su-ji and isi

[5:48 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi sat on a bench by the large statue in the middle, seemingly unbothered by the cold. She had a few birds around her, a cardinal and a few wrens. She whistled or chirped to them every now and then, as if asking questions and receiving answers, or vice versa.

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[6:05 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

......

"Ff-f-f-f-UCK it's cold!" A shout came from an entrance as none-other-than Su-Ji emerged. He seemed to be hunting for somewhere to keep warm- seeing as he neglected (very smartly) to take a coat from the boat. It seemed he didn't account for the time he wasn't covered in fur.

He was hugging himself as he looked around the courtyard... perking up a little as his eyes landed on Isi. He let out a loud gasp- the cold forgotten.

"Yoooo! You look awesome!!" He called as he approached. He didn't seem to notice the birds communicating. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:08 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi looked up as Su-ji entered and spoke.

"Thanks! You're not so bad yourself! Though you do look kinda cold" she remarked.

They gave a short couple of whistles and many of the birds flew off, save for the cardinal which seemed content to chill on her scarf (she'd already dropped off the dock spider in her room, don't worry she's warm and safe lol)

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[6:13 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

"N-N-Nooo I'm finneeee..." He waved his hand.

"...So uh.. Y-Y-Y-you good with animals-s-s? ...That w-w-was kinda Disney Princess-esc, w-w-wasn't it?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:21 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi raised an eyebrow at his insisting despite clearly shivering, but didn't protest for now, though expecting him to change his mind.

"Yeah, they talk to me a bit, guess you could say I'm good with them!" She laughed a bit at the Disney princess comment.

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[6:26 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

One could not underestimate the mighty Su-Ji's stubborness.

"Mannn that'd be so cool to be able to talk to animals... Although I dunno if that'd be a good mix for me... I do tend to--... Uh... nevermind..." He chuckled nervously. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:35 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"yeah it's pretty neat!"

Isi's curiosity was piqued by Su-Ji's cut off, but didn't say anything yet, though Isi did plan on asking questions about their abilities, definitely. They stood up and the cardinal flew away.

"What's your name? I'm Isi!" They asked.

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[6:39 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

"Su-Ji!" The boy grinned as he stuck a hand out for Isi to shake, a quiet purr coming from his chest. "Nice ta meet you!" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:49 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

They grinned back and shook his hand. The purr came as unexpected, but honestly it only made them want to talk with her more, in case she had similar animal abilities to Isi.

"Wanna go with me to the lounge, Su-Ji? I'm getting cold, just came out for a bit for the birds-" they asked.

That was a bit of a lie. Yeah they did come out here for the birds and were a bit chilly, but not cold enough to go in- they just couldn't stand to see Su-Ji shiver. Plus, apparently there was an air hockey table in the lounge, and Isi had no idea what that was but boy did she wanna find out.

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[6:53 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

"Oh-- well if you're getting c-c-old--" He nodded and gestured to the exit. "who am I t-t-to keep y-you." He smiled. "Plus-- the l-lounge seems f-f-fun!" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:01 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"yeah!" She made her way to the exit, making sure Su-ji was following as she did so.

"You know a little about my abilities, What are yours? Everyone here seems to have pretty cool ones" she asked as they stepped inside.

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺 ( ⁠lounge )

doomed yaoi

[7:12 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben walked with Inu and Roy out to the courtyard, gathering his thoughts on the way there. Yet again the cold didn't bother him but he kept his coat on and hands in pockets anyway. He decided to start by making sure Inu was a little less confused

"You were not there, Inu, but while Roy and I where having breakfast on the boat, we were approached by Roque. She seemed intent on testing our..boundaries the entire time, though I'll admit I didn't have the best response to her either."

He tried to choose his words carefully in explanation. He believed himself to have gotten defensive when she'd gotten close to touching him, as well as in response to her comments about Roy.

"Needless to say I would rather not interact much with her if that will be the common theme, let alone share a room."

Now that he was with people he felt a little more comfortable around he seemed more open to talking as opposed to staying quiet or ducking out.

@Sauce | Roy 🌩 @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[7:41 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Inu followed along behind the two, frowning a bit as he listened along. Well. He already made a promise to her that they'd talk after the gala and everything, right? He couldn't go back on it. He didn't want to. The idea of it made him nauseous.

"...I told her we'd talk later." Inu stared at the ground. "I don't want to go back on that." He shook his head. "I..think..she'd be mad if I did that." Inu shrunk down slightly, trying to hide himself in the giant coat. "...And she'd probably want to talk to me alone..."

"...But I'll...I'll be safe..." Probably? No. Probably not. "...Hnmnn..."

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @Sauce | Roy 🌩

[8:11 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

The dining hall had lost its appeal once Noah had left so Peregrine continued his exploration of the grounds. And so, there he found himself, in the courtyard, keeping his smug unimpressed expression on his face as he circled the statue. He certainly wasn't avoiding the pathetically annoying butler and whoever those people with him were, no sir. Just happened to ignore them. There was just more interesting things in the courtyard.

[8:21 PM]Sauce | Roy 🌩:

He nodded along with Eben’s words. “Yeah, she was a real ass to the both of us. …not to mention she also smells like blood, which is fuckin’ weird….” He had hoped with Eben being unable to smell the blood, maybe he could room with her, but it didn’t seem like that’s was going to happen. Great…. And he really didn’t want Inu alone with her so that left him.

Aaaaand that’s exactly what she wanted. He frowned a bit. “Inu… do you feel safe bein’ alone with her?” @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[4:51 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben listened to the two while looking out on the courtyard, slowing his pace a little upon realizing Inu had fallen behind them.

He waited for Inu to answer Roy's question.

@Sauce | Roy 🌩 @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[5:41 AM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"..Uhm." Inu looked down and pulled up the hood, trying to hide his face. "...I..guess...but..uhm." He shook his head. "..I don't want her to be mean to you guys if she wants to talk to me and everything...so I'll be okay..." Inu shrunk down more. "..If-If uhm. If anything happens I..I can let you guys know of course.."

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @Sauce | Roy 🌩

[5:48 AM]Sauce | Roy 🌩:

His heart ached. This poor guy… “Inu, she’s gonna be an ass no matter what. I’d rather you be safe and I get yelled at then leavin’ you alone with her.” @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:01 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben nodded at what Roy said, he would definitely rather dealing with it himself than letting just Inu take it all. He didn't respond for a moment, thinking.

"I don't want to assume that her intention is physical harm unless given cause. It will be easier and less difficult if we just stay aware and avoid creating more tension."

Eben had dealt with his fair share of instigators, of which he believed Roque to be. Perhaps he was being too optimistic but he felt it was better to leave the fighting to the arena, especially if they were roommates.

"If Inu prefers, then yes one of us should be around when they talk, given the circumstances."

@Sauce | Roy 🌩 @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[6:14 AM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Inu bit down on his lip nervously and shook his head. He opened his mouth to say something before he shut it and went silent, thinking of what to say next. "..Uhm." He clasped his hands together. "..But what if..she..uhm..she hurts you guys.." He looked up at the two of them.

"You said...she..uhm..mm..she was an ass...to you two..." Inu tensed up. "I-I don't want you guys...guys to get hurt because of me...I'll be okay I think- I don't...I don't think she'll hurt me or get physical..or do the same to you guys...if she..smells like blood and like..has a weird thing for it..."

"...My blood is uhm. Different. Chemically-? I'm not..." Inu trailed off.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @Sauce | Roy 🌩

[7:34 AM]Sauce | Roy 🌩:

At least they recognize the danger. That woman was no good. Inu didn’t want them to get hurt, and tried to assure that she wouldn’t hurt him, but if she’s interested in their blood…

I’m not.. not what? Human? At this point, he didn’t care about that no more. Plenty of the people here weren’t human. But something about them had to be useful to Roque if she had approached him. Roy didn’t like this one bit.

“Maybe we could block her from talking to ya..? Nah that would just piss her off more. Shit…” He really didn’t see a good way around this. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:50 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"I believe we are both capable of defending ourselves. You are not solely responsible for our safety, and should not give up yours to protect it" Eben stated.

"We are overthinking this." He decided. "I agree with Inu, it will be fine. One of us can stay nearby if something goes wrong."

@Sauce | Roy 🌩 @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[8:50 AM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"Mhm.." Inu nodded with a small hum. "I..uhm." The idea made him nervous before he glanced up when he heard a bell chime. Huh. A gala? "..Oh..uh..a gala..?" He paused. Inu stayed quiet as he thought about what to say next, he seemed conflicted before Inu ultimately let out a tiny sigh.

"...No." He shook his head. "I don't want..want you nearby because if she finds out...then I think it would..be worse." Inu took a deep breath. "...I-I want..you two to wait in the room..when I talk to her...I-I will come back to thr room after..but. I don't want you..you hurt."

"Please.."

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @Sauce | Roy 🌩

[2:33 PM]Sauce | Roy 🌩:

He really hated the thought of leaving them alone, but there was the chance nothing could happen… he let out a sigh. “I don’t want to make things worse for you… as much as I don’t like it, I won’t force you if you think it’ll hurt more than it’ll help. I’m good with waiting for you in the room, but please come back as soon as you can.” He looked to Eben to see what he thought.

He hasn’t known Inu for very long but he was already worrying over him like… like what, a friend? Yeah, he didn’t want his friend to get hurt.

Inu, Isi… and Eben, Darcy and Glass too. He wanted to protect his friends.

The bell chimed and their time was up. “Shit… I’d forgotten about that.”

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @capisnotonfire

[4:53 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben stayed silent, but eventually just nodded, arms folded. Anyone could tell he had objections he wasn't stating, knowing that if he did state them, then from what he knew, Inu would likely start to back down just to avoid conflict and things like that. He wouldn't force a decision if Inu had made one.

"I will wait for you in the room when that happens. For now, I think we better go to the gala."

He hated parties (woah who saw that coming) but maybe it would be better with Inu, and Roy. And maybe he could gain useful information or something.

@Sauce | Roy 🌩 @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

kal and taisto

[7:45 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

He was stupid, stupid, stupid. He should have never been accepted into a human society, he was trash at talking to people and no-one liked him. He should never ever talk again to anyone!

Taisto's anxiety and the gnawing, tense feeling in him demanded to get out in one form or another, and it was getting difficult to remain cool and collected. He wanted to go run around and dig holes or hunt, something to vent his feelings, but the staff had said they should keep to the temple grounds. So, he came to the courtyard, transformed into a large dog, and lunged into a speedy sprint across the floor, his paws pitter pattering and claws scratching the tiles as he ran. He made some tight turns, sliding stops and sudden changes of direction. Just basic zoomies. His jaws were open and his pink tongue flapping out as he smiled. Running was fun, and it eased the tight feeling in his chest.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:57 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal was rockin’, rockin’ and rollin’. Down the sidewalk he was strollin’. He still had ample energy after the gala- The music and energy of everyone had him feeling as though he could run a mile. Maybe there was a good way to burn off some energy-

IS THAT A DOG?! Kal loved dogs!! He definitely was a dog kind of guy. His government assigned dog? Maybe a border collie, something that could run and that has a lot of energy. He wasn’t sure.

“Hey there, buddy!” Kal scampered closer to the dog. He figured that the doggo belonged to someone on the island. Kal bent over slightly and patted his knees, as though he was urging the dog to come over. “Hey buddy! What’s up? How’s it goin’, little guy?” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:02 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto's head turned towards Kal's voice, and his wide grin subsided a little as he stumbled into a halt. He looked over at the man, ears upright and seemed a little surprised, but since Kal seemed friendly, his tail that was curled over his back, started wagging, and he pranced happily towards the male. He bounced a little from side to side, playfully making little barks. Friend! @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:25 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal bounced on his feet, his grin widening. “Hey there, bud!!!! What’re doin’ out here all on your own? You’re just a lil’ guy!!!”

Every dog was a lil’ guy, no matter the size.

“Man- I wish I had a stick! We could play some catch!! Would you like that? Huh? Huh?” Kal bounced on his feet, reflecting the dog’s energy. Hyped, a very hyped guy. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:33 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto let out an excited bark and did a bouncy spin around. He was a little guy! Then, he bolted off to find a stick! He ventured close to some bushes, and sniffed the ground for dry branches. He scratched the ground with his front paw under the bush, and pulled out a fallen stick. He grabbed it between his teeth, and bounded back to Kal. For funzies, he threw his head back, flipping the branch in the air and caught it again, stumbling a little, before he stopped in front of the man and performed the play-bow, tail wagging and dark, bright eyes looking up at him expectantly. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:53 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Look at YOU!!!!! So talented- You found a stick!!!” Kal grinned. He bounced on his feet with excitement. “Man, you’re such a cool lil’ guy!!! What a good boy!!”

Kal knelt down to one knee and extended a hand towards the doggo so he could have the stick. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:08 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto lifted his head a bit to offer the stick, but when Kal took a hold of it, the dog pulled back against his hand with a small, playful growl and his tail wagging. He played tug for a moment, before letting go and jumping up to his feet and taking a few bouncy steps backwards, smiling excitedly.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:11 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal couldn’t help but laugh as he and dog tugged on the stick. “Feisty, huh? You some some spunk, bud!!”

“Alright, let’s go!!” He laughed and waved the stick a few times. Then, he pulled his arm back, and then whipped the stick across the courtyard. YEET!! @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[8:35 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto spun around and dashed after the stick, gravel ricocheting around, but there was no hope for him to catch the branch from flight. Once it landed though, he pounced on it, falling over from the speed, but quickly scrambled up with the stick between his jaws. He shook himself, and galloped happily back to Kal. He dropped the stick in front of him and bounced backwards again with a wide smile and his tongue flapping like a little flag as he panted.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:33 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal chuckled as he bent down and picked up the stick. “You’re just a silly lil’ guy!!! You might’ve tripped, but hey, you still got the stick!! So talented, buddy!!”

Kal laughed. He geared up and threw the stick again. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[12:44 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto sprang after the stick, determined to try and catch it from the air. He jumped, and-! It bonked him on the nose, ricocheting into another direction, spinning wildly.

Taisto let out a little yip and landed back on the floor, shaking his head intensely, before looking around a little disoriented. He walked around slowly, looking for the stick. He was completely lost of where it had fallen, but finally perked up when he spotted it. He pounced on it, snatched it up, and brought it back to Kal. He wasn't going to give it this time, though. He offered it with a wide grin and a wagging tail, but he was going to keep his teeth locked around it. Kal would have to win it back in a tug of war!

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:50 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Ohohohohohhhoooo, you wanna play games, huh? I can play games, too, bud!!" Kal grinned. He bent his knees and reached out to grab onto the stick. "You ready, bud? Let's do this!" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[1:50 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

(Wanna do this as a best out of three match? :joy2: )

[8:49 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

(yeah sure! :3 )

Taisto growled playfully and wagged his tail, bracing himself to pull on the stick. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[4:11 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal was eager to start tugging, but it seemed as though he underestimated the strength of a perfectly good boy. He ended up falling over onto his chest. His grip remained on the stick.

“Whoa!!! You sure are strong!!” Kal laughed. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

(Taisto 1, Kal 0)

[4:15 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto whipped his head from side to side a bit, thrilled of this fun game, but he paused when Kal tumbled. He looked at the man with bright eyes, like asking if he was okay, falling flat like that. His tail wagged lightly, and he kept his teeth tightly on the stick. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[4:21 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Don't worry bud, I'm all good!! I'm getting serious now!" Kal grinned. He was definitely more than okay with falling.

Somewhat easily, Kal got back up to his feet and pulled on the stick as he did so. He seemed to have kicked it up a notch. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[4:25 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto perked up, and bit down on the stick tighter. Which was a good call, since the strength with which Kal yanked the branch lift the whole dog up, paws scrambling to reach the ground, but to no avail. He snarled playfully as he was towed through the air, before he landed back on his feet, and tried to pull back again. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

(Taisto 1, Kal 1)

[4:36 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal swore he had been prepared for the strength that would come with Taisto pulling so hard. However, he wasn't. They were in a standstill for a few moments before Kal began to falter in his strength. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

(If you wanna write your lad winning!!! :joy2: Taisto 2, Kal 1!!)

[4:48 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

(ait!)

It was about the rythmical tugging and whipping of his head. It would start slipping the branch out of Kal's grasp. He put all his four paws into work and pulled back, until the stick was freed from Kal, and Taisto's head sprung back. He reared slightly, before getting his balance back and jumped excitedly on his back legs, before bouncing around with the stick in his grinning mouth. He looked at Kal as he pranced, wagging his tail and making little huffs, taking off into a run, before tunring back to look at him, coming closer and running away again. He seemed to want Kal to chase him for the stick.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:34 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal started to laugh as Taisto flaunted his victory. He stood back up and bounced on his feet.

“Hell yeah, bud!!!! You won- Look at you!! Congrats!” Kal laughed. “OHOHO, you wanna chase? Alright- I’ll give you a chase!”

He started to chase after the doggo. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[5:50 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto let out an excited huff and darted away like spooked rabbit, skittering over the gravel and tiles. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:54 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal continued to laugh as he chased after the doggo. He had a wide smile on his face as he continued his pursuit. It seemed as though he was getting his own zoomies out, too. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[6:01 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto zigzagged sometimes, spun around and paused to look at Kal fast approaching at other times, but all in all just ran around the courtyard, until he was getting tired. He slowed down into a gallop, and glanced over his shoulder where Kal was. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:17 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal still had a good amount of energy left. When he saw that the doggo was getting tired, he slowed down.

“Man, looks like we both had a good work out, huh?” He chuckled before plopping down into the grass. “I’m pretty beat!” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[6:39 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto paused as well, looked at Kal plop down, and leisurely walked next to him, wagging his tail slower now. He dropped the stick, and sat down, panting but smiling so brightly that his eyes closed. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:56 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal chuckled as he reached out and gave the doggo a good scratch behind the ears.

“Such a good boy,” He smiled. “Best boy!! I hope you get some good ass rest tonight, you definitely deserve it.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:04 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto wagged his tail and leaned into the scritches. His back leg on that side started tapping the ground like he was scratching behind the ear himself. He gave a little lick on Kal's wrist as a thank you, but decided to also put his gratitude into words. He looked at Kal with his bright, dark brown eyes and spoke in a human voice:

"Thank you for the pets, and for playing with me! I feel a lot better now!"

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:51 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“WHOAAAAAAA,” Kal’s eyes lit up. He continued to give him pets. “I didn’t know this island had talking dogs!! That’s so awesome- No problem, bud!! Any time!! I had a blast, too!” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:53 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto realized a little late that he had talked in a dog form, but since it didn't seem to bother Kal, he just wagged his tail and smiled blissfully receiving the pets. It had been ages since someone hat petted him, and he had missed it!

"Oh, I'm not from this island, and I'm not a real dog either. I'm a competitor, like you! I'm glad you had fun too!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:18 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“What???? You’re telling me that they invited a talking dog to join the fighting? Who would ever even try to hit a lil’ guy like you?” Kal looked horrified. “Nah, that’s illegal!!” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[8:28 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Aw", he chuckled a bit and wagged his tail. "Maybe that's a good tactic? I'll get them to surrender because I'm too cute to fight", he grinned innocently and wagged his tail, laughing more. "But nah, I probably won't be using my dog form for the fights. If we fight. We still don't know if our trials are going to be simple fighting, right? But anyways, let me..."

He scooted back a little to give himself and Kal more space, as he started to grow and transform into his humanoid shape, leaving his fur and wolfish features on. He shook his head a little in a dog-like manner, before looking at Kal kind of apologetically. He was still sitting down, but you could still tell he was quite tall.

"I'm sorry I let you think I was a normal dog. I was feeling insecure about my communication skills after a couple of bad interactions. Being a dog is so much more straightforward and simple, and you can't say the wrong things", he chuckled awkwardly and his ears lowered.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:58 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal watched as the doggo shifted into someone with a humanoid form. He looked a bit confused at first before he understood. Oh, kind of like Animorphs? The kids at the YMCA read the books and would speak to him about it. It was a fun story for them.

“Don’t be sorry, it’s all good!” Kal chuckled, being a bit too normal about things. “I’m glad the two of us could have a good time!! Sorry that you’ve been having rough times, though, bud. That’s never any fun.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:05 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto's tail swished, and he smiled brighter.

"Yes! Maybe we can play fetch again sometime! I never get to play anymore", he chuckled.

"Yeahh, I try my best, and I think I've become pretty good at talking over the years, but it's still so complicated to communicate with humans. I mess up sometimes. The other talk was pretty fine I think, until I accidentally said something bad and made my roommates uncomfortable", he lowered his ears again and smiled anxiously, looking down and rubbing his neck. "Annnd the other guy, I think he got angry with me because I didn't realize he was flirting with me", he chuckled awkwardly.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:50 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“I wouldn’t mind playing fetch again! It was a good time,” Kal chuckled.

“Well hey, I think you’re doing pretty great!!! You get my seal of approval!”

He frowned slightly. “I’m sorry about your roommates, bud. Hopefully they chill out! Who’re they? As for the guy flirting- It’s okay, I miss out on stuff like that all the time!! If he gets mad, then that’s his problem, not yours.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:12 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto smiled gratefully, and wagged his tail again.

"Thank you," he said after both of Kal's first statements. Then, he lowered his head a bit and averted his gaze.

"Yeah... they didn't seel super mad, just a little uncomfortable. But I don't want to upset anyone. It would be extra awkward to upset my roommates", he sighed. "Those two were Ekmeros and Zerada. I haven't met Su-Ji yet, who's my third roomie."

"I suppose. I didn't expect it at all. I wasn't even in my full human disguise", he waved a hand in front of his face, and his fur disappeared, and his ears shifted to the sides of his head, leaving him look like a normal, very tall man. "I just felt like I disappointed him."

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:38 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Immediately, Kal grinned widely.

“Oh shit- You got my baby cousin roomin’ with you guys! Zerada’s my cousin- Don’t mind her one bit. She’s a bit awkward, but she’s a good kid. She wasn’t mad at you, she couldn’t mad at someone like you. Chances are, she just didn’t know how to respond. I dunno about Ekmeros, but Zerada’s chill.”

Kal offered Taisto a smile. “Well, if he was disappointed, don’t take it too harshly, okay? Maybe he could’ve been straight up about it. After all, it’s better to communicate openly than just let people guess and wonder what they could actually mean! Being vague doesn’t get anyone anywhere, if I’m honest!” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[12:48 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto brightened at that. He let his wolf features return, so he could wag his tail again.

"She's your cousin? What a coincidence! Aw, I see, she didn't seem to like my joke, neither of them did, but, they said it was fine. Oh well, I guess I worry too much..." he shrugged.

"Yeah, yeah, I wish he would have said it upfront. I mean, in the hindsight I can see him being kind of direct, but, uh, in the more roundabout way? Like all suggestive and that, but I just thought that was how he normally talks", he laughed awkwardly. "If he just said he was interested we could have avoided a fruitless conversation. Or well, from his side. I did get to look at his wings closer by, which was nice, but now I feel like he should have gotten something in turn." He sighed through his nose, propped his elbow on his knee (he was sitting cross-legged and i never mentioned), and rested his chin on his knuckles with a pensive expression.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:35 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Ah, I’m sure she liked your joke!! She doesn’t show too much emotion like that, but she does have a sense of humor!” Kal chuckled. “Sorry if any of her stuff came off wrong or rough.”

Kal frowned. “If he went into that expecting something, he should definitely reconsider how he talks to people. He’s not always gonna get somethin’. And even then, suggestive comments aren’t gonna be the way to really get someone to get with you. Nuhuh.”

Kal shook his head. “I think you dodged a bullet there, bud.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[2:07 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto hummed in thought, looking up at the building tops around them and memorized how the chat had gone.

"...Maybe. Maybe she really did joke back too? Does she have that kind of like, uh, what's it called.. Dry sense of humor? And Ekmeros, I feel like he is just kind of a serious type of guy," he smiled faintly.

Taisto turned to look at Kal a little surprised, or at the very least bewildered. His ears drew back briefly, before he brought them back up.

"Oh, um, well... I'm really not versed in the dating and flirting department. I don't really know how it's supposed to work, but I don't think he meant any harm? Although, I think he is rather rude and disrespectful towards the church people here... Hm.." he lifted his head from his hand and scratched the back of his head.

[2:07 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:21 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Yeah, we can call it a dry sense of humor," Kal laughed. "She's a good kid. She's got a brighter sense of humor, she's just gotta get comfortable."

"Well, I guess I can't really have an opinion on dating since that's not somethin' that I do," Kal chuckled. "But I do understand basic respect. Just- Be careful 'round him, alright?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:03 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh, alright", Taisto chuckled. "I hope we can become friends and get along well", he smiled.

"Ah, me neither, it's not something I plan on doing in a long time, unless I find the exact right person", he hummed. "And ues, I don't think he likes me very much, and honestly, he's not my favorite human either, so we probably won't be seeing each other much", he smiled kind of sadly.

"Oh, but how did your gala go?"

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[2:58 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I'm sure you will!! She's pretty chill. Definitely could use more friends, if I'm honest." He chuckled. "I definitely hope that the two of you do be besties."

"Yeah, it definitely can be tricky to find the right person," Kal nodded. "I'm sure you'll find them when you're comfortable with dating. Don't push yourself to date when someone wants you to, though. Gotta focus on yourself and your own boundaries!"

"My gala experience was pretty good!" Kal grinned. "I ate some good food, spent time with a new buddy, and then had an awesome dance to end off the night!! How about yours?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:01 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Aw I hope so! It would be nice." Taisto wagged his tail.

He nodded with a sad smile. It really was hard to find the right person... but he didn't cling to the subject.

"Ah, y-yes, I suppose I'll have to keep that in mind. Thank you for the advice", he laughed awkwardly and rubbed the back of his head.

"That's great! It sounds like you had a good time. I didn't do much else but talk to my roommates and that angel person who flirted with me. But the gala was very pretty." He nodded.

Then, after a pause, his eyes widened a little, and he slapped himself on the forehead.

"I forgot to introduce myself! My name is Taisto, but you can say Tasu or Tapsu too, whichever is easier. I go by he/him pronouns, but I'm not too strict about them. Nice to meet you!" he stuck out his hand for Kal to shake. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:16 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Yeah yeah- No problem, man!” Kal chuckled. “I’m glad that we for the most part, had a pretty chill time there!! Maybe they’ll throw us another part and we’ll have the chance to just vibe and relax.”

With a laugh, Kal reached out and shook Taisto’s hand.

“Man- I didn’t even realize that I didn’t introduce myself either- The name’s Kal Valdez!! Also he/him, thanks for askin’ about pronouns!” He grinned. “Awesome to meet you, Taisto!” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:25 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"That would be nice, and maybe I could get a chance to dance as well", Taisto smiled happier.

Taisto let out a laugh as well, wagging his tail again as he shook Kal's hand.

"We had so fun that it felt like we already knew each other", Taisto laughed and shook his head. "Kal is a cool name! Very snappy. And no problem! My friend from university is very particular about them, so I've learned from her", he chuckled happily.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:49 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Yeah! You can get a good few dances in!” Kal beamed.

“Right? I swore I already knew your name, totally didn’t even realize it until you brought it up!” He laughed. “Thanks! Love your name too, you don’t hear it very often!! And nice, it’s always good to ask about pronouns and be mindful. You got a good buddy with you!” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:01 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto grinned happily.

"Yeah, heh, same here. And thank you! It's a rather old-fashioned Finnic name", he smiled. "Oh yeah, she's great! I always try my best to be mindful and never want to upset people. Unfortunately I still end up doing that accidentally. I just misread people and situations easily, I guess, and I'm not always aware what's okay to ask or say but.. I try my best, I really do", he nodded a couple of times, as if to affirm himself. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:06 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“I love it, it’s a great one!!” Kal grinned. “Well, lemme tell you one thing, it’s nice and good that you wanna make sure not to make anyone mad or upset. There’s definitely a lot of people out there who try to do that!! But also remember to take care of yourself, too. Not everyone’s gonna be able to be made happy, so don’t try and overwhelm yourself trying to do that, alright? You’re the top priority!”

[11:06 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

@Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:16 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Aw thank you!" Taisto wagged his tail, but paused to listen to what Kal had to say. His ears turned back, and forward again out of countenance, and his tail moved a little bit in a nervous manner.

"Mm. But, if I upset people, nobody will ever like me", me mumbled childishly. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:21 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal reached out and gave Taisto a pat on his shoulder.

"As a content creator, one of the things I learned waaaaay early on is that not everyone's gonna like you," Kal offered Taisto a sympathetic smile. "But, you're not actively goin' out there to upset people, that's a really good thing. You're just a friendly guy, and that's great! People are naturally goin' to like you because of how you are. There's too many different kinds of people with different kinds of personalities for anyone to make everyone happy. It's just not possible."

He flashed him a bright smile. "Don't go sayin' that nobody's gonna like you, because you for sure got someone riiiiight here who likes you a bunch!" Kal pointed to himself with a thumb for clarification. "Me, I'm that someone." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:31 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto's smile had vanished a moment ago, but his eyes brightened curiously when Kal mentioned he was a content creator. He listened closely, his ears subtly shifting and turning as he did, and slowly his signature melancholic smile returned, and even brightened at the end of Kal's little pep talk.

Taisto's tail wagged happily, and his ears flattened for a moment; that's how happy and touched he was.

"Aw, that's so nice of you to say Kal, you really are an awesome person to meet. Thank you", he said, warmth and gratitude sincere in his voice. He sighed a little and looked down in his lap, clasping his hands.

"I, I suppose you're right. I just worry. It's not easy trying to blend among humans, and I worry I'm too different, and that, well, yeah... Sometimes I wish I had decided to live my life as a dog, it would be much easier. My sister says I certainly have the personality of one", he chuckled softly. "But as a person I'm supposed better to make a difference", he added quieter, and sighed again. Then, he looked up again, and smiled sadly at Kal.

"What kind of content you make? You said you're a creator?" he changed the subject, perhaps a little embarrassed of talking about himself so much. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:50 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Nah, you're an awesome person, I'm glad to have been able to meet you!" Kal chuckled. "I'm glad to know you for you, you know? You're a real cool guy!"

At the question, Kal chuckled. "Yeah, I'm a content creator! I do a lot of parkour and rock-climbing. I tend to stream and make videos of my climbs! If you ever wanna check me out, you can-" He reached into his pocket and took out one of his cards. "I stream preeeeetty often!" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[12:02 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto smiled warmly but lowered his head again, overwhelmed by the kind words and warm feelings. His tail was swishing with wide motions.

"Thank you", was all he could reply, but it was sincere.

As Kal explained his profession, Taisto turned to look at him curiously.

"Oh you stream? Rock climbing? That sounds really unique! I havent yet gotten on board with all the you-tubers and streamers, but I might check yours out. What's parkour, though?"

He glanced at the card and reached out to take it. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:02 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Yeah!! It’s my hobby- Definitely check it out if you wanna, I stream pretty often!” Kal beamed. “Even just watching a single video is a big help. Every week, we pick a different charity to donate money to, so everything I make goes to a great cause.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[1:06 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh, well, I'd love to see and learn something new. That's wonderful you donate to charity, too!" Taisto smiled brightly. "Do you chat with the viewers, or do you concentrate on climbing? It sounds like a thing you should focus on and avoid distractions." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:08 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Thanks! I always like bein’ able to support everyone,” Kal grinned.

“And yeah, I do, actually!! On my streams, I have an ear piece in-” He tapped his left ear. “And the people who help me run the chats put messages in through the mic and it reads it to me. Then, I just answer the question or just talk!! It’s not that much of a distraction, if I’m honest. Somehow, I feel like it makes me even better! I go even faster.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[1:14 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Really?? That's impressive!" Taisto listened with wide eyes. "I would definitely like to see that! Maybe I'll make an account so I can chat too", he chuckled, and read Kal's card info. "Humans are so impressive... although, I suppose most primates were made for climbing... though humans are more long-distance runners", Taisto rambled mostly to himself, but loud enough for Kal to hear as well. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:02 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“We’d love you have you in the chat!! Everyone’s super chill and there for a good time,” Kal laughed. Despite kind of losing what Taisto was saying towards the end there, Kal nodded his head in agreement. “Mmhm! Honestly though, I’m sure with climbing, my powers are just a big help for it.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:44 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Nice! I'd happily donate money too!" Tausto nodded with a smile.

"Oh yes! I already forgot everyone here has powers! What are yours?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:33 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Aw, thanks! That'd be appreciated, bud!" Kal chuckled. "My powers are kind of adrenaline based? Like, I can make myself stronger and faster, and I can make myself jump higher, and I can't even feel pain for a good while when I have my powers goin'. It's a pretty good time!" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:46 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh whoa! I never imagine something like that would be possible. That's amazing! And sure sounds like it would be a big help for rock climbing", Taisto grinned. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:48 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Yeahhhh, I haven’t really heard of anyone having a power like this one, but I’m sure I’ll probably find someone with somethin’ similar!” Kal chuckled. “It’s for sure a big help for my rock climbing. It helps me get my climbs done super fast.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:49 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Possibly!", Taisto tilted his head with a smile. "Have you done any competitions in rock climbing?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:00 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Nah, not really,” Kal admitted with another chuckle. “I just like doin’ it for fun. I did a few before, but it’s not really for me.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:02 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"I see. That's understandable", Taisto nodded thoughtfully, and happened to look up to the sky.

"Hmm... It's pretty late, isn't it? Do you think we should go to sleep?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:03 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Probably,” Kal chuckled. “Tomorrow’s probably gonna be a big day for us!!” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:04 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Yeah, at the very least exploring! I'd like to see more of this place. But the fights shouldn't start yet, right?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:06 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Nah, I don’t think so,” Kal hummed. “Everything’s still so new, it’ll probably be another day or two before that gets started.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:08 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Yes, I think so too. But this is all so exciting and different. So many people, I can't wait to meet more people, and I just hope I won't mess up, haha..! And I'm interested in this religion too! The church people seem so nice so far", he wagged his tail and smiled. After a pause, he clumsily got up to his feet and offered a hand to help Kal up too. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:19 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“I think you’re gonna do great!! Remember what I said- Take care of others, but remember, take care of yourself!” Kal beamed. He took Taisto’s hand and got up. “I hope it all goes well for you, you deserve it!” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:24 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Yes. Yes, I'll try to remember", he nodded, and his ears shifted back sheepishly.

"Thank you! Oh, I hope everything goes well for you too, you deserve it as well!" Taisto gave Kal's hand a friendly squeeze before letting go.

"Goodnight, Kal. Sleep well!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:28 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Thanks, man!” Kal chuckled. He gave Taisto a wave. “Night!” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:29 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto waved back, and left for the rooms.

[10:29 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Sleepy times. :contentkal:

judas noah date

[2:44 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

It didn't take long for Noah to wander into the courtyard. He let out a heavy sigh before he looked around. Where was Judas? He swore he saw the blonde earlier it was now just a matter of finding him...

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:45 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Judas was just walking around in circles around the courtyard statue. Man, courtyard duty was boorrrinnnggg.

He lit up when he saw Noah, and waved to him. "Hey! Noah! Over here!" @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[3:49 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Noah glanced upwards and smiled slightly. "Judassssss" He dragged out before he wandered over. "Finally. Found you. I was looking for you." He smiled a bit.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:50 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I saw you in the chapel! But you were too far away to chat with." Judas let out a bit of an awkward laugh. "I feel like we haven't talked in forever, how ya been?" It had only been half a day since they'd last spoken. Judas was just like that. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[4:47 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"Its been like half a day but I missed you too, Judas." Noah chuckled a bit. "Fine I guess, some of these guests are fuckin hassle..." He shook his head. "Total creep was like hitting on me but I shut him down.."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:48 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Dude, you won't even believe it. Last night, like in the middle of the night, Astrid and I were called to carry this one guy to the hospital. 'parently he'd been harassing his roommates and one of 'em kicked him straight in the shin. Wild. He was a bit of an ass, himself. Don't tell Petrai I said that." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[4:50 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"Totally deserved." Noah shrugged. "Nobody likes the guy and its been like. A day." Then he laughed, raising his eyebrows. "Why would I tell her of all people?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:50 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Just gotta be safe. She's scary, sometimes." Judas laughed. "Man, you wanna bet he gets kicked out early?" @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[5:12 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"I already placed a bet. If he does I get a nice drink." He hummed. "And I'm pretty sure he will. He's a total dick."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:13 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Judas hummed in agreement. "I don't get why some people are like that- so full of themselves. Surely it's less work to be less annoying." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[6:02 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"Obviously the dude is insecure to hell and back." Noah sighed heavily. "He's gotta compensate for having a small dick, you know?" Noah sneered before he laughed. "I know I could be a cocky asshole but I don't gloat about it."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:03 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Whoa!" Judas threw his hands up. "Don't let the higher ups hear you saying that! But yeah, I bet he does. He's got that energy, y'know? He's gotta be compensating for something." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[6:07 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Noah flashed a toothy grin. "Judas, my dear, my bestie. The higher ups don't care about me. I'm too low of a rank." He shook his head. "I mean that or like...mommy and daddy issues. I don't know. Something like that. He just acts like everything is fine. You can so tell there is just...something with that bird brain."

Letting out a heavy sigh, Noah started upwards at the sky. "I don't know I just don't like his vibe."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:11 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Dude, we're the same rank, and I get nagged about that sort of life. I don't know what kind of dream dedicant career you're living." Judas hummed. "Yeah... hopefully, we won't have to stick around him long enough to find out." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[7:28 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"Eh. They don't like me so they don't really talk to me." Noah replied. "You're the number one golden boy so you know. People like you.' He smiled. "You got that nice charming smile."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:31 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"If anyone's a golden boy, it's Eli. Or maybe Albanes, I think she'd qualify, too." Judas smiled at Noah's compliment. "Hah, thanks.... I don't think I'm smart enough that people trust me, to be honest. Madeline outranks me, and well, you know. Everyone's afraid of her." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[3:34 AM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"She's kinda weird but pretty nice when you get to know her." Noah laughed softly. "Well, I just met you kinda got like...golden retriever energy." He pointed at him. "So happy and nice all the time."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:01 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah... she's always hanging out with Albanes, though, and I don't ever know if she wants to talk to me." Judas hummed. He laughed, a tad awkwardly. "Golden retriever energy... yeah. I guess that makes sense." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[2:15 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"Woof." Noah chuckled. "I dunno. Just you're vibes. She doesn't talk much, so don't be too offended or anything. We talk a bit but not too often."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:16 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah..." Judas hummed. "Sometimes, when people don't talk much, I get nervous that they don't like me, y'know? Guess some people are just like that, though." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[5:17 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Noah frowned slightly before he took a step closer, wrapping an arm around Judas before he pinched his cheek. "Who doesn't like this facwe~!" He teased. "I'll kick their ass.'

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:28 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Judas laughed as Noah embraced him, but blushed a bit. "You could start with Peregrine! Though, I don't know if he actually dislikes me. He's just weird." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[3:49 AM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"Yeah but he doesn't count since he's a weirdo." Noah rolled their eyes. "We're talking about real people, you know?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:15 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah.." Judas thought, then trailed off. No thoughts brain empty. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[12:30 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"Can't think of anyone?" Noah asked as he leaned in slightly, smirking a bit. "Goooood. Goood." Noah hummed in content. "Really, most people don't seem to like me but yet you do.." He frowned slightly. "Why?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:32 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well, uh..." Judas glanced away briefly. "You're not always the most approachable, I guess. But I like hanging out with you! People just need to get to know you better!" @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[6:12 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"Mmm." Noah hummed softly before he let go of Judas and pushed his hair out of his face. "Suppose you're right...hm. You doing anything tonight?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:13 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Didn't have any plans. Why?" @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[6:47 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Smiling, Noah turned on his heel. "Well now you do. We're grabbing a drink tonight." He told him. "You get to know me better. Consider it a date."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:50 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"A drink? Okay, long as I don't get yelled at for it." Judas shrugged. He blushed as Noah said it was a date. "A date! Yeah!Haha, a date. Us on a date, think of that." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[7:00 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"I'll make sure you don't." He winked as he turned to Judas walking backwards. "Dress nice, kay'?" He looked down at his shirt for a moment before back at Judas. "See you around."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:33 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah! I'll see you there!" Judas waved, then continued to circle the courtyard. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[6:03 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Well, it was now nighttime! Noah let out a small hum as he headed back to the courtyard. Noah actually looked pretty nice.

Instead of his traditional outfit, he had a rather nice suit on and his hair was down, no longer covering in a ponytail and it was out of his face. Judas would finally be able to see Noah's face (or get a better look at it) since it wasn't how it usually was. "Judas?" He called out, tucking some hair behind his ear.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Image

[6:06 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Judas had spend the entire afternoon circling a statue, and seemed very happy to see Noah.

"Hey, Noah!" He waved, "Whoa, you look snazzy! Didn't know it was that kind of date." Judas laughed, trying to hide his blush. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[6:11 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"Thats the point. I told you it was a date and to dress nice." Noah hummed. "You think I didn't mean it?" He asked. "Go get dressed and get cleaned up, I can meet you in the dining hall in 30?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:21 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well, I've been here patrolling the courtyard, haven't I?" Judas laughed. "Yeah, sounds great! I'll meet ya there!" @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[6:30 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Noah nodded along and smiled a bit. "Yeah. See ya there, Judas." He waved his hand before he headed off.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

isi enya hannah

[8:21 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi was all nerves right now. She knew the fight was coming up, she knew Roy wasn't doing okay, and she knew that her usual forms of aid would likely not work in the arena.

Of course she'd fought before, but never in this setting, and never against someone who's abilities she didn't know or couldn't handle.

As such, with no one else around, she was pacing. Occasionally she jumped up and performed a kick or a punch in the air just to make sure she still knew how. Every now and then she'd look at the robed statue in the middle of the courtyard, it unnerved her for a reason she couldn't quite place.

@em | enya + mallon

[4:55 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Very much not a morning person, Enya hadn’t bothered to get up until sometime around the late morning when her stomach grumbling overpowered the comfort of her blankets. A quick coffee and bagel later, though not without a few studying glances cast around the dining hall occupants, she found herself exploring the main courtyard.

Despite the chill in the air she doesn’t actually seem to be wearing much in regards to that save for a relatively thin jacket. Coffee cup in hand, Enya’s head tilts as she spots another person across the open space who seems…almost too full of energy as they punch the air. “There an evil ghost or something I can’t see here?” She asks with a faint hint of amusement as she approaches.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[5:08 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi looked back at her mid-punch and nearly fell while trying to regain their balance. They answered the question with a shrug and a little smile. "Better safe than sorry, right?"

Isi also seemed to be wearing very little to protect against the cold, and in fact had not eaten yet today.

"Nah I'm just, preparing I guess. The fights are coming up n' all." She noticed the coffee in Enya's hand. "Was breakfast good? I haven't gone yet"

She tended to get more talkative when excited, or when anxious.

@em | enya + mallon

[5:47 PM]em | enya + mallon:

“Guess so,” Enya chuckles. The steam from her coffee spirals into the air, and still seems just as hot as when she’d gotten it. “Never know if someone here’s got ghost powers or something.”

“I didn’t stick around long to be honest,” she answers with a shrug of her own. “Bagels were good though.” The mention of the fights catches her interest, and she raises an eyebrow. “You heard anything about who’s goin’ first? I’m kinda itching to get it going, not gonna lie.”

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:02 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"I was gonna go check the list soon, all I know is it's not my fight yet" Isi replied. Upon hearing Enya's next comment, she laughed a little.

"I'm not looking forward to mine at all honestly- I mean I know I can fight, I just don't really know what it'll be like in an arena- with an audience.."

@em | enya + mallon

[6:26 PM]em | enya + mallon:

“Same. I just hope they at least let us know ahead of time, I’d hate to sleep through mine,” Enya grins.

“I guess I’m the opposite, kind of? I’ve never really fought with mine I guess. Not competitively anyways. But I do love a good show.” Her eyes seem to flash for the briefest moment at that, a brighter blue than natural.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:49 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"Well, maybe your fight will go pretty well for you! Most people can focus better when they're not freaking out, right?"

Isi noticed Enya's eyes change immediately.

"Woah- that's really cool, your eyes I mean, how'd you do that?"

@em | enya + mallon

[7:25 PM]em | enya + mallon:

“Heh, thanks. I’m hoping that’s the case, ‘cause I really am gonna need to focus.” She’s still grinning, but it seems a little more strained as she says that. “Anyways, maybe it’ll be the same for you? Especially if you get to be on the audience side of things first.”

Enya blinks at the question, though, apparently a little caught off guard. “Oh— Uh, was it the..the flicker thing? That, um, it’s not really something I do if y’know what I mean. Kinda just..happens sometimes?” @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:34 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"yeah, maybe- it'll help to see what it's like to fight in the arena, at least" she shrugged.

Upon listening to Enyas explanation, she smiled again. "Oh! I've got a friend who's powers do something like that too. It's neat"

@em | enya + mallon

[9:29 PM]em | enya + mallon:

“That’s what I’m thinkin’. I really don’t like going into things blind.” Says the one not even aware she’s talking to her opponent.

Enya’s head tilts slightly. “Oh yeah? Someone here or nah?” She pauses, then adds somewhat abruptly, “Oh, by the way, I’m Enya.”

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[4:39 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"Yeah, good to know what you're up against" Isi replied. "And yeah! Someone here. He gets flickers like that sometimes, not in his eyes though."

Upon Enya stating her identity, Isi's ears drooped a little. "...oh! Glad i get to meet you, I'm Isi" she figured Enya had looked at the list by now.

@em | enya + mallon

[8:21 PM]em | enya + mallon:

“Huh. Weird. Maybe it’s a more common thing than I thought.”

Well. ‘Good to know what you’re up against’ indeed. Enya’s posture shifts, ever so slightly, as her gaze becomes almost more..studying, in a way. Nothing too obvious, but still present. “..Gotcha. Right. That’s, uh. Hey. Nice to meet you too,” she finally says, a faint wry laugh slipping out. “Guess it looks like maybe we’ll find out about that arena stuff at the same time then, huh?”

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:10 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi gave an uneasy laugh. "Sure is" they replied, eyes shifting downward. Well she was gonna ask what kinda powers Enya had, but felt like that might come off suspicious now that they were rivals, apparently. She searched for another conversation topic, and looked back at Enya.

"Your scars are neat. How'd you get em?" Isi didn't feel weird about this question considering they had many scars of their own, but wouldn't be offended if Enya didn't feel like answering either.

