kal darcy training

[9:30 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Off to the arena! Darcy looked around as they entered the main part of the arena.

"It's bigger than I expected." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:33 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal rested his hands on his hips as he looked around. He definitely was real impressed by the arena and the gear that was around.

“Shittttt- This place’s cool as hell!” Kal grinned. “It’s gonna look awesome with people in the stands watchin’ when the fights start! I’m real hyped about that- Man, that just has me all pumped!” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:37 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I suppose it will!" Darcy hummed, a bit more excited for the fights. He turned to Kal. "So... how should we start this?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:23 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Well!! First, we’re gonna start off with some basic stretches, just because I don’t want you to pull anythin’ while we practice.” Kal chuckled.

“We’ll start it off easy, you know? Some lunges, toe touches- You know, lil’ things like that.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:28 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Right!" Darcy nodded, and just... stood there, waiting for Kal's guidance. He doesn't know what any types of stretches are. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:37 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal kind of thought that Darcy would start doing some stretches on his own, but he didn’t mind being an instructor.

In a matter of minutes, Kal led Darcy through some stretches that would benefit the neck, shoulders, triceps, hamstrings, inner thighs, quadriceps, and chest. The whole body, the whole routine, fun times.

“Doesn’t that feel great?” Kal asked with a grin as he straightened back up. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

Darcy followed Kal closely as he instructed him through the stretches. After the routine, he lit up in surprise.

"Huh... I guess I didn't notice how much tension I was carrying in my body... that does feel great!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[2:33 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Right? It’s pretty awesome to do some stretches like that!” Kal beamed. “I always tell people to do some at the start of the day and at the end!! It can really help relax your body and make you feel better. I definitely recommend it!!” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:58 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Hah! I might incorperate some of those stretches into my morning routine now!" Darcy hummed, and looked to Kal for further instruction. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:01 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Good, you should!! It’ll help wake you up and make you feel real good!!” Kal grinned.

“Alright, now, to get started!” Kal beamed. From his back pocket, he grabbed a spare pair of rock climbing gloves that he tossed to Darcy. “Imma give you these bad boys!! While we’re practicing, these’ll help keep your hands and your knuckles safe!” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:06 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Alright!" Darcy nodded, and took off his own gloves to put on the pair Kal had given him. He held up his hands when he was finished. "Like this?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:09 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Yeah, just like that!” Kal grinned. “Alright, I’m not a professional fighter or anything, but I do know a good amount about boxing!! I did some sessions in it a good while back, it was totally a blast.”

He smiled. “First, I’ll ask- Are you left handed or right? Because then your stance might be just a bit different because of that.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:14 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Ooh, exciting!"

"I'm ambidextrous, actually!" Darcy laughed. "Though, I most often do things with my right hand, since most things are made for right-handed people." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:10 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Really? That’s awesome! I’ve always wanted to be amberdextrious too, but I can’t do the lil’ detailed stuff with my left,” Kal chuckled, butchering the word quite horribly. “We’ll stick with your right hand, then!”

Kal got into a stance. He stood straight and had his feet about shoulder width apart. His left foot shifted slightly to be in front of his body. His other foot had the heel just slightly off the floor, which placed all the weight on his toes.

“You’ll gonna wanna stand like this, so that way it’s easy for you to move your weight back and forward, or side to side, to dodge attacks.” Kal explained, performing a quick side-step. “This makes you speedy-quick!” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:18 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Some people can train themselves to become ambidextrous, but it's a lot of work from my understanding." Darcy hummed.

Darcy mirrored Kal's stance, with less confidence and a lot less poise. "Right... that makes sense." He nodded. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:48 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Maybe I’ll work on trainin’ myself in that, then!” Kal grinned. “I’m always lookin’ for new ways to improve.”

“That’s a good stance!” Kal praised with a beaming smile. He stepped a bit closer towards Darcy.

“Now, when someone gets too close, you can either step aside or pivot.” Kal used his right foot to push off the ground, allowing the heel of his left foot to spin slightly as that foot supported all of his weight. He allowed himself to turn 45 degrees to the other side of Darcy.

“I like pivoting, it’s pretty fun.” Kal admitted with a laugh. “This’ll let you get to the other side of your opponent. There’s nothing too wrong with steppin’ away from your opponent if you can make space, but that lets them get confident that they can push you back and corner you. So, pivot when you can! It’ll keep ‘em on their toes.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:54 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I assume it'd involve a lot of writing," Darcy hummed, "So you should probably watch out for hand cramps."

"Thank you!" He smiled as Kal praised his stance. He attempted to pivot as Kal had demonstrated, and did it pretty well! "Ha, nice! Did I do it right?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:30 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Ah, writing- Yeah, I’ll look out for hand cramps, and paper cuts.” Kal chuckled.

“Yeah, just like that- Look at you, you’re a natural!” Kal raised his hand for a high-five. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Thank you!" Darcy smiled. He awkwardly returned the high-five, hoping he'd guessed correctly on what he was supposed to do for that. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:46 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“No problem!” Kal grinned.

From there, he continued on. He brought both hands to just above his chin in closed fists.

“Now, you’re gonna wanna have your fists close to your face, like this. So if anyone tried to throw a punch at your face, you can either pivot or-” He moved his arm, allowing his forearm to hide his face. “You bring up your arm like that to block a hit. Then, you drop your hand back down for your chin.”

“Since we’re gonna be right handed for this, you’re mostly gonna be attacking with your left hand when you throw out ‘jabs.’” Kal used his left fist to throw out a few powerful jabs into the air.

“Our right hand is gonna be our moneymaker, the power. We’re gonna do right hooks with this hand. When you do your right hook, you’re gonna wanna turn your torso with the punch.” Kal demonstrated a right hook. He did it slowly so Darcy could look at the position of his torso and his legs as he turned to deliver the hit. “That puts some extra power behind the hit!” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

Darcy watched intently as Kal demonstrated the different moves, and tried to mirror his movements. He moved awkwardly and slowly, not quite putting enough force into the movements as he should have. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:53 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“There you go!! Just like that!” Kal gave him a thumbs up. “If you keep going through the motions, they become a bit easier to do!” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Thank you!" Darcy nodded, and practiced some more. As time went on, his throws became a bit less awkward, but still not anything that looked like it decently hurt an opponent. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:40 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal continued to applaud Darcy and hype him up.

At some point, he held up his hands and grinned. “Here, how about you try landing some hits on a target? Give my hands a little one-two hit. When you land a hit, be sure to keep your wrist straight, you don’t wanna break it. Oh- And be sure not to have your thumb in your closed fist! That’s for sure how you’ll break it.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:54 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Alright." Darcy nodded firmly, and changed the positioning of his hands slightly. He attempted to hit Kal, though his punches landed lamely against the other man's hands. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[2:56 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Hell yeah, Darcy!!" Kal, no matter how weak the hit may have been, hyped up his boy. "There you go, just like that!! Remember, twist your torso with the punch! You're doin' great, man!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:00 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Darcy smiled at the encouragement, and nodded. He tried again, and this time, the hits actually landed well! "Hah! That felt better." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[3:03 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"There you go!!" Kal's grin lit up even further. "I felt the sting behind that one, good job, Darcy!! See, man? You can do anythin' that you set your mind to!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:04 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Hah! Thank you!" Darcy beamed, "I wouldn't have been able to do it without your help!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[3:06 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Nah man, this was all you!" Kal grinned. "I just showed you the way, you're the one who really stepped up!! Congrats, man!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:08 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, thank you.." Darcy blushed, and tried to laugh off his self-consciousness. "But even so, you were a big help. I wouldn't have even thought to do this without you." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[3:19 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"It's the least I can do, you've been real chill and cool this whole time," Kal chuckled. "You can keep the gloves too, by the way, so then you can keep yourself safe." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:25 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Thank you! I've just kind of been being myself..." Darcy chuckled. He exchanged the gloves for his normal ones. "Thank you, it'll be good to stay safe. Is there anything I can help you with in return?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[3:29 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Well then, you as yourself is one hell of a cool guy!" Kal laughed. He quieted down as he thought about Darcy's question. "Well, I just wanted to help you out just to help out, but uh- Can you help me on out with somethin' real quick, if you don't mind?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:32 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"If it's within my capabilities, I'd be happy to help." Darcy smiled brightly. "You've done a lot for me, so I'd like to pay it back." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[3:33 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"It's nothin' crazy, honest," Kal chuckled. "It's kinda embarrassin', I won't lie. Y'know that list of stuff back in the hall? With the rules? Well- I'm not the best at- Reading, so would you be able to go ahead and read it out loud for me...? Or tell me what it says, if you remember?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:35 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh," Darcy paused. "Well, that should be quite easy! I don't remember all the rules myself, but we can certainly go back, and I can read them for you! That's no trouble at all!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[3:55 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Phew- Thanks man, I appreciate that a lot!" Kal grinned. He looked entirely relieved. "You're a whole lifesaver, y'know that?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:58 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Of course! It's the least I can do to help out a friend." Darcy smiled. He liked saying that, 'friend'. "Do you want to go over to the grand hall now?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:26 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Yeah man! I'd like to go," Kal smiled. "I wanna see if there's anything about the volcano on there. I wanna check it out, but I don't wanna break any rules." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:34 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Alright! Let's head over there now!" Darcy nodded, and started for the Grand Hall. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

madeline training

[9:08 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline, zerada, and albanes arrived at the arena.

"How should I.. do this? I haven't ever tried to bring it out intentionally.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:14 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes stood by Madeline and thought. "Hmm... well, we don't want to upset you into bringing it out... is there any specific feeling you get when it happens, that you think you could pull out?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[3:28 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

(IM SO SORRY FOR BEING SO LATE I WAS UNCONSCIOUS ALL DAY)

Zerada nodded her head in agreement. “If there’s a feeling or sensation that accompanies it, perhaps you can try and channel it into your hands? Most emotion is felt strongly in your chest, so from there, you can try and guide it through your arms. Just keep telling yourself that you’re the one who’s in control.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:38 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

(You're good!)

"I feel.. Like there's a dam holding back an ocean of water. And when I'm upset, it's like.. someone is swinging a pickaxe at the foundation." Madeline said and reached over to her shoulder. She untied the sleeve of the shirt and pulled it back. It was going to get messy, but might as well not totally ruin one of her custom shirts just for this. Hopefully it could be washed out. "You are right about it coming from the chest. It feels like it starts there- lingers in my chest around my heart just long enough for me to be able to notice it.. And it spreads across my body pretty fast after that."

Madeline took in a deep breath and closed her eye.

She tried to visualize that dam- and then herself standing on the dry side of it. She grabbed at one of the bricks that built up the wall, and pulled it out, with some effort. Instead of the explosion of water, there was a small stream coming from where the brick was removed. Slow enough that she could put the stone back in place if she had to.

She twitched slightly as dark veins began to spread across her body, only becoming visible when they crossed above her neck. It was hard to feel calm about this- whenever she had felt that before, there had been quite a lot of unsavory things happening, leading up to it and after.

