn’t sure of who all would be in attendance tonight, she knew she hadn’t wanted to leave Athena back at the apartment. Especially with everything that had happened recently, she knew they could both use a fun evening. When she knocked on the door, she smiled brightly as Connor greeted them and introduced him to Athena. “I think I’ll skip testing my luck with the beach, I’m more interested in seeing how I can build a new entertainment system for ya anyway,” she turned to Athena and said, “This is my friend Athena. Athena, this is Connor. You may have seen some of his YouTube videos.” She held up a bag and added, “We brought some extra snacks, too.” 

She wasn’t entirely sure that she was up for a party, but she also knew that she didn’t want to be all by herself with her thoughts. So when Ariana had offered to bring her along to the party, Athena had quickly agreed. “Hi.” She waved to Connor from where she was standing behind Ariana. “I don’t watch a lot of YouTube outside of some videos about baking, or science, or one of my sorority sisters has a vlog channel, so I’m subscribed to that… but still! Nice to meet you.” She grinned, and it still didn’t feel entirely comfortable, but she knew that she had to get back to the usual routine to some degree sooner or later. She nodded over at the bag Ariana was holding up, using that time to look around the house. Her fingers, bare except for one with a golden ring that Amanda had gotten her for her birthday, found her cross necklace and she twisted it around, a bit out of a nervous habit. “Thanks for letting me come, it looks like you have a really nice place.”

“Always love a good snack,” Connor teased. “That’s why Adam’s coming.” Pity that boy was so painfully heterosexual. “Hi, love,” he greeted as Ariana introduced Athena. “Nice to meet you. Nobody else is here yet, but come on in, have a drink, let Ariana check out my furniture…” He gave a little chuckle, helping himself to a beer. 

Nell and Blanche had arrived in tandem, sporting their matching ‘burn your bra’ crop tops in a yin and yang color scheme with Nell in black, and one of her best friends in white. As she walked through the open front door, an amused grin cracked her lips as she saw Blanche and her hadn’t been the only ones to have a similar idea. “Well I’m glad we all got the memo,” she said with a nod towards Athena and Ariana’s complimentary jerseys, knowing full well there had been no such thing. Then she was raising a hand to wave a group greeting towards everyone, and presenting the plate she’d brought. “I brought these- they’re brownies obviously, but the kind that might make you astral project a couple planes over.” Probably stuffed with enough homegrown pot to get an elephant high, they were a staple when it came to party favors.

Orion had been to Connor’s on quite a few occasions now. Since the two had first met up at the old haunted house that Rio had grown up learning about, the two had hung fairly often while Rio helped film and edit videos every now and again. He was still clearly a beginner, but either Connor was desperate for the help or just enjoyed Rio’s company. He came hand in hand with Winston, overly excited for the night. Ever since his birthday, people seemed to walk on pins and needles around him and he didn’t know how to convince him that he was completely fine without potentially coming across as a sociopath. “Connor’s place is nice! He has a really cool set up for editing videos. Maybe you two can geek out about computer stuff together?” Rio grinned as the two made towards the front door.

Connor took a look at everyone’s outfits. “Well, if you brought bras to burn, I already mentioned we’ve got the beach for a little campfire,” he teased. “And Nell, maybe we let people settle in for a bit before getting high on brownies, yeah?” He gave her a playful grin. “But I like the way you think.” There was another ring from the doorbell, and he momentarily excused himself to go answer. It was Rio and his roommate. Holding hands. Cool. “Hey, you made it,” he greeted, smiling over at Rio. “Did you know we were supposed to coordinate? Everyone else has come dressed in pairs,” he teased, then looked to Winston. “Hi. Nice to meet ya. I’m Connor. Come on in.” He led them inside to the rest of the group. Now that almost everyone had arrived, he made sure everyone had a drink and knew where the snacks were, and where the bathroom was. “Just waiting for Adam then. For movies we’ve got pretty much anything that’s on Netflix, Prime, Hulu, or anything I can illegally download.” 

Glancing around the room, Winston shot Nell and Blanche a knowing smile before keeping their hands tightly interlaced with Orion’s. Things seemed to have relatively blown over with Athena, the fact that she was here with Ariana was a separate matter. “Thanks for the invite, if I’d known we were supposed to coordinate I’d have joined in but I guess we’re always the last to hear about these fun facts…” Winston gave a gentle smile before continuing into the house. They were about to mention that they were pretty sure they could connect Connor’s place up to the database in their home, but they weren’t sure that they wanted to potentially share any info that was not entirely secure. “Adam’s coming too? This really is going to be a party.” Winston just hoped he wasn’t armed with assault rifles and grenades this time.

 “Hey guys,” Blanche gave a wave. She hadn't expected Athena to be here, but then again, she also hadn't expected Rio either, especially after… everything. But she wasn't one to judge when people needed to blow off steam. “I would highly recommend the brownies. Once, you know, we’ve all settled in.” She nudged Nell playfully. “I have a 12 pack of beer too if anyone wants a drink.” She set it down on an end table, before curiously eyeing the TV. “Alright then, why don't we focus on picking a movie while we wait for Adam -” would he roll in with kegs like he did at Nic’s party? She fought back a snide internal comment, reminding herself that she promised to rewind for the evening, and honestly… she was so tired of being angry. Not just at Adam, but with everyone. “What genre are we feeling? Horror?” she asked, hopefully.

It seemed like she and Athena hadn’t been the only ones who showed up matching. Ariana waved to Blanche and Nell appreciating their crop tops. She stood up to grab some drinks for her and Athena though she was pretty sure she’d be skipping out on the brownies. She’d never tried them before and wasn’t sure a big group of people was the place to start. “I’ll take you up on one of those beers. Did you want one, Athena?” At the mention of horror movies, Ariana shrugged. “Sounds a little close to real life, but I’m down.” 

She figured that her brother was going to be here. Athena gave a small, half-wave to Rio, though she didn’t look over at him for too long. They hadn’t been together since everything and she still wasn’t sure what she was supposed to do. The idea of the brownies wasn’t especially appealing, even if part of her wondered if Nell’s addition to it was a bit more magical than most. “Uh, sure.” She said, looking at Ariana. “If there’s cider I’d prefer that but beer can do.” She waved at Nell and Blanche. “Nice matching.” It didn’t hurt to at least appear pleasant, and she could only do so much to calm down her nerves - getting into an argument wasn’t going to help with any of that. “What horror films? I can’t say I’m super expert on that genre.” Ironically enough.

There was the sound of a large truck pulling up and a loud bawdy conversation on the street about someone being manscaped with a weedwacker, only for said someone to shout back an incoherent taunt about some physically impossible things Adam’s mother engaged in last night. More voices joined in the from the truck until it was unclear where mothers, weedwhackers, body hair, contortionist sex positions, chocolate fudge, and lighter fluid all fit into this. However all involved seemed to part even more cheerful than before and the car departed. 

Sporting a letterman jacket and a red baseball cap with faint stains of a deeper scarlet,  Adam burst in smelling faintly of lock-room soap and the lingering grass scent of the football field. 

Still flush with post-practice endorphins, Adam vaulted over the back of the nearest free couch as if it were a track hurdle and crashed down into the open seat. 

“Sup my bodacious bastards?”

"Horror is good by me. Blair Witch or something? Could always go with Scream. Classic slasher." Connor grabbed a cider for himself. He had bought enough so that nobody needed to bring their own, but it was a nice gesture. It wasn't long before Adam turned up. You really couldn't miss him. "Life of the party, I see," Connor greeted. "The loud-mouthed jock of my dreams,” he teased, his grin flashing all the way up to his eyes. “Want a beer mate? We were just deciding on a movie." 

Nell abandoned her pot filled brownies on the coffee table, grabbing a few drinks after waving a welcome to Winston and Orion, and first offering one to Blanche with a “For you” before taking another. Then she plopped herself down on the same couch before also handing one to Adam should he want it. “And here you go, ‘bodacious’;” she said with a slight snort. Nell couldn’t pretend that she wasn’t a bit worried to have the two of them in the same place after Winn’s death, but maybe alcohol was another key factor in glossing all of that over for the moment being. She popped open the top of her own bottle with a household spell, realizing she’d forgotten a bottle opener before taking a swig of it. “I’m right here,” she joked at the mention of Blair Witch, even if she knew it was less about witches and more about general spookiness.

Swallowing a mouthful of beer, Winston watched Adam enter the room. This was not your classic set up, hunters, werewolves, exorcists, spellcasters and god knew what else. But they were their friends and Winston was doing their best to be more normal in their endeavours and their life. “Not everything is about you Nell sweetie,” Winston reached down and plucked a brownie from the plate, tentatively nibbling on it and smiling. Thank God they weren’t driving tonight. “I’ve heard that Midsommar is meant to be really good, Heritage too. Not sure if any of those appeal to you. They’re meant to be more nordic or something? I don’t know. I read something about them a while back.”

The place was full of familiar faces, and maybe for the first time Orion found himself at what could basically be considered a party surrounded completely by people that he considered friends. Or at least, friends plus one very odd addition in the first of his twin sister. She stuck close with Ariana. The pair still baffled Rio, seeing them together and matching was even more jarring. Coupled with Blanche and Nell wearing the same thing maybe Rio and the others really had missed some sort of memo. Athena’s small wave was maybe a step, but not much of one. Rio returned the wave, both of them turning their backs to each other as Rio made his way to the kitchen, pondering whether or not he was going to drink. He decided to go for it after a long moment’s hesitation and picked a cider, “It’s someone’s job to make sure I don’t get drunk. I have an embarrassingly small tolerance.” He said aloud to no one in particular, only sort of joking and then found his way to the couch where Adam had just leapt over, “A cult movie may be hitting a bit close to home, don’t you think?” Rio laughed, but shrugged the concern away, “It looks pretty though. I’m down for anything.”

Connor was pretty indifferent to any drama that might have existed between anyone in the group, so he didn’t pay any mind to Blanche’s reaction to Adam. "Yes, Nell, you're our White Crest witch, very different," Connor teased. Since everyone was here, it wouldn't do any harm to grab a brownie. He'd just have to pace himself. "Oh shit, if we're talking 'high brow' horror," he made little air quotes around the words, "Hereditary and Midsommar would be sick. Get Out, too. I just figured we'd probably want something we can get pissed and stoned to and not pay that much attention," he snickered. "Oh, there's also Happy Death Day and The Babysitter if we want newer Netflix shit." He shrugged, sipping his drink. “I’m not fussed though. Whatever anyone else wants to watch.” 

It was good to see Adam in seemingly better spirits than the last time she saw him. Ariana still felt a twinge of guilt that her trust in others had nearly led to his death, but he was here now and they were all going to have a good time. “Hey, Adam,” she greeted with a wave as he swung over the couch. She looked back to Athena with a small smile and said, “Cider it is.” She made her way to the kitchen and chimed in, “I’m not sure Winston, I’m pretty sure Nell took a DNA test and she’s 100% that witch.” She grabbed a beer for herself and a cider for Athena. It dawned on her that she hadn’t seen any of the movies mentioned but she laughed a bit over the cult part. “I’ve seen like none of those, so I’m good with whatever.” She slid back into her seat by Athena and handed her a cider. “Here you go,” she said brightly. She knew Athena was still down over everything that happened and she wanted this to be a nice night for both of them. Hell, she was pretty sure everyone in this room needed a break from White Crest being White Crest and she wanted that for all of them. 

She gave a small wave to Adam as he arrived. At least he seemed to be in relatively good spirits, which was something. “How’s it going Adam?” She raised an eyebrow. “This feels a little different than our usual sort of party, doesn’t it?” Athena nodded at Ariana’s comment, watching as she went over to grab the drinks. “One of my sisters is a sociology and film double major and wrote a paper about Get Out - she had us all watch it so I actually have seen that, but I can’t say I’m too familiar with the others.” She did know that if anything was too full of jump scares she might react poorly, but that was what fiddling with the hem of her shirt was for, wasn’t it? She accepted the cider from Ariana and took a sip. “Whatever everyone else wants to go with.” She couldn’t help but sigh when she noticed that her brother had the same drink as her, though only a small smile covered her lips.

Connor had a big grin on his face as they drank and chatted. It had been a while since he'd had a proper group of friends like this. He had friends, of course, but high school and college he'd still been coming into his own as a medium and starting up his YouTube channel. People thought he was kind of weird. In White Crest, he wasn't weird at all. He was probably one of the most normal. "Okay, we're gonna have to take votes on the movie," he snickered, smoking his vape. "Probably something on the less serious side of things, yeah? We've got enough shit going on. Happy Death Day or The Babysitter are both on Netflix." He got a feeling there was a little more going on with the ‘serious’ side of things than he knew about, but he didn’t want to stick his nose into other people’s business. This night was about relaxing, not rehashing the bad shit.

Adam had once been taught that he’d been born to stand apart from humanity, amongst but not a part of it. The preservation of mankind’s destiny required forsaking anything that’d inhibit neutrality or cause a Hunter to become entangled in disputes between human beings. Thus Adam had grown up play-acting, his life during the day just a pleasant cover identity for who he really was. 

Now it was all he was. 

This reversal tugged at Adam as he watched his friends banter and meander on the way to actually choosing a movie. All his life Adam had been told to focus, remain vigilant against the inevitable return of the old gods. Was that why he lost his powers? Focusing too much on enjoying humanity’s company instead of protecting it? 

These and other thoughts whirled behind Adam’s grin as he accepted the beer. “Glad my beach body lives rent free in your head Con,” Adam replied with a wink to Connor at the mention of being the jock of his dreams. 

“Dunno about Happy Death Day, I’ve had about enough dead chick drama for a while.”

Adam ‘thought’ for a moment, which is to say he took a few glugs of beer like a man dying of thirst in the desert and went with the first idea that popped up in his brain when the alcohol hit his system. 

“Let’s do truth or dare while we decide? Bet that should be a trip with well...us”

Blanche had a hold on the remote, somewhat zoning out while people debated the choice in movie. She was doing that more, lately, but she had always been easily distracted. That was more because ghosts though. Only at the mention of Truth or Dare did Blanche snap out of it. Leaning against the armrest, she took a sip of her beer, glancing over at Adam. Considering it a moment, she put the remote down. “I'm down for a game of Truth or Dare,” she said, glancing around. Was this what all parties were like? She looked over at Nell, almost a little unsure for a second. “Sounds like fun?”

In all honesty, Nell much preferred the concept of Truth or Dare in comparison to a movie. At this rate with all the strangeness that made its home in White Crest, horror flicks were nearly laughable at times. Besides- Truth or Dare was probably something that demanded more attention, which was a welcome distraction from current stressors. And that was the whole point of this get together, wasn’t it? Giving Blanche a reassuring nod, Nell sat straighter on the couch as if readying herself for the game. “Let’s do it.” She took another draw of her drink before looking around the circle with a new and challenging glint in her eyes. “Who wants to go first?”

“Truth or Dare? That’s on Netflix as well,” Connor said, flicking through the horror suggestions until he found it. Only a few clicks in did he realise that wasn’t what Adam had been referring to. “Oh, did you mean the actual game?” He laughed, just switching to a music playlist in the background and folding his feet under him while he made himself comfy on the sofa. “Wait a minute, I’m down and everything, but someone’s gonna have to explain what rules we’re playing by. Everyone does ‘em different.” 

Truth or dare sounded like the worst idea possible. Orion did not consider himself to be a very daring person by nature. But at the rate life had been going the last month, he wasn’t exactly keen on the idea of answering any truths either. Not that he was far bound to answer truthfully anyways... unless that was a thing in White Crest. Regardless, the result terrified him. But the Rio here tonight wanted to be the okay version of Rio. The one not bogged down by the death of his parents. So he took a long drink from the cider and wiped at his mouth, making the gesture overly dramatic to try to hide the soured look he gave from the taste of alcohol. “Me. I’ll go first. Dare me.” This was absolutely a bad idea, but Rio had gotten pretty good at those. “Oh. Rules?” Rio heard what Connor questioned, but had never played the game before. “Cool. Well explain the rules and then dare me.”

This was just about the last game that Athena wanted to play. Even if she chose truth, which she wasn’t planning to, she could still omit certain aspects of it. It came along with her training and she didn’t trust most people here enough to reveal any deep secrets. So dares it would be - and it seemed like her brother was following the same path. “I mean, different versions are different but you get asked truth or dare - if it’s truth, someone can ask you any question about anything,” she raised an eyebrow at him, “and if it’s dare then you have to do whatever they ask. There’s sometimes consequences for not completing either.” She took a sip of her drink. “But dare? Since you’re new at this, we can start easy. I dare you to drink the rest of your cider in under a minute.” She crossed her legs. “Whoever’s up next, I also choose dare.”

Orion was surprised that Athena had been the first one to dare him. She had even been pretty lenient, daring him to just finish his drink. Easier said than done to a complete lightweight who had no experience drinking, but as far as the things he could have been dared to do this felt like he was getting off easily. “Done.” He had seen the movies before, so Rio kneeled down on one knee and tipped the bottle against his mouth, chugging as fast as he could. The drink instantly turned bitter against his tongue and he thought it would never end. But if he could survive his birthday he could finish a cider. He finally finished the thing off with an explosive coughing followed by him falling back on his butt. “I’m totally not going to puke.” He wasn’t sure if he was telling everyone that or trying to convince himself not to.

Adam stood up from the couch and strode to the far side of the room, gingerly stepping over and around people so as to not crunch knees or beers. He took an empty solo cup and placed it on a piece of furniture. The footballer knelt next to the door and produced a small grip-exercise ball. He offered the little squishy ball to Athena with a grin.. 

“I dare you to close your eyes and try to throw this call in the cup. Take a shot each time you miss.” 

Adam performed another one-handed vault over the back of the into his seat, but the alcohol and post-practice endorphins in his system caused the Hunter to land far more ignominiously in a heap of sinewy limbs and cushions.

“Truth”

“Easy-peasy.” Athena smirked, before standing up. She handed her cider to Ariana and grabbed the ball from Adam. “I’ve got this no problem.” She took the ball and closed her eyes, concentrating on the location of the solo cup before rolling her shoulders and giving a small toss, eyes flickering open as she heard it hit the inside. She turned around, walking by Adam before bending over to whisper in his ear. “I do have excellent reflexes, just to remind you.” She found her space back by Ariana again. “Feeling rather successful right now, I think.”

”Wow, nice!” Connor enthused as Athena hit the shot. “I’ve got a truth,” he blurted out, feeling the effects of his drink and Nell’s magic brownies, a pleasant tingling sensation overtaking his body. “Have you never done anything even the slightest bit gay? Because honestly, only the most heterosexual guy ever could have not understood those sword crossing comments,” he laughed at the memory. Ah, simpler times, when he didn’t know that half these people were murderers and there weren’t freshly resurrected evil spirits out to get them. Then again, Connor was starting to get the impression that stuff was common in White Crest. Best not get too comfortable. “And you can truth or dare me all you want. I’m not bothered, mate.” 

Ariana watched somewhat in awe as Athena performed her dare. It was definitely impressive to watch and she couldn’t help the small grin on her face as Athena came back over to take her seat by her. “That was awesome,” she said as she gave Athena a small pat on the back. There was another dare to be dished out so she quickly chimed in, “Connor, I dare you to do a dance challenge as your next YouTube video. I’m thinking the In My Feelings Challenge.” She realized that meant it was her turn, so she added, “I pick dare for myself.” 

“A Dance Challenge?” Connor snorted, waving his hand, affectionately dismissive. “That’s not my style, babe. Oh, I could definitely do it on TikTok though. You didn’t say which platform it had to be on.” He whipped out his phone, looking up a couple. “I can probably film it right now, since I’m tipsy, but you’ll have to hold my phone.” He looked up a few examples then got up, only a little wobbly on his feet. “I have no fucking idea how to do this shit,” he laughed, looking over to Ariana and handing her his phone. He’d watched a few versions of the thing he was trying to recreate. “Ready?”  

Adam hadn’t been raised with particularly strong feelings on different sexualities other than that they existed. Really, Dad had been far more concerned that his sons knew the proper masculine values of honor, wilderness survival, coordinated squad tactics, and the domestic arts of building explosives from homemade materials rather than getting hung up on what dangly bits were going where. 

“Uh,” Adam thought about Conner’s question. “Was never really wired that way, but after I pledged I was curious bout what I was missing,” the footballer acknowledged with a shameless ease. “Talked to some frat brothers who were all about that life, and they uh…showed me around…in the showers.” 

“Was kinna funnish-awkward,” he admitted with a shrug, “but not really my speed…. not sure that lgeit counts as gay though. It was just educational, y’know?”

Nell saw her opportunity as it became Ariana’s turn for a dare, and leaned forward on the couch to set down her now empty bottle on the table, feeling a nice, warm buzz as the alcohol began to do its work. She hummed for a moment, as if taking her time to come up with a suitable enough dare for the girl. Ariana knew how to go big or go home— which admittedly was something the two of them had in common. “I dare you to....” Then the idea came to her. What was the most horrendous thing that White Crest had to offer? “Match with a mime on Tinder. Match with the mime- and have at least five back and forths of texts.” Then Nell sat back, satisfied with her work to say, “And I’ll take a dare.”

“Educational and gay,” Connor nodded. “Sorry I missed it.” He made sure Ariana was ready to record and then going into the routine. He pretty much nailed it. Although he was a little drunk, it was evident that the experience and intent behind the moves was there. “Did I forget to mention I did ballet and theatre for years?” He winked into the camera before grabbing it for Ari so he could edit and laugh. “Aw, that was sick. Sorry, what was that?” His expression changed when he heard what Nell’s dare was. “There are mimes on tinder?” 

Ariana whooped and cheered into the camera as Connor finished showing off his moves. She tilted her head surprised by his revelation. “That explains the moves,” she said with a laugh, “Gotta respect a guy who knows ballet, right?” As Nell took the chance to dare her, she looked to her with a raised brow that was practically challenging her to do her worst. She burst out laughing at the thought of mimes on Tinder. “Oh god,” she said through laughs, “Blanche get over here and help me mime-ify my Tinder.” It was only a few back and forth messages. Hopefully, the profile update wouldn’t ruin future matches, but she found she was losing interest in it anyhow, especially with her current roommate. “I’m thinking more dramatic and artsy to go with the mime vibe?” 

“Nell!” Blanche said, “That's cruel!” But she was laughing. She pushed herself to her feet, though, and carefully made her way to grab Ariana’s phone. “Artsy, got it.” A Connoisseur of Mime. Don't talk to me if you don't mime. And if you do mime… you know what to do ;-----). Blanche read over what she wrote, before she grinned, hanging the phone back to Ariana. “Happy swiping!” Which meant… Blanche turned to Nell, a mischievous smile on her face. “In order to get revenge for poor Ariana… I dare you to call the Stripe Club to inquire about employment opportunities and if you get an interview, you gotta go.” Blanche said proudly. 

She paused, considering her own options. “Truth. For me, I mean.”

“There are definitely mimes on Tinder,” Nell confirmed with a grin, having seen some of them for herself during perusals of the app. “Maybe Ari will find her true love with a mime, who knows?” It was disturbing to say the least, though sometimes she’d match with a mime just to troll them for a while. After all— every mime was guilty by association. She should have expected the mimery to be turned back on her, but still pulled a revolted face at the thought of going anywhere near a mime establishment. “If I die- it’s your fault,” she pointed an accusing finger towards Blanche all while googling the number for the Stripe Club. She wasn’t sure who exactly it was that asked Blanche her truth while Nell began her job search at a mime strip club and Ariana commenced her swiping. Someone was leaning over to watch the dance video Connor had made, and another person was getting up to grab another drink from the fridge. The air was warm and bright as the night stretched onwards, and it seemed that against all odds the youth of White Crest had finally managed to find a single evening where they were allowed to exist only as themselves, and not the people the world forced them to be. 

[akiology]

Hello, Are You There? || Part 1

Minako tries the number neighbor thing. Thinking it was an inactive number, she decides to vent and express her frustrations, turning it into a sort of mini diary. What she didn’t expect was somebody was actually on the other line and decided to send a message back.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Word Count: 3.4k+

Pairing: Akihiko Sanada x Minako Arisato

Note: alternate universe where there are no demons, no dark hour and therefore no SEES. also, minato and minako are twins :3 this was something i started writing out of nowhere, so please tell me if there are any spelling errors!

Minako was the type to be able to handle herself. She is always there for her friends, giving them support when needed and cheering them on. However, when it came to herself, she didn’t like opening up. It wasn’t because she didn’t trust her friends, or secretly hated them. No, that is not the case. She is simply afraid because she believes that opening up and telling others about her deepest, darkest fears will make her vulnerable and weak. She didn’t like that one bit.

She believes that she always has to be strong.

Being the older sister(by five minutes), and the one in charge of taking care of Minato because her parents are working abroad, she thinks that she always has to be strong.

Of course, sooner or later she will have to realize that she can’t always be strong.

/./

Classes just ended, and Minako decided to have a cup of coffee at Chagall Café along with Yukari and Fuuka for some quality girl time.

“Have you heard of this trend? It’s an old one but I found it interesting.” Yukari asks, shoving her phone at Fuuka and Minako. The latter shakes her head, while Fuuka studies the image on Yukari’s phone.

“What is it about?” Minako inquires, seemingly uninterested. Yukari didn’t notice it though.

“Basically, get your phone number and change the last digit into the neighboring numbers. And then you send a message.” Yukari answered, taking back her phone.

“Oh, what happens next?” Fuuka asks, not quite understanding the purpose.

“Well, they’ll reply. And maybe you’ll get a new friend.” Yukari states, with a big smile on her face.

“Oh… that’s quite... um...” Fuuka trails off, not knowing how to finish her sentence.

“Lame.” Minako interjected.

Yukari laughed. “Of course you would say that! But why not try it? You may get something out of it... like maybe a relationship?”

Minako scrunches her eyebrows, absolutely weirded out by how the thought of that idea did a big jump. “That seems like a reach. But anyways, I don’t need to be in a relationship! I’m already happy I got you guys!”

Yukari snorted, while Fuuka gave a big smile, “I’m happy I have you guys, too.”

“Okay but I want to try it at least once.”

“Then you do it yourself, Yukari.”

“No! I want to do it with you guys! What do you think, Fuuka?”

“It wouldn’t hurt to try…”

“Seriously Fuuka?”

“Fuuka already agreed! Two against one!”

“Fine… But only once, okay? If they don’t reply, then that’s it.”

“Pfft, sure!”

/./

Of course, Minako didn’t really expect a reply. After all, who in their right minds would reply to a random number texting ‘Hey there number neighbor!’. She is sure as hell she wouldn’t. Thinking that her number neighbor might be an inactive number, she decides not to dwell on it anymore as she prepares dinner for her and Minato.

At the sound of the door opening and some keys being carelessly thrown somewhere reaches her ears, Minako smiles at the thought that her younger brother is home. She puts on a big smile to greet her brother, “Minato, welcome home!”

Minato just grunted in reply. She knows this mood of his. He probably had a bad day, and when Minato is having a bad day, he doesn’t have the energy to talk or interact with other people.

“Can you please set the table? I’m almost done with the food.” Minako pleads, hoping that he isn’t too tired. Minato didn’t reply, however he did start on setting the table.

As Minako served the food on the table, Minato decided to go back to his room and change. When he came back down, they started eating.

“Tough day?” Minako tries starting up a conversation with his brother. Minato nodded.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Minako asks again, and Minato shook his head no.

And they ate in silence.

/./

The next day, it didn’t seem like Minato’s mood changed. As they were going to school, Minato was quiet and didn’t seem to acknowledge her presence. Minako knows that even if her brother is acting cold, he still loves her so. But that doesn’t mean it hurts any less. All she could do was sigh and turn her volume on to the highest level, drowning out the rest of the world.

As they were walking through the school gates, some girls blocked the way, not caring if they were causing a big inconvenience to the other students.

Minako, curious with what was happening decided to lower her volume and listen.

“Akihiko-senpai is most likely coming soon! He usually arrives at this time!” One girl said, smiling huge, jumping up and down.

“O-M-G! I hope he looks our way!” Another girl squealed, and Minako swears that her eyes were shaped like a heart.

“I am like, so proud of him for winning that competish! I’m going to ask for an autograph!” A third girl chimed in, flopping her arms around.

Minako rolled her eyes. It wasn’t of any importance. Some girls just bothering a poor, helpless guy. She sighs once again, maxing out her volume and silently walking to class.

/./

This day isn’t being kind to Minako.

And that was sugarcoating it.

The teachers dumping a bunch of work on the students, just a week before the finals. The volleyball club members fighting with the leader. Obnoxious and disrespectful customers at Minako’s part-time job. Minato still not opening up.

This day was absolute shit.

After dinner, Minako decided to head straight to her bed and lock her door. She flopped herself on her bed and released a big sigh. Her chest feels tight and she feels worn out. She’s read somewhere that crying is a good way to let out your feelings, and it might make you feel a whole lot better if you let it out.

However, nothing was coming out.

She blinked a few times. Nothing.

Suddenly, the feeling of anger is overpowering her. The frustration of not being able to cry is getting to her, and she decided that the best way to go about it is to scream in to her pillow.

That still didn’t help.

She decided to grab her phone. Another thing she read is that opening up might help. She didn’t like the thought one bit, but she knows that she can trust her friends. She scrolled through her screen, Yukari? Fuuka? She decides to go through their group chat, and although they are both online, they seem to be talking about something happily and she didn’t want to dampen the mood.

Maybe Rio? But she’s got her own problem with the volleyball team. Probably best not to stress her out anymore.

Minato? She knows damn well that her brother won’t judge her no matter what, but Minato is probably asleep already.

She sighs yet again, until she comes across her number neighbor.

Hey number neighbor!

Still no reply. Maybe it really is an inactive number.

It’s perfect.

I mean, it’s still sort of opening up to somebody, right?

Plus, she won’t be bothering anybody and she’ll be able to express her frustrations.

Win-win.

She decides to start typing.

Minako: hey there number neighbor

Minako: i know this is really fucking stupid but today was really shitty

Minako: and im telling this to you because i know nobodys there

Minako: but basically what happened was the teachers decided to drop every fucking major requirement the week before exams, and then my part-time job is so demanding, both my boss and the customers

Minako: my boss kept dumping work on me and he did say he would pay me extra but it was still pretty fucking tiring

Minako: and then today the leader of my club expressed her frustrations on said club

Minako: and my brother still wont open up…

Minako: and… i don’t know… i guess it just sorta sinked in to me all of a sudden that im tired..

Minako: and sad… and lonely…

Minako: i

Minako: wow

Minako: that got too real too fast

And a tear fell down her cheek. Minako blinked a few times, and more tears came down.

She was crying. And she couldn’t stop, and she decided to let herself feel this.

She fell asleep crying.

/./

“Shit!” Minako hurriedly put her textbooks in her bag, panicking as she realizes she woke up late. She is usually the one who wakes up first, and then she will be the one who will wake up Minato, who is a heavy-sleeper.

Today, Minato was the one to wake her up, but because Minato isn’t a morning person, they are both late.

When Minako finally finished her packing her things, she put her hair in a bun and washed up herself really quickly.

“I’m really sorry, Minato! You can go on without me!” She shouts from her room, suddenly having trouble putting on her uniform.

“No.” Minato answers back simply. Minato was a man of habit and if he got used to something, he’d want to keep it that way. So going to school without Minako is going to feel weird.

“I’m done!” Minako quickly grabbed her phone and her headphones while going down the stairs quickly. “Let’s go!”

/./

They both managed to snag a seat on the train, and Minako decided to check the time on her phone. It wasn’t time yet, but they are most likely be late since the train hasn’t left yet. She notices two notifications on her phone. One from Yukari, containing the words, “wer r u and minato?” and another from an unknown number.

She decides to open it and her blood ran cold.

It was from her number neighbor.

She remembers clearly how she decided to vent to her number neighbor, thinking it was an inactive number.

It was an inactive number, right? Still in denial and thinking it was her phone glitching, she decided to open it anyway.

???: Hey, I am sorry for ignoring your message. I thought you were a prankster, but I can tell that you have been having a hard time. Prankster or not, I want to make sure if you’re okay and not doing anything bad.

???: If it helps you even just a little bit, you can continue venting to me. :) I do not mind at all. I have heard that venting to a complete stranger is much easier than venting to a friend, since there is no judgment. And that’s completely true.

???: I won’t judge you.

Minako was dumbfounded. Is this guy for real? She thought she was going to get told off by the guy, but he seems really nice.

Minako: omg im so sorry my friend told me to do this number neighbor thing

Minako: and when you didn’t reply i thought it was an inactive number

Minako: last night i was really frustrated and nothing was helping

Minako: so i decided to vent to this number because i figured no one was gonna read it anyways

Minako: i am really sorry if i disturbed u

Minako sighed to herself. The train finally started moving and she decided to play music to get her mind off of it. What she didn’t expect was that she was going to get a reply so soon.

???: It is fine.

???: I told you, I do not mind. You can vent to me anytime if it helps you. :)

Minako didn’t know how to react. This guy is too nice.

Minako: um ok

Minako: thanks ig

Minako: u can do the same if u want

Minako: u can vent to me as well

The guy stopped replying. Probably became busy. Minako sighs in relief, she is embarrassed to say the least. She probably won’t talk to the guy for a while. Or you know, ever. That is probably it, she does not need some random stranger knowing about her problems. She decides to spend the rest of the ride listening to music and looking at the passing scenery.

/./

After school, Minako, Yukari and Fuuka decided to go to Chagall Café once again. Yukari suggested a ‘study group’ to help each other understand unclear terms and also a way to finish their projects. Fuuka and Minako agreed that it was beneficial.

After ordering their drinks and desserts, Fuuka started teaching Yukari the recent Math topic. Yukari couldn’t wrap her head around it and no matter how hard she tried to follow the discussion, she still couldn’t understand. Minako understood the lesson very well, so she was finishing one of their other projects instead.

“Okay, so first you have to write the given…” Fuuka started, while Yukari stared at the problem.

Minako was getting her things ready, when her phone vibrated. She opened it to see a message from her number neighbor. He still replied?

???: Hey, sorry for not replying. Today has been hectic.

???: But thank you! I’ll be sure to keep that in mind. :)

???: How are you feeling today, though?

Is this guy… actually concerned? Minako knows that it is rude that she is questioning and may or may not be judging the guy when she absolutely knows nothing about him. But same goes for the other guy, they do not know anything about her and yet they are concerned?

Minako: im okay today

Minako: thanks for asking

Minako: hbu?

As she finished setting up her things, she got a reply. That was quick.

???: That’s great. I am glad you are feeling better. :)

???: I am good, too. Just a little tired. But I can manage.

Minako stares at the message. Is she supposed to reply to that? Nevermind that, she is supposed to be studying right now. She decides to instead text Minato to eat outside already, as she will be home late. And then she put her phone in her bag and concentrate on her project.

/./

When Minako finally got home, the house was eerily quiet. There were no lights on either. “Minato?” She called out, no answer. She puts down her things and went to knock at his door.

“Minato?”

Still no reply. She tried opening the door, but it was locked. She went back down and checked to see if his shoes were here, and it wasn’t. He wasn’t home yet. Where was he?

Minako tried calling his number, but there was no answer. She started texting his friends, Junpei, Kenji and Kazushi. But none of them knew where he was. She was starting to get a little worried.

No, screw that. She IS worried as hell. Where could he have gone to?

She decided to get her jacket and find him herself but just before she could do that, the front door opened.

It was Minato.

She felt relieved, but at the same time she was very angry.

“And just where have you been?” Minako tried to stay calm, but her tone was harsh. Minato flinched.

“With the boys.” Minato answered, not looking at her and removing his shoes.

“Lies. They told me they didn’t know where you were.”

Minato finished with his shoes and walked past by her, seemingly ignoring her words.

“Minato, I am talking to you.”

“What?” Minato answered indifferently.

“What? What?! What do you mean ‘what’? I was worried sick! You didn’t answer any of my calls, and your friends didn’t know where you were! Not to mention that it’s late, who knows what kind of criminal could be lurking around the streets at this moment!” Minako said exasperatedly. It frustrated and angered her that her brother doesn’t seem to be thinking about what she was feeling.

“Calm down, I got home safely didn’t I? It’s fine. You’re worrying over nothing.” Minato proceeded to go upstairs to his room, not daring to look back at his sister.

“Minato Arisato, come back down here! I am not done talking to you!” Minako shouted, but it fell on deaf ears as he did not come back. Minako felt frustrated and angry and sad… She stormed into her room. Her chest was tightening and she did not like it one bit. She tried screaming into her pillow, but it did not ease her pain.

She faced up and stared at the ceiling. What was going on with her brother? Is there a problem at school? Is he being bullied? Was he having a hard time? They were in different classrooms, but even so it was just next to eachother. Yet somehow it feels like she still cannot reach him.

She unknowingly reached into her phone and started typing. She didn’t want to do this, but it feels like her hands has a mind of their own.

Minako: hey number neighbor

Minako: are u there?

Minako feels weak, vulnerable, and pathetic at this moment, but she doesn’t know what else she can do. After a minute, her phone vibrated.

???: Yes, I am.

???: What’s wrong? Did something happen?

Minako: i just

Minako: im sorry for disturbing u once again

Minako: but nothings calming me down again

Minako: i thought today was a nice day because i just hung out with my friends

Minako: but when i got home, my brother wasn’t there

Minako: i got worried and started calling

Minako: he didn’t answer so i texted his friends and even they didn’t know where he was

Minako: i was just about to go out until he came home

Minako: and i asked him where he was, wanting an explanation

Minako: but he just ignored me

Minako: and it fucking hurts because i was worried sick and he didn’t even try talking to me

Minako: im so fucking frustrated and angry and sad

Minako: its like i didn’t matter

Minako: he used to share a lot with me, i am his bestfriend

Minako: well, was, as it seems like now

When Minako finished, she put her phone down and stared at the ceiling. She started contemplating whether she did something to make her brother act like this. When she heard her phone vibrating, she quickly got it.

???: Hey, don’t jump into conclusions. Although I understand where your frustration is coming from. It is valid.

Minako: if its valid they why didn’t my brother talk to me???

???: Perhaps your brother is going through something, and he isn’t ready to talk about it. He just needs some time to figure it out himself and then he will approach you.

Minako: then what should i do????

???: Just continue loving and supporting him. Let him know you are there. And when the time comes, he will approach you.

Minako: do u think i scared him off when i got angry at him

???: I believe not. You were only being a concerned sister. And I am certain he knows that too. Like I said, what you felt is valid. It is normal, I would probably be the same if I was in your position.

Minako suddenly started crying. She closed her eyes and cried. After a few minutes, she decided to reply back.

Minako: thank u number neighbor

Minako: hey is it ok if i call u by another name or something

Minako: number neighbor is too long and it feels a bit weird

???: Alright. What do you suggest?

Minako: well when i call u by a name then u will most likely call me by a name too

Minako: is it ok if it’s a code name or a nickname

Minako: i don’t feel comfortable saying my name

???: That is fine by me. :) What kind of name will it be then?

Minako: is it ok if i call u by my favorite thing

???: And that would be?

Minako: headphones.

???: Fine by me, pancake.

Minako was surprised. Why the sudden endearment?

Minako: im sorry what?

???: Pancake. You will be calling me by your favorite thing, I’ll be calling you by my favorite thing too. :)

Minako: oh

???: Why? Is it weird? Do you want me to change?

Minako: um no

Minako: its fine

Minako: just surprised

???: Alright, pancake.

Minako couldn’t explain why she was suddenly blushing. It’s just their favorite thing. Nothing more. She decided to shake it off and proceeds to change their contact name into ‘Headphones’.

Minako: im feeling a lot better now

Minako: thank u again headphones

Headphones: I am glad I was able to help. :)

Minako: im gonna sleep now

Minako: nanite

Minako: ttyl

Headphones: Sleep well, pancake. :)

[danetobelieve]

I Spy With My Little Eye || Darwin, Rio and Winston

Usually, when people invited Darwin it was always about some demon that needed to be banished, or the occasional booty call. In this case it wasn’t a demon, but something definitely suspicious anyway: Winston had asked his expert opinion on a knife and... An eye? Pictures had been sent, but the messages had been vague, the sort of short responses you only give when your current project is eating most of your time away, or when it’s troubling you enough that you don’t feel like sharing much over the internet. Whatever Winston had gotten themselves into, it must be something big. Something dangerous, judging by the carvings on the knife. Darwin liked to think of himself as a demonic expert, but even he had some trouble identifying the symbols on the weapon. Which is why he’d asked Winston to see it in person: books were fine, Darwin had even brought a few with him in his bag, but in his experience a hands-on approach was always the best way to get answers. Which is why he now stood there, bag filled with tomes and various supplies, lips slightly twisted in an excited smile. Dangerous, sure, but interesting nonetheless. Too bad Bertrand would have to miss this: Winston had mentioned a roommate, and Darwin couldn’t be sure they’d be as welcoming about fashionable yokai as Winston had been. After a moment to fix his clothes, he knocked. “It’s Darwin. I brought something.”

Winston had been working with Rio for a bit now. Ricky was off working out, training or something else that would make Winston sweat and wheeze. But they were making progress, at least, they hoped by it. The carvings on the knife were beyond Winston and every search of the internet that they had done on the images carved into the knife hadn’t been all that helpful. There were just too many resources to be able to reliably cut down and some of the answers that they were getting were conflicting or just downright contradictory. “Hey Darwin,” Winston said with a yawn as they opened the front door a mug of coffee already on the way up to their lips, “we’re in the workshop I’ll show you the way.” Winston turned and led them through the house to where the old garage had been converted. They were in the corner that was Winston’s, a mess of notes and old leather bound tomes were scattered across the parts of the desktop not covered by wires, the keyboard or the mouse. A bank of screens on the wall were each running their own individual search. Some cross referencing, some image searching and some running through key phrases. “Darwin, this is my friend Rio, Rio this is Darwin, he’s … an expert.” 

Winston has mentioned that somebody would be dropping by that would hopefully be able to help with the research. Orion hoped that he could, because the two desperately needed it. They had cleared a small space in the workshop for Rio to set up an area, and Rio had taken full advantage of the given space. He had pulled whatever books he could fine at the Scribe building on demons and stuffed them in his book bag to bring back home. Now they laid spread across his desk space, sharing it with various cans of energy drinks. Rio had been going on about twenty seven hours without sleep now. His eyes were bloodshot and his pink hair was a tangled mess, but he kept it hidden beneath a baseball cap. He was also incredibly jittery, the sugar rush of the energy drinks being the only thing keeping him going at the moment. Rio heard Winston and Darwin coming before the door opened. He leapt up to hop over and extend his hand out to the man here to help. “Hey there! So happy to have you here! We need an expert. How are you?”

“I don't know if I'd call myself an expert after having seen your setup here...” Darwin looked around the room with a low, impressed whistle. “You've been busy, I see.” Most of the screens and wires were as alien to Darwin as runes and rituals were to the common folk, but there was no denying the two had been poured their heart and soul into whatever they were researching. He turned to Rio and shook his hand. “Darwin Asrani, at your service.” For a moment he hesitated, wondering if the young man would recognize the last name, and if so what he'd make of it. Being an Asrani came with a certain reputation, one that would give Darwin credibility in his 'expert' role, but could also cause some tension. Then again, the two seemed way too exhausted to care about his family, for which Darwin was grateful. “I'd say I'm more well rested than both of you. Is... Is that a first edition?” The sight of tomes like those laying so close to coffee and drinks made him shudder a little: his book store may only be a cover, but he still cared about knowledge. “Well, the sooner we begin, the sooner you two can get some sleep. I've brought some books as well, I think I recognized some of the symbols on the pictures you sent me.” Darwin took out a couple of tomes and gently added them to the pile on the desk. Like most of the books in his private collection, they were old and written in a language long forgotten. “I'm afraid I couldn't understand most of what was written in there. I got this as payment for a... Favor I did for a friend. But maybe if we cross-reference them with whatever you have here we could...” He let the sentence hang, twirling his moustache for a few moments. “Anyway, what are we looking for, here, exactly?”

“Sleep is for the weak, finals season is worse then this.” Squinting at the book for a moment, Winston grabbed the mug of coffee and poured it into the one they already had in their hand before placing the coffee mug next to the book. Placing it in the microwave in the corner, Winston shrugged. “It might be? I don’t know about first editions but it has some very fascinating information in it that helped us to … well more questions.” Winston forgot about their coffee as Darwin kept talking and began to explain their point of view. “Okay, so the situation is that we’re pretty sure there is a demon in the lake, big squid demon. It’s been cordoned off by the police but a few of us managed to get close to the lake hoping we could do some recon and get a real look. Instead, we actually ran into a cult, well, we say cult, we don’t actually know. They were wearing robes, chanting in a long dead demon language, had their eyes sewn shut and their eyes in their hands somehow? Anyway, we beat feet and got out of there but we’ve got some samples.” Winston pointed at some of the photos they had taken, both of the cultists by the lake and of the eyes which they were keeping on ice in the back of their freezer (the tupperware was brightly labelled and Winston didn’t know what Ricky’s problem was). “Rio over here has been working on the language and I’ve been trying to analyse the eyes as well as run searches through the database of information we’re collating. It had made sense to give them home access to all of the digitised information that Rio had accrued. “So, I guess we’re trying to work out what the dagger says and find out anymore information on this stuff that we can?”

Admittedly, Orion didn’t even feel that tired. Most likely they had reached some sort of numbness, long passing the point of exhaustion and entering some state of sleep deprived and caffeine fueled hysterics. “It is first edition. The Scribe who owned it was a friend of the original author.” Rio answered nonchalantly, remembering the signature on the inside of the first page. Sometimes he felt like he hadn’t even made a dent in the Scribe library, which in a lot of ways he hadn’t. But other times like these he finally thought he was making some progress. “The creepy cult people kept making mentions of the water and ‘joining the bodies’. It makes sense to assume that they mean the lake when they say water just because that’s where the cultists were, but I haven’t really found anything to prove that yet. I was able to hunt down the translation for water in the language. It’s written on the white board over there.” Rio babbled, pointing haphazardly towards the board while he focused instead on type books Darwin had brought along. “Woah. These looks old.” He ran his finger along the spine and stared at it in wonder, “Can I start looking through them? If I can find a match somewhere in these books with the what we know about water and bodies and joining then I bet we can pinpoint the language.”

Darwin blinked. “You... Suspected there's a giant demon in the lake and you decided to take a look? No wonder Hellhounds leave you unimpressed.” Darwin tried to make sense of everything Winston and Rio told him. Squid demon was too vague a clue: most demons adapted their form to fit humans' expectations of a monster, and the imagery of tentacles had been present enough throughout history to become sort of a staple. Eyes and hands were also pretty common in demonology: windows to the soul, the tools with which someone shapes the environment around them... Off the top of his head Darwin could think of four Greater demons who would appreciate something like that, but two were supposed to be just a legend, one had been banished and the other was always depicted as a spider, not a squid. And none of them had a particular interest in water, or joining bodies. “They were chanting, you said. A ritual, maybe a prayer of some sort? What day was it? Lunar phase? The moon often matters when water is involved, something about the tide. And I'm assuming you crashed the party and interrupted them, right? If so, they might try again. If I were you I'd try to keep an eye, pun intended, on the lake during the next few days. Demons don't appreciate their cultists missing Sunday's mass.” Darwin was about to ask even more questions, but he figured the two already had enough on their plate, so instead he nodded at Rio's request. “Knock yourself out.” He walked to the pictures, picking them up one by one and studying each of them for a few moments, focusing more on the ones depicting the knife. After a couple of seconds, he pointed at one of the symbols on the blade. “This one here, I think it has something to do with energy. Or spirits, maybe, not sure. I saw the same symbol in the black leather-bound book on top, you might find something in there. Oh, and... That's a first edition, too.” A weird flex, but one Darwin couldn't help: he might not have only three degrees of separation between himself and the author, but his collection had always been his pride and joy.

Shrugging, Winston gave Darwin a smile. “Yeah, well, I’ve found that if I don’t actively try and solve these potentially town ending problems then it has less then enjoyable consequences. Especially after the mimes.” Winston began googling so that they could answer Darwin’s questions. “That is a good point, it was like four days ago and on a day after the full moon which means that it was a waning gibous, I can’t believe that we didn’t consider lunar phases affecting tidal currents within the lake. I mean, or something like that.” Winston remembered Kaden opening fire without warning with a wince. “Yeah, well crashing the party wasn’t exactly something that we volunteered for, but yeah, I think they would probably go back. The place is meant to be being watched by the cops, but I’ll see if I can set up some cameras in the area so that we can at least get an idea about it. I might even be able to get it on the police budget…” they scratched their head thoughtfully and made a few quick notes on a sticky note. Raising an eyebrow at Darwin’s comment. Winston had to admit that they didn’t understand the whole first edition being a boast thing. Sure the book was older and therefore more valuable, but edition 1 was usually the one with the most problems that were slowly fixed and made worse in edition 2,3,4 and so on. “Energy and spirits, I can run a search on other symbols that are used for that,” Winston tapped a few buttons and symbols began to arrange themselves into a grid on the screen in front of them as their search results loaded in, “I don’t know if that helps though….”

It only took Darwin’s approval to dive into the book, skimming through the pages as Orion listened to Darwin and Winston continue the conversation. Rio had to admit that he wasn’t exactly well versed in the lunar cycles, but maybe it was something he should start learning. It wouldn’t be too hard to incorporate the lunar calendar into his own and memorize the patterns. But that wasn’t important right now. “You can keep a hold of the knife if you’re looking at that. I have the pictures that Kaden sent me.” Glancing through the book Darwin suggested, he came across a symbol that he recognized from some of the Scribe books he had read on a similar subject. He rushed over to the white board, sketching some of the symbols that he had found that he thought looked similar to the symbols on the knife. Then he brought the picture on his phone up and propped it against the board, zooming in on various spots of the picture and trying to mention it. “These symbols look pretty similar to this sketch on the knife. Something about a shelter or home. There’s something else on the knife that matches with the symbol. Another part of the word or something. I’ll keep looking.” Rio exclaimed, excited that he was working with another first edition. To think that the author of this book had personally put this together, that it was his own words on the page was fascinating. “The squid itself is an interesting choice for a demon. They’ve been seen as a sort of monstrous creature for a long time. The Kraken dates all the way back to the 13th century.” He spoke, mostly to himself as he worked. Something about the familiarity of the subject made the unknown of the thing they’re studying a bit calming. “I don’t know that being a squid is necessarily related to the demon. But considering the connection to water my guess is that choosing some kind of aquatic creature was specific.” 

“Cameras are a good idea. If I wanted to hold a ritual nearby a place full of cops I'd try a sleeping spell first. Or illusions. Memory spells would work too... It's easy to deceive the human mind, but cameras? I for one would not have thought of that. I'm too old-fashioned, I suppose.” Darwin shrugged before clearing his throat. “I should note that I do not make a habit of holding dark rituals in the moonlight, cops or no cops. I have better things to do with my spare time.” People were quick to assume the worst of a demonic expert, sarcasm and deflection had become second nature to him. Putting the pictures down, he moved behind Rio, watching carefully as he added notes and compared symbols, going too quick for Darwin to really follow. “Water definitely seems to be a recurring theme, yes. Perhaps what we're looking for is something involving both shelter and water. And over there, zoom on that picture, please...” Again, he nodded. “That little hook at the end of that rune is often used to represent a sign, a warning. Winston, can your fancy computer see if there's anything that would involve all of these things? A shelter, water and a warning? Maybe a place where the... Joining of bodies, was it?... can take place. Or maybe...” Darwin's musings were cut short by one of the screens beeping, and he turned to look, hopeful. “I want one of those. Wouldn't know how to run anything on it except Minefield, but I want it. Has it found a match for the spirit bit?”

“I mean, we don’t know that they have magic necessarily,” Winston replied with a shrug, “but yeah, cameras sound like a good idea, hopefully they won’t think of it.” Pausing for a moment, Winston laughed a little at Darwin’s joke, maybe it wasn’t a joke. Winston wasn’t sure that Darwin struck them as the type to have moonlit rituals. At least this was good natured fun research, for once they weren’t nearly dying. At least not yet. Winston grabbed their coffee and swallowed a mouthful that was now piping hot. Winston followed Darwin’s instructions carefully and listened carefully to their conversation. Honestly, this was a little out of their league but it was all so fascinating. “Cross referencing everything is something I can definitely do,” Winston set to work, setting up the specific search parameters before setting the search going. The screen beeped with results far faster then Winston had expected, but at least they weren’t going to be sitting around waiting for ages. “It looks like this is something to do with a lighthouse y’know, like the old timey beacon thing, look over here, you’ve got multiple symbols for lighthouses, both in terms of a nautical capacity and as a geographic location. I guess it makes sense right?” There were a few old newspaper articles, various other search results were flashing up in the background too.

Some time had passed since they had first started diving into the research. When Orion found that he had started dozing off while looking for something relevant he reached beneath his desk and cracked open another energy drink. “A lighthouse?” Rio questioned, perking up at the discovery and glancing over at the screen to see what Winston had found. “That fits the theme of water!” They were getting somewhere, they had to be! “Obviously lighthouses have a functional purpose, but beyond that they’re used as a religious symbol. It’s seen as some sort of spiritual guide. Not sure if it that has any connection to the spirit symbol on the knife or not.” He sighed. Maybe he was trying to find a connection where there wasn’t one. He studied the blade of the knife again. Noticing some slight differences between symbols that he had originally thought to be similar. “Hm. The first time I looked at these I thought these were the same.” He pointed at the knife, “something to do with joining or coming together.” He flipped through the book again, spotting down a symbol he had glanced over the last time. “But I think right here looks more like some kind of transformation.” He made a correction on the white board, looking over the change that had been made. “So joining the bodies like Nell said, and then transformation of spirit and something about a lighthouse.”

Darwin listened carefully, his eyes darting quickly between Rio and Winston, and suddenly he found himself wishing he had some coffee as well. “Lighthouse. An odd thing to put on a ritual knife, but you're right, lighthouses have been a recurring religious symbol in the past, which would definitely fit with a crazy cult. Perhaps their purpose was to... Summon a lighthouse? Or rather, a beacon. To guide something... To the place of the ritual?” Darwin shook his head, unsure. Pacing back and forth, he went on. “Lighthouse beacon, joining of bodies, transformation of spirit...” He repeated those words over and over, their only clues. Could it mean the ritual was meant to guide a spirit to join with its original body, transforming its form from incorporeal to very much corporeal? Wild speculation at best, they didn't have enough information to be sure of anything. Darwin pinched his nose and sighed. If only he'd been there to witness the ritual, maybe he could be of more help. And then a crazy idea started to take root in his mind, and he moved to his bag. “So, most people would find what I'm about to suggest... Shady, at best. But I've done something similar in the past, and I can promise, it yields results. You said you have samples, and I've seen pictures of an eye. Do you, by any chance... Have said eye?” Instead of bracing himself for their reactions, Darwin simply left them no time to react and continued. “During big rituals there's always some sort of... magical residue, and the eye was at the center of it all. It might be possible to channel that residue and let us... See what the eye saw. Its memories, so to speak.” Mental magic, the other Asrani specialty. Granted, Darwin had never used it on an eye, it shouldn't even be possible: dead things have no mind, no memories to share. But then again, magic was life, and the eye probably had been bathed in it multiple times. Chances were, it was less of an eye now and more of a focus, and as such he could use it.

“Lighthouses could also mean somewhere to avoid maybe?” Winston thought that it seemed like a long shot but whilst everyone was riffing and spitballing they might as well throw something against the wall and see if anything stuck. “Lighthouses are there to show where rocks are right, so maybe it’s something like that?” Winston wasn’t convinced. Listening carefully to Darwin’s suggestion, they thought for a moment before nodding carefully. “gimme a sec and I’ll get the eye, does anyone want anything from the kitchen while I’m there? I might get some snacks, I don’t remember when I last ate.” Dashing to the kitchen, Winston returned with arms laden with various treats and a carefully wrapped eye that had been retrieved from the lake and carefully stored in their fridge-freezer. “So, what exactly do you need us to do?” Winston was aware that this was something that could potentially be viewed as somewhat shady by other members of the magic community. But Winston had deliberately refused to join a coven to avoid any conflicts of interest like this and as long as everyone was volunteering and no one got hurt Winston wasn’t exactly sure what the problems were. The ethical implications seemed fairly clear cut for once.

“It’s true, in the literal sense that serves the dual purpose as both a warning, not to get too close and a signal that land is near. If I was more fluent in the language I may be able to tell some sort of difference. Just like English has its nuances to the language. Context clues provide a lot more detail when you’re trying to paint an entire picture. Unfortunately we’re going in sorta blind.” It wasn’t the most optimistic of views, but Orion was mostly pointing out that he was disappointed he hadn’t had more time to learn the language. Not that learning some creepy ancient demon language was particularly high on his priority list. The last thing he needed was to accidentally summon something, which would have been his luck. “You kinda ruined the appetite asking if we wanted food in the same sentence as saying you’ll grab the eyeball.” Rio shrugged. He had tried to wipe the memory of the eye from his memory anyways, so the idea of doing some creepy ritual using the thing was… well it wasn’t something Rio was about to jump for joy at. But it was the best shot they had at trying to piece some of the loose bits of information that they had together. Plus, Rio knew he was just going to go along with whatever Winston did anyways. Wasn’t that what he had been doing for weeks now? They were some kind of kryptonite. “This sounds terrifying but uh- I guess I don't have any other ideas. So let’s get started.”

“Context clues, that's exactly what I'm hoping to get from this little... Let's call it a seance, it's less unnerving than 'foreboding dark ritual'.” Darwin commented with another shrug, perhaps a bit too comfortable with the idea of digging through the memories of an eye that was most definitely part of some twisted cult. Most of what Darwin studied and did was considered questionable by the majority of other magic users, but as far as Darwin was concerned results were what mattered, and he got results. “I'm also going to need a bowl, one that you don't mind throwing away. And maybe some orange juice? I love me some orange juice.” While Winston was away, Darwin dug through his bag, taking out a carefully wrapped dagger, not unlike the one they've been studying for what felt like hours. The runes on his were of channeling and protection, of course, but to the uninitiated Darwin was sure it would've looked ominous; that's why he'd asked the juice: he figured the explanation of what they were about to do would be more comforting if given with such an unassuming drink in hand. “Mental magic is... Deceptively simple, even a beginner can pull off a trick or two. But here we're dealing with a dead thing, one that we don't know.” For a moment Darwin doubted himself, wondered if they were biting off more than they could chew. Then again, the alternative of not knowing was worse. “We need to bring life to it. Not necromancy, but... Still unpleasant. Blood is life, you see? By sharing our blood with the eye, we might restore some of its energy. And since the blood will be ours, we'll create a... A connection. And that is what will let us see through it. Hopefully. So... When you're ready just put the bowl between us and place the eye inside. I'll get us started.”

“You could just call it a plan, because seance isn’t at all better then dark foreboding ritual,” Winston reached up and adjusted their glasses again, pushing them further up their nose. Winston passed the orange juice and the bowl over to Darwin. “If we could avoid getting anything caught on fire that would be great, otherwise if we bin the bowl I can deal.” Winston watched curiously as Darwin pulled a dagger that look ritualistic from their bag and couldn’t help but admit that they felt a little jealous. They wished they had a ritual knife. Either way, Winston carefully unwrapped the eye and placed it in the center of the bowl so that the iris was facing the ceiling. The white of the eye looked a little less pure in that moment and Winston found the dark hazel iris really unnerving. “Shit, okay, I’ve never done blood magic, this is really cool,” Winston knew that they probably shouldn’t be excited about this but they loved trying new things and blood magic had been fascinating to read about, “oh god sorry this is just really fucking cool.” Unbuttoning the cuffs of their shirt, Winston rolled their sleeves up in anticipation, taking a deep shaky breath. “I’m ready when you are Rio.”

Nothing about a ritual or a seance sounded good to Rio. It sounded terrifying and pretty much every sense of the term. “Nothing’s gonna catch on fire! That would be crazy!” Rio was laughing now, convinced that Winston had meant it as a joke. But he quickly sombered up when he realized that he didn’t know much about the world that he was currently diving into. “Wait… like seriously? Woah.” Now he definitely didn’t want any part of this. But it was too late now. “Cool is definitely one word for it.” Rio mumbled in reply to Winston. Maybe Rio was a little excited, but only because he had never seen anything like this before. He would have much rather read about it afterwards or watched it from afar rather than experience it himself. Winston was unrolling their sleeves to get ready. In the movies, didn’t they always use the palm of their hands for some reason? Rio wasn’t thrilled at the idea of rolling up his own sleeves. Now wasn’t the time to have to explain the scars that laid beneath his hoodie, but he would if he had to. For now, he just held his hand out towards Darwin, shutting his eyes and bracing himself for the pain. “Let’s get started.”

Darwin smiled again, doing his best to be reassuring when he noticed Rio's reluctance. “This is more within the realm of mental magic, to be fair. Blood is an ingredient, but the focus of the ritual will be to connect our minds to the eye. Blood magic is... Not my specialty. But like all the Arts, magic often draws its power from multiple sources.” It felt good to share his knowledge with these two. Darwin was used to working alone, and before that he was used to being the apprentice, never the mentor. He wasn't a fan of the responsibility that came with the role, but the admiration? He ate that up. “I should also warn you... Mental magic is subtler than other branches. There won't be any fireworks in this particular spell, so no fire hazard. But that doesn't make it any less powerful, and there's a good chance we won't be seeing rainbows and unicorns, so be prepared for anything. Am I making myself clear?” He waited, letting his silence weigh heavily on the other two as he moved the small flame from his lighter across the blade. “Here we go.”

Before Rio could have any second thoughts, Darwin grabbed his wrist, gently yet firmly. The scars were noticed, but Darwin spared them no thought, too focused on his task. A small cut on Rio's palm was all it took, and Darwin tried to make it as quick and painless as possible, offering Rio an apologetic smile. Then it was Winston's turn to go through the same process. “Let the blood drip in the bowl and look at the eye. Look through the eye, let it show you what we seek.” Darwin winced as he sliced his own palm, a shallow wound that quickly drew a thin red line on his hand. He closed his fist above the bowl and let the blood flow, drop by drop. Words of power followed in a low whisper. Those well versed with languages might recognize words such as 'connection' and 'sight', and what sounded like a request. In his rituals Darwin never demanded, only suggested: he wouldn't taint his magic with slavery, he was better than that. The other two followed his example, letting their own blood mix with his in the bowl. The air around them grew cold, and then impossibly hot, and the red liquid started to react to Darwin's energy. Small ripples at first, and then bubbles as the blood started to boil. And then something unexpected happened. Darwin felt a surge in power, one he hadn't anticipated, strong enough that he was sure the other two must have sensed it too. Darwin looked at them with what could only be described as panic on his face as he realized he was unable to stop the ritual: another force, one Darwin didn't recognize, was pulling from the other side, keeping him from severing the connection. The eye started rotating in the bowl, spinning faster and faster, focusing its dead pupil on each of the three. They'd wanted a connection, alright, but this ran deeper than Darwin expected. Smoke rose from the bowl as the level of the boiling blood kept rising. Darwin felt his own eyes moving in sync with the dead eyeball, and then he stared in horror as the dead thing stopped moving and started to melt like candle wax. The last thing he saw were three red tendrils slide up, towards their closed fists still dripping blood in the bowl. He felt his hand being opened by force and something slide inside the small cut he'd make. And then, he saw.

Third eyes were really not what Winston had expected from this. Not at all. But as the blood spiralled from the bowl and funnelled into their hand, Winston could really see. For the first time ever. It was different from normal sight. They could still see everything in front of them, but somehow they could also see everything else that the eye was showing them. Winston looked down and saw the eye that had been in the bowl was somehow set into their palm and for a second they could see their own face looking down at the eye and then there was darkness. A thick fog enveloped their vision and when it began to clear Winston could feel sweat pouring down their back, their legs shook but the vision kept going. The fog was getting less thick now and Winston spotted a light in the distance, and then another one, and then another, the lights slowly blinking open. Wait, no, they weren’t lights, rather giant eyes that rolled and spun to fixate on Winston. Bloodshot veins ran through the eyes in jagged lightning bolts of crimson and scarlet, cutting across the pale white backdrop of the eye. The irises seemed to spiral and blur, running into one another in a constant never ending whirlpool that was somehow spiralling and still all at once. The eyes didn’t seem to have a body to them, and yet they sat their, hanging in the darkness and blinking. There was a creature, Winston couldn’t see it’s body. Just it’s mouth. A long, purple, leathery skin covered a jaw that protruded from the darkness. Long, jagged and uneven teeth stick from the bottom lip. The teeth are cracked, scarred and chipped, they’re clearly used to tear and grind. To mash and chew. To rip and maim. Yet they’re a perfect, snow white. The colour of which Winston has never seen. The colour so bright that you can see it in the darkness before you notice the rest of the mouth. 

At first, Orion had no idea what was going on. Whatever magic Darwin was using, it seemed to be working. He was mumbling about seeing, a rather pointed line considering they were pouring their blood over a frozen eyeball. But then the eyeball leapt. Or moved or did something and suddenly it was attached to Winston. “What the heck is it doing to him?” Rio yelled out, beginning to move but suddenly being unable to. Oh god, this must be part of the spell or maybe it was something the eye was doing to them. Rio had no idea what was going on. But he had a sense of dread that had washed over him as he suddenly felt like he was being watched. He didn’t know the full scope of it until the eye hopped from Winston’s eye and began sliding across his arm, the tendons trailing behind the eye as it scurried to its new victim. Finally, it hopped over to Rio, still unable to move or jerk away from it. Goosebumps shot up his arms when the eye touched him and it easily slid into the cut that Darwin had made.As soon as the eye latched on, that’s when Rio figured out the true scope of why he had felt being watched. He could see them. Thousands of eyes. Some attached to the walls and some their own lone creatures, chained down and jerking around, ooze and blood dripping from them as they fought to be freed. What was this? Rio could only hear the room they were in, but whatever he was seeing seemed so real, so disgustingly vivid that he felt like he could hear the chains rattling and the sound of blood dripping onto the floor. Worse, it was like the monsters were staring right at him. The veins that ran through the eyes were dark red and blood escaped from them, coating the eyes with streaks of blood mixing together with all the others, creating a sea of blood between the monsters. It wasn’t like anything that Rio had ever seen before. He had never felt so dark or scared in his entire life. He could feel the tears escaping his own eyes. He needed these visions to stop. Jesus, he would do anything to make it all stop.

The notes and screens in the room blended together with visions of bones and raw muscles pulsing to a macabre beat, and Darwin couldn't make out what was real and what was just a cruel trick of the eye. There was something malicious in it, something ancient and powerful that he could not hope to push back. He stood there, cold sweat sticking to his neck as he was helpless to stop what was happening. Darwin witnessed Winston and Rio being assaulted by that dark, foreboding energy that had been awakened by the spell, he watched as the eye moved from one to the other. And then he knew, it was his turn next. Unable to react, Darwin swallowed back an anguished scream as the eyeball disappeared from Rio's hand, but when the evil sphere latched onto his own hand and made its way inside the pocket he'd unknowingly carved for it he was unable to hold back a whimper, equal parts fear and pain, and he turned around in a futile attempt to escape. His vision blurred, and the room was replaced with a terrible sight. Barren lands, grey hills covered with dark mist and darker thorns, haunted by creatures that he'd only read about, and some he never even imagined. Black leathery wings surrounded him, a swarm of bats with luminescent claws. He raised his hand to protect his face, the eye still blinking ominously on his palm, and when Darwin lowered the arm he was met with another sight, a mass of monsters. Hounds, and grotesque hybrids that vaguely looked humanoid, some of them dripping what looked like acid. Fangs and screeches surrounded him and Darwin grabbed his head and knelt down, crawling back. “No, no, stop!” That last word was an anguished scream, covered by the sound of the bowl falling to the floor. His back was against the small table, his breath heavy. He looked around, and everything looked just like it had before they'd begun the ritual: sticky notes covered the walls, empty cans of energy drinks were scattered all over, books were exactly like they'd left them. Finally he stood up and turned to face the other two, voice trembling. “Are... Are you alright? Did you see?” With a sudden realization, Darwin lowered his eyes to his hand. Instead of the cut he saw what could only be described as a closed eyelid, but of the eye no trace. “The... The eye. Where is it?”

Drenched in sweat, Winston could feel their clothes sticking to their skin. Their exhaustion was beyond palpable. Their chest rose and fell in laboured attempts to drag oxygen to their brain as a bead of perspiration rolled down the end of their nose and dripped onto the floor with a plop that was so quiet it deafened Winston. Looking down at their hand, the eye had returned to their palm and was looking back up at them, but the visions of the monsters had stopped. “It’s in my hand,” Winston said with a wince as they flashed them their right palm and showed them the beady eye sat in the center of their limb. “Fuck, that, was weird as shit. Do you think- do you think that is what the cult is trying to do?” They had seen terrible terrible things. monsters that they hadn’t ever been able to comprehend previously. Ghoulish creatures with bones that jutted through skin at odd angles, razor sharp teeth and talons, rough skin, scales, fur and eyes. So many eyes. They bored into Winston’s brain as they did everything that they could to forget the terrible things that they had seen. A tear rolled down the side of Winston’s face as they sat there, exhausted. “Oh fuck, that was pretty fucking bad wasn’t it?” 

[lifeasitis21]

For The Last Time

“Lighthouse”

Clark x Reader

You were so tired of spiraling. Getting back to what made you feel okay was the only thing you could think to do. And your opportunity to do so had been closing for a long time now. You just prayed it hadn’t disappeared just yet.

“Clark, it’s Y/n. Call me back. I need to talk—uh, in person is better. Please get back to me.”

If there was one thing that irked you about him, it was the fact that when he knew you were safe, he never answered his phone. Whether he ignored It or didn’t see it, you weren’t sure.

You had just gotten to the point where you couldn’t twiddle your thumbs any longer when he returned your call.

“Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t hear my phone. I—well Sacha turned it on silent in our last meeting. But then she never turned it back on!” he scoffed. “I’ve been missing calls for days now.”

“—Clark. I need to see you. Are you at your apartment? I’m coming over.”

“Yeah I’m—here..”

You barley heard his last words before you hung up and went down to your car.

You took the stairs to his floor two at a time. Your heart was beating so quick. And you noticed because it was the first time you really felt it in a long time.

You skipped the knocking and went straight for the key he hid on the ledge of the door. A click of the lock and you were in.

“Clark, It’s—me.”

He was standing  at the corner of his hallway. As you walked in he turned his attention to you while your eyes fell on Louis, who was sitting on his couch with a drink in her hand.

“Shit—Sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt,” you started.

“No, it’s not a problem at all. It’s good to see you again Agent Calloway.” She rolled out a lazy smile as she spoke.

“Likewise,”

Clark had kept his eyes down as you spoke to Louis, but when you looked over at him, he had trouble meeting your eyes.

“But like I said, it can’t wait.” You finished.

Clark took that cue and followed you out the door. You considered the hallway for a moment, but with a reporter only a few feet away, you stayed quiet until you got to the roof.

“…It’s only work related,” he seemed to confess.

“Clark..what? I don’t care. Poppy Flowers!”

And that didn’t register even a little bit with him. The look of exhilaration in your eyes, however, well..it turned him on.

He knew his window of speaking was closing and closing fast. And from your perspective, he was just staring at you with his brow raised and his arms frozen in their place across his chest.

“…Come again?”

A shadow of a smile pulled at your lips but you pushed it away, “Clark the painting. Does your guy still have the location?”

“Oh! Oh the painting. Yes…yes it hasn’t moved. I told him to keep tabs on it. Same owner same city.”

“Perfect! Because I found him.”

“…wait you what? You—”

“I found him! I found him Clark. He’s in Rio, Vitor Gabriel.”

You were nearly bouncing with excitement, before he stopped you.

“Y/n what? I already told you that.”

“No, Oh my god. Clark, I found him as in, I have eyes on him right now, and my source says he’s relocating the painting tomorrow. I mean, we’ve got to jump on this.”

Parts of him were a little behind, but it seemed that every ounce of confusion he had, brought you a few inches closer to him. Like coming closer, and speaking slower would help him catch up. The problem was that all those little things were intoxicating. As you spoke he savored the pout in your lips. And when you moved in closer, he watched the once morning flecks of gold in your eyes take on a dark and sultry air. Every fiber of his being was praying you could and couldn’t read his mind, all at the same time.

There were a thousand questions he should have asked, a thousand opportunities for doubt, but not a single word left his mouth as he watched you.

“I know this is last minute, and you have a life. But I think I need this—I know, I need this.”

He couldn’t even bring himself to stop in time before his hand trailed over the curve of your jaw. Don’t let it go too far, he prayed, as he unapologetically let his eyes follow the lines of your lips.

“I’ll go anywhere, Y/n.”

He pulled his hand away then, and walked past you as if it hadn’t happened. You followed, because regardless of Clark, there was something bigger pulling at you. Something you had to do.

He told you he needed to grab his go bag from inside, you opted to wait in the hall. Arms crossed and settled against the wall, you waited.

It wasn’t long before Louis walked out with her bag in hand.

She watched you, for a moment, searching your eyes, taking in the entirety of it all. You thought for a moment she too would reach out and touch you, as if it were the only way to really see you.

“I hope you find what you’re looking for, Agent Calloway,”

She began to walk away, behind her you heard Clarks footsteps, but while still in earshot, she said, “because he already has.”

There was no longer a team-- a mission. Just you and Clark.  This was completely off grid. And you wanted it to stay that way. It meant you would have to find your own way to Rio, but in your time spent solo, you’d acquired an expansive list of sources, one of which was a pilot and owed you a favor.

The plan was simple really, you could have done it alone, but with something as valuable as the Poppies, you couldn’t risk messing it up. Your source still had eyes on Gabriel, but you would be cutting it close on arrival.

“There’s a stopping point in the middle of their route, mostly too insure they don’t have any tails, re-check the integrity of the painting. He’ll be transporting the painting in a specially made case. It keeps it the correct temperature—keeps it from getting bent or touched.”

“So do we need to figure out a way to get it out then?” He asked, glancing from you then back to files you had sprawled out on your tray table.

“No, we need to take it as is. No point in taking it if we fuck it up.” You smirked.

His eyes caught even the first hint of it.

“I’m assuming its pretty heavy then. So how do you, want to carry it out?”

You considered his question for only a second before you frowned and looked over at him, “You carry it.”

He laughed as you blurted it out. “I didn’t want to assume, is all.”

This was going to be exponentially easier than it ever had been. Of course it’s like a gold mine finding out there’s only limited security on the painting as to not draw any unnecessary attention, but with Clark, it should be a breeze.

As soon as you hit the ground your source sent you the coordinates. They came in just as you started to drive off. It was business from here on out. But you would be lying if you said you didn’t feel more alive now than you ever had before.

“500 yards out. Take this alley coming up on your left. It’ll put you right behind them at the end of it.”

You’d factored in the traffic, you knew it would be crowded, but you only hoped their halfway place was secluded enough to account for the fire fight that was sure to come.

“300 yards.”

As you approached the end of the alley you saw what had to be their convoy. Two SUV’s sped by the entrance of the alley just as you were about to pull out behind them.

“They’re going to realize their being followed any minute now. We have to act first,” you said, looking to him for a suggestion.

“Halfway point is at the end of this street…so I say we go now.”

Your heart jumped as he said it, you looked over at him one more time. He kept his eyes on you, countless words behind them. “You ready?”

“I’m right behind you.”

You slammed your foot down onto the gas and held tight as you accelerated directly towards the back of the van.

Just seconds after impact, the car  began to lose its back tire traction and as you pushed the back end, the front turned and then toppled over itself. One, two, then three flips. The sound of metal and glass crashing hard against the concrete.

You halted to a stop just before the vehicle, the first, as you had guessed, was stopped just in front.

It was now or never. You threw your door open and watched for the first sign of movement.

Shouting from your right, you turned just as Clark fired two shots.

That’s when bullets began to rain down; flying past you as you ran for cover behind the car across the street.

They were prepared for this, but so were you.

With no restraint you stood and leaped over the front of the car, gun in hand and at a sprint you started shooting at every body with a gun. It was as if you were invisible, every one of their bullets missing its target. The closer you got, the sooner you realized everything you’d been missing.

You took a running jump and your heel collided hard with the guards jaw. It sent him flying back into the street. There was an unspoken law that this was no longer a gun fight as you pounded his face hard against the ground.

The next was upon you in seconds, a right hook grazed your cheek but he wasn’t ready for the knee you slammed into his stomach. He doubled over for a second, but a second was all you needed before your knee flew back up and crunched into his face.

Clark was beside you now as two more men came running for you. From there on out it was like a dance between just the two of you. The entire world disappeared. He would rise up, you would fall low. Back to back you fought it all off. Instinctively you knew each other.

You blocked off blow after blow of the guard in front of you, but to your left Gabriel was encroaching. You needed to finish this now. Falling wasn’t an option. You tried a left hook but it dragged, in the moment of hesitation though, you swung your elbow into his temple. But as you had begun to swing, you saw a hard fist closing in at the corner of your eye.

Your man fell and you braced yourself, but the one you thought was coming, was now 10 feet up, flying through the air.

“You good?” Clark asked breathlessly.

You nodded, awestruck for the first time as you watched him. “We need to move out,” you managed.

Clark jogged over to the wreckage as you kept an eye out.

The painting was just where you said it’d be. It was encased in blacked out glass and it stalled him, but there was no time, he had to just trust it would be in there.

“Let’s move.” He called out to you.

You hopped back into the drivers seat and headed towards your escape route. About a mile and a half away you spotted a second convoy approaching the crash quickly, but by the time they got there, you and Clark were long gone.

[11jj11]

Far From Yesterday - Chapter 10 -Marissonshipping

It’s been a while since an update-- but here’s chapter ten!

   Tonight the Hyper Beam hit her.

   After so many nights of seeing the green being releasing the attack at her– only to awaken moments before it struck– she had come to expect that. At this point she had felt no fear as she had watched the dark mass of energy rush towards her as she flew through the night sky. Except for this time she didn’t jerk awake– and the attack slammed into her chest.

   It was agony.

   No cry of pain escaped dream Mairin’s mouth– but a burst of pain flared across her body as the Hyper Beam slammed against her. It was as if she had been set on fire, the painful flames biting her skin. The force of the Hyper Beam knocked her from her flight– sending her crashing towards the ground. The wind rushed past her, its whistling nearly as painful as the deafening roar coming from the green being above.

   Then she slammed into the earth, a plume of sand being sent up as she crashed into the desert. Somehow despite the sand stinging her eyes, her dream self made no effort to close its eyes. The sting of the sand was nothing compared to the agony on her body however. Her head tilted skyward as the sand started to settle– the green creature zipping overhead to discover her fate. The pain was searing, as if it were eating away at her very flesh– yet it started to die down moments later, a brief glow surrounding her as it did so.

   Her eyes were trained on the night sky– and for the first time Mairin was properly able to observe green being that had been haunting her nightmares for so many nights. Shivers raced through Mairin as she realized that this creature was no stranger to her however, its serpentine shape having once fed her nightmares when she was a still on her journey years before.

   Rayquaza.

   The mighty dragon let out a roar of frustration as it saw her standing, circling above her as he prepared to attack once more. Everything screamed at Mairin to run, but her dream self remained in a strange calm. An energy ran through her, and it felt as if her body had turned to jelly. It was a sensation she couldn’t even describe... but she felt like she was changing, flowing.

   The feeling was so alien that Mairin could feel herself shivering even though her mind was still locked in the dream.

   The foreign feeling faded, and Mairin noticed that the ground seemed farther below her than before. She didn’t have time to consider this though, and her body rose up into the air once more, rushing up to meet the Rayquaza. He let out a bitter snarl, purple energy gathering in front of him. She felt her arms coming together, a energy humming through her at the same moment the Dragon Pulse was forming in front of Rayquaza...

   And that’s when Mairin found herself being pulled from her dream.

   She wasn’t jerked awake like she so often had these last few nights, rather she felt a warm grasp on her arm shaking her. She was slowly waking up, the vivid desert night vanishing as her room took shape. She sat straight up as she found herself shaken out of the dream– skin coated in sweat, her heart racing. She jerked her head around, mind trying to piece everything together.

   “Lu,” A low voice said, and she turned and found herself looking into the eyes her Lucario.

   “L-luke,” Mairin whispered, and she glanced around her dark room. She paused to gather her thoughts. “Is... is something wrong? It’s still night, isn’t it? Why did you wake me up?”

   “Rio,” He grunted, and he placed a paw right next to the spike on his chest– where his heart was. He then watched her with intent eyes, as if trying to force her to understand with his gaze. She just stared back, and he rolled his eyes. After a moment he held his paw out, a blue glow lighting it, and then he placed it on her chest. “Lu.”

   “Aura,” She after a moment, remembering just what the species were known for. “You woke me up... because of my aura?”

   “Car,” Luke said, relaxing.

   She thought on this. “Could you sense I was having a nightmare or something then? I guess something like that could make my aura go weird... I mean, I don’t know much about aura...” She glanced at him. “When did you even get out of your Pokeball?”

   He shrugged. “Lu.”

   She snorted. “I appreciate it, but all I have been having lately is nightmares, I’m pretty use to it now... that and being sick,” She added as her stomach growled– she had thrown up at dinner and had gone to bed with an empty stomach. “The dreams feel so real, Luke... but now that I think about it’s pretty clear that these nightmares aren’t real... like, the ones with Rayquaza are just impossible!”

   Because she knew for a fact that she couldn’t fly.

   Luke pulled back as she said Rayquaza’s name. His eyes widened, and he watched Mairin for a second. There was a brief moment of hesitation, but then he reached out for the edge of her bed– right where Ruby was curled up fast asleep.

   “No!” Mairin cried in a loud whisper, grabbing his paw. He looked up at her, and she held her breath as Ruby stirred, but stayed asleep. Mairin swiftly looked about the room– Chespie was asleep in the corner like usual, and Poppy was curled up on the pillow. “You’re going to wake up Ruby, aren’t you?”

   “Rio,” He replied, yanking his paw out of her grasp and reaching for the Absol again.

   “I don’t want you telling her!” Mairin insisted in a loud whisper. “I know I struggled with nightmares about Rayquaza in the past, but my memories aren’t straight so it’s no surprise that they’ve come up again,” Luke just started at her. “L-look, I’ve seen Ruby and Alain alone with each other, I’m pretty sure that they take turns keeping tabs on me.”

   Luke nodded in confirmation at this statement, which only made Mairin’s heart twist.

   “This was just a nightmare...” Mairin said slowly. “I don’t want Ruby to start worrying over nothing, and then get Alain worried too. We finally got on positive terms today, er- yesterday I guess, and I don’t want to ruin that by him getting worked up over some nightmare like I know he would. I’m fine, so can we please just keep this between you and me?”

   The dreams weren’t even that horrifying... just painful.

   Luke hesitated, the Lucario glancing at Ruby, before at last letting out a long sigh. Mairin brightened as the canine nodded.

   “Thank you,” She said in a whisper, reaching out and pulling him into a hug. She quickly let go as the spike in his chest dug into her– Lucarios really weren’t meant to be hugged. “Heh. I’m going to try to go back to sleep now, kay?”

   Luke waved a paw, as if telling her to get on with it, and she laid back down. It was a unsettling to know that the Lucario was probably just staring at her, so she rolled over on her side so she was facing away from him. She felt Poppy press up against her, and she turned back over to look at the little Pokemon.

   “Lee...” The little sea lion said softly in her sleep, a small bubble expanding and contracting as she breathed, just like in a cartoon. She smiled, wondering if Popplios were where that animation feature had come from.

   “Hey, Luke...” Mairin asked softly. “Can you sense the aura of my baby...? Or she still too young to have her own aura...? Everyone has their own, right...?”

   Luke sighed, but closed his eyes. His aura sensors were spread out, and one paw was held out towards her, glowing. She watched him as he scanned her with his aura powers, and after a moment he opened his eyes. He held his paws closely together, then pointed at her stomach.

   “A little bit?” She said, recognizing the gesture. “Are you saying you can sense a small aura? Like... it’s really dim?”

   She wondered if she was wording that right, but aura seemed to be some kind of inner light.

   The Lucario nodded.

   Mairin smiled, and she placed both hands on her stomach. “Do you hear that? You already have your own aura... you’re alive in there...” She smiled. “She’s alive Luke, I have a baby in me.”

   The feeling was amazing, knowing that her own child was within her.

   She didn’t know why she kept calling the baby a she– there was no way possible that they could know at this point. But yet every time she thought of the little child in her, even though it hadn’t even been twenty-four hours since she had found out about her, she just felt that it was going to be a girl.

   “Thank you, Luke...” Mairin whispered, and she closed her eyes, hands still over to stomach.

   It wasn’t long until Mairin fell asleep once more, a smile on her face. The smile remained, even as the center of her back and the twisting marks on her arms started to tingle, a new dream taking hold of her. Luke’s eyes narrowed as he felt her aura twisted again, drowning out the small flicker of aura coming from the baby.

   But her churning aura gave no sign of a nightmare that threw her emotions about like the one he had woken her up from– so Luke let her sleep.

------------------------------

   “Eeeeee!”

   “Ow...” Mairin muttered at the high pitched squeal. “Bonnie, I don’t need to lose my hearing alongside my memories!”

   “Sorry,” Bonnie said, the blonde making no effort to hide the huge grin on her face. “But this is like the cutest thing ever!”

   “‘Cute’?” Max muttered, shaking his head. “You meet your amnesic friend, and you call it cute?”

   Bonnie waved her hand in a dismissive manner, scooting closer to Mairin. “Max told me about your amnesia the day it happened, so it’s not a surprise for me anymore,” Her grin softened into a smile. “I would have come by sooner, but Max didn’t want me to overwhelm you while you were adjusting,” Bonnie scoffed. “But I highly doubt you seeing me would have overwhelmed you though.”

   “It’s great to see you again,” Mairin said with a smile, shifting on the couch in Bonnie’s apartment uncertainly. Her energetic friend’s spirit had clearly had not been dampered in the passing years, and like seeing Serena it was nice to have a familiar, smiling face. “The first few days were hard, but I think I’m settled now.”

   A week. As of today it had been a whole week since she had lost her memories.

   Yesterday had been a day of phone calls– canceling doctors appointments for her scans, and making new ones for the baby. Alain had taken care of all of it, much to Mairin’s relief. Mairin was an outgoing person, but talking to bored receptionists had never been an enjoyable pastime.

   “Honestly, this whole thing is just the cutest thing ever,” Bonnie said with a grin as her Dedenne climbed onto her shoulder. “It’s like an adorable movie– girl loses her memories, and is now trying to rekindle a forgotten love...”

   “More like a bad fanfiction,” Max muttered, earning a playful slap from Bonnie.

   “Fanfictions are awesome,” Bonnie said. “You just have to find the good ones!” She returned her focus to Mairin, still grinning. “Now, tell me everything about the baby!”

   “Um... well... I’m having one,” Mairin said uncertainly– literally all she knew about it.

   “Are far along are you?” Bonnie asked excitedly. “Do you want a boy or a girl? Do you have any names picked out? What–”

   “Breathe,” Max told Bonnie, his tone sounding exasperated, as if this were something he had to remind his girlfriend of constantly. “And we don’t know how far along she is, she hasn’t been to the doctor yet. She could be anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks, Mairin could have also easily been keeping quiet about this before the amnesia hit.”

   Mairin shook her head. “I have a feeling I would have told Alain if I knew before,” She shifted. “Though I could be farther along, since the first few weeks can be pretty uneventful... at least that’s what it said in that book Sophie lent to me.”

   Bonnie’s eyes gleamed. “Sophie has a book about pregnancy,” She gave Max a light punch in the arm. “Ha! I told you she and the professor would want to start a family sometime!”

   Max sighed. “Or, maybe, we live in a huge lab with a ton of books.”

   Bonnie didn’t seem put off at this at all, victory still gleaming in her eyes. “Anyways– names? Gender? Anything, I’m all ears!”

   Mairin gave a faint smile, pausing to gather her thoughts. “Well... I think it’s going to be a girl, just gut instinct, you know? As for names, I honestly really have no idea... I guess that’s another thing I’ll have to talk to Alain about...”

   Bonnie snorted. “You’re going to name the baby.”

   “It’s his baby too!” Mairin said, her hands going to her stomach.

   Bonnie laughed. “Yeah? So? You’re going to be the one naming it! Not only are you going to be delivering my future niece– oh yeah, I’m going to be her adopted aunt– but Alain is horrible when it comes to names! You’ve seen it with his Pokemon, the only time he’s ever tried to name one was when his Charizard had that egg, and even in the end you had to come in and stop him from calling it ‘Charmander the second’.”

   A strange feeling settled into Mairin’s chest. “...I named Alex?”

   Bonnie paused as well, as if just realizing what she brought up. “Yeah... you did. You two did use to get along...” Bonnie shook her head. “We’re here to talk about you though– I’ll go grab some papers and we can start brainstorming names!”

   Then just like that Bonnie was on her feet, darting out of the room with a Dedenne climbing onto her head.

   Mairin had a smile on her face. “It’s nice to see some people haven’t changed.”

   Max looked off towards where Bonnie had ran out. “Believe it or not she does have a mature side to her. I think she’s just really excited to see you again... I mean, the old you.”

   Mairin frowned. “...What do you mean?”

   Max glanced down at his feet. “...Mairin... let’s just say if we went back a few years, even seeing a forced smile was considered rare,” Max looked away. “I think Bonnie’s just really glad to see the side of you that’s not afraid to smile again.”

   The strange feeling returned to Mairin’s chest, twisting. “...What happened?”

   Max’s hands tightened. “...I’d rather not talk about it,” He said in a low tone. “It was hard on everyone.”

   Mairin looked away, knowing that she could press Max some more– but she didn’t. Clearly what had taken place was a struggle, since Max had been very open with her until now. Mairin also knew that he wasn’t purposely clamming up like Alain had been doing, and it wouldn’t be fair to try to make him speak about something he didn’t want to. So instead Mairin settled onto the couch, trying to ignore the dizzy feeling in her head as she waited for Bonnie to return.

   Bonnie did return– with colored pens and bright pieces of paper to write down baby names. A Greninja had come in after her carrying a tray of cookies on its head, which Mairin politely declined, not wanting to gamble against her stomach at someone else’s house. So they sat around Bonnie’s small coffee table jotting down names, light conversation passing between them. Max seemed to maintain a serious attitude no matter what silliness Bonnie tossed into the air, but the smile on his face showed that he was happy.

   Mairin chose to stay quieter, the smell of the cookies making her stomach tighten. She focused on the list she was writing, taking her time with each name she wrote. This wasn’t the first list of names she had written in her lifetime– when she was younger she had done this as well, with the idea of parenthood far off though– but there was a fresh sense of realness running through her now. Even if Bonnie had pulled this idea out for fun, Mairin found herself carefully considering each name before she added it to the list.

   All of the names were girl names.

   “You know, this really is a lot of fun,” Bonnie let out a sigh as she added another name to her growing list. “It makes me really want to have a baby.”

   Mairin stiffened a grin as she noticed that Max was now staring very intently as his paper.

------------------------------

   Mairin was not looking forward to another night of sleep.

   Because that meant only another painful nightmare.

   She shivered as she stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around her as the water shut off. She had now spent two nights in a row being hit by the painful Hyper Beam, and the mere thought of going through that pain again made her gulp– because it felt so real. Lucario had woken her up again last night before the dream had progressed too far, and she wondered how long it would be before he decided to tell someone...

   No, she’d just have to force her thoughts elsewhere before she went to sleep. Just think hard enough on something else, and hopefully her mind would comply and let her dreams be elsewhere tonight. Mairin relaxed somewhat as she dried herself off, though doubts still lingered as she started to put on her nightwear– since the nightmares had been there every night so far.

   Mairin was starting to understand why she had woken up in short pants and a tank top that first night without her memories, when she was used to wearing warmer things to bed– she always woke up sweating now because of her dreams. She slipped on her shorts, wondering just how long it’d be until she’d have to wear different outfits because of the baby.

   She paused, before looking up into the mirror. Even if she had been becoming more accepting of the situation she was in, she still had been avoiding looking at her reflection for too long. No matter what was happening, nothing was more disconcerting than looking in the mirror and seeing a face older than what you were use too– even if it was by only a few years. However she pulled those thoughts away as she looked at herself, wondering what she’d look like with a little bump.

   Her hands went to her bare belly, excitement running through her. Her baby– something that couldn’t be taken from her. This was her child, a member of her family that was growing right in her. It was such a wonderful feeling to think on, one that always made her heart soar. She turned a bit, taking in her exhausted form, wondering if she’d ever get used to the struggles of pregnancy. She wasn’t even that far along, surely it would only get harder from here...

   Her hands tranced the twisting white marks on her arms as she thought, and Mairin shivered at the touch. She pulled her hands away, hating the sensation of the tingles running through them. She peered into the mirror again, examining the marks. They wound up her arms, twisting all the way to her shoulders. She shifted the strap of her bra slightly as she studied the marks, wondering just what had formed them.

   She turned around, wondering if they continued on her back at all, and she found herself going still as she looked at her back. There was indeed a white mark on her back– but it was not part of the twisting ones. This one was right in the center of her back– a huge white circle that stood out against the rest of her skin. She just stared, gulping slightly.

   Because the mark was just where she had felt the burning during her trance out on the streets.

   Her arms had burned in that trance then too... so was that what these marks were? Had they been burned into her? Why? How? They were so unnatural– and it clearly hadn’t been an accident.

   But she had a feeling that ‘an accident’ would be the answer she’d get if she asked Alain.

   “No!” Mairin whispered to herself, closing her eyes. She couldn’t dwell on things like that, not when she was trying to repair everything between them... including the things she couldn’t remember. Alain clearly wasn’t the person to go to for answers, she’d just have to find someone else...

   She swiftly tugged a tank top on over her head, ready to get out of the bathroom. She regretted the action slightly though, since her tank got a bit wet from her sopping hair. Mairin sighed, grabbing a smaller towel and rubbing it against the ends of her hair to try to dry it somewhat. Mairin wasn’t in the mood to blow dry her hair and be forced to stare at her reflection even more, so she wrapped her hair up in a towel and gathered up her things.

   She let out a sigh as she stepped out of the bathroom, glad to be free of the small room. Now, if she could only be free of her thoughts as well that’d be wonderful...

   “Mairin.”

   “Eep!” Mairin cried, startled as she was pulled from her thoughts as she walked down the hallway– even though that was the very thing she had been wanting. She quickly turned and found Alain walking towards her. “D-don’t scare me like that.”

   “Sorry,” He said, smiling softly. “I just wanted to ask you something.”

   “What’s up?” Mairin asked, shifting her items in her hands.

   He hesitated for a moment. “I... I was just wondering if tomorrow would be a good day...” He began, blue eyes meeting amber. “For the... date.”

   Mairin blinked. “Tomorrow?”

   Alain shifted. “If you don’t want to we–”

   “No, no,” Mairin said swiftly, giving him a small smile. “I- I’m the one that suggested it. Tomorrow would be great.”

   However her stomach twisted, and she couldn’t bring herself to meet Alain’s eyes. She wasn’t against the idea... but she knew it wasn’t going to be the same as a normal first date. Even if you disregarded the fact that they were married and she was carrying their child, she still knew that Alain had deep feelings for her. While she... she was still a bit on edge at the idea of going out with him at all.

   She liked Alain– but she just didn’t see him as more than a friend.

   But that was the point of this date, to see if she could find those feelings she had clearly once had. Fear did gnaw at Mairin though, not of the date, but fear towards the idea that her feelings might not change at all. What would she do then? End the marriage she had with Alain? She didn’t want to be in a relationship where she didn’t return the feelings, but how could she take something away from Alain when he had done nothing?

   “Mairin, I know that look,” Alain said, crossing his arms. “You’re overthinking things. If you don’t want to do it tomorrow– or at all for that matter– then we don’t have to.”

   “No, I want to try this,” Mairin said, sitting up straighter. “B-besides, I’ve never been on a date before, from what I can remember... this will be fun.”

   She hoped.

   Alain’s eyes gleamed with excitement at this answer, and once again she felt her insides curl. Even if Alain was acting relaxed and indifferent, she knew that if she backed out now it would hurt him. Mairin’s thoughts turned back to the first day without her memories, when she had acted horrified at waking up next to him.

   How much had that hurt him?

   “Alright then,” Alain said, eyes still lit happily. “Tomorrow.”

   “What are we going to do?” Mairin asked– it was quite clear that he was going to be the one to plan this out.

   Alain grinned. “You’ll see,” He said, and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Goodnight, Mairin.”

   Her feelings were still scrambled, not quite sure of what to feel about what was going to take place. “Goodnight?”

   Alain smiled, but said nothing else as he headed towards the bathroom. Mairin turned slightly, watching him continue down the hallway, uncertainty running through her. Once he was out of sight she headed towards her bedroom, where she was greeted happily by Chespie. Mairin’s mind was still wandering off in its own direction as she hugged her starter, and then at last she stumbled into her room.

   Her thoughts refused to settle– jumping from her dreams, to Alain, to the baby in her, and of course to the future laying ahead of her. She couldn’t even mull through her thoughts, each of them racing about her mind before she could even expand on each idea. She let them bounce about in her mind as she put her things away and sat down on her bed– perhaps scattered thoughts would mean scattered dreams tonight.

   Unfortunately Mairin’s hope for a restful night was dashed as she drifted off to sleep– soon finding herself in a familiar dream of Rayquaza’s attacks, the night sky above and the sandy desert below her.

[moonlit-nightsky]

Omoi Omoware Furi Furare - Chapter 27 - Translation

Since, everyone must be curious to know what is happening, I translated this one super fast. I guess it’s my record lol. I’d like to hear your thoughts on this chapter as well! *-*  

I have to leave for my classes soon, but I will stil doucle-check stuff after I’m back. So there might be a few corrections later. I’ll answer the asks later, as well. ^^

You can follow the raws here or here. (the second link seems to work better on mobile)

Enjoy!~

Notes: "" - for thoughts [] - for narration () - for text outside the bubbles ** - for onomatopoeia

p.1 The feelings that don’t stop overflowing.

p.2 Yuna: [Where is Rio? I have to find him soon. I have to tell him my feelings.] Rio: (It’s dark, I can’t see well)

p.3 *tee hee* Group of people: The birth of a couple! Rio: “Phew” Rio: “It’s not Yuna.” Rio: “It’s painful that I left my smartphone… Ah, damn.” Rio: Ah Rio: “If she’s going to confess, she might be at the back of the school building…”

p.4 Rio: “Ah, Yuna-chan?” Rio: “No… it’s not her.” Yuna: Eh *thud* Yuna: Uwah Rio: Wah!

p.5 Yuna: Sorry for bumping into you… But, I finally managed to catch up with you, Rio-kun Rio: Yuna-chan!? *sliding* Yuna: Ah… yes, it’s Yuna. Yuna: “I don’t want him to see my dirty clothes…….” Rio: What happened?

p.6 Yuna: Sorry, I know you’re in a hurry, but Rio: Eh? Yuna: I have something I want to tell you while staying like this. *ba-dump* Rio: Eh… What is it...? Yuna: Gratitude… something like this. Rio: “Eh? Hum?” Rio: Gra- gratitude…

p.7 Yuna: Rio-kun, you said I’ve changed since the first time we met, right? Rio: ? Yeah… Yuna: I also... even I think so. Yuna: And for that, confessing to you was one of the triggers.

p.8 Yuna: Before that, I never thought I would confess to anyone. Yuna: But, I did it! Yuna: Ah, well… you rejected me, though. Yuna: I got sad and cried…. Rio: Ugh… Yeah… (Gratitude, does she mean to say thanks (as retaliation)...? ) Yuna: But now, that doesn’t matter. For me, the fact that I was able to confess was really valuable.

p.9 Yuna: Even after that, I thought that we could keep talking as friends, since I had already given my best. Rio: ...yeah. Yuna: I’m more pleased with myself now than the me at that time. It was thanks to Rio that I was able to think like this…

p.10 Yuna: That’s why, I’ve always wanted to say thank you. Yuna: [That’s why, I, who changed since then, want to say it once more] Yuna: A… and…. Rio: Hey, wait a minute! That’s weird!!

p.11 Rio: Why can’t you show me your face when you’re saying something so happy. Isn’t it weird? Yuna: (Eh…) Rio: [I don’t want to let it end with her talking to my back] Rio: If you don’t say it showing me your face, it’s not acceptable, right? Rio: [If we stay like this, she’ll go confess to another person] Rio: [Why]

p.12 Rio: [do you have to go?] Yuna: So- sorry! My uniform got dirty, so I didn’t want you to see it… Rio: I want to see it. I want to see Yuna-chan’s face.

p.13 Rio: [Right now, it’s the face I want to see the most.]

p.14 Rio: You finally showed me your face. Yuna: …………

p.15 Yuna: Sorry! Rio: Eh… Why? Yuna: Rio-kun, right now, you are looking for someone right? Yuna: But, there is still something I want to tell you. That’s why, just for a bit more… Rio: Yeah, I was looking for someone.

p.16 Rio: Until a while ago. Yuna: ? Rio: I was looking for you, Yuna-chan. Yuna: ……… Eh……. Eh…… Why?

p.17 Rio: ……….. *confused* Rio: ~~~~~~ Rio: Really, that’s impossible!! Rio: After seeing Yuna-chan’s face I just can’t let you go.

p.18 Rio: It’s fine just letting you know about my feelings. Rio: No, that’s a lie. That’s not enough. Rio: The truth is, even from now on, I think it’d be good if you came to like me. Rio: I don’t want you to go confess. Rio: That is how much

p.19 Rio: I like you, Yuna-chan. Rio: That’s why I don’t want you to go. Rio: It’d be good if you could come to like me again.

p.20 Rio: If that happens, I’ll cherish you. You’ll be the one I’ll care for the most. Rio: Even though, I don’t know what kind of guy is the person you like. Compared to him, I’m sure that I…….. Rio: !!

p.21 Rio: Ah! Rio: No. It’s not like I’m dissing the guy you like…. (it’s not it… probably​) Yuna: When I finally got the courage to confess at the Night Festival Rio: ……..sorry. Yuna: I mustered my courage in order to confess and the one I was always trying to find while running, Yuna: Was you, Rio-kun.

p.22 Rio: ………..Heh? Yuna: As the me who changed at least a little from that time, once again, I wanted to say that I like you, Rio-kun.

p.23 Rio: Re- Rio: Really? Is that true? Yuna: Sorry for being persistent. But, I’ve always liked you, Rio-kun.

p.24 Rio: It’s fine. I also think that I might be considerably insistent with you. (tn: not too sure about this one, sorry)

p.25 Rio: I’ll be counting on you, from now on. Yuna: Me too…

p.26 Friend: Akari, you’re here. Hee-y! Akari: Sorry, guys. Friend: What happened? You told us not to board the train and wait. Did we forget something? *gasp* Akari: I… I…. There is something I never told you.

p.27 Friend: Hum? What? What is it? Akari: When it was decided I’d move. The truth is, I was really sad. It was frustrating that I’d have to part with you guys. I wanted to be together forever!

p.28 Friend: ….Well…. Why now? Akari: Because, back then, I could not say it properly. Even if it’s late now, I wanted to tell you. Because you are my precious friends. Friend: Wait. Why are you being all excited by yourself~~ Geez… What is that, now, after so long? Even though, I thought you would never say this kind of things.

p.29 Friend: I thought it was only us, the ones feeling lonely. Say that sooner. (Idiot) Akari: ………. Akari: It’s the truth. I’m sorry.

p.30 Akari: It’s as you said, Ryousuke-kun. Really, I only say the important things after they are long past. Friend: Hum? Ryousuke, what did you say to Akari? Friend: To begin with, Ryousuke you…. Akari: Ah, wait. I became aware of it because he said it.

p.31 Akari: From now on, I thought that I wanted to be more sincere about my feelings from back then. Ryousuke: ……...Sorry. About what I told you today. That was all about me.

p.32 Ryousuke: It’s me who felt ashamed that you could not return the same feelings I had. Ryousuke: If it’s like this, before I was hated, it’d better if I hated instead. Ryousuke: It was me who couldn’t hold myself if I wasn’t looking from above. Akari: ………….

p.33 Akari: Is that so? We were quite similar, right… Ryousuke: Yeah, we’re the same. Ryousuke: I’m glad I came today. I’m glad we could meet. Today, it was really fun.

p.34 Ryousuke: Not only today. But, the time when we dated as well. It was always fun. Sorry, for not giving my best.

p.35 Akari: “Like this, I wish I was able to catch up to Yuna, at least a little.”

p.36 Akari: ………… Kazu: Ah. Yamamoto-san! Was it alright? Akari: Yeah. Kazu: That’s good. I was worried I had done something uncalled-for. Akari: Inui-kun.

p.37 Akari: Thank you for pushing my back. Akari: [I filled myself with a little more perseverance. When I am not hollow anymore. Then, at that time, I’ll properly...] Akari: “Until I become a person who can say it properly. (Wait a little.)”

p.38 Rio: Ah Rio: The folk dance has started. Well.. it’s fine. Right? Yuna: ….yeah Rio: ………. Rio: Why aren’t you saying anything since a while ago? Yuna: Because…. somehow, I still can’t believe it… (Is it a dream?)

p.39 Rio: “Cu… Cute……” (I really want to kiss her) Rio: “But, I just said I would cherish her….” Rio: “I have to hold back. But… I want to.” Yuna: Well.... Rio-kun…. there is something I want you to do for me…... Rio: [Do something….!? Maybe, Yuna-chan also wants to…….] Rio: Eh….. Wh- What? *ba dump*

p.40 Yuna: It’s something really embarrassing for me to say, though. Rio: “That. That’s it….!” Rio: It’s okay. I was thinking the same.

p.41 Yuna: Eh… Wait, Rio-kun. Isn’t your face too close…? (I was surprised) Rio: “Hm? That… wasn’t the mood for a kiss!?” Yuna: Hands… I want to hold hands…. Rio: “What…” Rio: Yeah Rio: “But,”

p.42 Rio: “I’m really happy...” Yuna: “Wow~~~” Yuna: “We’re holding hands in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship.” Yuna: “It doesn’t compare to how fast my heart’s beat until now…!” Yuna: “What do I do? My heart won’t take it. Maybe we should let go.” *thump thump* Yuna: E- excuse me…. Rio: That’s bad. My heart’s beating so fast just by holding hands. That’s the first time for me…..

p.43 Rio: I want to hold hands like this forever. *whoosh* Yuna: [Before that, I wonder if my heart will hold it...] *dizzy* Rio: Wah! Yuna-chan!

[sakisakasaikou]

Omoi Omoware Furi Furare Ch 27 Translation

Guyssssssssssssssssssssssssssss AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Scans Here

p1 Overflowing, Unending Emotions

p2 Yuna: (Where are you, Rio-kun?)

Yuna: (I have to find you quickly.)

Yuna: (I have to tell you how I feel.)

Rio: It's so dark, I can't really see...

p3 Someone: The birth of a new couple!