@em | enya + mallon

[11:42 AM]em | enya + mallon:

Well that wasn’t quite the next thread of conversation Enya was expecting, and it’s certainly visibly caught her off guard. “Oh, I..um. It was an accident.” An incredibly vague explanation that she doesn’t seem very much like she wants to discuss, judging by the hint of bitterness that creeps into her voice despite the neutrality on her face. “It happened a while ago.”

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[11:56 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

If Isi registered the bitterness she didn't comment on it. They did think it would have to be a hell of an accident for something like that though.

"Oh. I see."

This was odd. She'd never had to make conversation with someone she knew she had to ruin the chances of.

@em | enya + mallon

[12:18 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Their conversation wouldn't continue for too much longer, as a crazed and deranged appearing woman was rapidly barreling toward them. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @em | enya + mallon

[12:30 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Once she got over the surprise of someone running straight at them (in what had been a previously-empty-except-for-them courtyard) and stepped back quickly out of the way with a small burst of steam emitting from her coffee, Enya was almost glad for the interruption. Saved her from what had seemed bound to be a really awkward conversation. “You, uh.. Everything good?” She asks after a few seconds in lieu of a greeting.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:56 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi straight up got into a defensive position, one hand in a fist and one on her ocarina. Bro is not gonna play around apparently.

@em | enya + mallon @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[2:16 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Once Hannah made it to their position, she had to lean over with her hands on her knees, taking in deep breaths.

"You-! With the antlers- you're Isi, aren't you?" Hannah asked between breaths. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @em | enya + mallon

[4:53 PM]em | enya + mallon:

So..everything is maybe not good, Enya assumes, once she clocks Isi’s immediate stance and Hannah’s immediate insistence. She’s almost tempted to follow Isi’s lead, but the fact that the attention isn’t on her is good enough. She simply glances toward Isi, waiting for her reply. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:07 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Nope, no bad blood, they're just surprised and paranoid. Isi dropped the defensiveness for a look of confusion.

"yeah, that's me- I'm sorry I don't think I've seen you around yet"

Isi was similarly glad not to have more of an awkward interaction.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline @em | enya + mallon

[5:08 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Good! Darcy told me about you!" Hannah said, and forced herself up to an upright position. Her chest was still heaving, and her hair was a mess. How long had she been running for? "You can talk to animals, yeah? So you can talk to sharks?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @em | enya + mallon

[5:15 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Isi’s reply doesn’t exactly help Enya’s confusion, but it’s what Hannah says that actually catches her attention. “You can talk to animals,” she repeats, raising an eyebrow in Isi’s direction. “Huh.” Under normal circumstances Enya’s first reaction would have been awe, maybe, but now she just seems to file that knowledge away. “Why sharks though?” She asks abruptly. “That’s..oddly specific?”

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:26 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi's stance dropped a little. I mean Enya was bound to find out eventually and it didn't matter much since that probably wouldn't be Isi's thing in the arena anyway unless she smuggled birds in (believe me that was her first idea but then Petrai was like 'i see EVERYTHING' so) but it bothered her that Enya knew for some reason.

Still, she kept most of the attention on this new person, looking down at her, still confused.

"Yeah, animal talk is definitely my thing! Haven't talked to sealife, let alone sharks, but me and Darcy wanted to see if I could try - just haven't had the chance to yet. Why?"

@em | enya + mallon @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[7:56 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"You've GOT to translate for my shark Bonaparte! I'm sure he has so many things to say!" Hannah said. "We'll have to go out to the beach because he's out swimming around right now- pleeeeeeeeeeeeaase!" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @em | enya + mallon

[8:29 PM]em | enya + mallon:

The menton of the newcomer apparently having a shark is more than enough to immediately flipflop Enya’s entire attention span, and all thoughts of their fight go out the window as her eyes light up in excitement. “You have a shark with you???” Fuck it, this is cool as shit. “Can I come too?!”

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:06 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi went "you have a shark?" At practically the same time Enya did.

Isi looked at Hannah and nodded. "Yes, I can absolutely try and listen to him. The translation isn't all that exact for new species but- I'll probably still get something!" Sea life is still animals. It's fine, it should be fine. Plus, Isi really wanted to see a shark.

@em | enya + mallon @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:06 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Yes, you too can come other person, let's get going!" Hannah was instantly running off again toward the beach. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @em | enya + mallon

[1:47 PM]em | enya + mallon:

This was all kind of blowing Enya’s mind already, but the excitement was only further spurring her interest. “All- All right, uh, after you I guess!” @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[7:06 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi took off after Hannah, them deer legs FAST. They paused occasionally if Enya needed to catch up or something, but eventually they all ended up at the ⁠beach .

@em | enya + mallon @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

goodbye kal

[8:26 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Lurking in the background of the arena stands, Ryunoske had watched the fight from a distant view. She had warned Kal to not underestimate his opponent, and well--Guess she was right. She needed a smoke after watching the fight, so she walked out here. Her breaths came out in dark green and reds as she looked upwards toward the sky. The snow was starting up again... @Twig | Taisto + Yuga @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:32 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

A distant pitter-patter of paws could be heard further away from the direction of the garden and fields. It drew closer, and some huffing was more audible the closer the sounds came. After a while, a large, fluffy dog of white and dark gray fur zoomed past Ryunoske, pink tongue flapping in the wind from its widely grinning, open mouth. It ran all the way to the other end of the courtyard, jumped for a while, snapping at floating snow flakes, before galloping back again. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:37 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal made his way outside, intending on making his way to the hall when he spotted both Ryu and doggo Taisto. He made his way over to the two of them.

“What’s up, guys?” Kal called out as he got closer. He was still grinning. Luckily, he was sporting his cloak which was keeping him somewhat warm from the cold. He was chilling.

“Say hi to this tournament’s first loser,” Kal chuckled. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[8:54 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

The rather large dog zooming past her didn't quite stir Ryu. In her mind, that was just some other island animal. She wasn't gonna fuck with nature. Nu-uh. Though, when Kal came walking by, Ryu immediately popped up to his side and wrangled her arm around the man's shoulders.

"You 大馬鹿者--What did I say about underestimating your opponent-" She huffed and gave the man a noogie. "I'm glad you're not more seriously hurt, but dude, c'mon. Who's gonna go rock climbing with me here now??" She asked him, unaware that the big fluffy dog near by was Taisto. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:10 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

The pitter-patter came closer again, this time from behind the two, and before either of them knew it, the dog had hopped up excitedly from full speed, and landed on Kal's back, knocking him out of Ryu's hold and pushing him face first into the snow.

Then, it bounced off and on from his back and onto the snow, huffing and panting excitedly, letting out a couple of barks, curly tail constantly wagging.

(If you want Ryu to fall flat in the snow as well that's all g, I just didn't want to be op 😂 )

@Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:19 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal was practically giggling with glee as he received the noogie. He didn’t fight back one bit.

“Ey, it was fineeeee! I definitely didn’t expect that magic and he definitely didn’t mean to knock himself out too, but it’s fine!” Kal laughed. “We can still go rock climbin’! For sure hit me up after the tournament. Then we can-”

Kal was aware of the doggo, but was willing to let whatever happen, happen. However, he didn’t expect that much force when Taisto came and tackled him from behind into the snow.

Mmm, nice and cold snow for his burns. That was nice. Eased the pain a bit by giving new pain of cold snow upon bare skin.

Dramatically, he remained facedown in the snow. :bruh:

@Twig | Taisto + Yuga @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[6:57 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske was too busy ratting on Kal to realize the big ball of fur heading towards them. By the time Kal was down, Ryu fell right after him dragged by his weight. She landed on her side, a small 'oof' escaping her lips before she looked up to the dog.

"Hey! I'm chewing this idiot out here! Go find someone else to play with!" Ryu exclaimed to the dog, still unaware that it was Taisto. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[8:54 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

The dog laughed its barking laugh at the two of them, just thrilled and amused by the both of them. He waved his paw at Ryu like he was going to slap her playfully, actually just calling her to play with him. Then he shook himself and sneezed to tell he meant no harm, stepped briskly closer and booped Ryu's forehead with the point of his snout, before turning his attention back to Kal again. His tail was still wildly wagging, but he was slowly calming down enough to speak. He licked Kal's ear rapidly to both apologize and greet him more gently.

"Haha! Hi Knees, Arms and Legs! And head and and back and tummy and toes, haha! It's snowing!!! Are you okay? Hi Ryu!" His voice was familiar to both of them.

@Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:08 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Head, shoulders, knees, and toes," Kal laughed. He rolled onto his back and sat up, brushing the snow off of his chest. His body began to steam slightly with the use of his adrenaline keeping his body warm. "I'm all good! Good to see you, bud! Good to see both of you, actually." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:23 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu was dumbfounded as Taisto nudged her forehead. This dog was talking... This dog was Taisto. What the fuck.

"..what the fuck," Ryu mumbled under her breath as she looked over at Kal and the dog. "Hey, old man... wow. You.. really are a dog," was all she could really say. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:28 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"I'm glad! Sorry, I didn't mean to crash into you so hard, I was just too excited, heh." He shook himself.

He turned to look at Ryu with a grin and a wagging tail. "I can be! Not a real dog though. Are you okay? Do you want to play? It's snowing!!" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:38 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Yeah, Tai's a whole doggo. It took me a long while to actually realize- I just thought this island had talkin' dogs!" Kal chuckled and gave Taisto a good scritch behind the ear.

"Maybe, but you'd have to take it easy on me. I'm a biiiit beat up right now- If you can find a stick, I'll throw it again." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:41 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"You look like a real dog.." Ryu commented as she got up and brushed off the snow from her suit. "Play..? In the snow? I guess a dog with your coat could do that with ease. Hey, Kal, you gonna be okay? I wasn't done ratting on you yet.. but I guess if the old man wants to play a little bit first, I guess we can." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:44 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Thank you!" Taisto chimed, taking Ryu's comment as the highest compliment. Then, he glanced at Kal worriedly.

"Why are you beat up?" he asked, now noticing his burns, and licking them in concern.

@Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:45 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“It’s all good- Just some lava! Nothin’ crazy,” Kal gave a dismissive wave of his hand. He continued petting Taisto. “It’s all good! I’ll be fine in a bit. I’ll drop by the infirmary later.”

Kal laughed. “You got all day to dunk on me, Rio.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[6:40 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu sighed and folded her arms across her chest. "Big ol' Kal here just had his fight. It was set up in some crazy lava arena and the idiot got himself burned good," she explained more in depth for Taisto. "I was just getting onto him for something we talked about earlier." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:31 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Lava? Did the volcano get you-?" Taisto asked and sat down. His tail was still wagging, but slower, with a confused expression. He closed his eyes to really enjoy the pets with a smile, regardless of his confusion.

He opened his eyes and looked up at Ryu in surprise.

"Wh-what? Lava arena? And you already had your fight?" he said, turning back to Kal. "I missed that, dang. You really should go get yourself checked up for the burns. Lava is no joke. And we can play later, I'm sorry I interrupted you two." His tail settled down. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:44 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“It’s fine! It wasn’t the volcano that got me, that climb was real chill,” Kal laughed. “But the fight I had definitely did get me preeeetty good! It was more of a race, actually, than an actual fight, but that lava was definitely throwing hands with me.”

He chuckled. “I’ll get checked up pretty soon, don’t you two worry about lil’ ol’ me. It’s fine! At least now I can say I know how lava feels like!”

Kal grinned. “Hot. It feels hot.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:42 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu smacked Kal's back. "Of course it's hot. I swear.." She sighed before giving both of them a tired smile. "This idiot can take a lot of things, he'll be fine even without immediate treatment. I'm sure he still has the strength to throw a few sticks around. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:51 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh, I see.. that's cool you managed to climb the volcano, though! Hm..." He looked at them both, then stared at Kal for a moment to consider if he looked well enough to play after all. He gave the man one more lick on his burns, the metallic taste of them making him a little sad, but he stood up and wagged his tale a little.

"Alright, if you're really sure you feel alright. Do you want to play, Ryu?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:54 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal laughed at the backslap. For a dumbass who got burnt by lava, he was perhaps too okay and calm about it.

“Yeah! I got a rock, if you want one,” Kal took a rock from his pocket and held it wards Taisto. “It’s not a toy, but it’s a cool ass volcano rock!”

He looked at Ryu and stuck out his bottom lip slightly. “Come on, Rio, play with us~! It’ll be fun and a good way to just unwind.” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:15 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske sighed and shook her head with a small smile. "Fine, fine. I can't not play with you boys when you both look at me like that," she chuckled. She wondered which one of them truly was the puppy out of the pair.

"I can throw a pretty hard curveball. Do you guys see a stick around here?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:42 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Ooh!" Taisto inspects the rock curiously, sniffing it in Kal's hand. "I love it! It's going to be the coolest rock in my rock collection!" He carefully took it in his teeth, and wondered how to best carry it. He put it onto his paw, poking and nudging it as to see if it would be a good place, but it felt awkward and clumsy. He picked it up again, and bent his neck as much as possible to rub the rock into his chest. When he let go, it had been embedded in. It looked a bit weird, the rock parting his fur and making it look like he'd been brutally hit by a projectile, though there was no gore.

"Yaay!! We can see which one of you throws the best, haha!" He jumped up on his paws, and bounded away to find a stick. He returned after a moment with a dry piece of branch in his mouth, tail wagging. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:20 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Oh, we're making a game out of this," Kal grinned. He glanced to Ryu. "Wanna throw it first? Since you won our little spar earlier?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[7:43 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu watched curiously as Taisto embedded the rock into his fur. Considering that the dog didn't look like he was in any pain, she didn't pay it much more mind. "Awhh, who's a good boy?" She chuckled as Taisto brought the stick back and gently took it from his mouth.

"Sure. It'll give you some rest from your injuries, Knees," she teased lightly before turning back towards the open field. Stick in hand, Ryu pulled her arm back before swinging it into the distance. The stick landed up right in the snow a little bits away. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:55 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Hehheheh", Taisto pranced to the two and wagged his tail, then whipped his head around a bit, as if the stick was a pray animal or a toy he was trashing around, before offering it to Ryu. Then, he took a few bouncy steps back, smiling in anticipation and ready to dart after the stick.

He dashed off, and leapt into the snow, partially disappearing into the cold white bed, before popping up again, stick between his jaws and a poofy white snow hat on his head. He jumped up and shook himself, before galloping back to the two and offering the stick to Kal now.

"Nice throw Ryu!" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:04 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Aw, thanks for being so thoughtful, Rio.” Kal laughed. “Good throw!”

He bent down and picked up the stick. With a burst of adrenaline in his system, his body temperature rose. Steam began to appear off his skin, mostly his right arm as Kal leaned back before chucking the stick forward.

“Atta boy!” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:10 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu couldn't help but chuckle as she watched Taisto prance around—Forgetting he was an old man for just a second. When it was Kal's turn to throw the stick, she couldn't help but playfully roll her eyes.

"Now, where was all that strength before, Knees?" Ryu teased. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:14 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto hardly heard what the two said, too excited to chase after the flying branch again. Snow spewed around from around him as he dashed through it. He jumped and tried to catch the stick before it fell, but had to dig around to find it after it disappeared into the snow. He didn't mind, he panted happily and let the snow fly, digging maybe a bit more than was necessary. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:17 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“To be fair, I was runnin’ on a bridge through lava, not throwin’ a stick,” Kal chuckled. “I did what I could. I probably coooooould’ve made myself faster, though. That’s on me. My brain’s a bit empty.”

He chuckled as he watched Taisto dig for the stick. Maybe he had thrown that a bit too hard. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[12:17 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

@Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[4:52 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"I see everything in your body goes to your arms and pecs," she said with a slight chuckle. Ryu continued to watch Taisto dig, raising a brow with how much he was digging. "Little guy is gonna end up digging a whole through the island," she smiled. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:45 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Eventually he found the stick that he had accidentaĺly sent flying behind himself while digging, and trotted back to the two with it.

"Want to try again or will we say that Kal won?" He asked Ryu with a grin, remembering that he didn't like losing. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:15 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Pretty much,” Kal chuckled. “It’s why I’m so ripped.”

When Taisto returned, he grinned. “Oooo, I dunno. What do you think, Rio? Wanna throw again to see who throws it further? Or just call it so lil’ ol’ me can get some treatment for my burns? I don’t mind doing one throw and then going.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga @ajjjjjjjj

[7:54 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske chuckled and shrug her shoulders. "I'll let the big titted man have this one. I think he needs a win after all the loses he's had back to back today," she smiled as she pet the dog's head.

"How much time do you have left on the island, Kal?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[8:02 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Hehheh, alright." Taisto whipped his head around again, really giving that poor branch a whopping. Then, he dropped it and panted a little out of breath, looking up at the two of his friends, tail wagging.

His attention snapped from Ryu to Kal immediately after hearing her question, and he closed his mouth, staring at Kal. His tail stopped.

"What? Why?" He walked to the man and planted his head on Kal's leg, looking up at him with big, wet eyes. "Are you leaving already? Can't you stay?" His ears drew back slightly. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:59 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“I’ve been takin’ these Ls, but at least I have the volcano climb as a W!” Kal grinned. “I got until the mornin’. Real shame, ain’t it?”

“I’d like to, bud,” Kal chuckled as he gave Taisto a pet behind the ears. “I still wanna ask Yeonaixho if he’ll be okay with me stickin’ around a bit longer. He was tryin’ to help me read.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:45 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu sighed. "Yep.. because he lost his fight, he's gotta go. Keep that in mind when your fight comes up, old man," she commented after Kal. "I doubt he'll let you stay just to study." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:48 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Aw man... That sucks. I was hoping of hanging out more. Anf if my fight is soon, hm... well I hoped to meet more people." He sighed, and closed his eyes, his tail slowly wagging as Kal gave him scritches. "I guess it makes sense, though... They don't have unlimited supplies here, being so isolated." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:52 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“I can fish for my own food,” Kal’s eyes sparkled. “I’m kind of a pro, not gonna lie. But yeah, you two do your best to win and not get hurt by lava or whatever’s there to hurt you. Be careful!”

He chuckled. “And I’m sure you’ll have more time to meet others. Before, and even after your fight, bud.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:58 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"We can't be having you live like Tarzan out here, Knees," Ryu playfully rolled her eyes with a smile. "Get to the infirmary now. We've held you up long enough. I'm sure there are also other people you want to talk to before you leave." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[12:01 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto chuckled at the mental image of Kal fishing with a self-made spear, wearing only a silly loincloth, and barked with laughter.

"Yeah, alright, you're right", he backed off from Kal and wagged his tail a bit more. "Yeah, go get yourself healed, and say goodbyes to your buddies!" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:02 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Pft, that’s not too far off from how I grew up,” Kal laughed. It wasn’t easy to tell if he was just being silly or not. “But yeah, I’ll go get myself checked up.”

He gave Taisto another pet and turned to Ryu, giving them a two-finger salute.

“Bye for now. Let’s totally meet up after the tournament! Good luck with it all, you two!” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[3:44 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Honestly, Ryu could see Kal being a reckless homeless boy in the jungle. It'd explain a lot. She waved once to Kal, her smile small. "Yeah," was all Ryu said. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[6:22 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto pressed his head into Kal's hand and licked his wrist once more as a fond goodbye.

"Take care of yoyrself. I hope we get to meet again. Thanks for the rock! And for being a friend."

Then, he picked up the branch again, looked at Ryu and wagged his tail.

"See you too, Ryu!"

After looking at them both with a smile and a tailwag, he was off to bury his stick.

@Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

zerada and taisto

[11:28 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

A large wolf walked slowly through the courtyard. His head was hanging and he seemed to be deep in thought. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:32 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada had left her room and had actually been making her way back to the flower garden when she saw the very large wolf. For a moment, she froze. It took her a moment to recall the pelt color and put two and two together to realize that this might've been Taisto.

Cautiously, she called out, "Taisto?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:33 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

The wolf lifted his head and looked in Zerada's way. His green eyes stayed cold and unreadable, but his tail raised a bit and swished leisurely from side to side. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:36 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada was still a bit hesitant.

"Is that- That's you, right..?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:38 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Yes, hello Zerada. Sorry, I won't shift back into my humanoid form just yet. I feel a bit off." His face seemed to form a slight smile, much less bright than his dog form would have. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:41 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Oh- That's okay, I just wanted to be sure. I don't think I've ever seen you as a full wolf before." Zerada squatted down slightly and found herself moving a hand towards Taisto before she pulled back. "Sorry- It's probably rude to try and pet you."

Zerada paused for a moment. "How off do you feel..?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:46 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

He wagged his tail a bit more and gazed at Zerada in a friendly manner.

"Heh, don't worry. I like pets." He sat down and sighed a bit.

"Disoriented... and, hmm. Well, certainly not happy. Did you see my fight?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:56 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

".. It's okay if I do? It's not- Demeaning or anything?" She asked. "I wouldn't want to make you feel bad, but I wouldn't mind giving you a pet or two."

Zerada took a seat as well. "I did see. You did well, Taisto." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[12:01 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"No, no. It's nice. It's like how wolfs groom each other to show affection. It reminds me of them a bit." He smiles slightly again.

"I don't know if I did well." His ears shifted back, and he glared at the ground. He was quiet for a moment, before he spoke again. "I should have chosen another form. Maybe the cat, or the crow. I wouldn't have gotten hit so much." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:18 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“That so? I didn’t know that.” Zerada paused for a moment.

Tentatively, Zerada reached out and gently gave Taisto a pet on the head. Her fingers gently brushed against his fur.

“Well, I think you did a great job. You were given a difficult field to navigate through. You did a great job.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[12:22 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto's ears flattened to the sides of his head, and he tilted his head to guide Zerada's hand to a good petting spot, closing his eyes a bit. He sighed.

"Thank you..." he mumbled, and was quiet again for a bit. Then, he spoke a bit more haarshly.

"I shouldn't have put up with it. It was foolish. It was dangerous. I'm not a mortal, and even I got knocked out like that! I should have stopped and given up as soon as I realized how much the pillars hurt. They could have crushed Ren's bones!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[3:32 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada smiled softly as she gave him little pets. She got a bit more comfortable as she got to pet him. This seemed to be therapeutic for her as well.

She blinked a few times as she listened to his words. Not a mortal? Was he immortal?

“.. Well, Ren was faced with the same decision. Ren could’ve backed out at any moment, but didn’t. He was aware of the consequences of the match.”

She paused. “I don’t think either of you are to blame, but rather, the hosts? They pinned you both in a dangerous match. Even Kal had a dangerous match. You all did what you could even with the environment playing a part.”

She gave him a good scratch behind the ears. “And for that, I’m proud of you.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:21 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"But Ren might have better reasons for winning. I was mostly just curious", he sighed.

"You are right, though. The fights are irresponsibly dangerous, especially for humans. Kal could have burned into a crisp before anyone could have stopped him. Granted, I didn't see that fight, so I don't know what safety measures they had, but it sounds dangerous regardless..." He made a small grumbly sound, not quite a growl but there's no better way of describing it either.

He leaned into the scritches, his tail tapping the ground. "Aw.... thank you."

He opened his eyes and looked at Zerada with their green, inscrutable gaze, that still radiated something warm and fond, yet worried. "Do be careful, Zerada. Don't put your life in unnecessary danger, okay?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:20 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

There was a spike of anxiety within Zerada that she didn’t let show. She continued to give Taisto some good pets.

“It’s risky for everyone involved in that arena, but I feel like we all agreed to some kind of danger when we took the note and accepted the invite.” She paused. “Kal fell right off the bridge and fell towards the lava, he would’ve landed into it had the floating field thing didn’t stop him. It could’ve been dangerous if that wasn’t there. I guess I have to give credit to them that they don’t want us to die.”

At Taisto’s request, the girl gave a small, sad smile. She’d been doing that her whole life.

Still, she promised, “I’ll be careful.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:19 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto sighed in relief, and nodded.

"That's good to hear. Maybe they pay a bit more attention to the safety than I gave them credit for. It's still... hm. Well. That's enough of that now."

He looked at Zerada serenely, and nodded again. "Good, stay safe."

Then, he settled down on his belly and crossed his front paws in a relaxed manner.

"Do you still want to to talk about folk lore? I have time till the evening to pack up and say goodbyes, so I can have a brief chat if there's something specific you were interested in," he smiled his slight, wolf's smile. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:34 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada nodded her head. She was content with that being the end of the topic.

“I’ll do my best.” She hummed and kept petting him. “I’d like that a lot, if you truly don’t mind. I’ve always been curious in folklore and mythologies.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:38 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Nice! Me too, since I am part of folk lore", he chuckled.

"You were curious about ghosts earlier. Are they still something you'd like to hear about? Anything in particular?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:47 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Yeah, actually,” Zerada paused. “I had seen one, one that is vengeful and hasn’t had peace yet. I’m just curious on what I could do about it or what I can do to help it.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:07 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh?" Taisto's eyes widened.

"...Well, I have less knowledge on vengeful spirits, mostly just ones that have forgotten they have died. Hmm.. Why do you think it's vengeful? Perhaps giving it justice can help it move on."

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:15 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“It told me that it was ‘your fault’ and it kept on blaming me. It had to have been murdered by someone, I just don’t know who that someone is.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:21 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh. That sounds... serious." Taisto's ears shifted back a bit. "...I mean, you might be right, but maybe you misinterpreted something?" he offered.

"Hmm... in any case, I gather that it seemed like it was talking to someone else? I mean, it's like it saw someone else when it talked to you, like you were someone else? Hmm... and you think that someone murdered the person who that spirit belongs to..." Taisto pondered.

"Do you plan on talking to it again?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:26 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“I haven’t killed anyone here,” Zerada was quick to add. “I know it sounds bad, but maybe it’s just trying to take it out on me? It only had one eye, so it could be hard for it to see.”

“I plan on speaking to it again. I wanna see if I can get more information about it.” Zerada said. “The guards who I’ve spoken to about it all say that they can’t discuss to the person is. It’s someone higher up who ordered this rule, and who may be responsible for the death as well.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:42 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oof, owch, sounds nasty." Taisto's ears drew back and he licked his muzzle, baring his teeth a little. "Oh, I wasn't thinking you had murdered anyone. There would probably be a huge uproar happening if you had. But you see, the dead aren't fully connected to the living world. Their preception tends to be pretty bad. They often use the same pathways as they used to when they were living, and so walk through doors because there used to be a door in the past. Stuff like that. They are only partly human, and they usually aren't the most logical. It probably believed you were the person who assumedly killed it."

Taisto's expression didn't change much, but his ears pressed a bit lower when Zerada accused the higher-ups for the possible murder. He was quiet for a while.

"...Interesting... So, the guards know about the ghost?" He mused.

"Well, if you do meet with the ghost, first off, be careful. It can possibly inflict harm. Have something powerful with you for protection; a piece of iron, a weapon can work, a crusifix maybe, or a stone from the shore. Oh, a rock from the volcano would be a very powerful item... Hm... but I guess, without a spell they can only protect you so much. Well, it's better than nothing, at least." Taisto rambled.

"Anywhose, if it seems the ghost is talking to you like you are another person, ask about it. Ask who you are. Ask for a name. It might tell you something like 'you know who you are', but then you say something like: 'I want to hear it from you. I want to hear my name from your lips', or something. Are you following me?" He tilted his head a bit, gazing into Zerada's eyes. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:50 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada listened intently to Taisto, taking mental note of every word of his. This was all surprisingly very useful. She found herself wishing she had been fully honest with Taisto before.

“I do have the rock that Kal gave me, from the volcano. That might hold some weight. I also have a weapon, a few steel and silver knives.”

She sighed as she leaned back. “I understand. I’ll be sure to ask that question. I also know never to give a ghost or entity my true name, there’s a tremendous amount of power in a name.” She paused. “Thank you for all of this, Taisto. I greatly appreciate your help. I- Wish that we could’ve had more time together..” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[8:00 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh, Kal gave you one too?" Taisto's tail tapped the ground again.

"Yes, that's good. Those items should repel the ghost's power over you at least a little bit. And yeah. Words hold power, especially names. If you knew the right words to call for the strength of those items, they could even banish the ghost from around you for a while. And a powerful mage or a shaman could know the words to banish the ghost for good", he hummed, and looked over the courtyard thoughtfully.

"Hmm. Oh, no problem. Good luck with your mystery, I would have loved to help you more. Maybe even talk to the ghost. I haven't spoken to another spirit in a long time. Let alone that's another mystery that would be fun to solve. This island... is more mysterious and suspicious than I would have guessed. It's a pity I have to leave before I could take part in snooping around", he sighed, and wearily stood up from the ground and shook himself. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:05 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“He did.” She couldn’t help but smile. “The fact that he was so excited to give it to me might give it more power, right? That there’s love put into it?”

Zerada paused. “Maybe there’s a way I could find out. Maybe there’s a book I could find about ghosts and banishment? I don’t know..”

“It’s okay! You were helpful, thank you for every word.” Zerada sighed. “This island’s more mysterious for sure. I’ll be cautious the rest of my time here. Thank you for everything, Taisto. I wish you a safe trip back home.” @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:13 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto chuckled and his tail swishes lightly.

"Yes, yes! It certainly might." It might or it might not, but what was eimportant that Zerada believed it would. Taisto knew that one of the most powerful things that humans held was their confidence and the courage and certainty it brought.

"I have a couple of folk lore books with me! I searched the library, but there wasn't any. You can have mine if you want!" Taisto offered.

"No problem at all, I'm glad if I could help." He wagged his tail a bit. "I can leave the books on my bed or give them to Ekmeros if we won't meet after this anymore. And thank you. I wish you health and safety. If we were in my lands, I could even give you some luck. Now I can only wish it to you", he chuckled gently. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:13 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Good, I'll be sure to keep it with me." Zerada smiled.

"It's okay, I would hate to keep one of your books. I don't know when I'll see you again after this tournament," Zerada hummed.

"I wish you health and safety, too. Please do be safe." Zerada chuckled. "That's alright, there's strength in simply a wish. I wish the same to you, thank you." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:08 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto nodded.

"You could just mail them back to me once you didn't need them anymore, but on second thought, I don't know if you could read them anyway. One is in Swedish and one is in Finnish, so yeah. But I'll take a quick look if I can find anything useful for you and leave a message or something.

"Thank you, and you too. Remember to be careful. Goodbye." Taisto gave Zerada a little lick on her hand as a friendly farewell, and padded towards the entrance of the guest building. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:19 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Ah- Yeah, I don’t quite know those languages,” Zerada sighed. “But I’d appreciate any kind of note you could leave me. Thank you, you be careful as well.”

As Taisto stepped away, Zerada gave a small wave goodbye.

She made her own leave in an opposite direction. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

glass and yuga

[10:25 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Yuga walked out to the courtyard with Glass, sniffing the crisp, freezing winter air. He could feel frost threatening to form on his whiskers even in the warmer courtyard. He shouldn't be out here for too long. He sneezed. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:26 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Damn- it's cold out here!" Glass exclaimed as she and Yuga exited into the courtyard, and pulled her jacket around her body. As Yuga sneezed, she turned to him. "You good?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:44 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Yes. The cold just tickled my nose", he explained, and rubbed his nose on the side of his hand. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:55 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass nodded, and looked up into the pitch black night. "That's good. Is it cold often, where you're from?"

[10:55 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

@Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:01 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Yes, I lived on a mountain, near where trees stop growing. I should be fine with cold, but my fur is not very good now." He brushed his tail a bit and fluffed his cheek and neck fur with his paws. It should have been thicker and denser, more oily. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:09 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass hummed in thought. "It never gets this cold where I'm from. Always hot, never even snows in winter." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:10 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Yuga turned to stare at Glass.

"Rreally? Do you live in... dessert?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:10 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"No, uh- more like a swamp. Grassy wetlands, but it's a big city now." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:13 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Yuga blinked. And stared. He was having trouble fitting all that in one picture.

"Hot swamp with a city on top... sounds.... interesting." Wouldn't the city sink into the swamp? Was the city built on wooden planks over the swamp or in trees?? Hmm. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:33 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It's really awful. Always hot and humid all the time." Glass hummed. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:36 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Humid...?" Yuga asked, tilting his head. He wasn't sure what that word meant. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:36 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It's like.... is it foggy where you're from? Or is it dry?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:38 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh, there's sometimes fog when clouds are low, and sometimes fog in the forests down below the town." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:38 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah! Humidity's kinda like that, where there's a lot of moisture in the air, but it makes everything hot and sticky and gross." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:40 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Ohh, yeah, I see... There was fog when we came here. It was cold. I think it makes it colder when it's cold, and hotter when it's hot?" Yuga mused. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:03 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah, I bet that's how it works." Glass nodded. "Water in the air just makes everything more intense." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[12:34 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Yuga nodded, pulled his cloak tighter around himself, and walked a little further into the yard. His breath rose in swirly clouds into the night air.

"Have you seen the fights?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:34 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah. My buddy Taisto lost the most recent one." Glass huffed. Since she didn't actually breathe, she had no breath to cloud up before her. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[12:35 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh", Yuga recalled hearing the name from Luuk.

"Shapeshifter...?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:36 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah." Glass nodded. "He could turn into animals and stuff- like a wolf and a crow." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[12:37 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh... interesting", Yuga hummed. "Do you know who you fight?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:38 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I'm fighting my buddy Inu. It's so sad, cause we're friends, but I guess it can't be helped. At least, I don't think he'd hurt me too bad, and I don't feel bad giving him the victory if it comes to that." Glass sighed. "What about you?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[12:39 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Ah.. I don't know him", Yuga said. "No. Where did you know who you fight?" he asked. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:40 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It's on a big board in the grand hall, next to all the fancy church rules." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[12:54 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh, yes, rules. I wanted to see them too.." Yuga hummed. "I'll go see tomorrow." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:32 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Mhm. Good plan." Glass hummed. "Though, if ya want, it wouldn't be too hard to just go see it now." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga"

[10:58 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh, can we? It's late", Yuga glanced at Glass. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:59 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Don't see why we couldn't, they seem to keep things open pretty late around here." Glass shrugged. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:16 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh? Well, um, okay", Yuga nodded. Glass seemed to be okay. If she wanted to attack Yuga or steal the lily, she would have probably already done so. "Can you show where?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:21 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah, totally! Follow me!" Glass smiled, and started towards the grand hall. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

lightning gals

[11:51 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

After a long night, Teya wanted nothing more than to pass out on her bed, but she also wanted to get some fresh air. She milled about the courtyard, carrying her trident and occasionally pausing to yawn or stretch. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:54 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

After calming down slightly in her bedroom, Zerada still felt an immense amount of stress. Maybe a walk would help clear her head, or- Yes, the arena's equipment would be good to use. Burn off the stress and get a nice work-out in. It would be nice. She would feel better.

A rushed patch job of her leg, the donning of her cloak, and then, she was off.

Zerada felt rather floaty as she made her way out of the guest building. The memories were still fresh in her mind, but her mental shields were rising again. Good. She'd piece herself back together, everything would be fine, she'd be firm and steady again-

Further down the path, she spotted a familiar form. Ah, Teya. Someone she was familiar with.

With a tired grin, Zerada raised a hand in greeting. "Teya, hi. Good to see you." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:02 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya replied to Zerada with an even more tired wave. "Good morning, Zerada." She paused, "Well, I suppose it's noon now. How have you been?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:04 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I'm good," Came Zerada's near-instant response. Yes, she was fine. Absolutely fine. "How're you? You seem- Tired. Were you unable to sleep well?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:06 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I'm fine, I just had to deal with some.. guard matters, late last night. It's not much of your concern." Teya sighed. "I'm glad you're doing well, though." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:08 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Thanks, I'm glad that you're doing well enough, all things considered." She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "If you can, be sure to get a nap in sometime soon." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:10 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I'm going to try to, soon." Teya let out a chuckle. "But I wanted to get some fresh air first." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:13 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I had the same thing in mind. The air's nice and crisp, it's relaxing." Zerada hummed. "Air like this is perfect for running in, I used to jog all the time back home in weather like this. It's great for clearing the mind and easing any troubles and stress." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:14 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Mmhmm. It is quite nice." Teya pulled her coat around her shoulders. "Wakes you up a bit, I've always liked that." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:26 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Mmhm," Zerada nodded. She glanced up towards the sky. "The snow falling makes the scene even nicer." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:27 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It does. It can be quite picturesque out here..." Teya looked up at the snow. "When I was a kid, I'd spend days like this playing in the snowfields." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:31 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Really? That had to have been fun," Zerada hummed as she looked out at the space before them. "I never spent too much time in snow. It was warm in Mexico, but when I moved into the United States, I experienced it, but I never spent time playing in it. That sounds fun." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:33 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Mhm. It was nice, especially once I had other kids to play with." Teya smiled, fondly recalling the memories. "How old were you when you moved?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:34 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I'm glad you have good memories like that," Zerada smiled. At the question, she hummed slightly in thought. "I had to have been little. I was maybe about five or six years old." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:47 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Mhmmm. That's pretty young. A shame you never got to enjoy the snow in that way." Teya hummed in thought. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:01 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Yeah, it's a bit of a shame. Even when I was little and saw kids playing in it, I never really felt that desire to join in. It felt too cold for me, I almost kind of wished that I had been able to grow up with the snow." Zerada admitted with a small chuckle. "But hey, I did enjoy watching it fall, though. It was nice to see how a single snowflake could help create a field of it." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:03 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I've never known anything but snowy winters. It was quite a surprise to me when I learnt that not everywhere gets this cold." Teya laughed. "But I'm glad you were able to enjoy it, even just through watching it." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[4:23 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Meanwhile, I had the opposite surprise: not everywhere was so warm.” Zerada chuckled. “Thank you, I’m glad you were able to enjoy playing in it.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:38 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya laughed alongside Zerada. "You're welcome."

She gazed out onto the snowy courtyard. "So, anything interesting happen to you lately?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:14 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Nothing really, if I’m honest,” Zerada admitted. She paused slightly. “I was there for the last fight, but I- Didn’t stick around for the ending. Nothing has really happened to me.. How about you? Anything neat or interesting?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:15 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Mhm. That was the fight between.... Hannah and Roy, right? Who won?" Teya asked. "Ah, nothing much has happened with me. Things have been... normal." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:28 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“I.. Don’t know. I think Roy lost? It definitely- Seemed like it,” Zerada shifted on her feet, suddenly rather anxious. She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly to soothe herself.

It didn’t help that she sensed that Teya wasn’t being honest with her. However, Zerada knew better than to ask, not yet.

“But I’m glad things have been normal for you. Hopefully, they keep being normal.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:30 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Mhm... well, I'm sure we'll all figure out soon enough." Teya hummed. "Yes. I... Hope things remain normal, too." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:45 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“I’m sure we will,” Zerada nodded. “I hope so as well, as normal as they can be.”

Zerada glanced around. “.. Say, you said you have lightning powers, right? But you don’t have super speed accompanying it?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:52 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yes, that is correct." Teya nodded, and adjusted the position of her trident. "I only have the lightning abilities." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:55 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada was silent for a few moments.

“… Is that something you’d like to experience? The super speed?” Zerada asked somewhat awkwardly. “I was going to go for a short run anyways, but- That is something I offered to you before.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:59 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well, I-" Teya started, surprised that Zerada was even offering something like this. "I will admit, it's something I'm curious about experiencing... is that something you can do? Bring me along with you?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:02 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada looked to the floor, gently kicking a bit of snow.

“I can, if I give you a piggy-back ride. It’s the easiest way I can do it. I’d lend you my goggles so your eyes will be safe.” Zerada’s voice was quieter, almost as if she wasn’t sure of her offer anymore. Maybe this wasn’t the best time to offer, but Zerada was also quite desperate for a distraction. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:06 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"If it's not a hinderance to you, I suppose..." Teya replied awkwardly, and adjusted her coat. "I suppose the best place would be along the shoreline, it'd be out of everyone else's way..." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:07 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada tensed up. "Is there- Anywhere else that isn't- By water?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:08 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well, there's the volcanic fields." Teya said. "But you'd have to be careful running there, I'd think. There's a lot of steam vents and streams and whatnot that can be hard to see." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:08 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada sighed. "Maybe the shoreline, then, I can- Deal with that.. I wouldn't want to put you in any danger by going to the volcanic fields." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:09 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"If you're not comfortable being by the water, we can just call it off." Teya said. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable just to oblige my request." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:10 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"No, it's okay," Zerada shook her head. "We're not going into the water, and as long as we're- Relatively Far from it, I'll be okay." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:15 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Alright, if you're okay with it." Teya hummed awkwardly and began walking towards the beach. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:16 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Yeah, I'm fine with it.." Zerada stated, obviously not fine with it but willing to deal with it anyways.

She followed after Teya towards the beach. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

the WORM

[8:30 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi was sitting on a bench, winding down after the fight, the congratulations, the fact that she kicked the shit out of someone (which, unlike most times, she felt guilty about). There was a squirrel on her leg, seemed to like the warmth. She pet him absentmindedly.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:32 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Isi would get a bit of piece and quiet before someone approached, quietly.

"Isi, right? I missed your fight, but.. I heard you can speak to creatures?" Madeline asked, holding something in her pocket as she walked up toward her. She was walking a bit funny and shaky... Weird. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:41 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi practically jumped, managing to scare the squirrel as she did so, which scampered up a tree. Once she realized how zoned out she'd been, she just blinked a little and looked at Madeline.

"Yep, that's me! No worries about the fight, wasn't all that excited about it anyway" Isi replied.

"What's your name?"

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:45 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Madeline." She said, fidgeting with whatever was in her pocket. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:53 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Before any more conversation could be had, Petrai entered the courtyard and power-walked over to Isi. "Congratulations on your victory, Isi." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:58 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"nice to meet you Madeline!" Isi then was drawn to look at Madeline's hand, which had kept moving in the pocket. She was about to ask what it was when Petrai walked over.

"oh- thanks?" Isi replied.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:59 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline kinda just stared at Petrai as she walked up, clearly looking guilty of something. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:01 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai only acknowledged Madeline with a slight nod- there was more she could've said, but not in front of a guest.

She turned back to Isi. "Before I leave you, I have a gift." She pulled from her pocket a gilded lily, identical to the one in the arena or the other already in Isi's protection. "Same rules apply. Good luck." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:03 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi took the lily with a nod. "Is Enya gonna be okay?" She asked before Petrai left.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:03 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:08 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"She is in the care of the Hand of God." Petrai nodded, and began to leave. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:13 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"..she didn't answer my question." Isi mumbled, but didn't stop her from leaving. She looked back at Madeline, still holding the lily.

"What was that in your pocket, by the way? I saw you messing with it and I'm curious" she explained, a little apologetically.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:16 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Enya will be fine. The Hand of God can truly heal anything." Madeline said, though her tone was flat. She glanced back at Petrai, who was on her way out. She already knew what she was up to, of course, but she'd prefer if she was at least out of earshot...

She slowly looked back at Isi, and took a small glass jar out of her pocket. Inside of it was a dark worm- about three inches long, segmented, covered in spikes, and with two weird little eyes.

"Can you talk to parasitic worms?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:20 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi seemed to try and believe Madeline, but the flat tone didn't help.

Isi stared with curiousity at the creature Madeline pulled out. "I've never tried, but- if you'd like, I can give it a go. The translation won't be exact if it does work though" isi replied, still trying to get a good look at it.

[9:20 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:23 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline held the jar up toward her, but kept the lid on tight.

".. Do you need the lid off to.. Hear it..?" Madeline had no idea how worm communication worked. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:30 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"yeah, it helps if there's no barrier, I think" Isi replied. "Besides, it needs to hear me first" she pulled out a little ocarina.

"Why do you want me to talk to it, exactly?"

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:33 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I want to.. Ask some questions that it may know the answers to." Madeline said. "Um. I only have one hand so if you need to open the lid you'll have to do it. But be careful. I don't know what it might do with those teeth- I think it bites." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[5:50 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi was a little confused, but nodded anyway. "That's okay, I've been bit before" Isi shrugged.

She unscrewed the lid with one hand, using the other to play a few notes on her ocarina. She had just attempted to convey something calming and friendly to the worm, but it didn't exactly come out that way. Instead of may have just sounded intrusive and questioning to the worm.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:53 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

The worm hissed- they could do that?- and lunged back in the jar. It's teeth were wiggling in front of its face.

"I don't think it liked that." Madeline stated. "Also, I am unsure that it would be 'okay', it is a parasitic worm that lived in my heart for many years. I think it may try to get in to yours or do something else gross. It also gave me disgusting toxic sludge powers. Not worth getting bit."

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[5:57 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi cringed slightly at the failed attempt, actually giving an apology to the worm.

With Madelines new information about the worm, Isi definitely looked more wary of it. "I had no idea, I'm sorry. You're right, I should be careful then" Isi replied.

Yet again, she played some notes, a different but similar sounding set, with a bit more success. These should have calmed the worm a little.

"What questions did you want to ask?"

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[6:04 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

The worm did seem to calm, lowering back to the floor of the jar and stopping its weird teeth wiggling.

"I want to ask.. If it knows what happened before I got here." She knew it was farfetched. It was in her heart at the time, so what would it know? But it was worth a shot. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:46 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi nodded. "Where you where and what you were doing before the island?" She wanted to clarify before asking.

Truth be told she wasn't sure how this would go, she may have to attempt the question several times before getting an answer.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[6:51 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. In blood.." The worm said. "Madeline.. blood.. Before here.." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:14 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi's ears flattened a little. She really hasn't been expecting the worm to speak before she tried to directly talk to it.

"In blood?" Isi stated aloud while looking at the worm, for Madeline's benefit. "Madeline's blood before here?"

She played a few notes, asking to clarify. She was still under the impression that at least her intent was clearer if she asked this way.

In Madeline's blood? Did you know what was happening?

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[7:19 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Seems that the worm was very opinionated and just couldn't wait to speak up.

"Yes... Madeline..." The worm said again. "Not sure... outside... Stressed. Hungry. Sad. Injury.. Emotional and health things..." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:25 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

None of this was very pleasant information, but Isi was the last person to deny someone else from knowing their past.

Isi turned back to Madeline. "I don't think they're sure exactly what happened, but they knew they were with you, that you were stressed, hungry, sad, and injured. I think they have more to say too, if you want me to ask more" She frowned. "You don't have any idea what you were doing before this?" She asked Madeline. This was getting more concerning.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[7:36 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Well, that made sense. Mostly.

"I.. Don't remember anything that happened before I got here when I was seven. My memories were lost when Yeonaixho fixed me, somehow.." Madeline wasn't too sure how that happened, exactly. "Can you ask.. hm.. How its feeling?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:46 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi smiled a little. "You too, huh? I don't remember my life until like 2 years ago" she replied. She looked a little confused on the 'fixed me' part though.

Isi concentrated for a moment before going to ask the questions with a few notes of her ocarina. Unfortunately, translation is not an exact science and a parasitic worm may not interpret things the way other animals do. Isi's question came off as some form of passive-aggressive insult instead.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:56 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"It was scary to wake up knowing nothing when I got here." Madeline said. Nothing to be said about the nightmare her entire life has been here too.

The worm hissed again and lurched back.

"What... intention.. Kill me?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[4:34 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"yeah, I bet. Was it good to have people there, at least?"

Isi shook her head a few times at the worms question. She tried a different way of asking, this time successfully getting across the question of "how are you feeling?" Though she was unable to apologize for her last perceived insult.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:14 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. If I'm honest, it's been pretty mixed.." Madeline mumbled.

"HUNGRY!" The worm yelled back, lunging toward Isi but just hitting the glass instead. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[5:20 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi frowned, "mixed? Who-" -she failed to respond fully before the worm yelled into her skull causing her eyes to widen a little.

"It's hungry. Really hungry." That had been the clearest message so far.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:26 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. Yeah it- it didn't like it when I tried to feed it porridge.. It hasn't eaten in.. um.. Fourteen years now." Madeline frowned. "Could you ask it what it wants to eat? I could get something from the kitchen later.."

She really hoped it wasn't 'flesh' or 'blood', but it probably was. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[5:31 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi nodded, grabbing the ocarina again.

What food?

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:46 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Meat!" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[5:49 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"Meat." Isi repeated, sounding as if she also expected that answer.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:52 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"... uh huh. I can.. Get that." Madeline sighed.

"Corpse..... Basement... Want to eat.... Corpse.." The worm continued. "Taunting me.... Years.... HUNGRY!" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:06 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi's brow furrowed, she looked at Madeline with a bit more concern.

"It uh...it thinks there's a corpse..in a basement? That's been there for years? It wants that." She shook her head. "Maybe I didn't hear it right"

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[7:15 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"..." Madeline stared back at Isi, looking even more guilty than she had when Petrai came around earlier. She pulled the jar back. "That makes no sense. You must have misheard it. It's impossible. I think I've heard enough from the worm now though. Thank you for your help."

"CORPSE WOMAN!!" The worm yelled out again as it was pulled away. It kept 'speaking', but it was out of earshot as Madeline pulled it back. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:21 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"wait, Madeline-" CORPSE WOMAN! louder. Much louder in Isi's head, before it was cut off. Madelines change in demeanor seemed to have tipped Isi off that she was withholding.

"how could it have seen a corpse but not you? It still has a lot to say, maybe it'll clarify?"

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[7:23 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"It's speaking nonsense. Don't listen to it anymore." Madeline said and set the jar in her pocket with the open end facing out. "Give me back the lid." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:29 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi looked down at the lid, still holding it tightly, and then back at Madeline.

"I know when I'm hearing nonsense, I know when I'm not understanding what they say, and I could understand that worm better than most new creatures. Why is it talking about a corpse woman?"

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[7:31 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I don't know. You must have misheard it. Or it's talking nonsense. I don't know why it would be talking about that. It was just sitting on a shelf in an empty room all this time. It's making something up." Madeline threw out multiple different scenarios she could think of off the top of her head. "The lid. Please." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:03 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi sighed, relenting and holding out the lid. "You're not curious? Even a little? You seemed to really care about what it had to say before. I could help you figure this out"

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:05 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"..." Madeline glanced around, and once she was sure no one else was in earshot, she leaned forward toward Isi. "I'm trying to help you. If you heard any more, Petrai might-.. Something bad might happen if anyone finds out. You'd be best to not talk about any of this. To anyone. Ever." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:15 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi looked alarmed, then frustrated, then understanding, or something of the like.

"I get it." She does not get it, she is the furthest from getting it.

Her voice was similarly lowered. "But you know where to find me, right? I won't talk about that with it. But if you want more answers about anything else it has to say, let me know."

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:18 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. it's not safe to get any more.. Answers out of it. I'm sure. It doesn't seem to know about me anyway."

As Madeline was leaning in closer, the worm became audible to Isi again.

"BASEMENT! DEAD WOMAN! CORPSE TABLE-!" It said in rapid succession.

Madeline grabbed the lid and quickly screwed it back on, silencing the worm. She wasn't aware that it had even been talking at that moment. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:23 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

basement. Dead woman. Corpse table. Isi internalized all this without indicating to Madeline she could hear it, except for a twitch of the ear closest to the jar.

Isi really didn't like what Madeline was implying, about Petrai, or about what actually happens to people who break rules (the image of a broken and bloodied Peregrine flashed in her mind).

Isi leaned back, offering Madeline a friendly smile. "I can't understand your worm that well, I can work on translating later- I'm sorry it didn't tell me much" they told her, at normal conversation tone again.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:29 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline didn't really have the courage to smile back. She was pretty sure Petrai was watching this interaction with the uptmost scrutiny, and would probably come asking about it later, and what the hell would she say? She was an awful liar.

"It's okay. Please just forget I asked at all. Forget about all of this." Madeline said. She quickly tried to change the subject. "Were you friends with anyone who's went home?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:40 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi just gave a little nod. "I knew Taisto, and I think Inu was my best friends....friend... I'll have to ask him actually-" she paused. "..I think I was friends with Hannah before her fight, at least I wanted to be. Now, I'm just glad she's leaving."

There was a restrained anger in her voice when she talked about Hannah.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:44 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Inu has left already, I'm pretty sure.." Madeline said. Taisto (:sparkl:), Inu, and maybe Hannah.. Madeline could remember that. Madeline wasn't aware that Hannah had 'left' currently, though. "Thank you for.. Trying to help me. Sorry it's so- so. Weird. It's been- stressful recently." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:47 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"It's okay. Weird seems pretty normal here" Isi replied, trying not to let there be a nervous edge to that statement. "I guess hosting a tournament like this is stressful, huh?"

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:53 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"That's one way you could say it."

Madeline currently looked like this. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Image

[8:59 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Oof.

"...well thanks. This tournament helped me meet some cool people, but hopefully it's done sooner rather than later so you can relax, yeah?"

She looked like she wanted to say something else, but didn't.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:03 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. I don't think it will be calming down but.. thank you.." Madeline mumbled and quickly began to step away. "Try to stay out of trouble. Please." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:13 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi nodded, but didn't affirm that should would. "I'll see you around"

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:13 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline did a quick nod and quickly walked off, holding her hand in her pocket to keep the jar still. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:20 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi similarly walked off to do....other things.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

eli's revelation

[7:20 AM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

As the announcements rang out, Eli stood there, dumbfounded. This entire time he....hadn't been doing much. Everything was happening so quickly and he couldn't keep up with all of it even if he tried. So he resulted to...ignoring everything. Not the best way to go about it but what else was he supposed to do?

...Be the fucking HEAD guard He scolded himself. You have a JOB But yet he felt frozen. Eli's tail flicked back and forth and he inhaled sharply. To all the guests here, the cult leader is trying to revive his dead wife by stealing our powers. But dad said cult was a bad word-

All the people who were supposed to of left are trapped underneath the island somewhere with their powers stolen, I assume. I advise all the guests who still have their powers to protect yourself at all costs. But he didn't want to hurt people- he didn't understand what was going on. He didn't deserve his position.

And to the workers... Unless you want all hell to break loose, I suggest you let us go without a fight. But this was his home- his dad- he wouldn't- would he?

Eli stared upwards as the speaker continued to go off and frowned deeply. Jymaiyri. He never met her but he heard the stories of her from his father. The two were happy but no Eli wasn't so sure. She was suffering. She wanted to die. She wanted to be dead. To finally be at peace. He looked down at his hands before he clicked his claws together, staring at them.

....Eli didn't know what to do. Help his father? Help the others? This place was all he ever knew and for it to all be turned on its head so quickly and how he felt so powerless and useless to stop all of it? It made him very nervous. It made him afraid. Who would he even go to to talk to about all of this? Albanes? Petrai? He didn't make any friends with the guests and he didn't want to be a burden and cause problems now- that- that was the last thing he wanted to do.

There was so much going on and Eli didn't know how to handle all of this. He wanted to cry but...he didn't deserve to, did he?

kids break into the staff building

[8:53 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Yuga ran to the yard. Ryu probably wasn't in the guest building, Yuga could've smelled her. He slowed down and paused near the middle of the yard to smell the air. His breath raised in puffy white clouds as he lifted his head and sniffed.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:54 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi nearly crashed into him, didn't bother speaking, instead following his lead and sniffing the air. Maybe she could catch Madeline.

@Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[8:59 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Yuga sneezed, and coughed. He hadn't yet fully recovered, and running in the cold didn't make it better. He sniffled. He could tell Ryu's smell was faintly hanging around, like it was most everywhere on the temple grounds, but he couldn't tell where the freshest tracks were. He startled a bit when Isi appeared behind him, coughed softly, and looked at her.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:01 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi looked at him, seeing him have no luck. "She made the announcement, I bet they'd keep a system like that in the staff building" she told him. She already started running, gesturing for him to follow. No time to waste.

@Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:04 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Yuga nodded, and followed her towards the staff building, gripping the heavy bow in his hands.

[9:08 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

When they arrived at the staff building doors, isi paused to make sure Yuga was with her. She didn't think she could fight on her own.

@Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:10 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Yuga breathed heavily and coughed lightly. He looked at the crossbow. He barely knew how to fire one, and this only had one bolt in it. But he could probably hit someone with it. He looked up at Isi with a determined look and nodded.

"Rrrready? We'll fight like we die", he growled.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:16 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"We'll fight like we die." She repeated with as much conviction, and nodded .

Time to see if they can break this door down.

@Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:22 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

:AAAAAcamillo:

[9:23 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Yuga used the full force of his frail body to ram into the door, and a satisfying crack told he just managed to break the lock off.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:23 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

(just before the storm too!)

[9:25 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi gave a little cheer, just as a few snowflakes began to fall. She was up now.

"Let's go." She told Yuga, entering the building.

@Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:26 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Yuga held the crossbow at the ready, and followed isi into the building.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

roque and petrai in the sky

[8:25 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai held Roque in the air above the courtyard- not that Roque would have much of a sense of that. Mostly, she'd just be able to feel the blistering cold, and hear the howl of the wind. Petrai didn't say anything- she was struggling enough to keep steady in the wind, but she held on tight to Roque. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:27 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Roque's grip tightened on Petrai again as they flew up higher and higher. The wind and snow was whipping at her face and hands, making her whole body shiver.

"Y-y-you're gonna get both of us killed out here, i-i-idiot!" Roque tried to yell over the wind. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:31 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai burst into cackling laughter, barely audible over the storm. "That's the idea!" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:34 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Roque shifted herself- very carefully- until she was gripping her hands around Petrai's back instead of her arms. Just slightly more stable.

"Wh-why do you want to die so badly?! Who's Peregrine-core now?!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:36 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai had to shout to be heard over the storm. "Because I'm going to die anyways! Might as well have some fun with it! I let everything go! And now I'm here!" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:38 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Roque held herself so tightly to Petrai that she had basically pressed herself up against her chest.

"Y-your stupid post-cult crisis doesn't have to involve me!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:40 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh- do you want me to let you go, then?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:42 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Ideally less than ten feet above the ground, yeah!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:44 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I don't know- it's so hard to tell with this weather..." Petrai laughed. She still held Roque tight. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:45 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Oh, I'm sure it's easier for you to tell than me!" Roque huffed. "You can see everything!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:55 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh- we're about fifty feet up now. Closer to sixty, I think." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[7:59 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Roque was glad that she couldn't see that height. In her head, she could rationalize it differently- no, Petrai was just holding her up mere inches from the ground and fucking with her. That's all. Not a dangerous height at all.

She tried to adjust her position again, but only ended up slipping back down to where she had been before. Her grip tightened up, her nails digging in to Petrai's back.

For once, she had nothing to say. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:03 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai seemed somewhat disappointed in Roque's lack of anything to say, and once again loosened her grip over Roque, just enough to make her think she might fall, for a split second. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:08 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

The moment Petrai loosened up, it seemed Roque had made her decision about what to do. She swung her leg up and over Petrai's, and moved herself from her front to her back.

She wrapped one arm around Petrai's neck for grip, and grabbed on to one of her wings with her other hand. Her knees were tight around her waist, so she had a pretty stable hold.

"If we're falling, you'll be the one to break my fall!" Roque yelled and pulled back on Petrai's left wing. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:12 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You-" Petrai shouted when Roque grabbed her wing. The instability caused them to drop a few feet- "You idiot, let go of me!"

Somehow, despite Roque still yanking on her wing, Petrai was able to slowly maneuver them both downwards. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:15 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Seems you don't really want both of us to die, hmm?" Roque laughed in Petrai's ear. "Ohhhhh this is good, you really thought you pulled one over on me. Well, unfortunately for you, when I'm not bound to a table I'm quite able to handle myself!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:19 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai didn't say anything til she landed, and still tried to wrestle herself out of Roque's grip. "There, you won. Let me go." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:20 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Roque kept her hand on Petrai's wing, with slightly less of a vice-like grip now.

"Sure. After you lead me back inside and out of this storm." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:20 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Get yourself back inside. I'm not going the same place you are." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:20 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Well where exactly are you going?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:21 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"And why would I tell you that?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:23 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Because I'm in a pretty good place to pluck you if you don't." Roque hummed. "Oh how I wish I would've cut your wings off back on my own turf. Would have saved me from this whole situation. Maybe I could have fashioned your feathers in to some kind of tacky hat you'd find at a thrift store." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:24 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I'll take you back to the dining hall. You can regroup with any friends you'd made down there." Petrai conceded. "But I can't walk if you stay where you are.." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:26 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Well, she hadn't made any friends, but she wasn't about to say that.

She slowly lowered one leg to the ground, just to make sure it was there, before getting off of Petrai's back. She still held on to the wing, loosely.

"Mmkay, there. Let's get back inside." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:27 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai seemed to relax a bit as Roque dismounted her, but was still annoyed that she was holding onto her wing. She folded the other against her back and led Roque back inside. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:28 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Roque followed, trusting that Petrai was actually going to the dining hall and not dropping her in to a pit or something. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

glass and eben make bad decisions

[8:04 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben found himself here after the fight, not really wanting to go inside. Quite honestly, he'd wished he'd never gone to see the fight, all it did was trouble him with thoughts of Yeonaixho's undead army and the fact that Ekmeros was somehow siding with him.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:14 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass was already out in the courtyard when Eben entered it. She immediately noticed his distress. "Hey- hey, Eben! You doing alright?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:22 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben paused as he looked to Glass, then relaxed a little.

"In general? Not particularly. At this moment? I'm fine." He waved it off.

He seemed glad enough to see her. "And you? How are you, with all this?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:23 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It's.... ehhhhhh." Glass shuddered. "Lots going on. I gotta say, not a big fan of the zombies. Or any of this, really. Good to see you're safe, though." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:26 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben nodded in agreement. "At least both of us don't have to worry all that much about zombies, I'm afraid the others can't say the same"

"Likewise" he replied to her 'safe' remark.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:36 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah... still creeps me out, to be honest. Even if they can't get me. They're so... still." Glass shook her head.

"So, what've you been up to lately?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:40 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben looked up, thinking.

"Long or short version?" he asked.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:40 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Eh, you know what? Give me the long." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:50 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"alright then."

He spoke at a steady pace, and didn't even have to stop to take a breath.

"After Inu left, Roy and I went to bed, I woke up early, and went to the greenhouse to eat. I met Mallon there, who spoke of how Ekmeros was planning to forfeit their fight. While we were talking, the rest of the announcements came on. I left Mallon to find Roy. When I found him, he was in the dorms, near-bleeding out because apparently the contestant who was in trouble, Isi, was his friend, and he took a crossbow bolt from Petrai to the chest while defending them. I attempted to patch him up, while we held Petrai, two of Yeonaixho's people who had apparently defected came to help with healing, and I let them, because unfortunately I'm not a miracle worker. Roy and I found Inu."

He paused. "I think I am dating Roy and Inu now. I've just watched the fight, and that's all."

"What have you been doing lately?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:54 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Huh. Damn." Glass ran a hand through her hair. "Good for you on the dating thing? I'm glad your friends are safe. And I'm glad we can trust at least some of the church people."

"I've been.... alright. I was talking to Ekmeros when the announcements all came on... he was pretty intense about defending the cult people. Other then that, I've just been walking around. Trying to clear my head. I can't believe no one figured anything out til now... all those people who lost..." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:58 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben just shrugged a little at her congratulations. He looked conflicted about it.

When Glass moved on to her experience, he nodded. "he was intense about it during the fight as well." Eben recalled.

He shrugged at her last comment. "I suppose nobody thought to look, what with our every move being watched."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:02 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Eugh, that's unfortunate. I didn't see it, cause I was afraid of the zombies. Honestly, I can't believe they still had a fight. Who won?"

"Yeah... honestly props to that Isi kid. She's got nerve the rest of us don't, apparently." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:04 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"Mallon. Afterwards, the undead dragged Ekmeros to the hospital, I watched. Mallon had tried to keep them away from him as long as possible, to their credit."

"Either that or she is very foolish and incredibly lucky" he replied to the Isi comment.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:06 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass frowned. "Hm. That's... not great, but it could be worse, I guess. Ya think they're gonna stick the bard guy- wherever they stuck all the loosers?"

"Eh. Sometimes there's less of a difference between the two than ya think." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:21 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"I doubt it, we could just as easily break him out. Besides, he's made his loyalties clear, and if they manage to stand after this there's no real reason to imprison him."

Eben shrugged. "Well I suppose someone had to do it, though I'd have preferred to have gotten my fight over with first"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:28 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Hm. Yeah..." Glass shook her head in dismay.

"Really? You wanted to have your fight? Who knows, they might still do it." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:34 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"have you talked to those who escaped yet? How did they do it? I didn't get around to asking Inu"

At Glass' last comment, Eben looked over at the arena in the distance. "Yes, I did want to have my fight. Do you know what my wish was going to be if I'd won?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:37 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I haven't- I need to talk to my buddy Taisto again." Glass sighed. "I get the feeling it's similar to what I'd have wished for." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:39 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"do you know where he is?" Eben asked.

He nodded. "Then you also know that regardless of if we had won or lost, that wish would've been granted."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:40 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"If this guy even grants wishes. Now I'm wishing I lost." Glass scoffed. "I don't wanna sound like Ekmeros here, but... you think he'd take our powers if we asked him?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:45 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben looked conflicted. "if he was willing to hold a fight in the middle of this, I quite honestly think he might, though I'm not sure we should risk it."

It was actually really tempting, especially now that he had people he desperately wished to be able to touch.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:47 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah... its not that worth it." Glass sighed.

Though, if she was being selfish, it would've been worth it. Anything, for more time. All she was lacking was time. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:49 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"I think Roy would kill me if I even considered that, actually" Eben smiled. He was feeling a little bitter though, almost mad he wasn't allowing himself the closest thing he'd had to a solution in ages.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:51 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah. Probably. And I don't really wanna die any sooner..." Glass laughed. She scrutinized Eben's expression, trying to see if he felt even a bit the same as her. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:54 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben similarly looked to Glass, to find out if they were thinking the same thing. It seemed as if they were. He sighed.

"You still want to try anyway, don't you?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:57 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass grimaced. "Is it that obvious? It's just- it's not fair. They get to live and we get to die." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[10:05 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben glared at the ground. "Of course the only two here who could actually benefit from any of this were spared from it"

It was a bit of a relief to talk to someone who understood, but he was still upset and due to that was likely being abnormally open.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:06 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass let out a harsh laugh. "Yeah- guess we'll never catch a fucking break, huh." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[10:10 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben was silent for a minute.

"I can't help but wonder..in the situation where he does have us killed after taking our powers, is that much different than what would happen anyway? It's only at an accelerated rate."

Eben. Buddy.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:12 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I mean... he seems like the kind of guy to kill us all, powers or not." Glass wrapped her arms around her body. "So it wouldn't be that different." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[10:40 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"Exactly, so-" eben abruptly stopped himself. He didn't seem to have anything to say otherwise, at least not right away. It was strange considering things like this.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:57 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass shifted uncomfortably. "We'd be letting down all the people we know... but...."

"God, do I wanna do it." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[11:04 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"So do I"

He took off one of his gloves, staring down at the stone hand.

"I've never come this close, no matter how awful it is to consider"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:05 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass looked at Eben's stone hand, then her own translucent ones.

"It really is awful."

She paused.

"If you do it, I'll do it with you. So we aren't alone." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[12:41 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben looked at her. At least if he was being selfish, they both were. It seemed like Glass wanted him to say it before she had to.

"Well then, we better go find him."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:53 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah. Let's go." Glass nodded. She led Eben away... @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[12:58 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben went with Glass.

madbanes

[9:56 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline and Albanes paused as the announcements played.

".. Seems like we don't need to do much.." Madeline sighed. That made it easier, at least. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:02 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes flinched as Jymaiyri's voice came on the announcements. "Huh... that does make it easier. I'm... surprised my father is just letting us go." She'd thought he'd care more. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:18 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. It is weird.." Madeline huffed. "All this just to let us go at the end..? At least I.. dont have to worry about getting my powers back, I guess.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:28 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah...." Albanes nodded. "At least, we get to leave. That's good. We don't have to fight for it." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

men will do anything but go to therapy

[1:13 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine had gotten off the floor at least. That was a start, wasn't it? His powers had been used to resurrect some bitch. Sorry Jymaiyri, Peregrine's too busy mourning his wings to be a feminist. Now he was stuck on the ground.

Peregrine managed to make his way to the courtyard.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:17 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Peregrine entered the courtyard at the same time Yeonaixho did- carrying a box of something in one arm, his cane in the other. He paused as he heard the additional pair of footsteps on the stone tile. "Who is it?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:22 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine nearly bowled over at the sight of Juno. This guy. This fucking guy. He didn't answer, just yelled and tried to shove him- only to pathetically stumble instead. Loser core.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:24 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho recognized Peregrine's outcry instantly, for reasons that might be better left unsaid, and scoffed. "Oh. You. What do you want?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:25 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"You took everything from you, you fucking piece of shit! And you used it to- to resurrect some bitch?" Peregrine respects women but not that woman apparently.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:27 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho rolled his eyes. "Please. Like I ever cared about your wings." His gaze darkened. "She's not 'some bitch.' She's my wife, my life partner, to whom I have devoted myself entirely. If anything, you're the 'some bitch'." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:30 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Your wife..." Peregrine trailed off. His fucking wife. So Yeonaixho got his soulmate back while Peregrine lost everything worth living for. "I'm not going to be anybody's bitch now. No one's going to fucking want me because of you."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:31 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"That's not my fault." He shrugged. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:32 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Yes it is!" Peregrine hated the way his voice cracked, splitting apart just like him. "It's all your fault."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:35 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"No. It's not." Yeonaixho held firm. "All I did was remove your wings. It's not my fault how much your life depended on them. Not my fault you made them your self-worth." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:40 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"What choice did I have? They were me. What else could- can I give that anyone would want?!" Peregrine's hands were shaking. He wanted to shove Yeonaixho and he wanted to do so much more than that. He was struggling to keep balance. All that weight on his shoulders, suddenly gone, and he didn't know how to stand anymore.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:41 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well, I sure as hell didn't fuck you for the wings." Yeonaixho rolled his eyes again. He was already getting tired of this. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:43 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"You fucked me because you liked it when I begged. No matter how godly you are, you're just the same as every person at those parties who want to feel like they're on a higher pedestal than everyone else." Peregrine stepped before him and jabbed a finger into Yeonaixho's shoulder. "You're the same as everyone else and fucking me, twice just proved it."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:46 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I fucked you because I thought it'd get you off my ass, and I wanted to relieve some stress. Don't put words in my mouth- or anything else, really." He laughed a bit at his own dirty joke. "It didn't even work, because your whining and peacocking got me disintegrated. Regardless, it didn't have anything to do with the wings." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:50 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Relieve some stress, just like everyone else," Peregrine hissed. "You were just jealous that I was the Angel and that even after everything you've done, you're just the same as every other person. So you had to take everything from you."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:54 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I don't really care that you think I'm like everyone else." Yeonaixho shrugged. "I wasn't jealous, though. Honestly, I care about you as a person very little." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[2:09 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine just lightly huffed for laughter. "You and everyone else on the fucking planet," he mumbled.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:10 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, well." Yeonaixho said. "In some ways, I'm okay with being like the rest. Even God had to be like man at some point, right?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[2:14 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine glowered at Yeonaixho. He can't see you king. "So you forced me to become just like everyone else?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:16 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I guess so. If you want to stretch everything to center around you," He shrugged. "I really just wanted to get Jymaiyri back." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:24 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

King of making everything about himself. "Of course you get to have your wife back..." Peregrine scoffed.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:25 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I do. And I did, and now there's nothing to be done about it." Yeonaixho said simply. "It's what you do, when you care about someone. Not that you would know much about that." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:37 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"I CARE YOU SELF RIGHTEOUS BASTARD!" Okay hypocritical king. He moved forward to shove Yeonaixho again. "Despite all my attempts, I still fucking care about Libbi and- and I can't change that."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:39 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho stepped backwards as Peregrine advanced toward him, dodging the shove. "You care? You don't do much to show it." He scoffed. "Its not care when you pretend not to. That's just giving up." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:48 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"You know so much about it then, huh? Giving up. Fucking piece of shit." Peregrine stepped back, his hands shaking. Girl go to therapy!

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:57 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I do. I do know about it, because for the twenty years after Jymaiyri I never tried to stop caring about her. Because I love her." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[2:50 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[9:41 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Easy to love when you're alone," Peregrine snarked. "Easy to- easy to mourn when you don't have people waiting for you. When there's an end in sight."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:43 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You wouldn't know love if it hit you on the back of the head." Yeonaixho scoffed. "Quit pretending like you do." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[9:48 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"I know what love is! I know how different it feels to lust and-and tolerance and-" His hands tightened into fists. "I know how love makes you feel alive. The closest thing to being a person I could ever be. Love makes you feel like you have a chance at being more than yourself- and unlike you I know how it feels for that to be ripped away."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:52 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho's breath quickened in his growing anger. "I know the pain of love far more intimately than you ever would. I know the way it takes the breath from your lungs. How it kills you. Love isn't life. Love is a small death- over and over and over again. It destroys you. Love ruins you completely. And you let it. If only you would." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[9:59 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"What if you are already ruined?" Peregrine glared at Yeonaixho. "How does love destroy something that is pieces in its hand? Where's the fun in it?" Then his glare turned down onto his fists. Shaking. "She broke my marble casing and reminded me of the raw flesh underneath. And now I layer myself in stone." Stupid poet bitch.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:04 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho ran his tense hands through his hair. "And in that she ruined you. I've been through it, too. I let myself turn to ash at her absence."

He scoffed. "To be loved is let oneself be eaten. I let my lover strip my raw meat from my bone, with tooth and claw." He took in a breath. "You, evidently, have never let yourself be swallowed." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 (tw gratuitous cannibalism metaphor its juno)

[10:13 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"She made me human. She was the only one who saw past the wings, convinced me I was flesh and bone as well." His hands unballed, crossing to press above his elbows. "I was filled. Now I'm empty again." His eyes flickered to glare at Yeonaixho. "And you have only emptied me further. For your stupid love."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:19 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"But did she devour you?" Yeonaixho demanded, "Did you let her? Did you let yourself? Love isn't just a silly word for a simple emotion. Love is the ache of when your heart is ripped from its cavity with her. Love is the emptiness of her absence."

"My love is divine in nature. It's worth pursuing." He paused. "Yours could be too, if you let yourself care." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[10:33 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

nsfw and like. a real weird food metaphor for juno??

"I have been eaten enough!" Peregrine snapped at him. "And I am empty without her- you-" He stopped himself from yelling. "I've tasted you. You're hardly a meal. You're a fucking granola bar. Dry and old and better to be discarded." He stepped back. "She didn't want divinity. She wanted real. She made real. And she took it with her."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:38 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I've eaten my own flesh. I'd know better than you, I'm not dry." Yeonaixho scoffed.

"You're empty without her? Then act like it!" He didn't seem frustrated, so much as urging. "I can't stand the way you people forget so easily! It's not love, to let go." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[10:38 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

(Also tw for non metaphorical cannibalism)

[10:45 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

nsfw again. normality? in snowtourn? absolutely not

"Unless you've removed some ribs, you haven't sucked your dick."

"What would be the point in my existence if all I did was grieve? Easy for you to wallow in despair when there's no need for you. I'm not so lucky," Peregrine practically growled.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:48 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho did not confirm or deny that. Best not to think about it because I, the author, sure don't want to.

"When you have suffered such a loss your purpose becomes to grieve." Yeonaixho countered. "Denying it is like denying yourself humanity- though, I guess you're used to that." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[10:49 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine didn't reply for a long time. His hands squeezed his upper arms tightly, his eyes staring dryly at Yeonaixho. "Mm," he hummed, then squeezed out a laugh. "Force of habit."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:56 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho sighed, forcibly calming himself down.

"Leave this place, Peregrine. There's a boat leaving by nightfall. Get on that boat, get off this island, and do something with your life. You'd be better off anywhere than you would be moping around here." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[10:59 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

tw suicide heavily implied. peregrine. therapy is calling you

"You've already ended my life, Yeonaixho," Peregrine said plainly, "If I don't die shortly, I will have nowhere to go and that's death in the public eye as much as anything." He stepped back, then glanced Yeonaixho up and down, then stepped back to where he had been.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:05 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"If death is really what you want, that can be arranged." Yeonaixho said simply. "I won't gloss this over, Peregrine. If you stay here, I will kill you. That is the death you will be receiving. Unmerciful, crude, and by my hand."

"If that really is what you want, I won't hesitate to give it to you. But I think you'd be better off getting on that boat. For your own sake, more than mine." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 (weird threat? Idk)

[1:21 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

tw death for. all of this. also dissociation sort of bc of how he's talking abt his death being like. news

Peregrine stepped back. "My only hope of meaning anything more to the people who kept me alive is to be tragically found dead. I die here, I die a mystery and in obscurity. Interesting for a few days but they prefer to have answers. They find my body, they have that and the magazines have a fun little tragedy." Peregrine scoffed - not at the idea of anything he said, but at Yeonaixho's proposal. "Surprised you wouldn't jump at the chance to kill me. Or your wife, since I fucked you. Still, it'll have to be a no anyway."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:08 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Generally, I prefer to kill as few people as I have to." Yeonaixho sighed. He was tiring of this conversation. "Look. Peregrine. Jymaiyri and I are not long for this world, and when she dies your powers will be returned to you. But they can't be returned if you're already dead, so it'd do you well to get on that boat." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[9:05 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine looked at his hands. "Good," was all he said. An overall reaction. Killing as little people as possible. Him and his wife not living long. His powers returning. He scoffed at Yeonaixho a final time and then he left. Walking. Struggling. Already trying to stifle this experience. Bitch goes to the boat.