Thankfully this is not going to be one of those cases though. The thing that caused it to give him so much distress the last few months and refuse to heal--the dark and the sinister that boils because of the light and festers--it's no longer in him. Or he no longer is it? And leaves him feeling far more clear-headed than he can recall feeling in... what feels like forever. Who knows how attempting to heal an injury that was that dark presence raging against the wound from Innocence--what one at least wants to believe is the good and the light--could have provoked it. He'd balk and backtrack to no end then out of fear of inadvertently hurting her then. And for a moment he reflexively does brace a bit when she reaches out, lips pressed together. But when nothing reacts.. he breathes out a little. Relieved, and also looking curious as skin begins to knit and the feathers let loose and dissipate, fading away like they were never there.
Incredible.. and he blinks for a moment, feeling contritely grateful as well. He really will owe her, troubling her like this... ]
Then, with your hands you can heal something just like that...?
[ That's... really nice, actually. An amazing sort of power. ]
[Mipha lets out a small breath of relief--it's working, apparently, which is the most she could have hoped for here. She can't help but smile, pleased with herself and her powers, trying not to think too hard about the feathers falling off of him like he's molting.
She tells herself it's not too different from Revali or the Rito, but that's...a big lie, even for her to believe.
She glances up at the question and smiles faintly, nodding.] Yes. From what I understand, I'm the only one of my people, or in my world, with this ability. Here there are others who can do this just as well or even better, but I still like to do my part where I can.
I work at the Sanctuary, actually--A clinic in the town. If you're ever in need of healing again, please visit there.
[ Light probably wouldn't want her giving out his name willy nilly, since it's so unique... Then again, things are so different here that she wonders if it really even is a problem to begin with. She doesn't want to draw suspicion by avoiding an answer. Just to be safe: ]
His name is Yagami! [ She seems to brighten up even more at the mention of him, smile wide. ] He's just a regular person like me, but if Misa can wake up, he definitely can.
..not that I know of. [ He says it with a bit of a sheepish smile, but—there's something a little pained about it. Not like he's sad about that exactly, but..
Like it does grip so heavily at his heart. ]
It's probably for the best. [ Breezy and light, softspoken with such sincerity it's easy to overlook the fast it's probably from trying to shrug off something painful. ]
With everything that's happened, for some people it might be better to wake up a little later.[ When maybe things would be in such a way where they—at least the person(s) he first thinks of when Misa asks that—wouldn't grieve what was lost so sharply.
And after he's figured out if it's okay for him to see them again. ]
Urk, that's right. In that virtual memory he hadn't... he still believed things had been like that, that he was just looking for that man. ]
No, I'm... [ afraid he was supposed to be dead this whole time and his believing that man was still alive in virtual reality was a horrible cruel way to cater to his admittedly pretty fragile psyche at the time, and yet-- ]
--afraid he's still asleep. Although in a sense I guess that means I did. [ Come face to face with his dead master, alive and waiting the day he'd wake up again as a living, breathing punch to the gut for Allen. Hopefully Sorey will forgive the somewhat wincing smile; the kind that's a little painful to look at because of how much it hurts--
But it's like he's reminded himself he has to smile anyway. ]
Have many of your friends woken yet, Sorey...?
[ He says it lightly, like just making polite and friend conversation--and not him trying to carefully step around something painful. ]
[ How did they get here??? Sorey didn’t expect such a pained response from Allen, who had seemed so... otherwise optimistic? before. Yet, here they are, one of them wearing the most forcefully-summoned smile one could ever imagine. The kind that prompts Sorey to want to give him a hug, though he refrains. For now.
And, just like that, in one exchanged question, they’re both on the emotional ropes here. ]
...One did. [ Sorey breathes in deeply and then out -- enough to show a visible shift in his chest and shoulders -- and summons a bittersweet smile. ]
He’s back to sleep now though, with all the others. Has been for about three weeks. [ But who's counting?
There. Now they both have things they’ve tiptoed around and would rather avoid going into great detail about! Nice, level territory. So then, a topic change? Yes pls topic change. ]
So! Have you... found your housemates yet?
[ Let’s talk about that instead of emotionally gut-punching ourselves. ]
[ Actually, now that she thinks about it, his logic is kind of right. Now she's thinking about how much of an advantage she is at that she woke up first out of any of the people she knew. ]
I think I get what you mean! [ She pulls her jacket around herself, leaning her head to one side. ] There's some people Misa isn't ready to talk to yet. And other people might not like the situation here...but they will probably wake up eventually.
[ Well, in her opinion, there's no use sitting around fussing about it. While the men around her in her life prefer to calculate every possible outcome, Misa is more inclined to adapt, to prepare for (and accept) the situation that is most realistic. Her head returns to it's original place, hair swaying and framing her face perfectly again. ]
When they do, Misa will be able to help them! And you will be able to too.
[ Once a sad tragic shounen, always a sad tragic shounen. Especially one whose mask is that painfully stitched-together smile.
Allen looks a bit surprised to hear that however, and his expression smooths. Did...? They could fall back asleep and have to be put back in stasis? That's.. really unnerving, honestly. As if things couldn't get more uncertain. ]
I'm sorry.. [ It's automatic, reflexive as it is genuine, and he gives a small shake of his head at the question. ]
Not yet. [ And, frowning lightly, he looks down and picks at his nametag again for a moment. ] It's house... 114, I believe?
[ It's fine, Mipha... if you ever see his Innocence fully invoked you'll understand why there are lots of feathers always. Or at least there seem to be more and more of them these days. ]
Sanctuary? [ He blinks a bit at that, making note of it for later. That was nice, maybe it's a bit like the clinic the Order had; something like that seems like it would suit her...
Is he poking a little at his stomach where the wound used to be? Yes, yes he is. It's still scarred from how long he was walking around with it trying to heal itself, but not nearly as badly as it would have been otherwise. Still!! Even in his world something like that is really pretty incredible!! ]
That's amazing.. thank you. [ poke poke
Actually no, he looks up then, immediately a bit more clear-eyed and earnest. ]
Please, if there's anything I can do—I'm not sure how I can help but I'm good with odd sorts of jobs.
[ But after three weeks of telling himself that, the boy practically needs an air compressor to keep those hopes afloat. Anyway. Moving on! ]
You must be way across town from me! I’m house 13.
[ And he’s not making any concrete offers here, but-- ]
Well, if things don't work out -- or if you're ever in my neighborhood and need a place to stay for any reason -- we’ve got an open bedroom for the time being.
[ He’s not inviting you to permanently sleep in Mikleo’s bed, Allen -- he’s not, not any more than this is an invitation into his own -- but... frankly, he’s not sure when the vacant space will be put to use again otherwise, so... it may as well be warmed by someone, right? ]
[ The sheer irony of this conversation now hurts my soul.
But Sorey, that... honestly catches Allen by complete surprise. He is a kind and generous person himself, though perhaps that is also why it strikes him so much, but... you've only just actually met him in the real and true world and without even knowing that much about him—just offered to let him stay if his roommates suck? Which spoilers, they (he) will: until he falls ill or asleep and is put back in stasis. Which is admittedly blissful to Allen —
— until he realizes how lonely that is again. ]
Everyone is... [ he cuts off, not knowing how to continue. what does he say to that ]
— it really is a community, huh? [ Why does he seem a little haunted by that idea? And like it threatens to close his throat over. ]
Thank you. [ Just. What else could he possibly say to that? His throat won't let him.
Not that it's an offer he's likely to take up for not wanting to be a bother, but still. ]
Sure, yeah, they did just meet for real, outside of... whatever the hell that whole thing before was (let them never speak of it again). But even without his ability to detect malevolence (and also purify it), Sorey thinks he’s seen enough people of every variety and walk of life here, there, and everywhere to know a genuinely good one when he sees one. Anyway, seriously, where’s the harm in an offer? It’s not like the former Shepherd of Glenwood is helpless to defend himself, should something craaaazy happen. He can handle it! He’s got his big boy pants on now.
To the comment, Sorey considers for a moment, cupping his chin in thought. ] I guess in some way it is, yeah! I’ve met a lot of people here, and everyone’s been friendly and helpful.
[ Even the friend who pulls a gun on him all the time. Yes, this includes you, Sanzo. THAT’S RIGHT HE CALLED YOU HELPFUL. DEAL WITH IT. ]
You’re welcome! And don’t feel obligated, just know that my door’s always open.
[ Still smiling warmly, he puts his hands on his hips for a moment and lets his eyes scan over the crowds. ]
So, you think you’ll go back to work here as a traveling performer?
sorry for delay!! the whole being let go panic and massive job hunt thing...
[ It's just.. unexpected. And incredibly warming. Most people outside of the Order had found him unsettling, after all. Not someone they'd extend a warm invitation to. And it's why he finds himself unsure of how even to really respond to it.
You're a good person, Sorey. Almost strangely so. It isn't something he's likely to forget, and why he is a touch awestruck. ]
Ah... [ That's right. What is he to do now, if all of his reasons for what he did before don't really exist anymore. ]
I hadn't really thought about it, but I guess so? [ it's a decent way to scrape enough money together to survive and gamble with, but also... ]
Even with everything being what it is — I can't imagine that much would have changed.
It's nice, being able to make people smile.
[ Especially when everything else has gone to hell and nothing else really makes sense anymore. ]
oh no i must've missed that! D: i hope you're ok!!
[ He’s not unsettling!! Sorey can even forgo the peculiar mark on his face, though it is a point of curiosity he desperately wants to inquire about. Bless his good manners for ensuring he absolutely does not do that. And as much as Allen thinks this peculiarly-kind associate of his is a good person, the inverse is most definitely true on Sorey’s end. Allen is a good bean in the other’s book, as well.
On the note of making people smile, here -- have one from this former Shepherd, though it’s pretty much his semi-permanent state of being, (out of combat, that is). ]
I’m sure you do that all the time.
[ Wow was that a pass made at Allen???
Naaah... Sorey’s too pure for flirting.
...Isn’t he? ]
Glad to hear you’ll be picking it back up! Normalcy is... something a lot of us really don’t have anymore, after coming here. It’s good that you’re able to hang onto something familiar.
[ Hey, that makes him think of something: that roving, fluffy tumor he had roaming around the inside of his parka... was that part of the virtual reality, too? ]
By the way, didn’t you have a, um... [ he scratches his cheek a moment ] ...I think you called him ‘Tim’? Is he okay?
1/2 I didn't talk about it in lieu of scrambling to fix things lmks. I HAVE A TEMP JOB FOR NOW im ok
[ LET US BE GLAD THAT ALLEN IS LIKEWISE PUR— no he isn't but he's also so disinterested in that sort of thing and Sorey's such a guilelessly nice sort of person it would never even occur to Allen. Yes. Let's be grateful for that.
Especially with just how much his expression suddenly falls at that and he's a bit crestfallen. ]
Ah.. [ He actually wasn't — prepared for that. Anyone asking about Tim. Who would know, after all? But that's right, somehow his mind had stitched together that dog version of Tim in the vision...
Sorey would remember and ask about him. Of course he would. Shit... ]
[ Smile, Allen Walker. Smile and just shrug it off. ]
No, I... don't suppose they had Tim in mind for who they'd try to save from the Storm, would they? [ Everyone in a pod — they were human, after all. Humanoid. He's trying to smile through saying that. Really, he is. It isn't like Sorey even ever actually met the real Timcanpy, right? Wouldn't be someone who would have missed him.
It's just very hard to. Threatens to stick in his throat like a bone; the loss of his only constant companion. ]
I'm not sure what happened to him.
[ He won't choke up in front of someone he barely even knows, no matter how understanding a person they are. He won't. Just... it kills him a little as well. ]
... that might be the first time he's ever heard that. That it was solely because of him and something he did. And she might catch him staring for a second before he blinks and catches himself. ]
...mn! [ And catches himself, but with such a smile then too. Lit up, with an soft sort of laugh. Like he can't quite believe that. ]
There are some things you just don't do with Exorcists. Not when their reflexes are as hair-trigger as they are. Allen would be dead so many times over it wouldn't even be funny and there wouldn't be a manga. Which is to say that despite the blanky confused sort of look when there's a mouth suddenly pressed against his neck.. ]
[ ..his countenance also shifts on a dime as soon as he feels those fangs. Never fear, you won't have to worry about your legs or slump to the ground! Because Allen is going to fist his shirt rather roughly and, with a lot more ease than someone with his build should have—swings him up to arms-length and holds him aloft. He would have thrown him too, but... is too afraid he might hurt the guy?
Although he kinda looks equal parts irritated, panicked, and worried about it. What is with!!! people trying to bite him!!! ]
Look I'm sorry but — ! You can't just go and try to bite someone like that!!! It's alarming!
[ HUFFING — and losing his steam, he kind of feels like the bully somehow.. ]
[ For a moment, Reign could feel himself sliding down to the floor, but the next instant had his feet touching thin air instead. He flailed and panicked, wondering what just happened as his gloved hands came up to grip onto Allen's wrists.
As strong as Reign may be, lack of blood in his system made him weak. Then again, Allen likely was a lot stronger than him too. Welp, he just made his potential meal angry. Pissed off. Kinda. Reign let out more whines, not really even fighting to escape. He was just... hungry! ]
I don't usually... S-sorry? The Orbiters said something about synthetic blood...?
[ Reign waved his hand around them, indicating somewhere in the kitchen that had such supplies for him. ]
Blinking a bit for a moment, Allen pauses before... slowly lowering him to the ground. Gently after all, if not still pretty skeptical. Although he won't let go entirely, just because he does kind of look like he needs to be steadied... ]
Synthetic...? [ he could think about that but — is gonna opt not to. fantasy horror Victorian and all that ]
Here. [ It's a little brusque still from Close Encounters of the fanged kind, but more for bluster than anything. ] I can try and help you find some, okay?
[ He's going to focus on the "Orbiters have provided the food-thing I need" and not the "IT'S BLOOD" part, ok. ]
[ Reign usually didn't apologise. At least not to humans. But Allen didn't feel like a human, and Reign was learning about accepting equality between vampires and humans. He was learning!
He let out a breath once his feet touched the ground, somewhat grateful that Allen was still holding onto him, thinking that the other was trying to keep him upright. Well, not wrong either. Reign nodded eagerly, pleased that Allen was finally agreeing to help. ]
Ah, thank you. I just woke up, so everything is a bit... [ Waving both hands around, shrugging his shoulders. ] I wish I know where... the blood is kept. Synthetic blood, that is. [ Maybe he should stop mentioning the word. ]
[ If Reign hadn't been as weakened and alarmed his fight-or-flight response anymore he might have found out just how borderline human Allen was, an explosion of ethereal feathers and holy spiritual energy along with all the rest, but he keeps a tight grip on his Innocence and invoking it unless a situation absolutely demands it
But he deflates at that and breathes out, a little sulkily but with no real ire towards Reign — and opts to loop an arm around his shoulders to help keep him up and steer him towards the kitchens. ]
I'm not sure either, but we can take a look. [ Because certainly, he can understand waking up famished! But, um... ... he's going to stop before thinking about it any further. Ferid used to just stare lustily at his neck for hours at a time after all and Allen did a bang-up job of not dwelling on why that might be. ]
[ Perhaps later, when Reign had his fill of a full meal, he could get to know the white-haired young man a little better. Right now, he was just really, really hungry. Not to the point of losing control of himself, but enough to scare people with his pale zombie-faced features.
Reign leaned against Allen gratefully, letting himself be lead deeper into the kitchen. ]
I wish they told me where specifically it was kept.
[ Then Reign could have just headed straight for it instead of latching onto the first person he came across. At the introduction, Reign directed a smile at Allen, fangs showing and all. Hah. ] Nice to meet you, Allen. I'm Reign.
That you're a dead man walking...that you're invisible to everyone around you and that you probably would be better off dead.
[Yikes.]
But...you're not dead...so you pass through life existing on the fringes, not really knowing how to live. Wanting to reach out and touch others...to connect...but you can't. It's frustrating.
[ He's honestly a little dumbfounded and looks it. Although not in the looking-at-you-like-you're-crazy way. More like, that in hearing him say that... it's haunting. Settling in front of the other boy in a loose kneel and with his eyes widened slightly in surprise —
— even if that surprise curbs a moment later. Flickery with something that borders too closely on understanding. Sympathy, even if that alone makes him hesitate quite hard.
That you probably would be better off dead. ]
...sometimes.
[ It's quiet. Soft, because... he really is too drunk, isn't he?
That makes it a little easier somehow. To just kneel in front of him, arms crossed loosely over his knee. And know he probably won't remember it later. ]
Sometimes I think it would be better if nobody had known me, because then they wouldn't be sad when I was gone. Because I know even if they might be sad, they'll be fine still without me. [ Then they wouldn't be hurt because of him. ] Except..
...no one is better off dead. Even when they are a ghost. [ An akuma.
As that's how Slaine is talking now. ]
Even a ghost still exists in the world because someone still cares for them, right?
[A restless spirit, yearning to be remembered, clinging to whatever worldly emotions or physical attachments it might've once had when alive. Sometimes Slaine feels like this, feels like said spirit, wandering through life tied down only by the dedication he has toward a singular individual, and the desperate desire he has to have something fulfilled and validated by them.
His head droops as he sits on the edge of the mattress, feeling a sudden sting at the corner of his eyes. He feels sick. His very own existence makes him feel ill.]
..I don't know. [ Speaking low and softly, so kindly but with such weight, it's almost like he's just surprised himself. Because maybe he has, given it isn't really until Slaine so plainly asks that it's ever something he would have really thought about that way
Probably for not really wanting to consider what he'd done for so many years after killing Mana and so utterly destroying the one person who'd ever been nice to him. ]
But I think... [ the winter he was ten, screaming until he had no voice and wishing he was dead ] ..it gets easier. When you find a way to make it mean something, all that pain—when you can find a reason to keep existing because of it..
He thinks about Asseylum, the only positive force in his life for quite some time. The only person who would smile at him and show him kindness. It was to her he'd devoted his life, tried to make his existence mean something for her. She'd rescued him, after all. Saved his life. In turn he found it only suitable that he do the same for her.
But in the end it hadn't meant anything. His loyalty had landed him nearly tortured to death and despite everything he'd gone through for her...in the end she'd been shot and now, much like she was back before Mars and everything else had been eradicated, she was still in a pod, in stasis, waiting to wake up.
If she ever would wake up.
But she wasn't the only reason...not anymore. There was Yona who showed him kindness, who made him feel special. She made him laugh and smile, told him over and over it was okay to be who he was. Not even Asseylum had given him the same level of validation that she had.
He just can't help but worry that it's all too good to be true and that eventually she'll leave him, that he'll be alone again.]
[ He did but didn’t realize he’d been being followed. It’s kind of like when he was in China. If you’re in the deep forest and you feel like someone watching you it’s pretty creepy certainly, but you kind of figure it’s a panda animal… and the jungle kind of pings his nerves constantly that way. Too many things here...
So he blinks and only jumps a little when he finally notices a, ah--wolf? (… that’s not a normal wolf??) seems to melt out from the underbrush, clearly… is she following him? ]
…
[ Quite normally and blase, like a dog almost might, and without a single ounce of hostility.
Wondering for a moment if maybe he’s been in the jungle too long and he’s imagining things, he brushes that aside and kneels down to be more on her level. With curiosity and, well--a slightly lopsided sort of (nervous) smile. ]
Hi there. [ ? He’s not imagining things and his face isn’t about to be torn off, right… ]
Blinking for a second at that first, Allen cocks his head to the side then and smiles. The small and gentle kind that still lights up your whole face even if you’re not exactly happy, like a soft sort of laugh under his breath that’s both in relief and maybe a little bittersweet. Haa…
(Hating himself…)
He reaches out and pats Slaine lightly on the shoulder then, beginning to stand. ]
“This” being how there’s a small curl of light that begins with a glowing cross-like shape under his glove and seems to snake up his left arm, like feathers of light unfurling. That catch and snag at his shoulder and wrap down rapidly as a downy white cloak--and leave his left arm suddenly as a distinctly inhuman and bladelike black and gold claw.
(It’s not something she would have seen even in fleeing hungry dragons. He has his standards for when he actually invokes his Innocence but now seems as good a time as any.)
(She also may or may not have a bit of a facefull of ethereal feathers from the front of the cowl. It’s ok they only tickle a little, mostly they’re almost weirdly soft.)
(Also she might be staring right at his mask since it does hang around his collar. Look Yona… he’s pretty weird.) ]
This. [ Still soft-spoke and gentle. And yet with some almost coy sort of edge then, gaze slanting at the vines upwards with an expression of much more focused intent.
Probably because a second later the cloak around them would seem to harden--and explodes outward in a series of piercing spikes that rip through the willow.
[Oh! He's stopped, she blinks up at him as he considers her, and when he goes to kneel, greets her, she drops her ears and steps over to him to do the same.
Before him, in the front, he gets twitching whiskers and black nose, neck stretching outwards as if to reach him but not taking a step closer until he indicates it's all right. In the back, an oscillating tail. Hello!]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
September intro
Mipha
Thankfully this is not going to be one of those cases though. The thing that caused it to give him so much distress the last few months and refuse to heal--the dark and the sinister that boils because of the light and festers--it's no longer in him. Or he no longer is it? And leaves him feeling far more clear-headed than he can recall feeling in... what feels like forever. Who knows how attempting to heal an injury that was that dark presence raging against the wound from Innocence--what one at least wants to believe is the good and the light--could have provoked it. He'd balk and backtrack to no end then out of fear of inadvertently hurting her then. And for a moment he reflexively does brace a bit when she reaches out, lips pressed together. But when nothing reacts.. he breathes out a little. Relieved, and also looking curious as skin begins to knit and the feathers let loose and dissipate, fading away like they were never there.
Incredible.. and he blinks for a moment, feeling contritely grateful as well. He really will owe her, troubling her like this... ]
Then, with your hands you can heal something just like that...?
[ That's... really nice, actually. An amazing sort of power. ]
Misa
Not really. His Victorian moralities are a little... skewed. It's just a little odd to him state so
presumptuouslybluntly like that.. ]Ah? That would be nice. [ ever polite though ]
Who is he?
no subject
She tells herself it's not too different from Revali or the Rito, but that's...a big lie, even for her to believe.
She glances up at the question and smiles faintly, nodding.] Yes. From what I understand, I'm the only one of my people, or in my world, with this ability. Here there are others who can do this just as well or even better, but I still like to do my part where I can.
I work at the Sanctuary, actually--A clinic in the town. If you're ever in need of healing again, please visit there.
no subject
[ Light probably wouldn't want her giving out his name willy nilly, since it's so unique... Then again, things are so different here that she wonders if it really even is a problem to begin with. She doesn't want to draw suspicion by avoiding an answer. Just to be safe: ]
His name is Yagami! [ She seems to brighten up even more at the mention of him, smile wide. ] He's just a regular person like me, but if Misa can wake up, he definitely can.
Are any of your friends awake here, Allen?
1/2
Ah— [ oh. realizing what she asked then. ]
2/2
Like it does grip so heavily at his heart. ]
It's probably for the best. [ Breezy and light, softspoken with such sincerity it's easy to overlook the fast it's probably from trying to shrug off something painful. ]
With everything that's happened, for some people it might be better to wake up a little later.[ When maybe things would be in such a way where they—at least the person(s) he first thinks of when Misa asks that—wouldn't grieve what was lost so sharply.
And after he's figured out if it's okay for him to see them again. ]
Sorey
Urk, that's right. In that virtual memory he hadn't... he still believed things had been like that, that he was just looking for that man. ]
No, I'm... [ afraid he was supposed to be dead this whole time and his believing that man was still alive in virtual reality was a horrible cruel way to cater to his
admittedly pretty fragilepsyche at the time, and yet-- ]--afraid he's still asleep. Although in a sense I guess that means I did. [ Come face to face with his dead master, alive and waiting the day he'd wake up again as a living, breathing punch to the gut for Allen. Hopefully Sorey will forgive the somewhat wincing smile; the kind that's a little painful to look at because of how much it hurts--
But it's like he's reminded himself he has to smile anyway. ]
Have many of your friends woken yet, Sorey...?
[ He says it lightly, like just making polite and friend conversation--and not him trying to carefully step around something painful. ]
no subject
For now.And, just like that, in one exchanged question, they’re both on the emotional ropes here. ]
...One did. [ Sorey breathes in deeply and then out -- enough to show a visible shift in his chest and shoulders -- and summons a bittersweet smile. ]
He’s back to sleep now though, with all the others. Has been for about three weeks. [ But who's counting?
There. Now they both have things they’ve tiptoed around and would rather avoid going into great detail about! Nice, level territory. So then, a topic change? Yes pls topic change. ]
So! Have you... found your housemates yet?
[ Let’s talk about that instead of emotionally gut-punching ourselves. ]
no subject
I think I get what you mean! [ She pulls her jacket around herself, leaning her head to one side. ] There's some people Misa isn't ready to talk to yet. And other people might not like the situation here...but they will probably wake up eventually.
[ Well, in her opinion, there's no use sitting around fussing about it. While the men around her in her life prefer to calculate every possible outcome, Misa is more inclined to adapt, to prepare for (and accept) the situation that is most realistic. Her head returns to it's original place, hair swaying and framing her face perfectly again. ]
When they do, Misa will be able to help them! And you will be able to too.
no subject
Allen looks a bit surprised to hear that however, and his expression smooths. Did...? They could fall back asleep and have to be put back in stasis? That's.. really unnerving, honestly. As if things couldn't get more uncertain. ]
I'm sorry.. [ It's automatic, reflexive as it is genuine, and he gives a small shake of his head at the question. ]
Not yet. [ And, frowning lightly, he looks down and picks at his nametag again for a moment. ] It's house... 114, I believe?
no subject
Sanctuary? [ He blinks a bit at that, making note of it for later. That was nice, maybe it's a bit like the clinic the Order had; something like that seems like it would suit her...
Is he poking a little at his stomach where the wound used to be? Yes, yes he is. It's still scarred from how long he was walking around with it trying to heal itself, but not nearly as badly as it would have been otherwise. Still!! Even in his world something like that is really pretty incredible!! ]
That's amazing.. thank you. [ poke poke
Actually no, he looks up then, immediately a bit more clear-eyed and earnest. ]
Please, if there's anything I can do—I'm not sure how I can help but I'm good with odd sorts of jobs.
[ to put it mildly ]
no subject
You're welcome. I'm just glad to help, and that you're alright. [She shakes her head though, looking a bit embarrassed by the praise and everything]
But really, do not worry yourself. I enjoy helping and I did it because I wanted to, so there's nothing you should feel the need to repay.
no subject
[ But after three weeks of telling himself that, the boy practically needs an air compressor to keep those hopes afloat. Anyway. Moving on! ]
You must be way across town from me! I’m house 13.
[ And he’s not making any concrete offers here, but-- ]
Well, if things don't work out -- or if you're ever in my neighborhood and need a place to stay for any reason -- we’ve got an open bedroom for the time being.
[ He’s not inviting you to permanently sleep in Mikleo’s bed, Allen -- he’s not, not any more than this is an invitation into his own -- but... frankly, he’s not sure when the vacant space will be put to use again otherwise, so... it may as well be warmed by someone, right? ]
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But Sorey, that... honestly catches Allen by complete surprise. He is a kind and generous person himself, though perhaps that is also why it strikes him so much, but... you've only just actually met him in the real and true world and without even knowing that much about him—just offered to let him stay if his roommates suck? Which spoilers, they (he) will: until he falls ill or asleep and is put back in stasis. Which is admittedly blissful to Allen —
— until he realizes how lonely that is again. ]
Everyone is... [ he cuts off, not knowing how to continue. what does he say to that ]
— it really is a community, huh? [ Why does he seem a little haunted by that idea? And like it threatens to close his throat over. ]
Thank you. [ Just. What else could he possibly say to that? His throat won't let him.
Not that it's an offer he's likely to take up for not wanting to be a bother, but still. ]
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Sure, yeah, they did just meet for real, outside of... whatever the hell that whole thing before was (let them never speak of it again). But even without his ability to detect malevolence (and also purify it), Sorey thinks he’s seen enough people of every variety and walk of life here, there, and everywhere to know a genuinely good one when he sees one. Anyway, seriously, where’s the harm in an offer? It’s not like the former Shepherd of Glenwood is helpless to defend himself, should something craaaazy happen. He can handle it!
He’s got his big boy pants on now.To the comment, Sorey considers for a moment, cupping his chin in thought. ] I guess in some way it is, yeah! I’ve met a lot of people here, and everyone’s been friendly and helpful.
[ Even the friend who pulls a gun on him all the time. Yes, this includes you, Sanzo. THAT’S RIGHT HE CALLED YOU HELPFUL. DEAL WITH IT. ]
You’re welcome! And don’t feel obligated, just know that my door’s always open.
[ Still smiling warmly, he puts his hands on his hips for a moment and lets his eyes scan over the crowds. ]
So, you think you’ll go back to work here as a traveling performer?
sorry for delay!! the whole being let go panic and massive job hunt thing...
You're a good person, Sorey. Almost strangely so. It isn't something he's likely to forget, and why he is a touch awestruck. ]
Ah... [ That's right. What is he to do now, if all of his reasons for what he did before don't really exist anymore. ]
I hadn't really thought about it, but I guess so? [ it's a decent way to scrape enough money together to survive
and gamble with, but also... ]Even with everything being what it is — I can't imagine that much would have changed.
It's nice, being able to make people smile.
[ Especially when everything else has gone to hell and nothing else really makes sense anymore. ]
oh no i must've missed that! D: i hope you're ok!!
On the note of making people smile, here -- have one from this former Shepherd, though it’s pretty much his semi-permanent state of being, (out of combat, that is). ]
I’m sure you do that all the time.
[ Wow was that a pass made at Allen???
Naaah... Sorey’s too pure for flirting.
...Isn’t he? ]
Glad to hear you’ll be picking it back up! Normalcy is... something a lot of us really don’t have anymore, after coming here. It’s good that you’re able to hang onto something familiar.
[ Hey, that makes him think of something: that roving, fluffy tumor he had roaming around the inside of his parka... was that part of the virtual reality, too? ]
By the way, didn’t you have a, um... [ he scratches his cheek a moment ] ...I think you called him ‘Tim’? Is he okay?
1/2 I didn't talk about it in lieu of scrambling to fix things lmks. I HAVE A TEMP JOB FOR NOW im ok
Especially with just how much his expression suddenly falls at that and he's a bit crestfallen. ]
Ah.. [ He actually wasn't — prepared for that. Anyone asking about Tim. Who would know, after all? But that's right, somehow his mind had stitched together that dog version of Tim in the vision...
Sorey would remember and ask about him. Of course he would. Shit... ]
2/2
No, I... don't suppose they had Tim in mind for who they'd try to save from the Storm, would they? [ Everyone in a pod — they were human, after all. Humanoid. He's trying to smile through saying that. Really, he is. It isn't like Sorey even ever actually met the real Timcanpy, right? Wouldn't be someone who would have missed him.
It's just very hard to. Threatens to stick in his throat like a bone; the loss of his only constant companion. ]
I'm not sure what happened to him.
[ He won't choke up in front of someone he barely even knows, no matter how understanding a person they are. He won't. Just... it kills him a little as well. ]
End of the Epidemic log
Lux
You know, despite for being a circus performer...
... that might be the first time he's ever heard that. That it was solely because of him and something he did. And she might catch him staring for a second before he blinks and catches himself. ]
...mn! [ And catches himself, but with such a smile then too. Lit up, with an soft sort of laugh. Like he can't quite believe that. ]
I'm glad.
November TDM
Reign
[ Reign
Reign
There are some things you just don't do with Exorcists. Not when their reflexes are as hair-trigger as they are. Allen would be dead so many times over it wouldn't even be funny and there wouldn't be a manga. Which is to say that despite the blanky confused sort of look when there's a mouth suddenly pressed against his neck.. ]
2/2
Although he kinda looks equal parts irritated, panicked, and worried about it. What is with!!! people trying to bite him!!! ]
Look I'm sorry but — ! You can't just go and try to bite someone like that!!! It's alarming!
[ HUFFING — and losing his steam, he kind of feels like the bully somehow.. ]
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As strong as Reign may be, lack of blood in his system made him weak. Then again, Allen likely was a lot stronger than him too. Welp, he just made his potential meal angry. Pissed off. Kinda. Reign let out more whines, not really even fighting to escape. He was just... hungry! ]
I don't usually... S-sorry? The Orbiters said something about synthetic blood...?
[ Reign waved his hand around them, indicating somewhere in the kitchen that had such supplies for him. ]
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Blinking a bit for a moment, Allen pauses before... slowly lowering him to the ground. Gently after all, if not still pretty skeptical. Although he won't let go entirely, just because he does kind of look like he needs to be steadied... ]
Synthetic...? [ he could think about that but — is gonna opt not to. fantasy horror Victorian and all that ]
Here. [ It's a little brusque still from Close Encounters of the fanged kind, but more for bluster than anything. ] I can try and help you find some, okay?
[ He's going to focus on the "Orbiters have provided the food-thing I need" and not the "IT'S BLOOD" part, ok. ]
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He let out a breath once his feet touched the ground, somewhat grateful that Allen was still holding onto him, thinking that the other was trying to keep him upright. Well, not wrong either. Reign nodded eagerly, pleased that Allen was finally agreeing to help. ]
Ah, thank you. I just woke up, so everything is a bit... [ Waving both hands around, shrugging his shoulders. ] I wish I know where... the blood is kept. Synthetic blood, that is. [ Maybe he should stop mentioning the word. ]
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But he deflates at that and breathes out, a little sulkily but with no real ire towards Reign — and opts to loop an arm around his shoulders to help keep him up and steer him towards the kitchens. ]
I'm not sure either, but we can take a look. [ Because certainly, he can understand waking up famished! But, um... ... he's going to stop before thinking about it any further. Ferid used to just stare lustily at his neck for hours at a time after all and Allen did a bang-up job of not dwelling on why that might be. ]
My name's Allen.
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Reign leaned against Allen gratefully, letting himself be lead deeper into the kitchen. ]
I wish they told me where specifically it was kept.
[ Then Reign could have just headed straight for it instead of latching onto the first person he came across. At the introduction, Reign directed a smile at Allen, fangs showing and all. Hah. ] Nice to meet you, Allen. I'm Reign.
Slaine
[ There is, possibly, no other statement that might make Allen pull up quite so much as that one. In fact he seems frozen for it. ]
...what do you mean, 'a ghost'?
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[Yikes.]
But...you're not dead...so you pass through life existing on the fringes, not really knowing how to live. Wanting to reach out and touch others...to connect...but you can't. It's frustrating.
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[ He's honestly a little dumbfounded and looks it. Although not in the looking-at-you-like-you're-crazy way. More like, that in hearing him say that... it's haunting. Settling in front of the other boy in a loose kneel and with his eyes widened slightly in surprise —
— even if that surprise curbs a moment later. Flickery with something that borders too closely on understanding. Sympathy, even if that alone makes him hesitate quite hard.
That you probably would be better off dead. ]
...sometimes.
[ It's quiet. Soft, because... he really is too drunk, isn't he?
That makes it a little easier somehow. To just kneel in front of him, arms crossed loosely over his knee. And know he probably won't remember it later. ]
Sometimes I think it would be better if nobody had known me, because then they wouldn't be sad when I was gone. Because I know even if they might be sad, they'll be fine still without me. [ Then they wouldn't be hurt because of him. ] Except..
...no one is better off dead. Even when they are a ghost. [ An akuma.
As that's how Slaine is talking now. ]
Even a ghost still exists in the world because someone still cares for them, right?
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[A restless spirit, yearning to be remembered, clinging to whatever worldly emotions or physical attachments it might've once had when alive. Sometimes Slaine feels like this, feels like said spirit, wandering through life tied down only by the dedication he has toward a singular individual, and the desperate desire he has to have something fulfilled and validated by them.
His head droops as he sits on the edge of the mattress, feeling a sudden sting at the corner of his eyes. He feels sick. His very own existence makes him feel ill.]
...How do you stop hating yourself?
1/2
But Slaine, that's.. ]
—!
2/2
..I don't know. [ Speaking low and softly, so kindly but with such weight, it's almost like he's just surprised himself. Because maybe he has, given it isn't really until Slaine so plainly asks that it's ever something he would have really thought about that way
Probably for not really wanting to consider what he'd done for so many years after killing Mana and so utterly destroying the one person who'd ever been nice to him. ]
But I think... [ the winter he was ten, screaming until he had no voice and wishing he was dead ] ..it gets easier. When you find a way to make it mean something, all that pain—when you can find a reason to keep existing because of it..
[ "You wanna become an Exorcist?" ]
..it makes it hurt a little less.
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He thinks about Asseylum, the only positive force in his life for quite some time. The only person who would smile at him and show him kindness. It was to her he'd devoted his life, tried to make his existence mean something for her. She'd rescued him, after all. Saved his life. In turn he found it only suitable that he do the same for her.
But in the end it hadn't meant anything. His loyalty had landed him nearly tortured to death and despite everything he'd gone through for her...in the end she'd been shot and now, much like she was back before Mars and everything else had been eradicated, she was still in a pod, in stasis, waiting to wake up.
If she ever would wake up.
But she wasn't the only reason...not anymore. There was Yona who showed him kindness, who made him feel special. She made him laugh and smile, told him over and over it was okay to be who he was. Not even Asseylum had given him the same level of validation that she had.
He just can't help but worry that it's all too good to be true and that eventually she'll leave him, that he'll be alone again.]
...I understand.
November intro
Amaterasu
pandaanimal… and the jungle kind of pings his nerves constantly that way. Too many things here...So he blinks and only jumps a little when he finally notices a, ah--wolf? (… that’s not a normal wolf??) seems to melt out from the underbrush, clearly… is she following him? ]
…
[ Quite normally and blase, like a dog almost might, and without a single ounce of hostility.
Wondering for a moment if maybe he’s been in the jungle too long and he’s imagining things, he brushes that aside and kneels down to be more on her level. With curiosity and, well--a slightly lopsided sort of (nervous) smile. ]
Hi there. [ ? He’s not imagining things and his face isn’t about to be torn off, right… ]
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Blinking for a second at that first, Allen cocks his head to the side then and smiles. The small and gentle kind that still lights up your whole face even if you’re not exactly happy, like a soft sort of laugh under his breath that’s both in relief and maybe a little bittersweet. Haa…
(Hating himself…)
He reaches out and pats Slaine lightly on the shoulder then, beginning to stand. ]
It’s alright, it’ll feel better in the morning.
Yona
“This” being how there’s a small curl of light that begins with a glowing cross-like shape under his glove and seems to snake up his left arm, like feathers of light unfurling. That catch and snag at his shoulder and wrap down rapidly as a downy white cloak--and leave his left arm suddenly as a distinctly inhuman and bladelike black and gold claw.
(It’s not something she would have seen even in fleeing hungry dragons. He has his standards for when he actually invokes his Innocence but now seems as good a time as any.)
(She also may or may not have a bit of a facefull of ethereal feathers from the front of the cowl. It’s ok they only tickle a little, mostly they’re almost weirdly soft.)
(Also she might be staring right at his mask since it does hang around his collar. Look Yona… he’s pretty weird.) ]
This. [ Still soft-spoke and gentle. And yet with some almost coy sort of edge then, gaze slanting at the vines upwards with an expression of much more focused intent.
Probably because a second later the cloak around them would seem to harden--and explodes outward in a series of piercing spikes that rip through the willow.
#shounen ]
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Before him, in the front, he gets twitching whiskers and black nose, neck stretching outwards as if to reach him but not taking a step closer until he indicates it's all right. In the back, an oscillating tail. Hello!]