su-ji and isi

[7:09 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

[Continued from ⁠main-courtyard]

"Oh, I'm an idol. Sound powers and all that. I'm also a catboy-- uh. Literally." He chuckled. "By day? Boring person with whiskers. By night? Catboy." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:17 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi looked very excited at that. "I knew it! I knew your powers had something to do with animals, you turn into a cat boy? that's so cool!"

The part that went unsaid was that she was also just glad to meet someone who, even if only at night, could look more animal than human like she could.

"Sound powers? How so?"

She asked. Eventually they did look around the lounge, eyes landing on the fabled air hockey table, walking up to it.

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[4:35 AM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

"Not at will-- but yeah!" Su-Ji stepped up to the air hockey table as well, putting his hands on his hips.

"I can produce any sound through my mouth- I can make my voice sound across the room- that sorta stuff." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:39 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"that sounds like it comes in handy a lot"

Isi replied, looking down at the table. She doesn't know how to play air hockey buuuut it looked simple enough if she wanted to.

"Turning into a cat boy makes the cold easier to deal with too, right? And do you have claws? Do your teeth get sharp?"

They're trying to picture in their head what an actual cat-person would look like.

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[8:57 AM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

"Yup." He grinned, tilting his head. "Imagine a cat- maybe more like a silver tiger but- like- a slightly longer snoot- but on its hind legs. Thats sorta what I look like." He attempted to describe.

He blinked as he noticed her looking at the table. "Oh!! You wanna play?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[12:03 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi nodded.

"Actually yeah- problem is I'm not sure how to" she admitted, smiling. They turned their head to look at the table and ended up knocking a hanging light with their antlers, ducking slightly so it wouldn't happen again.

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[1:29 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

"...Gonna be honest I dunno all the fancy schmancy rules. All I know is you use these things to hit this flat thing into that thing-"

He grabbed the T shaped piece, pointed at the puck, and then the slot in the opposite end of the table. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[2:57 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"Looks fun-" she replied, picking up the larger disk with the handle, testing it out by hitting the puck and sending it to Su-jis side.

"If you can produce any sound, can you imitate people's voices? Or animal calls?"

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[3:00 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

Su-Ji grinned and hit the puck back to Isi's side. He cleared his throat before suddenly speaking in her voice, "Totally!! Obviously can't get personality down, but the voice? Chef's kiss, non?"

He switched almost instantaneously back to his own voice, "I can do animal sounds too- but. Well you can only imitate those you've heard, y'know?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[3:14 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

They actually looked spooked for a moment, before their face changed to a grin again.

"Oh man you could get into so much trouble with that" she replied, hitting the puck back to third side and aiming it for the slot.

"I get it about the animal thing too, it's hard to remember exactly how they sound sometimes"

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[3:17 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

"Oh, I promise you. I have." Su-Ji chuckled innocently. He was a little too busy gloating to notice the puck until last second, only barely managing to block it.

"I could probably mimic those birds you were chatting with earlier but. I dunno what they were saying. Could be potty mouths." He chuckled as he hit the puck back. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[4:41 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

She laughed.

"Met anyone cool here?" Other than Isi obviously 😌

She managed to also block it with her puck, but it ricocheted across the board so haphazardly that it ended up in her slot anyway, giving Su-ji a point and causing her to huff annoyedly before hitting it back to him.

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[5:36 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

"YES!" Su-Ji grinned at the point awarded to him. "Wait- I mean no- well- it's complicated. I reunited with someone I'm real good friends with! Her name's Zerada and she's SUPER SUPER cool! Like- ultra cool!"

Su-Ji could be heard purring. "She has lightning powers and always has my back! She's the bestest friend a person could ask for! AND she's SUPER smart!"

Su-Ji hit the puck, the flat disk bouncing in his own side a bit from the extreme angle.

"We fought gators together," he grinned as he hit it again- somehow mirroring Isi in bouncing off the walls until it scored in his own goal- tying the score. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:13 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi's ears perked up at the mention of the lightning powers.

"Oh! I have a friend with lightning powers! His name's Roy, I think he's super cool too! And you guys fought gators together? That's insane"

Isi kinda wants to meet this Zerada now. They let out a small laugh as Su-ji scored in her own goal.

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[6:50 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

"Roy? He sounds exciting! Is he here?"

Su-Ji put the puck back and hit it toward her side, "Yeah! I still have the scars from where one tried to eat me. Was fun!" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:57 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"yeah, he is! I dunno where he is but my guess would be talking with his roommates or something, I saw him go up there earlier- do you know your roommates? I only know one of mine"

"I don't have any gator scars but I do have some wolf bites!" She replied proudly, deflecting the puck back to his side.

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[7:02 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

Su-Ji deflected the puck, slapping it back.

"Yoo! We should totally all meet up! That'd be so cool!" He grinned.

"Wolf bites, huh? I thought you were- like- friends with the animals or something?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:04 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"oh that would be so cool!" They replied, a little confused at the way Su-ji didn't answer the roommate question but not looking too into it.

"Depends- I don't get along with predators much, especially wolves, being part-deer n all. I can talk to them but it's not like I can make them friendly"

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[7:10 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

"Oh that's unfortunate. I'm... kinda like a tiger? But I don't think we're enemies. Don't want us to be-" He chuckled.

"Maybe we could meet at that fancy gala." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:16 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

She laughed. "If this is what enemies do then I need to make more enemies."

she sent the puck back to his side, it ricocheted, she sent it again.

"Yeah- the gala would be good. Maybe I can meet my roommates there too- I don't know who Peregrine or Titania are, but I bet they're cool" she shrugged.

She already knew Darcy and was happy to room with him, but knew nothing of the others other than their cool names, really.

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[7:21 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

Su-Ji bounched the puck along the walls of his side a bit- like a cat toying with a mouse- before knocking it back toward Isi.

"I dunno who I'm rooming with. Didn't bother looking. I don't have a bag so I didn't have luggage to put away," he shrugged. "..Hoping I'm rooming with Zer though." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:27 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi neglected to pay attention to the puck for a second too long and it entered the slot on her side of the table. She pulled it out and sent it back to Su-ji.

"Oh- I do have a bag, actually" aaaand it's still on her back. "I should probably put that away before the gala honestly..." She pondered.

She figured the Zer was short for Zerada, and nodded in understanding.

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[7:32 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

"Oh- did you want to part so you could go get ready then?" He questioned.

In reality, if the game ended before they left, Su-Ji knew that meant he'd win points wise. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:43 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"Mayyybe in a minute.." Isi too had realized that Su-ji would win and at least wanted to tie up the score, sending a mean-fast shot right to his slot while talking.

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[7:45 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

"Ackkk!!" Su-Ji dramatically shouted as he tried to block the goal but failed, flopping to the side and failing to catch himself. He flopped dramatically onto the ground. "Awwww!" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:50 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"Aw c'mon! We're only tied!" She laughed at his dramatics. They thought he looked an awful lot like a fish on land right about now, moving away from her side of the table to offer them a hand.

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[7:58 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

Su-Ji grinned as he reached out and took her hand, "thanks." He hummed as he stood, "but I'll get you next time, I swear it." He huffed, putting his hands on his hips. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:07 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"challenge accepted" they replied, pulling Su-ji up.

"See you at the gala, then?"

@Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

[8:08 PM]Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺:

Su-Ji gave a thumbs up, "yeah! See you there!" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

lightning gals first meeting

[7:41 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya went to the lounge after the gala. She didn't sit down anywhere, though, instead wandering around looking for something. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:52 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

After experiencing the loud atmosphere of the Gala, Zerada definitely wanted to go and relax. Maybe sit somewhere comfortable, take a deep breath, and just relax. The Lounge sounded nice, and maybe everyone was still out so she could avoid interaction-

Oh.

Oh, someone was here. Great. Neat.

Zerada paused as she looked over Teya. She motioned to the door. “Hi, uh- I can head back out if you want the space and time for yourself..” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:54 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya startled, and turned to stare at Zerada. "Oh- no, you're alright." She shook her head. "I'm just looking for my coat. I left it here before the gala." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:57 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada frowned slightly as she looked around. “Oh- Would you like me to help you look for it?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:58 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya stood there for a moment, contemplating this descision more than the average person would. "Yes, I would. Thank you."

After a moment, she added, "It's black." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:28 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Alright, alright, a black jacket, got it.” Zerada spoke to herself as she glanced around the room. It took her a few moments of searching before she found the jacket.

She held it up to Teya. “Is this it?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:29 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"That's it." Teya nodded, and took the coat, draping it over her arms instead of actually putting it on. "Thank you."

Another pause. "I'm Teya, I work as a guard here." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:30 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Ah, a guard. Taking a look over her, Zerada wasn’t sure if Teya was actually ‘guard material.’ However, she knew better than to underestimate anyone.

“Of course,” Zerada nodded her head. “It’s nice to meet you, Teya. I’m Zerada, I’m one of the competitors here.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:33 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It's good to meet you, Zerada." Teya nodded. "Are you enjoying the island so far?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:51 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“It’s nice,” Zerada nodded her head. “I haven’t seen much else of the island, but so far what I’ve seen, it’s pretty. I think it’s really nice.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:52 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It is nice." Teya nodded. "If you can, you should see the beaches sometime, when the sun is out. It's quite the sight." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:51 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada resisted the urge to make a face. Ah, the beach. So many pleasant memories there.

"Maybe.. I'll be sure to add that to my list of things to do, thank you." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:51 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Of course." Teya nodded stiffly. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:53 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada nodded somewhat awkwardly. She glanced around the room.

"... It's a nice lounge..." She cleared her throat. "... What else do you like to do around here? Or are there any other sights to see?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:54 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It is." Teya nodded. "There's the mountain, which you could climb if you wanted to, but I wouldn't reccomend it. It's a bit of a harsh trip." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:00 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Is it?" Dear fucking god, that was something she would definitely need to pass along to the Dumbas™️. "What kind of-... How harsh is it?"

[7:00 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

(OOP FORGOT TO TAG)

[7:00 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

(I see you typing already though GHJKDSF)

[7:01 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I would strongly advise against attempting it without proper equipment, and a lot of expirience in cold-weather mountain climbing." Teya cautioned. "I have only succeeded in climbing it once, after years of training and practice." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:06 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I'll be sure to pass that along to another competitor, then," Zerada sighed. "I've never been one for rock-climbing. Track and soccer, on the other hand, yeah. Thanks for the warning." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

Teya nodded. "Good. If you want a place to exercise, I would suggest the arena. There's sports equitment there." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:10 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Really?" Zerada immediately looked interested. "I'll be sure to check it out, then. Are there any sports that you like?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:11 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I've always been a fan of lance-throwing." Teya hummed. "I'm quite good at it, if I say so myself." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:13 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Lance-throwing?" Zerada mused. "I've never done that before, you have to have great aim and precision for that. How'd you get into that?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"It's simply something I pursued. It was the weapon I chose." Teya shrugged. "I suppose, it goes well with my powers, so that's why I chose it." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:22 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada should've figured that the staff had abilities, it only made sense. She still found herself to be slightly surprised. That was a big reason not to underestimate anyone.

"Weapon, huh? So, I take it you're skilled with long-range combat with it?" She asked. "And your powers- What kind of abilities do you have, if you don't mind me asking? I don't meet many people who have powers." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:24 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I am. I've been training with both a lance and a trident since I was a child." Teya nodded. "I can manifest lightning." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:26 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada immediately looked intrigued.

"Lightning, huh?" She nodded her head. "I guess we both have that in common, then. I can use it as well." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:27 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya's expression shifted from stern neutrality to one of interest. "Really? I've never met someone else with powers like mine- I'm the only one on the island with them. I'd appreciate the chance to learn how our powers compare and contrast." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:49 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I've never met anyone who has the same power as me, either," She paused for a moment. "Do you have superspeed with it, too? I do, but- I'm not sure how common that pair is. I wouldn't mind comparing abilities." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:50 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I- do not. I move at a normal speed." Teya said, slightly awkwardly. "I assume you do?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:53 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Oh- Well, there's nothing wrong with moving at a normal speed," Zerada glanced around the room. "I do... Move fast, I mean." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:55 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Thank you..." Teya put her hands in her pockets. "Ah. That makes sense. Is it... fun?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:57 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada couldn't help but smile lightly.

"Yeah, it's fun. I'd hate to talk more about it when it's something that you can't experience, but it's-... Liberating, in a way."

[7:57 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:58 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Hm." Teya nodded, and pondered this for a while. "That does sound... Interesting."

After a beat, she added. "One way I've learnt how to use my powers is by channeling my lightning through my weapons." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:59 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada looked intrigued. "Do your weapons act as a conductor for your abilities?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:00 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yes, in a way. I can charge my weapons so that whatever target they hit gets electrocuted." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:03 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"That's interesting," Zerada nodded her head. "I haven't tried anything like that with my powers. I don't know if I can do the same thing, but I wouldn't mind giving it a try one of these days." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:09 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I can show you the technique, if you'd like. You might be able to apply it to your powers." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:15 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada paused for a moment. She mulled it over, debating it for a few moments. It felt like a situation that she didn't quite want to put herself in, but.. Well, if it was a new way for her to learn something more about her abilities, who was she to say no?

"Thank you, I'd.. I'd appreciate that a lot, actually," Zerada gave Teya a small smile. "Is there something in return that you'd like for your time..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:16 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I don't require anything in return. It's simply something I'm willing to offer to a guest. Generosity is something our church values." Teya said, almost like a report. "I'm happy to help. It benefits me, too, as I will be learning about your powers as well." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:12 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Right, right, thanks..” Zerada nodded. Zerada paused for a moment. “What else does your church value, if you don’t mind me asking? I’m a bit unfamiliar with your religion..” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:02 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"We believe in helping all those in need, and upholding values of compassion and kindness." Teya hummed. "After all, the god we follow is one of life and healing." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:39 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada hummed as she nodded her head. Sounded like most religions so far.