Everyone: Congrats! Woohoo!

Rio: (Huhh. It's not Yuna-chan.)

Rio: (It's really bad I don't have my phone with me.)

Rio: Oh!

Rio: (Confessions could happen at the back of the school!)

p4 Rio: (Ah.)

Rio: (Yuna-chan?)

Rio: (...It's.. not.)

Yuna: Eh.

Yuna: Wah!

Rio: WAH!

p5 Yuna: I'm sorry I ran into you... but I finally caught up.

Rio: Yuna-chan!?

Yuna: Umm, yes. It's me.

Yuna: (I don't want him to see my dirty uniform....)

Rio: What's wrong?

p6 Yuna: I'm sorry to bother you when you're in a hurry.

Rio: Eh?

Yuna: You don't have to turn around--just please listen to something I want to tell you.

sfx: heartthump

Rio: Huh? ....What?

Yuna: My gratitude... you could say.

Rio: .......

Rio: Eh? Hm?

Rio: Gratitude... I see.

p7 Yuna: Rio-kun, you said I've changed... since you first met me, right?

Rio: ? Yeah...

Yuna: I... I think that about myself, too.

Yuna: And that... I think a big reason for that... is because I was able to confess my feelings to you.

p8 Yuna: Until that point I could never have imagined myself confessing to someone!

Yuna: But I did it!

Yuna: Ahh... though I was turned down. And I cried, too...

Rio: ... right. (Gratitude like going to a confessional?)

Yuna: But now, I don't care about that anymore. It was so important to me that I was able to do it.

p9 Yuna: And after that, I wanted to be able to talk to you as a friend.

Yuna: I think I did my very best.

Rio: ... Yeah.

Yuna: I... like myself a lot better now, more than who I was. And it's thanks to you I can feel that way.

p10 Yuna: So thank you. I always wanted to thank you.

Yuna: (And so... it's time for the me now, who is different from the me then, to say one more time--)

Yuna: And...... and one more thing....

Rio: Now hold on! This isn't right!

p11 Rio: You're telling me something so good, so why can't you even look me in the eyes? That's not right!

Rio: (For you to tell me through my back)

Rio: You have to look me in the face and say it properly

Rio: (And then go off to some other guy to confess your feelings)

Rio: Otherwise it's no good!

Rio: (Why?)

p12 Rio: (Why would you leave.)

Yuna: I'm sorry!

Yuna: My uniform is dirty, and I kind of didn't want anyone to see.

Rio: I want to see.

Rio: I want to look you in the eyes.

p13 Rio: (Right now, I want to see your face more than anyone else on Earth.)

p14 Rio: You finally let me see you.

p15 Yuna: I'm... I'm sorry.

Rio: Eh? Why?

Yuna: Rio-kun, you were looking for someone just now weren't you?

Yuna: But I have something else to say. So... if you have a little more--

Rio: Yes I was.

p16 Rio: I was, but I'm not anymore.

Yuna: ?

Rio: I was searching for you, Yuna-chan.

Yuna: Eh... why?

p17 Rio: ......

[sfx fidgets]

Rio: ~~~~~~~~

Rio: I can't do it!

Rio: Having seen you, I don't want to let you leave!

p18 Rio: I thought it would be fine so long as you knew how I felt

Rio: But that's not true at all. It's not enough at all.

Rio: Even if you start right now, I just want you to like me.

Rio: I don't want you to go confess to anyone else.

Rio: That's how much

p19 Rio: I like you.

Rio: So I don't want you to go.

Rio: I just wish you would like me again.

p20 Rio: If you did, I would treat you well.

Rio: I would treat you better than anyone else.

Rio: Anyway, I don't know what kind of guy the guy you like is, but I'm definitely way better than--

Rio: !!

p21 Rio: Ah! No... I wasn't trying to diss the guy you like... I mean, probably.

Yuna: I finally

Yuna: Got up the courage to confess at tonight's gathering.

Rio: ......I'm sorry.

Yuna: I mustered up the courage and ran everywhere, so I could do it.

Yuna: I searched everywhere for you.

p22 Rio: ......... What?

Yuna: I really wanted to tell you one more time--now that I'm a better version of myself--that I like you.

p23 Rio: Re--really? Really?

Yuna: I'm so sorry I can't give up. But I've liked you all this time, Rio-kun.

p24 Rio: It's fine.

Rio: I have a feeling I'll be just as stubborn about you.

p25 Rio: I'll be in your hands.

Yuna: Me too.

p26 Kano: Ah! Akari! Over here!

Akari: I'm sorry everybody!

Kano: What's wrong? You asked us to miss the train and wait for you. Did we forget something?

Akari: I.. I...

Akari: I have something I've been needing to say for a long time!

p27 Kano: N? What? What is it?

Akari: When it was time for me to move...

Akari: I was honestly really upset. I didn't want to be separated from you, it was terrible.

Akari: I wanted to be with you forever!

p28 Kano: Uh... why now?

Akari: I couldn't say it back then. I know it's late but I wanted to tell you. You're too important to me.

Kano: Well now. You're getting all worked up.

Kano: Honestly, after all this time...

Kano: I was sure you'd never say anything like that.

p29 Kano: I thought it was just us feeling sad about it.

Kano: You should've said something sooner. Silly.

Akari: It's true. I'm sorry.

p30 Akari: It's like you said, Ryousuke.

Akari: I really only say important things after everything's passed.

Kano: Hmm? Ryousuke, did you say something to Akari?

Kano: Because you really--

Akari: Wait.

Akari: It's because of Ryousuke that I realized

p31 Akari: I really want to be more forthright in my feelings from now on.

Ryousuke: I'm sorry.

Ryousuke: The things I said to you today, they were really about myself.

p32 Ryousuke: It's really me who gets embarrassed if I share things and the people I share them with don't feel the same.

Ryousuke: So before someone ends up hating me for that, it's better if I hate them myself.

Ryousuke: If I didn't look down on you, I wouldn't have been able to keep it up.

p33 Akari: I see.

Akari: We really were just the same.

Ryousuke: Yeah, we really were.

Ryousuke: I'm glad I came today. I'm glad I saw you. It was a really good time.

p34 Ryousuke: And not just today. When we were dating

Ryousuke: I had fun.

Ryousuke: I'm sorry I didn't try harder.

p35 Akari: (And with that... I've caught up to Yuna just a little.)

p36 Kazu: Oh

Kazu:Yamamoto-san!

Kazu: Did it go okay?

Akari: Yeah.

Kazu: I'm glad. I was worried I might have gone too far.

Akari: Inui-kun

p37 Akari: Thank you for giving me the push I needed.

Akari: (I'll try a little harder, push together everything inside me, so I have some substance...)

Akari: (And then, I'll become...)

Akari: (Become someone who can tell you properly. Just wait.)

p38 Rio: Oh

Rio: The folk dance has started. ... Well, oh well.

Rio: Hey

Yuna: Yeah?

Rio: .......

Rio: How come you haven't said much?

Yuna: Well... I still can't quite believe it. Am I dreaming?

p39 Rio: (She's so... so cute...)

Rio: (I wanna kiss her so bad.)

Rio: (But I just said I'd treat her well.)

Rio: (Gotta hold it in.)

Rio: (But.)

Rio: (I wanna.)

Yuna: U...m...

Yuna: There's something... I'd like to ask you to do...

Rio: (You want me to do?)

Rio: (No way, could she also want....)

Rio: Eh? Wh-what?

p40 Yuna: It's really embarrassing for me to say something like this...

Rio: (Here... it comes.)

Rio: It's okay.

Rio: I was thinking the same thing.

p41 Yuna: W-wait! Your face is too close!

Rio: (Hn?)

Yuna: That startled me!

Rio: (Uh... Isn't that the right opening for a kiss?)

Yuna: I want... y-you to hold my hand.

Rio: (Oh.)

Rio: Nn.

Rio: (But...)

p42 Rio: (I'm so happy.)

Yuna: (Wahhh!!)

Yuna: (The way your heart races when you hold hands as boyfriend and girlfriend)

Yuna: (Is on a totally different level than before!)

Yuna: (Oh no, my heart can't handle it. I need him to let go!)

Yuna: Uh--uhmm...

Rio: Man. This is the first time I've held someone's hand

Rio: And felt this worked up.

p43 Rio: I want to keep holding your hand just like this forever.

Yuna: (I wonder if my heart can handle this.)

Rio: Wah! Yuna-chan!

[gymwrites]

Second Thoughts: A Fan Sequel to First Times

[Author’s note: It wasn’t supposed to happen, but Chapter 6 will have three parts. Some of you seem to prefer I release whatever I’m done with sooner, so trying it out this way :) P.S I wonder if there will still be any Thorsman shippers after this chapter 🤔]

Links to: Prologue, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5 (Part I), Chapter 5 (Part II), Chapter 6 (Part I), Chapter 6 (Part II), Chapter 6 (Part III), Chapter 7, Chapter 8 (Part I), Chapter 8 (Part II)

Chapter 6 (Part II): Rio

The second thought Aliya Mustafina has when it just so happens to be Eythora Thorsdottir entering the all but deserted locker room, is how she hates not being able to hate her. The first had been replete with silent cursing. Lots of it.

She curses the twistedness of the universe. Of all the gymnasts in all the world, of all the moments in time, it had to be her and it had to be now. She curses the air of confidence Eythora totes around with her. Even when setting her oversized gym bag down onto the lacquered wooden bench, tilting her head to the side, and putting one arm over the other in a slow, relaxed stretch.

But most of all, she curses when Eythora turns at the sound of footsteps coming from the direction of the showers.

Spotting Aliya, the girl’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. The Russian, freshly wet hair hanging down over her shoulders, is equally surprised. Eythora is the very last person she wants to be alone with. To make matters worse, Eythora greets her as if greeting a friend she hasn’t seen in years.

“Aliya, hey!”

Grudgingly, Aliya plasters what she hopes resembles a smile on her face.

“Hi.”

“I wasn’t expecting anyone to be here so early,” Eythora says, her dimpled grin designed to disarm even the most jaded person in the room.

If Aliya had tried to pick apart her demeanor in subatomic detail to find some flaw, some inconsistency, she would have failed. With a sinking heart, she resentfully admits the obvious: No wonder why Aly seems so taken by this girl. Genuineness is the currency of good, decent people. And Eythora has it in spades. Not to mention her English is freakishly, annoyingly perfect.

Pushing down her irritation, Aliya replies coolly, “Early is better. No people.”

“You just finished training?”

“Yes.” Aliya fervently prays that keeping her responses short and minimally polite will bring the conversation to a merciful end.

"Congratulations on your team winning the silver yesterday. You deserved it.” Eythora flashes that damn smile again. She unzips her bag and starts pulling out various items one by one - a large fluffy towel emblazoned with a golden lion and Welkom in Nederland in bold typeface, a sleek black training leotard, a roll of tape.

Aliya mutters her thanks. She knows she should comment on how impressive Team Netherlands’ performances were. She’s been following their dazzling rise with interest for quite some time now. She’s even looked forward to swapping notes on choreography and performance under the code. Instead, Aliya grips the straps of her bag tighter and makes a not-so-subtle move towards the exit.

“How are you feeling about the all-around tomorrow?”

Stopped in her tracks, a jolt of bewilderment shoots through Aliya. Her deliberately standoffish aura must really be off today. Either that, or Eythora is one of the rare few who are completely impervious to wilfully uncommunicative Russians.

“I am good.”

“Good… Me too. I think.” Eythora sits down on the bench beside her bag with a sigh. “Good, but nervous.” She looks up at Aliya with unconcealed admiration. “I guess you know what that’s like. You’ve been in so many competitions and had so much success. I am a huge fan of yours. Does it get any easier? I mean, dealing with all that pressure?”

Dear God.

Does it get any easier to constantly be expected to bear the brunt of responsibility for an entire national team, receiving nothing but low rumbles of disappointment from your own gymnastics federation in return? To be falsely accused of using injury as an excuse to slack off? Does it get easier to fall hopelessly for a rival American gymnast, to the strong disapproval of everyone close to you, only to have her break you, but somehow still keep an iron hold over you? To have the girl clearly chasing after said American unexpectedly ask you for advice?

Surprising even herself, Aliya manages to hold off her rising animosity by breathing deeply in, then out fast. Can she blame Eythora for the fact that Aly is a walking human magnet? It’s not the girl's fault she fortuitously crossed paths with the American in Rio, at a time when no one, least of all Aliya, has any claim over her.

‘Do you think we could maybe just be friends? People who aren’t crazy in love with each other, or aren’t crazy angry at each other all the time. Just friends.’

Like a trained assassin lowering a drawn weapon, Aliya’s readiness to wage war fades, bit by bit.

Just friends.

Warily, quietly, Aliya answers, “Thank you. It not get more easy. Only look easy to people who not know how hard we train.” She allows herself to give Eythora the slightest of reassuring looks. “You not have problem tomorrow if trust body, trust mind.”

Eythora pauses thoughtfully, musing over Aliya’s words. She unscrews the top of a shiny red metallic water bottle she’s pulled out of her bottomless bag. A long sip follows. Then Eythora nods and breaks into a grateful smile. “Thanks so much, Aliya. I’ll remember that.” 

Minutes - they seem like years - of silence ensue, punctured only by the sound of Eythora rustling through a plastic bag that contains pairs of extra socks. At this rate, she’s going to pull out her entire wardrobe, wooden chest of drawers and all.

Aliya seems to be the only one to sense the rising level of discomfort permeating the space between them. There's something else she has to say, but it's taking her longer than expected to work up to it. “Eythora,” she eventually forces out in a low voice. 

The Dutch girl stops unrolling a sock and glances up with curiosity. “Yes?”

“I am sorry. For yesterday.”

The confusion on Eythora’s expression almost breaks Aliya’s resolve to be cordial to the girl. She doesn’t want to have to repeat the apology, the speaking of which has left a nasty, nauseous aftertaste.

“Sorry? What for?”

“I am not good to you when… when you are with Aly in the morning.” Aliya swallows. The phrase ‘with Aly’ tastes even worse coming off her tongue. Like bile mixed with cheap, sour wine.

“Oh, that.” For a split second, it looks like Eythora doesn’t quite know how to react. But she recovers quickly with a smile. “Don’t worry. I wasn’t bothered by it.”

Aliya’s eyes harden into black stone. The way Eythora casually said that makes her one part uncomfortable, nine parts irate. 'Wasn’t bothered by it', like she's trying to be deliberately dismissive.

Aliya doesn’t get an opportunity to parse this out, because Eythora presses on, catching her off guard again.

“Look. I don’t want to be too forward or anything-”

A cold prickle of dread runs through Aliya’s body. Too forward was about ten minutes ago.

“- but I wanted to…“ Eythora hesitates, searching for the correct word, “check? that you have nothing going on with Aly.” She pauses again, contemplating how to proceed. Her earnest, slate grey eyes lock onto Aliya’s. “If there is, just say the word. I’m not the kind of girl to come in between two people, if you know what I mean.”

A raging loathing engulfs Aliya whole, even if it is tinged with a bit of guilt for being hostile to this genuinely considerate girl. She has to credit Eythora for being as gutsy as she is right now. Aliya knows exactly what she means. But who does that? Who lays out all their cards at once, giving someone who has every reason to take away the object of their desire the power to do so?

It turns out to be a genius tact, because something snaps. An answer instinctively rushes out, one Aliya can hardly believe when she hears herself give it.

“No. There is nothing.”

Saying that feels like swallowing blades. Blades, and fire.

“You’re not together?” Uncertainty, and a smidge of hopefulness, colors Eythora’s careful tone.

“No.” It’s surreal, almost as if her mouth is an independent and completely separate part of her, while her soul is screaming at it to take it all back and declare that no one, nothing, will ever be allowed to come between her and Aly Raisman.

The salving effect of that tiny, two-lettered word is obvious. Eythora isn’t even trying to hide her relief. She gives a shy, uneasy chuckle. “Thank you for even answering that. I know it was a stupid question.”

Aliya feels sick to her stomach. She realizes that fear and pride, magnified by a history of hurt, had pushed her and Aly onto two parallel tracks that would never meet. So long as it remained this way, a vulnerable space would exist between them, one that opened up opportunities for others to enter into the picture.

“She’s special, isn’t she?” Eythora’s question isn’t really a question, but the remarks of someone who can’t help but keep talking about a person they’re clearly taken with. 

There are worse things than continuing this conversation, Aliya thinks. Walking on burning coals. Tearing through tendons and bone. But it sure doesn’t feel like it right now. Nothing could possibly be worse. She forces the muscles in her throat to work. “Da. She is good gymnast.”

Eythora gives a small faraway smile. “Not just that. She’s one of the nicest people I’ve met.”

“There are many nice people.”

“Not like her, though.”

Reflexively, Aliya clenches her first.

No. There is no one like her.

With another embarrassed laugh, Eythora glances at Aliya apologetically. “I’m sorry, I just… It’s good to talk to someone who knows Aly and doesn’t think I’m crazy for being so attached to a girl I barely know. My teammates think I’ve lost my mind.”

“They are right.”

Frowning, Eythora asks, “How so?”

“Two country, two people. It is never good.”

“I know it won’t be easy.”

“It is not about easy, not easy. It is about what is possible and not possible.”

“I believe in trying for things that other people say are impossible. Isn’t that why we’re all here, at the Olympics?”

Aliya glares, eyeing the girl with a seasoned, but barely maintained tolerance. “What you are wanting is much different to Olympics.”

“I’ll take my chances.” Eythora finally breaks with her policy of not explicitly throwing down a challenge to Aliya. There’s no ambiguity about it now - her steady, unflinching gaze confirms that she isn’t going to hold back anymore.

With that made clear, there’s no longer any reason for Aliya to be standing there talking to Eythora. She can’t stay much longer, anyway. With each passing second, it feels like the freshly painted and scuffed locker room walls are collapsing slowly in on her. Aliya shifts her bag onto the other shoulder and gives the girl a terse nod.

“I am late to see my team. Good luck tomorrow.”

Eythora seems unsurprised that their exchange has come to an abrupt end. “You too. And Aliya?” She dips her head to the side, a somber expression etched on her face, as if acknowledging she had tested the Russian’s patience more than was perhaps warranted. “Thank you.”

As she strides out the doorway, Aliya feels weighed down by a weary sorrow, a distressing sense that she has somehow been outmanoeuvred. Once outside, she finds a wall to lean against. She gulps in mouthfuls of fresh air, trying to clear her head and if possible, expunge from her memory the last few minutes of her life.

If it had been a test of her resolve to be ‘just friends’ with Aly Raisman, she had passed. Maybe not with flying colors, but she had scraped by, the promise to not assert any deeper connection to the girl intact. Her fighting instincts to claim the American solely as hers, and hers own alone, no longer reign supreme.

She had done it.

Aliya hides her face in her hands, willing back a sob.

Being ‘just friends’ with Aly Raisman is the most horrible feeling in the world.

[punkscowardschampions]

Buster & Rio

Buster: I can hear Nancy crying Buster: Mum and dad are between here and London somewhere Rio: Oh no Rio: I'd leave her to it Rio: I could text her to put out feelers but, she probably won't be ready to talk to anyone Rio: maybe just put a brew on in a few ☕ Buster: Yeah Buster: If I want it thrown at my head Rio: Who's offended by a cup of tea Rio: don't need to offer a digestive and a chat with it, like Buster: Anyone who knows me 'cause when have I ever offered Buster: She's not an idiot Buster: Even if she reckons she can get away with pretending I don't hear her Rio: Alright Rio: probably do pretend then, if that's what she wants Buster: Or just kick the door in, how I want Rio: She'll talk to Junior if there's anything drastic, trust me Rio: they talk about everything Buster: Come over Buster: She'll talk to you Rio: Be a bit suspect, like hey heard you were in your feelings Rio: she wouldn't like to think you're talking about her Buster: Fuck that Buster: Someone needs to Buster: Something's up, obviously Rio: Buster Rio: it's alright Rio: she'll talk about it when she wants to Rio: she's not an idiot, yeah? if it was serious she'd reach out Buster: No she wouldn't Buster: She never does Buster: Come on Rio: Neither would you Rio: but would you be alright if everyone just rolled up on you, even with good intentions Rio: just hang tight, yeah Buster: We aren't talking about me Rio: No but Rio: I've text her, okay Rio: I'll let you know Buster: Will you, or will I have to make you tell me like usual Rio: I'll tell you Rio: We aren't talking about me Buster: Fine Rio: Don't worry, yeah? Buster: I ain't Rio: You are Rio: or why would you be talking to me rn Buster: 'Cause Buster: I knew you'd know what to do Rio: Yeah, well, had enough experience by now Rio: sorry there's not much you can do Buster: Not like she wants me to anyway Buster: So whatever Rio: Be weird if she did on this one Rio: gotta sort that kinda thing yourself Buster: Yeah Buster: Come over then. Not for her Rio: I can't Buster: I can lock my door too, like Buster: She's not gonna see you Rio: You can still hear her though, so she'd hear me Buster: I'll drive us somewhere else then Rio: You've changed your mind then Buster: What? Rio: Now you want to, we're just gonna forget it happened, yeah? Buster: Do you wanna sort this or not? Rio: Yeah Rio: So, tell me what we're doing Buster: I don't know, we'll just find somewhere to go, like Rio: Right, are you planning on talking when we get there or what? Buster: Are you? Rio: I'm trying to talk to you now, like Buster: Like it's rocket science Buster: Do you love me or don't you? Rio: Why do I have to be the one to put myself out there Rio: I said it first before, you know Buster: Yeah? Buster: I didn't know Rio: No Rio: Well, I did Buster: Alright. Did you mean it? Rio: Are you gonna stop if I get it wrong? Buster: Rio Buster: Just tell me the truth Rio: Of course I meant it Buster: Seriously Rio: Please don't take the piss out of me right now Rio: Yes, seriously Buster: I'm not Buster: It's just a headfuck Rio: Trust me, I know Rio: I didn't intend for it to happen Buster: I know, but it did Rio: Sorry about it, like Rio: it isn't ideal for me either really Buster: I never said I was sorry Rio: Didn't need to Rio: literally ran away Rio: get it, like but Buster: Fuck off Buster: I was surprised, don't get offended, like Rio: That's putting it lightly Buster: Fuck's sake Rio: Besides the point now Rio: but there you go Buster: It's not Buster: Jesus I'm trying here Rio: You don't have to say anything but Rio: I ain't gonna sit here and pour my heart out for no reason, like Buster: Don't be an idiot Rio: Don't call me an idiot Buster: Don't act like one Buster: I already told you I'm not sorry and I meant what I said Buster: I fucking love you, alright? Rio: I swear to God if you're just saying that 'cos I did.. Buster: Fuck you Buster: I love you Rio: You're such an idiot Rio: but I love you Buster: I must be 'cause I've never said it before and now I've said it Christ knows how many times to you Rio: just the three, if you're worried about your score Rio: you've never said it before? Buster: No Buster: Why would I? Rio: I dunno, thought you would've had at least one proper girlfriend Buster: Shut up Buster: I don't do girlfriends Rio: Should've guessed Rio: not keeping that close an eye on your love life before 😜 Buster: Could've fooled me Buster: You're usually such a know it all Buster: And obsessed with me, like Rio: You shut up Rio: insufferable, honestly Buster: Make me Rio: Are you still coming to get me Rio: 'cos I will Buster: Yeah Buster: I've missed you Rio: Me too Rio: sorry I fucked up your plans Rio: did you still go Buster: Don't Buster: I fucked them up Buster: I nearly called you so many times, I'm sorry Rio: It's alright I wouldn't have even been mad if you didn't Rio: just don't stop talking to me again, okay Rio: whatever you wanna say Buster: I won't Buster: Promise Rio: Good Buster: Let's get a room, yeah? No chance of the Spanish weather but it'll still be hot Rio: Okay 😍 Rio: Did I mention I missed you? Buster: Yeah but say it again Rio: I really fucking missed you Buster: How long do you need to be ready to go? Rio: I want to tell you to come now 'cos I want you Rio: but actually, look a state so Rio: give me half an hour to sort this Buster: I'll be right here Buster: I just promised not to stop chatting to you, like Rio: You're alright 😂 not demanding constant and total attention literal 😉 Rio: but I like it Buster: No takebacks, Cavante. A promise is a promise Buster: If you wanted to dictate terms you should've sooner Rio: Love it when you talk law Rio: such a nerd Buster: Fuck off Buster: You're a nerd Rio: Ha very mature 😂 not to mention how Buster: Well, maybe I wanna go back to when we were kids Buster: Do it all again Rio: Baby Rio: You're so cute Buster: You're beautiful Rio: You're gonna kill me Buster: I haven't even started yet, babe Rio: Yeah? Buster: I'm not just taking you to a hotel for the parallel Buster: We're gonna need that Do Not Disturb sign Rio: You know Rio: especially 'cos I gotta keep telling you how much I missed you and you can't stop chatting Rio: up all night 😏 sorry about it Buster: Especially 'cause I'm gonna fuck you with my tongue until you tell me how me how much you love me Buster: If we're up all night that'll be your fault Rio: 😫 Rio: DADDY Rio: Definitely all your fault but I'll figure out a way to get payback Buster: Yeah? Buster: We'll see Rio: You will Rio: just for you Buster: You spoil me, babe Rio: Only what you deserve Buster: You usually make me earn it Buster: You've really missed me, yeah? Rio: Too much Rio: It ain't even funny how long it felt Buster: I won't laugh at you Buster: Or do that again Rio: I thought that was it Buster: I'm sorry Rio: It ain't so you don't have to be Buster: But I am Buster: I hate when you're upset Rio: I'm happy now Rio: you make me so happy baby Buster: Good Buster: Hearing Nance set me off thinking about you Rio: You're so good Rio: wish you'd let people see Buster: I'm not Buster: But I wanna be for you Rio: Are too Buster: Shut up Buster: Are you ready yet or what? Rio: So impatient Rio: unaccounting for the levels of tragic, moping 'round my house like a teen all over again Buster: You reckon you've seen me impatient, but it'll be nothing compared to when I get you in the car Rio: What I'm secretly hoping for 😈 Buster: Don't keep it secret Buster: I wanna hear all about it Rio: I just wanna feel exactly how hard you've missed me Buster: You will Rio: Don't pull up to the house though, I'll come to the top of the lane Rio: unless you wanna have an improtu catch up with the fam 🙄 Buster: As much as I'd not have to drive this turned on, I'd rather not have them kill the mood for me Rio: honestly Rio: or have to think up a decent excuse why you're even picking me up Buster: I mean, I've already thrown my sister under the bus to start a convo with you, like Rio: I know you care too, babe Rio: At the dangerous point of horny where I basically don't care Rio: sorry lads Rio: you've all seen him, don't act surprised Buster: Keep my secrets, babe Buster: Me too Buster: And it's always gonna be more dangerous for me Rio: 'Course Rio: why's that then? Buster: I know I only have to look at you to see how much you want me but nobody else needs to be in the know whereas anyone can literally see how hard you make me Buster: Playing with unfair odds here, like Rio: Awh baby 😂 Rio: I'd bring it up with God for you but we ain't on speaking terms now Buster: If you wanna talk to yourself don't feel the need to do it on my behalf, babe 😂 Buster: While you're there ask Santa what he's bringing us Rio: Oi Rio: Already shaken my faith don't be cheeky Buster: Answered your prayers you mean Rio: Yeah, obviously, you in a groupchat with my priest or what? Rio: in confessional like, what was that? slow down, gotta type it out Buster: If there's a god you should believe in it's me for how often I can make you cum Buster: He's not making you feel that good, is he Rio: That is blasphemy Rio: as well as unnecessary advice Rio: I'm already there, like Buster: Yeah? Buster: Good Buster: 'Cause you know I'll worship you anytime, like Rio: ANY time, yeah? Rio: Good to know Buster: 'Course Buster: Not some fucking amateur that you've fallen for here Rio: Thank God Rio: oops, there I go again Buster: 😏 Buster: I have that effect, he'll understand, forgiving sort so I've heard Rio: Idiot Rio: Better start 🙏 he is Buster: I'd rather wait until I'm with you to get on my knees Buster: More worthwhile, like Rio: 😳 Rio: Not going to complain Rio: you know I only want you to get down on 'em for me really Buster: God's a bit free with his love, ain't he? Not gonna work for me as a jealous type Rio: Well he is love Rio: it's complicated Rio: stick with me Rio: even I ain't that much of a headfuck Buster: 😂 Buster: And I don't need to be in competition for favourite son, cheers Rio: When's the last time YOU died for our sins, babe? Rio: Sort it out Buster: The French call an orgasm a little death so Buster: Died for yours plenty of times Rio: Full of useful information, you 🤓 Rio: so dramatic Rio: the french, and you, like Buster: What can I say? That's the kind of education you've just gotta pay for Buster: And you love it Rio: Investment worth having, clearly 😜 Rio: Maybe Buster: You'll see when I'm investing my 💰💰💰 Buster: Really love me then Rio: Why else would I be here? 😏🙄 Buster: Exactly Rio: More palatable story, lbr Rio: in it for the 💳 duh Buster: Until someone questions why you ain't just with my dad, like Rio: Duh, so loyal Rio: him, not me Buster: 😂 Rio: also not drew about things, like 😬 Buster: At least he's blocked now so I don't have to smash his face in Rio: Seriously Rio: he was so creepy Buster: is Buster: You know he ain't changed just 'cause he's being denied seeing your posts Rio: Nah, 'course Rio: Just think, he was probably pissed at the pub, can't be as bad as I remember it Buster: Babe Buster: Don't start Rio: I don't wanna start drama, that's the thing Buster: Fuck that Buster: You know if he tries to start any more I'll finish it Buster: I swear to you Rio: Well, I'm sure he won't so let's not think about it Buster: Normally I'd argue but all my focus is on you right now anyway Buster: I can't think about anything or anybody else Rio: Not gonna apologise for it Buster: I don't need you to Buster: Just tell me you're ready to be picked up Rio: 👍 Rio: Been ready AGES what you talkin' about Buster: 🙄 Buster: Well, I'm nearly there and I don't see you, babe Rio: 🙊 Rio: Putting my shoes on, honest Buster: 'Course Buster: Anyone would think you'd wanna get us caught or me ending up with a worse fate leaving me and this car hanging around the 24 Rio: Well, if you're gonna be rude about my ends 🖕 Rio: good 🍀 to yas Rio: 😂 Buster: Hilarious Rio: Be nice or I'm not coming out to play Buster: I just complimented your sense of humor Buster: That is nice Rio: Hmm Rio: Say it like you mean it, babe Buster: Come out and I'll be even nicer Buster: I mean that Rio: 🤤 Rio: These shoes are not made for running but I need the height Buster: How far have you got? I'll carry you Rio: SHUT UP I'D DIE Buster: I'm not gonna drop you, baby Buster: You'd be fine Rio: I MEAN I'D MELT STOP Buster: That's not giving me much incentive to stop Rio: I just Rio: how'd you get so cute seriously Buster: Genetics Rio: Nah Rio: I mean, obviously Rio: but how you are Rio: and you've not had a girlfriend, why?? Rio: denying the world Buster: I'm how I am 'cause of you Buster: Shame you can't take the credit, like but Buster: I love you Rio: I love you Rio: also, I see you Buster: Good Buster: Get in the car Rio: If I make you ask one more time do you promise to be extra not nice? Buster: Well, I was about to say please but Rio: Good to know I can push you further baby Buster: Come and do it then Buster: I need you to Rio: 💋

[rpchive]

Sixty Seventh Encounter-- Run Devil Run

man goat sim gets weird

Though the IT has finally landed, it seems to have stopped at an odd time, as Nydins isn't in the console room yet. Rio is there, but she seems to be confused about the landing as well. Fawkes: Hm? That's strange. The IT doesn't stop itself, right? Rio: No, it usually does come to its own stops; just not this early...that I've heard, anyway... Fawkes: Where's Nydins anyway? It's not like her to not be here when this thing lands somewhere. Rio: Probably still asleep; it's barely past 3 AM... Fawkes: Right, I forget that most people here actually need sleep. Do you think we should go get some of the others? Rio: I don't know what to do in this sort of situation...it could be a genuine problem, but maybe the IT did just land sooner than usual? Somebody should certainly look into it though... Fawkes: I'll go get Nydins, at least. She can probably figure out what's going on. I just hope she's not a heavy sleeper... Fawkes leaves the console room and heads for Nydins' door and then knocks on it loud enough to wake her but tries not to make too much extra noise. There is a brief period of silence before Fawkes can make out a muffled conversation between Nydins and what sounds like Tori. Tori?: ...They sent somebody to look into it? Listen, I'm trying to warn you; do not go out there... Nydins: But somebody's gotta look at it; even just to actually leave. Tori?: Please, I know this ship; I know how stubborn it can be; just make it leave... Nydins: ...Just what are you trying to run from, anyway? How do you know what's out there when nobody else has even looked? Fawkes pauses for a moment before moving over to the side of the door. He then gently puts his hands to the wall and leans over, keeping his head close to the door to try and hear the conversation as best he can.

YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE EARS!!!!

Tori?: I...I really don't know how to explain it. It's a feeling I've had for a while; I tried to tell Tori, but he's been shrugging me off since all this started. It's like he doesn't even care what I am or what that means for me...I guess I don't blame him, but if nobody takes me seriously, then whatever's out there will only make this worse. Nobody else trusts me; nobody will listen to me; please, do not open that door, just get us out of here; don't even bother telling anybody we stopped here... Nydins: Demo, they already sent somebody to try and get me out there; someone already knows we stopped. If I keep them waiting, they'll just come in here and go out there. Demo: No; no; no; this is just a waste of time; I can't tell you what's out there, but I know it will be bad for us; I don't care how you stop this, just get us out of here and make sure nobody leaves!! Nydins: How am I supposed to convince anybody when the only source I have is you?! They're just gonna think you did something to me or something; everybody still thinks you're bad....! Demo: No; I'm not! I don't want to be; I never did! I've got a choice now, but whatever's out there...Nydins, I can't stress this enough; please, get us out of here... Nydins: ...I'll do what I can; but I can't promise anything... Fawkes, realizing that the conversation is ending, moves away from the door and starts casually walking back to the console room. Briefly after, Nydins also joins Fawkes and Rio in the console room. "We stopped this early...?" Rio: We did, but... Nydins: No, it's fine...I think it was just a short or something; I can probably fix this. Don't bother anyone else yet... Fawkes: Alright. Is there anything I can do to help? Nydins: ...No, not at the moment. If I can't get this thing out of here, then yes; but otherwise, we should stay put. If nothing's attacking us, we're not in any immediate danger, at least... Fawkes: True, I haven't heard anything trying to break our door down. Meanwhile; in Collin and Tori's room, Tori finally jolts awake; tears beginning to streak down his face as he defensively covers his chest. Breathing heavily, he tries to calm down as he realizes where he really is, slowly returning his hands to his sides. Collin wakes up from the sudden movement and pushes himself up to a sitting position. He speaks slowly, still halfway through waking up. "Hey, you alright?" alienrabitt: Ugh...yeah, I'm fine...I guess it was just a nightmare... He puts an arm around Tori's waist and pulls him into a gentle side hug. "I'm sorry. Need to talk about it?" alienrabitt: I don't know...it was like what I saw in Firefly's plant room; I saw something bad happen, but I couldn't interact with it...I didn't even recognize the people I saw... Collin: Mm... Do you think it was like that thing that happened in that cave yesterday? Where you were... I don't know, channeling the past Hermes or whatever? alienrabitt: No; they weren't Hermes...this was something else; they looked like kids... Collin: Kids, huh? Do you remember anything else? alienrabitt: A lot of lanterns...one of them saw me; I don't know how. They asked me to help them, but I couldn't. They told me to find them, but right after that... His voice trails off as he clutches something under his shirt in discomfort. Collin: Easy, easy, you're okay... He gently moves his hand from Tori's waist to his back, rubbing it slightly.

you’re not gonna ask what that is?

alienrabitt: ...I wish I could've helped them. I don't know where they are...I guess it's too late, but... Collin: It's alright, it's not even your memory after all. Assuming it's a memory and not just a dream, that is... alienrabitt: I don't know...I don't know if I'm seeing the past or the future anymore... Collin: A shame there wasn't a calendar in it... alienrabitt: Pff; Mayan, maybe; they were in some sort of cave. Collin: Hmm... weird. Anyway, do you feel like going back to bed, or do you still need a few? alienrabitt: There's no way I could sleep after something like that... Collin: Fair enough... He rubs his eyes for a moment. "Want to get out of the room for a bit, then?" alienrabitt: ...Yeah. Hopefully I can get back to sleep a little later... Collin: Alright then. He swings his legs over the side of the bed and reattaches his prosthetic before standing up and grabbing his jumpsuit. He holds it up and stares at it for a moment before he starts putting it on. "Y'know, I should probably look into some new clothes sometime..." alienrabitt: Well, we've got a whole closet here if you wanna look some time. Sliding out of bed, Tori stretches a bit before heading for the door. Collin: Yeah, maybe sometime soon. He catches up with Tori and pulls him into another quick side hug, placing a kiss on top of his head before letting him out the door first. Nydins continues to do everything she can think of with the console; but the IT shows no signs of moving any time soon. Collin: Oh, hey Nydins. You seem... busy. Nydins: It's three in the morning; and instead of sleeping, I'm having to find out why the IT stopped early... alienrabitt: Do you know where we are yet? Nydins: No; I don't care, either. It's just a stop; not our destination. We need to be getting back to Kujaar in case whatever you saw shows up; not stopping anywhere the IT feels like...but these readings are really weird; by all accounts, the IT shouldn't have stopped at all... Collin: What, are we inbetween universes or something? Nydins: No, it's more like somebody called us down... Collin: That's... weird. Are we getting any kind of communication or anything? Nydins: No. No messages; no weird characters; nothing. Just signs that the IT stopped because it was needed for a sense of urgency, and that's all... Collin: Should we try to take a look, then? I mean, if someone needs us... Nydins: W-we can't just stop for every flare and SOS...! We're heroes, yeah, but we aren't some sort of intergalactic police or an ambulance or something... Collin: Fair point, but it's not like we're going anywhere right now. Although everyone else is asleep still. Hell, even I'm still kinda sleepy... Nydins: Um; maybe you should just go back to bed, then? I can probably figure this out... Rio: You've been at this for half an hour already... Nydins: S-so?! I didn't say it's a fast job; I just said I could do it...! Fawkes: I'd be happy to help... Nydins: The, uh...the only way you could help is by getting out of this room, really. I can't work when I'm crowded... Collin: Well, I wouldn't mind going back to bed, but I don't know about Tori... alienrabitt: I really can't yet. I'm still trying to get over what I saw... Nydins: ...Huh? Did you see something bad? alienrabitt: Yeah, I saw a bunch of kids get hunted down like animals. One of them saw me too...they asked for help... Nydins stops suddenly. "You...stopped the IT?" alienrabitt: Huh? If I did, I didn't realize it...but I wasn't trying to... Nydins: ...If you did it, we can't leave...

3 seasons in and we finally find out that the IT only destination-locks when someone genuinely needs the help of the people inside

too bad we still don’t know anything else about it

Collin: Wait, hang on, what? What makes you think Tori's... dream or vision or whatever stopped the IT? Nydins: They asked Tori for help, right? And the IT stopped because somebody needed help... Collin: ... Man this is weird. Well if that's the case, then we have to help, right? Nydins: ...I...guess so. I can't get us out of here otherwise... Fawkes: Regardless, we should wait until some of the others have woken up. The three of us are the only ones awake right now that have significant familiarity with combat. Er, no offense, you two... Rio: Oh, none taken; you're absolutely right. Nydins: Suit yourselves; we'll be here regardless.

{LATER ON...} The remainder of the group has gathered in the console room, save for Demo and XL. Collin: Alright, so I take it we're good to go, eh? alienrabitt: As good as it'll get, I think. Fawkes turns his head slightly in Nydins direction before focusing back on the group. "I suppose so. Shall we, then?" Tori opens the door of the IT into the very cave he saw in his nightmare. Absentmindedly reaching for whatever he keeps under his shirt briefly, he carefully steps outside to look around. Collin steps out shortly after him. "Well, this seems inviting..." alienrabitt: ...So I am seeing the future. Or maybe it's the past now...hopefully not... Collin: Do you have any idea where we need to go, then? Looking around briefly, Tori heads off down the leftmost path. Aside from the echo of his footsteps, there is the distant sound of water dripping down from some place. Fawkes activates a headlamp as they continue into the cave. "Are you sure someone is in here? This place doesn't seem like it's been inhabited recently." alienrabitt: They don't live here; they were...brought here. Not like us; they came as a group. It was a dare...one of their friends started it...the whole thing was just a trap; but why? Why would anybody just...do something like that out of nowhere...? Collin: You said they were kids, right? Don't kids do dumb stuff like that? alienrabitt: Dares; yeah. Luring in all their friends so they can murder them? Not so much... Firefly: It was a mass murder? In a place like this? alienrabitt: I know, it doesn't make any sense. I guess they wanted privacy, but... Upon traversing deeper, the group comes across the first visible victim. Wrapped in a now tattered and ragged cloak, their face is obscured, and they are surrounded by a multitude of small, blue, glass lanterns on chains, just like Tori described. Weakly, they turn their head towards Tori as much as they can. Their breathing and voice are audibly strained. "...You came..."

this is Hazett; they’re like ??? years old and they’re literally a kid

Immediately dropping to the child's side, Tori visibly debates trying to lift them slightly before deciding against it. "I did. Guess I was too late..." ???: Maybe...but you can still stop her...even if we all die...you can still stop her... alienrabitt: ...Stop who? From what? ???: ...You can stop her...from getting away with this...and hurting more people... Collin: Dear God... there's gotta be something we can do... Firefly: ...Silky; go get XL; I'll stay with them and do what I can. The rest of you should find whoever did this... Fawkes detaches the headlamp from his head like a magnet and places it on the ground near the child, and then deploys a second lamp on the opposite side of his head. "It's not much, but at least you won't be in the dark. We'll find who did this, I promise." As Silky heads off, Tori continues on the path, taking in a deep breath they don't seem to exhale under stress. Collin quickly follows after him, the rest of the group close behind. "Don't worry, we can still stop this..." alienrabitt: ...I hope so. But something about this still seems off...are we really just here for a kid? And why would a kid do something like this? Something's not adding up... Collin: You're telling me... Regardless, something did that, and we need to bring it to a stop. As they come into a larger section of the cave, the group finds even more bodies surrounded by colorful lanterns. A singular kleivenn stands in the middle; a dark-colored goat with large, white wings spreading out from her back. Her blue eyes stare at the only other living company that had been in the cave before the group's arrival: Demo, who does not acknowledge the others.

and Solmett; Hazett’s sibling

Demo: ...Why would you do this? Why would anybody do something like this?! ???: Oh, it isn't about the why; it's about the who! Who would you live and die for; do you have an answer for that question? They didn't. I had to give them one. But I do. And I will more than gladly answer for myself. Collin: Demo? How-When did... What the hell is going on here?! Producing her heart from her chest, the kleivenn self-shatters herself, which causes all the other lantern circles to ignite into actual pillars of light. Groaning in reaction, Demo doubles over as she clutches her head.

this is what happens when a kleivenn dejects their original god and becomes obsessed with a different one to the point of wanting them back alive even at the cost of their own life (and others)

Hazett might be able to explain that a bit

Collin: Jesus Christ, what is happening? alienrabitt: ...Holly was right; I...I think Demo must've...fuck, what do we even do about that?! Catching back up with the rest of the group, Firefly calls out among the commotion: "They're trying to draw something out! We can't pull the corpses; you need to get her out of here now!!" Fawkes engages the levitation modules in his feet and floats a few inches off the ground, then rockets forward and scoops up Demo in his arms. He then shifts around and kicks off the ground to make a break for the way they came in. Struggling just to keep herself together, Demo does not get the window to voice her confusion. Approaching the IT, there is no light near the area the first child had been. Fawkes: That's going to take a while to replace... He disengages his levitation as he closes in on the IT, running the rest of the way to the door. He shifts Demo in his arms and quickly yanks the door open before he rushes inside, turning to gauge who's behind him before he tries to close it back. The cave offers no resistance, there is merely the distant sound of the remainder of the crew approaching. Entering the IT; Fawkes draws the immediate attention of Rio and Nydins. Nydins: Wh-what? happened?! Fawkes: Not entirely sure. An evil magic goat is trying to do something to Demo. I think she has a godshard after all. As the rest of the group returns, Nydins immediately gets the IT started to leave. "Th-there has to be something we can do to fix this..." alienrabitt: Wait, where are you going? Nydins: ...To Lou; if you were right about this; you're probably right about Kujaar. If we can distance ourselves from both this cave and Kujaar, that should lessen the chance, right? Besides, maybe Lou will know how to help... Karumet: He's going to be so mad I brought another kleivenn to him in a state like this...but you're right; if he can help us, he will. Collin: And if he can't...? Karumet: ...Then you'd better hope you can hold another god from here. Collin: Man, why do I always have to wrestle the gods? Karumet: Because your boyfriend got turned into a rabbit, and nobody else is strong enough. Unless you'd like a team effort... Collin: We'll... play it by ear. Let's focus on getting Demo to Lou for now Silky: In the meantime, we did manage to get that kid to XL; hopefully they'll make it... Fawkes: Ah, good. I was worried when I noticed they weren't there anymore. Silky: No, they're on the ship is all. I'm sure XL will be busy with that for as long as it takes, unfortunately, so hopefully this doesn't end in some horrible fight after all. Collin: Fingers crossed we aren't fighting a god again, I suppose... The IT finally comes to a stop again. Nydins: Good luck... Collin opens the door for the group and Fawkes is the first out the door, still carrying Demo. Rushing to Lou's door, Karumet quickly explains the situation to him. A range of expressions varying from frustration to fear pass across Lou's face before he disappears back into his home only to bring out his staff again. Lou: I don't know if I'll be able to hold something like this, but I'll do what I can. You've gotta be the ones to bring it down, though; if it's someone she doesn't know, this'll just keep popping back up in response. You have to appeal to her; if you can't pull her back up, you'll lose her to this thing for sure. Collin: No pressure though... Bringing his staff down, Lou creates another barrier like last time, separating the others from Collin; Fawkes; Tori; and Demo.  At last, Demo's struggle ends, however...nothing drastic happens. There are no markings; there is no blast, nor transformation; Demo simply falls unconscious. Fawkes steps a few yards away from the group and gently puts her on the ground before stepping back to the others. "Just the three of us versus this, is it? It's almost nostalgic." alienrabitt: Under any other circumstances, this would almost be refreshing. Then again, fighting probably isn't a good term to be on to begin with. Collin: So... what happens now? She just looks unconscious... Groaning a little, Demo slowly pushes herself off the ground. With her already red colorscheme, any minor differences are difficult to spot. "This is... Where am I...?" alienrabitt: You're in the middle of nowhere; far away from Kujaar or anyone else. Demo: ...And yet there is a Hermes. But you are unfamiliar. Why would Phoenix make a new Hermes...? Eight will do her no favors; the humans will bring an end to us all. alienrabitt: They already did. You're dead; she's dead; all of you are gone. I'm the only Hermes left; basically the only proof any of you even existed. Demo: ...I would have to disagree. I am very much here. alienrabitt: Yeah, well, you're pretty damn unwelcome. Look, can you just...leave? You got in by asking, can't you just step out? Demo: This is no common possession; I cannot simply "step out." She is as bound to me as I am to her. alienrabitt: Great, then you can probably tell how much she wants you to fuck off. Demo: ...You're surprisingly forward for a Hermes...

your s1 is showing

Collin: Tori's gone through a lot of changes, but some things always stay the same. Demo: You're just fortunate I don't have my actual body. With this, I am incapable of the vast majority of my previous abilities. However there is also the minor detail that I could do you no harm without...repercussions. Despite being below me, your friend is still...well, the owner of this body. And this is, in a way, "invitation only." It seems I was brought here under the assumption that I would have all my previous abilities. Unfortunate... Fawkes: The only truly unfortunate thing here is that you haven't already returned Demo's body to her. Demo: How welcoming; you must be positively swimming in friends. Rolling their eyes, Xentrilis stands up. "Though you're right; I have no business nor interest here. I will take my leave." With that, whatever small difference Xen had made vanishes, and Lou removes the barrier.

Xen didn’t really have a lot of power anyway ‘cause like...he’s not even a godshard, he’s just...a little better than a ghost and way harder to get rid of

he can do soooome things, but we probably won’t see any of that for a while

Collin: Well... that works for now, I guess? alienrabitt: At least we changed the future. I don't think losing the last surviving god would be too well-received... Lou: I'll admit, that was pretty unusual. I'm guessing he's got even less power than a godshard would actually have since he wasn't on par with Phoenix or Stardust. Doesn't mean he can't make an impact, but he probably won't be doing much. Collin: Well that's good, but can he still just hijack Demo whenever? Lou: Probably a little less spontaneously than you're expecting. He's always been able to do this; it's just that whatever y'all just went through made things a little easier. Guess they really were expecting something big... Collin: So, since we have a moment, can someone explain what the hell that goat was that did this to Demo to begin with? Or are we all in the dark on that one? Lou: A goat? Most animal-based kleivenn that aren't dragons are typically saas or variations of them. Collin: So a saa did this? But why? Did they literally just want to see the world burn? Lou: Fanatics; lunatics; cultists; take your pick. Full worst case; humans probably put them up to it. And if that is the case, they're probably trying to break into Kujaar. Guess they've thinned out their hunting grounds... Collin: Well shit, this isn't very good, huh? Lou: As long as Nine's still out there; no unwanted human's gonna walk into Kujaar. It's not a problem yet; and if Nine sticks around, it never will be. Fawkes: And I can only assume Nine doesn't have any vacations planned in the near future. Lou: I mean, who's she gonna visit? Everyone she knows is dead or scattered. Collin: I... think he was just trying to make a joke. Giving a shrug, Lou shoulders his staff. "Well, whatever; you've got a lead now is the point. If you see something goin' on, you should probably let Nine know; but until then, this ain't all that much of a problem." Fawkes: That is fair. I suppose we should fill in Nine about the goat saa. It seems like this could be significant. Lou: Sure thing; it'll give 'em somethin' to keep an eye out for at least. Though knowin' you guys, the trouble might find you first. I just hope it doesn't come to that; there's no telling what those creeps have been up to after all these years... Collin: Yeah, hopefully we'll find out before they show up again. We got really lucky this time... Lou: Y'all take care, alright? I know you can probably handle yourselves, but...y'know. Collin: Yeah, we get you. You too, Lou. Removing his staff from across his shoulders, Lou returns to his house. Collin: Alright, so where's our next stop? Back to Kujaar to fill Nine in? alienrabitt: Might as well, I guess.

alrighty, next time we...will probably conclude the Kujaar stuff, tbh. this has been most of the boring/un-fun stuff, the next thing should be a little more interesting

[rpchive]

105th Encounter-- Thread The Needle

welcome to Lob Corp fuckos

Nydins, Rio, Jay, and Maya are all gathered in the console room; Jay and Maya just sort of discussing casually. Collin steps out into the console room somewhat nervously as he notices the crowd. He has changed into a long deep blue cloak that cuts off right at the knees, with a creamy yellow trim around the wrists, collar, and hem of the cloak. The trim at the bottom sweeps up along the inverted v-cut of the cloak and forms a star pattern at the apex. A red gemstone button holds each sleeve and collar closed, while a simple zipper closes the front of the cloak. Under that he now wears a dark pair of pants with leather boots that are tucked underneath the legs.

Collin: Oh, uh... hey? Maya: Whoa, you changed clothes again! You guys have another party to get to or somethin'?

Rio swivels her chair around to look at Collin's outfit. "...Aww, he's got a little star thingy like Jay now! Is that our thing now? We should totally put those on the comms."

alienrabitt: Where'd you even get that? Well, I guess the IT made it, huh...? ...You look good. Collin turns slightly red and scratches the back of his head. "W-Well, it certainly beats the old jumpsuit, huh?"

idk where the actual drawing went but

something fresh for once!

can I say I’m actually midkey a huge fan of the trope of characters going through Some Shit and them changing their design after?

Maya: Anything probably feels better than that...I ditched my armband as soon as I got on this ship. The suits, not so much, but those are all mine anyway. Collin: Don't blame you there. So uh, what were you guys talking about? Maya: Not much. I haven't heard about anything going on in a while...guessing the trouble's waiting for us somewhere for once. Collin: Works for me. I would've been in a bad way if something had happened while I was still trying to recover. Rio: How are you now, anyway? Collin: I'm... better, physically at least. In terms of my magic, well... The good news is that I still have magic. I definitely can't channel any of the powers from the pantheon like I used to, but I can still do some things. I haven't really been able to test it all out too well since I haven't really been able to do much of anything until recently, though. I'm thinking I'm gonna need to make something that can help me use my magic more easily, but I haven't figured out what yet. Maya: Well hey, if you need any help, let me know. I don't know anything about magic, but I know plenty about building stuff that harnesses energy, so that can't be too different. Collin: Hopefully you're right. It'd be nice to have some help with that, since I'm not really sure what I'm doing. Clair comes into the console room briefly, though upon seeing the small crowd gathered there, she considers going back down the hall. She stands in the hallway, visibly debating how badly she wants whatever she's come for. Collin: Oh, hey Clair. Need something? Clair: I, uhh...I kinda...I know that the Operation is totally empty now, and I know that Zenith's...but Alzedeth's still out there...even if he still doesn't have a soul, as long as he's in that armor...we should...we should do something... Collin: ... Shit, I guess you're right. I'd sort of forgotten about him with everything else that's been happening recently. Maya: The way you looked when they dragged you back in, I don't blame you. Even I heard about that one...

Nydins: Alright, don't beat a dead horse; I'll take us back to OZ. Daedalus approaches the group from behind Clair, stopping a few feet behind her. "Ah, there you are. I checked your room but you were already... Wow, big group. Something going on?" Clair: ...I have to find Alzedeth. I can't just leave him like that... Daedalus: ... Yikes. Always heavy stuff, isn't it? Nydins: Hey; we wouldn't be superheroes if we got vacation days. ...Though I do like the little quiet gaps... Daedalus: Pretty sure constant danger does not a long life make. Whatever, I'm coming with you. Nydins: Guess we were closer than I thought. Looks like we're gonna touch down soon. Good luck out there... Daedalus: Sheesh, good thing I was right behind you guys. I swear it's like you're trying to leave me out or somethin'. Nydins: Sorry; I wasn't really expecting a field trip. But something like this should be easy enough, right? I mean, all you have to do is break the armor...

Maya: Jeez, sound like you care less, why don't you? It's still her brother, right?

Nydins: The divide between body and soul's hardly controversial. This is just clean up; I don't see why you of all people are getting invested... Collin: Nydins, this really isn't the time or place for an argument like this... Nydins: R-right...well, uhh, we're here, so...! Good luck...!

Rolling her eyes, Maya heads out the door, Clair nervously following behind her. Collin, Jay, and Daedalus follow them out. The layout of OZ remains as silent and emptied as ever, however the hallway leading towards Alzedeth's chamber seems to be covered in signs of some sort of struggle. Upon reaching the room itself, the group finds the floor littered with corpses, all of which in black suits with red ties and armbands of varying colors and letters on them. A hole has been blasted in the opposite wall, and the distant sound of a nearby airship can be heard.

Maya: I-it's Lobotomy! Why the hell are they here?! Daedalus: I'm gonna hazard a guess and say "the spooky suit of living armor". If those assholes want their hands on him, that can't mean anything good. Maya: But abnormalities have to be reported! They're taken in because they pose a threat to humanity itself! ...Some bastard from here must've been recruited when the place went to shit...damn it, we need to get on that airship!! Collin: But how do we sneak into something that's up in the air? Clair: They can't have taken off with me here. Alzedeth still only responds to me; he knows I've come to find him, so he'll try to get to me at all costs. We have to find where they're parked and board them! Daedalus: Alright, well let's go see what we're dealing with first. Hopefully they're still on the ground. The group heads off further into OZ, where they find a massive airship nearly the size of an entire floor hovering beside one of the fire escapes. Without hesitation, Maya jumps the gap between the fire escape and the rope ladder extending up to the doorway onto the ship, Clair hesitantly following behind her. Jay, however, seems significantly more cautious about the endeavor, and instead shifts to his original true form, waiting to see if Collin or Daedalus would rather ride up. Daedalus: Hey, listen, I appreciate the offer, but maybe turning into a giant star monster around a ship full of people specifically interested in capturing strange creatures isn't the best strategy... Snorting, Jay shifts back to his humanoid form. "If my arm gives out when I climb up this thing, don't blame me when I knock you off...though, uhh... you two should go first because of that..." Collin: No no, no one is falling to their death today. If flying up there gets you there safely, then do it. I'll come with you, just be careful about it. alienrabitt: ...Alright.

Jay shifts back once more as he waits for Collin. Collin climbs onto Jay and holds on tightly, while Daedalus hops over and climbs the ladder with Maya and Clair. Careful to keep his distance from the ladder, Jay waits until everyone else has boarded the ship before coming closer. The beating of his wings blows the ladder around quite a bit as he approaches, however he grabs it with his arms, steadying it properly for Collin. Collin quickly climbs over onto the ship and turns back around to help Jay on if he needs it. Shifting back to his humanoid form, Jay accepts the help onto the ship, letting out a sigh of relief as he touches the floor. "I hate heights so much..." Daedalus: Says the person who can fly. alienrabitt: Hey, I didn't ask for the wings! Or...most of this, really... Collin: It's alright, let's just get away from this ladder; the height isn't doing me any favors either. Do you know where we should be going, Maya? Maya: I don't...unless there's a Sephirah here, I have no idea where he could be... Daedalus: What about you, Clair? You said he'd try to get to you no matter what, right? How does he know where you are? Clair: He...I...th-that's something I don't want to talk about in a situation like this...

Maya: Can you just tell him to come to us?

Clair: He's trying; but he's got an entire ship's worth of people to mow through!

Maya: Don't do that! The majority of the personnel sent on these missions are fresh recruits; they have no idea what Lobotomy is! Call him off!

Clair: B-but if I do that, the ship will leave...!

Maya: And then we'll know where he is, because they'll have to unload him, and there will be Sephirahs! Collin: Please trust us. We're not gonna let Lobotomy take him away. Clair: ...What do we do in the meantime? Just...hide?

Azreldeh: Why not? I did that all the way here.

Azreldeh’s just this but in reverse

alienrabitt: STOP THAT!! I hate it when you do that!!

Azreldeh: Sorry! I would've said something sooner, but you guys kept complaining about your little issue, so I had to make a field trip. Anyway, you really wanna check this ship out before it sails? Collin: We're gonna have to if we're going to find Alzedeth, right? Azreldeh: Ohh, I was hoping you'd say that.

Snapping her fingers, Azreldeh summons forth Rio from the shadows, catching her by her arms as she tumbles from the shifted position and nearly falls off the ship. "Hey, R2; I'm gonna have to ask you for a favor real quick..."

Rio: I-I-I really don't wanna hear those words from you!! B-but, in my current situation, I really can't say no!!

Azreldeh: Oh, you couldn't have even if you wanted to...ugh, sorry, I'm getting into this like a job.

Smoothly, Azreldeh pulls Rio up into the ship properly, placing her hands upon Rio's shaking shoulders.

"...Right, so two things, I need you to find the loading dock, and I need you to check for Sephirahs."

Rio: B-but I'm not a part of their systems...! I can't do anything with technology that's not integrated into me...!

Azreldeh: Oh come on, how unique can Earth tech get?! You've gotta be able to do something here...!

Rio: ...I...can probably find one of those things, at least, but there's no way I could do both...

Azreldeh: ...What the hell are these Sephirahs anyway?

Maya: They're basically the core of Lobotomy; though I doubt any but Angela would be able to get very far away from anywhere the Corporation was stationed...

Azreldeh: Okay, but what are they? Humans?

Maya: I'd argue closer to androids, but more human than machine...it's uncanny...

alienrabitt: It's uncomfortable is what it sounds like. And what the hell were you thinking pulling Rio up like that?!

Azreldeh: What, and just let her fall? Collin: You know damn good and well what he meant. You can't just pull her into something like this and then immediately put her in danger! Azreldeh: Which is why I'm asking her to do something safe!

Clair: The task isn't the problem...

Azreldeh: Look, we aren't making any progress just standing around here arguing; c'mon! Let's get out there and kick some ass already!

Maya: Absolutely not! We aren't fighting /or/ killing /anybody/! This is a stealth mission!

Azreldeh: My favorite! Alright, so you and I can walk on in there, and...I guess everyone else will just have to hide or something...

Maya: ...They could pass as new, but Jay's gonna have to hide.

alienrabitt: I...yeah, okay. I guess I could just...be small or something. One of you has pockets, right? Collin: I've got space. Will you be alright like that? alienrabitt: It's less magic intensive; so I'd be better than I am now, honestly.

With that, Jay shifts into his bat form.

Clair: So cute...! Collin: He's always cute.

He opens a pocket on his cloak and holds it out for him to fly inside.

Flying up, Jay crawls into the pocket, his face barely poking out of the top as he squints up at Collin.

c-cute......

Azreldeh: Right, well, somebody should go with Rio just in case she gets caught; the rest of us can keep looking out here. If you find what you're looking for, turn the lights in the room off; I'll come right to you.

Rio: O-okay...just don't throw me or anything...

Azreldeh: Hey, not my fault nobody moved away from the door...

Maya's group heads off towards the right, leaving Rio and Collin with the hallway across from the door. Collin: Alright, so I guess we just... pretend like we know what we're doing? Rio: I think the goal at this point is just...try not to be noticed, and find a way to find out what Azreldeh was asking for...but I don't even know where to start with that... Collin: Are we looking for the loading bay or those... "sephirah" things Maya kept mentioning? Rio: She wanted us to find the location of both; but I'm not sure we could find those in an airship...even one this big probably doesn't have some sort of map; humans wouldn't need those kinds of things on a ship... Collin: Well, if I had to guess, it'd make sense for a loading area to be somewhere near the bottom of a ship, right? Rio: Yeah! Typically, for older human ships, they'd be at the lower or middle section of the backmost part of the ship. ...Though I guess they'd be modern ships for you, huh? Collin: What, you callin' me old or something?   /He gives Rio a jokingly insulted look. Rio: I mean, you were originally...born? In the 70s, right? Physically, you might not be, but chronologically, by human standards... Collin: I was just joking, don't worry about it. I'm fully aware I'm technically the grandpa of the IT crew. Anyway, why don't we just head that direction and see what we find. Who knows, maybe one of those Sephirahs will be down there too? Rio: Um, alright...but don't you think a lot of people will be there? Alzedeth doesn't strike me as something that's easy to contain... Collin: I... guess? I'm open to ideas, did you have some other plan in mind? Rio: Well, if Lobotomy's half as observational as Maya makes them seem, I'd bet they have a security room even on their airship that's bound to have eyes all over the place. But if you'd rather not be in a place like that, I'd understand... Collin: No no, it's fine. I just wasn't really thinking about there being a place like that. Can you figure out where that is somehow? Rio: Not without being able to access parts of the ship; but modern human technology is so laughably primative in comparison, I'd have better luck trying to hijack the cameras remotely. Collin: Is that... safe? Surely they'd have security systems or something to stop that sort of thing. Rio: Well, it's either that or we just do this the old fashioned way and hope we find the room we're looking for by chance and guesswork...unless something can scan the ship for places with profuse amounts of electronics. Collin: Well, I... don't really think I can help you there. I guess we don't have much of a choice then. Just be careful, alright? Nodding, Rio looks around for one of the cameras, carefully opening up the maintenance panel beneath it and plugging in a wire she retrieved from her sleeve. Her visor flickers varying colors briefly before settling back to her usual appearance as she disconnects and replaces the panel. "...I think I know where to go, but also, I think there's just one Sephirah on this ship...I don't think she noticed me, though. She seemed occupied; it looked like she was with Maya and the others...I guess they convinced her to help or something?" Collin: My gut says that's wishful thinking, but who knows? At any rate, you lead the way. Let's find what we're looking for before things start going sideways. [Meanwhile...]

Maya: Azreldeh; that's not just some employee, that's--!

Azreldeh: Hod, one of the Sephirahs; yeah, I got that. I'm kinda in her head right now...and her everything else. You weren't kidding about Lobotomy being a bad place...but the good news is that I know where we need to go now! Too bad nobody can tell the others... Daedalus: I'm sure they'll figure it out. So where do we need to go, then? Azreldeh: Well, it's pretty much straight down this hallway, but there's also a bunch of employees up ahead, and the amount of them that are both alive and still in Hod's division..is very small. Needless to say, she's really upset about this since she kinda has a councilor role back at Lobotomy...

Clair: Do you think anybody would recognize Maya?

Azreldeh: None of the employees on this ship, but Hod does. She feels...guilty. Scared. And...angry? But not at Maya...her feelings are really complicated, but I don't think she wants to work with Lobotomy anymore, which is great news for you guys, and fantastic news for me!

in the market for a new body or somethin’? I guess it would be less magic intensive...

Maya: Don't think you can just walk out of here with her...Sephirahs are the brains of Lobotomy; arguably in a literal sense. Her body would give out within minutes of her being outside of Lobotomy's territory.

Azreldeh: Yeah, yeah; whatever...shouldn't we be going somewhere or something? Daedalus: Always the bleeding heart, huh? Alright, let's get headed down there before things get any messier. The group heads further down the hall, which is very much bustling with employees scrambling to get from one half of the ship to the other. Several of them try and stop Azreldeh to ask Hod questions; "has anyone contacted Angela with the updated situation;" "do you know if the abnormality is secured;" "should we still be sending suppression groups to the abnormality's holding area;" all of these Azreldeh answers rather coolly in passing. After clearing the hallway, however, Hod seems visibly overwhelmed with enough anxiety for the both of them.

"...We really need to get out of here before this thing lands...if it gets where we're going, Angela will..."

Maya: ...She'll recognize me, and she'll try to kill us all. She might even try to destroy the entire ship before we even land if she finds out I'm here...

Clair: ...But nobody recognizes you besides Hod, right?

Azreldeh: You're right. We should be safe so long as she can't access the ship's cameras or Hod herself...but Hod still seems uneasy... Daedalus: So we just need to work fast then, right? Find Alzedeth, get the other guys, and bail. That's not a super long checklist. Azreldeh: Theoretically, yeah. I'd say we're about halfway there now...Maya, you should go find the others and tell them how to find us. All you need to do is get back to this hallway somehow, and Alzedeth will be at the end.

Maya: But won't that blow your cover?

Azreldeh: Not if I keep Hod with us. Now get going, will you? We need to be fast; I'm sure those guys won't notice another scrambling employee running through.

Mulling it over for a second, Maya turns around and heads back the other way to find Rio's group. Daedalus: So what are we supposed to do in the meantime? Azreldeh: We'll all meet up at Alzedeth; so the three of us should just keep moving. Daedalus: Easy enough. I was expecting a lot more insanity around here, honestly. Azreldeh: This won't get chaotic unless someone figures us out. We should be clear until Angela finds us...or unless, hopefully. Daedalus: Go with "unless". I'd prefer us all not dying horribly, thank you. Clair: ...This is such a mess...why did I even leave him behind after we cleared out OZ?

Azreldeh: What would you have to gain from lugging your brother's soulless body around in a suit of armor that's gonna trigger half the IT if they think about it for too long? Daedalus: Not to mention that you weren't really in a position to pack your things before we got you out of there. It was sort of unavoidable, really. Clair: But if I'd had Alzedeth, then maybe--...

Azreldeh: Nope, gonna stop you there; you won't get anywhere thinking like that. Zenith wouldn't have been better off with his soulless body hanging around. I mean, what the hell would he have done with it?

Clair: Lived!! We could've had his body out of the armor; we had the sword; we had Zenith; if we'd just done something, then Zenith wouldn't have had to die!

Azreldeh: And your mom would still be alive too; just full of speedwell poison and a little angrier than she was before she saw you all again. Maybe you'd still be human too, but then what? So you and Zenith /don't/ fight your mom; that means that Jay has to, right? Another kleivenn? How do you think that would've ended when she already had so many others...? Daedalus: Clair, I get it; it sucks to think that maybe if something had gone differently, things would've turned out better. But at some point, you have to understand that playing the "what if" game is only going to hurt you in the long run. Latching onto the past is what made Alzedeth in the first place. If you don't learn to let go, it's just going to make you do something you're going to regret. Trust me on that one. Clair goes bitterly silent as she looks for a response she can't quite articulate into words, accepting that glaring at the floor would be a better decision than speaking her mind. Daedalus sighs quietly. "I'm sorry. I know this isn't easy. Doesn't help that we're sort of on a time crunch either..." Clair: ...I just don't want to let him go like this... Daedalus: There's nothing left for him here. I think you know that at some level. This was always just sort of... delaying the inevitable. Clair: But it's not fair! He didn't even get a chance to have a life; now suddenly I'm probably immortal, most of my family is dead, and I just have to...to move on?! It's not that easy! Daedalus: I didn't say it was easy. Shit, you've arguably got it just as rough as the rest of us honestly, and a lot of it being so recent isn't gonna make it any easier to push through it. That doesn't mean you shouldn't start, though. I was a complete nutcase because I literally could not move on from Aperture. I don't want to see you go down that same road; that's why we're all on that dumb soda machine together. We're supposed to look out for each other... or some other sappy bullshit like that. Azreldeh: Part of your problem is that you're just kinda sitting on all that grief, too. Jay did that once and it literally brought Demo back from the dead in the worst way possible. If you're this haunted by "letting Zenith down," you know everything that led up to that will...quite /literally/ come back to get you, right? You need to let go; and coming here to stop Alzedeth's just the first big step to doing that.

Clair: ...I don't know if I should thank you, or if I should be fearing for whatever kind of life I have now...

Azreldeh: I get that a lot.

Clair honestly has a really good character despite her being 100% combatively useless

Daedalus: Hasn't been that bad so far, in my experience- Wait... How do you know about that, Azreldeh?

Azreldeh: Maya told me about a lot of stuff that happened on the IT when she got drunk one night. She always talks about either things she's afraid of or her family when she gets drunk, so she doesn't get drunk unless it's /reeeeeally/ late. Daedalus: That sounds..... fun? Azreldeh: I mean, most of you are asleep at 4 AM, so it was either that or watch somebody sleep...

Clair: There's...rooms dedicated to doing other things, y'know...

Azreldeh: ...Yeah, but it's not as fun without other people around. Daedalus: Go bug the robots. They don't need to sleep, right? Azreldeh: Oh yeah, Chessman 5000 and the Cowardly Little Toaster would be great company for a gal like me. Daedalus: C'mon, I'm sure Rio has a crazy wild side to 'er. Azreldeh: I don't wanna think about how intricate that walking circuit lasagna is. Jeez, what's taking those guys so long to catch up...?

god, Azreldeh has some good lines in this one, lmao

Rio, Collin, and Maya have managed to find a series of hallways that leads around the one filled with employees, and, coincidentally, the majority of the airship, though the final hall seems to let out near the end of the crowded hall. Maya: Ugh, we really didn't have the time for that kind of detour, but there's no way in hell you two could slip past all those Lobotomy bastards... Collin: Sorry about that. I wasn't really expecting something like this when we left the IT... Maya: It's fine; we just...seriously need to catch up with the others. Collin: Let's not burn any more time, then. The others are just down this hallway, right? Maya: Yeah. They wouldn't go in without us. Collin nods and heads down the hall with the rest of the group. The two groups finally converge at the end of the hallway, where a large, metal door is bolted shut and sealed with a multitude of curious and unrecognizable security measures. Daedalus: ... Sure looks inviting, huh? Just need a welcome mat and they're good to go. Maya: So all we have to do now is...break in, destroy Alzedeth, and escape. Seems...

Azreldeh: Dangerous. Maybe even stupid. We might be killed.

Maya: Just a standard day in Lobotomy, then! Let's break this thing down. You can get in, right?

Azreldeh: Of course I have clearance. Nobody else is even in there, so this should theoretically be the easiest part. But there's also a ton of cameras in there, and everyone will get suspicious if they go offline...

Rio: How long has the room been unoccupied?

Azreldeh: Looks like...roughly an hour?

Rio: I'll connect with the cameras and replay an edited loop of the footage until you're done. It'll look smooth until we need to be gone.

Azreldeh: Man, I didn't expect you to be so prepared for a break in! We should try to steal something cool the next time we go somewhere! Collin: Please don't be a bad influence. We're not wandering cat burglars... Azreldeh: Hmm, but this door's gonna make a ton of noise when it opens; that's gonna be kind of a problem...

Maya: Mmm...I don't have anything that could muffle it either... Collin: I... think I can do something about that? Hang on...

He steps up to the door and holds one hand out to hit, resting his other hand on the opposite forearm. He takes a deep breath and stares intently at the door, which then briefly flashes with a blue light. "Okay, that's not gonna hold long but it should do the trick." Nodding, Azreldeh turns to face the massive door, swiping her right hand from right to left, which causes the bolts to roll back and the door to slowly unlock and open.

"Alright, demolition's turn! Rio's got the cameras; Clair...can go in if she wants; you guys better act quick if you can't do that trick again, though, 'cause we'll need to lock it back when we leave!"

Clair: I...I can't. I can't watch it. I'll stay here... Daedalus: Don't really blame you. We'll get this over with as fast as we can. Azreldeh: Alright, I'll...not totally close the door behind you, but I'll at least block the view. Good luck! Collin, Daedalus, and Maya step inside through the doorway. Alzedeth stands alone in the center of the room, quiet and immobile as ever. He does not stir when approached, only patiently waiting for something to happen. His armor has been stained with the blood of others, presumably the Lobotomy employees that dragged him onto the ship, but beyond that, there are no signs of any changes from the previous encounter. Collin: Jesus...

Daedalus: Who would've thought something could be so damn terrifying without even having to move... Maya: He doesn't even have any weapons on his person...if he doesn't fight back, all we'd have to do is break the armor and tear out his body... Daedalus: You have such a way with words sometimes.

Maya, 100% desensitized to any and all bullshit: let’s fight this bitch

Collin: I could probably break off pieces with spells, but it's probably gonna take quite a few hits. Maya: ...This feels so wrong. He's just soulless, not dead, right? Is it really okay to just...do this? Daedalus: What else are we gonna do? We can try not to hurt the body inside, but how's Clair gonna react if we just walk out with her brother's old body? Maya: ...I guess you have a point. We're just killing something that's already dead, huh...? Alright, let's get this over with... Collin: Alright, everyone get ready. Let's see if he's gonna do anything if I try taking that armor apart...

He wrings out his hands for a moment and then quickly slings out a gray bolt of energy from his right hand. The projectile strikes the left shoulder of the suit, weakening the connecting pieces attaching it to the torso. Alzedeth recoils at the blow, reaching up towards the area he was struck, but does little more beyond holding it. Daedalus: ... Shockingly peaceful for a blood-soaked suit. Listen, should I just... do one clean stab through this thing and get it over with?

Clair probably told him not to fight back

Maya: I...think that's probably for the best, unfortunately. Daedalus: Alright. Collin, weaken that chest plate. I'll do the rest...

Collin nods solemnly and throws another bolt at Alzedeth's chest. While the spell travels through the air, a single spear of white-hot flame flares into being in Daedalus' hands. He charges after the bolt, and right after it hits, he drives the spear straight through the suit's chest. Alzedeth stumbles backwards, shakily reaching for the spear protruding from his chest before collapsing onto his back, his arms falling with him. Closing her eyes tightly, Maya shakes her head, takes a deep breath, and heads for the door, exhaling as she does so.

Maya: ...Never gets easier, does it...? Daedalus: I hope it never does...

His spear disappears, and he turns to follow her out, Collin close behind them. As the group exits, Azreldeh closes the door behind them. "Alright, it's over, Clair. Now we just need to get out of here..."

Rio: ...I don't think we're gonna make it... Collin: What? Why? Rio: ...There's another Sephirah on the ship...you said only Hod was here, but...

For the first time since the group has seen her, Hod finally breaks past Azreldeh's hold, if only to whimper out a singular name: "Angela..." Daedalus: Well, this has been fun, but I think it's time to run like hell, right guys? Maya: We need to get off this ship now!

Clair: B-but what about the Sephirah that Azreldeh's in? Won't she die?!

Azreldeh: ...Oh, absolutely; if Angela finds her after all we've done, she'll be dismantled for sure. ...Oh no, why do you know about this too...? Quit making me feel bad for you, ugh...! Daedalus: Ah hell, if she's dying either way then either take her or don't. We can't waste time standing around! Azreldeh: Ugh, fine...I'm gonna look like a baby goat after this; but we really don't have the time for options!

Leaving Hod, Azreldeh pulls Rio closer after she disconnects from the cameras. The power goes out in the entire hallway as a massive red circle appears beneath the entire group, a smaller circle appears beneath Azreldeh, with four even smaller circles containing varying runes and symbols within them gravitating around it. In a flash of light and a powerful gust of wind, the group is returned to the IT, Hod and all, though Hod's now dysfunctional body collapses to the floor of the console room with Azreldeh, whose horns have shrunken down to tiny, gray nubs.

Nydins: Wh--what the hell?!  Couldn't you use the door?! And who is that?!

Azreldeh: No...no time...we gotta leave...we gotta leave now...don't care...where we go...just go...

S1: ow the edge

S2: all redo: electric boogaloo

S3: panic attacks to the max

S4: self destruction for self defense

Nervously, Nydins spins back around to face the console, sending the IT off to an unknown destination. Collin: Are you okay, Azreldeh? That seemed like... a lot. Azreldeh: I'll...live. You should be worried more about the robot, I couldn't help it... Collin: Crap, what are we gonna do about her? Do you know what it is that ties her to Lobotomy like that, Maya? Maya: I don't...something to do with the intricate make of her body, I'm sure; but only A and C knew about that; and I...didn't really get to talk to either of them.

Rio: ...Don't worry about it. We'll figure something out; just stay away from Lobotomy.

Maya: Oh, I fully intend to for the rest of my natural life; you don't need to tell me. Collin: Should we take her to XL's room for now? Maya: I guess so...Sephirahs aren't built like an average android or robot, though, and they aren't entirely human, either...I don't know if she'll be able to do anything; repairing Hod would need surgery and robotics...

Nydins: Good thing she can do both of those things. To a point... Daedalus: Well, I'll leave voiding her warranty in your hands. I'm... gonna go lie down for a little bit. Rio: ...I'm sorry you had to go through all that. If there was anything I could've done to help without getting somebody hurt, I would've. Daedalus: Bah, don't worry about it.

He waves a hand absently over his shoulder as he walks out of the console room.

Collin: Here, I'll get Hod over to the- wait a second... Jay, you can come out now. Crawling out of Collin's pocket, Jay glides a bit away before shifting back to normal.

"You couldn't have done anything anyway; all you could do was look through the cameras, right?"

Rio: ...R-right! I guess so...b-but if I could've helped, I...probably would've done more! Collin: You did fine, Rio. Honestly you kinda surprised me with that bit about manipulating the camera feed. I didn't think you were so sneaky. Rio: Well, I...had to be to get around Greenfinger sometimes...n-not like that matters now...

Maya: Okay, I get that you're nervous; but you're tripping all over yourself like a drunken prom date suddenly. What the hell got into you?

Azreldeh: ...You don't wanna know that... Collin: What is that supposed to mean? Azreldeh: L-listen, we were in a hurry, and...and you guys needed to leave where you were as quickly and safely as possible; so I just...did that. I took everybody with us. Well, everybody close... Collin: ... What did you do? Azreldeh: ...I...I know, this is gonna sound ridiculous after all the other stuff I'd done; but, I mean, that place was a nightmare; they weren't just gonna dismantle her, what I saw made me sick to my stomach. I couldn't leave her behind; not after seeing everything she'd gone through; not while knowing what would happen if I left her behind, but those things don't have human souls; they're too much like AIs; so I couldn't really...put her...anywhere...else? Collin: ... Oh god dammit. Azreldeh: Well, I wouldn't really say a god did it, but, thanks for the admiration...?

Maya: Admiration; you're lucky he's not trying to blast you back to hell!

Azreldeh: H-hey, look, you guys are all about protecting the innocent and stuff, right? This isn't hurting anybody, I mean, Rio's still there too; she's just...got a roommate. Collin stares straight through Azreldeh for several seconds as he tries to process her words, until finally he turns to Rio. "... Are you okay?" Rio: I'm fine! I just...wish she'd asked first, but there wasn't really time for it...b-but I'm okay! Hod isn't bad, she's just...very sad. But if we can help her, then I'm okay with doing this until she can go back to her real body. Collin: ... Alright. I'm sorry. And you...

He turns to Azreldeh and starts trying to say something, but the words catch in his throat as his thoughts smash together in a pile. He shakes his head, giving up, and turns to leave the console room. Curling her tail around herself uncomfortably, Azreldeh hides herself in her wings as she quietly mumbles: "...I really messed this up, huh?"

next time, we uhh...pop the top on fixing Hod, and some other stuff happens! I think

[rpchive]

104th Encounter-- All For One; One For All

this one’s got a little bit of a drowning kinda moment, but other than that it’s all good!

Collin opens the door to his room and steps inside, glancing around. "Jay? You still here?" Closing the closet door behind himself, Jay comes into the room. "Yeah, what's up?" Collin: I'm uh.... about to go talk with the pantheon about the big split, and I'm... pretty nervous actually. Do you want to come with me, or would you rather pass? alienrabitt: ...Already? Well...of course I'll go with you, but are you sure you're ready to talk about that? Collin: I'll be okay. The sooner we can figure something out and fix this, the better. I'm just hoping no one jumps to a wrong conclusion at first. alienrabitt: ...Yeah. Alright, let's go. Collin takes Jay by the hand as he approaches and they leave together, making their way down the hall to the pantheon's room. Using his free hand, Collin knocks on the door a few times and waits for a response. The door swings open on its own as Tellus makes her way over from a reading chair across the room.

Tellus: Well hello! What brings you two here?

Collin: Hey Tellus. We need to talk with everyone, if that's alright.

Tellus: Everyone? Is something wrong?

Collin: It's... something we need to talk out together. Do you have a way for us to...?

Trying to downplay a concerned look, she nods and waves them in. "Of course, just come inside first. You don't have to stand in the hall."

As the pair step through the doorway, a familiar fog swirls around them, and within moments they find themselves standing back in the godspace as shiny and resplendent as ever. Tellus is standing there with them. Sanglied and Ezorius appear to be cuddling together in a large bowl-shaped seat, although Sanglied perks up at their arrival.

you use so many words I’ve never even seen before out of nowhere, lmao

Sanglied: Well well, this a surprise. What brings you two here again?

Tellus: Apparently they have some sort of important thing they need to talk to us about.

Sanglied: Ah, round table time, huh? Fine, but let's not make this too long, alright? You're cutting in on our cuddle session.

Tellus leans over to them, whispering exaggeratedly. "Don't worry about them. They've been there for hours now."

A large round table suddenly assembles itself out of a section of floor tiles in the main area, along with a matching array of chairs. Sanglied puts a hand to their lips and lets out a sharp whistle, and within a few minutes the gods have assembled and taken seats at the table along with Collin and Jay.

Precantaro: So, what's the big news, you two? Seated beside Collin, Jay stares down at the table as he mumbles his response. "...Well, I mean, it's...I guess it's kind of a big deal, but I...my...I, uhh..." Collin puts a hand on his arm and takes squeezes it slightly. "I know this is old news, but Jay's wish tied his existence to mine. The problem is that ever since I was joined to you guys, the extra... "load" I guess, has been overloading Jay's tether to me. The magic sustaining him can barely support the strain from all of us, and it's finally getting to be too much for him to bear. The only way I can see to fix this is to, well... find a way to untether you guys from me but still keep you here."

A moment of intense silence follows as the gods process his words for a moment.

Precantaro: That...

Fereldir: ... is big news. alienrabitt: ...I'm sorry...I didn't want to say anything; I'm sure you didn't want to hear something like that... Sanglied: I mean, at least you didn't just cut ties and fling us back into nothing again. Still, that's a lot to chew...

Collin: I know, I'm sorry to just drop this on you guys. It's just that the pain is making Jay consider some... extreme options, so I can't afford to wait on this.

Tellus, who took a seat next to Jay, places her hand on Jay's free one. "I'm so sorry, Jay. I had no idea we were hurting you like this..." alienrabitt: It...it's okay; I mean...I didn't realize what was causing it at first either. I thought it was just because I wasn't used to my powers or something, but after things settled down, and when people quit messing with my oracle, it still hadn't stopped, so I...I didn't know what to do about it...

in all likelihood this is probably why Jay can’t make gates by himself too

Brahmzen: Well, I suppose that should be our next discussion. However, assuming we find a way to do this, what effect will it have on Collin? With the way our minds and magic have melded, there's no telling what separation might cause.

Collin: As long as it doesn't kill me, I don't care what it takes. Jay's life depends on this, I can't afford to back out. Sanglied nods once solemnly, while Ezorius chimes in. "I understand. However, how would we go about such a feat? Untangling souls is no parlor trick."

Terrae: Have any of us even done something like that before?

The pantheon thinks for a moment before simultaneously turning to face Fereldir.

Fereldir: You know, I can't help but feel singled out suddenly. alienrabitt: ...Can you do it? Fereldir: Me personally? Not quite. But I once made something that could. A mortal's husband once made a mistake while summoning an extremely powerful wraith, and as a result was merged into its form. Normally I wouldn't have intervened in such a case; such is the nature of witchcraft, after all. However, the mortal pleaded a case that I... couldn't ignore, so I set about making-

Ezorius: The Apparatus of the Divided Souls.

She cuts Fereldir off in a mockingly dramatic tone.

Sanglied: Seriously, what's with your naming schemes? The Well of Suffering, Convocation of the Damned, Cry of the Eternal Soul...

Fereldir: You wanted to name it "The Soul Thunder from Down Under". I hardly think you're in a position to judge.

p l e a s e

Precantaro: It's okay, love. I think they're fine names.

Sanglied: I smell a bias in here for some reason...

Collin: Uh, guys?

Fereldir: ...Right, sorry. At any rate, the Apparatus could probably accomplish what we'd need, since thanks to this crystal we have a "body" of sorts again in the physical world. However, we'll need at least one other person aside from Jay if we're going to use it. alienrabitt: Demo already knows about all this, unless you'd want to tell somebody else...though I'm sure the whole IT's gonna know if we have to go somewhere. Fereldir: It doesn't matter who you choose, so long as you trust them with both ours and Collin's lives. Our lives will be quite literally in your hands. alienrabitt: ...Then Rio. Collin: Rio? Of course. Rio cares about you just as much as I do; and she'd never hurt anybody, either. Collin: ... I guess you're right. I just hope she doesn't get freaked out by the idea of this. alienrabitt: I think she'll just be worried for you. I'm pretty sure any of us would be...okay, well maybe not Maya, but don't tell her I said that... Sanglied: I still can't figure out if I like that girl or not...

Ezorius: She's got your fire, but not so much your charm.

Sanglied: Aw, you're so sweet...

Ezorius: Or your eating habits.

Sanglied: ... My statement stands.

Precantaro: Alright, well before we go down some other tangent, we should let you two go get her. We'll head to the console room and tell whoever's there where to take us. alienrabitt: She'll probably be there too; but I guess we can pull her aside and explain things. Precantaro: Right, she is normally there, isn't she? Well, let's not waste time then.

The room vanishes into mist once more. Jay and Collin find themselves standing back in the pantheon's room with Fereldir. He leads them out of the room to the console room. Rio is seated at the console with Nydins. Though Nydins gives a sort of dismissive wave of greetings, Rio seems to be much happier to see company as she eagerly waves at the trio.

Rio: What's going on? I know something's happening when you're all in one room! Collin: Well, you're not wrong? We actually need your help, but... actually can you just come over here for a minute? Getting out of her chair, Rio approaches the trio eagerly. "Oh, you've got a secret? It must be really serious!" Fereldir splits off to go direct Nydins while the others talk.

Collin: I should warn you, this is actually really serious. We're doing something to help Jay, but the pantheon and I have to put our lives in your hands to do it. If you'd rather not do this, it's okay. We can probably find someone else to help us. I'm not going to think less of you. Rio: ...It's really dangerous, huh? But if I can seriously help you guys for once, I want to be able to do it. I'm glad you came to me for this. Collin: Of course. I'm not exactly sure what you'll need to do, but we'll find out when we get there I guess.

He pauses for a second and then gives Rio a quick, tight hug. "Thanks, Rio." Rio hugs Collin back, swaying him a little as she does so. "It's no problem! I won't let you guys down!"

you’re like...way too soft for this job, we were nuts to pick you

A short time later, the IT touches down. Fereldir wastes no time in heading for the door, beckoning the other three to follow. The group finds themselves in the hallway of a dark stone tower. Torches of green flames illuminate the interior, and an enormous intricate door covered in runes and stonework stands before them. A skull with a clenched jaw and a strange indentation in the forehead sits in the center of the door.

Fereldir produces a bright blue gemstone and slots it into place in the skull, causing the jaw to snap open with a loud crack. The mechanisms of the door spring to life, pulling back layer after layer of reinforcement. After several seconds, the final layer retreats and the door slides open to reveal a large circular chamber within.

Near the door stand two weathered pedestals. A pair of worn and somewhat rusty shears hovers above the leftmost pedestal. Its handles are wrapped in old cloth, and a red gemstone sits in the hinge of the two handles. Above the rightmost pedestal is a pair of gloves reinforced with a crimson metal and a green gem in the back of each hand.

Across a floor covered in circular runic patterns sit two almost vertical stone beds with small restraints built in. Fereldir strides into the middle of the room and turns toward the others.

Fereldir: Alright... Jay, please take the shears. Rio, the gloves, please. With similar senses of reluctance; unease; and confusion, the pair takes their respective objects. Fereldir: In theory, this should be simple. Collin will take position in one bed, and we will take the other. Once you're both ready, I'll activate the Apparatus. From there, it will be entirely up to you two. The Apparatus will draw out the connection between us in the form of threads, one for each of us. Rio will need to grab a thread with both hands, and Jay will need to sever the thread by cutting between her hands. I should warn you that once you sever the connection, magic will rush out of both ends, and there's no telling what it will do. You'll need to quickly connect each side of the thread to the respective person, then repeat the process for the remaining threads. Any questions so far? alienrabitt: I...think I understand.

Rio: W-well, if it doesn't blow us apart, maybe all we'll have to do is just...match colors! Tying 4 into 2 seems pretty easy... Fereldir: Four? There are seven of us, which means seven threads connecting us. Bringing the thread halves back to us is simple. The left side goes to the left person, and vice versa. The problem will be avoiding whatever magic spews out of the threads. That and, well, doing it in time. The process is... incredibly draining to the subjects. We can rotate out to share the load, but Collin will be feeling the drain the entire time. If you don't hurry...

no fucking pressure you fucking goth-ass grandpa

Rio: ...This is suddenly seeming like a whole lot...b-but! If it's the only way to help, then there's no other choice...! We'll just have to handle it anyway...!

alienrabitt: ...Yeah. Whatever's thrown at us, I'll tank it all out. Let's do this. Fereldir: I suppose I should mention that you could cut multiple threads at once in theory. Keep in mind that if you do, you'll have multiple...results to deal with. However, you would save time in theory, which means less of a drain on us, especially Collin.

Collin: High risk, high reward, I guess? alienrabitt: ...I'll figure it out! All this talk is making me nervous...I just have to do it...! Fereldir: Fair enough.

He calmly approaches the righthand bed and lays against it, allowing the restraints to click shut over him. Collin approaches the left one, taking a deep breath before letting the bed secure him as well. With everyone in place, Fereldir chants a short incantation, kicking the Apparatus to life. A strange chandelier lowers from the ceiling and fills the room with a strange glow. Belts spin around different sections of the chandelier, creating a constant humming noise. Fereldir winces in pain as Collin cries out while the Apparatus kicks into gear. Seven threads shimmer into view before Jay and Rio; light green, dark green, red, purple, brown, gray, and white. There is little discussion as Rio grabs a handful of the threads, carefully separating them into two bunches; one of 3, and one of 4.

"Let's do four first; if it gets bad, we won't have much to do after!"

Without hesitation, and with little more than a nod, Jay cuts the clump of four threads. Both Collin and the pantheon scream again as the cords are severed, and a massive surge of magic surges out of the eight halves. Several green orbs fly out of one thread and begin to take on humanoid shapes while the second green thread spews out energy which forms into wooden armor around them. The white thread rapidly infuses the sprites with various sigils and wards, and the purple begins twisting them into larger and more foreboding shapes. Collin's threads, meanwhile, constantly release a stream of mana for the sprites to feed on, increasing their strength. Wicked laughter echoes throughout the chamber as they focus on the pair below them. Frantically attempting to tie the threads to their corresponding halves, Rio releases the remaining three. "Okay, bad idea! Okay; bad idea!!"

Quickly stuffing the shears down his scarf, Jay summons up several of his Hermes dolls, each one sporting a weapon with a glass ball filled with a different color of magic. "D-don't worry about it, just stick behind me and keep going! It's just magic; if it really comes down to it...!!" As Rio gets within arm's reach of the first person, their corresponding threads tug against her grip and seem to attach themselves back to the person, quickly fading away. While Rio returns the threads to them, the sprites swoop down at the pair and unleash a barrage of various spells at them, both elementally based and practically unidentifiable alike. The first hermes doll bounces forth; a shield with a sphere of blue magic lodged in the center in its plush paws. Placing the shield down in front of the pair determinedly, the shield creates a barrier that protects Rio, as well as a small radius around her. A second doll springs forth; pistols with red magic domes upon the barrels rapidly firing off barrages of magical bullets that seem to shrink in size, but grow in speed as they get further away from the guns themselves. Summoning up a wall of spears behind himself, Jay begins his own assault as well. After Rio connects Collin's threads back to him, the sprites lose their source of reinforcing magic. Now somewhat weakened, one of the sprites is punched through by several of Jay's bullets and bursts apart into green motes of light. The other two sprites split off and continue attacking them from two directions. One of the sprites manages to strike Jay with a strange water spell which causes a bubble of water to swirl up around his head, cutting off his supply of air. Staggering backwards, Jay shakily looses the remainder of his spears towards his attacker, while the gunner doll aims for the remaining sprite. A third doll remains in the background, a simple hourglass in its paws, the sand slowly counting something down. This doll remains motionless; unblinking; and entirely unguarded. Picking up the shielded doll, Rio starts to move over to the pantheon in an attempt to reconnect the remaining threads. One sprite focuses its spells on Rio but can't punch through the barrier around her. In the split second it loses focus, the gunner doll manages to pierce through it as well, banishing it. The other sprite evades Jay's spear attacks and cackles in mock laughter. It spies Jay's hourglass doll and swoops down, lifting it up into the air with it. It bats it around above its head while continuing to loose spell after spell at Jay. Despite the sand shaking around in the hourglass, nothing seems to change as a result of the doll's abuse. Summoning up what is arguably too many spears, Jay unleashes one final volley as an entire wall of them is sent towards the remaining sprite; the gunner doll firing shots between the spears. In the commotion, Rio practically dives towards the pantheon with the remaining severed threads, allowing the doll to fall beneath her. The sprite turns when it sees an opening form against Rio, but the wave of projectiles overwhelms the wards around it, ripping it apart. The bubble of water around Jay's head bursts, sending water everywhere around him. Meanwhile, the threads leap from Rio's hands and reconnect to the pantheon, cutting off the remaining streams of magic. The chamber goes somewhat quiet again, although the hum of the Apparatus and the cries of the two on the beds continue. The remaining three threads connecting Collin to the pantheon sit on the ground; red, brown, and gray.

this is singlehandedly the most stressful, combat heavy log, and my dumb ADHD ass could not keep up with all the shit I needed to do. I’m so glad I’m never gonna have to write anything like this again

anyway, on the plus side, we get to see what Jay can actually do combat-wise! which is...a lot of dolls. I’d argue he’s a lot like Alice Margatroid in that his magic only really shines through his creations, but he can fight on his own if he has to

Gasping for air, Jay collapses onto his side, removing the shears from his scarf. "...If that's all they've got...then I'll just take the last three too; hand them here..."

Rio: I...I think that's a bad idea...!

alienrabitt: Just do it! I can handle it...!

Reluctantly, Rio picks up the remaining threads as well as the shielded doll, bringing them over to Jay, who cuts them all at once yet again. He places the hourglass doll upright at the base of the pantheon's bed.

"...It doesn't matter what they have, if things get rough enough, they won't stop me. Now go..." A thick black smog pours out of the gray thread and forms a humanoid shape in front of Jay. Dead branches of wood seem to grow out from inside of it and coil around it like weeds. As its growth slows, red markings flow down the branches and vines, forming intricate runic patterns around it. In a voice that echoes out like a rumbling whisper, it calls out to Jay. "Hello, young one. I would normally ask what deal you wanted to make, but it looks like you have other plans in mind, don't you?" alienrabitt: ...I'm just trying to do my damn job. I won't let anything get in the way of that... ?: A shame. Then die.

Several vines reach out in front of the shade, creating a swirling ball of red and black energy in the space between them. It launches the ball at Jay with a reverberating boom. Unable to react on such short notice, Jay takes the blast full force as Rio desperately relays the threads and shielded doll back towards the pantheon. As Jay lies on the floor, the hourglass of the third doll finally empties out, and the doll simply rotates it back over; the sand shifting to a brilliant shade of cyan and chartreuse. Coincidentally, the blues of Jay's injured arm also shift to chartreuse, and he lifts himself up off the floor, dusting himself off as off he had simply fallen over.

"...Looks like it's my turn for once. You ready to die too?" The shade makes a guttural sound of annoyance as it loses connection to its spawning threads, now solely feeding off of the magic from Collin's. The branches rearrange themselves and form three separate orbs this time. "Petty tricks will not save you, whelp!"

It releases every blast, one right after the other. The kleivenn before the figure shifts into Jay's former true form, however the hole in it's chest exposing their oracle has now stretched all the way down its belly, revealing no further bodily contents beyond a bone structure. Kicking off from the floor with a force that cracks it, the kleivenn speeds forth like a bullet, deflecting the blasts with its mighty wings as it aims its grasp for the shadow. Caught off guard by the sudden transformation, the shade fails to fully evade the kleivenn's grasp. The branches grow razor-like thorns and begin slashing at the kleivenn in an attempt to break free. Gnashing its fangs in preparation, green flames build forth, rapidly filling the entire inner contents of the kleivenn and igniting even the accents along its body. Purple spines raise up along their back as they unleash a flurry of magic and fire, burning brighter and brighter until the flames are absolutely white hot.

Rio, stumbling forth in her confusion finally grasps the edge of Collin's table, the remaining threads still in her grasp. As Rio finally reaches Collin, the final threads reconnect to him, cutting the shade off entirely. With no source of mana, the shade is unable to do anything against the kleivenn's onslaught. Hellish shrieks cry out from the flames as it is engulfed, and within seconds all that remains is ash and wispy smoke. Detecting that the process is complete, the Apparatus slowly grinds down to a stop. Collin and the pantheon go limp as everything finally shuts down, though the restraints continue to hold them temporarily. Spines lowering, and dolls dispelled, the kleivenn turns towards Rio; takes about four steps forward; and collapses on the floor, reverting to their humanoid form. Breathing heavily, they remain lying down, rolling over onto their back as they stare up at the ceiling.

"...Is he okay...? Are they all...?"

Unsure of who to help first, Rio hurries over to Collin's side. "Y-you shouldn't have pushed yourself like that...!"

Jay?: If he dies; we...dies. So yeah; I did...burning out; that can be fixed...dying, not so much...a soul's pretty easy to bring back, but a personified concept...? ...Whatever, just tell me how he's doing; I'm really tired...

Tori has a lot of agnaktor/gore magala themes; with a little bit of Toothless mixed in

Collin appears to have passed out from the strain and seems somewhat pale, but is still breathing normally. His markings are completely gone, including the one that normally stays on the back of his left hand. Aside from that, he appears to be fine. Rio: ...I'm no XL, but I think he's gonna live.

She hurries over to the pantheon while the person on the floor gives her a shaky thumbs up.

Jay?: Okay...great; I'll just...lie here, then...

The green markings on their arm flicker to blue as they pass out. The pantheon seems to be shifting between several members for a moment before finally settling on Sanglied, who appears to be significantly more coherent. "Wow... that sucked. I feel bad I couldn't take more of the hit, but... that would've just made things worse for you guys. Mind touching the table so this thing will let me go, sweetie?" Rio: Oh, that's how this works? Okay...!

Rio gingerly places her hands upon the table. The restraints click open again and Sanglied carefully drops down onto their feet, staggering slightly for a moment. "Appreciate it. Stars above, I can't believe he knocked himself out though. He's got no sense of romanticism, I swear. Now instead of dramatically carrying his partner to safety, we've gotta lug both of them back to the IT." Rio: At least he's really lightweight? But I agree, that was pretty reckless...I don't think he wanted to risk anything... Sanglied: His heart's in the right place, but his execution needs work. Anyway, if he's lightweight, I'll get him. I can still run my mouth a lot, but heavy lifting is... a little beyond me right now. Go get Collin, but be careful. He's probably pretty worse for wear after that. Heading over to Collin's table, Rio places her hands upon the edge as well. "I'm just glad you're all alright...I don't know what I would've done if we'd messed up..." Collin slumps forward into Rio as soon as he's released, still unconscious.

Sanglied: Hey, don't worry about that. These two made a good call getting you for this.

They kneel down and scoop Jay up into their arms, then struggle for a second as they force themselves back up on their feet. "I'm just wondering how you would've handled it if all three of us couldn't move. I don't think Fereldir kept a wheelbarrow or anything in this place. You got him?" Very carefully, Rio slides her arms beneath Collin and scoops him up.

"...I probably would've just gotten help from everyone else; but I'm sure they'd have...a lot of questions..." Sanglied: Yeah, stuff like "Wow Rio, why'd you knock everyone out like that? Not cool." Rio: Probably more like "who's rusty murder dungeon did you get dragged into this time;" even if it was the opposite of that... Sanglied: Yeah, I'm pretty sure the murder dungeon is way further down in this tower. Been a while since I've been here.

Rio: Um...I'm still sure Nydins is gonna have a lot of questions when we get back...and XL... Sanglied: Yeah, we should get these two back home... Also the uh, murder dungeon was a joke, for the record. Anyway, let's go.

Rio and Sanglied leave the Apparatus and return to the IT. [A couple of hours later...]

Collin groans slightly as he comes to. His eyes flutter slightly as they adjust to the light, and a few seconds later he slowly turns his head to glance around the room. Jay is seated on the floor beside Collin's side of the bed, though he's been holding Collin's hand the whole time. Humming quietly to himself, he continues to stare at the ceiling, having not noticed Collin quite yet. Collin squeezes Jay's hand slightly after noticing his touch. "... Hey..." Jumping slightly, Jay scrambles to turn around, grasping Collin's hand with both of his own. "Y-you're okay! I mean, I knew you'd be okay, but...! I'm...I'm glad you're up...I was totally expecting to sit here for a few days." Collin: Well... I'm probably not... getting up for a while, heh... Feels like I got... hit by a truck... or three... alienrabitt: ...Then I'll stay here until you can! Okay, well maybe not right here, I'll, uhh...

Getting up off the floor, Jay takes a seat on his side of the bed. Collin laughs quietly. "It's okay, babe... How're you feeling now?" alienrabitt: ...Better. A lot less painful, that's for sure. I'm still kinda hurting, but that's probably because I got stabbed and drowned a little...doesn't help that Tori kinda went all-in at the last second. Collin: You got what? alienrabitt: Uh, well...when we cut all those threads, they kinda wound up summoning some stuff instead of just raw, chaotic magic or whatever, so I kinda had to go all out by myself. If it weren't for Tori's magic, we'd all be totally dead. Collin: Fuck... What about Rio? And the pantheon? alienrabitt: Oh, nothing even touched Rio; Sanglied was up and about earlier, but I think they might be the only one who can do anything right now... Collin: .... Okay. But you're okay too... right? alienrabitt: I'm...yeah. I used up a lot of magic to keep everyone safe, but I still have enough to stick around, so I'm okay; I just won't be fighting any time soon. Collin: Fair enough. Not gonna lie... I would've been really worried if you weren't here, hehe.... alienrabitt: Well, the way you were looking, I kinda figured even if you got up, you wouldn't have been able to get too far, so... Collin: That bad, huh? alienrabitt: You did not look good when I woke up. Needless to say, XL was very much not happy about all this. Firefly yelled at me even more than her, though... Collin: Firefly? What got her upset? alienrabitt: Finding out what we did, and why. I got a whole lot of "this all could've been avoided if you'd thought more about yourself instead" and stuff. Something, something, "a shield made of glass doesn't help anybody," blah, blah, whatever...Demo didn't even know what happened, but she still called me a moron for getting so burnt out "doing whatever;" kinda expected that one, though. Collin: I mean... they're not wrong? You shouldn't let yourself burn out like that. What if something happens... after you do that? alienrabitt: I mean, I'd just be burnt down to my oracle by that point. Can't fight at all if you're not technically there; though if something got that bad, we'd have bigger problems. Collin: That's... not really the point. N-Nevermind, I can't really argue right now. alienrabitt: ...I guess I get what you're saying, though. Doesn't matter what my role is, I'm always gonna want to do everything I can to help, even if it's risky. Even if I'm not part of the FPF anymore, there's just some stuff I can't shake. Once I dedicate to something, I'll just keep at it til it's over, so nah, I don't think this could've ended any other way. I was always gonna dedicate my life to keeping you safe, wish or not. Collin: Wow, are you the sappy one in the relationship now too? alienrabitt: --Ugh, no way! You know I don't say this stuff often... Collin: I'm just teasing... Although it is nice to hear from time to time, ahaha... alienrabitt: ...Is it quiet now? Looks like you lost your magic... Collin: Did I really? I knew I was feeling pretty drained, but... I don't know, it's hard to tell when I'm feeling like this. alienrabitt: The markings are totally gone right now, but who knows? Maybe they'll come back or something... Collin: Mm... Well, I didn't have markings back when I could only really use lightning, so... I guess we'll see? alienrabitt: Hey, magic or no magic, you've still got me, at least. ...Whenever I'm able to fight again. Collin: Thank God for that.

He squeezes Jay's hand again. "... Although I will admit, I kinda hope I kept /something/ at least. I'd hate to give up being able to go out and help." alienrabitt: Hey man, if Daedalus can do it, so can you. Worst case you just gotta borrow some of Maya's weird stuff. Collin: Well... let's hope it doesn't come to that. Hey, can you do me a favor, actually? alienrabitt: Of course; what's up? Collin: Come down here so I can kiss you. I can't push myself up still... Jay visibly debates just lifting him upright, but ultimately leans down to kiss Collin instead. Collin eventually breaks away from the kiss and looks back up at Jay. "I love you so much." alienrabitt: I love you too, Collin.

so much cheese; ugh. next time, we deal with some stuff in Lobotomy! O: