Tourn RP Archive

Celena could sense that there was something kinda. Off about that sentence, but she decided not to comment on it. All she did was follow after them with a slight hop to her step. They arrived to the farmland, and Celena instantly was drawn to the rows of vegetables and fruits. It made her excited to see such a plentiful farm that was nice, neat, and organized to perfection. A lot of care and love went into this farm. Oh, it was lovely. "This place is beautiful," She commented in an exhale. "Wow- They look like they have everything! They should definitely have white peaches." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

They were at the farmland quickly enough, and Nathan was all smiles as they stood amidst the trees and bushes. If he were honest, peaches were the absolute first thing on his mind. But then again; mangoes for Nora. "Oh, they definitely do," Nathan hummed, nodding. "The trees over there- I was here earlier- those are fruit trees and stuff, and there's a buncha other veg here, too." They just stood there for a moment, their free hand jammed away on their pants pocket. They seemed to notice the brightness in her eyes at the sight of the garden, and he sniffled a little as if to fill the silence. "Do you...uh...like planting?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Can we check out the peaches first?" Celena asked. "I'd really like to give them a try." The girl then gave an eager nod of her head. "I do, actually! I like it a lot. When I was-" Celena's smile faltered slightly. "Younger, my father had been the one to provide most of the produce for our village. He was in charge of the farmland, so I got to help with the farming and everything. It's nice, and kinda relaxing to do." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

They listened quietly, some cogs turning in the back of their head. Younger. They were silent for a moment, still turning over the idea before going, fuck it. "It does sound pretty nice, helping y'dad farm," Nathan said, a faint little smile on their face. Family. Family was nice. "And it is pretty frickin' relaxing, too. Um, I could, uh, give you a little pot or something, if you wanted," he said, looking away as they scratched behind their ear. Probably towards the peaches. "I have, uh, clay powers. Clay stuff. I could make you a little planter to carry around a seed or something, if you want." "While it's not really like...farming, farming, it's still pretty. Nice, y'know?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Mmhm, it was nice to help out." Celena shifted her hold on the leaves, her gaze flickering across the crops for a moment. "I always loved picking the strawberries, that was my favorite part.." Her gaze focused back on Nathan, her eyes widening for a moment at the prospect of having a little potted plant friend. "I'd.. I'd like that a bunch, actually- That's so cool, clay powers? That's- Exciting!" Her bright smile returned. "I'd like that a lot, I'll be sure to keep the pot and the seed safe! It'll be kinda close to farming, but- Different- Like mobile farming, farming on the go." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"We could get some strawberries too, if you want," Nathan sheepishly said, peering back at Celena. "I can like, shove a bajillion into my pants pockets. They're craaazy deep." That dorky little smile was growing on Nathan's face again as Celena started chattering away, their lavender eyes as bright as her smile. "Yeah, it- it's kinda cool," they said, ears absolutely burning. "Its just, molding and stuff, I- I make animals and pots and whatever outta clay. I can make a little pot for you or something when we get back to the building, how about it?" "Yeah! It's like a farming simulator but for real life," he agreed, laughing a little bit. "We can plant strawberries, if you want. I don't know if they'll...grow. In such a pot. But I can make it work." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Can we?” Celena asked. “I’d like that a lot if we could bring some- My pockets aren’t that deep, but I can definitely carry some with me. Or if there’s a fruit you’d like, I can carry that for you.” “That’s so cool- Honestly, I’d appreciate anything you could make me,” Celena smiled. “I’ll be sure that they won’t break, promise! That sounds good, we can make it there, so then we have less time outside. We can try the strawberry seeds, and when it starts to sprout, we can always move it to a bigger area.” The girl frowned slightly. “I wish I could make you something in return, but my powers aren’t physical like that..” This just meant she had time to scheme and figure something out for Nathan. heheblushy

@Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Oh yeah, sure, totally," they reassured, jamming the entirety of their fist (and most of their forearm) down the big pocket on the side of their pants. "I can carry a bunch, and you can carry some too, if you'd like. Uh- I was just gonna get a few peaches and mangoes, but if we get veg too for the soup, it wouldn't be too bad of an idea. Salad. Salad? Cabbage. "What goes into salads again?" "Bah, it's alright if it breaks. No skin off my shoulder." He shrugged, starting to make his way over to the strawberry bushes. "I can just patch it up again if you'd like- oh, or teach you how to. There’s a bunch of ways to fix stuff together." "Oh hell yeah, for sure, we could move 'em elsewhere once they get big." They didn't want to mention the entire sacrifice death-maze thing again. "It’d be cool if they managed to stay like, as a tiny little bush, y'know? Pot-sized." He faltered, ever briefly. "Um, you don't gotta worry yourself about makin' me a thing," he said, peering back at her with a quirk of a smile. "By-the-by, what are your powers? Like, light? Healing?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Celena definitely was impressed with how deep of a pocket that was. Those pockets were just built different. “Mangoes and peaches are nice. Soup sounds good, too. I can definitely use my powers to heat up a soup so we have something warm,” Celena hummed. “Salad- Well, lettuce goes into them. You can really throw anything into it and call it a salad. There’s so many kinds of salad, it’s crazy.” For the moment, Celena wasn’t thinking about the death tournament. She was way too focused on the excitement of having her own little pot for a plant. “If it’s a gift, I wanna be sure to keep it safe. But I’d definitely like to find out ways to repair it just in case.” Celena smiled. “It’d be cute to keep it as a tiny little bush.” “Oh- Yeah, my powers- Yeah, it’s both,” Celena hummed. “Sunlight. I can use it to heal and also use it to fight if I have to, but I don’t really like doing that. I just like using it to help others, or use it to warm myself up and do other little neat things.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

They listened to her talk about the wonders of salads, still ambling along. She seemed like a good enough kid. Damn. There really were too many kids here. Nathan tried not to scowl, instead focusing on her explanation of her power. "Sunlight, huh? That certainly is warm. And toasty. 's pretty neat, for sure." Nora immediately jumped to mind; Best not to mention the fightin' part too much. Right, Nora. She was just a kid, too. But at least she had Yeonaixho looking out for her- (him too? Maybe?? He didn't know just yet.) Who was looking out for Celena? "I think you'd like kintsugi then," Nathan finally said at after a moment, folding their arms over their chest. They'd arrived at the strawberries and was now quietly considering how the hell he'd manage to do kintsugi here. "Its like, patching stuff together, but there's still a highlight where the break or damage was. Imperfections, and whatnot. Also, you can make it like, any frickin' color- like, like yellow. Or outta glass." "The boring way's just slip 'n scoring shit together again," they shrugged. "I figured youd like kintsugi a liiittle more, um, Sunlight powers and all." To anyone else, it might have seemed his pondering was allll just about slip and scoring. Nothing more, nothing less. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Mmhm, I like it being toasty. I used to be able to change the color of my light, but I kind of haven’t been able to do it lately,” Celena admitted with a shake of her head. “Now, I’m able to just get yellows and oranges with the white. That’s about it.” As they got to the strawberries, her eyes lit up with joy. The strawberries definitely looked big and juicy. Yum! Celena set down the leaves so she could start picking them. “Oh my- These look really good! Don’t they? We can pick a lot for everyone!” She met Nathan’s gaze eagerly. “And that sounds like something I’d like a lot! Kintsugi sounds nice to put things back together with.” Her voice softened a little. “I like yellow a lot. That’d fit perfectly.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Oh?" he asked, intrigued. "Dang, well that doubled your coolness, then. 'S a shame y'can't do that anymore, but. Still." Squatting down next to her, Nathan set the bundle of coconuts down to make the gathering easier. "We can pick a bunch, sure," he agreed, carefully looking one over. Nice and tart-looking. "There's three at the building, but there might be more. So let's get a bunch, huh?" Yellow, like Apollo, Helios, Hera, Selene- "Really, huh?" He smiled a little, the little canines of his teeth just barely showing. "I'unno, at a glance, I kinda thought you'd like purple a little more, y'know?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Cool? Nathan thought she was cool? That definitely wasn’t something she was used to. Cool. Cool. “I’ll maybe be able to do it again, who knows, but- You’re pretty cool, too- Clay powers are awesome. I’m sure there’s a lot you can create with them.” Celena nodded her head eagerly. “Mmhm, we can get a bunch, enough for all of us.” She began to pick out strawberries and made sure that they weren’t squishing each other as she put them into her pocket. Lovely little treats for everyone. Celena chuckled. “I like them both a lot. Yellow’s been my favorite for a long time, but I think purple overtook it some time ago. Is purple your favorite, too?” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Bah, cool? Nah, I'm sweating my skin off," he snickered, this awful, ugly, snort laugh coming from the back of his throat. "Khm- khk- but, uh, thanks. It's just mostly pots and clay stuff, but enough about me-" He held up a little strawberry, carefully tossing it at her. "Catch." In between pocketing the strawberries, Nathan was also just straight chewing a few smaller ones, stem and leaves and all. "Nah, I get it, though," he agreed. "Orange used to be a favorite for a long while, but I when I started dying my hair, it was, uh." A wince. "Clear that orange did not suit me. Very clear. But purple's nice and mellow, it's a good one." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Nah, you're pretty cool, the power's cool, and you have a really great taste in purple. That's a nice shade of it." Celena yelped and quickly took a step forward to grab the strawberry. It landed perfectly in her grasp. Smiling brightly, she took a bite out of it. "Thanks- Oh man, that's perfect! That's a perfect strawberry!" Humming happily to herself, she couldn't help but let a chuckle interrupt her little tune. "Did you try orange dye before..?" @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Sweet," Nathan cheered, clapping their hands together. "You got a good eye! Here, try this one for size-" Another strawberry, a little larger than before. Continuing the smuggle the free strawberries into their pockets, they grimaced painfully, like a cat just smelling onion air for the first time. "It made me look like a clown for weeks," he groaned. "But once that debacle was over, I started going for purple hair dye." They beamed, mock-bowing while still squatting. "Thank you; I did not choose it myself. Uh, the powers and this shade." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Celena fumbled slightly with this one, but she caught it! The girl couldn’t help but giggle slightly as she took a bite of the strawberry. “Thanks! I guess I do got a good eye- Here, you give it a try!” Plucking another strawberry from the stem, she tossed it to Nathan. The thought of Nathan with orange hair was amusing, but she tried not to laugh too hard. Celena did her best to fight back her giggles. “At least purple’s a pretty good hair color! It really suits you. It’s a good shade for you.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Hell yeah!" he cheered, louder this time. "Alright, I'll stop pelting you with str-" The frickin' dang strawberry pelted Nathan right in the eye, and they let out a pathetic little, 'argh' of misery. Flat on their back, they held up the failed attempt at catching the strawberry. "Good eye," he wheezed, scowling playfully. "What'cha gigglin' at." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“OOP-!” Celena covered her mouth with a hand as she watched Nathan get bonked. “Sorry! I might’ve been a bit too eager to toss it. You okay?” Celena ceased her giggling and picked a strawberry innocently. “Nooooothing.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"I'm alright, I'm alright," Nathan groaned from the ground, cramming the entire berry into his mouth. Yum. Strawberry. "If you were aiming for my eye, you totally hit the spot. If not- uh- nice effort, regardless." They squinted through their bangs, nose wrinkled somewhat. "You're imagining me with orange hair, ain't'cha," they snickered, cocking an eyebrow. "Just like a clown, eh?" They did look just like a clown. A pathetic little five-foot-five clown. He was pretty sure he had that photo somewhere in his room. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I wasn’t aiming for your eye, it just kinda happened,” She smiled apologetically. “I’ll be sure to work on my aim!” Celena rocked on her feet slightly, heel to toe. “Noooope, not imagining that at all.” She totally was. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"I can't help you with that," they honestly said, lifting their hand up a little to mimic a professor. "If there's one thing I'm bad with, it's perrrfect target-aim. I'd rather go ham-puck-shit and go bowling into things instead." They didn't seem to notice the strawberry in her hand, the corner of their mouth curling up into a snarky grin. "I think you'd look pretty funny with orange hair, too," he chuckled. "Only a few people can pull off orange hair- and you aren't one of 'em, either. Heh." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“You know what- I’ll work on my aim, and you can go bowling all over the place. How does that sound?” She chuckled. “We’ll be, like, a really cool tag team.” Celena let out a quiet laugh. “I can’t see myself with orange hair! I’d look just as silly as you would. We should definitelyyyy stick to purple!” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Aye, that sounds like a plan," Nathan laughed, flashing a thumbs up. "You can do the precise shit, and I'll go balling. Straight ballin'. We'd be completely unstoppable!" Nathan managed to push himself up to a sitting position, squinting his eyes slightly. It was as if he was also imagining how Celena would look with orange hair. "Oh, like Orange Sherbert!" they said, snapping their fingers a little. "Sherby. I don't think a stupid strong orange would fit, trust me on that. Maybe a lighter one? But I feel it miiiight work. Might. But, well, purple is good, purple is nice." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Sounds good to me!” Celena chuckled. “Like orange sherbet?” She couldn’t help but giggle once more. “Maybe I’ll try it out, maybe once I get tired of purple. But I don’t think that’ll be for a looooong time-” She caught herself. Oh. Yeah. Right. There wouldn’t be a ‘long time,’ not with this competition. Oh. That was tragic. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan's little smile fell away, now replaced by an unreadable expression. They managed to stand, brushing the dirt and bits of grass of their pants a little. "Hey, Celena," they quietly said. "Y'know, there might. Maybe, be a way to get out of here. Maybe." They weren't too sure on the might part of it all, but, alas. "I know I said there isn't really a way to escape, but, just hear me out." "I tried going for Rakin's little frog legs," they whispered, gesturing at their hip. "You've seen him, you've met him. The green haired guy. And he told me that if I touched them, then I would meet his master. Less nicer than that, though, it was more of a threat." "But there's someone else running the show, too- and I'm willing to bet that Rakin knows a little more than he's letting on." Granted, they didn't pay much attention to his little explanation, but he was just shifty. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Silently, Celena picked a few more strawberries before she stood. Her mood was a bit dampened now as she glanced around for mangoes. “.. I like to think there’s a way out,” She spoke softly. “But I don’t know.. If Alrai Pin’s really almighty as Rakin says, we might have to play along for a bit before we can really figure out a way to get out..” She glanced at Nathan. “Touch his little legs..? Well- At least that’d get us a way to actually meet the guy.. Alrai Pin’s the guy in charge..” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Oh, so the host has a name," he muttered, scratching his chin. "We might have to play along for now...but fortunately, Rakin was looking a lottt more worse for wear the last time I saw him. Hopefully, he slips up at some point, and hopefully, he doesn't get to remedy that." It was kind of shitty to prey on someone's downfall, but at this point in time, Nathan couldn't really care any less. "Hey, we'll get outta here," he said, trying to smile for the kid. "There's more of us and less of them- and not to mention, we have powers. Eh, while I'd hope for a more...nonviolent. Solution. Snf. But hey, we'll manage." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Yeah, he looked pretty messed up by the time he spoke to me.. Quite a few people fought with him.” Upon spotting a few mangoes, Celena quickly fetched them. Her hands shook slightly as she pulled them from their stems. “Yeah..” The girl nodded her head, a bit unsure of the whole situation. She didn’t seem too hopeful. “Then we’d have to figure out how to get off this planet after.. That’d be the hardest part, but- We’ll figure it out when we get there..” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Damn. He wonder who tried to tackle him to the ground. Shame on that guy, for real. "Yeah, who could'a fought him," Nathan sniffled, looking away from the somewhat naked strawberry bushes. Celena was already heading over to the mangoes, so Nathan began ambling over to help put them in the bundle. "Nice, mangoes- well- yeah- escaping this planet is one thing, but we got a bit of time, I'd say." Holding up a mango of his own, he added, "it might take some time, but we have food and shelter here to keep us safe from the weather. I'd say we can manage our way back." A lonesome sigh, and Nathan tilted his head back to stare up at the leaves. "I'll be totally honest, I didn't expect to be teleported into space out of all places," he mumbled, more to himself than anything. "Damn. If the Ninja can haul their way out of space, who's to say we can't?" He seemed to be missing a crucial point that they had a Rocket to help them get home... @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Mmhm, you said mangoes, so I figured that I’d grab a few,” Celena tried to smile. “Maybe some of the white peaches, too? Then, I think we have more than enough to get us through the storm.” “I didn’t expect to be teleported, either. I was just trying to go into town, and then I teleported here..” At the mention of the ninja, Celena visibly stiffened. Her gaze was locked onto the mangoes before her, which allowed her to keep her expression hidden from Nathan. “Yeah..” She spoke softly. “Mmhm. Yeah. If th-they could, so- So can we..” Another mango got plucked. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (edited)

"Well, if there's any other fruits or veg you wanna grab, I don't mind getting a few of them," they reassured, gesturing with their hand a little. "I needa grab some more veg and stuff for Yeonaixho, he doesn't really eat meat." "Mhm, the selection just kinda felt...random, with everything," Nathan said, squinting a little. "There's no pattern to...anything, really." Nathan, seemingly unaware of Celena's reaction, perked up at the note that she also knew of them. Not that it was surprising, they were pretty much everywhere in Ninjago. But still. "Woah, hey, you know about the Ninja too?" they asked, grinning brightly. In fact, this was the first time they had smiled this...brightly, the entire tournament so far. "Dude, that's sick! You from the city, or just around the outskirts, and stuff?" He liked the Ninja, like, a normal amount. A totally normal amount. His jacket absolutely was not a custom-made one modeled after the Earth Ninja, why would you suggest that? @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Celena grabbed another mango before she went to grab the pile of leaves once more. Everything was set together in a little bundle for her to carry. “Alright, we can grab more veggies- Yeah? That sounds good. We’ll have a lot. He’ll like it a bunch.” Celena shifted on her feet. “Well- So far? It seems that most of us who were taken all have powers. That’s-.. That’s about the only pattern I can figure out.” Glancing towards the other veggies, Celena gave an absentminded nod of her head. “Yeah- I know about them- They’re all- Real cool, mhm. I, uh- Was from the country side and then moved into the city a bit.. Y-you? How about you?” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan started heading over to the vegetables- probably just corn and like, tomatoes, maybe not cabbage -starting to ramble on about their living situation. "Born and raised in the heart of frickin' Ninjah-go City," Nathan sighed, scratching behind their ear. "Ma 'n ba 'n I lived in the heart of the city, but they moved back home to Greece, and I stayed. I've stayed and I've been here since day frickin' one of their shenanigans- the Great Devourer was only a few blocks away before it kind of. Fucked off and died, my ba wanted us to pack our shit and just go." "But that's beside the point, I've lived in the city everrry single day of my life. I'm, uh, staying with a few friends." A sniffle of contempt- "well, a few ex-friends, that's for fuckin' sure." That bitter feeling was back again. Despite the current situation and all, just thinking of his friends- EX friends -was enough to make the bile boil and bite the back of his throat. Ugh. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“That so? I hear Greece is a cool place, I hear it’s nice. Really nice. Always wanted to go. Sounds nice.” Celena’s voice sounded distant- Distracted, almost. She gathered veggies with Nathan until she couldn’t carry anything else. “The Great Devourer attack was- Bad. Scary. I was- Around for that- I was around for most things..” She shifted on her feet. “I’m sorry your friends being ex-friends now..” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"I've never been to Greece before, but I've always wanted to go," Nathan admitted with a sigh. "Ma's told me the sights are great, and the food is better. Maybe one day, when we get off this rock." After a good Few Minutes of Celena's discomfort, Nathan finally seemed to notice something was amiss. They tilted their head a little, tucking away the final tomato before turning their attention fully to their companion. "Um, hey," he slowly said, clearly not very good at this whole talking about things...thing. "Are you, uh, alright?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“.. Maybe we can have a group trip. That’d be nice. Mhm.” Celena spoke without really processing what it was that she was saying. She could tell that words were leaving her mouth, but she couldn’t quite feel herself speak. She couldn’t quite feel much, now that she thought about it. The only sensation she could process was the pounding of her heart and the shaking of her hands as she listened to Nathan. “Yeah, yeah, I’m- I’m good,” The girl gave a nod of her head. “I’m doing a-okay.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Group trip? Nathan blinked a little, concern darting across their features. He was a little more than just a little worried- she didn't look to be doing too hot, all distant looking and hazy, in some way. Uh oh. "Hey, Cele," they quietly said, setting down their bundle again. "Are you sure you're doin' alright? It's okay if you aren't. Uh. Um." Shit, what did Naixho do? "Just, just take some deep breaths, alright?" he awkwardly suggested. "It's alright if you're not doin' alright, a-alright?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I’m okay,” Came Celena’s immediate response. “I’m okay, I’m good- J-just- A bit floaty..” She blinked repeatedly and took in a shaky, deep breath. “I’m g-good..” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Floaty, huh?" Nathan asked, voice quiet and low. "Hey, that's alright, alright? Just, um, keep takin some deep breaths, alright? You're doin' alright." That was a lot of alrights in a row. Fishing out a strawberry, Nathan offered it to Celena. "Do you, uh, wanna talk about it? It's okay if you don't, I get it." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Yeah, just a- A little floaty..” Celena admitted softly. She took in another deep breath and let it out. “Uhm- I’m not the best at- Talking, about things..” She stared at the strawberry for a moment before she reached out to take it. “I h-haven’t really.. Had anyone to talk to in-.. A l-long time..” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan settled down on the ground by the crops, patting the ground a little for Celena. He seemd a little relieved that she seemed to be doing...a little better than before, but nonetheless. "I get that. I'm not the best with talkin' about stuff, either," he shrugged. "How long's a long time?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Pausing for a moment, Celena slowly sat down beside Nathan. She set down her pile of crops and crossed her legs, shrinking in on herself slightly. In her hands, she cradled the strawberry and stared at it. “.. A long time,” Celena shifted slightly. “Longer for- What’s probably c-considered healthy..” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan's nose wrinkled with disdain all but instantly at that. He was relieved that Celena's attention was on the little strawberry now, so that the look of disgust that settled on his features remained unnoticed. Nathan was no stranger to those kind of folk. People who should not have been parents, but were, nonetheless. Selfish, good for nothing pricks. "Guess suddenly being dropped into a tournament with a buncha people wasn't exactly...fun, huh?" he asked, managing to keep his voice level. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“No, not so fun..” Celena’s voice dropped into a small whisper. “But I’m not alone.. Anything beats the loneliness..” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"You're not alone anymore," Nathan agreed, offering a somewhat wobbly smile. "It's kinda confusing and, y'know, wild and what be it, but you're not alone anymore." "There's people looking out for you, y'know?" they added, quietly. "Here, in this. Place." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“It.. It won’t be like this for long,” The hand cradling the strawberry began to shake. Her shoulders trembled as she tried not to cry. “Nothing lasts forever. Life- We’re all supposed to fight each other. Not everyone’s going to make it out of this.. I’m just-.. Worried, and- Spooked, a-and-” Teardrops landed on the grass. “Tired. I’ve been t-tired for so long..” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Hey," Nathan quietly said, shuffling a little closer in the dirt. "Hey, hey, Celena-" Oh, they really weren't good at this- any of this. They made a kid cry just earlier, and now? Oh, Hestia. Oh, Eleos. "You- you're right, this. Quiet. Isn't gonna last for long, I'm not gonna lie to you about that," they sighed. "And- and not. Everyone. Might get out. But we can try to make sure as many people do." As much as he wanted to be blindly optimistic, Nathan couldn't avoid the fact that people were going to die here. "Tired. I've been t-tired for so long.." Ah, he remembered those words like yesterdays and days not too distant. Exhaustion, useless, dreadful exhaustion, late mornings and early nights again, just going day after day after day. The first glimmer of life in her hands, the very first experience of humanity- and all to be trapped here? To die? What a cruel, cruel, fucking world. "I know that...feeling. Of being tired. And it really, really sucks. But I'll make sure you get outta here, okay?" they said, swallowing back their apprehension. "I'll make sure of it. I'll fight tooth and frickin' nail to make sure you get out of here, okay? You- you're not alone anymore. The city is great. There's a bunch of people there, but they're super nice, I can promise you that." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Celena raised her free hand to rub at her eyes. She didn’t meet Nathan’s gaze, not yet. “I-I’d like for as many people to make it out of here. I want people to be safe and happy, it’s what they deserve, but it’s- Hard to have any kind of hope.. B-back then, I-I could give some kind of hopefully and peppy speech about positives, but- I can’t do that, not with h-how much I’ve been through and how much will happen.” Hesitating, she finally met Nathan’s gaze. Her eyes were tearful and frightened, but they also revealed her exhaustion. She was tired. “Y-you don’t have to focus on me,” She whispered. “You should- Focus on yourself, and making sure that you get out of here. I-I’ll manage, but- Take care of yourself too, Nathan..” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"I know," he murmured, feeling his chest just ache. "I know, bud. It's kinda grim and kinda. Hopeless too, but you gotta hold steady, okay? There's still some shred of light to hold onto. We're all here together, and we ain't gonna go down easy. Just- just hold on, and keep trying, alright?" His gaze met hers as she peeked up, once hazy lavenders now set with firm determination. They weren't the best with pep-talks, but that feeling that just swelled in their chest was something reminiscent of hope- hope, trapped in Pandora's Box, but not quite. Not yet, not until later. "I'll take care of myself, don't you worry," Nathan quietly reassured, laughing briefly. "I'll take care of myself. But I'm gonna help you too, alright? I- I don't know much about you, but you're a good k- you're a good guy, and I just wanna help you get out of this, too." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Alright, alright, I’ll- I’ll keep trying,” Celena rubbed at her eyes. “It’d be- A shame to give up before things have even started, like, actually started. Some shred of light. Hah. That- Has to be a light pun, huh?” “What if- I help take care of you, since you’re taking care of me..? You know- Return the favor..” Celena suddenly gave a small, tired, almost saddened smile as she glanced away from Nathan. “.. You’re a good person, Nathan.. You remind me a lot of someone..” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"That's the spirit," Nathan quietly cheered, taking a chance and patting her shoulder lightly. "It's alright to feel upset and frustrated though, don't smother your feelings. That's bad and not fun- just- just talk to someone, sometimes, huh? You can talk about your feelings, or anything. I'm here for ya. But- but, I am quite a punny guy, as a few people might say. Breaking out the puns 'ere 'n there. It's lightwork." "Oh, no, we aren't returning favors," he lightly said, smiling. "You already said you'd help heal me and stuff, I'm not gonna make you add on to that roster." His little smirk fell back into something more natural and softer, quietly adding, "but between you and me, I'm constantly getting roughed up, so that wouldn't be a bad of a partnership, huh?" "You remind me a lot of someone.." Ha. Well. Doublesies here; but there was something else behind those words. They blinked a little, the hair falling into their eyes as they tilted their head slightly. "You're a good guy too, Cele- but, um. I do?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Celena couldn’t help but smile at the touch. It was nice, comforting- Familiar. She definitely soaked up the comfort from the pat pat like a dry sponge. “Yeah, that’s- Something I definitely have to remember,” She admitted. “Feelings are always valid, and it’s good to let yourself feel it.. I’ll try to be more mindful. If- You have to talk, you can always talk to me, too, okay? I might not be a pun-derful person, but I’m an okay listener.” The girl gave a nod of her head. “Okay, I’ll- Definitely keep that in mind. We’ll have that partnership. Like I said, if you- Ever do need healing, I’ll help you.” Celena’s smile softened slightly. “Mhm, you do. Someone who’s very strong and steady, a-and who has a caring heart. They have a comforting presence, and- They make you feel safe no matter what it is that you’re facing.” She paused for a moment. “Remember how you brought up the Ninja? W-well- You remind me of C-Cole, a bit..” The way Celena spoke, it seemed to be from personal experience. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Yeah!" he eagerly said, the intrigue in his eyes immediately shifting to something brighter. "Yeah, your feelings- they're natural, and you gotta care for them, too. Don't stifle or smother them, believe me; feeling things is a good thing. It makes y'feel human, y'know? And- and I'll keep it in mind, too. And you are a wonderful person- while your pun skills are lacking, you got a good heart, I can guarantee that." Nathan stuck out his hand out to shake on their little partnership but faltered at Celena's words. Many words. Too many words at once. Safe, caring, comforting, those were a few of them. And then there was Cole, which could have been something else, but no, it was Cole. "Really, huh," he mumbled, feeling a little bit of a flush in his cheeks. If he were being totally honest, he absolutely frickin' adored Cole. Dude knew how to kick ass and take names, and he was just so cool- "that- huh, I didn't really think of that." He reminded someone of Cole, Cole! The Cole! The Earth Ninja! He was being so normal and cool and calm and collected right now. "That, that's pretty Cole! Cool! Yeah, I didn't, I never- I never thought of it that way before, but- it- it's nice you feel safe, and- yeah-" So, so, so very normal. His jacket totally wasn't a custom. Nathan leaned in a little as if sharing a secret- "I- uh- have- have you, you...met the Earth Ninja?" they asked, their voice barely above a breath. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Maybe I’ll work on my emotions and my pun skills at the same time?” Celena suggested with a small chuckle. A small smile remained on her face as she listened to Nathan. Despite the smile, her eyes display her weariness. “It’s just- A similar vibe? A similar vibe I’m getting from you both,” She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Yeah, I- I’ve met him. Kn-known him for a- A long time now..” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"That's sick," he quietly said, absolutely awed. He seemed too caught up in the moment to notice the weariness in her eyes. "That's awesome, that- that's just so frickin' sick, what? How'd you know him? How long've you known him for?" "Hey, don't worry 'bout it! I'll help you with both, if you want," Nathan offered after a moment, trying to force himself to calm down a little. Wow, he reminded her of Cole. And she knew him, on top of that! "The puns thing is a little...easier, maybe. Probably. They're puns- but I don't mind givin' you a little nudge to like, remind yourself to take care of yourself every once in a while, y'know?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Celena’s free hand wandered into the grass she was sitting on. She plucked a few strands of grass out and began to tie them into little knots. God, she desperately needed something to do with her hands. The fidgeting sensation was getting to her. “.. Pr-practically my whole l-life..” She admitted quietly. “It’s been a- L-long time, long time.” “But- Thank you, I’d appreciate some help with both,” The girl nodded her head slightly. “I’d like a little nudge here and there, thank you.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (edited)

"Hey, no worries," they reassured, a small smile breaking across his face. "And hey, if you ever need help with anythin', I'm here, alright? Just, uh, give a shout. Or don't, you can pull on my jacket or somethin'." Finally, they extended their hand for a little shake, their attention just barely flicking down to the grass knots. Hands. The cogs turning in the back of his mind were incredibly slow and rusted, but he said the first thing that came to mind; "Are you his...kid?" Nathan whispered, forgetting the part where she was eighteen. But if it were possible for his eyes to get any brighter, they certainly would have. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Alright, I’ll- Remember that. Maybe I’ll tug on your jacket since I don’t wanna draw too much attention from others.” Celena managed a small chuckle. At Nathan’s question, Celena instantly grew flustered. She quickly shook her head, which caused her hair to go swaying from side to side with the ferocity. Her cheeks grew red with embarrassment. If she wasn’t so in the moment, maybe she would’ve noticed the weather change. “N-no- He’s not my- No- He’s not that old to be a dad-!” She rushed out. “He’s just- He’s- I-it’s complicated-” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan couldn't help but laugh a little at Celena's reaction, propping their head up with their palm. "I have so many questions," Nathan quietly said, the grin still bright on their face. "Wow, that's just- that's sick, that's so frickin' cool. You know Cole. And- just- woah. Wait, so how do you kn-" It was at that moment that the sky began to crackle with lightning. Nathan scrunched his eyes shut as the wind around them picked up considerably quickly. Shiiit. "-ow. Ow, that'll be the noise we make when we get caught out here," they winced, pushing themself up to their feet. "It might be best for us to head back inside. I. Um, haven't actually finished patching up the place," they suddenly realized, grimacing loudly. "Ough, Athena, grant me strength." "I still have so many questions, though," Nathan sighed, something akin to content settling on his features. "But we can save those for later, once we aren't gonna be caught out here in the rain." Saying this, he offered his hand for Celena to take. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Yeah, we’ll- Definitely have time for more questions later, and answers. Answers, too.” Celena’s face continued to burn as she took Nathan’s hand. With their help, she stood up. Quickly, she gathered up the supplies she had put down. Okay, good- Got the strawberries, got the leaves, got the mangoes, some veggies- A part of her was disappointed that they didn’t get the peaches, but maybe they’d be able to later. That’d be nice. “But yeah, it’ll be great if we can get out of this weather before it gets worse. I’d hate to get caught up in whatever this storm is..” Celena sighed. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan slung the little bundle of veg, mangoes, and coconuts over his shoulder, making sure that the bundle was neatly tied together for the journey back. Alas, the peaches would have to wait. Damn it all. Unless... "The way to the old building there's just about that way," Nathan said, gesturing off in the distance with his free hand. "I'll meet you there real quick, I just have to grab somethin' I forgot to get before. Hopefully, you'll be in and outta the storm with the head start," he lightly said, gently nudging her shoulder with their arm. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Celena looked into the distance where Nathan pointed to. "Are you sure you should be alone?" Celena asked, glancing back to Nathan. "It's starting to get bad, do you think its safe to be alone?" @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"It'll only be a few minutes or so, it shouldn't take all that long," Nathan reassured, offering a smile. "I, uh, made a promise." "C'mahn, I'll be alright! It's just a little rain, even if I get caught out here. Or thunder. Zeus does not seem allll toooo pleased, this mighty day." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"If you get caught out here during the storm, I'll come out and try to find you, okay?" Celena warned. "Be safe." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan flashed a little bit of a thumbs up before heading off to the white peach trees he was at just a little ways earlier. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (wanna regroup @ barracks?)

(SOunds good to me!! c: @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ )