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195.571429 | 2021-08-31 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "**Full Name:** Vizhkir Valentinovich Dragovich. **Age:** 17.\n\nPernilla kept a clipboard with the student's details on it, but only because she didn't want to forget. She scanned it over and over again, walking down the hall.\n\n**Nationality:** Russian. **Room:** 1403.\n\nPernilla was, at first, astonished that there even *Was* A room 1403. There were by no means 1403 rooms in the building. Nonetheless, as she walked through the dorms, it seemed to line up. *1413. 1411. 1409. 1407. 1405.* And there it was, close to one end of the hall - 1403. She made a mental note to have the dorm room numbers changed - surely it'd be easier to remember a shorter number, and there were hardly 1500 rooms. Were there?\n\nShe looked at the boy's file for a moment again before knocking. \n\n**Age:** 17. **Notes:** Convicted on charges of armed robbery.\n\nCarefully, she balled her hand into a fist and knocked twice on Vizhkir's door. \"Mr. Dragovich?\""
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "The door would have creaked open, revealing the large Russian boy. He looked down at her and stepped aside, \"Please, enter\" He said in the most bland of voices. He retreated further into the room, making his way to his desk. \n\nHe motioned for her to sit, looking up at the clock on the wall. \"And please, Mr Dragovich is my father. I am Vizhkir. I wanted to ask you about the requirements for obtaining a highschool diploma. What classes I have to take and such\" He said, looking at her as he leaned on the wall. \"As well as my... Charges.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Oh, of course!\" Pernilla made a point of smiling at him. \"Vizhkir it is.\" She stepped into the room and sat down. Frankly, she was somewhat surprised that Vizhkir would even *Have* A desk, but she did a good job of not showing that. \"You can call me Pernilla, then.\"\n\nThe visit was routine for Pernilla. Another previously delinquent shapeshifter - a dime a dozen, really. Their temperaments differed quite a bit, but Vizhkir thankfully seemed to be on the calm end of things. \"The requirements for... Well, that's actually rather difficult.\"\n\nShe put the clipboard away. She could talk about education without it, just fine - it was for talking about Vizhkir that she'd need it. \"Since you're technically an immigrant and you don't speak Swedish, you'd have to enter a Swedish language introductory program to start proper high school education here. We can help enrol you in that, but it's all digital. Remote-learning stuff. You're responsible for it yourself once you're in.\"\n\nShe thought for a moment. It was routine, but everyone had their own needs and challenges in taking an education. Some were quicker learners than others - and Pernilla didn't quite know what to expect from Vizhkir. \"You can also put your education on hold and focus just on learning Swedish if that's what you'd prefer.\""
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "Vizhkir smiled back at her, \"Sure thing, Pernilla\" He said, \"I would like to be enrolled in the introduction class then please. It would be impossible for me to get a job in my homeland without a diploma.\"\n\n\"The online learning will be of little issue. I am quiet self motivated when it comes to important things such as that.\" He thought for a moment, \"As for mathematics and science classes, are there any of those that I need to take?\" He asked.\n\nVizhkir caught on rapidly, it didn't take him long to grasp concepts and information and he was rather intelligent. He considered himself rather organized, a trait not many his age could attribute to themselves. His biggest challenge was working himself till burn out and then some. He regimented his day heavily, and while it gave him ease when it came to decision making he was rapidly losing any free time he had allowed himself to have."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"I'll get that done for you, then.\" A smile and a nod was all that was needed to settle that. Pernilla simply moved on. \"Mathematics and science shouldn't be too much of an issue right now. You can take the classes if you're behind, but it's your choice.\"\n\nShe picked the clipboard back up and skimmed through it. It didn't say anything indicating bad grades - Vizhkir would be fine. She continued to silently mull over the information for a minute for so, before she spoke up again.\n\n\"You mentioned your charges. Armed robbery, right?\" Criminal charges were a minefield, but one Pernilla was educated to deal with. If she dodged it, she'd be out of a job. She tried her best to keep a patient smile, but a bit of worry still shone through in her eyes. It always did. She fidgeted with the clipboard to keep calm. \"Was there something you needed to clear up?\""
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "\"Tack on an extra class or two. Theres no harm in it\" He responded with a smile. \n\n\"Yes. Armed Robbery.\" He said, murmuring something before clearing his throat and propelling himself off the wall. He paced around the room, arms folded behind his back and eyes cast down at the ground. \"I... I had nothing to do with it. I was no where near where the bank was at the time.\" He said, \"I do not know. The Russian Federation's criminal justice system is not very just. Do you offer legal assistance?\" He asked. He would rather have it disputed and dropped off his record than have it stay as with him."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Right.\"\n\nUsually, the files were very clear on the resident's guilt or innocence in regard to the charges. Vizhkir was an exception. It seemed that he held that he was innocent, but...\n\nPernilla decided on caution. \"Usually,\" She said, \"If you're innocent or the crime happened because of your powers, it gets wiped off your record the moment you leave here. If that doesn't happen, you'll have to fight it in court on your own.\" She frowned a little. \"Just don't worry too much. It's only a stain on your record. It's not like you're going to prison.\"\n\n\"If that's everything...\" She trailed off, expecting Vizhkir to catch on."
}
] | 191 | 1,369 |
93.142857 | 2021-10-06 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "School was a strange concept for Raizel who struggled through their classes. It was no doubt that she is the weirdo who sits in the back corner of the room, wearing a tribal mask to hide her face. She... Sort of stood out with her winter jacket made of seal skin with real tuft of wolf fur rimmed on her hood. Even the inside of her coat had wolf fur lining. Her boots look like well made from deer leather she used than buying a pair from a store. Adorn in cultural jewelry, she appeared to have been brought in from the wild. Returning back to her room, she wandered down the hall with a backpack sling over her left shoulder. Her glowing pale eyes on her mask are half closed in an upside down crescent shape."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "There appears to be someone else in this hall! A boy with a rugged look second only to literal animal pelt with his tousled, overly long hair hair and tattered coats.\n\nHe's by a dorm door, fiddling and jostling with the handle without much success, a very bitterly exhausted look on his face the entire while.\n\nHe eventually pulls his hand back from the handle to reveal a bobby pin on hand. Bristling a bit, he ultimately kicks the door and steps back with a sigh."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel freezes in place when seeing a scraggly young male with a rugged look which remind her of a scruffy pelt laying on jagged rocks. She didn't know what to do since her freaking room is nearby which means having to pass this odd kid. Raizel blinked, seeing him pull out a bobby pin out from the knob. \"H-hey... Uh..\" She stuttered, turning her eyes to the floor immediately. \"You could ask for spare keys to open your door from the front desk... Uh... Umm..\" She is already shaking nervously."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"What?\" He looks at her with a face frozen in a stern expression. He sizes her up for a bit, before he stuffs his hands into his coat pockets.\n\n\"Yeah, but it's a pain in the ass.\" He scratches his head a bit in irritation. \"But I may have to.\"\n\n\"Whatever, you don't have to worry about my business. I'll deal with it later.\" He says. \"So like, who are you?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Upon glancing at the other person he could tell they have a tough, athletic build with a cold air surrounding them. Wearing a strange tribal mask, nervously standing 5'6 holding their forearm as they tried not make eye contact with him. If he knew better, this person could possibly be female or a feminine male. \"Uh!?\" She perks up a bit when he asked who she is. \"I-It's Raizel...\" Their voice was very gentle and soft with a hollow tone from her mask. \"It is... Nice to meet you... Uh... Erm..\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"Evan.\"\n\"Raizel. Weird name,\" He says, maybe a bit insensitively. He pulls his hand out to scratch his forehead in irritation, still a bit miffed by his current situation even if he attempts not to let it show.\nHe allows himself to idly let his eyes wander around the hallway when it was clear they had no interest in eye contact. \"I suppose we're both students, huh. So, what are you in for?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "It didn't bother her one bit with his blunt remark of her name. \"Just a name they gave me since I arrived without one. Was sent here because I got shot by a hunter who got mauled... This weird place found out and took me in. Why?\" Raizel sound very confused of the subject."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "Evan squints into the far distance.\n\"You do know this is a detention center, right? Well, supposed to be.\"\n\"I don't know what it really is anymore.\" He takes a deep breath. He feels like the topic of her history would lead to a rabbit hole of no answers and more questions.\nAt the very least, Evan has a new impression of her- a confused weirdo.\n\n\"To make it fair, I was here for theft. That's what I meant.\" He explains. \"But I guess they'll take people for any reason.\" He shrugs.\n\n\"...You have powers too, right?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "The round eyes on her mask close half ways when she tilts her head at him. \"Detention center...? They caught me in the woods where they found me... Archaeologist were invading my territory.\" Raizel pauses for a bit at that question. \"Powers..? Yeah? Is it not normal to have any? I don't quite understand this place all that much.\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"Not at all.\" He raises his bushy brows a bit in surprise at what she said. For once, he looks directly at her.\n\"Before you came here, did you know anyone else at all who had powers?\" He asks, but it was pretty clear in his disbelief he found it unlikely. But he already knew she wasn't a very typical person."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "She shrugs. \"I come from a remote area a lot of people do smudging and had a strong culture and superstition. They had a few shamans and some people who done weird practices to keep evil spirits away. A lot of them are not like me... So I didn't merge with their clan because no one seem to know how to shapeshift? Its weird.\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"That explains a few things.\" He rubs his head a little bit.\n\"You... Nothing. Nevermind.\" He sighs. He wasn't the kind to involve himself with discourse. That only meant doubly so when it came to culture. \"So you're really fine with them just keeping you here?\" He asks."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"N-Nevermind? U-Uh... Um... Okay..?\" She rubs the back of her neck now turning her gaze to the door. \"No... I didn't had a choice? It was too easy for them because I had no one. At first I thought th-they were taking me to the R-Residential School th-that I heard of before... I was r-really scared..\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"Right.\" He says. \"That's kind of messed up.\"\nAll that... Was probably still within their legal rights of the organization? He wasn't an expert, and this was a strange case. But whatever the case, it didn't feel right.\n\"Well...\" He thinks about what to say for a moment, before he ultimately ends up on, \"Same.\"\n\"I don't really want to be here either. But I guess that's not up to us.\"\nHe sighs.\n\"Well, I'm going to be standing outside my door for a while. You go on ahead.\" He starts to sit down with his back against the door."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Uh... Okay..?\" She walks around him but her steps seem to be weighed down by her conscious the further she got. Raizel let out a soft sigh. \"Hey... You can c-come stay at m-my room if you like... Besides, I'm not u-use to sleeping on a bed anyways.\" She glances over her shoulder at the kid."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "He looks at her with the same, stern expression as before for a a solid second in silence.\n\"Not used to a bed? The hell do you sleep in?\" He asks, but he does climb up to his feet. \"If you'll be here for a while... You better get used to it. It's a hell of a better place to be in than the floor, or something.\"\n\"But sure, I guess.\" Evan knew better than to refuse shelter when... It seemed safe enough."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "With his stern expression and the thickness of his brow, it made her nervous, wondering if she had said something wrong. \"Uh... Um..\" She bashfully rubs the back of her head. \"A-Anyways!\" She walks ahead and her room wasn't too far away from his. It creaked open creepily, revealing a pitch black room. It smelled... Like the outside woods with a hint of cedar and sage? White sage? It is faint though. As soon as she flinted on the lights... It reveals a wall full of tribal masks, a large cedar bentwood box with tribal carvings and native paintings. Her bed was untouched indicating she NEVER uses it. There is a deer leather bedroll laying on the floor beside a bunch of books. Hanging from the ceiling there is a dream catcher."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "Evan is taken pretty aback at the interior of her room. He takes a few steps inside as his eyes sweep from side to side, hands stuffed in his pockets.\n\"...When you moved in, you *Moved in*.\" He says. \"Surprised you were able to take so much with you.\"\nHe purses his lips a bit when he looks between the bedroll and the actual bed itself, before he walks over and sits down on the cushion of the unused bed.\nHe is silent for a few seconds. \"Neat room.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"It is all I had left since those stupid p-people started to invade my pl-place... O-only place I called home. Th-they took away a lot to place in-into their museums. Tried scaring them away.\" She drops her bag aside near her bentwood box. \"Th-thanks... Thought it would make you w-weirded out by it... Everything e-else looks so... Normal? I-I don't know...\" Raizel hangs up her winter coat on a hanger to reveal that she is just wearing a plain dark grey T-shirt and cargo pants. \"I-I guess its only fair... Not sure... What to do now... My h-home is gone.\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"I was still a bit surprised. But I've seen weird stuff in my life,\" He says, \"And I already knew you were a bit weird, so.\"\n\"Hard question, yeah.\" He comments. \"They said its to prepare us. You ever have any plans when they finally let you out of this place?\" He says, voice low when he talks about it. Not a fun topic for him personally, it looks like.\n\nHe eyes her a bit when she puts her coat away. \"Will you ever take off your mask?\" \n\"Or is this... One of your superstition stuff?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Y-Yeah... That's th-the problem...\" She says softly, sitting down on her elk skin bedroll. \"M-My mask?\" Her hand subconsciously touch the side of the wooden rim. Bashfully shakes her head 'no' nervously. \"I... R-rather no show my face... Uh... It's... Something I r-rather not show... Never did showed it to people... It makes me feel a little safer... K-keeping it on.\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"Okay,\" He says, and leaves the matter. \nHe has little reservations as he starts to lean back and lays down on the unused bed, his coat still on. The fact she doesn't seem to use it help.\n\"I'll probably... Stay for a bit.\" He says, voice already a bit drowsy. \"I still have a cat in my room. They'll start to wonder where I am... In a few hours.\"\n\"Mostly the food.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Wait... You have a cat?\" She asked, sounding concern now. \"A-Are they going to starve to d-death?\" And her tone even got more concern as she looks at his direction."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"I have a cat.\" He echoes in confirmation.\n\"He'll be fine for a bit. That's why I said I'll have to leave later.\"\n\"Things don't starve that quickly...\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"I can try chew through the door if you like?\" She flops back onto the bedroll, moving her arm over her eyes. Today was hard on her brain to think any more."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"No... No.\" He sits back up and sends her a stern look. \"Are you sure you're not the animal here? I don't know what the people here will do if they find out you... Destroyed a perfectly nice door.\"\n\n\"My cat will be fine.\" He sighs. \"If you're so worried, I can ask for those keys earlier.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"I honestly don't know what I am to be e-exact,\" Rai said, pulling the blanket over herself. \"They b-brought me from the woods, th-they can deal with it.\" She huffed, getting cozy in her bedroll. Damn, she makes the floor look comfortable."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "He sighs, but lays back down and closes his eyes. Just for a bit. He can't stay here for long.\n\"Whataever you say, I guess.\" He offers a half assed comment, before he falls silent."
}
] | 94 | 2,608 |
91.235294 | 2021-10-09 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Oliver checked the little slip of paper, then the room door. He double checked. Triple checked. Then knocked.\n\nHe was, quite usually for him, in a sour mood. He was running errands for Graham - not that he didn't know *Why.* Still, that somehow failed to make the situation feel any better.\n\nHe knocked again. \"I'm looking for a... Stan Hardy?\"\n\n*This better be the right fucking room.* He quadruple checked. It was the right room number, according to Graham.\n\nNot that that made the situation any better."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "Stan was lying on the bed looking at the ceiling, throwing a baseball with one hand and catching it with the other.\nHe had only been here a short time but already had clothes scattered around his room\n\"Door's unlocked, come in!\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Oliver opened the door and immediately grimaced. This kid was *Filthy.* Thankfully, he wouldn't be Oliver's responsibility for long.\n\n\"My name is Oliver Rask,\" He said stiffly. \"I'll be your science teacher while you're here, if that's even on your schedule. Your contact, Mr. Cantor, told me to show you around the premises. Apparently, he's busy.\"\n\nOliver made no secret of his displeasure at the situation - he was bad at hiding that sort of thing anyway."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "Realizing that this was a teacher, Stan quickly caught the ball and sat up straight\n\"Oh, alright, sure\"\n\n*Lucky me, he looks like he already hates me. Well, if he's the science teacher that won't change, sorry bud*\n\nHe pushed himself off the bed, grabbed a thin jacket and walked out the door\n\"Right behind you sir!\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Oliver was just *Like this.* Like, *All of the time.* Not that he expected Stan to know that.\n\nHe walked out of the room again, waited for Stan to follow, then closed the door.\n\nThe hallway smelled caustic, sort of soapy - a frequent scent across the premises at Newton's Cradle, owing in large part to the very hygienic facilities and the obsessive nature of the person cleaning them.\n\nThe two of them walked down the stairs to the ground floor, where Oliver stopped and looked at an area next to the stairs, waiting for Stan to catch up.\n\n\"That's the kitchen.\" He nodded in its general direction. \"There's one on the top floor too. Use it however you like, just clean up after yourself and don't break anything.\""
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "He did not need to wait long as Stan was perfectly matching his pace\n\nStan looked through the kitchen.\n\n\"Sure I'll clean up afterwards\"\n\n Yup, he was gonna spend a lot of time here. Ever since his powers came to be he needed to eat double.\n\n\"Uh, I was told that I'm not allowed near electrical sockets unsupervised due to my powers. Does that include the kitchen?\"\n\nHe asked, slightly pleadingly"
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Oliver sighed. \"If it's bad enough that you had to be told that, then *Yes,* It does. Now move.\" Stan was definitely going to break some shit.\n\nOliver walked past the kitchen, out through the school. He made it past the classrooms and offices before anything really significant showed up again - the lab, and adjoined supply closet plastered in \"Do not enter\" Signs.\n\n\"That's the science lab. If I find out you touched the stuff in there without my permission, you're dead. If I find out you even opened the door to the supply closet, you're dead.\" He didn't beat around the bush. He looked mildly disgusted at the thought."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "*Wow this guy has no chill at all*\nStand didn't ever plan on breaking anything. He just sometimes short circuited something or broke the refrigerator and stove. But he was getting better at controlling that kind of stuff so *They should allow him in the damn kitchen*\nHe'd just have to wait until noone was looking\n\n\"Noted. What's next?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Oliver stepped away from the lab and went for the nearest elevator. The door opened immediately. \"Get in,\" He almost hissed.\n\nThe elevator was spacious, but a bit old. It seemed as though it hadn't ever been replaced since being installed - but it worked, so there was no need to. Oliver went over to a keypad next to the elevator buttons, punched in a code, and watched the doors close.\n\nHe stuck his left hand in his front pocket and waited.\n\n\"This is gonna take a while. Elevator's almost as old as I am. While we wait, anything you want me to tell the guy who was actually supposed to be with you today?\""
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "Stan tried to follow the inputs for the code, but didn't manage to commit them to memory.\n\nHe then took a second to think\n\n\"Not really? No, wait, I got a question: Are there any regular meetups or stuff like that for us - like an afterschool club kinda thing? Oh, and I still have no clue how our power training will actually work so that'd be nice if they could tell me...\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Afterschool club? Not that we're arranging, but everyone who studies here *Lives here,* So just make some friends or something. Not my problem.\"\n\nOliver grumbled a bit. Couldn't these kids have just a sliver of independence? Why was he always the one getting asked what to spend their free time on? *Every time* A new kid showed up, it was the same deal.\n\n\"Power training? ...Yeah, I can see why you wanna know how that works. It's on your schedule, actually. 'APT'. I don't teach your APT classes, but I'll tell Graham to give you the rundown.\"\n\nThe elevator stopped, finally, and the doors creaked open to reveal a large, open gym hall. \"And this is where we do power training.\""
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Okay I'll just ask around then...\"\n\nAs the doors opened Stan was really happy to see a big open space - he always wanted try doing bigger stuff, but the more energy he tried to move the less control he had. In here he would be able to just let loose!\n\n\"Is there, like, special equipment here for 'A' 'P' 'T' - and what does that stand for?\"\n\nFinally, an interesting topic!"
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"There's some equipment,\" Oliver replied. \"Usually they get me to make it.\" *Don't even pay me,* He mumbled. \"It's pretty individual what kind of equipment can help someone, though, so there probably isn't anything *You* Can use.\"\n\n\"One sec.\" He jogged through the room and said a few things to another teacher working near the back of the room, then returned.\n\n\"Right. APT. APT is an acronym for Applied Paranormal Training. We used to teach the theory of paranormality too, but the government shut that down, so we don't anymore.\""
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Wait, you make most of the equipment? Alone? That's pretty dope.\"\n\nDid this guy just ask the other teacher what the acronym stood for. Did he actually?"
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Yes. I do. Any other obvious questions?\"\n\nHe didn't. He just remembered he had to tell the other teacher what the fuck he was doing there."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Not right now, nope.\"\n\nThat reaction to a compliment? For a second Stan had thought this guy might actually not be that bad.\n\n\"What's up next?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Nothing. You go back to your room, I go back to work.\"\n\nOliver stepped into the elevator again. \"Get on or it's leaving without you.\""
}
] | 88 | 1,551 |
48.68 | 2021-10-12 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "Stan had decided to meet some of the other students so he grabbed a chair and sat down in the dorm hallways, someone was bound to come by.\nHe passed the time by throwing a baseball against the wall and catching the rebound. A dark spot was starting to form on the wall."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel felt her math books in her arms while looking down at the floor when she walked quietly. Her glowing eyes are closed halfways, looking gloomy or something is on her mind. Her shadow slide across the walls forming a strange beast that is cast from her mask and tuft of fur on her hood. She didn't seem to notice Stan sitting on the chair as she pass by him."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "He tapped her on the shoulder\n\"Sup.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Eeek!?\" She jumped when she suddenly felt someone touched her shoulder, causing her stiffen up and her dark brown hair to bristle."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Chill, just saying Hi. I'm Stan.\"\nHe pushed himself up from the chair swiftly and offered a handshake\n\"I'm new. Sup?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"O-Oh... H-Hi..\" She said, now looking down at him. Her gloved hand is shaking when she reach out towards him, but hesitates, unsure if this is a good idea. \"Me too... I-I'm new here... N-Name's Rai..\" Right now she is screaming internally for the one person she clings onto."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Hey Rai, nice to meet you! I'm trying to meet a few other students around here, and you're the first. Got some time?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Y-yeah... A bit... Was g-going to take a nap... Math is hard..\" She said, still unsure about this person. He seem too happy? Too friendly? It felt normal seeing a frowning person."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Yeah, math sucks...\"\nA shiver ran through him, more than just math. Despite how warm it was in here he seemed cold?\n\"But I've managed to scrape by in school. What room are you in?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "A cold wintry chill come off from the girl's body as if she is an embodiment of winter itself. She seem to be thinking about something or someone until the question snapped her back to reality. \"I-It's just r-right over th-there, why?\" She asked, turning back to him. Her eyes closes part ways looking like two glowing crescent moons; a weary or gloomy look."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Hey, we're almost neighbours!\"\nHe laughed\n\"Just a sec...\"\nHe took undefinable bars of food out of his pocket and gulfed them down like he was starving\n\"..Sorry, gotta deal with power upkeep and...\"\nHe had an idea\n\"Right! Powers! Tell me yours and I'll tell you mine!\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "She is taken back by the sudden question which made her rub her forearm nervously. \"Uhhh... Hhhhnn... I-I am... Just a cold person...\" Her voice starts to sound smaller and fainter as she speaks. \"A-A-And hitting me is b-b-b-badluck... Can sl-slightly shapeshift..\" She felt her face growing hotter behind her mask when she bit down onto her lower lip, slightly chewing on it nervously."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Shapeshifting and cold stuff? Cool.\n...\n\"Whoa, sorry was that a bit much?\"\nHe slides the chair back a bit to show her that he's giving her metaphorical space\n\"Take your time, I'll tell you mine once you're ready.\"\nInteresting enough, she noticed that it was slightly warmer near Stan"
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Yeah, no, she doesn't like the warmth when she steps away to the opposite side of the hall. The poor girl is quivering which made her mask rattle with a similar sound to the forest spirits in Princess Monoke. \"Uh... Unnn...\" She looks down, now squeezing her forearm."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "Stan didn't know how to deal with that, so he pushed the chair up to the wall and kept waiting"
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"S-Sorry... I'm n-n-not good with this... T-t-talking... I-i-is r-r-r-really hard...\" She said, her teeth chattering behind her shaky mask. \"N-N-Never t-t-t-talked much... To people... L-l-lived alone...\""
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Ah, I'll keep talking then\"\nAhem\n\"My power is basically bringing energy from one thing I touch to another. Like, if I had a hot cup of tea and a cold one I could turn those into two warm ones. That make sense?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "She shakily nods, understanding what he's saying. It might explain why there was warm air near him? \"M-Mhm...\" She had to sit down when her skin felt clammy and it was starting to get hard to breath. \"H-\""
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Uh, are you okay?\"\nThis girl was proper weird, he had hoped to find someone chill - but not literally!"
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Sorry Stan, this is a nervous true antisocial girl who is now experiencing a panic attack approaching her. \"M-Mhm... I-I-I am okay...\" She's looking very small where she curled up sitting there. Looking at Stan was making her more nervous and self conscious. Her arms wrap around her head."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Welp, I'm gonna be here in the hallway waiting for more people to come along, feel free to stop by.\"\nMaybe she just had some sort of problem right now that she needed to be alone for to deal with. Some sort of ability drawback? Whatever, no use talking to her in this state."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Hm..\" She nods and quickly gets up to go escape into her room to hide. Raizel then rests her back against the closed door nearly wheezing when she is trying to calm herself down."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "Stan leans back against the chair and yawns\nHe wondered how long it would take her to come back.\nHe started throwing the ball against the wall again."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "He's going to be left bored since this girl is not going to be leaving her room any time soon."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "========================================="
}
] | 52 | 1,217 |
208 | 2021-10-17 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "The light clomping of bootfalls could be heard throughout the hall as Vizhkir made his way to his room. He looked tired and was covered sweat. His body ached, each additional step seemed to pain him more. Today was leg day, he ran 2 and a half miles and did various other leg exercises. He stopped for a moment to rest"
},
{
"author": "joeisacloud",
"message": "*Corvus walked down the hallway of the dorms silently. His posture would be slightly slumped, and the dark bags under his eyes seemed to showcase how exhausted he felt. The last couple of days had been tiring with adjusting to the new environment, and he still found it difficult to get used to. His attire would consist of a dark grey coat with black pants, and underneath the coat would be his black undershirt. He wore this outfit consistently, although, he did have other clothing alternatives. His facial expression would show a tired grin, with the corners of his eyes squinting slightly.*\n\n*He whistled to himself, which the tune itself sounded familiar but unpeaceable. It sounded like the theme to a circus park, which, the song itself would be quite old. He stopped whistling mid-tune as he turned one of the many corners, and found himself looking at the slightly-taller and muscularly-built man before him. He raised an eyebrow, somewhat curious about the boy who seemed to be in mild physical pain and sweating. He spoke, his voice light in tone and soft on the ears. It had a distinct American accent with it.*\n\n\"Oh, why hello there!\" \n\n*After speaking, Corvus crossed his arms and examined the appearance of the boy once more. It'd be interesting, and he'd be curious as to the others who were here. He hadn't gotten to speak to the others here just yet, and it'd be a new experience for him. Hopefully, they aren't an angry brute. His expression changed mildly as he realized what his thoughts had drifted to, and the blank expression on his face would be evident that he zoned off in mere moments.*"
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "A whistle caught the ears of the Russian. He looked around to find it's origin only to be met with nothing at first. Then a shorter, more tired looking boy cross his eyes. Vizhkir took in his appearance, noting details and posture so as to build a mental profile of the boy. \n\nVizhkir was dressed in a pair of plain, faded black gym shorts, running shoes and a Red Telnayashka shirt with a Spetsnaz coat of arms over the right breast. \n\n\"Hello\" \n\nHis voice was deep, and held a thick accent of an obvious Eastern Eroupean citizen. He stood up from the wall, folding his arms behind his back. \n\n\"You are new, no?\" \n\nHe hadn't seen this particular boy around, not that he had very many interactions with fellow prisoners as he took his classes online. But he felt like he would have noticed this one in particular. He seemed to have a plainly unique style to him."
},
{
"author": "joeisacloud",
"message": "*Corvus' right eyebrow raised, which his amber-shaded eye would take in the view of the boy better. His eyes were different colors, with his right eye being almost golden amber, and his left eye was light grey. His décor lacked logos, although, it remained fashionable. His facial expression remained friendly, as he didnt have a reason to dislike the taller, stronger, sweating man. He extended his right hand, which had a few long scars upon the back of it. His skin tone would be white, as he didnt seem to go outside too often. His black hair gently rested on his face, and it seemed to have some gel in it to keep it out of his eyes. He knew that the boy was Eastern European, and made a simple guess that he was Russian or Ukrainian. With how he stood, he wasn't certain that he would get his hand shook but held it out anyway. He responded, his voice still the same light tone.*\n\n\"I'm new, yes. How long have you been here?\"\n\n*He didnt feel like asking too much, as he didnt want to invade his privacy immediately after meeting the boy. He knew that boundaries were important, and had been working on keeping distance and only doing what people were comfortable with. He knew that he overthought and talked too much, which it was something he had to work on. As his thoughts wandered once more, Corvus took effort to keep his thoughts focused on the moment and made eye contact with the taller boy. He was certainly smaller than the European, and it would be obvious. He could probably beat him up without difficult, and could probably just drag him like he was nothing.*"
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "Vizhkir's hand found the other boy's, giving it a very tight single shake before releasing it. He took notice to the differing eye colours, something he had never seen before. However like the other boy he was ghost white from natural complexion, the sun tended to turn Vizhkir's skin fire engine red. \n\n\"A few weeks. Maybe a month and a half? Time runs quickly here\" Came Vizhkir's reply. \n\nThe Russian did not care if people asked him questions. His answers were normally two or three words most of the time and if one was lucky they would get a whole sentence out of him. \n\nNot a single thought of violence ran through Vizhkir's mind. Unlike his father the Russian boy was fairly non-hostile. He didn't care for violence and he certainly wouldn't attack someone with no reason to."
},
{
"author": "joeisacloud",
"message": "*Corvus felt that the grip of the shake was rather tight, and winced internally from it. His grip was more relaxed, which would probably be noticed by the Russian. Corvus enjoyed the complexion of the boy, as they seemed to be polar opposites when it came to their skin tone. He nodded his head gently whilst the boy spoke, then spoke in response after he finished.* \n\n\"Ah, I'd imagine. My name's Corvus, by the way.\"\n\n*Corvus nodded his head after he spoke, with a faint grin playing on his face. He'd enjoy meeting someone here, and despite the few words spoken between them he felt rather pleased to meet someone else around his own age, who also somewhat understood what it was like to be him. He took a step closer to the Russian, waiting to hear what he said in response. He'd feel tempted to touch the boy, to see what his muscles felt like. Sadly, he wasn't a physically active boy, but it didn't mean he didn't admire those who were.*"
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "Vizhkir noticed the boy's lack of a grip, but chalked it up to improper teaching.\n\n\"Vizhkir Valentinovich Dragovich\" \n\nHe introduced himself, using his full name as was tradition. \n\n\"It is nice to meet you Corvus\" \n\nVizhkir didn't move an inch when Corvus moved closer, simply peering down in interest as the other boy looked at his body. His arms dropped to his sides as he rolled his shoulder a few times before crossing them over his chest. This interaction wasn't like with the other prisoners, it felt different. Neither good nor bad, positive nor negitive. He wasn't sure how he felt about it and he would have to ponder on it later."
},
{
"author": "joeisacloud",
"message": "*Corvus thought that the name would be difficult to pronounce for most people, although, he wasn't most people. He found pride in his own eloquence, when he actually tried to be eloquent. Corvus' eyes darted from the muscular torso of the boy to the boys eyes, and then back down to his body. His right hand raised itself before finally grasping the boys right bicep, and squeezing it lightly. He didn't know why he felt like he wanted, no, needed to do it, but he did. His own fingers would be cool to the touch of the bare skin, and the Russian felt warm to the touch. The muscle seemed tight and firm, which was unlike his own. He slowly pulled away his right hand, before gently lowering it and grabbing the bicep once more.*\n\n\"May I?\"\n\n*His voice was slow and hesitant, as he wanted to try something that may help Vizhkir feel a small bit better after his workout. He obviously wanted permission, although, he wasn't going to say what it was he planned on doing.*"
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "Vizhkir recoiled slightly, his whole body tensing and his eyes widening. This. This was foreign. Strange, new. It didn't hurt, it felt sorta nice. But it came without invitation nor asking. The boys hands were cold and it seemed to cut through to his core. To say the Russian was shaken was an understatement. \n\n\"I.. You... Uh. Sure\" \n\nHis response was butchered, as was his mind. He was drawling a blank, such a rare occurrence that he didn't know how to cope. Congrats Corvus, you broke Vizhkir."
},
{
"author": "joeisacloud",
"message": "*Corvus took that as consent, and he decided to try and use his ability. With his right hand on his bicep, he began to focus his energy into the boy whilst absorbing the negative feelings that he had physically. He felt his muscles recoil in pain from what he had done, although, he didn't stop just yet. His right hand trembled, but didn't release the grip. After a few long moments, Corvus let go of his bicep and brought his eyes up from his bicep to make eye contact. He had a small smile on his face, despite the pain and exhaustion that he would be feeling from that. He slightly tilted his head whilst he spoke, his voice light and almost playful.*\n\n\"Better?\"\n\n*In basic terms, Vizhkir wouldn't feel the harmful effects from his previous workout. The majority of the Lactic Acid that would surely be coursing through Vizhkir would now be in Corvus instead, and Corvus would feel the painful effects of it. He his the pain through a grimace, although, his eyes couldn't lie the same way. He enjoyed the response from the Russian, and he was almost eager to see his reaction to what had happened.*"
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "Vizhkir's mind slowly unfogged itself and when it did he felt no pain. His mind was boggled, and his eyes doubled in confusion and suprise. The wheels slowly clacked in his head. He looked down and wiggled his fingers, basic motor control check. Next he looked around, tracking a fly with his eyes. He was still seeing just fine. Going down a list of other small items he determined he had not been drugged. Looking back at the boy he looked fine. In all but his eyes and expression. \n\n\"What did you do? Are you okay? You don't look it\" \n\nVizhkir's expression changed from confusion to concern as he placed a steady hand on his new freind's shoulder as the best sign he knew of comfort without invading his space."
}
] | 200 | 2,288 |
191.2 | 2021-10-18 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "joeisacloud",
"message": "\"I'm fine, It's nothing new. Do you feel a bit-\" \n\n*Corvus took a few moments to blink heavily and inhale. He didn't expect that the Russian pushed his body this hard, although, he wasn't used to working out too often in the first place. He felt the hand on his shoulder and his grimace turned into a smile, which he resumed speaking. He felt relatively fine, and he knew the feeling would pass eventually.*\n\n\"Feel a bit better?\"\n\n*Corvus felt a bit better with the hand on his shoulder, and it would be more of an uncomfortable feeling than a painful one. He was glad he did, as he wished to show that the person could trust him if needed at some point. He wasn't sure what else to say or do, and he stood there awkwardly waiting for Vizhkir to say something.*"
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "\"Yes I feel fine but you look like shit Corvus. Where is your room? I'll walk you there\" \n\nThe Russian looked around and assumed that it was somewhere behind him. Vizhkir had no clue what had happened to him, to either of them. He didn't want to let Corvus go and see another message on the school's forum about a student being sent to the hospital, though he was sure it wasn't that serious, and having that guilt hang over him."
},
{
"author": "joeisacloud",
"message": "\"It's only a few doors down, but, I'm fiiiine.\"\n\n*The last word that he said dragged on, and his grip tightened slightly. He released a mighty yawn, before blinking heavily once more. Using his abilities like this usually left him drained, but this is the worst it's been in a while. He didn't resist despite what he said, and he didn't mind showing the Russian his own room. Due to him being a new student, his room was one of the previously vacated/empty rooms. He took a hesitant step forward, waiting to see if the Russian would help him there.*"
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "Vizhkir nodded, following beside him with his arm draped over Corvus' shoulder for support. Surprisingly it was only a few doors down from the Russian's own dorm room. He kept a slow pace, moving in step with the other boy and keeping an eye on him to ensure that he was okay. Vizhkir might seem standoffish to most, a Russoboo to one, and a little strange to all but he still cared about his friends and family and Corvus was a friend. Albeit a new one that he hardly knew, Vizhkir was willing to go the distance for him. \n\nStopping outside the door, \"This you?\""
},
{
"author": "joeisacloud",
"message": "\"Yep.\"\n\n*Corvus spoke, his voice sounding mildly pained but honestly he had already begun to feel better. A large part of his pain was caused by the suddenness, and despite preparing himself mentally it was still physically exhausting and painful. Under Vizhkir's grasp, Corvus would feel light and easily moveable. As they stopped moving, Corvus sighed in relief and reached with his right hand into his pocket. Nimbly, he slid a finger into his closed wallet and managed to pull out his student i.D card. With a wave of his hand, he lowered it to the scanned before sliding it into his pocket once more. A light click would be heard, and he used his right hand to grasp the handle and push it downwards, opening the door.*\n\n*Taking a hesitant step forward, almost _pulling_ Vizhkir, Corvus entered the threshold to his dorm room. He had his own room, and it seemed rather small yet cozy. He had a pile of clothing on a table, next to a laptop. He also had a small bag, which would probably be hygiene supplies. Under his bed would be a large red bag, which there didn't seem to be any hinting at what was within. His bed would be the standard Twin-Bed size, with black sheets. He could obviously upgrade in the future, if he had a logical reason to. For now, he didn't mind the small size.* \n\n\"This is my room, sorry for the mess.\"\n\n*The 'mess' that he was referring to would be the pile of clothing on the floor, at the foot of his bed. He had been too lazy to collect it, or put it into a bin, so he just left his clothing on the ground until he left for a laundromat or somewhere else he could clean his clothing. As he took another step, he just felt so tired and physically exhausted that he slumped slightly in Vizhkir's grasp.*"
}
] | 139 | 956 |
152 | 2021-10-25 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "Vizhkir waited patiently for the door to open before being nearly drug into the room by the smaller individual. The large Russian took a look around, noticing the small mess on the floor. It wasn't that bad, just some clothing that didn't make it to the dirty clothes bin. \n\n\nThe Russian aided the boy to his bed, looking at the clothing on the table before grabbing a pair of something he deemed suitable for sleeping in. \"Change when I leave. And put your clothes in the bin\" He ordered\n\n\nMoving to the dirty clothes bin he picked it up and moved it to the foot of the bed. Tossing the pile on the floor into the bin he looked around for other things to clean up. He hated messes or disorganization in general. That much was drilled into him, he liked things strict and by the book."
},
{
"author": "joeisacloud",
"message": "*Corvus laid his back down onto the bed, his head hitting the pillow. It felt soft and cool, and rather nice against his feverish body. What kind of hell did Vizhkir put himself through? He knew that it would pass shortly, but it felt exhausting to deal with suddenly. It was almost like a blur as Vizhkir cleaned his room for him, and he didn't object. His large red duffel bag stuck out slightly from underneath the bed, and that could be kicked back under there. Besides that, the majority of his things were still in bags and unpacked. He definitely was new here, and it showed. His laptop would be opened, with a black screen. He hadn't added a password yet, so, if Vizhkir wished to snoop he could do so.*\n\n\"Thanks for the help.\"\n\n*Corvus had an exhausted smile on his face as he closed his eyes and listened as Vizhkir moved around his room. He didn't feel too protective of his belongings, and felt better just trying to relax. He would probably go and seek out a shower after Vizhkir left, although, he also might just forget to do so.*"
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "The Russian finished putting the other boy's things away and closed the computer lid. He dared not look into others' personal effects. That was the FSB's job. \n\n\n\"It was of no issue\" He said oncing over the room one more time. \"I should leave. Anything else you need?\" He asked moving to the door in a few short strides."
},
{
"author": "joeisacloud",
"message": "*Corvus gently propped himself up as he listened to Vizhkir get ready to leave the room. He opened his eyes, which his eyes would be mismatched and he squinted at the boy. His mouth opened, which he yawned momentarily before speaking, his voice light.*\n\n\"Oh, you're leaving already?\"\n\n*He had a small smile on his face, and he looked relatively at peace at the moment despite feeling quite tired. He knew that this would be rather stupid to say, although, he had said it. He just hoped that the boy wouldn't overreact about that question.*"
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "The Russian's hand slipped off the door knob, falling to his side. The gears inside his head turned, albeit slowly. Why would anyone want someone in their room so late? He could piece it together. \n\n\"You want me to stay?\" \n\nHe now faced Corvus, confusion written clearly on his face. He crossed his arms and leaned on the door, crossing his leg over the other as he pondered the possible deeper meanings. Perhaps the boy wanted a friend until he fell asleep. And well, boys can't like boys. That's illegal. Right? Maybe he needed someone to check under the bed, make sure nothing was lurking however unlikely that was."
}
] | 135 | 760 |
221.666667 | 2021-10-26 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "joeisacloud",
"message": "*Corvus nodded his head slightly, his lips barely being parted. He didn't speak, and instead decided to see how the Russian reacted. He saw the facial expression change on the boy, and he knew that the boy was thinking. Of what, he did not know. He watched as he leaned against the door, and he thought that maybe he had pushed too hard, although, Vizhkir didn't appear to be immediately leaving. Maybe he would stay?*\n\n*The boy seemed delicate now, and under his clothes he didn't have too much muscle on his body. His pale skin seemed whiter under this light, and he seemed gentle and peaceful. He didn't move from his position of being propped up on his elbows, and his eye contact with Vizhkir was steady. He mouthed a word, a silent whisper escaping his lips.* \n\n\"Stay.\"\n\n*After speaking, his face remained the same and he waited to see if Vizhkir would stay with him. As a new friend, perhaps? Or maybe as something else. Anyway, he wished for the boy to at least stay with him a while longer, and his eyes seemed gentle and pleading in the dim white light of his room.*"
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "The Russian nodded, having hardly heard the word. He made his way closer the the bed, sitting down next to it. \n\n\"So, what's America like?\" \n\nHe asked, trying to make small talk. He was pretty bad at the whole socialization thing, but here he was trying. Business and tactics, well he could talk all day about that. A normal conversation about normal person things? Not so much. He didn't grow up with kids of his age. He didn't have any childhood friends. No, growing up on milltary bases and going where his father was deployed to depraved him of those experiences. Here was where he would be making his first acquaintances with kids of his age. Here was the first place he didn't have to worry about being woke up at 4 am and told to pack his bag because they were being deployed. Here was stable, and albeit a prison of sorts Vizhkir still found it enjoyable"
},
{
"author": "joeisacloud",
"message": "*Corvus' breath hitched as the boy decided to sit down next to the bed. Progress. He listened to what the boy had said and paused before thinking. An interesting and valid question, although, it wasn't the most usual. He hadn't been the most social, although, he knew how to get by in social situations. His expression appeared almost blank now, as the pain began to fade and turn into pure tiredness. His voice was light, and his lips barely parted as he spoke.*\n\n\"America is interesting. Pretty free and open, and for the most part people can do whatever they want with whoever they want. It's pretty nice, in my opinion.\"\n\n*After a short pause, Corvus asked a question of his own.*\n\n\"What's Russia like?\"\n\n*Corvus' expression turned curious as he thought about how Vizhkir would answer. Based off his appearance, and stereotypes, he assumed it would be rough living in Russia. He didn't know for sure though, so, he figured he may as well return the favor and ask.*"
}
] | 220 | 665 |
210 | 2021-10-29 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "joeisacloud",
"message": "*Corvus soon recognized how the boy was an 'army brat,' and didn't have too much real-world experience outside of the military and order. It would help describe why he had cleaned the boys room without being asked, and Corvus appreciated that. He moved from his seat and moved from laying on his back to laying on his stomach, and he put a hand on Vizhkir's soldier. He spoke to him, his voice was light and friendly, and seemed to have no judgement.*\n\n\"Well, I think that sounds amazing. Was your father nice to you?\" \n\n*After asking, Corvus realized that may have been the wrong question to ask but didn't move his hand from the boys shoulder. Instead, he awaited nervously to hear what the boy would say in response.*"
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "\"My father was... Nice. Da, but also hard. He is a Spetznaz operator, so he thought it would be one day useful for me to teach me hand to hand combat. Systma, judo all of it. If they know it he taught it to me. But hey, how many 17 year olds can say they've driven a BTR?\" \n\nHe chuckled, remembering the night his father's Squad drunkenly stole a BTR from the motor pool and had the then 14 year old Vizhkir drive them around base in the 20 ton personal carrier. \n\n\"I was like, 14 or so. The night we got back from... Well I won't say, my father's sqaud got really drunk. Like, so drunk they could hardly walk right? I was following them around acting like I was the shit surrounded by Russia's best and we ended up in the motor pool. There was this BTR-90, hatch open and sitting inside a bay that someone forgot to close. They started it and had me drive them around the base with them sitting on top, lighting up the sky with AK fire. That... That was the best night of my life\" He said with a large smile on his face. \n\nHe hadnt realized there was a hand on his shoulder until now. Shortly after the revelation hos cheeks lit up red and he looked at his hands once more."
},
{
"author": "joeisacloud",
"message": "*Corvus smiled as he listened to the story and imagined a younger Vizhkir doing the said things. He only knew roughly what a BTR-90 was, and found the story entertaining. His eyes watched as Vizhkir spoke, and looked down at him from his own spot. As the boy looked at his hands once more, Corvus didn't know what to say. He opened his mouth and spoke hesitantly.*\n\n\"That... Sounds entertaining. I wish I had an entertaining childhood, like, that sounds rough but it also sounds like you got to actually live, and, in America we're technically free but it's just a repeating cycle.\"\n\n*Corvus caught himself ranting and closed his eyes, he smiled and spoke once more, chuckling whilst doing so.*\n\n\"Sorry, I'm ranting, aren't I?\""
}
] | 175 | 630 |
205.4 | 2021-11-02 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "——— (Please continue in ———\n\n*Toktoktoktok.*\n\n\"Nope!\"\n\n*Toktoktoktok.*\n\n\"Nope!\"\n\n*Toktoktoktok.*\n\n\"Nope!\"\n\nIt continued like that for a long while.\n\nMélodie had just arrived at Newton's Cradle. She was a long way from home, still jet-lagged from the flight. She wasn't scheduled to meet with her contact, or anyone who'd help her get used to Newton's Cradle, until days later.\n\nSo, of course, the \"Rational\" Thing to do was to go door-to-door in the dorms, knocking on each until she got a response. Maybe she'd even make a friend!\n\n*Toktoktoktok.*\n\n\"Nope!\"\n\nNo luck. Yet. But she kept going. She had no idea how many people she'd annoyed so far by doing the equivalent of ding-dong-ditch, but she didn't really pay any mind to it. Or, to put it mildly, she didn't care. Until someone was fast enough to open the door, or until she ran out of doors to knock on, she might as well keep going!"
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "A pen scratched against a flat, white sheet of paper in quick, haphazard strokes. Finley was nearly finished with a drawing that had taken hours to render so far. Rather impressed with themself, they were, the silhouette of a girl in front of a waterfall, arms spread wide beside her, the wind combing through her hair and throwing it aside. Her expression was what they enjoyed, spread smile across both cheeks and dotted with fairy freckles. Utterly blissful, relaxed, at pe-\n\nFinley jumped at the sound of the knock on the door, pen sliding frantically across one corner, leaving a jagged half-line. \nThey growled out a curse of frustration, shooting a vicious glare to the door.\n\n\"What?\" They called, getting up from their desk chair and yanking the door open. Careful, if Mél were to grab the handle - Finley's hair stood up around them in a staticky, blond hair halo, eyes crackling with annoyance. \n\n\"Can I help you?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mel was almost past the door already by the time it opened, but she was quick to stop. \"Oh! I didn't think-\" She blurted out.\n\nShe left it at that.\n\n\"Hello! I'm Mélodie Blanc, you can call me Mel, very nice to meet you!\" She didn't seem to pay Finley's particularly annoyed expression, instead continuing to yap on at a frankly dizzying pace. \"I know it's late but I haven't really felt properly awake until now and I need some help finding my way around but the contact guy I'm supposed to have isn't available until tomorrow so I've been knocking on doors to try to find someone else and now that you've opened I've been wondering if maybe you could help?\"\n\nShe didn't even breathe through the entire run-on sentence, which became immediately apparent when she gasped for breath afterward-\n\n\"Okaythankyou!\""
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "Finley considered interrupting her, but decided it would be hardly worthwhile - they couldn't get in a word edge-wise. Instead, they stood, and let her ramble, a fine brow arching at her question. They pinched the place in between their eyes. \n\n\"You have been... Running throughout the dorms, knocking on every individual door, all on the perchance someone who is not inherently vexed at being interrupted would answer and become your estranged... Tour guide. Do I have that correct?\"\n\nFinley glanced to the place next to their door, where a pair of boots lay one over the other, unlaced and limp. Their sister's voice, encouraging them to socialize, tugged on the back of their mind. Mél was certainly a lot - high-energy, high-strung, maybe, but Finley had hardly seen anyone else lately. The drawing could wait, for just a quick moment, while they took this girl around a bit. Maybe it would increase their patience, like a stat bar.\n\n\"Where is it you exactly want to go?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mel paused at Finley's question. One could practically hear the wheels in her mind creaking as they turned for the first time in a long, long while...\n\n\"Yep!\" Her grin seemed to widen even more. She didn't seem particularly ashamed of it, almost like she didn't quite register that she perhaps ought to be at all.\n\nWhen Finley seemed to show actual willingness to guide her around, Mel practically beamed. She jumped for joy, even lifting her suitcase off the ground for a brief moment. \"**Yaaay!** Just anywhere! The kitchen, the cafeteria, the classrooms, the toilets, the science lab, the room near the science lab that says do not enter, the basement, the roof, the, uh...\" \n\nShe trailed off, realizing she'd run out of places. \"I dunno! Some more places, I guess!\""
}
] | 211 | 1,027 |
178.083333 | 2021-11-12 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan was reclined on a sofa in one of the many common areas scattered throughout the dorms. Her darker blue hair was, for once, bound up and back, and it was still wet. She'd apparently just finished dyeing the roots blue again. The old, oversized T-shirt, that had once belonged to her brother, was stained with so much paint and dye that the original design has been long since lost, and streaks of blue are visible on her wrists and forearms. \n\nShe felt bored, mostly. She idly checked her phone while she waited for the dye to finish drying. One end of the cable was in the charging port, and the other was held gently between her teeth. Charging her phone with her powers was an old, old habit, one she'd picked up back in middle school. Every few seconds, she looked away from her phone, glancing around the room as she killed time."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "A sudden cry of \"WATCH OOOOOUT!\" Bellowed through the common room as the door shot open, and a slim, delicate-looking girl holding a bowl of... Something... Rushed into the room. She quickly placed the bowl opposite Morgan on a coffee table, seemingly without even noticing her sitting there, and moved on to digging through her pockets and cursing in French. Loudly.\n\nWhich is when she spotted Morgan. She practically jumped in shock. \"Oh! E-excuse my French, hah.\" She kept digging through her pockets, just barely stopping herself from loudly swearing again, then sighed. Either she'd left her phone in the kitchen, or in Hammerspace. She didn't quite know what was worse.\n\n\"Just dropped my phone somewhere.\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan jumped violently at the sudden cry. She dropped the charging cord out of her mouth, and tracked the girl's motion with her eyes. She didn't recognize what the words meant, but she could recognize cussing in any language. \"You're fine. I've already got a mouth to rival a sailor.\" She glanced around. \"Want some help looking? I don't have anything else to do.\" It was kind of entertaining watching the girl's flurry of motion and panic. She hadn't seen a phone around, but it had to be somewhere. \n\nOut of curiosity, she glanced at the bowl set on the coffee table in front of her. *Who sprints around carrying a bowl anyways,* She thought, grabbing the end of the charging cable she'd dropped. Her phone buzzed, resuming charging the moment her fingertips made contact with the end of the cord."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Considering the contents of the bowl, it immediately became quite obvious why she was sprinting - she didn't want her instant noodles getting cold.\n\n\"No, it's fine, it's probably just in the kitchen,\" She stammered out hurriedly, \"I'll go get it later, don't worry about it, it's not your problem and phones all have that find my phone thing these days anyway-\"\n\nShe stopped herself from talking any more and quietly started rummaging around in Hammerspace, only visible to Morgan as a hand behind Mél's back and a concentrated look on her face.\n\nFirst, she pulled out a pair of chopsticks, which she promptly proceeded to grab with her other hand.\n\nNext, she pulled out a bomb. A round one with a big fuse, like you'd see in saturday morning cartoons. It promptly exploded in her face, leaving her charred-looking and wincing in pain.\n\n\"*Tabarnak!* I- I'll be fine.\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan lets out a less than dignified, noise of surprise and fear when the bomb explodes, but it's quickly apparent that there's no actual danger. Try as she might, she couldn't stop the laugh from escaping her lips at the literal cartoonish scene that played out before her. Still, she asked as her laughter died, \"Are- are you sure you're good? You've got some uh... Some soot on your face there. Did you literally pull that out of your ass?\" She reaches up, intent on wiping the smudges off Mél's face."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mél suddenly doubled over laughing. She was used to the bomb gag, but it still hurt a bit - less each time, though. \"Yeah, yeah, I'm fiiine,\" She forced out between breaths, her cadence convulsing and shifting as she tried and failed to suppress her cackling laughter long enough to speak.\n\nWhen finally her breaths felt heavy, and she couldn't quite muster the energy to laugh anymore, she calmed down and grinned at Morgan. \"No, not quite, but something like that! More, uhhh.\" She trailed off. She couldn't really remember how to say pocket dimension, or what it meant. \"Dunno how to explain it. Sorry! It likes pranking me, though.\"\n\nWhich is why the bombs don't... Kill her.\n\n\"I'm Mél! You?\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "\"My name's Morgan. Nice to meet you.\" Morgan was... Totally lost, as to what the girl's power might be. \"Sounds... Engaging. Do you frequently explode, or...?\" Morgan's question trailed off. Half her attention was still devoted to figuring out where Mél's stuff came from. She understood it was probably some sort of cartoon logic, but like... Where did it come from? It was such a different power to what she'd become used to, it was fascinating. Her own was simple. She generated electricity, and everything was a derivative of that base. A power pranking someone? That was a new concept to her."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Yeah!\" Mél seemed happy as she shook the soot away, mostly, leaving only a bit at the tips of her flowing hair. Clearly it didn't hurt anymore. \"Sometimes, when I try to grab something, I'll get a foam version, or a bomb, or something like that.\" She shrugged. \"Maybe it hates me!\"\n\nShe looked up and down Morgan for a few moments after that, trying to get a grasp of what her new friend looked like. The first thoughts that came to mind were \"Creative\" And \"Messy\" - Morgan's shirt stained with all sorts of colors, her hair wet...\n\nMél hadn't actually noticed Morgan's hair until then. Her face lit up, only slightly forced on her part - the prospect of maybe experimenting with hair dye again felt exciting. \"Woooah, cool! Your hair looks great! Do you always have it dyed blue?\" She had basically already taken it for granted that she would get along with Morgan. She got along with lots of people!"
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan smiled slightly. Mél's cheer as she said, 'Maybe it hates me!' was both funny and infectious. Her smile brightened at the compliment. \"Uh, thanks. Yeah, I've been doing this since I was pretty young. I try to keep up with it, though I forget sometimes if I'm really busy.\" She glanced down at the dried stains on her arms and shirt. \"Normally I have my brother help me so I don't make such a mess. I can do it on my own, but somehow it manages to get all over me, even if I'm being really careful.\" She'd at least remembered to put a towel down so the floor of the bathroom wasn't stained blue. That would've been a pain to clean up. \"I'm just waiting for it to dry now.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Oh, don't be so blue!\" Mél didn't really do anything, but there was a glint in her eye of something that definitely thought it was funny. \"I'm sure you'll get better at it, you just have to practice!\" She sat down on a cushion at the coffee table and retrieved her chopsticks, looking up at Morgan.\n\n\"C'mon, sit down, we can talk while I eat! It's probably already cold, but who cares.\" She stretched in a laissez-faire sort of expression - not that she'd know what that meant if she didn't already speak French - and began eating, slowly.\n\n\"What about you,\" She asked through a mouthful of lukewarm instant ramen, \"What kind of stuff can you do?\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan rolled her eyes at the pun, but smiled. \"Yeah, just takes practice. Morgan was, already sitting, but she settled back into her seat, relaxing again. She smiled and held up her index fingers. \"I can do this.\" She pressed her fingertips together, then separated them. As she brought her fingers apart, a strand of electricity sparked to life, connecting them. It wasn't a particularly strong current, but the strand of energy glowed and crackled, and Morgan's eyes stared intently at her fingers as she concentrated on maintaining the flow. After a handful of seconds, the flow of charge stopped, as did the noise, and Morgan set her hands down. \n\n\"There you go! I'm a living power line.\" She took her phone charger back in her left hand, and the phone buzzed again. \"Pretty useful, as long as I'm not accidentally shocking anything. I've tried cooking toast with it but...\" She remembered briefly the horrible burning smell that had filled the kitchen in her old apartment. \"Well, it wasn't edible. I don't have quite that much finesse.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mél stared wide-eyed at the little spark of electricity. She hadn't been at Newton's Cradle for very long, and she hadn't been exposed to many 'superpowers', so seeing someone draw that kind of current through their fingers was captivating, like a stage magician's tricks.\n\nExcept perhaps better, because it really was happening.\n\n\"Woah. Yeah, that sounds great! When I try to do stuff with mine, uh...\" She grabbed a little tuft of her hair and shook the scorched ends a bit. \"Yeah, you saw how that ended, heh. I wish I could just burn toast instead of burning myself.\"\n\nShe looked sad, for a brief, fleeting moment. She'd lost more to her own powers than she cared to admit. Maybe being at Newton's Cradle was for the best. But she was there - making friends, and a better life for herself. She quickly cheered up again, and finished her noodles.\n\n\"You seem cool, but I have to go look for my phone!\" Before Morgan had realized it, Mél was on her way out. \"See yaaaaaa!\""
}
] | 176 | 2,137 |
100 | 2021-12-04 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "Evan, to her surprise (maybe), is seated on one of the window sills she passes by. In his hands is a pretty chubby and fluffy, unkempt cat with very pale gray fur with a grumpy expression very similar to its owner.\nThe cat notices her before Evan, who's looking out the window with that usual stern expression he has a lot of the time.\nThe cat meows, at which point Evan turns to look at her too. \"Oh.\" He hums."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel was passing by the windows in awe, admiring the scenery until she stopped beside Evan. He was seated on a windowsill with a rather plump kitty on his lap. Her glowing round eyes shine when she sees it look at her. And there is the stern faced Evan sitting alone with his spirit animal. Its double the bonus! When he finally looks to her, Raizel's eyes turn into two upside down crescents. \"H-hey!\" She says, sounding more chipper. \"What are you doing... Here alone?\" Rai tries her best not to stutter but she can't help but hold her own wrist nervously."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"I'm not alone?\" He says. \"I have Toaster. The cat I mentioned to you before.\" He explains first.\n\"Why are *You* All alone, huh?\" He asks lazily, as if not really interested in the answer. Mostly to return to question. People don't need a reason to be all by their own for a time."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Eh!?\" She freezes up for a second before rubbing the back of her neck. \"Uh... Um... Well..\" She turns her gaze at the ground for a moment before peering over his shoulder at the cat. \"Aw... Such a handsome kitty,\" She said, looking at the cat in awe. \"I never had an animal companion before.\" And she stir herself away from Evan to give him some space. \"How long did you had the little guy?\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "The cat meows at her a second time. It doesn't look very impressed, or very disappointed. It licks at its paw, yawns, and lays flat across Evan's lap with its eyes closed. As if to take a nap.\n\n\"Sure,\" He says. \"Really, you?\" He seems surprised a bit. \"Of all people, haven't had a pet before?\"\nHe leans back a bit. \"6 years now, maybe.\" He hums, as he looks off. \"I remember when I picked him off the trashcan outside our apartment.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "She shakes her head 'no' to his response, which caused the fluff on her mask to rattle. \"I find it a little hard to get attached... I am sort of... Like a voodoo doll... When someone hurts me they get hurt... Too..\" A bead of sweat slide down her temple. \"Hm..\" She turn her gaze at Toaster. \"Really? I'm glad that you found him.\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"Yes,\" He says. \"Me too.\"\n\"Some vodoo doll you are.\" He picks up Toaster, and holds it up to her. He offers her to hold him.\n\"Well, if someone is hurt because they hurt you, they probably deserve it anyway. So whatever?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "She freeze up when he offered her the feline. \"Hhhhh!?\" Raizel is now sweating when the fuzzy animal is held up in front of her. It was like Evan is holding up a baby burrito in front of her. \"A-Are you sure?\" This was scary from her perspective. Hesitantly reaching out, she does her very best to be gentle when she takes him into her arms."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"Uh, sure.\"\n\nThe cat meows at her. It continues to be unimpressed, and not disappointed. It continues to look around- sometimes at her, sometimes out the window, sometimes at Evan, and sometimes on the floor. Not really mindful of the fact Raizel has picked him up, it seems.\n\n\"He's a hardy cat. Just don't like. Actually hit him.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"What!? No! Why would I hit him!?\" She held the cat close to her chest like he's a wee babue. \"That isn't very respectful for someone to hurt another person or animal with no reason..\" Her glowing pale eyes narrowed with a gloomy look. While holding the cat in her arms it felt like she is holding a magical creature. She did held the thing like its special. Raizel was starting to pet Toaster on the back of his head. \"Oh... H-hey Ev... I-I was wondering...\" She nervously sways slightly where she stood while Toaster is rocking in her arms like he's in a cradle. \"Would... You be okay if we go out somewhere?\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "Toaster purrs. Its a very lazy purr, but it seems to appreciate it in any case. It continues to look around with mild disinterested.\n\nEvan looks at her. \"Hm?\" He says. \"Sure.\" He says.\n\"Where to?\" He asks. He seemed a bit unsure why or where she'd want to take him... Which is exactly why he asked."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"There's a small coffee shop not too far from the school... Unless you feel like just hanging out at the creek?\" Raizel turns her gaze to the cat who purred lazily. \"I have some money I didn't really spend it on anything. It's just collecting and I am not too sure what to get with it.\" She shrugs."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"You, a coffee shop?\" He raises a brow. \"Are you sure you won't hate the linen seats and... Coffee?\"\n\nHe puts his hands in his pockets. \"I've never been in one before, you know. Whats so nice about coffee shops anyways?\"\n\n\"But if you suddenly decided you wanted to live a city life, I won't stop you.\" He says. \"But you better start with an actual bed.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Ohh... Oho no... No... I prefer much less people... I've snuck into the village to steal some grub to survive. Whenever the food becomes too scarce to hunt in the woods,\" She said, still petting Toaster on the top of his head. \"The closest to a coffee shop is a gas station.\" And then her glowing eyes turn towards him with a questioning look, almost as if surprised to hear that he had never been to one. \"I am rather surprised? They have different drinks there other than just coffee. A bit weird... The people there are awkward.\" She tilts her head and her mane shifts to the side. \"A city life wouldn't be fit f-for me. But I-I reckon th-that I adapt i-if I want to survive better...\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "Evan reaches over his head to pick Toaster up and place him back on his lap. He raises a brow at Raizel. \"I really doubt coffee shops are necessary for survival, but okay.\" He says.\n\n\"Awkward, huh?\" He echoes lazily. \"Guess we're a better fit in coffee shops than I expected.\"\n\n\"I'll settle for coke.\" He mutters under his breath, before he pushes himself off the window sill and stands up.\n\nHe lets Toaster down. The cat continues to lay flopped on the floor, disinterested.\n\n\"Lead the way then.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "She shakes her head and it rattles. \"I want to get better at talking... Understanding others... I-I'm tired... Of... Being... Scared.\" Raizel watches contently when Evan takes Toast from her arms. \"Okay..\" And she takes his hand to walk ahead of him. At first, she was concern about Toast being alone, but knows well that cats are independent creatures. \"They also serve snacks there... If you need anything else pl-please let me know.\""
}
] | 91.5 | 1,600 |
111.888889 | 2022-01-21 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "Finley rested at one of the tables inside the common area, a book settled on the table in front of them. With monitored access to a limited internet, they found themselves straying from technology more and more. If it were able to be said, they'd quietly note their own criticisms on Newton's Cradle. After all - \"The scarf\" Still rested over a door handle in their room.\n\nNursing a warmed cup of coffee in a spindly hand, Finley observed passerby over their book, something revolving around poetry, maybe. They weren't entirely paying attention."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "There was clicking sounds coming from claws that trots down the hallway from Rai who was now in her other form. Somewhat humanoid, she stood on her hind digitigrade legs with slightly longer arms with larger claw-like hands. Swaying behind her is a long black tail that looks like a vein with appendages. Her face look like some sort of creature carved from wood that is painted in black with red, silver and blue markings. Between her clawlike fingers are webbings, dorsal fins on her tail, back and little fins behind her pointed ears. If she really wanted to, Raizel could stand very still to appear as an indoor sculpture that would cost thousands of dollars for the craftsmanship. Why is she in this form? Stress! Lots and lots of stress! She's not use to being confined by strangers and being locked up with so many rules! Then the chewing begins! It all started in the locker room until her sharp teeth wanted to nibble on more things. Crunch! Crunch! Crunch! She begins chewing on the corner of the wall."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel stops in the hallway, their eyes drifting between the two people of interest residing in front of them: A rather scary looking dog, and a person who looked uncannily similar.\n\nThey blinked twice, still standing in the door way. \n\n\"Oh, I'm still asleep.\" Uriel declared into the air. It's been a while since they confused the dream world for the real one, but it wasn't the first time. Perhaps the adjustment to the facility threw off his senses."
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "\"No,\" Finley sighed, sitting back in their chair. They flexed their fingers in front of them, trying not to look at the gigantic pokemon who had taken to eating the wall. Facilities would just have to deal with that - Finley had seen enough this week between the angels and the weird messaging with the staff. \"You are not. Unless I also am, which would not be wholly unheard of.\"\n\nThey gestured to Rai without looking.\n\n\"It's a pokemon.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizelmon was still gnawing at the wall growling with fangs deep into the foundation with a slick drool dripping from the corner of her maw. Their tail swaying behind them which neariy swiped over Uriel's dainty head, causing a freezing draft from the movement."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Po.. Kemon?\" Uriel mutters. \"I've never heard of such a thing, but this world does have fantastical creatures.\"\n\nThey sit next to Finley and *Stare*, judging the structures of their face. The more Uriel looked, the more they convinced themselves that yes, this person must be related to them.\n\n\"Your hair— you're not one of the Melancon family, are you? Does that mean you're like me, too?\" Uriel's voice hitched up in a rare expression of emotion: surprise. \n\nUriel had never met one of their cousins— their mom had abandoned the tight knit family structure and ran away as a young adult, but they'd often hear about the other members who had the same dream-weaving abilities inherited through the blood in Uriel's veins."
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "\"I'm a Carlisle,\" Finley said, unease tugging on their voice. Uriel looked *Uncanny* To them. They lifted a hand and let a spark charge between their fingers. \"But - I was never much for extended family. My sister raised me. We very well may be related.\"\n\nA snicker pulled on their face. \n\n\"Imagine that reunion.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "This is when Rai wanders off after losing interest in the chewed corner of the wall. There must be something a little more sturdier to chew on. So she walks away from the strange duo to go up to a window, open it, then scrambled out."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel looks at the spark between Finley's fingers, and their eyes visibly droop in disappointment. \n\n\"No, I don't think we are related. It must be a coincidence, then. I've heard about doppelgangers before— perhaps something like that, then?\" Uriel lets out an assuring smile, but it's clear that they're masking something. \n\n\"You use lightning? I've met a lot of people here with that ability— perhaps you're related to them, instead.\" Uriel laughs, breathily and high-pitched."
}
] | 99 | 1,007 |
408.454545 | 2022-01-28 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "It was a pretty average evening. June had been setting up their dorm for the past couple days. Boxes decorated their room, some opened some not, but June was making steady progress. It wasn't much, since they couldn't bring all of their stuff here. A part of June was kind of bummed about that, but it wasn't anything they couldn't adapt to. They could make this place just as homey as their place back in Toronto, easy. At least they could try. \n\nSince yesterday, most of their main items had been all set up. Their dorm was already rather colourful, even without all of their decor up. The main highlight of the room that helped bring it to life was the fluffy pink carpet covering most of the floor. June was in the decorating phase at the moment, sticking their posters to the cold concrete walls to help them feel more at ease. They feel rather bored when surrounded by such dull tones, they find it drains their energy. Stickers and pieces of masking tape had worked when sticking up their lighter paper posters, but they were curious how they would be able to hang their two flags up above their bed like they had planned. \n\nStanding up on the mattress, their feet up near their pillows, they were pondering how they would go about sticking them to the wall. They had two flags to display, a non binary flag and a lesbian flag. So far, they had figured out how to display the lesbian one, but the same technique wasn't holding up their other flag. \n\nTapping their foot lightly in thought, they stood there really using every brain cell in that eccentric head of theirs to think about how to hang their other flag on the wall. For the past two hours while they were decorating, the door to June's dorm was wide open. It was propped open with one their giant platform shoes. June figured it would be a good way to make friends, but so far no one had walked by. No issue to them, they'd just continue setting up their room. Now, how to hang this flag..."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Owen didn't really know what to do with himself today, and so he had elected to wander around aimlessly until something smacked him upside the head. That technique had worked surprisingly well at this place- a little too well. Strange people here. The memory of scooping up animal guts had hit him completely by now, though, and he was having a rough time thinking about more pleasant things; maybe a bit of nonsense would do him some good. Beats thinking about being elbow-deep in corpses.\n\nHaving found nothing really interesting outside, he decided that making some weird noises with his bass would do him some good, and so he was meandering his way back to his room. Mostly zoned out, he walked on autopilot through the maze of doors, scanning for his own. \n\nTurning a corner, he noticed something strange- whose door was open? One didn't see that often here. One didn't see that at all here, actually. Trying not to look suspicious about it, he glanced inside, and noticed a ridiculous platform holding the door open; a mix of joy and nerves spiked through his chest when he saw the one person that they could belong to. Couldn't hurt to say hello, right? \n\n\"...June? Uh, hi!\"\n\nLooks like the words weren't eloquent today. Eh."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June whipped around at the sound of a voice. A friend! Their eyes locked on the person standing at their door. *Perfect.* Finally someone had decided to come around, and it was none other than... Owen! Oh what joy. June had remembered him from earlier in the week. It would be hard to forget, especially since they hadn't seen anyone else since then. This place seemed to be rather empty.\n\n\"Oh! Hello Owen! Just give me a second-\"\n\nThey set the flag they still hadn't hung up down on their pillow, and hopped off their bed. They made a little thump when they hit the ground, but their carpet absorbed most of the noise. Their mouth shifted into a soft smile, and they excitedly walked over to their door. They weren't dressed up in their usual wacky clothes, since they weren't planning on going anywhere. Even despite that fact they couldn't help but get a little spike of excitement at the sight of another person. On this night, June was remarkably casual but still colourful. Their oversized hoodie was an assortment of bright tones, separated by each main part of the jacket. If you looked close enough, you'd see fabric cat ears on the hood. The rest of their outfit wasn't anything special. Once again they were wearing shorts, and instead of their chunky platform shoes their feet were covered by mismatched fluffy socks with stars on them. They tapped their foot lightly, June could never manage to sit still.\n\n\"What brings you? I was just setting up some decorations, but you are welcome to come on in if you'd like!\"\n\nTheir voice was fast paced and energetic. June looked down at Owen, awaiting a response. Even without their shoes they were remarkably tall. Their dark brown eyes remained peering down on him, almost unsettling but oddly inviting."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Wow, this was ...Surprisingly pleasant? Once again, Owen found himself just a little bit overwhelmed by the look in their eye. Not necessarily a bad thing; something needed to shake him with a little more force than kilometres on end of sleepy trees. He decided to welcome the wired sort of feeling that accompanied the air around June. \n\nNow officially welcomed, he took a few steps inside, careful not to track any dirt onto their very soft-looking carpet. He found it a little bit funny that he needed to be invited into places like a vampire.\n\n\"I, ah, I was wandering around not really doing anything,\" He started, \"And your door was open? Were you having trouble with the flag over there?\" He asked, peering over their (unnervingly high) shoulder to the flag tossed on their pillow. His eyebrows twitched a little when he recognized the flags- there admittedly wasn't much of a question that they were some kind of queer, but it was nice to have confirmation that he wasn't the only one. Neat room they have here. He snapped back into his head and continued.\n\n\"I have some extra wall-sticky-things in my room if you're out.\" He had brought quite a few, just in case. \"Nice flags you've got there,\" He risked, hoping that they received his subtle *I see that you're queer and I'm also queer haha isn't that neat* Meaning. Gah, he couldn't go a day without tying his guts into a knot fit for a Celt's bedsheets."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "\"Wonderful! Make yourself comfortable! Take off your shoes though. The carpet is really nice-\"\n\nJune trailed off and almost immediately returned to what they were doing before Owen walked in. They quickly hopped back up onto their bed. They didn't need to jump very high, the bed was rather close to the floor. For June at least.\n\n\"Yep, this flag here has been giving me some trouble but it's nothing I cant figure out!\"\n\nThey let out a small laugh, and focused their attention back on their wall. They seemed remarkably comfortable with someone they had only met once before. Whether they have no sense of fear, or are flat out stupid is up to whoever decides to observe them. \n\n\"Oh? My flags? Thank you! Girls, am I right.\"\n\nLaughing a tad louder this time, the mood in the room was remarkably chill. June seemed to be unsettling to some, but comforting to others. Either way their energy was contagious. After a couple minutes, the tape had finally stuck and the flag was up! June let out a small celebratory cheer and fell down onto their bed. It was incredibly soft with 3 layers of blankets, and many, *Many*, fluffy pillows. It was rather obvious just by looking around June's room that they liked soft textures. After a moment of laying down, they quickly sat up and crossed their legs, looking expectantly at Owen.\n\n\"So... If you don't mind me asking, what got you put in here? You don't exactly seem like a criminal to me.\"\n\nThey covered their mouth and snickered a little, June's lack of a filter was surprisingly obvious. Their tone by the end of their sentence was laced with teasing, but no malicious intent."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Having been given the go-ahead to make himself comfortable, Owen maneuvered his boots off of his feet and set them gently next to each other next to the doorway. He took a few more steps in; June was right, the carpet *Was* Really nice. \n\nThe mood in the room was delightful, and at June flopping down on their bed (how did they sleep with so many pillows??), he decided to sit himself down on the carpet a couple feet from the bed. Another spike of nervousness shot through his torso when they asked their question, and he averted their gaze, threading his fingers through the fibres of the carpet. \n\n\"Funny story, actually,\" He began, \"I sort of.. Trashed my hospital room. Asleep. I was asleep when I did that.\" Maybe it wasn't so funny. Could be. They seemed to be the sort to find it funny- anyway. \"They would normally have just fined me, or put me to community service or something, but the biggest piece of evidence that they had.. The security footage, there was no explaining it, so everything was hush-hush,\" He continued, finding his grip on what he was trying to say. \n\n\"See, my power, it's hereditary.\" He lifted up a hand, and pulled back the sleeve covering it. He, too, wasn't wearing anything special today- just an old, soft hoodie, in his favourite shade of deep green. He dragged his fingers along his wrist and exhaled, rousing his shield from beneath his skin. The translucent, crystalline surface looked like it had ruddy orange dish soap flowing beneath it, like the colourful puddles on the concrete at gas stations.\n\n\"It's been documented by my family that it emerges only when your body's strong enough to host it, not a moment before. When I hit that mark, it scared me, and I ran outside.. Got myself hurt, really badly hurt, struck by lightning actually- anyway, I wasn't strong enough to hold it, and it went haywire inside and outside of me, while I was asleep, acting out bad dreams.. I didn't mean to break anything or hurt anyone, but I, I did it anyway, and they told my mams that there wasn't much choice in where to put me after that.\" A deep breath that shook just a little. \"So I'm here.\"\n\nHe shook his hand a little, and the mesmerizing red crystal melted and sank back into his skin. Still felt strange. \n\n\"I'm so sorry for unloading all of that on you, ah-\" Owen snapped out of his train of thought. Was it too much? \"What, pray tell, did *You* Do?"
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June's watching eyes followed Owen as he went and sat on their carpet, they didn't mind. They sat there on their bed, leaning forward slightly as Owen spoke. They give little nods and signs that they were listening throughout the conversation. *Fascinating.* So there *Were* Other people like them. This wasn't just some trick. June wasn't exactly sure how to feel about this. Was this thrill? Or anxiety? They could never truly tell, but just assumed they were interested. His story was *Far* Different than their own. \n\nTheir eyes lit up a little when Owen gave a small display of his power, it was captivating to watch. Owen has a few little party tricks up his sleeve then too it seems. *Pun intended.* Everything was going rather well until Owen mentioned lightning? He had been struck by lightning? June leaned back a little out of shock when they heard that bit, and how quickly he brushed over it. A small hum rumbled in their throat before they decided to leave it alone. Perhaps they would ask some other time.\n\n\"Your power is *Really* Cool. Sounds a little overwhelming though.\"\n\nThey said, fidgeting with a part of their blanket. They were somewhat concerned about how much Owen seemed to be carrying, but the thought left their mind almost as quickly as it came. \n\n\"Oh thats okay! I was the one who asked. Thats really interesting.\"\n\nJune's voice remained energetic. They quickly fluffed up their hair and returned their hands to their resting position on their knees. Their story wasn't *Nearly* As cool as Owen's, but June will never pass up the opportunity to put on a show.\n_ _\n\n\"What did *I* Do? What *Didn't* I do.\" They snickered a little before continuing.\n\n\"Well you see, how I got here was I was trying to steal a street sign and a security guard caught me. Y'know, I thought I was off the hook but turns out they had caught a bunch of my *Other* Crimes on security cameras decorating the streets.\" While they spoke, they gestured wildly and dramatically with their hands, almost as if they were retelling a harrowing story. \n\n\"Turns out, they couldn't pinpoint who I was. Until I was dragged in the last time. Immediately they recognized me and I would've gone to jail if it wasn't for this place! Im rather glad for that. Of course i'm *Magic* Too, hence why I am not dancing behind bars right now!\"\n\nThey let out their signature hyena like cackle and sighed a little.\n\n\"Im not the biggest fan of rules you'll come to find out. I like to have fun.\" June smiled slightly and tilted their head to the side. \n\n\"There, now we are even. Word wise.\""
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Owen couldn't help but burst into a short fit of crackling laughter. June had a way of just *Saying* Things that lifted his mood. Their wild mannerisms gave his eyes things to comfortably focus on while they spoke. He happily tapped on the carpet with his palms while he listened. \n\n\"Man, you've got quite the origin story!\" He snorted, taking in their animated storytelling. Honestly, the stories about petty thievery didn't really bother him. Is what it is. \"Hah, happy accidents I guess- I don't think *Jail*-jail would've been as interesting as this place... Wander around a bit, some of the people here are *Strange*.\" He chuckled again. \n\n\"It's been rough, but I'm trying to adapt as best I can. After a certain point, all you can do is laugh, right? Need me a shirt that reads 'Trashed a hospital room and all I got was this cool scar and a lovely trip to Sweden!'\" He punctuated this by hooking a finger into his hoodie's collar and pulling it aside, revealing a hint of twisted scar tissue for emphasis. His face relaxed into a lopsided grin; that felt nice on his face. \n\n\"Might I ask what your power is?\" He drummed his fingers on his leg, over the spot where his jeans had ripped along the seam and he had painstakingly repaired them with bright red thread. \"What landed you in '*Magic jail?*'\""
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "\"Oh yeah for sure! This place is so much more interesting. Although, so far the only person i've met is you.\"\n\nJune had only been here for less than a week and was already kind of bummed they hadn't met any other kids yet. They had been keeping a journal of their days, and thought having some profiles would be interesting. Owen was the first and, so far, only person in there. June wasn't necessarily being negative, just documenting their time in a new place. The conversation flowed naturally from subject to subject, it was nice. \n\n\"Im *So* Glad you asked about my power. You showed me yours, let me show you mine.\"\n\nThey stretched their palms outwards and cracked them. June got up from their comfortable spot on their bed and moved to a spot on their carpet where they had more space. The room wasn't incredibly big, but it was big enough. Big enough to show off their power, or at least *Part* Of it. \n\n\"Whaddya say, lets put on a show shall we?\"\n\nThey gave a dramatic bow to seal the deal and returned to their normal stance. They extended their arm to the side of them and focused on the mental image of extending their energy outwards. It didn't take long before a direct clone of June pulled itself out of their side. The apparition hesitated a little before finally separating from June entirely. The clone that stood next to June stared with a blank expression, it *Looked* Like them but something was clearly off. \n_ _\n\n\"Cool isn't it? Watch this.\"\n\nJune focused on the clone and almost immediately, with the same blank expression, the clone bowed. In the exact same way June had done earlier. June was surprisingly desensitized to the sight of *Themselves* Playing little tricks beside them.\n\n\"My power, well *One* Of them, is being able to clone myself. I haven't had it for very long, but it's definitely come in handy.\" They snapped their finger and their clone disappeared into a small puff of smoke. \n\n\"And that concludes the show! Thank you, thank you, i'll be here all week.\"\n\nThey let out a laugh, clearly joking. They jumped back onto their bed and returned to their cross-legged position.\n\n\"Looks like we both got pretty show-offy powers then, huh?\" Their calm smile remained softly on their features."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "\"Oh?\" Owen cocked his head to the side, intrigued. A show, they say? He clapped his hands daintily, content to play along. \"You've gotten my attention!\"\n\nNothing could have prepared him for *This*. What in the world?! He scrambled back a little instinctively, the living shit effectively scared out of him. \n\n\"WHA-\" He fumbled, his eyes transfixed on the clone's. Their dead-eyed expression and unnatural movements churned the pit in his stomach, but he couldn't look away. \"DUDE. That's. That's so cool,\" He blurted out. \"Damn near shat myself!\" His accent grew slightly stronger in his surprise- the vowels twisted in the familiar way over his tongue. He sort of sounded like his mam. \n\n\"Hah, yeah, I suppose we do- mine can get even flashier, if you'll believe it,\" He snickered, mostly out of disbelief. He had seen a few demonstrations of his new classmates' powers by now, but it still never failed to strike him how much stranger truth was than fiction. \n\n\"It actually, ah, came out of nowhere,\" He ventured. He had thought about his powers quite a bit, but had yet to actually talk much about them. It felt nice to get some of it out. \"My predecessors, seventh sons of sevenths sons, they were healers. My uncle and my granddad, their magic looks a lot different from mine. All I can do is theorize about it- or why I was even counted in the cycle, when I'm my mams' fair and square.\" \n\nHe tugged on his fingers, feeling the minuscule reactions inside of them. Little flares of sleepy orange flickered over his knuckles. \"I can't heal,\" He spoke softly, \"And I'm shaky at best at defending, but.. It's not in me to give up.\" He smiled again, glancing around at the brightly decorated walls. \n\nShaking his head, he quickly spouted \"Agh, that's heavy- feels nice to say it out loud, though.\" A short puff of breath. \"You don't have to worry about me. Also, wow, your room's downright lovely,\" He remarked. Loud, very loud, but this space was undeniably cozy."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June cackled at Owens remark about their power. It wasn't *That* Scary, was it? Maybe Owen was just a coward. They'd have to keep that in mind. They tilted their head slightly when Owen mentioned his powers could get flashier.\n\n\"Oh? Think you can out-dramatic, *Moi*?\" \n\nThey put their hand to their chest and flipped their head to the side, before laughing slightly and relaxing again. They were obviously joking, or simply trying to keep the mood light. Either way, it seemed to be working. Owen remained remarkably relaxed despite June's little trick.\n\nThey listened when Owen trailed off. They saw the shake in his voice and how unsure he seemed. Just then, June remembered something. Perhaps this would help him feel a little better. June didn't know much about Owen or what made him tick, but they could hope their few small gestures would help. June loved making people happy, and making them laugh. Hmm. They tapped their knee in thought, before looking over to the other side of the dorm. \n\n\"Well I think you'll do great! Hold on-\"\n\nThey hopped off their bed and walked over to a box, stacked on top of another box, in the corner of their room. They stuck their hands deep into the array of personal items and rummaged around in it for a couple seconds. They pulled out various stuffed clown dolls, and plush animals before finally getting the one they wanted. Keeping it hidden as much as possible, they tucked their hand behind their back to surprise Owen. \n\n\"Aha- here it is.\"\n\nThey walked over to Owen, and stood right in front of him on the carpet. They gestured at him to open his hands. Just hoping he'd trust them."
}
] | 369 | 4,493 |
385.5 | 2022-01-29 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "\"Hm?\" Owen was (as usual) nervous. He was certain that unloading all that had been a bad idea and June, lovely though they seemed, was so hard to read. *Remember to ask questions about them, too*, he chided himself internally. They seemed, however, chipper as usual- what were they thinking?\n\nWhatever the case, they seemed genuinely interested in listening to him, and their difficult-to-gauge words of encouragement were certainly appreciated. That seems like something he should say out loud. \n\n\"Thanks-thank you for listening to me.\" He breathed, tapping each of his fingertips to his thumbs in order over and over. \"You're very kind.\"\n\nHe stood up from his place on their carpet; even rising to his full height, he was still almost a foot shorter than them, even without their platforms. Just added to their charm, he supposed. Processing their gesture a couple moments after they made it, he stopped fiddling with his fingers and held out his hands. *What on earth?*"
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June smiled softly at Owen.\n\n\"Of course. If it helps, it helps.\"\n\nJune as per usual was getting too comfortable too quickly. Maybe they'd regret this, maybe it would be a wonderful choice. They couldn't decide, nor did they really care. They would ride the high as far as they could, they could take the chance. With someone so eager to talk to them, they couldn't pass up that opportunity. \n\nKeeping their hand behind their back, they waited for Owen to open his hands. Once he did, June dropped a small stuffed bear in his palm. It was just slightly smaller than his hand, and was the same warm auburn as his hair. June thought of him when they saw it, and thought he could use the encouragement. They weren't entirely sure if he would appreciate their gifts, but it was how they showed they wanted to know more about him. That is, if he would give them the chance. \n\n\"This reminded me of you. Consider it... A good luck charm!\"\n\nThey hesitated a little when they tried to think of a name for it. In all honesty, they just hoped what they *Did call it* Got the message through. The bear was remarkably soft and a cute with angry eyebrows was sewn into the plush fabric. After looking up at his face, June could tell he was nervous. *Were they doing something wrong?* No that couldn't be it. After a couple seconds of studying his expression they decided to take a leap and just ask. Considering consequences was for losers. \n\n\"Are you... Okay? You seem oddly nervous-\" \n\nJune didn't seem incredibly concerned, but just enough to come across as genuine. June didn't know much about this kid, but by the way he acted with them they could tell he needed a friend just like they did."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Owen inhaled sharply when the little bear dropped into his hands. He spluttered a few false starts before finally wheezing out, \"I-you-it does? O-oh,\" Words failing, he gently closed his hands around its soft little form and he squished it into his cheek, a huge goofy smile blooming across his face. So soft...\n\n\"Hnnnnthankyou\", he breathed, melting like butter. He might cry. He probably would later. Gah, he had needed this. Badly. \"I'll take good care of him,\" He assured June, still beyond flabbergasted. Happy fireworks crackled in his ribcage. \n\nOh no, was it that obvious? \n\"No, no, yes? A little,\" He admitted. \"The whole talking-to-people thing has been a little slow-going, honestly, and, um, you've been really nice to me? You're not doing anything wrong, I swear, I'm just a little jumpy...\" They were concerned, gah, what?! His face was probably bright red by now, he could feel it. Tracing the little bear's adorably angry eyebrows, he felt a slight pressure building behind his eyes- no, not gonna cry here. No way. Not happening. \n\n\"I, uh, I needed this,\" Owen admitted. He risked a glance into their eyes; they were still as dark and crinkled with amusement as they had always been, but he scanned a note of genuineness in them. They spoke a strange language, that's for sure. He opened his mouth, but nothing would come forward for him to say. He decided on \"Thankyou\" Once again. *I must be radiating heat right now*, he thought, remembering the lopsided grin that had made itself comfortable on his face. He wouldn't be surprised if his hoodie just crumpled into ash. \n\n\"You barely even know me, and already, a little bear- your friends back home are lucky to have you,\" He eked out, shifting his weight from foot to foot. \"Also, your clone is awesome as fuck.\" For good measure."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June let out a small laugh. To hear he needed that small gesture, meant a lot to them. Watching Owen be so happy over such a small gift reminded June why they did what they did.\n\n\"You're welcome Owen. Im glad to hear you'll take care of him!-\"\n\nThen almost immediately a remark meant to be so harmless cut far deeper than it should've. Their eyes flickered with the slightest hint of uncertainty. Their expression remained the same, and they were able to almost immediately laugh it off.\n\n\"Oh.\" June let out a small chuckle. \"Thank you, your shield is cool as well! Looks really pretty.\"\n_ _\n\nThey let their smile rest softly on their features, but a part of them couldn't stop thinking about what he said. Whatever. It didn't matter right? He didn't know. Thinking about their old friends made their chest burn with grief they had tried extremely hard to suppress. *It had been so long since they'd thought of them.* They looked over at their shelf they were only half way done setting up. The pictures of their old friends propped against other decorative items. Their eyes locked on the photographs. Immediately June realized what was happening, what they were feeling. They laughed and returned their gaze to Owen, the slightest nervousness lacing its way through their surefire exterior. They walked back over and sat down on their bed, the soft sheets pleading an invitation. Their energy drink was clearly starting to wear off, but their expression and behaviour remained excited. Even if they felt uncertainty itching at the back of their mind, interaction with another person felt like a sugar rush to June.\n\n\"Oh!! Right, yknow, maybe sometime you should introduce me to the other people you've met here. I haven't seen anybody else around but you- What are the other kids like?\"\n\nThey asked many questions at once, and let out a small chuckle. It seemed very common for them to end a sentence with one. Their fast paced speaking style nothing short of eccentric. Owen mentioned at the beginning there were other kids he had interacted with, but didn't really go into detail. June pulled on the cuffs of their sweater sleeve, making the fabric fall down over their hands. Just fidgeting at this point, but they were genuinely curious about the other people here.\n\n\"Oh but, its getting late- perhaps we should save that for next time? I don't wanna keep you too late.\""
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Owen noticed the strange feeling leaking into the air. Something had dredged something up... Something he said? The things June said after that switch seemed to say otherwise. He hummed thoughtfully. He didn't know them nearly well enough to be overthinking their psyche, so he left it alone. It *Was* Getting late. \n\n\"Oh, there's plenty of tidy characters around here I could tell you about- I'll be sure to introduce you if we find ourselves in the same place,\" He assured them. June felt strangely out of place here to him- they seemed like they would be more at home in a more warm and lively environment, rather than tucked away in a little, muted town such as this. He didn't know much about being a social butterfly, but he figured it must have been a cold shock. \n\nAs electrifying as June was, Owen's batteries were running low; his tongue felt sluggish and less inclined to say what he wanted it to. Breaking the pleasant note rumbling in his throat, he formulated some sort of a goodbye. \n\n\"It's no trouble at all- but, you've got unpacking to do, and I can hear the siren song of my snack stash,\" He chirped. Thought for a beat. \"You'll adapt just fine,\" He assured them. \"It's a strange shock, and people have looks on their faces that I can't read very well, but... You'll be alright.\" He nodded for punctuation. \"And, um, you've got a friend in me, should you want one.\" His tone was mellow, his eyes half-lidded and sleepy. \n\nOne finger absentmindedly stroked the ear of the precious auburn bear in his hand as he told June which room was his, almost in a trance. Here went nothing- let's see where this friendship took him. \n\nA cheeky thought occurred to him, and he acted on it before he could think better of it, blowing a quick kiss back to June. \"Do you want me to close your door?\""
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June looked at Owen as he spoke. He was rather calming. He had this feeling that surrounded him. June could just *Sense* He wasn't a bad person. Although a part of their brain itched for them to consider this decision a little longer, they decided it would be fun to see where this landed. Jumping in head first, as always. \n\n\"Really? Thank you I'd like that!\"\n\nIf Owen could introduce June to *More* People that would be great. The more people they talk to, the more opportunities! Once they realized Owen was on his way, they stood up to see him out. When he spoke, a spike of energy shot right up June's spine. \n\n\"Oh! I'd love to be friends!\" \n\nThey almost blurted that out. June was undeniably excited to get new, *Hopefully better,* Friends and Owen was a perfect start! As they looked down at the boy, they immediately noticed his sleepy expression, and then processed his offer. \n\n\"Ah-! Yes please. Right, You should get some rest! See you Owen!\"\n\nJune stood there, watching Owen make his way towards the door. June let out a burst of unfiltered laughter at Owen's little gesture, they knew he had seen their flag so it was nothing but a friendship thing. June liked this kid so far.\n\nThey gave their goodbyes and with that Owen was off. The door clicked, and automatically locked. June stood there for a moment before happily falling down into their soft bed. Their plush sheets hugged them in a warm embrace and June could feel a fuzzy feeling bubbling in their chest. Unpacking could wait until the morning. \n\nThings were finally looking up in the friends department for June. They couldn't be more excited to jump into this head first.\n_ _"
}
] | 397.5 | 2,313 |
287.705882 | 2022-03-12 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "An eyebrow furled. \n\nA frustrated groan sounded.\n\nUriel never pegged themselves as an easily upset person. No, they prided themselves on waiting to react, not letting tempting negative emotions taint their mindset. \n\n*This plant really is pushing it, though.* \n\nThey propped the back of a wilted leaf, trying (and failing) to get it to maintain a perky state. As soon as they withdrew their hand, the leaf shuddered, drooping back down. Alarm began to set in— if the plants died, not only would Uriel's source of caffeine vanish, but one of the last living reminders of their time back home would die, too. \n\nUriel let out a grunt as they picked up both plants in their arms, using their hip to open their dorm door. They didn't know what they were doing wrong— perhaps the kitchen would have someone knowledgeable in plant care, or at least some materials they could use as fertilizer. \n\nIt was a last ditch effort, but as they rushed towards the kitchen, they couldn't think of any other options."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◇ And as luck would have it, the plant doctor was in.\n\n□ Or, well, technically present. Really, Silas wasn't actually thinking about tending to plants today. Rather, he'd just harvested a fresh crop of green onions, a favourite snack of his that was already growing in at least one planter regardless of where he was living or how his life was going. Stood in front of the stove, he'd been busy sautéeing some of his fresh crop, peckish butterflies nibbling at their belfry, a hum emanating from his throat as his admittedly spartan cooking knowledge was put to work. Clad in a strange mix of a proper slate button-up, a velvet paisley tie, and a black tiered skirt, he more than likely looked odd.\n\n▪︎ And it was this oddity that was now on display as someone busted through the door, much to his surprise.\n\n◆ \"Christ, mate, be easy on the doors! Ol' Graham's already got his hands full cleaning up that fuckin' napalm mess from the other night.\" He jovially chuckled. \"Want some onions? Just picked 'em, they're really good the way I cook 'em.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel, a bit out of breath as they slam through the door, takes a couple of seconds to fully register the presence occupying the kitchen. If they noticed the peculiar outfit, they don't make it known— after all, Uriel is dressed similarly odd. \n\nTheir deep purple woven poncho contrasts harshly with their pale and gaunt face. Stark white hair is neatly tied in a braid that hangs on their shoulder— perhaps the only 'neat' thing about their appearance. Large, grey bags hang down from their tired, half-lidded eyes. They're abnormally tall— around six foot — an odd contrast to the lack of presence that followed them like a plague. \n\n\"O-oh.\" They look over at the man in the room, a bit confused at the voice. \"I didn't expect anyone to actually *Be* Here. You said you picked those plants...?\" \n\nUriel lifts the two plants in their arms on the table, letting out a less-than-pleasant noise at having to heft them high enough to *Plop* Them on the table. \n\n\"I know you're not supposed to move plants, but...\" They yawn. \"I didn't know what else to do, and I figured the kitchen might have some impromptu fertilizer.\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Shit, mate, me neither.\" A pause, a chuckle, the faint sizzle of food being sautéed in oil in a stainless steel pan. \"But, hey, life's as unpredictable as it is cruel, so don't let my presence throw your vibes off.\"\n\n□ Speaking with a soft Manchester accent, Silas turned back to his pan of food, oak eyes inspecting the stalks for doneness. Figuring they'd be fine, he turned off the stove and evacuated the greens onto an awaiting plate, turning back to face the other lad when he mentioned he'd been having some sort of problems with his own plants. Looking at the plants in their pots, he'd frown lightly, eyebrows arching up a tad as, with his cooking done, he strolled over to get a closer look.\n\n▪︎ Fashion wasn't his strongest suit, but plants...? He knew a fair bit more.\n\n◆ \"Ooh, yeah, mate. Hm. These pots... They give it proper drainage? You water them properly? That's a killer – plants only need water when the soil's dry, after all – , and it's a mistake I made before.\" Perhaps it was an incorrect assumption, but he felt he needed to address his initial concerns as to the care of the plant. \"Don't worry 'bout moving 'em, they're already half-dead, and in all honesty I find that when plants are dyin' like this it's a good ides to put 'em in the shade. There's, er... A million different things that can kill a plant. Finicky things.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Perhaps, I... Might have overwatered them.\" Uriel concedes, a little hesitant at admitting their own mistake. \n\nThey brush a thumb along the stem of the plant, letting out a little sigh at the plant's poor state. It was a bit foolish, Uriel supposes, to get so attached to a plant. In Uriel's eyes, it was not only a key element in managing their abilities, but the one reminder of home they had in this desolate, foreign place. \n\n\"It's extremely important that they stay alive. I know you recommended, ahem, putting them in the shade, and I'm certain you know more than me. But...\" Uriel pauses, looking down at the pots. The ceramic pots were covered in a thick, woolen sweater, both knit by Uriel themselves. They were the first things they've ever woven, cautious hands guided by their more-experienced mother. \n\nIt was a memory they fondly kept close to their chest, and it only strengthened their resolve.\n\n\"They're rather important to me. They play a... Vital role in managing my abilities.\" Uriel breathes out, opting to hide the emotional significance of the flora."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Shit man, then just... Lemme poke at 'em.\"\n\n□ Without any confirmation as to whether he'd actually had been given permission to tend to the taller lad's plants, Silas set off on his quest, bottom lip jutted and curled over his top lip as he began to work at the first of the plants. The leaves were in varying stages of wilt, and while some were salvageable he could tell that some were beyond saving. \"Sorry about this, mate.. \" He uttered as a breath left his lungs, surgically removing several decayed, dead leaves at the base, making sure to cut them as neatly as possible to reduce the chance of the plants outright dying.\n\n▪︎ And even with this emergency work, it was no guarantee that the plants would live to see another season.\n\n◆ \"Hmm, yeah... Overwatered. I can't promise they'll live mate, but seriously. Put them out of the shade, elevate them a bit, and apply fungicides to 'em.\" He grabbed a sprig of onion with his free hand and took a bite. \"That's what's worked for me in the past. Fungi like humid, warm environments, and that's *Exactly* What ya get when it's sitting on a windowsill with too much water. I'm just... Do you mind if I lift them out a bit? The roots probably need to be pruned, lad, but as ya said, they're right important to ya, so I figured I'd ask.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel simply watches as Silas begins to perform his craft— astutely observing his hands snip the various dead areas, lifting the various stems to observe the decay. It was... Fascinating, watching someone so intently analyze an area of study far out of Uriel's reach. \n\n\"So long as there's a chance. I trust you with gardening far more than I trust myself, at least.\" They say softly, stroking the still-alive leaves with the back of their finger. \n\nIt... Might be a bit hasty, to trust someone with their precious plants, but Uriel was good at sensing people's intentions. Perhaps it was years of studying other people, analyzing their behavior in order to understand what about others they seemed to be missing, the critical puzzle piece that made it seem like there was a gulf between them and everyone else. \n\n\"Is... There a way to save the seeds, in case they do die? These plants are one of the only things keeping me awake throughout the day. I don't think I'd be able to function without them.\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Aye, glad to hear it, mate. To answer your question, though... You could possibly regrow it from cuttings with a bit of know-how. It's a little complex, but fuck, I can help ya out.\"\n\n□ Speaking without effort as he lifted the first pot out of its enclosure, his expression soured lightly, shifting from goofy yet observant to downtrodden. It was always a sad experience to see a plant's roots in such a state, but he couldn't quite blame the other, for he'd made the exact same mistake before. Beginning to trim with a little pocket knife he'd bought the day before, the roots plopped out, rotted material chucked into a half-drank can of Dr. Pepper he'd been sipping down before his services were requested.\n\n▪︎ After a few moments, he cleared his throat.\n\n◆ \"Anyways, lad. Don't think it's quite right to do all this work and not at least get a name. Silas is the man working your plants, what's your name, king?\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel blinks at the term of endearment— or, at least, they assumed endearment.\n\n\"King, lad, might I ask why you call me such names? I'm neither a king nor a lad, so you don't have to worry about such terms. Then again, I suppose it's my fault for not introducing myself earlier.\"\n\nThey eye the pocket knife with a cool gaze— *Interesting*. Were they prepared for a fight, or...? It didn't seem like the type of possession needed for everyday folk. Uriel would have to keep their eyes peeled, and try not to instigate anything. Hopefully, their prior track record would be proven wrong. \n\nThey turn towards Silas, looking him in the eye and giving a small smile. \"My name is Uriel, Uriel Melancon. It's quite nice to meet you, Silas.\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"We're all kings, mate. That's why.\" An awkward chuckle followed. \"But if it confuses ya then shit, I'll cut it out.\"\n\n□ Casually talking as his hands trimmed the rotted roots on their own, Silas had begun to notice that this man – Uriel, he introduced himself as – seemed to be a bit socially challenged. Perhaps it was a language barrier, or perhaps it was a mental illness, but whatever the case he made a note to steer clear of terms that could sow confusion. After all, he was more focused on offering salvation to a pair of wilted dying plants, and as long as he was in the presence of them he wasn't exactly going to let them go easily.\n\n▪︎ He'd powered through so much worse with plants, but somehow he still worried that it was all for naught.\n\n\"Uriel, eh? Seventh of the Septims... Nice. I knew a guy name Uri... Ulyss... Fuck. Those aren't the same names...\" Trailing off, he stated intently at the root system, testing each remaining end with pinched fingers to test for health and rigidity. \"Don't mind me, not great at focusing on two things at once, mate. Now, *This* Plant, as long as you keep it in the shade and take care of it, it'll bounce back, hopefully. Guess I gotta look at the other... Want me to preserve a few cuttings in case these ones don't make it?\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel nodded, humming idly as Silas continued to talk. \n\n\"It would be quite the gesture if you did keep some of the clippings. I'm not too sure about the origin you're thinking of, but my mother named me after the fourth archangel, the angel of repentance. It's a bit of a shame— it's a very pretty boy's name, and I feel a bit bad I didn't end up being one. I've decided to keep the name, though.\"\n\nThey let out an appreciative noise at seeing the health of the still-alive roots, tilting their head to examine Silas' handiwork from all angles. \n\n\"I wouldn't be surprised if your ability had something to do with plants— it already looks much healthier than when I came in. I'm... Rather impressed.\" They're apprehensive to touch the plant, but give a small smile towards Silas. \n\nIt would be best to try and get to know this man, considering the extreme likelihood of Uriel damaging their plants in the future. Uriel... Wasn't too skilled at talking, they knew that much. They took just a tad too long to respond, and their ever-pallid face always seemed to unnerve others. What they did enjoy, however, was *Listening*."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Keep a few? Alright.\" \n\n□ Tongue poking out lightly and pressing itself against his upper lip, he began to take a few cautious snippets, setting each one aside with intentions to chuck them into a propogation bath later. Of course, though, something that Uriel said stood out to him: *\"It's a very pretty boy's name,\"** The words echoed in his head, **\"And I feel a bit bad I didn't end up being one.\"** Silently cursing himself for unintentionally misgendering another what he could only assume was queer person, he looked up at them, hands expertly wrapped around the plant and knife.\n\n▪︎ Well, shit.\n\n◆ \"Felt that.\" He nodded. \"Silas is kind of a traditional name in the family, and it's seen as some huge masculine badge of honour for some bloody reason, so let's just say my grandfather in particular, uh... Every third word out of his mouth in my direction's a slur.\" Chuckling, he finally set the first plant back into its pot. \"So, mate, whatever you identift as, just lemme know what'cha want me to use for pronouns and shit. Wouldn't want to misgender ya and all that. Anyways, er... Yeah, it's a lovely name. Better than a lot of biblical names... Jacob this, Esau that, Mark the other... Bloody hell.\"\n\n▪︎ \"Also... Not quite.\" A light smile graced his facial features. \"This is just years of gardening as a hobby. You learn a lot over the course of a decade or so, huh?\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel feels a bit guilty upon seeing Silas tense up at their words. It's a bit unfortunate— they were never a fan of direct confrontation. Whenever they did correct people about their pronouns, it always made others defensive. No one *Likes* Feeling like a bad person, and so any attempts to gently correct people were usually met with hostility and awkwardness. \n\nHowever, Silas' response was... Refreshing. They let out a small noise of approval, and seemed to relax at the lack of an abrasive response. \n\n\"You too, then? I use they/them, but I dislike correcting people. Thank you for asking, though.\" \n\nAt hearing about Silas' family, Uriel pats them on the back— delicately and a tad bit hesitant, but most certainly *There*. \n\n\"I... My only family I grew up with is my mother, and she accepted me rather easily. I, ah, haven't met my extended family. The kids my age never really seemed to understand what I was, so I relate in that aspect.\" Uriel shifts a bit, feeling obligated to respond in turn but a bit wary at mentioning their extended family. It wasn't a subject they particularly *Enjoyed* Talking about, is all. \n\n\"I'm sorry for what you had to go through. Having family turn against you seems... Awful.\" Their voice is soft, and bleeding with sympathy."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Gotcha.\" He nodded, his hair bobbing ever so slightly with the miniscule motion of his head. \"Guess while we're on pronoun terms, he/they. Easy enough, I suppose. Also... Don't be afraid to correct people. It's *Your* Identity, don't let 'em walk all over it. Now...\"\n\n□ Turning to face the other plant, Silas' eyes trained their focus on the leaves first, admittedly in better shape than the former had been. Clipping a few leaves off, he could already tell that this one wasn't going to need quite as much work, yet it still showed signs of overhydration, or perhaps a bit of subterranean mold gnawing away at the roots like termites. Nodding occasionally to show he was listening, a pang of envy tugged at his gut, the knowledge that he'd been born with just one life and was forced to spend his formative years in a house that barely accepted him, let alone supported him.\n\n▪︎ However, this wasn't just about him, and the hand between his shoulder blades reminded him that the young queer experience wasn't just one isolated tale of frustration and repression, it was shared in part by everyone who lived it.\n\n◆ \"Probably for the best you haven't met your extended family. In my experience they're either really cool or really fuckin' weird, and it's not worth testing the waters.\" He grumbled as he tested the dirt, sniffing it and seeing if anything about it smelt off or unwell. Perhaps unscientific, but...? \"It sure the fuck is. Mom tried to understand, but she's old-school. Raised Roman Catholic, was a missionary at one point. Dad's just... He's a Mexican trades worker. My identity just never goes through his head. It's... Whatever.\" A somber sigh passed through the air. \"I know who the hell I am, mate, and that's enough for me.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel stands up a bit straighter at Silas talking about being able to police their own identity, almost like a child being caught with their hand in a cookie jar. They let out a defeated sigh, and fold in on themselves. \n\n\"I'm sorry— I suppose it's a force of habit. Having to play around other people's feelings, that is.\" They let out a small laugh, if only to clear the air and lighten the mood from the sudden intimate confession.\n\nAs Silas went on about his family, Uriel made sure to nod their head in agreement and listen intently. The sorrow in his tone almost seemed alien to the ever-optimistic Uriel, but no less real. A small part of them—albeit selfishly— were glad to be deemed worthy of such trust. A larger part felt a suffocating guilt at not being able to reciprocate in kind. \n\n*I'm sorry, Silas, but there's things best kept secret.* \n\n\"It's.. Quite hard to love people, sometimes. Family can be a difficult thing to deal with, is all.\" Whatever Uriel intends to say further is almost abnormally clipped short, a slight bit of whiplash as they change the subject. \n\n\"Do you have any other hobbies? Besides gardening, that is.\" They adjust the 'sweaters' on each plant, making sure each pot is dressed in their best."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Aye, fair.\" A brief pause. \"But you've also gotta learn to stand up for yourself, mate. It's a good skill to have.\"\n\n□ Up went the inner basket, and his fixated gaze with it. There were still mushy roots, sure, but it wasn't quite as bad as the other pot, wherein over half of all the roots poking out of the bottom needed to be trimmed if not removed entirely. Simply nodding as Uriel spoke, he could tell that the conversation had reached the apex of its intimacy, all deep feelings exhausted in a breeze of confession. So, rather than comment on it some more he simply fell silent, humming as he trimmed off a few dead roots, dropping it back in place afterwards and taking a small clipping.\n\n▪︎ Now, hobbies...\n\n◆ \"Oh, yeah, I've got a few. Uh... Let's see... I tend to an aquarium. I've dabbled with enclosed terrariums but don't have the space for one right now... I write and compose music, mostly piano but also some guitar, I love messing around with chemistry, and I'm.\" A stifled laugh followed. \"I'm fucking *Cracked* At FPSes. Like, seriously, I ever decide that chem isn't my career path, I could deadass just go pro in, like, Valorant or CoD or something. It's nuts. How 'bout you?\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "At that, Uriel raised their eyebrows in interest. \n\n\"Oh, if you're interested in chemistry, Newton's Cradle actually has quite the arsenal of supplies. There's a whole chemistry lab, filled with top-of-the-line materials and whatnot.\" \n\n*And actually... This might actually be useful.* \n\nA small, almost sly smile appears on Uriel's face for the briefest of moments. If one didn't know Uriel intimately, they'd just assume it was part of their natural range of expressions, failing to notice the slight glint of interest in their eyes. At worst, their idea was a good thing for Silas. At best, it was mutually beneficial. It was hard to argue with that logic, and besides... Even if they didn't have ulterior motives, they'd most likely recommend the same course of action. \n\n\"There's a man who works with Newton's Cradle, named Oliver Rask. He's the local chemistry teacher here, and you might find it useful to contact him with some inquiries about learning while you're here.\" \n\nAt the second part of Silas' sentence, Uriel scratches the side of their face, feeling a bit abashed. \"I'm not too knowledgeable on video games, but I suppose I might find some enjoyment watching you play. As for me, I'm rather good at weaving, knitting, and making tapestries.\" \n\nUriel continues, smiling at Silas' laugh. \"I know you didn't intend to accept payment for your help, but I feel obliged to offer something of equal payment. I don't have much in terms of money, but I could help you out in... Another way?\" \n\nThey've learned rather quickly that most residents in Newton's Cradle tended to have trouble sleeping— either due to regular insomnia, or by nightmares of their prior lives haunting them. Perhaps a good dream might be of use to Silas— or maybe they'd prefer a pair of gloves."
}
] | 288 | 4,891 |
214.333333 | 2022-03-13 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Really?\" A single eyebrow arched up. \"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, mate.\"\n\n□ Setting the other plant back into its pot, the satisfying feeling of a job well done washed over Silas like a warm blanket. In fifteen minutes, and with the help of a pocket knife, he'd lifted the survival chances of a pair of plants from 10% to at least 75%, and those sorts of odds were much better when it came to someone who felt some sort of attachment to said plants. Closing his knife, he dropped it into the chest pocket of his shirt en lieu of any pockets on his skirt, then turned to face Uriel, who'd been chatting about hobbies and payment and whatnot.\n\n▪︎ Now, was he even to take payment...?\n\n\"Shit, don't worry about paying me for this. It's just a bit of... You know, much-needed care. No sense in taking payment for what's basically emergency surgery; i'm not a fuckin' American doctor.\" A chuckle followed. \"Anyways, yeah, that's neat. Seems like... I dunno, a pretty relaxing set of hobbies. More relaxing than dealing with drool-lipped idiots in my ranked games, at the very least, heh. Anyways, your plants should be good to go! Just... Shade, proper water, fungicide, and you'll know within a week if they're going to make it. As for the clippings...? I'll propagate them myself, so that if either of these die there'll be a new one ready.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Are you sure?\" Uriel said hesitantly, before gathering the potted plant back into their arms. \n\n\"It's... If you ever change your mind, feel free to approach me with anything you need, alright?\" Uriel almost turns to walk away, before the metaphorical loading icon above their head finishes spinning. \n\n\"Oh, uh— I almost forgot. What's your intranet handle, in case I have any questions or I need those clippings...?\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Aye, I am.\"\n\n□ Nodding, he took a few steps back, passing himself between the table and the counter where his sautéed onions had been sitting pretty in a bowl, waiting to be devoured with gusto. Picking up the unremarkable porcelain bowl, the ambient heat radiated through the palms of his hands, a soup bowl in spirit and just as warming. Taking another bite out of the one he'd been nibbling for the past ten or so minutes, he looked over at Uriel, Hershey's eyes peering back as they asked about social media handles and the like.\n\n▪︎ He made sure to swallow his food before talking, holding up a finger to indicate that Uriel should wait.\n\n◆ \"At Silo A seven Ex. Kind of a cringelord name, but cringe culture's dead, so.\" He shrugged. \"Just shoot any questions ya got and I'll answer 'em, alright? See ya, mate.\"\n\n• Another job well done."
}
] | 214 | 643 |
208 | 2022-03-17 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "The beast had done it now creating a 20 ft long makeshift fence made of sticks and branches weaved together. Raizel had dug out 4 foot deep holes where she placed logs into it before adding the material to make a fence. She worked on it each day receiving some help from students who found her project interesting. The masked girl would use some tools and resources from Graham's class to help make the structures be more efficient and sturdier. Raizel made a large gate with its on doorknob that she removed from one of the teacher's office doors. The chicken coop itself was built with four poles with branches and sticks weaved together. There's a long branch inside for the bird to perch high above the ground by 5'0 ft. She made a nesting area just as high where they could lay their eggs. For the roofing she stole a tarp to place it beneath the second layer of weaved sticks from rain seeping through. When she finishes with the last touches, Raizel will take out her phone to call Owen. \"H-Hey, its time to remove b-bird from room. I-Its finally done.\""
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Owen had fallen asleep already half-falling off of his bed, but the sound of his phone ringing shocked him straight off of the side and onto his carpet. Fumbling with the answer button, Raizel's message slowly clicked in his head. \"Wh-wha? Whoa, tidy! I'll be, *A yawn* I'll be right down,\" He managed to formulate before the call ended. \n\nDebating with himself how to covertly get the chickens out of his room and outside, he decided on just scooping up the whole box and sprinting through the halls- maybe if he just kept moving, no one would be able to stop him and question the wooden box of chickens and chicken feed he was holding!\n\nSkittering past a handful of confused kids (and thankfully no adults), Owen rounded the last couple of corners to where Rai and the coop was. \n\n\"*RAI!!* Rai, I've got em!!\" \n\nHe meant to say something else, but an exposed root caught his foot, and down he went. Méabh and Buttercup squawked in indignation at the rough landing, but they seemed to like him enough now to not be too freaked out. \n\n\"Pen's lookin' good!\" Chuckling and blowing a thick, wavy strand of hair out of his face, he looked back up at Raizel, a pitiful attempt at covering up his near-faceplant."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "A smile spread across her face behind her wooden mask when she heard Owen's voice. She nearly skipped along happily before pausing with a concern look when she sees the ginger face plant before her. Her hands clasp together close to her chest as she kneels slightly to lower herself to look down at him. \"Oof! Ar-Are you okaay?\" She asked, tilting her head side ways. Her glowing round eyes are half closed with a slight sadness to them. She helped Owen up before checking on the chickens. Luckily they're hardy birds. \"Th-Thanks! I made sure it has a door so we can go in... And ther-there's even a chicken door for them to walk across the planks!\" Rai was excited enough to swing the gate open to present it for Owen to cross the threshold with the birds."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "\"Thanks, mate, I got a little excited- I'll be just fine.\" A signature lopsided grin to prove it, despite the dirt scuffed on his jeans and cuffs of his heavy leather jacket. \n\nHis eyes widened a little as he took in the new coop; it was *Impressive*.\n\n\"Wow, Raizel, you've put some incredible effort into this thing!\" Scooping up his beloveds, he walked into the structure and found a decent spot to place them. \"Run free, loves,\" He cooed as they strutted off to explore their new surroundings. Straightening his back and turning back to Rai, he sighed. \"I'll miss their company, but I won't lie that I've been wanting to deep clean my room for a few days now,\" He admitted. A sudden, slightly anxious thought came back to him:\n\n\"Do we.. Have permission yet for them to be here?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Not yet... I was thinking about b-bringing this up to Graham some time l-later?\" Raizel said, giving him a hidden smile. \"The h-hens didn't do anything wrong, they're good therapy animals and pr-provide fresher eggs than what the school have to offer.\" Raizel kneels down to feed a chicken some seeds she kept in a pouch. \"H-hey chicky,\" She said, a playful tone in her tone. \"I-I was thinking maybe we could pl-plant scarlet runners around the fencing? They make b-beans.\" Raizel was already drifting off forming more ideas. \"Can place a swing close by? Maybe a fire pit?\""
}
] | 190 | 1,040 |
124.444444 | 2022-03-18 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Bonkers though the whole idea was, Owen couldn't help but get more excited. \"I could help with that! I helped out in the garden a lot back home, I'd love to get back into it, and of course spend more time around these beauties,\" He mused, bouncing on his heels- groggy though he was, Owen was full of energy now.\n\n\"This'll be so much fun- it will take some time, but I've been dying to put my mind toward something fun lately,\" He rambled, half talking to himself in his delight. \"Thanks for dragging me into this!!\" \n\nIn his giddy mood, he impulsively grabbed Raizel and hugged her tightly, swaying a little from the momentum. She was just a little taller than him, his cheek pressing into the cool wood of her mask as his perpetually toasty arms gleefully squeezed her ribs."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Rai couldn't help but share the excitement when she felt the bubbly fun energy coming from Owen. \"I-It's better than doing nothing but do boring stuff. It helps keep our minds from the part being deliquents!\" And she already brimming with so much fun ideas for this small area. There really should be a couple swings, a small fire pit area and a shelter to relax. A garden would be nice. Her thoughts lingered towards more creativity until it popped like a bubble when she felt herself suddenly get pulled into a hug. It was a weird feeling being hugged by the flame mage. It was perhaps the first time ever feeling warm that felt alien. She shut her one eye when Owen's cheek pressed against her mask. A faint, sheepish blush spread across her face. \"O-Oh gosh, i-it's no problem, really,\" She said, awkwardly patting his back."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Remembering his own surprising strength, Owen quickly squeezed one more time and gingerly unhanded her. \"We'll have to make something tasty with the eggs they'll make!\" His hand started fiddling with a pen he had stashed in his pocket, rapidly clicking it open and shut. \n\n\"What do you suggest? I.. I don't know what your favourite foods are\", he cheerily probed. It struck him then that he didn't *Know* All that much about his strange masked friend. Better work to remedy that."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Oh... Uh... I-I just eat wh-whatever is available?\" She said, rubbing the back of her neck bashfully. \"Since I am suddenly dropped into civiliz-civilization, I am still learning more about myself.\" She shoves her hands into her pockets as she slightly rocks to one foot to the other. \"M-My mom wasn't the best cook... We hunt stuff and roast it over a fire... Sometimes ate it raw?\""
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Owen's eyes widened as he took a step back and clutched his chest in mock flabbergast. \"My! You need to be educated in the ways of doing delicious things with eggs!\" Bracing his hands on his hips and shifting his weight into his other leg, his ember-flecked eyes crinkled with amusement. \"Food goes through me ..Strangely quickly, so in order to keep up with little me being hungry all the time, my mams taught me aaallll about making tasty stuff for myself.\"\n\n\"Dropped into civilization, you say?\" Owen cocked his head to the side a little. He hoped he wasn't pressing on a sore spot, but his curiosity was already blurted out, so. Might as well."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "She shakes her head. \"Its all bland... My specialty would be drying smoke meat with se-seasoning.\" Raizel watched Owen with a confused expression, now being unable to read what is really going on with him. \"Mhm... I'm a monster like my mum... She was right about h-humans taking away special creatures.\""
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Seeing the unease beneath her mask, Owen contented himself with having a couple gaps in this specific area of Rai knowledge. \"Ah, yeah, we have a nasty history of that, don't we,\" He offered, eyes gone back to darting around the chicken coop. \"I'd still like to try your specialty sometime- there's a beauty in simplicity.\" His mouth tentatively yet easily slipped back into his uneven smile, calling ease back to the air like dawn stirred roosters. \n\n\"My specialty is probably this soup I make- it's a little different every time, but it's a welcome taste of home out here.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Hmm... I guess I could try m-make a smoke house?\" Rai said, now adding that to her side project. \"H-hey, I am looking forward how to cook food... If you don't mind teaching me?\" Rai looked at Owen with a hopeful look. \"I am gonna go kill something while you take care of chicken. Good?\" She was already wandering off to go hunt some poor animal in the woods."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "\"Oh, alright! Uhm, good luck? Happy hunting!\" Strangely blunt though Rai was, Owen appreciated it in a way; with her, there was no tiptoeing around awkward half-goodbyes for fifteen minutes before actually ending the conversation- done meant done, and that was nice. \n\nDouble- checking that the door to the coop was secured, Owen meandered off to clean his dorm. Delightful though his feathery guests were, they did leave a faint smell."
}
] | 109 | 1,120 |
328.5 | 2022-04-01 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "——\nIt was late at night, and Uriel had found themselves in the common room. \n\nIt was a bit peculiar for anyone who knew the dream-weaver well. They'd often retreat to the confines of their room in the depths of night, in case a particularly powerful dream managed to unceremoniously knock them out.\n\nRecently, though, they'd found themselves sitting quietly near the sides of the common room, cool eyes scanning the people who'd walk past. There had been an uptick in new faces, and Uriel was determined to comfort any kids who were still frightened about the facility. \n\nWell, providing emotional support was one of their reasons. They had also taken it upon themselves to keep an up-to-date record the abilities various people had, and the potential problems they could cause for Uriel's craft. \n\nIn a facility like this, everyone was armed in their own ways— and judging the potential harm someone could cause was the only thing Uriel could do to protect their physically incapable self.\n\nThe last, infinitesimally small reason was to make sure Uriel knew about any other dream-weavers before they knew of *Them*. But Uriel was sure that'd never happen— or at least so they hoped.\n\nRegardless of their reasons, they lounged on the common room couch, tired grey eyes occasionally glancing up from their novel whenever the sound of footsteps reached their ears."
},
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "Peculiar. Truly peculiar. Levi had been in Newton's Cradle for only a short bit, being very new themselves. They had expected a rather _normal_ facility transfer, considering their background. Sure, a part of the letter they had received indicated that this place was something special, yet they didn't truly believe that right until they saw it for themselves. Children, with varying age ranges had _powers_. They had qualities that made them different, yet similar at the same time. Some even had special auras that they apparently could not see. Levi knew they saw things. The _normal_ things they saw could not be compared to the things they saw from these... Inmates? Students? \n\nEvans wore just an equally interesting outfit. A pink oversized hoodie that reached their thighs, a white pair of fluffy bed time sandals, and thin glasses were all that they visibly wore. Obviously, they wore clothes underneath the hoodie- which were only covered by the sheer size of it. Their legs were shaved too. Now, Levi _would_ have probably given a crap about what they wore, if not for the fact that they never wanted to be here in the first place. They were here because they were forced to. At this point, the least they could do for themselves was to wear something nice and cute- something that made them look very androgynous.\n\nThey reached the common room, seeing ethereal wiggly tendrils emanating from the lone person settled on the couch. \n\nThey'd blink for a moment before shaking their head, choosing to just approach them, sitting down on the opposite end of the couch without any word. \n\nLevi would think about how to start the conversation. For a few moments, they continued to stay silent right until they finally had something to say.\n\n\"What's yur powair?\" A heavy French accent would blanket their voice, choosing to now look into the person's eyes if they ever reciprocated."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Levi finds themselves facing a rather androgynous figure. Their stark white hair coils in a braid dangling from their shoulder. Snow-like lashes flit between words on a page, the only indication they heard the other taking form in the slightest raise of an eyebrow.\n\nGloved hands slowly— very slowly— close the book they were reading and place the title under their deep indigo poncho. They turn towards the new face, expression completely placid. To the other, it didn't seem like they were *There* At all, with unfocused, hazy grey eyes staring through the figure in front of them.\n\n《*That's a rather forward question to ask someone, especially someone whom you've never met before.*》\n\nThe breathy, perfectly-accented French that flows from their lips takes the other by surprise. A small ghost of a smile forms on Uriel's face, and they tilt their head down to properly focus on whatever new object has caught their interest. \n\nSaid object was a kid. Younger than Uriel, that much was obvious, although not by much. Their thin frame and long bangs made them almost seem as if they were hiding themselves— perhaps not too confident, Uriel guessed. They continued to appraise the other's appearance, taking note of any bits of information that caught their attention.\n\n《*It might be wise to introduce yourself before asking about such subjects. You are?*》\n\nThere was a hint of amusement to their voice at the other's rather... Blunt way of going about things, but their polite demeanor masked most of the selfish entertainment they received."
},
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "Levi was caught off guard by the sudden French, evident by their eyes slightly widening in response. They initially didn't even expect them to speak French at all, though they probably knew to use that language through their own rather heavy accent. Surprise would slowly melt into embarrassment and shame at that statement, one hand rubbing the back of their neck as they sheepishly gave back a weak smile. \n\nThey were still able to note the floating strands coming from the individual, yet they quickly lost their charm. The person's appearance was ethereal in itself, making them look like a snowflake in the void. Almost like a prince... But no, not really a prince. Almost like a princess... But not that as well. They looked and spoke like... _royalty._ Yes, that seemed to be the correct and appropriate term in this instance. \n\n< _\"Sorry... I'm not thinking straight... Shouldn't even be awake at this time...\"_ Levi would murmur before subsequently yawning, whispers of _doctors orders_ and _meds_ slipping through their yawns, as if they meant to say something, yet was interrupted by automatic bodily functions. < _\"The name's Levi Evans. Just call me... Levi or Evans... How about you?\"_ >\n\nThe Frenchie returned with their own French."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "《*There's no need to apologize. After all, people here are probably the first other para-humans you've met. It would be quite a lot to ask of you to rein in that excitement so early on.* 》\n\nTheir voice follows a bit of a sing-song rhythm as they toy with the end of their sentences. Uriel pats the spot on the couch next to them, looking over at Levi with the silent question of 'join me?'. \n\n《*My name is Uriel Melançon. I use they/them pronouns, but besides that, you may call me whatever you'd like.* 》\n\nAs Levi yawns, Uriel's head tilts ever-so-slightly, their gloved hand tapping their chin in thought. \n\n《*You're... Tired. Is this why you've come to see me, then?*》 A small flutter of happiness grew in Uriel's chest. Did the other people in the Cradle think Uriel could help with such tasks, and could trust them with a small part of their life? The thought made them a bit giddy. They *Were* Helping people— and the fact they were seen in a positive manner by the Cradle made a soft smile bloom on Uriel's face.\n\n《*In that case, I'm ever grateful you decided to put your trust in me.*》"
},
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "Being offered a seat next to them, the pink oversized-hoodie wearing fellow would scooch on over. Their figure would relax on the soft cushions and pillows beneath them, emanating a sigh of satisfied relief. They'd nod at the first statement, relieved that they didn't take their bluntness to heart. They didn't mean any harm- and in fact actually wanted to make friends. Thankfully, Uriel was a benevolent receiver, allowing them to continue the conversation without any hiccup. \n\n_< Mmm... I see...>_\n\nTheir name sounded familiar. Their first name sounded like it came from one of the Abrahamic religions. Either of those 3 were unfit for anything more modern. Their last name, however, was something that they could understand just a bit more. Melancholy was easy to connect with their surname. What its actual meaning however, was still lost to them. \n\nTheir eyes would widen a bit when they realized that they had just met yet another non-binary friend. _< How do you do fellow enby? >_ An emphasis was placed on _fellow_, indicating that they _too_ preferred they/them pronouns. \n\nNow feeling much more light-hearted, they offered a soft smile, not letting their tiredness overrule the conversation. _< Yeah! I think you're the person- Do you have any Zolpidem? Zopiclone? If you don't have those two, I'm fine with Cyclobenzaprine. I'm still adjusting my schedule and prescriptions with the staff here- but I really need one. How much do you charge? >_\n\nObviously, when Levi heard from others that a tall white-haired student helped people with sleep, they didn't account for anything _creative_ and out of the ordinary. It seemed that they expected medicinal drugs from them.\n\nWhat was interesting though was the accurate pill names offered. They _knew_ what they needed- which meant that they used it a lot."
}
] | 308 | 1,971 |
365 | 2022-04-02 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel's eyes widen at the other person's pronouns— the first discernable emotion detectable on their face— and they give Levi a soft smile. \n\n《*It's nice to see others like me. I didn't expect the Cradle to have so many people with unique gender expression as well— it's a welcome surprise, truthfully.*》\n\nThe names of various medicines floated through one of Uriel's ears and out the other, and they tilt their head in confusion. The long, medical names were things unfamiliar to Uriel, but the other's knowledge of such terms spoke to both their intellect and something a bit... Worrying. \n\n《*You're no stranger to sleeping issues, then. Don't worry— I'm not going to give you any medication, and I certainly won't charge you for my services. Just answer a question, is all. After that, I can provide the best sleep of your life.*》\n\nThere's a small twinkle in their eyes as hum noncommittally, looking upon Levi with the barest hint of amusement. The other was an unknown variable for now, but Uriel had no qualms with helping the younger out. After all, when everyone wielded powers of unknown proportion, extending a kind hand was both the moral choice and the logical one.\n\n《*Would you like to be asleep now, or in five minutes?*》"
},
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "The best sleep of their life. \n\nWhen the stars came out to twinkle and the evening takes on a humming aroma of the night, their bed of solace awaited for them. Thoughts would slow down into colorful, mellowed strings breezing along in the milky void. For they are returned to the heaven's grasps to dream. No matter how creative or joyous the thoughts they could conjure, the only sleep that truly mattered to them was one of peace and quiet. Dreamless and long, with no glaring interruptions. That sounded absolutely splendid. They knew within themselves that a more _perfect_ form of sleep would eventually happen. Right now though, that was only but a dream.\n\nLike many things in their life.\n\n_< Shoot, then. >_ Once they heard that question, a bit of critical analysis would seep into their rather murky and blurred perspective. They were unsure- if that sounded enough like a threat, or it was a genuine offer. Vague enough to keep them slightly worried, but the shine and glamour of the potential rewards only successfully drew them in even more. \n\n_ < Now, I suppose. No difference in five minutes... But... What do you mean anyway? >_ Evans would pause, tilting their head to look into Uriel's rather neutral orbs, though they _did_ seem to have something lurking beneath that careful stare. _ < How will a complete stranger like you give me the best sleep of my life? >_ \n\nNow, they had to admit that it was rather interesting that they were led here to have a good rest. To this person, who wasn't apparently a seller- but something else. They did not know, but they were awake just enough to question, even if it wasn't meant to hurt."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel laughs at the question— globes hands covering their lips as soft puffs of air escape their throat. \n\n 《 *You came here to see a dream-weaver, non? What did you expect?*》\n\nIt seemed Levi didn't truly understand the nature of their work. Uriel tucked a few strands of snow-white hair behind their ear, and thought carefully of how to proceed. \n\n《 *I use my abilities to help people in the Cradle recover from the stress of the waking world. A dreamless sleep, or perhaps a perfect dream— whatever they desire, I'm happy to provide.*》\n\nUriel's mind drifts off as they absentmindedly wonder how Levi will react to the news— fear, perhaps? It's the emotion most people resort to upon learning the person across from them can go into people's heads.\n\nUriel secretly hoped the other wouldn't mind too much— after all, they were a para-human as well, and Uriel was a bit... Short on friends. However, they knew it wasn't only mortals who were (rightfully) wary of their powers, and they couldn't blame anyone for feeling nervous about what they could potentially do. *Especially* Given the damage misuse of their powers could cause. \n\n《*Now that this miscommunication has been cleared up— would you like to proceed?*》"
},
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "_< Oh. >_\n\nUncertainty would start to trickle in their voice and expression, now that they began to understand the innerworkings behind this so called sleeping help. Sure, the ability for prescriptions to be drugged or spiked was high, but at least it was something of human nature. Corruption and greed could kill, but the unknown could do far worse. They'd chew their inner cheek at that offer, rubbing their arm with a less confident appearance. The excitement they initially got would now simmer down to a lesser volatile reaction. The promise of a perfect sleep with _any_ dream was tempting... But there had to be a catch, not only for them, but for Uriel as well. What price did they have to pay?\n\nFor Uriel, they'd see Levi's eyes dart towards the dim hallway.\n\nSkittering little creatures of the void liked to play. They were always there, waiting. Though they paid no mind, their presence was enough to leave them on their toes. They understood well enough. Ashes from a dying universe did not care for one like them. They were indifferent to the likes of one, when they feasted upon galaxies and planes. And no one even realized. For they didn't care enough about little specks. Miniscule spits. Pathetic. Evans would exhale, not realizing they had held their breath, when the little _thing_ in the distant hallway would leave.\n\nTheir heart would skip a beat, expression flushed as they returned their glance onto the newly-discovered dream-weaver. \n\n_< Sorry uh... Maybe in the future? When I can trust you. >_\n\nTruthfully, they couldn't even trust themselves. If Uriel could make people dream. If they could make people sleep. If they could see into the minds of others... What would they see in theirs? \n\nOne of great adventures and rose-filled fields? \n\nOr a yawning dark universe. \n\nSilence. \n\nGlassy eyes.\n\nWhispers from the forest.\n\nThe key. The lock. The door. \n\nThe unknown past it. \n\nWould they see? Hopefully not. \n\n_ < I'm...>_\n\n-\n\nLevi realized that they had wandered off yet again into their own mind. Wasting seconds- maybe even minutes of their time. They'd rub their eyes and forcibly relax their smaller body, licking their dry lips. They weren't sure about the logistics of Uriel's powers. They didn't know how much they could do. They didn't know how much they could _see._ And from what they knew of their newly-made acquaintance, maybe even friend, they did not deserve to see. No one deserved to see. No one. Not if they couldn't protect them, anyway.\n\n_ < I admit I have trouble sleeping... But how about we get to know each first... You know? >_\n\nThey'd fall into a silence yet again, suddenly gaining an idea.\n\n_ < I want to show you my powers. Tell me something you want to see. >_ \n\nLevi hoped they took their rejection lightly. A promise of another time, once trust was built, to continue. But not now. Not today."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "To Levi's surprise, Uriel didn't look disappointed. Instead, they sighed in relief, a small smile forming on their face. It seemed that Levi was nervous, eyes darting around the room in fear. Was the sudden realization of who exactly was standing in front of them that nerve-wracking? \n\n《 *Good. That's the correct choice. It'd be a bit foolish to trust someone who could go into your head, no?*》\n\nThey'd always lived as the subject of other people's fear, but they didn't resent the emotion. It was the smart choice, the logical one. It was the one they were used to receiving— perhaps when they first came to the Cradle they expected less fear from their fellow para-humans, but Uriel was quick to learn better. \n\nWhat did surprise Uriel was the other's offer. Did Levi feel guilty for refusing the sleep, and feel as if they had to respond in turn? It confused Uriel— after all, they didn't expect payment. Still, if Levi was going to display their abilities... \n\n《*I'd like to see a pretty flower, if you'd be able to. I miss my garden back home.* 》"
}
] | 287 | 1,825 |
445 | 2022-04-04 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "The environment around Uriel shifts, and they stand up in awe. Their eyes dart from the flower, to the environment, and back to the flower again. It's... Perfect— a grand stage, an elaborate scene, all crafted around the focal point of a glittering delphinium. \n\nA tentative hand reaches out to touch the flower, and the illusion ripples. They pull away to preserve the illusion, and look over at Levi. \n\n《*Illusions, then? It's .. A bit similar to what I do, but— no, this is beautiful.*》\n\nThe glow of purple and blue shines in Uriel's eyes as they widen in awe. A giddy laugh erupts from their mouth— or have they forgotten to breathe? Either way, they're completely entranced with the scene laid out in front of them. They look... Younger, the bags under their eyes less intense. \n\n《*Do you enjoy having these abilities, Levi?*》\n\nIt comes out soft, thoughtful, so as not to break the fragile image at their fingertips. \n\n\nIn a sense, the other's abilities were similar to their own. Uriel created intricate images in other people's minds while they slept— not too dissimilar from what Levi had laid out in the common room. \n\nWell, barring the invasive nature of Uriel's powers. \n\nBut, perhaps... They held a similar outlook about their abilities, a slight commonality to talk about."
},
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "Seeing the illusion flicker, they'd hum, pulling away their hand as well. Though the illusion of the Delphinium stayed, it was obvious that the 'resting' position it had did not actually have any physics. The illusion remained, even if their hand wasn't intertwined to support the flower petals. Maybe in the future, they would be able to apply better methods in order to create a more realistic set of images.\n\nWhat caught them off guard though was Uriel's rather delighted response, their laugh gently oozing in the now purple environment. While Uriel was staring at the violet shades blanketing the room, they focused on their appearance- how they responded to the otherworldly visions, and their general vibe with the current atmosphere. They seemed happy. Less stressed and vaguely carefree. They seemed to even _enjoy_ Levi's aesthetic on the canvas of reality. \n\nThey didn't fear.\n\nThere was nothing to be afraid of for them.\n\nWhen they were asked a question, they'd blink, mind mentally resetting for a second as they broke out of their trance. They'd nod, turning their head away to stare at the still image of the beach, light purples and dark blues glinting off the reflection of their glasses. \n\n_ < Mmm..._\n\nIn what context? Where would they even start? Their abilities allowed them to theoretically create infinite visions, a sea of possibilities left to explore and understand. They were able to create cool magic tricks, fool the most experienced naysayers, and build a reflection of anything they wanted. A reflection- a mirage of whatever they desired.\n\nYet, such abilities made them _different._ And they understood what different meant in this world. Nonconformist. Nontraditional. Abnormal. Inhuman. The slippery slope of the perspective of others on change made it difficult to make whatever they wanted to make- to be who they wanted to be, because others did not- could not understand.\n\n-\n\nThey'd look at their own hands, bathed in purples, violets, and blues. Difference was beauty. But beauty could make one bleed. Beauty could kill. They had no idea how to answer that question. Yes? No? Illusions weren't black or white- and neither were the possibilities for this unprecedented set of powers.\n\n_ < I'm not sure how to enjoy them... I was never a painter, or an artist- or a creative person... I was- I'm good with words. Speech. I... I guess I just don't know how to... >_\n\nLevi would trail off into silence.\n\nThe meaning behind those words were left to Uriel's interpretations, as they glanced back over to the taller, white-haired individual.\n\n_ < Do you? >_ \n\nAnd just like that, the question was thrown back at them."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Levi's answer was... Interesting. It certainly wasn't an *Uncommon* Answer. \n\nComing to terms with actual powers was hard, especially if you were thrown into a prison immediately afterwards. Uriel reached a hand out and patted Levi on the back, the contact just as delicate and light as they were. \n\n《*They are your abilities, at the end of the day. It's up to you how you use them, but they are there to serve you. You should feel no obligation to use them in any manner you wouldn't like.* 》\n\nWhen the question is asked back, Uriel lets out a small laugh. It's different than the other one; this one is quiet, tiny, *Sad*.\n\n《*You did remember how you reacted upon hearing what I could do? You're not the first to react in such a manner— and even if I understand the reaction, it's not exactly a pleasant feeling.*》\n\nThe question is one Uriel has asked themselves every night, when they fall asleep under the cloak of twilight and are greeted to the scenery of someone else's mind. It's a question that's been engrained in their blood, passed down alongside the powers Uriel wielded so adeptly. \n\nIt was an honest question and so Uriel felt it apt to respond honestly.\n\n《*I could go into people's minds, and devour their dreams. I could weave a tapestry of someone's greatest regrets and worst fears, and use it to extort whatever I want out of them... Or I could do it because I wanted to play God.*》\n\nThey pause, standing eerily still. It was the truth, but it wasn't a pretty thing— and Uriel wondered how Levi would react.\n\n《*I could, and yet... I do not. Other people with my abilities do, yes, but I've made a vow to use my abilities to help others. Then again, they do say the road to Hell is paved with good intentions— and do those good intentions make up for a lifetime of causing accidental harm?*》\n\nUriel studies Levi's face as they talk, grey eyes analyzing how they would react. If Levi wanted honesty, they'd receive it— but once Pandora's box was open, it remained so."
},
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "Although very much visible in the context of a lack of experience when it came to using their powers, there were other factors that heavily affected their answer to that as well. However, they weren't sure _how_ to say it. They weren't even sure if they wanted to tell. Maybe- they'd be fine with focusing on the logistical, intrapersonal side for now- to focus only within the mind and self of their own. Interpersonal issues were something entirely different that could not be tackled at the same time as of the moment. They were so caught up in their mental escapades that Uriel's hand on their back didn't really faze them, even slightly leaning towards it.\n\nLevi would nod at that.\n\nThough they stayed silent, they couldn't stay silent at Uriel's reaction. It was different- and not in a good way. They'd glance over to them with a worried expression, frowning when they heard their answer. \n\n_ < I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you... >_\n\nBut they proceeded onwards. They asked a question, and it would only be fitting if they received an answer, no matter how soul-crushing it was. As Uriel's explanation continued on, the meaning behind the statement quickly started to spiral out of control. Devouring dreams, greatest regrets, worst fears, accidental harm- quite frightening to think that such superpowered beings like them would be able to commit the harshest of humanities atrocities _accidentally._ It took evil men to spread mass suffering to others. To them? It was a Tuesday. Other men would see it as enough to punish them. \n\nTheir purple illusion would flicker, the world around them occasionally flashing a harsh white fluorescent glow. On the purple beach, dark lines would appear in a grid formation, though the illusions all just went away- left with reality.\n\nThey'd turn their head away from Uriel, pulling their legs upwards onto the couch. An audible sniff would be heard.\n\n_ < Jeez. I guess it's good that you made that vow. _\n\nThey'd turn their gaze to them and wait."
}
] | 451 | 1,780 |
179.8 | 2022-04-08 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "《*Hmm... This is difficult.*》\n\nThere was most certainly a hidden trick to whatever Levi was showing them, but it felt a bit impolite to try and predict whatever trick they had planned. No, Uriel had asked for a show, and they would most certainly do their best to be a pleasant and agreeable participant. \n\n《*This one, non?*》 \n\nThey point a finger at Levi's right hand, and look over at Levi with a tilted head. Whatever the 'trick' was, Uriel was excited to witness Levi's craft at work. Would it be behind their ear, or under their shoe, or somewhere even more unpredictable? The possibilities were oh so grand."
},
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "Once Uriel chose a hand, they'd lessen the grip on that hand, revealing nothing within. Completely flat, they'd turn their hand to face them from the back-side, even going so far as to spread their fingers separately. The coin was nowhere to be seen in that hand. _<Unfortunately, it isn't here! But- let's check the other one then, hmm? >_ Giddy, they'd keep their right hand still and do the same process with the left hand. Nothing there as well.\n\nThey'd do an overly exaggerated _wow_, wondering where it could have _possibly_ went. \n\nThen, they'd stand up before reaching downwards behind Uriel's ear, slowly but surely pulling out to reveal the same coin as before. \n\n_ < Tadaa _ \n\nThey'd flip the coin in the air towards Uriel, wanting them to keep it. It was a cheap one anyway."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "The coin hits Uriel in the face and falls down onto their lap, their hand reaching to catch far, far too late. Nevertheless, they smile at the trick, applauding the magician for their work. \n\n《 *That's a very clever bit of misdirection— I've always admired the type of people able to pull something like that off. Unfortunately, I stick out a bit too much to do anything coy.* 》\n\nThey gesture up and down at their body, clarifying the already exceedingly obvious point. \n\n《 *I'd ask to see more of what you could do, but it's getting late. I'd feel a bit guilty if I ended up being the reason you stayed awake, despite having been approached for sleeping aid.* 》\n\nThe thought is a bit amusing in its irony, and Uriel makes sure to toy over the inherent humor before looking over at Levi expectantly."
},
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "They'd wince when the coin would fall onto their face, attempting to reach for it. Unfortunately, they were too late already, the coin having reached their lap by the time they even tried to salvage the situation. _ < Sorry... >_ Rubbing the back of their neck, they looked slightly ashamed as they hit their audience, expecting them to at least catch it. \n\nAt that comment, they disagreed. Humans had a tendency to focus on details, instead of the larger picture. Seeing as Uriel seemed to be a glaring beacon, they could use that advantage to draw them in, while doing something else entirely. Of course, it required practice, but they were sure that anyone who had the will to learn would be capable of doing sleight of hand. They chose to stay silent.\n\n_ <Ok... Yeah... It's getting late and I agree... Thanks I guess. You know. For talking to me. >_\n\nThey'd glance over on the coin on their lap, and then to Uriel themselves. _ < Before we leave- I have one more magic trick. It's a classic one >_ They'd turn around for a moment before returning once again, a grin on their face. They'd extend their arms to their sides, appearing to be clutching on something. Levi would then whip their hands forwards as if they were puffing a blanket out- an audible fluttering noise being made. Levi would wink. \n\n_ < Good night! >_ \n\nThey'd make a final wave motion upwards, portions of their body disappearing from head to toe, until they were completely gone."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "A blink. Two blinks. \n\n*....Huh.* \n\nLevi certainly was an interesting fellow. They reminded Uriel of themselves in the smallest of ways, and so were a bit excited to see whatever lurked inside the other's head. \n\n*Good night, I suppose.*"
}
] | 183 | 899 |
346.714286 | 2022-04-11 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "```[Day One...]```\n\n◆ \"Fuck.\"\n\n□ At least it beat American prison... Even if having to move so much stuff in entirely on her own was proving to be a nightmare. Barely off the plane, she'd already had to load herself like a mule, strolling through the doors surrounded by stone-faced guards with guns and tasers akimbo in their belt, and the whole time all she had was what she was allowed to bring. Her pet bearded dragon had been allowed onto the plane with her, and sat in the gap between the neckline of her camo jacket and the skin of her neck, and in each hand were multiple luggage bags, varying sizes and makeups making for an interesting look. \n\n▪︎ And to think this was just a small part of it... Her mom had already agreed to help her furnish her prison room if it were allowed, and there already existed a shortlist of things she'd sorely need.\n\n◇ For now she laboriously strolled down the hall, good eye and glyph eye scanning every wall, every corner, every table, trying to get an idea of the kind of environment Newton's Cradle offered. Sure, Scandinavian prisons were world-famous for being closer to five star hotels than the dingy slavery-filled mess that was American prison, but even then she wasn't sure why such a nice building was labelled a prison. If anything, it reminded her of hotels she'd stayed in on family trips, ones where she'd found literally any excuse to sleep out of sight of her father, even if it meant dragging a blanket out into the hallway and risking a trafficker snatching her up like a free paycheque.\n\n• This was it. She was at her cell door, key card in hand. She opened it up and poked her head in, infrared sight already on to sniff out any cameras that might have been present to prevent any privacy for the prisoners."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "The room was ...Well, it was pretty sparse. \n\nIt didn't have the interior of a cell— in fact, with the layout of the beds, it seemed to lean far more into dormitory territory. It was a small relief, but a welcome one. \n\nWhat few decorations existed were all located on the right side of the room. Three potted plants sat on a window sill, their ceramic pots covered in miniature sweaters of different colors. A small, knitted rug laid flush on the ground next to the bed on the right side. Shelves of books were dotted with French titles Margo couldn't read and various thick, leather collections of fairy tales and fables.\n\nThe bed where someone currently sat on, said person tilting their head ever-so-slightly at the sight of the door opening.\n\nFair, smooth skin. Pale hair tied into a braid neatly resting on their left shoulder. Tired, grey eyes. Androgynous features perked up at noticing the unusual eye peering from the door, and they wave a polite gloved hand at the intruder. \n\n\"Good morning. I suppose you're the next roommate?\" Softly spoken words hit Margo's ear, the heavy French accent not unnoticed to the new inmate. \n\nUriel had become rather nonchalant at the prospect of a new roommate— they had been assigned two other roommates before, both whom had kicked enough of a fuss to transfer out upon receiving wind of Uriel's abilities. Either the Cradle was incapable of learning, or their roommate was similarly hard-to-place. \n\nWhatever it was, they were sure whoever was behind the door wouldn't be here long."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Next?\" She scoffed, a bit surprised. This lad, or whatever the snow-haired shade on the bed happened to be, had already ostensibly been through multiple roommates, so... \"What's the catch, then?\"\n\n□ Obviously there had to be a catch. Her crime was a rather taboo, grisly one, so surely if this were a true prison she could expect that this guy, angelic and ethereal as they were, had done something truly awful. *No matter,* She thought to herself as she pushed the door open, *I'll fucking level them if they try anything.* And she wasn't misguided to hold such a brutal outlook. After all, her knuckles were still busted, patches of blood caked on her hands, defensive marks lined her face and arms, and truthfully she hadn't washed off the marks for that exact reason.\n\n▪︎ She was in *Juvie,* Goddammit, and if those old mob films had taught her anything about the slammer, it was that hierarchies were a thing, and they were enforced through brutality rarely seen in the outside world, so she'd have to be tough.\n\n◆ \"Gotta say, though...\" She'd speak after a few moments of setting her bags down, stepping out, and grabbing a few more, also seemingly bowing to an unseen force near a pre-installed TV stand. If her roommate were attentive they'd see a medium-sized pet bearded dragon slink out from her neck, scurrying onto the faux wooden stand, vacant eyes peering into their new dwellings. \"Nice place. Much better than the juvie I was staring down in America...\" She'd absent-mindedly talk. \"Now... Let's talk. Get to know each other a bit. Are you a sleeper agent, as it were? A force of nature behind glazed eyes and a half-stapled soul? I need to know what the hell to expect from someone who burns through roommates like shitty double As. Kind of a matter of my own safety.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel's eyes drift over her appearance, taking the notes of the various bits of information communicated by her attire. They make a small, displeased noise upon seeing the injures on her hands, and turn around to look in a desk drawer. \n\n\"Are you... Alright? You're injured— hang on for just a moment, and I can patch you up. I'm unfamiliar on stitching others, but I don't believe the methodology is too different.\" They hum after they finish talking, procuring moments later with a med-kit. \n\nUriel remembers being handed a couple as they entered the hospital for the first time, a slightly-frazzled nurse instructing them how to use the various supplies if they ever found themselves on the ground with a bloody forehead again. It was... A bit embarrassing how often their abilities seemed to injure them, but it did provide them with some useful skills.\n\n\"Some people are... A bit unsettled by me and what I can do. If you're wondering whether or not I'm a cold-blooded killer, you may rest easy. My only conviction was of disturbing the peace. In fact, most of the children here haven't committed any crimes — with whatever charge they've received simply being a cover-up. You're safe here, so there's no need to be so tense.\"\n\nThey stand up from their bed— tall, but not unnaturally so. Uriel stood like they were several inches shorter, attempting (and failing) to shy away from the amount of presence being such a height naturally garnered. Grey eyes drifted over at the animal on Margo's shoulder, and they smiled ever-so-softly. \n\n\"Ah, my mother would scold me for being so impolite— I haven't even introduced myself. My name is Uriel Melancon, and you are?\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"I'll tend to my own wounds. Don't worry.\" Still visibly tense, the knowledge that this guy, this unassuming soft-spoken seraphim, had went through multiple roommates seemingly stuck in her mind. \"These are just surface level wounds anyways, so... Y'know.\"\n\n□ Speaking cautiously and quietly, she set into one of her luggage bags after she turned down the medical assistance. Pulling out one record after the other, within two minutes she had quite a pile on her bed, and it was with this pile at the ready that she turned to look for something, anything, that could be used to safely keep a bunch of vinyl records. Displeased with what she saw, she grumbled under her breath and began to put the records back into their specialized carrier as her roommate – Uriel, she now knew – spoke.\n\n▪︎ Disturbing the peace seemed a mite minor for a stint in juvie.\n\n◆ \"Uriel... The angel of repentance. I see. Hello.\" Rather than wax poetic about the blistering summers spent cooped up in her room with fans blaring and the Apocrypha on her desk, she simply commented on the biblical origin of his name. \"It's interesting that Archangels aren't a part of Catholic canon outside of the Ethiopian Orthodoxy's Book of Enoch. Orthodoxy in religion is generally pretty interesting like that. I'm... Margo.\" Stilted in tone, she moved carefully towards another suitcase, this one full of clothes for the dresser she'd been supplied. \"And obviously I just arrived. What's this place like?\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel's pale eyebrows pinch in worry, but they relent and hand the medicinal supplies to Margo. While they were a bit worried at whatever caused the girl's condition, they felt it prudent to allow the girl her privacy.\n\n\"You're religious? I'm not particularly, though my mother is, but I do quite like my name. It's... Fitting, I suppose.\" They make eye contact with the quizzical animal on her shoulder, letting out a tiny laugh as it snuggled into Margo's shoulder. \n\n\"What is this creature? It's funny.\" Uriel remarks, dark, exhausted eyes wide with a childish wonder so rarely seen in the facility. They raise a gloved finger to the creature, waiting to see how such a thing would react. \n\n\"This place is... Well, everyone here including the staff wield the same abilities you and I possess. People can be a bit... Unique at times, but other than that, it's a friendly, welcoming place— though not one without friction at times.\" \n\nIt wasn't hard to notice the girl's unusual eye, after all. While Uriel would love to enquire a bit more about such a mechanism, they were painfully aware that asking such a question would only illicit the same one in response. They didn't plan on hiding their abilities, but establishing a bit of who they were before revealing their true nature seemed wise."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Nope. Not quite.\" She flatly replied as she lobbed a \"Though I've been seriously considering converting to Buddhism... Or perhaps Shintō. I mostly just read about religions to broaden my horizons, you know? Also, that funny creature is Cosmo. He's an adult bearded dragon, and... His head is, without a doubt, empty.\"\n\n□ Still guardedly watching every word that slipped loose from her tongue, she became aware of Cosmo wanting to curl back up to her as he managed to scurry onto the bed and nudge against her hand, and with a scooping motion she whisked her beloved beardie back into the warmth of her jacket. Once there, though, Cosmo looked at Uriel, his wide eyes peering in two different directions yet staring directly into their soul. Unmoving, he simply watched as his owner went about sorting her clothes into her dresser, and curled back up into her warmth after a few moments of staring.\n\n▪︎ A lizard of few words.\n\n◆ \"...What? This is a prison, what in the hell?\" Clearly surprised, she paused what she was doing for a moment to process what Uriel had said. \"I came in here expecting hierarchies and violence, not... This. I dunno. Seems weird.\""
}
] | 340 | 2,427 |
320.4 | 2022-04-12 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"It's a... Bit odd, especially after being arrested, but I suppose you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, as the saying goes.\" Uriel muses, their tone becoming light and sing-songy. \n\nThey let out an airy laugh as Margo conjures a picture of a bona fide prison in their mind. It was amusing imagining them all as prisoners, especially the younger children— and picturing their friends in orange jumpsuits made their face widen in a delicate smile. \n\n\"You most certainly don't have to worry about having to use your powers to survive— we're not in that kind of prison. Here, you're given aid on how to use and control them to the best of your abilities. \" \n\nUriel begins to boil some tea with their electric kettle— handy when you didn't want to travel all the way to the kitchen for a nice warm cup— and turns towards Margo as the machine begins to whir. \n\n\"Would you like some tea? Do you need any help with unpacking? I'd feel a bit awkward just watching you without aiding, is all. Especially with your injuries, minor as they are.\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"This isn't a gift horse.\" She'd dismissively shake her head, unzipping another suitcase and beginning to pluck books out of it. \"It feels more like a Trojan; sure, it's nice, but... When's the façade end? When I step in the showers?\"\n\n□ It made no sense to her despite generally being quick to figure her surroundings out. How could this place have called itself a prison if it was laissez-faire in every visible aspect? Prisons were meant to imprison criminals and the like, yet here was Newton's Cradle, offering such a degree of freedom that it felt more like a court-ordered stint in college. It was so weird, in fact, that she went to reach for her chest pocket, only to realize that she hadn't been able to take any cigarillos with her. Grumbling, she kept on unpacking her suitcase of books, haphazardly dropping them onto her bed as Uriel talked.\n\n▪︎ Needless to say, she needed a way to unwind.\n\n◆ \"That's... Weird.\" Was all she said in reply to her roommate saying that the place she found herself in was more about rehabilitation than punishment. \"I already have my powers figured out, so... I guess this is just a place to get away from my past? Guess that's not so bad. Also... What kind are ya making? Might have a cup after I'm done unpacking, which I don't really want any help with. I've got a specific way of arranging my shit and it's easier on both of us if I just... Do it on my own, hm?\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Your eye, correct? It's pretty. My eyesight isn't too bad, but it certainly isn't as good as it could be.\" Uriel says plainly, looking back down at the unique thing. It was strangely beautiful, with the shiny rings circulating around each other. Unique, but not in an unsettling way. \n\nOr perhaps it would be unsettling, to an average person. Fortunately, none were to be found at the Cradle. \n\n\"Oh, I drink tea made from some medicinal herbs from home, but for guests I have chamomile, earl grey, oolong, and matcha. If you'd like to, I can even add some honey and milk. A cup of tea always helps me settle in, especially when I have jumpy nerves.\" \n\nThey sat down on the ground, pulling out a half-completed pair of mittens attached to a pair of knitting needles. As they continue talking, Uriel's focus drifts onto the easy in and out of their stitching, the absentminded movement automatic with years of dedicated practice."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Right? It's... Definitely unique.\" Mere millimeters of ice had been shaved off the surface, but just with a compliment about Margo's unusual left eye they'd made more progress breaking the ice than they'd ever made. \"I was actually born with what the doctors described as a never before seen case of cataracts covering the entire eye, but it disappeared as I grew up a bit, so that was weird. I wonder if it was my eye developing long beyond the womb, hence the six years of slate wool over my left eye...?\"\n\n□ She knew what had caused her powers to awaken, but at the same time she didn't know whether they spontaneously appeared and split her eye into the freakish configuration it lay in to this very day, or if it had been developing for years and the sheer terror she felt had pushed the reaction to completion. Whatever the case, her eyes were now capable of feats most people couldn't even comprehend, and in a strange way she was proud of it.\n\n▪︎ Sure, it marked her out as a weirdo, but... She accepted that.\n\n◆ \"Alright... Oolong it is. Don't worry about putting anything into it, I like how tea tastes on its own.\" Still digging her books out, she'd begun to also arrange them, an unspoken system quickly forming in front of Uriel's eyes. An autobiography here, a translation of the Eastern Orthodox Bible there, so on and so forth, neatly arranged like she'd been a librarian in a past life. \"Anyways... Do you have any other plans for the room? Because I have some... Ideas. Things that'd liven this place up. If i'm gonna be here for four years I want some comfort, at least, but it might be rude to just... Ignore you and your needs. I dunno.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "It was an interesting theory, and Uriel couldn't help but nod along and make a small hum of interest at her postulating. They've never seen a medical case quite like what she described, so it was reasonable to assume some sort of correlation. \n\nUriel looks up from their knitting at Margo's words, putting the needles aside and standing up to add the teabag to her drink. Deft hands take a leaf off of a potted plant's stem, grinding said herb into a fine powder before adding it into their cup. It was a familiar rhythm, one they conducted everyday since they first grew into their powers. The sense of schedule grounded them— there were some things at the Cradle different from home, but their routines weren't one of them. \n\n\"You may do whatever you like with the room, so long as my belongings are left untouched. I don't tend to stay here all too often— I'm usually asleep somewhere around the facility, so don't worry if I'm gone for long periods of time.\" \n\nWhile Uriel had no physical needs to be attended to, there was the important subject of their own peculiarities they'd have to bring up. It would only be a matter of time before Margo witnessed them, and so Uriel figured it wise to give her a heads up.\n\n\"Although, if you're going to talk about my needs... I should tell you that I'm a narcoleptic. If I ever randomly pass out, you can just leave me there. Oh, and while I do tend to sleep for half of the day, I'm a very heavy sleeper— you could turn the lights on and dance to music and I wouldn't move an inch. It shouldn't pose too much of an issue for you, besides the real possibility of me falling asleep mid-sentence.\" Uriel lets out a polite laugh, making their feelings regarding their condition known to Margo.\n\nMargo's cup has turned into a shade of deep brown, and Uriel passes it over with a small smile.\n\n \"And here you are. Do enjoy.\""
}
] | 340 | 1,602 |
318.888889 | 2022-04-13 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Alright.\" Well, this was good news. Even with her doubles accommodation, she'd mostly have the room to herself. Great. \"I don't have any reason to... You know, fuck with your stuff, so long as you don't fuck with mine. Feel free to read the books on the shelf, just put them back exactly where you got them.\"\n\n□ And things were warming up, if ever so slightly. Still working through the suitcase of books, she found herself working up a sweat and thus off came her camo jacket, unveiling, among other things, a very well-defined muscular back, and several tattoos that ran up her left arm and neck. With her coat off she kept on working at it, humming a funky tune while her roommate began to divulge some rather peculiar information about themself. Good to know, as she'd come to realize, but still...\n\n▪︎ Narcolepsy was definitely a strange sort of burden to bear.\n\n◆ \"Hm. Narcolepsy... You ever try guarana? It's an old-timey folk remedy I heard of at one point, and given how much of the stuff is used in energy drinks I think it might be worth a shot.\" She suggested, hoisting another suitcase up once she'd finished the first. What was inside? More fucking books! She'd been cursed with an insatiable appetite for knowledge, and that manifested as a colossal amount of non-fiction books. \"But yeah, thanks for the heads-up, I suppose... Now.\" Turning around, she grabbed her tea cup and took a careful sip. \"Mind answering something for me?\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Don't worry— I have my own remedies.\" Uriel lifts up their own cup of tea, as if to emphasize the point. \n\nThey were a bit excited at the prospect of allowing to read *Any* Book on the bookshelf— a majority of the titles were foreign to Uriel, and they buzzed with a childlike sense of wonder at the idea of learning more. \n\nHopefully, this roommate would stick around. Having a library in their dorm was very exciting. \n\n\"Please ask away. It's part of getting to know each other, after all.\" \n\n\nThe bitter, smooth taste of their tea hits their tongue, and a wave of comfort and relaxation hits Uriel. They can feel the effects immediately, the ever-present pulling of strings a bit less taut than it usually was.\n\nIt was a precaution, in actuality. With new people came new strings, and with new stings came more pulling— and Uriel would rather not accidentally make a guest appearance in Margo's dreams on the first night."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Guess I can't fault you. Tea *Is* Pretty good for just about every ailment.\" She hummed, working through her pile of books one heavy hardcover title at a time. Slowly, the library was starting to come together... Good. \"And this oolong's pretty damn good too. Nice job.\"\n\n□ Truthfully, she felt as if there was something a bit off with the taste, but she wasn't in a particularly rude mood. Still somewhat tense and distrusting, yes, but not outright irritable or wonky. Occasionally sipping her tea as she worked, she put on some Johnny Cash after about five minutes, and with the soft sound of 60s country she continued on with her work, humming and sorting out her books.\n\n▪︎ Not much to say. She simply had a lot to do.\n\n◆ \"You said something about two of your previous, er... Flatmates. I think it's right to call this room a flat; much too nice to be a prison cell.\" Her voice rumbled deep, hearty and woody like beef stock and cognac. \"Was it your own doing? Or were they both released? And if it *Was* By some fault of your own, then what did you do?\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel hums in happiness when Margo compliments the tea. They rather enjoyed the feeling of being useful, whatever form that took— being a shoulder to lean on, helping troubled people achieve a good night's sleep, making a good cup of tea. \n\nThey *Liked* Doing something good and seeing someone smile because of them. And, perhaps a bit selfishly, Uriel enjoyed looking at whatever positive influence they had, the small bandaids of good deeds providing a small form of relief when tacked upon their scarred soul.\n\n\"I didn't do anything towards them. However, they were both a bit afraid of what I could do, and so they felt unsafe. They kicked up a fuss, and moved out.\"\n\nUriel takes another sip of the tea, the warmth soothing the anxieties bubbling up in their throat. They didn't enjoy recounting such memories, the bitterness of their past roommate's feelings causing them to draw in on themselves. \n\n\"You don't have to worry, though. I would never hurt someone intentionally.\" They offer a small, placating smile towards Margo. Hopefully, the sincerity of that statement would strike a chord within her."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"That's exactly it.\" The snap of her fingers rang out like a bell over Johnny Cash's gloom-ridden voice. \"They felt unsafe, and... I need to know what made them feel that way. You're... Not at all a physical threat, so it must be your abilities. Has to be.\"\n\n□ Piecing things together on the fly, she strung the metaphorical newspaper clippings on corkboard into a cohesive theory mid-sentence. If Uriel's past roommates had both kicked up a fuss and been moved out due to something they had done, then it only served to hint at something truly terrifying beneath the lidded eyes and detached voice. For now, though, she kept on sorting out her books, most of the way through and finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.\n\n▪︎ But then she'd have to sort her comics, and she didn't even have a proper stand; she'd handle that at another point.\n\n◆ \"You know if the staff lets us bring our own furniture in? Because I really need a stand for my records and my comic books... And a sofa. A large enclosure for Cosmo. I need a lot of shit, fuck...\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Oh, ah. Well, it's not too big of a secret around campus, but I felt it a bit impolite to jump into such topics immediately. Especially when adjusting to such a new environment, it's enough to come to terms with the fact you're in a prison. Sometimes, the 'powered' talk comes a bit... Later.\" \n\nUriel sits down on their bed, two hands wrapped neatly around their now-empty cup. \n\n\"I'm a dream-weaver. I can create and enter dreams, and put people to sleep. It's not much, but apparently the thought of sleeping near someone with that ability unnerved some people.\" \n\nThey offer a polite, airy laugh, if only to clear the air. It wasn't funny, not really, but there was etiquette needed when talking about such topics.\n\n\"I've never intentionally went into my roommate's dreams, though. It's rather immoral, after all.\" \n\nUriel's hands fiddle around the base of their cup. They couldn't help but be nervous at how Margo would react, especially with her initial mistrust and suspicion. \n\n\"While on the subject, might I ask about your eye? What can it do?\" They clear their throat, brushing stray strands of wispy hair out from their eyes. \n\nIt was convenient her powers had to do with her eyes— it gave Uriel a good excuse to gauge her reaction, half-lidded eyes scanning her face for any sign of the usual tells. Would her eyes narrow? Eyebrows knit together? Whatever micro expressions would contort her face, Uriel made sure to gauge them with the same, impassive expression."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Well then.\" Huh. Eyebrows flicking up a semitone in surprise, she took a moment to parse what she'd heard and process it. Uriel, this quiet, ethereal lad, was a dream weaver... Hm. \"That's all I need to know... Thanks for indulging me. Could tell from the microscopic shifts in your face that it wasn't exactly comfortable to talk about.\"\n\n□ Perhaps she *Was* Being too harsh on this lad, but at the same time she could see why their previous roommates had been so unsettled. However, this moment of discomfort soon dissipated as, in a split second, she already had an idea of how to trip Uriel's dreamweaving up. It was just a theory, but for a few moments she thought on it, her brows knitting themselves together, lips tightened into a thoughtful scowl, and as soon as it came it left and she went right back to sorting out her stuff.\n\n▪︎ Thankfully, by this point she had most of her important stuff settled out. All that was left were her records and comics, and neither could be dealt with until she got the right furniture for it.\n\n◆ \"My eyes are exceptionally weird, man. My right eye, though it looks normal, can zoom it to around eight times, and the zoom's tied into my left eye as well. Speaking of which...\" A hum followed. \"I can see far beyond visible light. Those small pupils circling the main one let me see in infrared, ultraviolet, and x-ray. It's actually what I was doing when I first opened the door, looking around for any infrared signs of hidden cameras or whatnot. Also... Apologies for being so harsh. I'm just... Not where I feel like I should be.\"\n\n• \"I deserve to be in maximum security; Paradise isn't built for patricidal hand grenades like myself.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel didn't sigh in relief, but they did visibly relax— tight, drawn in arms now hanging loosely at their sides, cup discarded onto their bedside table. \n\n\"That's... It's nice to hear. Thank you for that, then.\"\n\nHer reaction wasn't *Negative*, and at the end of the day, that was all Uriel really needed to know. How lucky— with how much stuff already moved into their room, it would be hard to move it all out if she did end up leaving. \n\n\"You haven't been harsh at all, simply cautious. It's not an unexpected reaction, especially in a place like this.\" Uriel's soothing words aren't overly cushy or particularly saccharine— they're plain, simple, sentiment delivered directly to the door rather than hidden behind veils of overly emotive speech. \n\nThe features of Margo's eye is fascinating, and Uriel makes sure to convey an appropriately interested hum when she mentions her capabilities. It's not hard—- being able to see in infrared and x-ray vision was astounding, in and of itself. A small part of them couldn't help but internally sigh in relief at the fact they had nothing particularly odd in their drawers. \n\n\"Patricide, hm? If my English is well enough, that means to kill one's own father.\" Uriel's hand teases with their chin as they mull over the unfamiliar word, a completely placid expression present on their face despite the context of what Margo's words. \n\nThey didn't know the context of why Margo would murder her own father. It would be hasty to assume a poor character, especially when the circumstances of her life were so shrouded in mystery. It didn't seem right that a girl speaking about deserving a worse punishment with a wistful, forlorn tone would murder someone in cold blood. \n\n\"Well, so long as you don't plan on killing again, I suppose I have nothing to worry about, do I?\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Yeah, no problem... I guess.\"\n\n□ She still wasn't at all okay with how laissez-faire the prison was, but maybe, just maybe, things would be better in a few weeks, a few months. Placing the last book onto her shelf she let out a sigh and stretched, the muscles in her back and arms twisting and tightening in response like worms lay under the surface. Finally done the first leg of her unpacking journey, she promptly shut all of her suitcases and stuffed them under her bed, leaving the still-full numbers off to the side, to be unpacked after a trip to IKEA. Finally allowing herself to sit down, she grabbed her cup of coffee again, and dug out a long roll of gauze and some tubes of salve, seemingly intent on dealing with her hands.\n\n▪︎ Good thing she was sitting down. She had a lot to say; she took a sip to wet her throat.\n\n◆ \"Yeah, I... I'm not gonna spare the details. I nearly beat him to death in a fit of blind rage. I'd have finished the fucker off too, but a pair of joggers heard the commotion and called the cops, and since we lived in a gated community those fuckers spawned on top of me.\" She chuckled, nonchalantly finding amusement in how she'd nearly killed the man who helped bring her into the world. \"It was justified, and... I still think this place is too lenient. As soon as I stepped back from his bloodied body I accepted that I'd be spending a while in a strict prison, but here I am, in an environment that's much more welcoming than I thought it'd be. It's just... A lot.\" She'd begin to wrap the bandages around one hand, pulling the stuff in such a way that it was clear she'd patched herself up many times.\n\n◆ \"And as for you...? Unless you can fit fifteen years of trauma, neglect, and abuse into a few short days you'll live. He had it *Coming.*\""
}
] | 335 | 2,870 |
193.666667 | 2022-04-15 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel fell silent. After all, that's what it seemed like Margo truly needed; someone to listen to her, and to give her a chance without making any judgment. \n\nSo they did. Uriel watched as she spilled her soul out at their feet, the girl's feelings about what seemed to be a tragic situation so foreign to them. \n\n\"I'm sorry he was so abusive towards you. I can't say I understand fathers all too well; mine left my mother before I was born, so I'm... Of startling little use here.\"\n\nThey didn't know what exactly they *Could* Offer upon hearing a story like this. Uriel stands up, and rummages around in their desk before procuring a small knitted paperweight.\n\nIt looked to be a whale of some sort with dopey eyes and a large smile. It couldn't have been more than a couple of inches in size, and probably took less than thirty minutes to knit. \n\nStill, they plop it onto Margo's hand with a dead-pan, impassive expression. \n\n\"You went through so many trials in your life— experienced you didn't deserve to go through, that *No one does.* I can't offer much, but...\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"No, it's fine... I've probably said too much, dumped where I shouldn't have.\" Her voice grew quiet. What had possessed her to dump like that to a virtual stranger...? \"Be happy you can't relate. It *Sucks* Growing up like that.\"\n\n□ Tugging on the bandage again, she held it in place with her teeth as her hands applied salve and then pressed the soaked fabric against her busted knuckles. She'd done this so many times it was muscle memory now, tugging and biting and applying and wrapping tight but not too tight, mobility with the blessing of healing. Looking up as she heard Uriel walking about, she noticed her roommate dropping a small knitted whale onto her, seemingly aimed for her hands without any adjustment for her current task.\n\n▪︎ So, it fell to the ground with a near-inaudible puff.\n\n◆ \"Thanks.\" She quietly replied, continuing to tug at the bandages, wrapping them around her forearm as well to offer extra structural rigidity."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel hummed absentmindedly, looking over at the girl with shining eyes. \n\nIt seems Margo needed her privacy to properly collect herself. They turned to walk out of the room, pausing at the doorframe to look back at the girl. \n\n\"I'm going to be gone for a bit— I might not be back for the rest of the night. Feel free to use the room however you see fit.\" \n\nA slight pause. \n\n\"It was... Nice to meet you.\" \n\nAnd with that, Uriel disappeared out of sight."
}
] | 217 | 581 |
307.666667 | 2022-05-06 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "[1:30am...]\n\n◆ \"Huh?\"\n\n□ It wasn't all that odd for the chatroom to be buzzing at this point in the night. If anything, it seemed as if it became even more active in the small hours of the night, and out of curiosity she decided to check it on her back to her room. Not sure what to expect, the first thing she saw was a note from the administration saying that due to the Angels the curfew on prison grounds were being extended. She knew that the Angels posed some sort of threat, but for the prison staff to be making such a drastic change to the liberal freedoms the prisoners enjoyed it must have been something serious.\n\n▪︎ Then again, she'd met the Angels before, and oddly enough she saw a fragment of herself in them.\n\n• So, she pushed open her door, and with a pained groan lurched through the entryway directly to her couch, looking to see if Uri was around."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "``1:30 AM``\nSoft, inviting comforters. A mattress pad so soft you'd sink into it when you slept. The comforting embrace of a pillow, donned in a silken case and stuffed with down. \n\nUriel was rather practically minded when it came to monetary expenses. They weren't raised on much, but disregarding that, material possessions never seemed to weigh heavily upon their mind. \n\nThe one item they did allow themselves to indulge on, though, was their bedding. It was a justifiable expense in their mind— a small part of them deemed it a business expense, with all the seriousness possible of someone trying to justify sleeping as a business. \n\nUriel arched their back, allowing themselves to enjoy the sensations of being *Cozy*— well, they were trying to, when the door violently opens itself. \n\nIt's Margo, and as their eyes drift over towards her bruised knuckles, they're suddenly reminded of everything that was said in intra.\n\n\"It's you— are you alright?\" \n\nThey swivel and stand up, stare lingering on the various injuries donning her body, the big, puffy splint on the bridge of their nose. It was an... Awful sight, and Uriel could feel their stomach drop at the mental play-by-play looping in their head. A swing, a break of a bottle— they can hear the sounds clearly, and visibly wince.\n\nAlthough, Uriel didn't know what was the most 'not alright' with Margo— the recent development with the angels, or the beating she had just received. Hopefully, Margo would fill-in-the-blanks of their vague question, and determine what 'alright' meant."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Dazed and confused.\" She chuckled, almost mockingly. \"Dazed and fuckin' confused, man. What's even going on? I get into one little fight and the whole school's preparing for the End Times? Christ...\"\n\n□ Grumbling and chuckling at the same time like an amused grandma, she sunk into the leather seats of the couch – *Hell with the blood,* She figured, *I can always get it out.* – and began to inspect herself in the frontlit reflection of her television. For how little she had actually been struck it felt as if three women had thrown said punch, and even though the strikes ultimately hadn't broke anything aside from her nose she still wondered if, for the first time, she was now outclassed by a mountain of difference that she *Couldn't* Claw her way up.\n\n▪︎ All this was going through her head as she quickly pulled off her shirt. \n\n◆ \"Avert your eyes if you're gonna stare at me. I gotta make sure my torso's fine; never know.\" She commented, beginning to look at herself the best she could in the faint light of the dorm. \"Mind getting me the Rub A535? Got a feeling this shit is going to sting soon. Also gotta set my nose in place... Cocksucker. That Margaret chi – fuck, wait, that's my mom's name, oh man.\" She stopped mid-sentence. If she was right about names, she wouldn't have been pleased. Identical; no can do. \"Wow, had to just take a second to... Y'know, process it all. Anyways, she punches like three chicks in one. What the fuck are they putting in the sauce over there in Italy? Creatine and Arnold Schwarzenegger's actual shit?\""
}
] | 349 | 923 |
392.333333 | 2022-05-07 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "The warning doesn't come register quick enough, and it takes three seconds of blank staring at the smattering of yellow-tinged bruises and blood splayed across her skin before it fully hits. \n\nThoughts wrought with concern and worry for the still-injured girl are quickly overridden by deep, intense mortification. \n\nTheir ears tinge pink in embarrassment, and a sharp jolt of shock jerks their shoulders upwards. They crane their head 180 degrees away from Margo. If anyone could see their face, they would be greeted with an intense, dazed expression, normally pallid grey eyes hyper focused onto the corner of the wall. \n\n\"You're— yes, I'll get the supplies, just, uh, give me a second.\" Uriel rummages through their cabinets, producing a surprisingly well-stocked medical collection for someone who avoided conflict like the plague. \n\nThey stand in the middle of the room, hands glued to the sides of the medkit. \n\n\"Do you need any help...? You're bleeding quite a lot, and I wouldn't want your condition to worsen by exerting yourself— ah, but, er, if you just want me to slide it over...\" \n\nAnother deep breath, and Uriel curses themselves. The desire to help conflicted with the deep seeded fear of accidentally infuriating Margo, or meddling where they weren't wanted, or being misinterpreted, or... \n\n\"I'll, um, get some towels.\" They quickly muttered, gathering pillows and towels and anything that would be useful for aiding in Margo's recovery. \n\nThey'd have to clean the couch, it seemed— when she was asleep seemed to be the easiest time, and Uriel had no problem with using disinfectant and elbow grease to rub out pesky blood stains."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◇ And as Uri busied themself with gathering the medical supplies, Margo began to do what she could with her own kit.\n\n□ At first this effort was mostly focused on the big wounds: her broken nose, rope-burned neck, anything that posed real issues. She tended to these as if she'd done it a hundred times before, with the confidence of a well-seasoned medic, occasionally looking up at her roommate as they flitted about the inside of the room. Afterwards, though, she began to look herself over again, making sure she hadn't missed any worrying spots of blood or busted skin, and once she was satisfied that she'd covered all her bases she looked back up.\n\n▪︎ And she looked up with the kind of expression that only someone who barely knew what the hell was going on would have.\n\n◆ \"I'm fine, Uri. I'm not beat too bad, actually. She didn't really hit me that much, just... Every punch she did land hit way harder than someone her size should be able to. She hits above her weight class, really.\" Margo grumbled, reaching out for the tube of A535 and beginning to rub it down on her shoulder, the point she was most concerned about. \"But thanks for asking, man. Anyways, yeah, get towels and some dish soap, it's pretty easy to get blood off of a couch. Now. D'ya know anything about why the administration laid that stricter curfew on us? I know we went to talk to them – which, by the way, I got to meet their leader, I think? She looked like she led them.\" Margo shrugged. \"But then how do they know we went out to visit? Do they even know? Just, man. What the fuck is happening?\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel sighs inwardly at Margo's words, and approaches the couch with towel and soap in hand. They kneel down next to Margo, the girl only able to really see the top of their head, and begin to blot the wine-colored spots dotting the old fabric. \n\nIt was almost therapeutic. Uriel's hands were surprisingly firm, with years of knitting and weaving strengthening their rather sinewy digits and palm. Smooth, marble-like skin rippled as they twisted the blood-soaked towel, a far contrast to the rest of their weak and limp body. Working hands. Capable hands. \n\n\"You— you met their leader?\" Their head tilts up to look at Margo, and the surprise makes them momentarily hesitate from their task. It only takes a few moments before they return to their dutiful obedience, kneading the couch's fabric with a quiet resolve.\n\n\"Please, tell me all about what happened— they didn't try and convert you, or stick a halo somewhere? I'm thankful you made it out in one piece, but... How?\" \n\nWhite strands of thick, wispy hair fall on their face. A deft stroke of their red-tinted hands tucks the meddlesome strings behind their ear, but not before leaving splotches of sticky, crimson blood against their cheek.\n\n\"It's not surprising they know about what happened. Far more people showed up than I expected them to— even if they don't know anything now, they will eventually. To be honest, I'm surprised they haven't contacted me and questioned me about my involvement. This whole ordeal seems past any of our paygrades as students, and I'd like to have this all sorted out by the school as soon as it can.\"\n\nUriel's voice is low and smooth, and they let out a small sigh upon recollecting the past couple of weeks. They were tired, terribly so, and they didn't want to be involved any more than they already were. The quiet, pervasive sense of dread that had been haunting them seemed to eat away at their heart.\n\n*Please, just secure my classmates' safety,* They softly pled."
}
] | 373 | 1,177 |
504.333333 | 2022-05-09 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Yeah, I know. Cold compress tonight, warm tomorrow... I've been beat worse before, Uri.\" Margo spoke, not quite a plea for them to take a step back but more letting them know that, yes, she knew some first aid too. \"Honestly. I'll be fine. But... Thanks for the concern.\"\n\n□ Quietly speaking, she frowned at the sensation of bandages tugging her shoulder's skin. Tight, but not tight enough to cut off circulation, exactly as it should have been, but at the same time her shoulder didn't exactly appreciate the feeling of the somewhat rough gauze against it, much to her confusion. Why did a simple piece of fabric cause her skin to crawl? It felt like nails on chalkboard, quite frankly, and as Uri leveled their own opinions on the whole Angel matter she silently squirmed in her own skin, uncertain of why she felt the way she did.\n\n▪︎ What the hell was up in her head...?\n\n◆ \"They're not going to, man.\" Margo retorted. \"It's the administration, a bunch of boring ass adults. They don't wanna stick their neck into a mess that could sever it from the rest of their body, but us...? We're young, locked up, and ain't got shit else do.\" She laughed. \"Of course this is gonna fall on our shoulders. They're murderous and indiscriminate with their violence, but... We're invincible at this point, ain't we? Just... If they put a halo on me, put me the fuck to sleep until someone figures out how to get it off. I'd rather be put in a coma than let some stupid fucking halo decide my fate for me.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "At Margo's not-too-subtle prod, Uriel takes a step back from their bustling and sits next to her on the couch... Well, not before taking the tea off the kettle, pouring them both a drink from an old yet delicate pair of teacups given to Uri by their mother, and setting the cold compress in her hands. \n\nOh well. They managed to get there, in the end. \n\n\"You told me a couple nights ago that you wanted to be a detective when you're older. Are you... Enjoying this?\" Uriel blew on the surface of their too-hot tea, voice quiet so as to not disturb the little ripples that came from their concentrated breath.\n\nThey let the question hang in the air for a bit— perhaps to give Margo room for thought, but perhaps simply because they were slow. \n\n\"I... You can be assured that I'll subdue you until we find a way to revert any mind control. And we will, I'm positive. Nothing of that sort will happen. But, if in this insane world it somehow does, I'll make sure to be at your side.\" They continued. \n\nUriel didn't believe themselves— or anyone— to have the ability to convince Margo what she could or could not do. Even if it was for the best to trust the administration, they had no doubt in their mind Margo would continue her activities and pursue the angels, only alone under the cloak of night. It was a part of human nature, they supposed— to tenaciously pursue a goal until it was either completed, or one was dead. They only hoped to be there when Icarus' wings finally melted. \n\n.\n\n\"I'm not exactly sure what measures would need to be taken if I were to be...\" The word seemed almost disgusting in their mouth, and they stiffened a gag from their throat. \"Mentally taken by them. It's the reason I didn't meet the angels in person, despite knowing where they lived. It's... Bad if I'm awake, and it's bad if I'm unconscious.\" \n\nThey paused for a bit, wrapping their hands around the tea for warmth. \"I... I honestly don't know if my existence while under someone else's influence can be justified to continue. If those events do come into fruition, then I'll trust you and the rest of the Cradle residents to make that judgement call with everyone's safety in mind.\"\n\nA sip. Uriel's eyes went glossy, and as they stared into the night sky and wondered what would happen in the weeks to come, the stars reflected against their dark irises."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◇ The cold press fell into Margo's hands, and she quickly yet gently set it atop her busted shoulder.\n\n■ \"I mean, I've... Been thinking of it a long time. Childhood dreams fuelled by Columbo and Murdoch Mysteries on repeat on the family television, still sticking to them, all that shit.\" Margo spoke, a certain nostalgia lacing her voice. It was the truth of the matter: of the few cable channels her father was willing to pay for as an old-fashioned Scottish man, one of them primarily centered around detective shows, and it was this channel Margo spent a lot of her watching as a child. \"But am I enjoying it? Fuck yeah I am. It feels like I'm being whipped up into something bigger than... Y'know, you and me. This shit reaches way beyond the Cradle; for all we know these Angels could only be one unit. There could be hundreds, *Thousands,* Scattered across the world, living in dumps and enacting divine intervention as their Bible defines it. This is so much bigger than us, and it terrifies me but it also excites the hell out of me.\"\n\n◆ \"Anyways...\" She grabbed the tea cup and took a ginger sip. \"I guess we'll see what happens. Hopefully my halo looks cool if they slam one on my noggin.\"\n\n□ With that Margo let the silence re-emerge, the porcelain cup's hot surface pressed into her bandaged palms, her hands like those of a mummy yet eternally warm and somewhat scaly. Her thoughts veered towards the what-ifs of mind control, the unknowable answers to all her questions dangling just out of reach, a knock and about twenty seven charisma checks away from a nugget of the truth. What if mind control was simply a stronger will existing within the brain, overpowering the weaker one and imposing the halo's will? If that were the case, she reasoned, she'd be fine. She hoped, at least; after all, her head was impressively firm, and she didn't know how to bow down to *Anyone.*\n\n▪︎ Then, Uri began to talk again, and she rejoined the land of the living.\n\n◆ \"Oh, so shoot you in the skull and ask questions later, huh? Gotcha.\" Disbelief riddled her voice with holes, from which the truth leaked. \"Uri, we're not gonna fuckin' kill you if you get hit with a halo. They'll have already killed you, and all that'll exist is your body and your blood – I personally think magic is in the blood, maybe an anomalous protein.\" What a weird interjection. \"But anyways, nah, man, fuck that. No death for any of us; we're fuckin' *Invincible,* We're gonna be fine. Maybe we'll need therapy and spend most of our twenties suffering with addiction issues or something, but man...\"\n\n• \"We're gonna be fine. I hope.\""
}
] | 536 | 1,513 |
343.75 | 2022-05-10 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "They're stone silent as Margo begins to ramble—perhaps a bit incoherently— into the wind, her voice growing louder and louder as she talks about everything. As she continues her justification, a small chill sends itself down Uriel's spine. \n\n\"Untouchable by angels... With that logic, you believe yourself to be a god, then? All of us, too?\" \n\nWhile they were more the spiritual type than one to align themselves to any sort of religion, hearing that sheer overconfidence caught something in their breath, a small jerk momentarily halting their thoughts. \n\n*Is megalomania a fate for all Parahumans?*\n\nImages of men and women scurrying around town, unknowingly being pulled by red string filled their mind, and Uriel abruptly— and rather forcefully— shakes their head. No, none of their friends were like *Them*, they were sure of it.\n\nThey had to give Margo more credit. She wasn't like that. \n\nStill, they paused at the end of their question, hoping—or perhaps craving— for a response."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◇ And, so Uri posed a question: did she think she was above God? \n\n□ Admittedly, Margo had to think on the question for a few moments. Knee-jerk instinct was to simply fume some sort of half-baked joke about God being a fairy tale, or some cosmic zombie wizard rant. That instinct was quickly shut down by her more rational side, which took this simple question and ran with it for the next couple of solid moments. God was omnipotent in a sense, yet the boulder paradox proved that even unlimited power had an upper limit, a ceiling that could never be punctured, a canopy destined to cast shade on all those below it for all eternity.\n\n▪︎ She had her answer; she clicked her tongue.\n\n◆ \"They aren't true angels from up above. At least, I don't think so. They're just some strange murderous cult, man, kinda like the Mansons, and those angelic features are their calling cards.\" Margo spoke after a few good moments of thought. What exactly made these women all assume the same sort of look? Why did the so-called Big Sister look so remarkably different? Perhaps she was the one passing the blessings around. Hm. \"True angels in the Bible go far beyond wings and halos. You ever read the Bible? Specifically, the Old Testament? There's a few sporadic descriptions of angels there and they're. There's a reason that those things say *Be not afraid,* And it's because only the Malakim even register as human; they look like us, they talk like us, they're God's earthly shepherds or however the Bible describes them, it's been a while. The rest just simply aren't of this world. Anyways, to answer your question... No, I don't think I'm above God. God is a paradox, and you can't fight something that warps logic so effortlessly that it makes your brain ache.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"That's...\" Uriel toys with the words in their mouth for a bit, swishing syllables against the sides of their cheek. \"That's a good answer. I'm... A bit relieved to hear it, actually.\" They let out a small, slightly under-pressure laugh, and their prior worries seem to melt away. \n\nOf course. They should have had more faith in her. \n\n\"It's already quite late, Margo. Let's see... It was around one A.M when you walked in, so... I suppose it's around two by now.\" They wordlessly collect the now-room temperature compress, stuffing the sopping pack in their already cold hand. \n\n\"I trust you can fall asleep on your own?\" The teacups click as Uriel stacks them on top of each other, and their voice becomes slightly hard to decipher as they begin to wash the cups in their bathroom sink. \n\nHidden from Margo's line of sight was an expression rife with worry, pinched eyebrows knitted in concern. The post-fight adrenaline might have been affecting her mood, but their heart couldn't help but be pulled at what she said. \n\nThe angel business *Was* Exciting. Uriel had no moral objection to her feelings. Considering the majority of students came from normal, mundane backgrounds, it would be shocking if someone didn't find the recent events dramatic or interesting. \n\nIt was different, though— she didn't just find the recent events newsworthy, she actively challenged them to leave lasting consequences. A brazen duel, one she would certainly not win in one piece. Unfortunately, she seemed dead-set on discovering that first hand.\n\nThey toss the cold compress back into the freezer. Uriel's delicate hands begin to neatly re-sort all of the medical supplies back into their proper places, the melodic, easy rhythms only serving as a backdrop for their wandering mind.\n\nCould they catch her when she fell? Their grip against the sides of the medkit tightened, and they take a deep breath. No, there was no could involved here— they *Would*. \n\nIt didn't matter if they weren't able. They *Would*.\n\n.\n\nUriel hovered by the light switch, momentarily pausing. \n\n\"Sweet dreams, Margo.\" \n\nA click, and the room is bathed in darkness."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"What, relieved to hear that I don't have a God complex?\" Margo teased, albeit awkwardly. The words fit together better in her head, admittedly. \"But, yeah, man... It's two now. I'm *Exhausted.* Think it's about time to lay back down...\"\n\n□ With that, once Uri rose to their feet and began to busy themself with the cups, saucers, and medical supplies, Margo quickly flopped the rest of her body on her sofa, digging a pillow out from between it and the bookshelf. Oddly enough she rarely slept in her actual bed, preferring the sort of comfort that sleeping on a sofa a bit too small for her provided. Shifting around, she let out a yawn and watched Uri flit about the room, catching the shadow of a worried expression on their otherwise placid, unchanging face. Given how shit had been going down, she couldn't blame them, but...\n\n▪︎ Oh well. Worry as they might, she'd be fine at the end of the day. Hopefully.\n\n◆ \"Night.\" She called out, moments before the pitch blackness of night engulfed the room again. She closed her eyes, and let out a sigh. Hopefully she wouldn't wake up in too much pain."
}
] | 338.5 | 1,375 |
164.875 | 2022-05-14 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "gorbalicious",
"message": "A knock can be heard on the door of dorm 312. Outside the door is Taffy, wearing an oversized hoodie and a beanie. They have few belongings on them, and their hands are rested in the pockets of their skinny jeans. Their eyebags are dark and prominent, showing their sleep deprivation very clearly.\n\"It's Taf.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Oh. That was surprisingly quick. \n\nUriel gets to their feet, dusting off their pants as they rush to open to door. They open the door with a smile, eyeing the new person up and down. \n\n*Eye bags and comfy clothes...* Taffy had good taste, it seems. \n\nTaffy, on the other hand, is greeted with the image of an androgynous figure, donned in a deep purple, woolen poncho. Their eyebags are equally as deep as Taffy's, and as Uriel ushers them in, their snow-white braid sways with movement. \n\n\"Hello, there. I didn't expect to see you so soon— I would have cleaned up if that were the case. Please don't mind Margo, she's asleep; it's a rather deep sleep, so don't be worried about keeping quiet.\" A small, tired smile, and door opens fully.\n\nUri gestures Taffy towards the couch, and begins to pour the two a cup of tea."
},
{
"author": "gorbalicious",
"message": "With a grunt, Taffy nods and sits down on the couch, putting their legs up. He pulls a rubber band ball out of his pocket and starts to fidget with it. Xe only takes up a small amount of the couch, due to xyr small frame.\n\n\"Cute room. Smells like shit, though,\" They chuckle, glancing over at Uriel. \"You got any alcohol in this joint?\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "```Added Note: there is a couch roughly aligned with the shorter wall directly connected to the doorframe. Against this back is a dresser, sturdy and dark, and atop it is a reasonably large reptile enclosure. Inside it is sandy, with relatively scant foliage, and alongside the requisite appliances Cosmo can be seen sleeping on his stomach, only partially visible due to his tail being behind one of the decorations. \n\nSeparating this couch from the wall is a bookshelf. Next to this bookshelf, in the corner, is a desk. Atop it is another reptile enclosure, and it is also relatively sparse in decor, though it has some varying rocks, faux cacti, and other desert plants and features. Sadie is nowhere to be seen, presumably behind a tall rock or dug into the sand beneath her.\n\nAs a last note... Margo is on her back in nothing but a comedically oversized shirt with a meme on it, and she's snoring *Loud.*```"
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Alcohol? No, apologizes. If Margo were awake, she could most likely tell you where to get some. I do know Margarita or Silas might have some, though.\" \n\n\nUriel wasn't one to drink, and perhaps it wasn't the best thing to tell others how to source illegal drugs— but, still, they didn't want to turn down a request for help. At the the comment about the scent of the room, Uriel lets out an airy, if not a bit sheepish, laugh. \n\n\"It doesn't usually smell too bad. I suppose I could put the diffuser on and open the window, though.\" The clink of a teacup sounds as it's placed on the table, near Taffy's awaiting hands. Moments later, an assortment of teabags slide across the surface of the coffee table. \n\n*How embarrassing. I suppose I've grown accustomed to the smell...* \n\nStill, after the proper modifications to the room are made, Uriel takes a seat on the other end of the couch. There's space between them— perhaps a bit too much, almost seeming like an awkward parent-teacher meeting. \n\n\"How have you been adjusting, Taffy? This place is a.. Bit much, I know.\" Uriel brushes a small strand of hair out of their face, and tries to put on the best reassuring smile they could."
},
{
"author": "gorbalicious",
"message": "\"Like shit. As I've said on the group chat, I'm not even meant to be here,\" They sigh, biting on one of the rubber bands. From their current state, it was obvious they were already bored. \"The food is honestly getting old quick. Seriously starting to debate actually making a fuss about it. Although, to be fair, I really don't have the energy.\"\n\nWith a sigh, Taffy leans over and picks up the teacup, pours milk into it, and downs the whole cup on one go. They place it back down and grunt, slowly slipping down further into their awkward sitting position."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Ah, yes. That excuse. \n\nPersonally, Uriel didn't buy what Taffy was saying. Government officials didn't tend to jump the gun when accusing someone of being paranormal, and it would take a sufficiently large incident to be sent to the Cradle. \n\nThey did, however, understand the desire to hide your abilities. \n\nDeft gloved hands refilled Taffy's tea— if only to be doing something, social situations always brought a special type of nervousness in their chest— and they offer a sympathetic look. \n\n\"You know... Its alright to not want to talk about your abilities. I can understand that it's uncomfortable to think about, and can make people a bit nervous to hear. But, ah, lying about them is only going to draw more attention, not less.\" \n\nWere they doing this right? Hopefully. Their hands fiddled with the edges of their poncho, resting on their perfectly poised lap. \n\n\"It's alright. People here understand— well, perhaps we're the only ones who can.\""
},
{
"author": "gorbalicious",
"message": "\"I'm not a fucking parahuman. I have insomnia, depersonalise real bad, and am good at knowing when people are lying. They're not new or strange things, they're just mental illness and a weird fucking ability. It's not even a power, just good insight.\"\n\nTaffy sounds noticeably irritable. The rubber band they're pulling on snaps under the stress of being stretched too far. When it slaps her hand, she lets out a small yelp of pain and places her mouth over the spot for a moment."
}
] | 165.5 | 1,319 |
149.4 | 2022-05-16 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "At Taffy's response, Uriel gives a semi-shocked look before a soft laugh spills from their lips. \n\n\"You too? I can't swim either, actually. I'm a narcoleptic, so it's not like I could ever swim on my own. It's not too bad, though; I find taking naps on the beach to be far more rewarding. Still, it is a bit funny, right?\" Another laugh, this one small and sheepish. \n\nThe commonality between them— even if tiny and insignificant— helped relieve the near-constant tension Uriel felt when talking to someone new. The smallest bridge of commonality gave them room to breathe, air they so desperately gulped down.\n\n\"There's a library, if that's more appealing. I've been a couple of times, and it's rather well stocked. You seem like the well-read type, too.\" \n\nTaffy *Did* Give off the aura of intelligence— and if it opened the door for them to talk about their interests, Uriel was more than happy to listen."
},
{
"author": "gorbalicious",
"message": "\"Yeah, I've read a few books. Most of them are censored to shit though. Have you read The Girl Who Could Fly?\" Xe asks, looking over at Uriel. \"It's really good.\n\nAs they speak, they sit up slightly, their interest seemingly piqued. Her eyes widen slightly, and she seems slightly less tense emotionally."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"I don't believe I have. Why don't you message me later about the plot, and I'll check it out at the library? I always love reading the books my friends enjoy.\" \n\nThey think to themselves, an eyebrow tentatively furrowing itself. It was a bit too embarrassing to say out loud, but Uriel always kept the media recommended from others in a special place in their heart. \n\nOwen's metal music, Amelie's favorite violin solos, Margo's favorite books... They treasured the little bits of their friends that came along with every single recommendation. It made them feel warm and giddy inside— even when they had trouble expressing that sentiment in day-to-day conversation, their emotionally flat expressions making it hard to truly tell how they felt. \n\n\"Ah, but, it seems as if Margo might wake up soon, and I don't think she'll take too kindly to seeing someone else's face in her room. Perhaps it might be best to take your leave for now.\" A gentle prod, one given as Uriel nervously looks at Margo's sleeping body. Her breathing was shallower, the quiet rise and fall of her chest less deep as the conversation continued. \n\n\"Please do try and get some sleep, even if only for a couple of hours. It's a bit relaxing to be unconscious, I feel.\" They gather Taffy's teacup, and stack them in a pile saved for 'dishes to be washed'."
},
{
"author": "gorbalicious",
"message": "\"I last read it as a child. Definitely will text you a synopsis type thing later,\" They sigh, standing up.\n\n\"Anyway, you're right, I should head back to my room. It's been nice meeting you, though. Which is surprising. I had planned on breaking your shit, but honestly, you're decent enough.\"\n\nWith that, they stuff the rubber band ball back into their pocket and head over to the door.\n\n\"See you around, I guess,\" They say, giving a small salute before leaving the room."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Taffy exits, leaving a perplexed Uriel and a sleeping Margo alone in the empty room.\n\nThey blink twice, the sentiment of Taffy's words just starting to hit.\n\n\"Huh?\"\n\n—"
}
] | 108 | 747 |
127 | 2022-05-24 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Knock. Knock. Knock.\n\nThe knocks on Taffy's dorm room door sound like thunderclaps, loud and menacing. The boy outside is not exactly happy, either, and is putting quite a bit of strength into the sharp, terse knocking. It's the sound of strict anger.\n\nHe'd scrolled the chat logs for a short while and inquired with the offices to find the door, but he did manage, in the end. Taffy Weaver, AKA placedMedia, AKA the biggest drama queen on campus.\n\nAKA someone who needed a talking-to, and clearly hadn't gotten it yet.\n\nKnock. *Knock.* ***Knock.***"
},
{
"author": "gorbalicious",
"message": "Inside the dorm, Taffy is sitting on aer bed, ukulele in one hand, while scrolling through aer phone with aer other hand. The moment xe hears the knock, xe stops, and simply sits there quietly. For a moment, she doesn't move a muscle, before carefully placing her ukulele on the bed beside her. Luckily for her, she hasn't been playing the ukulele for a solid ten minutes at least, meaning the boy outside can't have heard it yet.\n\nQuietly slipping off the bed, he makes his way over to the door, careful to not make a sound. He takes a quick peak through the keyhole, trying to see who's on the other side, but can't quite make it out. They take a few quiet steps back, not saying a word."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "No response, then.\n\n***Knock. Knock. Knock.***\n\nIf there's no response after that, Hyun-jin, well... Tugging on the door wouldn't work, those things are usually locked. So he'd have to find a different way to get attention to himself and open the door.\n\nWhich is when he gets an idea.\n\nHe takes a moment to stop knocking and kick up a small dust cloud in Taffy's room, moving it around to get a sense of where different objects are. Apparently, there's something vaguely person-shaped around the door...\n\nKnock. *Knock. **Knock.***\n\n\"I know you're in there!\""
},
{
"author": "gorbalicious",
"message": "Taffy remains silent, assuming that Hyun-jin is bluffing to get a rise out of them.\n\nThey take a few more steps back, before taking a few steps to the side and grabbing their flip knife off their dresser. They flip it open and hold it out, preparing for whoever might be on the other side of the door."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Hyun-jin knocks again, slightly faster this time. Knock-*Knock*-***Knock***. He then pulls the same trick again, giving himself more time and finding slightly more dust to improve his accuracy.\n\n\"No, really,\" He says, somewhat sternly, \"I know you're in there. And is that a fucking knife? Calm the fuck down, I'm not here to kill you, I just wanna talk, alright? You'd think this place was Lord of the Flies or some shit.\"\n\nHyun-jin was, if not exactly a stickler for authority, very much conscious of rules, and of how to avoid getting *Caught* By authority - and that alone made the knife worrying, let alone the implication that it would actually be used.\n\n\"Just open up, man, it's easier on both of us. And don't stab me, please?\""
},
{
"author": "gorbalicious",
"message": "\"You can fuck off. I don't know you and I don't trust you, got it?\" They shout, still holding the knife up. \"You can't just come here and demand to come in because you want to fight me or some shit. Just fuck off, okay?\"\n\nThey walk over to the door and slam on it, mimicking the force of Hyun-jin."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"No offense,\" Hyun-jin blurted out, \"But what's your problem? Someone knocks on your door and you tell them to fuck off? I know I haven't exactly been polite either, but you're so fucking hostile to everyone, it's actually wild. You know you gotta be at least sorta nice to people to make friends, right?\"\n\nPossibly a mistake, but this was not the kind of interaction where Hyun-jin had been expecting to sugar-coat his words anyway. \"You have so much beef with everyone who crosses your path, no matter if they wanna have beef with you or not. You yap on and on and on about how no one likes you. You get told straight up that someone doesn't have beef with you and then you go dredge up some old messages.\" \n\nHyun-jin made his presence known, semi-officially, by drawing his silhouette in dark gray dust on the door's surface.\n\n\"If you'd just shut up and listen to the people around you for one god damn second, maybe you'd realize not everyone in the world is out to get you. Some of those people you think hate you might even wanna be your friends. I should know, 'cause I happen to be one of those people. So if you just put the knife down and open the door, please, we can start this interaction over as polite, reasonable people getting to know each other. I think that'd be nice, don't you?\""
},
{
"author": "gorbalicious",
"message": "\"No offense, but I'm not in the mood for having someone come to my door, bang on it, then fucking demand to enter and get pissed when I turn them down. I am under *No* Obligation to let you in, so fuck off, okay babe?\" They say, much bitterness poisoning their words.\n\n\"I'm not interested in whatever you have to say right now. You're just going to be one of those assholes who treats me like a child and pretends to be caring when you really just want to 'politely' tell me to shut up, and I really couldn't give a shit how friendly you want to act. I can see through all of your bullshit, got it?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Loud and clear. I'm just flattered you think I was *Polite* When I told you to shut up just now. But the offer stands, I guess. I'm in 1253 if you wanna, like, play Mario Kart sometime or whatever. See you. Or not, your choice.\""
},
{
"author": "gorbalicious",
"message": "\"Oh, no, I wasn't referring to that. That was pure assholery. Have a fucking awful day. Come back later when I don't hate existence,\" He says, his petty smile coming through in his words. \"Tell Ares I'm only interested in sucking his dick if he stops being one.\"\n\nThey chuckle slightly at this.\n\n\"Kidding, of course, he isn't worthy of it.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Might take you up on that. You'll have to tell Ares yourself, though, I don't even wanna look at that guy.\"\n\n...\n\n\"See ya.\""
}
] | 136 | 1,397 |
215.666667 | 2022-06-01 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel had allowed themselves the pleasure of relaxing on the— well, it felt like Margo's, if they were going to be completely honest— couch, when the door opens with a creak. They knew instinctively they weren't doing anything *Wrong* Technically, but it doesn't prevent them from jolting upwards in shock, looking over at Margo with a guilty expression. \n\nIt fades almost instantly upon meeting her eyes. Uriel *Knew* It, could almost *Feel* It intrinsically— something was wrong, that much was certain.\n\n\"Margo, you're...\" \n\nThey limply toss their book to the foot of the couch, scooting their body over to fully face the door. The correct words remain illusive, and Uriel tries and fails to think of something to say. Instead, their dark, tired grey eyes maintain eye contact with Margo. Watching. Waiting, for her to do what she needed."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Yeah, it's... Not been the greatest day.\"\n\n□ Quietly muttering the words out as she made her way to her bed, it was clear that Margo really wasn't doing so hot. Flopping onto her bed, she buried her face into her pillow and curled her body up in a somewhat strange manner. She didn't exactly want to hide how she was feeling from Uri, but at the same time the hateful monkey on her shoulder had been belittling her for the past hour and then some, breaking her down bit by bit as the duct tape holding her façade together began to rip.\n\n▪︎ The question now was less if she was going to break, and more a question of *When.*\n\n◆ \"But enough about me...\" Her voice barely even registered as one, muffled by the stale pillow she had her face buried in. \"What were you...\" A sniffle. \"Reading?\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "*Oh dear,* Uriel thought, a frown gracing their features. Hearing her voice crackle and strain with emotion made something in their stomach flip. Sympathy ran ice-cold through their veins. \n\n\"Oh, Margo...\" They trail off, sighing softly before approaching the foot of her bed. \n\nThere was a good chance she didn't want to talk about it. There was a small, but still real, chance that she'd grow angry at their prying, and scream at them until her lungs hurt. \n\nAnd there was the equally real chance that she was desperately waiting for the opportunity to talk about what was bothering her.\n\n\"Talk,\" Uriel spoke."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◇ But, she didn't have it in her to talk.\n\n□ At least, not at the moment Uri had asked her politely but firmly to spill whatever it was that was bothering her. Where did she even begin? Did she begin with her conversation with Owen, still fresh in her mind and still slashing away at her emotional stability with a ragged rusty knife? Or did she go back to when she'd met Violetta, a few cautios questions that got tempered by an unwillingness to confront what felt like a demon lingering over her shoulder. Or maybe she should have just kept quiet.\n\n▪︎ By this point, she'd already begun to shake lightly, the first foreshocks of the mother of all breakdowns rippling through her body.\n\n◆ \"I'm a fucking *Wreck,* Uri...\" Her voice was muffled by the pillow pressed to her face, crackling with every word and catching in her throat. \"And I don't know where to begin. I don't know how to even approach it. I'm just... So unsure, man, holy fuck. I...\"\n\n• The first sobs rang out. Shit."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Cold, sheer *Panic* Ran under Uriel's skin, and they held back a deep breath. Margo was crumbling, slipping like ashes through their hands, and they could feel themselves desperately cupping their hands to catch whatever they could. \n\n\"You're— you're not a wreck, Margo.\" Their voice lowered to a soothing lull, and the panic of *What do I do* Manifested itself in a timid, gentle hand on her shoulder. \n\nUriel was flying blind. They didn't have experience picking up other people's pieces, only preventing them from breaking. And the one person Uriel *Did* Know how to comfort was vastly different to Margo, and they weren't sure the techniques they use on him would be effective on the girl sobbing in front of them. It didn't *Seem* Like it. \n\n\"It's alright. You're alright. Everyone crumbles sometimes.\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Bullfucking*Shit.*\" She weakly croaked out, curling her arms around her pillow and pressing her face ever deeper into it. \"I'm a... I'm a waste of space, and it *Hic* Doesn't matter, and I should just go get myself killed by some fuckin idiot with a gun so I stop dragging everyone down...\"\n\n□ At this point, rage boiled in her blood. Partially, it *Was* Directed at Uri, whose only sin was being around to see her cry. Most of it, though, was squarely focused on herself, and her sudden inability to bottle up her emotions again. As the sobs left her throat and her body shook all she could think about were all the slurs she'd been called, the way she'd been forced to stifle down parts of herself that had never even seemed odd to her because others found it uncomfortable, and just how *Scrambled* Her mind actually was. \n\n▪︎ She was a wreck, to say the least.\n\n◆ \"But it's not my *Place* To... To crumble, man.\" She hoarsely replied between sobs, refusing to lift her face from the pillow even as her body screamed for air. In her mind, knocking herself out was preferable to letting her roommate see her with her face smeared in shades of red, her eyes bloodshot, her mouth cut square. \"That's not me, but... But... I'm so un-fucking-certain. I don't even know what I am anymore, for fuck sakes... God. Just do me a favour and knock me out...\""
}
] | 193.5 | 1,294 |
306.75 | 2022-06-02 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel's hand runs back and forth against the small of Margo's back, letting out a small, soothing hum with the repetitive motions. \n\n\"You are Margo Killjoy— do the specifics matter? You're kind, capable, and hyper-intelligent; what did it matter *Why* You was like this, or what labels you use? When all is said and done, one thing is true: you're my roommate.\"\n\nThe specifics didn't matter, at least, not to Uriel. Margo was Margo, and they *Liked* Margo. That was all they thought about it— labeling things like their gender identity or their sexual orientation only managed to confuse them, and they applied that same dislike of labels to their friends. Margo was Margo. What that meant... Well, it was up to Margo. \n\n\"I'm not knocking you out. Saving these feelings, bottling them up to deal with later... It'll only harm you in the long run. I'm not going to mother you— you don't need that— but I won't help you hurt yourself.\" The words are a bit harsh, but their consistent low lull makes it hard to read anything accusatory.\n\n\"Everyone is human, including you. You're bound to bend and break, just like the rest of us... And so long as you pass it on eventually, you deserve that same love, too.\"\n\nOf course, *Everyone* Deserved love. It was a core need of all humans, and Margo was no exception. She was fragile, just like the rest of them."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◇ And even with all of the warm words, Margo couldn't see herself as anything but a disastrous wreck of a human.\n\n□ Sobbing fiercely into the pillow, much of it was caught in her throat as ingrained beliefs about not wanting to be seen crying fought against the fact that she was entirely overwhelmed emotionally and could barely even string together a solid thought, let alone a whole sentence. She felt like a failure, a train wreck, a disgraceful excuse for a human being, someone who'd be better off dead, and as the tears flowed and her throat began to sting she wallowed in self-hatred, uncertainty, and the mild sensation of a hand on the small of her back.\n\n▪︎ She should have felt comforted, so why did she feel so utterly *Ashamed?*\n\n◆ \"Can you *Hic* Just leave me alone, please?\" She pled feebly, hands gently kneading the pillow without her even realizing it. Now that a lot of the initial emotional turmoil had subsided, what she felt now were tangible feelings, and they were rife with guilt, self-directed anger, and shame. Her face flushed a deep red, and her stomach sank into her pelvis. \"I... Shouldn't be breaking. I really *Hic* Shouldn't. Nobody's going to care about me if i'm not strong all the time...\" Maybe it was a lie, but she wasn't thinking clearly, so."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Of course we care about you, Margo.\" Uriel speaks plainly, \n\n\"If you do want me to leave you alone... I'll let you have that time to yourself. But if you're saying that out of self-hatred, or because you don't think you deserve being tended to...\"\n\nThey trailed off, the rest of their sentence getting caught in their throat. Imagining the self-hatred running through her head, or the needless burden of stoicism she thrusted onto herself made them whine with second-hand hurt. She didn't deserve this— no one did. \n\n\"I don't want to intrude, but I want to be here for you, alright? Do tell me what would be best for you— a distraction with a movie, maybe, or a shoulder to lean on, or just being alone with your thoughts.\" \n\nThey cough into the crux of their arm, the gesture one born from nervousness more than anything else. \n\n\"I'm... I'm not too skilled with reading people, so...\"\n\nUriel shifts, uncomfortable with the sudden admission on their part. It was a skill they wish they were better at, and envied in those who always had the perfect thing to say. They could *Try* Their best, but it couldn't make up for years of social reclusion and relative inexperience. \n\n*If only they were someone else*, perhaps they'd be able to help Margo with her woes."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◇ Initially, Margo lay mostly unresponsive, the final throes of an hour and some minutes of built-up emotional anguish coming out with each feeble sob.\n\n□ Of course, though, the magic of crying was that it worked wonders for emotional overload. If anything, it might have been the *Best* Way to deal with it, and as the tears dried up Margo began to feel that comforting warmth descend upon her like a blanket, swaddling her in resolute calm and peace despite her own issues. After a few tense yet stable moments with Uriel's silent presence noted she reached out for her yellow-lensed glasses and put them on, mostly to obscure her eyes as she rolled over fully and let out a sigh.\n\n▪︎ She had some explaining to do.\n\n◆ \"I... *Hic* I hate people seeing me cry. I hate showing most emotions in public, if I'm being honest, and... It hurts to be seen when I'm vulnerable. It really *Hic* Does.\" Barely more than a whisper, Margo quietly confessed one truth after another while staring directly at the ceiling. \"I think it's because my dad always made me feel like shit or worse any time I cried. Lots of traditional *I'll give you something to cry about* Type shit. It was awful, and not even estrogen or puberty blockers fixes that mindset I've got hard baked. I... I hope I didn't make you feel unwanted.\""
}
] | 303 | 1,227 |
344.454545 | 2022-06-04 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Don't worry about me.\" Uriel couldn't help but notice the conversational shift from her feelings to their emotions. It was the same problem— a subconscious diversion from acknowledging her feelings by catering to those around her. *Oh, Margo...* A voice in their head sighed. \n\nNow that they were looking at her, she was so much smaller than they realized.\n\n\"I'm proud of you, you know. For acknowledging your trauma, for introspection and admitting the source of the problem. It's... Most people don't get that far. I suppose it's admirable.\" Uriel pauses, allowing time for their train of thought to catch up to their mouth. \n\n\"Hm, not *I suppose*. It is admirable. You're far, far stronger than you know, just by being able to admit that.\"\n\nUriel looked down at Margo with soft, warm eyes. For someone seeming so self-assured, she was surprisingly self-conscious. For what, they didn't know; when they looked down at her, all Uriel could see was *Strength*, the strength of facing her generational trauma head on."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"No.\" She croaked back, fixing her gaze on the ceiling, and on the fire alarm that hung directly over her head. \"Your feelings mean a...\" She sniffled. \"A lot to me too. Don't just pass your own emotions over, man, else you'll end up like me. Maybe.\"\n\n□ Perhaps it *Was* The pot calling the kettle black, but... Who cared? Not her, that was for sure. She knew that she tended to bottle things up and only let out faint whispers in the form of jokes and laments, and that it wasn't good for her. But, even with this awareness, she knew she likely wouldn't change all that much just off the back of one depressive episode; change, as it turned out, was more painful than any tattoo needle she'd been under, and the pain wouldn't do her any good here aside from helping her heal.\n\n▪︎ Healing sounded lame; she was *Sixteen,* Who the fuck wanted to bother with that at her age? She fished out her pack of smokes and dropped them on her stomach.\n\n◆ \"I guess.\" Sure, hearing someone was proud of her helped her aching soul, but it ultimately felt less like genuine pride and more like pity points, the one thing she didn't want. \"But... I don't know anymore. I was talking to Owen, and I... Might be autistic? And then there's the news that my father is out of the hospital. My sister's also starting to testify against my... My father in an absentia trial, and that means I'm probably going to have to testify as well. It's just...\" Worn-out hands gently manipulated the cigarette pack about, almost as if the whole being honest all at once thing was leading to some uncomfortable thoughts. \"So much happened today. I don't know where to even start unpacking it... I'm sorry about just dumping, but it kind of happened against my will, so.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"If you're autistic, you're still *You*. Nothing about you has changed— you'll still be the same Margo you've always been. Just a little less confused, hopefully. I do admit, it's a lot to process, though.\"\n\nNow that Margo mentioned the possible diagnoses, it *Did* Seem as if it explained a lot unanswered questions regarding Margo's behavior. There were a lot of similarities between the two— both Owen and Margo were passionate about their interests, to a point of hyperfixation. Margo liked keeping routine, and was prone to emotional outbursts, and did exhibit issues with sensory stimulation. The more Uriel thought about it, the more sense it made... *Hm.*\n\n\"Testifying... I thought the trial was over? Is that not why you're here? Or did something else...\" As soon as Uriel voices the thought out loud, they almost instantly realize their mistake.\n\n They were *Prying*, asking a question Margo might not be comfortable with answering. Nervous eyes flit down towards Margo, carefully making sure Uriel hadn't stuck a nerve. They channel their nervous energy into doing what they did best— *Helping*, grabbing a lighter from her nightstand and lighting the cigarette currently in her lips. It wasn't a habit they particularly enjoyed seeing (or smelling), but the desire to do *Something* Outshone their ever-present concern. \n\n\"Uhm, you— you don't have to... Answer that.\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"That's the thing though: isn't it kind of... A, uh... Never mind. I'll focus on that more in a bit, I guess.\" Margo spoke, still hoarse and dry from her sobbing spell earlier. \"Because I haven't actually told you yet, but we're... In the process of building a case against my dad.\"\n\n□ Casually letting the words slip free from her mouth, Margo continued to run her fingers along the glossy layered cigarette pack in her hands, finding a strange sensation from plucking her fingertip against its corner. Unknown pleasure, she halted herself after a few moments, and began to collect the words she was going to need in her mouth. After all, she was about to tell her roommate something she'd been sitting on for most of the week, waiting for a good chance to talk about it with them, and eventually with the staff.\n\n▪︎ As it turned out, the prosecution just might have needed her back in America to testify in person. Surely that'd need the approval of the Deans.\n\n◆ \"So, when I was in... Jail, right? I told the cops *Everything* My father had did that could have counted as... Y'know, abuse, neglect, assault, so on and so forth. They brought those claims to my sister Holly, who's already in Bedford Hills, and she corroborated all the details and then some. They also got to my brother Ben, and... He said the same shit, though apparently he was really tight-lipped.\" She hummed for a moment. \"Anyways, with so many corroborating stories they're helping us build a case against my father, and apparently his crimes weren't just in the family. I'm... Probably going to be in touch with them a lot through this, but it feels kinda fucking *Weird* To be bringing this against my father, you know? Like Zeus and Cronos, I suspect I'll be queen by the end of this.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel froze. It was... A lot to take in, and the prospect of Margo *Leaving the Cradle* For the case hit them like a wet towel to the face. \n\nMargo would be back, most likely, but someone being able to leave this prison, even if temporarily, was unheard of to them. The outside world had kept moving, while time seemed to stay still in this sleepy Swedish city. *Everything had kept moving.*\n\n\"It'll be a change, that's for certain. It... It seems that it'll be tough, recounting everything that happened in your childhood. Even if the end result is locking him up, getting there is going to be... Difficult.\"\n\nUriel shivered. They've always had an active imagination, but sometimes it seemed to do more harm than good. Images of a young, bruised Margo conjure themselves into their mind, far too young to deserve such treatment. *Abused. Neglected.* The breath catches in their lungs, and they silently mourned for the childhood that was unjustly ripped from the girl in front of them. \n\n\"Have you reached out to your siblings? It might be easier to talk to them about everything you endured, before you have to do so in front of a grand jury. I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you all— I know you're talking right now, but, ah, if you need anything from me in the future... Please don't hesitate to ask.\" \n\nIt was a meaningless platitude. Margo already *Knew* Uriel would always be there for her; it was whether or not she even needed help with something Uriel could do that was the question. Still, resorting to the soothing reiteration helped quell Uriel's nerves more than anything. A reminder, they thought. Not a reiteration.\n\n\"I... I hope the trial goes well. He'll receive justice, I'm sure of it.\" They offer, the optimistic reassurance possessing a bit more energy than usual. \n\n*He will. He'll pay for how he treated Margo and her siblings, I'm sure of it.* As the thought enters their head, they can't help but feel as if they're trying to convince themselves."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"It's a good thing... Uh... Yeah.\" Rather than try to twist it into a joke that would deflect her emotions, she decided to just be truthful for once in her goddamn life. \"I've been talking to my siblings, or at least the ones I can, and... None of us are happy to have to bring this up to him, but it feels like it has to be done. It feels *Right,* Despite also feeling like a moral trespass.\"\n\n□ Letting out the mother of all sighs, Margo sat up, also taking a moment to fish out a cigarette and slip it behind her ear. Dropping the half-empty pack in her pocket, she took a few moments to observe how her hands moved, seemingly reaching out on their own for something — anything, honestly — to grab onto. Finding only the material of her pants, she watched as her hands kneaded them lightly the same as they'd kneaded the pillow earlier.\n\n▪︎ Sure, her eyes were still bloodshot and sunken, and residual bubbles of snot bubbled out of her nostrils with each breath, but she was alive.\n\n◆ \"As far as I know, Ben's reluctant to testify, I'm working with the NYPD on this, Holly is as well, Ginny's took two weeks off next month to come and give her testimony and whatnot, and Mary...? She's still in that fucking abbey. Nobody's heard from her in years.\" Reaching towards her nightstand as she spoke, she picked her distinctive yellow-lensed glasses up, put them on, and then in what must have been the weirdest move she wrapped her arms around Uri and gave them a hug. Not a long one, but a meaningful one. Letting go after about two or three seconds, she rose to her feet and looked down at them.\n\n• \"I'm gonna go have a smoke, now that I'm not a pressure cooker bomb waiting to go off. Thanks for being there, man, even when I was telling you to leave me be. I appreciate it, and you.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "It takes Uriel far, far too long to respond.\n\nAnyone who's familiar with Uriel knows about their poor reaction time; they're constantly drifting around, as if in a waking dream, to a point where the happenings of the world around them seem to be forethought to whatever goes on behind their half-lidded eyes.\n\nMargo hugged them, and by the time they properly process what exactly is happening, she's already out of their arms. Whatever train of thought they had about the trial, about her diagnoses, about *Anything* Dissolves into oblivion as the air is sucked from their lungs. Their vision *Swims*, and the room distorts as if a funhouse mirror replaced the edges of their vision. \n\n*Tap. Tap* Droplets of wet fall onto the back of Uriel's hand, and they suddenly realize they're crying.\n\n*Not a funhouse mirror, then,* They think, turning their head away from Margo to stealthily wipe away the emotion spilling down their cheeks.\n\n\"I— um, yeah, that seems like a good idea.\" Their voices cracks, painful and rough and full of emotion as the whirlwind of feeling consumed them. \n\nGod, they shouldn't be crying like this— it was Margo's night, and by the embarrassing show of feelings they were only detracting from her struggles. They knew that, and yet... The phrase *I appreciate it, and you*, and the barest traces of her touch around their waist seemed to catch their heart in a vice-grip. \n\n*Is this what it felt like...?* Uriel never knew a simple sentence could make them feel so strongly. They *Were doing something good. They were being useful.* And because of their servitude, they were being *Loved.*\n\n A pleasant blossom of emotion swelled in their chest at the realization. \n\n\"Ah, before you go...\" Even though they're still facing away from her, Uriel lightly tugs on the end of Margo's shirt, if only to get her attention.\n\n\"Thank you.\" It's faint, barely a whisper, almost as loud as the hum of the now-fixed air conditioner whirring away in the corner of the room."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◇ Unexpectedly, Uri had began to cry, and she only realized after a few moments.\n\n□ At first, she'd been on her way out, but a feeble pinch nabbed the hem of her shirt. Turning, she saw the familiar trails of tears flowing down their cheeks, and she realized that for all their airiness and distance from the human world they were still very much human. So, she turned back around, and sat back down, and crossed her legs again. Once there she put a hand on Uri's shoulder and hummed.\n\n▪︎ A moment of silence, in case they needed it.\n\n◆ \"No worries.\" She spoke, still frail and hoarse but overall more Margo-esque than before. \"But you're crying, man... You need me to stick around a moment?\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"No, no, I'm...\" Uriel's shoulders shoot up at Margo noticing their tears, and they forgo all subtlety in order to hastily wipe away the remnants of the heart dripping down their face. \n\n\"I'm good. Just... Happy to hear that I'm useful. And that someone would deem me deserving of such kindness. I'm... Happy. Very happy.\" A nervous exhale-turned-laugh escapes from their lips, and Uriel replays Margo's words over in their head. *I appreciate you. I appreciate you.* *I * **Appreciate** *You.* *I * *Appreciate* **You.** **I ** *Appreciate* *You.*\n\nThe soundbite is something they'd treasure forever, Uriel decided. Dusting off the trophy room laid deep in the atrium of their heart, they'd place the memory alongside the other memories they treasured deeply. Trinkets on a shelf, all important, ones Uriel would often look back on and hold in their hands when times were rough. These good times with Margo would not last forever, certainly so, but those three words and the traces of her embrace would forever line the walls of Uriel's heart. \n\n\"That's all. There's no need to worry about me.\" Their eyes are still red around the rims, but they offer a small, faint smile at Margo.\n\n*Thank you so much. Thank you so much.* .\"...Thank you so much.\" Uriel didn't notice when their internal monologue broke out into the real world, their loud thoughts becoming a quiet, breathy mumble. How long had they been repeating those words? Uriel couldn't tell."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"You sure? You look like you ain't doing so hot, but...\" What did she say? Did she insist on sticking by until Uri felt better? Or did she listen to what they were saying, as they'd done to her, and go out for a bit? \"If you insist. I'm sure you'll be fine, anyways; you always seem to be.\"\n\n□ How much of that was genuine mental wellness, and how much was the heavy dreamweaving crown that likely lay atop Uri's head, she couldn't be certain. However, just as she'd sobbed her heart out and then had a little confessional with her room, Uri would be fine too, at least after a little while spent with whatever text they'd been reading. Speaking of which, she rose to her feet once more, ruffled the snow-haired dreamweaver's hair, and made her way to the couch.\n\n▪︎ A curious hand reached out for the book; a smile crept upon her face.\n\n◆ \"Gallo-Romance und whatever this title says... Can't be fussed. Interesting stuff... It talks about the origin point of French as a common language. Nice to see my books aren't collecting dust.\" Dropping it, she made her way to the door and slipped her boots on. \"I'm gonna get out of your hair for real now, but... Thanks for being there, man. Like I said, I appreciate it.\"\n\n• And with that, she was gone. A phantom, so to speak, leaving the faint scents of tobacco, vanilla hand cream, and emotional turmoil in her wake. Hopefully Uri would be alright."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "A click. The door closed, leaving Uriel alone in the room. \n\nWhat to do now? They thought to themselves for a moment, pondering their next move. A midnight stroll to take advantage of their curfew immunity, or perhaps they could finally finish the scarf they'd been working on for Ares. \n\nWhat to do, indeed... So many things, but the only thing Uriel wanted to do was sleep. \n\nAnd so, they did. They changed into sleepwear and crawled into their twin cot, layering numerous comforters and blankets on top of their lanky, thin form before weaving themselves into a deep sleep. Oblivion took them almost instantly, and as slumber held Uriel's mind in its clutches, those three words repeated over and over in their head. \n\nYes, it didn't seem as if there was a point to being awake any more today— after all, the highlight of their night had already came, and they'd rather savor the memory while it was fresh than waste their time lumbering through the waking world. \n\n—"
}
] | 351 | 3,789 |
258.5 | 2022-06-07 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hourlys",
"message": "Matti pushed the door open the smallest amount possible to squeeze their body through the door, closing it immediately after. It felt itchy, near-wrong to step into a new space, and they wanted to get it over with quickly. Once they were inside, with the door closed, the turned to Margo. The mood felt odd— too light for the heavy conversation they had anticipated, but still burdened with a certain odd tension. \n\n\"Hello,\" They called out, moving to hover near an open seat. \"I wanted to talk about what happened. With the angel. More specifically, what—\" They cut the sentence off. \"What? That's what I'm asking.\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Figured as much.\" Margo hummed, nibbling another bit off of the banana in her hand. \"Take a seat, man, no need to hover. I didn't get this couch delivered just for myself.\"\n\n□ Scooting over, she planted herself in the far corner, up against the wall and its imposing bookshelves stocked thick with all manner of non-fiction titles, even labelled out with the Dewey Decimals so she herself could find whatever she was looking for. Of course, though, the small trove of information wasn't the focus here, but rather what she and Matti had seen, that short angel lingering around like a decaying skunk carcass minus the foul stench.\n\n▪︎ Surprisingly, it seemed like the angels didn't neglect their hygiene. Nice.\n\n◆ \"So, that angel was Frida. She's... Not great with English, and she seems to be the spunkiest of the ones we've seen as a collective.\" Margo began to talk once Matti had taken a seat. \"So it makes sense that someone with her sparky drive would be willing to break in here again. I know who they're looking for, and... I have one faint lead, actually.\" She continued. \"Before we get into it, though... Tea? A snack? I have some magnolia brewing right now, it's delicious, but it'll also put you to sleep. It's like chamomile but better.\""
},
{
"author": "hourlys",
"message": "\"I've never had tea before,\" Matti answered honestly, turning Margo's answer over in their mind. Clearly the angels were a group, one who the inhabitants of newton's cradle had encountered before. Looking for someone— it could only be another angel or some kind of contact. If Frida would risk coming to a place she was clearly terrified of, they must not be able to move out of the compound to meet her, or perhaps they were unwilling. \"Spunk\" Implied liveliness, and while the angel Matti had seen had been *Alive*, she'd been scared. Withdrawn. *What are the others like, if she was counted as one with \"Spark\"?* Their thoughts raced as they connected the information with what (admittedly little) they'd already figured out.\n\nMattias sat down on the couch.\n\n\"Who— *What* Is an angel?\" They asked simply. \"What do they do?\" They flipped their handbook open to a blank page, and began scribbling."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Really? Fuck, let me just...\" Rising to her feet, Margo quickly grabbed the spate porcelain teacup and saucer, setting them next to hers and setting aside any possible thoughts of offering fruit to soothe the tension. Turned out, Matti didn't want a clementine, he wanted *Answers.* \"Sorry, just can't believe you've never actually tried tea. Man...\"\n\n□ Comments shot abound her skull, whizzing and popping as she resisted the urge to comment some sort of joke. Instead, she simply checked the candy thermometer she kept in her kettle at all times and shook her head; seemingly it hadn't hit the right point for her, and that simply wasn't good enough. Sitting back down, she took a few moments to think, humming lightly and feeling every millisecond of wait dripping off of her brow in nervous cascades.\n\n▪︎ Where to begin...?\n\n◆ \"That's their colloquial name. They're... Kind of like the Mansons, if you've heard of them. Classic cluth stuff, they've got a Big Sister who's barely even human; she runs the show. Then there's at least fifteen others; Frida is just one. Parahumanity is uncommon enough that... We can *Presume* Every Angel was not born that way. That also implies that they forcefully convert people, which... Might just be a theory, but it does have some really nasty implications.\"\n\n• \"Then, there's Annika, the crux of this whole issue. She's missing, the Angels are convinced she's here, and... I think she is. But, we can't let them know that. They know that, there's nothing stopping them from just walking in and fighting their way to her. It's a mess, to put it lightly.\""
}
] | 257.5 | 1,034 |
367 | 2022-06-09 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hourlys",
"message": "Mattias tried to processes several things at once. Annika. The Angels. Frida. *Frida...*\n\n\"She seemed terrified. Desperate,\" They started, thinking out loud. \"Why— if she really did come from. From a cult, they'd no doubt brainwash any possible out their members could see. To prevent them from leaving, or being rescued willingly.\" But... \"If that did happen, though, why did Annika come to Newton's Cradle? A more outspoken personality *Could* Mean Frida was more comfortable with expressing herself: more integrated into the Angels. Still, it doesn't necessarily makes sense for one member to trust us enough to protect her and another to be as scared as Frida was. There's disconnect.\"\n\nThey could almost *Hear* The fans whirring in their mind, the brass cogs turning. Words came easier, as they always did in these times. Making connections. \"How much do the Angels know about life outside of the group? And... What was Annika running from, that made her so desperate? Did she come willingly at all? Did Frida really come to locate her? If not, *Why was she there*?\" There had to be some ulterior motive. If the Angels had sent Frida, why her? Margo had already noted that she wasn't exactly a master at stealth, and surely if Annika was important they would have sent someone more skilled. Frida had been completely caught off guard when the security officer saw her. Not to mention, what was Frida planning to do once she'd gotten inside? Wander aimlessly? As if Annika would be out in the open?\n\nAnnika's location was their strongest lead, but also the most dangerous. Even confirming she was inside would run the risk of exposing them to both the Newton's Cradle staff and to the Angels. That was, if they could find her. She was probably stowed somewhere safe and unassuming. Secret.\n\nLuckily, finding secrets was their specialty.\n\nMattias relayed their thoughts to Margo, flipping through their handbook to see anything they could have missed."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Hm.\" Margo's brow furrowed in thought. \"Those halos are likely how the Big Sister breaks the will and minds of the others, so maybe Annika's was broken, or otherwise dispelled. Otherwise I doubt she'd have even left; maybe an accident cracked it and as soon as her clarity came back she realized she was around a bunch of murderous strangers and ran. I just... Wonder. Did she run here? Or was she interred?\"\n\n□ Theories abound, but no solid answers. All Margo and Matti could do from each side of the couch was throw ideas at the metaphorical dartboard and hope one of them hit the bullseye, and it was what they were doing, but Margo also began to think more about the occasional oddities she'd noticed while passing by Valio's room in the small hours of the morning. According to the registry, she was in a double but had no roommate, and her rumbling voice was unmistakable, so why could she hear a second, fainter voice sometimes?\n\n▪︎ She let out the mother of all sighs and fished out a crumpled pack of Marlboros.\n\n◆ \"Let's step outside for a few, then... Me and you. We're going to do a little investigating. I have a hunch about where Annika might be sequestered, and I think there'd be safety in numbers. You smoke?\""
},
{
"author": "hourlys",
"message": "It was nice. A warm and clear feeling, sunlight running through honey or something equally vague and poetic. To be taken seriously. Soon their analytical brain came back online and ran everything they'd come across before against— *If Big Sister's haloes are the way she breaks wills, unconfirmed, but specific as a wild guess, Margo can likely back it up or at least has something to indicate it's true, she at the very least is parahuman, but probably uses some mix of technology and normal brainwashing, probably a good degree of emotional manipulation, maybe blackmail— if she's calling herself 'Big Sister', she's probably selling the 'family' angle, might be holding members who have close relationships hostage*—\n\nThey tried to calm their thoughts slightly, holding out a better course of action like coaxing a dog with a bone. *Investigating*, they told themself. *We're going investigating*. They pulled their hair back and tied it in a neat ponytail at the base of their neck, freeing up their peripheral vision. They slid their glasses off their face and clipped them into a holster on their satchel, clutching their handbook and pen in their right hand. \n\n\"No,\" They responded. \"I don't smoke.\" In fact, they nearly couldn't stand the smell, but they weren't about to tell Margo that. It likely wouldn't bother them, so long as they could see it was *Margo* And not. Someone else. Matti stood abruptly and walked towards the door, hovering as they waited for Margo to lead the way."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Alright. Figured I'd offer. Anyways...\"\n\n□ She groaned stood up, and made her way to the door, slipping on her boots and popping it open.\n\n• [Five Minutes Later...]\n\n◆ \"This is where I do my business past curfew.\" Margo explained as she turned a corner and fixed her sight on a trashcan. Insignificant as it seemed, this vessel of filth and refuse was the stepping stone that led over the wall set between two buildings, a small alleyway formed between them and apparently free of cameras or snoops. Hopping up onto the bin, she quickly leapt and hoisted herself over it, dropping the eight or so feet to the ground with a muffled *Thud* And a groan. Once Matti made his way over as well, Margo lit up her cigarette and leaned against the wall.\n\n▪︎ \"We're safe to talk here.\" If it was any other night, she'd have been talking at full volume, but Frida had *Just* Ran off; who knew how many other angels were lurking in the dark? \"Valio is hiding Annika, and I'm fucking *Sure* Of it. The problem is, Valio tends to be aloof and distant, so knocking isn't guaranteed to get us anywhere. She also works as a bartender, and if she's there tonight then nothing's stopping us from simply... Hm. I don't know how else we'd get to look inside. It's either we knock, Val opens the door a crack, and I give it the mother of all boot kicks to slam it open, or we figure out how to bug the room from the outside. Either way, we're going there.\" She took a drag of her cigarette and let the smoke cascade from betwixt teeth stained by years of heavy tea drinking and a recent habit of eating lemons raw. \"This might get dicey. If it goes south, *Split.* I'll take the fall, and any punishment, you just have to get the *Fuck* Out of Dodge if Val starts to swing, or if a guard stumbles on us effectively busting into someone else's room past curfew. We're in this mess now, and we've got to see it through to the end... No matter what happens to me. Any objections? Thoughts?\""
},
{
"author": "hourlys",
"message": "A small, intangible thrill ran through Matti as they quietly (or at least, as quiet as they could muster to be) hopped over the wall to join Margo. *Investigating*, it hummed. Content. *Investigating with an ally*. \n\n*Friend.* Matti told it. *Nobody uses the word 'ally'.*\n\nAs they landed on the other side they flipped open to their notes on Valio. There wasn't much and it rankled, as being uninformed always did. They flipped to another page and tried to focus on making a plan. \n\n\"What can you do?\" They asked blatantly. \"We may not need to break in. I may be able to hear if someone's inside— but only if they're hiding.\" Explaining their abilities was difficult. They'd never had to do it before, at least not to someone who they thought would listen. *Margo would. Does,* They realized. *Listen.*\n\nIt made the slight anger in them burn brighter, as Margo detailed how she wanted Matti to essentially *Abandon* Her at the first hint of trouble. They knew they didn't look or even act like it most of the time, but they could take care of themself. They'd been doing it for ten years. They weren't a child. Yet however much their damaged pride hissed at being unintentionally wounded, the bigger part of their anger stemmed from the sheer *Assumption* Of it. That Matti would just. Leave Margo. To deal with being caught, or even *Hit*. By herself. \"No matter what happens to me,\" She said, like Matti wouldn't tear down brick walls with their hands to follow her into danger. Well, this danger, at least. It had been twice now Margo had protected them. Kindness, many little times over. They knew Margo was used to protecting. To throwing herself in harm's way. It probably wasn't healthy. Still. She'd earned their loyalty. Whether she wanted it or not. Mattias wasn't letting her assume all the risk.\n\n\"I'm not leaving you behind,\" They said, voice unwavering. If they'd been a bit stronger, maybe they would have made eye contact. Instead, they shrugged. \"Otherwise, we can improvise.\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"I mean, my left eye can see x-ray *And* Infrared, alongside ultraviolet, but... Infrared isn't very useful here, ultraviolet is *Useless,* And I don't actually know if I can see through the walls here. It's...\" She let out a sigh. \"It's mostly just a party trick right now. I can see through people's hands, or maybe through a strongbox, but it's always very diffuse; my eyes don't magically generate their own wavelengths, they simply pick them up, and it's much harder to find a portable x-ray source than a backlight or whatnot.\"\n\n□ Speaking with a faint amount of shame, it was weakness showing itself right as she was plotting to bust down the door of a woman who could have screwed her head off of her shoulders and shit down her neck. Maybe this *Wasn't* The best time, but it also needed to be said; her powers, despite years of practice, were still heavily limited by their inability to generate their own sources, and this was proving to be a huge issue here. She didn't *Want* To have to barge into Valio's room, but she also wasn't prone to delusions.\n\n▪︎ The facts were already known, and it was that despite Valio's pacifist nature she was still very secluded and shadowy, and unlikely to answer a random knock on the door past curfew.\n\n◆ \"Great, actually. If Annika *Is* In there, she's almost certainly consumed by the fear of being discovered, or of being handed back over to the angels. You'd likely be able to spot her out, then.\" She spoke through a cloud of cigarette smoke. \"Also, this isn't a matter of you being weak, or whatever seems to be bothering you. It's a matter of it being better for only one of us to be caught than both. You could just slip away and keep fighting the battle while I'm stuck mopping the floors or whatever the punishment would be. I'll straight up throw you if I have to, you're not coming down with me if things go south. I'm not letting it happen.\""
},
{
"author": "hourlys",
"message": "Matti paused, flipped to Margo's entry.\n\n*X-ray.* They scribbled down. Then, glancing to make sure Margo wasn't looking, *Ultraviolet??? Infrared??? Similar sensing of wavelengths.*\n\nThey closed the book as more conflict ripped through them. On the one hand, Margo's logic *Did* Make sense. It was better for one of them to be caught, so that the other could continue investigating. \n\n\"It's the principle,\" They argued. \"I don't want to leave you alone to take all of the consequences for a situation we're in together. I could just as easily take the punishment— in fact, it might be better that way. Newton's Cradle has already dubbed me...\" Well. \"Mentally unstable\" Wasn't exactly the best thing to tell the friend (friend!) you were about to commit minor crime with. \"...To be in a *Delicate* State of mind. Horrors from the abyss and dead dogs, and all. They know that sometimes the pull from my abilities is overwhelming, if not unavoidable. That means they'll probably be more lenient.\" In fact, mentioning it seemed to pull their senses back to the forefront of their mind— it took deep, deliberate breaths, the fine-microscope-focusing of their thoughts to make the sudden crash of input fade into the background. The breaths also reminded them of the real question they were supposed to be answering, instead of dissuading Margo from effectively sacrificing herself. \n\n\"Either way, if we don't get caught this conversation is irrelevant. I think our first step is to find a time where Valio is either out or we suspect she's talking to Annika, so that I can listen in.\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Maybe.\" If it was on principle, she wasn't shaking Matti from his post. Figures she'd be stuck with someone who didn't know how to simply turn tail, run, and let a willing martyr take the fall. \"But mentally unstable or not, you're better equipped to snoop than I am. All I can do is listen and observe, man, you've got so much more potential with your powers. All I am is just... Brawn, and a distraction.\"\n\n□ She bit down on the filter of her cigarette, crushing it between the crowns of her teeth and looking up at a ledge built into the wall for some reason. A bird's nest lay upon it, branches and straw intertwined with determination and bird spit, and though she couldn't hear anything from it over the sounds of the various vents and fans whirring away on each wall she almost felt as if it was certainly inhabited. Maybe it was just her nerves going slightly haywire, but whatever the case she knew that time was ticking, and that every moment spent out in the dead Swedish chill was a moment that could have been spent snooping around and trying to figure out the best way to get the answers the pair sought.\n\n▪︎ Back to the topic at hand.\n\n◆ \"Only an idiot commits a crime without an alibi and a contingency plan.\" She scoffed. \"But, maybe we'll make it out unscathed and out of trouble. Who knows, man.\" The cigarette slipped loose from her lips and fell down to the earth, still smouldering two-thirds of the way down but seemingly cast away because she decided she was done wasting time. \"The only person I can think of who would know if Valio is working is Esmeralda Baltimore, but it'd be foolish to approach her. We're flying solo; God keep us safe, huh?\"\n\n• How *Ironic;* They were going looking for angels on earth, and Margo was calling out to God for protection."
},
{
"author": "hourlys",
"message": "Matti smiled, their eyes (metaphorically) lighting up. Though being called an idiot, even (maybe) jokingly, smarted (they *Knew* They didn't know things. Normal things that people learned in school. Ultraviolet and infrared), the feeling of shame was far outweighed by mounting excitement. It had been a while since they'd had a *Real* Investigation going, discounting— (discounting too many teeth and too many eyes and claws like mountains and the smear of red)— the woods. \"God keep us safe,\" They echoed. *And guide us* They added in their head. *Let my eyes see what conceals itself, let my ears hear what hides. Let me witness that which I seek, in this moment.*\n\nThey could sense Margo's restlessness, no, maybe impatience, and gave her a small, barely restrained smile. \"Where should we wait? Should we go to Valio's now, as a preliminary check? Or go back to your dorm?\" *Or,* They belatedly realized. *Mine.* Matti's dorm was barren, the little supplies they had scattered and messy across the various surfaces. It would be more private than the room Margo shared with Uriel— *Uriel*, they thought suddenly. \n\n\"What does Uriel know? I mean. What should and shouldn't I discuss in front of them. If it's nothing, it might be better to wait in my dorm room.\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Uri won't tell me a fucking thing.\" Margo spat. \"I've asked them several times, and it's always either been vague responses or they feign a text from Owen and then leave. They're a good friend, but my God, it's clear they know way more than they're letting on.\"\n\n□ There was an undercurrent of angst and heartbreak beneath her suddenly vicious spiel. This, however, was not from a place of malice, but instead from a place of emotional turmoil. Over the past two months, they'd grown pretty close, or at least she thought so, yet every time she pressed the question Uri never budged, never divulged whatever they knew, never even gave her a *Whiff* Of a trail to follow. Perhaps, then, this wasn't simply for her own sake, but also because she knew she was being kept in the dark, and the knowledge had been eating her alive from the inside out like a writhing mass of worms.\n\n▪︎ She pushed off the wall.\n\n◆ \"Who said we need a room?\" Hypothetical rather than serious, she had clearly set her mind to getting to the bottom of this whole mystery amplified to ear-splitting intensity by Uriel's refusal to say anything and by the Angels showing up night after night. They *Knew* More than the general population of Newton's Cralde, it seemed, and something about that just didn't sit right. \"Need help getting over the wall? There isn't exactly a stepping stone here like the outside; I'll boost you if you need.\""
},
{
"author": "hourlys",
"message": "Matti looked at the wall, and then at Margo. They had to crane their neck slightly. They narrowed their eyes. *Fucking tall people. Being tall.* Matti it wasn't a slight, and that they probably couldn't get back up over the wall without Margo's help. It was only Margo's friendship, and the bribe of further investigation, that prevented them from being bitter. \n\n\"I think I'll need a boost.\" They flipped their handbook closed and tucked it into the pocket of their jeans along with their pen. Meanwhile, they thought about what Margo had called \"Contingency plans\" And \"Alibis\". They knew about the concepts, mostly, but hadn't ever practiced either themself. It would probably be useful, when investigating in the future. Or stumbling on dead bodies. They shivered. Bad memories."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Alright.\"\n\n□ Kneeling down, Margo's mind shifted into gear, moving the tendons and ligaments that controlled her arms and legs until, like a human piece of furniture, she was knelt down next to the wall with her hands offered out and her feet firmly planted into the dirt. She'd clearly done this before, but how many times? How many nights had she spent back home boosting her friends over walls and fences, chiseled physique put to work carrying her friends around and freeing herself from the gated shackles of her rich community.\n\n▪︎ She looked up at Matti.\n\n◆ \"Well?\" She broke the silence after a moment. \"Step on, I'll help you over it.\""
},
{
"author": "hourlys",
"message": "Matti hesitantly used Margo's foothold to boost themself up to the wall, before reaching and almost immediately retracting a hand to help her up, recalling the ease with which she had gotten over the wall in the first place. They slid themself over, fidgeting to wait until Margo had joined them and walking back to the dorms, trailing behind her. With each footstep, they worried. They hadn't exactly... *Told* Margo about the unpredictability of their powers, the fact that they could just as well focus on the ill-concealed sobbing from one of the upper floors (Matti was. Really concerned for the inhabitant of that room) rather than the sounds actually pertinent to the investigation. Proximity would probably help. Hopefully. The only other option would be Opening their Sight, which they *Really* Didn't want to do. If at all possible. As it was, their Sight was half-open, occasionally still malfunctioning and blurry, like when first waking up. Opening it, Opening their eyes, would allow them to see more. But it also. \n\nThey shivered as they remembered opening their Sight to look at Gabe. They still didn't know *What* That reaction was, if it was only a result of their powers clashing or if it was something wrong with them. They prayed it wouldn't repeat again."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◇ And, so Margo boosted Matti up and then scaled the wall like it was nothing.\n\n□ On the other side, Margo wasn't exactly chatty compared to before. A distinct shift had occurred in her demeanour, from speculation and conspiracy to action over words, a determined expression mixing with caution and an eye always over her shoulder. This, by definition, was Margo in the midst of one of her great teenage trespasses, gut feeling and dying gumshoe dreams making one last hurrah before they were ultimately replaced by a future full of reptiles, frogs, and languages dead for thousands of years.\n\n▪︎ It was the truth or nothing at all, and she wasn't exactly willing to leave empty-handed.\n\n○ [Back Inside...]\n\n◆ \"Remember.\" Margo spoke in hushed tones as the pair eclipsed the third floor landing, boots against tile floor and a hint of worry in her voice. \"This goes south, get the fuck out. We'll... Listen in through the door, first. One as a lookout, one as an ear. Then, we either knock, or you can peek through. Like we established, Annika is definitely intentionally hiding, so that should help. Are you ready to do this?\""
},
{
"author": "hourlys",
"message": "*Are you ready, Mattias?*\n\nThey supposed it didn't really matter. They'd been feeling it ever since they'd gotten to the hallway— ever since they'd gotten up the stairs. The pull. Glasses off, earbuds out. Everything was *Loud*, and *Bright*. They fumbled for Margo's arm as they neared what must have been Valio's door. *Fuck*, their eyes *Hurt*, and they would have tried to blink away phantom tears if their gaze wasn't locked on the spyhole of the door. *Somethingistheresomethingishidingsomeoneishiding* Pulsed around their eye sockets. They took another step, their ears straining. Someone was talking.\n\nTwo people?\n\nThe voices were quiet, even to Matti's improved hearing. They were too focused to understand what the conversation was about— it wasn't what was hiding anyway. Everything in them tunneled onto a single heartbeat, feather light and rabbit quick with underlying fear. Breaths that forced calm, that only barely lost the edge of distrust. The rustling sound of fabric and fidgeting. Weight shifting on a chair. The startled *Swish* Of hair from a head gazing out a window towards some loud, sudden piece of ambient noise. They dug their nails into Margo's arm and forced their vision back, grueling as stopping a tsunami with a beach towel. \n\nSlowly, but surely, they sank back into their own skin, the amalgamation of sound and sight and burning eyes folding back into Mattias Gates. Their own breathing, labored, grew louder in their ears. The heartbeat and *Inhale* And shifting and *Exhale* Faded. With fumbling hands they slipped their sunglasses over their eyes, shoving in earbuds to block out the remaining cacophony.\n\n*\"They're both in there,\"* They whispered to Margo voice sounding louder than they remembered it being. \"*Talking about something— I couldn't tell. But Annika's in there, talking to someone else. Valio.*\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◇ Meanwhile...\n\n□ Admittedly, Margo wasn't actually all that familiar with Matti's powerset. She knew the keywords, or at least thought she did – unveiling the truth, discovering the waterfront, screaming out into the void and getting answers – but as his arms fumbled for hers and his nails dug into her arm there was a very real discomfort that began to bubble in her stomach. Something about this seemed rather invasive, but at the same time she was the one whose first plan was to knock, wait for a crack, then put every ounce of strength into her right leg and completely send the door flying off of its hinges. Comparatively, this method was surreptitious and possessed the cloak and dagger element she'd failed to capture herself.\n\n○ Then, the answer came back, and a breath hitched in her throat for a split second before being forced down.\n\n◆ \"Bingo.\" Margo grinned, wiry and self-assured. \"I fucking knew it. I knew I was onto something.\" Taking a few steps towards the door, she knocked hard, three times, then a soft fourth, like a percussive signature.\n\n• She cleared her throat. \n\n★ \"Valio, Annika...\" She began, her voice certain and firm. \"Öppna er. En annan ängel var här.\" **[Open up. Another angel was here.]**\n\n○ Moment of truth."
},
{
"author": "bucke1",
"message": "Valio's eye flickers to the door lazily, she stands from her bed palms against her legs or leverage her ungloved hands pressing and sinking against fabric. She casts a look to Annika who's panicked movements wrinkle laid fabric against the other beds sheets. Annika presses herself up to a corner away from sight of the doorway. Valio, just bending slightly due to her height, watches the poor girl. The room is silent from the disturbance, from the girl that spoke their names. \n\nValio sighs and takes one long stride to land herself perfectly in front of the door. She takes a moment to look at her horribly scarred hands which are taking on a charcoal tint at her fingers to her knuckles, her skin mangled and warped skin stretching to cover areas ripped and crushed by things she does. She takes her leather gloves which are conveniently placed on a dresser by the door sliding them on her wizened hands. \n\nShe braces her right hand against the door and her left on the knob, her nerves unfeeling against anything and everything even the blissful touch of cold steel which warms to almost seemingly scalding temperatures due to Valio's hand. The heat of her form seemingly slipping out into the hallway which harbours the dastardly children housing curiosity which only paves a road to an unlikely end. She opens the door wide enough to see Valio's face but not open enough to really do Valio's size justice, only to show an intimidating form of height and size against the teenagers. \n\n\"Another, you say?\"\n\n.\n\nValio questions Margo with a chilling stare, the middle of her eye seemingly pulsing with the blue that swirls silently in its own colours. If you looked close enough it looks like it was torn and ripped but that was for another time. The air was tense and Valio wore a heavy frown. Her trust was quickly betrayed by Uriel who promised her they wouldn't tell a soul, oh how quickly her fickle trust is thrown away... A shame. That's the conclusion she came to. Her body tensed and her left hand moved from the knob to in front of her in a clenched fist. \n\nThe look she held was pure calm yet she couldn't push aside the small pang of sorrow that she'd been tossed aside so quickly. She noticed the other who was glued to the girls side like a parasite leeching off whatever they could. \n\nShe wanted answers that didn't harm. \n\n\"Why are you here considering who I'm holding has already been given away.\"\n\nHer tone is low and slightly demanding, her smooth almost old sounding tone sliding off the walls for the hallway like water."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Yes, and you didn't give her away. She isn't an unwanted puppy, she's apparently the crown jewel of those cultists out in the industrial park, and due to my friend here's powers...\" Margo confidently replied, the lilt of her voice showing that she *Knew* She wasn't just talking nonsense. \"I know someone else is in here. I've heard you talking, and a voice talking back, in the small hours of the morning, when I roam the halls and plan out each day. I've... Been digging, Valio; mostly because Uri won't tell me a fucking thing, honestly...\" \n\n□ The knife still twisted itself in her chest with each word. Uriel was someone who she believed was truthful with her when it mattered, so why was it that they refused to say anything, no matter how Margo approached the question? *Not important,* She decided, and thus the thought was cast away as if the knife had been pulled out and thrown down a sewer drain. Now, it was the comedically smaller yet clearly astute Margo against the defensive, leery Valio, bands of turquoise and periwinkle swaying in her eye like sheets on a clothesline, and it was the kind of standoff that, were it not for her sheer unwillingness to back down from causes that mattered to her, she'd have never initiated.\n\n▪︎ After all, she had *No* Idea what Valio's powers actually were, and even if they were a non-factor the taller girl still towered a foot above and would have been at least three weight classes above her in the boxing ring.\n\n◆ \"I know you have someone. I'm... Not here to cause trouble. I'm not here for the purpose of spreading rumours, nor am I here to sell Annika out.\" Margo continued, fishing a lollipop out of her back pocket and popping it in her mouth. \"I just want the truth. Uri hasn't given me a crumb, so I've done my own digging.\"\n\n○ \"And, Annika?\" Margo called out. \"You might be scared of me, of my partner, but we don't mean any harm. If anything, we want to help keep you safe, but goddammit, we can't do that if your mere existence is kept under so many locks, keys, and sewn lips that it makes a torture room look like IV drips full of heroin, endless blowjobs, and the world's most exquisite food on banquet.\""
},
{
"author": "hourlys",
"message": "Mattias did not know what the fuck was going on. \n\nThat was an overstatement. Still, there was clear, *Palpable* Tension, the kind so blatant it didn't register to their powers. Thick enough to cut with a knife, or, Matti thought eyeing the figure in the doorway, split like the skull of two people who'd stumbled into something they *Really* Shouldn't have. Most of their actual consciousness was still riding the mild high of relief after reigning in their powers (their ears were ringing, they registered vaguely), so they didn't get a chance to actually *Listen* To what Margo and probably-Valio were talking about. *My partner*, they registered Margo saying with a far-away, fuzzy sort of elation. *Like partners in crime. Or detectives.* \n\nAs the ringing started to fade, they fumbled with the latch on their satchel, unwrapping a mint as quietly as they could. *Please just ignore me. Just let me fade into the background like always.* It probably wouldn't be difficult: Margo had the kind of drive and *Presence* That people tended to take note of, even without talking to her. Matti pushed their glasses further up onto their face, and hid behind Margo and a the curtain of their hair. \n\nUnfortunately with the return of their senses, their heart started to hammer again. *Fuck. She's going to kill us.* They could make out Margo promising— promising that they'd keep quiet, that they wouldn't tell anyone. Which was true. Probably. Weird metaphors and references aside. The figure in the doorway still looked murderous. *Valio threat update* They swore to themself internally. *If we don't get our lights knocked out here. At **Least** An 11. Maybe as far as a 13.* For now, they stayed quiet, letting Margo do the talking. As long as they didn't contribute, they figured they had no way to fuck up whatever hesitant truce had formed."
}
] | 359 | 6,973 |
265.944444 | 2022-06-11 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "bucke1",
"message": "\"I'm afraid I still cannot trust your word even now.\"\n\nValio looked at the girl's eye, she had done this many times when looking at policemen. But this isn't authority, this is just a kid. \nBlue twitched and bled as she stared, the lid of her eye lowering alone with her brow in a narrowing motion. \n\n\"Do not be mad at them, I asked them to keep quiet. They're a good person and they don't need to be interrogated like a tool, because they aren't.\"\n\nValio nods at Margo at least hopefully she has a chance of keeping this secret a secret. Valio is all too ready to admit that she is scared that Annika will get hurt because of a slipped word. The last thing she wants is to see Annika in worse condition than she was when she found her in the industrial district room. It wasn't a pretty sight. \n\nValio mulls over Margo's words for just a moment, putting everything she could think of to the test. Valio opens the door further and takes one back step to move herself away from the door to let them in. She stares at them and makes a motion with her head knowing they're allowed. \n\n\"Don't think of trying anything, just say what you have to and leave quickly.\"\n\nShe sets down what she expects mostly. Hopefully they know not to test her, she expected looks were enough. \n\n\"If I hear that word spread around I'm pinpointing it on you two, you both promise to keep quiet. Immediately.\" \n\nShe needs to make sure nobody will go willy nilly after seeing that she is in fact housing an ex-Angel. God forbid she actually found out what had happened to her. \nUriel had told her that they were murderers and that she'd be housing one, Valio was one too how does that change the fact they were talking to one. \nAnnika isn't Killing people on a whim anymore.\nMaybe they don't trust Annika because they know.\n\n*What if they knew what Valio did.*\n\n*Would they hate her?*"
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"I'm not mad, just hurt.\" Very matter-of-factly, she shot down the notion that she was *Pissed* At Uriel for keeping her in the dark. It was less anger and more heartbreak, an unspoken trust built between them now peppered in bandages. \"And I understand your lack of trust, Val. I promise to, under even the greatest duress or torture, keep everything that happens here a secret. Now give me a moment to talk to my partner.\"\n\n□ Stepping away from the door, she also gave its knob a light tug to tell Valio to close it for a moment. Irregardless of what happened with the door Margo would wave Matti down the hall, to in-front of a pair of doors whose occupants she'd never met. She'd seen one, a girl with short black hair and a very skater look, but en lieu of conversing she was just another ghost haunting the halls of the Cradle.\n\n▪︎ Once Matti made his way over, Margo would let out a deep sigh.\n\n◆ \"I'm not mincing my words, Matti. You are utterly *Incapable* Of lying.\" Margo started, at once minding her tone and trying to come across as non-confrontational, yet also trying to make sure he knew she was firmly set in her abilities. \"And you'd get yourself hospitalized by Valio at the very least by the end of the week with all this... Information. You know the gist, and... Apologies if this is mean, but I think it's all you should know for now. It's safer that way; I may prefer honesty as well, but unlike you I've learned that deception and lies are powerful tools. So... Head on back. I'll catch up with you at some point, okay?\"\n\n• \"Also, I'm not taking no for an answer. Your lips are loose. You've already got contact with Frida, it'll be safer if only I go in and talk to Annika.\""
},
{
"author": "hourlys",
"message": "*Ow.* Okay. It was okay. They understood. It made logical sense. \n\nThey'd gotten over, momentarily, the fear that Valio was going to kill them both. Margo, with all her inevitable, magnetic persuasiveness, had handled it. Really all *They'd *Done was act as a bug to confirm what Margo already expected. Their role had been minimal. There wasn't anything that qualified them to be trusted with the knowledge of whatever when on in that room. And even if they *Did* By chance learn about whatever Annika knew, it'd be risky. More people with information meant a higher chance of a leak. Margo thought that *Matti* Would be that leak. The sting of hurt conflicted with the knowledge that she was right— they wouldn't lie, even if they could— and the sinking feeling of being shut out. Again. \n\nWhich was fine. Everything was fine. \n\nThey didn't bother with platitudes or arguments, recognizing Margo's conviction. They knew if they really, *Really* Wanted to, they could just linger in the doorway and listen in. But without Margo to lean on (how in such a short time had they become dependent on the support of others through their 'episodes'?) they weren't confident in their ability to make it back to their own room after using their abilities twice in such a short period of time. Besides, it felt too much like deception— like lying— for their taste. So instead they just nodded, quietly, and moved their handbook back into their satchel. With a short, stilted wave of goodbye, they headed back to their dorm. Maybe this was a good thing. They needed time to sort through their thoughts, anyway. They sat at their desk and began the painstaking process of transcribing their writing into their larger journal, doing their best to keep Margo, Annika, and Valio's conversation out of hearing and out of mind."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◇ Well, that was easier than she expected.\n\n□ Matti had seemingly come to understand – or inherently understood – her harsh truths, and had taken it with grace instead of anger. Once he'd waved her goodbye she followed suit, then took a few moments to linger in the hallway, leaned against the aforementioned skater chick's room door, and mulled over what to say. Obviously any suspicion Valio cast upon her was due to be far worse when it came to Annika, so she'd need to mind her tone. Her words. The inflection and intention of them. She'd need to also always keep on the cautious defensive, and with all of this settled out in her skull she let out a sigh.\n\n▪︎ Sighed, said a prayer to God for protection, and signed the cross.\n\n◆ \"Val.\" Margo knocked again, three firm and one soft. \"It's Margo. I've sent my partner away, as he cannot keep a secret for the life of him. I'm ready, if you'll still let me in.\""
},
{
"author": "bucke1",
"message": "\"It was before you came here.\"\n\nValio paused at the door.\n\nShe mulled over something in her head while looking down to Margo. \nValio thought better and shook her head while closing the door. \n\nShe stood close to the door slightly listening to the conversation. She only heard that the other was horrible at laying, which she noted. Though she looked at Annika who in turn looked at her. Valio pursed her lips glancing to the door. \n\n\"I'm sorry Annika.\"\n\nShe probably lost trust within Valio. She's nothing more than a fraud in her dull eyes probably, it's not far off from the real thing after all. \n\nWhen Valio heard Margo's knocks she turned back to the door. Valio already had her hand against the hot knob of the door and turned it gently. \nShe opened the door greeting Margo to the inside of her door. \nThe lights were on showering the room in a array of bright colour. \n\nValio's part looked catered to her tastes, various animal skulls and papers and books. She looked like to be working on a carving in a corner as to the wood shavings littering the desk. \nThere was a larger bed opposed to the regular standard and it was covered in blanket sheets. It looked homely almost as if you entered a cabin. It smelled of wood and something else really, something burned. \n\nWhat broke the illusion was the other side bland except scattered clothing which Valio had probably gotten for Annika. There was that crude cardboard mask sitting on the corner of the messy bed. \n\nAnnika was sitting on Valio's side in the corner. Staring with widened eyes at the entrance. \n\n\"Come in. Remember. Keep a secret.\" \n\nValio warns Margo. Her voice dropping an octave or two."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"My lips are sealed.\"\n\n□ Assuring Valio that she wasn't going to be any trouble, and that she was going to keep her word, Margo stepped into the other girl's dorm room and took a few moments to look around first. A large bed against the far wall, coated in quilt and campfire incense. Animal skulls and wood shavings on the other. A cascading blitzkrieg of lights. It was all very opposed to each other, wilderness and neo-civilization, and it was all very interesting to Margo, to say nothing of the saucer-eyed Annika staring both at her and through her.\n\n▪︎ Moreso than even the noticeably leery Valio, *This* Was the girl she had to work to gain even a sliver of trust from.\n\n◆ \"Hej, Annika. Jag heter Margo, och... Innan vi börjar prata, föredrar du att jag pratar med dig på svenska, eller föredrar du engelska?\" **[\"Hello, Annika. My name is Margo, and... Before we begin to talk, do you rather it if I talk to you in Swedish, or would you rather English?\"]**"
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Annika jolts for a brief moment at being spoken to, even more so in Swedish. She stares at Margo, wide-eyed, and stammers out a weak, breathy \"...Svenska, tack så mycket.\"\n\n**[\"...Swedish, thank you.\"]**"
},
{
"author": "bucke1",
"message": "Valio stands against the door after closing it. Valio stares at the two. She crosses her arms. She then looks to the floor. \n\n\"Jag låter er båda prata om informationen.\"\n\n\n\nShe says. \n\n\"She needs to know.\" \n\nA second later Valio says although it's said quietly."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Jag ska börja med... Att? Att. Att berätta för dig vad jag vet, Annika, innan jag lämnar dig i fred och låter ditt ansikte försvinna i mina tankar...\" **[\"I'll start by telling you what I know, Annika, before I get out of your hair and allow your face to fade into the mists of my mind.\"]** \n\n□ Margo began, speaking to Annika directly in her native language, in her court, blessed by a natural gift for learning languages. \n\n◆ \"Minst fyra gånger under de senaste tre veckorna har jag sett andra änglar som lurat runt, och... De dödar inte längre. Jämfört med tidigare, åtminstone från... Tidningsartiklar och vad som helst, har jag bara kunnat fastställa två mord under de senaste tre månaderna, när tidigare kvartal gav närmare tio eller tolv i genomsnitt. De letar efter dig och de vet att du är här. Annars skulle min partner inte ha Frida på snabbnummer på grund av det som hände tidigare, och de skulle inte lämna döda djur i lokalerna.\" \n\n○ **[\"At least four times in the past three weeks, I've seen other Angels lurking around, and... They're not killing anymore. Compared to the past, at least from the... Newspaper articles and whatnot, I've only been able to pin two murders in the past three months, when previous quarters brought closer to ten or twelve on average. They're looking for you, and they know you're here. Otherwise, my partner wouldn't have Frida on speed dial due to what happened earlier, and they wouldn't be leaving dead animals on the premises.\"]**\n\n▪︎ She took a second to breathe after recounting all of that.\n\n◆ \"And as for you, Valio, I'll give you a rundown in English in a minute. I think she deserves to know first and foremost, and a chance to speak, and I can't exactly balance speaking *And* Live translating a language I've yet to master.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Annika nods softly.\n\n\"...Jag vet.\"\n\n**[\"I know.\"]**"
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Hur vet du det, om du inte har något emot att jag frågar?\" Margo asked, her voice remarkably smooth and soft. \"Jag har en massa frågor, men jag vill inte gå för långt eller förolämpa er.\"\n\n□ **[\"How do you know, if you don't mind me asking? I have a lot of questions, but I don't wish to overstep or offend.\"]**"
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Annika shakes her head."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Okay. I... Assume we're done here.\"\n\n□ Margo might have been deadly curious, but she could also read the room, and it told her that Annika didn't want to talk to her any longer. She could understand it, and it was enough, so she looked back at Valio, her spine straightening itself out and her face twisting from attempted comfort to caution and docility.\n\n▪︎ Now she had to tell the truth to Val.\n\n◆ \"Well, now I owe *You* Answers, so. Here's what I know.\" Margo took a moment to clear her throat and clack her lollipop around in thought. \"Frida's been here once earlier this week. There's been others lurking around in the early hours of the morning. I've been seeing their glowing wings and halos out in the early dawn. They've got to be relatively certain that she's here, and it's only a matter of time until they change their tack.\" She spoke, her voice guarded and low to keep any passersby from overhearing. \"And, like I said, I'm sure that they're planning to try and storm this place. It's all gut feelings, but my gut tends to be pretty good; after all, it's how I figured out that you've got a stowaway, so. Also, Mattias gave Frida a burner phone, so he has contact with her. I don't know if it's good or bad, but an unreliable insider is better than none at all.\""
},
{
"author": "bucke1",
"message": "Valio pushed herself off the door and to the middle of the room. She placed herself in front of Margo to block her view of Annika. Her arms still crossed and a rather cold look across her features. \n\nValio is owed a lot but, she'd rather die than ask favors. Better be a bystander than a burden. \n\nThe slight noise of her lollipop makes Valio's eye twitch faintly. \nShe leans down slightly to hear Margo better since her hearing really isn't the best, nor what it should be. \n\n\"Alright. That's good to finally know.\"\n\nValio cracks her neck while standing back to her full height, a noise that cuts through the room.\n\n\"Anything else you want to say? Or are you going to start acting questions. You did come here for that. Didn't you?\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"I'm sorry it's not *More,* Man. I do have a journal with all of my notes, observation, and research jottings from days spent cooped up with newspaper archives, but that isn't on me now. All I have is my phone, some candy, and a pack of cigarettes.\" Candid admittance for someone who was several years off of being able to legally buy. \"But... Questions. Hm.\"\n\n□ Leaning against a section of wall directly next to the door, she hummed. She'd been so consumed wifh a desire to see the light and to get answers that she didn't actually *Consider* The questions that would have helped her out the best. Maybe it was hasty, but weeks had passed with Uri's lips sealed and the angels lurking outside ever more, mongols on horses circling the chain link fences that encircled the Cradle, and she had just wanted to know what the hell was so secretive.\n\n▪︎ Now, she had her answers, and she'd be remiss to have not asked a few questions.\n\n◆ \"Honestly, I didn't come here with questions in mind. I just knew Uri was... Keeping me in the dark. Most people can't get a bead on them, but I can, and it was clear they were hiding. I hate being kept in the dark.\" She grumbled as politely as she could. \"But, now I have my answers, and I only have one question, I believe: how can I help keep her safe? What do *You* Want me to do with this knowledge I have, this knowledge I had to dent my friendship with my partner over? Because this is on *Your* Terms, and now that I'm in on this, so to speak, I'm interested in helping out however you – or, Annika – see fit.\"\n\n○ \"So...?\""
},
{
"author": "bucke1",
"message": "Valio sighs and raises a hand up to pinch the bridge of her nose. \n\nValio was always known to do more harm than good, always trying to help but it always ends up with everyone else being hurt. \nThis isn't the first time and wouldn't be the last so she shouldn't act all mopey and sad over it. \n\nThere are things waiting outside to hurt everyone here probably and knowing from that kid... They're bound to die and there's no bouncing back because *The wounds don't heal*. \nShe wanted Uriel to be quiet because what if somebody thought they were doing the right thing by outting where Annika was. But, it already seems Valio was too late. \n\nShe wonders if everyone at the cafe is alright, did she hurt them? \nAre they dead? There's things she needs to know. \n\n*She could've prevented it.*\n\n\"I told them to because I don't want the fact I'm housing in Uriels words \"A murderer\".\" \nValio said. \n\"I'm sorry you had to deny your friendship but why are you angry with me? I don't know you Margo.\"\nValio let's her hand fall from her face. \n\"I'm not who you should direct your problems to. You weren't here when I told Uriel.\"\n\nValio didn't raise her voice but there was a small lowering to her tone once more. \n\n\"It's on my terms because I'm pretty sure they're trying to kill Annika. I found her curled up in a room full of boxes scared for her life. I don't know what else to say Margo.\"\n\nValio looks at Margo, she unfolds her arms the electric pulse in her arms beginning to grow uncomfortable. \n\n\"I don't know how you can help other than to not share this information or sell yourself to the angels. \nThat's up to Annika really.\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"I'm not mad at you, though. You had good reason to tell them to be quiet about it all, and now it's my turn to be quiet about it all.\" Margo spoke, trying her best to defuse any hostility that may have been rising. \"But... I do have one last question, and it has to do with the angels and their... Chapel? Their house of holy? Whatever it is. It'll wait for another day, though, if such a day ever comes.\"\n\n□ Margo was no fool. She could tell that she wasn't exactly welcome here no longer, and by all accounts she'd got what she came for, so there was no sense in forcefully stretching this tense, uncomfortable situation out any further. So, with a grunt she pushed herself off the wall, and reached out for the doorknob, clearly ready to leave Valio and Annika to whatever they were doing before Matti lived out the dreams of a thousand KGB agents and Margo faced down the crux of the troubles that lay on the Cradle's horizon.\n\n▪︎ She popped the door open.\n\n◆ \"If you need to feed me any other information, send it through Uri, okay? And like I said, no amount of duress or torture will get this out of me.\"\n\n○ With that, and a brief moment of preparation, she popped the door open a wedge, and in one fluid motion threw herself out and slammed the door behind her. Now, she had one last thing to do, but... She was going to need caffeine. Hopefully June would be willing to spot her another Monster."
},
{
"author": "bucke1",
"message": "Valio stayed silent. It's not her fault right, right? \nShe wasn't this big bad- maybe she was. Maybe that's all she will be. \n\nMargo loved opening herself to an entire new book of problems when she wasn't done with the first, huh. She'll get herself hurt, and as usual. It'll be Valio's fault and Valio will take the blame for it, she has to. Nobody else will. \n\nValio opens the door and looks at Margo's form retreating down the hallway. \n\n\"Hey. You play stupid games and you win stupid prizes, Margo Killjoy.\" \n\nValio speaks out into the barren hall, her deep voice echoing along painted walls. \n\n\"Don't trust anybody. And please. Stay safe.\" \n\nAnd with that Valio enters back into her dorm. \nHer back hits the door and she slides down it. She lets out a heavy breath. \nValio pushes her hair back with one hand and after let's her hang hand between her legs. \n\n\"By the gods Margo *Please.*\"\n\nLest she fail again in protecting somebody, but it wouldn't be the last she'd be too late. Valio looks to Annika in the corner of the room. \n\nShe lets out a breathless laugh standing back up, and brushes off imaginary dust from her baggy pants. \n\n\"är det väl över utegångsförbudet?\"\n\n\n\nValio checks her phone which was placed on the dresser. \n\n\n\"Yep.\"\n\nShe says popping the p of the word. \nAll things must come to rest eventually really, *Even angels.*\n\n———————————————————"
}
] | 329 | 4,787 |
330.333333 | 2022-06-16 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "bucke1",
"message": "Valio stands in the room her arms folded almost disapprovingly. She stands over the foot of Uriels bed like a mother would looking after a sickly child. Her eye flickering over to where Finley stands with a scowl. Their displeasure evident with every native word they read. \n\nValio stands stiffly her fingers digging into her biceps, the muscles pulsing around the pressure but she makes so movement to let it be known. \n\nWhat if she didn't take Annika? Would've all this happened, would Margo still be safe. \nShe told her if she did something stupid something stupid would indeed happen. \n\nNobody listens. \n\nWhat's going to happen to Margo. Why wasn't she asked for help, was she scared of Valio? Is everyone?\n\nNevermind that she needs to know what Finley read. \n\n\"What does it say?\"\nHer monotonic low voice rings in the emotionally stifled room."
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "Finleys posture is stiff as a board. Their fingers grip the note as if they could put holes through it with their gaze alone. Something in their shoulders shakes, if just from holding the anger inside. \n\nThey look over their shoulder at Owen for half a second. These words will not be kind on their gentle friend's ears.\n\n\"Owen, I want to apologize.\"\n\nThe words come out stiff, heavily accented with their native French. \n\n\"It must weigh on your soul so heavily to see someone you care about so distinctly inflicted in this self-given helplessness.\"\n\nA quiet line of French curses pass their lips, muttered under their breath as they rub the place between their eyebrows and tug on their bangs. A few loose strands of blond fall between their fingers, the note still hanging in their other hand.\n\n\"Forgive me. I'm frustrated. But, if you will - Uriel has locked themself in some comatose state and refuses to come out. Even though one of their close friends is missing. Even despite the danger we are all in simply by being here.\"\n\nAnother French curse slips out - *Selfish bastard.*\n\n\"I'm sorry I cannot deliver better news.\""
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Owen's stare didn't budge at Finley's condolences. Sitting cross-legged at the foot of their bed, his hunched-over figure was curled toward the still figure of Uriel, scanning for any movement. \n\nHe knew without needing to look twice, however, that the only part of them that showed any sign of life was their eyes, zipping back and forth behind their eyelids. \n\nThe tired boy hated this- he hated that his friend wouldn't wake up and just *Talk* To him, hated that Margo was missing, hated that he was so pitifully twisted up at the drop of a hat. Uriel had told him that he was a protector, once- what sort of a shield quivered and froze as soon as its charge took a nap?\n\nSmall sounds died in his throat as Finley summed up their note.\n\n...\n\nA shaky sigh. Fin was frustrated with them. That didn't do wonders for the knot in his stomach. *Please don't think ill about them, they don't mean it like that,* He meant to say, though their perspective made uncomfortable sense. It was too hot in his skin, and too noisy, *And missing something*. A small part of him hoped to fall asleep here, and hope to find his friend in wherever they had gone; if only they would just come to him, say anything, hell, leave a note he could understand...\n\nCosmo shifted, Uriel dreamed, and Owen fiddled with the volume on his earbuds."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "Ares had been one of the last to show up, fashionably late as he always called it. Being so deep into the night, the boy looked messy and tired but not too off from his usual self. Now he was here, he could not pick out a single thought in his racing mind. \n\nHe stood pressed against the wall beside the door, his strong arms folded over his chest and his face held a stare that could shoot daggers across a room with deadly accurate precision. He frankly has *No* Clue what the *Fuck* Is going on here, but it seems to bother the ones he cares about so it must be important.\n\nHis gaze fell on Finley, observing their behaviour for a moment. They seemed angry. It then fell on Uriel, unconscious and still, similar to a corpse. Ares' could practically feel the cold emanating off of them from the other side of the room.\n\nVal spoke, then Finley. Owen stood there, still. All of them knew what was going on, or at least *More than him.* Ares couldn't help but scowl at his own lack of knowledge. Caleb always told him to listen more, and speak less. *He isn't here, now is he?* Ares thought, before directly disobeying his brothers advice.\n\n\"Listen- I dont know whats going on with the angels- or Uriel- or why they decided to put themselves in a damn coma.\" Ares' words came out harsh and solid, but held little weight. \n\n\"But it seems like this is a big fucking deal or whatever. Either way they probably had a reason.\"\n\nHis hands gestured away from his chest with each syllable, obviously annoyed at his own confusion. Loud words fell from his mouth, almost frantic if it wasn't for the smooth confidence he spoke with. \n\n\"Anyways, Val, if you leave in search of the missing people... You have to let me join you.\" \n_ _\n\nHe turned and looked at Valio, his deep auburn eyes met hers. He was genuinely serious for once. The two had become rather close since the first time they met in person, and Ares knew that he cared about her well being. Of course he'd never admit this, but maybe his actions would speak louder than his words. \n\nAres failed to look at Finley after insisting he joins Valio. He knew they told him not to but Ares cared more about making sure Valio didn't go alone and would not be changing his mind easily. \n\nWhat's the worst that could happen?"
},
{
"author": "burningsilence",
"message": "Yarimiel had exited her dorm, chuckling quietly about the messages she'd been sending, having entertained herself thoroughly but having now grown bored. She quietly shut her door and took in the total bliss of a quiet building in the dead of night, absolutely loving the isolated feeling it gave off. She was not afraid of the dark, as *She* Was the thing that went bump in the night, and in this case, quite literally. She rolled through her phone and selected a music app, plugging her earbuds in and putting on some of the loudest music she knew, jamming out to it in the hallways, walking in only slippers and her sleepwear, which is just more oversized clothing, but not as thick as her casual or day clothes. She did this for a couple of minutes, just dancing by herself in a nearly pitch-black hallway in the middle of the night before the song stopped, giving her mind and body a few seconds to calm down before she began to hear something a few doors down. It was a pretty big commotion, warranting her to take out her earbuds and actually listen to whatever the hell this was.\n\nShe crept up closer and closer to the door, making her own steps completely inaudible to most, even in the deafening silence of the night. She then put an ear to the door ever so gently to try and hear what the hell was going on through it, but to no avail, the door was so thick it actually *Reduced* The sound, which meant the sound was coming in from a gap. She crouched down slowly and tried to get a look inside, but nothing, it was too dark, and again, the door was too thick to reveal any details. She decided to lightly thump the softer part of her fist against the door loud enough to make the faintest sound in her complete innocence and naivety, doing so a few more times with a space of a couple of seconds. Her mind went directly to either Hanky-Panky or something to do with that tower-marblewing shit from earlier, both results coming from the analytical but oh-so-erratic mind of Yarimiel, the Chaos Catalyst."
},
{
"author": "bucke1",
"message": "Valio listened sparsely, her mind drowning itself in static. It was warped, shuttering violently with every word spoken. Completely out of it as she stood still within the room. They all seemed to distraught in different ways, she couldn't even help correctly, what a laugh. \n\nValio wasn't even listening to Ares, his loud speech mixing in the loud yells caving in her mind. \nValio's every presence seemed twisted as if she'd been launched back into some stuck up past. \nThe static was hurting her head everything was pulsing. Everything hurting. There was a long drawn out cry that slowly withered away when Valio turned to the door of the room. \n\nThe thump against the door caused her to lean to the door and almost rip off the door from it's hinges. The door groans in stress as the knob heats. She stares at Yarimiel in the doorway. \n\n\"What do you want?\"\n\nIt sounded slightly irritated, though she didn't mean to make it sound that way. Valio looks comedic with her frown and raised brow. She clearly wasn't expecting company and definitely not at a time like this. \n\n\"Tell me.\"\n\nShe presses, unhearing to those in the room."
}
] | 283 | 1,982 |
324.555556 | 2022-06-17 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "The commotion at the door rattled Owen from his beyond anxious trance. Something almost relieved fluttered in his guts when he realized the newcomer was someone he recognized- the unexpectedly nice night terror girl, after a hint of warmth in the cold, dark halls. He couldn't fault her for that. Besides, she gave good hugs.\n\n\"Ah- uhm- Val, y-you don't need to-\"\n\nA quick breath. \n\n\"H-hello, Yari.\"\n\n*That was her name, right?* It really was four in the morning. Sluggishly turning his body away from Uriel's, Owen picked at the chipped black polish on his nails, and alternated between watching the scene at the door and Ares' (oddly earnest) fidgeting. He really wished his nerves weren't trying to crawl out of his skin."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "Ares kept his sharp gaze on Valio, and then shot it to the door directly next to him at the sound of knocking. *Who the fuck is bothering them at four in the fucking morning?* Ares' mind spat out insults with zero remorse. \n\n\"Valio did you hear me?\" The boy sighed at no answer. \"Whatever.\" Ares spoke loud, but not loud enough. Valio seemed to be preoccupied so he decided to bring it back up later. \n\nFor now, Finley remained on the other side of the room. \n\nWith the door swinging open and nearly smacking Ares square in the nose, he decided it was a good time to see what Finley was fussing about. Before turning his attention to the blonde, Ares attempted to see who was at the door. He failed, being unable to see over Valio and Owen combined. With a sigh, he decided he didn't care. \n\nAres stood behind Finley, a tad close, peering down and over their shoulders to see what the paper said. Ares grumbled at the realization that it was entirely in french.\n\n\"So like... Did they say *Why* They put themselves in a damn coma or?\" Ares paused. \"How is this helpful in any circumstance.\"\n\nThe words the boy spoke were smooth, loud and confident, but laced deep underneath fell uncertainty and anger. Ares didn't know *Shit* About *Anything* That was happening. He didn't know *Why.* He hated being left out of things. \n\nHe felt the stress bubble under his skin, but didn't act on it. \n\nReturning his arms to a crossed position over his chest, Ares looked down at Finley. He huffed a sigh of annoyance before turning over his shoulder to look at Valio.\n\n\"Who's at the door, Val?\" His tone was genuine. \"What do they want.\" He called out towards the stranger, rather aggressively. The tone switch was almost comical. He heard Owen mutter a name, but couldn't make it out. \n\nEveryone was very obviously tired."
},
{
"author": "burningsilence",
"message": "Yarimiel stood there in silence for a second, thinking for a second that it was okay to turn on her phone to illuminate the room. She turned it to each of them and recognized Owen for a second, but her trademark blank expression remained on her face. She answered to the Scary Tall Muscle Lady with a \"Huh? Just wonderin' what's goin on...\" She then mouthed in a very obvious manner 'ANGELS?' and raised an eyebrow dramatically, or rather it was notable because one of them actually came *Down*, she wanted confirmation on her theory that someone was going to eventually do something about this. She then came into the room anyways and went over to Owen, as that was the only person she recognized, then she sat next to him and waited for a door to close. Not even God can say where she got the courage to ask \"So... Are they dead?\" With sheer enthusiasm painted across her face without a hint of sarcasm or any other sign that she was faking it or doing it for humor.\n\nThe girl was legit just excited to have inserted herself into this. Her sudden presence and unwelcome emotions made the air so tense that it felt notably harder to breathe, but this clear air of 'unwelcome' was simply replied with a \"Nice room, definitely better than mine, mine's all barren and gross, yours looks cool!\" Regardless of how many things were different from a standard room she would still compliment it, fuck it, even if it was even more barren, the people made it cool. So many angry people here, it got her excited for what was next for some reason, maybe it was her fucked-up sense of fight-or-flight— or rather just fight— that associated angry faces and tension with the clear justification to harm others eventually.\n\nShe then tried to get a good look around at everyone, a dumb smile on her face. She analyzed their features and if they spoke, she tried to recognize their voice, but still looked around like a kid in a candy store. To be fair, she *Is* A kid, but even then, she had more life and energy in this room than every object and person in it combined at the Haunting Hour, pretty fitting for someone who looks like a paralysis demon. \"Hey, Owen, what's going on?\" She finally asks after her attention span regenerates and her conscious mind takes the wheel again."
},
{
"author": "bucke1",
"message": "Valio stood blankly at the door, her eye wide before she sighed. She pinched the bridge of her nose. She leaned back from the door. \n\n\"Yes, angels. Get inside the room already.\"\n\nShe speaks letting a slight note of impatience be known. She looks over to Ares for a moment, her frown almost disappearing for a second. \n\n\"What did you say Ares? Y'know I'm hard of hearing.\" \n\nShe points to her only uncovered ear and even then it looks completely scarred over with a molten lichtenberg looking scar. The veins in her hand pulse uncomfortably. She stands like a monument to nothing, just there eroding in the wicked sea. \n\nShe wants to help but can she? Who will still look at her the same if she has to cave into her deepest memories and fears?\n\nNobody, but that's a story for another time. There's somebody who acted stupid that needs help. \nEveryone here is a little selfish. It's just up to the person if it sways their decision. \n\nAnd Margo certainly did just that. Odd girl."
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "\"Mon dieu - hello, oui, get inside, no, they're not dead - who are you, again?\" \n\nFinley reaches over and pulls the door shut with a decisive *Clack*, sitting the note from Uriel back on the bed. Everything in their bones wants to grip Ares and Valios arms and beg them not to go. The angels are lethal - beyond lethal, beyond parahuman. None of them stand a chance, they suppose, not to mention, they've never met Yarimiel in person before, and don't even know her name, or how she talked so fast.\n\n\"I'm Finley,\" They say, \"We haven't been introduced properly. Uriel has put themself into a coma to only be disturbed if, and I quote, their assistance becomes required to counter the angels.\" \n\nAre they not as selfish as Uriel, then, for holding onto their friends with white knuckles? Are they not as selfish for pleading with them not to go? \n\nBut Finley is here. They are awake. They have to believe that means something, to someone.\n\n\"I don't know how to wake them. Whatever we're going to do, it might have to be without Uriel.\""
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Every word spoken *\"Without Uriel\"* Turned Owen's stomach further. He barely remembered to shift over a little when Yari sat next to him, politeness almost comical in the state he was in. He didn't turn his head when she spoke to him, but he pushed an answer out of his throat.\n\n\"Margo vanished. Their roommate, off to that tower. Th-they're alright, this happens..\"\n\nThe last bit trailed off, a familiar hot pressure rising in the soft part beneath his jaw and pushing behind his eyes. *Not here, please, not right now,* He pleaded, digging the heels of his hands into his eye sockets. Pressure against pressure felt nice, nice as it could. It served to hold back the tears, at least.\n\nHis head snapped up toward Finley at their last piece. \n\n\"W-without them? I-are we- are we sure? They can't sleep forever, surely w-we can wake them-m or-\" A deep breath. The stammer had mostly dissolved since he was younger, but it still reminded him of itself when the mask slipped. A wave of nausea ran through his torso, and he brought his knees up to his chest. He had to stay awake, alert, and ready to help.\n\n\"J-just, slow down. Maybe, maybe there's something Margo left in here, written down? She's got plans, strategies, I don't know..\""
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "Ares stood slightly behind Fin, staring at the room with disbelief. He was genuinely confused, and hadn't done anything to change that. A part of him felt guilty for that, but he couldn't be bothered to care any more. \n\n\"What the fuck do you want-\" Ares snapped at the new face in the room. He noticed however, Owen welcoming her to sit beside him. Instead of his previous idea, Ares took a breath and bit his tongue. \n\n\"Whatever, I don't care.\" He turned his gaze to Valio, completely brushing off Yari and her presence. \n\n\"Im coming with you if you leave.\" \n\nLocking his gaze on Val, he was serious once again. A face of sincerity was a rare sight on the bastard himself, so when he wore it he meant it. \n\n\"I have explosives, smoke and experience. I'd be hella useful in a fight.\" Ares gestured as he spoke, the line between whether he was attempting to convince Val or himself was blurred. He knew Finley was worried, but he was confident in himself. He could handle it. \n\nWho was he if he couldn't?\n\nAs Owen spoke, Ares drew his attention in. He seemed shaken, and a lot more nervous than Ares originally thought. The dark haired boy furrowed his brows as he listened.\n\n\"Maybe? I don't know. No harm in looking right? Hopefully Elsa here and Ms. Kill-You-If-You-Look-At-Me-Wrong wont murder me for this.\" \n\nAres snickered, his laugh was teasing and laced with light hearted undertones. No harm in making a few jokes either. \n\nTurning away from Finley, Ares began to scan the room. Turning to the desk and drawers, looking through them with minimal care of keeping things neat.\n_ _"
},
{
"author": "burningsilence",
"message": "\"From the brief synopsis Owen gave me and your moods, this sounds like a rescue mission. I can slip through cracks of virtually any visible size. Through gates, grates, grills, under doors, through keyholes, plus I can move through shadows, as far as I'm aware. I'm very stealthy! People tend to not notice me the more I don't want them to.\" I can do a lot of things and a lot of them are stealth-related! But trust me I can most likely hold my own physically, maybe even against you!\" She points to Valio and laughs childishly.\n\n\"Anyway, well if Owen's upset, then this probably has to do with one of his friends, and Owen is a friend of mine, so now I'm fully willing to skin whoever made him feel lime that, alive. Or maybe I can devour them! Free food! Anyway- yeah, I got stealth, force and a spooky scream.\" She spoke in funny voices and inflections the entire time, as of she either didn't grasp the situation fully or simply didn't care enough to. \"Maybe I could make friends by rescuing them, yeah! That sounds so cool!\"\n\n\"Oh, and you're better off just waiting for this guy(g/n) to wake up. Getting knocked isn't something you just get up from. I've been knocked out once and *Boy* Is it annoying. Also, logically, depending on how they achieved this knock-out, the aftermath may be better or worse, or make the current situation easier or impossible to fix.\""
},
{
"author": "bucke1",
"message": "Valio just blankly stares at Yari, she purses her lips before settling into a deeper frown. \nWhy does everyone want to fight her? Does she really look that bad? She doesn't know what the girl means anyway, just as long as she helps. \n\nShe waves off the girl before returning to look at Ares. Whom for once looks genuine. Her brow furrows as she stares at Ares. \nIs he really willing to come with her? She didn't think he would, well that is putting into consideration that she isn't Finley. Valio just didn't think herself that important or noteworthy, but clearly other people have thought otherwise. Maybe she should start trying a bit harder even though she's bad at it. \n\nValio let out a snort at the nicknames before going to join Ares in looking through the drawers. Might as well be nosey too, what's the worst that could happen if Margo returns... If she does.\nValio will get her back, if it kills her then so be it. \n\n\"Yeah you can come with me Ares.\"\n\nValio opened a drawer or two almost unhinging them, a notebook hit her arm and made a loud slap to the floor. She picked it up with a confused look, a notebook really? \n\n\"If any of you want to wake Uriel you can. I'm not sure they'll help but, whatever works.\"\n\nShe says looking at the three others, she looks to Ares. There's a small soft smile that wavers just a small bit, she hasn't done it in a while but there it was. \n\n\"Wanna look around some more? C'mon.\" \n\nShe teases."
}
] | 319 | 2,921 |
143.153846 | 2021-08-21 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan roamed the basically empty halls of Newton's Cradle. It was so late into the night that the party was over, and most people were in bed. Still, whether it was a mix of jet lag, creative spark, or general insomnia, Morgan wanted to paint. She had been told the art studios were open full time, if only she could find them. She'd changed since the party, switching into a far too large T-shirt that had belonged to her brother and jeans, both of which were splattered with a spectrum of paint.\n\nShe stopped briefly in an intersection, trying to remember which way to go. She tried to scratch the wrist with the cast, almost unconsciously. \"This place is a fire hazard,\" She complained, voice echoing down the halls. \"I swear if there's a fire we just all die.\""
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "Vizhkir found himself wondering the halls looking for a place to smoke. He disliked smoking inside a building, but would do so nonetheless. He was well aware that the party had ended, after all he was there till the end drinking soda and playing cards by himself. Eventually he came the the conclusion that he would have to smoke inside, so making sure there was no cameras or prying eyes, he lit one and enjoyed the flavor and nicotine it provided. \n\nA familiar voice clicked in his brain. Megan? No, Morgan, was walking to him. He smashed the cherry of the cigarette on his wrist and dropped it in the nearby trashcan. He didn't want to be caught smoking. \"It appears so\" He responded."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "\"Oh, hey.\" Morgan recognized the voice. It was that Russian kid from the welcome party. She lifted her hand in a brief wave of hello. \"Don't suppose you'd know how to get to the art rooms? I'm certain they're in this building but otherwise I'm totally lost.\" Morgan remembered seeing Vizhkir playing cards off in a corner with himself after she rejoined the party. He'd seemed pretty content to keep doing what he was doing, so Morgan had left him alone."
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "\"I think I might know. Straight down this hall then a left. First or third door on left. Come\" He said pushing himself off the wall and walking down the hall. He himself wanted to know where it was, not that he did art of any type. \n\nTaking a left he opened the first door. Not it. Making his way to the third door he opened it and bingo. The art room was before them. \"Here you go Morgan.\" He motioned inside with his thumb."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan followed with interest. She whistled appreciatively when he found the room on his second try. \"Oh shit! You're like some kinda human GPS. Thanks.\" She walked inside, looked around, and started gathering supplies. Easel, paper, paint, brushes. All the tools of her trade, as it were. \"So,\" She said, assuming that Vizhkir had followed her inside. \"This is like a 'juvenile correctional facility,'\" She framed the phrase in air quotes. \"What're you in for then?\""
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "\"One could say that\" He replied with a chuckle. He looked around in the room, stepping inside. The sent of paints and canvas made a noteable foothold in his mind. He would remember the placement of the building in his mind, a basic blueprint for the interior spaces already having been formed from his search for a smoking space earlier. \n\"I was arrested for Armed Robbery of a Bank. The wonderful Russian legal system sent me here. What are you in for?\" He asked."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan's eyes widened. \"Damn. That's pretty hardcore. Were you like, part of a mob or something?\" When he returned the question she brought her injured hand up to her sternum, posing almost like a proud cat. \"Knocked out part of a city's power grid.\" She broke her pose and half smiled. \"Well mostly by accident. I was just trying to short circuit my school cause I was pissed off. Turns out I overdid it and it became a huge thing. Most people didn't know it was me, but my brother gave me an earful and then Newton's Cradle found me a couple days later.\"\n\nShe dumped the pile of supplies she had collected onto a small desk that she dragged over to her canvas. \"So here I am. A juvenile being corrected. Not sure why they're bothering, I was doing pretty fine back home, mass power outage not withstanding.\""
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "\"Nyet. Nyet. Nothing of the sort. I was never even in the bank. No where near it. I was training with my papa in the woods, my powers showed. Well, one did. I get like, superman strong. I broke a tree I think.\" He explained, \"Well, anyways next thing I know I'm being tackled, bashed on the back of the head with a baton and thrown in the back of a police truck. The trial was quick, I was convicted and now I'm here.\" \n\n\"Taking out the power from a cities power grid? Isn't that like... A terrorist act?\" He asked, not sure of the answer. \"Now thats pretty hardcore. I mean, you acutally did it. I didn't.\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan felt herself turn slightly red. \"I mean I wasn't really thinking about it. I was just pissed off cause I fractured my wrist, so I just kind of went up to the breaker and tried my best to fuck it up. I wasn't expecting to cause shorts down the block. I just wanted to close the school for the day, take out some anger ya know.\" She shrugged and picked up a brush. She tested it in her right hand, shook her head, and switched to her left. \"Fuck. I'm not left handed. Let's see how this goes.\" \n\nShe started brushing shades of gray onto the top third of the canvas. \"Superstrength is pretty sweet I gotta say. How was Russia? I've never been. It got cold as shit where I'm from, but never that cold, from what I've heard.\""
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "Vizhkir chuckled, \"I understand. Sometimes when I get angry I want to break stuff. Sometimes I do.\" He said, watching her paint with his ever curious eyes. \"The super strength is pretty cool. Russia is... Well its Russia. People like me aren't welcome there for the most part, but I make do. Theres every climate type there, as well as being the most diverse in terms of biomes. I believe that there is like one of each in Russia. Tundras, steppes, Rainforest, Desert. Its all there. If you take the Trans Siberian you'll go through most of it.\" He explained, hoping he gave her enough information."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan listened as she painted, happy to have someone to listen to while she worked. It was a messy process. She was by no means ambidextrous, but she was actually good at painting. Mostly. It didn't take long for gray streaks to appear on the inside of her forearms. She set down the gray brush, grabbed a bottle of blue paint, and started to mix it with the darkest gray she had. \"That sounds cool. I've been a city girl my whole life. Been out to lakes and stuff before but never anywhere crazy.\" She paused. \"I went to Florida once to go to the beach. It was nice, even if I got so sun burnt I looked like a lobster.\" She physically shivered at the memory. \"It was so bad I started flaking like a snake or something. Awful time.\" \n\nMorgan was only half focused on the conversation at this point, which was probably why she was just rambling along her train of thought. She had started with the dark blue-gray along the bottom third of the canvas, messily covering the white with a vague circular pattern, almost like hills, if hills were blue and had paint splatters from careless brushstrokes."
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "Vizhkir was also half listening, instead watching her paint in a tranced state. That was until his watch beeped. Grunting he walked to the door. \"I must go. Goodnight. And my room is 1403 if you need help transversing the place. Dasvidaniya Tovarisch\" He said, walking out into the hall."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan nods, then pauses. \"If- if I need your help getting around how am I supposed to find your... Nevermind. Goodnight!\" Morgan stays in the art room for over another hour. In the end she's made a messy blue gray landscape in a storm. At least, that was the goal. It's sloppy, almost abstract, and it's hard to tell whether the painting is the right way up. Still, it was something to do. Morgan leaves it to dry, only half considering actually picking it up the next day. Finally tired, she wanders off to find her dorm and go to sleep for the night."
}
] | 143 | 1,861 |
158.666667 | 2021-08-27 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "Finley Carlisle slipped into the main cafeteria, glancing around. They had put a hand against every odd looking brick or space along the walls and the portions along the floor, searching for something akin to the Wonderland stories they'd read as a child. After finding nothing satisfactory, they rested against the wall, and pulled their long-ish white-blond bangs out of their face.\n\nThey looked out for the others they'd recognize from the initiation ceremony, adjusting the silver hoops sitting neatly in each ear. Only a few still stuck out. Morgan, the girl who had leapt up on the stage, and had made a large entrance, and the other boy, the Korean one. What an interesting personality he had.\n\nBut, they pulled out their phone, checking the discounted intranet for any updates from their travel companions."
},
{
"author": "rebeltheartgal",
"message": "Suddenly, a rather short lass ran into the cafeteria, looking around, then having a look of realization set in on her face. \"Oh wait, I don't even know what they look like to recognize them, gah\", Veronica audibly muttered to herself.\n\nVeronica, in how she presented herself, might be just the opposite of how she looked back at the welcome party. For one, the very energetic and rough tomboy is ways from the sleepy mess she presented herself as back then. She had just freshened herself up earlier and now wearing a green-accented black shirt over orange crop top. Down to the shorts and sports shoes too, vastly different from, say... A large-tshirt-wearing-sleepyhead... Yeah.\n\n\"Lightningrod, lightningrod... Hmm...\", Veronica mutters even more as she continues looking at everyone in the room."
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "Vizhkir had barely stepped foot in the space when he saw the other students. The last to arrive he felt sort of bad for being late. He stayed back for a moment, observing the two's movements, outfits and really anything else he could. He found Finley rather easily, they had a face and style he couldn't forget. He walked over casually, leaning on the wall close to them and tipping and imaginary hat. \n\nHe wore black tactical pants and a navy blue plain shirt with his jacket over it. He looked similar to the ceremony from earlier in the month. Tapping his foot on the floor he wordlessly watched for their other companion, who he had a vauge idea of their appearance. Spotting her he waved her over, hoping the seemingly scatter brained person would notice."
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "[i will respond to this very soon! I just had to shower <3]\n\nNoticing two of interest, Finley nodded at Vizhkir. They knew little about him, only that he was very Russian, and nothing else. They murmured a quick greeting, before spotting the person he waved at. The girl, yes, Finley had seen her once or twice. Bird-like. \n\nThey called out a louder greeting towards her, nothing too loud. In that regard, they *Knew* That *Technically* The trio was not doing anything wrong. Exploring was not against the rules of the school, in most regard, they supposed. So who minded?\n\n\"Nicanums, correct?\""
},
{
"author": "rebeltheartgal",
"message": "\"Oh, ah\" Veronica turned towards the two. \"Yes, Nicanums, and the name's Veronica! Nice to meet ya!\", the lass putting her hand out towards the two... At an upwards given given their height and *Especially* Vishkir's.\n\nNoticing this herself, Veronica turns a bit towards the androgynous... Yeah, she'll ask later, lowering her hand's angling in response to that. \"So... *You're* Definitely Dragon so you must be Lightningrod, correct...?\", Veronica referred to the Russian and the androgyne respectively, though with a tinge of wondering if she did get it right."
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "\"You have the correct man, Da\" Vizhkir said, looking down at the girl with an expressionless face. It was generally hard to tell what Vizhkir thought or felt via facial expressions or movements. He normally looked bored or simply unimpressed. He gripped the girl's hand with bone crushing force and shook it once, a swift up and down motion, before letting go and letting his large hand fall back to his side. \n\n\"Vizhkir Valentinovich Dragovich\" He said blandly, looking over at Finley. \"Where do you wish to start? I know where the basement entrance is. Not so much what is down there\" Dispite him having fairly decent ideas of where things where he still was not versed in the whole school's layout."
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "\"There is no reason to be so aggressive,\" Finley drawled, stretching their boney fingers in front of their face. \"It'd be dreadful to be tossed out of here on your brawny Russian ass for breaking someone's hand, wouldn't it? I see how tight you grip her hand. Are you compensating for something?\"\n\nThey stood from the wall and glanced down, down at Veronica. They nodded, adjusting a simple black bomber jacket on their shoulders. \"I am Lightningrod, yes. You may call me Finley. Pleasure is mine.\"\n\nFinley pointed in the direction of the basement, and flexed their fingers apart. Static sparked between them. \"Let us go then, yes?\""
},
{
"author": "rebeltheartgal",
"message": "Veronica honestly... Didn't even feel that much of a grip herself, not a tinge of flinching or anything on her face. Her body *Does* Seem abnormally tough, a trait which she'd already connected in her mind to her other powers, and which may have even been *Why* Such a grip was done to her hand by the Russian.\n\nIn fact, she herself just wondered why the \"Shake\" Part was that aggressive as Finley just mentioned. She just mentally shrugs it off and turns back to Finley. \"Aye, sure!\", Veronica replied at the query, though noting the static thing."
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "\"Agressiv- fuck I'm sorry\" The russian said, a look of genuine worry flashing over his face, however it was quickly replaced when he noticed Veronica's reaction to it. He looked over at the entrince and nodded walking over and propping open the door for the other two. He found the static to be intresting, and reason not to pick a fight with Finley. \n\n\"Давай, у меня нет всего дня\" He muttered under his breath, waiting patiently for the other two. He looked down the steps leading to the basement, a sense of adventure filling his chest. He was heading into the unknown, and it felt amazing. His mind flipped back to when he and his Father went ice fishing years ago on a Siberian lake that had frozen over. The thought that he was doing something he hadn't ever done before exhilarated him to the core. And just like back then, his heart sped up just a bit at the thought of a new experience."
}
] | 163 | 1,428 |
179.666667 | 2021-10-01 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan was painting again. That in and of itself wasn't uncommon, but she wasn't exactly happy this time. Normally making art was a way to release some of her stress, to be creative, but she had no idea where to even start. She'd been loitering in front of a basically empty canvas for about half an hour now, and the only thing she'd done so far was trace a heart on the back of her hand. The red outline had basically already dried.\n\nMorgan sighed, discontent. As nice as the facilities in Newton's Cradle were, it still wasn't home. She pulled out her phone and sent a quick text, thinking at least she could pass the time talking to someone she actually knew."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Knock knock knock. The sound of a knuckle on wood.\n\nThe door slid open, and a faculty member peeked in. The arts and crafts rooms were his space, but they were vacant - still, he figured he'd find Morgan there.\n\n\"Morgan?\" He stepped into the room, scratching the back of his head. \"It's 4 PM. We scheduled a conversation right now, remember?\" He closed the door behind him and smiled patiently at Morgan. \"Are you busy?\"\n\nHe could tell she wasn't *Busy,* But she seemed upset. He thought she might prefer to be left alone.\n\nHe wasn't persistent enough to pry."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan was so lost in her own head she jumped about a foot when she head the knock. There was a rattle of plastic as the paintbrush hit the ground. \"Oh, hey Mr. Cantor.\" She'd forgotten the appointment. Granted, she'd only scheduled it in the first place since her brother told her it would be a good idea, so it wasn't surprising it'd slipped her mind.\n\nShe paused for half a second before she answered, \"No, not really. I forgot about the conversation so I just sort of wandered in here.\" She positioned herself in front of one of the many tables scattered around the room, closing a bit of the distance between her and her faculty contact. \"So, how're you?\" She was only really asking to be polite. She didn't imagine he'd be doing much better or worse than usual."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Yeah, I get it.\" He chuckled a bit. \"I'm fine, thanks. How are you, champ? Doing alright?\"\n\nGraham could tell she wasn't doing alright. He pulled out two chairs at the table and gestured for her to sit down. Then, he sat down himself.\n\n\"Oliver told me you're falling asleep in class.\" In the most unpleasant way possible - but it was Oliver. \"I understand, everything is pretty new here, but is something going on?\" Morgan was new to him. He didn't know how to get through to her. He was trying anyway, but... Baby steps.\n\n\"We can talk, if you'd like. I won't tell anyone anything unless you want me to.\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan opted to remain standing. She had a bit too much excess energy to sit still at the moment, but she at least moved to instead stand behind the chair he indicated for her. Her fingers tapped occasionally on the back of it, and she scratched the dried paint on the back of her hand. She frowned slightly. \"About as alright as I can be living in a foreign country for the first time.\"\n\nMorgan winced slightly when he mentioned her falling asleep in class. She was never an honor student, but this was the first time she'd ever slept through classes. \"Yeah... I mean, I haven't really been able to sleep the past few days. And I'd rather stick myself with a fork than lay in bed for hours so I've just been watching anime or coming in here instead.\" She gestured around to the room at large. \"This place is cool as hell by the way. I tried making pottery a few days ago and-\" She paused as she remembered the less than excellent results, followed by about half an hour of cleaning up the wet clay that had flown everywhere. \"Well it was fun to try at least.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Graham had been haphazardly finding bits of wet clay from that day ever since. He'd never known who it was - and he didn't really want to assume it was Morgan, even though it sounded like it. \"Well, thanks for cleaning up after yourself. But I'm sure we could've made that the janitor's problem.\"\n\nHe nodded. \"It's not that easy for most people when they first come here. Wasn't easy for me either.\" His face went blank for a split second, as he remembered something, but he quickly returned to his otherwise cheery self. \"The important part for now is that you get enough sleep. It's fine if you have to sleep during the day to do that.\n\nA school population consisting largely of troubled, jet-lagged teenagers generally drove Newton's Cradle to be lax about scheduling, particularly with newer students. A normal daytime schedule was the end goal, not the assumption.\n\n\"You know, we actually have classes pretty much around the clock. Some of the students here have to sleep during the day, so we teach them at night. We can put you on some later classes if that's what it takes for you to get some sleep.\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Of all of the responses Morgan had been expecting, that wasn't really one of them. To date most teachers she'd come into contact with had taken issue with her. While many had had good reason, she wasn't generally used to them trying to work with her. Usually they just wanted something, for her to pay attention, to do her work, to pretend to get along with someone, and as soon as she figured out what she needed to do to get off their radar, she did it, and went back to living her life. So she was a bit thrown off when Graham's biggest concern seemed to be her getting sleep. It was kind of refreshing.\n\n\"That's... Really nice, actually.\" Plus, if she took later classes, she'd be a bit more synched up on American time, which meant she might get to hear from her brother more. \"I'd like to do that, for a totally different reason actually, but-\" She considered for a moment how much she wanted to say. \"I don't think that's going to help me sleep better. It's just kind of hard to shut down at the end of the day. I think I'm just sort of stressed out about being here, but I can't really do anything but wait for that to pass so.\" She shrugged."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Graham nodded. \"Mm. Yeah, I get it.\" Graham had been a habitual coffee drinker for a period of several years, but he eventually cut down on it because he found himself drinking paintbrush water too often. He only drank coffee on breaks after that.\n\n\"Just try to sleep when you can. I'll pass along to your teachers to keep your schedule flexible for now. I'll keep in touch with you about it.\" Really, Graham figured Oliver would be relieved to *Not* See Morgan in class. At least she'd be out of his hair then.\n\n\"Has there been anything in the last week you'd like to talk about?\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan thought for a moment. The almost feral girl in the woods she had met, the experiments she'd tried with her powers, the newest work of art that hung from the wall in her dorm, her worries about her brother now that he was living alone, all of it came to mind. But was there anything she really wanted to tell him. After all, even if he seemed nice enough, she didn't really know him.\n\n\"Do you have any dating advice?\" She blurted out. It took a second before she realized that she should probably supply the context for such an out of the blue question. \"It's just, my brother mentioned he had a date this weekend, and he's kind of hopeless when it comes to girls. The only thing either of us know about romance comes from romcoms, so if you have advice I could pass to him, I'm sure it would help.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Graham smirked a little. \"Dating advice, huh? Fancy someone?\" He heard the schtick about Morgan's brother, but it wasn't convincing him. After all, if anyone needs dating advice, it's hormonal teenagers living together in a single building, right? Still, he kept a comfortable distance. It wasn't his job to scrutinize Morgan.\n\n\"I, uh...\" He scratched the back of his head a bit nervously. \"I'm still single, so take anything I say here with a grain of salt, but, uh... Maybe just treat it like meeting someone to try to get to know them? Don't make a spectacle of it, basically.\"\n\nHe paused.\n\n\"Oh, and don't take your date to the movies on the first date. You just *Sit there* And don't even talk to each other. Terrible way to get to know someone.\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan felt herself blush slightly against her will. She didn't have any crushes at Newton's Cradle. Not yet at least, but she *Had* Asked for her own knowledge. Helping her brother out was just a nice benefit. \"No, not particularly,\" She said, hoping it sounded as truthful as it was. She didn't need her faculty advisor playing matchmaker for her, funny as that would be. \"Uh- thanks. That's really helpful actually. I'll pass it along to him.\" Over the conversation, the somewhat irritated, nervous way she had been standing had relaxed a bit into slight confusion. Having gone into this conversation expecting a fight and a lecture, she'd been pleasantly surprised, and she wasn't quite sure how to act so as not to ruin it.\n\n\"I- I think that's it, for now. Thanks for the help with the class timing. And for,\" She gestured around the room again. \"Making this place so cool. It's probably my favorite spot on campus.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Graham smiled warmly and chuckled. \"Aww, how sweet. Thank you, Morgan.\" He'd be sure to pass that bit of feedback on to the people in charge of funding. He *Had* Been wondering if it wouldn't be nice to upgrade some of the power tools.\n\nHe stood up. \"I'll leave you to it, then. Try to take a nap, maybe. If you can. But it's obviously better if you don't take it in class.\"\n\n\"See you, Morgan.\""
}
] | 176.5 | 2,156 |
163.3 | 2022-01-07 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "\"Roommate huh...\" Morgan murmured to herself. Sure, she'd said she didn't care either way when she arrived at Newton's Cradle, but at this point, she sincerely hoped that their shared room would be a big one. Her own single room was a bit of a disaster, with all of her things spread out across over half the floorspace.\n\nMorgan sighed. Her room back in her brother's apartment had been smaller than the one she occupied now. She'd be able to manage. Hopefully. She'd never actually shared a living space with someone before, so hopefully it would go well. She cracked a smile. Hopefully her new roommate was a heavy sleeper. She had a tendency to come and go at weird hours for her classes.\n\nMorgan looked around. She hadn't been told much, other than her new roommate's name, which she'd already managed to forget."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel stood behind a corridor, watching the girl huff and sigh as she waited for them. \n\nThis encounter would mark their first one with someone like them—besides their mom — and Uriel didn't want to leave a bad impression with their roommate. \n\nThey let a large breath out, and took a swig of their energizing tea. Hopefully, it would make them seem more normal. \n\nThey were lucky, in a way— they'd been shipped here in the early hours of the morning, and just got done with paperwork. They hadn't spent a night at the facility yet. \n\nThe thought both terrified them and intrigued them. What kind of dreams would their roommate have, Uriel wondered? \n\nThey entered the cafeteria and scanned the room, towering over the many people dawdling around."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan looked out over the cafeteria. Granted, she didn't recognize a lot of these people, but none of them seemed to be looking for- ah. Tall, white hair, and clearly looking around like they didn't know what they were doing. Morgan didn't know everyone at school, but she was fairly certain that was a new face. She stood on her tiptoes and waved energetically at the newcomer. If that was her new roommate, mission accomplished. If not... Well, wouldn't be the first time she waved at a total stranger by accident."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel looks at the energetic person waving them down. \nTheir first thought— *Wow, she's short.* They crane their neck down to look at the girl, who looks... Young. \n\nThey stare at her for a solid three seconds, before opening their half-lidded eyes and beginning to talk. \n\n\"You're Morgan Mellow, correct? I read on what little information was given... Which was only a name and a physical description. It's a pleasure to meet you.\" \n\nThe formalities instilled in Uriel by their mom take front and center, and they nervously adjust their braid ever-so-slightly. \n\n\"May I sit?\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "*Woah. Taller up close,* Was Morgan's first impression. \"Yeah, that's me. Go ahead, take a seat. I won't stop you.\" She coughed slightly to clear her throat, internally kicking herself for forgetting her roommate's name already. \"Um, sorry, I didn't get your name,\" She lied. Not that she had much choice. She couldn't exactly wait around for her roommate to introduce themself to someone else."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Oh,\" Uriel sits down, knitting their eyebrows at their rudeness. \n\n\"My name is Uriel Melançon. I come from a tiny village, and so I'm not used to being in such a crowded area...\" They look around the room, in awe at the amount of people. \n\n\"I believe I've seen more people here so far than back home, actually.\" They laugh, a tiny breathy little noise. \n\nThey yawn, and take another sip of their thermos. \n\n\"Tell me about yourself, Morgan. I'm not used to knowing so little about people I interact with, even if it won't be that way for long.\" \n\nAll they seemingly packed was a potted plant in their hands (now resting on the table between the two) and a regular, school sized backpack. Uriel adjusts the strap, letting their belongings onto the ground. They turn to give their full attention to the girl in view."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "*Phew. Crisis averted.* \"Nice to meet you Uriel.\" Her eyes locked briefly on the plant, but she restrained herself from asking about it. Yet. \"Well, the town here isn't that big. Smaller than the city I grew up in at least, so you should be able to get to know most of the people around. Not everyone, but a lot. You'd be surprised what a small place it can feel like sometimes.\"\n\n\"As for me...\" She withdrew a pen from her pocket and started fiddling with it as she talked, clearly just to keep her hands busy. \"Let's see. I grew up with my older brother in a big city out in the US. Had lighting powers every since I was a little kid, which I'm sure made raising me quite the challenge.\" She smiled. \"Though they've been more useful than not.\" She held up her fingers, about an inch apart, and a bolt of energy jumped between them with a pop, like two miniature electric coils. \n\nShe went back to slowly spinning the pen in her fingers. \"Came here late last year after I accidentally blew out the power of a city block. It's been... Interesting so far. Some ups and downs. Some shit I never would've expected. But mostly positive so far. How about yourself?\" Morgan leaned back into the plastic cafeteria chair. \"What're you in for?\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel turns away, and looks around the room.\n\n\"Morgan, do you see all those people around us with powerful abilities? Right now, we're most likely in the most dangerous place of our lives. There's probably someone in that group that could kill us with their pinky figure.\" \n\nThey pause. \n\n\"Well, me. I don't know about you, though.\"\n\n\"I'm mostly incapable of self defense, so there's really nothing I can do to defend myself if someone chooses to pick a fight. So, forgive me, but I'd rather keep that information close to my chest.\"\n\nThey turn towards Morgan again, almost comedically slow. \n\n\"You've been here for a while, right? Do you know the... Social environment here?\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan stared at Uriel for a second. \"I- I was kidding. It's kind of an inside joke. Most of the kids here were detained on false pretenses so that Newton's Cradle could keep an eye on us. I've never met anyone who could kill us with their pinky finger.\" She held up her hand. \"Could I electrocute someone with my powers? Probably, but I'd have to try really damn hard.\" \n\nMorgan seemed a bit amused at Uriel's caution. \"You can chill out a bit. Most of us aren't delinquents. I'm actually one of the few people who did what they got arrested for, and-\" Her face flushed slightly. \"And it was a stupid heat of the moment thing anyways. Sorry, rambling. But for real, this isn't prison. I'd be more worried about cutting yourself woodcarving than someone shanking you.\" Morgan meant well, even if she couldn't help teasing her future roommate a little."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel blinks. \n\"Oh.\" \n\nIt's true that their power has made them unliked in the past. \nBut here, people are like *Them*. They'll understand Uriel's struggles, or so they optimistically clinged onto. \n\n\"Well, I guess you wouldn't have the same reaction as a normal human, huh... Then, I'm a dream weaver.\" Uriel yawns, almost like punctuation. \n\n\"Feel free to shock me awake if I fall asleep.\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan let out a short, amused laugh. \"Alright. If you want me to.\" She'd had a bit of culture shock stepping into Newton's Cradle. Maybe not quite so bad as that, but knowing how suddenly the process had happened, she couldn't exactly blame Uriel for getting the wrong idea. \"I mean don't get me wrong, they are trying to keep an eye on us, but best I can tell some of the staff are nice at least. Mr. Cantor, my contact, he's pretty chill. He runs the craft spaces down in- Ooh! You haven't seen them yet have you? They're my favorite spot on the grounds, far and away.\" \n\nShe reached the end of her tangent, and diverted back to the other thing that had caught her attention. \" So you said you're a dreamweaver. So you can like... Make dreams? Or manifest dreams into reality? I've only heard of dreamweavers as those little woven things you hang in windows... Wait those are dream catchers aren't they.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel points at their earring. It's a mini dream catcher. \n\n\"Mr. Cantor is my contact too. If you like him, I'm rather relieved. As for dreamweaving... If you could picture a dream as a tapestry, I can take control of someone's own dream and weave it to be whatever I want. Sometimes, I can watch people's dreams, and go into them.\" \n\nThey pale. \"I was told to keep that part of myself hidden. People dislike it when they're being spied on, especially when they dream about hard events in their life. It's not always a conscious effort, either. Sometimes, powerful dreams nearby knock me out, and pull me into them.\" \n\nUriel fidgets with their knuckles, the loud *Pops* Of every digit cracking into place echoing through the room. \n\n\"Not a very good thing for a roommate to have, I know. I could probably continue lying about it, but... \" *I'm tired.* \n\nUriel looks down at Morgan, avoiding her eyes. \"You won't mind...?\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan nodded, a thoughtful look on her face. \"I can see why that'd be problematic yeah. I mean, not for me. My dreams are always pretty nonsensical, when I remember them. If you feel inclined to eavesdrop on the shittiest, least cohesive soap opera you've ever seen, feel free I guess. Just don't blame me for whatever wild shit my brain comes up with, I'm just along for the ride.\"\n\nShe shifted in her seat. \"I'd just say be cautious if you can. I doubt many people will be as relaxed about it, but if it's unintentional.\" Morgan shrugged. \"I mean, what can you do. Kind of works out for us though. If you see anything concerning on MorganTV you're welcome to ask, I'm pretty much an open book.\" Morgan was a bit surprised about how relaxed she was with the situation, all things considered. Then again, it had been a long time since she'd had dreams about anything tangible in her life. She just crossed her fingers that she wouldn't accidentally do anything too embarrassing or stupid in her dreams from now on... \n\nYeah, like that was gonna happen... Morgan sighed, resigning herself to her eventual fate of trying to explain whatever bullshit Uriel happened to see in her head."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel took a couple second to process their emotions, before letting out a large smile. \n\n\"I'm happy you don't mind... Although, I would appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone else what I told you. I'll most likely make up a fiction if anyone asks about it...\" \n\nThey put a finger to their chin. \"I'll say something about ... Talking to animals! It's not like anyone could verify that, after all.\" \n\nThey lean over, a soft smile on their face. \"And if you ever want a good dream, well... You know who to ask.\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "\"That's alright, I'll keep your secret for now.\" Morgan smiled. \"That's alright, I don't mind a bit of chaos now and then. Thanks for the offer though.\" She tapped the pen on the table. \"Oh, all that talk of dreams reminds me. I take a lot of my classes in the late afternoon and into the night. I'm mostly still set on American time so I can talk more with my brother. I'll uh, try to not come and go too late, but don't be surprised if I stay out super late frequently. I was a bit of a night owl before, and with the time zone difference it's even worse now.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Please, don't worry about my own sleep. If anything, I sleep too much— I'm a narcoleptic, you see.\" Uriel waves off the offer. \n\n\"You could most likely turn the lights on and start screaming, and I wouldn't notice a thing. It's only thanks to a hyper-caffeinated tea mix I make with my plants that I'm awake right now. So if I ever fall asleep randomly, I'm not dead, I promise.\" \n\nUriel thinks. \"Ah, well, maybe I could be. You might not even notice for a couple of days if I was, honestly.\"\n\nAfter a couple of seconds of silence, they laugh. \n\n\"Ah... What is there to do on weekends, anyway? Isn't this essentially a prison?\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan shook her head. \"Not really. There's a curfew but I don't think they'll actually enforce it. You're free to leave and wander around the town whenever you like.\" Morgan tapped her fingers against the table. \"Honestly, I'm pretty sure there's very little stopping any of us from walking out of here, and boarding a plane wherever we like. I know I'm only sticking around because learning a bit more about my lighting powers is a good idea, and here's the best place to do that I know.\" She smiled. \"It's pretty nice actually, if you can get over how cold the weather is most of the time.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"This place is affiliated with the government, right? Wouldn't that make you turn into a fugitive if you fought back? Not that I was thinking of doing so, but it would be surprising if someone defied them to such an extent.\" \n\nThey yawned. \"I'd have to make my judgement when night falls— if this place truly does bad things, I'll see staff dream of the horrors they have to deal with.\"\n\nThey cross their arms. \"Leveling up my powers would be interesting, but... I don't know how ethical it would be to pursue such a thing.\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "\"I dunno that it'd make you any more of a fugitive than if you ran away from a boarding school. At least, no one's threatened me with fugitive status for running away, and I've gotten told off for quite a lot at this point. As for ethics,\" Morgan shrugged. \"That's your call I guess. Try not to become a supervillain if you pursue your powers. If you do, I'll have to step up to be the one who stops you,\" She declared, bringing both arms in, hands in fists, in an excited sort of motion. She's clearly just exaggerating for fun at this point.\n\n\"Oh! Speaking of something else entirely, I've got work to do, so I'm gonna head out. It was nice to meet you though Uriel!\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel smiles and waves as Morgan turns and runs out of the room. They yawn one more time, and look around the room. \n\n*This wouldn't be too bad of a place for a nap.* They think to themselves, and pull their poncho higher to warm their ears. \n\nAs they drift off to sleep using their arms as a pillow, Uriel wonders what dreams they'll encounter in this place."
}
] | 156 | 3,266 |
133.891304 | 2022-01-08 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Snugged in his comfortable bed, Vance is curled up in his light grey comfortable that kept him warm and made him feel safe. It was stuffed with downy feathers with a cover that felt smooth and almost silky. He always liked how it felt cool when he crawls into bed before it warms up from his body temperature. The knitted cover on his pillow is snugged and it had a faint flowery smell that helps him relax.\n\nHe laid on his side hugging the pillow in his face while he breathed quietly, his chest rise and fell as he is sound asleep.\n\nIn another place in his dreams, Vance would find himself standing alone with two dark figures that happen to be his parents. They were pressuring him with their relentless badgering about having perfect grades, taking on a role as being another of their business companions and helping their family grow in power. He looked incredibly annoyed, unnerved by their voices and feeling oppressed. Vance stood next to his mother dressed in a suit with his hair short and fixed perfectly. He was just an ornament hiding his real emotions behind a mask just to not embarrass her in front of her friends. A pawn, a robot, a puppet ornament in a social gathering where he didn't want to belong."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Far away in another room, Uriel blinks slowly. \n\nThey're being talked at, they think. The counselor is making eye contact with them and moving their mouth, but the words don't seem to enter their ears. Instead, a faint warbling permeates the sound around Uriel. \n\n\"Oh,\" Uriel says out-loud. Due to the counselor's expression, it was most likely the first thing they've said in a while. (Not that they would know— what really is time, anyway?) \n\n\"I think I'm going to fall asleep.\" It's the last thing they say, before the unceremoniously pass out. \n\nUriel finds themselves in a familiar darkness, a place they've known so long it's almost like home. A pair of strings, glowing bright gold, lace themselves around Uriel's wrist and tug them closer, as if to say \"Come here! Watch this!\"\n\nWithout much of a choice, Uriel follows. \n\n*I wonder what dream was strong enough to pull me into it...* Uriel muses."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Uriel would find themselves blinded by the bright light before appearing in a social gathering that appeared to be a party. It look like a fancy place for the wealthy to come enjoy themselves. They stood on a red carpet with Victorian floral print with no sign of blemishes. Beside them is a large table of refreshments of small sandwiches, seafood, snails delicacy and other variants. There was a crystal chandelier standing above the crowd of fancy dressed people dancing beneath it. Uriel could see white clothed tables where others are dining further away from the empty space in the middle of the room. There was occassional laughter, a lot of talking and outgoing music playing in the background. \"My good sir, is he really your son?\" There was a conversation happening by an earshot from Uriel. \"The only resemblance I can tell is that you both have similar eyes.\" It was a much older gentleman wearing a suit and a pair of glasses. The other man had slick, dark brown hair with deep blue set of eyes and is clean shaven. Italian. He looks very Italian. \"He is my son believe it or not,\" The other said, clearing his voice. \"Often I wonder if he really is...\" Vance could hear this as he is being brought along by his mother, who had medium golden blond hair and skyblue eyes with porcelain skin. She was beautiful dressed in her snow white dress and wide brim hat. Vance on the other hand had normal, humanish ears and dressed in a suit while he showed no expression. \"You better not mess this one up, Vance,\" She quietly hissed at him. Her sharp painted nails digging into his arm as she brings him to her group of friends."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "It's easy to see who's dream it is, once Uriel's pulled into it. \n\nThey push through swarms of faceless dancers, who disappear into fog with even the lightest touch. As they walk towards the center of the dream, their clothes start to fade into a formal suit, with a purple button up and a lilac in the breast pocket. \n\n*There's the epicenter.* It's a boy with pointed ears, being flanked by two older people — parents, most likely. \n\nAs they approach, the voices of the parents grow louder and louder, echoing through the hall and back into Uriel's ears. They try to cover their ears to preserve the boy's privacy, but the voices cut through their hands."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"I don't understand why you have to be born looking like someone else's child,\" She said, her tone stinging in disgust. \"Its all thanks to you why they think I had an affair with another man. Now, please make it up by being well behaved.\" When they now take part of the group, his mother is busy chattering away with her companions. While he stood there with a bored look, he could not help but turn to stare at Uriel's direction. Unlike everyone else, this one appeared different and they are also covering their ears. \"Who are you?\" He asked, his voice deep and cutting."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "As Vance focuses on the one real element in the dream, everything seems to distort— as if viewing everything through a funhouse mirror, the people begin to break down into swirls and shapes. \n\nExcept for Uriel, of course. They're the only clear person in the room. \nAs they reach the epicenter of the dream, they pause. \n\n\"Would you like a better dream? One not filled with such pain?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Suspicious, he takes in the features of the stranger to remember later. \"You didn't answer my question.\" Now his full focus is on them."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"I'm a dream-weaver. Your dream knocked me unconscious, and brought my heart here unwillingly. You'll meet me eventually, which is where I'll introduce myself more formally.\" Uriel bows their head slightly, as if to apologize for their intrusion. \n\nThey begin to move their hands, and the dream around them starts to shift. Strings grow from Uriel's hands, and the strings uproot the people glaring at Vance. \n\nThe shadows of their face change. Instead of mocking, whispering to each other, smiles of adoration grace their face. \n\n\"Is this better?\" Uriel asks."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Upon seeing the smiles of adoration grace, it made him give them a deadpan face. \"I... Think I rather wake up than to see this...\" It was something he is not use to seeing such a cheesy scene weaved by the hands of another stranger. \"Go awake up. Its time for you to go before you start pissing me off.\" Now Vance is ushering poor Uriel away with a strong intent to chase them off."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"I-I *Can't*. Not until your dream ends.\" Uriel shows Vance the bright gold yarn tied around their wrist, leading into Vance's heart. \n\n\"I thought easing your woes might help you wake up, but what people want continues to elude me... I don't understand you, or anyone else.\" \n\nThey pull on some other strings, and the scene dies. The joyful music, once loud and exuberant, stops with a halt as the musicians fade into oblivion. \n\nIt's just darkness."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"..................\" This was a good time for him to wake up. This is just another dream that he'd always dealt with each day. Vance grabs onto the golden string to try tug onto it."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Wait—!\" As Vance tugs on the string, Uriel falls flat on their face. \n\n\"If you really want to get this over with, then you're going to need to let a dream reach it's conclusion, or else we'll be stuck here until dawn.\" Uriel stammers, as they cradle their bleeding nose."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "His eyes widens slightly when Uriel goes scorpion on the floor with their face touching it with a wack! \"A conclusion, eh?\" He gave them a dull look as he gave the golden string another tug. \"Its just going to continue coming back in different scenes until I finally find some sort of peace with this old crap.\" And he gave it another tug again but a little harder this time. \"So... You're some invader dream pervert?\" He gestures at them while he stood ahead of the other."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel blinks slowly. \n\"I'm not any of those things... Well, maybe the first one is.\" They stagger to their face, wiping more blood off of their face. \n\n\"Oh, are you going to attack me now?If I sustain injuries in a dream, I feel the physical affects in the real world, unlike you. So... Please don't.\" \n\nThey continue looking at Vance, but don't make any move to either attack or defend.\n\n\"I'm also completely incapable of self defense, so...\" Uriel adds, trailing off awkwardly at the end."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Is this a trick question or an invitation to have your ass beaten back to reality?\" He asked, not breaking his gaze from the other as he tugged at the golden string. There a moment thinking whether he should bully this person in his dream? Are they really real? \"What happens if I cut off your braid?\" This was a curious question."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Oh, well... No one's ever done that, but it'd probably cut off, and I'd be upset.\" Uriel threads their hands through their braid, toying with the pale white stands. \n\n\"But... Uh, you don't even have a knife with you. I guess I could give you one with my dream-weaving, but...\" \n\nThey put a hand to their chin. \"Oh... I could do that for myself, then.\" Uriel looks at Vance, and stammers. \"Not that I would do that, but I think it might be ill-advised to attack me.\" \n\nUriel starts to pull the ground up, and the black void the two are standing in turns grey, then white, then a light shade of blue. Around them, a beautiful flower garden erupts from the ground, and Uriel takes a seat at a little porcelain table. There, they sip from a beautifully dainty teacup. \n\n\"Why don't you relax? It might be better than being on the defensive.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "His guard remains up as he watches Uriel literally manipulate the surroundings to make a fantastical flower garden. When seeing the dainty cup it reminded him of the set his mom had back at the smancy house. Ugh! Subconsciously, he is now straining the golden thread bitterly when he gave a huff for a response to Uriel. \"Can you just flutter awake or harass some other poor sod?\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"I told you, I'm stuck here until you manage to end the dream.\" Uriel sips a cup of tea. \n\n\"It was actually really inconvenient— I was in the middle of a meeting when you pulled me in. I wonder where my body is right now, actually.\" They wonder to themselves, but seemingly take no issue with the fact that their body could be anywhere. \n\n\"But, if you want to speed up the process... Maybe a nap would help you end your REM sleep. I'll make sure no nightmares interfere with you while you do so.\" \n\nThe area turns into yarn temporarily, and spools of thread begin to knit themselves by the 'river ', forming a mattress and a comforter. As the objects are formed, the yarn knits itself tighter and tighter, until the threads can no longer be seen and the area looks normal. \n\n\"Would you like a song while you sleep?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"No,\" He says sternly, giving them a deadpan expression. \"Fine, if its going to help boot your pale ass out of my space so be it..\" His tone went bitter. He's just going to go nap with a serious frown to ignore the other person. Vance likes to sleep with no disturbance or anyone invading his space. Now this is something that he has to tolerate now."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "From out of the haze, birds form and begin to let out a beautiful, almost ethereal melody. Uriel raises their voice, and begins to sing an old childhood song. \n\nAs Vance drifts off to sleep, more instruments start to chime in— a harp, a piano, the faint reverb of Uriel's voice."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "He felt his eyebrow twitched. \"Can you be quiet?\" Vance didn't mean for him to sing and pull off Beauty And The Beast musical while he's trying to rest up."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel laughs to themselves, a light thing prematurely cut off as the sound *Disappears*— like if someone pressed the mute button on a television."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Soon as silence hits, Vance soon falls asleep curled up in his blankets with his back facing Uriel. All he wanted is peace and quiet while he regenerates his energy for his new job."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "The light filtering through his eyelids disappears, as Vance enters a dreamless, perfect sleep. The golden string is cut, and Uriel is thrusted out of the boy's dreamscape. \n\nUriel opens their eyes, and feels a sticky substance drip from their nose. They blink twice, regaining consciousness, and find themselves in their bed.\n\n\"Oh,\" They simply say."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "The classrooms are empty for only a few hours each day - when normal residents have already finished their classes, and those few who are only awake at night have yet to arrive.\n\nWhich is to say, around late afternoon and early evening.\n\nThe last sunlight filters in through the windows, the blinding sun on the horizon just outside. They're difficult to look at, and elicit an involuntary squinting from anyone happening to cast a glimpse their way.\n\nOliver thinks they're the worst, because looking at them at this hour is part of his job. A part he prefers to outsource when possible. Fewer and fewer people seem to be interested in taking up janitorial work, though. He doesn't really wonder why. It never occurred to him that he should.\n\nStill, he has a new \"Recruit\", so to speak. From the note left on his desk, it was one 'Vance Blackburn', who had been told to meet him in the ground floor classroom at 5 PM.\n\nSo that's where he is. The ground floor classroom, at 5 PM sharp. Getting no work done, and growing increasingly impatient."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Vance opens the door to peer in before kicking it open before shoving his hands into his hoody pockets. Walking in with a deadpan look at the Oliver guy that he heard off from the meeting. \"Vance Blackburn, on the ready to get the job done,\" He says nonchalantly. Yeah, he's already not liking the old fart but he doesn't mention it. The reason why he's here is to build up a resume, get to know the schoolgrounds better and also get some payment."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Oliver sighs. One look at the young Mr. Blackburn tells him that they won't like each other. He quickly stops himself and realizes that he thinks that about everyone he meets, then moves on.\n\nHe clears his throat and gets straight to business. He's already behind schedule. \"I'm going to assume you know nothing unless you demonstrate otherwise,\" He says tersely. \"Your pay is 50 Krona per hour. You're here for an hour starting off, which means you get off at 6. While you're here, I don't want to hear you complaining. You asked to be here.\"\n\nHe fetches a blue cloth, a red cloth, and an anonymous spray bottle. \"Spray exactly once on the red cloth, then wipe the window with it. Use the blue cloth to dry. Never spray the window directly. Never spray your skin. Never spray the blue cloth. Never let the cloth touch the nozzle when you spray. Am I clear?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Vance was silent as he focuses intensively on Oliver like he's a target on kill as he listens to his instructions. Life lessons and doing the job correctly is what he takes seriously. He was on guard, taking in every word until the man stops. \"Spray exactly once on the red cloth, then wipe the window with it. Use the blue cloth to dry. Never spray the window directly. Never spray your skin. Never spray the blue cloth. Never let the cloth touch the nozzle when you spray.\" He repeated after him, planting this to his memory. \"Got it.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"We'll be going through as much as we can manage in this hour. I know from experience I work faster than you do. Get to work.\"\n\nOliver's voice was impatient and strict, the kind of voice you hear from a school principal on the visit before getting expelled, when good will is no longer on the table. Like every day, he had had a very long day.\n\nHe turned his back to Vance and began cleaning the tables and chairs. He didn't *Look* That fast by a rough estimation, in spite of his confidence.\n\nMeanwhile, the classroom had four windows to go through along the western wall. Shouldn't be much."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Without saying a word, Vance takes the red to spray it before wiping the window to make sure to cause some annoying squeaking sounds. Then used the blue cloth to dry it. When he glance back at the old man, he takes notice that he is going a bit slow. \"What next?\" He asks, his tone serious."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Oliver looks up, but doesn't stop working. \"You do the same for the next three windows. Is that *Hard?*\"\n\nIn spite of looking like he's not moving too quickly at any individual point in time, Oliver has been through about two thirds of the tables in the time it's taken Vance to clean one window. He wasn't kidding.\n\n\"I hope you won't keep asking dumb questions the entire time.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "He doesn't wait to listen to Oliver's last retorted comment with his back already turned to him. Vance repeat the process cleaning the other windows following instructions. He wasn't rushing his job but making sure he goes at a decent pace cleaning the glass. From his point of view, time didn't go slow but rather fast for him. Vance examine the windows to make sure it is clean with no dirt or streaks. \"................\" And he glance over at the old janitor. \"Now what?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "By the time Vance looked back, the room was spotless. All of it. Oliver had been waiting for a good 5 minutes at least. \"You're finally done,\" He sighed. \"Let's move. We've got a lot more to do.\"\n\nHe had already pushed the cart close to the door and wedged it open, so all that was left was to head out into the hall and toward the elevator. \"The elevator isn't big enough to fit both us and the supplies,\" He explained, \"So we're sending the cart by the elevator and then taking the stairs. You can go to the stairs directly, if you want. I don't care.\"\n\nAs they approached the stairs, he stopped. \"It's the first room to your left once you're up there. Don't start working without me in the room, I still don't trust you to not do something stupid.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Vance followed along listening quietly while the janitor is using his time to explain the tasks. He nods and push the door open to go take a walk up the stairs. Of course, what else is he suppose to say to an older adult? *'Oh, alright, yeah, whatever,?'* He wouldn't say that but with the constant nagging and bitching from his parents had taught him keep quiet and just go along with it. He'll go to the stairs directly since its probably a fun time to go take a short cut up there using his Kintetic Flow Motion to zip up there. First room to his left, check. Not work without him? Well, if he is able to clean tables fast it shouldn't take his old ass long to arrive. He'll just wait up there listening to some music from his phone."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Oliver arrives as fast as the elevator permits him - which is to say, fast enough, but not for Oliver.\n\nThey manage to get through the first room and two more before the hour is up and Vance is off-duty. It goes off relatively uneventfully once the routine has settled itself and all Oliver has to say is where they're going next.\n\nOliver's first impression of Vance seems to have been, so far, proven wrong. There hadn't been any arguing or complaining, and the task was simple enough. When he goes back and looks, he only finds a few spots on the windows that weren't cleaned properly. A decent job.\n\nVance had earned his wage, however small it may be."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel blinks twice at the door in front of them, looking down at their paper to check the room number. \n\nYes, this was the correct place. Uriel's counselor, speaking *Off the record* As he put it, said enrolling Uriel in a self-defense course was \"A high priority\" After they entered his room with a black eye. \n\nUriel figured attending would be a good show of compliance at this new place. At the very least, they might learn a bit more about the facilities around them. \n\nThey knock twice, and drink the rest of their caffeinated drink while they wait."
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "Vizhkir had been studying in his room, enjoying the quietness and peace of the textbook and lack of other human contact. He had been told earlier via email by a counselor that he had recommended a student to him for self defense training. How someone was able to obtain knowlage on his mastery over material arts was beyond him but he was happy to help. \n\nA knock stired him from his books. A second knock put him in motion as he rose from his chair and opened the door. \n\nUriel would have been met with the broad and bare white chest of a much taller man. A pair of sea green eyes seemed to pierce their soul as the shirtless man stood there, one arm propped against the doorframe and the other hidden behind the door itself. \n\n\"Da?\" Came the deep and silky smooth voice of Vizhkir. Though spoken in his native tounge of russian the universal message of 'Yes' could be conveyed by his simatainusly emotionless and yet questioning expression."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"You're—\" Uriel yawns. \"You're known for your skill in martial arts, yes? Viz-h-kir, right?\" Uriel sounds out the syllables slowly, extending a hand towards the man. \n\n\"I am Uriel. I was recommended to you because I keep getting into fights, and I am, to quote, 'pathetically bad at defending myself'.\" They bow their head slightly. \n\n\"Nice to meet you.\""
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "\"I suppose so\" He said taking the smaller hand in his own for a slightly overly strong shake. \"And you pronounce it Vizhkir.\" He explained, understanding he had a strange name. \n\n\"Ahh. So you are my student.\" He said, scratching his jaw, \"I wasn't expecting you so soon.\" He muttered opening the door the rest of the way. \"Come it\"\n\nVizhkir's room was very tidy, everything seemed in place and freshly cleaned though he had picked up when he had woken up this morning."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel looked up at the instructor, finally registering the sheer amount of bulk he had. They blink twice, staring directly at Vizhkir's muscles. \n\n\"Woah.\" They mutter, before yawning again. \n\nUriel peers around the room. \n\n\"Very tidy,\" They say. \"But don't you get cold with so little blankets? I wouldn't be surprised if the cold gave you bad dreams.\" \n\nUriel's room was not a *Mess* Per se, but with so little hours of the day conscious, they had a hard time maintaining an immaculate place. Their room screamed coziness, in contrast to how tidy this place was."
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "The Russian cocked his eye brows at the smaller person's seeming astonishment at his rather muscular form. It seemed like a lot of people took interest in it. \n\n\"Thank you. I don't normally get cold. I am well fortified agasint it. But in case I do I keep an extra blanket in my footlocker.\"\n\n\" My dreams are... Well. Hard to say.\" He added cryptically. In truth he often dreamt of being reunited with his father, or childhood memories. \n\n\"So tell me, how do you keep getting into fights?\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel tips their head to the side, deep in thought. \n\n\"Well... It's a little strange. I don't really react when people get mad at me, but instead of that de-escalating things, it just makes them more mad.\" \n\nUriel sighs, looking deflated. \"I don't really know how to deal with people, honestly.\" \n\nThey point at their face. \"I got this black eye when someone cut me in line, and I politely informed them of their transgression. For some reason, though, they got more mad because it that.\" \n\nThey pause, crossing their arms worriedly.\n\n\"And another time, I was telling someone that they shouldn't try and pull a string connecting us, because it would hurt me, and they ended up giving me a bleeding nose.\" \n\nUriel nervously threads their hands through their braid. \"It seems like no matter how hard I try, I really can't avoid these confrontations. So learning some self defense seems like the better course of action.\""
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "\"Pulling a sting connecting you?\" Asked the Russian confusedly as he continued to examine the other person. \n\n\"I will teach you how to protect yourself and others. But my methods are almost entirely hands on. There is no book for Systma.\" He explained slowly. Pointing to the lone chair in his room he motioned for Uriel to sit. \n\n\"Before we begin however, it important to know the history of Systma. To know the history is to help it become part of you, a key aspect of this combat form. Systma is a defensive style of combat, something that a man of your sature requires. Luckily for you, you need not be the most in shape nor the most strong for this technique. It relies on your opponent's weight and attacks.\" He said. He cracked his neck and sat on his foot locker after dragging it to be in front of his classmate. \"Modern systema history begins with the Soviet Union's Spetznaz groups. Though an umbrella term in your language it means 'Special purpose force'. Spetznaz operators are expected to be the best of the best of Russian troops and so they needed to know many CQB combat styles. Adapted from ancient Coassak styles of combat Systema was refined.\" He explained, stopping to take a sip of water before continuing, \"It is said that the only way to learn Systema is to experience it first hand. To feel it's effects and to lose by the hand of a master of the form. So, just as my father taught me I will teach you.\" \n\nHe rose from his seat and pushed it back to where it was, \"I want you to attack me. Throw in everything you have, try your hardest to land a hit. Only then will you see the use of sysetma\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Urself blinks ones, than once again. \n\n\"Oh... Um, alright?\" They say, yawning. \"That part about the history seemed rather interesting, but I don't believe I can deliver on anything quite as spectacular. My only form of self-defense is more of an emergency counter measure, so I've never done anything like this...\"\n\nAs they wind up for a hit, Vizhkir is struck by how *Sluggish* It is, even compared against your average, run-of-the-hill human— and for most superhumans? Forget it. \n\nOne *Whole second*, and they start throwing their punch."
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "Vizhkir was truly and utterly suprised at how absoulty ***Fucking*** Slow this kid was. It was with zero effort that Vizhkir grabbed their arm and flung it back at them, resulting in them literally punching theirself in the face. \n\n\"Okay okay stop. We need to work on your reaction time before we start combat training.\" He said pinching the bridge of his nose after feeling was was essetionally a mosquito bite to him after another hit had landed on his stomach, which to be fair probably would have hurt his 'attacker' more than it hurt him. \n\n\"Now, I don't want to hurt you. But it might be the only way to learn. After all if you can dodge a wrench you can dodge anything\" \n\nAnd with that he threw his own punch. He wasn't aiming for Ureil but instead off to the left of his head just an inch or three from their ear to gauge their reaction speed. He didn't hold out hope."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Vizhkir throws a punch. As expected Uriel stays perfectly still, their sleepy, half lidded eyes only looking back at Vizhkir's in confusion when it's evident the punch isn't aiming to hit them. \n\n\"Oh. I was too late that time... I didn't even manage to move out of the way. Why didn't you hit me, though?\" Uriel blinks, almost owlishly at the Russian. \n\n\"I've always had a slow reaction time, though. Don't blame yourself if you can't do anything about it— it has to do with my powers, apparently.\" Uriel yawned again, almost like punctuation."
}
] | 118 | 6,159 |
94.25 | 2022-01-11 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "\"Nyet. My father is a Wyvern. And he's a shape shifter sort of. I don't understand it\" He explained before they jumped to conclusions and thought that a Dragon fucked a human woman. \n\nThe question about touching him made him tense up for a moment. He always felt weird when someone asked that, it never felt like a normal thing. \n\nHis wings had stopped folding into his back and once again sat dormant agasint him. Thinking for a moment he allowed it with a nod."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Hm... Interesting. They're... Almost leathery.\" It's a little out of left field for Uriel to ask something so brazen, but making a fool of themselves earlier made them... Not too keen to continue. \n\n\"Does that mean you can shape shift, too? Or are you only able to transform into a dragon?\" Uriel continues the line of thought."
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "Vizhkir's wings twitched under the touch. Viz had never even touched them with his hands much less someone else. Once their hand had left his wing the two extra appendages quickly retracted into his back, disappearing. \n\n\"Nyet. I can't turn into a wyvern. Buuut I can do this\" And with that a thick black plate armor formed on his skin, looking like something out of Skyrim."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "The armor moves onto his body with a *Schlink*, and Uriel doesn't react quickly— the sharp edges manage to slice a paper-thin cut across their finger. \n\n\"Oh.\" Uriel looks down at their hand, blinking twice but ultimately not reacting. \"That's painful.\" They back at Viz's armor, as if they'd already forgotten.\n\nThey stuff their hand in their pocket, and continue to marvel at the metalwork.\n\n\"I've never known combat, but I suppose this is a well-made set.\""
}
] | 96.5 | 377 |
150 | 2022-01-18 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "rebeltheartgal",
"message": "Veronica walked into the basement, lifting a full sack that seemed to be a little bit too big for her rather small stature. With said sack on one hand, she had a thermos container in another. In other things that can be noted of her, she wasn't looking too well off today, having visible bags under her eyes and such.\n\nAfter putting down the sack on top of another that she'd brought in earlier, she sat on the pile with an audible sigh while opening up the thermos and pouring herself some coffee into the cap/cup. \"\n...Maybe this was a bad idea... But I can't stop now\", the girl muttered to herself as she downed said drink like that was all she'd been drinking the entire day."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel was wandering curiously through the school to find some sort of adventure to try clear her head from last night. Talking to the guys at the locker room helped a bit but this feels like something that she shouldn't get too involved in. To be fair by her own point of view, she doesn't know Annika much nor care much with familiarity. All she know is that she is a coffee shop girl with a broken halo and teeny tiny birb wings. Her sisters on the other hand still irks her annoyance like a buzzing mosquito. Going down the stairs, Rai adjusted the white dress shirt she wore to try look \"Normal\" By other people's standards. Well, at least tries to be mundane. When she reached the basement, she seen this person lifting a sack that made them look twice as small. \"What are you doing?\""
},
{
"author": "rebeltheartgal",
"message": "Veronica turned towards Raizel with a momentary face of surprise, though she eventually cuts out the thought about her own sensory power with it not really feeling right either most likely coz' of her current state.\n\n\"Ah, erm... Hello there, and... What I'm doing... I'm doing erm... I was just bringing some sacks of dirt and rocks and stuff to practice with my powers again today.\" Veronica replied with a bit of slurring in words at the start, of which right after, she takes a deep breath and perks herself right up to seem more energetic. \"Ah, my name's Veronica, you can just call me Nica for short\", she continues while reaching out for a handshake."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Oh... So... You're a gardener?\" Raizel shakes her hand for a second before shoving it into her pocket. \"I'm Raizel, that's what the system named me,\" She said, tilting her head to glance at the large sack of dirt and rocks. \"Aren't you scared coming down into the basement alone? I mean... That's where a lot of spooky things likes to lurk?\" This was coming from a masked person with round, glowing white eyes. \"I think the creepiest thing would be the cranky janitor who smells weird.\""
},
{
"author": "rebeltheartgal",
"message": "\"Ah, gardener, erm... No, no...\" Veronica clearly didn't expect *That* Assumption given she already said it was for her powers. \"My power is terramancy, like, controlling earth and stuff, hence why I either gotta practice in here with sacks of stuff or wait until night so I can just do my thing outside.\" With the other girl's introduction, she tilted her head with that wording of \"Named by the system\".\n\n\"Hmm... Not really, I've been going here mostly alone to practice my own thing since from what I heard, almost everyone here got their powers for a while before they came here. I just got mine in the same instance of why I got sent here, so yeah, really needed that practice\", she replied ooking at her sack pile as Raizel looked at it too, not even really paying much mind to how said masked girl looked since she's long accepted that people here be built different... Literally. \"The janitor... I guess you can say that. I sometimes have Sir Cantor watching over me as I train when he can, but I guess... Yeah, I am mostly alone while I'm here.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Oh! I-I was a little close, then? I a-assumed that you had some sort of plant power,\" Rai said, gesturing at the bag of rocks and dirt. \"If you're abilities is controlling dirt, why not try using the natural stuff outside? Or mess with flowerpots?\" Raizel didn't really understand why this girl would want to come all the way down here for a bag of dirt. The room begin to lose its warmth the longer Rai remains in one spot for too long. A puff of fog escape the sides of her mask as she breaths calmly behind it."
},
{
"author": "rebeltheartgal",
"message": "\"I guess it *Is* Dirt, you'd guess something like that, and about that...\" Veronica pulled out a small utility knife and opened up one of the sacks, letting dirt, rock and all such earthen material down and on the floor. \"I was told to not go using my power during daytime, you know, powers are super secret stuff, so yeah, gotta wait until night for that. Not today though, trying to fix my sleep schedule.\"\n\nVeronica noted the room getting colder as Raizel huffed and puffed under her mask. \"Hmm... So is your power ice or something?\", she asked while starting to fire up her own powers on the dirt, making it float alongside her."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Wait? Not allowed to use your powers in the day time?\" Raizel sound a bit confused. \"That's strange, mine is always p-passive,\" She said, watching Veronica making the dirt float in the air. \"U-Um... No... I am just a cold person? The c-cold doesn't bother me one bit.\" Rai sits down on the step with her hands resting on each other while sitting on her lap. \"I-I guess it d-depends where you grew up... I-I always used my abilities at day and night in a remote area.\""
},
{
"author": "rebeltheartgal",
"message": "\"Ah, well, my power is rather obvious as you can see, so yeah\" Veronica answered as she compacted the dirt into a disk and flung it towards a target a tad bit far away from where they were. It barely missed, Nica letting out an audible \"Drats\" To herself, as it hit half a meter off from the target and exploding into a fine dust on impact.\n\n\"As I said, I didn't really grow up with my power. I just... Realized to it one day after... Just before I got sent to here.\" She picks up more earth from the pile, compacts it yet again and throws, missing again though a bit closer to the mark now. Unlike the first one, the second disk broke like a plate, having more distinct pieces instead of the fine dust the first one ended up becoming."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Mhm... I th-think you might not be the only one who recently discovered their powers...\" Rai blinked when a small piece of dirt fling into her eye. She rubbed underneath her mask to try get it out. Still blinking it out with a fat tear form before it left her eye. Then she position the mask on comfortably, making sure Veronica didn't see her face. \"After I graduate... I-I am thinking about moving back home and get myself my o-own property in the woods.\""
},
{
"author": "rebeltheartgal",
"message": "\"Yeah, probably, but still, I have this entire superpower now, I should hone it since I got it\". Veronica looked back at Rai for a sec, and shrugs off her obviously not wanting to show her face. \"After you graduate, huh...? I don't really have that much of a dream to do in the future... I guess I could go and become a boxer or something like my brothers too.\" Veronica paused, looking at her hands as she said that. \"I've pretty much almost always been getting into fights as I went to school, and I'm not that good at subjects and such too. I... I don't know what to do yet, I guess.\"\n\nVeronica looked a bit more sullen saying that last bit, right before continuing her target practice."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"I-I'm bad at a-academics... Dealing with people isn't my strong suit... A-and I think a large population of them are fools..\" Raizel sound slightly annoyed and bitter. \"I-It's just life... Most of the problems comes from humans..\" A girl from the woods had grew to resent many people with her difficult upbringing and independence living on her own. The very place that she called home is currently being taken over by a company that bought it that land near the reservation for research. \"I-I just want to leave and go back l-living in the wilderness.\""
},
{
"author": "rebeltheartgal",
"message": "\"Hmm...\" Veronica listened intently as Raizel talked about herself, though she let off an \"Ah...\" At her implication that she isn't human, realizing of it with her wording.\n\n\"Problematic... Yeah, I guess you can indeed say that...\", Veronica added while recalling about people that csme for her for either being as poor as they were prior to her parents dying, to the bullying that came from starting school late and just being different.\n\n\"And...\" Veronica stopped with her practicing and came over to Raizel and giving her a hug, ofc which she let go relatively quickly. \"Ah, sorry about that, that might've been really sudden, just... Yeah, that does sound like a rough life you've lived so far...\" Veronica backed off, to not be too closing in on her and such. \"Well, don't worry, I can feel that the people here, they're trying to help us all go through life better, and I guess that mostly boils down to helping up with our own natures and such, but... Yeah, ya know what I mean...\". Veronica was trying hard to find the right words to console and comfort Rai. She was coming from a place of kindred suffering in the hands of others, but it's obvious to her that Rai was really different in what she was and what she went through."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel suddenly jumped when Veronica rushed over towards her for a hug that she didn't expected. The girl just flitted over like a squirrel so quick that she didn't even register it right away. \"Eh..?\" Then the strange Veronica pulled back saying a lot for her to try keep up with where the other is coming from. What was that all about? Then her masks slips sideways as if on cue to match its keeper's confusion. \"I-I guess? Th-they did just yoink me out from m-my home... The only crime I know of is th-that I am different.\" She fix the position of her mask. \"I-I think you might like Uriel and Owen, they're r-really sweet guys... If y-you want t-try make some friends h-here.\""
},
{
"author": "rebeltheartgal",
"message": "\"Sorry about that, it really was too sudden, huh?\" Veronica noted Rei's profound confusion at her hug. \"Yeah, being different nets you trouble from people that are that bad. Could be the story of my life as well.\"\n\n\"Hmm... Uriel and Owen, I'll keep that in mind then, but you knoe, you're a pretty sweet girl yourself, ya know?\" , Veronica tried to reassure Raizel with a smile. After a bit, Veronica went over to where her thermos was and downed another cup of coffee. \"Hmm... I guess that'll be the last one then, it seems that going here to keep myself moving and awake, and as well as talking with you helped me out, thanks!\", Veronica continued, putting her thermos down again."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Uh... I-I don't know about being sweet...\" She said, awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck. \"N-Not when I'm not in the best of moods.\" Hearing this from Raizel would be difficult to believe when her voice sound hollow, almost quiet and shy. \"Well... It was nice meeting you V-Veronica, I need to catch my other class soon.\" She gets up using the railing to help her get back onto her feet. \"Good luck e-earth bending.\""
},
{
"author": "rebeltheartgal",
"message": "\"Aww, don't be too hard on yourself too\", Veronica continued reassuring the masked lass, about to reach for a shoulder pat or something of the sort before stopping herself. \"And... Ah, nice to meet you too then, Raizel! See ya!\", she waves off towards her as Rai got up and was about to leave."
}
] | 144 | 2,550 |
180.4 | 2022-02-08 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Light filters in through the blinds to an otherwise dimly lit room. Streaks of sunlight, made visible by dust floating gently through the room, strike the tall stacks of paper standing throughout the small space, producing blinding white in the dim gray office.\n\nThe sound of pen scratching paper fills the air. Mr. Cantor is sitting at his desk, reading glasses on, looking more dishevelled and serious than usual. He finishes scrawling on one piece of paper, files it away, then begins the next, and so it goes on - work, in the worst sense of the word. At a glance, he's exhausted.\n\nIt's his office, but judging by the dust and cobwebs and massive stacks of paper, he hasn't used it in a while. Still, that's where he's found now - deeply immersed in his job."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Lost as ever about the school's system, Raizel was not sure of herself if she should bother a colleague for her request. Lately she was immersing herself with hands-on crafts to keep herself sane while she stayed trapped in this confinement. The soft padding sounds of her mukluks coming down the hall which soon stopped by the door. Her head tilt at the sound of pen scratching on paper on the other side of the framework. Her round, glowing eyes flittered when they blinked before narrowing curiously. Rai steps closer towards the door with her gloved hand reaching out for the door knob. Her hand paused. Her eyes stared at it to realize it is shaking. What was she suppose to do? Walk in or knock? After debating on other options, Rai knocks on the door."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mr. Cantor practically crumbles at the sound of someone knocking at the door. Knocking at the door probably means more work from the Deans. More work is something he does not have the capacity to deal with right now - he can barely deal with what he already has.\n\nHe can't exactly say no, though. He puts his pen down, straightens his hair a smidge, and walks to the door to open it himself. At least that's a small break. He slowly turns the door handle and opens the door.\n\nAs the light from the hallway washes into the room, his face immediately lights up. \"Oh!\" He exclaims, surprised, \"Please, come in. I'll turn on the lights, one sec.\" He spends about three seconds fiddling with the light switch as he gestures for Raizel to walk in. \n\n\"Sorry about the mess. I'll make some space so you can sit down.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "At first she wasn't expecting the door to open so soon compared to the \"Indian Time\" Customs from her village. \"O-oh... H-hey..\" She says nervously, her voice suddenly growing quiet. Raizel steps into the room to see hills of papers stacked in varies of places. Subconsciously, her arms pull itself up like a lever when it drew itself close to her chest, afraid that she'll knock down a pile of paper. She glances at the room before finding herself some space where she stood away from the piles of paper. As soon as he apologized about the mess, Rai turns her head away with her arm covering her lower mask before she let out a sneeze. \"I-It's alright... Uh... Um..\" She lowers her arm to take a better look at him while she squinted under the light. \"Th-They call me R-Raizel... R-Raizel Adder...\" Her voice sound soft and hollow from the mask she wore on her face. \"I-I'm here... W-wondering if I... Could take up a class for crafting...\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mr. Cantor moves a stack of papers from the chair opposite him at his desk and gestures for Raizel to sit down. It doesn't take much for him to figure out that Raizel is nervous - extremely so - so he decides to slow down. He gently guides Raizel to her seat. \"My name's Graham. It's nice to meet you. I can tell you're a bit nervous - it's okay, let's take this at your pace, alright? There's no rush.\"\n\nFor Graham there's a rush, but he's honestly happy to have a bit of a break from the paperwork. At least talking to a person isn't completely mind-numbing. \n\nHe sits down, looking at Rai with a patient smile. He's not quite as good at that as Rai's own Contact, but he's still perfectly okay at it. \"I'm sure we can work something out. You wanted to take one of my crafts classes, right?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel wasn't sure how to feel when the other approached her with patience and kindness. She appreciate it even though that it did put her off at first. After taking a seat on the chair that Graham had cleared, she laced her fingers together before resting them on her lap. She glanced up at him before nervously looking back down at the dusty floor. \"Y-yeah...\" Rai swallowed nervously before tugging at the rim of her shirt. \"I...\" She starts mustering up the strength with prayers that she can function like a \"Normal\" Person for once in her life. *'Come on! Come on! Just talk! How hard can it be!?'* Rai mentally scolded herself. \"I really want to j-join your class... I need to d-do something. I'm going stir-crazy fr-from being kept in the f-facility.\" And this is coming from someone who mauled the corners of walls, locker doors and chewed on anything that her maw can bite onto."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Graham just smiles and nods, almost serene compared to how he usually acts. \"Of course! Don't worry about it. Of course I'll let you take the class.\" Raizel struck him as utterly dysfunctional, as possibly feral. Getting her to feel calm was a task he knew Pernilla was more suited for - but that didn't mean he couldn't get along with her.\n\n\"It's okay, you don't need to worry, I just need to know some more stuff before then.\" He checked through the many papers on his desk until finding one in particular and looking through it. \"I have you on for... Nothing, actually. Pernilla's apparently supposed to pull you aside once in a while, but apart from that... It looks like you can take any class you'd like.\"\n\nHe puts the paper away and moves his glasses to his forehead to look Raizel in the eyes - or the closest thing possible, given her mask. \"So! Raizel. The thing is, there's more than one kind of crafts class. You don't just take crafts. You can take masonry, or glassblowing, or a bunch of other options like that. Basically anything you can think of!\" He looks proud of himself. \"What are you interested in?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Graham was an energetic oddball with a bundle of energy; nerd. He seem very willing enough to let her take part of his class as one of his students. \"I-I'm still trying to figure o-out more about myself... Making stuff is s-something I always did when I lived outside.\" Then Raizel paused when she noticed Graham was trying to make eye contact. Doing that had only made her squirm nervously in her chair until she whipped out her backpack. \"C-carving, m-making clothes, c-creating tools...\" As she is saying this, Rai neatly unravel a flat elk skin cloth on the clearing on his desk. There was a display of a bone needle, small wooden and stone carvings of totems, a bundle of sinew string, small dream catcher, some native jewelry and a mysterious medicine bag."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Graham pauses. Takes a breath. He had promised to take things at her pace. He would keep that promise. He couldn't just shove her in one of his classes, that wouldn't work. That wouldn't be right.\n\nHe followed along with her explanation, muttering to himself. \"Carving, making clothes and tools... Mmm.\" For a moment, he's too concerned with the task at hand to notice what she's presenting in front of him, but when he does, his eyes light up again, brighter than when he first saw Raizel standing outside his office.\n\n\"...You made all this?\" He puts his glasses on again, looking closely at the items but feeling slightly too apprehensive to actually touch them. \"This is impressive work!\" He hadn't read Raizel's file, but from what he did know, people familiar with civilization don't usually dress like she does.\n\n\"I'm not sure if I can really get one class that's close to this... There's woodcarving, stonecutting, sculpture... If you'd like to try something new, there's plenty of other options, too. Should I get you a list or something?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel sheepishly turns her glowing eyes back to the dusty floor when she seen Graham's eyes lit up. It made her bashful when he asked her that one question. *\"You made this?\"* And with those words it made her rub the back of her neck when she side glance at him before nodding. Then she laced her fingers back together again and rest them on her lap. \"I-I'll take any of the three... B-but I would like a list a-and see i-if there are other options.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Graham nods. He has a list somewhere, he knows. He also knows exactly what it looks like. But it's on his desk, so it takes him a while of looking at it to really figure out where it is. In the meantime, he gives Raizel a moment of reprieve. He feels as though she might need it.\n\nEventually, he finds it - it's presented as a schedule, Monday through Saturday, with exactly what craft - or crafts - are being taught in that time. There are a few empty slots, but most of it is filled, with everything from bicycle repair to pottery among the many options.\n\n\"You can take more than one class, if you'd like. Just off the top of my head, I have a few people who are taking both bicycle repair and something else. I'm sure you'll have the time.\" He stands up.\n\n\"You can take your time figuring things out, okay? However long you need. I'm gonna get a cup of coffee - do you want anything? We have water, coffee, tea, even some of that cocoa powder stuff you mix with hot water if that's your thing.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "While she had her moment of isolated thoughts, Rai was already zoning out thinking about other options that could help her survive better once she gets kicked out of the school. Then her thought bubble was popped as soon as Graham's voice had dragged her back into reality. She jumped in her seat but composed herself the best she could before answering, \"I-I'll just have water... Th-thank you..\" Then she got an idea which made her wonder if she could try push her luck. \"W-Water with ice, pl-please..\" How much can she get away with this man? This could help her get some time to think about the options on the list. And during the time of his absence, Rai think carefully of her choices before coming to a conclusion that she wants to try out stone carving, pottery and repairing bikes. Her schedule isn't the most busiest which allows her to have more time for creativity."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Alright. Water with ice, got it.\"\n\nGraham heads out for coffee and water. There's an ice dispenser, so it's little trouble. When he heads back in, he almost places the coffee in front of Rai, but quickly corrects himself. \"Sorry, bit tired.\" He gestures around the room. \"Lots of work.\"\n\nHe sits back down with the coffee. \"So? See anything you like?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel thanks him for the cup of ice water before she showed him the list of crafts that she wants to take. \"Stone c-carving, p-pottery and re-repairing bikes... That's the three th-that I would like to try out.\" After announcing her request of the chosen classes, Rai shifts her mask upward slightly enough for the rim of the class to meet her mouth. She is downing the cold water along with some ice cubes to swallow it down without choking. Then she gently sets the cup down on the desk before adjusting her mask to hide her lower mouth. \"I-I should go now... Th-thank you for your time and c-consideration..\" Rai removed herself from her seat before waving him good-bye as she turns away to leave through the door. Click. It shuts quietly behind her. Graham was now left alone with the objects she had left behind on his desk."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Graham stared down at the items.\n\nHe gently repackaged them in the skin, and resolved to give them back some time later. Until then... He'd better get this 'Raizel Adder' signed up for the classes. And finish all the other paperwork."
}
] | 187 | 2,706 |
677 | 2022-03-04 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "[no.? : the library]\n\nFinley's fingers aimlessly skimmed the fluttering pages of a book, eyes dragging across ancient black letters, curled perfectly in a isoquant symmetry. They let their head drop against the wall. It weighed a thousand pounds on their neck, dark circles framing their blue eyes, stark against their pale complexion. Blue veins studded the inner wrists, dotted with a somewhat masculine cologne.\n\n*The Picture of Dorian Gray,* A novel they were long since familiar with. They'd read it countless times. The tale of corrupting youth and art, hedonism, and, above all, horrendously and devastatingly personable. Finley loved Basil, the character who watched Dorian deteriorate, and deteriorate further. A finger slid down the page, across a line they liked in particular.\n\n *\"Live! Live the wonderful life that is in you! Let nothing lost be upon you. Be always searching for new sensations. Be afraid of nothing.\"*\n\nThey pulled out a highlighter from their pocket, popping off the cap with their teeth. Finley held the book in one hand and the highlighter in the other, and traced the bright yellow ink over the lettering. Live!, cried Oscar Wilde. Live, and let nothing stop you - Finley hadn't lived enough. Surely, they hadn't. Seventeen years, and what had they done? Multiple felony counts of arson and destruction, a nearly dodged attempted murder charge. \n\nBut they were here now. For better, for worse, they were here. Newton's Cradle had caught them in between. Had this been how Basil felt? In the in between, the spellbound suspense of everything and nothing be wholly and utterly terrifying.\n\n Everything was terrifying - the overwhelming amount of life left to live, life not yet lived, life not lived at all, the expectations of themself, the ones upon which they placed on others, the ones they placed on themself. \nNothing was terrifying - the whole and unending void only mere molucles away from consuming the galaxy as they knew it, the way the Sun could explode and they'd be none the wiser for eight entire minutes. Nothing was terrifying, but only in the way of which nothing existed - a nihilistic approach to the dread that crawled up into their throat at night and slowly strangled them from the inside.\n\nFinley threw themself back onto the carpet, the book falling from their fingertips to the floor. A deep sigh billowed from their chest into the air. There had to be more. Maybe that was why they combed the depths of Newton's Cradle for something, anything - Annika lingered in their mind, every once in a while, she and her sisters. They wanted to reach out to Graham, see if he knew anything. But somehow, they thought, they wouldn't get much out of him.\n\nExistencialism tingled the nerves in their hands, and a theory blossomed somewhere in the back of their mind. There had to be more here. There had to be more to this school, they thought. The Deans were shady as hell. The professionals hardly said anything to anyone about anything important. If nothing here was important - why couldn't they leave? Why couldn't they use the internet freely? If they were just so-so, these criminals, what were they supposed to be doing? Apart from a few instances, it felt like they had no purpose in the Cradle. And yet, they could not leave.\n\nAn emotional Purgatory, of sorts."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June had been up wandering around the facility for a while. Their nerves were restless and their mind spun. They couldn't figure out what was bothering them, but something was missing. Turning a corner, June took a sip of the energy drink they had grabbed before they left. The toxic tasting battery acid stung the back of their throat as it trickled down. They were rather unaffected by caffeine, and had quite honestly started drinking it for the sugary sweet taste. June's feet softly padded along the floor as they weaved their way through the long halls. They could admit they weren't *Entirely* Present. At least June was self aware?\n\nAs June continued to walk through the endless corridors, a part of them hoped they would run into Owen. *A familiar face would be nice.* A small twang of grief festered in their chest. They were so far away from home, and had gone so long without a fresh interaction. They really missed the adrenaline rush of conversation. The way their words would boom through jokes and across crowds. A feeling matched by nothing else in the world. \n\nFinally something, a single thread, grabbed June and yanked them out of their head. They stopped right in their tracks, their deep dark eyes fixated in front of them. June could not tell what part of this specific room seemed so intriguing, but they could think of that later. They took their hands, grabbed the handle and swung open the door. Not bothering to cushion it as it fell back into place. The study room was larger than they thought, but still quaint. June never really participated in work so this room was of no use to them, but they could at least explore. *What else was there to do?* With another sip of the corrosive tasting drink, June was distracted from the problems that found comfort under their skin. Curiosity had an iron grip on them. It sat front row and centre in their brain and fed them ideas most would deem stupid. They couldn't care less, it was fun.\n_ _\n\nAfter a couple seconds, June's attention had been captivated by something new. *Someone new.* Their small brows raised slightly, and their lips twisted into a smile. What a pleasant surprise. A stranger, someone they had never seen before was laying on the floor of this study room. A despondent look on their features, and a book resting half open beside them. Their blond hair was eye catching, and June didn't bother to stop themselves as they walked over to the kid. \n\nJune stopped a couple inches away from the person. Their tall and arguably intimidating figure leaned over them, their weight bounced back onto their heels. Strawberry pink strands of hair fell down into their face as they leaned their head down. With a tilt of their neck, they let their smile linger. \n\n\"Having a rough night?\"\n\nThey let out a small squeak of a giggle. Their voice strung together with eccentric syllables, each word bouncing through feminine leaning sounds. Their free hand folded behind their back, as they continued to lean over the stranger. The same tantalizing smile on their features. The homesickness remained in their brain, eating away at them. But as always, a smile was their armour, and they wouldn't let anyone see the cracks underneath. So for now, they were confident. Thats all the stranger needed to know."
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "At the sound of their voice, Finley's eyes blinked open, flickering across June's image in their line of sight. Tall, broad, androgynous, and colorful, they stood out like a sparkler among the drab backdrop of stuffed faux-leather and fabric chairs, bursting at the seams from too-little too-much use. They took a moment to analyze June, Finley did, and the words they delivered.\n\nRough night - Rough night, rough day, rough week, wasn't it a terrible excuse they all were guilty of? It was just one bad day. One bad month. One bad year, a single blemish on an otherwise perfect life, a carved line crisscrossing the angles of seasonal depression, loneliness, the way a concrete building burned like a hollowed out shell, flames licking the borders of the atmosphere in some kind of anger. Finley leaned on the excuse like a crutch after they had first burned their school's theatre to the ground. It wasn't *That* Bad. It was *Only* The theatre. People hadn't been *That* Badly hurt.\n\nNadia had nearly been trampled to death by the panicking mob. \n\nThey sat up at once, listening to the canter of June's voice, eyeing the smile smoothing across their expression. They were, Finley assumed, another student. Someone else pictured perfect among the rosters, frozen in amber like a bug, limbs still fighting to twitch as the immobility set in. Dear God, Finley thought, would that be them? Trapped, a silent scream ripping through the effervescent doctrine peddled by people they hardly knew, neither trusted. \n\nBut oh, they supposed, it already was.\n\n\"I suppose,\" Finley conceded, the image of an ant, frozen stockstill, flashing behind their eyes. They realized they had not looked back to June. They did, then, biting the side of their finger and picking at the skin. Bad habit. \"Not entirely unheard of by you, I'd assume. It's terribly late, and yet, here you stand.\"\nThey tilted their head to the right, looking almost like a cat, something with a thousand yard stare, perched in the sunshine, picking through the flaws of everything presented before it. Skepticism was a nasty plague, soaking the mind and the heart, distrust blooming like a poisonous flower.\n\nThey stood, Oscar Wilde's most quoted work still dangling between a set of boney, frigid fingers. A free hand extended towards the stranger.\n\nAn energy drink accompanied their guest. Fin had never quite gotten the taste for those. They were always so bitter, so harsh on the body. Coffee suited them well enough, sipped over a journal, slugged in a lukewarm Thermos in the second-to-last row of a lecture, discontent at the taste and unable to fix it. \n\n\"Finley Carlisle,\" They said, by way of introduction. \"I'm sure we've met online.\""
}
] | 688 | 2,031 |
250.45 | 2022-03-05 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June let their eyes rest, fixated on the stranger. They were definitely short, but when you were as tall as someone like June, it was to be expected. Finley pulled themselves upwards, and straightened out their posture. The same half opened book resting against their palm, a book June had no interest in. Their eyes remained stationary on Finley, running down the lanky androgynous frame they carried themselves with. They felt interest bloom in their chest, covering any doubt that chewed away at June. \n\n\"You got it. Here I stand!\" June responded. The kid looked, cold. June was used to rushes of warmth, sunshine smiles and bubbly responses. This kid was far from that. June almost felt pity. They listened intently to the way Finley spoke. They responded in short succinct bursts, each word felt like freezing rain, depressing but with visible conviction. It didn't take long for them to string together something of meaning. A name! *Finley?* Recognition was set ablaze inside the messy auditorium of their mind. They *Had* Met them online. The other nonbinary kid who hated the nicknames June had called them. \n\n\"Oh! You're Finley! We have met online. Im June, but of course you know that.\"\n_ _\n\nTheir upbeat tempo remained unwavering. The same sickeningly sweet tone coated over each word. A rush of confidence followed June wherever they went, it lingered between sentences, along their features and boomed in strong bursts through their body language. June interlaced their hand in with Finley's. A strong solid hold, much more than they meant. With a few shakes, and a welcoming smile, June let their hand fall back to their side. Peering down at Finley, June realized the lanky limbs holding them up. Contrasting the kid in front of them, June had broad muscular features and thicker legs which remained visible. Their outfit was incredibly causal, A soft colourful sweatshirt draped over their torso, the collar falling below the base of their neck. Alongside fluffy socks and black athletic shorts, their hair was pinned back with various charms. A sun and heart rested neatly between the strands, sitting pretty and perfect beside each other. Even when they weren't trying, June never failed to capture the attention of those around them. They were basically eye candy, being thrown out towards anyone who dared turn their way. June adored this, and seeing Finley's eyes on them was no surprise. Their eyes drew June in. Soft deep pools of electrifying blue, peering back into June's almost pitch black gaze. \n\n\"What are you doing in here? Didn't look like work.\" June teased. The same curiosity fluttered in their ribcage, a swarm of butterflies made their home between their bones. June lived life on their feet, running as fast as possible wherever their wild mind steered them, and today was no less than that. They went where they wanted, and now decided to jump head first into this interaction without a second thought. Being a chronic performer who basked in the gaze of a spotlight, improvisation was one of June's talents. Able to go with the flow and ride the wave wherever it takes them. \n_ _\n\nAs June awaited a response, they kept thinking about Finley. Over the internet they seemed blunt and boring to a fault. Dense and condescending, someone who didn't seem to agree with June's behaviour. June knew some other person would see this as a perfect reason to ignore Finley, but they were bored and needed something or someone to entertain them. And Finley, had volunteered."
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "Volunteered, or been volun-told?\n\nJune was upbeat to a fault, dense, ditzy, spinning, some sort of sugar-coated, too-sweet façade that sprinkled glitter around their feet and powdered sugar across the air. Rotten smile, then, Finley supposed, teeth rotting out of their skull with each cherry-picked grin and dazzling smirk. Overall - Finley hardly recognized the glamor in themself. They preferred a bitter reality, they supposed - how terrible of them, to anchor themself in things that never brought them joy. Their hands disconnected. \n\n*\"You're practically anemic,\"* Nadia had said once, commenting on how cold Finley's skin was. Their fingers were always chilled, forehead always cool. When lightning poured through their veins, then, there, they were, at last, warm. And how destructive it was to be warm, to oneself and the rest. A loose sweater sat slung over their frame, something old, worn, dark gray, reaching towards their wrists and folded over, a pair of awkward, beaten tennis shoes digging into their calves as they sat criss-cross. They did take into account how different June looked from them.\n\nThey looked happy.\n\nFinley wondered if June was happier than they were. \n\n\"You don't seem to be either,\" Finley drawled, leaning back against a too-straight bookshelf. They sat the still closed book in their lap, squishing their thumb against the pages. They held up the book. \"I was reading, if you must know. It's a classic.\"\n\n*Good God, Finley, don't mansplain.*\n\nImprovisation hardly came natural to Finley. Conversations were games of chess, carefully selected moves and pieces moved forward, questions, challenges, anger stirring in their mouth like the lightning in their chest. Backwards, murmured words, something soft and downy between their teeth, rarities, saved for loved ones, careful little knickknacks polished and placed on shelves, cleared away after years of discontentment. Diagonal negations, sideways snarks and biting, bitten lips and snapping teeth, the kind of elusive anger their mother wore like a crown that sunk her head to her shoulders. But the jewels glittered to Finley's attention, so they wore it.\n\nJune, the person who kept attaching them to those tactless nicknames. Fin, Finny, anything of the like. It almost made them roll their eyes on the spot to think of it. Finley didn't like nicknames. They had gone through enough names to reach this one, and had no inclinations to further challenge it - they were lucky that Newton's Cradle had even accepted it without much question, said nothing when it scarcely matched what came on any legal documents, instead penning in the name they chose for themself on every piece of paperwork their mother and the court signed. Thin pressed lips spoke silent words of discontent, but the pen conquered, and Finley Carlisle lived on. \n\nThey sat the book back down, dragging their free hand in circles across the carpet. Static sparked between their fingertips, the smell of singed carpet causing them to stop. They sighed. \nBest not to start another fire.\n\n\"I don't really care for the nicknames,\" They said. \"They aren't much my thing. Just Finley will do.\""
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June sat themselves right next to Finley. They fell down onto their legs, resting their free hand on their thigh. The cold of their fingertips sunk through their skin. In the other, June aimlessly swirled the half full energy drink, listening to the soft swish of liquid. Personal space was not something they had even begin to grasp, let alone care enough to follow. If told to move, June would give the other space, but they had a nasty habit of always assuming people would welcome their company with open arms. \n\n\"No, I'm not doing work either. I was bored.\" \n\nJune let out a snicker. A hyena-like cackle that fell under their breath. They leaned back slightly, but remained fixated on Finley. The kid held up a book, and June shot forward. Their black eyes filled with wonder. One may even assume June had never seen a book before. Of course they had, but this one was *New.* New was so interesting to June, tantalizing even. They were enamoured with the idea of experiencing everything life had to offer, and went about it with their own chaotic brand of pandemonium. Letting out a soft hum, June stared at the cover, before falling back into their resting position. \n\n\"Looks boring!\" \n_ _\n\nThey said in a cheery tone, a tinge of a Japanese accent bounced between the English syllables. It didn't sound malicious, but not genuine either. It was incredibly hard to gauge what June was trying to portray. Were they being sarcastic? June let their smile linger, depending on how the other would perceive their intentions fully depended on how open they were to new people. Suspicious people never got along with June, since they had a habit of leaving too many strings untied. \n\nJune took a swig of their drink to fill the empty space between sentences. They never found things awkward necessarily, but Finley was surprisingly good at snuffing out June's attempts. No matter, it didn't bother them. June would never quit unless directly told to go away, and until Finley pulled those words together in perfect diction, June will remain stationary right here beside them. The next few words Finley said managed to make June's head tilt again. \n\n\"Oh-\" June let out another snicker. \"My bad! Didn't know it was that big of a deal! Ill stop but y'know June was actually a nickname for me, and then it became my *Actual* Name! So sometimes they can be good! Maybe I just got the good ones.\" \n\nTheir smile was welcoming and warm, beckoning Finley to let their guard down and join them in the sunbathed field of tranquility. June *Was* Happy. Thats what they told people, and a part of them did believe that. And despite everything, June couldn't help but want to grab someone by the hand, intertwine their fingers, and drag them out into the adventurous wonders life had to offer."
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "\"Excuse you, Oscar Wilde was a genius.\"\n\nFinley once believed in enamorment, in the gorgeous splender of relentless persecution, but the anathema of understanding had shed their excitement like pebbles into the river. Finley knew then, at once, that they could never be like June, for they only craved the silence.\n\nQuiet mornings spent over teas and coffees, murmured affections, long evenings spent pouring over books, gentle hands and gentler kindness. Something easy. Something soft. The fires had burned long enough. Finley only craved the way the forest grew back after, the way little leaves of green crawled their way through the charred earth with a steady song of belief, the peace that came from sunlight soaking into their frigid hands and how the birds sounded as they cried out for something so similar. All of nature, it seemed, cried out it's deepest nature. \n\nAnd humans, they cried out for love in nearly every action, every waking moment, their voices, their minds cried for endearment, for love, for attention, for connection, some little piece inside never wholly satiated by the conviction of devout attention.\n\n\"Hello,\" Finley said, June's feet clacking against their legs. They were tense, tight as a bowstring. Physical touch had never been their particular affinity. \"Must you sit so close?\"\n\nAnd, ah, the names. Finley chose their name, too. \n\n\"I'm pleased for you,\" They said, something of a sigh in their voice. They resumed biting at their nail, a habit they'd long since tried to quit. \n\nBut, June was relentlessly friendly, so, Finley tried at least soften their expression. A smile may have been there, if June looked hard enough."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June let out a laugh at Finley's response. The cackle echoed through the empty study room, and made June's chest reverberate with sound. Not even taking a second to wonder if the kid was joking. A genius? Seemed like some old guy they had never heard of. June felt no need to focus on the past. Sure there were *'lessons to be learned,'* But June found learning from experience much more valuable. Whatever, they weren't one to bash on what others found interesting, that was rather uncharacteristic of them. \n\n\"Ah yes right, *My apologies.*\" \n\nA snicker fell through their teeth. With an almost mocking tone, this was definitely sarcastic. They weren't sorry at all. June felt no need to get all strung up over a couple words, they weren't being mean and so they felt no need to apologize. No matter, June never hung on a thought for longer than a couple seconds. It was of no importance to them. All they could hope is that what fell short of relevance to them, was not imperative to Finley. \n\nJune's was pulled out from the aimless swishing of their drink like a fish on a hook. Their eyes widened and they immediately moved backwards about a foot, giving Finley the space they questioned. Almost a second of embarrassment visible through the confident facade June wore with such pride. They sputtered a small apology under their breath and took a quick sip of their drink to cover their tracks. The same sting nothing short of refreshing coating their tastebuds in an explosion of metallic flavours. Over the rim of the can, June could barely recognize a soft smile on Finley's features. A part of them wondered if maybe they were just reaching for any sign their presence wasn't a bore. \n_ _\n\n\"Ah yes. It was quite the story actually. My original nickname was Jester, and then slowly it morphed into June! Although, a lot of my friends still call me Jester, which can be confusing to some.\"\n\nJune practically used giggles as punctuation. Laughter underlined each word. Their behaviour was lively and eccentric, and even contagious to some. The way June eased through conversation, dancing across sentences with the same grace they used in their acrobatic performances. They also liked to ramble, specifically about themselves. Some would describe June has egocentric, others said plain confident. June had many opinions floating around their head, almost everyone had someone to say about how they behaved. June couldn't help but wonder if Finley was the same. Did others have opinions about them too? They wondered what kind of things the ever seeing public eye would have to say about someone so blatantly opposite to June. \n\n\"Is there a particular reason you don't like nicknames? I think they are rather harmless.\"\n\nJune was definitely prying, but that didn't even begin to bear importance in their mind. It kept the conversation going, didn't it? They were never the kind of person to be quick to a point, they didn't care for summarization. June wondered if Finley was that kind of person. They already seemed so professional, even when speaking to someone like June, who looked like a lost birthday clown."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Along with other students in class, Raizel would be found alone in the far back corner with the other antisocial kids. This was pottery class and the entire room filled with teen hormones which stung her nose. The glowing eyes on her mask close half ways when she listened with a bored expression. As soon as the clay was presented, it caught her interest that brought her examining it curiously. She scoops a small dab with her gloved hand before plopping it into her mouth to taste it. Hmmm. Its a little different compare to back home."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "The kids next to Rai noticed her eating clay, but mostly kept their snickering to themselves. Graham noticed, too.\n\nHe'd been expecting that sort of thing. This girl had been a handful when she asked for the classes, let alone now that she'd actually be taking them, but Graham had expected that. This was the kind of girl that made him seriously wonder if she was raised by wolves - not that he was even supposed to ask.\n\nHe walked up to Rai and gave her a sort of awkward half-grin. \"You're, uh... You're not supposed to eat it.\" His voice was hushed enough that no one else could hear his attempt at trying to get Raizel to behave like a normal human. \"Just follow along with me, okay? Can you see me up there from down here?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "The clay had a weird flavor to it that was different from the river bank she was use to messing with. Pottery wasn't her strongest suit since the clay was mostly played with like playdough when she was a small kid. She didn't care about the other kids snickering in the background as she tasted the sample. Raizel turned to the voice above where she blinked her glowing pale eyes. Next thing she did was spit the gunk out on the floor like an expert. And it hit hard with a smack. \"M-Mhm..\" She timidly nodded to Graham."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Graham internally sighed. He'd have to clean that up. But he smiled and nodded at Rai anyway, and went back up to the front of the class, clasping his hands together.\n\n\"Alright! We have a lot of new people here today, so those of you who've been taking this class for a while, you might not get help as fast as you're used to. If you have a project you've been working on, you can keep working on that, and...\"\n\nHe paused and looked Rai in the eye. It made it pretty clear that he was talking to her. \"The rest of you, try to follow along, okay? What we're gonna be working on today is a relatively simple project to start us off. We're gonna be making a simple vase today. It doesn't have to look exactly like mine...\"\n\nGraham continued like that for a while, occasionally pausing to make sure Rai was doing okay and to answer questions. From the lump of clay, something resembling a vase was beginning to take shape... At least for Graham's lump of clay."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel was low-key excited that she was actually taking a crafting class. It reminded her of the high school near the reservation where students had fun making stuff and bringing it home to show it off to their families and friends. She did pay attention to Graham as he instructed the entire class behind his desk. Rai was in awe when she seen a lump of clay beginning to take shape. Molding itself as it spun on that weird contraption. As she tried to follow along the tutorial, this made her begin thinking more as she is molding the claw in her hands. It reminded her how she is able to semi-transform into a totem monster. What if she is able to take on a full fledge transformation? The thought lingered until she begins to wonder about her true origins. Who was her parents? Did she had any? And the clay was beginning to take shape into a vase when she was getting into the zone. It was beginning to spin too fast until it splattered out of shape, some of it masking across her eyes. \"Eeeek!\" Raizel yelped, keeping her eyes closed."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Noticing something was wrong, Graham approached Raizel in the back of the class again. These things happened... Sometimes.\n\nHe took a look at the pottery, or what was left of it. It wasn't a lot, but even from the remnants, it had apparently been progressing relatively well. He couldn't help but smile a little at that. She was doing okay.\n\nStill, he didn't see exactly what had happened, and the clay over her eyes was... A concern. \"Are you alright? Did any of it get in your eyes?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel was trying to wipe the gunk off with the back of her arm which only smeared it some more. \"A-A little b-b-b-it...\" She stammered, obviously looking uncomfortable. There was grit under her eye lashes that wanted to get right into her eye. Rai continued to try wiping it away but it requires her to remove her mask to wash the clay off."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Graham nodded. \"C'mon, we'll get that washed out. The pottery isn't going anywhere.\" He took a moment to wait for Rai to get out of her seat, then followed her out into the hall toward the nearest bathroom. *These things happen*, he kept thinking to himself. *These things happen.* He wasn't quite sure why.\n\n\"Are you gonna be okay?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel attempts to crack open her eyes but winced when she felt a small sting. She felt around the desk with memory where to go when she first got up from her seat. Raizel bumped into her chair as she followed Graham's voice, trying her best to not collide into any students and other projects in the class. When the scene skips to the bathroom, Raizel was still trying to wipe away the clay gunk from her shut eyes. \"Y-yeah... It stings... C-c-c-can't see w-w-w-ell..\" She stuttered, causing her mask to rattle nervously as she quivered."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Hey.\" Graham's voice was hushed, almost a whisper. \"Hey. I have some eyewash here, okay?\" He took a quick moment to peruse the instructions, then removed the cap from the bottle of eyewash and handed it to Rai. \"There's, like, a little cup on it. You hold the bottle upright and put your eye in there, then squeeze the bottle a little so the water touches your eye. Got it?\"\n\nHe tried his best to sound optimistic, but... Eyewash was usually a hard sell to people who *Weren't* Feral. People don't tend to like the thought that you get stuff out of your eyes by putting other stuff in."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Hhhhhhrnnn...\" Rai didn't sound very convinced after hearing his instructions. \"Th-This also means I have to remove m-my mask...\" She didn't sound all delighted by that fact. An annoyed click, click, click sound came from her that sound very alien-like. There was a battle of self-consciousness and fear struggling with courage and urgency that conflict with her decisions. Behind the mask, a pair of wood like ears poked out behind her wooden mask. Her hands begin to morph into claws that cracked as it takes on a claw-like appearance. \"I-I really don't g-get the point of that th-thing c-called eyewash.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Hey. It's okay. I can go if that helps, okay?\" Graham carefully put his hand on Rai's shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. He was always so careful with her. Too careful. Like he was scared. Or she was.\n\nHe kept reminding herself she wasn't an animal.\n\n\"It's for washing the clay out, okay? You can't let the clay stay in your eyes. It won't hurt. I promise.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "It was a moment with that saying about a frightening creature,\"Its more scared of you than you are to it,\" Scenerio. \"Ugh... Just h-help me, okay!\" And she placed her clawlike hand over her mask to reveal that both her eyes got clayed on."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Graham took a deep breath. He preferred not to be very hands-on, but...\n\nHe brushed the worst of the clay off Rai's eyes, then gently took the eyewash from her hand. \"Look down at the floor, okay? Open your eyes.\"\n\n...\n\nA few minutes later, with the clay out of Raizel's eyes, Graham went to dispose of the eyewash. He stopped in the doorway. \"...It's okay. These things happen, okay? Go ahead and hop back in to the classroom, I'll be right with you. We still have most of the period left to work on your vase if you want.\"\n\nHe gave her a quick smile, and then he was out of sight."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "She nearly went beast mode when she was growing impatient with the ick in her eyes. Raizel tried her best to behave herself and not panic when Graham washed the clay from her eyes. At first, she seen a blurr before it smeared back into place. Relieved, Rai thanked him before going back to class with her mask on as she proceed to finish her work. Of course she doesn't want to give up on the project that she just started!"
}
] | 141.5 | 5,009 |
141.411765 | 2022-03-09 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel was sleepy as usual, but one thing kept them awake with a laser focused train of thought. In their pocket held an unopened letter, fingers brushing over the small sticker sealing the envelope. \n\nThey continued trekking up the stairs, until a bright red door finally revealed itself at the end of the curve. They placed a hand on the bar, pushing their hip against the door to force the thing open. \n\nThe roof was nice and cool against the midnight sky. Uriel smiled, a faint, soft expression. The stars always seemed to soothe the mind, the quiet hum of nature almost sounding like a sigh. \n\nThey'd always make it a habit to read their mother's letters under the cloak of midnight. Perhaps it was the space to think, to fully savor every word of what Sophie had to say. \n\nEither way, Uriel found themselves headed to their usual spot, when someone familiar spots them."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "It wouldn't be long for Vance to hear someone come up into his space. He glance over his shoulder to see the same white haired clown from before. The animosity he had seem to be retained in a stupor while he felt like utter shit after today. \"What's up?\" He asked, sounding tired."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Instead of jolting at the noise, it takes a good three seconds for Uriel to turn towards Vance. When they look over, Uriel stares blankly at Vance before lighting up in recognition. \n\n\"Oh, hello, Vance. I'm... Reading a letter. \" They shuffle the letter tighter to their chest. \n\n\"What about you? How has the recovery been?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Its been rough... Still feel like shit,\" Vance said, taking a good long drag from his cigarette before blowing out a stream of smoke. \"You got a letter? Let me guess... Its from your mom?\" There was a pause when he flicks the ashes from his cigarette. \"Is she nice?\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel turns towards Vance, a little startled at the sudden emotion vulnerability. \n\n\"Ah, yes, it's from her. She's— yes, she's a very kind and caring woman. Why are you asking, though?\" \n\n*Is it because of your own family life..?* Uriel wonders, but keeps the thought in their mouth. They have enough emotional intelligence to understand that, at least."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "*\"Just wondering, I just got mine.\"* His deep blue eyes narrowed as he pulls out his crumpled letter. \"Its same usual crap that I won't be missing.\" And he shoves it back into his coat pocket without looking at Uriel as his view is more focused outside of the campus."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Oh, that's... Unfortunate to hear. You mentioned that before, I remember.\" \n\nUriel stays silent for a moment. They take a look up towards the stars, mentally tracing the constellations— *Big Dipper, Orion, Cassiopeia* — and remember that, across the sea, their mom was counting the same ones. \n\n*Perhaps she's watching me— it wouldn't surprise me if she checked in on my dreams, every once in a while.*\n\n\"Do you... Are you alright? Is it... Making you upset?\" \n\nIf Vance wanted to be uncharacteristically open, then Uriel would listen."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Yeh, I'm use to it,\" Vance said, not bothering to look up at the stars. He isn't much of a stargazer like Uriel who had their eyes glued to the night sky. He held the cigarette between his index and middle finger while he still kept his vision ahead. \"The old hag is just pissed because I decided to not be her puppet anymore.\" This was a hint, a recollection for Uriel if they ever recall his nightmare of his past. \"I don't think she is my real mom anyways...\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel looked over at Vance, smiling ever-so-slightly. The boy had started opening up— and Uriel needed to make sure to give them positive reinforcement to spur more emotional maturity from the elf. \n\n\"You're out of her reach here, but either way, it's a good thing your recognizing that abuse. It's a.. Hard thing to accept, and an even harder thing to deal with properly. I'm happy you've grown past what she has to say.\"\n\n\" I'd read mine now, but it's a bit rude to read with company, no?\"\n\nUriel muses, staring at their letter once more. It's a deep purple, almost matching the colors of their poncho. It most likely contained similar content to the other ones— ones currently kept in a small scrapbook located in their desk drawer— but even that knowledge couldn't contain the excitement of receiving a letter."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "This is when Vance run his hand over half his upper face with his palm pressed between his eyebrows. Then he let out a tired sigh as Uriel stated the oblivious like an old, wise aunt chattering to him. He doesn't respond to that part as he slightly slump over the railing, now deciding to take another breath of his cigarette to help calm his angsty nerves. \"It doesn't really matter to me if you read it out loud or not.\" The crumpled letter in his pocket burned with hate from his mother. He could feel every ounce of malice. He collected them since he first arrived at the school to save it to show to the press later. As of now, he just doesn't quite care if his parents would get in trouble."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Why don't you burn it, then? It might be cathartic.\" Uriel digs in their messenger bag, and pulls out a lighter— one most often used to light relaxing candles, but the mess of items in Uriel's bag usually were there at random. \n\n\"See the smoke rise in the stars, and have your worries disappear in the night.\" They smile, and offer the lighter towards Vance. \n\n\"Besides, it is a bit chilly.\" They laugh, light and airy."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "It was odd for Vance for Uriel to respond and behave this way due to the fact that he was just thinking about most of all this. He waved Uriel's light off as with his nose wrinkled before he turns back to stare out into the dark abyss. He could see nocturnal animals minding their own business in the woods. \"That's the most cheesiest thing I've heard coming out of you,\" He said, his voice coming to a slight drawl. Then he thinks a bit more. A way bit more. Hey... Can we hang out by that tree over there? Think it would be a good spot to burn the crap letters. \"You're right, its best that I should get rid of em.\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Alright, lead the way if you're going to exit the rooftop.\" They mutter, a twinkle still in Uriel's eyes from Vance's choice. \n\nCheesy, huh? It managed to work, though, so Uriel allowed themselves a small pat on the back as they exited the roof. \n\nBeing so high... It made them tempted to sing, to hear their voice echo across the Swedish forest. They brushed the thought away, instead opting for singing a tiny, quiet lullaby under their breath. It was one their mom had sung to them often as a child. \n\n*Il y a longtemps que je t'aime\nJamais je ne t'oublierai\n\nSous les feuilles d'un chêne,\nJe me suis fait sécher\nSur la plus haute branche,\nUn rossignol chantait*\n\nTheir voice was soft and cloyingly sweet, the fondness of those memories echoing in their dulcet tone of voice."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "This is the most gayest thing Uriel would do most certainly if they were paid to sing in the TreeHouse TV network. He doesn't say anything as Uriel chalalala behind him while they are having a Disney Princess moment. Vance does show them the way taking a short cut down on the fire escape that brought them to the ground much quicker. It was perfectly dark outside for the stars to shine at their brightest with not a single sign of a cloud. When the reach the lonely tree, Vance begins to take out a dozen hate letters and using Uriel's zippo to light it. Next thing he did places it by the bush right next to the tree. \"You know, I am so tired having to obey and tolerate what other people wanted,\" He said, slightly venting as he now uses Uriels lighter to spread the flames on the tree. \"Good grades, being perfect, it's all not fucking worth it!\" There was a chaotic rise of ecstasy from Vance as he felt relief that the fire woosh up along side the tree. The flames grow hotter, brighter as it now spreads like flaming serpents across the ground. Vance's shadow loom over Uriel where he stood in front of the burning tree with his eyes slightly glowing in silver. He couldn't help himself but gave a maniacal laughter as embers and pieces of the burning paper rise into the night air. Just as Uriel mentioned earlier,\"See the smoke rise in the stars, and have your worries disappear in the night.\" But this would be a questionable moment for what path Vance will take on from now on."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"See? You're free from all of that, now.\" Uriel kicks some of the ashes, their boot smothering the little flickers of life still in the soot. \n\n*It's... A bit of an odd laugh, but so long as he's happy?* Uriel muses, a bit confused at the more ominous tone. \n\n\"Be your own man, Vance.\" They say, yawning. They sleepily rub their eyes, patting Vance on the shoulder... And slipping a familiar 10$ into his pocket. \n\nThey're not going to seek out payment for their own personal atonement— it would destroy the purpose, even if the sentiment was nice. No, Uriel did not want Vance's money. \n\n\"It's about time you headed off to bed, no?\" Uriel continued, eyes half-lidded— mostly for amusement at their little trick, but also due to the late night."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Oh no... I'm just...\" Yeah he's getting tired and he needs a lot of energy after losing his shit here after burning the letters and tree down. \"Going to go on my own business, twerp.\" He hands Uriel his zippo back before disappearing in thin air like a ghost before any authority would see him. Now there's just Uriel standing alone by the burning tree with strands of smoke wiggling into the night air."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "*I'd best not wander around— who knows what animals might be lying in wait around here.* \n\nAs Uriel walks back alone, they take out their own letter and begin to read. \n\n*Dearest angel, \nThis sleepy town of ours has been just as placid as you remember it. The bookclerk, Ms. Blanchet, asks about you. I tell her you're doing alright, but she misses you anyway. \n\nIt seems word of what happened has spread through the rest of the family. They've been more kind towards me as of late, perhaps hoping I'd abandon you and rejoin the family as if nothing happened. \n\nI tell them to go to hell— if they can't accept my child, no matter their father, then they can go eat my shoe, as it were. \n\nI will always love you, mon petit ange. I worry about you, all alone in that facility. That friend you wrote about sounds nice— I hope you make many more. Be careful if the extended family attempts to contact you. \n\nLove, \nYour guardian angel.*\n\n—"
}
] | 130 | 2,404 |
58.310345 | 2022-03-10 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Before leaving out from the safety of her territory, Raizel finally decided to try her new clothes. Her main goal is to try be as normal as possible to fit in with the students. When she first arrived she wore the clothes she made and the ones she stole from the reservation. Raizel would wear a simple dark blue dress with a bow on the side of her waist. A slightly oversized jacket worn over it along with gloves with the fingers missing. She'll sleep on her gladiator sandals with the straps criss-crossing up below her knees. She wouldn't give up the mask due to it being very special and it always helped her feel somewhat safe and comfortable. The North American Jewelry felt that it showed who she is and had made it herself with memories of triumph over beasts. Glancing herself at the mirror sheepishly, Rai glanced at her new outfit before adjusting her coat. Breathing in and out to calm her nerves, Rai waves at herself nervously before clapping her mask's cheeks. Thonk!\n\nShe has now left her room and locked it behind her. Raizel did not bother peering if there are other students in the hall as she has her back turned to them.\n\nAs she removed the key from the key hole, Rai caught a rude whisper pass by behind her. *\"Look at that freak trying to look normal.\"* It was the usual group from Graham's Crafting Class. Rai doesn't bother them as she continue to walk away with her hands in her pocket. As she pass through the shadows of students, Rai turns her glowing white eyes towards the windows to see a blue sky with so many white clouds."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "Stan was as always was wearing worn jeans and an equally worn grey shirt. \nWalking the halls, bored, he spotted a familiar weirdo he hadn't seen in a while.\nHe slowly walked up behind.. And... Poked her in the shoulder.\n\"Morning. Spacing out again?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Rai jumped when she felt her shoulder getting poked. \"Ack!\" And she spun to turn and see a familiar basic teenager standing behind her. \"Uh... U-uh..\" And she remember the last time their first meeting was the worst and awkward moment between then. \"M-Mhm...\" She turns her gaze to the floor. \"A-About last time... I-I-I'm really sorry...\" Rai begins with a stutter. \"Th-They took me away from m-my home. N-Never was exposed to being close to people a-and having to live like others. I-It was too much.\""
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "He restrained himself from laughing at her reactions.\n\"No problem. You good now?\"\nHe only remembered that she ran off last time so this was almost like a first impression of sorts. Or was it? He didn't care to entertain the thought long enough.\nThis girl seemed really unsure of herself. This was the kind of person he'd just need to pull along!\n\"Yknow apart from the assholes over there?\"\nHe gestured in the vague direction of the whisperers"
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel felt her mouth behind her mask turn to a nervous squiggle when she turns her gaze to the whisperers. \"Wh-what about them?\" The girl was use to mostly ignoring them all since this was just a regular thing at Newton Cradel."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"They're not important? The part I'm interested in was the *How you doin*\"\nHe deliberated whether to tease her about this or not. Decisions decisions."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"I-I'm o-okay...\" She said, her glowing eyes narrows into a slightly sad look. \"I-It's a little boring here... And too m-many people... Th-then there's the jerks.\" Raizel raise her hand as she nonchalantly gestures to the whispering students in the background. \"Trying to fit in isn't working\""
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Alright, you got my attention. Anyone try to fit in with you instead of the other way round?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"No? H-how could they?\" Rai responded, tilting her head curiously before turning her eyes back to the floor. \"I'm f-from the wild...\""
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Yeah, yeah, has anyone *Tried* Though?\"\nHe crossed his arms, under the impression that he definetly had this all figured out"
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Then why won't you give it a try,\" Rai sassed him as she now folds her arms."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Alright. I will. What do you... Do? Like.. In general?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"As of now... Trying to fit in with the humans?\" Rai said, gesturing to the other kids passing by. \"Before, I use to go hunt, rebuild my home, chase intruders from my territory, survive, haunt the village and sometimes maul someone.\""
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Alright, let's see what we got...\"\nHe pulls out a barely used noteblock and pen\n\"Hunting we'd need to sneak out but that works, building a home... Probably not, chasing intruders is a given in case they show up, surviving I've been pretty good at so far...\"\n\nHe looked up at her, giving a critical look\n\n\"Haunting is gonna be hilarious, and i think nonlethal-mauling i can do...\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel couldn't help but snort at Stanly. \"With your human teeth? Of course not! It-It's like the same as gumming prey with dull teeth!\" She couldn't help but shake her head at him with a smirk behind her mask. \"There's no need to sneak out to hunt. Th-The school already knows I go out to kill stuff and eat.\""
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"You're totally missing the point but alright.\"\nHe sighed\n\"You seem to be hung up on the whole -human- thing, sooooo... What are you and what are your powers?\"\nIt always took a lot of effort to not ask the last question the second he met someone around here"
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel stared at him in shock when he suddenly brought the part up. \"I'm a Canadian Monster from the coast, I use to stay at a forgotten village b-but people were invading it.\" This would be like researchers and others removing property from ancient ruins with a monster there that claimed it as their home. \"C-Can turn into a large b-beast, freeze i-immunity... And b-bad juju.\""
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Dope. Wanna go for lunch? I'm starving...\"\nHe seemed very casual about this, even for NCs standards"
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"U—uhhh... Sure..\" Rai squints at him suspiciously. \"Wh-why are you being so... Uhhh... What's the word for it? Weird?\" She follows along anyways since this is about time for lunch."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Oh, I just speak my mind and am myself, the others are weird if you ask me...\"\nHe guides her to the kitchen where he starts making noodles for around 4 people.\n\"Why so tense?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"E-Everyone here s-seems to want s-something... What is it to you?\" She asked, taking a seat on a stool while watching him make noodles."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Well controlling my powers properly and getting out of here seems like a good goal to me...\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Wanna steal chickens?\" Rai asked him, she sounded serious."
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Weird, but its probably part of hunting soo...\"\nHis stomach grumbled\n\"..After lunch, sure.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Can you d-do research to the cl-closest farm?\" Raizel asked, watching him intently. \"We-We might need a bus but... I-I can turn into a large monster so we can run back.\""
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Sure, I'll prepare for that... How hungry are you by the way?\"\n\n\"Hm...\"\nHe added another batch of noodles into the water. 5 normal sized meals total now\n\"Now we wait.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"So... When will it be a good time for us to go out? U-Usually we're free on the w-weekend s-so no classes?\" Raizel said, already scheming. \"Where would it be a g-good meeting spot?"
},
{
"author": "asapheon",
"message": "\"Kitchen, this Sunday, sound good?\"\nHe ended up with 4.5 plates worth of noodles and a ton of tomato sauce, Rai with 3.\n\"Enjoy!\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Rai would be wolfing down her noodles with no issue finishing it. \"Y-yeah, we can do that.\" And she was finished in no time."
}
] | 42 | 1,691 |
313.25 | 2022-03-13 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Sinclair A. Wells",
"message": "Absolutely absorbed within his book, Sinclair hadn't noticed when the girl opened the door and began her approach towards them; truthfully, they weren't even aware of her presence until she began speaking. The sudden noise and unexpected company caused the teenager to jolt into an upright position, slamming their book closed onto the table in front of them and placing their feet firmly on the floor beneath them. Sinclair let out a shaky breath, focusing their thoughts on keeping themselves grounded.\n\n\"I– er, **No**, I mean,\" They fumbled about with their words, struggling to form any type of coherent sentence despite their best efforts. They cringed underneath their mask, but allowed themselves a brief moment to pause and gather their thoughts. All of their thoughts, however, consisted of various demands and schemes to get themselves *Out of there* And *Away* From the situation entirely; each idea violently whirled throughout their mind, as if caught within a thunderstorm. As much as they wanted to give into the temptation to simply abandon ship, Sinclair found no obvious way of doing so– not without making an enemy of some kind, and that were the *Last* Thing that they needed at the moment.\n\nThey took a few more moments to calm themselves, as they felt their vision momentarily began to fade; in their relatively short amount of time with their abilities, Sinclair already associated the loss of sight with them beginning to fade **From** Sight as well. Enticed as they were to take the opportunity and run, the teen as realized it meant they'd be blindly fumbling about as they made their escape, which spelled nothing but disaster in their head. Although they'd only taken a couple of elapsed seconds, each one seemed to stretch out before the teenager, until they fully steadied themselves and braced for impact.\n\n\"Uh, sorry, what I meant was to ask what is it you need help with?\" Though they still stuttered and stammered through their speech, Sinclair was at least able to answer the girl more intelligibly with his second response. Their dark eyes flitted upwards for a second, allowing them to get a glimpse at the blue-haired girl before him; she seemed vaguely familiar, but only in the way one finds a reoccurring stranger familiar. Other than her general appearance, they had just about no idea who it was they were talking to. Sinclair wasn't sure if that was for the better or worse. Either way, they dived in headfirst into the interaction, and had no means of swimming out just yet."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan couldn't help smiling a bit when the boy jumped about a mile. Clearly, he'd been really focused on his book. \"Okay, so long story short, I'm struggling with Chemistry right now and I can't go talk to Rand about it cause he's just the worst. My roommate is always asleep and most of my other friends aren't much better than me and you always look like you know what you're doing.\" She had to take a breath after two fast run on sentences. \n\n\"If you're busy I totally get it but I'd really appreciate your help. And-\" She reached into her backpack and pulled out a paper bag, originating from one of the cafes in Isakstad. \"I have cookies! For bribery, if you want em.\" Walking up to strangers and talking to them wasn't normally in Morgan's wheelhouse, but at this point she was running out of options."
},
{
"author": "Sinclair A. Wells",
"message": "Quite frankly, Sinclair was overwhelmed.\n\nNot only were they not entirely used to having people approaching them in such a manner, but they certainly weren't accustomed to people being so *Nice* To them. If they'd been back at home,this would've been the set-up for some type of punchline– with them receiving the finishing blow. Even then, Sinclair still felt the hungry eyes of his former classmates stuck to his back like glue, judging every action he made, each word that came out of his mouth, *Anything* About them that they could tear apart like wild animals.\n\n*Those people are an ocean away,* They reminded themselves in an attempt to retain what little was left of their composure, *It's fine. Just talking to one person couldn't possibly hurt.* With a soft sigh, Sinclair allowed themselves to relax– just a little bit. However subtle it might've been to the other teen, color returned to their face as they seemed to become slightly more opaque.\n\n\"Uh– well, I'm not precisely the *Best* Person to come with inquiries about chemistry,\" They began. Though he seemed to be more at ease, his soft stutter stayed stuck within his words. \"I can, uh, certainly *Try*, however. Is there anything in particular giving you trouble, or is it the subject as a whole?\" As he spoke, Sinclair kept his eyes locked firmly downwards at the table, absent-mindedly drumming his fingers along the cover of his book.\n\nFor a short moment, he remembered something someone had told him over text: *It's best to make friends, in case something bad happens.* It was true as it was frighteningly ominous– in a place full of strange people such as himself, it seemed virtually necessary to make some friends, or at least remain on the good side of as many people as he could. He internally groaned at the thought, hating just how complicated everything in his life had become in a matter of days, for seemingly no reason.\n\nWhatever the case was, though, at least he was getting cookies out of the deal."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan blinked. Maybe she should focus on getting more sleep again, cause she was pretty sure she'd just seen through this kid for a second. \"Thaaaank you so much. It's this most recent thing with acid base reactions. I feel like the rules are constantly changing with it.\"\n\nIt was only at this point, that Morgan realized she'd yet to actually introduce herself. She'd been so focused on finding someone to help her out she'd just led with that. \"Oh, I'm Morgan by the way. Nice to meet you. I'm curious, what were you reading? Must be pretty good, you looked like you were pretty absorbed into it.\""
}
] | 303 | 1,253 |
342.2 | 2022-03-15 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "———\nIt was an unnatural time for Uriel to be awake— unnatural in the sense that it was a perfectly *Normal* Time to be awake. As they walked down the halls, area teeming with children walking to and fro, Uriel takes a moment to gaze out at the Swedish afternoon sky and think to themselves. \n\nIt *Had* Been a while since Uriel was able to enjoy any of the facilities at Newton's Cradle. Most of the more regulated rooms were closed in the night, much to their chagrin. \n\n*Hmm... I remember Sinclair talking about some books the other day. Perhaps I can go pick up some titles they didn't have on hand with them? It might quell their anxieties to have someone to talk to, at the very least...* \n\nUriel's feet seemed to move on their own inside the library as they once again lost themselves in their own internal monologue and daydreams— an unending stream of consciousness rabble that only ended by the very sudden existence of the person *Right in front of them.*\n\nThey slam into the person with a *Thud*. While Uriel manages to keep their footing, their unnaturally pallid expression changes to one of surprise as they realize their mistake. \n\n\"I- oh, are you alright?\" They lean downwards, offering a hand to the fallen girl. \"I... Bumped into you, then?\" Uriel says the sentence slowly, almost as if manually processing the event as they began speaking."
},
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "Ah, the library. Serene. Spacious. And filled with books. Reading was one of the few pastimes that she genuinely enjoyed, other than drawing faces of people or the surroundings before her or the occasional videogames. It was only 1pm; right after lunch break had ended, she had already found herself int he library with the intent to scratch the itch of not having read something for a while now, other than desk assembly instructions provided by IKEA.\n\nNow, picking a book was a big task. She had to pick *One* Book or series of books that she will need to finish from start to bottom before moving on; no skipping, no giving up. This was a huge committment, one that she will have to see through whether she enjoyed it or not. After all, she hadn't had an educational course figured out yet since she was new, admitted a few days ago with her arms tied literally behind her back.\n\nThat serenity would be cracked, no, shattered, as soon as she had picked up a leather-bound book titled \"The Structure of Scientific Revolutions\" By Thomas S. Kuhn, and appeared to be the third edition, published 1996. It felt like a good pick seeing how she hadn't delved too deeply into scientific books before, but that said serenity would end as soon as she stepped back, some random idiot bumping into her like a fucking drunkard roaming the streets.\n\nMargarita's fall seemed like an overreaction, and it would seem like it, but the goddamned imbecile's foot was just behind hers, causing her to not just get bumped, but trip and fall too.\n\nSo much for serenity...\n.\n\n\"Am I alright?\" She bluntly asked, rubbing her head as the book fell on her side as well. \"Yeah, I'm alright, I don't fucking know about you though.\" She said as she sat up, reaching for the book she had just dropped. \"No you didn't bump into me, you fucking drove a car into me- yes you bumped into me, moron!\" She replied with a scoff, standing up without receiving the other's help, which was probably a bad idea since he can't even seem to navigate a library, a structured place with clear pathways, on his own."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"...\" \n\nThe person standing in front of Margarita simply watched as the barrage of insults unfolded, unflinching at the verbal assault careening their way. They blinked— perhaps taken aback at the explosive response, perhaps not. It was hard to tell *What* They were thinking, actually.\n\n\"I apologize for— all of this.\" They reflexively lower their tone to a soothing hush, befitting of the library the two found themselves in.\n\n*A rather... Abrasive attitude, and a thick Italian accent. There's only one person this could be.* Uriel attempted to re-adjust their appearance, in order to cobble together the semblance of a good impression. Gloved hands run through their snowy hair, tugging lightly on the end of their braid to tighten the knot. They fiddled with their indigo poncho, making sure the warm fabric is laid flat on their shoulders. \n\n\"Ah, but... You are Margarita, no?\" They asked, finally opening their mouth. As Uriel attempts to offer support in any way, they take in the little notes of the girl's appearance, looking for a semblance of extra information to confirm or deny their own hypothesis. \n\n\"So this is who you are in person, then.\" The French-accented English is a bit soft, less in tone and more in volume. The statement is matter-of-fact, devoid of any judgement; simply an observation spoken out loud. \n\n\"Are your possessions safe? It would be rather dire if I damaged any of the personal belongings in your bag, or any property of Newton's Cradle.\" They continued, dark grey eyes sweeping the immediate area for any lingering items knocked in the collision."
},
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "Margarita wanted to punch the person right in front of her squarely on their jaw, but she held off, resorting to an audibly annoyed heavy breathing routine, their anger subsiding by each second that passes.\n\n\"*Sí, sono Margarita* (`Yes, I'm Margarita`) You?\" She replied back in her annoyed yet obviously Italian accent, finally managing to look at the other person in the eye without managing to think of thoughts that could end up in physical harm.\n\n\"Yeah, it's me, I'm stretch-underscore on the intranet. That fucking asshole...\" She said in a manner that was leaning toward calm, disturbed briefly with anfer for a moment as she remembered that one imbecile in the Intranet chatroom, starting aggression for no reason. \"Anyways, erm... No, nonono, everything's fine, even the book, ah.\"\n\nSpotting her phone on the ground, she shot her arm out of her jacket sleeve, a metre or so of elongated arm grabbing the aging phone and putting it within the safety of her right pocket, her arm remaining elongated and bendy like a noodle before retracting it.\n\n\"Just... Just look where you're going dude. A- anyways, all that aside, you good?\" She somehow managed to care for the other guy. It's true, she's impulsive and short-fused, but it works the other way around as well; she's also easy to calm down, provided whatever is annoying or angering her is resolved.\n\nWhat a kid."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel breathed a sigh of relief as Margarita seemed to rein in her temper. There'd been far too much conflict in intra, and seeing the supposed tension not translate to real life was reassuring— perhaps there was hope for the more.. Passionate people they'd encounter over there. \n\n\"My name is Uriel Melancon, but you'd most likely know me by my screen handle, the red king. It's a pleasure to meet you, Margarita.\" They extend a formal handshake towards the girl as they talk. Their pronunciation of her Italian name is a bit... Off, the lightly-accented French adding an h sound between the r and g. \n\n\"I will be more cautious in the future— rest assured, I am alright, however.\" \n\nUriel's eyes track the movement of the rubber-like limb, a single white eyebrow perking up ever-so-slightly at the action. It was the first time they'd seen the ability in person, and while the power was easy to conceptualize, it was a bit more unnerving in person. \n\nThe book in Margarita's hand surprised Uriel. They leaned down ever so slightly, letting out an interested hum upon reading the title. \n\n\"That book seems... Interesting. What is it about, if I might ask?\""
}
] | 318 | 1,711 |
342.818182 | 2022-03-17 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "As Margarita remarks on Uriel's sleepy demeanor, they let out a tiny laugh.\n\n\"Oh, no— I don't drink, or do anything of the sort. Not that I look down on others who partake, but I believe it would not be a... Wise choice for me.\" \n\nBrief contemplations began to fill their head. They've certainly *Tasted* Wine before, and enjoyed the bitter flavors of the drink. It was smooth, but they never consumed enough to get anything more than a bit light-headed. \n\nThe fear of losing control and hurting someone killed any desire to partake in any sort of narcotics, unfortunately. \n\nUriel stood up straighter at hearing the book title, a bit taken aback at the subject matter. \n\n\"That does seem interesting. I've never had the affinity for technical sciences, so I do tend to appreciate those who can stomach such content.\"\n\n\"Is it a correct assumption that you're pursuing a scientific career, then?\" \n\nAs the words leave their mouth, Uriel inwardly winces at the familiar pattern of speech. It's the one they favored when on guard, smothering their thoughts in flowery language and verbose sentences— if only to use those words as a shield to distance their inner anxiety. \n\nIt's the \"Aspiring therapist\" Type of speaking— smooth and placid and completely inoffensive. \n\nPerhaps it was due to Margarita's still-tight fist, or the high-strung tension still present in the slightly stale library air. \n\n\"I'm, ah... I'm seeking out a book an acquaintance of mine recommended, as well as seeing what this place has to offer. It's the first time I've managed to find myself awake at this hour, so I've been making full use of my time.\" \n\nFor anyone else, remarking how rare it is to be awake at 11 AM would be seen as a joke. \n\n\"I'm hoping they have a good assortment of fables, preferably old and historic ones. I'm quite interested in how past generations rationalized the world around them, and the stories they passed down through generations.\" They tuck a strand of hair behind their ear.\n\n\"I'm not planning to pursue that interest into anything monetary, but it is a hobby of mine, I suppose.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "***RET-CON. THE SCENE ABOVE IS TAKING PLACE IN THE ISAKSTAD PUBLIC LIBRARY AND WILL BE CONTINUED IN"
},
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "``` channel is free ```"
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◇ Well then.\n\n□ The past week or so had been, to put it lightly, heck in a handbag. Scooped out of the Essex County Jail in the midst of a far-seeing look into the past of a can of instant coffee, she'd been chucked into a cop car, questioned, sent home, then informed that by the end of the week she'd be in Sweden at some sort of penitentiary for parahumans like herself. Of course, she hadn't taken the news well, but what could she do? The alternative was several years in a real juvie, a place where she knew she'd be chewed up and spat out like Doublemint, and while she didn't see her odds being much better she figured she might as well take the chance to see another part of the world.\n\n▪︎ It'd at least make this whole mess worth it.\n\n□ Now, she found herself in Newton's Cradle, a strangely idyllic, freeform prison complex in the south of Sweden, adjacent to a living, breathing town ripe for mischief and indulgence. Was this how prisons worked in Europe? Or was she just lucky? Of course, though, she couldn't have been *That* Lucky – metaphorical cherries among a sea of half-complete sevens in the slot machine of chance – and now she was left to deal with her homesickness, heartaches, and jetlag all at the same time.\n\n▪︎ Thankfully, someone had kindly offered an energy drink, so she had a reason to get out of bed instead of guiltily lounging around.\n\n• Strolling into the Cafeteria, she looked about as well-composed as she felt, dressed in loose-fitting beige joggers, a green skate brand hoodie, and bunny slippers. Hopefully this \"Jesterkid\" Would be easy to spot; she wasn't the only one here, unfortunately."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "Bouncing down to the cafeteria, June made sure not to spill the drinks in their hand. Of course, one was closed and reserved for the stranger they had offered it to, but the other was already cracked open. June could never resist getting one for themselves too.\n\nJune eventually found their way down to the cafeteria, their dark eyes scanned the room as they hovered by the doorway. *Damn.* June didn't think to consider the fact that the common room would be filled with other people as well. Although, June was a walking eyesore. It wouldn't take long for the person to notice them, right? June had even taken this opportunity to get all dressed up in their normal iconic getup. \n\nThey stood at a shocking 6'6 with their platform shoes, and their outfit was colourful and eccentric. Earrings and necklaces decorated their upper half and jingled when they walked. Their bright pink hair had various charms in it, pulling their bangs out of their eyes. Their outfit was the main attraction, it was equally as colourful as their many accessories, and was an incredible attention grabber. \n\nContinuing to scan the room, June wondered how they would go about finding the mysterious stranger. They rocked back and forth on their heels and let out a sigh. The two energy drinks in their hands were still cold from the mini fridge in their room, which they were thankful for. They didn't want to give their guest a lukewarm drink. *Now where were they... Maybe they should've asked for a name?*"
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◇ And as luck would have it...\n\n□ Sure, the mass of auras in the room were headache-inducing if she gazed into any of them for too long, but she'd been taking a few moments to read the room, get an idea of how everyone was doing emotionally. After all, though everyone had a different shape and slightly different colour there were certain laws that seemed to apply universally without exception, such as blues being for downtrodden, depressed moods, reds signifying either rage or love, greens displaying a sense of calm... Oranges being worried in nature. Looking around she mostly saw a sea of green, faint chartreuse wafting through the air like an invisible haze.\n\n▪︎ Then, she noticed an orange aura, and whatever breath she was sucking in stopped.\n\n◇ Now, this was *Not* What she was expecting, if this kaleidoscope on platforms was indeed the same jesterkid from the chatroom. She'd been expecting someone somewhat like herself; short, slim, filled to bursting with gremlin energy. Instead, this person, a visible femme, stood a full head above anyone else she could see, and she actively had to take several moments to steel her nerves and scream a bit into her hands before she took the first shaky, nervous step, towards someone who might not have even been the energy drink saviour from chat.\n\n▪︎ After a few nerve-wracking moments she was about five feet from the other person, and she could now see two energy drinks in their hand.\n\n◆ \"H-heya, uh... Jesterkid?\" The first thing they'd notice would be how her voice didn't seem to fit her physique. Deep, it was also slightly shaky. They'd also notice a fierce blush, vibrant reds across her chubby cheeks that desperately clung to baby fat now unneeded. \"I hope I have the... Uh... Right person. I think you've got an energy drink for me...?\"\n\n• And if this person could read her mind, they'd hear nothing but screeching."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June stood there, and it didn't take long for someone to walk up to them. *Perfect!* June's concentrated face pulled itself up into a smile as they looked down at the new person. Almost a bit too wide, their eyes practically glittered. They leaned down to meet the eyes of the stranger, surveying them for a moment before returning to their usual tall frame.\n\n\"Yes sir! That's me!\" \n\nThey let out a small squeak of a giggle. Their voice strung together with eccentric syllables, each word bouncing through feminine leaning sounds. An underlying Japanese accent fell through their words, but it was obvious english was a comfortable language. The term 'sir' not necessarily masculinizing, but rather a common word in June's everyday vocab. Their eyebrows raised a little, their expressions were extremely animated.\n\n\"Ah yes!! Here ya go!\" They extended the closed energy drink towards the smaller figure. June was accustomed to people being far shorter than them, so the height difference was of no surprise to them but they could only imagine the shock people experience when seeing June for the first time. \n\nA smile remained on their features, June was upbeat to a fault. Ditzy to some, a sugar-coated facade followed them wherever they went. Their smirk almost dazzling and extremely welcoming.\n\n\"What's your name then?\" June questioned. They took a sip of their own energy drink, the acidic sweet flavours they had grown used to filled their mouth once more."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Oh, goodie! I-I hoped I had the right person.\" She nervously chuckled, a trickle of relief running down her spine. \"Thanks!\"\n\n□ Reaching out with hands unsteadied by the reality of the glittering giant in front of her, she could already tell that for however long they talked, she'd be fighting to keep herself from simply disintegrating into a puddle on the ground. For now though she looked down at her drink, prying the tab open with a fingernail painted chipped black, and soon enough she was sipping down the acidic, faintly sour apple-flavoured drink too.\n\n▪︎ Then, the question came.\n\n◆ \"River! But you can just... You can call me Riv or something. Yeah.\" *Use your words, goddamnit! Stop seizing up!* She mentally chastised herself, though none of this showed as her face maintained its beet red, nerve-wracked yet friendly look. \"Uh... You? Also, can I just say that I *Love* Your outfit? Like... Holy heck, it's like looking at a kaleidoscope in human form! It's so frigging cool...\""
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "\"River is such a cute name!\" June said, putting their hand to their cheek for a moment. June could feel the nervousness in her tone, and hoped they weren't *That* Intimidating. June figured it wouldn't take long for that to dissipate, they had a wonderful habit of bringing lighthearted energy into any conversation.\n\n\"My name is June! My pronouns are they/them for future reference, and I'm very glad to meet you Riv!\"\n\nThey didn't take even a second to slow down. Their tone fast and exciting, simply interacting with them was an instant energy booster, or an energy *Drainer* Depending on how much the person talking to them enjoyed social interaction. June remained staring down at River, wondering if the height difference was asserting some false sense of authority. Maybe they'd find a seat to sit at soon. \n\n\"Why thank you~! You're so nice!\" June chirped. The same sickeningly sweet tone coated over their words. \"Ah, lets find somewhere to sit. That is if you wouldn't mind the extra conversation. I know you must be tired.\"\n\nJune took a step around River, towards the many tables and turned towards her. Once more. Although a couple other students dotted the rather large room, a majority of the tables were empty. June continued to rock back and forth on their heels, awaiting an answer from the other person."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Yeah, I-I guess so! Gosh...\"\n\n□ She could at least infer it through June's aura that they simply saw it as nervousness, and they weren't wrong, but it was *Gay* Nervousness, face to face with someone who made every last bell in the tower chime in harmony. She was already smitten from the get-go, but she couldn't let on about that, so instead she simply kept her gaze fixed on an empty point in space, somewhere beyond June's right waist, a spot to stare at while the cheery other gabbed about names and pronouns and whatnot.\n\n▪︎ Then, the offer of a quieter place to sit was offered.\n\n◆ \"Yeah, sure, dude – is it fine if I call you dude? I kinda call everyone it but I know it's not gender neutral to everyone –, i'm down! It's kinda noisy here anyways, so...\" She'd softly laugh, fingers tapping against the can. In through the mouth, out through the nose... Several cycles and she had her emotions at least somewhat under control. \"Yeah. Also I'm not that tired, honestly, it's just... The jet lag's kicking my butt. I flew here from Newark, just got in last night, and...\" She'd sigh. \"It's like a five or six hour difference. My body's not a fan of it, y'know?\""
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "\"Dude is fine! I don't mind any nickname.\" They gave another sweet smile. \"Ah you think it's loud in here?\" They snapped their fingers with their free hand just then, signalling an idea popping into their head. \"Easy fix! Follow me.\"\n\nJune brushed past River on the way out of the cafeteria and down the hall. They made sure to slow their pace, and paused before continuing to make sure River was following. They looked over their shoulder and down at her, before returning their gaze back forward. June had remembered the study rooms they had come across, the same rooms they had met Finley in. The silence in those rooms were heavy and thick, perfect for someone who hated bustling spaces that hummed with the conversation of people. \n\nJune continued to make their way out of the cafeteria, their platformed feet clicking against the ground. The sound miscellaneous voices fading as they moved farther and farther away. Their hips swayed slightly when they walked, and each step made them bounce with excitement. It was clear June was always this energetic, it had even seeped into the way they carried themselves. Tilting their head back, they took a sip of their drink before speaking.\n\n\"Newark you say? Where is that exactly? Is that where you're from?\" June curiously questioned, intrigue in their voice. They knew it sounded vaguely American, but as a kid who is from Canada they aren't exactly well versed on every place in the world. \n\n\"Oh yeah I totally get it. I flew in from Toronto, jet lag is a total bitch.\" They let themselves laugh at their own words. Already lightening any nervousness that seemed to make its way in the conversation."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Alright, cool beans!\" She nodded, picking up on the silent hint to follow. \"Oh, just gimme a moment!... Your legs are so *Long,* Wait up!\"\n\n□ Calling out after the energetic jester, she couldn't believe her luck. She'd somehow stumbled into meeting someone who was infinitely cheery and warm on her very first proper day – she didn't count the first day of moving in and crying a load as a proper introduction – and now she was being led to a quiet section of the school. Still unfamiliar with the layout of the school River tried her best to keep up, damn near jogging to keep up with June and their impressive bouncy strides.\n\n▪︎ Needless to say, her chicken legs were getting a workout, as was her ability to keep her drink from spilling over the spout.\n\n◆ \"God, that's better...\" She'd sigh once the pair were seated, sipping her drink. \"That noisy line was a bit of a lie, sorry. Large crowds give me headaches, and it's not the noise. I'll explain in a bit. Anyways... Newark's in New Jersey! Which is American, yeah... Not the greatest city, but the music and skate scenes are both bonkers good, so I like it.\" She smiled, purity of soul and a golden heart shining through. \"But you're from Toronto? Nifty! That's cool, even if, yeah, the jet lag probably whooped you too when you arrived. Speaking of which, uh... How long have ya been here?\""
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "The study rooms were quiet, far away from the buzz of the cafeteria. Some of the walls were lined with books, it hadn't changed at all since the last time June had been in here. Finding a table in a more secluded section of the study rooms, June sat across from River. It wasn't a big distance, but just enough to give the new person the smallest amount of personal space. June was never the type to care much, but they figured they didn't want to overwhelm her. Pulling out a chair, they made themselves as comfortable as they could. It was rather hard with their height, but they made do.\n\n\"Oh thats ok! I wouldn't want to give you a headache either.\" A small giggle left their lips. June rested their head in their hand, and took a small sip of their drink. A soft smile present on their features as their deep black eyes remained rested on River. \"Its a lot calmer in here I think.\"\n\nJune leaned forward a little as River spoke, they couldn't deny their own intrigue. Some may say being so friendly to a stranger was foolish, but June figured that could be a problem for themselves in the future. So far, River had been nothing but friendly. Her green eyes seemed to falter when they met June's gaze, and a small flush remained present on her cheeks. June wondered if she had caught a fever from the plane ride here.\n\n\"Oh New Jersey? Interesting. That's quite far away.\" June took another sip of their drink, then rested the near empty can against the wooden table. A small hollow clink sound reverberated through the metal. \"Do you skate? Thats so cool!\" Her smile had caught June's attention for a moment, it assured them they weren't being annoying.\n_ _\n\n\"Yeah, i'm from Toronto. Its rather nice up there, but yeah the plane ride here was *Exhausting.*\" June's sugary tone remained present, it was almost as if they never got tired. \n\n\"Oh! Ive been here for just over a month, surprisingly not much has happened. The people are nice though, Ive yet to meet someone who is a real ass. Although, this place *Is* A prison so I wouldn't entirely put it out of my mind for *Someone* Here to be rude.\" June paused for a second, adjusting the rings on their fingers. The bracelets decorating their wrists jingled as they moved their hands. \"You seem really sweet though. You'll fit in.\" June tilted their gaze back upwards, chugging the last bit of their drink."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Oh, uh. So far you're fine, even with all those...\" How did she explain this without seeming like a nut? \"Those... Colours. I see 'em around everyone's heads, and gosh, too many in one spot's a recipe for a headache. Here, though? We're fine.\"\n\n□ About as fine as she could be, huh? Crossing one leg over the other, she gently slipped on her canned heart attack in the making, slightly cracked lips puckering the rim before letting go. Already she was picking up on a gut feeling that, despite their vast height and aesthetic differences, her and June were quite alike – or, at least enough so to get on well together. Rather than jump the gun on any real assumptions, though, she simply kept on listening.\n\n▪︎ As it turned out, she did a good job of that.\n\n◆ \"Heh, you're telling me. It was, like, at least eight hours of sheer boredom and heartache.\" A bit dramatic, but she still missed her friends and family dearly. \"Probably about the same for you, huh? Eight or so hours... Long ride. Anyways, yeah, I do skate!... During the summer, at least. I think it's a bit too... It's too snowy right now for that. I've been at it since I was eight and, well... It's stuck.\" A light chuckle followed. She was getting over her initial awe and admiration and coming back down to earth, thankfully. \"Anyhoo, yeah... It's a prison, just gotta hope the rude people are, I dunno, somewhere else. Already sucks bad enough being halfway across the world when last week I was high with my friends in an abandoned strip mall half an hour outside of Newark...\"\n\n▪︎ And her voice hung heavy with loss again. Would she even be able to still live her best teenage life? Or had one little mistake robbed her of the rest of her formative years? Hopefully not."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "The mention of colours caught June's interest for a moment, they figured it might've been something to do with the girls magic. June kept a tab on that in their rather busy brain and figured they would circle back to it later. They continued on with conversation.\n\nJune tilted their head to the side, sensing the homesickness in Rivers tone. June knew how that felt. They missed their mom and sister dearly, phone calls every week or so only did so much. They wondered how many other kids had been ripped from their homes to be shipped halfway across the world. June shook the thought from their mind, that had always made them rather upset. June hoped they could help relieve even the smallest amount of stress.\n\n\"I understand that. It all seemed to happen so quickly didn't it?\" June's eyebrows fell with the slightest amount of sorrow, but their smile remained genuine. Comforting almost. They thought about the couple people they had meet over the past month, and couldn't help but miss their friends more and more. They knew though, even if they returned home that sickness wouldn't disappear. Once again shaking the idea from their brain, June continued to adjust with their rings. Their *Almost* Too sweet demeanour not faltering for a second. \n\n\"If you don't mind me asking, what did you do to get put here? I hear a wildly different story from everyone I ask.\" \n\nThe memory of Owen's story flashed quickly in their mind. Once again however, June's awfully terrible habit of having no filter was coming into play again. It didn't even begin to cross their mind that it may have been too much of a personal question. June didn't see their own story as personal though, so might as well ask. They were curious."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Yeah, it really does happen fast.\" She knew first-hand. One little mistake was made and now here she was, in a quiet dark study room drinking an energy drink and trying to keep a lid on her emotions. \"Like, whiplash levels of fast. It just... Sucks.\"\n\n□ Similar to how June's eyebrows fell in the lightest of sorrows they were capable of, River's entire expression faltered towards longing, homesickness, a downed mood compared to a couple minutes prior. Sipping her drink again she let out a soft yawn, a little hint that she wasn't as alert and awake as she'd have liked to be after fourteen goddamn hours of sleep. Jet lag was something she'd never felt before, and in her current state of mind she'd already decided that after Newton's Cradle she'd make her way to Norway, settle down somewhere, make a life in the old country.\n\n▪︎ Really, anything to avoid the sheer level of sluggish exhaustion she felt.\n\n◆ \"Oh, uh... So. There's this old abandoned jail in Newark – the Old Essex County Jail – and my friends and I would break into it a lot. Y'know, like hoodlums. Got arrested once but there was no hint of magic so they just let me go with a slap on the wrist.\" She giggled, seemingly having a moment of joy amongst dark skies thinking back to that night. \"Anyways, I was in there last week, and I picked up this can of old instant coffee, and I just... Had this deep vision. It felt like staring into the past, and one moment I was there about to pick the can up, and the next I was still rigid, sore from it, and clutching that can in the back of a police cruiser. I guess that once I explained what happened they thought I was a nut and so they got me sent here. Pigs.\"\n\n▪︎ \"Anyways, the mood's getting gloomy, but... What'd you get sent here for, dude? I can't imagine someone as upbeat and sweet as you getting into real trouble with the law, so... What gives?\""
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June listened to Rivers words with concentration and focus, nodding every once in a while to show they were still listening. They were interested in why everyone else got sent here. They loved to figure things out as they went, jump into everything and anything head first and that wouldn't stop today. Or anytime soon for that matter. After River was done, It took June a second of processing before they gave a response. Leaning back in their chair for a second they tapped their finger on the table. \n\n\"That sucks. I can't believe they'd just ship you here for such a reason. Pigs indeed.\" \n\nJune scoffed a little before giggling again. June has always hated authority. They brought their own brand of chaotic pandemonium wherever they went, and police did nothing but get in the way. Many people assumed June was a good kid, a rule follower. They couldn't be more wrong, June simply just wasn't an asshole. They couldn't be bothered to listen to petty orders of people who claimed to have control over them. Despite their sugary sweet attitude, June was quite a chaotic anarchist. \n_ _\n\n\"Ah why did I get sent here?\" June laughed a little. \"I actually get in trouble with the law quite often.\" \n\n\"Anyways, on one of my weekly trips out I was caught stealing a street sign.\" They continued. \"Yknow, I should've been let off with a fine but because of how many other things I had stolen, they recognized me almost immediately.\" June returned their head to the comfortable palm of their hand. \"Because of the many *Many* Recordings of me stealing various things around Toronto, I was shipped off here.\" June paused and thought for a moment.\n\n\"Although, I should've just gone to jail, but because I was caught the final time while using my powers I was particularly sent *Here*. Everything about that was pretty much shoved under the rug.\"\n\nJune thought for a moment about the court trial and how they were ushered off alone to a separate room for questioning. It was all because of their own cockiness and sloppy behaviour. They should've seen that security guard coming. At least they had multiple street signs to show for it. June wondered what would've happened if they didn't get caught that night. They pulled themselves back into conversation, the same content smile resting softly on their features."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Yeah.\" A nod, then a surprised giggle. \"Wait. You stole *Multiple* Street signs? God, what an icon! I did that once, actually, there was a stop sign that was really messed up from a car hitting it so I kinda just... Plucked it out of the ground. Mom forced me to return it though... Cons of having a lawyer for a mom.\"\n\n□ Well, she was definitely a bit surprised, but as soon as the surprise hit it came with a wind of *Well, duh, of course the jester's gonna be up to mischief!* That left her feeling rather dumb. Stupid, even. Shrugging it off after a few moments she nodded as the story unfolded, how June had apparently been quite the thief, and how the powered details of their arrest and trial had been swept under the rug. If anything she felt as if she'd had a similar experience: arrested for relatively light, harmless crimes, had powers come into the mix, had them shoved under the rug, then got shipped off to Newton's Cradle.\n\n▪︎ Maybe it was just some sort of insidious scheme to keep the prison in operation. She shrugged the thought off as paranoid.\n\n◆ \"Anyways, hey... I guess we're both here on mischief gone wrong, huh?\" Leaning forward, she held up a tiny fist, clenched lightly. Clearly she felt as if they had something in common. \"And, heck, if we're gonna be here a while then who's to say we can't find some way to keep the streak going? Or maybe we can just. Linger around here. Get up to stuff. I dunno. Got any hobbies, dude?\"\n\n▪︎ And now she waited on that fist bump."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "\"Yeah! I actually have a couple up on the walls of my dorm. Maybe I'll show you them some time.\"\n\nJune laughed. It was a loud sound, echoing through the empty study room. Nothing was particularly humorous, it was just an expression of happiness. Their cackle matched their eccentric personality, it was unfiltered and unapologetically June. Their soft smile was now wider, the same glitter lingering in their deep black eyes. June returned the fist bump with ease, their rings brushed against Rivers bare knuckles. \n\n\"Yeah! Us trouble makers gotta stick together huh? Lets keep that streak going.\" June snickered. They were glad to finally have someone similar to them. They loved Owen and his presence but he didn't seem to be the kind of person who would want to join June on their nightly trips out.\n\n\"Hobbies? Jeez well, Im not sure. I play a lot of video games? I like to bake as well!\" Their tone was fast as they jumped from topic to topic. \"Oh and I suppose fashion is a hobby! Im sure it's obvious I kinda like clothes.\" \n\nThey gestured down to their outfit, that was indeed rather obvious. Despite being loaded to the brim with accessories and colours, they were incredibly nice to look at. Every item seemed to work together in harmony and gave for an incredibly busy but aesthetically pleasing outcome. \n\n\"What about you Riv? You mentioned skateboarding earlier. You do anything else?\" June tilted their head in intrigue, leaning slightly forward as they awaited a response."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Oh, you would?\" Her eyes lit up momentarily. \"That'd be sick! But then again, how'd you get them over here? Nabbed them fresh from town?\"\n\n□ Ah, this felt familiar. At least, to a girl who'd spent much of her middle and early high school days being a troublemaker behind an innocent smile and a personality that could defuse any suspicion. If anything, June reminded her of her friends back home, and that sense of familiarity was welcome in an uncertain, unfamiliar place such as this, a strange mix between a prison and an academy. If anything she was still getting to know the place, but that'd come with time. For now she giggled lightly as metal met her fingers, bashful flourishes dusting her face at the faintest bit of skin to skin contact.\n\n▪︎ What a dork.\n\n◆ \"Ooh, nice! I could tell you've got an eye for fashion.\" A genuine compliment left her lips as she took another sip of her drink. \"But it's kinda the same here. I cook a lot, bake a lot... Video games. Music's a huge passion – I've got a bunch of guitars and music stuff cluttering my room and I'm waiting on acoustic foam to come it – and I also pick locks as a hobby! Yeah, like padlocks and stuff.\" She seemed proud of that last part, like it was something impressive when in reality most locks weren't particularly difficult to pick. It just took patience and a steady hand, and a bit of experience.\n\n• \"But, seriously, killer fit. I just dress like a boy. Like, go to the skate shop and just go boy mode for a half hour. Makes life a lot simpler, y'know?\""
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "\"Between you and me-\" June cartoonishly looked from side to side, as if to check for other people and then cupped their hand beside their mouth in a hushed whisper. \"Yep, right from town, you should join me sometime on a night out.\" They lowered their hand and let out a small giggle. \n\nJune felt themselves remain comfortable. It had been a while since they had gotten along so well with someone. River of all people, didn't seem too bad. \n\n\"Ah why thank you!\" They smiled even wider then before, their eyes closing slightly and their dimples becoming visible. It was obvious they appreciated the compliments. A warm fuzzy feeling fluttered in June's chest. They could tell they would get along well with River. A friendship they quite honestly couldn't wait for.\n\n\"Ah you like music? Thats so cool! And lock picking? Wow, talk about multi talented.\" They continued to rest their head on their hand, comfortably continuing along through conversation. It seemed to flow so naturally between the two of them. June didn't have to force anything to get a response, unlike some of the other people they had met here. \n\n\"Oh that reminds me of another thing.\" June was almost embarrassed it didn't come to mind sooner. \"I also do acrobatics. Im incredibly flexible. It didn't register in my mind as a hobby because i've been doing it for so long.\" They let out a small laugh. The crop top that June was wearing made the fact they were athletic obvious. The shirt exposed their stomach which then in turn, also exposed their muscles. June had no issue showing these off, and mostly because of their tall frame they found most clothes uncomfortable and restricting. Shopping for their body type was a *Nightmare.* \n\n\"Thank you, really. You're so sweet.\" June squeaked. \"And I think your fashion sense suits you. You also look rather nice.\" Same soft smile. It remained a constant."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Wha...?\" Visibly confused at the cartoonish double check, she stifled a giggle as June broke the news. \"God, that looked so silly. But, yeah! Definitely, I'm so down! I have trouble sleeping at night so heck, maybe I could do without sleep for one night in the name of mischief.\"\n\n□ With the previously serious cloud over the pair's head now dissipated, River was back in her own mind, her own thoughts, and she felt that familiar tingle of warmth in her chest. It had been far too long since she'd meshed with someone so effortlessly from the get-go, and while they had only known each other for about half an hour it felt so much longer. That, and the fuzziness inside was also fueled by the fact that she was making note of June's face, how dimples dotted their cheeks, their eyes closed slightly, how they smiled, how free they looked.\n\n▪︎ Then, the conversation veered elsewhere.\n\n◆ \"Ooh, thank you! I guess so, yeah.\" Bashfully chuckling, she didn't intend on drawing much attention to her multi-talented nature. She saw it as more of a representation of her willingness to work towards things rather than god-given talent, so she didn't particularly care for it. \"Also, oh, you do acrobatics? Dude, that's awesome. I remember I tried to pick it up as a kid, but I only went to like two lessons before I dropped out. Kinda wonder if that's where I got my good balance... I dunno. Anyways, thank you! If it ever gets to be too much then please tell me, I tend to be... I dunno, saccharine at times? Some people have told me that.\"\n\n• *\"Bullies...\"* Her mind's voice sadly spilled, a dead look in its eyes. *\"They nearly took everything away from me...\"*"
}
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376.25 | 2022-03-18 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "\"Im glad you are so willing to join me!\" They covered their mouth in a snicker. \n\nContinuing on through the conversation June was surprised at Rivers attempt at acrobatics as well. \"Only a few lessons? I don't blame you, i've been doing it since forever but it *Is* Rather difficult.\" They picked up their almost empty energy drink and swirled it lightly with one hand. Listening to the extra liquid at the bottom swish against the metal. Didn't take long for June to raise the can to their lips and down the last remaining drop. Setting it back down, they returned their attention to River.\n\n\"Of course although I don't think it'll ever be too much. I have quite the tolerance.\" \n\nJune laughed, they weren't exactly lying. They were appreciating River and the way she acted. The sweet undertones of a rather tomboyish personality, June couldn't help but want to know more about her. Such effortless connection was hard to come by, and should be savoured when it does. Just then, June recognized a moment of hesitation in River. A hint of despondency had flashed on her features for almost a moment, but enough for June to notice. \n\nJust then, an idea popped into June's head. A forward one, and without much consideration it had already been set into action. They had done the same thing with Owen and it seemed to go over rather well, so no harm in trying it here. June's gaze fell down to their hands, and their many bracelets decorating their wrists. With their free hand, they reached down, hooked a finger over one of the bracelets and tugged it off and over their hand with care. They held the jewelry in their palm for a moment, before looking back up at River. She looked like she could need it. \n_ _\n\n\"Here. I think this matches your style well.\" They chirped. \"Also! Consider it a good luck charm.\" \n\nJune slid the bracelet across the table. It was a deep blue band with a small gold star charm hanging off of it. Although it was still rather in tune with June's own personal style, it wasn't as flashy and less colourful. June was quite the gift giver, even with people they had just met. Although, their smile made it hard to turn any offering down."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"I mean, why wouldn't I?\" She looked back up at June after taking a solid gulp of her drink. \"Kindred chaotic miscreant souls, gotta stick by each other's sides, huh?\"\n\n□ With that she'd set the drink down, shifting up how she was sitting – trading crossed legs for a slightly awkward pose that saw both of her legs tossed over the arm – and nodding as June spoke. \"Fair enough! If you've been at it for years then it's kinda second nature, huh?\" She'd comment, that dorky, genuine smile never leaving her face, lips curled up at the edges accentuating her facial features. It had been ages since someone had been this easy to get along with, and in all honesty, it was a huge relief. It was one less worry in a place laden with uncertainty, and that was good enough for her.\n\n▪︎ Then, she saw the bracelet being slid off, and her eyebrows shot up.\n\n◆ \"Waaait, no way. You're giving me that?\" It almost sounded as if she didn't want to take it, but after a few moments she reached out and slipped it onto her wrist, adjusting it a bit so it'd fit on her laughably thing arm. Of note though, if June were observant, would be how while adjusting the band River never turned her arm upside down. \"Means a lot, thanks! It's a kick butt bracelet, but like... Are you sure?\""
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "\"Yeah, i'm so used to it sometimes I forget other people aren't as flexible as me.\" They responded, same cheery tone ever present on their voice.\n\nJune watched as River accepted their gift. They nodded and smiled, laughed a little at how loose the bracelet was. All they could hope is that they got the gesture. \n\n\"Yes yes! I insist. It looks nice on you.\" \n\nThey returned their head to their hand, their somewhat cold palm sending a small shock up through their cheek. June realized how late it seemed to be getting but didn't make any effort to leave. June already stayed up late into the night, and had no issue spending their time with someone new. Time seemed to flow incredibly fast when these two were together, Unlike the few others June had met. A small spark between them had been ignited. \n\nJune remembered the reason the two of them had met up in the first place, and wondered if June had done a good job at the task assigned to them. A comforting look was pulled through their normally eccentric expressions.\n\n\"Oh yes, are you feeling a little less tired?\" \n\nThey curiously questioned. The genuine smile now resting on Rivers features said was enjoying herself but of course no harm in asking. June had been subconsciously paying attention to the features of the girl sitting across from her. They couldn't deny the way her features pleasingly situated themselves together, overall she *Was* Indeed pretty. It felt like the outside world had somewhat faded out. The hum of students moving through the hallways on the other side of the closed door was tuned out background noise at this point."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Hm, felt that. I had a friend back home, right? And he was a total klutz. Like, two left feet even when he was just walking around, and, like... Jeez. I just don't understand how his balance was that bad.\"\n\n□ Recounting yet another little anecdote from her life spent in Newark with an eclectic group of queer friends, she found herself sipping on the drink again, but this time she realized that she'd drank most of it. It was now naught but little puddles in the bottom of the can, dashes that needed to be struck out one way or another, and with that came the energy boost she didn't even realize she'd needed. Finishing off her can she gently tossed it onto the table and made a mental note to grab the darn thing before she left, then raised a hand to the bracelet, getting a feel for the material, how the charm attached to it dangled carelessly, how the blue-gold scheme wasn't her first choice yet wouldn't be leaving her arm any time soon.\n\n▪︎ It was a gift, and she wasn't one to just throw them to the side.\n\n◆ \"A bit, yeah! It's certainly helping. I guess I don't gotta worry about tossing and turning tonight, huh?\" She joked. \"But then again I've maybe been up for four hours? So God knows I wouldn't have been able to sleep for a while anyways. Speaking of which, uh...\" Digging into her pocket, she produced her phone, clicked it on, and noted the time. \"Gee, it's kinda late. Shouldn't we getting back to our rooms? Surely there's some sort of curfew in a prison, right? Not trying to get rid of you, I just. I don't wanna get off on the wrong foot with the staff, y'know?\"\n\n▪︎ And so she giggled, trying to defuse any insult that might have been gleaned from it. She felt a genuine spark lit between the pair, and she didn't want to snuff it out any time soon."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June laughed a little at Rivers small story about one of her old friends. June noted how fondly she seemed to talk whenever she mentioned them. It was obvious River missed them and cared for them deeply. Seemed another thing the two had in common.\n\n\"Im glad!\" Their cheery tone remained, weaving its way softly between each syllable. Just then, the mention of the time pulled them back down to earth, reminding them that simple moments can't last forever. As much as June loved to stay stationary in every feeling that ever brought them happiness. \n\n\"Yeah probably.\" They groaned as they stood up from their chair. \"I agree, you should probably head back to your dorm. Continue getting set up!\" \n\nTheir tone confirmed that June did not take the suggestion as an insult, simply a way to wrap everything up. The tall enby stretched their hands upwards, towering far beyond their average 6'6. They let a small hum reverberate in their chest as they felt their upper body pull tight, before returning their hands back to their side. They returned their gaze over to River, who had also stood up alongside June.\n\n\"Oh, one more thing.\" They noted. A small giggle in their voice.\n_ _\n\nJune walked over to the side of the table River was situated on, and pulled her into a hug. Another arguably bad habit of June's. They had done the same thing with Owen and once again, he didn't seem to mind, so June took that as a sign it would be fine to do with others. June's tall frame was leaned over slightly, and they were definitely lifting River slightly off the floor, but their muscular arms made for a comforting hold. The hug was soft but solid and deeply genuine. June knew the two of them would get along, and was simply too excited to contain that to their own mind. Reluctantly letting her go after a few seconds, June snatched their empty can and made their way towards the door. The same bounce in each step, the same eccentric sway. They never seemed to change.\n\nThey pushed it open, and waited for River to follow. They looked over their shoulder with the same wonderful smile. The least June could do was hold the door open for her before they went on their separate ways."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Yeeee.\" Truly a child of the Internet age. \"Anyways, yeah, I probably should... My room's in a bit of a state of disarray. So much music gear, so many embarrassing things, so many- wait, what are you-\"\n\n□ She'd read the room and had begun to shift herself around to get out of her chair easier, but just when she was about to set her feet solidly on the stained wood floors she felt it. *It* Was a hug, a soft yet snug one, and one that nearly lifted River out of her seat with a surprised *Eep!,* But soon enough she was reciprocating it, respectfully nestling her chubby cheek against June's chest, arms around their torso, hands gently massaging their back out of habit. It could have last forever and she wouldn't have been satisfied, so all she could do when she was let go was sink into her chair and try her best to hide the fact that the hug, by all means, had sent her into a complete tizzy of tingles, warmth, and calm.\n\n▪︎ Her and June were going to get along juuuust fine.\n\n\"God, are we the same person deep down?\" She'd chuckle as she rose to her feet, grabbing her own can and making sure her slippers were on right before strolling to the door and tossing the can out into a recycling bin. \"Like, I think we're the same person, holy moly. I dunno though, maybe I'm just a bit loopy. Anyways, uh... Before I dip back to my dorm, you got any other social media? Twitter, Instagram... Maybe Discord? Just so we can stay in touch and plan mischief and stuff in private, heh.\"\n\n▪︎ Goblin mode."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June felt how River returned the hug, and realized how long it had been since someone so comfortably fit in their arms. Their friend group was long gone, just over a year at this moment, so it had been a while since someone so openly accepted their attempts at friendship. June had so many things to look forward to.\n\n\"Im not sure. Maybe we are, perhaps thats why we get along so well.\" June giggled. They sure felt highly similar, but also different. There was solidarity for sure. Even if they had only met today, June felt a connection that ran much deeper. Maybe that was foolish, or naive to some. June couldn't care less. The warm fuzzy prickles that made their way along their skin couldn't be farther from negative and the way they talked felt so natural. \n\nWith the same bounce, they followed alongside River. Their speed slowed all the way down to match her pace this time. They wanted to make sure they weren't rushing this time. Preserving every small moment.\n\n\"Oh! Yes, I have instagram although the quickest way to reach me is just to dm me on the school forum. Turns out, the admins rarely check there and have no access to personal dms.\" June tilted their head a bit with a smirk. \n\n\"Which means, less chance of getting caught.\" They laughed, the same excitable sound. It was eccentric and bubbly. They paused for a minute, hesitation before realizing they had to leave, as much as their brain tugged at them to stay. Something on their smile faltered. They always hated endings.\n\n\"Lets meet up again soon okay Riv?\" They gave another wide genuine smile. Their dimples visible once more."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "• Thankfully, that was exactly why River felt so at home in those arms: the size difference. She was tiny, June was huge, what wasn't to love?\n\n◆ \"Yeah, I think so.\" Rather than bouncing alongside June – *How the heck are they doing that on platforms?,* She wondered – she walked rather normally, a pang of a feeling she could only describe as not wanting this short hangout to end tugging at her stubby little legs. Of course, though, all good things were eventually destined to come to an end, and if tonight were any indication then she'd have a lot more nights, days, and everything between with this kindred soul, this wonderful person she'd found herself friends with by pure dumb luck and a few well-timed chatroom messages.\n\n▪︎ And now here they were, at the junction.\n\n◆ \"Oh, really? They don't check the private messages? Huh. You'd think they would check, but... Laissez-faire, I guess.\" She shrugged, then laughed. The wink was noticed, and she found it endearing. The hesitation brewing within June was showing itself, though, the arcade carpet around their head dimming, losing its vibrancy, and that sadness found itself to be infectious. Tugging at the corner of her lips, she tried her best to put on a grin, and though it was there her eyes betrayed her: she didn't want to say goodbye. However... \"Yeah, sure. I'm down to hang out whenever, just shoot me a message or something, huh? Anyways... See ya later, June. Stay safe. Thanks for the drink, again!\"\n\n▪︎ And with a sad sigh she went off on her own, though at least she could take solice in knowing she'd made a new friend, and what a friend June had turned out to be already. Two sides of the same damn coin."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Not often in the modern day do you hear the characteristic clicking of a typewriter, but Pernilla hasn't quite given hers up yet. She's always been old-fashioned like that. Click-click-click. A lovely little noise. It's quaint. Cheery. Nothing like those modern laptops with their muffled plastic thudding.\n\nThe office itself is also quite quaint - quilts hanging on the walls, Quality Street tins and quartz crystals sitting on the old wooden shelves, and even a Queen's Wreath in the windowsill. Someone has clearly tried to make this concrete office space home, and whether it's successful isn't quite certain, but it certainly radiates a quizzical sort of comfort. The colors are warm and inviting, red, orange brown, and all the furniture is more than a little old-fashioned.\n\nIn the center of the room, of course, is... Not the desk. Pernilla's desk, where she's sitting, is off to the side, against a wall. In the center of the room stands a lovely oak table, intricately carved and beautifully lacquered, with a pot of hot tea and a tray of cookies. Pernilla is, after all, expecting company any moment, and it wouldn't do not to give the poor girl a warm welcome.\n\nShe checks her watch, then gets up. Margarita should be there any minute."
},
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "And just like that, she was in trouble.\n\nWell, one that she caused anyways by publicly admitting that yes, she indeed had lockpicks on her person, fashioned from paperclips, sourced from all over the Cradle. \n\nStill, the way the staff intruded into her room (despite the warning told to her in advance) and told her around caught her by surprise and triggered an aggressive reaction, an instinct she had unfortunately gotten used to years before she even got to the Camorra.\n\nAnd everyone who could see the door of her room knew how that ended when Margarita was thrown outside of her dormitory with her arms tied around her back in a ribbon, complete with a loop and her hands dangling downwards.\n\nShe sat there, watching the staff mess about her room: they were surprisingly deliberate, searching her room and belongings despite the alleged paperclip lockpicks being right on the desk. It took her a few minutes to calm down and see this as more of a 'they're doing their job' kind of thing than a 'invasion of privacy' issue.\n\nAs she sat against the wall across her room, watching the staff search her bed thoroughly after having moved on from the desk, her thoughts wandered to things that had been bugging her mind for some time now.\n\nWas she really here for her powers? Or for her crimes? What did they want from her? Why her?\n\nThen came the doubts about herself. What was her purpose? What will she do after this? Was the Camorra only her real place in the world? What about her parents? What was her future? What about the-\n\n\"Margarita. Miss Pernilla wants you. Now.\"\n\nEven before she could ask when, she got her answer. And so her long walk to the office began, accompanied by one staff, the other locking her door with a bag full of makeshift lockpicks.\n.\n\nNow that she was alone, she pushed open the heavy wooden door open and was presented with a... Cosy, very antiquated room, like the 40s, judging from the few photos of 1940s environments she had seen. The noise of the typewriter was just the icing on top, behind it was the one and only Pernilla.\n\n\"I... Uh... *Buona serata*? (`good evening?`)\" She asked, pushing the door inwards further with her shoulders. She knew she was in deep shit, but Pernilla didn't seem like she was the one about to reprimand her.\n\nWhat even is happening?"
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Pernilla greeted the girl with a patient smile. It seemed necessary - after all, Margarita here had just been caught with a set of improvised lockpicks. Or, in a sense, she had caught herself. Which wouldn't do. She was Pernilla's responsibility, not to mention a... Particularly delinquent case. Pernilla didn't like thinking too hard about that.\n\n\"Hello, hello,\" She chirped, \"Please, come in. Have a seat.\" She couldn't just say outright that Margarita wasn't there for a reprimand, but she did the closest thing she could with her tone of voice and her gentle smile. \"There's tea and sweets on the table, you can go ahead and help yourself if you'd like, okay?\"\n\nPernilla was not exactly something Margarita would be afraid of, at least at a glance. She was shorter than her, 170cm to Margarita's 181, and looked older too - naturally graying hair, the beginnings of wrinkles on her face. At a glance, Margarita could kick Pernilla's ass, and Pernilla had no intention of proving that idea wrong if Margarita happened to have it.\n\nShe pulled a chair out from the table for Margarita and gestured for her to sit, then moved to the opposite side of the table. Out of some sense of etiquette, or something to that effect, she waited for Margarita to sit down first.\n\n\"Really, I'm very sorry we couldn't have had this chat earlier. We've just been so busy, it passed me by. I really do hope you don't mind.\""
},
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "\"Oh, erm... Okay.\" She responded, still slightly miffed at the thing that happened a few minutes ago. The feel of the place overall was quite the opposite of some of the facility's bare-concreted walls; a nice change of scenery. She only assumed that the staff got certain priveleges, and that one of them was a decorated office to their exact liking. Which was fair; why feel like you're at prison when you're *Working* In the prison. It felt fair at the end of it all.\n\n\"*Grazie* (`Thank you`), but erm... My hands are tied at the moment, literally. It's fine.\" She replied, one of her hands peeking out form behind her, waving. She could only smile so much, but at this point, it was just a formality. There was nothing to smile about.\n\nThe short stature of her contact must've left Pernilla slightly intimidated, but just by Margarita's tied-up arms and the fact that she held a position of seniority and authority, she wouldn't dare show aggression. She was already defeated; she didn't need to have her neck tied up next.\n\nSitting down when gestured (and thanking Pernilla quietly out of habit thanks to her mother), she leaned slightly forward as if she had bad posture as to not squish her already ribbon-knotted arms. Unprofessional for the situation and setting, but alas. Powers as usual making everything weird. Her heart beat faster as the inevitable conversation began, unsure of what would happen to her before she could get back out there.\n\n\"I... I don't, miss... Pernilla, *Si* (`yes`)? I really don't mind.\" The delinquent responded calmly, unlike... Five minutes ago. She wasn't the one who broke into her room after all, or the one who thought of tying her arms like a shoelace."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Pernilla took a few moments to clock what she'd just seen. This poor girl - they tied her arms in a knot behind her back! Her cheeks went a little redder than they'd been before, and her face erupted in shock. \"Oh dear, oh dear. I'm so sorry. One moment, I'll get you untied.\"\n\nIt practically only took a moment. From the moment Pernilla was in a position to do something about it, it took less than five seconds for Margarita's arms to be untied. Poor girl. Poor, poor girl. Yes, she'd had *Lockpicks* In her room, but that didn't justify *That!* What an absolute travesty.\n\nPernilla returned to her seat and sat down, sighing at the affair. It was quite clear to her that Margarita hadn't exactly been treated kindly, and certainly not appropriately. The girl wasn't even eighteen yet...\n\n...And she'd been running cocaine for the mafia. Right.\n\n\"Well,\" Pernilla began, pouring herself a cup of sweet-smelling floral tea, \"You had a few questions for me. I'm going to try to answer those as best I can. Considering the circumstances, you probably haven't really been properly introduced either, so I'll try to do that as well, but...\"\n\nShe paused.\n\n\"First, I think it would be polite to introduce myself. My name is Pernilla Karlsson. I'm a teacher here at Newton's Cradle. I teach Swedish, English, and Art, and take care of all the plants.\" She looked back at the Queen's Wreath in the windowsill. Beautiful vine. She was right to put it there, she thought.\n\n\"I also help some of the people here with their powers, depending on what they are, and that includes you. Formally, I'm your 'contact'. What that means is that if you're having any problems with your powers, or your classes, or your room, or anything here, really, you can come talk to me and we'll figure out what we can do about it. Does that sound alright?\""
},
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "She bit her lip out of shame as Pernilla went out of her way to untie her tied-up rope-like arms, a gesture she appreciated, but really didn't need. \"Uh... Grazi- Th- thank you.\"\n\nRubbing her limbs where she felt the knot was tightened frankly a bit too much, she felt... Awkward. This woman in front of her really just went out of her way to help an immoral coke-pedaller, and she felt... Embarrassed...\n\nStretch's eyes locked onto her face as she spoke, her fine accent impressing her. Her neck craned sligtly to grt a better look at the wreath, decorating the room nicely. She thought so too, regarding the placement.\n\n\"So... Both a teacher for language, art, and gardening, *Plus* My guidance counsellor of some sort about... Almost anything, *Sí* Miss Pernilla?\" She questioned whilst her bendy, unretracted rubber limb pointed at the sweets, silently asking if she could have one.\n\nBoyz does this itslian have questions."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Pernilla nodded, nudging the tray of cookies and sweets toward Margarita as an invitation to take one. Or more, for all Pernilla cared. \"Yes, that's right. It's a lot of work, really, but we do manage it all. Now, I, um... I understand you had some questions. Let's see if I can answer them, okay?\"\n\nPernilla quickly stepped over to her desk, retrieving a small stack of papers. The top one, the one Margarita can see, has logs from the intranet printed on it. It's unusual, Pernilla knows, but it helps deal with technology that's otherwise far too complicated.\n\n\"You asked if you were here serving a sentence for a crime, or you were here for your powers. Really, it's...\" Pernilla paused, and sipped her tea. It's an uncomfortable subject to get into, but it's necessary. \"You're something of a special case, *Margerit.*\" She pronounced Margarita's name in... Realistically, she just said a Swedish equivalent. Not that she expected Margarita to mind.\n\n\"Mostly, people come here to learn about their powers. When and how to use them and not to use them. The risks involved. That sort of thing. And I think you have a lot of that to learn too.\" She sighed, then smiled. \"Of course, you have a bit more than just your powers to contend with here.\"\n\nShe flipped the page, then fetched a pair of reading glasses from her pocket. The text was, in all fairness, quite small. \"I don't like to say you're serving a sentence. Being here isn't supposed to be a punishment.\" \n\n...\n\n\"But you're a criminal, dear,\" She continued, \"And that's part of why you're here too. I'd like to help you get, how do they say... On the straight and narrow. I think we all would. It's going to require a lot of difficult conversations, and I think it's going to require some hard work too, but would you feel okay talking about it a little today?\""
},
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "\"I... I don't mean to be rude, but... Isn't this place understaffed for whatever it is you're attempting to do?\" Margarita asked out of curiosity, her arm pinching a cookie between her dexterous fingers before slinking back to its normal length with the cookie still in hand. \n\nThe folder of papers, aptly named 'Intranet chat logs' which Margarita saw thanks to a slight act of rubbernecking, quickly snapped her head back to its place in between and on top of her shoulders. Caught red handed... Red-necked?\n\nThen came the first question.\n\n'Uncomfortable'. Huh.\n\n\"So... This place is specifically for us kids with powers, or whatever we're called, *Sí*? For us to learn how to deal with them or something.\" She guessed, crossing her bendy arms on her stomach in disbelief. Was this a human experiment thing? Or were their intentions genuine?\n\n\"Not a sente- Ma'am.\" She interrupted, leaning forward with a stern look on her face. \"I grew up quickly. I worked for a criminal organization, I delivered entire bags of cocaine, and I've gotten into fistfights since I was *Dodici* (`twelve`). Whether I regret *Any* Of these or whether I think if tbat was good or bad is for me to decide, but I'm not a kid. Do not sugarcoat it. Please.\"\n\nLeaning back, she briefly grunted in annoyance, letting catharsis do its thing before rubbing her fingers on her closed eyes. \"Yes. I... Do. I would like tk talk about it more than a little today.\"\n\n\"Sorry...\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Pernilla took a short moment to laugh. \"Yes, dear, we're quite understaffed, but we can't really do anything about that. We just have to make up for it with Oliver.\"\n\n...\n\nPernilla listened intently to Margarita's rant. She remained calm as she listened, though perhaps she wasn't too pleased about the whole situation. She didn't like being shouted at, but more than that, she didn't like that she had made Margarita want to shout at her in the first place.\n\nShe waited for Margarita to finish talking, then responded. \"Dear, no. I know what you're thinking. You're not the first. You spent all these young years doing things you shouldn't have been doing, breaking the law, and now you're thinking *Here comes juvie to punish you.*\" For the first time in the entire conversation, Pernilla looked stern. She had the air of a disapproving parent speaking to their child, trying to communicate why something was wrong, but... \"Dear... Dear, no.\"\n\nAs quickly as she'd hardened, she softened again. \"We don't punish people here, *Margerit.* You're not here to be punished, dear. You're here so you can get help. That's why I... Sugar coated it. Because you're not being punished, and I don't want you thinking you are.\"\n\nShe took a deep breath and a sip from her tea again. It was cooling down, but that was okay. She didn't care that much. \"...It's okay. Let's talk about it.\" She smiled a sort of embarrassed pity-smile that was clearly supposed to be comforting. \"Can I ask why you started? Delivering... You know. Breaking the law for money.\"\n\n—- paused so lolman can sleep —-"
},
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "\"Who's Oliver?\" She curiously asked.\n\nMargarita's little rant left her tense and slightly stressed. \n\n\"I just... Hate it so so much... When people treat me like a child who can't handle things, alright? I've beaten kids my age senseless until they cried like little bitches, called for help even when I was covering their mouth, and even begged to be let go and leave the town for-fucking-ever because why? Because they chose to fucking try me. And yet people here think I can't handle bad news.\"\n\nMargarita leaned back, her mannerism of looking surfacing lightly as she covered her mouth with one hand, a noticeable gap between her index and middle finger forming between them, enough for one whole cigar. \"F- fuck, I need a smoke... Shit shit shit, shit...\" She whispered to herself. \n\n\"Then if it's not punishment... Why then? Why am I here? Why... Fucking help a- a- a goddamned goner like me? Why waste money on a worthless human rubber band? God knows there are other people like me out there that need it; you and I both know that.\"\n\nA calm Margarita finally emerged, putting her hand back down as she began and finished a breathing routine. \"So wanna know why I started that? Easy; money. I just had to walk around the city holding anywhere from an engagement ring full of cut diamonds to shoeboxes full of cocaine and I'd get paid two hundred to two-fifty Euros for one day's worth of work. I made more money than both of my parents could ever hope to make in one day. I needed the money to give my parents the life they deserve; they don't deserve living in a poor excuse if a home, they deserve living in a comfortable house. Fresh paint, clear windows, good bed, new shit... You know. Better food...\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Pernilla decided not to elaborate on who Oliver is. She'd mention it later. Instead, she just listened to Margarita vent everything out. This was a girl who needed that time. Someone who needed to speak, to assert herself, and to get all the pain and regret out of her system.\n\nMargarita had said something... *\"Whether I regret any of these or whether I think if that was good or bad is for me to decide\".* It seemed like she had decided - at least to Pernilla. It seemed like regret.\n\n\"...250 euros a day. Of course.\" A good amount of money. Certainly enough to keep a family comfortable, especially in a poorer area. It made sense. Pernilla sighed a sigh of comfort and relief. \"You risked life and limb working for the mafia. You knew what you were doing was illegal, that you could go to jail for many many years, and you still did it. You did all of this... For your family. It wasn't about you. You did what you could to make money for your family because you thought *They* Deserved better.\" \n\nIn spite of the subject matter, Pernilla looked almost proud. *Almost.*\n\n\"Of course I want to help you, *Margerit.* You did all of this for someone else, because you're a good person, and you always were. I don't think it's a waste of money to help you get a better job. In fact, I'm not sure there's a better way to spend that money at all, dear.\""
},
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "Now, Margarita and her family had a home. The deed belonged to them, and it was indisputable. The problem was, the house itself is old; it needed touch-ups and repairs they couldn't afford. The furniture was old, and the food they were getting is no better than the ones being served at Newton's Cradle. They could be worse off, but her parents were working their asses off but still found no improvement to the point Margarita felt like she had to step in.\n\n\"Yeah, it was for them, if not the three of us. The more I think about it now, Ma'am... I don't regret it as much as I did, and I was to be given a chance? I'd go back and do it.\" She replied without confidence. She knew her answers here would affect her stay, but as she always believed: family, honesty, and integrity above all.\n\nShe stretched one of her arms slowly towards her new guidance counsellor, the back of her palm resting on top. \"I just want to ask you; is this the hand of a good person?\" Marks, bruises, scratches, scars, cuts; these were the hands of a person who had fought and clawed their way through life starting at an unfortunately young age. \"If I'm really worth it, then... What now? Do I just get job training and be on my way?\""
}
] | 378 | 7,525 |
371.4 | 2022-03-20 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Pernilla went quiet, sipped from her tea, then stood up and went to the window. She had a view out to the courtyard from her office - she quite enjoyed having it, too. It helped her think. The courtyard was never crowded, but it was never deserted, either - there was always someone sitting and reading a book, or taking a walk, or occasionally even practicing their powers, and today was no exception.\n\nShe sighed. \"Most people don't come here with criminal records, dear. Especially not serious ones. Most people come here without bruises on their hands. Most people have to be taught how to fight here.\" She looked out onto the courtyard again. It was sobering to remind herself, sometimes, that they were just kids.\n\n\"We won't be teaching you how to fight, because you've been fighting all your life. I'd like you to go to college because you're bright, and, quite frankly, because you deserve a good future you don't have to fight tooth and nail to get. The world taught you how to fight, flower, but you still need to learn that you don't need to.\""
},
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "Margarita had the exact same view as Mrs Pernilla, the view of the sparsely-populated courtyard fitting for a room that was styled as such, minus the massive concrete wall that laid beyond the large field. She only wondered how good it'd be for a playing field.\n\nMargarita could only look at her counsellor's eyes as she made the remark. She knew she was right in every point she had made, but Margarita knew what she did at the time was for the best. She didn't have a definitive response to give back and try to explain to her. \n\n\"I... I don't know. I never thought of college, I...\" She was taken aback for a brief moment. The thought of a higher education was never in her realm of thinking; it was, at the time, impossible. And now it was being offered to her? \"But still, why or who would even take in a... Parahuman B student with a fucking... Criminal record?! I know my *Papà* Is a great mechanic and I'm learning about his trade from him recently and that's good enough if you're thinking of my future. But me entering and finishing college? It's just as impossible as... I don't know. I never considered myself bright.\" After all, she was a woman of strength, not of smarts.\n\n*'The world taught you how to fight, flower, but you still need to learn that you don't need to.'*\n\n\"Then what am I going to learn here?\" She asked, her attention unintentionally being grabbed by a stain on the hardwood table, Margarita bringing her finger to rub it off, which worked. Somehow."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Pernilla shook her head, her gray ponytail gently bobbing back and forth. She returned to the table, sat down, and began leafing through the stack of papers she had brought from her desk earlier. \"Oh, you're a B student already? That's lovely. I would have assumed worse, considering your circumstances. I'm think we can improve those grades even more if we work hard, don't you?\"\n\nShe smiled a particularly knowing smile, and pulled out a sheet of paper, printed face against the table so it was difficult to see what was on it. \"You still have at least a year of grade school left before college. More, if you need it. Once your grades get good enough, colleges might even start seeing that criminal record as 'life experience'. They do tend to like people who stand out, you know.\"\n\nShe pulled out a few more papers, then presented them to Margarita in sequence. Three papers containing a full list of classes offered at Newton's Cradle, along with the times they're scheduled at, and a fourth one an empty table - 6 rows for each day of the week, Monday through Friday.\n\n\"What are you going to learn here? Well, you'll need mathematics, English, physics, chemistry, history... Probably a bit of rudimentary Swedish as a second language too, if you'd like. I'm sure you'll find a use for it.\" There was a real, palpable spark in Pernilla's eye, and her smile was growing almost devious. She seemed to be enjoying herself with this. \"Six classes a day in total. Why don't we get you a schedule now?\""
},
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "\"Well, I just deliver cocaine, not snort it.\" She tried to play it off as a joke, but with its miserable failure, she wiped the stupid look off of her face and avoided eye contact for a while, pretending to observe the tiles for a while. \"But uhm... Still, won't they look at my entire school record? I don't think straight As from a prison school curriculum would do much... N- not that this sucks or anything.\"\n\nThe smile was... Unnerving in a way, but it seemed genuine. \"Yeah- no, I just need to finish year 12, if I recall. I just hope I don't rot here to have to retake it...\" She did some arm stretches to help herself relax amidst the unnerving tension and anxiety that had been eating her, despite not being actively chewed out on. \"A- and do universities really overlook criminal records just to enrol food students?\" For once, Margarita had felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe this college thing wasn't so bad.\n\nOnce presented with a whole file of papers that was indeed a class schedule, she was impressed by how accomodating this prison is, despite its looks. Chemistry, physics, math, even Swedish- the juvie, of all places, had its own school system, and a flexible one too. Hah.\n\n\"Uhh.. Before I jot down anything else... Are there any other subjects? Just.. You know. Making sure before I write things down.\" Grabbing a pencil, she wrote down the appropriate stuff that was on the sheet other than the class schedule itself. Name, then her ID number, then so on and so forth. She rubbed her finger at any mistakes she made thanks to her bad handwriting, her parahuman physiology essentially turning her into a giant, walking pencil eraser on top of many other things.\n\nMrs Pernilla's smile was creepier than ever, and even if it felt unsettling for the Italian, she tried not to think too much about it.\n\n|\n\"Sorry if this is too much of a personal question, but erm... Mrs. Pernilla, are *You* Parahuman? Or is it us just juveniles? Who else is parahuman in this place? I don't see much of the staff here do funky things like me or some of us.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Your record won't be a problem, and neither will studying here. You're taking the same exam as everyone else, dear.\" Pernilla chuckled a little as she gently nudged the 3 pieces of paper with a list of classes toward Margarita. \"The subjects you can take are all there. I don't know much about elsewhere, but for higher education here in Sweden, you'll need mathematics, English, and Swedish as a second language, plus 9 more subjects of your choosing.\"\n\nThe amount of options was, for most people, dizzying. Classes starting at 8:30 in the morning and going on... Well, into the night. Still, with a rough guide, it wasn't impossible, and there was hardly a time limit on making a decision, at least.\n\nPernilla paused for a moment when Margarita asked about parahumans at Newton's Cradle. It was a sobering reminder that the girl really didn't know much of anything about where she was or what she was doing there. It was a depressing circumstance, the way she had been brought to a foreign town in the back of a van with her hands literally tied behind her back, but Pernilla couldn't change that. She could only improve things going forward.\n\nShe let herself grow a gentle layer of leaves and a few screens of small white flowers in her hair, partly to answer the question and partly to brag a little. The small joys in her day-to-day life, she supposed.\n\n\"I'm parahuman, yes. In fact, pretty much everyone here is. If the lunch lady wasn't when she started, she probably is now.\" Pernilla chuckled. \"It's the reason we're understaffed, actually. For the important work - like teaching, administration, and security, you know - we can only hire parahumans. Anything else would be too risky, or simply pointless. And, well, as far as we know, about one in a million people is a parahuman.\"\n\nShe paused for a moment to let that fact sink in.\n\n\"So don't you ever let anyone tell you you're not special, flower. You're more rare and valuable than you can possibly imagine.\""
}
] | 349 | 1,857 |
251 | 2022-03-22 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Pernilla squinted at Margarita's proposed schedule, then sighed loudly. \"I will never get used to needing these,\" She complained out loud as she fetched her reading glasses and sat back down to actually attempt to parse Margarita's handwriting.\n\nIt seemed to go fine.\n\n\"Well,\" She noted, having read the whole thing, \"It seems like you've got everything covered, except... Well, I can't give you a day off, but how about...\"\n\nPernilla paused to look over the long list of potential subjects Margarita could have that day. She figured something less academic in nature might be in order. Maybe art, or music, or something of Graham's... All the while, Margarita was talking too, and Pernilla was trying her best to listen. \n\n\"Oh, that works. How about you help out in the kitchen that day? You'll still have to fill out the three blocks in the afternoon, but we can fill those out with working on your powers. Does that sound good?\""
},
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "Even the pair of reading glasses fit Mrs Pernilla, even with the leafy hair. Margarita only wondered if she'd need to wear those too someday whilst Mrs Pernilla read her filled in schedule, hoping that she wouldn't mind the Friday off.\n\nWell, she *Did* Mind the extra day off, but the alternative was acceptable.\n\n\"That works, *Si*.\" She answered. At least one day felt productive, she thought. Better than zero or five of nothing but classes on top of classes. \"So... Is everything good? Am I still in trouble, or do I get solitary confinement, or no going outside, or locked in my dorm, or... Anything at all, *Signora* Pernilla? There has to be *Something*.\" This felt like the fifth time she'd asked that question, but... This all had to add up to something at some point.\n\n\"And... Last question,\" She asked, doubting if her question even makes sense. \"Are there any job spots here at Newton's Cradle in the near future? Just some kind of future-proofing, is all.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Solitary confinement? Well...\" Pernilla's voice suggested nothing of the sort would happen, even before she had said anything to that effect. She leafed through her stack of relevant documents, finding a single sheet of paper labelled *Rules of Order*. \"If you can point out the rule you broke by having those bent little paperclips, maybe we'll consider actually punishing you.\"\n\nShe let herself rest in the chair for a moment as the leaves and flowers in her hair receded. They were quite nice, but she preferred not to keep them around for too long. Ideally, she would be approachable to everyone, and not showing off her powers that much helped with that, in her experience.\n\n\"It's going to be a long while before you can get a job here, flower. You can do it someday, I'm sure, but you still need a proper education, and, well, we did just talk about what you'll need for that.\" \n\nShe leaned in over the table, graceful in her movements yet still careful not to knock anything over. \"You know, you should really talk to Graham,\" She whispered. \"I'm sure he'll have some advice for you about getting a job here, if that's what you'd like to do someday.\" \n\nShe leaned back in the chair as gracefully and easily as she had leaned onto the table, and gave a short sigh of relief. \"Well, I think we've covered just about everything. I'll have your classes ready to start Monday, is that alright?\""
}
] | 230 | 753 |
243.5 | 2022-03-23 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "\"Well- there must be something! If my room was selected for a search because one of the staff noticed the conversation, then there must've been something, right?\" She didn't even need to pick apart the rules that were given to her. Why was she here in the first place then? Why did the lockpicks cause concern if she wasn't going to get not even a slap on the wrist?\n\nNodding along, Margarita definitely had 'work at Newton's Cradle' as one of her future career options, whatever the pay might be. This would be her home for the next few years, so she might as well return here a reformed woman, familiar with the place. That experience here had to count for something, and that best place would be here.\n\nAnd Margarita couldn't help but adore Pernilla's amazing plant-covered hair, which now receded back until her original, white-and hazelnut hair were the only thing that stayed on the top of her head. At least now the 'flower' nickname made sense to her.\n\n\"Mr Graham? Well... Alright, I'll talk to him about something, I guess. I'm still not... I don't know about my future, ma'am. I haven't even talked to my parents for a while now. I'll take the classes on Monday, sure. Mrs. Pernilla, are you sure there's nothing else that's going to happen for now about me?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"You're being left off with a *Warning.* It's your first offense, it's a little thing, no one's hurt. It's alright.\"\n\nPernilla really wanted to hug Margarita. Poor girl, beat up until she couldn't expect anything else, until she could barely even imagine *Not* Being punished any more. Poor girl.\n\n\"It's alright, flower. You aren't being punished any more.\" She picked up the schedule, now completely filled in. \"I'll type out some copies of this and get them on file. You'll get one too. In the meantime, why don't you go talk to Graham? He studied here too, when he was your age. He'll know a thing or two about getting a job here, I'm sure.\"\n\nPernilla stood up, went to the door, and held it open for Margarita. \"I'll see you in class on Monday, mhm?\""
},
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "\"Oh... Okay, gotcha. Gotcha. I'll look for him later on today, or chat with him on the intranet, which I find amazing, by the way. I appreciate that a lot.\"\n\n'There we go' She thought, feeling a sense of calm knowing that things were in order; an action followed by its consequence. Its perpetrator punished, albeit it's a tap on the wrist, if anything.\n\nWas this what real life was like? Was life supposed to be not this harsh? Was it meant to be... Safe? One without constant danger?\n\nWith a school schedule taken care of on top of the initial issue plus some questions that kept her mind busy, Margarita felt at ease as she stood up after Mrs Pernilla, standing aside as she made her way to the heavy and finely-decorated door, swinging open gracefully. Pernilla stood aside with a soft, genuine smile on her aged face.\n\nSeeing that there was almost nobody outside the doors or outside at the courtyard, or cameras to observe them, Margarita gave in to her inner urges and hugged Mrs Pernilla, the *One* Person so far in this concrete home that had remotely shown even a gram of care and concern towards her. Sure, Silas was a friend, but Mrs Pernilla felt like a parent more than anything. Her arms lengthened and coiled around the two of them like serpentines, the hug turning more into a comfortable wrap as the teenager felt... Safe, for the first time since... God knows when. She let her guard down for a while just to indulge in this short moment of hugging her counsellor. \n\n\"Sorry, I- I got caught up.\" Her apology was both spoken and an action, Margarita embarrassingly stepping away as her noodle-like arms reeled back to her until she looked like a normally-proportioned human again.\n\n\"I... I should go, thanks again, *Signora* Pernilla. I'll see you on Monday.\"\n\nThis was a change. The first of many. And she welcomed it."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Pernilla gently returned the hug without a word. It was a good sign, and an affirmation. She had helped someone, and that made all her efforts feel worth it.\n\n\"It's okay,\" She whispered, \"It's okay. I'll see you on Monday.\""
}
] | 245.5 | 974 |
250 | 2022-03-24 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "When Vance's alarm went off on his phone, he had to leave the Intranet to leave on his cleaning duties. The kids in the chatroom did not phase him when they reacted like idiotic kids. It was some time watching them chat while gathering some information abut them. His part time job was far more important than these dumbasses. So he worked hard cleaning a classroom by cleaning the windows, wiping down the desks, sweeping and mopping. When his shift is finally over, he wipe the sweat from his brow with the back of his arm. He stood by the door admiring the cleanliness in the classroom before leaving to the kitchen. It look like no one is here for now, which provide him a time of his own with some peace of mind. Vance decides to make a coffee first before occupying the window where he opened it.\n\n*Scritch!* *Scritch!*\n\nHe lights the end of his cigarette which glowed with an orange ember when he takes a couple puffs from it."
},
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "Hopping off of the intranet to touch grass instead of sleep this afternoon, Margarita found it wise to hit the sleep button on her computer and leave it asleep, the computer humming quietly as it went into its idle mode, waiting for any input, movement, or anything at all.\n\n Grabbing her jacket and a book she had borrowed from the library, Margarita opened the window and jumped out of if, her legs stretching out like stilts to make sure she'd get a soft landing and nor a face full of dirt, which has admittedly happened before. Still, thoughts of looking like a moron aside, she let loose one of her arms and reached for her second floor window, shutting it but leaving it slightly opened to not lock herself out like the last time.\n\nStill, she was out, and now, a spot.\n\nStrolling to the common rooms where the sofa was most comfortable, she'd spot a certain elf-eared person, casually smoking a cigarette as if a rule regarding it never existed.\n\n\"Hey, mind if I get a puff too? Haven't smoked a cigar for a while now, but at this point I'll take anything.\"\n\nShe looked as casual as anyone can be. A pair of shorts, and a grey t-shirt, paired with a jacket. Instead of shoes, she had just worn a pair of flip flops, something she could easily take off the moment she parked her entire body onto the sofa."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "• ***BOOM.***\n\n□ In recent days, boredom and a lingering frustration with the ranked matches he'd been subjected to had led Silas down a dangerous path. He'd been spending all of his time in the chemistry laboratory, for better and for worse, and though he'd initially planned to create MDMA from a piperine precursor the project had gave him some real trouble. Mostly, it had been that actually extracting the piperine had been a hassle and one he couldn't afford in any great amount on his limited allowance, so he'd instead chose to sink his time into, of all things, hypergolic rocket fuels.\n\n▪︎ And one of his experiments had just blown up in his face. Again. Why hadn't he learned from his mistakes?\n\n◇ So, in need of a breath of fresh air after days spent in the sterile, stale air of the lab breathing in God knows what sort of vapours he finally stepped outside, and saw a familiar face. Rather than say anything at first, though, he simply approached the pair and flopped down, the faint scent of singed hair and eyebrows still detectable from where a fireball had ignited the tips of his hair.\n\n◆ \"Gimme that, mate. Just blew myself the fuck up. Also, sup?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "As he turned, his eyebrow raised at the Italian accent coming from behind him. Instinctively, he takes another good drag of his cigarette, then let the gray smoke stream from his mouth as he blows it out the window. Stands of it slithered towards the dark sky before dissipating into nothingness. \n\n*'Great, another bum to mooch off from me,'* Vance thought bitterly, but understanding the need for a cigarette. \n\n\"Go knock yourself out...\" He sighed, slightly lowering his arm to her level with the cigarette held between his mid and index finger. As he waited for her to take it, a disgusting burnt hair smell made his mouth twist into a straight, perfect line.\n\nHe wasn't sure if this fried moth with two colored burned hair was asking for his cigarette also? Uncertain, he just lets the first have a go at it since she was the one who bummed ahead of him. \n \nSo much for a quiet moment.\n\nHe turned his attention back to the open window where he folded his arms to rest it on the sill. His back turned to the others as his blue eyes gaze out into the darkness ahead."
}
] | 250.5 | 1,000 |
345 | 2022-03-25 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "Only God and Margarita knew how much that single drag of a cigarette felt, although the last time she did, her torso wasn't stretched out from the sofa to one of the kitchen counters to where vance was. Which was exactly what she was doing now.\n\nFreaky rubber girl.\n\n\"Oh *Gesù Cristo* That's so, so fucking good.\" She answered, exhaling the smoke ever so slowly as to cherish that one time she was gonna ever wrap her lips around a cigarette again. \"*Grazie*, that did so goddamned much.\"\n\nWhile a hyperelongated torso spanning one end of the room to the other was the weiredst thing in the room at that time, there would be a contender for that, and it would be Silas with his soot-covered face and straightened hair from whatever burn caused it. Of course it had to be him.\n\n\"And what in the goddamned fuck happened to you, Silas? Good God, are you okay? You look like you just threw yourself into a fire.\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"No shit, looks like you just walked into a fuckin' burning opium field.\" Silas dryly chuckled, laying down in the grass with his singed twin-tone hair against his flattened palms. \"Also, mate, don't give me that face, I've been fucking around- oh, yeah, I should probably explain in more detail.\"\n\n□ Without even asking permission Silas reached out, his grubby hand surprisingly free of all the chaos that had besieged his face and hair. With this hand he grabbed the cigarette, quickly puffing it and letting out a similarly pleased exhale, though instead of a thin wispy cloud it came out as rings, carefully popped out of his throat with the kind of precision that only a former smoker would have. With that done he held the cigarette out for the unknown lad to grab, and once it was out of his hands he'd begin to speak.\n\n▪︎ After all, he felt as if he owed them an explanation.\n\n◆ \"So, I've been goin' shit fuckin' crazy around my dorm the past week or so. A part broke on my PC and I don't have money to replace it yet, so I've been in the lab fucking around with dangerous, illegal things. First it was crystal meth, but soon I found that the process was far too risky to do here, and then I wanted to make MDMA using peppercorns as a base, but fuck, couldn't get enough to make more than a single grain, so...\" He chuckled, almost as if trying to build up anticipation. \"I've been fucking around with rocket fuels! Can't get my hands on any of the common ones used today because they're controlled as hell, but aniline's an old-school one I managed to make on my own. It's cool shit, but... I shot way too much into some fuming nitric acid and sweet fuckin' Jesus I nearly blew a hole in my face! Boredom does some weird shit to a man... Or thing. Gender is a joke, wear whatever you want, kill a cop while you're at it as reparations for past injustices.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Non è un problema...\" Vance replied, rubbing his brows as if to ward off a headache.\n*'It looks like I won't be wanting it back,'* He thought, now seeing the female bum plucking the cigarette into her lips. It was a regrettable detail that he perceived that made him turn to pressing a fist to his mouth. He stood by the open window, not bothering to give the other a glance as he stared downward.\n\nWhen the stranger stretched herself like a rubber band, her elongated torso span to the other side of the room, Vance cannot help but be reminded of a ribbon worm. She was talking to the sizzled haired kid who had their ass planted down on the grass. They were talking to each other with the familiarity that friends have. The usual buddy-buddy talk. And for once it was rather refreshing to see some people trying not to be mouthy assholes at this school.\n\n*'Yeah, no, I don't think I won't be wanting it back,'* Vance thought, now seeing Sila's grubby paws snatching the cigarette from the stretch girl. \n\nWhen he received the cigarette back, Vance was just about to pass it onto the stretch girl but paused for a moment. He couldn't help tugging at his earlobe to feel the cold silver piercings when he started to hear the concerning antics. Now his mouth is pressed down against his fist, not saying anything while the two-toned nerd explained himself. The mention of attempting to create crystal meth, MDMA, using rocket fuel was enough for him to shift to another position: Vance buried his face into his hands.\n\n*'What the living fuck is wrong with these people?'* He thought, messaging between his eyebrows as if to ward off another headache. Vance would never have thought that someone like this blabbermouth would be so open about their messed-up mischief. He hadn't made up his mind yet, but he certainly wasn't going to rat them out. This may be good information to use against Silas some time in the future if it's necessary to rely on it. This was rather weird because he is just some random guy trying to smoke when these bums arrived. There was no kind of friendship between them at all. \n\nNow pinching the bridge of his nose, he used his other hand to hold out the cigarette for the stretchy girl to take. \"You can have it, think I'm done.\" His tone was ambivalent with a slight drawl."
},
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "\"I think you do, Silas. You really do- look at yourself! You look like you went dumpster doving but you actually dived in it than look for stuff.\"\n\nSnatch.\n\n\"That's not my cig-\n\nEven before she could finish her sentence, Silas had already snatched the danger stick from her fingers and inhaled the thing too like there was no tomorrow. She could only look at the other person look both extremely possed off now that his cogarette was stolen from him, plus the look someone gives when she stretches her body out, which is namely a look of shock, curiosity, and disgust rolled into one. \" Sorry about the stretch, uh... I got too used to it.\"\n\n\"So... You made drugs,\" She turned to Silas, stretching her neck towards the actual idiot. \"Then can't, so you tried making drugs again, and when you realized you're not British Walter White you went ahead and began the British space program on your own. And then fucked it up. Ten outta ten, dude.\"\n\n\"Ya sure?\" She asked back to the elf-wared boy, pinching the cigarette between her fingers as her neck returned to its original length, her neck undulating as it returned to its original, un-alien form. \"Well, sorry about this moron, but I'll make sure to split a pack with you if I get my hands on one.\" She replied, dragging on the cigarette again, her need for nicotine satisfied once more since her departure from Italy.\n\nShe still remained stretched, her torso resembling a thick pool noodle, if anything. Weird sight."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Aye, I know I look like I just headbutted a bonfire, but that's just my own stupid ass mistake.\"\n\n□ Laughing, he took a few moments to settle down, mostly looking up at the clouds as they softly drifted by, carried by the jet streams way up in the great blue beyond. It was a refreshing change of scenery from being in a sterile lab from sun up to sun down, and one that he was taking in with every breath, every faint breeze, every bird chirp. Of course, though, he eventually looked over at the elf, and though he couldn't read his thoughts he could see from his expression that there was something going on in his head.\n\n▪︎ However, he wasn't about to make assumptions.\n\n◆ \"Moron? Fuck do ya mean, moron?\" He scoffed. \"Would a moron be able to make rocket fuels from scratch? Must be loose in the skull if ya think I'm a fuckin' moron!\" He playfully shot back, his brown eyes alive with mischief. \"Anyways, uh... Elf boy, what's your name? Don't think I've seen ya around.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Vance raises his hand at the stretch girl and shakes his head at her. \"There is no need to repay me,\" He said, his voice slightly gruff and yet mild. He was able to find work at the facility as a part-time janitor to earn his pay. It wouldn't be that difficult for him to afford cigarettes downtown. He still wore his black janitor coveralls that he paid for weeks ago for his job position. It always bothered him how the long sleeves irritated him during cleaning, so he had them rolled up to his elbows. The utility maintenance no-slip shoes he wore were just as new as his outfit. Unlike a lot of students in Newton Cradle, he somewhat stands out, appearing as if he was part of the facility itself. \n\nHe was mostly ignoring the two nerds when he walked to the counter to pour himself a cup of coffee. \"It's Vance, I take up night class and prefer to keep to myself,\" He said, placing one scoop of sugar into his coffee before stirring it. \"Usually I just work.\"\n\nThe name Vance may be recognized by some other wealthy criminal families due to his parents being held responsible for having many skeletons in their closets. It was all hazy information about what exactly happened since it was strictly covered by his parents and their partner's authority. His last name was changed to hide his identity due to his mother insisting since it's all to keep him \"Safe\" From becoming a target. From his point of view, it was her way of disassociating herself and saying that he's not her child. \n\nVance was born differently with a resemblance that doesn't match his mom nor his dad, except for his blue eyes was the only trait that he inherited. Something happened to him before he was born. It wasn't an easy life growing up under strict rules, isolation and crushing work that his parents pressured him to do.\n\n*It became a habit to work hard.*\n\nAnd it is beginning to show by his tired eyes with faint dark circles and his pointed ears slightly drooping."
},
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "\"Ya sure then? Alrighty.\" Margarita took another long (haha) drag from the cigarette as she retracted her torso to its normal length and let the chemicals run through her body, giving her a sense of relief and calm she hasn't felt for a long time, even if it wasn't on par with cheap cigars.\n\nAh, you're a night shift kinda guy. Nice to meet you anyways! I'm Margarita.\" She said as she elongated her freez noodle arm out at almost the same length her torso was a while ago, her palm opened and expecting a handshake. She smiled warmly at Vance, his tired blue eyes meeting her energetic ones. \n\nExcept towards Silas.\n\n\"Yeah, you, who else then? You're making damn meth and drugs on top of fuel? Goddamn that's a science project if I've seen one. *Grazie Dio* I wasn't in the same room as you, you madman.\" Sticking the cigarette in her mouth, she stretched her other arm out at the lying down Silas and flipped him off at a close distance."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Vance, huh? Gotcha.\" He sat up and leaned against the wall, one knee bent up and his arm leaning over it. \"Also, this is baby steps, mate. My lab back home, fuck, it nearly killed me several times. Then again, maybe that's just... Heh, a skill issue.\"\n\n□ Diagnosis: gremlin. He didn't want to out himself any worse than he'd already done, since simply admitting that he'd been messing around with synthesizing drugs and rocket fuel on prison grounds was tantamount to accepting a sentencing to a proper British prison. Instead of confessing any further he let out a sigh and looked up at the clock, noting the time. *Five hours. Five goddamned hours.* He'd been in the belly of the beast for longer than he'd thought, and all he had to show for it was singed hair and ash in his face.\n\n▪︎ Oh well. That was just the life of an aspiring mad chemist.\n\n◆ \"Hey, I didn't actually make *Either* Of 'em, so off my case with you.\" He'd chuckle, before the middle finger slinked into his face. With a playful groan he'd attempt to grab the hand upon which the finger was affixed, the roughness of his hand easily felt. \"I'm just an aspiring chemist, and... I guess my focus is off in some weird fuckin' spots. This happens. I spent over a month trying to recreate that one NileRed video where he made moonshine from toilet paper last year, so maybe I'm just a mad chemist. I dunno. Anyways, uh... Vance. Why are ya even lighting one in the building? Boutta set the damn alarms off at this rate.\""
}
] | 350.5 | 2,760 |
345.75 | 2022-03-26 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "He flicked his tired eyes down at Margarita's hand, not caring for her stretched arm in display, but more uncertain about accepting her grubby hand. Then his gaze followed up to her face to read her expression suspiciously. At first he didn't want to accept her hand before subjecting himself in a 1 second mental process, then finally he comes to an agreement that this is probably a proper courtesy. Even though she may come back shanking him in the back, at least he would have shown some decency.\n\n\"Please to meet you, Margarita,\" Vance says politely, giving her a firm but gentle handshake. \"Hopefully your temporary stay at Newton's Cradle has been gracious for you?\"\n\nEven though the large majority in this shit hole carried a good pack of assholes, it wouldn't hurt to just be somewhat kinder. This was one of the rare opportunities to meet someone decent other than that cheesy Uriel. \n\nHis hand slipped away from Margarita's hand to take the cup of coffee. While she was having another silly spatter with Silo, he uses this opportunity to take a few sips of bittersweet liquid. When they finished, Vance was already half done with his coffee.\n\n\"A little friendly word of advice...\" Vance said in a matter-of-fact tone. \"Please try to tone down your unruly activities that go against the rules. It would be in your favor to not be so open about it near strangers or 'chattier' company. If word gets out on the intranet, a bunch of idiots would have your ass handed to the authorities.\"\n\nWith plenty of experience being ignored and brushed aside many times, Vance was uncertain if Milo or Margarita was listening to him. Even if they did fail to consider his warnings, at least he could say that he tried to inform them.\n\n\"Lately there have been a lot of unlawful activities happening on the schoolground,\" Vance continued, sounding a bit more serious. \"There are more surveillance cameras being placed up now to keep tabs on the students. It didn't help much that someone was killing and leaving animal carcasses to rot in the woods.\"\n\nVance's tired blue eyes narrows as he glances at his own reflection in his coffee mug for a second, then downs it before setting it back on the counter. \"And someone pissed Oliver off and he's much crankier than usual... So try stay clear from him for now until all this blows over... Hopefully."
},
{
"author": "lolmanmclmao",
"message": "\"You too, friend. Aaand you can call me 'stretch', it's good enough.\" The handshake went through, and she let her hand return to herself, her smile persisting. \"Same thing applies to you by the way, Silas. Any name works *Except* 'Margie'.\" She answered back in a friendly manner except the last two words, a firm tone taking over it.\n\nWhile Vance sipped his coffee and she was busy flipping off an annoyed Silas, she immideately regretted her decision as she was put off balance as her arm was pulled like a rope, almost falling off the sofa too. She could only respond with a string of Italian profanities as she let her other arm slink back to herself, her body now back to its regular proportions as if she was a human and not a parahuman.\n\n\"People here snitch? Damn, that,'s sad. BUT I'll keep it in mind, *Grazie*.\" She answered back, leaving the last inch of cigarette for Silas, another outstretched arm handing it over to him.\n\n\"Well- yeah, I'm here smoking your cigarette with Silas and he's over there making crack, which he can't even do properly. Maybe there's predatory animals outside?\" She answered, refusing to believe the implications. \"It's possible, you know. We're in a remote part of Isakstad.\"\n\nHalf-intending to show off and half-needng to let out some strain and let some kinks in her back go, she stood up and bent her body backwards, her torso yielding as her back folded into itself. Her outstretched arms that were high up in the air soon touched the ground.\n\n\"Oh, him. Never got to meet him. Is he nicer than the security guards though?\" She asked, unfolding her torso but then proceeded to do some torso twists, except that her version involved twisting her torso a while 180 and even a few 360s.\n\nShowoff..."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Aye, fair enough, even though it's a goddamn shame people don't know how to not be snitches.\" Silas groaned as he pushed himself back to his feet, shined platforms squeaking lightly against the tile floor. \"Then again, think I'm part of that problem, though the only person it's hurting is me, so fuck it.\"\n\n□ Stomach grumbling, it'd taken a cigarette instead of nine solid hours of explosions and other miscellaneous chemistry experiments to really wake Silas the fuck up to his hunger. Ferocious, it tore at his gut like a cancer, and thus he figured he might as well grab something from the Cafeteria. Beforehand, though, he stretched, let out a loud groan, and looked down at Margie, who apparently didn't care for the nickname.\n\n▪︎ That'd be something to address another day.\n\n◆ \"Aye, okay, I get it. Anyways, I'm out, stomach's demanding I grab a bite to eat. Take it easy, y'all.\"\n\n▪︎ And with that he'd leave the way he came."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Vance watches the short Silas makes his way to the cafeteria that left him alone with Margarita. \"I don't know what else to say to you Margarita... I cleaned up the remains and had discovered cuts made by a knife. There were too many carcasses left in the forest... It was a pain in the ass to clean it up,\" Vance said, glancing down at the time on his cellphone. \"This place isn't a normal prison for delinquents...\" He stated, looking a bit disappointed at her. \"There are teenagers here who have unnatural abilities that can harm others. If you pay closer attention at the destruction being caused, maybe you might get the hint?\"\n\nVance pockets his phone. \"Stay safe, Margarita... Maybe we'll meet some time later?\" He said, now leaving her be to do her stretches.\n\nThis was his cue to make his leave to catch his next class on time. It was a lucky moment for him to bail before he starts getting annoyed with her company.\n\nHis steps were light, gentle and yet a little quick when he leaves Margarita alone in the room."
}
] | 323 | 1,383 |
358.25 | 2022-03-30 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Vance nearly forgot to clean the last mess left in the garden. There is a terracotta pot shattered on the paved floor with a clump of soil laid waste with their yarrow flowers. It was towards the end of his shift when he swept the broken remains into the trash before putting away the broom and dustpan. \n\nFinally, after his shift was over, Vance took a shower before getting dressed in his black suit that he wore for class. It was an old habit he'd picked up from attending private school in Sicily. He put on a tie but did not care to button his coat before he grabbed his backpack and books. Without the nagging pressure from his parents, Vance could have a breather to not bother trying too hard for his education. It was a cake walk. \n\nIt was during class when he was unnerved when a kid beside him suddenly screamed at him. He was about to finish his assignment until he drew a squibbled line from the student shrieking in his direction. It was some kid he didn't care to know their name, was now on the floor sitting on his ass with the chair tipped over.\n\nVance was about to ask if they are alright but he was cut short from the other yelling at him. \"Stay away from me you fucking freak!\"\n\nHis elven ears slowly lowered at the outburst that lit a lowkey anger and embarrassment. The teacher lightly scolds the panicked kid before calming the class from their quiet giggles. \n\nVance uncomfortably shifted his attention back to his assignment to hastily finish writing down his answers before handing them in. He left class early by half an hour because he did not want to spend the other half in the same room with the other students.\n\nNow walking down the hallway with the windows blurring as he moved past them, Vance suddenly disappeared out of reality when no one was looking. With his backpack sling over his shoulder, Vance weaved past other students minding his own business while he checked the time on his cellphone."
},
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "_We're not a prison._\n\n_We're here to help._\n\nLevi Evans wasn't particularly pleased with the past few months. Doctor after doctor, they tried to find things wrong with them. They poked, prodded, analyzed, and forced all manners of medical procedures to find something wrong with them. Of course, they didn't even bother to listen at all. They already told them everything they could! \n\nNow, they weren't even bothering to take them seriously anymore. It would've been far better to be sent to an _actual_ straight-up rehabilitation center for juvenile delinquents. Instead, they were brought to some sick playhouse, telling them that they were special and had _superpowers._ Ok. Sure. After months of constant lies and failed treatments from their so-called medical professionals, they just weren't sure with who to trust anymore. They could talk to their sister, but what could they even say? They could talk to their friends? They probably saw them as insane- wrapped up in a straitjacket like a mental asylum patient- because he actually _was_. Legally speaking.\n\n-\n\nEvans found themselves lurking in a corner of a library, leaning head down on the table. Wearing an over-sized pink hoodie that reached all the way to their thighs, they looked more like a pink _vaguely_ humanoid blob plopped in a corner. \n\nThey were merciful enough to let them wander around the facility. If this was even mercy. They did not understand. At least the previous facilities made _sense_. Now though, they weren't sure about this form of treatment. They had never heard of them. They had never seen anything about this organization. They never existed... Until they did.\n\nNow, they were just hiding in a secluded corner with no actual purpose in mind.\n\nTo stay and wait. \n\nThat was what he had to do. That was _all_ that he could do right now.\n\nOr so he thought.\n\nClearly, Levi wasn't very pleased."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Still engulfed by his darkness, he was unnoticed by many when he passed by people as he swung the library door open. With subtle steps, he quietly crosses into the threshold of the library before weaving past more students.\nAfter what felt like an hour to find a more secluded space in the large room, it didn't take him long to claim it immediately.\n\nA swift sound of a chair scrapes against the floor by Vance's sudden action. Then he unzips his backpack to spill out his homework onto the table with his books, papers, cases clattering onto the surface.\n\nFrom another perspective, the chair would have looked like it got pulled out on its own before objects suddenly fell out of thin air. Next it is being arranged into an organized fashion by someone with mild OCD. It would be placed at the right angle a few times until it feels just right.\n\nThen Vance finally takes a seat, grabbing a pencil to work on his physics homework before its due date.\n\n*Scritch! Scritch! Scritch!*\n\nHe still hasn't noticed the lump of pink at the far corner of the room. When he'd first arrived, it look like a beanbag that is part of the furniture."
},
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "This location- the library- it was admittedly quiet. Not too quiet to make them feel any worse, yet not too loud either. It was a perfect balance of echoes and white-noise from nearby air conditioning units. The audible balance would be broken, tipped over as they heard a chair screech loudly be moved. Little clicks and clacks of pencils, pens, and other school materials would clatter onto the table, gaining his attention. \n\nHe was _almost_ able to take a nap. Just barely. Unfortunately for them, being in a new environment made it much harder to fall asleep. Even more so when someone dumped all their materials on the library, as if it wasn't a library. \n\nLevi would move their head to peek over towards the area where the sound emanated from. They would blink a couple of times, groggy and fatigued as they took a moment to look around. They noticed a figure moving a couple tables across the library. They were... _what?_ Evans would blink yet again, their tired eyes and smudged, foggy glasses unable to quickly identify what the thing was.\n\nHaving no idea what the _hell_ that _thing_ was, they would stiffen up when their vision began to clear up just a bit. Carefully, they would lower their head back into its original position, eyes closed shut as they tried to curl up in a ball and hide. Maybe they would go away. Whatever they were. Whatever it was. They just wanted to disappear.\n\nAnd so, without even realizing it, they would be able to slowly shimmer out of reality, leaving a visibly empty chair and table. \n\nThey didn't move, fearful of what could happen. There had never been anything this large before. They weren't prepared for abnormalities as large as this-"
}
] | 389.5 | 1,433 |
328.25 | 2022-03-31 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Somehow, before Vance was aware of Levi flickering out of reality, he had a weird feeling that there were eyes watching him. A cold chill pricked up his back as the pencil in his hand stopped midways from answering a physics question. Slowly, his head shifts to look around the room, then takes notice of the pink bean bag is gone. \n\nA single bead of sweat slid down his temple when he stared at the spot where the missing object once was. How can something that big just disappear? His pointed ears slightly lowered when he stood from his chair. Swallowing back the unwanted unease, Vance quietly approaches the area where the bean bag should be. His steps are light, barely unnoticeable, and are quick. He was standing over where Levi sat with his face lowered and curled into a small ball. \n\nOften, sometimes, students tend to leave stuff in odd places. Take a beanbag for example when a kid just leaves it in a chair. And Vance had no idea that it was another student who was balled in the shape of a bean bag. \n\nAs he got closer, his hand reached out to grab the chair's top rail to move it back. There was a heavy weight that made it a little difficult to budge.\n\n*'The fuck is this?'* He thought, now trying to force the chair to move. Now he's thinking someone is playing an annoying prank on him. This isn't funny."
},
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "Levi had never experienced something as weird and inconceivable as this. Some sort of shadowy figure was right _here_ in this very room with them. Admittedly, they weren't even aware at this point about the entire situation. They had been fed with so many utter lies and hurtful statements from their doctors- that they began to question if they were really lies in the first place. _Hallucinations._ Sure, they did have that but... But what? Were they just thinking of excuses to escape a diagnosis? _Delusions? Disorganized behavior? Drop in school performance?_ Fuck this shit- they didn't do anything wrong. \n\nEverything they saw was _real_ to an extent. They just had no idea how to explain it even further. \n\nWhen the chair they were on was nudged, their heart would skip a beat. \"Écoute mec, je suis désolé... Laisse-moi tranquille. Va-t'en... Qui que tu sois...\"\n\nFunnily enough, they were still faced down on the table with the hoodie covering them. They didn't have any idea that they actually used an ability to make them invisible. However, Vance would be able to hear an androgynous French voice coming from the place where the supposed bean bag was. There was a tinge of fear and confusion in the ghostly statement."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Che diavolo!?\" Vance's voice raised enough to sound startled and still remain somewhat quiet. He stepped back knocking over a chair behind him that toppled against the floor loudly. His other step flinched in instinct to move away from the sudden sound that caused him to collide into a slatewood shelf. Novels came clattering down like slabs of meat. \n\nSwiftly, he darted away from where he had heard the disembodied voice to where his homework was. He'll be damned if he abandons his time and effort on these stupid subjects. Vance hastily tosses in his belongings inside his backpack before causing the items to disappear once he has it in person.\n\nThen he goes leaping up on top of the bookshelf where he stayed perched in a crouching position like a hawk. His eyes scan the room from above to try to find who is messing with him. The last time he had his guard down, some asshole played a cruel prank on him for their sick entertainment. It took him a week to fully recover and have his stitches removed from his neck.\n\n\"Okay... Wherever you are...\" Vance said, his tone stiff and stern. \"Better show yourself or there will be bigger trouble.\" His voice was deep with grit when he made this statement. \"If this is another of your sick dumbass pranks, I'll have to consider this another threat.\" \n\nHis fingers tapped against the wooden surface of the shelf that he stood on. With anticipation, every strand of muscle aches to make a move from signs of oncoming danger.\n\n\"Come out now,\" Vance coaxed, keeping his senses open for any signs of life. \"Maybe if I am generous enough, we can somehow talk this one out? Hmm? Sounds good don't you think?\""
},
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "_Che diawhatnow?_ Now _that_ was something new. When they whispered to themselves, the requests and pleads were usually met with silence. After all, they never actually heard any of the creatures or entities that they saw in the corners of their vision. It was always just _sight_ related. Now though- when they heard an actual human male voice... They began to question if they were actually seeing something paranormal, or they were _actually_ hallucinating and didn't have enough sleep. Maybe it was just that simple. They didn't remember when they last took their meds...\n\nThey listened to the statement and subsequent request. What? Them doing pranks? Ok they _did_ do magic tricks, but they sure as hell weren't doing anything... Right? They weren't aware that they were invisible, so they simply raised their head to look at the figure who was on top of the shelf for some reason. They still had shadows twirling around them, but closer inspection revealed that they were actually a person underneath... Huh. Interesting. They would blink repeatedly to focus their vision, their glasses still a bit smudged.\n\nUnbeknownst to them, they began to flicker back to visibility from the perspective of Vance. Pink hoodie, crooked glasses, and a white mask covered their face- though they would still be able to see the eyebags underneath their dark brown eyes, as well as the strands of black hair.\n\nOverall, they looked pretty androgynous, and there was no definite identifiable characteristics on their sex.\n\n\"Peut-être que vous ne me comprenez pas... Ai don't know what you're doeng up zere... But who la 'ell are you? What stupid prank are you talkeng abut?\"\n\nA heavy French accent ensued once more."
}
] | 330 | 1,313 |
362.571429 | 2022-04-01 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Waiting patiently, he glares down at the person until his expression shifts to ambivalent. There was uncertainty written on his face when he takes in the other's appearance, as if he is judging them by their characteristics by their tone, movements and vibe they're giving off. There is also a cynical outlook clinging annoyingly to the dark spaces of his mind. Then again, he is still willing to try at least to get to know people despite his disgust for them.\n\n\"How are you able to see me when I can't see you?\" Vance stated, gesturing towards the pink hoodie kid. \"A moment ago you were invisible.\" He pulls out a cigarette from a pack inside his pocket. \"And I thought you were one of those fucking assholes trying to hurt me.\" And he rests the cigarette between his lips before lighting it with his lighter. The shadows surrounding him kept the smoky scent concealed while he remained in his invisible state.\n\n\"Since you're new here, I'll go easy and let you off the hook,\" Vance said, taking a couple puffs of his cigarette. \"What's your name, kid?\""
},
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "\"Why would ai éven try to 'urt you?\" An exasperated look would fall on Levi's face, obvious through the expression on their eyes. Though the shelf-kid wasn't able to see his mouth, the tiredness in their eyes indicated that they weren't really that amused or excited about the proceedings. \"Maibe ai accidéntal-lee let myself flaire up. Ai can't contrul eet... Eet just 'appens.\" They would shrug, the vague explanation most likely not explaining a lot from the boy's perspectives.\n\nEvans would watch them pull out a cigarette and light it, making them look away in disgust. \"Zey let contraband een haire? Ze fuk eez zis place even...\" They didn't outright say to the boy that he should _stop_ smoking, but there was clear discomfort when it came to the act of smoking in interior places- especially in what was supposed to be some sort of facility to help kids. Thank goodness they had a mask on. See- it wasn't _only_ to hide their features. It also had other concrete, non-cosmetic benefits.\n\n\"Levi. How abut you?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "He takes a few more puffs before he puts it out to save the rest of it for later. After taking a stress-relief from a death stick, he felt a little more at ease now. \n\n\"Trouble controlling your powers? Noted..\" Vance said, resting his cheek against his knuckles as he glanced down at the kid. \"A pleasure to meet you Levi, my name is Vance.\" Then a thought sprang up that he needed to mention. \"I would very much appreciate it if you don't talk about me to other people... Especially on the intranet.\" \n\nHis eyes narrowed halfways, almost looking like a cat when the iris turned to slits. \"I'm a very private person and prefer to keep to myself from strangers... As you can see...\"\n\nVance now stood up on top of the shelf as he began to walk along the top of the wooden shelf. Hands in his jacket pockets, he smoothly moved to the next shelf with ease and with no sound from his shoes. \n\n\"I fucking hate many people here...\" There was grit in his deep voice."
},
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "\"Yeah- yeah... I won't do anything. I don't even have any reason to... You know?\" The smaller figure would shrug, deciding to just turn their chair around so they were now somewhat facing each other. They still had to tilt their head upwards, but they supposed it was far better than having a neck ache later. Now that the cigarette was gone and quenched, they felt a bit better talking with this person. Admittedly, they didn't have the best impression upon the boy, but they supposed it went both ways, considering the welcoming committee he got out of him. \n\nHowever, the most interesting part right now was his appearance. Now that it didn't seem like he was going to kill them, they were able to focus just a bit on the shadows licking at his figure, as well as the other identifiable details that were out of the ordinary. \"Ok. You have some drama with other kids here. I'm not sure what's up with that but...\" They would hesitate, choosing to not continue that line of thought.\n\nThey would extend their arm, generally gesturing towards the boy's figure. \n\n\"You have... How do I explain it? I see things, yet you are not...\" Once again, the androgynous figure would sigh, not knowing if it was _racist_ or derogatory to call it out. \n\n\"You have these shadows that curl around you- and you look human enough- but you aren't? I can see that you are two things.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Vance paused for a bit in his step when Levi mentioned about him being two things at once. It was rather difficult for him to grasp what he was talking about due to the fact that he did show some oddities. This is when he steps off from the top shelf and lands on his feet.\n\nThe shadows continue to flicker from his form like flames until it dies out to reveal himself in reality. He was a rather tall male dressed in a suit with his coat unbuttoned with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His skin was warm colored and flawless with no blemish, except saved for the large scar on his exposed forearm. Vance has his dark raven hair tied in a messy bun with his bangs tousled with slightly long sideburns. It can easily be said that it's difficult to contain his wild, wavy, feathery-like hair in order to look decent in public. His face is chiseled with slight sharp features that of a prince. He was blessed to have his father's deep blue eyes with cerulean hue. What stood out was his elven ears, one side adorne in silver piercings and a smoky quartz earring. The left side of his mouth there are two matching piercings on his lower lip to add more style to his character. \n\nThere was another thing that is expressive is his white silk scarf embroidered in diamond petaled flowers. Little does anyone know, the golden thread used for the designs is genuine.\n\nNow what really made him relatable to Levi was the fact that he looks weary from lack of sleep and paranoia. His hands showed signs of hard work with some callus forming with knicks from cleaning every day.\n\nIt was clear that there was a sad look in Vance's eyes when he turned his gaze away from Levi.\n\nWhat was he supposed to say?\n\nAfter taking a few seconds to think, he finally speaks when he feels like he grasps the words that he needs.\n\n\"It's fruitless to get answers from me... Because I am unsure of what I am,\" Vance said, taking a seat back into his chair. \"And that is a rather sensitive topic to ask someone that you just met.\""
},
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "He was very tall.\n\nThat was the very first thought that registered in his drowsy head. Then, the more minute details began to pop up. They _reeked_ of money and wealth, and their pointy ears only pushed that message even further. A tailored suit, jewelry, piercings, and a scarf were the cloths he wore. In comparison, their pink hand-me-down hoodie wasn't so flashy and interesting. Immediately, they began to think about the reasoning behind such a classy outfit. Purpose? Was he a professor here? Didn't seem like it, considering he scaled a library shelf and smoked inside. Aesthetic? If he was trying to portray himself as a rich, spoiled brat, then it was working. Then again, they weren't sure about the entire picture. They chose not to say anything about the outfit. Maybe they just liked wearing suits. \n\nLevi would shrug at that non-answer.\n\nTheir mouth would open for a moment, though no words came out. They promptly pursed their lips when they didn't know how to restart the conversation. What were they supposed to say? Prince Mortician here wasn't exactly a beaming ray of sunshine and rainbows. At that thought, a slight smile would appear on their face, as they gazed over their appearance. Rainbows _did_ make their day a lot. They were _tempted_ to do something, yet the rather forlorn look as well as his previous warning would ring in their head, dissuading them from doing so.\n\nThey did have another idea.\n\n\"Soooo... Who are you cosplaying? Is this some sort of mid-80's day trader Legolas fantasy mashup? Or maybe you're a LARPer! I'm not sure if there's a theater class here but... Your method acting's _really_ good.\"\n\nWhile they were saying this, they still had the same mischievous smile, leaning back on their chair to relax."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Vance clenched his jaw to bite back the bubbling anger that replaced whatever ambivalent emotion left. Scratching and clawing at the darkest corners hidden in the back of his mind seared hotter than white flames. If he thought his headache was bad, it sure as hell felt like intangible hands were squeezing it to mush. \n\n*'Again with the same fucking antics that keeps happening...'* Vance thought bitterly, pressing his lips firmly together. \n\nHis icy stare glanced at Levi's direction with rigid cords straining in his neck. \n\n*'All of the sudden they have the nerve to be a massive prick... They're not any different than the others...'* His thoughts grew darker and corroded in his mind. *'If only they just died and all burn in hell...'*\n\nLevi might notice a dark shadow manifesting from Vance's cranium that spreads out with swaying appendages. Then many cold blue eyes open up from the limbs where now thorns are pushed out through the phantom skin. \n\nThe room felt like it was closing in around Vance from the expanding barbed rage and repulse. His eyes stung painfully when a red line trickled down from the left side. A drop of blood splattered onto the table.\n\nThis snapped Vance out from the trancelike state when he regained control of himself. The blue eyes on the appendages close along with the thorns sinking back into the skin. There is still a dark cloud manifesting from his cranium that is slowly dissipating when he is becoming more aware of himself.\n\nShaken by the experience, he fights back his own demon to regain control of his barbed emotions until he now feels ambivalent again.\n\nVance's hateful look towards Levi shifts to an annoyed look before he turns his attention away, now slumped in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. He pressed his fist against his brow as if to press back his migraine.\n\n\"No... I am not cosplaying, you fucking dumbass,\" Vance finally said, a bit of bite in his tone. \"Please don't joke about my ears, they're real.\"\nThis was a subtle sign that he is trying to be nicer despite failing at it due to his irritability. It did take him by surprise when he noticed the dangerous intensity toward Levi was vicious. They were just being a typical mischievous punk trying to stir him up to get a reaction. That's usually how teenagers are. A bunch of troublemaking gremlins.\n\nIt wasn't like him to be this irritable and angry over something this trivial. Thinking about it more made his migraine ache, his eyes sting and a heavy weight resting on his chest. Vance very much wanted to hurt this kid. Not in a good way. This unsettled him because he knows something is wrong with himself.\n\nNow looking far worse than Levi, it is obvious that he's exhausted. The darker corners of his mind continued to egg him on to follow through harming them. Faint whispers to remind him that they're there.\n\nHe thought about Solaritius to coax the dark voices until they're silent. His guardian used to be always there when he needed her the most. There was a strong kinship between them that felt like family. Thinking about her was making his stomach churn in guilt. Would she be disappointed in him for these horrible thoughts? \n\n\"Sorry...\" Vance muttered."
}
] | 308 | 2,538 |
261.5 | 2022-04-03 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "When they were offered some beef jerky, they'd raise an eyebrow at that. \"I don't really... I have a diet to follow- I like keeping myself slim and...\" They had many reasons for their diet and choice of lifestyle, though they'd rather not fully divulge all of that information. \"Just keep that. Meat isn't on the table right now.\" It was _literally_ not on the table, but it wasn't figuratively on it. They hoped the rejection of their little gift was alright. They _ate_ meat, sure, but only in limited and controlled quantities. \n\nLevi would deadpan at that answer, humming. \"So you're telling me that I made you freak out and _bleed_, just because I made fun of your snazzy cosplay outfit? Okay.\" Regardless, they didn't really want to continue that topic. They gave Vance an opportunity to expand the conversation with an open-ended question, but was met with a rather limited answer that they couldn't really comment about. \n\n\"Right then... Umm... Did you need anything from me? I was kinda sleeping there...\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Their response about his outfit made his mouth go dry. He doesn't say anything else about it since this is his own preference of wearing his suit during classes. It was most likely his ears that he hates people joking about.\n\nAfter listening to them explain their diet which makes him shrug. \"I can't have sugar all the time... Sweets don't agree with me.\" He said, a small bead of sweat sliding down his temple. \"Thought you wanted to trade.\"\n\nVance internally scoffed at himself for the misunderstanding. \n\nHis elven ear flickered in annoyance. \"No... Not really... But I think I need to go to the hospital..\" His mouth turned into a perfect straight line when he stated that fact. Then he begins to stand up from his chair. His vision blurred for a few seconds before he regained focus. \"You can go nap... I need... To..\" His head was hurting again when he felt claws dragging across his brain. \"Be elsewhere...\"\n\nHe looked like someone who was exhausted and was falling ill."
},
{
"author": "salacommander_3797",
"message": "Well, they weren't taking their KitKat back. They just stared, making sure they _knew_ that they should just take the chocolate bar. Someone had to take it. \n\nLevi thought that they would be able to just leave gracefully- at the minimum, normally. However, it was evident that Vance wasn't feeling so good. They didn't look too great, appearing rather sluggish. Their words were slurred and it appeared to take considerable strain for them to even finish whatever sentences they could mutter out. Evans would reach for Vance's hand and pull them in, glaring at them.\n\n\"Don't _move_ moron. You're sick- so just sit down. I'm going to call the infirmary...\"\n\nIf Vance chose to pull away, the smaller 5'6\" Individual would not have the capability to hold them down. They'd be dragged along cartoonishly. If Vance _actually_ fell, they would probably get crushed as well. Levi attempted to glare with intensity, yet blend in a touch of sincerity. They didn't mean any harm. They just wanted to make sure that Vance didn't do anything utterly stupid.\n\nIf Vance would sit, they'd let go of their hand.\n\nMeanwhile, they'd use their other hand to reach for their smartphone, scrolling through their contacts.\n\n\"What's the number of the infirmary here?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "He nearly tipped over from Evan pulling him back that almost caused him to step back into them. The other would discover that he was a bit underweight, making him lighter than he appeared to be. His hand would feel slightly rough from calluses building up from working hard as a janitor for the school. \n\nVance could barely hear what the kid was saying when they spoke out muffled sentences. \n\n*\"Don't moron... Sick... Infirmary...\"* Was what he heard when he was now being ushered towards the chair. Now he's beginning to see red from blood started to well up by his eye. Vance blinked it away but it only got worse. So he ends up closing it with his hand covering it. \n\nNope. Stubborn and prideful, he kept moving forward with Evan being dragged along like a ragdoll. \"I... I can do this myself... Now let go!\" And as he attempts to pry the pink hoodie kid off with his other hand, a wave of nausea crashes down onto Vance. His steps staggered before his knees buckled underneath him. Of course, not meaning to crush and use poor Evan when his consciousness slipped. At least the elf would smell rather nice: citrus bodywash.\n\n\nWhen his visions cleared, he spots Evan scrolling through their contact list. He heard them mentioning about an infirmary which made him groan. \"There's no... Infirmary here... Those cheap... Bastards..\" \n\nHe rolled himself off from Evan with his hand covering his bleeding eye again, attempting to sit up. \"Just call... The teacher or ambulance..\""
}
] | 254 | 1,046 |
364 | 2022-04-10 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Pernilla didn't even know where to begin.\n\nShe had the file in front of her, pages upon pages in length, detailing every facet of the two people she was about to meet, and she still didn't know where to begin.\n\nHaoran Wan, 17. Former residence: People's Republic of China. Apparently a mouthful, at least according to the evaluation of his personality she had on file. He wasn't one of Pernilla's kids - he was actually one of Oliver's - but Oliver had declined to be there for this conversation. It was no wonder - these particular things were quite grim to say to people who'd barely reached adulthood, much less seen the outside world.\n\nAll the more reason they needed saying, though.\n\nShe turned to the other file - the one that mattered. Craig Jones, 17. Former residence: United States. The boy with plants for hair. Apparently quite spacey, and spent most of his life suffering severe abuse because of his condition. They practically drank his blood. Poor child.\n\nThat they'd caught him early was no shock. The hair made him the single most obvious parahuman Pernilla had ever had to deal with. What *Was* A shock, however, was that he managed to get out. Apparently the people who had taken him were a cult - which is to say, total amateurs with no professional security experience. Craig was one of the lucky few of the unlucky ones.\n\nAll the more reason those things needed saying.\n\nPernilla color-labelled each page in a system she could remember, then left the files upside-down to avoid having the two peeking at each other's files. They'd be there any minute, after all."
},
{
"author": "chahei",
"message": "_ _ \n\n\"Perhaps they have something to tell you,\" \n\nAs Haoran and Craig walked through the hallways to get to Pernilla's office, the two would be chatting idly, Haoran mostly on his phone before he tucked it in his coat's pocket as they got closer to their destination. It was apparently a call to have a meeting with the Augmenter handler, even though the Chinese knew very well he was an emitter. Why exactly his own handler wouldn't be there for the conversation was beyond him. \n\n\"..And perhaps they'd rather have me there as well, whatever this may be - ah. Here we are.\" \n\n. . . \n\n*Knock-* \n\n *Knock-* \n\n\"Ms. Karlsson. You called?\" \n\nA subtle yet noticable Chinese accent carried his words as Haoran called out the botanist's name. His hand gently gripped the handle of the door as he opened it slowly, a slight creaking noise echoing through the empty walls of the room. His eyes gazed upon the figure at the desk - Penilla Karlsson, someone who he wasn't *Entirely* Familiar with, but certainly knew. She was his English teacher after all, so it was hard not to remember her. Apparently he and Craig were called to her office, with little to no other detail given to him. He suspected that - with only Craig's handler being present - that the conversation would largely revolve around his roommate, though regardless he didn't refuse to show up. \n\nThe door would be open fully, revealing the two students at the doorway. One hand behind his back (almost robotically), and one hand still on the door handle, Haoran would patiently wait for Pernilla to allow him to take a seat. His eyes would glance towards the taller figure in the room, gesturing silently for him to go in first. \n\n*After you.* \n\n_ _"
},
{
"author": "yourunpaidparkingticket",
"message": "Walking through the hallways with Haoran by his side, his head was buzzing with a million other thoughts, but the occasional sound of Haoran's words would distract him from the panicked buzz. He didn't know why he was called to his case handler's office and a million theories bounced about his head. \n\n\"Perhaps they have something to tell you,\" \n\n\"Likely so,\" He responded back. Walking down the hall, Craig already figured they would have something of importance to tell him if it required him to do it in person anyway. He was mainly afraid of *What* He was going to be told. \n\nReaching the entrance of the room, his thoughts grew more loud and frantic, like a swarm of bees as a hungry bear approaches its nest. As Haoran opens the door and greets Ms Pernilla, his 4 words grounded Craig back to reality. \n\nNoticing Haoran's silent gaze, he awkwardly walked in the room and stood infront of Ms Pernilla. \n\nHe was somewhat acquainted with the english teacher before this incident, being his teacher and case handler after all, but not well enough to be 100% comfortable around her. \n\n\"Hello Ms Pernilla, you called for the both of us?\"\n\nHe awkwardly hovered above the case handler, unsure of whether or not he should sit, stand or shake her hand."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"I did.\" Pernilla nodded, trying a best to keep a smile on her face. She wanted the best for these two, and she was rightly afraid that too serious an expression might scare them - especially since she hadn't told them *Why* She wanted to see them. \"Please, sit down.\" She gestured at the two ornate, padded wooden chairs she had set up for Craig and Haoran on one side of the old table in the center of the room.\n\nShe let them sit down, then sat down herself. \"There's tea in the teapot if either of you would like some. You can go ahead and pour it yourselves, it's quite alright.\" She already had a cup, from which she promptly took a sip. \"I think both of you are owed a little explanation of what's going on here. I'm sure it's quite tumultuous for both of you.\"\n\nShe cleared her throat. \"As you know, Craig, your paranormal nature presents itself in a very visible way through your hair. That causes a few issues I need to discuss with you, and it's why I've chosen to assign you to a double dorm with Haoran - hence why you're here as well, Haoran.\"\n\nShe contemplated briefly where to start. It wasn't an easy choice. Start at the light stuff, or the heavy stuff? No, light.\n\n\"I'll start with the double dorm. Craig, I can see in your file that you can occasionally have some trouble with thinking and focus because of your hair. I've chosen to assign you to a double dorm because I believe it would be beneficial to you to have someone nearby in case things become worse in that department. Paranormality is quite a... Fickle thing, in that way. You never quite know when it's going to suddenly act up or change.\""
},
{
"author": "chahei",
"message": "_ _ \n\n*A smile? Why is she happy? I doubt that she is a bearer of any good news.* \n\nVisibly confused momentarily as she gestured towards the seats, Haoran would maintain a consistently stoic expression as he took a seat with a nod. The seats were comfortable enough - nothing like the guest chairs that he would have to sit during his lengthy meetings with his father. Her atmosphere, the room, the hot tea just in arm's reach - It was barely like what he had expected when he discovered that his presence was to be summoned. It was only a few degrees warmer than his father's office, and yet he felt as if he could loosen his posture slightly. He didn't, though, opting to quietly pour him and Craig (regardless if his roommate said yes or no) two cups of tea. \n\nAs she offered an explanation, Haoran would nod along, taking a sip of his tea quietly. Silently. As if he were erased from the room entirely. \n\n**\"..And it's why I've chosen to assign you to a double dorm with Haoran - hence why you're here as well, Haoran.\"**\n\nAnother nod. It was like he had gone through this process a thousand times, regardless of the content of the conversation. Haoran looked like he was programmed to go through talks like these, his hands neatly placed on his lap as she spoke about Craig. The issue with his hair always invading his thoughts, how a roommate would be able to help him.. \n\nHelp him? *Haoran?* He would be of no comfort. That was what many people had told him anyways - that he really was the last person that anyone should come to regarding support. Whatever Craig needed from him, he'd try his best to give, though his best efforts might as well amount to nothing at all. \n\n**\"You never quite know when it's going to suddenly act up or change.\"**\n\nWhat was she implying? What was she telling him, and what was his role in this conversation? Did he have to do anything? Numerous questions ran through his mind, none of which he bothered to tackle. Normally, his bluntness would urge him on to ask questions, but in situations like these no words came out of his mouth. \n\n_ _"
},
{
"author": "yourunpaidparkingticket",
"message": "Taking a seat next to Haoran, he relaxed slightly. The wooden chairs were fairly comfortable and the smell of hot tea calmed him slightly. The office was much brighter than what he was accustomed to back in Evelyn's cabin, the fluorescent lights were a bit jarring to his eyes. It was quite the opposite of what he was used to, the sterility of the bright office was miles away from the comfort of the warm, wooden cabin back home. \n\nSeeing Haoran pour him a cup of tea, he shot the shorter boy a sweet smile as a silent 'thank you'. He took a sip of the hot tea, almost burning his tongue as Ms Pernilla explained the situation. Craig nodded along, ignoring the thoughts bubbling up in the back of his head. \n\n\"I've chosen to assign you to a double dorm because I believe it would be beneficial to you to have someone nearby in case things become worse in that department.\"\n\nCraig nodded, he wasn't sure why he had to be assigned with a roommate at first, but in hindsight, he was very thankful he was paired with one. The presence of another being in his general vicinity was a great distraction from his thoughts and helped him concentrate much better. \n\nHe was also very glad he was paired with Haoran of all people. He was very patient with the troubled boy and never made a fuss about the occasional trouble his hair would bring- even after a mishap in the first few minutes of meeting. \n\n\"Paranormality is quite a... Fickle thing, in that way. You never quite know when it's going to suddenly act up or change.\"\n\nNodding, he subconsciously held onto his hair as if to control them. He mostly had control over the actions of his hair but they would occasionally act up, especially in front of new people and situations. It had only caused him an actual problem a few times in his life and was somewhat manageable for the most part."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"On that note,\" Pernilla continued, \"I have... I have good news and bad news.\" She sighed. It was going to seem like very, very bad news in the end, because it was, but she wanted to do her best to at least make it appear okay. Make the two of them feel slightly more comfortable with the arrangements she was forced to make.\n\n\"The good news, Craig, is that you've been incredibly lucky, and you've been given a chance at living a relatively normal life. Most of the time, people with parahuman traits this visible don't... Well, I'm very sorry to shake you both, dears, but most of the time, people in situations like yours don't ever get to see the sun. You're really very lucky to be where you are, and we're going to be doing everything we can to make sure you're going to be okay.\"\n\nThen, there was the bad news. The very bad news. The kind of news you don't break to someone, and if you do, you break it in the most solemn voice possible. Pernilla braced for impact. \"The bad news,\" She solemnly intoned, \"Is that it's not gonna be easy. You need to understand that... You're... If you go outside, and someone sees your hair - there's a strong chance no one is going to see you again. Ever.\""
}
] | 374 | 2,548 |
349.333333 | 2022-04-11 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "yourunpaidparkingticket",
"message": "Craig leaned forward slightly listening to Ms Pernilla speak, a confused expression growing the more words emitted from her mouth. \n\n\"If you go outside, and someone sees your hair - there's a strong chance no one is going to see you again. Ever.\"\n\n*Silence* \n\nCraig sat, unsure of how he was supposed to react, the chattering in his head stopping abruptly. His head was in a state of clarity he had never experienced before and yet he wasn't able to comprehend what Ms Pernilla had said. \n\n\"...\" \n\n*\"Well that sucks\"*\n\nA voice not belonging of the boy chimed, seemingly belonging to a strand of hair floating above his head. *\"I mean like, surely there's something we can do 'bout that right?\"* It huffed, extending its length to reach Ms Pernilla's side of the desk. \n\n*\"We're not just doomed to isolation,\"* It said through an exasperated laugh, *\"Right?\"*"
},
{
"author": "chahei",
"message": "_ _ \n\nAs Pernilla went on about Craig's situation, Haoran couldn't help but shift in his seat as she sighed. There it was, that sudden shift in emotion. He couldn't help but find it confusing on why she wanted to smile previously, when it all led to the same ending: a sigh (was it out of pity of his roommate? Haoran could hardly tell), and then the news. The good news was not good news at all - only more of a 'it'll only get harder from here' type of statement, which kicked in Haoran's instinct to try to offer a solution. \n\nHe could not. \n\n**\"You need to understand that... You're... If you go outside, and someone sees your hair - there's a strong chance no one is going to see you again. Ever.\"**\n\nHaoran frowned slightly as Craig fell into silence. Two suggestions came to mind almost instantly - one was that they could let Craig roam with heavy supervision. But that would need extra labor, and it didn't matter if he had supervision at all; the moment he'd be seeen was the moment he'd be locked up forever. Hats and beanies would hardly do much if his hair couldn't be controlled. The second was to consider chopping off his hair entirely, but he didn't know at what rate did Craig grow his hair, and such a procedure would probably need more parahumans.. If they were to have surgery, maybe, but that'd need parahumanic doctors as well..- Well, if Craig could control his hair adequately, then he could properly tuck them in under a hat of sorts, right?\n\nIt wasn't a definite answer. Not the concrete answer he was looking for. As he though, his gaze would bounce back from left to right, before one of the plant strands began to speak. \n\n*Is there? Is there something we can do about it?* \n\n**\"We're not just doomed to isolation, right?\"**\n\n\"Perhaps if by the time you graduate and you have absolute control over your hair, then it's up to how risk-agreeable the institution is. You *Could* Become faculty here if that is not an option.\" \n\nAnd just like a curve that didn't touch the axis, there was no real answer to the problem. It felt like a condition more than anything else, and that *Confused* Him, because left with the inability to solve the issue, Haoran was absolutely lost on what to do."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Pernilla nodded in agreement with Haoran. Haoran was right, actually. Almost completely correct. \"You know the risks, Craig. We can't stop you from going outside. I wouldn't want to make you lead a life like that, anyway. You deserve a decent life, same as anyone else, dear.\" She didn't seem to really notice that it wasn't quite Craig talking.\n\nShe kept her breaths slow and managed. Sipped her tea. Calm was important for talks like this. It was vital. She couldn't get upset. She couldn't be weak. She had to be the rock if no one else could be. \"We're going to be working a lot on keeping your hair under control. You're going to have to be able to keep it down for hours on end. It's not going to be easy, but it'll be worth it. Your only other option is to never leave your home.\"\n\nAnd there was one last thing. One last thing Pernilla hated to mention.\n\nPernilla liked her powers. They were part of her, and quite inseparable from her. They made her feel whole. But they weren't in the way like Craig's were. They didn't put her at risk, they gave her *Better* Options for self-defense. Craig was... Craig. Craig couldn't say the same. Craig's hair could get him killed, or worse.\n\n\"Very rarely, but occasionally, we find a way to change someone's powers, or get rid of them entirely. I can't guarantee anything, but... Would you want something like that, if we can find it?\""
}
] | 334 | 1,048 |
374.666667 | 2022-04-14 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "yourunpaidparkingticket",
"message": "Craig flinched slightly as Ms Pernilla held his hand before melting into the comforting touch. The warmth was familiar. It had reminded him of Evelyn when she first took him in. Looking down at the hand clutching his own, he pouted slightly, memories of Evelyn flashing through his head. \n\n\"It's alright, dear, it's alright. Don't be scared. It's your choice, dear.\" \n\nA barely audible whimper came out of Craig's lips as he sunk down onto his chair. The situation was all too familiar. Those words sent him back to Evelyn's cabin the morning he was taken in by Evelyn. Frowning, he stared down at his shoes and avoided Ms Pernilla's gaze. \n\nCraig nodded along to Ms Pernilla's affirmations, clutching her hand all the while. \n\n\"Haoran, dear. I know it's maybe not quite what you signed up for, but I'd like you to help Craig out, okay?\"\n\nHearing this, Craig's head tilted upwards to face Haoran slightly. Droopy eyes widening, half afraid and curious as to Haoran's response. He stared at Haoran with an unintentionally hopeful expression, like a dog patiently waiting for its owner by the door. \n\nNoticing Haoran's hesitation, he sunk deeper into his chair, now feeling guilty. He didn't want to inconvenience Haoran, he knew following him around everyone would be a taxing job. He liked Haoran, he thought he was cool. The last thing Craig wanted was for Haoran to see him as a pest. \n\nLooking dejected, he frowned, letting go of Ms Pernilla's hand. Craig opened his mouth to tell Haoran it was okay if he refused before the other boy finally broke the silence. \n\n\"Of course, ma'am. You can leave it to me.\"\n\nHearing this, Craig perked back up in his seat, looking at Haoran slightly shocked before that expression turned into a grateful grin. \"Thank you,\" He said, through a bright smile, eyes still a little red from before. It was as if he had already forgotten why he was so sad in the first place."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Pernilla smiled a little as Craig suddenly perked up. He seemed happy with Haoran's promise to help - the two of them seemed to already be getting along, however bizarre a shotgun marriage it may have been. That was good. Craig was making friends. That was good - necessary, even. Craig was in difficult, tumultuous times, and needed support. Friends could provide that support.\n\nThere'd been times where Pernilla had to be the one to support someone. That wasn't ever good.\n\n\"I think that's enough talk for today, don't you? We can talk more about classes and training your powers some other time.\" Pernilla stood up, as if to indicate the meeting was over. \"Thank you for taking the time to come down here, Haoran. It's nice of you to take time out of your day to help Craig.\"\n\nThe light filtering in through the blinds was slowly vanishing, the office now lit mostly by the ceiling lights. Dinner would probably be served soon. \"If you have any questions, or something comes up, you can talk to me, okay? Come down here to the office or send a message on the intranet. You can interrupt me in class too, if it's really important. I'll do what I can to help you figure things out.\"\n\nPernilla drifted to the door. \"I imagine there'll be dinner in the cafeteria soon. You should go - Wouldn't want you to go hungry, hm?\""
},
{
"author": "chahei",
"message": "_ _ \n\n...Why did Craig remind him oddly of a golden retriever? A bit too obviously dejected as he paused in his words, and a bit too happy when he promised he'd help him (as if accompanying him around outside was any effort at all). Haoran felt as if Craig had a tail, it'd be wagging wildly in excitement at his words, his bright smile causing him to squint slightly as if they were literally blinding him. As Pernilla offered him a thanks for his presence there, Haoran would get up from his seat to give her a brief bow. \n\n\"It's no worry. Please let me know if there's anything for Craig I also need to do.\" \n\nHe answered back almost immediately, nodding as she offered her own assistance when it came to regard of Craig's abilities. She seemed caring, at least - to offer Craig the ability to interrupt anytime he needed her was certainly a feat he had seen nearly no teacher do before. Pushing his chair back and making sure that his cup of tea was now empty, Haoran would watch as Pernilla went over to her office's doors. \n\n**Pernilla drifted to the door. \"I imagine there'll be dinner in the cafeteria soon. You should go - Wouldn't want you to go hungry, hm?\"**\n\nAh, he had nearly forgotten about that. His stomach seemingly did too, at least temporarily, in which it noiselessly grumbled for food. \n\n. . . \n\n\"I suppose so. Let's go now, then?\" \n\nHis grey optics eye Craig as he holds the door for him (and for Ms. Pernilla if she was interested in exiting her office as well). He gives the teacher in question one last tilt of his head, before exiting presumably after Craig. \n\n\"Thank you for the chat.\" \n\n_ _"
}
] | 377 | 1,124 |
303.25 | 2022-04-16 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "makisaka_",
"message": "➣__【𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐: 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐭】__\n\n*Inhale...*\n\n \"Haaa~ Alright, you're on your own now! Not getting lost this time!\"\n\n With a clenched fist raised at chest level, the man resolved himself with eyes filled with burning fiery. Nodding to himself as an act of assurance, Enma would finally step foot into the new environment he was sent into. Truth to be told, the raven-haired man had no idea what lied before his path. His arrival being as shaky as it could have possibly been, having even wasted the time of his dear school mate. A shame that he would carry on for the rest of the day before he slept it off the very next night. Surprisingly enough, the encounter did prove to be quite fruitful. What were the odds that his cousin whom he'd never properly met would be residing in this school as well?\n\n \"The world sure is a small place...\"\n\n Spoken in a foreign language, one that the residents would usually not understand. His wandering gaze met with the many oddities he found within this foreign land. Entering the inside of the campus, it didn't seem too different from the constructions of his homeland. He couldn't quite say the same for the temperature... Seeing as he was born in a hotter country. Long drabs covered the majority of his body, leaving a sharp triangular opening at his frontal side.\n\n*Wearing a cape was a better idea than I thought...*"
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Sitting upright on her hind legs with her claw-like hands held close to her chest, head held high with baring teeth and eyes slitted shut, her long tail coiled around her lower legs, Raizel kept his still posture to try to appear as a statue. Her mother taught her this trick to try to appear like a totem statue to play a part in the background. \n\nShe was pleased to be blessed with beautiful North American Indian markings on her form that took on beautiful colors: red, white, black, turquoise, sapphire and midnight blue. If only her mother could see her mature into a creature like her, Rai would know that she would be proud. \n\nWhen a foreign smell sneaked through from the front entrance was from another land with a warm summer breeze and hint of peaches. \n\nHer one eye slightly opens to see a tall male figure standing by the door dressed in an old fashion gown? What was that? A robe? Many thoughts stirred in her mind with much excitement. She still kept her still pose, now wanting this prey to come closer... And pay her some attention."
},
{
"author": "makisaka_",
"message": "*\"Hmm~ Hmmm~\"*\n\n Humming a sweet and short melody as the man walked around the inside of the campus, his crimson eyes would set it's sight upon a rather interesting figure, quickly taking hold of his attention by command! A rather towering statue of a majestic serpent which resembled the likes of a dragon! Shimmering like starts, his eyes grew fixated, slowly approaching the figure to observe it's beauty.\n\n \"Woaaah... Amazing...\"\n\n Spoken in foreign words, one that were Asian in origin. His japanese always felt more natural, and while he was alone, he'd always resort to his first language. The markings on the statue's body, the colors that flowed along it's figure. It was an enamoring sight to behold, one that was quick to have Enma step foot within close radius of it... That was until the chill of winter crawled up his spine.\n\n*Swooosh~*\n\n*Achoo!*\n\n \"Brrrrrr... It's... So cold...\"\n\n Enma was never suited for the cold, his body that had been acclimated to heat desperately needed fire and warmth to survive. Out of desperation, a small orb of fire lit around the palm of his hand. Soon, the orb of fire would circle around the man, forming a floating campfire which warmed him up, resulting in a flowery smile."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "*One Mississippi*\n\n*Two Mississippi*\n\n*Three Mississippi*\n\n*Four Mississippi*\n\n*Five Mississippi*\n\nShe counted playfully in her head as the foreign male approached her in awe. This was the nice kind of attention that she craved so much. Keeping still in her stiff pose, Raizel could see the dark haired stranger shivering now when he got close. He wore such an interesting man gown that it sprang historic stories, traditions and culture!\nHer eyes snapped open with an eerie white glow before a black slit appeared to stare down at the person below. His own reflection with his levitating fireball showed in her eye when she observed him. \n\nA low, deep rumble vibrated within her chest when she let out a response that was close to a growl.\n\n\"Fresh... Man...\" She said, her maw moving with her wooden thornlike teeth clicking. \"Finally a new man!\" It was difficult to speak in this full-on totem form. \"Smell gewd!\"\nA cold fog of breath streams from her mouth into a puff of cloud.\n\nHer stiff form becomes pliable when she twists her elongated body to slither up the brick wall, ceiling and down the brick wall again before finally crawling onto the floor. Under her weight the floor shook as she approached him with claws clicking against the floor with high-heel clacking sounds.\n\nWith so much excitement, freezing drool dripped from her maw when she coiled her body around the poor kid in a python hug. \"Your name!\" A puff of cold fog blew out his fireball when she breathed on him."
}
] | 302.5 | 1,213 |
305.166667 | 2022-04-18 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "makisaka_",
"message": "**\"O-O-Onikzaki... Enma...\"**\n\n*H-HEEEEEEEEEEE*\n\n Enma almost squealed in the moment as the terrifying beast would peer closer at him, its cold breath brushing across his face which made him almost sick from fear. Body unable to move to its strength as his blade and arm were stuck. At that point, his heart couldn't stop beating as the adrenaline had pumped throughout his body. Until... It spoke a name?\n\n \"Rai... Zel?\"\n\n The smile it displayed was scary, however, endearing in a way. Enma would audibly gulp, before awkwardly smiling back, hoping the serpent was nice enough to not eat him. The tighter coiling of the beast would force the air out of him as his face turned blue, almost suffocating before it loosened again.\n\n*INHALE!*\n\n\"Bhaaaaa! Haa~ Haa~ Haa~\"\n\n**\"Nice to meet... You... Edma..\"**\n\n*Gulp*\n\n*Is it... Introducing itself?*\n\n \"Umm- Nice to meet you too? R-Raizel?\"\n\n It was a bone-chilling experience, one that definitely left him mentally exhausted. He felt like his life would be in danger if he didn't make sure the serpent before him stayed in a good mood."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel's mouth pulled into a broader grin before opening her maw wide like a spring trap before gently grasping him across the waste. Her sharp thornlike teeth are dulled down in a comfortable texture to not pierce the poor newcomer. \nShe was indeed very happy to encounter such a kind person who stood their ground so bravely! \n\nSadly, the way she interpreted his expression and state of shock as something that she didn't think as fear. There were plenty of aloof, docile and strangely calm students within the prison school that made it difficult for her to understand 'normality.'\n\n*\"Hmmm-Hmmm!\"* Raizel hummed to mimic Enma's little melody.\n\nLike a mouse hanging from a cat's maw, Raizel spirits him away down the hallway with a swift, graceful crawl along the walls, ceiling and floor.\nWith a swift skitter across the smooth exterior, the contracting muscles that run along her snake-like body help her push along the surface. The feet and claw-like hands have tiny setae on the pads which prevent her from slipping and falling. It was a new trick that she had learned from watching Animal Geographic to get a grasp of the creature's anatomy.\n\n*Click! Clack! Click! Click!*\n\nThe sounds of her claws echoed when she made her way towards a place that appeared to be an office.\n\nShe lowered her head to set him onto the floor where she began nudging him forward with her snout. \"Enma see the office!\" Rai growled, now wiggling the end of her tail. \"We friendz?\""
},
{
"author": "makisaka_",
"message": "It seemed like the serpent was in a good mood! Enma's calm serenity had helped him stay alive another day- Wait, why was she grinning? Wait a second, her mouth is coming towards him. Oh no, oh no no no, Enma started to panic, his struggle was now apparent as he tried to break free from the coil. He floundered, squealing, up until the mouth grabbed him he screamed.\n\n\"AHHHHH!- Ah- Ah?\"\n\n \n\nIt didn't hurt? The jaws on his waist, they were blunt. A head tilt in confusion would occur as Enma would look around him to see the beast humming about whilst crawling around the hallways, taking Enma away on some sort of exodus. At this point, he had deducted that maybe this serpent beast simply got curious with the new person around. Placing his fingers on his chin, he wondered what exactly the beast was. He had never seen such a unique creature, and only heard of similar ones in folklore. Then again, he himself was a human who could control flames, that was already unusual to begin with. \n\nThe clicking of its claws was quite eerie and scary, however Enma soon got used to it. The fact that he got used to a serpent clamping him down in its jaws was a weird occurence, but nonetheless he'd eventually arrive in front of an office. Having been finally lowered down, the boy regained his bearings as he fumbled about.\n\n \"An office? Is this the principals office?\"\n\n**\"We friendz?\" **\n\nOh- What the heck! Enma hadn't expect that whatsoever. Staring at the creature, he was quite scared of it at first. Actually, he was still scared of it, however, seeing as it just wanted friend. Enma tried his best to calm himself, returning with a smile.\n\n \"Umm- Yeah, we can be friends.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Her ears perked and her glowing pale eyes lit up. *\"We're friends?\" Yesss!\"* She let out a gleeful hiss when she lowered her head close to the floor. The rest of her slender frame swayed with much joy while shimmering sunlight glimmered from the blue tribal markings.\n\nRaizel did her best to not bump into the walls or cause the floor to shake when she wagged the end of her tail once again. The smooth antlers barely scraped the ceiling when she raised her head to look down at Enma. Her round slitted eyes glowed pale with a crisp amusement that smiled at the young man. She was satisfied with their meet and greet that left a pleasant flutter in her chest.\n\n*\"Shall we meet again?\"* Raizel asked, giving him a hopeful look. This time her voice did not sound intimidating, but rather almost normal before a snarl escaped her maw. She still has much practice to do before mastering proper speech in this form. It is always a challenge for Raizel to not let out a faint growl when she breathed. Even the cold cloud of air exhaled from her mouth or nose cannot be helped by her supernatural traits.\n\nPatiently, she waits in anticipation for Enma's response."
},
{
"author": "makisaka_",
"message": "**\"We're friends? Yesss!\" **\n\n \"Ahaha... Yeah!\"\n\n He'd sheepishly scratch the back of his head, awkwardly smiling and giggling alongside the serpent as it would happily lower its head and sway its body. Although its appearance was much like that of a terrifying dragon, its mannerisms almost reminded him of a dog. A rather large dog... With claws... Sharp teeth... Antlers and scales... And a lot of blue tribal markings too... It was somewhat endearing however, witnessing such a beast who commands great power acting like a house pet. When it rose up to meet Enma with a smile, he'd smile back having realized that Raizel meant no harm.\n\n \"Oh- Umm, sure. If we ever see each other again.\"\n\n It started to grow on him how Raizel would act so innocently when Enma agreed to what she said. Though the snarl would often give his spine a good shiver. It seemed like it wasn't very fluent in speaking, from what Enma could interpret however. He didn't quite mind meeting Raizel again, though at the same thing, his eyes wandered upwards as he reminisce how she coiled around him and played him like a doll earlier in their meeting. \n\n*Definitely don't want that part happening again...*\n\n \"Maybe next time, you could perhaps not coil around me?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "*\"Eh? What? That was a hug!\"* Her head tilts in such an angle that her pointed ears shift to the other side of her head. *\"My mum does that and I said hi!\"*\n\nShe moves her mouth a bit to try to adjust to the strange sensation of the muscles when she rubbed it with her claw-like hand. Her jaw clicked as she rolled her tongue in her maw to try to get the feel of the English language. It was much easier communicating in her old dead language that is only remembered by very few elders from the village. \n\n*\"I'll come find you later,\"* Rai said, a growl trickled after. *\"Got your scent. We will meet later!\"* Her goofy smile returned again with her snout tilted up towards the ceiling with a playful look in her eyes.* \"You're like me! Tradition!? We will talk more later!\"*\nRaizel twirled happily in one spot with her claws clicking against the floor. Her tail was almost wind in a twist with her large frame within it. \n\n*We shall meet again! Bye-bye!\"* And the danger noodles squiggle away in a serpentine fashion when she slides across the floor before stopping near the corner. She raises her upper body to turn to Enma a kind wave by wiggling her claws like fingers. Then she turns away to disappear out of view when she rounds the corner."
}
] | 288.5 | 1,831 |
333.5 | 2022-05-04 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "makisaka_",
"message": "**\"Raizel? We first met by the entrance of the school?\"**\n\n \"Rai... Zel...\"\n\n*Gulp*\n\nHow could he forget? The slithering beast who had him in its clutches. The scaly, cold touch on his skin, as well as its course and intimidating growls. Enma's first day at the school had already been a wild time he couldn't forget. Though surprisingly, the beast had been friendly, somewhat endearing. Yet for some odd reason, when the person next to his stall had spoken, they didn't possess the same intimidating voice Raizel did.\n\n \"I remember however... You don't quite sound like Raizel-san...\"\n\n**\"Waaahh!?\"**\n\n*Hmm!?*\n\nJust as he was about to start washing his raven-colored hair, the yelp of Raizel would catch his attention. Once again, it almost didn't seem like the same beast who welcomed him, yet as the mask slid over, 2 arms reaching towards it could be seen. Had the person he knew as Raizel be this very same person? Maybe in a different form? Well, it didn't matter right now. With a kind smile, he'd reach towards the mask, and gently, he'd place it on Raizel's hand.\n\n \"There you go! Be careful alright?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Her grabby hands take the masks before sliding her limbs back into her own side of the stall. Sitting up on her knees she glanced at her wooden mask before hugging it close to her bubble covered chest. \n\n*\"There you go! Be careful alright?\"*\n\nTo his response Raizel subconsciously nods with her mouth turning into a nervous squiggle. When glancing back to her wooden mask again, she recalls him mentioning about her not sounding like she did in her other form.\n\n\"I-It's difficult to speak English in a different shape... The language is so stiff and changing so much,\" Raizel said, removing the towel from the bench to dry the mask. \"Even now as a human I-I struggle... I speak only a dying language that the elders use in the village.\" And she places her precious object back on the bench before returning to her showering stall. \"I-I'm not exactly great at understanding people... My mum raised me under her care away from them. Unlike my totem form, she is far much larger and greater than l-little old me.\" \n\nRaizel washes the bubbles from her hair and frame before turning the tap off. \"I never saw her change into a human... It-it was odd... It did make me feel much less taking on an image of a person. And even much less wh-when I'm with all the-these other humans... And expect to be human when I am not raised to be one?\" \n\nShe removes the towel from the hook to dry her coffee colored hair. It didn't take her long to get into her long sleeved shirt, seal skin jacket, jeans and leather boots. The clinking of her bone necklace rattled when she placed it over her head. \"Everyone looks the same... Then I saw you.\" \n\nThere was a sad look in her eyes that is now hidden behind her old mask. \"You still have culture and arrived from old traditions that I appreciate. For a long time people have seen me as strange because I dress differently and my upbringings are foreign. So... I got really excited to finally see someone that I hope to relate to somehow...\""
},
{
"author": "makisaka_",
"message": "It didn't take long before the shy person would take hold of their mask with great veracity. The way they slid towards his stall and back, while most may seem uncomfortable, Enma would go as far as to let out a quaint chuckle. Of course, he was somewhat of an ugly duckling or black sheep compared to most. \n\n \"Ah- So English is not your first language either? I understand now, it's the same for me!\"\n\nThe man replied with a light and soft tone, a hint of raspiness could be heard hidden beneath his voice. Whilst his hands would brush against his hair, strands would be caught in between the gaps of his fingers. Foaming, bubbly shampoo that smelled like peaches, probably the reason why he smelled the way he did when they first met. \n\nListening to her story, it seemed like Raizel had grown up in a rather peculiar manner, somewhat similar to he did. The way she described her inability to relate to others, to see herself as a human. Especially with a paranormal mother who had raised her in the ways of the old. Comparably, Enma was more or less aware of his own position within his family. The traditions they practiced, the strictness of their code of conduct. All of which he had been instilled ever since he learned to walk and talk.\n\n \"Well, I guess you are not the only one who feels that way then?\"\n\nA light chuckle would escape his lips as he smiled with slid eyes, closed from washing his hair. Heavy droplets of water poured onto the ground as they cleansed away the foam on his hair. The smell would waft towards the entire washroom as only the two were there.\n\n \"It seems like we're both out of touch here... So I hope we can get along for as long as possible! Raizel-san!\"\n\nDrying his body with a long towel and his hair with a smaller one, his glistening hair would be wrapped by the towel, letting it dry slowly. Donning a kimono without any undergarments as per his traditions, the man would walk out the stall as the coldness of the air would soon touch his pale skin.\n\n*Achoo-*"
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"I hope so too..\" Raizel pulled on her deer skinned backpack before stepping out of the shower with her mask on. Now that she is a 5'7 ft tall girl it felt more intimidating to be towered over by a muscular well-dressed man. Raizel felt tiny. Tiny as a timid barn mouse turning her glowing pale eyes up to see Enma's kind face.\n\nShe didn't quite expect him to be this tall!\n\n\"Uh? Uhuwwhaa?\" She couldn't help herself from staring at the other with round eyes. Then she could not help but admire the beautiful kimono he wore that caught her attention. Her eyes twinkled. \"Woooww, I want to know a lot about your culture i-f you don't mind!?\""
}
] | 361 | 1,334 |
313.888889 | 2022-05-28 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "It was already late into the night. June, having nothing else to do, decided that baking cookies at such an hour was a fantastic idea. Having burnt the hell out of the last batch they attempted to make, they were determined to redeem themselves.\n\nThe countertops were decorated messily with every ingredient under the sun you could possibly use to make chocolate chip cookies. Stray bits of cookie dough managed to find themselves in places you'd never expect; baking utensils and tools were thrown about haphazardly. June stood proudly in front of a mixing bowl, using their strong arms to fold freshly cracked eggs into butter and sugar. \n\nJune had tied up their hair, a sight that is rarely seen. A short fluffy ponytail that looked similar to a pink pompom sat behind their head. Their dark eyes brimming with excitement, and a smile rested softly on their features. They very clearly looked content, despite the stress that brimmed beneath their skin whenever they were in the kitchen. Alongside their normal bright outfit, a pink apron was tied around their neck and waist. It's clearly done its job, because various food stains decorate the front. \n\nContinuing to mix the ingredients together in the bowl, June hummed whichever song was stuck in their head rather loudly. Bouncing around the counters to grab things, and overall having very little care for keeping things clean. June always managed to make a jingling sound when they moved. Their various beaded accessories bumping against each other was, arguably, annoyingly loud. \n\nThe batter that sat in front of them was far from done, but June was confident. What could go wrong?"
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "What could go wrong? Well...\n\nCurfew was rapidly approaching. Mel, ever the optimist, had decided to head to the kitchen for a meal, figuring she could prepare and eat something before curfew came - and if not, whatever, it didn't matter anyway. She'd just keep eating after curfew. Or something. Whatever. She didn't know. Or particularly care to *Think* That far.\n\n*Thinking is hard anyway,* She... Thought, throwing the entire line of inquiry out with it. Except the food bit. She wanted food.\n\nShe threw open the door to the kitchen, walking in without a care in the world. The first thing she saw was not the imposing figure of June at the counter, but rather the mess they had left behind - specifically a small glob of something Mel couldn't identify on the floor in front of her. Without thinking, she crouched down to the floor, swept it up with her finger, and put it in her mouth.\n\nIt tasted a little bit like...\n\nMel's eyes lit up. She looked up at... June. June!\n\n\"JUUUUUNE!!! You're making cookies!! Can I have some? You better not have eaten all of them already, I want some!\" She grinned wholeheartedly, standing up and failing to resist the urge to tackle hug June, regardless of what was currently going on.\n\nWhich meant that even more utensils and cookie dough would be flying everywhere.\n\nNot that Mel had thought about that before running full speed at June for a hug. Thinking was hard. Mel would rather not."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June kept humming to themselves, moving through the kitchen with a smooth precision. A type of precision that seems to result in mass amounts of mess. June couldn't be bothered to care, they were having fun! Dumping a cup of flour into the batter, June picked back up their mixing spoon. \n\nFollowing their name being yelled, a small blonde figured launched herself into June. They recognized her by her voice immediately, it was Mel! June felt their mouth stretch into a smile, one that made dimples tease their cheeks. \n\n\"MEEEEELLLLL!\" June called back in response. Rather excited to see their friend, they dropped the bowl and hugged Mel back. The motion of the bowl so quickly being tossed down managed to knock over a small container of baking powder. It could be cleaned later June thought, they were focused on something more important.\n\nThe taller one wrapped their arms around the other, and swung her off the ground and around in one single swoop. June laughed and set Mel back down, letting their arms linger in a hug for a moment before returning their hands to the bowl on the counter. \n\n\"Yes I am!\" They tilted their head in a smile, a giggle dancing between their loud voice. \n\n\"Oh! Of course you can have some!\" June paused and looked down at the bowl full of half done batter. \"When they are done baking though, raw cookie dough makes people sick. I know from experience.\" They nodded thoughtfully before laughing again. \n\nMel really put June in the best mood possible."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "June put Mel in a great mood, too - and the cookies definitely helped as well. There was something sanguine about Mel when she was with June - a sense that the cheer and optimism were *Real,* Somehow, in a way that they usually weren't. Almost as if...\n\nRight, Mel was still being twirled around in the air. She forced herself to laugh. Not that she wasn't happy, mind, she had just been so absorbed in her own thoughts and feelings that she had neglected to express said thoughts and feelings in a way that June could pick up on and respond to. She didn't want June thinking she *Didn't* Want to be lifted off the ground in a jovial hug.\n\nAs she regained her bearings, Mel peered down at the unfinished batter, ignoring the mess she'd made all over the kitchen. It didn't look appetizing, but the little glob she'd swiped off the floor had been sugary-sweet and delicious, so appearances were evidently deceiving. \"Awww,\" She complained, \"But it tastes so good!\" She sulked for a moment, but only a moment, before going right back to smiling. \"So when are the cookies gonna be ready? Can I help? I love baking!\"\n\nShe did. But she wasn't any good at it. She had turned kitchens into exclusion zones. *And she'd do it again. Learning from your mistakes is for CHUMPS.*"
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June continued on with the cookies, the batter coming along rather well despite having a different consistency than they were used too. It wasn't anything *Too* Different so June decided to ignore it. \n\nPutting the ingredients together in the wrong order wasn't *That* Much of a problem right?\n\n\"They'll be ready soon!\" June beamed. \"And yes of course! Any and all help is appreciated.\" They sunk into themselves for a moment with an awkward smile, remembering the last time they attempted to bake cookies.\n\nThe spoon in their hand moved steady, only breaking to pour in more ingredients. At last, June dumped in an unholy amount of chocolate chips and folded them in. They lifted the spoon, and grabbed a bit of the dough off the tip. They put the dough in their mouth and realized it tasted surprisingly good. They closed their eyes in excitement and smiled, June was optimistic that this batch would go better. \n\n\"Got any ideas on what else we could add before I start putting them on the sheet?\" June looked towards Mel, a smile remaining on their features. Behind them, sat an already prepared cookie sheet. June turned towards it after washing their hands and began lining it with parchment. \n\nThey awaited any and all suggestions from the other with open ears."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mel didn't know much of anything about June's baking proficiency, or lack thereof, so she just assumed they must be good at it. They're great at lots of things! Still, June almost seemed to shrink for a moment when Mel offered to help...\n\nNo, that wouldn't do. Mel would have to do something about that.\n\nBut not before she'd stolen a little bit of dough off the spoon too. She snatched a small bit with her fingertip, just as with the dough she'd found on the floor. It was amazing. She was right - June *Was* Good at baking!\n\n*What else they could add?* Mel hadn't thought, let alone about that. She looked at June. She hadn't actually known June for very long, but... Well. June. Colorful, sickly sweet June. Like those... \"Gummy worms!\" Mel smiled like a goof. \"Let's put gummy worms in!\"\n\nRight, those. She'd actually wanted to eat them on their own, but this was also good. Plus, she figured June would like the idea! That alone was exciting!"
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June finished lining the tray with parchment, and brushed their hands together with accomplishment. Mel's suggestion made June light up. They turned towards her, their eyes practically brimming with sparkles. Their smile was even wider than before, if that was even possible. \n\n\"Thats a fantastic idea!\" June walked over to the side of the kitchen Mel was on, and placed the bowl down in front of her. \"Why did *I* Think of this?\" June giggled. \n\nThey looked around the kitchen for a moment, before finally finding what they were looking for. A rather large bag of colourful gummy worms. June ripped open the bag with one sure movement, and popped one in their mouth. The flavours were sweet and fruity, familiar as well. \n\n\"Yep! These are good.\" June laughed. They had no doubt they were good, instead they just wanted an excuse to eat a gummy worm. Walking back over to Mel, they slid the now opened bag towards the bowl. \"You should put them in, since it was your idea!\" \n\nJune gave Mel a smile, reassurance that it was indeed a good idea.\n\nFeeling excitement bubble in their chest, they found themselves staring at Mel with fondness. They hadn't known each other for very long but June already knew that they were going to be best friends. Just then, something pulled June out of their daze.\n\n\"Fuck!\" Hands to their cheeks, they called out. \"I didn't preheat the oven-\" They rushed over to the other side of the kitchen in a rather dramatic panic, their long legs carried them quickly. With the push of one button, the problem was solved.\n\nJune sighed in relief, then placed their hands on their hips with a proud smile. \"Crisis averted.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mel beamed. June was happy, so Mel was happy. It was a good dynamic - simple, uncomplicated. When they were happy, they could just be happy together, and let their worries drift away on the wind. There were no questions to ask, no ifs and no buts, just a smile on each of their faces as they went about their lives side by side.\n\nBoy, they sure were close for having known one another... A month? A month and a half? Something like that. It felt like more than that. Had it really only been a month?\n\nIt felt like they'd been friends forever.\n\nMel had been ignoring it until now, or simply hadn't noticed, but not only did she have butterflies in her stomach, but they appeared to have expanded their reach to her throat. She didn't feel great - though she loved every moment she spent with June, she was apparently also quite nervous about it. She was more open with June than with anyone. What if June saw what she was really like, and didn't like that version of Mel as much? What would happen then?\n\nMel *Knew* She hated thinking. With no regard for an excuse, she grabbed a gummy worm and tossed it in her mouth, pushing the mean thoughts back down in her stomach with it. After that, she dumped a good two-thirds of the gummy worms into the bowl and mixed them in, leaving the rest to share between the two of them while they waited for the cookies.\n\nSuddenly, her attention was pulled to June by a loud expletive from their general direction. She wasn't actually used to June swearing - June didn't seem like the type - so hearing it was unexpected. \n\nIt was not, however, unwelcome. Hearing June swear and seeing them panicking just reaffirmed what Mel already knew.\n\n*They were going to be best friends.*\n\n\"We still have to make, like. What's the word?\" *Portions de pâte,* She thought, unable to translate it. She did her best, still. \"Umm... Potions! We have to make potions of the dough before it can go in the oven, right? So there's still time.\""
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June walked back to their spot and leaned on the counter, resting their head on their hands while Mel finished the dough. Rather content, until something pulled their interest. They raised their head, and tilted it at Mel.\n\n\"Potions?\" June paused, very confused. \"What do you mean?\" June felt bad for not understanding, but having a language barrier between the both of them was bound to make an interaction like this happen eventually.\n\nThey leaned over, and grabbed some of the extra gummy worms out of the bag and put them in their mouth. They looked at the bag and then the dough. They thought about what Mel said, and pursed their lips in thought. \n\n\"You mean like, uhh.\" June paused once more, turning over thoughts in their busy brain. \"Do we have to add more stuff to them?\" \n\nJune demonstrated with their hands, gesturing towards the other ingredients on the counter before looking up at Mel for reassurance. Their dark eyes met theirs, a soft blue. June realized how pretty her eyes were. Blinking for a minute, they couldn't put together the proper words. \n\nThey turned their gaze elsewhere and let out a small giggle, it was almost embarrassment but definitely not awkward. \"Sorry if I don't understand certain things, English isn't my first language.\""
}
] | 310 | 2,825 |
307.090909 | 2022-05-29 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mel and June spent a good few moments staring at one another, puzzled, neither of them seeming to understand one another. For both of them, English was not their first language, but they didn't share another which they might use instead, so they were forced to make do. It was worth it, but it did make for a rather awkward situation. \n\n\"Potions!\" Mel confirmed, a cautious and uncertain dint to her otherwise confident tone. She forced herself to think. Sometimes thinking was important, apparently. \n\nAs she thought, her eyes met June's. The moment was mesmerizing - it felt a little awkward, certainly, but not in a bad way...? Either way, it stopped her train of thought dead in its tracks.\n\nHer eyes shifted away at the exact same time as June's. She forced a giggle as well. She was hardly at ease, but she was more at ease than she would've been with someone else. \"Yeah,\" She agreed, \"It's not mine either. I'm better at French.\"\n\nAn idle glance at the batter got her back on track. \"But, um, it's not that! We added everything already. It's...\"\n\nHow should she put this? Her head was starting to hurt a little from all the thinking. Even though she hadn't thought of just actually *Saying* The thing in French and hoping June could infer. That might've worked better, if the thought actually crossed her mind. \n\n\"It's, like, splitting smaller bits of dough away from the big ball of dough! So we get a bunch of normal sized cookies and not one giant cookie. We still have to do that!\""
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "The tension in June's eyebrows relaxed when Mel actually started explaining what the two of them had to do. It was so *Obvious.* June placed a hand to their face, covering one of their eyes in dramatic embarrassment. A flush crept up their cheeks, tinting them pink. \n\n\"Right, that makes sense.\" June said, in a softer tone than usual. \"I should've known.\"\n\nThey found themselves softly laughing for a second or two to fill the empty space, a bad habit of June's. They reached their arm over the counter and grabbed the mixing bowl. June practically bounced and jingled over to the oven. They stood in front of the parchment lined cookie tray and looked over their shoulder at Mel. \n\n\"Do you want to help me make the potions?\" June teased. A playful smirk on their features, before they giggled and returned to facing their gaze forward.\n\nThe bowl was placed beside the tray on Mels side, so if she did decide to help she would be closer. June reached into the bowl and grabbed about a tablespoon of cookie dough, making sure to get equal amounts of gummy worms and chocolate in each scoop. They rolled the mixture in their palm to make small balls, and pressed them flat to the tray once they were done.\n\nJune didn't space them out all that much, but more dough on the tray meant more cookies right?"
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mel got a sense that she maybe didn't get the right word. Normally, the embarrassment wouldn't get to her - but that was the *Thing* About June. Mel was more genuine - and consequently, less guarded - around June, and suddenly, the embarrassment of having gotten that wrong actually managed to get to her head...\n\n...And to her cheeks, turning them a delightful shade of amaranth pink. She giggled, letting some of the tension dissipate, and tried to ground herself.\n\n\"O-oh,\" She practically stammered out, still getting her bearings, \"Yeah, sounds great!\" She rushed to June's side, grabbing a similar amount of dough to June and rolling it between her palms, and suddenly, it was as though the embarrassing mistake had never been made at all.\n\nLittle did she know, as she spaced the cookies far too close, that more embarrassing mistakes were being made by the second. If the two of them could even stand to look the other in the eye after this evening, they probably already qualified as the very best of friends.\n\nFor now, though, cookies! There were gonna be so many. It was gonna be great."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June felt at ease around Mel. Having her by their side, just laughing and rolling dough, it felt as if all their worries disappeared. June didn't have to worry if they were too annoying or loud. Jokes and bad ideas floated around them in a comfortable cloud, June could feel nothing but happiness here. \n\nThey continued to work the dough into small balls, and with Mel's help it went quicker than if June had done it by themselves. Within minutes, the bowl was empty and the tray was packed full of chocolate gummy worm cookies. The oven beeped, perfect timing, and June put the cookies inside. \n\nThey brushed their hands together in accomplishment and looked over at Mel. A cherry-picked smile rested softly on June's features. \n\n\"We make a pretty good team, don't we?\" June winked and nudged Mel in the shoulder with their elbow, it was light and playful. A tint of pink lingered on their cheeks. They laughed a little and then pulled out their phone to set a timer.\n\n\"The cookies will be done in... 10 minutes!\" They beamed. \"Wanna hear about the last time I tried to make cookies in the meantime?\" \n\nJune looked excited to share their embarrassing story, but wouldn't start unless Mel wanted to hear."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Whenever Mel spent time with people, she'd spend the whole time thinking. She'd think about what to say. She'd think about how to react. She'd *Think* About how to *Feel.* It was difficult and tiring. Back home, she'd done it out of necessity. At Newton's Cradle, she realized it was *Habit.*\n\nBut with June, she dropped the habit. Something about June's particularly in-your-face appearance and demeanor had shocked Mel out of her own head - and she'd found that the right words, reactions and feelings came to her naturally.\n\nThat was... Nice. Spending time with June was nice. Uncomplicated.\n\nThe feeling of an elbow hitting Mel's shoulder elicited a merry chuckle. \"Yeah! I bet we could do anything if we wanted to.\" She was beaming. Things were good.\n\n*10 minutes.* Mel nodded in acknowledgement, throwing a furtive glance at the clock, subconsciously drawn by the mention of minutes. The time was 10:32. Mel nodded again. \"Yeah! But, like, uh... It's like 30 minutes after curfew already. We should, like, go somewhere else with the cookies once they're done. I really wanna hear your story, though!\""
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June followed Mel's gaze over to the clock, it *Was* After curfew. They scowled, despite not feeling particularly mad, before pulling their mouth back into a relaxed smile. June couldn't care for rules or control. They were an avid hater of curfew and broke it whenever possible. However, it seemed to matter to Mel so June could play along for her sake. \n\n\"Ah yeah, I would offer my dorm but Amelie said I should stay out of it for a while. Something... Medical.\" June waved their hand in a circle, almost as if they were dragging the words out of their head. \"Its no problem though, just a bit of an inconvenience at moments like these.\" They felt themselves force a smile after their words, and give a particularly wry laugh. \n\nIt was difficult being roommates with Amelie, but not for the reason she was so keen on pushing. June was less worried about her condition and more worried about the fact Amelie seemed to be actively avoiding them. June felt something, inky and black, seep into their brain. They dismissed the thought almost immediately, right now Mel was the priority and so was remaining happy. It wasn't the time to think about their troubles. \n\nJune turned their gaze and started to tuck away ingredients. Moving their hands from one thing to another, it was a good distraction.\n\n\"I can clean up in the meantime and by the time i'm done, the cookies should be as well!\" Grabbing a cloth, they started to wipe up the spilt flour and cookie dough. \"Then I can tell you my wacky story.\" They giggled and turned their attention back to cleaning."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mel was no more fond of the curfew than June was. Not at all. However, she figured the night guard might steal their cookies, and cookies mattered more than breaking the rules out of spite - not least because they were June's cookies.\n\n\"My dorm, then!\" Mel nodded, still beaming. \"I don't have a roommate or anything, so there shouldn't be a problem. I call dibs on carrying the cookies!\" She was still beaming, still in the same safe, downy cloud of happiness when she noticed - saw, heard - something, something she wished she didn't.\n\nA little twitch in the corner of June's smiling lips, a sharp tone in their laugh. *June was like her,* Mel realized. They had the same cheery optimism, the same bright smile... And the same tendency to hide their true feelings when they didn't fall in line with the image they wanted to project.\n\nStill, it seemed like the cleaning was providing a good distraction. June seemed decently happy again. Mel couldn't quite tell if it was a front, but even if it was, trying to interrupt whatever June was doing probably wouldn't help - so, instead, Mel decided to help distract some other day.\n\n\"Hey, did I tell you about the new place I found in town? We need to go sometime, it's really cool! If you go down to the train station and across to the other side of the tracks where there isn't any road, you can walk along the grass by the track for a bit and there's some old railway cars where they've set up a little café! I don't think a lot of people know about it, which is good 'cause there isn't a lot of space in there, but it's still really cool!\""
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "\"Sure! We can go to your dorm.\" June felt themselves light up a little. \"Ive never been there so it'll be fun.\"\n\nJune continued to clean, making sure the kitchen was tidied up properly. They had a bad habit of being rather messy, but always knew to clean up afterwards. As June kept moving, Mel talked about her new findings. June paused for a second to give her their undivided attention.\n\n\"Really? That sounds so cool!\" Their voice already returning to its normal sugary sweet tones. \"We definitely need to go together sometime. It'll be a good way to spend an afternoon. I've always loved cafés.\" The thought of going to a cafe with Mel again already made them feel better. \n\nJune spoke as they moved through the kitchen. They tucked various tools back into drawers, and it didn't take long for the kitchen to look back to new. Except for... The cookie dough on the ceiling. June looked up at it, and thought carefully. *\"Carefully\"* Might be an overstatement, because as soon as they got an idea they were going to put it into action.\n\n\"Hey, have you ever seen my powers?\" They looked at Mel, June clearly had an idea."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Yeah, it'll be fun!\" Mel agreed. As June moved around the kitchen, it got systematically tidier - at a far slower pace in the moment, but it would probably be quicker for June overall. Mel would usually just hide all the dirty implements and then clean them later, or put them in the dishwasher, or something.\n\nMel was smiling, but still observing June closely. June seemed to be getting happier again as they talked about the café. That was good. Mel could rest easy again.\n\n\"Yeah, me too. It's really pretty out there, too. It's, like, a green area in the middle of the city, so it sorta looks overgrown? I'm really glad I found it, it's super cool.\"\n\nMel's eyes followed June's, onto the ceiling. There was cookie dough up there. Mel could get there - no issue - but... June wanted to, so she shook her head. \"No, I don't think so...\" Her eyes lit up. \"Are you gonna show me?\""
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June gave Mel a smile, one that definitely looked like they were about to do something cool. Or at least, June *Thought* They were going to do something cool. They didn't have the time to think if it actually was.\n\n\"Yeah, watch this.\" \n\nJune focused for a moment, and felt the buzz of the kitchen fade into the background. They lifted up their arm, and turned to the side, remaining focused. Slowly, June's arm started to stretch and a figure started to take form. A head turned off of Junes, pulling their features into two. The strands connecting them broke and with the lowering of June's arm, the identical clone was standing directly beside them. A dull dead look on its features.\n\nThe clone stood there, almost as if it was awaiting command. The expressionless look was quite stark in comparison to June's bright excited smile.\n\n\"Isn't it cool?\" June squealed. \"Ive been practicing.\" They announced, proudly.\n\nWithout a word from June, the clone got down on one knee and held its hands outwards like a stepping ladder. June grabbed a paper towel and placed their platformed shoes into the palms of their clone. It was a solid hold, and with a quick movement June was lifted up towards the ceiling by their duplicate. \n\nJune got the dough off the ceiling, and hopped off of their clones hands. They landed on the ground with a very loud thump, and managed not to fall. \n\n\"Look, I can make it smile.\" The clone lowered its hands, and smiled. If you could even call *That* A smile. Its lips stretched too far upwards and its eyes were dead and terrifying. If anything it wasn't welcoming, but June seemed overly excited about its *Progress.*\n\nJune laughed at their own display, and gave a dramatic bow before snapping their fingers like an unhinged showman. \n\nThe clone disappeared into a cloud of pink smoke, a sudden poof of glitter and sparkles. Just as quickly as the cloud came, it left and so did the clone.\n_ _\n\n\"Its really useful I think.\" June looked at the timer they set on their phone. \"Oh! The cookies should be done soon! Perfect timing!\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mel watched intently as June began elongating, another them literally splitting away from their body as if by mitosis. Not that Mel would actually know what mitosis even is. She just watched as one June became two, though one wasn't quite like the other - in that it looked emotionless, dead inside. Mel could relate to that. She felt like chuckling, but she held that in.\n\nAs June gushed and the clone moved, Mel found herself just... Staring. She wasn't *Afraid* - the dead eyes were certainly the kind of thing that would scare some people, but if anything, Mel found them oddly relatable. No, it was something else. Something that kept her focus firmly glued to the clone of June, as opposed to the actual June gushing about said clone.\n\nAs June stepped up to the ceiling, kept aloft by the clone, Mel said nothing. As they cleaned and got back down, Mel said nothing. As the clone smiled in a way very much unlike how any human would, Mel said nothing. And as the clone disappeared in a puff of smoke, Mel said nothing.\n\nSomething deep in Mel's eyes had ignited at the display. It wasn't fear, or hatred. It was nothing like that. It wasn't even particularly *Directed* At the clone - no, it was something about Mel herself, something that the clone had merely brought to the front of Mel's mind.\n\nAs the clone was gone, Mel slowly regained her senses. She nodded, trying her best to be enthusiastic even though she had barely registered anything. \"Yeah, it's cool!\" She's sure she would've said more than that, if she knew what to say. \"C'mon, let's get the cookies out before the night guard shows up and eats them all.\"\n\nShe laughed. It was forced."
}
] | 280 | 3,378 |
326.555556 | 2022-06-11 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June waved their hand around to clear the remaining sparkle dust from the disappearance of their clone. They seemed to vanish with the movement, as if they weren't there in the first place. June was always excited to show people their illusion magic but when they looked over at Mel, all she was doing was staring.\n\nTaking a second to process this, June wondered if, like Owen, Mel was scared of them. She didn't look particularly afraid, if anything just blank. June's mouth formed into a concentrated look. Just as quickly as it came, it was gone and Mel laughed. June felt something buzz against their otherwise happy thoughts. *Was it not as cool as they had thought?* June shook their head almost comically. Mel *Said* It was cool, who were they to judge whether she meant it or not.\n\n\"Thank you, thank you.\" June playfully put their hand to their chest dramatically as they spoke before laughing and returning it comfortably to their side. \"Ah yes, right, lets grab them and head up to your dorm.\" June gave a smile in Mel's direction, a genuine one. They were excited to spend time with her and couldn't be happier.\n\n\"Lead the way!\" They chirped, their arm flourishing outwards towards the kitchen exit. June couldn't deny their intrigue and interest in what was in Mel's dorm. June's dorm felt empty at times despite having a roommate, all they could hope was that Mel's didn't feel that way.\n\nWhy would it? Mel always lit up every room she was in. Junes mind chattered with thoughts of a similar sort as they waited for Mel to start leaving."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mel gave June a quick nod and a smile, and quickly snatched up the tray of cookies. Or tried to. She burned herself on the hot metal a little the first time. After she'd gotten herself a pair of oven mitts to hold it with, though, she snatched it up and took off down the halls.\n\nStill, the experience of seeing that, that... Whatever it was, of looking into its eyes... It was sticking with her, in a corner of her mind she desperately wished wasn't there. For the rest of the way to Mel's room, she was stuck in her head, and her smile wasn't there in the same way it usually was. Somehow, not even the prospect of eating the cookies on the plate in front of her together with June was cheering her up.\n\nAs they reached the door, she held onto the tray with one hand and fetched her keycard with the other, unlocking it without a word.\n\nMel's dorm was certainly colorful, but it was a very orderly kind of colorful that was very much unlike her. DVDs and VHS tapes were ordered neatly in a bookcase, perfectly level posters lined the walls, and she had even managed to keep a *Glass coffee table* In one piece, standing in between an old TV and a western-style futon folded into a sofa. It was the kind of room that felt only half lived-in - had the posters been framed rather than taped onto the walls, it might have passed for a cheap motel room.\n\nMel placed the tray of cookies on the coffee table and waited for June to close the door behind them before saying anything.\n\n...\n\n\"Hey, um... June? I think I need a hug.\""
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June followed behind Mel, not taking the time to notice anything out of the blue. They laughed a little at Mel burning her hand, and warned her to be careful but other than that June sat in comfortable silence bouncing along behind her. They pulled their hair out of a pony tail, wrapping the band around their wrist. Then undid their apron and swung it over their arm, holding it tight to their chest. \n\nDark eyes scanned the hallways as the two walked, June was fine with the lack of conversation. Normally the absence of laughter would make them uneasy but for some reason June didn't mind. Maybe it was her company. June couldn't tell, but they weren't complaining. Their heavy feet hit the ground like bricks, but June was used to such feelings. \n\nWhen the door opened to Mel's dorm June gasped a little in excitement. June was right, it felt so lively and colourful. They loved it already, it felt like Mel. Excitement and almost nostalgia fluttered away in their chest like a swarm of untamed butterflies. They let their eyes hit every corner, every poster. It was so *Different* But so wonderful.\n\nJune slid off their shoes to reveal colourful socks and tucked them neatly beside the door frame. They let their free hand press the door shut with a click, and they rested their apron on top of their giant platform shoes. June's height noticeably decreased, and they were back to their normal 6'1 frame. \n\nA soft smile sat on their features, but it was quickly taken over by concern when Mel spoke.\n\n\"Of course... Is something wrong?\" June walked slowly over to the other, their words quiet and thoughtful. It was a stark difference from June's normal loud and excited demeanour but it wasn't fake. It was far from fake. Whatever feeling this was June knew it was genuine.\n_ _\n\nJune stood in front of Mel and looked down at her, meeting her gaze once more. Junes expression was curious, concerned and of all things *Soft.* The height difference between the two was so much less stark when June wasn't in their shoes."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mel gave a soft nod, but didn't say anything before wrapping her arms around June in a soft, heavy hug. She cloaked herself in June's body heat, a warm, comforting blanket of ecstasy and touch, and for a few moments, that alone was enough. She didn't think about anything then. It seemed like too much distracting effort to bother. In that moment, she was happy, in the truest sense of the word. A joyous, uncomplicated smile crossed her lips. Everything was going to be okay.\n\nThen the feeling came back.\n\n*Maybe if she just kept hugging tighter,* She thought, *All her problems would go away and she could be together with June forever and never ever have to think stupid thoughts again and-*\n\nShe stopped herself and sighed before she managed to crush June's ribs. She probably could've, if she tried. \"I... I dunno what's wrong, Ju. I just feel weird and stupid and bad.\" She tightened the hug one final time, then gently pulled away from June. \"Can we do something else for a while? I don't really wanna think about it too much.\""
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June was somewhat caught off guard by the hug, but with the height difference between them a lot smaller it felt natural. Without a second thought, they moved their arms to wrap solidly around Mel's shoulders, pulling her into their chest. June felt safe here. Holding her close, made all of their worries melt away like soft summer rain. All they could hope is Mel felt the same. \n\n\"It'll be okay.\" June spoke in a soft, gentle reassurance. They rested their head on top of Mel's as they hugged. The two of them hadn't been friends for long, but the time they spent together felt like weeks and years simultaneously. The same rush of excitement whenever June saw Mel ceased to fade, but June felt so comfortable here. Their arms remained tight around the other. \n\nAs Mel spoke June listened. They felt empathy for her, and wished they could make her problems disappear with millions of hugs. June knew that wasn't possible, as much as they wanted her to be okay. \n\n\"Its okay to not know sometimes.\" June looked down at Mel when she pulled away. Their hands lingered on her shoulders for a moment longer, almost reluctant to let go. \"Im always here to hug you when you need it okay? Maybe we can try and figure it out together.\" Their voice was still soft. Their words felt like their hugs, soft yet solid. June was there and it was obvious they didn't want to leave anytime soon. \n\nGiving Mel a soft smile, June looked over at the TV that was set up. \n\n\"How about we watch a movie?\" Their voice lightened back up into a happier tone, but was still soft. \"Got any favourites?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Thanks.\" Mel nodded. \"Yeah. Let's figure it out together. Thanks.\" \n\nMel was a person who functioned in extremes. When she wasn't loud and brash and happy-go-lucky, she was intensely private, orderly, and quiet. The transition was apparent, instant, once the door closed - what had been an excitably loud Mel had turned into a quiet girl silently crying into a friend's arms in the middle of her exquisitely tidy room.\n\nThis was really Mel, too.\n\nShe gently drifted over to her shelves, poring over row after row of VHS tapes and DVDs. She didn't wanna think too much about the movie. She wanted something easy, lightweight, something fun.\n\nShe grabbed *The Rescuers* On VHS, slotted the tape into her VCR, and dropped onto the futon. Maybe the night could be salvaged after all. She hadn't even tried a cookie yet - and she still had plenty of hours left with her favorite person in the whole world. Nothing could possibly ruin it.\n\nIt'll be okay."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "\"Of course, anytime really. Just give me a call when you need me.\" They smiled to end their sentence. \n\nJune stayed in the same spot, and let their eyes wander around Mels room once more. It was cleaner than they had expected, but it still felt like Mels room. They nodded to themselves and smiled a little, feeling jittery over the sudden happy feelings that pulsed through their skin. A part of them wondered if they *Should* Be happy right now, but figured the positive vibes were contagious for sure! \n\nAfter looking back over at Mel, June decided that they were going to try to cheer her up. They had cookies, movies, all the time in the world and each other. What else could possibly be better?\n\n\"Oh! Ive never seen that one.\" June peeked over Mels shoulder excitedly at her movie collection. Frankly, June hadn't seen a majority of these. Growing up between Canada and Japan clearly had its affects.\n\nJune straightened back up and walked over to the tray of cookies. They looked like a slightly burnt sugar mess but June had faith. They pulled one off the tray, and popped half of the rather large cookie into their mouth. The overly sweet flavours nearly made them sick on the first bite, but June was used to the overload.\n\n\"Wow these are actually kinda good! Im sure it's because we made them together!\" June exclaimed in their cherry-picked tone after they finished chewing. \"You should try one!\" \n\nMel was sat down on her futon, and June quickly joined her. Frankly, sitting a little closer than they had aimed for. They wondered if that was bad, or maybe they shouldn't sit here. No matter, the thoughts had failed to cross June's mind and left almost as quickly as they came. \n\nTheir only thoughts were the cookies, movies and Mel."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mel let June take a cookie first, but swiftly followed suit, breaking a good chunk off what was less a tray of cookies and more a tray of single giant cookie. She let June try them first, too, and upon hearing a saccharine-sweet exclamation of surprise and excitement, she set her own teeth into hers.\n\nNo, it wasn't really that good.\n\nThe cookie gave way to teeth when bitten, but when chewed, it was a very different story. Caramelized gummy worms kept the desirable crumble out and added both an overpowering sweetness and strong, bitter undertones of *Burnt.* On the whole, unpleasant... But at the same time, was it? This was, in essence, a rainbow-colored caramel cookie, and it wasn't like Mel *Didn't* Ask for three shots of caramel in her macchiato.\n\nShe didn't comment on the taste, but she let a gentle smile take shape on her face as she leaned across to the coffee table and broke off another bite. No one but Mel and June would've liked this. This way, no one would want to steal their cookies.\n\nMel leaned back on the futon for a brief moment. Then, as if reading their mind, she leaned against June instead. That seemed right, but more importantly, it felt nice.\n\nThe bad thoughts and feelings weren't gone. But there were cookies and movies and Juneies and everything seemed just a little more okay now. The discomfort Mel had felt earlier had gone from consuming everything to acting as a simple house fly, providing a minor distraction easily dismissed with a wave of the hand. \n\nSo she could focus on the things that *Really* Mattered."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June watched Mel as she took a bite, and almost immediately bursted into laugher. \n\n\"They are... *Interesting*, are they?\" June covered their mouth and laughed more. \"Thats alright, more for us!\" The soft giggles and happy jitters remained fluttering throughout Junes mind. They realized right then and there that they couldn't be happier. \n\nThey had finally made a proper friend, one they could trust. The two of them sat beside each other, smiling, as the movie continued. Just then, the sudden weight of Mel leaning into June sent a shock of electricity through their stomach. Powdered sugar sweetness and glitter dusted its way through their emotions, and they swore they almost felt their cheeks warm. The feeling crept its way back down into their core quickly, and June decided to dismiss whatever they just felt. \n\nJune let the buzz of the movie continue as the two of them sat, pressed into each other eating the cookies. It was everything June could ever ask for. A perfect friend. June knew that no matter what, Mel would always be their favourite.\n\nThey were comfortable in the others presence. It was simple and sweet. Even when bad things popped up, and negative thoughts took hold, they always found a way to make the best of the night. They could sit in each others arms until the other felt better, and watch movies until dawn. \n\nThey seemed to fit together like a puzzle and June couldn't wait to see where this would lead them."
}
] | 343 | 2,939 |
314.166667 | 2022-06-12 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◇ Another day, another afternoon spent working on her pride month passion project.\n\n□ Cooped up in the Cradle's own music area, Margo had spent most of the afternoon behind the drum kit, splitting her time between actually trying to record and gabbing with her friends back home; turns out, being up and active at two in the afternoon in Sweden meant she managed to catch her bastard brothers on their first break period. It was nice and all, but even a dedicated musician like her needed a break, and with hunger pecking away at her like a woodpecker on the side of an oak tree she figured it'd be about a half decent time to call it a day, to hang up her sticks and close GarageBand down until the following day, when she'd be walking through the doors again most certainly.\n\n▪︎ With that, she rose to her feet and stepped out.\n\n□ Where, though, was she going to go? Back to her room? Things had been awkward ever since a few nights prior, when an angel sighting turned into an apocalyptic unveiling of the truth¹ behind this place. Those angels, those nutjobs out in the industrial park, were far darker than she'd first known, there was one of their kin *In* The Cradle, and they were out to kill her. Pretty grim; *Maybe someone should have gave her a gun?* Margo's mind was not well-adjusted, as most Americans tended to be, and thus her main internal suggestion for keeping this former angel safe was a gun.\n\n▪︎ Absolutely terrible idea, but... Who cared?\n\n○ She rounded a corner and saw a rakish girl lingering at the other end, fiercely pale skin and an unnerving look to her that somehow commanded Margo's attention. She approached.\n\n◆ \"Hey.\""
},
{
"author": "burningsilence",
"message": "Wandering the corridors early in the morning, the dim hallway lights made her stand out as she slowly paced through the place, looking around and taking closer looks at any signs on doors or any indicators of information, yadda yadda, she felt like she had to know this place for however long she was going to stay here, as it might be useful, or was it to satiate her curiosity? Yeah, it was both. She heard footsteps among the near silence of the place approaching her slowly, they sounded heavy, and approached fast, a wide stride, probably someone tall.\n\nShe turns, at the sudden *'Hey.'* The girl's face still seemed a bit odd, too pale to be something breathing, yet this girl looked pretty damn alive. The small girl looked Margo up and down, her large eyes with giant black irises and pinpoint white dots in the center of them were all unnatural, and gave them an effect as if she was always looking at Margo even when her eyes looked away.\n\nHer face made no attempt to return a kind emotion, met by a cold, marble mask, looking unamused, maybe bothered if one was to overthink. Her clothes hid her body well, too overized to discern anything outside of her shoulder width, but her large mass of curls and frizz hid that as well.\n\nSoon the seconds-long silence was permeated by her small voice, returning Margo's word with an equal.\n\n\"Hello.\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"What's your skincare routine, man? Because, like... You're fuckin' *Glowing,* And the pimples on my face would like to know how you do it.\"\n\n□ Railed off with a bit of friendly humorous sarcasm, she raised one hand to her cheekbone, pressing her fingertip against a pimple for extra effect. Maybe it was an unusual approach, a weird opener, but she wasn't exactly trying to woo this rakish twin-tone lady, so she didn't particularly mind being a bit awkward and stiff off the drop. After about four hours alternating between drumming and tormenting her friends back home she felt the need to chat to someone, anyone, and if this diminutive lass was closest then she'd be the one who'd hear it all.\n\n▪︎ She leaned against the wall, her shoulder blades pressed into its cream bricks, and let out a hum. \n\n◆ \"That... Was a bit of a joke. A weird icebreaker. Whatever. For real, though, you're absolutely *Striking,* In the most platonic, friendly, non-weird way possible.\" She spoke, confident yet slightly stilted. \"What'cha up to out here? Heading to one of the art rooms? Pretty cool how this place has an entire wing just for the arts, especially considering the fact it's a goddamned prison.\""
},
{
"author": "burningsilence",
"message": "She was confused. Was this a joke, or was the girl serious? She still felt the need to snicker, letting out a raspy sound out through her nose as a reaction. She didn't exactly know how to react so she just took the most literal option. \n\n\"My skin is just like this. Asides from that, uh, a bit of lotion of it's too dry, I guess...\" \n\nMore people kept approaching her, but she didn't care, it helped her pass the time as she wandered aimlessly though the corridors. She analyzed Margo's body language, she seemed stiff, but she gave the air that outside of this she was a relaxed yet adventurous person, or maybe she was wrong, regardless, it will he interesting to get to know this girl.\n\n\"Thank you?\"\n\nShe, once again, had no idea how to respond to a compliment, her head tilting to the side a bit.\n\n\"I'm getting a feel for the place, arrived here yesterday, met people along the way. Might take a look at one of those art rooms within thos place, which, yes, looks like a prison as far as I've seen. Gray architecture, overgrown exterior to hide the barren, depressing structure, minimalist interiors and exteriors, heavy doors everywhere literally tipped from prisons, gates seemingly everywhere and the rooms look like a mental institution's.\" \n\nShe listed out all of the characteristics that made this building look like a prison with a small smile forming on her face, numbering them on her fingers, then looking back up at Margo with the tiny smile."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Oh, uh. No worries. That was a jokey remark, I'm assuming it's your parahumanity that gives you your tone.\" Margo calmly replied, easing up a tad now that she had herself pressed to a wall. Something about her back being pressed to something was nice. \"Sorry if it's weird. I'm... Not exactly smooth sometimes.\"\n\n□ So, this girl had a raspy voice, and short as her time had been at the Cradle, she already saw it for what it was at the end of the day: a prison. Then again, was that anything special? Or just a fact of life that many long-time residents had come up with various alternate views on to cope with being imprisoned through most of their teenage years and part of their early adulthood? Even now, she felt robbed, but ultimately there was nothing she could really do except keep on living life to the best of her ability, aided by wealth, a noted lack of fear to get out there and get dirty, and the natural urge to rebel and make the best of her short time as a teenager.\n\n▪︎ And so far? She was doing well, though her room had a regrettable lack of a pint of vodka between the couch cushions and guns hidden in reptile enclosures.\n\n◆ \"So, you just got here yesterday? Gotcha. I remember my first day. I got escorted in pretty peacefully, thankfully, but I also kind of walked into an empty room. My roommate keeps almost nothing in there, so I had to do most of the heavy lifting for decoration.\" She casually spoke, eyes fixing themselves on various details of the walls; a railing, light switches, a socket... So on and so forth. \"But honestly? Much as this place *Is* A true blue prison by any definition of the word, it's really laissez-faire. Like, fuck, there's a big lake about an hour and a half from here by bus, and... Man, I've been there to go fishing. *Twice.* As long as you aren't stabbing people or throwing an absolute shit fit about being here then you'll be fine and dandy. Anyways, how'd you get sent here? Anything to write home about, or utterly mundane?\""
},
{
"author": "burningsilence",
"message": "She listened with interest, keeping an unwavering eye contact the entire time. She noted how the other girl seemed to have a lot of confidence, just going up to her and rambling on and on. She gave a simple but moderately detailed answer. \"I kept lashing out and nearly attacked my parents, but I just ran away. They still found me.\"\n\n\"About that lake, I'd like to see it sometime, maybe you could take me there?\" She asked with a smile, genuinely interested in the idea of just vibing on a boat in the middle of an inky black lake, she found the idea itself to be relaxing."
}
] | 309.5 | 1,885 |
516.75 | 2022-06-13 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆.\"Gotcha.\" Margo nodded. \"Been there, done that. My father's now blind and somewhat disabled because of the beating I gave him, but the fucker deserved it.\"\n\n□ Maybe it was the prisoner in her, but the exchanging of stories about how each person ended up at the Cradle always interested Margo. Something about this place and its crowds of people whose only crime was being parahuman interested her quite a bit, and so as she leaned against the wall she hoped that recounting her own story would help open up some sort of shared dialogue. Perhaps naïve, but oh well. Looking back over at the shorter gal, she nodded as she spoke, mostly to show that she wasn't tuning her out or whatever.\n\n▪︎ Then again, what sort of person would have approached a stranger and then tuned them out?\n\n◆ \"Yeah, sure.\" She casually agreed, tapping her fingertips against her thigh. \"I usually go up to fish for the entire day, though, so it'd be an early morning and a long day out on the shores. But, shit, if you're interested then I'm sure you could come along.\""
},
{
"author": "burningsilence",
"message": "\"Ooh wow, that sounds so fulfilling! Widh I'd gone through with mine, but considering my power, I may have done worse, or not, I don't know.\"\n\nShe did genuinely wish to maul what were essentially her captors, and now that she wa sbeginning to realize that even here she had much more freedom, or really any freedom, than she had back at home, and a small smile formed on her face as she put her hands together while her arms remained limp. She then looked back up at Margo as she spoke about the lake.\n\n\"All I need is a big hat, some big clothes and I'm mostly set, I don't do well in direct sunlight on account of, well...\"\n\nShe gestured to herself, and by that she meant her skin, referring to the fact that she was so dangerously pale that any extended exposure to the sun or heat could be harmful to her, more inconvenient than a mere sweating at best.\n\n\"The sun hates me, see. So I hate it too.\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Fuck, I'd imagine.\" Margo chuckled. \"You're either pasty white or pitch black, and that's gotta do some weird shit to your body's ability to regulate its own temperature. Thankfully the bus stops close to a, erm... A beach store, I guess is the right term for it. I dunno. I just know they sell umbrellas and fishing lures, so that's cool.\"\n\n□ Verbal equivalent of a shrug, Margo spoke with equal parts familiarity and uncertainty. She knew for a fact that on her first trip up she'd stopped off at a store that sold beach supplies and fishing supplies under the same roof, but whether it was truly right by the bus stop was a bit of a foggy question to which she had no clues to answer on. For now, though, she kept her gaze fixed on multiple points of the wall, alternating and occasionally looking over at the shorter girl to try and gauge how she was feeling about this whole interaction.\n\n▪︎ A bit hard, however, to judge someone who looks like a horror film creature, she found out.\n\n◆ \"Anyways, gonna leave you to it. If you wanna talk more then just DM magnolia in the group chat, that's my handle.\" Margo pushed off the wall and walked around the other girl, her stomach grumbling loudly as she did so. \"See you around.\""
},
{
"author": "burningsilence",
"message": "\"Both, yes.\" She promptly answered Margo's statement about Yari's skin tone between the other's words.\n\n\"Convenient, except I have no money.\" She did it again, her face remaining mostly blank now, only a tiny smirk on her face.\n\nShe noted Margo's clear aversion to eye contact, maybe they weren't as assertive as they showed themselves to be? Yari felt that Margo was unsure about her actions whether it was because of Margo's inner self or Yari's odd presence was up in the air, but she doubted it was herself. That, or Margo just really liked looking at the walls and ceiling. As Yari made temporary conclusions about Margo, she only stared at her, but her habit of making ceaseless, unwavering eye contact had kicked in from the very beginning. \"I'll do it if it comes to mind... Goodbye.\" She only looked back at Margo as she walked away, and once she was either out of view or far enough, Yari turned around and walked away, yet one of her abilities kicked in, which may make Margo forget exactly what Yari looked like outside of key features.\n\n——— START OF NEW ———\n\nSo far, the day was alright, and she had met a few nice people, but she felt that it's been too good so far, or maybe she was just finally having luck with people. After all this, she was hungry again but, to be fair, last time she ate was midnight, at it was equivalent to about half of an average serving, to satiate herself, she wandered over to the cafeteria, getting a few looks from those she made very brief eye contact with along the way.\n\nIn the cafeteria, early in the morning, a trio of kids just a year older than Yarimiel herself were picking on her and pushing her around a bit as she tried to get to a table, most others minded their business but a few others tried to get them off the newbie to no real effect, before she sat down and the trio of Nameless Delinquents get sick of being effectively ignored, to which the main one, a boy, grabs the tray and frisbees it down the aisle, flinging food over others and nearly hitting someone in the face with it. Yari's breath quickens and her heart rate begins to rise, the pumping becoming louder as a ringing sound began to echo throughout her mind, her jaw muscles tensing up immensely as she clenched her hands into fists.\n\nOn her face, the dark veins began to grow and spread downwards, as well as the ones faitnly visible on her neck, and she was just calmly breathing, but that alone could not contain her willingness to *Fight back*, she wanted them to *Go away*. One more push, it's all she needed, that's all the justification she needed, yeah, one more push, one more punch, and she could beat the shit out of them, scream, whatever came to mind, or both. The trio was behind her, but those that could see her face could see it scrunching up in a mix of rage and tears, her jaw jutted forwards slightly. \n\nOne more push. Her head slammed forwards on the table. The seal had broken— in a metaphorical sense, of course.\n\nHer main power had activated again as she jumped up out of the picnic-esque table, her form very quickly elongating to the large, solid-colored monster, but now, for the one who has seen it, they might recognize it with one key difference, the fave was just a mass of teeth, insectoid mandibles and jaw bones, broken and whole, as a multitude of long, gangly yet powerful-looking arms sprouted from under the giant, now firmly fitting sweater the girl wore. \n\nAs she fully got out of the chair and the boys jumped back in surprise, the creature began to growl, but once it was fully upright and the boys began to get back some more, it got down on its arms, its legs cracking disturbingly and bending in a way that would support this method of travel— then let out a bone-chillingly loud roar, which seemed to scare the boys, except one who simply judged that this was not a fight he could win, but Yari was too enraged to see the reason in simply letting them go. The creature began to crawl after them at a speed that would make ot catch up in an extremely short time, like some shit straight out of Stranger Things.\n\nOnce the beast had caught up in mere seconds, it grabbed one of the three boys and used them as a stepping stone, the weight of the hand slamming him into the ground with an awful thud while another arm took the second boy and tossed him away into another table before he curled up in pain. The third one she fully caught up to after another stride, which she grabbed using a long, slimy, dark tentacle that erupted from her mouth. It wrapped around his leg then pulled him closer, and lifted him in the air, letting go of him midair to then wrap itself around his body, binding his arms to his sides. It brought this boy closer as he struggled to get free, then let out another roar, but this one sounded meatier, it had a longer, heftier buildup, and was deep enough to make the bodies of those nearby physically vibrate in a mildly disorienting manner. After this, it let him go onto the ground, the boy now shaking in fear and crying, and everyone else reasonably backing away as far as possible or outright exiting the cafeteria with the crashing of chairs and chatter with occasional screams from the crowd of children. The creature then cleared its throat and spit on him, leaving a slightly black sticky slime on him,right before the creature huffed a few times, and began to recede into the mass of curls before that too shrunk in size, and The small pale girl returned, butbher face remained shrouded in the pure darkness, even in the direct light from the buzzing lights overhead. The faceless girl simply stared back with only two highly squinted eyes within the darkness. A shaky voice rang out in the silence that ensued, \"Don't touch me ever again! Or I'll... I'll kill you!\" She then curled her fists up again, wiped her mouth, then her eyes, and promtly began to run away, sobbing audibly.\n\nI present two options o"
}
] | 265 | 2,067 |
126.111111 | 2022-06-14 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "gorbalicious",
"message": "From a corner of the room, a loud yet slow clapping sound can be heard. The person behind it stands up from their seat, looking over at the small girl as they do so. The clapping carries a sense of sarcasm and tiredness in it, and, stepping forward, Taffy appears from the shadows of the corner, sliding themself onto the table as they continue to clap. Their legs are only just long enough to reach the ground.\n\n\"Well done,\" She says, voice echoing through the cafeteria. She seems unfazed by the entire ordeal. Rather, the exhaustion spilling from her face seems too strong for anything else to even be felt. \"Wish I could do that to people I don't like.\"\n\nA small smile creeps onto aer face. It's not one of sass or judgement. Rather, it seems quite genuine."
},
{
"author": "burningsilence",
"message": "Still enraged, but now crying silently, the bow faceless girl looked at the other with still-squinted eyes their tears being the same solid black as their entire face, and– after a silence– in her embers of wrath, Yarimiel let out out another one of her blood-chilling screams. \n\n\"What do you ***WANT!?***\" \n\nThe force of the yell being enough to push the other back slightly, akin to a sudden strong wind. The secondary yell only helped in silencing whatever crowd remained, and as she did so, her teeth were visible, as if suspended by themselves in the void within her face. She coughed after the yell, then cleared her throat, wiping her eyes and nose with the massive sleeves of her sweater."
},
{
"author": "gorbalicious",
"message": "After taking a moment to regain his balance, Taffy stands up, putting his hands up as to show he means no harm, as he steps forward a couple of paces to become better visible to the girl.\n\n\"Hey now,\" Xe says, trying to remain as passive as possible. \"I mean no harm, okay? Do you need a breathing exercise to help you calm down? It can genuinely help. I know a good one.\""
},
{
"author": "burningsilence",
"message": "When Taffy put thwir hands up and stood, her eyes widened slightly. She remained silent, only seeing what he would do next, but was staring dead into their eyes even when hers were all watery and had to be wiped constantly to see clearly. \"Hmm.\" She didn't want to say any actual words, she was still too angry to think in a rational manner, instead using that to let him know that she was listening, calming down now from her tears as her sobbing died down, but the way her eyes curved downwards suggested that her rage stil persisted. \n\nShe thought to herself, '*You think I haven't tried that?!*' but didn't want to say it out loud, her expression only turning more sour after Taffy suggested breathing exercises."
},
{
"author": "gorbalicious",
"message": "\"Grounding, maybe? Try to have some water?\" Asks Taffy, taking a half step forward, cautious in their movement to not startle or threaten the girl in any way. They smile softly, trying to engage in as non-threatening of a way as possible. They try not to talk too much, either, as they know it could easily get annoying.\n\n\"I just want to help, okay?\""
},
{
"author": "burningsilence",
"message": "Yarimiel takes a long inhale, then lets out a long inhale, the darkness receding from her face as her hair began to smoke heavily, leaving a black wisp that quickly faded away into nothing. Her face was normal again, but she was clearly still somewhat upset, her eyebrows still lowered considerably. She looked around herself, and really took care in doing so, in looking at the others, who either looked at her with fear or shock, an expression she's grown to hate when directed at her. This didn't necessarily calm her down completely, but it did slow her mind down considerably, which would make her much less impulsive and verbally aggressive. \n\n\"Can we go somewhere else, then?\"\n\nShe would definitely like to not remain at the site of the event, considering that in her very short but eventful fit of anger, she had done considerable damage, having crushed a couple of the tables and thrown the rest of everything else out of her path, were it people or furniture."
},
{
"author": "gorbalicious",
"message": "Taffy simply smiles and nods, loosening up slightly as he realises just how tense he's gotten. As he gets closer, it's easier to see just how frail he is. It seems almost like he hasn't eaten in days, and his loose outfit only really covers up so much of that.\n\n\"That's fine. I get it. Where do you want to go?\""
},
{
"author": "burningsilence",
"message": "\"Outside, maybe? Somewhere shaded, though.\" She then shakes her arms to loosen herself, the sleeves flailing around comedically. After this, she began to walk and lead them outside. \"*Cojones.* I thought there wouldn't be anything to make me angry here but I guess I was *Wrong*, fuckin' bullshit.\" She thought put loud as she walked away, regardless of whether Taffy followed. She pushed the door to the cafeteria open using her ability to forcefully extend her arm and push into the door, making it look far lighter than it actually was."
},
{
"author": "gorbalicious",
"message": "Letting out a small sigh of relief, Taffy follows after the girl, giving their eyes a quick rub. Xyr foosteps are light and quiet, and xe's a little slow as xe follows, xyr drained energy spilling through quite clearly.\n\n\"Sounds good,\" It says in response to Yarimiel's suggestion."
}
] | 119 | 1,135 |
214.7 | 2021-09-02 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "Evan was here. A relatively new arrival, but he missed the welcome party it seems. Not like he was worried about festivities or what-not.\n\nBrown hair mussed up, clothes creased and faded, his bushy brows folded into an intent furrow as he stands opposite a fence of what he assumed separated inside-campus from out. Or at least he assumed so. He wasn't very familiar with this place yet after all.\n\nHis messy appearance a product of the stress of his sudden circumstance- or maybe it's how he always looks like. He didn't like the fact he was whisked away at this place so suddenly, told some pretty wild stuff (even if it made sense, familiar with at least one instance where he used powers in the past), and overall... Unsure what to make of it.\n\nHe didn't like it here, but he didn't like it out there either."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "The fence wasn't really much of a barrier. It mostly just delineated where Newton's Cradle ended and the neighbors - or sidewalk - began. Still, the neighbors wanted it up, in some errant belief that it would somehow protect their property from the *Dirty criminals* At Newton's Cradle.\n\nNeedless to say, with Evan on the other side of it, that was not at all the case.\n\nPernilla finally left the building. She had been searching for Evan for a while and asking around, but it took a while before someone mentioned a scruffy-looking guy on the border of the plot. That, Pernilla thought, sounded like the one picture of Evan she had seen.\n\nIt didn't take her long to spot him on the other side of the fence. She approached calmly, a patient smile on her lips. \n\n\"Evan?\" She waited a few moments for confirmation before continuing - just in case she had the wrong guy. \"I'm Pernilla. I'm your assigned contact here. Would you like to come in?\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "Evan blinks as he turns his head to face Pernilla. \"Oh,\" He says, unenthused, as he neither confirms or deny if he was Evan outright. But his continued conversation may be implicit confirmation enough. \n\n\"I'm good.\" He says. He... Didn't hate her. He didn't like her. Sure enough, he didn't know this person he's meeting for the first time.\nBut deep rooted unease wasn't so easy to leave behind, being in an unfamiliar place. \"I like being outside.\" He turns to look back at the fence.\n\nThere is a moment of skeptical silence as he wonders if he should say more. He eventually decides to.\n\"You're my what now again?\" He asks."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Okay.\" Pernilla opens the gate in the fence and goes out to meet Evan. She's quite clearly shorter than Evan by a few inches, but she manages to keep an equal presence with him nonetheless.\n\n\"Well,\" She begins, \"You're here because you need help with a few things. Maybe catching up on your education, or figuring out how to keep a job, or something else.\" There's a brief moment of uncertainty in Pernilla's voice. She's bad with details - she doesn't quite know what Evan is supposed to be getting help with. He looks like a delinquent, but that doesn't mean he *Is* One...\n\n\"Everyone here has their own needs. So instead of doing what schools do, teaching everyone in big classes, we try to talk to everyone and help everyone individually. Does that make sense?\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "That explanation puts him at a bit of a bad mood, but he nods. He had to enter personal counseling before- it wasn't a very nice experience for him.\n\"That makes sense. I've heard a speech like it before.\" He says.\n\nHe takes a deep breath to steady himself.\n*So you're the one who won't leave me alone. Got it.* He internally winces a bit at how bitter his own mental comment was, but he keeps it in.\n\"Okay,\" He says, \"So it's your... Job? Got it.\" He puts the same idea, but more lightly.\n\"Well, what do I have to do here before I can head back... Home.\" Home. That last word was a bit off beat with rest of the sentence."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Yeah, sort of.\" She nods. \"If you ever need help with something, or need to talk to someone, or you need to change something in your education... Stuff like that. Then you talk to me. But you don't have to tell me anything more than you want to.\" Being pushy - or, as Evan had thought of it, *Not leaving people alone,* Was a bad strategy. Pernilla knew that from experience. People don't feel supported if you push them, and support was the goal.\n\n\"Home?\" Pernilla let the word hang in the air for a moment. When asked so soon, it was a delicate subject. Caution was appropriate. \"Well, you... You aren't here as a punishment, Evan. You can think of this sort of like boarding school. You'll go home when you've learned what you need to learn, and you can graduate.\"\n\nShe looked around. No one was there. Not surprising for the suburbs, particularly not that part - you don't walk past Newton's Cradle unless you live nearby. She could speak freely.\n\n\"It's your... You know. *Abilities.*\" She said it without derision - more as though she were alluding to something she could not quite discuss in polite company. \"Here. Watch.\"\n\nShe lifted her index finger and let it stick out for a moment - but it didn't take long for it to change. A light green branch sprouted from her fingertip, growing and splitting, buds at its many ends turning into a screen of little white flowers. She picked it off her hand, wincing in slight pain, and wordlessly extended the flower-screen to Evan.\n\n\"I had to learn to do that.\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "He listens to her explain a bit. All of that was a bit beyond Evan, as someone who was used to never ask for help, not talk to people, and barely payed attention in his old school... Well, he'll wonder about it later. \"Okay,\" He says, simply. But he felt like that was a bit too little, so he nodded as well.\n\n\"Kind of like boarding school.\" He echoes her wording, as if to inject some of his own disbelief into it. \"But that's not all, right?\"\n\nAs if on cue with his thoughts, he watches her as she suddenly sticks her finger out. He more properly turns to face her as she demonstrates. He feels *Surprise*, a lot of it, but he keeps himself composed outwardly as he reaches out to accept it.\n\n\"*Abilities*.\" He echoes her wording again. Without knowing the fine details, he simply follows her example of how to treat this whole... Phenomenon. He figures they couldn't have gone through all of the trouble of hiding the real reason he was taken here if it wasn't at least a bit secret.\n\n\"So... A lot of people can do stuff like this?\" He asks, and his tone of voice almost makes it seem as if he's relieved, even. \"That's... Weird.\"\nIt was, and he didn't know what else to say."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Well, it's... Not that common.\" Pernilla pauses. The number is... Really rare. Perhaps too rare. \"But pretty much everyone at Newton's Cradle can. That's why Newton's Cradle was founded, way back when.\" Perhaps the common estimate is too low. But Pernilla isn't qualified to talk about that. She's just a teacher.\n\n\"We try not to talk about it in public. Not because it's a secret that people like us exist, more... People like us are valuable. We get... Kidnapped.\" Pernilla frowned. Her speech was slow, deliberate. It seemed like it was personal to her. She didn't usually let things get personal, but occasionally, it wasn't a bad approach.\n\n\"There are three main things you need to learn to graduate. Using it, hiding it, and self-defense. Until you know those three, it's best if you stay with us.\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"Okay,\" He says. That was about the same as what was written in the letter... But still, it was a lot better to hear from someone else in person, and see it for himself. Even if the whole explanation still puts him at unease.\n\nIronically, wasn't he also kidnapped by these people in some sense? Well, maybe not under court order, but if he could be somewhere else, he would be. At least the letter mentioned he could still exit the facility, even if only for a time. \n\n\"Well, not like I can say no.\" He says plainly. He was used to it. \"If I have to, I have to. Just like school?\" He cranes his neck a little bit, and flexes his hand inside his pocket- a subtle reminder he had powers himself. The main reason he was here. \"So... When and how do you start teaching us how to do those three things?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Mm.\" Pernilla nodded, but decided not to address Evan's concerns any further. Getting his trust would take more time than that. He'd need to be comfortable himself.\n\nShe ruffled through the messenger bag at her side, pulling out a clipboard, a loose sheet of paper, and a pen, and quickly circled a few things on the paper before handing it to Evan. It was a schedule, typical of schools, with each day starting at 9 in the morning and ending at 2 in the afternoon. Pernilla had circled three classes: \"APT\", \"Self-Defense\", and \"Check-in\". APT and Self-Defense were dotted around the week, resulting in 3 weekly classes in each, whereas Check-in was only once per week. According to the schedule, the current class would be Check-in.\n\n\"Your schedule isn't fixed,\" She explained, \"This is just what we recommend. Right now, your first Self-Defense class is tomorrow at 9, but if there's anything you want to change, you can do that. Check-in is the time I set aside to talk to you if you need anything, so just talk to me then if you want to make any changes, okay?\"\n\nShe smiled brightly."
}
] | 191.5 | 2,147 |
141.636364 | 2021-09-03 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "Evan pulls his hands out of his pockets to reach out and accept the piece of paper. He returns her happy look with... A complicated one, if only for a moment before he dips his head down to read whats written on the paper.\n\n\"Okay, sure.\" He says, as his brows furrow even more. \"What's APT again?\"\n\"Self-Defense...\" He mutters, if only to let that reality sink in. Was it really that bad for people like them? He hesitates for a second, but leaves the topic alone for now.\n\n\"And... Its up to you guys to decide when it seems like I've learned everything I could have here?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"It's an acronym. Applied Paranormal Training, I think. We just call it APT.\" The APT groups were split up by Power Class, Pernilla faintly recalled, and the Contacts were too. But she didn't know much about Power Classes themselves. She skipped the reading.\n\nShe wasn't qualified to speak much about APT, basically.\n\nEvan's follow-up question puzzled Pernilla a bit. She wasn't quite sure whether to agree or disagree. \"Well, um...\" *Was it?* They certainly tried to retain people, but that wasn't always successful, and telling people that outright would only make it worse.\n\n\"We don't want to keep you here if it isn't helping you, but... Yes, I suppose it is.\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "Evan... Well, stares at her for an awkward quarter minute. He tries to make it seem like anything other than a stare, but that's what it was. The complicated expression on his face laid bare for those few seconds.\n\n\"A bit too late, when I'm here already.\" He says, quietly. He himself doesn't know exactly he's trying to communicate, saying that. \"You're... Not letting me leave immediately, that much I can guess.\"\n\n\"That's fine, I guess.\" He says. Knowing a bit more about his situation now, he feels a bit less bitter about having to stay here. \"I can keep this, right?\" He says, eyeing the piece of paper with his schedule outline on it."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "— (Paused but this time it's my fault) —"
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan was out on the grounds practicing. To a casual observer it might look like she's trying to skateboard, but after a few seconds, it's clear to see that she's riding what looks to be a metal trashcan lid. Strands of dark blue hair hang in front of her eyes as she pants faintly, already winded from trying to use her powers. She tosses the lid out once again, jumps onto it, balances for a few seconds, then overbalances and falls a few feet back to the ground. There's a loud bang as the metal disk hits the ground, and the even louder sound of Morgan shouting a string of curses into the air.\n\nShe lets herself lay on the grass for a while, trying to catch her breath and waiting for her wrist to stop hurting. She lifted the limb into the air, glaring at the cast still wrapped around her wrist. \"Stupid goddamn...\" Her voice trails off and her arm flops back to her side."
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "Finley, for all intents and purposes, had never ridden a metal trashcan lid, nor did they understand why someone would wish to do so - but, they still stood, just out of the evening sun's reach, and watched Morgan go back and forth, back and forth. They bit a hangnail off, raising a brow.\n\n*I bet she'll crash soon,* They thought.\n\nNot a moment later, she did indeed, flopping onto the grass with more curses than Finley assumed any of their wardens would appreciate. They watched her for another moment, wondering if her wrist was highly broken - again. \n\n\"I don't think it's wise to continue that,\" They called finally. \"Just a thought.\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan pushed herself from laying on the ground to a slightly more dignified position sitting up. She glanced around for a second before she found the source of the voice. \"Well yeah. It's definitely not wise. But like, I can make a trash can lid float with magnetism, there's no way in hell I'm not gonna learn how to ride it.\" She glared at the dented metal disk. \"At least it's supposed to float, when it's not busy dropping me on the grass.\" \n\nIt was at this point that she realized where she had seen Finley before. \"Hey. You were at the- the thing. The-\" She snapped her fingers as the word came to her. \"Celebration. For the new students, yeah? Hi. I'm Morgan.\""
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "\"Right, yes,\" Finley nodded, beginning to walk over to her from the corner. (What a rat.) They stopped beside her and looked down, debating on sitting beside the near-stranger or simply watching her with slight judgement. \n\n\"Magnetism, hm? I'm more of an electrical hazard, myself, but I could see the appeal in such an ordeal. Once you learn to float, you won't ever have to buy one of those horrendous hoverboard contraptions. Simply find the nearest street corner.\" The barest bones of a smile pulled on their face. \"I'm Finley. Finley Carlisle. Pleasure.\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "\"Technically it's electromagnetism but it's basically the same thing. I don't really get the science behind it but apparently when you spin electricity you get magnets.\" Morgan spun her forearms a few times when she said spin for added effect. \"Which is why this is so hard for me. I'm like, exploiting a science loophole so I'm still not sure exactly what I'm supposed to be doing.\" She smiled. \"Nice to meet you Finley.\" \n\nMorgan stood and looked down at the trashcan lid, deciding whether or not to try again. In the end, she decided not to push her luck. She did however, lightly kick the lid a few feet across the grass, just to make sure it felt her displeasure at it. \"Well I'm done with this tonight. What're you doing out here? Just taking a stroll?\""
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "Finley nodded again. They sat down across from her, fingers immediately beginning to pick at the grass and pry it apart, shooting a glance towards the trash can lid that had begun to skidder away. Morgan seemed like decent company - a bit ditzy, but not unrealistically unpleasant, and she had a sense of easy-going that hadn't quite gotten on their nerves yet, so they supposed she was alright enough.\n\n\"Supposedly,\" They answered. \"I haven't done much else since arriving here. It's a bit peculiar, don't you think?\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "\"What, this place? It's weird as hell. The teachers are all unusually nice, I don't get yelled at for being in the art room painting at 2 in the morning, the food is halfway decent, and there's actual trees and parks around. It's like, the opposite of where I grew up.\" She put her hands on her hips and sighed. \"Not to mention the whole superpowers thing. I always thought I must be like, the only one. I mean, it's a big world so I guess that doesn't make too much sense, but I never met anyone who had powers before this place.\" She was back to unconsciously picking at the cast on her wrist as she talked, half watching Finley and half staring off at whatever happened to catch her attention for a second before she focused on something else."
}
] | 149 | 1,558 |
147.4 | 2021-09-06 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "— (Unpause) —\n\nPernilla packs everything back in her bag, except for the schedule, which she leaves with Evan. \"Yes, yes, of course, it's all yours,\" She says hastily. \"Don't worry about it.\" She has a restless, apologetic air about her, as if she's made a mistake and is trying to get out of it. Not that she has - but she feels that way.\n\nShe takes a deep breath or two to compose herself.\n\n\"Have you been inside yet?\" She really wasn't sure. This was her first time meeting the poor boy, after all. \"I'll show you around, if you'd like. The fence is just there to stop the neighbors complaining, so you don't have to worry about that.\"\n\nNot that he couldn't leave anyway. His powers would've been quite convenient for opening a gate in a mundane fence."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"Okay.\" Evan folds up the piece of paper, and keeps it inside one of his coat pockets. He raises a brow at her demeanor, \"I'll try not to?\"\n\n\"I've been inside once to drop off my stuff in my room, so... Sure,\" He says, his voice unenthused. \"If I have to stay here for a bit, I'll take a look around.\"\n\n\"Kind of weird how this facility have neighbours. What do they even have to complain about?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Pernilla opens the gate and walks inside, gesturing for Evan to follow as she walks toward the building proper. \"Well, it's the suburbs. The neighbors aren't in the loop, so they think this is a prison.\" Pernilla sort of implicitly rolled her eyes with the statement, but she was far too polite to *Actually* Roll her eyes. \"I think someone spray painted on the sidewalk once, and that spooked them.\"\n\nNot that the residents didn't also get blamed for every other little thing nearby. Litter on the roadside? Newton's Cradle. Kids loitering? Newton's Cradle.\n\nShe held the door to the main building open for Evan as well. \"If you'd like to have a walk around on your own, that's fine too. Just say so.\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"Oh.\" He says. \"Well, it is still a detention center by name.\" He shrugs. The public perception kind of makes sense.\n\"Someone from here, or just someone in general?\" He asks. \"If it was someone from where, what happened to that guy?\" He raises a brow as he asks the questions.\n\nHe awkwardly steps into the building upon seeing her hold it open for him, looking around a bit. \"No, it's fine. Show me around.\"\n\"Like uh... Where we'll have our classes, I guess.\"\n\"Dunno where those are yet.\" Another shrug."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Someone from here. He got out of it fine. The deans made him clean it up again, and that was that. Really got the neighbors fussing, though.\" Pernilla remembered that weekend perfectly. The *Fuss* She had to endure - it was unbearable. And she had only just started working at Newton's Cradle, too.\n\n\"Oh, the classrooms and such are spread around a lot. The first ones are here on the right...\"\n\nThe two spent thirty minutes or so touring the building, before Pernilla dropped Evan off at his room. At that point, Pernilla was just happy to have some time off, but she nonetheless left him with a smile. That was what she was good at.\n\nAnother resident introduced. Maybe he won't hate it much."
}
] | 161 | 737 |
178.714286 | 2021-09-18 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "Finley had lurked around the corners and shadows of Newton's Cradle since the \"Grand introduction\". They liked it well enough, lingered in the halls between classes before being ushered off to the next one, drinking coffee and drinking up time all the same. The dorms were comfortable, the people were interesting, and they were, for the most part, content to observe.\n\nNow, holding a small metal thermos, Finley watched the clouds toil through the skies in puffy, parchmented pieces. Not enough sugar, they wrinkled their nose to themself. Another bitter sip, and the wind musing with fallen leaves beginning to gather under the trees outside. \n\nThey let out a long sigh. Another sleepy day, dragging on."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Finley was not the only one content to observe, and was in fact *Being* Observed. The courtyard was an open space, and the wind was strong enough to drown out the sound of footsteps in the grass - it was easy enough to hide in plain sight.\n\nNot that Hyun-jin had intended to. He elected to approach calmly, standing next to Finley with a cup of his own, but he didn't say a word.\n\nThe cup was full of tea. *Cold* Tea, on account of the weather. It was absolutely nasty, but Hyun-jin's sleep schedule had been thoroughly wrecked since he arrived, and he still preferred cold tea to coffee.\n\nHe looked around. No one around.\n\n\"Cloudwatching? See Zeus up there?\""
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "Ah, yes, Hyun-jin. Finley remembered him, the shy boy who had first introduced himself at their introduction ceremony. At first, he had seemed thoroughly unremarkable to Finley, as they assumed they had also been to him. After all, strangers owed no semblance of admiration. But, Hyun-jin seemed, at the very least, competent, and most people at Newtons Cradle possessed a criminal record of some sort - so, Finley had elected not to underestimate him, or anyone else.\n\nIt wrought a sort of tension. \n\n\"If I do,\" Finley told him, \"You will surely be the first to know. But, I'd prefer to spot Freyja, if we're being perfectly frank.\" \n\nThey took a sip of coffee, and their gaze flickered to Hyun-jin's cup. \"What's your poison?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Tea. Cold. Poison sounds about right.\" \n\nAt home, it would have been 10:30 AM. He would have been awake for maybe one-and-a-half hours. A good time for a spot of tea.\n\nAt Newton's Cradle, it was 7:30 PM. Also a good time for a spot of tea, but not for being outside. Not that that stopped Hyun-jin, who had still only been awake for one-and-a-half hours, in spite of the time difference.\n\n\"You're drinking coffee,\" He remarked nonchalantly, as though it were obvious. \"I can't stand coffee. I'd be drinking it if I could, though.\"\n\nFunnily, among all the violent criminals at Newton's Cradle - convicted of arson, assault, whatever - Hyun-jin's charge was drug possession with intent to distribute. If either person in the conversation had a reason to feel tense with the other, it was probably Hyun-jin.\n\n\"I remember you saying you were... Was it 'struck by Zeus'?\""
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "\"Only if you've elected for black,\" Finley replied. They glanced down at their coffee cup, the light steam still lifting from the porcelain rim. They nodded. \"Ironic, though - you seem as if you would do better with a latte, perhaps.\"\n\nWhat Finley wouldn't give for a real latte, these days. They took another sip.\n\n7:30pm. The sun was finishing its cycle, Helios's chariot riding across the skies, Selene brushing the horizon with her silver horses and dainty fingers. It would be colder, they supposed, back home, in Canada. Another wind blew across the trees and rattled the decaying branches.\n\nStruck by Zeus. The suddenness of the phrase almost made them chuckle. \"Yes, indeed. I was. And you... Dust, wasn't it? I'd hate to offend you in an ancient library. You'd be rather formidable there. That, perhaps, or an elderly home.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Oh, goodness, I'd make you sneeze. The horror.\" Hyun-jin's delivery was extremely deadpan, to the point of being entirely devoid of emotion. He wasn't annoyed, that was just how he expressed sarcasm.\n\n\"I wouldn't be afraid of me anywhere except a science lab. The worst I could find would be asbestos.\"\n\nAs horrifying as asbestos might be in theory, it did not make for an effective weapon.\n\n\"I know it sounds *Really* Canadian, but I have to say I miss Tim Horton's. The chocolate here is undrinkable.\"\n\nThere was hot chocolate at Newton's Cradle, in the 'cocoa powder mixed with water' sense. That never worked well for Hyun-jin. He could practically feel all the little grains gliding down his throat, every time. Not that he'd actually had much success using his powers on the little cocoa packets.\n\nPlus, it was too sweet."
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "Something in Finley perked up at the mention of Canada. Finley hadn't even *Touched* The hot chocolate in Newton's Cradle. The coffee even seemed bitter here. They did, though, smirk at the deadpan humor. It reminded them of their sister.\n\n\"Asbestos - how terrifying. Is it not a silent killer, then?\" They tilted their head. \"I'm sure you'd be devastating in the long term, Hyun-jin.\"\n\nWhile sarcastic, if you looked deep enough, there might have been a trace of reassurance in there. \n\n\"I'm from Canada, too. Tim Horton's is my favorite.\" They rocked back on their heels. \"Terribly mundane of us both, isn't it?\""
}
] | 180 | 1,251 |
88.903226 | 2021-09-24 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel couldn't understand why she was brought to this strange place. All away from her homeland where she was caught, talked to by some strange woman, and then shipped her. She carried a cedar bentwood box with north american tribal designs with cedar weaved straps. It would have been a duffle bag but this is no ordinary girl from a moderate setting. She was wild and was once free who is now confined by some government's rules. She was hiding in the woods unsure, feeling overwhelmed with so many emotions. Raizel was wandering through the woods to try get a familiarity of her surroundings."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Not too far from where Raizel was wandering, another girl was finding some space in the woods, but not for the same reasons. Morgan pressed her palms together, and shouted confidently into the empty sky above. \"I hope you're ready! Here comes my ultimate power move! Lightspeed Railgun!\" There was a loud wooden thud, as something hit a tree at high speed. \n\n\"Stupid piece of non-biodegradable waste!\" Clearly the ultimate power move hadn't worked as intended, and just as clearly, Morgan was unaware that someone else was close enough to hear her frustrated shouts. The sound of heavy footsteps started making their way, still obliviously, towards where Raizel was."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel's attention immediately turned towards the ruckus that nearly caused her to flee. Her round, glowing eyes stared at them as the female walking with heavy footsteps. When the angsty figure is approaching, this is when she panics more trying to find a place to hide."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "The blue haired girl makes a surprising amount of noise for someone so small as she stomps away from her last testing site. She pauses only a few feet from where Raizel is hiding. She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a quarter. \"You might as well give it up now!\" She yells, pointing almost directly the cover in front of Raizel. \"You don't stand a chance against the mighty Morgan Mellow!\" She smiles. \"Yeah, that sounds good.\" Then she clasps her hands together, takes aim, and shouts, \"Lightspeed Railgun!\" It's all too apparent that the girl is lost in her own head, and has no idea that someone is hiding directly in her line of fire."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Oh god, Rai has no idea what to do when the figure was now shouting at her direction. She moves out into the opening to let out a loud, snake like hiss at the loud menace. **\"SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHH!\"** She leaps out landing on fours glancing over at the girl before bolting off with the bentwood box strapped to her back."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "\"Ah!\" Morgan yells in shock as Rai reveals herself. There's a electric bang, like a sparking power line, and the quarter in her hand is fired like a bullet into the sky above as Morgan flails in surprise. It takes a moment to process what the hell just happened, but Morgan starts to chase after, though she's nowhere near as fast. \"Waiiiiit! I'm sorry! I didn't know you were there I didn't mean to sorry!\" Her sentences start to run together as the shock of adrenaline slowly starts to fade."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "She was rather quick weaving through the trees and brushes almost like a serpent moving fluently in the water. They leaped up midway on a tree before climbing up onto the branch, perching there, they let out an annoyed sound. It was a foreign language only spoken by the aboriginals on the coast of Canada."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "About a dozen or so seconds later, Morgan reaches the base of the tree, already panting hard and out of breath. She looks up at the tree, slightly confused. \"The- the hell did-\" She bends over, hands on her knees, still trying to catch her breath. \"The hell did you say? Hey, I'm- I'm sorry alright. I'm not gonna shoot at you.\" She holds up her hands to show that they're empty. \"See. I'm friendly, Mr. Random-creepy-masked-person in the woods.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Rrrrrrrrrrrrr...\" Raizel grumbled with annoyance, trying to get the use of using her mouth to speak english. She rolled her tongue in her mouth as if to get a feel of that other language. The girl let out a quiet, androgynous voice that was timid and soft. *\"Who... Are... You...?\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan's hands drifted more defensively in front of her at the growling, but she paused when she heard the shockingly quiet voice. It made her own voice seem even louder than normal by comparison. \"I'm Morgan.\" She gave a tentative wave. \"Hi. I go to the school slash detention facility near here.\" She pointed with fairly good accuracy in the direction of Newton's Cradle. \"Who're you?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "*\"I-It's... R-Rai..\"* She said, trying to pronounce the name correctly. * \"This isn't th-thi r-residential school... I-is it?\"* The person was perched on a sturdy branch sitting there crouching. When they blinked, the glow from the mask's eyes flickered. *\"Why am I here...?\"*"
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "\"It's nice to meet you Rai.\" Morgan had half a dozen thoughts running through her head, but she didn't voice all of them so she didn't freak Rai out any more. \"Out here? I don't actually know if they own this part of the land, but we're a good ways away from the buildings.\" Another question occurred to Morgan. \"Are you okay Rai?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "There was a moment of silence from Raizel when their gaze seem to have fallen to the ground. *\"I-I don't kn-know..\"* Their soft tone seem to quiver. *Th-They took me from my homeland... Away from... H-home... B-because... I'm n-not n-n-normal.\"*"
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "\"Oh,\" Morgan said, her normally boisterous voice falling off slightly. \"I'm sorry.\" Though she hadn't been detained willingly, Morgan had been convinced that Newton's Cradle could be good for her, so long as she let it be. So in the end, she had voluntarily come to the school, not that her agreement was strictly needed. Still, it was somewhat jarring seeing more and more people who hadn't had nearly as clean a transition as she had. \n\nShe didn't really know what to say that could help. How could she give advice when she still felt homesick herself every few days. In the end, she said, \"I'm not very normal either. Wanna be friends?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "*\"F-Friends...? Wh-What word is that?\"* She sound very confused trying to understand the language. It had been quite awhile since she had to speak to anyone or bother use english to communicate. She was alone for a long, long time with little socializing. The wild kid will catch on pretty quickly after plenty of interactions. The sprang off the branch before landing onto the ground with a heavy thud. Then they stood up, reaching 5'7 in height."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan took an almost involuntary step back when Rai jumped down. The other girl stood almost a head taller than her, and that mask was... Intimidating. The soft voice and, in Morgan's opinion, almost cliche question put her a bit more at ease. \"Friends? Y'know like, people who like each other and look out for each other. Friends, homies, compadres, bros, amigos.\" She cracked an amused smile, almost a smirk. \"I dunno how I feel about this place yet, but the least we can do is watch each other's backs while we're here.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Okay... So... That's... What friends mean. E-English... Not s-so great... Hav-haven't talked to anyone... For... So long..\" Raizel is trying her best to communicate, but her stuttering was making her feel more nervous. Her glowing round eyes seem to narrow as she stares back down at the ground again. \"From... C-Canada...\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "\"It's alright. That's not too uncommon around here, at least from what I know. I'm from the US myself.\" She looks Rai up and down, then asks, \"So out of curiosity, what were you doing all the way out here?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "*\"Th-This place is too w-weird... Al-always lived outside... Al-alone... S-survived in the wild b-by myself.\"*"
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "\"That sounds pretty damn rough. I've lived in a city my whole life so I'm afraid I can't relate much. This is basically the most green I've seen at one time ever.\" She crossed her arms. \"If you were living alone in the wild up until now, how did Newton's Cradle even find you? I got caught, but I accidentally took out a whole block of power in my city, so that I can understand.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "*\"Got shot by hunter after he hit me... Thinking I was a monster... Arc-archologist was... Di-disturbing my home... Th-they took the totem poles... They started to take th-things away... T-tried scaring them o-off... W-word got out somehow..\"* They rubbed their shoulder where they got grazed. It should be well healed up by now."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "\"Ouch. I can't say I blame you for that. I'd probably do the same if someone broke into my bro's apartment and tried to take our shit.\" Morgan grinned again. \"Bet you scared the hell out of em though. You can be pretty scary with that mask. Spooked me pretty bad when you ran out from behind that tree.\" She fidgeted with her wrist, newly liberated from the cast she had worn for the last few weeks. \"Sorry again about that. I thought I was alone out here.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "She shakes her head. *\"Didn't e-expect to see someone out here... People, concrete, buildings... E-everything looks strange to me. Th-think I should try get use to it. D-Don't have a family nor friends f-from my home. B-Born alone in... In an abandoned village..\"*"
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan leaned in slightly. \"You wanna hear a secret? It's strange here for me too. I don't know anyone here, not really. My only family hours away across the ocean. I- I think that's true for most of us. The teachers, the faculty, they act nice, but... We don't really know them. We don't know if they're really looking out for us. But we can look out for each other.\" She her hand out for a fist bump, briefly forgetting that Rai would likely not understand what that meant."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Rai seen this from the reservation among other teenagers. She's not a complete savage but at least understand some social norms. Voidette does a fist bump. *\"N-Nice to meet you... M-Morgan...\"* As they're standing they seem to be slightly shaking from their social anxiety. Being this close to the masked person, their body is freezing cold like ice water."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan noticed Rai shivering and then back towards where campus was. \"Do you want to head back. It's probably going to get dark soon, and then it's gonna get cold as shit.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Th-The cold doesn't bother me much..\" Rai said, getting the hint that they should follow. \"Freeze proof... Was born from the snow i-in the mountains...\" As they followed along it is obvious that she is someone who came straight out from the woods. On herb ack is a large cedar bendwood box with tribale designs with oaster cells deocrations."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "As they made their way back, Morgan finally took the time to notice what Rai was wearing. The mask, the gear, the box. She didn't have a hard time believing that she had been alone in the wilds most of her life. \"So feel free to stop me if I'm asking too many questions, but what's with the box? You like, carrying your little sister turned demon as you search the world for Micheal Jackson to turn her human again?\" She blinked. \"Wait, shit, you probably haven't seen that show.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"O-Oh... It could be used for a casket... I-it's a bentwood box, it carries m-my belongings... I don't have backpacks like m-most kids,\" Said Rai, glancing at Morgan as they reach their hand out towards the door. \"You can use i-it for a lot of things.\" They opened the door and held it open for Morgan to pass through first."
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan entered the building and said, \"I... Don't know why but I expected the answer to be more than, 'a backpack,' but in retrospect that makes way more sense.\" She jumped slightly as her phone started buzzing in her pocket. She checked it, and frowned slightly. \"Oh shit. My brother's been trying to get a hold of me. I need to see what's going on.\" She looked back up at Rai. \"It was nice to meet you Rai. I'll see you around okay?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Okay... B-bye... For now..\" She says softly, waving before she wanders alone down the hallway."
}
] | 83 | 2,756 |
105.8 | 2021-09-27 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Silent, alright. Get me some anthrax and I'll do some real damage.\" Hyun-jin's facial expression was as frozen and neutral as ever. He didn't seem the type to laugh. \"Maybe it's best if I *Can't* Kill people, though.\" \n\nHe wasn't allowed in the science lab. Not because he could be dangerous, just because the teacher didn't like him.\n\nWhen he told his contact, all he got in return was 'That's Oliver for you.'\n\n\"Yeah, guess so. At least *Something's* Mundane about you.\""
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "Long ago, Finley used to watch crime documentaries about sorts of people who would fill waxy envelopes with heaping bits of the deadly toxin. After their arrest, they found it seldom entertaining anymore.\n\n\"Mmm, true. Terrible weight it is, life and death,\" They mused over a swallow.\n\n After hearing Hyun-jin's next sentence though, they raised a brow. In amusement or in offense, it might be hard to tell.\n\n\"Are you saying I'm bizarre, then, Hyun-jin?\" They asked. \n\n*Not exactly unfitting, for them or anyone else at the Cradle.*"
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Am I wrong?\" Hyun-jin hadn't met many people who would use 'formidable' in casual conversation and pretend it was a completely normal word to use.\n\nHe didn't particularly feel like explaining himself further. It wasn't as though he had planned on making a friend today, anyway.\n\nHe shrugged."
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "Finley relaxed a bit, rocking back on their heels and smiling, just enough to see over the evening chill. They raised their foam cup in some odd mockery of a cheer. \n\n\"No,\" They said, \"I don't think you are - but, you've ended up here, too, haven't you? You're as unequivocally odd as I am, in your own way. We're not that different, I don't think.\"\n\nThey let the moment stir in silence.\n\n\"But, ah, I could be just spewing smoke. Never quite know these days.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Hyun-jin tried to find a comeback, but didn't come up with anything good. He let silence blanket the air and gazed up at the sky for a short moment instead.\n\n\"Never know. Maybe we're normal, and everyone else is weird.\"\n\nThe air had a faint smell of soot. The wind was blowing factory smoke their way. Hyun-jin gestured a bit in the air for a moment.\n\n\"I'm going inside. Don't wanna breathe this. See you around.\""
}
] | 117 | 529 |
133.411765 | 2021-10-16 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "She needs to get out! She really wants to get out! The tightness in her throat felt like its making it hard to breath. Her skin felt very clammy and damp that now turned to frost. A cold fog cloud streamed from the sides of her mask like smoke. The walls are beginning to close in on her. Rai opened her window before climbing out, sliding partially down the wall before kicking off it and rolling across the damp ground. She's booking it for the woods to escape many eyes that watched her go. Ignoring the branches brushing against her mask with thunking sounds. She skid a corner leaving a mark through the moss where she turns to hide behind a leafless tree. Her gloved hands are covering over her masked face, trembling alone."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "And she'd be alone, for a while. Until someone else came to bother her. A familiar face. A very stern one with an annoyed expression.\nShe'd hear it well in advance. Maybe she let the landscape scrape away at her, but Evan took care to push away and step around branches and uneven rocks, despite his displeasure.\n\"Hey,\" He snaps his fingers to try and catch her attention once he was close enough, \"Hey, you. What the hell are you doing here?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Where she remain there for a long time have caused parts of the ground and tree to be slightly frosted. She was sitting down curled up with her back lean against the trunk. Rai lost some control over her transformation from the fight or fright response. Her mask is now worn over a second one that is her actual face. Her wood like claws shredded through her leather gloves. Even her long otterlike tail had grown out coiled beneath her feet. Parts of her jacket was ripped from getting snagged by some thorns and branches when she came pushing through them. When a sound of brush moved, she gave a shaky gasp as she looked up. Then finally notices a dark figure casting their shadow over her. Rai nearly jumped out of her skin but soon recognizes his voice. \"Ev-Evan...?\" She turns her attention to him. Shakily she stood up but something about her form was slightly off."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "Maybe it was a mean comment to make of someone, but Evan kind of expected Rai to be the kind of person to... Break down like this sooner or later. And it wasn't a pretty scene to behold. He looked across the frost she's spread across her immediate vicinity.\n\n\"That's me,\" He says, \"You let your power show, but whatever.\"\nHe sucks in a deep breath, pulls his coat closer over his front, before he steps closer into her area of effect. He was pretty used to the cold. He could stomach it- but it doesn't mean he liked it. \"What the hell happened now?\" He asks."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Her snout draws pass the line of darkness to show her dark maw with her signature mask worn on the forehead. The long, earthy colors of hair appeared to be a mane of ribbons. Then it appears her arms have grown a little longer with claw like hands. When he asked there was a pressuring that weighed down on her chest. She open her maw to speak but no words came out, but she lit the dark from the white glow in her mouth, revealing her predatory teeth. Then her round illuminating eyes wavered with tears that stream down her cheeks. \"I-I don't know! I don't u-understand I-I..\" She seizes up when she starts wiping away the tears with the back of her sleeve. Seeing him there was a relief that someone is familiar is here. Without thinking, she didn't hesitate to embrace him. \"I-It was so hard to breath, I-I don't know how to people and the walls st-started to close in!\" She was a babbling cold mess. Very emotional. It was this moment when her tone sound kind of like a girl? It was difficult to tell. \"I-I didn't know what to do! F-Felt so stupid and lost!\" The girl was quivering like a rattle."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "He squints a bit as she babbles on, only to flinch and step back when she suddenly reaches out to embrace him. But it happens in the end. He furrows his bushy brows as he parses what happened...\n\n\"You're cold.\" He comments. He doesn't have a follow up to it, except a small pause as he moves on to his next point. \"What you're supposed to do? Duck and cry in a forest definitely isn't it.\" He says. \"Go try and find staff, maybe. They're supposed to help. Pernilla is a nice person.\" Maybe too nice, in his opinion of her.\n\"You're not lost. You can always stay in your room.\"\nHe wasn't about to exactly embrace her back, but he does put a hand on her shoulder. Not much he can do, and he wasn't about to tell her off when she was about to cry.\n\n\"Just... Tell me when you can actually talk.\" He sighs."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "She sniffles. Rai just didn't know what to do or handle the emotions that she first experience was frightening. Evan was much taller than her was enough for her bury her face into his chest. \"O-Okay..\" Rai blinks away her tears. It took her a moment to try collect herself after regaining her composure. The cold seem to ease in response when she collected enough strength to calm down. Then she notices Evan smells kind of nice? But doesn't comment about it. She'll pull away letting him go to wipe away her tears. At least she isn't quivering anymore. \"Ev...\" She says, her tone soft. \"Wh-What m-made you come out here..?\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "Evan steps back when it seemed like Rai could stand by herself. That same stern expression is present on his face, but it seems like its eased up a bit. In its place, a bit of exhaustion.\n\n\"I saw you run out here like a mess, dumbass.\" He chides her a bit. \"Even if we're in a private facility, places like the woods makes me feel anxious. Bad stuff always happens in the woods.\" Paranoia and bad personal history.\nSo he supposes he panicked a bit, which he won't mention.\n\n\"If you were so panicked you'd run out here, I don't know what else you'd do. So I had to check on you. I didn't want to wake up to a dead body in the woods, or some shit.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Her round glowing eyes flickered as if blinking before tilting her head slightly. \"I-I've stayed in the wilderness all my life... Since I-I was a smol kid..\" She pauses for a moment to reconsider what he recently said. \"Oh..\" Rai said with an expression that something dawn on her. Then soon that expression soften up with her mouth turning into a horizontal '3' that look almost like a cat. Her glowing round eyes shimmer when her wooden triangle ears pins back. This somehow killed the cold in her heart that left her feeling less scared. Much as she wants to hug him one more time, she respected his boundaries as she held her arms up to her chest with her clawlike hands curled into a fist. Then seeing his eyes for a second made her look down bashfully. \"Ev... Th-thanks...\" She says softly."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "He rubs his forehead a bit, brows still furrowed as if he has a headache. \"You're welcome.\" He says in an unenthused voice. \"Then you more than anyone should know how scary the wilderness can be. You have a room with walls to choose over this place.\"\n\nHe rolls his eyes a bit. He raises a brow at her demeanor, but doesn't comment on it further. \"So do you want to head back yet, or do you still plan to mope around here a bit more?\" He shoves his hands in his pockets.\n\"At least you've calmed down a bit.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"N-not really... I think humans are sc-scarier... And al-all their weird rules... They're too unpredictable.\" Raizel pauses for a second, replying with shaking her head. \"No... Not... Going... To keep... B-being scared..\" Rai is trying to muster up the tiny ball of courage she had inside. Much as she hates to go back where the people are, this girl gave herself a reason to return. One, so she doesn't make Ev worried. Two, so the other doesn't have to stay in the woods which makes him uncomfortable."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "Evan quietly stares at her for a few seconds. She does have a point.\n\"Well, not like we have a choice.\" He says. \"This is your life now. It may suck, sure, but its best if you learn how to live with it.\"\nHe shakes his head a bit. \"I think you're weird and unpredictable too, you know.\" He says. \"But in the end, I don't think you're a bad person.\"\n\n\"That's how I feel about people, at least.\"\nHe raises a brow. \"If you're scared, tell me now.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Not when you're around,\" She says, trying her very best not to stutter. It sound a lot nice without falter in her soft voice. She's trying to grow this courage. This meager courage to face society and the strange posh building. \"O-okay... Maybe... A little..\" She pressed her eyes shut with some glow peaking out, creating two illuminating arrows pointing at each others."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "He raises a brow. \"Well, I won't always be around.\" He says. \"So you better work on it.\"\nHe shakes his head a bit. \"No choice, I suppose.\" He says, as he sits down on the floor of the wilderness. \"I'm used to the wilderness too.\"\n\"No need to rush. You'll spend hours in those places sooner or later, anyway.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Her ears lowers, understanding that he's right. When he plops down to sit on the earthy, not long after, she sits down with her legs crossed. Her long otter like tail move to the right which angled itself in a 'C' shape when it rested beside her. It was slick and black with tribal markings engraving it. \"Ev... Were... You always alone when you were s-scared?\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"Alone when I was scared?\" He asks. He wasn't entirely sure what she meant.\n\"Well sure. But its not like it was special.\" He says. \"I'd leave my home and family for days, so it makes sense I'd be alone. I'd be satisfied alone. I'd be mad alone. I'd be scared alone. That was my choice.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"I am... S-struggling to empathize..\" Her glowing eyes become lined slights when she tilts her head, trying to understand what he is really saying. \"Family? Not sure... What its like to have one... Was abandoned in the winter. So... L-loneliness doesn't bother you?\""
}
] | 127 | 2,268 |
150.214286 | 2022-01-04 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "The sound of birds singing eerily in the woods and a woodpecker striking its beak against wood somewhere in the background. Sunlight was beginning to leave as night starts to creep into the land. A splash of sudden red streaked across the bushes and trees before a nasty crunch cracked the cold air. A deer's body laid twitching on the mossy floor with its broken neck held tight by a maw of a creature. Raizel was in her meager form of another beast that help raise her hunting abilities much better. She held the dying animal down with her clawlike hands, waiting for it to slip away before she drags its body back to the school. Her glowing white eyes blinked, getting the sensation that this animal is at death's door."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "It was almost imperceptible, but between the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and Raizel's breath, there was a metallic sort of whirring. Little motors spinning, just out of sight. Little metal legs tap-tap-tapping along the forest floor.\n\nThey're seen before they're heard. Four-legged, spider-like machines, not much larger than tennis balls, with water sloshing around inside a transparent dome at the top. They swarm around the carcass, making a home on top of it, nestling in like cats preparing to sleep. But they don't seem to be doing anything."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Oh no, this is her kill! She is going to begin dragging it away towards the direction of the school. From her point of her view, they were like coyotes and crows trying to steal her meal when they just waited for free food. Rai begins to shake off the spiderlike creatures as she moves, dragging, the dead deer away."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "The little machines leap off the carcass and instead surround Rai, seemingly intent on keeping her where she is. Their bodies twist around to point the water-filled domes away from Rai. One directly in front of her demonstrates their capabilities by launching a jet of water at the ground in front of her, generating a thin, but deep gash in the undergrowth. \n\nMeanwhile, somewhere not far away, an increasingly disgruntled employee of Newton's Cradle is fighting his way through the thicket. He's getting closer, though. He's beginning to smell something rank in the air, and he can just about make out a subtle white glow from somewhere ahead of him. Branches crack loudly under his feet, but if he had to move quietly, he wouldn't get anywhere.\n\nHe's settling for being able to move at all. He'll probably need to be disinfected thoroughly the moment he gets back."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Oh. Oh no. The sudden shot from a jet of water triggered some memories back from Canada when hunters had shot at her. Panicking now, she begins to drag off the corpse more frantically to get away from the small machines. A trail of blood is left behind as she trying to escape. The sound of branches cracking loudly had gotten her attention. Was it a bigger thing!? She assume it was another of those mechanical spiders but much larger. She couldn't help but let out a warning growl for it to back off as she steps away."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "The machines shoot at her in response to her movements, trying to keep her from moving, but it doesn't turn out that they need to do that for very long.\n\nWhat steps out of the woods *Is* Bigger, considerably so, but it's very much a human and not a mechanical spider. Male, not particularly tall, casually dressed with an N95 mask covering his nose and mouth. By the look in his eyes, he's displeased. Rai would recognize him as an employee of Newton's Cradle - not that he's doing much to hide it.\n\nHe takes a deep breath in, as if to sigh, but instead starts coughing violently. \"Disgusting,\" He snarls, pinching the bridge of his nose. \"You're the runt who's been leaving dead animals lying around, huh.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Oh no. No. This stung. Her round eyes narrows as she stares daggers at the employee while her maw is clamped down on the deer's neck. Her wooden, pointed ear twitched in annoyance as her mane raises in spikes. Her longish, bestial arms circles the dead animal as if to hug it as she turns it away from him. \"Its not our way to waste!\" Her voice echoed with ghostly whispers followed after it. \"We use every bit of the animal and properly dispose the remains that are not used!\" As she speaks, some blood dripped from her wooden maw."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Yeah, well, I don't know who else could be leaving dead deer around Newton's Cradle.\" He fiddles around in his pockets for a few moments before finding a small pack of mint gum. He shoves it in his mouth all at once, clearly displeased with the smell.\n\nHe soon discovers the confusing - and relatively gross - taste of minty decay. But at least it covers up the awful smell somewhat.\n\n\"When you don't get around to finishing your...\" He gestures vaguely at the dead deer. \"...Who do you think is taking it? The spirits? The crows? The *Normal people?* Normal people don't eat rotting deer. Normal people generally try to avoid catching prion disease.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"The rest of it is left buried. You think I'd leave this hanging waste?\" She is indeed now hugging the dead animal in her arms protectively. This girl takes another step back. \"This is food.\" Now both her wooden ears flattens back on her head. \"I-I want it b-because I want to turn it into food. Save its hide and bones.\" It was beginning to get harder to speak when she is starting to feel anxious."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"You're going to eat... All of that. By yourself?\" He sounds incredulous, and annoyed. \"And save the hide and bones instead of throwing them away.\" He walks a bit further into the woods for a few moments, and breathes deeply. It looks like he's trying not to throw a fit at Rai. It doesn't really seem to be working.\n\nHe comes back, and crouches down to be at eye level with Rai. \"First of all, no. You are not eating all of that. Like I said, prion disease. Not a fun way to die.\" He's serious, but seems less mean than previously. \"Secondly, why are you burying the stuff you can't eat? That's disgusting. Not to mention unsanitary. The stone age is over, we invented the freezer decades ago. Use it.\"\n\nHe pauses for a while to collect his robots. He puts them in a grocery store plastic bag. It looks incredibly trashy, but it seems to work well enough. \n\n\"You're not the only one in this town who hunts for food. You could've told someone and made it at least somewhat sanitary. Maybe even made something good with the meat. But I've been cleaning up your mess for weeks at this point, and I've had several people tell me the courtyard smells like death, so whatever you do, this -\" He gestures, once again, to the deer \"- has to stop. Now.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "This sparked a flame in Rai when he came too close for comfort when he drew near.\"But I just killed it!\" She argued, now attempting to stand her ground. \"And this is a first time I went out h-hunting! D-Don't pin someone else's mess on me!\" For the first time, Raizel had snapped at someone out of frustration. This could be a sign that she is fed up feeling oppressed by the system from another land where she got thrown into. \"A-And fine! I'll use the d-damn freezer!\" Rai huffed with a cold cloud of fog escaping her maw."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "He sighs. \"Like I said, I don't know anyone else who'd be leaving dead deer lying around, but if I can't prove it's you either, the best I can do is tell you not to do it again. So don't do it again. I'm watching you.\"\n\nHe stands up and ruffles through the bag with his robots in it. He's always carrying *Something* Useful for basically any situation, even if it's something simple. Even if it's mostly there to help spare him personally some hassle.\n\nHe drops a roll of large trash bags next to the deer. \"Put it in one of those if you're taking it inside before butchering it, or the whole place is going to smell terrible. And since the staff offices are at the entrance, I think someone's gonna notice that pretty quick. Not to mention the *Trail of blood.*\"\n\n\"Have fun with your deer carcass. And come see me if you get sick. You'll know where to find me.\" He walks off the way he came, with significantly fewer branches in the way on account of having stomped most of them down the first time."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Rai watches him walk through the thicket, leaving her alone with a dead deer and a bunch of garbage bags. She couldn't help but let out a sigh before she bagged the kill up before carrying it to the kitchen. The girl will do a decent job skinning and butchering the creature before packaging it carefully and placing it in the freezer. Of course, she misinterpreted what the man said to her earlier that day. The things that she did not eat or find reasonable to keep are the organs, guts and other parts she doesn't use are kept in a garbage bag. She'll have it stored away in the freezer like the man had mention once. *\"Secondly, why are you burying the stuff you can't eat? That's disgusting. Not to mention unsanitary. The stone age is over, we invented the freezer decades ago. Use it.\"* And Rai drew a crude drawing of the man with a message saying,\"He told me to store waste in freezer.\" Then she'll go cook a simple meal before going about her day. There is a freezer containing unwanted deer parts with a hoof sticking out from a garbage bag."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Someone is going to find that. And not care."
}
] | 138 | 2,103 |
129.888889 | 2022-01-06 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Standing near the front entrance of the large school there was a tall youngman who appeared to be maybe 17 or 19. He has messy dark hair with an oldish dark grey hoodie covering over his head to reveal his weary blue eyes. A scarf masked half his lower face to cover most of his features. Hanging from his neck was tinted goggles with a bronze coating that gave it a vintage appeal. His dark overcoat draped over his slim frame that help keep him warm from the chill in the air. He had one strap over his shoulder with his backpack hanging from his back. Vance glance up at the edge of the roof now wondering if he is able to get up there without anyone looking? Then an odd notice to his surrounding that the school has an awful lot of females populating the area. Slightly concern, he was hoping that he is at the right place? It got to be? Then he sees that there was some signs that there are some male students that put him at ease a bit. He was quite taken back to see so many people with strange abilities that he had never thought would possess."
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "Vizhkir was outside for his self alotted break from schooling and PT. He sat on a bench, alone, in a light outfit. A brown leather jacket, sherpa lined, which had seen better days, a pair of black jeans and some combat boots. He hadn't yet determined it to be cold enough to bring out his Ushanka, but he had one for the days in the near feature where it would be needed. With his arms outstreched it was hard to determine weither or not the large Russian boy was asleep or awake due to his gold framed aviators, which had also seen better days, and his head laid back. A steady puff of white smoke come from him as he breathed, the air chilled enough to see one's breath."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "The smell of cigarette smoke caught his attention which made him crave a good drag to ease his nerves. Wait... Wasn't it against the rules to be smoking on school property? Fuck it. The hell with the rules! He squints a little to try see pass the bright sunlight to see where the source of the cigarette is coming from. There. Right there sits a russian brute having a cigarette with not a care in the world. Fuck everything. Vance walks over with light steps before sitting beside the russian kid, making sure he has several feet of space. He slips out a cigarette before lighting it with a switch sound of his lighter. He leans his back against the stand with his arm resting on it, slightly lolling his head back with grey smoke streaming from his mouth. He seriously needed this. If he gets caught it didn't matter. This was the moment to just chill."
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "Viz got a tingle on the back of his neck. He tilted his head to the left, seeing the boy sitting next to him, smoking as well. He was surprised in two counts. A, someone had chosen to sit next to him and B, someone else smoked here. He slowly pulled his left arm back to his side as it had been on the back of the rest. \"здороваться. I'm Vizhkir\" He said, extending his right hand out for a shake. If taken he would have had a very firm shake, along with eye contact."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Vancer flicked his cold, deep blue eyes to glance at Viz without turning his head. A end of the cigarette resting between his lips where a stream of smoke snaked out freely. The gaze then fell to Viz's large hand holding out to his direction. \"I don't shake hands.\" His voice was deep with a bit of a scratch in his tone. \"Name's Vancer.\""
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "\"неподходящий\" He muttered before dropping his hand. Vizhkir's voice was also deep, but even with his choppy accent it was smooth. He pulled off his sunglasses and tucked them safely within his jacket pocket, freeing his sea green eyes to the fresh air. He tossed his cigarette away, flicking it far in front of them."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"How long have you been here?\" Vancer asked, a chill behind his tone. He was still smoking, flicking away ashes before taking another drag. Probably unlike Vizi-Pop, he didn't have a single scar on his exposed face showed sharp features and perfect skin. Yeah, pretty boi arrived into town."
},
{
"author": "m18_hellcat_gmc",
"message": "Vizhkir was not his father. His body had small scars, nicks and such that were results of accidents or training. He was not a butchered man, marred by scars and wounds that would make even the most skilled plastic surgeon a run for their money. No, Vizhkir's face was unmarked. \"I have been here a few months. Since early August. You are new\" He stated. His words were rough, and it was clear that he hadn't been speaking English for too long. \"Break is almost up. If you need me for something, room 1403 or weight room\" He rose, turning before stopping and adding, \"Snuff it out. Admin is coming. До свидания\" \n\nWith a salute Vizhkir could be briefly seen before he disappeared within a door. And not long after an administrator could be seen walking down the path."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Yeah, they recently ship me off to this joint,\" He said, now quickly putting on his cigarette. When he looks up to see where Viz is, the kid was gone from his view with only the door closing behind him. As soon as he hears the admin arriving, he quickly disappears in a poof of shadows before bailing from the area.\n\n———————————————————-"
}
] | 121 | 1,169 |
176.058824 | 2022-01-20 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "The last hour or so of classes that he had had fried his brain, Owen was positive. It was one of those days when his head was going too fast, when there was too much energy coiled in his limbs for comfort; a lot had been running through his mind, over and over, and sitting still was a thought impossible.\n\nThankfully, though, it was also one of those days when the air was just right; not too humid, sky clear and cold, perfect for blowing off some steam. Tying his hair back and turning up the volume in his earbuds, Owen took off sprinting into the woods."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Vance was walking through the woods still trying to find out who the fuck was leaving animal carcass around on the campground. Bitter, he walked through the woods dressed in his janitor jumper with a backpack containing rubber gloves, garbage bags and other cleaning gear. He was invisible when he sneaked past the trees searching for the animal killer and other carcasses laying around. There was a garbage bag of small dead critters that he picked out from the bushes that was decomposing. He didn't take notice of the lanky male coming towards his direction with his back turned."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "The tempo of the song blasting through his skull picked up, thundering deliciously through the mess in his head. Was it not a great idea to not really be looking where he was going? Probably. Was it a concern of his? Nah. With his face in the wind, his feet coming down hard on the forest floor, and worries melting away, he...\n\n...Collides with something? What? He clips whatever this is with just enough of his shoulder to be stopped in his tracks, but his momentum wasn't anywhere near gone. To his dismay, Owen's feet go missing in action and he winds up face-down in the dirt.\n\n\"OW. Ffyc, uhm,\" Owen wheezed, \"Go-good afternoon?\" He attempted in vain to hold back a snort at how bad that first impression was. *What was that even a first impression on??*"
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Vance felt his eyebrows pull together into a displeased frown when the garbage ripped open from getting clipped by this fool! There was a dead squirrel head hanging by a thread of muscle that is poking out from the tear. Before he could respond to the other person, the bag spilled out with a variety of dead birds, squirrels, rabbits, badgers and moles. His invisibility didn't hide all this for long when it left him. From the other person's point of view they would see a small cascade of corpses falling out of no where. Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat! Even with his powers, he couldn't cloak the scent of the dead now. His mouth pulled into a straight line when he felt his nose burned from the stench."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Yep, definitely his worst first impression to date. Marvellous, his handiwork, really. The magnitude of his screw-up slowly rendered in his head, the rain of *Animal guts???* Finally registering properly as **ANIMAL GUTS**. Oh no. Another, even more undignified yelp escaped him, and he scrambled to pick himself up off of the ground, frantically shaking all of his clothes. \n\nLuckily, since he was overheated all day, he was just in an old t-shirt; raw guts on his skin wasn't *Good*, but it beat cleaning blood out of leather.\n\nHis face turned hot as he turned to look at the dude he had just tripped over. He did not look like he was having a good afternoon. Whoops. Ok, well, it could only get better from here, right? \n\n\"Sorr-sorry about your, ah... Guts,\" He managed to spill out. \"*Mae hi wedi cachi arna i*, I've done it this time,\" He muttered to himself. \"You, ah, want some help with that?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "His invisibility cloak faltered and disappeared to reveal his disappointed and disgruntled look. \"You... Damn idiot!\" He swing his ripped garbage at the pretty boy with an annoyed expression. \"Are you the one leaving these dead animals rotting on this campus!?\" He was already digging into his backpack to pull out a garbage bag, making sure to double it to avoid another spillage. Little did he know, Owen is aware of who was murdering these animal. Putting on a pair of cleaner rubber gloves, her begins scooping up the gooshy pile of carcasses to put into the bag. Little white worms wiggling from the rotting remains like little baby fingers."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Owen winced at the angry guy reprimanding him for spilling his bag of carcasses (again, *What?*)This fellow was intense- he got the feeling that if he made eye contact now he would combust, so his eyes were now glued to the stuff he was scooping back into his garbage bag.\n\nThe sight of death was a strange one; the scent cut a jagged path into his nose, momentarily tempting bile from his churning stomach. \n\n\"What?! No, no, I'm not the one doing this,\" He spluttered, shaking his head for emphasis. His arms were already feeling sticky, so they hovered awkwardly a few centimetres from his body. Yep, this one's going in the books as the weirdest thing he's seen in the woods.\n\n\"I'm really sorry for knocking you over\", he tried, \"If you have another pair of gloves I can help you clean it up faster.\" Not what he wanted to be doing today, but there was no way he was just ditching this scene."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "There was a sharp glance from the elf before Owen is tossed with a pair of rubber gloves. \"Hurry up and help me clean this before that old fart gets here,\" He said, going back to scooping the dead animals into the bag. \"Who the right mind does this fucking shit? Bunch of fuckin idiots doing some cultist crap!\" He was obviously upset that he had to pick up dead carcasses that was left displayed by some psychos. Vance cringed when he seen a head of a cat rolled off from its neck with maggots pouring out. He couldn't help but gagged from the horrific scene before shoving its remains into the bag."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Catching the rubber gloves against his legs, Owen sighed. That was a mistake. The stench hit him like a cruel blow straight between the eyes, making him dizzy for a moment. Welp. Too late to scamper off now.\n\nSteeling himself, he crouched down, trying not to let his eyes rest on anything for too long. He began to make a low humming noise in his throat, hoping to quell the revulsion a little. His voice dipped up and then down, landing on a chord that felt nice.\n\nA bird's eye stared up at him from his hands, glassy and blind; not breaking his noise, he gently swiped it closed. \"I'm sorry, birdie\", he whispered. Poor thing didn't deserve this shit. Sweet dreams, little dead thing with the feathers, into the bag with you. \n\nAfter a few minutes, Owen settled into a quiet rhythm, save for the faint droning noise rumbling in his throat. He breathed as little as possible, flinched every so often when something broke apart, but sticking to what he was doing nonetheless. No pleasant small talk was being made here."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Vance hates this so much it was making him start to drive heave while he gathered the dead corpses into the garbage bag. He didn't say anything else after he bitched at first before he fell silent while collecting the victims. Breathing from his mouth and nose was punished by the strong smell that left it both stinging. This really sucks. Vance was clearly in agony trying to clean this mess. The corners of his eyes specking with tears as he tries his best not to gag. This was harsh on his elven senses that was making him feel ill. After awhile, it was just the two of them cleaning this horror together. It gave him some time during his suffering that he notice this nerd didn't run off to leave him to clean this hell alone. \"Thanks... For helping... But you're still a dumbass.\" He coughed."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Owen broke his chord again to reply with a slightly rushed \"Don't mention it.\" He tentatively chuckled, and agreed with \"Hah, yeah, I'm a little out of it.\" \n\nAnother beat of silence.\n\nThe lanky kid noticed the strangled noises coming from his strange company. He fought back the urge to make the same sounds- his nose wasn't anything special, but he could hear every little squelch. \n\n\"You don't sound so good, mate,\" He began, turning his head to look at him. *Oh, cool, elf ears*- anyway, back to what he was saying. \"I know it's probably best to get this over with quickly, but, should we take a breather?\" He stood up, stacking each of his vertebrae on top of each other one at a time. The air was already a bit clearer up there. \n\nIt hit him how bizarre the scene he had (literally) crashed into was- who was this elf dude, and why was he tasked with cleaning up this grisly mess alone? \"I, uhh, hav-haven't caught your name,\" He stammered. \"Mine's Owen,\" He quickly tacked onto that last thought. \"Why do you have to deal with this mess alone?\" He finished blurting out his thoughts, and nervously awaited answers."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Vance would have to agree with this kid that a fresh breather is a good idea. He was feeling incredibly ill from the stench that was bothering him with the squeltching sounds, the details of the dead creatures and their strong smell. He nods in agreement before leaving the bag sitting aside from the corpses. \"It's my job to-\" This is when he had to hurry off beside a birch tree where he rest his hand on it. It left a bloody brown smudge print where he gripped the trunk. Then his head lowers to let out a \"BLAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!\" Sound that startled the birds to take flight into the evening sky."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Phew, this really was grisly. Owen took a few steps away from the profoundly disgusting pile and released the nerves coiled up in his body; he shook his head, and stamped his feet hard into the ground, hoping to shoot some of the icky, jittery feeling out of his body through the soles of his boots. \n\n\"WwwwhhooooOOOOooo I'm glad I tied my hair back today!\" The built-up nerves made his voice hard to regulate; he squeezed his eyes shut a few times, craving the pressure. Properly jostled, he elected to pace back and forth for a minute and knock his fists together while his poor accomplice emptied his stomach. Wow, he had really been holding that back.\n\n\"You, ah, you were saying?\" If Owen had to ask twice for this guy's name, he just might melt from the embarrassment."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "He felt a piece of his soul left his body a moment ago after nearly puking his guts out onto the forest floor. Vance coughed a bit, nearly dying with another dry heave, then he starts to try calm himself about having a hot shower for a reward. Washing away the stench with shampoo, shop and other cleaning products. He had to shake his head to rid the dead image from behind his closed eyes. After pulling himself back together, he turns to the other with a cough before clearing his throat. \"Its Vance...\" His voice cracked, sounding strained as he tries not to take in the stink air."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Owen took one more sweet, crisp breath before turning back to the rotting mess. Alright, alright, he can do this. Swallowing dryly, he ordered his legs to walk themselves back to it.\n\nHe didn't make Vance follow him; he was by no means having a good time here, but the elf boy seemed to need another moment. He really wondered how this guy got stuck doing this- did he get in trouble or something? \n\nAnyway. Back to the task at hand, he rambled quietly to distract himself. \"Man, this has got to be the strangest week of my life. This place is so bloody weird. And strewn with corpses.\" He took a shaky breath in through his mouth; it helped exactly none. \"Gonna have a luscious shower after this, eh?\" \n\nSpurred on by the sheer want to be anywhere but there, he gently (but hurriedly) laid what he hoped was the last of the mangled creatures in the bag. He had gotten a little more used to them by now, but the sight of all that death still tugged at something deep in his chest. Poor things.\n\n\"Think that's all of them, Vance?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"It's going to be hard to wash the death from your skin after this,\" Vance commented, staring at the ever shrinking hill of corpses. His pointed ear flicked when he felt a sting of disgust when he seen the maggots wiggling everywhere. He's going to get nightmares after this. Vance was under a lot of angst when he continued to clean the mess until its all gone. 'Yeah, I think that's all of them...\" He coughed. The color from his skin was drained which left him appearing pale as a ghost. The garbage bag writhe from the worms moving inside the plastic containment. \"Thanks for helping... Its not too safe being out here in the wooded areas,\" Vance said, tying a double knot on the garbage bag. \"Who ever is doing this isn't right in the mind.\""
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Owen carefully peeled his gloves off of his hands and flexed his fingers. That blowing-off-steam session could have gone a whole lot better, but at least the shower afterward would feel incredible.\n\n\"It's a difficult thing to scrub out of your skin, that's for sure,\" Owen mused; he knew more about that than most. He still dreamed about it. \"I'll leave you to it, then.\" \n\nHe half-turned to look over his shoulder one last time on his way out of the woods; something was on the edge of his lips, but he couldn't quite formulate it, and so it fizzled out. \n\nStrange dude, strange day. Not all bad, though, even stranger."
}
] | 166 | 2,993 |
345 | 2022-01-23 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "It had been a rather long flight getting here. June was somewhat jet lagged, but with an energy drink in hand and more adrenaline than any normal person should be able to handle, they were ready to face this new environment. It would be fun, right? Of course it would! When was anything *Not* Fun for June. \n\nThe air was crisp and somewhat cold, but nothing June couldn't handle. They stood in front of the rather intense looking building and just breathed in. What kinds of adventure laid ahead of them? So many questions swarmed their head. The had just arrived, and the rest of their stuff had not shown up, so all June had was a small bag. They set their bag down on the soft grass and stretched their long arms upwards, letting out a small groan as their knuckles cracked. They let out a sigh and set their free hand down firmly on their hip, looking rather confident about what lie ahead of them. \n\nA part of them was reluctant to start heading inside, and so they just stood out front taking in their surroundings. They knew that they had a rather long boring process ahead, and wanted to postpone that as much as possible. Maybe they could find someone to talk to, or *\"Bother\"* Before they had to go talk to the staff about getting set up. They figured it wouldn't be a problem, if it was they would deal with it later. \n\nThey swung their brightly coloured bag over their shoulder, keychains jingling slightly as the bag settled. Quickly scanning around the front of the facility, they figured they might as well have some fun before they were ushered inside by a kill joy."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "The air was indeed nice and crisp- the weather lately had been perfect for wandering around. But after his last attempt at getting some air, Owen had held off for a bit. He was getting *Really* Antsy now, though, and could not keep himself cooped up in his room any longer and so he decided to brace himself and go outside.\n\nHis hair was in his face, so he tied some of it up in a ponytail behind his head, letting the rest spill down his back the way he liked it. He pulled on his leather jacket, his shoulders settling into its reassuring weight, zipping it up for good measure. Turning the volume up in his earbuds, he shoved his hands in his pockets and headed out.\n\nSomething in his gut told him that today would be fine, that it was a good and normal day to be outside.\nThat something in his gut was evidently full of shit.\n\nDespite his best efforts, in typical Owen fashion, he was not looking where he was going closely enough, and on his careful sojourn to the woods, he entered the line of sight of quite possibly the strangest-looking person he had probably ever seen. He zoned back in to find them making eye contact from ten feet away- well, shit. What'll happen now?"
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June's eyes caught someone, who didn't seem to be too busy. Wonderful. The corners of their mouth lifted up into a rather well meaning smile. They put their free hand over their mouth to project their voice louder and waved the other above their head, almost spilling their half full energy drink.\n\n\"Hey! You! Over there!\"\n\nJune waited until the stranger made eye contact with them, and then excitedly rushed over. They stood right in front of the new person, towering over them as they did with most of their peers. Even though June came fresh off a plane, they would never miss the opportunity to make a grand first impression. Their wacky fashion sense was in full drive today, and of course their 5 inch platform shoes were paired with it. They had stickers on their cheeks, colourful makeup and super fluffy pink hair. Somewhat messy from the commute here.\n\nJune leaned down to meet the eyes of the stranger, their bag jingled with the sudden sway downwards. June took a second to take in what the person in front of them looked like. They had long auburn hair, and a nice face shape. June definitely would compliment them on that soon. Besides that, it was obvious June was hyped up on something. Whether it's sugar, caffeine or straight up drugs was up to the person, but the drink in their hand gave away the answer. Their eyes were just a little too wide, their smile too excited, and overall personality were eccentric in nature. The way they spoke just added to the sudden surge of intense energy.\n\n\"Hi hello! My name is June! Who are you? What are your pronouns? Mine are they/them! Its a pleasure to meet you-\"\n\nJune talked rather fast and loud, and had a slight Japanese accent when they spoke. Their smile was genuinely well meaning and their behaviour wasn't *Entirely* Unsettling, just *Different.* A part of June hoped this stranger wasn't in a bad mood and would be willing to talk to them."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Oh boy. One beat of silence and then boom, target acquired. He blinked, and this absurdly tall fashion anomaly apex predator was inches from his nose. An undignified *Eek* Escaped his mouth- Rats, he hoped that they didn't take offence to that.\n\nScanning their face, he tried to get some idea of what was going on in their head, yet found nothing he could translate. Figures. He could smell the sickly sweet sugar on their breath as they grinned at him, spilling a bunch of words at him all at once that he *Should probably be listening to, whoops-* \n\n\"Afternoon! Ah, Owen, he-he/him?!\" He spluttered, fingers fumbling to pause his music and get his earbuds out of his ears. He wound up skipping two songs and pausing four times, but they wound up in his pocket eventually. Owen gulped, attempting again to get a good look at them- his initial scan had not done then justice. \n\nTheir smile seemed jarringly pleasant, if difficult to read; he didn't particularly trust anyone here, but he decided to add this strange clownish figure to the people that he would like to. Was that bad? Too hasty a judgement? Would it land him flat on his ass later? Likely. But, it was nice that they seemed content to do most of the talking. That was admittedly refreshing.\n\nWhoops, he was zoning out again. They were most definitely saying something. Or going to say something. Quick, pick it back up-\n\n\"You're- I take it you're new?\" He managed to ask, now genuinely curious; it took another tick for him to remember to stick his hand out (did they do handshakes?!). He was in a good enough mood today to see where this was going, why not?"
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June smiled, closing their eyes and straightening their posture. Returning to their astonishing height of 6'6. They heard Owen's little squeak, and simply thought it was cute. Hopefully they aren't catching him too off guard. They accepted Owen's handshake with their free hand, and gave it a few a firm shakes. \n\n\"Pleasure to meet you Owen! Yes i'm very new, just arrived here today! Well now- I guess- Ive had a long flight.\"\n\nThey left out a small chuckle to close up their sentence. Taking a quick sip of their energy drink, they looked around a little bit before looking back down at Owen. He seemed rather surprised by them suddenly talking to him but didn't necessarily seem to push them away which was a go ahead in June's book! June's first impression of this kid was overall positive. He seemed timid though, reminded June of an old friend they once had. \n\nThe only difference being the fashion sense. Owen looked pretty much the opposite of June, wearing more dull colours with a more vintage aesthetic. June liked his fashion sense. Another thing added to the compliment list!\n\n\"How long have you been here? I haven't seen anyone else around the facility yet... I like your jacket!\"\n\nThey kept their gaze mostly on Owen, and just hoped they weren't scaring him. They kept their hands close to them, but pointed briefly in the direction of his chest when they mentioned his leather jacket. It fit him rather well, they thought."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "\"Oh! Thanks-thank you, it's my favourite,\" He beamed, his shocked face turning into a grin. \"I've been here for a few months now, uhm, welcome!\" This June character is decidedly pleasant. \n\n\"I must say, your fashion sense is ..*Something*, ah, that's a good thing I swear-\" He couldn't help but giggle a little bit. The mix of nerves and June's sugary aura demanded it. \"I love your stickers.\" Owen hoped to every god taking requests from grasshoppers that that compliment did not come off as backhanded. \n\nIt then dawned on him that June was holding a bag. And that they had previously mentioned that they had just gotten here. Literally *Just* Gotten here. Was he holding them up?! \n\nHe craned his neck upwards (gah, those platforms are no joke) and asked, \"Are you headed somewhere? This place is huge.\" Fiddling with the pen that he decided to keep in his pocket to fiddle with today, he squared his shoulders. His mams were always on his back about his posture, and talking to this strange person reminded him of it."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "\"You're welcome! Looks great on you.\"\n\nJune's face remained in a smile, their dimples incredibly visible. So far this interaction had been going rather well. The change in Owens expression told June that he wasn't *That* Scared of them, which was good to know. \n\n\"Oh thank you! Yes, I suppose my fashion sense IS quite *Something* As you say!\"\n\nJune let out a small laugh. They had never heard someone describe their fashion sense as that, but it definitely wasn't the worst they had ever been called. People at their school back in Toronto were *Mean.* Especially towards people like June who are open about their identity and expressing themselves. Owens mention of their stickers sparked an idea in June's mind.\n\n\"Oh? My stickers? *Gasp!* Hold on-\"\n\nThey took a very quick sip of their drink before turning their head down to their bag. With their free they unzipped the front pocket and rustled around for a couple seconds. They pulled out a small sun shaped sticker. It was a bright golden yellow with a white border, with a smiley face in the middle. They tucked their drink in between their elbow, and pulled off the plastic backing. Crumpling the little piece of trash and shoving it in their pocket, they returned their drink to their hand without spilling it. \n\nThey then turned their attention back to Owen, their smile still remaining. They leaned over slightly and placed the sticker on the collar of his jacket. It wouldn't damage the jacket and June knew this. They stuck enough stickers on things to know which surfaces could handle it. \n\n\"There ya go!\"\n\nThe mention of June having to go somewhere reminded them they should check in with a staff member inside. They would soon, right now they had stickers to give. *Clearly far more important.*\n\n\"Ohhh,, maybe? Im not entirely sure. Yeah, this place is *Really* Big.\"\n_ _\n\nJune laughed a little louder this time. Their laugh was high pitched and more of a cackle. It had been compared to a hyena far too many times. They quickly looked back to front entrance. They could postpone it just a *Little* Longer. June figured the staff has dealt with far worse than someone being a couple minutes late, and to be frank they didn't really care."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Owen couldn't help but start giggling again. He needed a good laugh after the last couple of weeks he'd had. Not even sure what was so funny, he was just compelled- a surprisingly bubbly sound that crackled up from his chest. \n\n\"Oh?-\" He didn't get much of a sound out before there was a smiley little sunshine on his jacket. It looked lovely there, he decided, and so it would stay. His face turned hot- he was probably blushing. Whoops. Eh, then again, his face always felt hot lately. \n\nThis kid really was strange, dispensing stickers and smiling really wide at strangers and smelling like sticky sugar. He felt a short pang of envy of their loud, easy charisma, but shrugged it off. He was getting by fine as-is.\n\n\"Ah, you're sweet,\" He risked, letting his filter down just a little. Talking to people was never so bad once he got going. And it was true, wasn't it? Not every day you meet someone who gives you a *Sunshine sticker* Just because they think you're neat. \n\n\"I'm, um, up at odd hours sometimes if you're jet lagged and bored. I, uh, I wouldn't mind seeing you again.\" Burning into ashes in T minus 10, 9, 8, 7..."
},
{
"author": "sharqtooth",
"message": "June loved hearing the sound of other people's laughter. The idea that they could make them happy or lessen stress always filled them with a warm fuzzy feeling and right now was definitely no exception. The fact June was able to make a complete stranger laugh was quite the achievement in their book. \n\n\"Thank you! You are rather nice yourself!\"\n\nThey titled their head slightly with their smile, letting their shoulders relax. Something about this kid was so *Non threatening?* They thought this place was supposed to be a *\"Jail\"* For *\"Dangerous criminals.\"* Owen looked like he wouldn't hurt a fly. June would definitely have to learn more about him and his power. They pulled out their phone to check the time, *Shit*, they were way too late. Hopefully they wouldn't get in too much trouble for this little detour.\n\n\"Oh? Of course! Id love to see you again soon! Thank you for inviting me to join you!\"\n\nThey let out a small laugh. Their eccentric way of speaking remained and lingered between every word. They were honestly surprised by the invitation but were not going to turn down an opportunity to make a new friend, especially after the shit show that was their last friend group. The time flashed again in June's mind, they should definitely get going, but how could they just leave? They had to do something to end the conversation right. Taking a quick sip of their drink, the can lingered on their lips while they thought. *Click.* An idea. Their eyes practically lit up with sparkles, and a somewhat mischievous grin danced on their features.\n_ _\n\n\"Well, you were correct I do have somewhere to be. I should go through the very *Looooong* Process of getting set up at this facility.\" They paused. \"But, real quick before I leave-\"\n\nWithout much hesitation they walked closer to Owen, wrapped their muscular arms around his shoulders and pulled him into a hug. In doin this, they lifted Owen very high off the ground. The height difference between them was very apparent, but even more so now. They squeezed him tight, swayed side to side for a second and set him down. They gave him one last smile before turning around on their heels and walking off towards the front of the building. They stopped, turned around and waved their hand above their head.\n\n\"Bye Owen! See you again soon!\"\n\nTheir smile persistent on their face, they walked off and disappeared into the facility building. June did genuinely want to see him again. He was chill, comforting even."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Owen tilted his head a little, trying a little more to deduce what was going on in June's bedazzled head. When they scooped him up, he didn't complain- he let out a surprised yelp, but he relaxed surprisingly quickly. It hit him how long it had been since he was last properly hugged. Man, June was *Strong*.\n\nDecidedly fine with this, he let a happy hum rumble in his throat. This was nice. He caught a last whiff of sickly sweet caffeine on the way down, mumbling a half-formed \"Thankyou\". Mark him down as befuddled, thoroughly squeezed, and downright jolly. \n\n\"Good-goodbye, June!\" He caught his voice after they had turned their back to him. A shiver of energy rippled up through his body, and he didn't resist the itch to happily flap his hands a few times when they were out of earshot. Pushing his earbuds back into his ears and picking a song with a fast tempo, he sprung off into the forest, a goofy grin lingering on his face. \n————————————"
}
] | 322 | 3,450 |
190.142857 | 2022-02-11 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Out on the track, Morgan was back working on probably her most challenging task she'd faced. Man's great quest for thousands of years has been to escape the earth. First by boat, taking to the turbulent seas, and then, much later, to the skies. Morgan was in pursuit of her own noble quest to leave the unforgiving ground behind.\n\nWhich is why, this cold Friday, she was to be found with a metal garbage can lid, repeatedly failing to take off with it. It had taken a while to understand some of the more exotic uses of her powers, but once she'd discovered that electricity can generate magnetism, a world of possibilities had opened up to her. She didn't fully understand the concept yet, but that didn't stop her from trying this.\n\nInspired by a hero in from a comic, she was trying to get the trash lid to float with her powers, and then to mount and maneuver it. She... Wasn't having much luck though. She could get the lid up in the air, but the minute she tried to get on board...\n\n\"Uah!\" She overbalanced as the lid tilted, throwing her back onto the track. She tried to catch herself, but ended up tumbling to the ground, where she lay face down. The trash can lid clattered back to earth with her, rattling back and forth before coming to rest."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Before Morgan even had a chance to move, someone was standing over her, having quite a giggle at the situation.\n\nMélodie didn't make a habit of running. She usually figured her paranormality would let her run fast enough if she needed to run, and that she was exercising enough otherwise. Unfortunately, she had been helpfully advised by her P.E. Teacher that she was very much wrong about that, and that having superpowers was not an excuse to skip leg day.\n\nSo she found herself running along the track. Normally. Looking grumpier than usual. Which quickly changed when she noticed someone on the edge of the track with a metal trash can lid - where would you even get one of those? - failing spectacularly to stay on top of it. \n\nShe made her way over after a particularly egregious fall, giggling the entire way there and a good while after arriving. She'd thought of a pun. \"You really-\" *God dammit.* It was too funny. She couldn't stop giggling. \"You really got-\" More high-pitched, annoying laughter. \"You really got *Trashed,* Huh?\"\n\nShe immediately broke into crying laughter for about two seconds before the joke died down. \"Do you need, like, help getting up, or-\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan let out a groan that turned into a reluctant chuckle. \"Alright alright, laugh it up.\" She pushed herself upright. \"I don't think I broke anything.\" She glared at the trashcan lid. \"One day I'll defeat that thing, but for now, the metal frisbee continues to best me.\" She looked at Mel. \"Thanks for checking on me, even though the pun was unnecessary. It's good to see you again. Whatcha you doing out here?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Alright, alright. It was funny, though.\" It wasn't, but it's Mel, so she sincerely did find it funny. \"At least you didn't break anything. Except I guess the trash can?\" She seemed oblivious to the lid not having been actually *Attached* To anything. That was another thing she was good at - seeming oblivious.\n\n\"Well, uh. You know Graham, right? He, like. Told me to exercise out here. Something about not skipping leg day. It suuuuucks.\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan frowned. \"Well I haven't broken it yet, but if it keeps dropping me on the ground I might start.\" She laughed at Mel's expressive dislike for exercise. \"My brother used to say the same thing all the time. He used to be a total gym rat actually. Always went on about not skipping leg day.\" She lowered her voice in what was actually a decent impression of her older brother, not that Mel would know. \"Squats and lunges suck, but it sucks even worse to look like a fucking Dorito on stilts.\" She smiled. \"Something like that. I never got that into it personally though. Always preferred to stay home and draw or play video games.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Yeahh, but, like, look at me!\" Mel pouted in an exaggerated manner. \"I look fine!\" She resisted the idea of stomping her foot a little in anger. It would've maybe been a tad much. \"Apparently I should be running more. For, like, stamina. And my legs, I guess. I don't even know what stamina means. I exercise, but I still look like I'm made of sticks, so, like, what's the deal?\"\n\nShe sat down cross-legged on the track to mope a bit more about it. It made her look a little like an overgrown child. \"I guess I could stay home too, but it's just so boring! How do you do it?\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan smiled as she watched Mel pout. She was so expressive it was fun to watch. \"Well I'm not exactly sitting around doing nothing. I draw or paint or play a game. I gotta be doing something with my hands or I go crazy. And there's usually way more to do inside then just wandering around town.\" Morgan paused for a second. \"Well here it's kinda boring but back in my city there's a lot more to do so walking around and going to stores is a bit more fun. I used to work on cars too sometimes cause my brother works in a car shop and he'd bring me along when I was little. Sometimes I'd go without him and just help out for fun or to make a bit of money.\" \n\nHer eyes seemed to light up. \"But the crafts room here is so coooool! They've got stations for like everything. Pottery and woodcarving and paints, so so many paints! I don't think I even left the school grounds my first month cause I just spent all my time in there. I uh, I tried to make like a clay bowl once and made a huge mess by accident. But it was still fun!\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mel sits around for a little while, listening to Morgan's explanation as attentively as she can manage. But she's bad with academics, and part of that is that she's simply bad at paying attention. It's difficult not to let her mind flicker to memories of good cartoons, or the birds sitting in that tree over there, or people walking in and out of the building.\n\nThen something catches her ear. Something about a crafts room. Her eyes light up a little, and unbeknownst to her, a little smile forms on her lips. She'd practically forgotten all about the crafts room, having dropped the thought in the hectic, messy procedure of moving in. Graham had mentioned it to her, and she had seen it in person, but... She never got around to signing up for any classes there.\n\n\"I really wanted to do all the crafts stuff back when I first came here, but I just forgot all about it! I keep seeing it and then just not getting around to signing up for anything- have you seen the bikes in there? I don't think I even know how to ride one of those! It seems so fun, I wanna try-\" She stops herself from rambling, but after a few seconds of thought, she decides that rambling actually fits the situation. \"I dunno how much of it I'd like doing but I kinda just wanna try all of it! It all looks so cool! Did you know there's even, like, brick work stuff there? Apparently they learn to build, like, brick ovens and stuff, I've never seen that anywhere else! Is there anything you haven't tried yet?\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan nodded. \"Lots. Plenty of stuff I'd like to try but have no idea where to start. Like, the woodcarving stuff. I'm pretty sure I'd lose a finger if I tried without some supervision. I'd also like to get into animating or video editing if I can find someone to teach me. That's not strictly crafts but it's kinda similar. Half the time when I'm bored I just wander down there and see if anyone's doing something that looks fun.\" Morgan grinned. \"I bet we can teach you how to ride a bike. I've been able to since I was really little, even though I haven't actually owned one for a while.\" Morgan's smile turned into something more like an amused grin. \"Fair warning though, I'll laugh if you bail spectacularly.\" She snapped her fingers. \"Actually, I should check and see if they have skateboards. That'd probably help me with my balance issue.\" Practicing on something with wheels, but attached to the ground, would probably get her better results than constantly falling off her floating trash lid."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mel did her best to keep the conversation in her head, but for a brief moment, something clicked. *Animating.*Animation was one of the few things that kept her moving. To think she might actually get to do it herself... She broke in halfway through the sentence with a hopeful look in her eyes. \"You think there's someone who could-\" \n\nShe stopped mid-sentence as Morgan kept talking, but the thought stuck with her, gnawing at the back of her mind. *Was that possible?*\n\nShe collected herself and jumped back into the conversation. \"Fine. But I'm not gonna fall.\" She had lost a bit of the passion, but she was at least *Present.* \n\n\"I think they have those balance boards in the basement, actually. You know, the ones with, like, a round thing on the bottom? Those are probably good.\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "Morgan nodded. \"Yeah, probably would help. I'm not super athletic, but I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually. You should talk to Graham if there's something you want to do. I had a talk with him a while ago, and he mentioned something about getting funding from the higher ups, so he could probably pull some strings if there's enough interest among the students.\" Morgan smiled. \"I think he's probably the best adult here. He seems to care about us, at least a little. Plus he doesn't get on me if I forget to clean up in the crafts room. I got so much shit from my teachers back at home for that.\"\n\nMorgan leaned forward a bit. \"So if you haven't been in the crafts room, what do you do to kill time around here?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Yeah, he seems cool.\" Mel nodded. \"I think he used to be a student here at some point?\" She vaguely remembered him mentioning it in passing. It seemed right. He seemed young, and like he maybe related with people more than the other teachers. It would make sense. \"I've been taking, like... Boring classes. Math, English, that stuff. Things I need for school. I spend a lot of time on that 'cause I have to.\" She swore under her breath - in very typical Quebecois French, so if nothing else, it wasn't exactly recognizable. \"Can't keep up otherwise. At least my teachers are okay.\"\n\nShe paused, trying to decide if she should come up with an emotional response. She decided not to, and continued. \n\n\"I've been trying to take a lot of the fighting stuff too? The training stuff for powers and martial arts. It's fun, but my, uh... Everything kinda hurts after.\""
},
{
"author": "codenamequill",
"message": "\"So if he used to be a student...\" Morgan though. \"I wonder what his powers are...\" She winced in sympathy to Mel's statement. \"Ooh. Yeah, that sounds like a lot. I dunno how good I'd be at martial arts. Usually there's like, a lot of discipline with that kind of thing and I dunno if I have that. I tend not to mesh well with authority figures. I might be able to do more of a MMA or kickboxing thing, but not like, karate. I'd get booted for accidentally swearing at the instructor, I guarantee it. Well maybe... Who teaches it?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"It's...\" Mel thought for a moment. \"It's different a lot! I think it depends what they're teaching. Graham does some of it, though. There isn't really a martial arts teacher.\" Maybe there would be, eventually, but as it stood, those classes were mostly about how to win a fight if it became necessary.\n\nWhich, for Mel, was a likely possibility.\n\nShe stood up and stretched. \"Well,\" She said, \"It was really cool meeting you again! You seem fun. I'm gonna go ask Graham to get some of those crafts classes. Maybe I'll see you there!\"\n\nBefore Morgan could even say anything, she was gone."
}
] | 172 | 2,662 |
153.214286 | 2022-02-18 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Another lovely day here at the not-prison, another jarring raindrop somehow falling directly onto the spot Owen's head that least expected it. He instinctively blurted a flat \"Ow\" To no one but himself. \n\nIt wasn't raining too hard today, but it was enough to make all the tree branches slick and a little dangerous even for the guy who probably wouldn't get hurt if he landed on his rear. And he had. Many times now. There were leaves sticking out of his hair that he had missed in his most recent shake-down, probably a few twigs stuck to his pants, and a rather impressive branch approximately the size and weight of a broadsword in his hand. \n\nShaking his head a little, he tightened his unzipped hoodie a little closer around his shoulders and started wandering toward the nearest entrance. Some juice or something sounded nice right about now."
},
{
"author": "azarch.",
"message": "\"Excuse me!\" Calls a voice from behind Owen. \"Could you help us?\"\nJoshua stands a couple dozen yards off, holding a small potted tree. He's also covered in twigs and leaves, though it's not from falling out of a tree. \nHe had decided to take Jeffrey to try to meet some of the local flora, and in the process had somehow managed to get entirely lost."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "\"Heh?\" \nOwen turned, losing his balance for a second on a rock. Righting himself and processing the thing said to him, he grinned and twirled the stick. *We? As in the plant?* Eh. Best not to question strange people alone in the woods.\n\"What's the matter?\"\nAnother jarring raindrop splattered on the bridge of his nose, which wrinkled reflexively."
},
{
"author": "azarch.",
"message": "\"Well it's kind of a funny story.\" The other boy says. His gloved hands fidget slightly as he holds the small tree's pot.\n\"I heard there was a greenhouse on the premises and we wanted to go check it out. But I couldn't find it so I gave up. But I can't even find the entrance to the building anymore.\" He speaks rather quickly, as if he's worried someone's going to stop him from finishing."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Owen blinked sleepily as the strange plant enthusiast said his piece. He couldn't help but look back at the pot. Wasn't it heavy? No, no, don't mention the plant. Right! Can't just beam thoughts into people's heads, have to say them out loud.\n\"Oh, yeah, I think I passed a greenhouse a week ago.. It's around here somewhere.\" Flexing his free hand and using it to move a strand of hair out of his face, he remembered that there was a second half to that thought.\n\"Oh! Ah, I'm headed back too, I, um, need some juice and also to get this magnificent stick to ..Somewhere.\" Was it weird to collect giant sticks? Another couple of raindrops, this time on his cheek. \n\nAnother strange beat of silence as he again convinced himself *Not to ask about the plant* And he beckoned the lost gardener to follow him. \"This way, mate,\" He invited.\n\n\"Oh, um. Owen, by the way. Me, that is.\" He chuckled to mask the thought that came out of his mouth sideways. Another winning introduction, bravo."
},
{
"author": "azarch.",
"message": "Joshua blinks a couple times, trying to figure out if they were going inside or back in search of the greenhouse. \"Thank you.\" Either way, Joshua would just be happy to get out of this rain.\nAfter just long enough for it to be awkward, he realises he should introduce himself.\n\"Oh! Right. My name is Joshua and this,\" He hoists the tree a little bit, \"Is Jeffrey. Thank you for the help\" He repositions Jeffrey a little bit in his hands, preparing to follow Owen."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Owen gulped. He and the plant have been introduced, so he decided to take that as a sign that it would not be the end of it all if he asked about the plant (*Jeffrey?!*) \n\n\"Evening, Jeffrshh-uh Joshua and Jeffrey,\" He blurted, turning back to face them. He took a breath and kept going. \"Might I, uhm, ask about the pla-Jeffrey?\" His eyes were firmly fixed now on the plant being shown to him. \n\"Can he.. Hear me?\"\nThose last couple of sentences came out a little faster. This place was *Weird*. He needed juice."
},
{
"author": "azarch.",
"message": "Without any hesitation Joshua answers the second question first \"Just as well as any other plant can.\"\nHe then pauses as he decides how to describe his... Difficult past with Jeffrey.\n\"I guess the easiest way to put it is that I can... Talk?\" He trails off for a moment, searching for the right word.\"I guess that's the best word for it. I can talk with plants. Jeffrey and I have been living together for most of my life, through a lot of... Trouble.\""
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "\"Duuuude.\" Owen's eyes widened a little. Even after seeing a decent handful of cool things people could do here, he was nevertheless impressed. \"That's *Sweet*,\" He spluttered, lest his initial reaction be misinterpreted. \n\nNot really knowing what to say beyond that, he resumed walking. This dude seemed to be about as socially inclined as he was, which was both awkward and a little comforting. The hand holding his sword-stick shifted its grip, his knuckles aching slightly with the cold. He risked a little wisp of light towards them, feeling them crackle back to life from the inside. He knew without looking that a faint light danced through his hand beneath his skin, flickering away as soon as it had awoken.\n\"My power's a shield, sort of thingy,\" He half mumbled, acting as natural as he could. \n\n\"Oh, I'm sorry, I took off without asking- did you want to see the greenhouse or get back to the facility?\" He chuckled at his zoned-out-ness. \"You've probably been carrying Jeffrey for a while, but, you got pretty close actually.\""
},
{
"author": "azarch.",
"message": "\"I have been carrying it for some time. I think I'll have to find the greenhouse some other day.\" He answers. \"Would you mind leading me back to the facility? And if you do, would you mind elaborating on what 'shield sort of thingy' means?\" \nThat sounded like it was pretty interesting. And definitely useful. What good is communicating with plants?"
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "\"Aye, sounds good. I'm hungry anyhow, so..\" He trailed off, figuring that the point had gotten across. \n\"Hm? Oh! Yeah, it's a shield- it sleeps in my bloodstream most of the time, but I can wake it up and it does this,\" He explained, speaking a little faster. \n\nHe extended his hand back toward Joshua, making sure he was watching as he called it forth; the light trapped beneath his skin passed through all his layers and hardened on the surface, reddish-orange and faintly shimmering like a delicate soap bubble the colour of a hearth fire. His cheeks warmed, probably turning a similar colour.\n\"And, ah, I can make it really hot,\" He continued, focusing; his hand closed into a fist and swirled with a stream of gold. \"And I can make it not stick to me,\" He spoke again, followed by a deep breath. He flicked his hand back open again, projecting the barrier outward from it, like someone swiped a paintbrush dipped in fire between them.\n\nOwen caught the swathe of heat back in his hand, and scanned Joshua's face nervously as it melted and sank back into his arm. He got a better look at his features, though embarrassingly late. Striking, he was, and a lot taller than him, but mostly he reminded him of a nice, shady tree. \n\"That's it mostly, it makes me really warm and hungry a lot,\" He concluded after a pulse. \"Getting the hang of it.\" He hoped that he hadn't rambled too much about himself. A short breath, a final scan, and he resumed walking.\n\n\"..I'm curious- what have plants got to say?\""
},
{
"author": "azarch.",
"message": "Joshua watches in awe as Owen shows his powers, flinching slightly as the power flares out, but overall maintaining an impressed expression at the display.\n\"Honestly the only word I've actually gotten from a plant is 'Jeffrey.' Most plants it's just general ideas. Needs they have. Stuff like that. Sometimes if I ask nicely enough, they can tell me about the area around them. But that's hard.\"\nHe sets down Jeffrey and takes off his left glove, revealing a hand covered in a light brown bark material. \"Most of my practise has gone into this.\" Then he places a hand against the trunk of the small tree, and one of the small buds growing from a branch begins to grow, forming a small bulbous shape that turns yellow and falls to the pot after a few moments.\nJoshua picks up the newly grown lemon, much smaller than average but still fully formed. He starts to stand up but sways, nearly losing his balance.\n\"Woah.\" He says breathlessly."
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "Owen did a double take. *Did this dude just. Make a lemon?!* An undignified sound bubbles up from his throat. \"That's.. That's incredible,\" He stammered, eyes locked incredulously on the brand-new lemon. \"Hah! Not every day you meet a guy with a wooden hand who can casually make lemons,\" He blurted, awestruck, having totally given up processing any of this. \n\nHe found himself in a constant state of thinking *\"Well, this might as well happen\"* Since he had arrived here, and the mindset seemed to be serving him better than panicking. \n\"You all right?\" He felt compelled to ask. Spontaneously growing lemons looked like taxing work. \"We're almost back.\""
},
{
"author": "azarch.",
"message": "Joshua sets the lemon in the dirt at the bottom of Jeffrey's pot. Making it was far more exhausting than he'd expected. He'd nearly passed out in fact, but he decides to lie, \"I'm fine. Just a little lightheaded.\"\nHe picks Jeffrey back up and continues following. \"Thank you for leading us back,\" He says, trying to downplay the lemon, \"I'd never have found the door.\""
}
] | 122.5 | 2,145 |
215.625 | 2022-02-19 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "\"Ah, no worries,\" Owen assured, flashing his lopsided grin back at the formerly-lost tree fellow. \"Here we are!\" He strode toward the door in front of them, idly swiping his sword-stick through the air as he walked. He seemed to be debating with himself about whether it was a rapier or a broadsword. \n\nRushing a few steps ahead, he twirled the stick to rest under his arm (only dropping it a little) and held the door open, doing a little chivalric flourish for good measure. \n\"Was lovely meeting you and Jeffrey-\" His eyes softened as they braved another glance at Joshua's (man, he was *Tall*)- \"And best of luck finding that greenhouse,\" He finished. His voice still wavered a little, but there was laughter in his eyes."
},
{
"author": "azarch.",
"message": "Joshua smiles at Owen's flourishes. He nods and says \"Thank you\" As Owen opens the door, but before passing through it he sets Jeffrey down again, then offers the small lemon to Owen. \"Here. I've got more than I can do anything with as it is.\""
},
{
"author": "pondfaces",
"message": "\"Oh!\" Owen gingerly accepted the lemon. \"I'll use it wisely,\" He promised, a chuckle crackling up from his chest. His eyes nearly closed when he smiled, sort of like a cat's. He held the lemon gently- a gift was a gift, even if it was ..A lemon. \"Maybe I'll make soup later,\" He mused. That sounded nice. A leaf drifted loose from his hair. \n\n\"I'm off to make my blood ten percent cranberry juice,\" He drawled, his gait lazy and long. \"You get some rest- you and Jeffrey both,\" He finished, twirling his stick for punctuation. Maybe he was tired from falling out of that tree a dozen times, but he was enjoying this strangely relaxed state he was in today. The friendly striking tree guy didn't hurt. \n\nA couple droplets of rain and another leaf hit the ground by his boots. \n\"May we meet again!\""
},
{
"author": "azarch.",
"message": "Joshua picks up Jeffrey one last time, smiles at Owen, and says \"It's been a pleasure meeting you.\" Whicb it has. Owen's the first person here, or anywhere really, that's been friendly to Joshua for seemingly no reason.\n\"Enjoy your soup and cranberry juice!\" He says over his shoulder as he walks through the door and into the building."
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "—skulkin n sulkin—\n\nFinley traced their fingers along a spindling tree aching for sunlight around the bridges of Newton's Cradle's outdoors. They drew their initials over the bark in invisible ink, resting their head against a tree. Something akin to boredom pulled heavy on their limbs, resting their blue eyes in a state of half-lidded exhaustion. Motivation came in short, sweet spurts, something that occasionally dragged their feet to a class, at a desk, sitting up with half-piqued attention to whatever a various instructor had to say for a slog of minutes or hours, and then, they didn't care for the rest of the day, choosing instead to lay across the grass outside or in the carpeted floor of their room, staring listlessly at the ceiling and ignoring the occasional buzz of the intranet. \n\nIn other words - Finley was burnt out.\n\nIt had taken longer than they might have supposed it would, a few months of routine, a complete limit from anything foreign to the Cradle. They missed their sister, first. She would have had ideas about what to do, pointing out situations that Finley would have otherwise ignored. Sometimes, if Finley had a particularly important class to attend, they'd imagine their sister jabbing them in the side, her voice in the back of their head, telling them to get their ass up and go. \n\nIt helped, sometimes.\n\nBut now, it was the weekend, and nothing such was happening, so they sat in the sunshine, and traced their fingers in the dirt, occasionally tossing stripped rocks up and down. Might as well get some Vitamin D, right?"
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "It was a nice day, all things considered. The sun was shining, the wind was calm, and because it was Saturday, there was no schoolwork either. If you deluded yourself hard enough, you could almost make yourself believe it was warmer than inside the fridge. Not that that would really help in the long term - you'd still find yourself freezing - but the thought was nice. Nice enough that some people actually cared to go outside.\n\nMél was one of those people. Usually, she was an inside kind of person, but she hadn't really made any friends, or enemies, or really any kind of personal attachment at Newton's Cradle, and it got pretty boring hanging out with no one. So she went outside. Maybe there would be people to talk to there?\n\nSo she went outside, and took a brief look around, but didn't see anyone out in the open. She decided, for whatever reason, to keep walking instead of going back inside. She went out onto the track in the courtyard, and took a look around, but there was no one there, and she kept walking. She walked past benches, and trees, and the vegetable garden, but she didn't see anyone there. Most people must be out in the town, she assumed, and began to go back inside, absorbed in her thoughts.\n\nShe didn't pay much attention to the world around her when she was alone. She didn't have to. Alone time was time to re-energize, to recuperate from some of all that energy spent on social interactions. When she was alone - truly alone - she let herself feel less than usual. That was nice sometimes, too. Maybe she'd listen to music when she got back inside. Something like-\n\nHer thought process was abruptly interrupted when she suddenly found her face hovering a scant few centimeters off the ground, staring into the dirt. She'd tripped over something. She pushed herself to her feet and looked over her shoulder, and... Oh.\n\nShe'd tripped over some*One.* Tears quickly welled up in her eyes as she began to feel the bruises and scratches she'd inflicted on herself. \"Sorry!\" She tried to force a grin, but it ended up looking more like wincing. Which it was. It hurt.\n\n\"Owwww. Are you okay?\""
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "Finley, as it could be assumed, was taken off guard as an entire human being suddenly came tumbling over them into the dirt. They cursed in surprise. The girl was straightening herself up, and Finley raised a brow. How she had managed to be blind to them, they didn't really know. Finley wasn't exceptionally short or anything. \n\n\n\n\"Fine,\" They said, climbing up to their feet. \"You look worse for the wear. I trust you're not seriously injured, then?\"\n\nShe didn't look it, anyway. Finley remembered her in vague shifts of memories, something that flickered behind their eyes with an angel with cracked wings and uneasy tremors of the hands. What had been the girl's name? Annika? The one that the faculty had all been too sugary about. \n\n\"Have we met?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mel turned around, properly, as Finley stood up. They looked... Familiar, somehow, but Mel couldn't quite place it. It was a bit too hazy to really figure anything out. She gazed to her palms. Scraped up, but... Fine. She was fine. Even if it hurt like Hell.\n\n\"Just scrapes. I'm fine! Don't worry about it!\" She tried to force a smile again. This time, it worked. For a brief moment, she beamed brighter than the winter sun, happy in defiance of her situation.\n\nShe felt nothing. Just idle pain.\n\nShe looked over Finley again. They looked more and more familiar, and...\n\nShe nodded. \"Yeah, I think so! You were the one who took me around on a tour, right? All the way back when I first got here. I'm actually not even sure when that was!\" She grinned, feeling a little proud of herself for remembering that. She didn't remember the name, but... At least she knew where they'd met before! Right?\n\n— Paused. I can see why this happened and I'm sorry —"
}
] | 185.5 | 1,725 |
120.642857 | 2022-02-23 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "[unpausing]\n\n\"Right.\" They said, dusting the dirt off their hands. Their first meeting sat somewhere in the back of their mind, the school still hovering over their heads, just a tad. Mel hadn't particularly stuck out in Finley's mind, save, perhaps, the frequent friendliness.\n\nFinley wasn't an *Asshole*, but, perhaps, just not very friendly.\n\n\"Have you found your way around better, then?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "So she wasn't wrong. She had actually remembered that correctly. She did a little celebratory bounce, as if to say 'I was right! I was right!', then went back to the conversation, now feeling justified in the huge grin on her face.\n\n\"Yeah! It took a little bit, but I think I'm used to it now. Probably would've taken a lot longer if you didn't help out!\"\n\nShe shrugged a little, not knowing how Finley would take the compliment. If they didn't take it well, it would be fun to tease them with it later."
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "Finley blinked at the compliment for a moment, before shrugging it off.\n\"It's alright. You do seem a bit directionally challenged.\"\n\nSomething of a snicker pulled on the side of their face. It wasn't inherently insulting, unless Mel took it that way."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mel took it more as a tease than anything. \"Hey! Rude!\" She laughed. She felt better than usual, she realized. More lively. Oh, how she'd missed talking to people.\n\n...That felt weird to think about. Very weird.\n\nShe brushed it off. \n\n\"So, like. What are you doing out here? Just sitting around tripping innocent little girls?\" She jeered. The grin on her face was more like a smirk, now. The transition was seamless. She barely even noticed herself doing it. Was that normal?\n\n...Yeah, had to be."
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "\"Unfortunately, your tripping is more of a byproduct than an intention, Mel,\" They said. \n\nThe interaction panged something in Finley. They missed their friends back home. Newton's Cradle had been overwhelmingly flat and tiring - apart from the angel girl. \n\n\"The goal was to look for someone, actually,\" They said. They paused. The information had been scrutinized by the school when they'd brought it up online. \n\nBut Mel was trustworthy. Right?"
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "\"Yeah, yeah.\" The *Of course you'd say that* Was implied.\n\nMel leaned against the nearby tree, looking thoughtful for the first time in what must have been millennia. She was slowly coming to the realization that, in spite of having developed an outgoing personality and circle of friends as a survival mechanism, she actually *Missed* Her friends at home.\n\nHow the *Fuck* Did that happen?\n\nShe zoned back in to the conversation mid-sentence. *\"...Look for someone, actually.\"* She took a moment to make that fit with the conversation.\n\n\"Don't tell me... You aren't buying drugs, are you?\" She loaded her words with as much teasing smugness as she could muster. Finley wasn't fun to tease yet, but she'd be damned if she wouldn't *Make* Them fun to tease.\n\n...She'd been defaulting to 'them' this whole time. She couldn't even tell Finley's gender. A bit late to ask, maybe.\n\n\"Or, wait- Nooooo. *Nooooooooo.* You don't have a *Special someone,* Do you?\""
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "Finleys eyes rolled so hard they secretly thought it was amazing they didn't pop out of their skull. Romance had never been Finleys forte. A few ventures into the trope had been met with varying levels of success. But, that had all been before the Cradle. And drugs? Ha. Also all pre-Cradle, if any.\n\n\"No,\" They said, almost amused by the questions. \"Nothing of either sort. Though, I suppose you could regard this person as of interest to myself, and anyone who's paying attention.\"\n\nThey leaned in a bit to speak quieter - there was no way this entire forest wasn't bugged. \n\n\"We met someone. Three someone's, actually- girls with wings. I want to see if I can find them again. I have questions.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "If Mel had known the extent to which Finley's eyes were rolling around in their skull, she would count it an incredible success. She did like annoying people. Occasionally.\n\n\"Mmmm...\" She hummed to herself, listening closely. The phrase *Anyone who's paying attention* Got her ears perking up. She listened with rapt attention to Finley's brief explanation - girls with wings. Three of them. *Questions.*\n\n\"Questions? Is... Is girls with wings weird? There are a lot of different powers here, I'm sure girls with wings would fit fine!\"\n\nShe was getting interested. But mostly she wanted to understand what the fuss was about. She had *Not* Been paying attention."
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "\"That's the thing,\" Finley said. \"I don't know. I've never seen them in any class. Or anywhere, except out here. And the school knows her name. There's got to be more to it.\"\n\nThey let their last thought hang in the air. They wanted to figure out who - and what - the girl was.\n\n\"Her names Annika. There were two more with her - but I don't know where they've gone. I thought about looking in town, somewhere.\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mel thought about it. Her memory wasn't *Great,* But... Finley was right. She'd seen a lot of weird people at Newton's Cradle, but no one so obviously weird as to have *Wings.* None like that.\n\nAnd the school knows her name. There's probably more to it.\n\n\"Annika... Yeah, no, I, um, I don't think I know her. But I did see something about it on the website thingy. You should ask around! If she's a local, maybe someone else knows her.\""
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "\"Tried,\" They told her, flicking a coin between their fingers. \"Didn't get far - the school's tight-lipped. Don't you think that's a little bizarre? A wounded, angelic girl, and her siblings, apparently, shows up on our front door step, and we hear nothing. Zlich. And when we ask - nothing!\"\n\nFinley began to pace.\n\n\"There has to be something to it. Don't you think?\"\n\nIt would be a rather poor time to mention Fin could be a bit of a conspiracy theorist."
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "Mel nodded. \"Yeah!\" She only sort of understood, but it felt good to nod along. Something *Did* Sit wrong with her. Or maybe Finley was just convincing.\n\n\"Well, yeah, the *School's* Tight-lipped, duh. Ask the *Students!* You probably wouldn't even know anything about anything if none of them knew anything, right?\"\n\nShe felt really smart for saying that, and for once, she actually might be. \"Or you could ask the people who live in town. But there's a lot of them and they probably dunno much.\""
},
{
"author": "frog.ponds",
"message": "Finley nodded, eyebrows furrowing. She had a point - a very good one, at that. Talking to other students would surely get better information than that of a tight-lipped, solitary institution. \n\n\"You know - I like that advice. You're smart, Mel.\" The compliment was genuine. Finley hadn't made many friends here yet. \n\nThey flipped the coin, resting it on their forearm. \n\n\"Tails,\" They muttered. \"Tails again. I need to make an excursion out to town - can we talk later?\""
},
{
"author": "radikale",
"message": "*Street smart, not book smart.* At best. But hey, it was a compliment, and Mel did like having her ego stroked once in a while. She grinned.\n\n\"...Huh.\" With the flips of that coin, Mel sort of wondered if Finley had some power related to it. But she didn't really know. \"Yep! Let's talk later. I'm getting cold anyway. Buh-bye!\"\n\nShe waved Finley off as the two parted ways. With a mix of dismay and excitement, she realized she really did want to talk later."
}
] | 115 | 1,689 |
118.555556 | 2022-02-28 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Raizel was extremely nervous when she tried her best to appear \"Normal\" By modern human standard. She had asked Evan to help her cope with going out without having to wear her mask. The girl earned her saving from the school for some time now. Its enough to afford some new clothes from the mall or some second hand store. The only person she can think of going out with to an urban area would be the cat boy himself."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "Evan was here in the mall, presumably with Raizel who'd asked for him to come with. He had his hood up, not overly familiar with malls either. He did not have much reason to visit in his past. But it seemed to him he at least fared a bit better than Raizel.\n\nHe'd occasionally send a weird look at Raizel every once in a while. \"Took your mask off for once, huh?\" He hums. \"What changed your mind?\"\nHe takes a second to look around. At the rows of shops inside the mall. \"Didn't expect you to be the kind to want to shop for clothes, either.\"\n\"Not that there's anything wrong with that, I guess.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"H-Hrmm..\" Raizel respond with a nervous shrug as she tightens the pullstring of her grey hoodie. All was left to see was a little dark hole where her eye can see through. \"W-Was told that th-thieves wear masks in public stores? I-I don't want people looking at me weird.\" She followed along with her gaze falling onto the tile floor. \"Well...\" Raizel begins, rubbing the back of her neck. \"I-I can't always... Be afraid... Just... Stepping up I-I guess?\" Looking at Rai she had a nice face with a smear of freckles across it. Her ember eyes is what stood out like a tiger eye gem."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "Evan squints at her with another weird look as she retreats into the small confines of her hoodie.\n\n\"Full face masks would be suspicious in public, yes.\" He confirms. \"But it'll take a lot more if you want people to not send weird looks at you.\"\n\"Hell, people send weird looks at *Me*.\"\n\nHe lets out a tired sigh, but he pulls his own hood back. \"You look normal, so get out of your hoodie already.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Hm!?\" She hide the hole on her hoodie behind her hands. \"F-Fine! Okay!\" And then she removed her hoodie to reveal the most normal face ever. \"I don't get why people would look at you weird?\" When a group of giggling prep girls passes by, Rai begins to shrink as she sort of hides behind him. \"I thought you look adorable?\" Rai shrugs at that with a confused look. Her expression was easy to read when she appeared baffled. When they arrived at the clothing store, Rai paused at the entrance and her mouth turned into an uncertain squiggle. \"Smells weird in here..\" It was the new factory clothe smell."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"Don't know why either.\" Evan says as he places his hands in his pockets. \"I'm just saying... It's a bit more complicated than that, I guess.\"\n\nHe doesn't really know how to take the compliment. He furrows his brows a bit. \"That's a weird opinion you have, then.\" He mutters, before looking ahead and changing the subject.\n\n\"Good weird or bad weird?\" He asks. \n\"Look, I don't really know much about buying clothes either. I guess I should ask what kind of thing you're looking for?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Donno kinda weird, just alien weird,\" Rai said, now taking a step inside the store. \"Eh... Casual clothes, nothing fancy like the girls that we passed earlier.\" The chicks they had encountered wore short skirts, cute jackets and jewelry that was made at a factory. \"I'm not too familiar with a lot of the stuff in here but its what makes it an adventure I guess?\" It didn't take her that long when her attention was drawn towards the men's clothes."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"Alien weird sounds bad.\" He comments as an aside.\n\n\"Sure,\" He says, \"Casual clothes. Like...\" He looks down at himself. He really, really hasn't picked out clothes in any serious respect in the past. \"Hoodies and pants, I guess.\"\n\nHe quietly lets her do her own thing for the most part, absent of any advice to offer. Though he does look at the men's clothes she's looking at.\nHe shrugs. \"If you can't decide, they let you try them on first, I think.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Yeah! That!\" And she was quick to decide on grabbing blue plaid shirt, a hoodie, couple T-shirts, jeans, socks and boots. \"Really? I never heard of that one before.\" Off on the side there was a group of college punks talking to each others in a group. One would nod towards Rai's direction before giving the other a snarky remark. She was completely oblivious to them with her back turned. \"Do you want anything else?\" Without her masked on, her voice didn't echo eerily... It sounded normal."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"That's what I heard, at least. Guess you could ask one of the employees here, if you really want. Good practice if you try not to stutter.\" He says, flatly.\n\n\"Me? No. You're here to pick out clothes for yourself, so don't ask me.\" He says. \"This is just like that one time we went to a cafe.\" He hums.\n\nHe silently notes the punk party people. Best not to poke their nose into other's business if they can help it. But his paranoia does push him to try and move somewhere else away from them. \"Done yet?\" He asks."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Almost!\" And it look at him strangely as she pats him down with a thoughtful look to get his size. Then turns around to go quickly grab a T-shirt before walking away before he could say anything. The blond snorted at Evan when he gets a pat down and left there standing alone. Then he turn to his companion saying something while the other agreed to something. Whatever it is, it felt very sketchy. Rai would wonder into the woman clothing isle curiously."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "There is a brief look of surprise when she pats him down. He was going to speak out, but she doesn't really leave him much chance to if she was going to be that quick about it.\n\nHe furrows his brows as he watches her dash to the aisle down, as he gets an inkling of what's going on. He takes a second to spare a peek of concern back at the party of punks, before he follows after Raizel. \n\nHe might have scolded her in any other circumstance, but he holds back for now given his paranoia with the other group.\n\n\"Rai,\" He calls out to her when he reaches her again. \"What was that all about?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Oh, I just took your measurements?\" Rai turns to look at him with an innocent smile. A nice sunny smile. \"Something wrong with that?\" This girl is unaware of the other sketchy males chilling at the jacket and coat section in the men's clothing area."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "Evan furrows his brows at her. \"People don't usually do that,\" He says, \"Makes me wonder what you're even up to.\"\nHe eyes the sketchy people on the side of his peripheral vision. \"So have you even picked out something you'll even actually wear?\"\n\n\"This place bugs me. Kind of want to leave as soon as you're done.\" He sighs as he rubs his forehead a little."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"They... Don't?\" Rai tilts her head with a confused look. \"Yeah? Of course I will? I'm just going to do a bit of exploring and leave before I run into someone I know from school.\" Then her mouth goes back with a squiggle nervous line. When she venture into the isle glancing at the unusual female clothes, this is when she begins to wonder what is wrong with Evan. \"Hey... I-I was wondering... Is something wrong?\" And then she discovers something weird which distracts her for a second. \"The freak is this?\" She holds up what looks like a lacey floral thong. \"What is the purpose of it?\" There was a weird look."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"Not out of nowhere, no.\" He says. \"Sure, okay. That's what I expected.\" But he does raise his brow a bit. \"What's wrong with running into someone you know from school?\"\n\nHe stares at her for a few seconds, unsure how to phrase it. \"I don't know. I don't... Trust the people here.\"\n\nThe tone of the conversation is railroaded at the moment she asks. \"Clothes, obviously.\" He says, dryly. \"Put that back. You'll get it when you're older.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "She stares at him with a very confused look. \"Okay... Uh..\" The conversation was bouncing around in three different places. Talking was still a thing for her to get use to, especially staying on one topic. \"Alright th-then..\" And she puts it back. \" So... You don't trust the people here? L-Like who?\" She clearly forgets his other question about her issue with other kids seeing her from school. And as she waits for his reply, she did find something that did bring back a memory of her hand-made dress. It got ruined when a bear clawed her up one point in her life. A simple long sleeved dress with a bow wrap around its waist. Its affordable, so she's going to get it. Then she looks around trying to see if someone is stalking them as she begins moving towards the till."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"Who? I don't know if who is the right question.\" He says. \"Just... Some of the people here are giving me the wrong vibes.\"\n\n\"I don't know. It's probably fine, this shop is... In public space. Just buy what you need quick.\" He murmurs, as he starts to follow her. He eyes the choice of clothes she picked out, but holds off on any comments."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "She nods and goes to pay for her stuff before bagging it into her backpack. As she glances the area with a nervous look, wondering if Evan notice something that she isn't aware of. When the go walk out towards the entrance, there was the same gang of college kids hanging out at the right side. They seem to just be chilling but one of them was scoping her out, not paying attention to the skinny kid following her."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"Hrm.\" It has been a few months since he's arrived in NC... And incidentally, a few months since he's last found himself in a situation like this.\nThe safety and security is certainly nice, but has it made him rusty?\n\n\"Hey,\" He says in a low voice, \"Just follow me.\"\nHe quickly ducks to the left and starts to walk at a brisk pace. \"Lets mind our own business, yeah?\"\n\"If we had any plans... Lets save it for another day. Back to the Cradle for now.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "She takes his hand into hers as they make a brisk walk together, still oblivious on what is going on. What was making him on edge? She was nervous all the time which made her vulnerable in social surroundings. Her instincts are much sharper alone in the woods with better awareness of other creatures. When they disappeared around the corner, it did get a few of the punks now shadowing them. \"Do you want me to maul someone?\" She asked, her tone a bit quieter and sounding serious. Without her mask, one eye is closed while the other is squinting. The usual expression, except one thing, her mouth is in a straight line. The ember eye seem to slide over to glance at something in the crowd without moving her head, then it turned to his direction."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"Only if we can write it off as self defense,\" He looks at her. \"You're not in the forests anymore... Let me tell you a fact, we have rules. Just like Newton's Cradle.\" His eyes look around briefly.\n\n\"You know about Newton's Cradle a bit already. If you break rules, you could be kicked out.\"\n\"If it helps me explain, you could picture society as one oversized Cradle which follows you everywhere.\" He ponders for a few seconds. \"It can be comfortable sometimes, but...\"\n\nHe doesn't continue the sentence, and simply refocuses his efforts to be quick and brisk in his walk back home."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "She lets out a sigh of disappointment when he tells that this entire community is flagged with rules. \"Alright.\" And continue to speed walk with Evan. \"Sh-should we talk to a s-security guard or call s-someone from C-Cradel? I-It would be wiser... To al-alert them... I-in case s-something happens...\""
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "Evan ponders the idea for a split second.\n\"Probably.\" He says. \"Do you know how to call someone from Cradle, then?\" He asks as he looks behind him over to her, and past her."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Y-yes? I-I have some t-teachers on my list...\" She takes out her cellphone to show it to him. \"I-I'll make a call and let th-them know... They w-would send someone to get us.\" And she would definitely call for help that they're being stalked by some people. They're going to meet up near the entrance where a mall cop is patrolling the opening of a store. Evan would take notice that they are indeed being followed. The creepy shadowers were trying to use the crowd to blend in while they followed them. They stopped as soon as they stayed near the mall cop. Both Rai and Evan would be picked up by an employee from Newton Cradel and will be questioned. At least they would be safe at school for now. Back at the dorm area, this would be the moment when Rai would finally turn to him. \"Y-You know... That was a good call you did...\" She was wearing her tribal mask again which hid her features. \"Here, thanks for coming with me today, Evan. It was really nice of you.\" There was something inside the bag..."
},
{
"author": "goodideasareoverrated",
"message": "\"Sure,\" He says. \"I'm used to it. I wouldn't be here otherwise.\" He rubs his head. Not how he expected the day to turn out. But at least they were both in one piece.\n\nHe furrows his brows a bit, but accepts it. He opens it up, and examines the contents.\nHe squints his eyes at her when he sees the shirts. \"With your money.\" He reminds her, but he hesitates for a few second. \"Well... Thanks, I guess. I do appreciate it.\"\n\"Do I take the bag with me, or...?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Rai's glowing eyes turn into an upside down crescent moons when she gave a chuckle. \"Oh g-gosh, I-I could always get more.., I was s-saving up my allowance.\" She couldn't help but smile behind her mask. \"Keep the bag, I got you shirts because I thought of you and appreciated your company.\" Rai's head bop against his with a friendly affection, making sure to be careful of her small antlers to not poke him. \"Thank you, Evy.\" And with that she disappears into her own room to go pass out on her bed. Going out in public and not having her mask on was so exhausting!"
}
] | 115 | 3,201 |
120.888889 | 2022-03-04 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"Son of a bitch!\" An angsty, peeved voice swore out into the sky which scared the crows fluttering from the tree tops. With his leg trapped pinned between a large rock and tree stump, Vance was struggling to pull it free. \"Fuck!\" He gripped onto it with a pained hiss when it tried to pull it out. He was on a stroll to get away from the happier kids on campus. Their cheeriness was getting on his nerves when they couldn't leave him be during his work hours. Once making it out to the woods for some freedom was a very bad idea for a city kid to venture in. \"Per l'amor del cazzo!\" Vance cussed, now feeling a warm liquid welling by his pinned ankle."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "*Hm. My Italian is a bit rusty, but I know enough to understand that phrase.*\n\nUriel opened their eyes, yawning loudly to themselves. They'd been taking a nap in the forest to hopefully be far enough away from others to finally get good rest, but it seems as if someone had a little accident. \n\nTaking their time to stretch, Uriel wanders over towards the noise, and finds him— the boy from his dreams, at their first day here. \n\n\"Oh.\" They say, rather plainly. \"It's you.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "His pointed ears lowered from a familiar voice that he recalled weeks ago. It left a thorn on the side of his brain which left a sore spot that someone had dive down into his nightmares of his old life. He turn his deep blue eyes towards Uriel's direction before pointing at him. \"The dream pervert!\" That's when he begins to panic recalling this weirdo can do some weird reality bending shit. Now panicking, he begins tugging at his leg to try pry it free. \"Stay away, you!\""
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Stay away? Alright, then.\" \n\nUriel takes out a book— French fairytales, it seems— from out under their purple scarf. They lean against a tree and begin to read, ignoring Vance struggling (and failing) to escape."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "It would take awhile... A long while for Vance to finally give up when its finally dark out. The mosquitos are buzzing, paying attention to the easy meal seeping from his bloodied leg. He was quite prideful and stubborn to ask the weirdo for any help. He let out a frustrated yell when he comes to terms that his leg is stuck. **\"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!\"** This was a familiar sound of someone who dealt with so much shit in his life. It was a good way to vent it out while mostly no one is around. Well, all accept for the day dreamer nearby. Vance was just another troubled kid with a kind of pressure and trauma that harden his heart. After he was done venting yelling, he was huffing and panting in exhaustion, staring down peeved at his trapped leg."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel puts down the book, finished. \n\n\"I understand you're a bit... Afraid around me, but may I please help you? I wouldn't want to have to resort to using my powers to get you to comply, so I believe this is in both of our best interests.\" \n\nThey approach cautiously, similar to the way one would approach a wild animal. \n\n\"Don't worry, I hold no ill-will towards you, despite your constant hostility and borderline abuse communication. It would be a shame for you to die here, is all.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "It was getting dark when Uriel decides to make a bold move by approaching this cranky creature. He looked ragged and exhausted at this point when he turned to the white haired person. Compared to this irritable elf, Raizel would appear far more tame than him. His hand balled into a fist, almost as if ready to swipe at Uriel, then it fell limp. \"Tch!\" He turns his tired eyes away as he folds his arms with a low grumble. A good sign that he wouldn't lash out at them. Vance appeared to be feeling dizzy from the blood he lost."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"That's it.\" They say, attempting at a soothing voice. \n\nThe tree wasn't particularly large, upon further inspection. It took a while to feel out in the dark, but Vance's problem was more so due to the angle he was lying, than the actual weight of the tree. \n\n\"It would be a lot more handy if I could see in the dark, like you, but I suppose I'll have to make do with my perfectly normal senses.\" \n\nUriel grabs the broken branch, and visibly grunts.\n\n\"Is there anyway you could give me any type of leverage? It might be painful, but if you do it for one second, I might be able...\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"How do you know I can see in the dark?\" Vance grumbled, narrowing his eyes at him suspiciously. As Uriel inspects the problem, the elf kept a close eye on him with precise judgement on their movements. \"Its embedded against a large rock and stump, there's deep hole where my leg got pinned.\" He felt awkward having to explain the situation to the white haired stranger. \"Ugh... Fine..\" Of course, Vance is going to grit his teeth in pain when he offered to help Uriel with the leverage that they needed."
}
] | 112 | 1,088 |
146.142857 | 2022-03-05 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel smiles. \n\n\"When you dreamed, even the darkest places were brightly lit... It was a natural assumption. The ears didn't help your case, either.\" \n\nAs Uriel feels around the area, their gloved hands happen upon the sticky, oozing wound on Vance's leg. They touch their hands to their arm, and see faint red marks under the moonlit sky. \n\n\"This is... Worse than I thought. I'll have to stabilize your leg here, as to avoid injuring it anymore.\" Uriel takes a couple of deep breaths, and as Vance raises his leg as far as it can go, they put all of their weight in pushing the log off. Muscles taut, breath caught in their throat— it lasts a little too long before, with a *Thud*, the log dislodges itself and falls to the ground. \n\nUriel falls to the ground, panting. \n\n\"I'm... Not very strong. Stay still, while I look for my medical supplies.\" They began to dig in their messenger bag, tossing aside a random assortment of seemingly unrelated items to find the supplies."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "At first, Vance thought Uriel was trying to be corny as fuck when he explained himself, then realized he made sensed. When Uriel had his gloved hands on his wound, he winced when he felt the opening burned. \"Fuck, this shit sucks,\" He said, his voice straining as he felt the log squishing his leg. Then he was soon free to find himself feeling dizzier when he now realized how much blood he lost. He could clearly see that his pantleg was ruined with a ripped that showed an exposed hole where a sharp, jagged rock sticking out. His pointed ears lowered when he felt his stomach churning at the sight. He couldn't help but turn his eyes away to stare back at the spot where Uriel was reading his weird book."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel gets to work immediately— dainty, almost tapered fingers dab the filthy wound with alcohol-soaked cotton pads. Vance feels the sharp sting with every rhythmic press, the sudden jolt of pain making maintaining consciousness harder with every zap. \n\n\n\nIt takes long. Long enough to where the stars have cemented their place in the sky, and the only light was from the ever-watching moon. \n\nBut, it was done. \n\n Uriel wiped beads of sweat off of their forehead, and collapsed in exhaustion onto the ground. \n\n\"You should be able to walk, albeit slowly, which is fortunate— in this dark, I'm nothing but helpless.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Vance was paranoid enough to make himself stay away despite wanting to fall unconscious from the blood loss and pain. He bit the insides of his cheeks when every dab of alcoholic sting made him cringe.\n\nAt the end of the treatment, Vance looked dazed after toughing out the pain and keeping himself awake. When Uriel finally spoke, his trance snapped back to reality to realize that his leg was bandaged. It was also stabilized by a tree branch to help it keep it in place. '*Fuck, it better not be broken...*'Vance thought, slowly getting up with a grunt. He wanted to thank Uriel but he felt too embarrassed to say it. And asking them why they helped him was another factor also made him embarrassed to even asked.\n\nEven talking to be 'nice' felt foreign and it made him uneasy. It provided a heavy weight that reminded him how much he had to play the \"Good boy\" For his parents. That was a lie for their own benefit by faking what he really is.\n\nTight lipped and thinking on what to do next, all he could do is sigh at Uriel's lack of sight in the dark. He is still uneasy by this person which makes him wonder what their true motives are. The kindest thing he did is take out his flashlight, flick it on and a ray of light shine out into the darkness. He passes it to Uriel to help keep him from being THAT helpless. \"Short cut back to the school is this way...\" Vance muttered, already limping ahead."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel stands still, hand on their chin. \n\n\"And.. You're letting me come with?\" \n\nAt this, Vance can see Uriel's eyebrows raise in surprise briefly, before they start to pick up the pace and follow the elf. \n\n\"Honestly, I expected you to leave me here to fend for myself. It's a pleasant change of events, however...\" Uriel says the statement slowly, almost matter-of-fact. As if Vance being an asshole was simply a law of the universe. \n\n\"You're not the first person to dislike me due to my powers, so don't feel guilty about displaying that distaste. It's only natural to be disturbed when on the defensive.\" Uriel's voice came out smooth and reassuring.\n\n\"It doesn't make you a bad person to dislike me or what I do, so don't feel it necessary to have any moral dilemmas or feel bad about your hatred.\" Uriel continues, offering a sleepy yet genuine smile at Vance."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Vance had his back turned to Uriel as he limped ahead to lead the way. As Uriel is talking, he couldn't help himself but roll his eyes at him as they chattered on. \"If you keep on talking with your corny statements, I will leave you here for the wolves,\" Vance said, sounding annoyed. \"I just don't like people.\" He hobbled forward, wincing, but moving enough in hopes of leading this Uriel person out of the woods.\n\nThe cut in his leg complained with every limp that gave him a biting reminder that he needs to go to the hospital. \"I could care less about your hippy dream powers. Just keep your nose out of my life history.\"\n\nThis was a clue that he really prefer to keep information about himself private. Whatever the case it is had left him bitter, on edge and paranoid."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Has that strategy been working out well for you? Hiding yourself from other people?\" They mused out loud, looking at Vance with an oddly inquisitive look.\n\nUriel didn't know what spurred them to ask such a personal question, especially from someone so... Volatile. Perhaps *Due* To that volitivity, did Uriel find it necessary to draw attention to the source of that chaotic energy. \n\n\"And, no, I would never invade other people's privacy... Intentionally. You have that guarantee.\" Uriel promised."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "\"You you that much of a dunce to pry?\" Vance's voice slightly grumbled which nearly sound close to a snarl. It took Jesus's grace to hold this boy from clocking Uriel in the forehead right now. \"We're almost there, now stop talking.\" His head was swimming with dizziness by the time they made it by the schoolgrounds. Not before he spots a dead marten laying slashed open on the ground. \"God dammit I thought I had this part cleaned!\" And he nearly tilts over to catch himself in time when he felt nausea take over."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Are you alright?\" Uriel breaks the silence that had formed between them, and rushes to Vance's side, propping him up with an arm around his torso. \n\n\"Don't worry, we're almost there. Just— hold out a bit longer, alright? I don't think I could carry you while unconscious.\" \n\nUriel peers at the offending dead animal. Yes, it stunk, but things died all the time— was Vance an animal lover of some sort? \n\n\"If you need me to move its body, or... I'm sure it'll be eaten by some grateful bottom feeders, given enough time.\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Vance is surprisingly much, well, far lighter than the heavy weight Raizel. It wouldn't be too hard for Uriel to keep him up on his feet. This kid was quite thin when Uriel held his torso to discover he is very much like a twig. \"You're stumb... Job... My job to clean... Ugh..\" Vance stumbled over his words when he sees the world sway left to right. \"Just leave it... Deal with it later...\"He is quite persistent trying to make it towards the door."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "\"Alright, if you—\" Uriel cuts themselves off as Vance lunges towards the door. \n\n\"Please, try and stay with me; It wouldn't be good if you were to fall on your face, especially with your leg.\"\n\nUriel maintains a tighter grip, solely to keep the wriggling boy stable. As they walk slowly towards the door and inside, Uriel sets Vance down on a chair. \n\n\"We should be able to call the infirmary and get a stretcher called in... Just sit tight, will you?\""
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "Uriel would be tugging along a limp noodle trying to fight against him. Vance couldn't really speak properly in English when he cursed at Uriel in a jumbled mess. He would attempt to shove them away with his hand in their face, but it didn't work due to being debuffed by bloodloss and lack of weight to throw around. Now sitting on the chair under light, he look like someone who was an car accident victim."
},
{
"author": "hawkguyy",
"message": "Uriel talks for a while on the phone, before hanging up and turning to Vance.\n\n\"The infirmary says they'll send someone down in ten minutes. Would you like me to keep you company until then, or would you like me to leave?\" Uriel asks the question slowly and softly, almost as if explaining the outcome to a younger child. They weren't sure Vance could follow along if they spoke normally."
},
{
"author": "thescythe3354",
"message": "When Uriel turned back he would discover a handprint smear of blood on the wall, indicating this little shit tried to walk away from his seat. He is laying on his side unconscious with a gloomy blue shade across his eyes. There was a small pool of blood forming near his leg where he tried dragging himself way by a few feet. It looked like Uriel had just killed someone in this scene."
}
] | 123 | 2,046 |
186.5 | 2022-03-11 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "[Greenhouse...]\n\n\"Christ...\"\n\nNeedless to say, Silas often flew far too close to the sun when it came to ranked matches. Sure, he was naturally skilled, blessed with quick reflexes and a quicker mind, but no matter how hard he tried he seemed to have the worst luck as a result of his successes. It was the end of another six hour sessions punctuated with frustrated yells and plenty of toxicity, and it had hit a point where he'd had to force himself to step away before his monitor took the brunt of his frustration.\n\nAnd, when in doubt, the greenhouse was there, a city of plants, horticultural heaven for the most devout of believers in Mother Nature's plans for the Earth she had created.\n\nStrolling through the sliding glass door as a sensor beeped once behind him, the half and half lad's head hung low, oak bark eyes warmly regarding the various plants that surrounded him. Reaching up, he plucked a hot pepper of some sort from a hanging branch, biting in before registering that what he'd just bit into was a chili. It wasn't the texture, nor the taste, but rather the searing heat that ripped through his mouth cavity a few moments later, causing him to let out a surprised utterance before dropping the rest of the pepper onto the ground and crushing it with the sole of his freshly-polished black leather shoe.\n\nAnd now he had to deal with the heat; so, he simply leaned against a table, and began to breathe deeply while clenching the edge with his hands. What a *Mistake.*"
},
{
"author": "azarch.",
"message": "The greenhouse.\n\nIt had become something of a source of frustration for Joshua. He'd been here nearly a month, looking for the greenhouse every day, to no avail. Surely no one could have that bad of a sense of direction, right?\n\nBut today was the day. He finally found it. He stopped before the door, just close enough that it sensed him and opened. He could almost feel the variety of plants within, and it stunned him to feel so much life.\n\nSlowly, he walks in, gazing about, awestruck. He doesn't get very far in before a small shrub catches his attention. Stepping over to it, he places a finger against one of its leaves, and feeling the life within."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "\"...Evening.\"\n\nNow, sure, he was in quite a bit of pain. Sweat pooled in beads on his forehead, running through the creases across his forehead from four prior years of smoking like a garden fountain. His mouth felt as if he'd been forced to suck on a dirt bike muffler as a pacifier. However, he still had his awareness, and this awareness alerted him to an unfamiliar presence, someone else in the greenhouse past dark, possibly seeking solitude or a connection to the planet onto which they'd been born. Looking around, he soon spotted the unfamiliar fellow, a tall lad with long brown hair, who seemed to almost be in a trance whilst inspecting a leaf.\n\n▪︎ Not the weirdest he'd seen.\n\n\"Don't eat the hanging fruit, it's *Spicy.*\" A cough and a chuckle mingled in his throat, nearly choking him in the process. \"What's up? Haven't seen ya around, mate, what's cracking?\""
},
{
"author": "azarch.",
"message": "This gives Joshua a a start. He hadn't even considered the possibility of someone else being in the greenhouse. He jumps and lets loose a small yelp. Then, in a voice much deeper than the yelp, he responds.\n\n\"Oh! Sorry! I thought I was the only one here. I was just...\" He trails off for a moment. How could he even begin to explain that? \"Uh.. I was just checking out the plants. What about you?\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "So, the other lad was surprised... Fun.\n\n\"Huh, thought ya could sit here and go goblin mode in peace? Fat chance, mate.\" A chuckle followed as Silas tried his best to speak through the searing pain. The variety of chili he'd absent-mindedly ate, he wasn't sure, but given his downright atrocious spice tolerance it could have just as well been an anaheim, or a shishito. With the silence broke, he looked up at the lad, a necessity given his short stature, oak peering up framed in black eyeshadow hastily done out of boredom earlier in the day. \"As for myself...?\"\n\n\"Terrible run of ranked games today. Can't seem to get more than one good teammate in any of my matches; fuck, at this rate I'll need a rod in my back to fix my curved spine, heh.\" A brief exhale followed. \"Anyways, saw ya inspecting one of those leaves, mate. Rare plant?\""
},
{
"author": "azarch.",
"message": "Silas's seemed to have quite an issue, as far as Joshua could tell. Then again, he had absolutely no clue what this guy was even talking about. \n\n\"Not particularly,\" Joshua answers, deciding not to question the games. \"I was just kind of taken aback by all of this.\" He gestures to the broad array of flora. \"I've never seen this many species in such close proximity.\""
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "**\"Can say that again.\"** He nodded, though his voice still ebbed and flowed with the waves of pain that unspecified chili had brought. The sweats hadn't ceased, but at this point all he could do in the absence of milk or honey was tough it out. **\"It's really relaxing here, honestly. You see those guys... Over there?\"**\n\nWhistling, it peaked as his finger gun aligned with a small planter with several stalks coming out of it. It seemed to be some sort of edible plant, and in the few moments that would soon come to pass between bits of pained speech he approached the planter box. Pinching a tiny bit off of the top, he held it out in the tips of his fingers, a small offering from one urban druid to another. Perhaps it was weird of him to offer up a piece of plant matter like it was nothing, but he knew what was under the dirt, and he himself was guilty of occasionally plucking the greens and eating them as a light snack.\n\nFor now, though...? He had no interest.\n\n**\"Green onions. I grow 'em year-round, since they're pretty tasty as a snack. These are almost done growing, I think.\"** Chaos sinking into peace, he held his hand out still. **\"Want some?\"**"
},
{
"author": "azarch.",
"message": "\"Sure!\" Joshua smiled as he took the offered greens. He put them in his mouth. After a moment, he said \"That's really good, but there's no sense in the plant having to suffer for a taste.\"\n\nReaching out, he puts a few fingers against the stalk, and slowly it grows to replace what was broken off."
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "**\"Right.\"** Silas nodded, fanning air into his mouth in a moment of spice-induced weakness. **\"Might be cruel, but... Shit, oh we- huh?\"**\n\nWell, this was unusual. Sure, it made sense to reason that nothing was truly usual anymore, since parahumans were now out of the shadows and an accepted part of academic study, but something about powers seemed to offend the evolutionarily-ingrained ideas of what it meant to be human. Looking on with curiosity, he watched as the patch of green he'd plucked regrew within seconds of first contact, a botanical miracle driven by whatever powers this lad had up his sleeve. Once the other had stepped back he grabbed the watering can that sat nearby, and with a gentle motion he watered the soil he'd noticed was dry whilst the taller lad was healing his onions.\n\nIt was a bit of an odd sight, to say the least.\n\n**\"So, is that your power? Plant growth? Something tells me you'd make a killing as a gardener, Christ.\"** He chuckled in spite of his corny joke. **\"Shitty joke aside, that's pretty cool, man... Pretty cool. How'd ya figure it out? Went to eat grass as a dumb kid and found out it multiplied in your mouth?\"**"
},
{
"author": "azarch.",
"message": "Joshua took a moment to assemble his answer. How much was he comfortable saying? He'd decided to embrace his powers here, but could he embrace where they came from as well?\n\nNot today he couldn't. Or at least, not all of it.\n\n\"I've been this way as long as I can remember.\" He starts, \"At first all I could do... Well.. Its hard to explain but I guess the best way to put it is I can talk to plants, and if they feel like it, they talk back. It all branched out from there.\" He pauses for a moment, \"No pun intended.\"\n\nHe holds his left arm up, so that his hand, and the barky substance covering it, are more visible. He pulls his sleeve up some, revealing that the bark continues up his arm. \"This started a year or two ago, so I figure there's more changes still coming my way.\""
}
] | 195 | 1,865 |
184.571429 | 2022-03-14 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "motherpuro",
"message": "*An itty bitty 5' 3\" Girl in a pink jacket and a schoolgirl outfit could be seen getting out the back of a standard van, probably belonging to her family, before getting some boxes out of the back, filled with some of her most important things and her clothes*\n\n*Once she gets everything from the back, she goes to the front of the van, hugs her mom, and waves goodbye to her as she drives away*\n\n*She sighs sadly and looks around at the campus before getting her stuff stacked in her arms and going towards where she thinks the dorms are, but she doesn't know where she's actually going*"
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"...Rats.\"\n\n□ The early afternoon sun beamed down on Silas' tanned skin, twin-tone hair falling in tufts in a desperate attempt to meet the ground as he lounged on a bench in the courtyard. Why, of all places, was he there? Because it was quiet, so very quiet, leagues above the chaos that enveloped much of the common areas around this time between all of the other quote unquote *Prisoners.* Knuckles lazily pressed against the ground, he'd be seen in black cuffed slacks, a cream button-up, vintage-spec maroon-white suspenders, and freshly shined platform shoes.\n\n▪︎ Thankfully the climate in this part of Sweden was similar to what he was used to in England; otherwise he'd have been grumbling a lot.\n\n◇ Footsteps made themselves known in his general area, and with that his head lethargically turned, the grinding of metal against stone faintly audible if one had an active imagination. He saw the girl who'd made the noises, and nodded. If she wanted help she'd ask, he figured."
},
{
"author": "motherpuro",
"message": "*You'd see her stop for a moment, and look around before seeing you, and her previously sad and upset body language disappears in favor of a bubbly and alright body language as she makes her way to you, clearly about to ask you for help. Those boxes look a bit heavy, so its understandable that she kinda wants help*\n\n*As she gets closer, the sun gleams in her glasses, giving the illusion of a more happy girl, although her previous body language said otherwise... Her hair is a confusing part of her, it looks quite pink in this daylight, it sure looks like it was dyed, but there are no other signs other than the color, all the way down to the roots of her hair*\n\n\"Um- excuse me, sir? Could you help me move these boxes do my new dorm? I'm pretty new here if you don't mind helping fresh meat!\" *She giggles after that last comment*"
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Sir? That's Mx. To you.\" One joking remark later and he was now upright, his arm that was previously interlocked with the bench now free to explore. \"Kidding. Anyways, lass, guess I could help, yeah.\"\n\n□ Swinging his twig legs out, he groaned lightly as a previously lounged, relaxed body had its inertia broken, shifted and forced towards laborious tasks instead of basking in the sun like his friend Cara's iguana back home in Manchester. Even here, at prison, he couldn't avoid working – after all, back home he'd been a part-timer at a flower shop in the south end – and so he resigned himself to being a Buckley's mover, lifting and transporting God knows what into this Hubba Bubba-haired girl's cell.\n\n▪︎ Something about that still seemed weird; the rooms were quite nice, so why the heck were they considered cells?\n\n◆ \"So.\" Pushing himself to his feet, he grabbed one of the heavier-looking crates, though it visibly strained his slim arms to lift the suitcase up. \"Where are these lads going?\""
},
{
"author": "motherpuro",
"message": "*She sighs as the weight she has to carry is severely lowered, and she looks back up at you, the sun making a glare so that her eyes are completely drowned out by the light- think of an anime protagonist with glasses about to attack*\n\n\"I'm not too sure yet, i just know they're going to my room in this place. They said i could bring stuff with me, so i took advantage of that. I'm Penelope by the way, what's your name? You lo-\" *She stops herself before she said something obviously rude*\n\n*She adjusts her grip on the boxes as you hear an odd noise come from behind her, on her back. It sounded a bit slimy, like a knife going through her, but she doesn't seem to notice as she looks to see if she dropped anything*"
},
{
"author": "birch4184",
"message": "◆ \"Well then. Uh... Guess it's more about the journey then, huh?\"\n\n□ Rather than make any sort of snide comments, Silas instead steadied the suitcase in his arms, curiously listening for any clinking or thumping yet finding none of it. Presumably clothing by those findings, he simply pushed off from his spot with the luggage in ninety degree angled arms, sight focused on the dormitory building – could it be called that? This prison was partially an academic institution, oddly enough – and its gilded gates.\n\n▪︎ Realistically, they were just plain steel doors, but they might as well have been the gates to Heaven right now.\n\n◆ \"Penelope? Aye, gotcha. Uh... Silas is the man carrying your shit.\" Not exactly a *Man,* But it had a certain ring to it, so the mild discomfort it brought him could be excused. \"First day here at wonderful Newton's Cradle?\""
},
{
"author": "motherpuro",
"message": "\"Yep, very first, i just got dropped off not 5 minutes ago, and now i'm just getting my stuff to my... Cell? I guess? I was told this was kinda a prison, but it looks okay so far.\"\n\n*She starts going to the dorm building, still carrying da boxes, but she's pretty careful with it, having her two arms on the two edges of the box just to make sure she doesn't drop any of it*\n\n\"Silas, huh? Pretty unique name, kinda reminds me of Snape from the harry potter books, except, y'know, not evil. Hehe.\""
}
] | 190 | 1,292 |
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