“Are there any services that you guys conduct?” Zerada asked. “I can’t help but be curious and compare it to my own experiences.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"We have mass every morning, if you'd like to attend. I'm sure Yeonaixho will make an annoucement about it." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:44 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Ah, okay,” Zerada wasn’t too sure about attending, but she still gave a nod of her head. “I’ll think about it, I still have some time to decide. Thank you for the invitation.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:44 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Of course. If you do attend, I'll be there." Teya nodded. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:48 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Okay, I'll- Keep that in mind," Zerada nodded. "Have you.. Been with the church for a long time? Or had you been a competitor like me and then stuck around, if that's something they allow..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:49 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I was born into the church, actually." Teya said. "Though, not many others have. Most join later in life." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:52 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Huh, I see," Zerada hummed. "That's also kind of how it is with some other religions, where you're born into it."

Though, others were often given the chance to branch out and learn of other groups. Zerada had a slight feeling that on a secluded island, that was something that wasn't quite allowed or encouraged. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:54 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"That's my understanding of it, yes." Teya nodded. She seemed pretty nonchalant about being born into a secluded, cultish religious sect. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[2:36 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada wasn't quite sure how to speak to Teya about her religion when that itself was a very tricky conversation to navigate. It didn't help that she wasn't the go-to when it came to having conversations. She found herself wishing that Richard of all people was around. At least he had a way of asking questions that felt innocent, that was without malice or judgement.

".. Ah, gotcha.." Zerada nodded her head. "Is there.. Anything about it that you really like?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:39 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"About the church?" Teya thought about this a bit. "I like the ideals of the church, I suppose. It's nice to have something idealistic to follow in your life." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[2:49 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada nodded her head in understanding. “Yeah, it.. Must be nice to have something to dedicate yourself to, especially when it’s relatively wholesome.”

Good views? Yeah, nice to follow. It just got complicated when the figureheads got selfish, readings were misunderstood and studied incorrectly, when views became altered, when money was placed over the heads of those praying for help. Everything good had bad accompanying it somehow.

“.. Say, how long as this church been running? Or how long as the head of the church been practicing?” Zerada asked. Surely if it was a short amount of time, there couldn’t have been too many crimes committed. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:06 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It is nice." Teya nodded in agreement.

"The church has existed for... about thirty years, I'm pretty sure. My mother joined when she was pregnant with me, and it had existed for a few years before that." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:08 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Huh- Really?" Zerada frowned. ".. How old are you, if you don't mind me asking? You don't seem to be too much older than I am." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:18 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I'm twenty-six." Teya offered. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:32 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Huh," Zerada nodded. "You're not that much older than I am, then. I'm twenty." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:33 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya nodded. "Most of us here are in our late twenties, a few in their early thirties." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[4:20 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Huh, that's interesting," Zerada paused. "How old is the head of the church?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:53 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I think Yeonaixho is forty-eight now?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:54 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Huh, really?” Zerada nodded her head. That was more than enough time for plenty of crimes. “That’s neat.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:54 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"... I guess so?" Teya didn't understand why Zerada wanted to know this. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:02 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada didn’t expand on it.

“So,” Zerada cleared her throat. “Were you at the gala? It was quite nice.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"I was." Teya nodded. "I spent time with some of my friends. It was nice." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:15 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Good, I’m glad you had a good time,” Zerada hummed. “I just spoke with a few competitors there, it was nice.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:16 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Thank you. That does sound nice." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:57 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“It was. Do you guys often host events like that? Galas, I mean,” She paused. “Or I guess events like this tournament.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:57 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"No. We have festivals sometimes, but they're usually different." Teya hummed. "This is the first time we've run any sort of tournament." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:18 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Huh, that’s interesting. Is there a reason why you guys graciously hosted something like this?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:20 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It's part of our church's efforts to promote charity and genorisity." Teya said, though her voice was dry. "It's a fun event, to give back to those who need it." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:50 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Huh, that’s nice..” Zerada nodded her head. She felt that there was more to it, but she was sure that Teya probably didn’t know. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:56 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Thank you." Teya said blankly. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:58 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Yeah, of course..” Zerada nodded. She fell into an awkward silence. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:03 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya didn't say anything, continuing the awkward silence. She put her hands on her hips and looked to the floor. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:04 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada hummed and glanced around the room.

“… Is there.. Anything you might want to ask me?” Zerada asked. “About outside of this island?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:04 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"... Is it warm, where you're from?" Teya asked after a moment of pause. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:05 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“It is,” Zerada nodded. “For the most part, anyways. My family comes from Mexico, so it’s very warm and hot there. Sometimes it can be a bit intense, but I love it.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:07 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya thought about this for a while. "Hm. It's cold all year here, but my mother was from a warmer part of the world. The South Loucari." She paused for a bit again. "I was actually born there, before the church moved to the island, but I don't remember what it was like. Do you like the warmer weather?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:46 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“I can’t say I’m familiar with that area, I’m sorry I can’t say anything about it,” The use of ‘was’ definitely stuck out to Zerada. Dead mom? “I do like the warmer weather, I prefer it. I’ve never been good at managing the cold, not when I’ve spent my whole life in eighty-degree Fahrenheit weather. I think seventy-degree weather is cold, if I’m honest.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:49 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya laughed a bit at Zerada's comment. "It gets much colder than seventy degrees out here. I hope it's not too unbearable for you." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:52 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“The cloak is a big help,” Zerada admitted with a slight smile. “I definitely wouldn’t be alright without it.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:53 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"That's good. The cloaks we have here are quite good." Teya nodded. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:08 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“They are quite comfortable,” Zerada chuckled. She paused for a moment. “Though, I find myself wishing I had grabbed a blue one for myself. I prefer that color over the others.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:09 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Ah, the guests cloaks only come in gray and brown." Teya said. "The color blue holds some significance to us, so we restrict it only to certain individuals. You can still wear any blue clothes you brought on your own, though." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:51 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Oh- Really? What does it represent?” Zerada asked. “I hope it isn’t too bad that I’m wearing it.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:52 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It's the color of purity in our religion." Teya said. "All the lower-ranked temple staff wear it on their uniforms. It's not bad at all, it just has meaning to us, and we want to avoid any confusion." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:32 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Ah, I see,” Well, Zerada definitely wouldn’t be worthy to wear blue in their religion. Tilting her head slightly, she took note of the clothing that Teya was wearing. “What do the other colors represent? That way, I’m sure to show respect and not step on any toes.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:05 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya was wearing a black uniform with light gray trim.

"Of course. Like I said, blue represents purity, and is worn by the lower-ranked temple staff. The higher-ranked guards and dedicants wear gold, which represents godliness. That's why the Hand of God also wears gold. Us middle-ranks wear gray, which represents modesty."

She continued. "All the dedicants wear white, which represents honesty, while us guards wear black for strength and fortitude. The Second wears red for righteousness and justice. The guest clothes are brown, for earthliness, and for funerals we wear green, because it's the color of decay." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[4:47 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada nodded her head.

"I see- Thanks for explaining it, I wasn't sure what the colors meant. I appreciate that." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Of course," Teya nodded. "I'm happy to help." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[4:53 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada hummed as she nodded her head.

She fell silent for a few moments before she spoke again.

"I hope you get to experience the warmth one of these days." Zerada spoke quietly. This was entirely genuine. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:01 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya paused for a moment at the sudden personalness of the statement. "Oh... uh, thank you." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:52 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Uh- Yeah, no problem,” Zerada cleared her throat. Too much? Probably. Damn it. “Anyways, uh- It’s.. Getting pretty late. Think I might as well go head on to bed now..” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:10 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Of course. Rest well." Teya nodded. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:28 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Thank you, you as well.” Zerada nodded. With a small smile, she made her leave from the lounge. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

kal and yeonaixho

[11:27 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

From the bath house to the lounge, Kal figured he’d just chill here for the rest of the night. He was chilling on the couch and seemed to be fiddling around with some papers he had brought with himself. Homeboy was just chilling. :contentkal:

[3:41 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

As Kal chilled on the couch with his papers, in walked none but the Hand of God himself. Yeonaixho didn't seem to immediately notice Kal, but did a few gentle shoulder stretches as he walked to one of the recliner chairs. He carried his cane in the crook of his arm instead of using it, comfortable in his surroundings enough to not need it.

Yeonaixho nearly collapsed into the chair, and he wasn't even sitting in it properly. All six-foot and five inches of this lanky man were sprawled around the armrests. He seemed like he'd been very stressed quite recently, and was trying to relax. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[4:20 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal was chilling and humming to himself when Yeonaixho came strolling on in- Or rather, it was more like the older man was dragging himself in. Poor guy looked worn out.

Still fiddling with his papers, Kal glanced over toward him. Kal didn't see the Hand of God, but rather, a homeboy in need of some de-stressing.

"Rough day?" Kal asked sympathetically. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:29 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho, who had not assumed the presence of another in the lounge, startled briefly as he was addressed, but quicly recovered. He pulled himself to a slightly more presentable posture.

"Rough doesn't begin to describe it." He admitted. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[4:33 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Wanna talk about it?" Kal asked. "Or d'you wanna just chill and unwind with me for the night?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:35 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It would be tactless of me to discuss such things with a guest. Most of it's at some degree of confidentiality." Yeonaixho shrugged. "I appreciate the offer, though. I think I just need some time away from that sort of mess, though God knows when I'll have to involve myself again."

After a pause, he added. "By the way, that was only an expression. I don't know, if only the status and divinity came with omniscience." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[4:38 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"All good! I get that- Don't worry, we'll keep this as mess-free as possible." Kal gave Yeonaixho a grin. "We'll just chill and unwind for the night."

He held out a hand for a handshake. "I'm Kal Valdez, though I'm sure you probably already know that- I just figured I'd go ahead and introduce myself to you properly, y'know?" Kal paused before he slightly retracted his hand. "Do you do handshakes? Or- Would you prefer it if I bowed?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:44 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho smiled tiredly, and pulled himself up into a normal sitting position. "Wonderful to meet you, Kal Valdez. I'm assume you already know who I am, so I won't waste your time with an introduction of my own."

He genty took Kal's hand in his own, wrapping his own hands around the younger man's instead of giving any sort of proper handshake. "Handshakes are quite alright, if not very common here. I'd prefer if you didn't bow, because having you face the floor makes it more difficult to hear your voice. Whichever you're most comfortable with is fine by me." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[4:48 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I do know who you are- Thanks again for the invite." Kal chuckled.

He was content with the handshake, and once more, he laughed. "Alright, then I'll just stay sitting right here with you, if you're chill with that!"

In his other hand, he presented Yeonaixho with a small origami bear, motioning it towards the other man as though he was offering it to him to keep.

"Wanna chill and make some origami with me?" Kal asked with a grin.

[4:48 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Image

[4:48 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:49 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

:happykal:

[4:53 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Of course! I'm happy you came." Yeonaixho smiled, and released Kal's hand.

He took the origami bear, turning it over in his hands to appreciate the form. "Oh, thank you! I'd appreciate the oppurtunity, though I must confess, my skill with origami has never been the best. You'd think I'd be better, given that it's a pretty tactile art form..." He laughed. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:10 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Don't worry about it! Origami's just fun to unwind with. Plus, hey, with every fold, you're improving! It's always a learnin' experience," Kal grinned. He took out some more of his papers. "I'll guide you through it, if you want, but honestly, anythin' that you make's gonna be awesome, I just know it!"

He had an array of origami papers of different colors, textures, and thicknesses. Homeboy was just having a good time as he put the papers down for Yeonaixho to take a look at. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:15 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"While I'm not incredibly concerned with the quality of my craft, I would appreciate some guidance." Yeonaixho admitted with a laugh.

The different colors of the papers meant very little to Yeonaixho, though after running his hands over them he found a few with textures and weights he liked. After picking out a few he liked- including one that happened to be an eyesore-inducing lime green, he waited for Kal's instruction. "So, what sort of things do you know how to make?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:21 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I'm here to give all the guidance you could need!" Kal beamed. He shifted through a few of the papers before he grabbed a few that he wanted.

"Well, I know how to make a bunch of animals! The bear, a crane, a cat, a hamster, a good ol' dinosaur or two, some fishes, a dog, rabbit, a bird, butterfly, shark-" Kal laughed. "I had tons of time as a kid to learn how to make a bunch of animals, so honestly, if there's one you got in mind, maybe I know how to make it!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:23 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Hmmm, do you know how to make a crow? A friend of mine is very fond of them, I think it'd be a nice gift." Yeonaixho hummed. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:26 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"A crow? Yeah! The big ol' friendly dark birds, those guys rock," Kal grinned. He fetched some of the darker papers for them to use, though he was content to let Yeonaixho whichever color he wanted. "It can be a bit tricky, depending on how detailed you wanna get with it, but if it's a gift, then why not go all out?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:30 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yes... she certainly seems to think so, at least." Yeonaixho smiled. "I'm up for the challenge! I'm sure you're a fine teacher, so what could go wrong?"

Hearing Kal shift through the paper, he gathered up the pieces he'd picked out, displaying them to Kal in a way where they'd all be visible. "Ah... which of these do you think would suit the crow best? I'm afraid I can't tell the color of them on my own." He laughed awkwardly.

Yeonaixho had picked out a pale pink paper, a medium blue, a bluish-green, a very deep red, a burnt orange, and the atrocious lime green. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:22 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“The only thing that can possibly go wrong: Papercuts. Those things are the worst.” Kal laughed.

Taking note of how Yeonaixho had felt for the paper rather than actually perceive them, he figured that maybe he did have an issue actually seeing them or the colors. Color blindness do be rough.

“Wellllll,” Kal hummed. “I think Origami shaped animals can be any color, honestly! But they’re black birds, so if we wanna be accurate, we can do this one.”

He slid one of the darker sheets of paper towards Yeonaixho’s hand. It was thicker, and had a slight texture to it. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:42 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well, then it's a good thing I have healing powers! We'll be unbothered by papercuts to the end of our days." Yeonaixho laughed.

"My friend is fonder of gloomier colors, anyways." Yeonaixho laughed, taking the paper Kal gestured toward him. "Thank you! This one seems quite nice." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:58 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Aw snap- Awesome! No papercuts for us." Kal laughed. "Glad to hear! Those things stink."

"Then gloomy paper it is," Kal grinned. "No problem! I like that one a lot- It's got, like, a bit of a wavy texture to it. Love it." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:12 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, I know they are." Yeonaixho laughed. "I don't take that aspect of my abilities for granted. They're very useful." He smiled.

"It does have a rather nice texture. I enjoy things with nice textures, I do." He laughed. "So, how do we start?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:40 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I wish I had somethin' like that for my powers, I get banged up a lot, so that would help big time, but it's alright!" Kal chuckled. "But it's all good! I'm glad that you can stay papercut-free."

"I do too, makes my brain real happy," Kal grinned. "And it's kind of an easy start! We first gotta fold the paper in half from one end to the other, and then open it up, and then fold it the other way so that way it gets that lowercase t look to it." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:38 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well, if you ever get so 'banged-up' that you need my assistance, I'll be happy to help- as long as you're still here, within my reach." Yeonaixho laughed. "Your powers are adrenaline-based, correct?"

"Oh, that is a simple beginning!" Yeonaixho nodded, and folded the paper in accordance to Kal's directions. He ended up with four evenly-sized square planes. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[4:41 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Thanks, man! I appreciate that," Kal laughed. "Right now, I'm all good!! I got a biiit knocked up on my climb earlier of the volcano, but I'm good now! Yeah, my powers are adrenaline based. I just go and give myself a boost, and I just go kachow, y'know?" :happykal:

"Ye! It starts off real simple." Kal grinned. He began to fold the paper again. "Then, we kinda do the same thing, but this time, in a diagonal so then we get the criss-cross shape. Pretty nice!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:54 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You- climbed the volcano?" Yeonaixho repeated, astonished. "Oh- my, that is impressive. I haven't been all the way up there, and I've lived here for twenty years! How was the climb?"

Yeonaixho nodded, and followed Kal's instructions carefully. He ran his fingers carefully over the edges of the paper to measure how closely he'd folded them- good thing he was immune to papercuts! @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[4:58 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Oh man- If you want, I can totally carry you up there! I'll just strap you onto my back, and we can make the climb!" Kal grinned. "It was good! A nice lil' test- I had no idea that there was ice on the volcano. Astrid was a big help in gettin' me the equipment that I needed. I was about to make the climb with just me, my gloves, and my jacket! Pretty silly, right?"

"Perfect job, man!" Kal grinned. He then directed Yeonaixho through the next few steps, carefully explaining the folds. It was starting to get a bit complicated, so complicated that I'm not making an effort to type out the exact instructions. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:04 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Ah, thank you for the offer! I doubt I'll take you up on it- I'm not the smallest person in the world, and I'd hate to inconvience you like that. Besides, there's not much for me to enjoy there, in terms of views." He laughed, vaguely gesturing to his eyes. "I imagine, for me, it'd just be cold and windy. Oh, that's very kind of Astrid to help you out! She's wonderful, isn't she? I'm glad you got assistance preparing for the climb, or I doubt you'd be doing as well as you are now. I'd hate to have to launch search parties on the mountainside this early into the tournament."

Yeonaixho followed Kal's directions through the steps, occasionally fumbling a fold or two but overall getting it mostly right. He appreciated how detailed Kal's verbal instructions were. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:22 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Yeahh, that's true- It'd kinda just be chilly, you're right. Homegirl was a whole lifesaver. I'm an experienced climber, but I don't think my powers would've done enough for me in the cold." Kal perked up. "Oh man- D'you want a rock that I got from up there? I grabbed a few before I made my way down! Some of them are real cool and feel real awesome!"

Kal's smile widened as he continued to explain the following steps. They both were making pretty good progress!! It wouldn't be too long before they made a little bird. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:45 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yes... I'm glad you were properly prepared." Yeonixho smiled. "Oh, I would like a volcano rock! That sounds very interesting!"

As Yeonaixho finished crafting his crow, he ran his fingers over the entire form, appreciating how well he'd made it. "How does it look?" He showed it to Kal. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:58 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I gotchu!" Kal pulled one of the rocks from his pockets and set it into Yeonaixho's hands. It was a shinier rock that had texture to it, where it was smooth in some parts but a bit bumpier in others. A very nice rock with some weight to it.

"Your crow looks awesome, man! You're a natural at this!" Kal praised.

[5:58 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Image

[5:58 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

Yeonaixho wrapped his fingers around the stone Kal handed to him, appreciating its weight and texture, if not the shininess he was ignorant to. "Oh, this is a very nice rock. I wonder if it's very different than the volcanic rock we sometimes get down here. I'm not a rock expert, though it's always been something I'm curious about." He didn't add the truth- that he was, in general, curious about most everything.

"Oh, thank you! I think I did quite well, really. I hope my friend likes it. She's been needing something to brighten her day." Yeonaixho smiled. He held out an empty hand to Kal. "Might I see yours, too?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:36 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I'm not much of a rock expert, either, but they seem real cool! I've always wanted to learn about rocks and earth like that, buuuuut I've never had the chance to really do that. Still, it's a cool thing!"

"You did a real great job, your buddy's gonna love it!" Kal smiled. He set down his crow in Yeonaixho's hand. The bird was built in a pretty similar manner to Yeonaixho's, even if it was a bit sharper and crisper with some folds. "Sure thing!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:39 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Maybe yoy could learn! I believe we have a few books about rocks in the library, somewhere in there. You could start your rock-science learning here!" Yeonaixho suggested.

"Thank you!" Yeonaixho smiled, and took Kal's crow fully into his hands, tracing his fingers over the various folds. "Oh, yours is quite good, also! You have a skill with this!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:41 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal let out a small laugh. "I probably could! Buuut, I'm not the best with books, if I'm honest. If there's pictures, I'll do okay! If not- Aha, yeah, I miiiiiight not really be able to do too much with it. Thanks though for the recommendation! Maybe I'll still drop by there anyways."

"Thanks, man!" Kal grinned. "I appreciate that! I've been doing origami my whole life, it's been a blast. If you keep at it, you'll be a pro in no time, guarantee!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:45 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, really? That's a shame." Yeonaixho hummed. "Truthfully, if our geology books have pictures, I would be none the wiser, but I'd imagine they do. You'd have to be able to look at rocks to identify them, most of the time. Maybe that's why I never pursued the science..." He trailed off. "Hm. I wish I could offer you some kind of tutelage, but these days I exclusively read in braille, and I don't know if that'd be much use to you."

He handed Kal back the origami bird. "You're excellent at it, as you are at teaching it. And thank you! I don't know how often I'll be able to make time for the hobby, I've been so busy lately, but I will try!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:00 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Yeahhhhh, I could look at the pictures, but I wouldn’t be able to put a name to the pictures, if I’m honest. Words are a bit hard for me.” Kal let out a small laugh. “But hey! I appreciate you lettin’ me know. I’ll still swing on by.”

Kal beamed as he took his bird back. “Thanks, man! Appreciate that big time- I used to do this all the time when I was a kid with newspapers. Always had a blast!”

He chuckled. “Even if you’re busy, definitely try and make time for yourself to unwind! It’s good for the body, and good for the brain, too! If you want some papers for yourself, I can give you some. I got tons.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"I'm sure the pictures alone will at least be nice to look at." Yeonaixho hummed. "And, if you ever want to learn to read braille, I'd be happy to help."

"I'll certainly try..." He sighed. "I simply have a lot of work to do, these days. I would appreciate some paper, though!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:50 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"That's true, pictures are neat," Kal hummed. "Well, maybe since I can't read, maybe braille could be the language I actually can learn. Maybe I'm more of a hands-on kind of guy."

"Well, trying itself is good!" Kal grinned. He started to put together a little pile of papers for Yeonaixho. "Just remember to take care of yourself, alright? Even if it's, like, five minutes. Self-care goes a long way, y'know?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:04 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho seemed to light up. "Really? I'd love to teach you! I've got some resources just over in the library. You might be good at it! If you have the time, we could begin our first lesson tonight."

"I know, I know..." Yeonaixho sighed. "I do try. Sometimes trying is all you can do." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:12 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"First lesson tonight? That'd be nice!" Kal laughed. "I showed you some origami, and you're gonna show me some braille- That's awesome, thanks!"

"Tryin' is really good. And remember- Even if it's just for a few minutes to relax, that's better than nothing!" Kal spoke with a smile in his voice. "It's exactly like you said: tryin' is all you can do sometimes. Progress is progress, no matter how small!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:43 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It would be nice! Here, let me go gather some materials- I'll be back in just a few moments." Yeonaixho stood, and began moving for the door. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:58 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Sure, no problem!" Kal grinned. "I'll just be chillin' here!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

Yeonaixho nodded and left to the library.

Only moments later, he returned with a few books, as well as a notebook and a slate and stylus. He dropped all this over the coffee table in between the couch Kal was sitting in and his own armchair, then began to organize them. "Now, this book is an introduction to Braille- it includes some easy phrases and helps you learn the alphabet. A common misconception, actually, is that Braille is an entirely separate language, when really it's just a writing system used to transcribe English, or whatever other language you choose. It varies a bit, but I and most other english-speakers use standardized English Braille." He said, tapping the first book. Moving on to the second, he added. "This is a collection of some simple poems I enjoy, and I thought we could read them together." Moving finally onto the paper and slate-and-stylus. "Now, these are tools we can use to write Braille. The slate and stylus are a bit tricky, but my Brailler- that's kinda of like a typewriter- is in my room, and I didn't want to go all that way." He laughed awkwardly, hoping he wasn't being overly excited to teach. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:42 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

If Yeonaixho was worried about being too excited, Kal was openly displaying his excitement. He looked eager as he looked over all of the supplies with curiosity.

“Man, that’s so cool!! I didn’t realize it was like that. Maybe I can learn standard English Braille?” Kal laughed. “I uH- Never really learned how to read, and I’m shaky on a good amount of letters, so I hope you don’t mind me bein’ real clueless about things.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:50 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"That's what I was intending on teaching you!" Yeonaixho laughed. "No, it's quite alright. I was clueless when I started learning Braille, and thousands of people learn it as their natively-known writing system! You won't be any different than them."

He picked up the textbook and opened it to a page that displayed the alphabet. "Now, do you know the print alphabet? I always have to sing the song to remember all the letters. Braille also has a few other symbols- for numbers, over here, and for other sounds, like 'ch-' and 'th-' and 'st-', which are commonly written in English with two letters. There's also symbols for words like 'and' and 'for' and 'the' down here." Yeonaixho pointed at the different areas as he described them. Clearly, he'd taught this before.

He handed the book to Kal. "Here, Take some time to feel the different letters. You won't be able to differentiate them all yet, but it's good to practice." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:36 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Maybe one of these days, I'll try learnin' Braille but in Spanish," Kal grinned. "I know how to speak Spanish, but writing and readin' it's pretty tough for me. Maybe Braille's the way to go!"

At being asked about the alphabet, he looekd a bit sheepish. "Ain't gonna lie, I get a bit confused. That 'Ella-Menopee' part confuses me in the middle." He frowned a little. "Huh, that's pretty nice that there's already set up symbols for common words like that. Makes it a bit easier."

With a nod of his head, Kal reached out with his hand and brushed his fingers over the bumps and divots. "Oh wow, ot gonna lie, that feels kinda nice. Nice texture." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:46 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, that sounds like a great idea! I'm afraid I wouldn't be much help with that, as Spanish isn't a language I'm very familiar with, but I wholeheartedly support the idea!"

"It is a bit confusing," Yeonaixho nodded. "But we can work through it. It is nice that there's symbols for common words- it makes it easier, and it makes it so you don't have to take as much space writing things out."

He laughed a bit at Kal's response. "It is! Now, I'm going to lead you through a rather simple exercise. I will list out the various letters and symbols of the braille alphabet, and you will feel them and read them as I say them, to build the association between that letter and the symbol."

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:22 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"That's okay! The fact that you're helpin' me with English itself is a big blast, I appreciate!" Kal grinned.

Kal nodded his head. "Alright, that sounds pretty good. I think I can do that. I'll admit, my brain's a bit small, but I'll do my best to learn and make it happen!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:25 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"The good thing about this exercise is that we can repeat it as many times as needed. It's pretty simple." Yeonaixho smiled.

He carefully led Kal through the alphabet, guiding his hand over each Braille letter and carefully annunciating each sound. He spoke slowly and clearly, making sure Kal knew both the letter's name and it's individual sound. He had Kal repeat each letter after him, too, and when they were done with all the letters he moved onto the numbers, then the words. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:33 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal was. Definitely trying to make an attempt. He was doing his best, even though he was very, very obviously struggling with pronouncing each letter and sound. His brain was having trouble connecting the shape of the letters and the numbers with their associated bumps. He did his best to repeat Yeonaixho.

It was a bit sad and pathetic, especially with how eager he was to genuinely learn. The eagerness was still there, but there was a growing sense of sadness at how badly he was struggling.

If Yeonaixho was capable of seeing Kal, surely, he would see the gears in Kal's brain struggling to work. Animated steam would be coming out of his head as he attempted to use his little excuse for a braincell. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:36 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho didn't have to see Kal to notice his struggle. Right after the letter 'Q', he paused, took his hands off the book, and changed the subject.

"I understand you're struggling a bit. It's nothing to be ashamed of," He said in kind, gentle tones, "But perhaps, we can take a different approach. Is there anything in particular you find difficult about this exercise?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:50 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal sighed as he leaned back against the couch.

"I dunno, man. I look at the letter under the bumps, and they get all twisted up in my brain. Then, the sounds just- Don't seem right for the letters?" Kal squinted slightly. "I dunno, it's a bit hard to explain. I know I'm not hopeless, but it's definitely pretty tricky for me." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:53 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho thought for a bit. "Perhaps, you could try not looking at the print letters? Braille is primarily a tactile form of writing, made for people who can't see at all, like me. Perhaps trying to understand both the appearance of the print letters and the tactile form of the Braille letters is messing you up." He suggested. "Do you want to try the same exercise, but with your eyes closed?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:55 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal perked up.

"Yeah- That sounds great!! That's a good idea, I didn't even think of that. I'll try it with my eyes closed, then, my brain won't make the letters do flips and stuff. So smart, thanks for that suggestion!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:58 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I thought it might be worth trying. I've found that when teaching sighted people, they rely a lot on their vision, so it's difficult for them when they have to focus on another sense." Yeonaixho laughed.

"Let's go through the alphabet again, from the top..." He began leading Kal through each letter, in much the same manner as he had before. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:09 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal.

Oh, sweet, sweet Kal.

Somehow, he was doing even worse with his eyes closed. He traced his fingers over the bumps, his fingers occasionally wandering a bit too further along the line, which caused him to associate the wrong kind of bumps with the wrong kinds of letters. Fun times.

He continued to try and repeat the sounds from Yeonaixho, but homeboy was struggling.

As his head beginning to ache from trying so hard? Mayhaps. However, he was trying. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:15 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

They only got through the letter 'J' before Yeonaixho paused again, and lifted his hands from the book.

"This hasn't been working too well, either, has it?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:20 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal opened his eyes and sighed. He ran a hand through his hair.

"I'm sorry, I'm really strugglin' here," Kal sighed. "I'm tryin', though. I really am." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:23 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Don't apologize for struggling. It's not your fault." Yeonaixho said gently.

After a pause, he asked. "Kal, have you ever heard of a condition called dyslexia?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:28 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal raised an eyebrow.

"Uh- Nah, don't think I'm all that familiar. What's that?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:35 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It's a neurological condition that affects how someone can read and write. Some of the ways you described your difficulties with reading now reminded me of it." Yeonaixho explained. "My speciality is in the anatomical and chemical, not the neurological, so I can't diagnose you, but I'd wager a guess you have it." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:40 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Oh- Oh- Really?” Kal frowned. “Is it, like, somethin’ that you can catch? I can’t make you get it or anythin’, right? I’d hate to do that to you.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:42 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, no- it's nothing like that. It's simply the way your brain is wired, so to speak." Yeonaixho explained, making a bit of an 'ease down' gesture with his hands. "It is something you'll be dealing with your whole life, if you do have it, but that doesn't mean it isn't manageable. Thousands of people live very normal lives with dyslexia." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:04 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Huh. Wow, that’s pretty crazy- I came here to make buds and compete, and I get dyslexia- Or like, I’ve always had it?” Kal frowned. “Huh, kinda confusing but makes sense. It’s always been real hard when I’ve tried to read and stuff. I guess I’ll have to work even harder to read.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:16 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You've most likely had it your entire life." Yeonaixho hummed. "You'll still be able to learn to read and write, if that's something you'd want to pursue that. I'd be happy to help you through each step. I won't lie and say it won't be hard for you, but if it's something you want, well I think it's worth pursuing." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:20 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“I really do want to learn,” Kal spoke earnestly. “Whether it’s Braille or the written language, I wanna learn. I’d appreciate any help I can get, if you really don’t mind how much I’ll struggle with it.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:21 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I don't mind at all. Teaching is a calling of mine." Yeonaixho smiled. "And if you want to learn, I'll teach you all I can. It's getting rather late, though. Perhaps we can continue these lessons another time?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:30 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Oh man- Yeah, you’re right!” Kal laughed. “It’s pretty late- Would you mind if I borrowed the book? I wanna make an attempt at reading again.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:26 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Of course! You're free to take any book you like, as long as you keep good care of it." Yeonaixho handed the textbook to Kal. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[2:43 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“I’ll take extra great care of it!” Kal promised with a wide grin as he took the book. “Thanks! I’ll probably flip through it during my morning work out.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:05 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I admire your commitment to multi-tasking!" Yeonaixho laughed. He stood up. "I think I'll be off to bed, now. My best wishes to you, Kal." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:18 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Thanks, Yeonaixho!” Kal grinned. “Have a good night, and get rest!”

Kal stood up. “Good night, bud!” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:18 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You too! Sleep well!!" Yeonaixho smiled and waved as he left. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:21 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Thanks, man!” Kal grinned and made his leave. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

the second half of titanic

[7:10 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

...

Hannah was in the lounge, trying to fuck around with the old television. It didn't really seem like she knew how to use a VCR player. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

Darcy walked into the lounge early in the morning, hoping to find a quiet corner to study in, but instead just... stared at Hannah as she struggled.

"Do you need any help?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[7:51 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah seemed entirely oblivious to Darcy walking in to the room as she fiddled with the player.

"No." She said instantly as she heard him speak. She pressed a few buttons on the vcr player and huffed as nothing happened. "How do I get the tray to come out? This is a really weird DVD player." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:57 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Darcy dropped his many books onto the coffee table, and kneeled down next to Hannah.

After a few minutes of inspecting, he announced, "I think it's a VCR. See, you put the tapes in here." He pointed to the large, rectangular slot.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[7:58 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"... Oh. I was wondering why I couldn't find any actual DVD's in those boxes..." Hannah mumbled. A pile of various video tapes sat on the ground next to her out of their boxes. She picked up a random one, looking at it at every angle. "Does it matter which way I put it in?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:02 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yes. You have to put this end in first, or else it won't work." Darcy said, pointing to the front side of the cassette tape. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:04 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah put that end up to the entrance of the player, and slowly pushed it in. She eventually got it in far enough and quickly moved her hand back.

".. Is that it? Now it should be playing on the TV or something.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:08 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Darcy turned on the TV itself, and pressed 'play' on the VCR. The movie's select screen lit up the room.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:29 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

On the TV was now only the second half of Titanic.

".. Oh. That's a bit disappointing." Hannah said. "Maybe the first part is somewhere around here too." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:35 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Darcy looked around for the other half of Titanic, but couldn't seem to find it. "I don't know where it could be...." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:12 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Have you seen the first part before?" Hannah asked as she sat down on the ground. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:13 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"No. I don't think the film was ever distributed to my home country." Darcy admitted. "I am, however, familiar with the historical story of the Titanic's sinking." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:38 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Your country didn't have Titanic? That's weird. Where are you from?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:39 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well, we never got most movies. We only have three theaters in the whole nation." Darcy commented. "I'm from Verend." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:49 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"... Three in the whole nation? There's one in my hometown, which is pretty small and shitty, even. Where even is Verend? I've never heard of that place." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:51 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well, three that are equipped with the necessary projection equipment. There's many more theaters simply for plays and live performances." Darcy explained. "Verend is north-east of Ninjago, more east than north. It's a very small nation, and most people haven't heard of it." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:55 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Oh. Yeah, I haven't visited Ninjago before. Seems like a lot of drama happens there.." Hannah said. "I haven't heard of most places there, besides the City.. Ninjago City. Yeah. I'd like to visit sometime though, I've heard they have a lot of people with elemental powers there." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:56 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yes. It seems there is a lot of... things happening. I haven't ever visited either, except when I came into the city to partake in the tournament." Darcy nodded. "Where are you from?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:58 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I'm from Los Angeles, California. But I'm living in Osceola, Iowa, now." She said the latter with notable disdain. "Oh. Uh. America. Maybe I was too specific for you." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:59 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"No, I've at least heard of Los Angeles. I... will admit, I haven't heard of Osceola." He laughed awkwardly. "I... take it you don't like your new home?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:02 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"No one's heard of Osceola." Hannah mumbled. "It sucks there. The whole place is shitty- buildings on the main street are literally falling apart. You can see right through them. It's in the middle of nowhere. It's only like twenty minutes from the smallest town in Iowa. And a guy I really hate lives there. In that microscopic town." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Oh. That's unfortunate." Darcy said blankly. "I hope you get the opportunity to move out of there soon." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:08 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"With the wish, I'll be able to move out and do even more." Hannah said. "But, I might not even end up needing the wish since my fight is against Roy. I think beating the shit out of him will make me pretty satisfied." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:11 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Darcy nodded along with most of what Hannah said, but suddenly grew concerned. "Your fight is against Roy? Is- is he the person you hate from the smallest town in Iowa?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:12 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Yes. Who else would be from the smallest town in iowa but him? He's literally named after it! Le Roy. Roy. It's the dumbest thing I've ever heard." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:13 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Why do you hate him, though?" Darcy pleaded, "Surely, not just because his name is dumb."

[1:14 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:32 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Oh boy, Darcy got her going. She glared at the screen as Leonardo DiCaprio ran around doing something meaningless. It hadn't sunk yet, and that was always the most exciting part of the movie. "He's the reason my dad's in prison. And the reason me and my mom had to move to a shittier house. And the reason I'm going to stupid community college instead of an actual college. And the reason I got fired from my job. That's all not in order of importance." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:35 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh." Darcy frowned. He kept glancing from the TV to Hannah, unsure of what all he was being told. "How is he the cause of all this? He seemed fairly nice, when I met him." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:01 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"He blew up a train." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:01 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"... on purpose?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:10 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"... probably not." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:10 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:17 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"But it still lead to all that stuff happening, and it was his stupidity that did it, so I'm still pissed." Hannah said. "And he acted like he'd never seen me before on the dock. We've met before." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:18 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Darcy just gave Hannah a really blank, concerned look. "... okay." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:19 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"..." Hannah was still glaring at the TV. "You think I'm stupid, don't you? For being so angry at him?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:20 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Darcy raised his hands in defense. "Im not making any judgement. It's not my place to. I'm not involved in any of this." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:14 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Then I guess your voice just sounds like that all the time." Hannah huffed and crossed her arms. ".. sorry. That was mean." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:27 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Darcy's brow furrowed, but he quickly shrugged it off. "It's alright." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:49 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah sat in silence for a bit and watched the second half of Titanic.

".. Are you friends with him? You seemed pretty quick to try and defend him.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:49 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"We met on the boat. Really, he's a friend of a friend." Darcy shrugged. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:50 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"What is he like when he's talking to you? He tried to talk to me on the dock and I.. wasn't super receptive." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:52 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"He seemed pretty nice from what I gathered. Flighty and anxious, but nice. He almost set fire to the ship with his lightning powers, and got chewed out by that woman with the crossbow, but he seemed really apologetic about it." After a pause. "S'pose he has a reputation of destroying transport vehicles." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:01 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Kinda wish I could've been there for that, would've been laughing pretty hard. I think I was too busy being a shark to notice when he did that." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:03 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Darcy just nodded along, til Hannah mentioned the shark part. "... being a shark?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:05 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Yeah..? With my shark powers." Hannah said. "Oh. I think I forgot to tell you that I have shark powers before I said that. I can turn in to a really epic shark, wanna see?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:07 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, shark powers! That makes sense." Darcy nodded. He looked around the very dry lounge. "I do not believe this is the best place to turn into a shark." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:11 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"... it would only be for a second.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:12 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Well, Darcy didn't know enough about sharks to argue against that. "Oh, okay! I would like to see, in that case." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:28 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:00 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Yay!" Hannah said and stood up. She walked to the center of the room, just to ensure she wouldn't break anything when she turned.

Her transformation was very odd looking- arms became fins, her face stretched out, a fin formed on her back, and everything quickly turned more.. shark.

Once the transformation was complete, she was now a thresher shark lying on the ground. About thirteen feet across, but half of it was her ridiculously long top tail fin. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:03 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, heavens..." Darcy marveled at Hannah's transformation. He was honestly just impressed. He's never even seen a shark up close before. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:51 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah flopped around for a few seconds, before quickly shifting back. She continued laying on the floor, now taking some deep breaths.

"Yep-" inhale. "- pretty cool, right?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:51 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It was very cool- though, are you all right?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:53 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Yeah, I'm fine! I just can't breathe when I'm like that obviously-" Hannah said and brushed her hair back. She pushed herself up to her feet. "What are your powers?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:54 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, I have language powers!" Darcy replied cheerfully, as if just saying that made sense. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:55 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. Like.. you can speak a lot of languages?" Hannah asked. "Or.. You're a good writer? I know "shark" is a vague power set, but it's kinda self explanatory.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:57 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I can speak a lot of languages, yes, but that's not all." Darcy laughed. "I can cast these sorts of spells, that source from untranslatable phrases in various languages, and other such linguistic distortions." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:02 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Spells?" Hannah asked. "That's.. Silly. How are they untranselatable if you can speak a lot of languages? Someone's gotta know." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:09 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well, they aren't untranslatable in the sense they can't be understood by anyone," Darcy explained, clearly enthusiastic about explaining this to someone, "But rather, the term refers to ideas, statements, even words that exist in one language, but do not have an equivilant term in another language. Like the Japanese term 'kintsugi', which means to repair broken objects with gold, or the German 'schadenfreude', which means to be happy at another's expense." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:11 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"That makes no sense. You just explained what those words mean to me right now." Hannah argued. "So.. They're translatable." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:15 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Ah, but there's certain connotations that come with having a singular word for something, rather than an awkward and lengthy explanation. There's differences that appear when translating from language-to-language, and there's power in that." Darcy hummed. "Here, I'll give you another example. Say you're translating and English text into... any language you like. Do you know any languages besides English?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:16 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"... no." Hannah said. "There weren't very good programs at my school." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:20 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, that's unfortunate. We'll go with... Mandarin, I suppose. Mandarin will do." Darcy hummed. "So, suppose you're translating a text from English to Mandarin. But! The text you're translating includes the phrase 'Don't judge a book by it's cover'. What do you translate that into?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:24 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. I don't know because I don't know any Mandarin to begin with. So.."'@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:26 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Ah, yes." Darcy nodded sheepishly. "Well, if you did know Mandarin, your first instinct might be to directly transliterate the phrase, replacing the English words with their Mandarin counterparts- after all, every word in our original phrase exists in Mandarin. However, this would still be an incorrect translation, because the phrase 'don't judge a book by it's cover' does not have the same connotations as it does in English. It's just a phrase, with no added meaning whatsoever. My target audience wouldn't know I'm trying to convey that you shouldn't judge things at first appearance."

[1:27 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:31 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Okay. Sure, that phrase doesn't work. But then at the end you explained it again in a way that makes sense- so I feel like it might just not be a direct translation it's like.. What's that called. A localization? It's similar enough." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:35 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"But even there, there's a distinction. Something gets lost, distorted. And there, I was explaining to you an english phrase in english, so of course it made sense. It's not a matter of these phrases being unable to be explained through lengthier sentences. It's that on their own, without my added explanations and translators notes, they mean nothing. It's like, hm. What does the French phrase, 'Donner sa langue au chat' mean? I'll give you a hint- directly transliterated into english, it means 'to give one's tongue to a cat.'" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:39 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Uh.. To be speechless? Like, cats got your tongue or whatever.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:40 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Close, but no." Darcy hummed. "A closer translation to it's actual meaning is to not be able to guess something- as in, you've given your tongue to the cat, who has less of an idea of what's going on than you do. It's very similar to the English phrase, but there's difference there. Do you understand?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:59 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Oh. That's- I guess that kind of makes sense." Hannah nodded slightly. "But I still feel like you could explain it." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:01 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"That's the thing. My power comes from the sort of thing that is lost to translation. It, by definition, cannot be easily explained. My powers come from the failures of language." Darcy hummed. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[2:07 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"That's weird." Hannah said. "Those powers.. sound useless. What do those 'spells' actually do?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:08 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"All sorts of things. There's only a few I've routinely tested to be sure of the side-effects, but they have varying effects. One turns flowers into dumplings." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[2:26 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. what could that possibly originate from?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:29 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It's a Japanese phrase! 花より団子, which essentially translates to dumplings over flowers." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:26 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I don't get it. Are they just saying that dumplings are better than flowers..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:27 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Essentially, yes." Darcy hummed. "The phrase is generally used to imply that it's better to have useful things than pretty things." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:30 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Well, that's a nice saying. I think I agree with it." Hannah said. "Are there any sayings about sharks?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:33 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, many." Darcy nodded. "The term 'shark' is often used to describe cunning, competitive or sly people, such as in the term 'card shark', someone who is very good at playing cards. There's the Australian idiom, 'he wouldn't shout if a shark bit him', which means someone is stingy with their money, and of course there is 'jumping the shark' when describing shows or serials that have lost their quality, though that has less to with sharks and more to do with an obscure sitcom reference." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:23 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah was nodding and grinning along as he spoke. These were all pretty epic phrases, in her opinion.

"I think jumping the shark should mean something outrageously epic happened. I can't imagine many things cooler than doing that. As long as you don't hit it, of course." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:24 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well, I don't know enough about sitcoms to contest that." Darcy shrugged. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:25 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Me either. Never been huge on those." Hannah said. "Hm. So you know a lot of nerdy stuff, huh?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:27 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well... I suppose so. About linguistics, specifically, as that is my speciality. Why? Is there something you want to know?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:27 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Do you only know human linguistics?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:29 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Generally so. I only know languages spoken by humans, and beings that communicate like humans do, you know with languages and all." After a pause, he added, "So... not sharks." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:32 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. Aw." Hannah sighed. It was pretty obvious what she was after. "What about like- dolphins? They have pretty developed language systems for non-humans, don't they?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:33 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I don't know enough about dolphin communication to answer that confidently, but I think not." Darcy hummed. "But I do have a friend who can speak to animals!" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:35 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Really? Are they here?" Hannah asked, leaning in closer to Darcy. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:36 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yes! Their name is Isi! And they're one of my roommates!" Darcy smiled. "She's very nice." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:43 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"That's crazy-" Hannah needed to meet this person Immediately. "And she can actually do it? She's not just one of those crazy 'animal whisperers'? Have you seen her do it?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:46 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"From what I can tell, yes! It's the power she was invited here for, so I believe it's as legitimate as all the rest of our powers! And I did see her speaking to a spider!" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:48 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"If she can talk to a spider, she can definitely talk to Bonaparte- I'm sure he has so many things he wants to say!" Hannah was grinning wildly, rocking herself back and forth on her heels as she imagined all the possibilities. "Maybe she can teach me how to speak shark." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:49 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Darcy made the correct assumption that Bonaparte was a shark that Hannah was friends with. "I'm sure she would be willing to help translate! Like I said, she's incredibly nice." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:04 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Do you know where she is right now? Where's your room at?" Hannah asked, practically getting right up to Darcy's face. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:05 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I'm not sure"- Darcy stepped back, away from Hannah by a few steps. He adjusted his glasses. "But you'll be able to tell which room is ours because it has our names on it."

Just then, he realized he hadn't given Hannah his name. "Oh, and I'm Darcy, by the way." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:07 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Oh yeah. And I'm Hannah." She said, not moving from where she had been before. "I'm going to go find Isi now and make her translate for my shark friend. If you see Roy again tell him I still hate him. Bye!"

Aaaaaaaaaand Hannah ran right out of the room, letting the second half of Titanic play out... @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:08 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Nice to meet you, I suppose?" Darcy said, but Hannah was already leaving. Oh well. Time to watch the second half of Titanic. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

glass and taisto

[8:42 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto sauntered into the lounge. He hadn't checked it out yet, and looked around curiously. He was holding Kal's volcano rock in his hand. He went to a couch, and plopped down. He picked out a glass feather from one of his pockets, and looked both of the items in his hands with an idle smile. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:48 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass entered the lounge shortly after Taisto did, and smiled when she saw him. "Hey, Taisto!" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

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

Taisto's wolf ears perked up, and he turned around to look at Glass.

"Oh, hey Glass! How are you doing?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:56 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Hiya!" Glass said, and flipped onto one of the big couches. "I'm doing well, I'm doing well. You?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[8:59 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"I'm doing fine. I finished my essay this morning, and I've been playing in the snow all day", he chuckled softly. "I heard I missed the event, though. Did you see it?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:00 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Ooo, that's good!" Glass smiled. "Yeah, I went to the fight event- it was like a weird race over lava. I didn't know either of the guys who fought, though." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

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

"Yeah, the lava sounds pretty dangerous. And wild too, I wonder how they got it there from the volcano. Maybe there's some tunnels that lead to it?" he mused. "I know Kal. He's a nice dude. It's sad that he lost." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:19 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Lava tunnels? That'd be cool. I have no idea how they got in there, to be honest, but I hope my fight's not that dangerous." Glass laughed. "Aw, that sucks. Does he have to, like, leave the island now?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:27 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Hmm, yeah, it sounds pretty... deadly, to be honest", he frowned.

"Yes, I understood he'll have to leave tomorrow. The staff probably would rather not spend more resources on us than necessary." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:38 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:39 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass let out a heavy sigh. "Yeah... I'm glad both he and the other guy got out safe."

"True, true... though, I know I don't use up that many resources myself, at least food wise." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

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

"Yeah", Taisto nodded.

"Me neither. But I guess we both take some space, though? And it's more people to manage." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:50 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah. This island is tiny, too. I've never even seen it on a map." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:53 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh yeah, I don't think it's charted. It had that church building here, though, even before these people moved here." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Huh. Is that common for islands like this?" Glass tilted her head to the side. "When did these people get here?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:59 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Probaby? Hmm... Well, they probably have to be in at least proper navigational charts, don't you think? They don't even have a lighthouse here, so yeah. Probably. But yeah! They came here 1998, if I remember right, but their religion already existed before that." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:01 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah.... they have to get the boat here somehow, and it's always so foggy and overcast..." Glass hummed, then perked up. "Really? Damn, I would've thought it'd be way older... how'd you figure that out?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:03 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Yeah, that's true", he nodded. "I read a few church records out of curiosity in the library! There was a bunch of interesting stuff." Interesting for an old man /hj

[11:03 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:04 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass lifted her eyebrows, but wasn't too surprised. Taisto seemed like the kind of guy to read church records in his free time. "Really? You find anything else interesting?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:07 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh, yes", gossip time! "Mr. Sehwohl got married!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:07 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Wha-" Glass gasped. "The tall fancy Hand of God guy? To who? Oh, lemme guess, the creepy eyeball lady?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

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

Taisto laughed lightly.

"Oh, no, to someone I haven't heard of before. A woman named Jymaiyri. Though, as far as I understood..." His gaze became more serious. "She's not here anymore." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:12 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Not here as in like..." Glass lowered her voice. "Divorce?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

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

Taisto shrugged. "I'm not sure. I just noticed her name wasn't in the later personnel lists. She might have left, or even died... I don't know if they divorced or if they are still married." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:18 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Huh. Freaky." Glass hummed in thought. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

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

Taisto shrugged again.

"I didn't read all of them. One of them would have probably explained what happened to her." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:20 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"What years did you check? Maybe you can narrow down the dates." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:23 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Hmm, I read the first one, that was 1993, then the 1998 one, where they came to the island and the Hand of God got married, annd... I think it was 2010 that was the last one I read." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:24 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oof. Wide range." Glass hummed. "She had to be there for her own wedding in '98... and she was gone by 2010?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:26 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Yuup. That's why it's no wonder there was no mention of her anymore, if she left years ago." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:27 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Huh." Glass thought. "And there's no trace of her here, either..." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

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

"Yeah... probably a sore subject", he gave a slanted smile. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:29 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oof, yeah. Either she ditched the main guy, or... she's dead." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

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

"Yeeeah. Neither one sounds like he'd like to be reminded by it. It's still pretty interesting to think that a person who considers himself a god would marry someone. I don't know, it just makes him more... y'know, human?" He smiled gently. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:32 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah, it definitely surprised me. I'm not too big on the theology of this sort of thing, but... I dunno, seems weird. Aren't priests not allowed to marry in some religions?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:02 AM]Sauce | Roy 🌩:

(Time bubble?)

[10:02 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

(ye! can u make the thread?)

[10:03 AM]Sauce | Roy 🌩:

:3👍🏻

hannah and inu

[9:59 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah had sat herself down on the couch lopsidedly. She was watching the second half of the second half of titanic. One may even say the last quarter of it. She had a plate of various cooked meats resting on her stomach, which she was occasionally picking at as she watched the movie. @capisnotonfire

[10:53 AM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Inu found himself wandering around the island. He had a lot on his mind with the fights and in all honesty it made him very nervous. He couldn't help but freak out a little bit.

Though when he walked into the lounge he froze up. "Oh- uhm. S..sorry...I didn't mmm...see you there..my bad.." He apologized sheepishly.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:09 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"We have to move!"

"Shhhh, don't interrupt just sit and watch." Hannah huffed and grabbed another fist full of sausage. Her eyes were locked on the screen.

"Come on, I've got you!"

@capisnotonfire

[11:24 AM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Inu blinked slowly but glanced over at Hannah before he took a seat on floor and looked at the screen.

What movie was this? It wasn't one he recognized. Then again he didn't really know many movies. Or...pop culture really.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:41 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Jack pulls her over the rail. It is the same place he pulled her over the rail two nights earlier, going the other direction. She gets over just as the railing is going horizontal, and the deck vertical. Jack grips her fiercely.

Suddenly, the VHS started scratching.

"Nooooo this is my favorite part!" Hannah huffed. Of course it was when the boat was going down and they were about to jump in. @capisnotonfire

[11:53 AM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"...What movie is this?" Inu asked quietly. "Uhm...sorry I'm not...all to..familiar with movies..." He placed his head on his knees as he kept his eyes on the screen. "..Maybe we can tell the people..something is wrong with the VHS?"

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:21 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"It's the very end of titanic, how have you never seen it?" Hannah asked as she picked up her plate and stood up. She put it on the arm of the couch and stepped over to the VCR, gently hitting the top of it with her fist. Nothing changed. "I dunno how these things work- I had to have Darcy come in and show me how to start it." @capisnotonfire

[1:40 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Inu gave a small shrug. "I don't really...watch movies.." He said quietly and got up walking over to the VCR. After a few presses of a few buttons, somehow, magically, he seemed to fix it! Hooray?

Inu blinked but turned to Hannah. "That..helps..right?"

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[2:34 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

As he did that, it had fast forwarded toward the very end of the movie, just in time for the credits to roll.

"Urgh... I missed all the good parts." Hannah huffed. @capisnotonfire

[3:04 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"Oh. I'm sorry." Inu apologized. "Uhm. I've seen you around before a few times but...I don't think I ever got your name...I'm Inu." He gestured to himself.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:23 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah blinked as she looked over at him, clearly irritated.

"... Hannah. Moines." @capisnotonfire

[6:18 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

@Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[6:23 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Inu shrunk down slightly and bit down on his lip. He frowned slightly before he gave a small nod. "Nice to..uhm..meet you..."

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[6:23 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. Yeah, a.. Pleasure..." Hannah said. "Why are you acting so.. Weird. And nervous and shaky." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[6:31 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"Uhm." Inu paused. "...Anxiety..?" He looked up at her for a moment. "...I get uhm...nervous.." He clasped his together anxiously.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[6:32 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Yeah, I can tell." Hannah huffed. "Why, though." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[6:34 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"..." Good question Inu didn't have the answer too. Inu frowned slightly at the question before he gave a small shrug. "..I uh. Don't know? Why..I'm like this?" Good job Inu.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[6:40 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. Did you almost die or something?" @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[6:45 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Inu visibly flinched at that and opened his mouth to speak before he shut it and didn't say anything. Well. Seems like Hannah was right on the market! He couldn't help but take a small step back and rubbed his hands together.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[6:46 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah stared at him and blinked. It was silent for a bit.

"Well, I almost died- or I think I did- and it turned out pretty cool for me, actually." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[8:04 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"...What do you mean- if- if you...don't mind me asking." Inu asked cautiously as he took a seat on the couch. He seemed a little more nervous now but at the same time...not. It was bit hard to tell how he was feeling. "For me..uhm..opposite..."

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:17 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I don't mind. I love talking about it." Hannah said. (Drowning) "Looooong story, but basically, one day I was surfing this huge wave off the coast of California, since I lived there, and it started storming pretty bad. I figured I could do one more wave, the biggest one yet. I got on it, then totally wiped out- got thrown around under the water for a bit and passed out after I couldn't hold my breath anymore- Then next thing I know, a week later, I washed up on shore with a shark tooth sticking out on my arm, epic shark powers, aaaaand a cool shark buddy. Funny thing is everyone was pretty sure I was dead, and no one quite knows how I survived, but I'm pretty sure it was my shark friend Bonaparte. He must've had something to do with it." @capisnotonfire

[8:28 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Inu blinked once. Then twice. Huh. That was...far better than his experience. Inu couldn't help but cringe slightly as he thought about it. "Much better than mine..." He mumbled. Well. Since Hannah shared her story it was only fist for him to share his, right?

".....my home uhm. Blew up." Inu said very quietly. "...I almost...died in the explosion."

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:38 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"It blew up? How'd that happen?" Hannah asked and leaned back against the wall. "You don't hear that every day." @capisnotonfire

[8:51 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"Uh." Inu paused for a few seconds and frowned. "...My...powers." Inu shut his eyes tightly. "...Portals. I can't...I can't control them very well and...well...they..they opened. Destroyed it. And due to all the damage and everything something..burst."

"...I-I.." Inu swallowed hard. "...I-"

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:16 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Portals.. Made an explosion? Or did it break something in your house that made it explode?" Hannah asked, seeming unbothered by the death and destruction. @capisnotonfire

[5:24 AM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"..Something like that. I think..it broke something...I don't...know for sure." Inu buried his head into his knees. "...I was too young to know...uhm." Well, to say it felt nice to get this off his chest would be an understatement but..Inu still felt weird. He couldn't put his finger on it. Maybe it was because he was telling a random woman his past?

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[6:05 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"If your house exploded how did you survive." @capisnotonfire

[6:59 AM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"I wasn't...inside. I was just nearby.." Inu explained. "So...there...there was still a lot of damage...and uhm." Inu made a small sound. "I uh...I.."

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[6:49 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Oh.. So.. I'm guessing your family was in there or something?" @capisnotonfire

[9:23 AM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"...Yeah." Inu moved to stand up, casting his gaze down. For a few seconds he stumbled before he squeezed his eyes shut. No. No. Not now. Please not now. "Sorry...I gotta-..."

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:29 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Uh.. okay..?" Hannah mumbled, very confused. "You should go to a therapist or something, you seem.. weird." @capisnotonfire

[10:11 AM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Inu offered an absent-minded shrug before he left the room, using the wall to guide him. "...Mhm.."

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:19 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Bye I guess?" Hannah blinked as he left.

Man, some people here were weird.

hannah and ryu

[10:43 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Well if Hannah was worried about weird people, she wouldn't have to worry with Ryu--the most normal of normal people here. Totally. She walked down the hall after leaving her room, spotting Hannah as she did so. With a small grin, she waved at the other woman.

"Hey. Haven't seen ya since you ran off from me the other night. How are you doing?" Ryu asked her as she walked over to Hannah. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:47 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah was sitting against the wall, alone, with the second half of titanic paused on the beginning. A look of pure confusion was stuck on her face as well.

"Uh. I'm fine. There was just a weird guy here who ran away." @ajjjjjjjj

[10:50 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu raised a brow at that and glanced around. "A weird guy?" She repeated before giving Hannah a slanted smile. "Well, can't be any weirder than most people here. Did you talk to him or something?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:52 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Yeah. And he was weird and stuttery, talking about an explosion or something." Hannah shrugged. "What have you been up to I guess. I've just been here eating a meat charcuterie board and watching the end of Titanic." @ajjjjjjjj

[11:01 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Hannah was awful at giving explanations, but Ryu shrugged it off. "Ah, well, at least he's gone now I guess. Won't bother you anymore," she hummed. "I was heading out to the dining hall. I like to eat something after a work out," Ryu replied as she glanced over to the paused screen in front of them.

"Titanic..? I can't say I've seen that. What's it about?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:04 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"It's about the Titanic." Hannah said. "Where'd you work out here? I've been meaning to but I usually like to use equipment and this place is a bit lacking." @ajjjjjjjj

[11:08 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Again, awful at explanations. "...I see," was all Ryu could really say to that. Though, her slanted smile turned into a faint smirk. "Oh, I think we're talking about different kinds of work out here," she chuckled.

"I was in my bedroom just now. I think the only proper place to exercise would be in the arena when it's not some crazy spectacle for fights." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:09 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"A different kind of workout?" Hannah asked. She wasn't gonna get it. "Oh, well I think the arena is free now, if you wanna go again." @ajjjjjjjj

[11:15 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske wasn't going to elaborate, instead, she nodded at Hannah's offer. "Oh, sure. I can squeeze in another if you'd like to join me. A spotter is always needed," Ryu replied. "But I have to grab at least something to snack on. I need my protein." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:45 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Yeah- I think I've gotten plenty of that today, so I'll meet you out at the arena." Hannah said and pushed herself up to her feet. @ajjjjjjjj

[4:43 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu nodded. "I'll see you out there then," she said with a grin, throwing Hannah a playful wink as well for fun. With that, she walked down the hall completely. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

wtf ekmeros quit defending the cult leader

[8:28 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass was just... standing around the longue. She had meant to do something, but the insane announcements were occupying her thoughts. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:30 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros did not have any idea what was going on - he had been vaguely aware of noise under the music of his viol but time always seemed to fly when he was playing - so when he heard that announcement, suffice to say he was very confused. So, returning his viol to its case, he left his room to find someone who could tell him exactly what had happened. He'd hoped for maybe a staff member, preferably one he knew - a small circle there - or at least a contestant he knew, but the only person he found was a stranger: Glass, in the lounge. Just standing there.

Ekmeros just stood there as well. Solidarity.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:35 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass turned to Ekmeros. "Do you know what the fuck any of this is?"

[8:35 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:35 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros blinked. As he shook his head, he fell back on the only conversation starter he knew: "My name is Ekmeros." He moved closer and held out his hand for her to shake.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:37 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Uh. Yeah. Thanks. I'm Glass." Glass shook his hand awkwardly. She had other things on her mind. "That was Ryu- do you know Ryu? Do you know what the fuck is going on?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:38 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Good firm shake from Ekmeros. "I've talked to Ryu, very briefly. I- I don't know what's going on, no, I was looking for someone to ask. Perhaps I should find one of the... the staff to explain?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:39 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Uh- I don't think we should be seeking out the staff right now. Seems like they.. eat babies, or something. Eugh." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:40 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros furrowed his brow. "They- I don't think they do?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:40 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well they do something! You heard the announcement!" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:41 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros gripped his viol's case strap in both hands, stressed. "Well, I don't know exactly what I heard, just that it was Ryu speaking. Which- she's a contestant, she's not exactly allowed to do that."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:44 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well- she said they're taking our powers and reviving dead wives and shit!" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:45 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros couldn't really reply to that immediately - surely it was some sort of misunderstanding, but how could you misunderstand something and get it to there. He tightened his grip on the viol and hesitantly spoke, "...well, you could say trying to bring back loved ones is a noble course... I suppose it depends on the method but..." No but, bitch.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"What the fuck?! Necromancy is evil! And it's supposed to be fake!" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:54 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros gripped the strap even tighter, leaving imprints in his hand. "I never said it wasn't, just- it's his wife. I can-" He took a deep breath. "I understand why- it isn't good but I- it makes sense."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:55 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass shook her head. "I mean, I guess- I think it's evil. And if Ryu's right, we're all in a shit load of trouble." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:56 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros didn't say anything. He glanced around the room, maybe waiting for something to happen. He didn't know what he was waiting for exactly but he couldn't reply to Glass. He continued to hold his emotional support viol.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:57 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass listened to the shriek- that definitely caught her attention. "What the FUCK is going on?!" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:59 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"They killed someone?" Ekmeros had a very... mild reaction to that, concerned but more confused than horrified. "Yeonaixho?" This was not painting Ryu in a good light for him. He frowned, but he didn't say that part out loud.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:00 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"MAYBE??" Glass just looked to Ekmeros in confusion. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[9:01 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros looked back at Glass, more confused why she was yelling, then he looked around the room again. "If Ryu has killed someone..."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:02 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass frowned. "Then things are looking worse." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[9:03 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Then perhaps there wasn't much stock to her claims - but Ekmeros knew not to say that out loud. He paced toward the door as if to go help, I guess. Don't know what a bard is going to do but sure.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:01 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Uh- where are you going?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:08 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros paused at the door, clearly unsure of where he was going himself. Then there were more announcements, if they could still be called that, voices over the speakers. So much for misunderstanding. And yet... it made sense, sort of. Almost. For his wife. Ekmeros gripped the viol case's strap even tighter, hands almost shaking with how tight he held it, as his mind spun.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:58 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Uh... dude? Ekmeros? You listening to me?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:07 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Truthfully he wasn't. But he heard Glass ask if he was and, well, it'd be rude to say he wasn't. "Yes, I am, I'm just... thinking."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:07 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"About...?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:08 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros turned, confused as to why Glass would need to ask that. He gestured to the speaker.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:09 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah? And what do you think about it?" Glass questioned further as if this was obvious. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:14 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros tightened his lips like :| once again, and now the case was lifting slightly from how tight his grip on the strap was. "I'm not sure. It's a noble cause... yet a less noble route."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:20 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

From the bedroom to the lounge, Zerada was still huffing with anger. She was big mad and big bitter about the whole situation. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:20 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh- hey Zerada!" Glass smiled. "God, it's so good to see that your okay. Do you know what's going on?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:24 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros turned as Zerada entered. "Oh, Zerada, Taisto left a note for you." Priorities king. He walked over and took the note out of his pocket for her.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:29 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

".. Did you.. Hear the announcements?" Zerada asked with a frown. "This island is wack- It's just a front for some old ass man to bring back his dead wife, and he's using our powers, and potentially our bodies, to do it. Every person who's lost this competition has gotten their powers stolen. I don't know who's setting up the group to fight against it, but we gotta work quick. I'm sure the staff's getting ready to fight."

At Ekmeros' statement, her frown deepened. Her anger was now just plain confusion. "A note? Oh- Thanks.. That reminds me-"

She reached into her pocket and took out two bright and shiny sticker badges that said 'Jr. Detective' on it. She held them out to Glass.

"These are yours." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:29 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

( @Twig | Taisto + Yuga in case you wanna say what the note says)

[9:30 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh- thanks man, I get two?" Glass said, and stuck both stickers on her vest. She was too freaked out to say much more. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[9:30 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Zerada's note:

Image

[9:37 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"I heard the most recent ones, I was somewhat preoccupied," Ekmeros said, not really wanting to admit that he'd been so fixated on the viol that he'd not heard the first announcement. However, Ekmeros stayed quiet after, not sure how well Zerada would take the idea of him being somewhat okay with Yeonaixho bringing back his dead wife. Glass hadn't really seemed to understand... but it was clear on his face that he really didn't know what to think.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:10 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Yeah, you get two. You’re deserving of it.” Zerada replied.

“And that’s okay, I suppose. I heard them all so I can easily fill you in on it, but that’s pretty much the gist of the whole thing.”

Zerada blinked a few times at the note. It was very nice and genuinely heartfelt. She was entirely appreciative of it. She’d have to thank him in person once he was saved. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:43 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I heard most the announcements, yeah." Glass nodded, a tiny bit late to the conversation. She was still a bit dazed and freaked out. "It sounded... bad." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[7:01 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros nodded, eyes flitting around the room in concern over the speakers. "It's- it's a lot of information." He was already unravelling what he'd heard. Then something struck him. He'd talked to Ryunoske. Sure, it had been a little while ago, but he'd only briefly talked with Zerada and gotten her sick. Perhaps... perhaps Ryu had caught it as well? And that was why she believed these things. Yeonaixho's responses didn't make sense but Ryu's accusations made even less sense. There had to be explanations for this. He looked over at Zerada and Glass, shifting away from the latter. He didn't know how it would spread, or if she could catch it considering her condition, but he wasn't taking any chances.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:05 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“It’s real bad. I’m sure it’ll get even worse.” Zerada sighed. “It’s a lot to take in, I’m sure it’s overwhelming to have to hear.” @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:07 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"What are we gonna do?" Glass asked Zerada. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[7:08 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros very quietly muttered, "It can't be as bad as it sounds..."

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:12 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"We all gotta get together and fight," Zerada said. "There's so many people who've lost their powers and who've gotten hurt. Who knows how many more will get hurt because of the cultists? We need to do the right thing and fight. And if some people can't fight, then they can offer support in other ways, I'm sure." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Right- I might not be the strongest, but I'll help. In any way I can." Glass nodded, then abruptly turned to Ekmeros, "Hey, dude, what the fuck was that? It can't be as bad as it sounds? When they're taking away our powers to do- fucking necromancy?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[7:18 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros was not doing a good job at hiding his doubts - even if Glass hadn't heard him, he wasn't immediately agreeing with Zerada, lingering back with uncertainty. His eyes snapped to Glass when she addressed him, tensing slightly. "I- more than likely, this was a misunderstanding- this is a church, after all, I don't know many churches that practise necromancy." Well. He didn't know many churches at all. "Ryunoske may just be mistaken- it's easy to be mistaken when- when-" When he'd gotten her sick, with the same thing that was making him and Zerada see the ghost. He couldn't say that now, not to Glass, a complete stranger who already wasn't understanding him. "It's easy to be mistaken."

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:28 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Are you kidding me? Just because this is a ‘church,’ you think it’s some kind of misunderstanding? Churches are responsible for plenty atrocities over the years.”

Lightning flashed in Zerada’s eyes as her rage grew. “Churches were meant to respect the dead, not bring them back at the expense of others. Those who lost? They’re below us, powerless, and probably being beaten, scarred, abused, and starved. And here you are, trying to defend their suffering? Why- I can’t even imagine downplaying how bad this situation actually is!” @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:41 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah- I mean, I'm not the biggest supporters of churches, but this is completely off-the-walls! I don't think anyone's mistaken, except for you, maybe." Glass paused. "Sorry. That was kinda mean- but this doesn't seem like the kind of thing we should be taking lightly." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:42 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

(This is why Glass has earned two stickers instead of the one)

[9:51 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Okay clearly Ekmeros did not really understand what a church was. He stepped back, raising one hand and gripping the viol strap as always. Zerada's words had backed him into a corner - not that he had no points against it, just that anything he could say could be misunderstood - so he was thankful for Glass for saying something he could talk to. "I am not taking this lightly, but- Yeonaixho is a good man. He's- he's helped me. He just wants to help." He decided to bite his tongue on pointing out how Resurrecting Your Dead Wife was a Good Thing, Actually, but his brow furrowed at the thought.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:13 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Oh, so just because someone did something good to you, you’re willing to look past their crimes and atrocities? For fuck’s sake- He doesn’t want to help, he probably wanted to just use your ass to accomplish his goals- That’s what he wants us all for! I bet him getting all buddy-buddy with you was just so he could use you as a pawn. He was manipulating you from the very start, that’s what cultists do.” @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:14 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Bestie, I don't think he's as good of a man as you think he is. I think he's a cult leader." Glass added. Zerada kinda hit the nail on the head there. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[4:42 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros looked from Zerada and Glass. "The prisoners- yes, of course, that's- that's not good, but..." He trailed off for a second because even he knew that saying 'but' after that was terrible. But he couldn't take that back. "But it's his wife. He'd do anything for her, even if it's... bad." He bit his tongue, both literally and figuratively, to stop himself saying more on the topic. His voice lowered, mumbling under his breath again. "This is my fault, really, I've gotten all of you sick." Buddy no.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:34 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"So you're saying that just because- Do you even hear yourself?" Zerada glared at him. She stepped closer to Ekmeros, almost as if she was challenging him physically as she was verbally. "Everyone's- That's the thing about life: It ends. It ends sooner than it does for others, and that's the way it is, that's the natural cycle of things. You're not supposed to try and bring back the dead! That shit's wrong, just plain fucking wrong! Even if it's his wife- It could be his mother, his brother, his sister, his father for all I fucking care, and it's still be wrong to try and use the well-being of others to get what you want. How the hell is this a stance you're trying to defend? Jesus Christ, he really got into your head."

Zerada paused, barely catching what Ekmeros had said.

"What do you mean?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:38 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You gotta accept death- it's not the sort of thing you're supposed to reverse." Glass shuddered at the thought. "Makes me sick to think about."

She, too, caught what Ekmeros had said. "Sick? With what?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[4:18 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

As Zerada stepped closer, Ekmeros stepped away. He didn't reply at first, letting the barrage of words smash into him, but now both hands gripped the viol case strap desperately. He twisted his head away, tongue pressing into the top of his mouth but he said nothing. It could have been anyone. Any part of his family. When had family stopped mattering to children?

His eyes flickered toward Glass and he'd rather she didn't know, but these two were the type to press into unanswered details. "Zerada knows I'm sick," he cautiously said as he stepped back. "Once I knew I was sick I should have withdrew but Yeonaixho said I would be fine to continue in the tournament. But now I've gotten you sick, both of you. I knew I'd made Zerada sick when she mentioned the ghost as well but- but I didn't think you would catch it, Glass, let alone so quickly... I'm sorry." He stepped backwards. "I must have passed it to Ryu as well, it explains the announcements..."

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:53 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“What do you mean, ‘sick?’ What kind of ‘sickness’ are you talking about?” Zerada frowned. “Do you think we’re- I’m confused. In what way are you sick? What symptoms are there?” @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:55 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I can't even catch most transmittable diseases!" Glass protested. "And how would that explain the announcements?!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:18 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"It's the sickness that made me see the ghost- you've seen the ghost as well, Zerada, that means you've caught it. And I thought you, Glass, wouldn't be able to catch it but clearly you must have." Despite what he was saying, Ekmeros looked very serious and incredibly guilty. "Fraility of the mind, it creates... delusions, Yeonaixho said."

He took one hand off the strap to emphasise his point with, his fingers pressed together firmly as he struck his hand through the air, stopping when his elbow was at a right angle. "I must have gotten Ryu sick, leading her to believe what she said on the announcements was true, but it isn't, it can't be. And because I've spread it to you, you're more liable to believe it. It's the only explanation." It really isn't.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:25 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“There’s no- What? There’s no ‘sickness’ that spreads that would make us hallucinate the same exact thing- What are you-“ Zerada gritted her teeth. “The cultist is trying to mess with your head! He’s trying to ensure you won’t talk about or believe the ghost of his dead wife that he’s responsible for killing!! There’s nothing like that- He’s messing with you, Ekmeros!”

“You can’t let him mess with your head- He’s acting this way just to try and get you to follow his directions! He’s making you believe that you’re sick and that you’re in need of saving, that he’s the only one who can provide that ‘saving!’ Don’t let him manipulate you!” @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[7:56 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass just shook her head. "Yeah, I'm done with this shit. Have fun with your indoctrination, Ekmeros." She gave Zerada a sympathetic look, then went on her way. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[10:14 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros stepped back again, mumbling apologies about getting her sick to Zerada even as she tried to convince him of otherwise. He only glanced toward Glass' departure, nodding his head in a polite farewell. Then his head snapped to attention at the mention of Yeonaixho killing his wife. "If he loves her enough to bring her back, he wouldn't have hurt her. He wouldn't kill her. That makes completely no sense- see? I didn't want it to be true either, but it makes far more sense!" He shook his head, at first only a slight movement to the side but it grew.

"What makes more sense? A ghost on the island, some secret plot to kill everyone and bring back the dead - or us becoming sick and believing things that are not true? Yeonaixho is a good man, he's offered me treatment, I'm sure he'll offer it to anyone else."

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:24 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Guilt! He feels guilty for what he did, but it was something he still did! He should be responsible for his actions and accept them rather than try and fuck around with the cycle of life. Death is part of that cycle, and that’s something he’s going to have to live with for the rest of his miserable, lonely, cultist life!!” Zerada clenched her fists. “For the rest of his short life..”

“This is the blind leading the blind- He’s using you because he found someone to manipulate!! He believes that he can use you- For fuck’s sake, there’s no kind of illness that would make us hallucinate the same exact thing!! He’s lying to you!”

Zerada wanted to reach out and just :sTRANGLE: the old man, but found herself unable to bring herself to do so.

“He’s lying! He’s a cultist with this savior complex and he’s offering to save you from an illness that doesn’t exist!” @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[10:33 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"You don't hurt your family-" Ekmeros appeared to stumble over the words, quickly adding, "-your wife or-or any part of your family. You look after them and you keep them safe and you don't let anything happen to them." His hand tightened around the viol as Ekmeros took a sharp breath. "Especially if you love them as much as Yeonaixho must love his wife."

His eyes widened at the threat but he was quickly diverted from that to Zerada's claim. "He wants to help because he suffers the same ailment! It spread from him to me, and from me to you and Ryu and Glass and- and anyone else I have met. His want to help is from him going through the same thing as me, he's a healer." As if sensing Zerada's urge to wrangle him, Ekmeros stepped back again, his other hand shifting the viol case itself to be closer to his chest. "He is not lying, he is a good man."

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:41 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada gritted her teeth. “Thats the way life is supposed to be. You’re supposed to cherish your family, love them, grow with them- Sometimes, that isn’t the case, not for some people.” She drew in a deep breath. “Yeonaixho doesn’t love his wife. If he did, he’d let her rest. He’d let her have peace, he would leave her grave alone, her spirit would rest. What he’s doing isn’t love, it’s fixation.”

“How many times do I have to say it- There’s no illness that works like that!” Zerada shouted. She wanted to rattle his pathetic excuse for a braincell. “For fuck’s sake, a good man doesn’t chain people up below his island and hurt them and steal their powers!!! A good man doesn’t tarnish the resting place of a dead person!! A good man doesn’t manipulate the minds of others!!! He’s a grade-A cultist and a grade-B bitch!” @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[10:49 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros was quiet for a little while. His grip on his viol grew tighter, the strap curling in his grip and leaving a deep imbed on the palm of his hand. Then, quietly and very coldly, he said, "If you love someone, you'll never stop searching for them. You won't rest until you see them again- or even just know what happened. He loves her. This is what love is. He should never-" He didn't pause but the viol case interrupted him with a protesting groan at how tight he held it. "-let her rest because then he has given up." Mental illness jumping out!

Ekmeros sounded far too calm in response to what Zerada was saying. "He isn't doing that, it's something that Ryu just believes because I got her sick. And even if he was..." He trailed off but the rest of the sentence lingered in the air - even if he was, it'd be worth it. Ekmeros knew he couldn't say it. A step too far. But the truth. He stepped back again, towards the door.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:15 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“I’m not saying to stop searching for someone if they’re missing, but if they’re cold and dead in the ground, then leave them there. Let them rest. ‘Till death do us part’ is a common vow- Death has done them part. He needs to let her go. He can cherish the memory of her, but let her rest because that’s the right thing to do.”

Zerada glared at Ekmeros. Perhaps he was far too lost already. “Even if he was, you’d be okay with it, wouldn’t you?”

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[11:22 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros didn't respond to the first part but he wasn't even looking at her now. He took a deep breath, readjusted his viol and stepped closer toward the door. "It's a complicated situation," he muttered.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:27 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“It’s not complicated.” Zerada glared at him. “Wrong and right is very clear in this situation. Tell you what, Ekmeros. From this point on, just stay away from me, alright?” @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:35 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros, as if to quietly agree with her, stepped back again. "I'm sorry," he said. But then he repeated himself. "I'm sorry that you can't understand." Then he turned to leave.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:40 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“I’m sorry this is what you believe.” Zerada spoke. “I hope you see the truth eventually.” @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:41 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros said nothing and just left. Sorry Zerada.

[1:41 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada kicked at the couch before she ended up sitting down, simmering with anger.

rip mallon

[2:17 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon enters the lounge only moments after—looking only vaguely noticeably stressed and walking fast. They slow down a little once they see Zerada, eyebrows furrowing and head tilting as they pause and ask after a second of silence, “Are you okay?” @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[2:36 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Zerada sighed as Mallon entered the room. “Just- Ticked off at this whole situation.” @em | enya + mallon

[2:46 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon hums faintly in agreement. “I as well. Those announcements earlier were..shocking, to say the least. I suppose I am lucky that my fight did not occur.” @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[3:10 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I'm appreciative that my fight hadn't come yet, I'm sure it would've been coming up sooner or later," Zerada sighed. She leaned back against the couch, pressing her back firmly against the cushions. Her glare turned to the ceiling. @em | enya + mallon

[3:51 PM]em | enya + mallon:

“..My opponent planned to throw our fight,” Mallon blurts out, then fights the urge to bite their tongue in regret. “He.. I was going to ‘win’, and he..” Their face twists, and they sink down onto the couch next to Zerada suddenly. “I am inclined to believe what I heard earlier. I would have been allowing that to happen to him.” Seems like they’ve been holding onto this thought for a while. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:48 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

".. I planned on throwing my fight," Zerada spoke quietly. "Or at least, making it look believable that Su-Ji would've won. The news that we found out, it wouldn't have been your fault, or Su-Ji's, for what would've happened to those who lost the fight."

Her glare softened. "We only just found out about the truth to this island. For right now, we can only be grateful that our matches didn't happen with our opponents. They can stand at our sides rather than in a cell below our feet." @em | enya + mallon

[6:31 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Oh. Mallon stares at the ground at that, simultaneously reassured and worried by what Zerada is saying as they pull their knees to their chest. “I hope so. If there is anything we can do now that we have lost any surprise element we may have had.”

A small smirk slides onto their face as they think over Zerada’s first statement, though, and a huff of a snort slips out. “You know, you sound like him. Ekmeros was determined for that to be his plan too.” @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:35 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"At least a large amount of us still have our powers," Zerada said. "And even then, those who have lost them will have the fury to get theirs back to fuel them onward. We may not have the element of surprise, but we have our will urging us onward."

At Mallon's words, Zerada made a disgusted face. :disgust: :ch_disgust: "Oh.. Is that so?" @em | enya + mallon

[6:44 PM]em | enya + mallon:

“I suppose…” Mallon doesn’t sound very confident in that fact. Sorry Zerada, they’re an ambush predator.

They also happen to be staring at the floor. So, unfortunately, they don’t notice the face Zerada is making—right away, at least. “He said he did not have a reason to fight for. I told him he should leave if that was true. He did not. So I do not believe that. But I am..thinking less that he meant it as an insult the way I took it originally.” They glance up now at Zerada, frowning faintly. “What is it?” @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:47 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Nothing, I'm just.. Not fond of Ekmeros," Zerada fought back an agitated huff. "No matter how much I tried to convince him that Yeonixaho is a cultist, he firmly is on their side." @em | enya + mallon

[2:39 AM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon’s frown only deepens as Zerada explains—though it doesn’t seem angry at least. “He is..on their side?” They question slowly, as if unsure they heard correctly. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:27 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“The cultist really convinced him to join their side,” Zerada mumbled. “He told Ekmeros that he was sick, and that he was spreading this ‘sickness’ to everyone here. The cultist said that he was the only one to cure him. No matter what I said, it wasn’t going to get through the brainwashing that occurred.” @em | enya + mallon

[3:29 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon is, well. To say baffled would be an understatement. “And he..believed that?” They ask, then pause to think for a second. “He..kept saying he did not want to cause trouble for the people running this. When I told him that he should leave.” They’re not really sure what brainwashing means, but they’re getting enough of the picture. “Why would Ekmeros be told he was sick? There was nothing wrong with him when we spoke last.” @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:08 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Leaving would’ve been the best thing for him to have done. At least he wouldn’t be manipulated by the enemy.” Zerada huffed.

“The cultist wanted to make Ekmeros believe there was no one else that could help him except for himself. He wanted Ekmeros to depend solely on him for help.” Zerada crossed her arms over her chest. “There was nothing I could say or do to change Ekmeros’ mind. I tried hard.” @em | enya + mallon

[7:44 PM]em | enya + mallon:

The very idea is unsettling, but frankly, Mallon just isn’t sure what to do. They go back to staring at the ground again. “I..do not fault Ekmeros for believing in someone that offers aid,” they say finally. “That was also my reason for coming here. But..surely he will see when even people he has never met disagree? If what you have said is the full situation then one or two of us alone cannot be enough.” @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:00 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"When those who need aid are given someone who performs miracles, it's easy to lean into their words, because you're desperate, they're all you have left to believe in," Zerada sighed. She ran a hand through her hair. "I'm sure if I came here for those reasons, and I had perhaps a different life, I would've been susceptible to that manipulation. Still, it's-.. Just a mess. I don't know what would be enough to convince Ekmeros otherwise." @em | enya + mallon

teya switches teams

[8:00 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes and Madeline had fallen asleep on the lounge furniture- wrapped in embrace. They were still asleep after the fight, when Teya entered the lounge.

Noticing the two others sleeping, Teya kept to herself on the other side of the room. She sat down alone, and looked at her hands in deep contemplation. She looked, and felt, awful. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:03 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline had been resting with her head on Albanes chest, maybe listening for a heartbeat, or maybe that was just a comfortable spot.

When Teya entered, Madeline cracked her eye open to make sure it wasn't anyone dangerous. When she saw it was Teya, she was quick to shake Albanes awake and push herself up. She stood in front of the couch, in front of Albanes.

"Why are you here." Madeline questioned. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:10 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya tensed, and rose her hands up. She was unarmed, still. "I don't mean you any harm. I just... want some time to think. Away from... everything."

Albanes didn't say anything, but rose next to Madeline. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:14 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. Away from what. Specifically." Madeline asked suspiciously. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:16 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"From... the corpses." Teya said blankly.

"Corpses?" Albanes replied. "What do you mean-"

"Your father," Teya was bitter, afraid, "Has raised an army of the undead."

"Oh my God." Albanes said. She sat down. "Oh my God. He's done it. Necromantia Minora." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:19 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"..." Madeline could only stare at Teya. That was insanity. This is insanity. He didn't just bring one person back- but many. From what this sounded like it didn't seem that they were fully brought back to life- 'undead' carried a certain.. Connotation with it. "How do we-.. Kill them again? Or- or.. stop Yeonaixho..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:21 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I don't- I don't know..." Teya took in a few deep breaths, trying to steady herself. "I don't know if we can. This- this wasn't supposed to happen, this wasn't part of the plan..." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:25 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"What was the plan supposed to be?" Madeline asked, a hint of bitterness in her voice. "You weren't suspicious of his true intentions when he let it slip that he had stolen Albanes heart without her even knowing about it?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:27 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I don't know! But it couldn't have been this!" Teya exclaimed. "I was suspicious. I was. But, I didn't- I couldn't leave!" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:30 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"You were in charge of prisoners. You saw the conditions they were in. You participated in it all." Madeline huffed. "But I'm not going to sit here and degrade you anymore. You can choose now, you stay with Yeonaixho and his undead army, or you leave and at least stay out of our way or help us." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:48 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"She was just like me, Madeline. She was manipulated." Albanes said.

"I- I don't want to stay with him." Teya shook her head. "I won't. I can't." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:05 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Well, of course Madeline was upset with Teya and not Albanes. Albanes was incapable of doing any wrong. Obviously.

"Good." Madeline said. "Are you joining us or just not helping Yeonaixho?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"I- I don't know. I need more time to think..."

"We might not have that much time." Albanes cautioned. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:09 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"And if you're not actively helping us I think Ryunoske will treat you like an enemy anyway." Madeline added. "She was pretty clear about hating dead weight." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:10 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"The other guards- my friends, Fiona and Astrid, they don't know-" Teya wrapped her hands around herself, "I don't want to hurt them." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:11 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Fiona would be difficult to convince, because that would involve Luuk. But Astrid....

".. We could probably get Astrid on our side if we find her alone somehow. I think Fiona and Luuk are a lost cause unless they defect on their own. They hate me." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:14 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Just because they don't like you doesn't mean they wouldn't join us." Albanes said. "And we could still probably get Astrid on our side, anyways."

"Please. We have to try. They don't deserve this." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

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

"I wouldn't be surprised if Luuk and Fiona blame me for all of this. But if you want to try.. I'm not going to say we can't." Madeline said. "Teya will need to go find them and bring them back to an area where we can talk to them privately. We really can't be seen approaching random guards, it'll be too obvious what we're doing." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:25 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I can do that," Teya nodded. "I know the patrol routine- if, it hasn't been changed yet."

"Well, that's a start." Albanes said. "The more people we can get on our side, the better." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:22 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Yeah.. Less people to fight against." Madeline nodded. ".. are we going to do that now, then..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:24 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah. We should." Albanes nodded. "I don't know how much time we'll have left."

Teya nodded, but didn't say anything more yet. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:25 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Let's just get going then." Madeline said and held Albanes hand. "Teya, are all the corpses reanimated already or is he still working on more..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:29 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"He shouldn't be... making any more." Teya said uncomfortably. "We dug up the entire graveyard."

Albanes wrapped her hand around Madeline's. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:31 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".... You never once stopped to say that you thought it was a bad idea as you dug up the whole graveyard?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Yeah. I did. That's why I'm here, now." Teya refuted.

"Madeline, stop. Criticizing people for not joining sooner is only going to push them away more." Albanes frowned. "It doesn't matter that they didn't change sides sooner. It only matters that they did." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:35 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline sighed and bit her tongue. She decided to just not say anything more. She didn't have anything nice to say. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:37 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I'll go find Astrid." Teya said after the awkward silence. "Should I bring her back here?"

"I think... that should work." Albanes hummed. She looked to Madeline. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:38 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Astrid would probably be the best to start with." Madeline nodded. ".. but I don't know." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:39 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"She'll at least be easiest to find. I know her patrol schedule." Teya nodded, pulled her coat over her shoulders. She left the longue.

Albanes didn't say anything even after Teya had left. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:50 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline also stayed silent... @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:53 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes kept one hand intertwined with Madeline's, but wrapped the other around her body. "Are you mad at me?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:10 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I could never be mad at you." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:24 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Well, that wasn't concerning at all. "Are you mad at Teya?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:24 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I'm mad at everyone but you." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:25 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes's brow furrowed. "It's not their fault. They were in the same situation I was- don't you get it? If you aren't mad at me, then why are you mad at them?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:26 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. Because you always treated me like I was worth something. They never did." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

Albanes paused a while. "That doesn't mean they deserve to suffer here, under my father's hand. That doesn't mean they deserve to die." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:29 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I didn't want them to die. I am just frustrated that they-... They can choose to go against him so easily. When they act out, they're on the right side. But when I did, I was a monster. It was like that for so long." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"It's not easy! It's not easy at all!" Albanes protested. "It's- its true, that circumstances have changed and it's easier to leave him when he's- when he's publicly committing atrocities. But it's still hard not to go back. He was God, Madeline. Not just to me, but to everyone here. It's hard to stop thinking that way." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:34 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline flinched back as Albanes rose her voice, even just a little.

"Y-you're right, yes.. I'm just.. jealous.." Madeline mumbled and looked away from her. "... I'm sorry.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:35 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Your feelings are still valid," Albanes said, "But I don't think that's any reason to lash out at Teya when she's trying to help us. This isn't her fault." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:38 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. I know.." Madeline mumbled. "I'll- I'll apologize to her.. Next time I see her..." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

Albanes nodded, slightly reassured.

Only moments later, Teya came back to the lounge, bringing with her a disgruntled Astrid.

"I don't get why I needed to leave my patrol for this." Astrid grumbled.

"They just wanted to talk with you. I promise." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:42 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. You should probably handle this, Albanes..." Madeline suggested. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:07 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya and Astrid sat down across from Madeline and Albanes.

Albanes shifted uncomfortably. She'd hoped Madeline would have deferred to this. "Well... Astrid.... I'm sure you're aware of what my father is doing..."

"Yes? And what about it?" Astrid was visibly on edge. "He's not hurting anyone. It's not his intent."

"But don't you think it's wrong?" Albanes begged. "He's- he's raising the dead!"

"Only out of necessity. He needs to, or we would all be hurt. Do you know what they did to Teya? To Judas? These are heathens we're dealing with, Albanes!" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:08 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. What situation were Teya and Judas hurt in..?" Madeline chimed in. "I hadn't heard about that." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:10 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya put a hand to her neck- trying to hide a bandage under her clothes. "When the prisoners broke out, one of them, uh, drank my blood..."

"And one of them summoned some- some kind of creature to attack Judas! He still won't speak of what happened!" Astrid filled in. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:27 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. So.. Teya was attacked by the people we were holding prisoner. Which-.. I'm sure it was awful, especially because I'm guessing that was Roque, but.. We were holding them as prisoners in a dungeon.. They were rightfully upset." Madeline sighed. "When was Judas attacked..? Was that also during the breakout..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:28 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Judas was trying to keep the contestants from entering the staff building- where they have never been allowed to go*, but they reacted violently." Astrid said. "I'm not joining them. Not when this is what they do to my friends." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:31 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Astrid, do you see what we've done to the guests and their friends? How Yeonaixho has disrespected the corpses of the people who died here? What Yeonaixho did to Albanes? There may not be a right side here, but there's definitely a wrong one. Working with us doesn't have to mean working with the guests. It's just against Yeonaixho. Who decided we should keep innocent people in cells, disturb the dead, and take Albanes heart." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:32 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It's necessary. He says it's necessary, and I believe him." Astrid huffed, and stood up. "This isn't worth my time." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:01 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"It's necessary for what, Astrid..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:02 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"For everything. He's going to save us all, Madeline," Astrid was already backing towards the door. "Whether you want him to or not." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:04 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline didn't approach her.

"Do you really feel that way, Astrid? We're giving you a chance to get out, a chance for protection, a chance to get out of here." Madeline said. "This will probably be your last chance to do it before it's too late. I'd highly recommend you think this through more." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:06 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah. I do." Astrid huffed. "I'm not about to give up everything- the entire life I've had the past ten years. I'm not going to be swayed by this...." She looked out at the small, assembled group, and spat, "Treachery. I'm doing what's right. I don't care that you aren't." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:11 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Fine then. Get the fuck out." Madeline released Albanes hand to point at the door. "If you can't see how Yeonaixho is hurting people, how he's manipulating everyone, how he hurt Albanes, supposedly the one he cares about the most. He made an army of the undead, including Teya's mother, I'm guessing. It seems to me like the only thing he actually cares about is bringing his wife back. I don't think he cares about the greater good. I was hoping you'd be able to see that, I thought you were understanding." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:13 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Astrid just huffed, and left. Teya was soon to follow, chasing her friend out with cries of, "Astrid, wait!" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:16 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline only huffed back before going silent again. She wrapped her arm around her waist.

"... If Astrid is in too deep, I.. I don't know if anyone else can be gotten through too either." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:17 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah." Albanes replied, disheartened. "Maybe... maybe Teya will be able to get through to her. They're closer, she might trust her more." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline \

[3:27 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. I worry that if that was actually the case, Teya would have been able to convince her before she got here..." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:31 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"We can still hope." Albanes said. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:43 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"... I am glad you have hope." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:44 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It's all I have." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:44 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. You have me, too, if that means anything." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:45 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes leaned closer to Madeline. "And you have me. Forever." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:41 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. How long to you think forever will be..?" Madeline asked quietly, leaning her head against Albanes. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:41 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I don't know." Albanes said. "Until we die. I can't predict that, though." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

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

"Do you think we'll die together..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:45 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I hope so. That way, neither of us will ever have to be alone." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:27 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. I hope so to."

What a perfectly normal conversation to be having.

"We shouldn't separate for the rest of this- just in case.. something happens.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:34 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Mhmm. That's a good idea. That way, we'll be able to look out for each other, no matter what happens." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:44 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Mhm." Madeline nodded. "I wanna leave this room but-.. Do you think Teya is coming back..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:49 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I don't know... maybe we should just stay here, for now." Albanes hummed. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:36 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Mmm.." Madeline nodded. They didn't have much time before a blinding white light entered the room through the windows. Madeline quickly moved to stand in front of Albanes, blocking the light from her. Like it was going to radiate her or something.

".. Th-that's.. What do you think that was...?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:41 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes put a hand on her chest, and moved to look out the window, despite Madeline's obstruction. "I- I don't know. I feel... weird..." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:43 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline grabbed Albanes' hand and held her back.

"If you feel unsafe, let me look for you. I feel fine." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:46 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It's not that, it's just..." Albanes frowned. "It was like... a weird surge of some kind. Like how I felt when... when my father regenerated a few days ago."

"Can you look?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:47 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline nodded and let go of her hand, hurrying over to window. She looked out, directly at the light. Luckily from the lounge, they did have a view of the graveyard, just a bit far away. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:49 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

All Madeline would really be able to see from the awkward view of the graveyard was a group of people huddled around. It'd be hard to tell who was who, though. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:53 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. They're at the graveyard.. And there's people there.." Madeline informed. That was probably enough information to assume bad shit was happening. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:53 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"That's not good..." Albanes frowned, remaining on the couch. "Can you tell who it is? Is my father there?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:57 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline squinted and leaned in close to the window.

"..." She took in a deep breath. She slowly turned to look back at Albanes. "Yes. And Jymairyi. Alive." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:00 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"No-" Albanes stood up. She looked sick. She felt sick. "Are you sure? He couldn't have-" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:01 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. He did. Believe me. I don't think it will make you feel any better to see it yourself." Madeline shook her head. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:03 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes ignored her, and looked out the window herself. She could see her father, and behind him, a figure. That was all she needed to see. "No- it can't be...." She still denied. "He- oh my god. He really did it." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[6:25 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline wrapped her arm around Albanes' shoulder and led them away from the window.

".. I-it's over. We need to just focus on getting out of here.." Madeline said. "I-is there a boat we could get ready..? I don't know how to use it but maybe someone would.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:02 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes followed, working her hands together in her worry. "The boat... it should still be at the docks. I bet someone here will know how to navigate us away." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:27 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Then let's go do what we can.." Madeline said. "I want to make an announcement to make sure everyone can get there but.. Then Yeonaixho could send all the zombies after us easily.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:43 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"We should go check the boat over first." Albanes suggested. "Just to make sure we can get everyone off on it. It'd be bad if we made the announcement and then the boat wasn't there." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

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

".. True. Let's get going then." Madeline nodded and led them over toward the door. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:46 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes nodded, and pulled on her coat. She followed Madeline out the door... @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline