Tourn RP Archive

Toward the center of the area was the back set of barracks. It was closely connected to the #pathways, #kitchen, and #barracks-front. It was fairly large, and had old spring mattresses and thick wool blankets. There seemed to be enough for about fifteen people. The inside of the barracks was warm, and lit by some torches. There was not really any windows, just some vents on the ceiling to let out the smoke from the torches. But besides the torches and beds, there was nothing in the room.

With a ZAP of lightning, Julien appeared in the area... He was dressed in some winter clothes surprisingly to his style. No person one was here. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

With a ZAP of lightning, Ulysses appeared in the area... He was dressed in some winter clothes surprisingly to his style. @Scream | Cane + Uly

It took Julien a moment to adjust to the new environment, though anything was better than being chained up with an open wound. At least… that was over… …Through the torchlight, he could make out another figure, though he couldn’t quite pinpoint if they were hostile or not. Well, if they were all doomed already, perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to find out. “Hey.” Julien called out to the person in the room with him. Yes, that should do the trick. @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Hey bro." Ulysses responded, seemingly unphased by the fact that he was now in a random room, on a random planet, with a random person. Suddenly the footballer pointed at his new company. "Thanks for preordering NFA 2023. Is this your first time playing?" @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Julien blinked. Was this guy for real? “I think you’re mistaken… I’m haven’t preordered anything. And… what do you mean by playing?” he took a cautious step towards the stranger. @Scream | Cane + Uly

Ulysses clapped his hands together, the smile on his face growing bigger as he did so. "First time on the field? No worries. I'll run you through the tutorial, you'll be a pro in no time." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“I’ve never been a ‘sports guy’, if that’s what you’re insinuating.” Julien admitted, surprising himself by doing so. This guy didn’t seem hostile, so that was good at least… “Now, what exactly are you teaching me how to be a pro in?” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Remember, no one becomes a pro footballer overnight. Even the big dogs need to learn how to bark first. Don't worry bro, I got your back. We can go over the tutorial together!" Again Ulysses clapped, this time followed up by a flex. "What would you like to learn first: offense or defense?" @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“How long have you been rehearsing this?” Julien raised an eyebrow at each seemingly perfectly timed reaction to a speech that had to have been prepared ahead of time. But this stranger had said it himself, he had his back. And he’d already indulged him the first time, might as well follow it through. “…Actually, it doesn’t matter. Hit me up with some offense.” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"You know, the key to a good offense is not being the best all the time, just being better than your opponent on game day." Ulysses began as he placed his hands on his hips and stood up to his full height. "On the offense, your goal is to move the ball down the field toward your opponent's endzone. This is called a drive. You will have four chances to get at least ten yards. That is what we call a down. On fourth down, if you fail to get past the line, the other team's offense will get to pickup where you left off." At this, Ulysses made a grimacing face. "If you can cross the first down marker, your team will get a fresh set of downs as you march your way toward the red zone; that is what we call it when you are within scoring range. Run it, pass it, sneak it. Just get the ball into the endzone for a chance at seven points, or send your kicker onto the field to bail you out with a nice three-pointer. Oh, and don't forget: protect the quarterback. Those things don't grow on trees y'know." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Julien took a deep breath. Let’s break this down. He was in a room illuminated by torchlight, talking to a man that was giving him a tutorial about football only minutes after a man seemingly not from Julien’s own world held him captive and told him he was going to die. Those two things were similar, right? “So, I have four tries to drive the ball ten yards. Then I gotta score as many points as possible with my team. Got it, coach… or are you the quarterback? Aside from your position in this game, I don’t think I ever got your name either…” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"I'm Ulysses, the big dog of this operation. I'll be heading up the defense, making the other team's life hell. The ball will be in your hands to get us some points. Do you think you have what it takes?" @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Was Julien in a death match tournament or a sports videogame? “I think I do, Ulysses. And I’m sure with an experienced player like you on the team, we’ll be sure to secure a win.” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Lets get the W then!" Ulysses flashed a thumbs up before seemingly...Resetting to how he was standing before. The smile was still there, but now he was staring off into the distance, almost as if something on the wall had caught his attention more than the conversation at hand. ". . ." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Yeah…” Julien trailed off, put off by the sudden silence of the other man. It was strange, to say the least. “You good, man?” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Sup!" Ulysses illuminated again. "Would you like to go through the tutorial?" @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Uh. Sup.” Julien tilted his head slightly to the side. “I thought we were going through the tutorial already…?” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"If you're through with the tutorial, why don't you try your mettle on the battlefield? Test your skills against another team or schedule a rivalry game for extra fun." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“I don’t know if I’d like to be on a battlefield right now… or schedule a rivalry game. I’m really sorry Ulysses, but neither of those currently sound very fun to me…” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"No worries bro, the football isn't going anywhere. Me, and the pigskin, will be here whenever you're ready." Ulysses winked. "Just remember: success isn't owned, it's leased, and rent is due everyday." As the last of his words died off, once again the footballer found himself resetting back to his neutral posture and staring off into the distance. ". . ." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“…” Julien stared back. Ulysses had gone back to an idle state again, just as he’d been only a few minutes before. Instead of immediately responding to him, he sat down and waited a few moments, as if to confirm the weird phenomenon unfolding around him. “Uh, I suppose I’m ready.” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Great!" Ulysses came back to life again, his smile and confidence practically illuminating the area around them. "Why don't you head on over to the field and we'll get started." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“And where would that be? I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the last time I checked, we’re in a room, not a field.” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"I've always said, what makes football magical is the magic." Ulysses responded. "It can come out of nowhere and it can happen anyplace, anytime. If you haven't unlocked any stadiums yet, why don't you head over to a vacant lot and we can get started there. I made my bones in my backyard, now its time for you to make yours." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

This guy was weirdly profound. Or… profoundly weird? “Hm, we’re nowhere near my backyard, so why don’t we start here for the time being? Work our way out of a tiny room and to those bigger stadiums? I’ve got a lot to learn from you, so best we start now, yeah? With that tutorial?” @Scream | Cane + Uly

After a brief delay, Ulysses answered. "Now that you've selected an arena, why don't we wait for other players to join. It ain't much of a team game without the team!" @Morgan | Calamity + Julien (edited)

“Riiiight. A team. So you just want to… wait here?” Julien questioned. @Scream | Cane + Uly

". . ." Ulysses stood frozen in his pose, waiting for the aforementioned 'team' to arrive so the 'game' could begin. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Hey, Ulysses?” Julien waved his hand close to the other man’s face. “Huh… you’re good at this whole ‘standing still’ thing.” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"The weather must be bad, because we're looking at a delay of game here." Ulysses checked his watch...That he did not have. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Maybe we’ll have to pause the game, dude. There are some more uh… pressing matters to attend to. Not to mention the weather has gotta be pretty damn cold if we were supplied with coats.” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"There's no shame in pausing. That's the thing about football: it waits for no one, yet can break out at any time. That's the magic. You can pause at any time, or call a timeout in game to gather your thoughts." Ulysses reached out and patted his newfound teammate on the shoulder. When he did though, something odd--odder--happened. For less than a fraction of a second, Ulysses seemingly disappeared before immediately reappearing, although now all of his color was gone, only for that to come back as well in the blink of an eye. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

What…? “Ulysses?” Julien couldn’t even form words other than the other’s name- lest it derail into garbled noises of confusion. So instead, he reached out to pat the football player on the shoulder, just to confirm he was real. @Scream | Cane + Uly

Ulysses was surprisingly solid, despite what may or may not have just occurred. "I got your back bro." He reassured. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“You don’t even know me?” Julien replied, still stunned that Ulysses was solid. “I suppose I should ask- where exactly are you from, man?” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"I'm Ulysses, the big dog, but you might know me better as the Herschel Island Hoppers first round draft pick and starting Linebacker." Ulysses flexed for emphasis, just in case his company did not get the point. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Weirdly enough, I know you better as the former,” Julien replied flatly. How was it that they continued to dance around in circles? What if… he tried a different approach… “Do you think you’re here to play football?” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"I'm here to help you out." Ulysses pointed. "You can’t win together if you don’t work together." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Okaaay,” Julien drawled, nodding at Ulysses. “How would I go about being a ‘team player’ then?” @Scream | Cane + Uly

“Being a good teammate means supporting your bros, even when it’s hard, even when times are tough. Remember: teamwork is the key to common people achieving uncommon greatness.” @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Okaaay,” Julien repeated, still very much lost. “So what if we gathered a team, then? Looked around this place, found more players… how does that sound?” @Scream | Cane + Uly

“That sounds like a plan my man. Local co-op is a great way to see who rules the roost!” @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“I mean, we know who rules this place. You met Rakin, right?” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Player Rakin is joining the game? Sounds rad." Ulysses replied with what could only be described as a big, dumb grin. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Nooooooooooo,” Julien buried his head in his hands. “He’s working with someone to run this game- a different game. I don’t think he knows what football is. He’s like-“ he paused. “A manager for a different team. Or something.” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"When it comes to opposing team's coaching staff, keep an eye out for sign stealers, as well as opposing coaches who might wanna poach your boys." Ulysses wagged his finger before returning to his default posture. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Right, right- so do you even know Rakin? Like, did he rip you from your home too and chain you up in a weird room too?” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"I might not have the homefield advantage now, but throughout history, many great battles have been won by the away team. Suck it, Napoleon." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

With a ZAP of lightning, Noir appeared in the room... He was dressed in some winter clothes surprisingly to his style. @Sofia | Noir 🔎+ Atanasio 🔪

Seb immediately shook off whatever snow swept up onto him and picked a spot near a torch to warm back up. For a brief moment, he completely zoned out. Taking a moment alone to just process everything that happened, anyone else in the room be damned. Abducted by alien man, got his weed stolen, sent to winter wonderhell, and now expected to fight other people. Part of him wondered if Eri had anything to do with this. But then he shoved that thought out of his head. Nope nope nope stop thinking about her, dude. Wasn't worth it.

Jymaiyri opened the door of the barracks, first letting Kian in before she followed, shutting the door behind her. She handed him back his cape as they entered the warmth of the inside- Minerva was enjoying a nice warm nap in her little sling. "Huh. There's more beds here than there are in the other building." She commented, and sat down on one of the mattresses. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian looked around the old building, making note of the size and amount of beds. "You're right.. this is probably the beds my Uncle Agsutin was talking about," Kian commented as he took his cape back. "O-Oh, and my Uncle Agustin is the person I mentioned who knew more about this place. It's uh.. it's a long story, but to make it short, he was here before all of us got here. He was taken too... I assume Rakin took you and your baby? Are you two okay?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Agustin, huh?" She'd try and remember that name. "Is he... competing in the tournament, too? I assume you are-" She nodded. "Yes, Minerva and I were abducted. I presume my Rakin, it didn't really seem like he was in charge, at least when I met him." She huffed. "We're doing as well as we can be. This is no place for a baby- tournament or otherwise. I- I just want to go home." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"I'm.. I'm not sure. Uncle Agustin said he arrived here first, t-then two others were brought. They've all been here for a little bit before we showed up," Kian replied, unsure and did his cape up again. "I believe Rakin is working for someone higher as well.. B-But he's still dangerous. I think everyone agrees that a baby is definitely not meant to be in a place like this.. I'm sorry," Kian frowned as he looked down at Minerva. "...S-She seems safe for now. I'm glad. I-I hope we all get to go home soon." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Hmmm...." Jymaiyri thought. "I heard a bit about one of the others, she helped a friend of mine try to find some food. Seems it's mostly just fish here." Her eyebrows lifted. "Figure you also didn't meet the tiny floating guy who messed with your memories?" She asked. "Man. Saying that makes me sound crazy. Anyways, I know Rakin's working for someone higher. I attacked them." She glanced down to Minerva as Kian did. "I'm so worried for her... it's so cold... and I don't know anyone here..." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian raised a brow at the mention of this 'tiny floating guy'. "N-No.. I have no clue who that is," he said and shook his head. "Rakin was the one I spoke to.. I-I also hurt him.. but it wasn't on purpose," Kian sighed. The boy then gave Jymaiyri a reassuring smile. "W-Well.. you know me now. That's one person. We're going to get through this, Miss Jymaiyri. How, uh.. How old is she?" Kian decided to ask, hoping the mood would shift. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"The... entity I met was hurting Minerva." Jymaiyri said. "And I wasn't going to let that happen. Not while I'm still breathing." She relented, and let out a tired sigh. "I do. And I've met too others here who I think I can trust, but..." She glanced away briefly, and adjusted how Minerva sat in her arms. "She's six months old, now." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

With the amount of people now in the room, Julien glanced back at the football player. “You’re right, Ulysses. Hm, do you think any of these people would have in interest in your cause?” @Scream | Cane + Uly

Kian frowned. "They w-were hurting her? H-How awful.." Kian said with a quiet voice and his hand clutched onto his cape. He could imagine just how enraged Jymaiyri was. "I-I understand.. getting kidnapped then being surrounded by complete strangers.. it's hard to trust anyone. I-It makes sense. It's okay," the boy reassured her before glancing back down at the baby. "Six months.." Kian knelt down so he could be face level with Minerva, smiling a bit as he saw her sleeping face. "S-She looks just like you," Kian commented. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri nodded. "That's why I wanted to know more about what's going on. I hate not knowing things." She shuddered. "Yup. Six months." With the ghost of a laugh, she adds, "She's still pretty tiny." She smiled at Kian's comment. "She does, doesn't she? It surprises me, how little she looks like my husband. But maybe she'll look more like him when she's older." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"W-When Uncle Agustin gets back, I'm sure he'd be happy to answer any of your questions to the best to his abilities. I had a lot of questions too," Kian nodded. As Kian looked over the baby, he couldn't help but smile fondly at her. "She is r-really small.. but I'm sure she'll grow big and strong," he said before looking back up at Jymaiyri. "Oh, you're married, Miss Jymaiyri?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mmhhm. That's good. I'm glad theres at least someone here who seems to know things." Jymaiyri nodded. She took in a stiff breath, and steadied herself. "Yes... his name is Yeonaixho. He and I... we were separated during the abduction." Her tone was hesitant, afraid. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Oh, t-that is disheartening.. I-I'm sure your husband is looking for you and-" Kian paused, his brain slowly processing Jymaiyri's words. The boy looked down for a moment, his brows furrowing as he thought. "Yeonaixho..?" He quietly questioned. Kian remained silent for a few seconds, but then suddenly looked back up to Jymaiyri. "I-I know this is going to sound crazy.. But b-by chance.. is your husband blind?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I just hope he's safe, it's so hard to be away from him, I-" Abruptly, she stopped. She turned to Kian, a look of shock and almost-fear on her face. "How did you know that?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Ohhh boy. This was going to be difficult. Kian raised his hand to his chest, as if to show no harm or ill-intent. "I-I'm not.. Oh, t-this is so complicated, Miss Jymaiyri.." He sighed. He thought about what to say, a million different thoughts racing in his head as he tried to recall what he could about the Yeonaixho Aunt Albanes told him about. "A-Again, this is going to sound crazy, but.. I'm n-not.. I'm not from this dimension. My Uncle Agustin.. where I come from, he's a-already been long dead, yet he's still alive here, a-and to him, I-I'm still a kid living with my family. I think.. I think the Yeonaixho I know is much different from your husband.. considering you and.." Kian looked down at Minerva, a frown faintly forming on his lips. "..And little Minerva." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri's look of shock and confusion only grew as he continued. Multiple dimensions? People being alive when they were supposed to be dead? This was all feeling horribly familiar to something she'd been told rather recently. She held Minerva in her arms. "What- what is your Yeonaixho like?" She dared to ask. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian wanted to ask if Jymaiyri was certain she wanted to know more about his world's Yeonaixho, but something about her expression made Kian comply. "Back in my world, I-I had an aunt named Albanes. Aunt Albanes.. she moved to my hometown when she was already a bit older, married my other aunt, a-and sometimes I would ask her questions about what she did beforehand. She.. never gave me too many details, p-probably because I was just a kid then, but she told me some stories about her teacher. A man named Juno. He... I don't think Aunt Albanes and him had the best relationship. She always looked sad when she talked about him," Kian started. "It was only when I got a little bit older did she tell me more about her life before she met my family, and about Juno. Juno.. she told me his real name was Yeonaixho Sehwohl, about his home of Loucari and how she received his powers as the Lifebringer. There are other details about Loucari and Yeonaixho I learned on my own several years later on my travels, but that's the basics of what I know of him. I think.. he is a very different person than your husband." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Nothing Kian said brought Jymaiyri any semblance of relief. The man Kian described didn't sound anything like her Yeonai, and yet the details were there. His full name, the places- they were all right. "He- that doesn't sound anything like him," Jymaiyri choked out. "I don't even know anyone named Albanes...but... it's too similar. It's uncanny. My husband is a good man. We live a simple life." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you upset-" Kian frowned, knowing full well that Jymaiyri had every right to be. "I'm just.. I-I'm shocked to see you a-and.. and baby Minerva. It all feels.. surreal," Kian said, his shoulders falling just a bit. "If it brings you any peace of mind, I do truly believe your husband is different than the man I know... He's raising a family here.. a-and you obviously love him very much. I have no doubt in any of that, Miss Jymaiyri." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri pressed her still-mittened hands to her face, trying to dry up her tears. She could not reply to Kian- though she acknowledged what he said. The Yeonaixho this boy knew was not hers, but didn't it hurt to know that, somewhere out there, there was a version of him that wasn't? A version of her beloved, so distant and foreign and, by what she could gather, cruel? "Thank you... for telling me this." Was all she could say. "You... wouldn't happen to know anything about me in your universe?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian offered Jymaiyri a handkerchief from his pocket. It was blue and torn at one of the ends, but was still clean enough to use. A little symbol of a white crown was printed on the corner. "H-Here.. and of course. As for you.." Kian shook his head. "Aunt Albanes never mentioned Yeonaixho having a wife or child. Even after doing my own research.. I never found any traces of a family he had. T-To be fair though, Yeonaixho lived for quite some time. Much longer than I have. Records could of been lost or destroyed in that time." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri took the handkerchief, and dabbed it at her eyes. "I... figured as much." She said, and didn't elaborate on the sentiment. "He lived for... a long time? Long enough for records to be lost?" She looked at him, puzzled. Kian appeared to be only a teenager... @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Again, this was a difficult topic to explain. Kian rubbed the back of his head in an awkward motion and frowned. "Yes.. You don't seem to know about the 'Lifebringer'.. but in my world, it's a god that lives in a host, which grants the host healing abilities. Yeonaixho in my world was the Lifebringer for around fourteen hundred years, serving as the ruler of his home. I've.. f-for reasons, I've been alive for over two hundred years now. It's.. a-also a long story. I know you must think I'm just a child. I-I assure you, I'm a proud knight of my home. There is a lot I've learned about my world in that time.. but even then, there is a lot I don't know. I'm sorry I can't offer you more, Miss Jymaiyri." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Huh." This was... a lot to take in all at once. A different version of her husband, of her entire world, all barely beyond her grasp. She did not want to see it- part of her still wished she lived in the sweet ignorance of this fact she'd existed in only minutes before. But now that she knew it, she was glad she did. It was better to know than to not. An uneasy truth was better than a comforting lie. But how could she go on? She was just glad Yeonaixho wasn't here to hear this. She didn't want to know how he'd react. It'd hurt him. "Fourteen hundred years." She repeated. "God. I've- I've heard of the Lifebringer, I just- I thought it was a myth, you know? An old story...." She shook her head." "And you're... two hundred and something. God." She wasn't going to pry about Kian's life any further- it wasn't her place to. "It's alright. It's- this is fine. Well get through it." She said, more for herself than Kian. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian shook his head and sighed. "It was a-a lot to research back home. The Lifebringer.. what a-an interesting god," he commented with a distant look. Though, he at least gave Jymaiyri a nod, the faintest of smiles spreading on his lips. "Y-Yeah.. it's going to be okay," he agreed quietly. Even if it didn't feel like it right now, Kian wanted for things to turn out that way. Especially if it meant keeping Miss Jymaiyri and her baby safe. No matter who her husband was in his world, Kian knew that in this one, they really were just a normal family. He didn't want anything to happen to them. "S-So.. what do you and your husband do now? I assume you two must still live in Loucari?" Kian redirected once more. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Hmm..." She hummed in thought, relaxing only the slightest bit. "It is. We'll get through this." "Oh- we actually live in the South Loucari." She figured Kian knew enough about the Loucari to know that was a separate place, and that the distinction was the same in his dimension. "We just... live our lives, I guess. I'm a botanist, he's an occupational therapist. And recently we've both been pretty busy with the baby." It was both comforting and difficult to talk about her everyday life. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

“Looks like you have found some players!” Ulysses exclaimed, his smile somehow shining brighter. “Would you like to send your friends an invite? Or you can invite them to your party and queue up when you have a full team.” @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Kian's smile turned more genuine as Jymaiyri explained her life to him. "Oh.. a botanist and an occupational therapist? That's cool. I-I can imagine it's a lot more hectic with the little one," he chuckled softly, as to not disturb Minvera. "My oldest sister had twins. She often told told me how difficult it was to be a mother, and that she didn't know how our moms raised four of us. Do you and your husband want more children?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"It is... at least, she isn't waking up in the night as much now..." Jymaiyri sighed. "Hmm... I think we'll wait til Minnie's a bit older to make that decision. She's our first. But maybe." Jymaiyri shrugged. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian nodded and warmly looked over Minerva. "That makes sense.. Especially if you two are busy. It can be difficult raising children," he replied. After a moment, Kian looked back up at Jymaiyri. "M-Maybe when she's awake.. Do.. C-Can I maybe hold her?" He shyly asked. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri glanced down to Minerva, then to Kian. "Well, uh... you only have one arm... and I don't know if you'd be able to properly support her." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian seemed saddened at that, but not specifically at Jymaiyri's decline. "Ah.. y-you're right. It's probably best I don't," he said and subtly pulled his cape over his chest, as if to hide his missing arm. Kian slowly stood back up and gave Jymaiyri another smile. "You and the little one should stay here. Rest and stay warm.. I-I'm sure Uncle Agustin will come by later to explain more to all of us later. He said he would after he checked the perimeter outside. I'm.. going to explore a bit more. I'll see you later, Miss Jymaiyri." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhmm." Jymaiyri said. She could stay here for a while. "Are you sure you don't want to stay here? It's pretty cold out there." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian didn't want to admit it, but it hurt more to stay with Jymaiyri and Minerva than it was to deal with the freezing cold. "I-It's okay. I won't be outside long. Stay safe, you two," he smiled before heading out once more. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Though Jymaiyri wanted to protest this, she also wanted to be alone with her child for a moment. So, she nodded, and said to Kian, "You too. Be safe out there," and watched him go. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Though Jymaiyri wanted to protest this, she also wanted to be alone with her child for a moment. So, she nodded, and said to Kian, "You too. Be safe out there," and watched him go. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Once again the wolf was trudging through the snow, seeking shelter from the ever bitter cold. This place was large, higher chance of people, but also for it to be warm. Their desire to not freeze over took their antisocial nature. Another damn door with a stupid damn knob. Lykos huffed a bit and got to work attempting to open the door. …it sounded like a large animal was attempting to break down the door, accompanied by the doorknob fruitlessly being pushed and half-turned.

Jymaiyri had very nearly fallen asleep with Minerva, or at least drifted to a state of relaxation, when the sound began. Shit. No. Shit. There was someone- something at the door, and it sounded big. Was this the creature that occupied the woods, come to get her? She knew she was an easy target, Minerva an even easier one. She held her sleeping baby and stayed quiet, praying in the strength of the and hoping whatever was behind it would get bored and go find something else to hunt. She glanced briefly to the others in the room- none seemed to notice but her. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Try as they might, their paws could not get a grip onto the damn thing. They grumbled, sitting down so they could attempt to use both paws at once. …whatever was trying to open that door sounded rather angry, and determined. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri's heartbeat was pounding in her ears- still, she tried to be as quiet as she could, and hid as much as she could on one side of the matress. She held Minerva still, thankful the baby was asleep and therefore silent. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

At last the damn thing opened. The let out a sigh of relief and walked through the door. Unfortunately for everyone, the first thing they set their eyes on was the baby, and then the woman holding it. “…there truly is an infant here. How cruel.” The large beast was a ways away from the family, and sat calmly, seemingly disinterested in them as they scanned the room. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri was curled up in a corner, so terrified she'd gone pale in the face, holding Minerva close to her chest. *Why was there a wolf here? Why was it talking?* She didn't dare say anything, just stared on in pure terror. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The wolf could feel the eyes on them, uncomfortable under the stare. They hunched a bit, attempting to make themself smaller. They were a horrific beast, after all. It was natural to be afraid. “…While I doubt you’ll take my word, I swear I have no interest in hurting you or your child.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"How-" Jymaiyri sputtered, somewhere in between an angry hiss, a breathy whisper, and a scared cry, "how can you talk-" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

…Interesting priorities. “Like you. I have vocal cords, I move my mouth… I am just as intelligent as a human, perfectly capable of speech.” It was so strange to be interacting with human beings again… this form wasn’t exactly. Suited for it, judging by how off put most people had been by the sight of them. They licked their mouth and looked away from the woman. Unsure of how to… diffuse the situation. “…again, I don’t want to hurt either of you…” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri let out a fearful whine, and pressed her entire self to the wall, away from Lykos. Seems she wasn't very convinced. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

They sighed and let out an anxious yawn. Slowly, they stood and stared searching for an empty bed, one without any scents near it. They did glance at the woman a few times, though. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri watched Lykos's every move, not once taking her eyes off them. When they showed no signs of getting close to her or her baby, she dared a question, "The woods- are you from there?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Hm, not from the forest of this land, no. I was brought here against my will. Like you, I presume. You and your... infant.” Lykos yawned again, unpleasant memories of their abduction rising. ’Pain. Torment.’ ’I will. Have. It. All.’ …what a wretched being. The wolf shook their head, pushing down the memory. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"Were you brought here for the tournament?" Jymaiyri asked. Slowly, she was getting used to the idea of talking to the wolf. Not that she trusted them, though. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The faced the woman now, tilting their head. “…? Tournament? I… Hm. I had little opportunity to speak to the one who captured me. Did it tell you this was a competition?” Are they really going to have to fight these people? It wouldn’t be especially difficult, but… it wasn’t a pleasant idea. To get to know these people and then needlessly slaughter them. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"That's what I was told, by Rakin at the least," Jymaiyri said. "I'm surprised you weren't told that. Everyone else I've met already seems to know..." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Once again that Rakin person. It seems everyone spoke to him but them. “I believe I saw Rakin, however, the man passed out and another being came to… speak to me. One in a cloak. Did you see it as well?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri's eyebrows lifted in shock. Someone else had met the cloaked figure? "The- the small floating one? With all the eyes?" She asked. "It was there when I first woke up, and Rakin was unconscious on the floor, but when I attacked the cloaked guy he teleported away and I was able to wake Rakin up." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The wolf bristled at that. SHE ATTACKED IT?! They forced themself to calm. Revenge will come. “Yes, the very same. I attempted to reason with it, but instead it nearly killed me. I had no explanation, just torment.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Huh." Jymaiyri thought. "Huh. I guess... that's about the same it did to me. It was going to hurt my baby, though, and..." She glanced to Minerva. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The wolf barely held back a snarl as it remembered what it did to them. “It attempted to unwind my very being.” They shook their head, no need to dwell on that. “What did Rakin tell you?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

“What’s easier?” Julien didn’t have much knowledge of video game lingo- or football lingo either- and was getting desperate. At this point, he’d just let Ulysses call the shots. @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Oh- oh god," Was all Jymaiyri could say to that. "He told me this was a tournament. To the death. And that it's part of some centuries-old conflict. Something about the resurrection of some great species that loves violence. Beyond that, I don't know." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

…The doctor was completely out of their realm here. Needless violence for the sake of some ancient beings, they were unfortunately familiar with. However, outside of what Dante told them, they knew nothing about this culture- even if they did, what were they to do about it. They were trapped in another conflict they couldn’t give a damn about. ’Pain. Torment. Despair. Your life.!.’ The wolf snarled. “I am not about to be some plaything for these bastards.” Their face softened slightly, not wanting to scare the woman further. “Whenever that thing in the cloak reappears, I will give it hell for what it has done. I refuse to participate in this.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"You can try," Jymaiyri said, then sighed. "I really hate to say it, but I can't think of a way out of this. I can't. These people, these things... I don't think they're just going to let us go. They took my baby here, for God's sake." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

"Let's see who wants to join our party." Ulysses clapped his hands together before flashing a thumbs up and a smile. "When it comes to f-f-" The athlete seemed to change colors again, this time becoming solid green only to return to normal, milliseconds later. "--ootball, recruiting is half of the battle. After, we can pick our team colors." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Yeah, sounds great,” Julien hummed, Ulysses’s ‘glitching’ throwing him off guard again. “Huh… maybe green is your color. Let’s go build our team, shall we?” @Scream | Cane + Uly

Ulysses moved like he was about to step away before completely vanishing in front of Julien's very eyes. His image flickered briefly a few times only to suddenly appear as though he manifested out of nowhere, now in front of the other members they were sharing the room with. "Sup, the lads are having a pick-up game of football, and we want to know if you'd like to join this party. C'mon, how are you going to turn down the opportunity of a lifetime. Y'know, life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it." He informed the strangers with a flex. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

Jymaiyri yelped as Ulysses suddenly moved in front of her- she'd seen him when she entered the barracks with Kian and hadn't payed him much mind, but now he wanted to talk to her? She held Minerva close to her chest. "Uh-" It took her a good moment to actually register what she was being asked. "Uhm. I think I'll pass." @Scream | Cane + Uly @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos flinched and quickly reacted with a harsh bark, punctuated by a snap of their teeth. They shook their head, seeming deeply confused. “Wh- what the hell are you talking about?! Are you insane-“ The flickering caught their attention. “Are- Is that thing a hologram?!” @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Scream | Cane + Uly @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"P-Pass?" Ulysses glitched again. "It looks like we have our Quarterback!" He beamed excitedly, seemingly completely ignoring their collective hesitation, frustration and the fact that one of the party members was a wolf. "I could tell that you had a great throwing arm just by looking at you." Turning his attention to the sound of the bark, his smile only seemed to grow in the face of the protective snarl. "I like your energy. Every great quarterback needs a star-star-star--" His voice suddenly disappeared, despite the fact that his mouth was moving. After a few awkward moments, Ulysses' booming voice came back at the same volume it had left. "--starrecieverthatiswhatwecalla WR1. They also need a trusty running back. Do you prefer to catch, or run through your enemies?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Meanwhile, Julien was facepalming in the back of the room. “Uhhhh… Ulysses-“ he shuffled to the front and offered the mother, child(?), and wolf(???) an awkward look that appeared to be very apologetic. He glanced back at his comrade. “I don’t think the reception from this group is as enthusiastic as you’d like, dude. I think she meant ‘pass’ as in decline, not football…” @Scream | Cane + Uly @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"--You have declined to receive, so the other team will get the kickoff. That is a good choice if your team has a good defense. Stop them early, get the ball back at the half!" @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Jymaiyri could only let out a strained, breathy sound- half laugh, half cry of pain. "I- I can't play, I have a baby-" She stammered, still alarmed as Ulysses kept glitching. "I don't play football." @Scream | Cane + Uly @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The wolf’s body was tense and crouched, trying to decipher whatever the hell this thing was saying. Damn technology. They snarled at the hologram. “I don’t want to play your game. End your program.” They looked at the others. “What the hell is a foot ball. It sounds grotesque.” @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Scream | Cane + Uly @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

The wolf talks? Why is there a baby in the death maze? Julien took a deep breath. “Ulysses isn’t hostile, I promise- he just. Really likes football. It might be his whole schtick? I promise you, it’s not bad in any way- it’s a game where you just… kick it and maybe throw it to score points. Ulysses can explain it better,” he buried his head in his hands. “I’m sure you all can agree it’s been a rough few hours…” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Prefer to stay off the field? You should try your hand at one of the coaching roles! The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the team won't be worth the grass on the field. That is where the coach comes in." Ulysses gave the family a confident nod, his confidence oozing out of his person like an overflowing cup of water. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 Almost like he was on a spinning surface, his entire body pivoted in unison so that he was facing the other two. "Football is a magical game, played anywhere, anytime at all. As long as you have your friends, your heart, a ball and a dream. It's where legends are made, where the common man does uncommon things. There's nothing quite like it." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

"What- I can't coach, either." Jymaiyri said, "And anyways, it's too cold out." She closed her eyes and let out a tired sigh as Ulysses carried on. "What the hell..." @Scream | Cane + Uly @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Apparently this thing could hear, but only respond in... foot ball. As annoying as it was, and by the stars it was annoying, at least it wasn’t hostile. The wolf relaxed slightly, but was still bristling. “What the hell was that bastard thinking bringing a busted program into this… death tournament.” @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Scream | Cane + Uly @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

“Hey!” Julien put his hands on his hips. “He’s not busted- and that’s rich coming from a talking wolf! And you-“ he pointed at Jymaiyri. “You can surely play a game of football if you brought your child into this ‘death tournament’!” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Scream | Cane + Uly

Ulysses glitched out again before teleporting into the middle of the group that they had formed. "The secret to a good team is ganging up on the problem, not each other. The other team already has eleven players, you don't need to give them any extra." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"I didn't choose to be here! I was abducted! You think I want to be at the death tournament?" Jymaiyri retorted to Julien, her rising frustration clear. "Get your weird football friend out of here." As Ulysses continued on she just buried her head in her hands. Sooner or later, all this was going to wake up the baby. And she'd just put Minerva to sleep! @Scream | Cane + Uly @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The wolf snarled at Julien. “I am not broken! Open your damn eyes- we have no time to play games!” At his comment towards Jymaiyri they tilted their head in confusion. “What the hell are you talking about?! You act like she had a choice in bringing her child here! Did you choose to come here?!” @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Scream | Cane + Uly @Scream | Cane + Uly

Julien inhaled, pausing a few moments before speaking. “Listen- Ulysses is right- I don’t need to start anything… I suppose I’m still wildly lost, and afraid, so I apologize,” he hung his head. “That man- Rakin, told me I will surely die here, and I’m still coming to terms with that, and I uh… lashed out. I’m sure none of us chose this. Ulysses here is the first friendly face I came upon, so for him to be treated with hostility… rubbed me the wrong way. He means well, I promise. But we can go elsewhere if you would both prefer.” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Like it s-sa-says at Dartmouth Field, you can break a single arrow, but not ten in a bundle." Ulysses informed with raised eyebrows as he looked amongst everyone in the group. "...Now that I think about it, it should say eleven; huh..." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"I appreciate your care for your friend," Jymaiyri said, in a tone that suggested she didn't, "But my infant child is sleeping, and he's going to wake her up. So, please, get him out of here." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Scream | Cane + Uly @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The wolf huffed and looked away. “You have strange priorities… hm. I met a woman with technology powers, perhaps you should take your.. friend to her. Her name was Madison.” @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Scream | Cane + Uly @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Julien paid no attention to Jymaiyri, and instead directed his attention to Lykos. “I think in a situation like this, it’s easy to lose your way,” he replied solemnly, glancing at Ulysses for a split second. “It’s… overwhelming. You said this person with technology powers is named Madison? Any idea where we could find her? The sooner we do, the faster we’ll be out of your hair.” at that, he did look back at the mother and her child. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Scream | Cane + Uly

“Hm. Her legs were injured, she needed to go somewhere warm, but refused to go to the bonfire. So I would assume she is inside somewhere. Then again, not like she could have gone far with broken legs. If you see a woman lying in the snow, it’s likely her.” With that concerning picture painted, Lykos turned away and returned to searching for somewhere to sleep. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Mister Jokestar @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri didn't have much more to add, but still glared at Julien. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Scream | Cane + Uly

Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Hm. Her legs were injured, she needed to go somewhere warm, but refused to go to the bonfire. So I would assume she is inside somewhere. Then again, not like she could have gone far with broken legs. If you see a woman lying in the snow, it’s likely her.” With that concerning picture painted, Lykos turned away and returned to searching for somewhere to sleep. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Mister Jokestar @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

(did you mean to tag me?)

(Whoops!!)

(all good lol I just got confused)

"Uh-oh, sounds like we got an injury on the f-f-field." Ulysses made an 'x' with his crossed forearms as he looked down at the wolf. "Hopefully this is just a game ender and not a season ender." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Despite Jymaiyri's efforts, all the noise and commotion and talking did, in fact, wake up the baby. Minerva blinked blearily awake, and tried to wiggle herself out of the sling. "You woke her up..." Jymaiyri sighed, not to anyone in particular but also to everyone in the room. To her baby, she cooed gently, "Good morning, Minnie. They woke you up, huh? Did you have a good nap?" Minerva, of course, did not answer her mother's questions, but the baby-talk did seem to be distracting her from crying at least. @Scream | Cane + Uly @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The wolf glances towards the family. There was a strange feeling in their heart as they looked at the child. Something like pity. They scowled and looked away, keeping quiet. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Scream | Cane + Uly @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

“Ah… thank you,” Julien whispered to Lykos, though it seemed his attention was already elsewhere. Seeing that the baby was awake and Jymaiyri was most likely more peeved, it was time for him and Ulysses to take their leave. “Hey man, we should probably get going. The wolf said something about a woman with technology powers, perhaps she’ll be able to help-“ he cut himself off. “Maybe she’ll want to join our team?” @Scream | Cane + Uly @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"The wolves would be a good team name--" Ulysses pointed at his teammate, ignoring both the child and wolf as he pivoted around. "What color were you thinking for uniforms? The team creator comes with unlimited color options." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Scott climbed into a bed and wrapped himself in a blanket, closing his eyes. He didn't go to sleep though, and his ears started alert to the others in the room, just in case.

Lykos found an empty bed, frowning at how small it was. Perhaps they could just pull the blanket down to sleep on… They glanced back towards the family, staring for perhaps a little too long. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri's attention was still mostly on her baby, whom she had rested on the bed for the moment. Minerva lay on her stomach, looking curiously around the room. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos turned to face the family and sat, attempting to display that they were no threat. They almost felt nervous. “…if you wish me to be quiet, I’ll comply. I just want to know your name. I am Dr. Lykos.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Though she was still worried, the wolf doctor's actions during the whole Ulysses debacle had proved to Jymaiyri that they could be trusted at least a bit. "My name is Jymaiyri," She said with a nod. "Hers is Minerva. It's nice to meet you, Doctor." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

"Right, right, we can talk color options after we... find us a new team member. She should be somewhere in this building if I heard correctly," Julien gave Ulysses a halfhearted thumbs-up. "Oh, and while we're at it, I don't ever think I gave you my name. I'm Julien by the way, since we're on the same team and all." @Scream | Cane + Uly

The wolf’s tail wagged just a bit. “It is good to meet you as well, Jymaiyri. How is your.. Minerva faring?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Julien, I like that username." Ulysses placed his hands on his hips and gave a confident nod. "L-L-Let's go assemble our team then. We s-s-still have a lot of positions to fill. I can't play all the positions myself...Or can I?" @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

"She's... doing as well as she can." Jymaiyri moved to where she and Minerva could face each other, crouching by the foot of the bed. The little baby babbled a bit, then looked to Dr. Lykos. Big doggy. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Julien gave Ulysses a small smile in return. It felt good to smile after all the events of that day. “You could, but that wouldn’t be wise. Overworking yourself is never the answer,” he tried to mimic Ulysses’s sportsman confidence, to somewhat of an avail. “Whenever you’re ready to head out, I’ll be right behind you.” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"OK, Let's head back to the main menu--" In a flash, Ulysses was...Gone? @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Ulysses?” Julien said the the space where the football player once was. “Fuck, where did you go?” With that, he ran out of the room, hoping that maybe by a stroke of luck, they’d cross paths again…

innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"She's... doing as well as she can." Jymaiyri moved to where she and Minerva could face each other, crouching by the foot of the bed. The little baby babbled a bit, then looked to Dr. Lykos. Big doggy. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The wolf’s eyes widened and they dared to step closer. “I… It always astounds me, how small we all begin our lives as. How old is she?” Poor, innocent child. The rage in the doctor’s heart promises revenge if not for themselves, then for this poor child.

"And she's gotten so much bigger these last few months... you should've seen her as a newborn." Jymaiyri laughed. "She's just about six months old now." Minerva didn't seem afraid of Lykos as they got closer, rather she was still curious and babbling. Jymaiyri did seem a bit cautious, and moved protectively closer to Minerva. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

A strange sensation squeezed at their heart as they watched Minerva. “Not even a yearling… not even old enough to speak, and yet she is here in this hellish place.” Lykos noticed Jymaiyri’s appreciation and sat, once again trying to look less intimidating. “…I am surprised she does not cry at the sight of me.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I know... it's so cruel, that they brought her here with me. But I'd rather her be with me than left behind." Jymaiyri sighed. Then, she laughed. "One of neighbors has a very friendly husky she's met a few times. She probably thinks you're him." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Hm, I suppose you can better ease your worries for her if you can see her. Better for a child so young to be with their family than alone.” The wolf tilted its head. “Husky? Is that some sort of.. dog? Hmph.. “ Lykos stared at Minerva curiously. “I suppose you don’t know enough to find it strange that I am speaking, do you, Minerva?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yes... and I don't think she would've fared very well without me. She's only a baby, she relies so much on others..." Jymaiyri shuddered. "Yes, they're a kind of dog." Jymaiyri nodded. "They look somewhat like wolves, but smaller." She laughed again. "She's only met one other dog. Maybe she thinks they all talk." As Lykos addressed her, Minerva reached up one tiny baby hand and replied, profoundly, with more babble. "She's getting to the stage where she's trying to talk," Jymaiyri smiled, "but she's not that great with words yet." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos almost seemed to smile. Though, it was hard to tell, with him being a wolf and all. “All things with time. I unfortunately must report that I am the only of my kind. I have not met any other complete animals capable of speech. It does appear that are a fascinating number of human-animal species here, however…” The doctor shook their head. Going off on a tangent... “Well, what do you plan to do now? Does she need to eat now that she’s awake? I… do not know much about infants…” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I was going to say," Jymaiyri hummed. "I'm more of a plant scientist than an animal one, but I've never heard of a talking wolf before." She watched her baby. "Yeah, she's probably getting pretty hungry by now. She's only barely on solids, and the people here only have fish, so it'll be milk for her until we get out of here. Not that she'll be complaining, I don't think." She glanced around the barracks. "Just wish we had a bit more privacy here..." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

(Convenient that Lykos found the one building on this side with a lock on it)

“Ah, a plant scientist. Fascinating. I am more of an animal scientist, then. I studied biology and transformative magics.” An animal scientist in every literal sense. At her wish for privacy, Lykos tried to think of somewhere… “Understandable. Hm… there was a shed I passed by. No one ought to go in there, if that would suffice.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Transformative magics, huh? That's interesting." Jymaiyri hummed. "I do most of my research on trees." "A shed? How far from here is it?" She seemed somewhat doubtful in the place's ability to offer privacy. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“It was interesting. What do you do with your research?” Interesting indeed, not that they can do much with it anymore. It has served its purpose. “Rather close, just follow the path. It’s by the bonfire, a small building. I am… not entirely sure if it truly is a shed, I was unable to open the door.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I publish papers, mostly. I'm actually a doctor, too. Of botany." She shrugged. "Generally, I'm trying to better the lives of plants. And people too, I guess, but mostly plants." "Huh...." Jymaiyri thought. "Could you take me over there?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Ah, a fellow doctor. It seems quite admirable, what you do.” At her request, Lykos seemed surprised. Perhaps she was finally warming up to them. “I can. It is not too far. Whenever the two of you are ready, I will guide you.” The wolf stood and stepped a bit away, stretching. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

Jymaiyri smiled and nodded. "Thank you." "I'd appreciate it." She hummed as she moved Minerva back into her sling. After a few moments, she turned back to Lykos. "We should be ready now." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The wolf’s tail wagged just a bit as they walked out to the path and towards that little shed… ( #restroom ) @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The wolf’s tail wagged just a bit as they walked out to the path and towards that little shed… ( #restroom ) @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri followed....

Kenji trails behind Agustín as they reach the building, ducking inside the door. Once he shuts it behind him he sort of just..lingers, there, like he’s unsure if he’s actually welcome here. It’s warm, at least, and it looks alright, all things considered. Better than some of the places he’s stayed in, that’s for sure. He’s not really sure what more he has to say, other than waiting for the offered explanation, so he settles for just shaking as much snow as he can off of him for now. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustín shut the door behind them, and shook off some of the snow from his own head and hair. "So. Questions. I'm guessing you have many." Agustín said and turned to face Kenji again. "I might have a few answers." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

A faint, distressed laugh escapes Kenji at that. “Y-Yeah, you could say that again. I just... How am I— How am I in space, I don’t… This just looks normal…” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"As far as I can tell, Rakin is using his lightning powers to transport people from wherever you are from to here.. And sometimes across universes.." Agustin sighed. "When we are outside and you look up, you can see all the stars.. Even during the daytime, they're a bit harder to see, but they're there. We are not on Earth, just a carefully reconstructued model of it as some kind of prison." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Kenji’s expression slowly drops more and more the longer Agustin continues, and he slumps back against the wall behind him. “……Why?” He finally manages to choke out, slowly shaking his head. “He— He said we’re here to k— fight each other, a-and he can’t send us—“ Back, is what his voice fails to say. Kenji swallows around the lump in his throat. “W-What’s the point?” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. I do not know. One of my companions knew Rakin from before this, and she is convinced he has some kind of plan to help us.. I can only hope she is right." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

“Help us?” Kenji repeats, almost incredulously. “He— He— Th-Throwing us into space is going— going to help us?! I’m not—“ He bites back whatever he was going to say, rubbing his wrists as he stares at the floor. “I c-can’t do this again..” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

“Help us?” Kenji repeats, almost incredulously. “He— He— Th-Throwing us into space is going— going to help us?! I’m not—“ He bites back whatever he was going to say, rubbing his wrists as he stares at the floor. “I c-can’t do this again..” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

@Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Well, Zahara is convinced that he's up to something good.." Agustin sighed. "But what do you mean... Again..?" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Kenji hugs his arms to his chest, if only to keep himself from either rubbing at his wrists further, or reaching again for the necklace that is no longer there. There’s really only one of two ways he could answer Agustin’s question. He settles for the least concerning option. “R-Rakin said this was a— s’posed to be a tournament. Like the one I went th-through but worse..” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. You have been through a tournament before? Was it also in space?" Agustín asked. "How did you get out of it?" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Despite everything, a faint laugh escapes him at the absurdity. “N-No, definitely not in..not in space. It’s.. It’s kind of a blur honestly…” Amara had been rather excited. Kenji didn’t really want to know what was in the memories he was missing from that fight. “We f-fought back. Managed to— to get everyone’s powers back to them.” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. Hm. Well, that's not very helpful. Did anyone die there?" Agustín asked. "And I assume there were hosts? What were they like?" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

“I.. I don’t know,” Kenji admits, shifting slightly uncomfortably. “I didn’t st-stick around too long after. J-Just in case. But the hosts, they were..um. I didn’t really talk to them, I just..know t-they were brothers. A-And there was a ghost who was trying to steal our powers…” He’s a little hesitant to bring up some of the things Jax and Blue had explained, so he just sticks with the basics for now. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

1

"Hosts... Brothers.. From what I've heard, I don't think the hosts here are ghosts.. Well, Rakin isn't, anyway." Agustin sighed. "And trying to steal powers. Everyone I've met so far does have powers... So I guess that could happen." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

No ghosts. That’s a plus at least….a very small one. Everything else, however…. “I r-really hope not,” Kenji says quietly, face paling a little bit at the possibility of facing power stealing again, before asking tentatively, “S-So is Rakin not the only one? The only- the only host, I mean. Or.. Or kidnapper, or.. whatever..” Host is really too nice of a word for this. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I have heard there is another. A floating creature. I assume you only met Rakin?" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Kenji nods slowly in response. “Y-Yeah, no floating guy. Just him. You’re— You’re the only person I’ve seen other th-than him so far..” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Hmm. Seems that the other host is spotted less." Agustín said. "Regardless of what happened to you before, I will keep you safe here. There is food, water, and shelter.. And we all have appropriate clothes. I have healing abilities. You will get through this." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Kenji bites the inside of his cheek to try and keep himself from tearing up again. It works, mostly. “Th-Thank you..” He’s half-tempted to point out that getting through this seems to be the opposite of the plan for them, but it’s more energy than it’s worth. “Is there— Is there a lot of others here?” He asks instead. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yes... It seems like quite a lot of people showed up alongside you. Many more people are on our side than the hosts'." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

“I guess that’s— that’s one way to think about it…” Kenji sighs. His coat has mostly dried by now, so he finally moves to sit down on the edge of the closest bed. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"You should get some rest." Agustín said. "Do you have any other questions..?" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

“…Not right now,” Kenji says after a few seconds. “I… I think it just need to let it.. let it process for a bit. But thank you.” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Sleep well. I'm sure I will be able to figure out more as the day goes.." Agustín sighed and simply headed out in to the cold. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Riki opened the door and held it open for Jymaiyri and baby like a true gentleman. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Thank you." Jymaiyri nodded as she stepped into the warmth of the inside. She seemed relaxed to be inside, and even more at ease when she realized no one else was there. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki bowed lightly at the thank-you, stepped in and closed the door behind himself. He shrugged his thick winter jacket off and folded it in his arms. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri sat down on one of the beds and began taking off her and Minerva's thick gloves, coats and hats. Minerva, while still awake now and sitting up, was blinking blearily and yawning. "Oh, are you sleepy? Time for a nap?" Jymaiyri cooed. To Riki, she said, "She had a nap a few hours ago. Probably time for another one." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki chuckled gently, watching the baby yawn. "She needs a lot of sleep. Have you gotten any rest yet?" Riki asked and sat on a nearby bed. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I've been sleeping when she's sleeping." Jymaiyri shrugged. "Can you watch over her while I make a makeshift crib? I don't want her falling over, or anything. It should only be for a sec." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Of course!" Riki stood back up and came to sit next to the two, smiling at the little one. He was curious and looked at Minerva closer now that she wasn't as hidden by thick clothes. He chuckled. "Aw, she's so pudgy and cute. Hello, Minerva", he cooed gently, carefully wrapping a couple of tails loosely around Minnie so he could hold her if she were to fall over. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"Thanks," Jymaiyri said, and quickly got to work arranging pillows and blankets to make a crib for Minerva. Minerva was pretty sleepy, and thus kind of grumpy, but she was at least interested in the fluffiness of Riki's tails, grabbing at his fur and running her tiny little baby fingers through it. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki made a small, surprised and curious dog sound, and his eyes brightened. "Oh, she can already grab and hold things! Her hands are very developed for her age." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yup! The doctors say she's right on target for her 'grabbing things' milestones." Jymaiyri nodded. "Be careful she doesn't try to put any of your fur in her mouth, that's probably a choking hazard and a half." Minerva didn't show any signs of wanting to eat Riki's fur... yet... @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki chuckled. "Yes, I'll be careful. If she was my daughter Ria, she would also put my tail in her mouth and bite it", he laughed softly at the memory. "The first teeth are so sharp too... owch." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

Jymaiyi laughed, and finished up her little crib. It was mostly just carefully arranged pillows and blankets, but it was the best she had at the moment. She want back to Minerva. "Aw, someone's tired." She cooed, and picked up Minerva from Riki's careful hold. "You ready for a nap? You look ready for a nap." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki chuckled softly and watched the two gently, his heart aching a little with longing to his own family. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri rocked Minerva in her arms for a bit, mumbling a rythmic lullabye in a different language, and set the baby down in the crib. She spent some more time making sure Minerva got to sleep, then turned back to Riki. In a whisper, she confirmed, "She's sleeping now." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki started grooming his tails while Jymaiyri put Minerva to sleep. He ran his claws through his fluff and plucked at the itchy, loose tufts of fur. He smiled to the lady and glanced at the baby with a little painful but gentle smile. "Good, let her sleep", he hummed back. He continued to quietly groom his tails, gathering the loose fluff into a little pile next to him. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Think I might join her." Jymaiyri mused. "You fine with keeping watch?" @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Of course, rest well", Riki assured and nodded. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri nodded, and got into bed next to the crib she had made for her baby. Just like Minerva, she was asleep within minutes. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki continued his work, going through one tail at a time, slowly piling more and more white fluff onto the bed as the two others slept. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Both mother and child slept soundly for a good while in the peaceful silence of the barracks. It was clear that both needed the nap. Minerva woke before Jymaiyri did, but seemed content wiggling her little body around and wasn't causing a fuss. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Tha pile of woolly undercoat next to Riki started to look like one could build a medium-sized dog out of it. The fox noticed Minerva moving around, and smiled kindly to her. He turned his eyes back to his work, but kept one ear tilted towards the child and started to quietly sing a song. His singing voice was something that many people in his life adored, but not many were lucky enough to hear it often, since the man was shy to sing when asked. He hummed a calm, joyful melody that his nannies often sung to him and his sisters when they were little. The song involved many parts that were just melodic howling. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva smiled as Riki sang, watching him intently. The light singing stirred Jymaiyri from her slumbers. She yawned, stretched, and turned to her baby. "Have a nice nap?" Minerva cooed in response. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki stopped singing when he heard Jymiayri wake. He smiled towards her. "What about yourself?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I slept well. I think I needed that nap." Jymaiyri looked up to Riki. "Wow. That's a lot of fur." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"I'm sorry if I woke you up", Riki hummed. He glanced at the pile of fluff next to him and chuckled. "Yes, I probably started growing a winter coat and now I'm shedding the old one out of the way." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"It's alright. Probably best I woke up, now that Minnie's up." Jymaiyri sat up, picked up her baby, and began rocking her in her arms. "That makes sense. It's so cold here, you'll probably need the winter coat." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki nodded. "Indeed." He arranged the fur a bit, pressing it down and into a denser ball of fluff, so that it was easier to manage. "You humans don't seem to have fur?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Nope." Jymaiyri said, a light laugh to her voice. "Well, we've got body hair and all, but it's much thinner. Doesn't do much for warmth." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"I see, well, if you can fild use to my fur, feel free to use it. Although at least we have some sort of blankets here and all." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I wish I knew more about making clothes and stuff. We'll figure something out." Jymaiyri sighed. "Yeah. I'm really glad they gave us warm clothes- Minnie and I appeared in the forest. It would've been... rough, if we hadn't had our coats and whatnot." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki nodded seriously. "Yes, I'm glad they did at least take care of that... Hm, did you see anything weird when you were in the forest?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Not really. I got out of there as soon as I could, though." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"I see, that is good", he hummed. He paused for a moment, before he spoke again. "How much do you know about our situation here?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri took in a breath through her teeth. "Too much to be blissfully ignorant and too little to be comfortable. I know we're here for a tournament to the death, and it's all to revive some great species, and we're in space. Other than that..." She drifted off. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki nodded. "Yes, that is about as much as I know, too... Do you know anything about our dear hosts?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"The floating cloak guy or the frog man? I've met both." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki's eyes widened, and his ears perked upright. "Floating cloak guy? I assume that would be Rakin's master?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yep." Jymaiyri nodded. "They were... interesting. Talked through memories, kept showing me.... stuff." She grimaced. "I think their name was Alrai-something." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki frowned in confusion. "Talked... through memories?" He tilted his head. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"They kept, uh, manipulating my memories. To things they wanted to say." Jymaiyri's face fell. "It was... strange." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki's fur bristled. "That sounds... terrifying", he murmured, and his ears pinned back. It sounded to him that they were up against some powerful Psychic-type Master. Unfortunately Riki didn't have any type advantages. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Trust me, it was." Jymaiyri agreed solemnly. She turned her attention back to her baby. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki nodded. He was quiet for a moment, before asking. "What did they want to tell you?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Huh? The floating guy? They mostly tried to get me to stop breaking out. They weren't the most... communicative." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Ah, I see", Riki tilted his head. "What did they look like?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"They were small, wore a cloak. Had a lot of eyes." Jymaiyri described vaguely. "I was talking to one of the frog people here earlier, and I think the floating guy might be a Pilarian. Whatever that means." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Hmm..." Riki nodded as Jymaiyri described Alrai Pin. Then, he perked up. "A Pilarian? Who told you this?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Zahara. She didn't seem to know the floating guy, but she told me a bit about the pilarians, and I was kinda able to piece things together? It's still just a hypothesis, and I don't know how much good that information is in this scenario, but..." She shrugged. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Ah, I see, yes, I talked with miss Zahara as well, and came to a similar conclusion", Riki said, seeming to deflate a little bit. "She seemed very sure there were no Pilarians left, though. She insisted Rakin had destroyed them all before", he continued, with a look in his eyes that told he wanted to hear Jymayri's thoughts on Zahara's beliefs. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah. I don't know if Zahara is the most... trustworthy source on information?" Jymaiyri thought. "But she does seem to know some things about all this. And I'll take what I can get." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Indeed. She seems to be somewhat blinded by her faith in her sovereign. Did she tell you about Rakin?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yep. And what she told me didn't align with my experience with the guy." Jymaiyri sighed. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Indeed. From her stories, the man is a real hero. Hm. She did tell me that Pilarians can mind control people, and that Rakin's eyes are similar to those who have become mind controlled, but.. less than usual? And she was convinced he behaved normally when he was with herself. So, she still has full faith in her king, and she doesn't think he's under complete control, and yet..." Riki hummed, linking his fingers together, propping his elbows on his knees and leaning his chin on his fingers. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Hm." Jymaiyri took in this information. "Maybe Rakin's only under partial control, or something like that. Zahara did say she talked with him frequently. He showed up when she prayed a lot, she said." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Oh, interesting..." Riki nodded with slightly raised eyebrows. "She did seem rather close to him. And yes, Dr. Lykos theorized he might be resisting the possession. I'm not sure, but it could be possible too. If it was intentional from his masters side, I'm not sure what the purpose would be, other than maybe making him act more naturally", Riki mused. "In any case, Rakin is... probably forced to do this, and doing it unwillingly. It doesn't make him harmless, though. The real enemy, however, is his master, and I'm convinced we need Rakin to get out of here", Riki muttered in a hushed tone. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

Jymaiyri nodded in agreement. "Mhm. It might be hard to get Rakin on our side in the first place, unwilling service to his master or not." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Indeed. We need to find a way to get to the root cause", Riki growled lowly. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri nodded again. "I wonder if we'll get any oppurtunities to actually talk to Rakin again..." Her musings were interrupted by Minerva's babbling and reaching towards her. "Oh, I think she's hungry..." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"We could always try to create an opportunity", Riki hummed. He glanced at Minerva and smiled softly, with the same, pained expression in his eyes. "Oh? Would you like if I went to see if there's anything in the kitchen she could eat?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Create an opportunity? And how do you suggest we do that?" Jymaiyri asked. "Oh, she's not eating solids yet. I'll have to breastfeed her, since I doubt they'll have baby formula." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"I don't know yet. Perhaps we could pray", Riki smirked slightly. Riki blinked at that. He has no idea what breastfeeding is. "Ah... I... see?" Riki is now imagining F1 babies. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Maybe so. We might have to get Zahara's help with that." Jymaiyri laughed. She tugged at her shirt a bit awkwardly. "Anyways... yeah. There's not too many private spaces around here... I guess we might have to go back to the dubious restroom." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"That could be possible. If we managed to convince her", Riki nodded compliantly. Riki still doesn't know what Jymaiyri means by breastfeeding, and looks at her quizzically with his head tilted. He did however pick up that she wanted to be left alone. "Oh, well, in that case, what if I go outside and guard the door for you, so you won't have to leave the warm barrack?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I think she'd be willing to help." Jymaiyri hummed. "Really? Thank you, I appreciate it." She wasn't going to explain breastfeeding to this grown man. "I'll come out and get you when you can come back in." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki smiled, and nodded, standing up and putting his jacket back on. "Alright, don't rush for my sake." cw blood mention He left the big, puffy ball of undercoat fluff on the corner of the bed, and stepped outside of the barracks, closing the door behind himself. He leaned his back against it, and crossed his arms, looking at the brightening sky in thought. Hmm. Breastfeeding sounded... somehow gruesome... Could Jymaiyri be feeding her own blood to the baby, or something like that? @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri waved to Riki as he left, then got to work feeding Minerva. About fifteen minutes later, when she had fed, burped, and put Minerva back into her little sling, Jymaiyri opened the door to the barracks. She'd pulled her coat over her shoulders, but hadn't closed it. "You can come back now." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki quickly leaned away from the door when he felt it open, and turned. He smiled to Jymaiyri and Minnie, bowing lightly. He was about to go back inside, but paused. "Have you eaten?" he asked Jymaiyri. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

Jymaiyri sat back down on the bed. "I had some fish earlier. Other than that, not much recently." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki nodded. "You should keep up your strength. I could go see if I can find more food for you if you'd like?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Really? I'd appreciate that." Jymaiyri seemed pretty relieved. "More fish is alright, if that's all you can find." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Okay, I'll do my best", Riki nodded with a kind smile. "I'll be back soon." He waved, and closed the door again. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Good luck!" Jymaiyri waved to Riki as he left. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki came back with two cups, a thermos full of tea, and some dried fish. "Hello again. I found more fish for you", he chuckled, and came to sit next to the lady again. He offered the fish to her. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

While Riki was gone, Jymaiyri had sat Minerva up on the bed, propped up by a pillow, and was playing with her. The game seemed to mostly involve clapping and touching the little baby's feet. Jymaiyri looked up as Riki reententered. "Oh, great, more fish." Her tone was lightly sarcastic. "Guess it's better than nothing." She took some of the dried fish, took a bite, and made a sour face. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Yeah, there was nothing else in the kitchen. I brewed some tea, though", he smiled apologetically, and opened the thermos. "I hope you like tea?" he said, pouring one cup. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm, it's alright. Maybe I'll be able to grow some berries later, or something." Jymaiyri took a few more bites of dried fish while Minerva watched intently, grabbing out for the fish. "Minnie, I don't think you'd like it." "Oh, I love tea!" She held out her hand for the cup. "Thank you!" @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki chuckled brightly and affectionately at Minerva. He smiled happily and offered the cup to Jymaiyri. "Here you go. You can grow berries?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I've got plant powers. I can grow most anything. It's another story if it'll survive, but there's some species of berry that should be able to withstand these temperatures." Jymaiyri explained, taking a sip of her tea. "Mhm, that's good. Warms you right up." While her mother's attention had been away, Minerva continued reaching for the fish. "No, Minnie! It's too chewy for you!" Jymaiyri laughed, and moved the fish out of Minerva's way. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"I see, that is fortunate", he smiled. He looked at the child trying to snatch the food, and laughed lightly. "Aww. You'd think the smell would be too strong to her liking." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"You would think." Jymaiyri repeated. "I think she just wants it cause she sees me eating it, to be honest." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Heh, yes, jealous of the yummy treat", Riki laughed. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I promise you, Minnie. It's not that good." Jymaiyri laughed, and lowered her face close to her babies. "Ah!" Minerva replied, and instead grabbed for Jymaiyri's face. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki chuckled and looked at the two gently, feeling his heart being wrenched again. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I don't know most of those people-" Jymaiyri was saying as they got zapped back to their side. She still held Minerva in her arms. "Huh. Guess we're here now." @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

Acxiom blinked as they got zapped back in place. Huh. Not where they were before. Oh well, at least they were with Jymaiyri and Minerva still. "I don't either. I've met like, 4 people here including you two." Acxiom shrugged. They'd kinda just kept to themselves this whole time. Totally because of their isolation tendencies and not because their creator fell off the face of the earth btw. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I knew Sorvan. And Lykos." Jymaiyri said. "And Miles. And I met Julien. Huh. I guess I do know them." She sat down on one of the beds. "I guess I do know them. Minerva seemed to have calmed down, or at least worn herself out from crying. @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

"I didn't really- talk to anyone. They all had their own shit going on and some of them act like anime protagonists. Got kinda overwhelming. Tsubari's cool though. And Taylor, I got to hold his pet rabbit." They smiled a bit. Acxiom looked at Minerva and their shoulders dropped a bit in apparent relief that she wasn't crying anymore. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I've met Tsubari. She tried to poke Minerva." Jymaiyri said matter-of-factly. " Minerva mostly just seemed tired now. Emotionally worn out. Time for nap 4 of the day. @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

"Yeaahhhh that tracks." Acxiom chuckled a little. They looked at Minerva, how she was almost napping and a more than a little worn. "Yeah me too little dude." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"She's all worn out. I don't blame her. Even though she just took a nap." Jymaiyri sighed, and gently cupped Minerva's tiny face in her hand. @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

Acxiom nodded. "I think babies have the right idea with napping all the time. Great way to live if you ask me." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Hah. Yeah, I think I have to agree with you on that." Jymaiyri laughed dryly, and began setting Minerva back in the little makeshift crib she'd made earlier. @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 (if you wanna drop Nora in now that's good w me @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 )

(good w me too)

‘DON’T GO!!!!’ The words died in her throat as she felt herself falling into hard flooring. There was a little girl here now, and she clearly wasn’t doing very well. The poor thing was curled up on the floor sobbing heavily. A weak and wobbly voice cried out. “dad…. Hh- I.. I want m-my dad… hh.. please… I- I’ll b-be good…. please……” She laid there whimpering, not seeming to notice the others yet. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 (edited)

Acxiom walked back a little, eyes brightening in alarm at the newcomer. This freakin- sobbing kid. They looked at Jymairyri. Help. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Once Minerva was put to sleep, thankfully not woken by Nora's arrival, Jymaiyri turned to the newcomer. "Oh- uh-" This must be one of the people who switched sides. "Hey, hey kid, take some deep breaths. It'll be alright. Who's your dad?" @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Voices- speaking to her. What do they want.. Nora peaked her head out. She slowly moved to a more sitting than.. laying on the floor position. Still crying a lot. “..mm.. mmy dad.. he.. hh..” She looked around the room, attempting to ground herself. Also not feeling up to eye contact at all. What she did see was a baby! “Bwuh.. b-baby…. Baby..?” She looked back up at the woman, tilting her head. Only one person was supposed to have a baby. Her eyes went wide. “You… M-Mister Juno’s.. wife. J-Jymaiyri..?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 (edited)

Acxiom just raised an eyebrow. Not speaking for now, but they're pretty hard to miss even so. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri was crouched close to Nora. "You met Yeonaixho? Uh- yes, I'm Jymaiyri. I'm his wife. That's my baby, Minerva. She's sleeping right now." In an effort to calm Nora down and distract her, she offered, "Would you like to come over and see her? She's pretty cute." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

"yeah she's pretty guaranteed to boost your mood."

She sniffled and nodded slowly. “Mhm… he…. hh.. he m-misses.. you..” Her voice got all wobbly again as her tears came back with full force. “I.. I miss himm..” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

Something changed in Jymaiyri's face- the crease of a brow, the trembling of a lip. "I miss him, too. I miss him alot." She stood up, and guided Nora over to the bed where Minerva slept. "C'mon. Let's look at the baby." Minerva was asleep peacefully, though she'd lost one of her tiny little mittens. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

Acxiom followed the two, hands in pockets. They studied Nora a little, kinda surprised that the baby wasn't the only kid here. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora followed Jymaiyri over, staring down at the little baby. Juno’s baby. Her.. her little sister. She had to wipe away her tears so they didn’t fall down on the sleeping baby. “M-Minerva.. he.. mm. He told me.. about.. both of you. I- I wanted.. to meet you, but I… hh.” Not like this. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

"Oh, it's alright. I'm glad we met, anyways." Jymaiyri shrugged. She seemed a bit calmer to be watching over both Nora and the baby at the same time. "Though, what's your name?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

They're listening, but they're also trailing little lights along the ceiling. Multitasking for the sake of focus, you know how it is. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“..’m Nora. I.. M-Mister Juno.. he w-was.. he was s-so nice…” She stared down at Minerva. She was sort of soothing, her even breathing helped Nora sort out her own. She tried to follow what Juno taught her. ..? Why were there.. moving lights. She didn’t move to look, despite noticing it. @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah, he's pretty nice." Jymaiyri nodded. "It's nice to meet you, Nora." Jymaiyri kneeled down over her baby, and began gently stroking her little head, singing a soft, light lullaby in a different language. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

Acxiom they were a little relieved that Nora seemed calmer with Jymaiyri and Minerva. They continued with the lights, a few different colours changing and intersecting. They weren't huge or bright, easy to ignore, the way Acxiom wanted them. They smiled a bit at the lullaby, lights slowing with it. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mhm. He’s.. he’s good dad.. mm.” Nora continued to watch Minerva. She was much calmer, and tired. The lullaby was soothing for her as well. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

8:07 PM

@sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

Jymaiyri briefly paused her lullaby. "Is he your dad? The one you were talking about earlier?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

Still just chilling and listening. Getting all the lore. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She looked up to her and nodded. Her eye lids were drooping a bit. Tired girl. “Mhm.. he.. he said I.. was family now.. he’s my dad.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 (edited)

Jymaiyri narrowed her eyes briefly. "Huh. Okay. Okay." She would have to talk to Yeonaixho about adopting random girls without talking to her first, but she supposed these were special circumstances. "Guess you don't have any other family, then? Well, uh, welcome to the family." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

Acxiom frowned a little. Lights briefly disappeared, not intentionally. Seemed to be in reaction to the 'welcome to the family' bit. It's that easy? Weird. Lights resumed. Jyrmaiyri and Nora had their backs to him anyway, so it's all good. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“..I don’t.. have anyone. He said.. I’m nice and.. he likes.. having me around. And.. I think he’s nice and.. I like him too. So.. mm.. he said ‘m family..” She rubbed a bit at her eyes. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

Jymaiyri took in a heavy breath. "Well, if he likes having you around, I'm sure I will too." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

Acxiom was legitimately falling asleep, sitting against the wall and listening to them talk. Not in a 'this is boring' way but in a 'this is probably a safe place' way. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mm. He likes you.. and.. and Minnie, so.. mm… I never.. thought I would.. h-have a real family..” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 (edited)

"Mhm." Jymaiyri hummed in thought. "It's good to have family. If he's your dad, guess that makes me your mom. And Minnie's your sister." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mhm..! That’s.. that what he said.. um…” She looked up at her with eyes still shiny from tears. “Do you.. can I call you.. mom, then..?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"If ya want. I don't see any harm in it. Minnie's gonna call me mom, once she learns how to talk." Jymaiyri shrugged. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

Juno was a lot more.. happy sounding than she was. But Nora was also tired, so she didn’t pick up on it. “Mm, okay. Mom.. um.. when will… Minnie learn to.. to talk?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

"Probably when she's about a year old. She's only six months now." Jymaiyri hummed. "So... what do you like to do, Nora?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mm.. six months… a year is.. t-twelve… mm she’s.. close, then? Um… I- I like to.. to… I like to make.. things. Um… I made.. a blanket for.. for dad and.. f-for Nathan…” Her blanket wasn’t here. But she did have the bird. It wasn’t completely finished, a bit squished from her hands clenching. She pulled out a little clay bird and stared at it sadly. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

Still just listening.

"She's about halfway there." Jymaiyri smiled. "Oh, that's neat! I've tried making blankets before, but I was never too good at it. Your bird looks great, too! It's really cute." She didn't know who Nathan was, but hoped they weren't some other kid Yeonaixho had adopted. Jymaiyri nodded, then paused in thought. "Say, do you like gardening?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 (edited)

The questions helped distract from her sadness. “Mm.. um, it’s.. it’s not done yet… um.. garden… I don’t.. I never garden.. gardening before.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"It's still very nice." Jymaiyri nodded. "Well, then it's a good thing you're with a gardening expert! I can show you sometime. I was thinking, once the baby wakes, about going out in the snow to try and grow some berries. You can come help and learn if you want." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She tilted her head, interested. “Mm, o-okay! I like.. I like helping..” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I'd love to have your help." Jymaiyri nodded, then looked over Nora's clothing. "You might need something warmer, though... hm..." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She looked at Jymaiyri’s warm clothes and frowned. “Wh.. it was.. hot before.. mm. I can.. make something. But I- it takes.. time. Um..” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"It's cold here. Really cold." Jymaiyri frowned, and glanced to the door. "You'll definitely need something warmer. If time's all you need, we've got that anyways, since Minnie's still asleep. I don't know what we're gonna do for materials, though. Don't think people are gonna be too happy if we tear up the blankets..." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Oh, um.. I can make.. string, so..” She pulled out some red string from her fist to demonstrate. Now, what to make first… “mm.. maybe make.. sweater. Hmm..” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh, neat." Jymaiyri watched as Nora demonstrated her powers. That wasn't too different from her own abilities, or others she'd seen. "A sweater would be good. And maybe a hat, and some gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm." She suggested, and sat down on the bed by Minerva. "Wanna come sit?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

"shit, that's neat." They remarked from the wall, once Nora demonstrated her powers.

She followed her to the bed, sitting and beginning to pull out her string. Hat and gloves.. she’s seen those in books whenever it… Her eyes got wide. “Is- is there- is there snow.. outside??” She jumped suddenly at the voice, finally noticing Acxiom. “Bwuh- wh.. who.. who are you..??” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 (edited)

"Lots. It's pretty crazy." Jymaiyri hummed, and glanced over to Acxiom, letting them introduce themself. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

Acxioms eyes widened a bit, as if surprised to be actually acknowledged. But they did smile eventually. "Names Acxiom. Nice to meet ya." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“…how.. when did.. you come here..?” She was still pulling out some string, piling it up on the bed next to her. @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"He's been here the entire time. We met at the fight. Don't worry, they're friendly." Jymaiyri reassured. "They were doing the lights earlier." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

Acxiom nodded, eyes brightening for emphasis on the lights comment. "I haven't bitten anyone, yet" they told Nora. Then frowned. "not gonna bite anyone, that's a joke" she added. Just incase. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She tilts her head at the light, admiring it. She then cringes a little at the biting thing. “Mm.. o-okay. I.. I’m gonna make.. my sweater.” ….or not. How…. How does she do this with no needles.. She just sort of stares at the string in her hands, frowning. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 (edited)

Jymaiyri noticed Nora's frowning. "Having some trouble there, kiddo?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

Acxiom internally cringed slightly. She moved to standing position against the wall, looking at the theoretical sweater materials. She was currently wondering if, since Nora produced the string, this was the equivalent of making a sweater out of your own hair or something, but had the sense to not ask. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mm.. I- I never made.. um, a sweater.. before.” It would be like a shirt, but.. she didn’t have her materials, or work space like she would at.. home. Was that her home anymore? It.. didn’t feel like it. Now she was distracted.. She started weaving the threads together, it was at least a start. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

"If you want to use my coat as a pattern reference, you can." Jymaiyri offered. "And if there's anything else I can do to help, just ask." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

(Gotta call Rakin in for sewing backup)

(mister rakin can I plz have at least sowing or knitting needles pwetty pwease

)

Acxiom watched, eyes brightening with interest as Nora worked. Even if she had no clue what she was doing, it was still more than Acxiom could accomplish like, ever. They nodded in assertion to Jymairyri's offer of help. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

“Huh? Oh.. yes, please.” She made grabby hands at the coat. Weaving the thread together was going well… she had a big square now, a bit longer than her torso. Maybe she just needed a moment to get started. She glanced up at Acxiom for a moment. “…why, um.. why do… you look.. grey and.. and three eyes. Do.. do you have.. a mask, too..?” @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri shed her thick coat from her shoulders, and handed it over to Nora. "It's a bit big for you, but I think it should work." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

(oh my GOD Nora you can't just ask people why they have three eyes /j) Acxiom looked back at Nora and shrugged. "Wish I knew, man. I'm told I wasn't all greyscale when I was younger, until I started shooting light everywhere- then the colour started draining, and my eyes got brighter. I was born with all three of them, though." Acxiom frowned. "A mask? I've covered up my third eye before if that's what you mean, to mask it- but I don't have a mask." Acxiom let each colour in their eyes glow in turn. "Don't put duct tape on your face by the way. bad idea." He added. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She held the coat up, looking over where it stitched together and feeling them over. It wasn’t.. too hard, but it would be a challenge without her needles. She had to figure out how to make space for her head in this… maybe make another square, then weave those together there.. She got to work on another square, setting aside the other. She looked back up at Acxiom, tilting her head. “It’s not… it’s not a.. decor-ration? Did…. Did all your.. color go.. into your.. eyes??” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

While Nora and Acxiom talked, Jymaiyri turned her attention back to her sleeping baby. She'd let the kids entertain themselves. @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Acxiom shook his head. "Not decoration. But, yeah, maybe- I've thought of that one before." Acxiom found it a little endearing how Nora was reacting. They liked answering the questions, honestly. "What about you? How'd you end up with your string power stuff?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Okay, square done, now to weave them together. She made sure to leave space for her head, checking it multiple times to make sure it would fit. She always kept her hat close when she took it off. Her hair looked.. like it hadn’t been brushed in months. Yikes. “Umm… I was…… I don’t.. know. Um.. I’ve.. always had them. Mm.. what.. what do.. your lights do?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 (edited)

"Most people are born with their powers, or develop them when they're pretty young." Jymaiyri hummed. "That's how I got mine. Yeonai, too." She glanced up to Nora as she worked. "Oh, Nora baby, your hair's all matted... what happened?" (edited)

1:12 PM

@Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

She nodded at Jymaiyris explanation, not pressing Nora on it- not like Acxiom had any damn clue where their own came from anyway. "tons. I normally use them for parties n stuff, people pay me for a light show sometimes. Otherwise they're good for flashlights, entertaining babies apparently, setting fires, stuff like that." Acxiom seemed content to watch Nora work, but did frown upon noticing her hair, mainly out of concern. Thankfully, Jymaiyri saw that too, mentioning it before Acxiom did. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Parties..? Wh- you.. what’s, um.. what’s a party.. like?” She sounded excited to know. She looked at Jymaiyri with wide eyes. “Baby.. oh, um… I.. I haven’t…. brushed it. Th-there’s no… brush here.. is there?” She sounded a little worried. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

Jymaiyri frowned. "It's not good for it to be so matted..." She patted her pockets, but of course had nothing. "I don't have a brush or anything- but there's a shower in one of the other buildings. It might help to wash it." Her concern was very clear. "Maybe I could make a comb... if I had a carving knife or something..." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

"Loud music, lots of people, lots of lights, lots of drinking. Kinda depends on which ones you go to though, a lot of them are more chill." Acxiom looked back at Jymaiyri and thought for a moment. "There's a kitchen here, right? Gotta be some kinda sharp knife in there" Acxiom offered. Bro has no clue if you need like, a special sort of knife for carving, but he's doing his best. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Her face fell at Acxiom’s answer. “Oh. Mm.. that sounds… bad.” Then she looked panicked. “Kn-knives?? It- p-please don’t- don’t cut it!” Her hands went up to her hair, pulling at it. Very worried now. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 (edited)

"No- no, not to cut it. To carve a comb from a block of wood." Jymaiyri explained, trying desperately to reassure Nora. She glanced to Acxiom. "There probably are, but I feel bad about taking one. A kitchen knife won't be the best to carve with, anyways." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

Acxiom looked a bit confused. "What? No- they're great! I mean, not everyone likes them, but they're fun. And like I said, some of them are more chill. Just boardgames and movies." Acxiom was them immediately alarmed by Nora's panic, but relieved by Jymairyri's subsequent explanation. "Taking one doesn't sound so bad, but I get you." Acxiom replied, shrugging. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She fidgeted a little, still uncomfortable at the thought of her hair being cut. But Jymaiyri was being insistent… shouldn’t she listen? “I.. hh.. it- it won’t.. you won’t.. hurt me… r-right..? Mm..” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

"I won't hurt you. I want you to be healthy, though." Jymaiyri said. "Do you not want to have your hair combed?" @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“I- I don’t…. I don’t like… b-being touched…. or- or my hair.. pulled.. it- it hurts.” She looked scared. @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"That's okay. I wouldn't pull your hair- I know it can hurt a lot. But I understand not wanting to be touched." Jymaiyri said, with a slight intonation of stress that Nora might not pick up on. "What if I made you the comb, and you could comb your hair yourself? It's not very hard." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She looked a little less scared at Jymaiyri’s reassurance. She shifted again. “….do I.. do I have to.. brush it..?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"It's not good to keep your hair as matted as it is, it's not very healthy for the scalp." Jymaiyri explained. "Combing is a lot like brushing, yeah. Is there a reason you don't want to mess with your hair?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mrrm… I don’t… I don’t like it… it’s hard and.. it hurts… mm.. will it… hurt.. less if- if I do it..?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"If you do it yourself, you can stop whenever it starts to hurt." Jymaiyri said. "I can also show you a few tricks to make it easier, if you like." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mm… okay.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

"I'll make you a comb, then." Jymaiyri nodded. "Hey, Acxiom, could you go get me some things? I need a knife from the kitchen- a small, sharp one, preferably- and a block of wood. There should be some near the fire, Riki chopped some up earlier. About... yea big." She gestured about a foot's length with her hands. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

5:31 PM

( @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 tagged myself lmao)

Acxiom got themselves up from the wall with a nod. They were less than enthusiastic about going out in the cold, but they supposed it was better for the one who was good at the whole mom thing to stay with the two kids. Apparently they'd signed up for this. "Aight. I'll try not to hold you up too much." Acxiom headed for the door, zipping up their coat and putting their hood up. Just before they left, they brightened their eyes to create a spotlight on the floor, assumedly for a flashlight outside. The door slammed behind them due to the wind. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mm.. thank you..” She jumped a little at the door slam. She fidgeted more, visibly stressed. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Thanks." Jymaiyri said, and watched Acxiom leave. When the door slammed, she flinched. Though the slamming door didn't wake Minerva fully, she did seem to react to the noise, and wiggled a bit in her sleep. "Are you doing alright, Nora?" Jymaiyri asked, noticing the girl's worry. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“N-no. I… I’m.. tired.. I- I wanna go home.. and.. and I- I have to.. brush my hair… and.. it’s c-cold.. a-and I miss dad…” Spelling it all out only seemed to upset her more. Her breath hitched again like she was going to cry. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"Oh, Nora.." Jymaiyri sighed. "How about you sit here with me?" She gestured for Nora to sit next to her. "It's pretty rough right now, huh? But we'll get home. I promise." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She rubbed at her face and moved over to Jymaiyri’s side. She breathed kind of strangely, but she seemed to be trying to calm herself like Juno taught her. From the crook of her arm, she pulled out a little orange stuffed cat. It was messy like she was. “H-home… can I… do I live.. with y-you now..? Um.. what’s.. h-home like..?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

Jymaiyri was taking in heavy breaths, trying to calm herself just the same. "I like your kitty. It's really cute." She said. "Yeah, you can live with us. Yeonai and I live in a condo in Ta Syndako, in the South Loucari. It's a beautiful, warm city. And we've got a big garden in the backyard, and houseplants on the terrace. There's a big kitchen with huge bay windows, and a good big tree in the backyard that we can put a swing up on, if ya want." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

She sniffled. She could feel herself crying again, not out of sadness, but longing. Home… a real home with a real family that loves her and keeps her safe… The poor girl let out a little sob and let her tears fall. “It- hh.. sounds.. nice. Home… I- I wanna go hhome and.. and live.. with you..” She looked over at her. Her mom. She shifted over so her cat was leaning on Jymaiyri. Her version of a hug. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"Aw, we'll get home." Jymaiyri smiled warmly, and gently pet the cat's tiny head. "We'll go home, and we'll all be happy and safe together. I promise. We'll get out of here." Half of it was self denial. She knew that the would all likely die here. But she could not live in that world, where she was so easily parted from her family. She would not think of that, and she would not make Nora think of it either. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora couldn’t stop herself from worrying. The fight had scared her so much- seeing that girl die so scared, and being taken from her dad.. She felt hopeless, but she didn’t want to be. Jymaiyri’s words helped, she wouldn’t lie to her. “Mhm… L-Loucari.. warm and.. b-big trees.. and big f-family. ‘m not.. alone.. not alone.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Lots of big trees. So many big trees, it'll blow your mind." Maybe Jymaiyri just really liked talking about trees. "Nope. You're not alone- you've got Yeonai, and me, and little Minerva. We're a big happy family." Speaking of little Minerva, she was still peacefully asleep. Conked out. Baby nap time. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mhm.. and- and I can.. go to school.. and have.. um.. a birthday.. w-with big cake and c-candles..” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah, of course! Yeonai's good at baking, he can make you any kinda cake you like." Jymaiyri nodded. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Acxiom reentered less dramatically than he'd left, wood under one arm and knife in his pocket. He paused, eyes darting between Jymaiyri and Nora. Huh. There was a little sharp pinch in his gut. Regardless, he gave them both a tired smile. "Comb stuff, as requested" He told them before crouching down to deposit the knife and wood at Jyrmaiyri's feet. He looked at Minerva briefly, glad she was still asleep. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Somehow, Acxiom's reentry was what woke Minerva- but at least she wasn't crying. Instead, she blinked awake, and stared at Acxiom. She profoundly commented, "Ah!" "Ah, thanks!" Jymaiyri took both the knife and block of wood, then glanced at her baby. "Of course, she wakes up now." She tucked the knife into her pocket, out of the baby's reach, and sat Minerva up on the bed. "Did you take a nice nap, baby? Hm?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪

Nora rubbed at her face, wiping away her tears. She watched little Minnie in her mom’s arms. “Ah.” Imitating her. @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Acxiom's smile went from tired to genuine when Minerva woke up. "Morning little dude." Their eyes went similar changing colours as they did during the fight, walking to be a little bit closer to the trio. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva giggled as Acxiom's eyes lit up, and even more as Nora imitated her. She reached towards Nora, continuing to babble nonsense. "Well, I guess I'm not getting much carving done now." Jymaiyri laughed. "She really does like your little lightshow, Acxiom. She's a big fan of lights, in general." @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora’s eyes went wide with wonder. ‘She likes your lightshow’ She wanted Minnie to like her too. Slowly, Nora held up her cat towards Minnie and made it move. It waved at her. Nora just stared to see what Minnie would do. @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Sweet. She's the best fan I ever had." Acxiom replied. He played it up just a little bit, but he was a bit paranoid of blinding a child so not too much, even though the light level was no where near enough to blind anyone. Acxiom watched Nora out of the corner of their eye. Acxiom, buddy, its a tad immature to get annoyed at a kid for also getting a baby's attention. Well at least its not showing on his face. The stuffed cat is kinda cute, honestly. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva watched with wonder and intent as Nora's cat moved its little paw, and waved her little hand in return, mirroring the action. She smiled at Nora, almost in hope that Nora would smile back. Soon, her attention was diverted back to Acxiom and their wonderful sparkly lights. Minerva reached her tiny hand up to their face, entranced by the light and the stranger's face all at once. "Huh, Minnie, looks like you've got your own little fanclub!" Jymaiyri laughed, smiling at her baby. "How's that feel? You feel popular?" @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora did smile! It was small, but Minnie’s smile made her feel better somehow. Nora followed her eyes to Acxiom’s lights, similarly entranced by the pretty light. After a bit of that Nora moved the toy again. It reached its little paws towards Minnie, close enough to grab. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 (edited)

Acxiom eventually lay on the ground, fully just letting the lights project onto the ceiling, this way he didn't have to keep it restrained to his eyes and the surrounding space, plus he got to lay down, and Nora got to do the stuffed animal thing without crowding Minnie. win win. The lights weren't anything dramatic, best comparison would be some kind of lava lamp. background noise. "How do you carve a comb, anyway? Aren't the little teeth too fine?" She asked Jymaiyri. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

As Acxiom laid down, Minerva refocused her attention on Nora and the little cat. She reached out to the tiny cat, holding its little paw in her little hand. "Oh, careful-" Jymaiyri cautioned. "She might try to put it in her mouth." She hummed in thought at Acxiom's question. "Eh, it shouldn't be too hard. I was thinking of making a wide-toothed comb, anyways. This isn't my first rodeo with whittling." @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Huh? I.. I won’t.. let her eat it..” She shifted the cat so it was sitting in her hands. It wiggled around, sort of dancing. Nora was pretty focused on the baby now. @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Bro is still just chilling, he laughed quietly at the exchange Jymaiyri and Nora had. Despite lying down and sounding half asleep, their eyes were still WIDE open. They hardly seemed to blink. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Though she seemed momentarily disappointed in no longer being able to hold the kitty, Minerva was delighted in the little dance Nora had it perform. "I think she really likes it, Nora." Jymaiyri smiled. @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora smiled a bit bigger this time. “Hee.. Minnie.. likes me.” She held up the cat by its paws and had it do a flip!! It was so cool. @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

The lights started to dim substantially, Acxiom seemed to be letting their eyes fall lower and lower, despite trying to keep them wide open. Minnie had the right idea with her naps. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"She does." Jymaiyri smiled. "Would you like to hold her while I start working on that comb for you?" She noticed Acxiom taking a floor nap, but wasn't gonna bother them. Have fun kid. @sketti | Acxiom 💿 + Damien 🌪 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

Nora smiled even more at that. “Hee.. um.. I- I can hold.. um.. how do I.. hold her right?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri rested Minerva on Nora's lap. "Wrap one arm around her body, so she can rest her head on your arm. Make sure to hold her carefully, and don't let her slip away." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Oh this was weird. Weird little squirmy sister on her lap. Nora did her best to do what Jymaiyri told her to do. “Ah- um, like- like this??” She seemed very stiff. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah, You're doing well! You can relax a bit, though." Jymaiyri laughed. Minerva stared up to Nora with wide, dark eyes full of wonder, comfortable being near her. Trusting Nora enough to hold the baby while she watched, Jymaiyri got the block of wood and knife and began chiseling away the shape of a comb. She was off to a GREAT start. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora stared back with similar wonder. “Bwuh… she’s.. so small..” Her little body was strangely heavy, but soft. It was.. nice. Touch she didn’t hate. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri slowed down progress a bit, still watching Nora and Minerva carefully. "She was even smaller when she was born, if you can believe it. But she's getting bigger every day." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Wow… um, wh.. what do.. I do now?” There are a lot of little frills and fun things to grab on Nora’s outfit.. like a little shiny bear necklace. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I like to sing to her. Or, you can just chat, that usually keeps her entertained." Jymaiyri hummed, gettting back on track with the comb. She was close to being finished now, it seemed- carefully carving each tooth. Minerva had found her own entertainment, staring at the various tassels and frills on Nora's outfit, and especially the little bear necklace. She reached up her little hand towards it. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mm, okay. Oh.. do.. do you like my bear? Um..” She brought her hand to it and made it unravel from her neck. She tied it around her finger to be safe, though. “Here.. it’s- it’s really pretty. M-Mister Moses.. made it for me.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri paused her carving to watch Nora and the baby. Minerva wrapped her hands around the crystal bear, amazed by its sparkly nature, though it was too heavy for her to actually hold. She smiled. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora smiled back. “Eeehee.. you like it.. wow.. your hands are.. they’re tiny..!” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva giggled, and looked back up at Nora. Meanwhile, Jymaiyri finished the wooden comb- complete with the initials 'JKN' carved into the handle. "I think I'm done," She showed it to Nora- it was a bit rough in craft, but looked sturdy and functional. "Wanna trade?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Hee.. Minnie.. Hmm? Oh! Oh.. mhm.” Not as excited about this. “…you’ll help.. it not hurt..?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah, I can show you some tricks. I used to wear my hair pretty long, like yours." Jymaiyri hummed as she took back the baby and handed Nora the comb in return. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“..okay. I- I’ll try..” Nora took the comb and frowned at it for a moment before taking off her hat bringing the comb to her hair. She started at the top (first mistake) and pulled the comb through. …yikes, that.. did not look great. She grimaced. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"Oh, Nora darling, you're gonna wanna start from the bottom." Jymaiyri cautioned a moment too late. She took a lock of her own, short hair and demonstrated with a make-believe comb. "You start at the bottom, like this, and it gets the knots and tangles out better. It also hurts a lot less if you hold the piece of hair in your hand while you brush it." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Oh.. mm, okay..” She did all of that, but she managed to hit just where a nasty tangle was in her hair. “Ow! Hh..” Very unhappy. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh-" Jymaiyri grimaced, in desperate want of that kids untangler spray that smells like fruit. That probably would've helped in this situation. "It might be easier to do this if your hair was wet... but it's so damn cold out..." She sighed. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She whined a little and tried again, not hitting any tangles this time. Still, it sounded like a lot of hair was.. breaking as she did it. Poor girl did not look happy. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri frowned. "Do you wanna take a break, Nora? We can do this some other time." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mhm…. I.. I wish it.. didn’t hurt..” She rubbed her thumb over the comb. “..? Why.. are there.. J.. K, N?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I wish so, too." Jymaiyri nodded. "Oh, those are just my initials. Jymaiyri Ke Naido. I like to put them on things I make." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Oh.. okay. Naido… It’s.. it’s a nice comb. Mm.. make.. I need to.. make my sweater..” She was glad she didn’t have to keep brushing her hair, but it at least hurt a lot less than how Salvatore did it. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Naido's my family name. You're a Naido, too." Jymaiyri smiled. "Mhm, and once you make the sweater, we can go out and get some berries. If you still want to do that." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mhm! I need to… make sleeves..” She got right on that, making two long rectangles to then weave together. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

As Nora worked, Jymaiyri entertained little Minerva, singing her a little song and playing baby games. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora got super distracted by her little sister being adorable and didn’t make any progress. “What are.. you singing?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh, it's just a little song I'm making up." Jymaiyri laughed. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Oh okay. Mm.. I like it.” The rectangles were together! Now to attach it to the shirt. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Thank you!" Jymaiyri smiled, and continued playing with baby. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

One sleeve done! She put it on to check the measurements. All good! Awesome sweater. “Um.. mom, what’s… what’s your.. favorite color?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Me? I like green and red." She hummed. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Oh! I.. I also like red. Hee… it’s my favorite.” She started on the other sleeve, weaving them together. Almost there.. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Red's a very nice color. Where I'm from, it means vitality." Jymaiyri smiled. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Vital..ity. What does.. that mean?” Sleeve was complete! Once it was connected to the main part, she’d be finished! @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"It's- uh, life. To have vitality is to be full of life." Jymaiyri explained. "But it can also mean something's really important to you, if it's vital. You need it to live." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Ooo.. like… like um.. umm…. can you… um.. example..?” This distracted her enough to not finish the sweater yet. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Hm... well, food is vital because you need it to live." Jymaiyri said. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Ohh, okay. Mm, no food… does feel.. very bad.” With that revelation, Nora had finally finished her sweater! She tried it on. It was a bit big, but that’s what she wanted. It should be nice and warm. “Hee.. I- I’m done! We.. we can.. go out now.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Looks great!" Jymaiyri smiled. "Are you sure you don't want to make mittens or a hat or anything? It's pretty cold out." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She smiled at the praise. “Mittens.. um.. mhm. Do you.. have mittens? Can- can I see?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"Oh, yeah, of course." Jymaiyri had tucked her mittens into her pocket, but pulled them out to show Nora. "That big witch hat you've got might be warm enough, but you'll definitely need something for your hands." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She looked over the mittens. They were.. weird. Big thing for fingers then thumb out?? It would be easier than covering each finger at least. “Hm…. Um.. do you.. is it windy.. outside?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"It was pretty windy a few hours ago, but it was calming down the last time Minnie and I were out." Jymaiyri hummed. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mm.. I don’t.. w-want my hat to.. fly away..” She started pulling out her string, but was still having a hard time figuring out how to make the mittens. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Hm... maybe you could make a more snug hat, like mine." Jymaiyri said, and showed Nora her hat. It was a knit, brimless cap. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Best to probably start with the part around the wrists and build up from there. “Mm.. but where.. where would.. my hat go?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Hm... you could probably carry it while we're out, at least for this first trip. I'm not planning on going super far out, or staying very long." Jymaiyri hummed. "Maybe you can make a ribbon to tie it around your neck, so it stays on better?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Solid start! She decided to make the big part first. She started making a circle. “Mm.. that’s- that’s a good idea!” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Thank you! I bet it'll look pretty cute, too." Jymaiyri smiled. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Circle done! Now to make it longer and connect it. “Hee… cute.. Hmm, Minnie.. Minnie is cute! I.. I like her smile. Cute smile. Hee.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Aw, she is pretty cute, isn't she?" Jymaiyri smiled. "Hear that Minnie? Nora says you're cute." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Heehee.. um.. does.. Minnie have.. a favorite color? Or um.. is she too.. too young..?” Whoops. Messed up the mitten a bit, redo! @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"She's still too little. We've been dressing her in all sorts of colors, though." Jymaiyri hummed, watching her baby. "I think she likes pink." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Main part complete! Now onto the thumb. “Mm, okay.. pink is.. pink is nice. It’s.. like red, but.. um.. lighter. Pretty. Hee..” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"It is nice. She's got a cute lil' pink hat and everything." Jymaiyri smiled. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Whoops. Thumb wrong. Try again! “Mhm! Um.. Dad said.. um.. she had.. a hat with a.. a…. Hibiss.. kiss.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh, she does! He made her little newborn hats with hibiscus flowers on them. She's too big for them now, though, and Rakin gave her this one, so it's all plane." She sighed. "Still cute, though." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Oh.. R-Rakin.. made her.. a hat..?” Mitten complete!! (And because I want to move on, so is the other!!) “I’m- I’m all ready!!” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Well, I don't know if he made it, but we did end up with all these winter clothes, magically." Jymaiyri nodded, and looked to Nora. "Looks great! Let's get going." She suited both herself and Minnie up for the cold, slipping the baby back into the sling, before moving to the door. "You ready to go?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Magic.. clothes. Hmm..” Nora put on her gloves, tucking them under the sleeves of her new sweater. “I’m- I’m ready! Hee..” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Alrighty! Let's head out!" Jymaiyri said, and led Nora out the door... @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Here they were! It was much warmer here, thankfully. Nora took off her gloves and tucked them away. She started to pull out that dark blue string as she moved to sit on one of the beds. It seemed like she had been there before, there were some long dark hairs on the bed. “Mm.. um, Mister Riki? You.. um… what’s.. your home like?” She continued to make more string as she talked, rocking a little. @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Riki shook himself a bit once they entered the barracks. It was a little too cold for his comfort as well. He looked worriedly at Nora and sat down nearby, watching her work, wondering if she was warm enough. "Hmm? Oh, well, I live in Ninjago with my partner and my children... The climate is a lot milder there than it was in my home land. It still snows in the winter, but the summers feel longer and warmer. There's a lot bright green fields, berries, and cities full of all kinds of people", Riki described. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Her fingers seemed a bit numb from cold, as she worked much slower than before. “Ninja..go. Mm, you- you have.. a family?” She looked up at him with a little frown. “Oh… that’s- that’s sad. Do.. do you, um.. m-miss them?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

"Yes. I miss them terribly", Riki sighed with a sad smile. "Hm. Would you like to warm your hands? They seem cold." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She frowned more and paused her work, setting the string aside. She pulled out a little orange stuffed cat and held it out to him. “I- I’m… I’m sorry you’re.. sad. And- and you.. you miss them. Um… when I.. feel sad, um.. holding m-my kitty.. makes me f-feel better.” She held it out more, seeming to be offering it to him. @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Riki's eyes widened slightly, and his smile faded slightly as he processed the gesture in mild surprise. Then, he melted into a warm smile, though he still seemed a little pained. "Aw, dear, that's very sweet of you..." Riki reached out carefully and held his hand flat under Nora's hands, so she could place the kitty in his palm if she wanted. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Watching his expression, she gently handed him the plush. He must’ve been really sad. “…Kitty, um.. she’s.. always been with me.. um, when.. when I’m happy, and.. when I’m sad a-and scared. So.. I hug her and… and um.. she helps.. me feel less sad. Because.. when I have kitty, I- I’m.. I’m not all alone. We.. we go through.. everything together.” The toy was clearly quite old. Its orange fur was faded and much had been rubbed away. Even still, the care put into it was clear. Its little button eyes still shined, and thin red thread wove through any tears in the beloved toy. Nora cared a lot about this toy, and for her to let him hold it was a clear sign of trust from the girl. @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Riki took the plush and held it gently in his hand. He brought it close to his chest and inspected it carefully as he listened to Nora, and his nose wiggled slightly as he also sniffed the various adventures the kitty had been on. It was clear how important the toy was to the girl, and though it might not bring much comfort to the fox, the gesture meant a lot to him, and it would have felt heartless to reject it. To make Nora feel better, and to respect her kind and generous attempt to console him, he pressed the kitty lightly against his cheek, and closed his eyes, petting the plush with his thumb. ...To think... that his children hadn't been much bigger than this when they had hatched... @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

The toy smelled mostly like Nora, that and a bit of mango. He also might smell four others that have had the chance to hold the doll. Two were unfamiliar (though one might smell a bit like Jymaiyri, the other clay-like), the others were baby Minerva and… the fading scent of Rakin. Nora watched his reaction. “….do you.. feel better..?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Riki felt more emotions than he let out. To avoid feeling, he began to think. He lowered the cat plush and smiled to Nora, a brave, charming smile with no hint of the worry and longing he held inside. "Yes, thank you Nora. You are kind", he said warmly, and offered the kitty back. "Hmm... you have met Rakin, yes?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora took the smile at face value and smiled back. She took the cat, holding it tight. There were a few bits of fur on the toy now, which she started to pick out and set aside. “Um.. mhm. I- I met him… first. And um…. h-he told me.. he wanted me to.. to fight. But then… then I did and.. and he got mad at me..” She frowned as she spoke. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki frowned a bit and tilted his head slightly. "Hm? He did? Can you tell me a bit more?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She curled in a little on herself as she thought about it. “Um…. I was.. in a.. a grey room. And.. and he had…. m-my kitty and.. he gave it back, but.. he said I.. needed to.. to maim people and.. and if I did good, I… he w-wouldn’t take her away.” She fidgeted with the toy while she talked. “Um.. so I.. the first person I- I saw, I… I fought her. And then, um.. Rakin came and he.. he said it.. wasn’t time yet..?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki's neck fur bristled, and he fought off a growl from rising up his throat. His tails moved in a faster, agitated motion. He turned away from Nora, trying to calm down, even though anger rattled his insides. "That... false king..." Riki couldn't help but spit, as his ears pinned back. He took a deep breath to calm down, and closed his eyes for a moment. Then, he turned to look at Nora gently. "I'm sorry.. I'm sorry you were put in this situation, and I'm sorry he made you do something like that, and then got mad at you. I'm sorry. But, dear Nora... you should not fight others here. We are in the same, awful situation, and we can only get out, if we work together, okay? You understand that, don't you?" He tilted his head. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora flinched at his anger, body bristling with fear for a moment. Once he spoke to her, she nodded. His gentle tone calming her down. “I- I don’t.. wanna fight. I… I hate.. hurting- I hate p-puppeting..” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki sighed softly and shook his head gently. "I'm sorry, I'm not mad at you Nora. I'm mad at Rakin, and Alrai Pin, for putting us through this. This injustice, it makes me so angry. You and the other kids especially, you shouldn't be here. But I'm not angry at you, not at all." He looked at Nora and smiled faintly, nodding. "Good. You are kind. Don't let him take that from you." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She nodded in understanding. If she wasn’t so scared, she’d probably be angry too. “Mhm. It- it’s.. scary to.. be here. I- I understand.” She smiled a little at being called kind. She wasn’t sure if she deserved it, but it felt nice. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Good", Riki nodded. "I will do my best to get us out. If you find out anything useful, tell me, or Jymaiyri, okay?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

“Mhm, I- I will! Um… th-the fish.. net. Um.. it will be.. a bit.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"No rush, dear, work on it at your leisure. I will do other things in the meantime." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Hearing the announcement, Riki's ears twitched and his head jerked up. He listened for a while, before frowning worriedly. "I... should go and watch it... for information.." He turned to look at Nora, frowning slightly in worry. "You shouldn't come watch it. Stay here and stay safe, okay?" He said softly, knowing Nora would do what she wanted, but he hoped she wouldn't come and watch the fight. He lifted his hand up, and got zapped away. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She looked a little scared at the announcement and shook her head. “I- I don’t.. I don’t wanna go….” She watched as Riki disappeared, hugging her cat close. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

…To busy herself and take her mind off the loneliness, Nora started work on the net. She peeled the bark off of the sticks best she could and then began the process of making the net. It was like this but with smaller holes. https://youtu.be/lSoOFnj-p3Q?feature=shared

CbyS Paracord and More

Making a Paracord Net Between two Sticks - Modified Snake Knot / Ou...

….Nora had finished her net finally. She had nothing left to take her mind off of her situation. She.. she was happy. She had family now, and if- when they get to leave, they’ll be safe and happy and she will never have to be alone again. …But how long would it take to leave? This fight alone felt like it was taking forever. She had started picking at her nails and clothes for any loose threads or nails. Not that they really needed the attention, in fact each tug led to much more loose red than she wanted. Now there was blood under her nails and she’d have to fix the threading on her- The announcement rang out from some invisible voice, scaring her. Further shaking the poor girl was Jymaiyri’s name called for side switching. Tears pricked at her eyes, and this time, no one was here to comfort her. She held herself tight and sobbed, alone again.

Nora led Celena into the barracks, immediately moving to sit on her bed. She rubbed at her eyes a bit, yawning a little. “Mm.. I- I’m.. really tired. A- a lot.. happened.. today.” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"You should get some rest, Nora," Celena suggested. She took a seat on another bed nearby. "I'll stay awake, so that way nothing can happen." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Y-you will..? Mm, you’re.. so nice.. th-thank you..” She was completely exhausted. So much had happened, it was too much to process.. sleep would do her well. She took off her big sweater and folded it close by. Her little kitty was out, nuzzled close to her face, which she covered with her hat. “Mm.. good.. good night, Celena..” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Good night, Nora." Celena smiled. She fell silent so that way Nora could get some much needed rest. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

For a while, Celena stuck around with Nora. A part of her started to feel tired, but she felt far too antsy to fall asleep yet. It took her a moment, but she fetched a piece of paper and scribbled a note. "Will be back soon! Needed to stretch my legs :)" She left the note beside Nora's pillow. Summoning a small orb of light, it floated above Nora. For comfort. Another orb of light split off from it. For combat. Nora would be safe. With that, Celena made her leave from the barracks. ( @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 )

Safe in the waking world, yes. [descriptions of bugs, rot, upsetting imagery] …Nora was back in that house. The same creaking floors, the same dusty cobwebs. She was.. searching for something. Someone. The hallway. That room. The door was ajar, her little hands pulling back on the door. Dad was here. She couldn’t see his face, and.. he was walking away. She reached out to him, attempting to call out when a raven interrupted. She looked down to the bird, screaming and running at her. She backed away, but- “Dad?! D-dad wait!!” He was further now, she stepped past the raven trying to reach him. Another raven flew out of the darkness, wings beating into her side. More ravens appeared, screaming and clawing at her as she tried to run through them to her dad. “Dad!! Dad- Juno, p-please!! Wait- w-wait for-“ A wave of black feathers pushed her back, a cacophony of screeches and claws holding her back from him. He was getting further away. Leaving her. “DAD!! DON’T GO!! DON’T LEAVE!!” She thrashed and struggled to push through the ravens, falling forward towards Juno. “Dad!!” Her hand reached him. And fell through him. “D-dad?” He turned to her. Where her hand had passed through him, maggots and millipedes writhed through his skin. Spreading and tearing through him, surging up to his heart and face. Nora cried out, pulling away. The mass of insects and black Rot pulling with her. He stared down at her, eyes burning with disgust and hate. She thrashed and pulled, the horrible dark mass of Rot mixing with the raven feathers. Her screams joining the chorus of death. ”NO!!” Nora was back in bed, upright. Her little body shaking as she wheezed for breath. ..it.. it was a dream. Just a nightmare. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (edited)

Inside was much warmer. Brr. Connie had been standing by a torch for the longest while, trying to warm up her somewhat pale blue-ish fingers. Still stuck between the haze of wanting to keel over and cry and wanting to hear Otter's voice maybe, just one more time, she didn't really seem to notice buch happening around her. That is, until someone was yelling. "Bweh," Connie yelped, startling out of her daze. There was someone sitting in the bed not too far away- probably the one who yelled -and she looked a liiittle familiar, despite how brief their interaction was. After a moment more of standing by the torch, Connie began to shuffle her way on over to the kid. "Hey," she quietly greeted, waving her hand a little bit at her. "Um. You were at the phone booths before. Are you...alright?" The little orbs of floating light practically spelt out Celena's name, but it felt a little out of place to mention that now. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The girl was wheezing, holding herself tight as she stared at nothing. She jumped at Connie’s voice, but it seemed to snap her out of it. She looked at Connie for a moment, frightened. But she recognized her from before and calmed a little. “I- I hh… I had.. a n-nightmare..” Her voice sounded a little rough. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie blinked a little, not getting too close to the girl out of fear of scaring her more than before. Instead, she decided to sit down on the adjacent bed, hands tucked under her legs. "A nightmare, huh?" Connie quietly asked, nodding in agreement. "I get that. Nightmares suck. Uhm." Swinging her legs a little bit, she added, "y'know what helps me with nightmares? Some milk- oh, but we don't have any milk here. Uh. Um." She scrunched her nose in thought, humming a little bit. "Um...uh. Oh, I don't know. Light, maybe?" A little gestures to the little orbs floatin' around- "y'know, like, like Cellie's light!" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora shifted around in the bed, pulling up her toy cat to fidget with it. Petting down its fur was helping her calm down. Milk.. something to drink would be nice. “Mm.. m-my throat.. hurts.” She didn’t feel as tired, but her head and throat were aching. At the mention of lights, she looked up to see the pretty orbs. She looked around the room for Celena, but couldn’t see her. “Wh- where’s.. Celena..?” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

(She left a little note by Nora’s pillow too c: )

"Mmm, I think there's a note o'er there," Connie hummed, tipping her head a little ways to the slip of paper by her pillow. "Might be from her? I'unnae." "I'll, um..." Argh, she felt too chilly to go back out into the snow. "Um- ooo, wait, I don't think she drank th' water before she left-" She slid off the bed carefully to retrieve something from the front of the barracks- by the time she returned, she was holding a little cup of room-temperature water- which was still a little bit warm from their surroundings. "It's! It's just water, from earlier- nobody drank from it, I promise! They, uh, had to leave, yeah." Miss Jymaiyri had pretty much left in a hurry after that... Connie offered the water to the girl to take, hands quivering ever slightly. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora picked up the note, taking a.. concerningly long time to read it. She squinted at the note as she tried to understand it. She looked up from it for a moment when Connie returned with the water. “Oh.. th-thank you..” She stopped just before drinking it. “M-Miss… you.. saw mmom?” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (edited)

Wuh oh, she said that out loud. "Mom?" she repeated, a little blank-faced for a moment. "Oh! Oh, yeah, Miss Jymaiyri! Sh- weh- she's your mom?" Did they bring the entire family here? Rakin. Connie bit back the urge to groan a little, keeping a straight face as she tried to continue talkin'- smooth, smooth, Connie-ou. "I met her, um, earlier- she was the first one I met here, actually! Uh, but it was a little while ago, I'unno where she is now. I've- I've just been here!" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora looked crestfallen when she said earlier. “Oh… I- I was.. she was here.. before. But she- she got.. t-taken away..” She sipped at her water, it didn’t fix her mood, but it certainly helped her throat. She looked back down to the note, frowning more. “…can.. you read this.. f-for me..?” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Aw, dang," Connie softly said, frowning. Must've happened during the second fight, then. She wasn't there to hear the announcements. "Um! I heard th' other side is...warm? And...kinda beachy, so, um! Hopefully she's doin' alright!" She didn't really know what else to say on that. "Um, but! Hopefully you guys get to meet again! Y'know?" Carefully taking the note from her hands, Connie sat down again on the bed nearby. "Oh, sure! Um, it says...'will be back soon, needed to stretch my legs'. Hm, so maybe she's walkin' around outside, or something? I don't think I saw her back in from the phone booth place. Eeu." She held out the note again for her to take, asking, "did you want to...um, go and find her?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mhm.. it- it’s warm.. I was… th-there before..” She listened close as she read it. Celena didn’t leave her behind, she was coming back! And she left a light here for her! That made her feel a little better. “Mm.. um.. I- I’d.. like that.. Mhm.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Ooo, nice! Aw, man, I'd love to go there. All warm and toasty and not brr, cold." So that made two guys- Cellie and. And...um. "Alright, let's go lookin' for Cellie!" Where it was outside and cold, but uh, friend would be happy and also cold. "I'm Connie, by the way!" she offered, sticking out her hand. Gloves. Yes. she needed that. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“It- it’s nice..! I.. I wanna go back..” Nora quickly pulled on her sweater and gloves, then placed her little witch hat back where it belonged. Nora stared at the offered hand, confused. “Connie.. I’mm.. Nora.” She mirrored the hand, but didn’t do anything else. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Aw, your witches hat is so cute!" Connie suddenly said, beaming. She didn't notice it before! "Ooo, are you a little witch? That's so cool! I- weh- wuh?" Connie blinked a little at Nora's also outstretched hand. She was just about to take her hand and shake it before Lykos words came back to her. Wuh oh. "Uh! Nice to meet you, Nora!" she said, flashing a little thumbs up instead. "Let's! Go out and, uh, look for Celena, alright?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (we can start shuffling if youd like :)) )

She smiled at the compliment. “Hee.. th-thank you. I- I made it.. and- and my dress too..” She pulled a little at it, showing off her work. Very flowy! She watched her curiously and then mirrored the thumbs up. “N-nice to.. meet you. Hee.. Mhm.. do you.. know Celena too?” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (To pathways?) (edited)

Kevin did not like the cold. Who cares what he was given, he didn't like the cold at all. His arms crossed as he was stewing in his irritation at once again that floating bastard and the frog fucker switching people around for their games. He was tempted to curse out loud. Not like his ma would be able to hear him from here. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses hadn't gone to a match since the first one, and he intended to keep it that way. He was just spending time with Maki when he finally noticed the annoying voice of Rakin making an announcment. What? He was going to switch sides? What did Agustin say it was like again..? Oh, yeah. Freezing fucking cold. He didnt have much time to react, being swept away in an instant. It was sheer luck Moses was teleported here, a closed building with fire and blankets. The older man was still shirtless, his dog tags the only thing on his upper half besides his glasses. He blinked, stunned by the sudden transportation and nearly tripped over nothing. "Shit--What.. Where-" Moses groaned in annoyance. Unlike Kevin, Moses had no qualms about swearing. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Hell. Or the artic or whatever this place is." He said, knowing it was likely that he would be questioned about things if he didn't recognize him from their short moment passing by each other in the original location they both were at. Though Kevin did for once have his flannel on along with a blanket wrapped around himself to ensure he'd stay warm. Speaking of cold, he couldn't help but grimace even more seeing the man be shirtless in their new temporary home. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses turned his head towards the voice, raising a brow as he didn't quite recognize this person. "I was told it was going to be cold, but holy shit," Moses huffed as he rushed towards a bed and grabbed a blanket. He wrapped it around himself, effectively hiding his entire body besides his face. "God.. fuck this place. I'd take the hot sauna and lack of buildings of the other side any day," Moses huffed as he sat down on the bed he stole the blanket from. He turned back to Kevin, his expression softening a bit. "Sorry—I should introduce myself. I'm Moses. What about you?" @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Kevin." He stands up, clearly a foot taller than the other man as he had to slightly arch his neck down to meet his gaze as they talked. His tail slightly trembling, the only thing showing how he indeed was freezing even with what layers they had. "You think they'll give us better shit to wear sooner or later? Even with what we got its still cold as hell." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Nice to meet you, Kevin," Moses offered a small smile in return and relaxed a bit into the blanket. Man, this guy was huge. And were those horns?? And a tail?? Interesting. He chuckled half-heartedly and shook his head. "I seriously doubt it. They're slowly killing us off one by one. I don't think they really care about us dying of hyperthermia or anything," he sighed. "Guess I'll just be stuck inside unless there's some left over jackets or something here." @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Hm.. yeah." He huffed in annoyance. Going a bit closer to the flames as he looks into it for a moment, the yellows mixing with the gem line hues of his eyes before looking back. "Where's your shirt by the way? I think I'd remember if you didn't have one originally." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses shrugged, his stare also falling onto the flames sparking in front of them in the form of torches. "I had tossed it on the other side while I was working on a makeshift shelter. It only got in the way of working," he explained. "I sorta regret that now. I should of kept it in my pocket at least," Moses sighed, sinking deeper into his blanket. "Say, Kevin, what have you been up to since we've gotten here? I don't think I've seen you around or heard anyone mention you yet." @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Hm... think I talked to one or two people when we were on that island. Not the most talkative out of all the people here." He shrugs. Moving his feet as close as he could safely manage to the fire since sandles were not the best for winter even with normal temps. "...I sorta wish I didn't crush that coconut. Woulda been something I had to try and bean that ghost lookin freak n his froggy freak." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge (edited)

Moses listened to Kevin, nodding his head faintly. "I see. Well, glad to see you're okay, relatively speaking, of course," he mused. "And 'ghost looking freak'? Who are you talking about?" Moses asked with a raised brow. "I assume 'froggy freak' is Rakin, though." @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"...that Al- whatever dude. Multiple eyes. Floaty? That Cane guy said he met him too in The Room where we all first woke up." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

His face scrunched up, still very much confused. "No.. Doesn't ring a bell. Rakin was the only one who was with me when I first woke up," Moses replied. The veteran thought for a few moments before turning back towards Kevin. "Did this.. ghost person say he was the master around here or anything..? I know Rakin spoke of them when I talked to him before. Is that who that person was?" @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Maybe. He didn't talk much besides trying to get a rise outta me." His face darkens, his naturally annoyed looking even more pissy as he thought of them. He could still feel how they made him think his arms were turned to dust . "....you should be glad you didn't have him as the first thing you woke up to." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses hummed, leaning back a bit. "Well, Rakin was a piece of work, so I guess his master is even more so. Sorry you had to go through all of that.. It sounds like it wasn't a good time," he frowned. "Regardless.. This master person is who Rakin works for... I wonder if they plan to show up themselves any time soon." @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"They better. I got some things to say to em after what they've put us through so far." He crosses his arms, gripping his biceps as he sighs again. Allowing a lull in the conversation, nothing but the winds from outside and the flames in front of them crackling to fill the void. It wasn't till he looked over at Moses again and noticed the dog tags did he speak again. "...where did you serve?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses nodded his head in agreement. "Oh, yeah. I already gave Rakin a pretty good piece of my mind.. I wonder how this master person differs," he sighed, a hint of frustration laced in his voice. Though, at the mention of his tags, Moses glanced down and gently pulled them. "Officially? Oman. That was just on paper though. Served for nine years before I was kicked out." @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Hm.. wonder if my Ma served there. I never really remember when she talks about places she's been." He knew better than to ask why he was kicked out. If he still wore those tags, they must have meant something to him. And he knew better than to dig those old feelings up in a situation like this. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses raised a brow. "Your mother was in the military too? Well, can't say it's all too surprising. A lot of people join for a lot of different reasons, after all. Is your mother still serving?" He asked, making light conversation with the other man. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Nah. She did her time and went to work on the farm she got from her uncle with Pa. It was a few years before they found me." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Oh, your parents run a farm? That's nice. Honestly, I always thought about moving away to the countryside myself. Get away from the busy life of the city and stuff... but my kid likes living closer to his mom and friends, so I guess I'll have my farm when I retire," Moses faintly chuckled. "What's it like living with your parents on the farm? Is it big?" @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"It's not that big, but its big enough. Mainly watching over other farms animals that they can't fit on their own land or aren't able to be used for meat. That and dealing with dairy cows and chickens." He had this slightly far off look on his face as he spoke. He was still tense around other people since he rarely talked with anyone outside his family but... it helped to talk about them he supposed. "Though I hope they're not too worried...." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses smiled faintly and glanced back towards the open flames. "That sounds nice. Living the peaceful life on your land and stuff," he commented. "I'm sure your parents miss you, but we'll be back soon enough. Finding a way out of here is my priority. No way I'm going to die in the middle of no where—or let any of the kids here suffer the same fate." @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

He was this close to saying he was almost 30- if not already given he doesn't really know how old he actually is - but he realizes that he was talking about the actual kids here. "Yeah... you probably have people you need to get back to too." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge (edited)

Moses sighed, pushing up his glasses with his hand for a moment. "I do.. everyone here does," he said and brushed his hands together as he thought about his son. "I'm a parent, so I know your parents are worried about you too... Hopefully this is over soon."

11:16 PM

@Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Yeah.... cuz I ain't gonna play along much longer if this keeps going on as it's been." He mutters. Staring into the flames once more as he allowed silence to take over once more. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses nodded in agreement, before letting the silence fill the air. He felt like both of them could use a break. With a small sigh, Moses laid down on the bed, putting his glasses to the side of the pillow. "I'm gonna rest up a bit, Kevin. Thanks for the talk," he quietly told the other man before falling completely silent. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ Taylor sat on one of the mattresses gripping one of the blankets in his hands as he fights the urge to stress stitch. His hands already covered in cresent marks from nail digging into his palms, lips looking more raw from how often he chewed them.

Taylor was ripping the fabric of one of the blankets before he even realized it fully. His hands almost mechanically moving on their own. Pulling a needle from his pocket that he seemed to of forgotten in his pocket as he used the strings of the frayed blanket to stitch and sew and stitch and sew. His eyes were focused yet empty as he felt disjointed from the world around him as he worked. Only poppy could sit beside him as she couldn't get him out of this moment. Everything felt like it was a stage to him. If needed, he could use his coat as a blanket to make up for the one he was ripping to pieces.

... Agustín and Moses arrived at the nearest barracks. "I think I need to sleep.." Agustín said groggily. "This has all really.. wiped me out." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses trudged along without much issue, pushing the door open and holding it for Agustin. "You'll need your rest, so go ahead and sleep. I'll watch out for ya," Moses replied. "I don't really feel comfortable letting you stay by yourself knowing Rakin tried to attack you earlier..." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustín walked in and practically collapsed down on to the bed, not bothering to take off his coat or boots as he buried his face in the pillow. "You should.. sleep too sometime.. When's the last time you slept..?" Agustín asked, somewhat muffled through the pillow. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses sat down on the bed next to Agustin, folding his arms across his chest. "That's a good question.. I probably haven't since I got here," he sighed. Now that he wasn't trying to do a DIY surgery or taking care of a kid, the exhaustion was starting to settle in Moses' bones. "...But if I'm gonna stay on watch, I can't sleep yet. I'll be okay. I'm used to going for a while without sleeping." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"You should... Sleep first. You might have a fight coming up. You'll need your rest." Agustin said. "I'll take the first shift." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses looked over at Agustin with a tired face. "You literally almost just died or something, Agustin. I'm fine, really," he insisted. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"'Or something'. But you will definitely die if you go in to your fight with no sleep. And I can't do this without you here." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses sighed, rubbing the skin between his eyes. "Okay, how about we both just sleep then?" He suggested. "I'm pretty alert even when I'm sleeping, so we should be okay regardless," Moses explained. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"That's a good idea." Agustín nodded, finally closing his eyes. It didn't take more than a few seconds for him to entirely fall asleep. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Victory for Moses, because Agustin fell asleep before he did. He said he'd go to sleep, but Moses wasn't planning to. He simply sat against the end of the bed, folding his arms and resting back against the pillows. He hoped someone would wander inside--Someone that wasn't a child, preferably. Regardless, Moses laid awake as he thought about what they should do... @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

Well, Moses and Agustin would get to rest for a few minutes before the door cracked open.. "Mnnmmmm, too dang cold.." Zahara mumbled to herself as she walked in, not quite noticing the other two yet. Agustin stayed asleep. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Immediately, Moses sat up as he heard someone walk in. He was pleasantly relieved to see it was just Zahara. There were a lot more worse options. He sat over the end of his bed and slightly waved at her. "You sheltering from the cold too?" Moses greeted. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Ah!" Zahara jumped as Moses spoke up. She snapped her attention over to him, trying to calm her breathing. "O-Oh- um- yea.. I-it's terribly c-cold out there.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses was a bit slumped in his seat, so he just kinda looked like a really tired old man. "Sorry--Didn't mean to scare you. The weather has been pretty bad lately. That's why Agustin and I are here," he commented. He then gestured for Zahara to sit down with him. "I'm sorry about before when we first met. Things were... a bit hectic then." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Zahara glanced out to the door before looking back over to Moses. She slowly approached and sat on the edge of the bed, as far from him as possible without leaving the bed. "Th-that's alright. I ain't been doing much since then.." Zahara sighed. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Well, Moses didn't really care where Zahara sat. As long as she did, that meant he could actually talk to her. He turned towards her, offering the faintest of smiles. "Well, better than running out in the cold. I don't know if you caught my name or not last time, but I'm Moses. Agustin's told me a lot about you already. Zahara, right?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Zahara stayed facing the wall ahead of them, only glancing toward Moses with a side eye. "Moses.. I-i haven't heard your name yet. And.. Wh-what did Agustín say? That I'm mean a-and weird?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

He chuckled faintly at that and shook his head. "Nothing like that, actually. He described you more as timid, but kind and soft spoken," Moses honestly replied. "And he told me a little about you and Rakin's history. That's about it." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"O-oh.. Well that's t-true I guess.." Zahara nodded slightly. "Wh-what did he say about.. Rakin?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses hummed, his smile falling just the slightest. "Well.. He did mention Rakin saved your life when you were little, and that you two were close," Moses replied carefully. "Is that true?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Zahara visibly tensed, moving her hands up to her mouth and beginning to chew on her nails a little. "Wh-why did he- why did he tell you that?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Watching Zahara's reaction, Moses thought for a moment. Seems like that wasn't information she wanted circling about. "I believe I was curious about your relationship with Rakin, so I asked him about it. Was that.. something you wanted to keep private? I haven't spoken to anyone else about it, and Agustin did not go into great detail either." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"W-well all that that h-he said Rakin did.. th-this ain't Raina- Raina saved me.. R-raina did all that.. I-i don't- I don't think this is the s-same person anymore.." Zahara shook her leg, continuing to bite her nails. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Oh.. Seems like Zahara was already coming around. Though, it didn't seem like she was happy about it. "I see.. Yeah, I don't believe someone kind enough to have saved you would necessarily kill a bunch of innocent people either," he said and shook his head. "..Has Rakin told you why he's doing all of this? I have a feeling he feels a bit more comfortable speaking to you about his plans." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"N-nothin specific.. J-just whenever I'm in trouble here he still helps me.. L-like when Dante tried to kill me o-or Miss Jymaiyri s-slapped me.. he just says his plans are for the g-greater good.. But he's not Raina. So I don't trust him. I saw Raina. He's back home.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses wanted to ask why someone tried to kill her and why Jymaiyri would of slapped her, but he figured it best he shouldn't ask. He had a bigger question in mind. "You saw Raina back home..? Is it not possible that Rakin is a different version of Raina or something?" Moses said with a raised brow. "..And how did you see Raina from here?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"R-rakin keeps talkin like he knows me. Personally. A-and he knows everything Raina does.. d-down to tiny little details.." Zahara sighed. "I-i saw Raina on the cameras. He was still home." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Hmm.. Well, Rakin seems to know a lot about us contestants too, despite everything. It must be coming from his master or something," Moses shrugged. "And the cameras..? Oh, in that room with them. They're able to see people no matter the distance? That's.. interesting. Must be like with the phones here." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Y-yeah.. he knows a lot.. and I was able to look at the swamp from here, and the fish creature w-was watching some girl.. they both seemed really upset.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses stiffened a bit at the mention of the 'fish creature'. Zahara must of meant the person who killed Yeonaixho. "...Zahara, by chance, do you have any powers?" Moses suddenly asked, his pose relaxing. "Agustin and I... we've been wanting to see if we can round up a group that can figure a way out of here. Would you be interested in helping us?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I-i I have- some.. yes. Given to me here b-by Rakin, I assume. Rain powers. I-i ain't been able to use em much though.. snow is harder.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Rain powers..? Hm. Moses didn't really know if that could be helpful or not, but it'd probably be nice to have if Zahara was on the other side. "That's interesting... So, are you in or not, Zahara? Rakin said he was going to let you Amphibs go, but the moment Agustin said he was going to help us contestants, he suddenly attacked him. Who knows what he might do to you or the rest of the Amphibs here." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"R-rakin attacked Agustín just for sayin he wouldn't help..?" Zahara frowned. "I- I think I'm.. I'm in. I don't know i-if I could attack Rakin m-myself though.. but my powers can heal a lil, and help speed up plants growin.. But I'm not sure how helpful any of that is." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses nodded and he glanced at Agustin for a moment. He gently pulled the blanket up to cover more of Agustin's body, sighing afterwards. "Yes. I thought I was going to lose him for a second. Thankfully, he made it through whatever Rakin did to him. I figured you wouldn't be much of an attacker, but any help is better than none," Moses replied as he turned back towards Zahara. "Thank you... I know it must be hard to go against someone like Rakin. I don't know how much time I have left before I have to fight, but Agustin and I believe Rakin is holding a dimension hopping compass in his chest. If someone could somehow get it out of him.. we could leave." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustín was still entirely asleep. "Wh- in his chest? H-how would you- how would you even get that out?" Zahara gasped slightly. "I-it's- it's not possible. Plus if he thought that was genuinely a risk, he could turn in to a frog.. nothing would fit in there, so it must disappear. H-how do ya even know it's in there?" @ajjjjjjjj (edited)

"Agustin is developing his father's blood powers. We were in the med bay when Rakin was suddenly transfered there with injuries. While he was knocked out, Agustin healed him a little and could tell there was something hidden in Rakin's chest," Moses explained. "We were going to try a surgery to remove it from Rakin, but he woke up before we could—And someone else got there too? Some guy in a blue and green suit. He seemed loyal to Rakin, and Rakin seemed to trust him, but I've never seen him until just now.. He got in our way as well." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"O-oh wow.. that's.. A lot." Zahara mumbled. She paused for a moment, staring off at the wall. "D-do ya mean Bridge..? It's been a while since I saw him.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses nodded, though he gave Zahara a curious look. "Agustin said he knew Bridge as well... But I don't think I've ever heard him be mentioned. Who is that guy?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Zahara fell silent again for a little bit. "U-uhm.. he's someone Rakin had around to help out with stuff.." Zahara said. "He was- put out of commission by the first contestant that got here." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses found Zahara's response time a little odd, but he also didn't know what to make of it. "Put out of commission?" Moses asked. "Like.. he was beaten up, so he's been resting this entire time? What exactly can Bridge do?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I dunno, Rakin hasn't talked about him since he's been missing.." Zahara said. "I think he was supposed to help with protecting Rakin and.. security stuff." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"So.. a sort of body guard? Security guard?" Moses commented. "Well, regardless, it seems he's extremely loyal to Rakin. He'll probably be a pain in our side too. We have the rest of the contestants and you and Agustin to help us though.. I'm sure that's more than enough hands," he hummed. "The problem is that we're all separated. If we can just get a sturdy enough group to corner Rakin.. I think we could do it." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Well, one contestant took out Bridge on her own before.. but I'm sure Rakin made some adjustments since then.." Zahara said. "A group.. u-uhm.. have you talked to.. Dante..?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Ah.. right. Who was the one that took Bridge out? Perhaps we could have her confront him while the rest of us pin Rakin," Moses suggested. He then shook his head. "No, I haven't met him yet, actually. Agustin mentioned he had fire powers, but he was called into that second fight just now, right?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"It was.. some woman with orange hair and fire powers." Zahara said. "And yeah, I don't know the other guy... Itsuki..? I think he was- I think he was on the talent show judgin' thing with me.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Hm. A woman with orange hair and fire powers. That couldn't be too hard to find. "I'll keep an eye out for her then. And Itsuki? I've talked to him a bit on the other side. He's.. a character. But if he's willing to help us, it can't necessarily hurt either," Moses shrugged. "I know of a couple of other adults roaming around, but I don't know where they are right now. I don't want to have to involve any of the children." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"It'll be hard to communicate with the other side people.. O-only one side at a time can really challenge Rakin.." Zahara said. "I could go talk to some people too, but I know Jymaiyri doesn't want to talk to me no more.. I dunno if she's gonna get other people to not like me too." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses nodded in agreement. "Yes, I know. I would like to try to pin him while he's still over here, where there's an influx of stronger people too, but I'm a bit anxious to leave Agustin vulnerable here," Moses sighed as he looked back down at the other man. "Jymaiyri is going through a lot right now. She just lost her husband and she has a baby to worry about. I don't know if she'd be willing to help at the moment... but if you can find any others, that'd be helpful." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Zzzzzzzzzzz "Wh-who all is over here that you know? I ain't really been keeping up with everythin' and everyone.." Zahara asked. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses paused to think. "Jymaiyri, me and Agustin, you, another man who's name I haven't caught, but I've seen him talking to Jymaiyri and they seemed close. The woman with red hair you mentioned.. And I believe that's the last of us adults. The rest of us have been.. well.." He frowned. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Th-that ain't a lotta people.." Zahara frowned. "A-against Rakin.. H-he seems unbeatable.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses sighed. "I know it isn't, but we gotta work with what we got. It's only going to get smaller the longer we linger," he replied with a small frown. "..I'm going to let Agustin sleep a while longer. If you want to rest here too, feel free to. I'm on lookout duty." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Zahara moved her hands down from her mouth and instead gripped at her arms. ".. th-this is all hopeless.." She whimpered and lowered her head. "I'll- I'll rest.. you won't go anywhere..?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses didn't know how he could cheer Zahara up at the moment. Instead, he gave her a small nod. "Mhm. I won't. Promise. I'll be here to protect you guys," he said with a faint smile. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. th-thank you.." Zahara nodded and slowly stood up. She moved over to the next bed and laid down, though she didn't fall asleep as fast as Agustín had. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses didn't say anything else as Zahara rested. He watched for just a moment before turning back towards the entrance. Mindlessly, he fiddled with the metal chain of his dogtags. He wondered if Maki was doing okay. If his son was eating right and doing his homework on time. Hopefully, Tsuki and Hoshi were being walked every morning by his ex. She always was fond of them. After a while, Moses turned to look back at Agustin. He watched the slow rising of his chest, relieved to see he was breathing better than before. The cold touch of Agustin's skin had left Moses a bit frightened. Slowly, he reached a hand over and gently brushed a loose strand of hair behind Agustin's ear. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustin's hair was a bit oily and not well taken care of at the moment. It had been a few days since he had really taken a shower here. Besides that, he just looked exhausted, even as he slept. There were dark bags under his eyes, and tension clear on his features. He mumbled something as Moses touched him, only pulling the blanket up closer and rolling over the other way. His gills wiggled in the air. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses didn't really care about how gross or oily Agustin's hair was. He just cared that the other man was still alive. Still breathing and here beside him. Moses really thought it might of all been in vain if Agustin ended up dying. God... He watched Agustin roll over, taking that as a sign to relax. He shouldn't project what had happened in the past onto Agustin. Moses knew that... but it was difficult not to after everything today. With a deep sigh, Moses rested his forehead in his hand.

... Upon hearing the announcement, Agustin shot up, looking over at Moses half dazed. "M-moses- you can't-" He mumbled, trying to fully wake himself up. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

The moment he heard his name be called, Moses stood up from his seat. Any exhaustion on his face was replaced with shock and perhaps, even a sense of fear. "Shit-" Moses looked over to Agustin, knowing he only had a few seconds to say anything in response. "I'll be right back, Agustin-" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Don't leave without me." Agustin quickly reached out toward Moses, only managing to barely make contact with his shoulder before they both zapped away. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Zahara had awoken at some point when Moses and Agustin were gone and decided it was time for her to leave as well. So much for watching over her.

4

Ulysses and Julien Arrival

Noir Arrival & Seb stops by

Mari & Kian

Two Doctors and A Baby

Babies Can't Play Football

Kenji & Agustin

Riki and Mari

Unexpected Daughter

Nora and Big Puppy Riki

Nora Craft Time & Sad Times

Sisters in the Barracks

Connie and Nora

Moses & Kevin

Taylor Time & Agmoses