"O-okay.. I think I'm.. holding it okay.." Madeline gave a weak nod, keeping her eye squeezed shut. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:43 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes grew visibly apprehensive as the rot spread across Madeline's neck. Her instinct was to immediately move in to help, but she couldn't. She kept her hands balled in fists by her side.

"How are you feeling? Does it take much effort to keep it at this stage? @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:51 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada glanced to Albanes and raised a hand slightly before she slowly lowered it. Calm. Calm down.

If Madeline felt or detected any negative emotions, Zerada knew it could interfere with the process.

“You’re doing great with what you’re doing so far,” Zerada complimented. “Great Job.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:05 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"It feels.. uncomfortable, but not too bad." Madeline said. In her mind, the bricks were staying in place.. But the ones immediately surrounding the one she had taken out were beginning to shift, bulging out from the pressure. "I think I can keep it up.."

Then, it was getting hard to focus on the dam. Flashes of Peregrine, Roque, and herself entered her mind unwillingly.

And that was enough. It barely took anything to set her over the edge in this state.

The veins shot up- all the way across her face. Her eye opened, revealing that it was dark now. A black ichor began to ooze out from her right shoulder- staining the lighter side of her shirt the same color.

It spread until it formed a new arm, a nasty, gooey, foul-smelling arm with grasping claws at the end, flexing. Her body contorted itself- first inward, then to the side, as her new arm shook. Her breaths turned to sharp gasps, pained and brief.

The bricks had slipped out of place, and now the whole dam was collapsing, sending a flood of stinging cold water over Madeline and washing her away.

She snapped her head to the side, and two soulless black eyes stared back at them. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:12 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes's heart lurched. She knew this would happen. She knew, and yet she'd let it happen anyways. She readied her own powers, brilliant gold shining through her veins, and cautiously approached Madeline to try and heal her. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:17 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada’s gaze remained steady as she stepped after Albanes. She was ready to zoom forward and pull Albanes away in case Madeline tried to attack.

Calm, steady, firm: She didn’t let anything else show. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:30 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline drew back from Albanes as her veins began to glow, and did so even more as as she stepped toward her.

As she kept stepping toward her, Madeline jumped forward- reaching the dark arm toward Albanes' head. At the very last second, she veered away, stumbling a few steps closer to Zerada.

She growled something under her breath, looking straight up to Zerada this time.

She was supposed to run away if this happened.

Madeline lunged at Zerada and shot her arm forward into her stomach. Her hand melted right through her outer layers of clothes and burned her skin. Pretty badly.

She held her hand there as she looked up at Zerada, uncaring. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:34 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Madeline!" Albanes exclaimed, and moved forward again. She didn't hesitate this time, grabbing Madeline's normal arm and restraining her.

She pressed a hand to Madeline's chest and began to heal her, keeping as focused as she could be. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:02 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada had been so focused on potentially protecting Albanes that she wasn’t quite prepared to be the one who Madeline was going to attack. The pain instantly was overwhelming. She could feel the burn spreading across her abdomen.

However, she didn’t yell. She gritted her teeth and slowly raised a hand. Electricity danced at her fingertips.

“H-Hey Madeline,” She breathed out through the pain. “How ‘bout you stop that? You can stop that.”

She seemed to be on the verge of giving Madeline a lil’ zap zap.

[Zerada’s at 18 HP]

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:11 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline growled as Albanes grabbed her and pulled her back, absentmindedly flinging her nasty arm at Albanes to try to hit her. Luckily, she missed horribly.

The white light of the lightning danced in Madeline's eyes, that wasn't something Zerada said she could do. She tried to lunge toward her, only to get held back by Albanes again. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Stop!" Albanes yelled, mostly at Zerada. She kept ahold of Madeline, and kept trying to heal her. It wasn't going well, with Madeline thrashing about everywhere, but she was getting somewhere. She'd healed Madeline before, at least had gotten her out of this violent state. She knew what she was doing, it was the presence of a stranger that made it that much worse.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:18 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Well whAT do you want me to do?” Zerada huffed as she shook her electricity away. This was poor thinking on her part- She should’ve asked about the dangers and how to handle it when Madeline got into a state like this. This was poor thinking, she needed to be better than this.

Zerada took a few steps away as one hand went to her abdomen. Man, that shit hurTED. She’d have to be cautious and keep her distance. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:21 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

As the lightning went away, and as Albanes was healing her, Madeline began to calm down. Her heaving, gasping breaths shallowed out and she leaned back against Albanes. Her second arm and eye remained, as well as the dark veins. She twitched every now and then, but was silent besides that.. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

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

Albanes eased a bit as Madeline relaxed, though not fully. She still kept her arms over her, and continued to heal. She didn't say anything to Zerada, but kept her attention on Madeline. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:25 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada didn’t say anything. She looked away and undid her flannel before she tied it around her waist. At least that’d block away the damage some.

She figured that she’d just let Albanes and Madeline have a moment. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:31 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

After a bit more healing, Madeline managed to speak.

"Help...... Zer..ada...." Madeline coughed, a hunk of black gunk coming out of her mouth and landing on the ground. "I'm.... okay....." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:35 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes kept healing Madeline for a moment more, before nodding. "Alright." She eased her to the ground, the approached Zerada.

"I'll heal you now." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:37 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada tensed up and stiffly shook her head.

“It’s- Fine, you don’t need to worry about me. I’ve had plenty worse, if that’ll ease your feelings a bit.” She looked at Madeline with concern- Was that normal?????? To just cough that up or?????????? @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:40 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

As she was put on the ground, Madeline curled up around herself. Her hair was wilder than usual- even more so than what was justified by whatever movement she had done. She wrapped her good arm around her stomach, and kept the other extended, as far away from herself as possible.

Petrai would be here soon... And then she'd have to go get actually healed.

She couldn't hold it in for more than a few seconds- and she hurt a guest.. It seems like it was hopeless that she'd ever be able to be normal. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:43 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You need to get healed. I'm not letting you stay with an injury like that, it'll only get worse." Albanes insisted.

She glanced to Madeline, and couldn't look away. She fought back her worry- her father would be there soon. He'd make things right. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:51 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“I’ll take care of it, honest.” Zerada glanced back to Madeline.

Hesitating for a moment, she stepped towards her and knelt down to one knee beside her.

“It’s okay,” Zerada spoke quietly. She glanced to the side. “… Sometimes, part of the cure is a taste of the disease. You have a strong power in you, but every time you experience it, it’s a chance to learn from it. It’s a chance to improve. As scary and as painful as that experience could’ve been for you, you could’ve learned from it. Every moment like that is a chance to learn.”

She took in a deep breath. “I’ve had my fair share of harming myself, and others, with my powers before I fully learned how to control it. It feels like there’s no hope. But trust me when I say, you’ll get there. So, allow me to ask, Madeline, what happened just before the power took over? Are you able to remember what happened?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[7:20 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline's new arm shot out toward Zerada as she got close- but she grabbed on to it with her good arm and held it back, her fingers digging in to the sludge by a few inches.

It was hard to believe she would ever get the chance to get better when this is what happened when she even tried. Surely there would be murmurings of this for the rest of the tournament and beyond. This didn't happen every day.

She took in a shaky and labored breath- before falling in to a fit of coughing again. More sludge rose up.

"I.." Another wheeze. "Thought about.. Peregrine and.. Roque.. h-hurting Albanes or.. i-it made me mad.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

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

Albanes knelt beside Madeline, across from Zerada, putting a hand on Madeline's shoulder. She did not appreciate Zerada's presence, or the woman's insistence on giving advice in a situation she was clearly out of her depth in. She said nothing.

She reached into her pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, giving it to Madeline so she'd have something to cough into. Her brow furrowed in worry as Madeline described what had happened, and she couldn't help but feel guilty.

Thoughts of her had led to this, concerns over her being hurt. Was affection horrid, if it led to things like this? Should she try and practice the pious distance her faith seemed to preach? How could she, when she cared so much about Madeline herself?

"You don't have to worry over me." Albanes said softly, gently patting Madeline on the shoulder. "I'm safe."

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

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:25 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

It seemed as though Madeline's powers were emotion based.

"It.. May be hard for you to be able to focus on happier memories, or even things that you like, to be able to help guide your powers, but that may be a solution," Zerada spoke quietly. "Stress and negativity can cause them to spiral out of control.."

Zerada sighed. "I can definitely say that this for sure isn't something that's Frogling related.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:59 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"H-hard to not worry.. When some of the new people here are so.. V-violent.." Madeline released her arm and grabbed the handkerchief. Hopefully Albanes wouldn't be wanting it back. She wiped her lips, and the cloth was already stained pretty badly black. "H-hard to focus on anything but.. things that upset me when my abilities start sh-showing.." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:55 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I think it's best we don't try this again, at least until the situations with Peregrine and Roque are more settled." Albanes hummed, keeping watch over Madeline. "Maybe when things go back to normal, and you aren't so worried... that seens like a better time to try." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:44 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I suppose it would be easier if you did try this when there was less- Chaos on the island," Zerada sighed. "I apologize if our presence here is making things worse.."

She paused before looking to Albanes. "Since it's something.. Difficult to focus on positive thoughts in moments like that, perhaps you can get her a statue or some kind of little figurine with texture on it to help her ground herself. Perhaps in the shape of a frog? A familiar, friendly shape may be nice for her to hold in a difficult moment." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:36 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"After its calmed down may be.. better.." Madeline nodded. Something about the mental image of holding a frog made something inside her lurch- she quickly shook her head. "No I would kill it- I would.. break it.." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

Albanes looked to Zerada, and sent her a frown she hoped Madeline wouldn't see.

Her frown deepened as Madeline grew apprehensive. "I'd like to see what my father thinks before committing to any ideas. After all, he probably knows the most about how Madeline's powers function. He might have some ideas." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:43 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"It.. Would be a figurine of one, not a real one," Zerada blinked a few times. "But understandable that you won't want to break it.."

She fell silent as she glanced to Albanes. She didn't have much else to add other than some agreement: Albanes' dad would know what to do. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:28 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Speaking of Albanes's dad, Yeonaixho and Petrai ran into the arena, arm-in-arm. Once they'd arrived there, Petrai stepped away from Yeonaixho and put a hand on her crossbow. "Clear away from Madeline." She said to Zerada.

Albanes led her father over to Madeline's side, where he bent down next to her. In a soft voice he asked the two women, "What happened?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:56 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"T-tried to- to-" Madeline tried to say, before her voice degraded in to a low growl. She shot her goop arm in Yeonaixho's direction, barely managing to miss him and slammed her arm in to the ground instead. She gripped it with her good arm, grimacing and curling up tighter. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:11 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I'm sorry," Zerada quietly apologized as she followed Petrai's direction. She stepped away. "I wanted to try and assist Madeline with her abilities. This is on me, I apologize." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

At least Zerada was following orders. "That will be dealt with later." Petrai grumbled as Zerada backed away.

Yeonaixho flinched as Madeline swung at him, but kept steady. "Please, calm down..." He laid a hand on Madeline's shoulder and began to heal her... @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[7:18 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline was very clearly about to swing at him again before the healing began. Her goop arm fell to the floor and shrunk by a few inches, and the dark veins on her face sunk down a bit as well..

The lighter side of her clothes were stained black already, and the arm wasn't going away.. Aaaand both her eyes were still dark. But she at least wasn't attacking anymore. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:24 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada stood awkwardly to the side. She wasn't too sure what to really say or do, but the least she could do was give them a moment of privacy. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

As Madeline calmed down, Yeonaixho scooped her up into his arms, carrying her bridal-style. "I need to take her underground to complete the healing," He announced, mostly to Petrai. "Albanes, come with me. Petrai, take care of the guest."

Albanes nodded, and went to her fathers side. The two healers went away with Madeline to a downward-leading staircase.

Petrai turned to Zerada after they had left. "You're injured." She said bluntly."

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:00 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada was slightly tense as Petrai turned her attention to her. She glanced down to her stomach.

“Uhm- Yes, I am.. It’s not- Quite as bad..” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:01 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Did Albanes not heal you?" Petrai frowned, glancing over Zerada. Her gaze lingered on the injury. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:21 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I asked her not to," Zerada quickly spoke, not wanting Albanes to get into trouble. "Madeline looked as though she was in rougher shape, so I asked her to instead just focus on her." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:22 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Hmph." Petrai frowned disapprovingly. "Come along. We need to get that wound cleaned. Unless you want a horrible infection." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:28 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Yeah, I wouldn't- Want that.." Zerada cleared her throat. "I'll get it taken care of.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:43 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"... you will get it taken care of? Do you have medical training?" Petrai rose an eyebrow.

Her gaze soon grew distant, as if she was watching something else happening... @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:31 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada tensed up at the sight. She definitely wasn't comfortable with the all-seeing eye.

"Well- I do have medical supplies that I carry with me.." Zerada cleared her throat once more. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:45 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai refocused her attention on her physical surroundings as soon as Zerada spoke. It was almost eerie.

"I would not allow you to remain injured on temple property, even if you refuse treatment. It is against our church's beliefs." Petrai frowned. "Are you sure you do not desire medical attention?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:50 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I-I'm sure-" Zerada frowned. "Do you mind if- I ask you a few questions? I'm sorry, I'm just- A bit thrown off by your abilities.. I'm just concerned about the extent of your abilities.. I appreciate having privacy." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

Petrai sighed. "I believe I should have some time, if things do not escalate further. What do you wish to ask. I thought I was quite clear in the gala last night. I see all that happens on the island." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:10 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada held back her mild irritation.

"You were quite clear, trust me, you were. I'm just curious- Is it everything all at once? I'm curious about the extent to what you watch. Do you limit your view and give us space in private moments, like-" She looked a bit awkward, dropping her voice down to be a bit more quiet. "The restroom..? Or if I'm under the covers getting rest- I just- I don't intend on fighting anyone like you said for us not to do, I'll respect the rules, I just- Would like to ensure that I'm respected." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

Petrai stiffened. "It is everything, everywhere, all at once. And no, I can't, if we're going to speak figuratively, close my eyes. I could not give you privacy if I wanted to. That is simply the way my powers function- I see everything that happens here, whether I want to or not. Believe me, I have tried to change this."

She frowned and continued to glare at Zerada. If she'd been paying attention, Zerada might noticed that Petrai hadn't blinked once this entire time. "I understand that you wish to be respected. But what you wish is out of my control. I'm sorry." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:20 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada was both disturbed and mildly- Well, kind of sympathetic. That actually really sucked to be forced to see everything all at once and not be able to control it.

She was still relatively disturbed and anxious about being watched at all times. This truly felt like the threat of committing sin and being damned to hell.

"I'm sure that can get over-stimulating," Zerada glanced away. Zerada was sure that she would've snapped some time ago if that was the case. "It doesn't help that there's plenty of personality types here on the island. The fact that there's also guests making trouble.. I can ensure that I won't be causing any."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:23 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You have no idea." Petrai replied to Zerada's comment dryly. "While I do not desire your pity, I am glad you understand the predicament I am in. Thank you, for not causing any trouble now or in the future. I hope you'll understand if Yeonaixho doesn't want you talking with Madeline anymore." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:41 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Yeah, I understand that." Zerada sighed. She glanced away.

"... I'll let you go and get to whatever you need to do. I take it that something else is happening right now?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:42 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Thank you. A few of the more... troublesome contestants are speaking to one another. In the chapel of all places." She sighed. "I fear it might not end well." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:44 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Huh. To argue in a place meant to be a place of peace? That's unsavory," Zerada made a face. "Hopefully it doesn't- Escalate." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:45 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai hummed in agreement. "Unsavory is a nice way to put it. If it escalates, well, I'll be able to take care of it." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:16 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

She nodded. "I wish you luck if it does get to that." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:41 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Thank you." Petrai nodded. "Hopefully, I won't need it." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:19 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Hope so, too.” She glanced down to her stomach. “Now, I’ll probably-.. Get going to take care of this..” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

Petrai gave Zerada one final, almost sorry look as she glanced towards the girl's injury. "Good luck." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[1:58 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Thanks. This isn’t anything hard to take care of.” Zerada resisted the urge to shrug slightly. “There’s been worse.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:59 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"If you do find it too hard to handle on your own, please do not hesitate to alert one of the temple staff." Petrai nodded. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[4:27 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I'll be sure to do that if it becomes too much," Zerada nodded. She offered Petrai a small wave. "I'll go do that now- Take care, okay?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:34 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Again, good luck." Petrai nodded. "Thank you. I'll try." She nodded, then abruptly left the arena." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[4:36 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada made her leave as well.

glass eben training

[9:46 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Whoa... this place is big." Glass hummed as she entered the arena with Eben. She sat cross-legged on the sandy floor and got out some of the sticks and leaves she'd been carrying in her pockets for Eben. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[5:36 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben looked around at his surroundings, the stone walls and glass ceiling made for an unnerving, echoey quiet. He placed his own bundle of plant life on the ground, able to carry it due to his coat and gloves.

"This arena seems to favour those with ranged abilities." He sat down beside Glass.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Yeah... I wonder if they'll dress it up any for the fights." Glass mused. "I'm not the most ranged fighter, and I bet you're the same. Hopefully, our fights aren't first."

Glass looked at all the sticks they'd gathered. "So. Let's just do one round, normally. I wanna see how your powers work."

She picked up a stick, and transformed it into glass, demonstrating for Eben to do the same. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:23 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben nodded. He took off his gloves, and took a larger stick in both hands. Radiating out from both his hands, the stick turned to stone. He seemed to intentionally speed up the process by focusing on the stick.

As Glass demonstrated her powers he watched, curious about how similar they were.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:36 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass transformed the stick in a swift, graceful movement, turning the object into crystalline glass from the outside in. It looked rather like an icicle when she was done.

She watched as Eben transformed his stick. "Interesting. That was pretty fast- do ya think you can slow down the transformation any?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:16 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben nodded. "With difficulty, yes I can slow it. And the transformation will stop if I stop touching it." To demonstrate, he picked up a smaller twig and began to transform it, much slower this time, brow slightly furrowed. Before the transformation was finished he dropped the stick on the ground, which left a half-stone-half-wood stick.

"Can you control the speed at which your objects transform?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

Glass observed Eben, nodding slowly as he dropped the half-transformed twig. "Interesting.... is it a focus thing? Like if you focus on it more, you can slow down the transformation?"

"I can, yeah. It's a bit difficult, but if I focus really hard on what I'm doing, I can slow down the process, and even stop it so there's, like, only an outer layer of glass." She demonstrated this by picking up a stick and transforming it only part of the way. It ended up looking like someone had stripped the stick of its bark and coated it with a thick glaze. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[10:46 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"it's both focus and contact." He demonstrated this by putting a glove on one hand, holding the stick, and touching it with only one exposed finger. The transformation still happened but it took a little longer. He then enclosed the stick in his fist, and it took only a few more seconds.

"This applies to living things as well. A light tap might leave someone with a spot of stone, but something like a handshake or a hug is far worse."

He watched as Glass slowed down the transformation.

"Are there boundaries for what you can transform, or is it any material?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:49 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Huh..." Glass nodded. "I see... interesting. What's it feel like, when you turn something? Is there a certain feeling to it?"

"I can turn anything to glass. Organic, not organic, whatever, as long as it's solid or, like, a thick liquid. I assume your powers only work on organic stuff?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[12:24 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"It doesn't feel like anything, really. That's what makes my inability to control it frustrating. I could be turning something, or someone, and not even know it. I do feel tired afterwards, depending on how much petrification occured." He did not seem shy about telling her his how his abilities worked.

He listened as she talked about her abilities. He envied her, not because her powers worked on more, but because she could obviously choose when and what they affected.

"Yes. Only organic matter."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:37 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Huh...." Glass hummed. "I'll admit, Eben, you've got me a bit stumped. The way I was able to figure out how to control my powers more was figuring out what they felt like and trying to control that more... damn."

She thought on the matter for a bit more. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[2:00 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben paused before speaking next. He seemed to be debating what to say.

"My abilities were...never exactly meant to happen, to have a human in control of them this way, I mean. They were just supposed to be able to happen when directed. Perhaps I could learn to understand what it feels like, tune into it somehow, but I've never had the time or means to use them the way I'd like."

He really did not like talking about this and it seemed clear in his suddenly more stony (ha) expression, but he did anyway.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:03 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Hmmm...." Glass hummed in thought, drawing abstract forms in the sand. "What'dya mean, 'supposed to'? I gather your powers didn't just... spontaneously happen, or whatnot?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[2:24 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

More silence.

"They were supposed to function like a pathogen. Which, I suppose, is why I have little control over how they work, including how they affect myself. But, knowing that, I believe it is possible to discover a means of control."

I mean, he did help design them. He was just never prepared for how they'd manifest.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:33 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Huh... well, even though your powers don't work like mine, I'll try as best I can to help you work out a solution." Glass nodded. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[3:37 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

He nodded. "I appreciate any help you have to offer" he told Glass. "Could you tell me some of the methods you learned for control? Maybe I can find a way to apply them to my abilities."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:40 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Of course!" Glass smiled a toothy grin. "Let's see.... I try to keep focus of whatever I'm doing... I find for me, it helps if I know what kind of layers something has when I'm trying to control whether or not I turn it to glass. Like, for example, these twigs here- they've got layers- the bark, the tree rings. My powers always go from inside to out, and I find if I can stop myself about halfway through the layers, it gets easier to half that, then so on and so forth til I've changed nothing at all." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[4:03 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben genuinely looked like he hadn't thought of that before, he looked very interested.

"The same could be applied to living things, I'd assume. Skin, muscle and all that. Perhaps if I could learn to go by layers I can minimize damage, like you."

The thought of people and their layers made him look closer at Glass, her translucence. She seemed to appear as all one, for the most part. Suddenly he had many questions.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:05 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah! That's the spirit!" Glass nodded enthusiastically. "I mean, most everything has layers. We should get you some onions to test on." She laughed.

As Eben stared at Glass, she gave them a strange look. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[4:43 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben actually smiled at the onion joke.

Upon Glass giving him a look, he looked away apologetically.

"I was just thinking, with your being made of glass, whether or not my ability would hurt you or not. You are a living being, but glass is not organic, unless it works differently for you."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:45 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Huh... hadn't thought of that myself, but it is interesting. The glass I'm made of is mostly silica, like the kind of glass that's made out of sand, so technically, it's not organic. I've still got organic bones in there somewhere, but those should be hard for you to reach." Glass hummed. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[4:49 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"So I can't petrify you." He sounded relieved, maybe even surprised. Then, he reset his face, and sat down next to the pile of twigs, picking one up and attempting to control the transformation.

"It's..good I'm training with you, then."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:56 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah! That's pretty neat!" Glass nodded, smiling again. She let Eben have all the rest of the sticks to work with

[4:56 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:40 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben looked back, mildly perplexed at how easy going she was with everything, but appreciating it.

"How confident are you feeling about your fight?" He asked while being laser-stared at a stick.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:42 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well, I keep forgetting to check who I'm up against, so I can't really answer that truthfully. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve, but someone could so much as knock me down some stairs and I'd be done for. I'll just have to see how it goes. You?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:45 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"I am against someone by the name of Valerie Gallo, I have not seen them yet." He replied.

To his surprise, the layer method seemed to be working slightly- he'd managed to keep the inside of a branch wood, albeit with great focus.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:46 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, Val's one of my roommates!" Glass hummed. "Don't tell anyone, but I'm rooting for you. Val's great and all, but you and I are pals."

She noticed his work with the branch. "How's it going?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:12 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

He looked at Glass and nodded in thanks. He did not say whether he was rooting for Glass or not. He did not know if he was rooting for Glass.

He looked back down at the branch. In looking at Glass he'd lost concentration, and the transformation had sped up again. He concentrated on slowing it to a stop, which seemed to work well.

"I think your layer idea is working well." He replied.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Really? That's awesome!" Glass smiled. "That's real progress, then! I'm proud of you, Eben!" She beamed. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:34 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

He didn't look up at first.

"Its not enough."

Now he looked at Glass, the way she was smiling, and he thought she really did look proud.

"Yet. It's not enough yet. I'll have to work on it to safe. But it's progress."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:38 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass gave Eben double thumbs-up. "At this rate, you'll get it in no time!" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:01 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"I hope you are right" Eben replied.

A bit of a silence fell as he moved on to the next stick.

"I'm sure you have more interesting things to do than watch me attempt this all day."

It was a statement, but he meant it as a question.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:07 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, I don't really have any plans. I'm totally chill with hanging out more here." Glass shrugged. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:14 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"I appreciate that." Eben replied sincerely.

He picked up a flower, attempting to transform individual petals instead of from the bud outwards.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

Glass simply watched Eben transform the petals, giving him space to focus. She got the feeling he was more of a 'let's sit in the same space silently' guy than a 'talking' guy. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:22 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

She thought right. He did not speak much, but he did frequently glance up as if to see if Glass was still there. He was actually getting better, it was slow going but it seemed he'd rarely had time to just sit down and work on his powers, so even this one opportunity was helping.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:25 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass gave Eben a thumbs-up whenever he glanced up at her, but otherwise let him work on his own. She was pretty impressed with his progress so far- despite having observed little of his powers beforehand, she could tell he was getting better with them. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:54 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

It did help Eben that he at least knew a decent amount about the source of his abilities even if he was working on how they affected him, it was letting him gain ground faster.

After a while, he had used up all the sticks and various plant matter, and by the end he seemed to have an alright handle on only turning a specific part of a plant, though he couldn't stop the transformation completely yet.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Seems we're all out of sticks." Glass observed. "You definitely seemed to have made some progress, though! Good job!" She gave another thumbs-up. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:53 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"I'll keep working on it, until the fight." He replied.

"For now however, I believe I'll go more insane if I stay in this arena any longer" he told her as he started gathering up the stone sticks and plant matter.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Yeah! That sounds like a good plan. Make sure to update me about it!"

She laughed. "Hah, yeah. I think it's time we blow this popsicle stand." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:06 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben stood up, arms full of the sticks.

"I'll update you. And I may have more questions in a while, if that's alright."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:52 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Sounds good! Though, if you have any now, feel free to ask 'em. I'm an open book." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[4:35 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"How long have you had your abilities? How long have you been training them?"

He started to walk out of the arena, but of course waited for Glass to follow.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:04 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass followed Eben. "Well, I've technically had them since birth, but they started developing around the time my mom died when I was seven. I started turning into glass when I was like, twelve, so I guess that's when I started 'training' them, though I wouldn't really call it that. Most of what I do is intuitive." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:58 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben nodded along to her story. "I see." So there powers were very different from each other in origin, apparently, despite having similar effects.

"How long have you been almost entirely glass?"

They'd al.sor left the arena.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:21 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oof, that's a tough question. Depends on what you count as 'almost entirely glass'... I guess about a year and a half now?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:27 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"is there a consistent rate at which becoming glass happened every year? Did using your powers speed up the process?"

These questions were likely a little invasive but he didn't seem to notice, or if he did, he didn't care. By now they were pretty much out on ⁠pathways

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:24 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yes to a consistent rate, no to speeding up when I use them- at least, as far as I've noticed. " Glass didn't seem to care about the questions' invasive nature. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[11:14 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Ebens questions seemed to be trying to figure out how similar their abilities were. Even so, he did stay quiet for a minute before asking these next ones.

"Do your abilities impede certain bodily functions, things like eating, sense of touch, walking? Do they affect how long you will live?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:40 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, absolutely. I can't eat anymore, I can barely do liquids. I also have trouble with my joints , they get really stiff. Not as much with the sense of touch, though." Glass hummed. "And Yeah, they're killing me. At this rate I'll be dead in less than three years." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[11:51 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben just nodded. He didn't look sympathetic or anything, more just like he expected that.

"Every time I petrify something, I myself petrify a little more. Eating is still necessary, but it takes me a great deal of focus and energy."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:54 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass nodded. "Oof, sounds rough. Do ya think you'll stop being able to eat at some point, like me? Cause the way it works for me is that my powers will support my life force as much as they can til I die." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[12:39 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"yes and no. Hopefully, with training, I can get food to stop petrifying in my mouth, but it's likely that by that point my digestive system will be at least partially stone, and part of my heart. So far my organs still seem to function while being partially stone, but I hardly need to breathe any more and don't produce much blood and am still alive, so odds are I'll lose the ability, and lose the need, to eat soon. Like you."

That was a longer than needed explanation, but in his defense he never gets a chance to explain this stuff anymore.

"It is interesting that your powers work to support your life until then. Mine seem to do something along those lines, miraculously."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:45 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass nodded along with Eben's explanation. That's essentially what her life had been like- a slow, aching crawl towards death.

"Yeah, it is pretty interesting. I've never met anyone else with powers like mine before." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[12:56 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben nodded in agreement. "Since receiving my powers I haven't met anyone I could theoretically touch either."

Ebens life had been a hubris-induced climb with a monumental crash. Interesting how two completely different stories ended the same way.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"... hm. S'pose you could touch me." She shrugged. "Can't imagine going through life without physical touch for that long... sounds awful." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:13 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben gave Glass a questioning look. "If I'm wrong, it isn't going to look or feel nice at all. Are you sure?"

After her next comment, it was his turn to shrug. "It's only been two years and 3 months. It's not terribly long." Maybe the fact that he counted betrayed otherwise.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:45 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well, given the fact that I'm not organic, I doubt it would affect me anyways. And I can probably just turn myself back to glass if it does. But I'm willing to try it out. We can start with just, like, a hi-five to see." She smiled.

"Still- that's a long time." That was roughly the amount of time she had left to live. "A lot can happen in a few years. A lot can change." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

victory to darcy

[5:06 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

As Darcy and Kal exited the arena, someone was waiting for them at the foot of the stairs. It was Desmondus! @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[5:07 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Hey, bud!” Kal offered Desmondus a wave. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Greetings." Desmondus greeted both men. He turned to face Darcy, "Sterling, since you won, you have been awarded this-" He handed him another Gilded Lily. "Same rules apply as the first. Congradulations."

Then, he turned to Kal, "And since you lost, Valdez, you will be made to leave the island. You have until 6 am tomorrow to pack up your belongings and say your goodbyes. A guard will come to get you then." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[6:43 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Really? I only have tonight, and then I gotta head out? Bummer," Kal sighed before he perked up. "Well, thanks for havin' me on board! I appreciate the invitation." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:44 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"We're glad to have had you, even for such a short time." Desmondus nodded, then went on his way.

Darcy twirled his new lily in his hand. "Well... I guess this is goodbye for now, Kal. I really am sorry you have to leave so soon..." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:31 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Nah, don’t worry about it,” Kal chuckled. “It’s alright. I’m just glad to have been able to be here, if I’m honest. You put up a good fight!” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:48 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Darcy nodded, looking relieved. "Thank you. I tried my best..." He gave Kal a warm smile. "Though, I wasn't planning knock out myself, too..." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[2:16 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“What kind of spell was that? Because that was cool!” Kal grinned. “Is it just one that’s supposed to knock just one person out?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:18 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, it's the icelandic phrase, 'Að leggja höfuðið í bleyti', which directly translates to 'to lay one's head in water', but can also mean to sleep on an idea. Usually, my offensive spells don't affect myself, too, but-" He laughed awkward, "Sometimes, they can backfire. Linguistics is sometimes less of a science and more of an art." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[2:22 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Oh shit- So maybe instead of water, it meant, like, lava, since it kinda flows like water?” Kal suggested. “Damn, I would’ve been dead if the floaty thing didn’t get me. That’s wild, man.”

Despite the rough topic, Kal was still grinning brightly. It was all entirely genuine.

“Well, even if it did backfire, it was still cool!” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:24 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Maybe!" Darcy laughed. "Usually, it just knocks people out."

"I'm glad you think so! Even if it did make you loose... what are you planning to do now? Or, when you get back home, I suppose." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[2:40 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Well, before I leave, I kinda wanna ask Yeonaixho if maybe I can stick around as like, a student or somethin'. He was trying to help me learn how to read, so I wonder if he can help me with that."

Kal chuckled. "But yeah, I guess I'd just go home or somethin'. I'd just take it easy, before I go and do some rock climbing and do some editing for my YouTube channel." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:42 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh! That seems like a very fun idea! He was teaching you to read?" Darcy asked, a little upset that Kal hadn't asked him to teach him how to read. "He seems very kind, honestly, so I'm sure he'd be happy to help!"

"That sounds wonderful! I gave you my business card, didn't I? So if you want to send me any mail, you know where to find me!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[2:49 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Well, he was teachin' me how to understand Braille, I'm not really learnin' the written Alphabet yet." Kal paused for a moment. "I found out that I got 'dyzlecia,' so that makes it harder for me. I'd like to keep at it, though!"

"Yeah, you did!" Kal perked up. He took it out from his pocket. "As soon as I figure out how to read, you can expect a mail from me!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:53 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"That's very kind of him!" Darcy smiled. "Braille is a very fun way of writing, I think. I'm sure you'll be able to learn, even with your dyslexia!"

"Wonderful! I await your correspondance!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[3:08 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Thanks, man! Appreciate that," Kal grinned. "I'll do my best with Braille, and other languages! I wanna learn as much as I can." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:09 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh! Then maybe I could teach you sometime!" Darcy suggested. "I don't like to brag, but I am rather good with languages." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[3:11 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Kal perked up. "Seriously? I'd love that extra help! I got some goodbyes to do and some packing, but hey, maybe later tonight, wanna meet up and do some learnin' and teachin'? And hey- Maybe even after this tournament, we can always meet up again and just vibe and chill, and I could try learnin' more. How does that sound?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"That sounds perfect! I don't want to keep you any longer if you've got other people to say goodbye to, but I'd love to help you out some time!" Darcy smiled. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:04 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Aw, thanks man, i definitely got a few goodbyes,” Kal chuckled. He gave a friendly wave. “I’ll see you soon, alright?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:06 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I'll see you soon!" Darcy waved back. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:14 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“See ya!” Kal grinned. He made his way out of the arena. Still shirtless. Maybe he’d go grab a shirt.. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

victory to ren

[10:24 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada’s here to watch the fight. She and Kal had a brief interaction of her pretty much berating (affectionate) his dumbass before giving him a hug. A nice lil’ farewell.

[10:24 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Glass is here as well to cheer Taisto on!

[10:36 AM]Sauce | Roy 🌩:

Roy also here to cheer Taisto on, spurred on by their assuredly amazing conversation before this! He sat with Glass.

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

Petrai was waiting for Ren just outside the arena... @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[12:04 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

And to Petrai! @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[12:11 PM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

“Hey, Petrai!” Ren hummed, holding up one hand up in a wave. It was very clear that he was looking worse for wear. “I was told you wanted to talk to me…?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:13 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yes." Petrai nodded, humming a bit in affirmation so Ren would know. "Due to your status as a victor, you have been awarded another Gilded Lily. The same rules apply to it as your first."

She handed the lily to Ren. The metal would be cold in the winter air, but it was identical to the one he had before. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[12:47 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada blinked a few times. Well, that was a rough one. Least it was over now.

Disappointed at the outcome, she silently made her leave.

[9:23 AM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

“Oh! Thank you!” Ren beamed, taking the flower gently and running it across his hand.

“I do have a question though… is Taisto okay? I couldn’t quite see, but it sounded like he took quite a beating…” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:30 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"He's in the care of our healers. He'll be alright." Petrai nodded. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[9:34 AM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

Ren let out a sigh of relief. “That’s good! I’m pretty worried about him… are all the fights gonna be that brutal?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:35 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It really depends. However, we will always provide medical care afterwards, and intervene if anyone gets close to death." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[9:45 AM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

“That’s really nice of you guys. Thank you again, Petrai!” Ren quickly bowed at the woman. “Is there anything you wanna talk about, or am I good to head to the infirmary? I’d love to chat more- really, but dang, that arena got me good!” he let out a small laugh, then coughed. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:46 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You're free to leave now. Again, congratulations on your victory." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[9:48 AM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

“Thank you!” Ren repeated with a smile. “I’ll see you around!” he gave Petrai a small wave with his free hand, then hobbled out of the arena. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

hannah ryu training

[8:57 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I know I can be kind of oblivious sometimes, but I'm not dumb." Hannah said. She let out one short laugh and wiggled her leg a bit. "Yeah. Reminds me of my shitty ex boyfriends' whose only position they knew was missionary." @ajjjjjjjj

[11:09 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske snickered and pushed against Hannah's leg a bit more. "Mhm. You say that, yet you seem a bit embarrassed when I am simply helping you exercise. Your boyfriends don't sound like they satisfied you much." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:26 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"You could say that again. It was always about them, never about me." Hannah huffed. She made her leg stiff, just enough to kinda jolt Ryu and stop her lunging. "You think you're any better? From the way you've been talking, and this little stunt, I'm doubting it. You basically had to trick me in to getting on my back already." @ajjjjjjjj

[11:37 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu's smirk widened just the slightest, and she let out a small laugh. "Wouldn't you like to find out?" She teased and finally let up on Hannah's leg. "I don't play tricks, babe. Clearly, you're the one in the headspace of something else going on. If you wanted something else, you could of just asked. I'm more than willing to make a girl happy." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:42 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah pulled her leg back and set it on the ground.

"I want to work out." Hannah said. "I'd rather not get lectured or sent home before I get my chance to get my hands on Roy just because I went to bed with you." @ajjjjjjjj

[11:48 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

That just made Ryu laugh some more. "So you're saying you are interested, just that you don't want to be yelled at for it," she remarked. "Well, luckily for you, I think the old lady has finally given up on lecturing people. My earlier work out went without a hitch. Maybe this is your chance to kill two birds with one stone." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:52 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. I find that hard to believe.. Wait- you were just with someone before you found me earlier? Who??" @ajjjjjjjj

[12:18 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Why do you ask?" She asked back. "Curious to see if my skills add up to my words?" Ryu chuckled.

"But it is true. I haven't seen, or even heard from that old lady all day. I figured she would of jumped me the minute we were done." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:28 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. Is the person who you were with earlier the one who bit you all around your shoulders..?" @ajjjjjjjj

[12:40 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu put a hand on her own shoulder and felt around on some of the left over marks. "Ah, no. That was someone else. If you're worried about doing worse than these, I'll be fine," she chuckled. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:44 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. I think if I took any more of a bite out of you, you would have a hunk of flesh missing. I'm not too keen on starting to eat human meat, I think it sets a bad precedent." @ajjjjjjjj

[1:16 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

She laughed some more, giving Hannah a small shrug. "You wouldn't be the first person to take a chunk out of me. I told ya, I'm not worried about that stuff," Ryu hummed. "But thanks for confirming that you are into me," she winked, if anything, just to annoy Hannah. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:25 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Urgh- you're frustrating." Hannah huffed. "I'll make you an offer. Let's wrestle, and if you beat me, I'll go with you. If I beat you, umm.."

Hannah tried to think. She didn't not want to sleep with Ryu, but..

"If I win, you go get some information on Roy for me." @ajjjjjjjj

[1:41 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu snickered. "Seems like this wrestling match only has benefits for yourself," she commented with a small smirk, but stood up regardless. "You know, there are more conventional ways to get me to pin you to the floor, babe." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:43 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Only benefits for me? You're the one who's been trying to get with me this whole time." Hannah rolled her eyes. "Unless you think I'm so bad in bed that you won't get any enjoyment at all." @ajjjjjjjj

[1:49 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Trust me, between the two of us, it's a little obvious I'm the one who's the least interested in sleeping with the other," Ryu taunted with a knowing smirk. Gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss. "But if wrestling is what you want to do, I'll be happy to indulge. Tapping out might be something you keep in mind." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:57 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Talking about me like you're not interested isn't really doing it for me like you think it is." Hannah said and jumped up to her feet. "And I'm pretty confident you'll be the one tapping." @ajjjjjjjj

[2:13 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Yeah? Well, obviously your standards haven't risen at all if you're still willing to stick around after all my smack talk," she chuckled. Ryu cracked her back and neck, grinning at Hannah with a determined, yet almost playful look.

"Whenever you're ready then." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:15 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah didn't really have a response to that one- it was pretty true. She huffed and charged at Ryu, elbowing her harshly right in the stomach. It didn't really hurt as much as you'd expect getting elbowed to hurt. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[5:27 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu took in a breath as Hannah elbowed her, her face scrunching just a bit. However, maybe Hannah shouldn't have gotten so close to Ryu. Before Hannah could move out the way, Ryunoske wrapped her arms around Hannah and slammed her down onto the ground.

(Ryu 23hp)@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

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

Unfortunately for Hannah, her powers left her no long range options outside of her summoning sharks in the ocean to her side. It wouldn't be very helpful here.

Hannah instantly realized her mistake as Ryunoske grabbed her. She tried to grip on to Ryu's shoulders to stop her from getting tossed, but her fingers slipped right off of her.

She hit the ground with a thud, and arched her back while she kicked her feet.

"ShiiiiiiIIIIT!" Hannah yelled as she put her hands on her back. Must've landed a bit wrong. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[5:53 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu huffed a bit, smiling down at Hannah as she hovered over the other woman. "You good? I can't promise you I'll go easy on ya," she commented. "I'm always open to hear you tapping out." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:55 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I'm not- urgh- quitting this early." Hannah said and rolled out from under Ryu. As she shifted, something in her back seemed to snap back in to place, which made her grunt again. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[6:27 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu sighed, but continued to smile anyways. Even if Hannah rolled out, it wasn't hard for Ryu to follow her. She took a hold of Hannah's shoulder and shoved her against the ground once more, but since it wasn't a full body tackle, it probably didn't hurt as much.

"Are you sure you don't want to tap out?" She asked again. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[6:36 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

(Hannah is at 17hp)

Hannah winced as her shoulder hit the ground. If Ryu was holding tight enough, she'd probably be able to feel that Hannah's bones felt.. Squishy, almost.

She glared up at Ryu, and with her other arm, punched her square in the nose.

"Yeah, I'm sure I don't need to tap out." @ajjjjjjjj

[9:32 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske didn't really have any time to react to Hannah's squishiness, as the next punch landed quite hard. Harder than the elbow to the gut, somehow. Blood trickled down her nose, a little crunch accompanying it. Ryu sucked in another breath of air before lifting Hannah by her arm and throwing her down once more.

"You throw a hard right," she grunted through her teeth. (Ryu at 19hp) @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[7:53 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah hit the ground again, and tried to rip her arm away from Ryunoske to no effect.

"Thanks, you're good at tossing me around-" She said through gritted teeth and coughed. @ajjjjjjjj

[8:02 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"It's easy when you're as big as I am," Ryunoske commented as she walked over to Hannah once again. "Now, are you gonna tap out, or do you like waiting until you break something to do that?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:17 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"You can't break my bones." Hannah said, with a loooot of confidence. She tried to lunge at Ryu's knees, but it seemed that she was having a hard time pushing herself up from the ground, so she ended up just plopping back on to the ground next to her. @ajjjjjjjj

[11:54 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske gave Hannah a look, then chuckled. "Mhm. So you're just gonna flounder around for a little bit then, I see. It's a lot less embarrassing if you tap out, babe," she taunted. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:57 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I'm not tapping unless I'm hurting- it's more embarrassing to tap when nothing is happening. I'm not scared." Hannah huffed. @ajjjjjjjj

[4:07 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu sighed and shook her head. She walked over towards Hannah once again, but instead of grabbing Hannah by her arm, she grabbed Hannah by her ponytail, forcing her up before throwing her once again.

"I may be a bad person, but I would prefer to fuck someone who's at least concious," Ryunoske huffed. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:12 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Ow-!" Hannah squeaked out as Ryu grabbed her by her hair. She didn't really have time to protest as Ryu tossed her, and tumbled across the ground after. Some pretty nasty bruises were already forming on her back from when Ryu had thrown her before- so they were only going to be worse later.

Hannah wordlessly tapped on the ground a few times. @ajjjjjjjj

[4:20 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"That's what I thought," Ryu said as she went over to Hannah and helped her up, much more gentle this time. "You're gonna be sore as hell later," she chuckled. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:21 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Uh huh." Hannah said flatly, but a accepted the help up. She held her arm around Ryu's shoulder. "From this or from what you're planning? Or both..?" @ajjjjjjjj

[8:42 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu looked down at Hannah and grinned. "Probably both," she chuckled as she walked Hannah over to a nearby bench. "Do you want to go get your bruises checked out? Any bones fractured?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

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

Hannah sat down once they got to the bench, placing a hand on her lower back.

"I'll be fine. You didn't break anything." Hannah said. "It's hard to break my bones- I can kind of control how hard they are with my powers.. But I'm not too good at it. And it hurts a lot to do that quickly. But if I could predict what you were about to do, I was able to soften the blow a bit." @ajjjjjjjj

[8:52 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Hm.. That so? That's quite an interesting power to have," she commented. "I don't think I caught what power you had. What is it exactly?" Ryu asked with a curious look. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:55 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Sharks. I can control em' when they're around, and summon one named Bonaparte. I can also turn myself in to a shark- or change parts of my body to be more shark like. They have cartilaginous skeletons you know- because they're part of class chondrichthyes... They're pretty cool." @ajjjjjjjj

[9:02 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu blinked. Sharks? That was oddly specific as hell. "That's interesting," she commented. "Well, I do have to agree, sharks are pretty cool creatures. I believe my father used to have a pet shark when he was younger. It passed away a couple years after I was born, however, so I don't have much personal experiences with them." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:03 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Your dad had a pet shark?! What kind!" Hannah leaned in closer to him. "What was it's name???" @ajjjjjjjj

[9:09 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"It wasn't anything fantastic.. I think it was called a Bamboo Shark?" She shrugged. "And the name..." Ryu scratched the back of her head, trying to recall what the hell the shark was called. It had been over twenty years since they had it, after all. "I think my father called him Nori. I remember it was a childish name." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:16 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"That's so cool. I think any name for a shark is awesome. But not as awesome as Bonaparte." Hannah smiled. "You should get a pet shark." @ajjjjjjjj

[7:07 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu shrugged. "I'm more of a dog person. I can't bring a shark along with me to most places, after all. Not really a home body," she replied. "My father loves sea creatures in general, but he doesn't like replacing any of them that die in his care. He always gets completely new species instead." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[7:18 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"A dog person? Yuck." Hannah said. "Did your father ever get a different kind of shark?" @ajjjjjjjj

[7:26 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske couldn't help but chuckle at Hannah's reaction. "Yes, a dog person. My father hasn't gotten around to getting a new shark, no. He's been really into different anemones and fish that can live in coral reefs lately. Sorry to disappoint you." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[7:54 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Well, those are also pretty cool.." Hannah nodded. "If he wants another shark, I could probably help him get one." @ajjjjjjjj

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

Ryu smirked a bit at Hannah. "Sounds to me like you plan to stick around with me for a while if you want to do that," she teased. "My father doesn't really pay much mind to any of my girlfriends. None of them really care about his sealife interests," Ryu chuckled. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

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

"Uh- well, I can help him get a shark without being with you, probably.. I mean, where does he live?" @ajjjjjjjj

[9:12 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

She rolled her eyes at that, her smirk widening. "We live in the same house, silly. It's custom to do so when you're in my line of work," Ryu replied. "You're quite bold~ Wanting to meet my family already? We haven't even gone on our first date yet," she teased. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:18 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I don't want to date you, I just want to get your dad a new shark!" Hannah huffed. "I don't think I'm going to be able to 'pursue' anyone here after this. I'm planning on going to college back in California, which I'm guessing you're not. Well, if I can win this anyway.. I need money. And Roy to be gone." @ajjjjjjjj

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

Ryu laughed. "Uh huh. Well, you can't exactly fly all the way to Japan if you can't even fly to Cali. My father isn't one to travel too far from his animals. He doesn't trust many people to take care of them while he's out," she hummed with a small grin. "So, if you want to help him out, you'll have to go with me." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:27 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Well, I don't speak any Japanese, so I think that's also an issue." Hannah said. "I guess it's just not meant to be." @ajjjjjjjj

[9:31 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Babe.. how do you think I know english?" Ryu snickered. "You think I just taught myself? My whole family is proficient in several languages. You kinda have to when you work with a bunch of different people." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

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

".. I'm not moving to a foreign country across the world where I don't speak the common language just to be the girlfriend to some random person I met on an island. Sorry." Hannah said. "Unless there's some amazing marine biology program there that can teach me in English, there's not much that I'd be after." @ajjjjjjjj

[9:44 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Again, Ryu snickered. She found Hannah quite amusing. Teasingly, she pulled Hannah's chin upwards, "You don't think I could have that arranged? I'm much more than a handsome face, babe." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

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

Hannah didn't pull her head away, but she did avert her eyes from Ryu.

"Even if you can get me in to a program there, that doesn't fix the rest of what I said. And I need to be in America once my dad gets out of prison. It's just not going to work out." @ajjjjjjjj

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

Ryu's thumb gently brushed over Hannah's chin as she hummed. "Sending my lady on a flight is easy money, babe. It sounds to me like you're just a bit scared to get out of your comfort zone," she chuckled lowly. "No one's ever done more than the bare minimum for you, have they? It's sad, really, but if you don't want to accept my offer, that's fine." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:13 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"You're crazy. I don't know if you don't know how insane you sound or if you think I'm that gullible." Hannah huffed, but still didn't move her head away. "I don't see what you'd gain from me. Clearly there must be something you want if you'd be oh so willing to drop so much money on me. I don't have anything to give you. I'm not even that pretty or- anything like that." @ajjjjjjjj

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

Ryunoske chuckled, letting up on Hannah's chin just the slightest, teasingly. "If I'm as crazy as you say, do you really think I need a reason to offer all this to you?" She asked back. "Maybe I'm just extremely generous. Perhaps I like spoiling beautiful women. What does it really matter? I do what I want, and I'm offering you something you can take without much problem. The only thing holding you back is yourself, babe." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:56 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

This felt like something Hannah would have heard about in a 'human trafficking 101' seminar. It was an insane thought...

Buuuuuut she was pretty desperate to get out of Iowa, obviously. And if she didn't win this tournament, and being honest what chance did she have after losing this fight so miserably, she knew where she'd end up. Back in the middle of nowhere, miserable. Her mom trying to control her every action- and if she heard about any of this, whew, she'd have a field day.

She leaned her head forward, so she was resting her chin against Ryunoske's hand again.

".. Let's say I did go with you. Would you actually love me, or would I just be a 'beautiful' little thing for you to have your way with whenever. That's not very appealing to me. Even with all the money and benefits you're promising." @ajjjjjjjj

[11:16 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Unlike Hannah, Ryu's head was almost empty of thoughts. She was just having fun, pulling and tugging Hannah around to see how far she can take it. It was always so amusing to her how people were so desperate.

"Considering you're even thinking about my offer, does being loved actually matter all that much to you?" Ryu probed. "You can already guess what kind of guy I am. I'm not a good person. What I offer is all I give. I'm not going to give more than that. There are plenty of other normal people who would be willing to love you if that's what you actually want." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:21 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

If there were plenty of people out there who would actually love her, she had yet to find them. They probably weren't also stuck in her small Iowa town. Her reputation there had basically ruined that.

".. Yes, it does matter to me. That's why I asked. I'll manage to find my own way out, one way or another." She finally shoved Ryu's hand away and stood up. "Let's just go to your room already and get this over with. Clearly I'm just another thing to use to you, I'll try not to take it to heart." @ajjjjjjjj

[11:44 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu smiled, but didn't seem to be disappointed. "Ah, then I guess you'll have to find it elsewhere then," she hummed as she straightened herself up. "Don't tell me you were seriously considering my offer if it meant I would date you?" Ryu asked, more serious than before. She was genuinely curious in knowing. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:49 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. Don't make me answer that. Just go ahead and laugh at me or something for being so desperate- everyone else already does." Hannah said, her cheeks turning a few shades redder. She quickly turned her head away from Ryu to try to hide it, but the color had spread to the tips of her ears as well, pointed out from her mess of hair. @ajjjjjjjj

[11:51 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

A small snicker did come from Ryu, but not to make fun of Hannah, more so that she found it a bit cute that Hannah was embarrassed in admitting such a thing. "You have awful taste in men," Ryu commented as she offered Hannah her hand once again.

"Let's go then. You need to wash off all the dirt on you." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:53 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Well, Hannah definitely took the snicker in the wrong way. Her shoulders tensed and she slapped Ryu's hand away.

"I'll go shower by myself." Hannah said. @ajjjjjjjj

[4:22 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu let out a small sigh. "You're not very good at enjoying yourself are you?" She commented as she still offered her hand to Hannah.

"Let me help you outta here. You can indulge in a little spoiling here and there, yknow? I don't need to love you to be nice." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:26 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I don't want you to help me. And I don't think you're 'nice', either." Hannah said and began walking off, not even glancing to the hand being held out. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[8:37 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske shrugged and followed after Hannah. "Do you mind if we crash in your room?" She asked as they walked. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:39 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Sure. There's a kid that stays in the attached room so as long as he's not there, I don't care." @ajjjjjjjj

[8:52 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"A kid..?" Ryu hummed. "Is it that fox kid? I ran into him a bit ago. Unless there's more children here on this cult island." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:54 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Yeah. Yuga. I think Mallon also got moved in to my room but I haven't seen them in there before." Hannah shrugged. "If you want to avoid it being awkward we can just go to your room. Well, you can go there and I'll just go when I'm done." @ajjjjjjjj

[9:00 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"I see. Damn.. Guess it's my room once again," she nodded. "Alright. Come swing by after you're done moping in the shower then. I'll make sure to clean up the room a bit." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:08 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Uh huh." Hannah said. "I don't really care what the room looks like. I doubt I'll be getting in the mood regardless of how clean your room is at this point." @ajjjjjjjj

[9:14 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu chuckled at that. "Should we call it quits then? It seems like you can only fuck someone with feelings. I'm not dissing you on that, by the way. It's a very normal thing, but I'm not gonna force you to do something you're not even going to enjoy." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:18 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Well, even saying that makes you more considerate than most of the people I've been with." Hannah mumbled, and took in a deep breath. ".. I don't want to leave you disappointed, and I am.. Urghh- aching a bit for something but.. You're really confusing.. I don't know how I should feel." @ajjjjjjjj

[9:25 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"I may be an asshole, but I'm not a monster," Ryu shrugged. "I don't dig forcing people into these things. It doesn't do anything for me, as you might think. I'm a giver, believe it or not," Ryu shrugged once more.

"Look, I'll be clear with ya," Ryu took a step in front of Hannah to stop them both. "If you don't want to do anything, that's fine, but I unfortunately can't give what you're looking for on a deeper level than this." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:32 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah stopped her walking, just in time to manage to not bump in to him.

".. I appreciate the honesty. And to be honest also, it wouldn't be my first time fucking someone I just met, but we're not both quite as drunk as me and those guys were to make it seem like a really good idea." She sighed. "Do you actually like doing all the giving? If you don't actually get anything out of it, and I'm only kind of on board, I don't think it's a great idea. But if you actually get something out of it, I'd be.. Willing to.. Try.. but I'd tell you if it's just not working." @ajjjjjjjj

[9:37 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

The rambling of words wasn't what Ryunoske was exacting to get in return, but at least it was coherent. She put her hands into her pocket and looked down at Hannah with a more neutral expression. "I only get something out of it if the person I'm with is satisfied and enjoyed our time together. I like the fling, the good stuff. I couldn't give a shit about feelings and life goals. I don't have time for those details, but the fun of those moments in time is enough for me. So, that's what I get out of this, and only if you want it." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:42 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. I think I'm going to have to pass, then. I don't think I can give you that. I'd probably be faking, and people have told me that I'm.. Not good at that at all." Hannah said. "Sorry about.. I don't even know if leading you on is the right term for this. I'll do something else to make us even, if you want." @ajjjjjjjj

[9:47 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Nah, don't even sweat it. I'm glad you came to your senses before anything happened," Ryu shrugged, though, she smiled a bit at Hannah. "Guess you got beat up for nothing then. There's nothing really I want that I can't get myself. Maybe you can tell me more about sharks or whatever sometime." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:53 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"You want me to talk about sharks to you as repayment? Usually I'd have to pay someone to listen to me ramble like that." Hannah smiled back slightly. @ajjjjjjjj

[9:56 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu playfully rolled her eyes. "I'm just throwing things out there. That's like, the one thing you could give me that I couldn't get somewhere else, after all. So why not? I'm sure you'll be a lot more happy getting to talk about that stuff." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

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

"I mean- I'd never say no to that. I'll talk to you about sharks whenever you want." @ajjjjjjjj

[10:02 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Alright. Sounds like a date then. Go wash up and meet me in the dining hall afterwards. I'm starving. Those protein bars didn't hold me over very long," she yawned and started walking again. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:03 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Oh, she meant now.

"Oh- okay uh.. yeah, I'll be there." Hannah said and hurried off the other way. @ajjjjjjjj

[6:44 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu nodded and went the opposite, her jacket hanging on top of her shoulder. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

victory to glass

[1:42 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

On her way out of the arena, Glass was stopped by Petrai. She handed the younger woman a gilded lily.

"For you, because of your victory." She reported stiffly.

"Oh, uh- okay." Glass took the lily, and walked off.

teya zerada training

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

The arena had been cleared by the time Zerada and Teya arrived to it, back in its natural state. Teya didn't seem super uneased by this, and paced around til she found a good spot. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:19 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada had spent a few moments glancing in the spot where Roy’s injury had happened. That was rather brutal to witness.

She followed after Teya and kept a safe distance for her display of skill. Zerada definitely looked intrigued and eager to see what the other could do. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:21 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

It was warmer in the arena, so Teya discarded her cloak and did a few stretches to prepare herself. She glanced over to Zerada. "You'll want to keep a safe distance. I don't want you getting hurt accidentally." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:31 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada took a few extra steps away. “Is this okay?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:41 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya nodded. "That's good."

She took in a deep breath, and readied her trident. She held it over her head, ready to throw it, but before she released it she charged its metallic frame full of electricity- it danced from her fingers across the trident's shaft, and crackled at each point of its three, pronged head. Teya counted down in her head, one, two, thee- and sent the weapon soaring across the white sky. Lighting trailed behind it, illuminating its graceful, perfect arc all the way til it landed on the other side of the arena.

When it did land, it did so with the thunderous CLAP of a strike of lighting. A beam of pure, white light descended from the heavens and struck exactly where the trident had landed, scorching the earth.

Teya turned to Zerada afterwards, beaming. "So, what'd you think?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:53 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada could feel the energy from the electricity from the weapon. It was powerful, and clear that Teya had put a tremendous amount of training into honing her skills. It truly was dangerous what a lightning user could do with their abilities.

Zerada applauded. “That’s- Impressive, Teya. To channel that much electricity into a weapon and control the burst once it lands- Truly, impressive!! Especially with a long-range weapon like that. I’m sure that took you a long while to hone your skills.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Hah! Thank you!" Teya beamed still as she went to retrieve her trident- even now, it was still crackling with electricity. "I've spent some good time getting that trick just right, but it's paid off." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:59 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“It really has paid off- And the fact that you were able to conduct natural lightning to strike down and hit the trident? That’s honestly pretty awesome, Teya.” Zerada grinned. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:03 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya hummed, and thrust her trident out of the ground, dispelling the charge it still held by spinning it in her hand- now she was just showing off.

"At least in my case, there's not much difference from the electricity I conduct to that which forms naturally. Figured that if I can control one, it's easy enough to control another." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:13 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“That so?” Zerada hummed. “That’s interesting that your lightning is similar to natural lightning. I’ve tried to conduct natural lightning, but I haven’t succeeded. I can feel it, but I haven’t been able to my the connection. Rather, I feel a connection to artificial lightning more, such as electronics and other machines that create it. That’s the kind of electricity I can control outside of my own.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Oh, that's interesting." Teya hummed. "There aren't many electronics here on the island, but I've never felt that much of a connection to them. It's interesting, how our powers are so similar yet so different..." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:29 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Right? It’s interesting that we have the same power, but we have control over different aspects of it,” Zerada hummed. “Quite interesting.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:30 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Teya hummed. "Roy has lightning powers too, doesn't he? Maybe if he didn't loose his fight, we can all get together at some point and compare our abilities as a group." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:12 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Ah, so Roy did lose. Fuck.

“That would’ve been nice,” Zerada hummed. “Roy has powerful lightning, but he seems to be adjusting to it still. It seems like it overwhelms him a bit. He’s still learning.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:13 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Mhmm..." Teya hummed. "Well, maybe it can still happen. After all, neither of us know if he won or lost." She shrugged. "It'd be good to help him out." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:15 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Oh, or maybe he did win- Zerada was a bit confused. She still nodded her head.

“Perhaps. I tried, but I don’t think I was much help. I think his lightning might be more similar to yours, in the sense of it being ‘natural’ and able to be conducted in such a way.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Oh, that's interesting. Do you know how he got his powers?" Teya asked. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:12 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“He got struck by lightning.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Oh... hm, that is interesting. I suppose it'd make sense he has more natural powers, since he gained them from a natural source." Teya mused. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:16 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Yeah, so you may be better suited to work with him. Hopefully, he won so he can get some training. Poor guy seemed upset that I couldn’t do much for him.” Zerada sighed. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:18 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I hope so, too. If I can help him, I want to." Teya nodded. She didn't add the other reasons she hoped Roy hadn't lost. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:20 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Yeah, I’m sure he’d appreciate it,” Zerada sighed. She took a blade from her belt and gave it a quick twirl before she presented it to Teya.

“I lent him one of these, I use these similarly to how you conduct your lightning to your trident. Close-range combat is more my style, if I’m honest.” She paused. “Since my lightning’s artificial, I don’t think a weapon created for my kind of lightning would work for one that’s natural. Still, think you can give it a try and see how it works for you?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

Teya took the blade and examined it, leaning her trident in the crook of her arm. "Interesting... I'm much more accustomed to long-range combat, but I have been meaning to get better at close-range. If the metal of the blade conducts your electricity, it should do the same for mine." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[3:17 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Roy tried it with his and had some difficulty,” Zerada sighed. “I don’t know if it’s because the blade’s designed for my electricity, or if it’s the lack of training on Roy’s end. I hope it’s the latter, because then he can get proper training and actually use the weapon.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:24 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Hmm... well, it's definitely worth trying out." Teya tested out a few positions of holding the blade and angling it, slightly awkwardly. "If it is something to do with the type of electricity, I could probably train him with my trident." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[7:37 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Maybe he’d like that better, maybe long-range weapons are more his style.”

Zerada watched as Teya tried to find a comfortable stance. She fought back a wide, amused grin.

“Kind of like you,” Zerada chuckled. “Do you want me to show you how to hold it?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Mhm. That'd be interesting. I haven't taught anyone since Judas, and he already had some background with the sort of weaponry we use. It'd be interesting to teach a beginner."

She laughed, and turned to Zerada. "I'd appreciate the help." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[11:46 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

“Maybe he has some experience with weapons, he didn’t exactly say if he did. Though, it feels like he’ll be a beginner.” Zerada chuckled.

“Alright, let’s do this.” Zerada chuckled. Pulling out another blade from her side, she took a stance. With her left foot in front of the other, she kept her feet a good distance apart. Her right foot remained behind the other, firmly grounded on the floor while her left foot had her standing on her toes.

“You wanna have your feet kind of like this- That way, you’re quickly able to pivot or leap forward if need be,” Zerada explained. “And how to hold the knife, it depends on what you’re most comfortable with.”

“There’s the hammer grip,” Zerada held the knife like one normally would- Self explanatory, hold the knife in the same grasp as you would a hammer. “This one is good for strength and is inflexible. It’s best for chopping and blocking.”

“Next is the sideways grasp.” Zerada twirled the blade in her hold. Her thumb was pressed along the side of the handle of the blade. “This hold’s kind of weak, but it’s best for slashing by allowing your wrist to rotate in any direction. It’s good for stabbing, too.”

“Then, there’s the saber grip.” This hold had the thumb placed just below the spine of the blade. “This one’s a fairly strong hold. Just like the sideways hold, this one is good for slashing, downwards stabbing and cutting.”

“And lastly, my personal favorite, the reverse hold.” Just as she said, this hold was was a reverse of the hammer hold with the blade pointed downward and the sharp part pointed outward. “I think this is the best hold for me. While it gives you reduced range, my super speed makes up for that and helps me make quick attacks. By bending the wrist, too, you can even hide it from enemies and can do a sneak attack. This hold is best for slashing across, cutting, and stabbing.”

“So, test each of them out, give a few practice swings, and see which hold feels most comfortable for you.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

mallon and hannah

[10:01 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon slowly staggers out of the arena after the corpses manage to steal the unconscious Ekmeros—the shells encrusting their body have mostly receded by now, save for those covering most of their face and the top of their left shoulder. They don’t appear to be too injured, largely just banged up and bruised, but they’re moving sluggishly and seem…pretty out of it.

As soon as they pass through out of the arena gates, they slump down against the wall and pull their knees to their chest.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:03 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Mallon!" Hannah called out as soon as they left the arena. She ran up to them and crouched besides them. "Are you okay? There was- there's- zombies!" @em | enya + mallon

[10:11 PM]em | enya + mallon:

They lift their head after a few seconds, eye blinking once and lure swaying gently before they register who’s speaking to them. A noise somewhat like a mix between a soft growl and a dull keening noise escapes them after Hannah’s comment, and Mallon buries their head in their arms again. Some of the shells on their shoulder fade, revealing drips of dried blood, but most still stay. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:33 PM]em | enya + mallon:

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline when u can :]

[7:54 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah seemed much less attracted to the lure now that her powers were gone. It didn't catch her attention quite as much.

"Mallon..? Um- do you need to be healed or something..? We probably can't take you to Yeonaixho but I could-.. Try something else..? I've taken a little course in marine medicine online..." @em | enya + mallon

[10:35 AM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon snarls at Yeonaixho’s name, spinal fin rippling beneath their shirt. They lift their head and calm a little bit more once Hannah suggests alternatives though. Their eye narrows slightly, and with a small grunt the rest of the shells covering them seem to melt away. Their now-visible shoulder wound isn’t too bad—it’s the only major one, deep but clean, and mostly stopped bleeding. The only thing strange about it is..the shards of broken shells half embedded from when Ekmeros’s sword had broken through.

And now that the shells are gone from their face, it kind of looks like they’ve been crying. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:08 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. We probably need to get the shell bits out..? That'll hurt a lot though.." Hannah frowned. She decided to sit down on the ground next to Mallon, not quite touching, but close. "How are you doing, like, mentally..? The zombies didn't get you right..?" @em | enya + mallon

[6:47 PM]em | enya + mallon:

The only reaction Mallon has visible towards the first bit is a faint grimace at the thought. They shift as Hannah sits down—not uncomfortably, but still tense. The second part, however… After a moment of silence they try to reply. It still comes out in a quiet mix of clicks and whines, and they grit their teeth in annoyance before settling for a loose wave at the scattered bruises and a shrug. No skin broken from them at least. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

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

".. I don't really understand you- maybe before I would have, but.. My powers are gone.." Hannah sighed. "Do you want me to stay here with you...? You can just- nod or shake your head." @em | enya + mallon

[7:03 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon presses a hand harshly to their chest as if they can push their voice back into it, growling faintly under their breath. Their earfins, however, prick up at Hannah’s question—and then they’re nodding yes almost before she’s even finished speaking. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:33 PM]em | enya + mallon:

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

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

"Okay okay- I'll stay. Until something else happens." Hannah said and stayed seated. "Sorry I couldn't watch your fight. I was pretty freaked out by the... brughhhhhh."

That was an imitation of a zombie noise. @em | enya + mallon

[5:41 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon visibly relaxes, gills flaring ever so slightly on their neck as they struggle to control their breathing. They’d have laughed at the zombie imitation if they weren’t so exhausted. It takes a good few minutes of the two of them simply sitting there with only the sound of Mallon’s ragged breathing before they finally find it in themself to speak.

When they do, it’s rough and hoarse. “…Thank you.” @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:46 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"No problem. Not like i have anything better to do.." Hannah mumbled and let out a deep breath. "Just.. waiting for something else catastrophic to happen. I bet if my mom saw me now she'd be so proud that I look so normal. That mental image is even a bit stronger than the faces of those zombies." @em | enya + mallon

[5:55 PM]em | enya + mallon:

They’re not really sure whether to be hurt or appreciative of that, so they simply don’t question it and lean their head against the wall behind them. “I suppose..it is likely,” they say quietly. “And.. And when it does, Ekmeros…” Mallon trails off, closing their eye for a split second before slowly turning to look at Hannah again.

“I am sorry. About your powers.” As their energy returns, slowly, it seems some of the anger begins to as well. They add, rather harshly, “We will find a way to end this.” @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:57 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I hope we can. But I don't know what I can do to help- not without... Bonaparte.." Hannah sighed. "Urgh- if I hadn't requested to "leave" early- I wouldn't have lost them at all.." @em | enya + mallon

[6:32 PM]em | enya + mallon:

“Nothing can change that now,” Mallon says simply. It’s not exactly the most comforting, but evidently they seem to think it is. “I am. Admittedly. Not used to the idea. But those of us left with..with our abilities, we will help you and the rest.” Abruptly they stand, legs shaking a little bit as they balance themself with a hand on the wall for a second before straightening up. “We should go. Those creatures may return.” @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:52 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Careful-" Hannah said and quickly stood up and put her arm under theirs to keep them steady. "I don't- really know where we could go to that would be safe..." @em | enya + mallon

[1:15 PM]em | enya + mallon:

For a split second Mallon’s immediate instinct is to yank their arm away, but luckily their brain catches up in time and leaves them with only a slight twitch instead. They’re still a little bit disoriented, but the contact is surprisingly helping. It’s a new experience for them. “I don’t either. But not here,” they emphasize, resisting the urge to glance back at the arena doors behind them. A few moments of thought follow, then, “We share a room. Perhaps there first.” @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[1:26 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"..." Hannah stared off in to the distance.. when Titania was in there earlier.... ".. Maybe somewhere else.. That's- I mean, if the guards are gonna come after me for escaping, they'll probably be checking my room." @em | enya + mallon

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

“Oh.” They hadn’t thought of that. “I suppose you are right.” Mallon frowns, absentmindedly scratching at the dried blood on their shoulder as shells cover the wound again. “Hmm. Nowhere is really safe I assume. You..escaped?” They seem to have only just now realized that Hannah mentioning she’d asked to leave early meant that she’d been taken. “With the rest or on your own?” @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[2:06 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Uhhh- yeah, me and everyone from the dungeons got out last night." Hannah nodded. "It was a whole thing. Roque threw Peregrine at a guard, then she drank said guard's blood... There was a tree.. It was a lot." @em | enya + mallon

[8:16 AM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon doesn’t recognize either of the two names, but they nod along like they do. “I..see. I am glad you are all back.” Their shoulders droop slightly, though, as they add quietly, “I can only hope the same did not befall Ekmeros because of my actions.” @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:58 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. Well, considering your fight just happened, I don't think they'd put Ekmeros in the dungeon after we all broke out.. We kind of left the place in shambles.." Hannah said. "And from what I could hear about you two from out here- I gotta be honest, he kind of deserved to get his ass kicked and lose his powers for all that crap." @em | enya + mallon

[9:57 AM]em | enya + mallon:

“I should have never come,” Mallon mutters. “Zerada was right. I was a fool to think he would listen.” They hesitate, though. “He… I do not think he deserved it, though.” They’re quiet for a bit after that.

Thinking about losing powers, though, has them finally making a connection that they probably should have clocked earlier. “You..mentioned Bonaparte, before,” they start carefully, hating the thought that they already might know the answer. “Is he..?” @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:16 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"He thought Ryunoske was lying about everything- I can't forgive him for that. He refused to listen to anything.." Hannah huffed. Her grip tightened on Mallon a little. ".. Ah.. he's.. I don't know, I really don't know. I hope he can come back when I get my powers back but.. I don't know how he could survive being just a tooth without my connection to him.." @em | enya + mallon

[10:28 AM]em | enya + mallon:

That’s better than they’d hoped, at least. Mallon shifts slightly so that they can rest a hand on Hannah’s shoulder—it’s not quite a hug, but it’s closer. “I am sorry,” they say quietly. “We will find him. I can promise you I will help with that. He is a fighter like us. He will hang on.” @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:36 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. it's already been so long and- I gave Ryunoske my necklace to hold on to because I thought Bonaparte would be sad about what I did to Roy-.. I didn't think my powers would get taken.." @em | enya + mallon

[3:58 PM]em | enya + mallon:

“He would be safer with Ryunoske than with Yeonaixho,” Mallon points out, blissfully unaware of anything taking place in the laboratory at the moment. “You cannot blame yourself for that.” @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[6:11 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. True.." Hannah said. "But.. I'm glad I still have you. Someone who likes sharks like I do. That's nice. It was really fun to hunt with you." @em | enya + mallon

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

Mallon’s surprised—pleasantly so—at how nice that is to hear. A smile slowly grows on their face, a genuine one. “I am glad of that too. Truly. I.. I have rarely ever hunted with anyone before. I think it is something I could get used to.”

Unfortunately, though..the moment is cut short by the sudden bright white glow emanating through the entire arena. Mallon freezes, their grip tightening ever so slightly. “What is that.” @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:34 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"We should-..." Hannah also paused to stare at the light. It looked like it was coming from the graveyard- somewhere they'd have to pass by to get out of this area. She stayed silent, for far longer than Mallon had.

".. Do you think we can climb the wall out of here..? I- I don't want to go that way.." Hannah whispered, trembling slightly. @em | enya + mallon

[10:48 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon frowns, tensing as they try and remember the layout. “I believe the..the gardens and such; they are on the other side of the arena,” they reply, hurrying to the arena gates to peer through. No sign of zombies at the moment. “We could cut through.” @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

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

"We could but-.. Where do we go? We're stuck on this stupid island- i-i can't-.. I can't swim away.." Hannah let out a shaky sigh and looked Mallon in the eye. "You should leave. While you still can. There's nothing stopping you from swimming away. You were thriving in this water." @em | enya + mallon

[6:51 AM]em | enya + mallon:

“We arrived here on a boat, there must be—“ Mallon stops in their tracks at Hannah’s suggestion, a brief expression of something akin to guilt crossing their face. “I had..thought of that,” they admit, staring down at the floor. “And perhaps who I was before coming here would have. But it is more..complicated now. I am not sure if I could live with that.” @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[6:54 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"If I could, I totally would have after the whole dungeon thing.. My nerves have been going crazy this whole time.." Hannah said. "Let's just-.. Go back to the docks and find that boat. We'll have to go near the graveyard if we don't hop the wall to the outskirts, but maybe they won't notice us.." @em | enya + mallon

[7:10 AM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon slowly nods after a moment. “Going to the docks sounds like a good start. We can try and cross the wall then if you think that will help?” They peer into the arena for a final zombie check. Still empty, but eerie. “We should move quick.” @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[7:12 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah thought for a bit.

".. Maybe if we just run really fast past the graveyard they won't be able to catch up. The zombies are pretty slow, right..?" @em | enya + mallon

[7:17 AM]em | enya + mallon:

“Slow,” Mallon agrees, “but persistent. They..They did not stop, not until they took Ekmeros. But they did not attack me directly either.” @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[7:18 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Then running should be fine. As long as they don't chase us out all the way to the docks.." Hannah nodded. She let go of Mallon so they'd be able to go faster. "Then we're just.. making a run for it?" @em | enya + mallon

[8:49 AM]em | enya + mallon:

“Making a run for it,” Mallon repeats. “Let’s go.” @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:53 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah nodded and off they ran..