Tourn RP Archive

Inside of one of the smaller black stone buildings is a kitchen. There was a stove top over a small fireplace, and an oven that was heated by metal pipes and fire. Some vents on the ceiling efficiently released all the smoke produced in the room, making it fairly pleasant but still warm on the inside. A large tub of water sat in the room as well, presumably safe to drink and use for cooking if needed.

Zahara led Connie to the kitchen, which was nice and warm on the inside, thankfully. She sniffed, and headed over to a plate that was sitting on the counter. It was two large fish filets, and next to it sat a little piece of paper with overly ornate calligraphy on it reading Zahara with a little heart at the end. "Yep. Dante. Should be good, he's good at cookin." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie followed behind the Frogling as they headed to the kitchen, immediately basking in the warm comfiness and the scent of nice, cooked, warm fish. Otty. 'Ooh'ing a little at the pretty frickin' big fillets of fish, Connie turned her attention to the little slip of paper with some words and a dainty little heart. Buddies? "Aw, cute little heart!" she awwed, squinting over at the lettering. "...har..a? Ehara?" she asked, trying to read the paper. Cursive wasn't her strongest suit. Grinning at Ehara, she beamed- "It smells super good! Uh, you sure I can take some? Just a little bit! I'unno how much babies eat." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Dante's just a little ladies' man, even if he knows he ain't got a chance with me." Zahara chuckled. "Name's Zahara, too, he writes so fancy ya can hardly read it." Zahara looked over at the filets, humming. "How old is the tadpole? Is it a froglet yet? I dunno if it can eat fish at all.." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Ah, yes, fancy writing," Connie agreed, somewhat relieved her ability to read cursive wasn't called into question. "Aw, but this Dante guy seems pretty friendly! 'Specially with two cuts of fish!" "Err," Connie hummed, twirling her hair again. "Well, uh, she's pretty tiny, like. Thisss, big." She held up her hands to approximately the same size Minnie was. "I don't! Actually? Know how old she is? I just met her 'n her ma like, a few minutes ago. Kinda came here like me! I'm prettyyy sure." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Connie said that was tiny, but Zahara's shocked expression seemed to really suggest that she thought the opposite. "Wh- what froglet is THAT big-..." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Aw, that's a big baby?" Connie asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "Well, uh, like, the youngest kid I've babysat for was like, six. And she was about this big, so?" She raised a hand up to her chest, cocking her head to the side. "Uh, but like. Kiara was a bit taller than mosta the kids, so? I'unno?" "But yeah! Bout this big, little- big? Kiddo, baby, she was asleep last I saw her! So...she could be a little bigger?" After a moment, she cocked her head to the other side. "Wait, how big are froglets, usually?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yeah that's HUGE!" Zahara said. She held out her palm, and then made a tiny little pinprick sized hole with her other fist. "That's how big they are! Dependin on species they could get bigger but- gosh- that's big.." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"That's so teensy!" Connie gushed, giggling loudly. Stars, she could not imagine a baby so teeny. "So, so, frickin' teeny! What!" "I- I don't think we're talkin' about the same kinda species!" she managed to say through her fit of giggles. "I mean, like a human baby! Like me! I- I think the baby's a human kid, anyways! Aw, so frickin' teeny, whadda bells?" She held out her own hands, mimicking Zahara, though her gloves made it hard to. "How- how d'you keep track of them?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

(tsubari is approaching your location rapidly)

"A human baby? Ya can't turn human until you're five! That makes nooo sense." Zahara chuckled. "Well, you're a bit of a youngin, but when you're older, you'll have your pick of all the great frogling guys and you can lay your ten eggs! Then ya can choose how many ya wanna keep and give tha rest up for adoption. Not too hard to take care of em. They mostly look after themselfs. I'm assumin' you're a frogling too- since I don't see any tails or frills on ya." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

10:57 AM

With a ZAP of lightning, Tsubari appeared in the area... She was dressed in some winter clothes surprisingly to her style. @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Woah, they could turn human? That was cool as heck! She listened attentively to Zahara, intrigued at what she was talking about. Eggs? Adoption? “Who adopts e-“ Aw. Crumbs. Frogs lay eggs. Frogling guys and frogling girls and- they made- Connie scrunched her nose a little, shaking her head furiously as if to get rid of those thoughts. Kids! She liked them, but she didn’t like them that much! “Noooo!” she wailed, laughing. “No, its cool, but I don’t wanna have eggs- KIDS, when I’m older!” While Reirei was more of an auntie, and dama was…well…a dama, she couldn’t possibly imagine kids! Except for babysitting them. She stretched out her arms, grinning a little. “M’not a Frogling, I’m a human!” she said. “I’ve been human m’whole life! Uh, I don’t have a tail, but it’d be really cool if I did! Tails are fun!” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. You don't wanna lay your eggs? Hmm.. That's a rare one. It only takes like an hour. Then you don't even gotta keep any of em, then all the guys will get off your case." Zahara chuckled back. "And ya say you're a human? Just the human part..? That's sad.. Sorry ya were born like that, must've been hard on your mama." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie blanked, the hairs on the back of her neck prickling up slightly. 'Must've been hard on your mama.' She was no genius, but that word was called day ja voo, right? "Uh- uh- uh- uh- my mama's human too," she squeaked out, wringing her hands. "So's my baba. And me. Fullll human, Connie-o. No Froglin' stuff here, e-ehhe. Ehe." The sweating could either be attributed to the heat, the lying, or the day ja voo. "Uh- uh, curious, uh- d'you have? Any little guys? Froglets?" she asked, eager to move on from the parent talk. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

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Tsubari is just standing here and the first thing she hears is laying eggs.

".. You're only human..? That is hard to believe.." Zahara frowned. "But-.. Mm.. I laid my eggs about two years ago now. None of em made it out of the pond." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (edited)

"Aw," Connie softly said, all tension falling from her shoulders. No wonder why she cared so much about Connie having little froglets. "Aw, Zahara, I'm sorry." She hesitated for a moment, but set her hand on Zahara's shoulder. "I'm sure you would'a been a great mom," she quietly said, smiling a little. "You'd'a been perfect." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

‍♀️

"Nah, it's alright." Zahara assured her, placing her hand over top of Connie's. "Most clutches haven't made it since we moved back in to the swamp. Not tuh mention there's not many of a left to begin with.." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie smiled a little, though it still felt pretty faint and wobbly. She had a bit of a feeling Zahara would like Minnie, little baby buddy. Eh? Swamp? Frogs lived in swamps, yes, yes. And ponds. But this looked nothing like a swamp. "Where's the swamp you're talkin' about?" she asked. "A-and, what d'you mean by not many left? Uh- only if y'wanna talk about it, that is." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"The swamp is-.. I dun know how to describe how tuh get to it, I lived there as a froglet and then we had tuh leave.. And Raina- Rakin protected us for so many years. He worked so hard to gather us up again and rebuild the swamp- I owe him everythin." She took in a deep breath, looking away from Connie and back down to the fish. "I dun.. really wanna talk about all that right now. It's hard.. We should just get this fish tuh the momma." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie's brows furrowed a little in thought. Between Rakin's little thing and him being the king of the Froglings, it was pretty clear that this was more than just about bringing back the Pillarian guys. "Hey, that's alright!" Connie quickly reassured, patting Zahara's shoulder. "We don't gotta talk about it! Um, thanks for telling me, though! I- I won't pry. Promisies." She looked down at the fish, remembering why exactly she had left Jymaiyri. Food! Babies probably couldn't eat fish. "Uh! Yeah! Just a little bit of fish, I don't need a whole lot. That might be more for the ma than the kiddo, maybe." She took a glance around the kitchen, her attention landing on the tub filled with water. "Is that drinkable water?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

"Oh, yeah, the water's for drinkin." Zahara said. "There's some cups in the cupboard. The water is nice n' warm." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Sweet! I'll uh- shuffle over and get a cup or two, if that's alright? I promise I'll return it!" (edited)

7:57 PM

@Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Of course, help yourself! There's pleny a water in the stream we boil off here. Enough for everyone." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie made quick work with gathering the warm water and small portion of the fish. While it was nice to get to know Zahara and talk about. Eggs. She was still worried about Jymaiyri and the little kiddo. "Hey, uh! D'you know if there's some fishing rods, or. Something around?" she asked, organizing the fish into the cup. She saw Otty do this like, once, but it wasn't this frickin' cold outside. "I wanna get some fish for! Thanks! For letting me take some now." She peeked up at Zahara, a smug little grin on her face. "I will say, I do have a knack with fishin'. A bit of a knack." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

"Hmm, nah, we don't have any fishing rods.. Usually Agustín and Dante work together to get all of our fish, the stream has pleny of em." Zahara said. "You should be careful around the stream, it's preddy chilly.." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"I willll, bundle up! A bunch!" Connie reassured, carefully setting the cup containing the fish into the warm water. It was just enough so the base of the glass would be warmed by the water, but not so much that the water would come spilling out. "Alllright, sick, m'good to go!" Turning to Zahara, she grinned- "wanna come with?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I.. I think I'll pass for now, I don't wanna freak the mama out." Zahara smiled at her. "You go on." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Aw, no worries! I'll let her know you helped me get the fish 'n stuff!" Turning her attention to the cup, Connie began to stare at it with all of her might. "Allllright. Siccck." Hands pressed to the cup, lightning began to flicker, dancing steadily on her knuckles as she stared at it with an intensity greater than before. Her eyes began to crackle with yellow, her now vibrant hair tufts beginning to steadily rise into the air as she furrowed her brows together in an attempt to focus and prevent the glass from shattering. Just keep it warm. Ou. Steam. It began to rise from the little gaps between the cups, a surefire sign that her verrry smart plan was working. She wanted to press a knuckle to the meat of the fish to ensure that it was actually staying warm, but she didn't want to risk the water cooling down outside again. With the water now keeping warm (and the fish too!), Connie quickly shoved her shoulder against the door. "Byeee, Zahara!" she called, eyes sparking a static hue. "Thank you for everything! You're super nice, and I'll definitely get some fish back for you! Byeee!" The postman shoved open the door fully, darting out into the snow as the door closed shut behind her. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Kian followed Agustin here without question and without a step to waste. Once they were inside and the door was closed behind them, Kian's shoulders seemed to finally relax. This entire time, he was on edge, but perhaps it was Agustin's presence that was starting to make him lower it. "S-So.. M-Mother is still alive.." Kian started quietly and leaned against a nearby counter. "That m-means Uncle Persis died a couple years ago... I-I must of only just turned sixteen or seventeen here.," he hummed, thinking back on his earlier years. "I don't really know how I'm going to prove I'm n-not the Kian you know, but.. It is true that I've missed you, Uncle Agustin. I-I miss all of you.. So much." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Well, everything you said is true, yes. Things have been... Pretty tragic on your end recently." Agustín nodded. "It's not hard for me to believe that there's alternate universe Kian's out there- obviously- but.. How could you get taken here if you are from a different universe? That doesn't make any sense.. Not to mention you still look around the same age as the last time I saw you.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian rubbed out some of the left over tears on his face, sniffling and trying to recompose himself. "I-I think I know how. Rakin—The guy who took me and everyone else, I assume—had a compass.." Kian replied, his voice somber. He knew if this world's Agustin knew who Kian was, he most likely also knew about the compasses. "As for my age, well.. w-wow, it really has been a long time, sorry. Uh.. Uhm..." The boy ran his hand through his hair, trying to think of a way to explain coherently what was to happen to him in the years after his mom's and uncle's death. "D-Do you remember Sir Rodriguez? He was a knight back home.. friends with Uncle Persis. He h-had time powers. After Uncle Persis died.. Sir Rodriguez decided to train me in his place so I could take t-the uh.. the test to be accepted into the knighthood," recalling this story, Kian realized just how long ago that all was. "The f-final part of my test was to have a serious spar with Sir Rodriguez.. in the m-middle of it, I took his powers. I've been s-stuck like this because of that." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Wait- did you see that Rakin had the compass..?" Agustin tensed as that little tidbit was dropped. He hardly cared about the rest- he wasn't all that familiar with the knighthood outside of Persis and his weird daughter. She always seemed overly excited to see him. "And- sorry about the time thing that must.. Be difficult.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian slowly nodded as he thought back on his time with Rakin. "Y-Yes.. he had a pretty old one, it seems. It was pink a-and blue.. I saw a lot of familiar places on it.. like home and places m-mother would visit," he frowned. Just thinking about the fact Rakin had access to those places made him sick. "A-And... well, it's not okay, but I'll be fine. I have been for two hundred years now, heh.. Uh.. I've been t-trying to get my powers under control but.. you know how t-that is.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustin walked from one side of the kitchen to the other, anxiously crossing his arms over his chest. "I-... I think I know where he could have gotten that compass from.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian frowned as he saw Agustin pace and he clenched his cape once more. "Y-You do, Uncle Agustin..?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustin nodded solemnly as he continued to walk back and forth. "My dad..." He took in a deep breath. ".. Just a few days before I got abducted he ended up in the hospital. There was a break-in and he was-.. Very injured. He wasn't even awake enough to speak to me when I came to visit. When I looked around the house I couldn't find his compass in any of the normal places he left it but I-... I was way too worried about him to be worrying about that as well... I was hoping he had just- just.. I don't know.. Figured the person breaking in was after it and hid it somewhere.. But I don't think he even had time to react, the elemental blood samples he kept were untouched, he would have used at least one to fight off whoever it was.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Hearing Agustin's story, Kian was brought back to the reality that Agustin himself was also kidnapped. They didn't meet here just by sheer chance. They were both taken here for a reason by Rakin. The prince looked down at the ground for a moment and took in a few breaths. "H-How could someone sneak up on Uncle Manuel l-like that? Is.. is h-he okay? How long have you been here, Uncle Agustin??" Kian rapid fire questions, each in equal importance to him. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

"My dad's seventy-four he's-.. Not as spry as he used to be. If someone was out to get him, and knew his daily schedule, it wouldn't be hard to sneak up on him.. He was stable in the hospital, but they put him in to a medically induced coma to help with his... injuries. I didn't get a chance to ask him what happened." Agustin sighed and shook his head. "I have been here for one month and twenty-three- soon to be twenty-four- days. If the day cycles here are to be believed." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian's fingers curled and uncurled in his cape as he listened. He needed to destress somehow. "R-Right.. I forgot Uncle Manuel was a l-little older than my moms. I..I hope he's o-okay. He probably misses you.." Kian replied with a somber expression. "And a-almost two months now..? Was there anyone else besides yourself here..? I saw the beds in t-the uh.. uhm main building. Is there anyone else besides the people who just got here?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"For the first day, it was only me. Then the next day Zahara and Dante appeared, and Rakin spoke to us.." Agustín said. ".. I really hope that my dad's recovered by now and he's home again.. But he- he doesn't have anyone to watch over him.. He's in good health still, but now after this... I don't think he can make a full recovery.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian's eyes widened a bit. "R-Rakin spoke to you all? W-What did he say??" He asked, clearly worried. "..M-Maybe my mother would offer to house him or something. O-Or at least send someone to care for him. I know s-she would if she knew," Kian suggested, mainly to give Agustin some peace of mind. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Rakin didn't speak much to me or Dante, mostly Zahara when she was having a bad reaction to being here.. To me he only spoke about how things would work out in time, and that we had to trust him. Then he spoke to Zahara for a while, and the only thing I could get out of her about it was that Rakin is.... Was..? The frogling king named Raina. She wouldn't tell me why he changed his name, or what his current role in this is.. But she trusts him entirely." ".. And my father cannot exactly request aid from your mother now. She would have to come to him, by chance. And with the state she was in, I do not know if she would make a visit out of the blue.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"A frogling king named Raina..? That's.. o-okay, strange, but okay.." Kian nodded as he followed along. "Are uhm.. Are Zahara and Dante amphibs l-like you, Uncle Agustin?" It'd make his story make a little more sense if they were. At the mention of his mother's declining health, Kian frowned once more. "I-It may be difficult for her, but s-she would try. I'm sure your world's Kian i-is worried about you guys too. Especially if you w-went missing here.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yes. We are all amphibs, but Zahara is a frogling and Dante is a newt." Agustin said. ".. What do you think Opal would think if she appeared in dad's hospital room and no one was there to explain what was happening? She-.. I don't think she can handle much more loss.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Yeah, that makes more sense now. "W-Why would Rakin want to kidnap more amphibs for..? A-And one of a different species each?" Kian questioned, more so to himself than Agustin. Again though, as the topic came back to his mother, Kian gripped his cape. "I-I.. I d-dont know, but she wouldn't w-want the last time she saw him b-be in a casket as he's buried. My m-mother is strong, even though she's sick. I.." Kian faded, his gaze glued to the floor. "In my world.. M-My mother died with just me and my sisters b-by her side. A-Anyone else she loved had already died o-or were far away. If she has the chance, s-she'll take it." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. Axolotls don't get buried in a casket but I get the gesture." Agustín nodded. "When-.. How long after Aeva died does Opal die? She's.. already not doing well.. Maybe if I know, and I can somehow get back to her, we can avoid that happening.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

For a moment, Kian felt like how he looked. His shoulders shrunk and he squeezed his eyes shut. "A-Around when I turned.. when I-I turned 24.. 25?" Kian shook his head. "It may b-be sooner here if she's worried about Uncle Manuel and you.. I-I don't know.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. That's... Soon, yes.. Hopefully my dad is up again before Opal tries to visit, she doesn't need any more stress like that.. And I hope he's doing okay without me- I should really be home to help him.. I wish I had been when the burglary happened, maybe everyone wouldn't even be here then.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian shook his head. "It's n-not your fault, Uncle Agustin.. What happens is.. usually out of o-our control," Kian said with a deep frown. "By c-chance... Do you know how w-we can talk to Rakin again?" Kian asked, changing the topic away from his dead mom. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"But I can control it." Agustín huffed, but let the topic change after that. "I haven't called Rakin in to speak again since I arrived.. But I know Zahara has. She speaks to him a lot. Last time I saw Rakin was.. Well, a few days ago. He's been showing up here a lot for healing-.. Oh. The people coming in are attacking him.. That.. makes a lot more sense than what he was saying.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian wasn't going to grace Agustin with an argument about control. He knew his uncles always had a weird thing about that. Especially Uncle Manuel. Instead, the boy looked up and met eyes with Agustin. "C-Can you call him here..? I.. I h-had a bag with me when I came, but when I woke up again.. it was gone. It h-has something really important to me in it. I-I need to have it." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. I don't know how to call him. I can go find Zahara and ask her if she can do it.. Were you one of the people that attacked Rakin..?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"I didn't mean to," Kian started, clenching his cape harder. "..Y-You know how it can be. Even a-after all these years, actually controlling a-all of them hasn't become easier. The most I have u-under control is taking someone's powers now.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustín sighed and moved one of his hands up to his forehead. "Well, hopefully Rakin doesn't hold a grudge.. And hopefully he hasn't destroyed the bag." Agustín inhaled deeply. "You stay here. I'll go find Zahara." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian nodded. "Thank you, Uncle Agustin.. T-Thank you, so much.." He replied with a warm, yet small voice. Very much like the child he was. "I-I'll wait here.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Don't thank me yet." Agustín sighed and headed out of the room. A few minutes later he reentered the kitchen, now with Zahara following along behind him. She looked pretty concerned as she glanced between the two men. ".. ya need to talk to Rakin..?" She asked, letting the door close behind her. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian stood up straight and slightly bowed his head when Agustin came back with Zahara. "Y-Yes, Miss Zahara. Please, if n-not myself talking to him, could I be selfish enough t-to request you ask him to return my bag? E-Even if not my bag, but just the photo inside of it.. J-Just that. Please." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I'll.. try to talk to him for ya.." Zahara slowly nodded. She stepped away from the two men and sat down in the corner of the kitchen, folding her hands together and looking down at the floor. Nearly instantly, a static feeling would begin to build in the room, making all of their hair stand on end. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian tensed, waiting silently as he watched Zahara. This woman had the privilege of talking to Rakin. Was it because they were both froglings, or because Rakin trusted her? Kian wasn't sure, but he was going to have hope in her for now. He subtly stepped closer to Agustin as they waited. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

The static continued to build and build, until lighting struck dangerously close to Zahara. When the light faded, Rakin was crouched right in front of her, facing her. His robe wasn't on, leaving him in just his pants and belt. From Agustín and Kian's view, thin white scars covered Rakin's back, along with his blotchy red burns. They seemed even worse on his back, and layered on top of the white marks. The bandages were still wrapped around his right arm, extending up past his elbow. "You need to get out of here." Rakin spoke to Zahara. "Kian is too dangerous." "Wh- Raina, Agustín trusts him-" Zahara protested, but Rakin only grabbed her by the arms and forced her up. "And I do not. Get out." Rakin ordered. Zahara meekly nodded and hurried out of the room. Rakin took in a deep breath and slowly turned back to look at the two other men. "What do you require." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

The lightening surprised Kian, so much so he took a couple steps back when it struck. It was so close, he could of swore they all would have been burned to a crisp if they were any closer. Though, despite his initial surprise, Kian calmed soon after. Lightning wasn't something foreign to him. Yet, when Rakin finally appeared, Kian tensed once more. He was silent until addressed. "M-My.. My bag," Kian started, "Please. Return it to me. O-Or.. At least the contents w-within it. Please," he pleaded twice, meek, yet direct. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I have already burned it all." Rakin said and crossed his arms over his chest. "My master informed me that it would be a suitable punishment for your attack on me. It has already been done." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Y-You what?" Kian asked in a exacerbated breath. The boy took a small step forward, like he was going to fall over. "N-No.. No, y-you're lying," he denied as hot tears welled up in his eyes. "W-Where is it? Give i-it back to me." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"What reason would I have to keep something of yours that is obviously so sentimental?" Rakin asked. Agustín stepped forward and grabbed Kian's arm, hoping to keep him from collapsing, but he didn't interject. "I took a lot of pleasure out of getting to destroy it. The ashes are now spread across space." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

The tears boil over. Quite literally so. As soon as the drops left Kian's eyes, they turned into steam and disappeared. In fact, it seemed like his whole body was steaming as he sobbed. Any part of Agustin touching Kian would feel dry. The boy's shoulders slumped and if Agustin hadn't been holding him, Kian would of fell to the ground already. "N-No... T-That's a-all I had l-left.." He cried. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Thankfully, Agustín was holding Kian enough to catch him. He wrapped both arms around his torso in a tight hug to keep him up. "Well. That is too bad." Rakin turned his back toward them again. "If I were you, I would have placed my most precious item in a less conspicuous place. Like maybe my shoe." Rakin glanced back at them before disappearing in another flash. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian didn't move or say anything else to Rakin as he disappeared. He was too overcome with grief and slumped against Agustin. He sobbed uncontrollably and the air surrounding Kian continued to steam as the water was turned into vapor. Kian began to cough as he cried, his throat was drying up from the lack of moisture, and it stifled his sobs. It was only after his fit of coughs was done did he speak again. "...W-What am I-I going to d-do, U-Uncle Agustin? T-That's... I-I.. I d-don't have a-anything else left o-of them.. m-my family.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustín moved until they were both sitting on the ground. "I.. I don't know. If we get out of here, maybe we can somehow get to the version of you I know and get another picture..?" Agustín tried to suggest. He patted Kian on the back and hummed to himself. ".. That.. Thing about the shoe. It felt a little specific, didn't it...?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian replied with a disoriented mumble at first. He had rested his face into his hand, hiding it away from the gaze of his uncle. Going from back to back emotional responses exhausted the boy. He only briefly heard the end of Agustin's suggestion and it made Kian peak out of his hand. "W-What? I-I.. I guess i-it was but.. I-I don't know. I don't t-think I'll be o-okay going back home.." Kian replied solemnly. Just the thought of going back home made his body shake. He hadn't been back in over a century now. Going back to a time where his family was still alive would break him. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. Maybe I could just get it for you.. Was it one of a kind?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"A‐All my sisters h-had a copy.. my mother d-did as well.." Kian replied quietly. "D-Don't you think they'll be s-suspicious if you ask a-about it..?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I could... Probably pass it off as wanting to have a picture for my dad's house.. His memory isn't as good as it used to be." Agustin tried to suggest. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian thought about it for a moment, before giving his uncle a nod. "O-Okay..." He agreed. Kian didn't really know how plausible it would be to achieve, especially if they were kept captive here, but Kian needed something to hold onto. Any sliver of hope. "...I-I'm sorry for always troubling you, Uncle Agustin.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I won't let anything else happen to you while you are here.. I'll keep you safe. You've more than proven you're strong." Agustín said. "If I can get out of here with my new healing powers.. I can help your mom even more than my dad can. Everything will work out." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian slowly looked up at Agustin, his eyes still as round and gentle as he was as a child, but there was a wariness to them now. A shade of grief and worry. Kian wrapped his arm around Agustin, hugging him close. "I-I'll protect you t-too.. don't do t-things alone, p-please.." Kian pleaded with Agustin. "E-Even if you t-think you can... y-you're the one who taught me t-to think smarter. D-Don't do anything rash.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I don't do anything rash, I'm smart, like you said. Everything I do I- I think it through." Agustín said. ".. You're older, do you know what happens with me and my dad later?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian gave Agustin a small squeeze. "I-I'm serious, Uncle Agustin.. Be c-careful, okay? Y-You have to promise me," he pleaded once more. At Agustin's question, Kian shook his head. "I d-don't want to talk about it," was all he said. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I'm very careful. If I wasn't careful, I would have gotten hurt much earlier." Agustín sighed. "I should know what happens. Then I can avoid any mistakes you know I do make.. if I ever did." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

He frowned. "I-I'll only tell you if you promise," Kian stood firm, and even held his pinky out to Agustin. As a child, Kian would always employ the same tactic. Guess this was someone he never grew out of. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustín held his pinkie out and put it against Kian's, not yet shaking it. "Promise to what?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"To be careful, Uncle Agustin," Kian repeated for the third time, his voice shaking a bit. "A-And don't.. d-don't try to b-be like Uncle Manuel.." The boy didn't elaborate that point, but he hoped Agustin would understand the gist. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Oh. Well that gave him a pretty good idea of what would happen to him. ".. Oh. Well, I don't go around drinking everyone's blood I see, so I'm already off to a good start." Agustín said. "My job actually has safety guidelines that I follow. I know that I'm not gonna get a second chance like my dad." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"I-I don't care about a-all that, Uncle Agustin," Kian huffed, finally letting go of the older man to look him in the eyes once more. Kian's expression was more firm, but still mainly shown worry. "Promise me t-that. Please," he gestured his pinky closer. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. Yes, yes, I promise." Agustín wrapped his pinkie around Kian's and shook his hand. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian firmly wrapped his own pinkie around Agustin's, almost to the point of being uncomfortable. "You promised," he mumbled with relief and released his uncle's hand. Kian moved to slump against the wall, giving Agustin some space as he looked down into his lap. "...In my world, Uncle Manuel lives l-longer than anyone. I-I don't know the details.. Uncle Manuel didn't really explain much to me when I finally found out, but.. My Uncle Agustin.. h-he.. he died while w-working. Some sort of disease.. Uncle Manuel s-said he didn't know what it was. He was a-already so old when I learned about Uncle Agustin.. I didn't e-even get to say goodbye." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustín watched him closely as he spoke. ".. Damn." Agustín sighed deeply. "I'm sorry. That version of me must have been less careful. I do everything I'm supposed to do. I promise you, that won't happen to me too." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Y-You better.. you promised, yeah," Kian sniffled. The boy pulled up his knees and hid his face into them. He always hated talking about this topic with Agustin. Death of family and now even about himself. Somehow, they always got onto this topic. As Kian shifted his feet however, he felt something odd inside his shoe. Slowly, he looked up and fidgeted with the corner of his boot. When the strange feeling failed to fade, Kian sighed and took off his boot completely. Must of been some rubble left over from his travels-- When the boot came off however, something slid out and fell onto the ground. Kian's eyes widened and he practically threw his boot when he saw what it was. He grabbed the photo from the ground, looking it over with disbelief. "I-It.. I-It's here!" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustín really didn't mind talking about death, but it was pretty clear that Kian was uncomfortable with it. With all of the adventures he had been on in the past two centuries, you'd think that he would be more disassociated from death than this random axolotl guy. "Oh shoot- well, I guess Rakin was helping you after all.. in his weird way.." Agustín said. It made him feel a bit better about the whole thing at least. Rakin wasn't entirely an irredeemable villain. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Without the steam, tears rolled down from Kian's eyes like a waterfall. He was so, so relieved. He didn't even have time to care that Rakin had indeed, been lying to him. Kian just cared that his photo was safe and in his hand. "T-Thank goodness.. I thought--I really t-thought it was gone.." He said as held the photo to his chest. Agustin wouldn't be able to see much as Kian cried, but he would notice that some of the photo seemed to be destroyed. Burned and ripped in several spaces, but in whole, still intact. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. We should still get you a new one after this that one-.. Is kind of falling apart on you, kid.." Agustín said. "Oh- Dante and Zahara are artists. Maybe if they got the right materials they could make you some portraits too with that as a reference. I think that would be nice." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian smiled fondly as he held the photo and even through his tears, Agustin would be able to tell how happy he was. "N-No, it's fine.. If it's t-this one, I'm happy," Kian replied. "Uncle Persis g-gave it to me personally... He g-gave me the original one.." He explained and slowly pulled the photo away to let Agustin see it. Sure enough, it was a photograph of the Laputa royal family during the Ravina von Valois era. Most of the edges were destroyed and battered, with most of the center littered in scratches and debris, but overall, you were still able to make out the people in the photo. "I-I told myself I would n-never lose it. A-And I haven't, even a-after all this time." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

(YESSSSSSS)

10:01 PM

Agustín looked over it carefully. What an interesting family. And managing to hold on to it for this long.. "I'm-.. Wow, I can't belive you've kept track of it for this long.. I swear I lose my keys the second they're out of my sight.." Agustín mumbled. "It is a lovely picture and it's super sentimental and all, but my offer stands if you want any additional stuff to go with it.. maybe in more vibrant tones." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

He let out a weak chuckle. "I-I almost have.. a lot of times.. O-Or accidentally destroyed it. One t-time.. mom's.. m-my fire power came out when I was stressed out, a-and I set my bag on fire. I-I didn't even c-care about the other stuff in there.. I just t-took the photo out. T-Thankfully, it only scorched the corner," Kian rambled. Kian looked over to Agustin and gave him another hug. "I appreciate it, U-Uncle Agustin.. R-Really.. I.. I'll think about it," he said as he pulled away. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yeesh. I don't even have any powers and I probably would have thrown it in with the wash by now or something.." Agustín said. ".. How many powers do you have now? I know you already had a lot when I saw you last." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian looked down at his photo once more, thinking back to the time it all started. "It's.. Difficult t-to keep count. If I had to guess n-now, perhaps about twenty..? Twenty-one if you include my own," he guessed. "A lot of them.. I-I got only after I left home." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Twenty one powers.. That is incredible. My dad managed to die with just one." Agustín hummed. "If you ever wish to train more here, I was granted healing powers when I got here. The woods off to the right side are pretty sparsely used for anything." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian looked at Agustin curiously. "You.. got healing powers here?" He asked. "H-How..? I thought you didn't inherit a-anything from Uncle Manuel?" "As for training.. I-I.. I'll think about it. I don't.. I haven't r-really gotten better." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"They're not my dad's powers, they're.. Similar to my grandparent's. Much stronger. But those powers weren't genetic. They were a gift the axolotls got after abandoning the Pilarians. These feel a little different than what I remember my grandparent having, but.. Similar." Agustín explained, grinning. "Well, my powers didn't need very much training. Hard to mess it up- or maybe im just that smart. And it's not too late for you to learn either." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian listened attentively to his uncle, nodding as he held his photo close to his chest again. "I see.. maybe.. m-maybe someone gave them to you t-then..? Was it Rakin? He did bring a-all of us here, I assume," Kian suggested. He managed a small smile then shrugged. "Two hundred years is pretty late i-in my opinion. I still d-don't even know how to summon any of them. They s-still mostly come at random." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. It could have been Rakin I suppose, Zahara and Dante also gained the typical powers of their kind when they got here. I assumed Rakin gave Zahara his old powers, but I really have no clue about Dante. So strange that a male got those powers. If Rakin got to choose, he could have just as easily picked any female newt to bring, then he wouldn't have had to bother with granting the powers at all. Plus, a female, or even an older male, newt would be much more.. Tolerable." "But anyway, amphib quirks aside, it's never too late to learn. If only you can learn how to keep them shut off until you want them. That might help you avoid steaming up the room or accidentally hurting anyone or anything else." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

The boy hummed, thinking on Agustin's words. "W-Why is it strange that Dante got the powers..? What s-sort of power is it?" Kian asked curiously. "It doesn't s-sound like you like him very much.." He added. "A-And yeah.. That would be nice. I hate i-it when it just shows up when I'm stressed.. W-Which happens a lot." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Only the women in newt society get those fire powers. They're powerful witches. And the men are... Mostly butler types who do their own thing. Newt society is very different from the others in that way." Agustín sighed deeply. "I don't dislike him. He's very helpful. But he's.. Overly horny in a very foreign way. I'm sure when you speak to him you'll understand." "Then that would be the first thing we work on. Some kind of stress testing.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Well, that was informative. "I see.. Wow... That's c-cool," he smiled. Though as Agustin continued on, Kian's cheeks flushed a bit and he awkwardly looked away from his uncle. "O-Oh.. Oh. That's. Uh. I see," he commented with a nod. He could understand why it may of been hard to stick around Dante in that case. "Stress testing.,? I-I think I've just been through more stress in the past thirty minutes than I have been in a century." Which was partially true. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yes. It's hard to talk to him and he's not even interested in me." Agustín sighed. "Well, maybe more specific stress is needed. We could train together." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

He rubbed the back of his neck, clearing his throat. "I-I understand. I think I'll uh.. avoid r-running into him then," Kian commented. Kian smiled a bit at the mention of training together though. "That.. would be nice, y-yeah. Maybe some time later? W-When it's not snowing too hard?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"When the sun comes up tomorrow it will be slightly less miserable outside. You came during the peak of it- but even tonight is a bit less hostile than it usually is at this time." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian glanced outside for a moment, listening to the small whistle of wind from behind the door. "Yeah, t-tomorrow morning should be good. I wanted to explore a bit because I was a-anxious.. But I probably should stick inside anyways," he hummed. "H-Have you met any other of the people who were taken here, Uncle Agustin?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I have met one, a strange boy named Miles..." Agustín said. ".. I think he's harmless.. but also useless." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Hm.. I-Is he about my age..? R-Relatively speaking, of course," Kian curiously asked. He was always on the lookout to make friends, even if most of them outgrew him. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Hm.. Well, he looked like a young man, I didn't get his age." Agustín said. "I don't think you should associate with him. He's.. Not very bright. It might rub off on you." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian seemed a little disappointed at that and pouted just the slightest. "I-I'm not that susceptible to things.." He grumbled. "And I think even idiots d-deserve friends." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Idiots are gonna get you killed. You're- much too important and powerful to befriend people as dull as Miles. He could get you in to trouble, especially in a dangerous place like this." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

The boy pouted some more and rested his face into his knees again. "I-I'm not a prince or anything here, Uncle Agustin.. It should be fine to b-befriend people different than me," he whined. "--And I promise to be smart! I don't have to be dumb t-to be friends with other people," Kian added. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"It's dumb to surround yourself with people lesser than you. They'll only get you in trouble." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

He whined once more and gave his uncle a look. cowabummer

"Then who can I-I be friends with? Everyone else I've seen so far is kinda older.. or like. Way y-younger.." Kian sighed, thinking about the baby. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Well. You have me." Agustín said. "And what do you mean way younger than you..? Have you seen children here?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"You're different, Uncle Agustin," Kian sighed again. "A-And yeah.. a baby, actually. I didn't really get a c-close look, but someone was holding a baby. I'm guessing their parent o-or something.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"... Rakin took a baby here? A HUMAN baby?" Agustín stared down at Kian. "That's.. not right at all.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian nodded, worried as he heard his uncle's tone. "W-Well, yeah. I don't think a baby deserves to be in a place l-like this at all..." He agreed. "But I don't think a-any of us really planned to be here.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. No, I.. think not." Agustín sighed. "I will have to talk to the other two amphibs here about how human children work, they are entirely clueless.. They might end up trying some not very helpful parenting techniques.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian raised a brow. "How do you know a-about human children??" Asked said human child. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Kian. I grew up in human society. I was human 99% of the time after I turned five years old. I've watched movies from time to time. All my friends were human. I know about the human life cycle." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Okaayyyy... that's fair," Kian nodded. "B-But a baby is different. When did you ever deal with one of those??" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustín sighed and reached in to his pocket. He took out his wallet- an old black leather thing that was half falling apart. He took out another photograph and held it out to Kian. It looked like it was taken in Manuel's house. It was a much younger looking Agustín, holding a baby Kian quite incorrectly. "Your moms were pretty quick to correct me on how to hold you correctly. And then told me everything else I should know. I think even my dad learned some stuff from that, axolotl babies are.. Much easier than human ones." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Looks like Kian wasn't the only one who kept photos on him. The boy's eyes widened when he saw the photo and he looked over it quite intently. The baby's dark curls, eyes, and beauty mark were all undeniably Kian. It was almost uncanny... Seeing yourself, yet knowing it wasn't actually you. Though, a different kind of feeling quickly settled into the prince's chest as he turned to face Agustin. "Y-You.. you keep a photo of us in your wallet??" Kian asked with warm, fond eyes. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Of course. I keep pictures of everyone. Sometimes I show them to dad and make him name everyone just to make sure he's still got his memory. He usually gets it right, but it takes him a few seconds to think about it." Agustín said. "Uh. I hope you don't think it's weird.. I realize it might be. I think I have pictures of your moms and sisters too.. And maybe one of Persis and his kids. Well, the ones I know at least. They might be different from yours." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Tears seemed to swell up in Kian's eyes again and he shook his head. "N-No! No.. I-I don't think it's weird at all... It.. It makes me feel c-cared about, actually," he replied with a bright smile. "C-Can.. Can I see the other ones too? The ones with my moms and sisters a-and Uncle Persis' family?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Well it's not really you who I'm caring about, in a sense, it's.. different you.. But maybe your Agustín also has stuff like this." Agustín said and set the picture of baby Kian on the floor to dig through the rest of his bulging wallet. He looked for a while before he pulled out a handful of other pictures. They all looked like they were taken at the same event around the same time. Some kind of celebration. Which would explain why everyone was dressed up. The first picture was of Kian and his sisters all eating some kind of dessert together at a table- some colorful dish of tapioca and coconut milk. Kian looked very young, and he had made a bit of a mess of his face. The next one showed his mothers eating the dessert as well, but no one else was in the picture. They looked very happy, and definitely both younger and healthier than Kian would have last seen them. The following photo was a put together collage of Persis' family- seems like whoever was the photographer couldn't get them all in one picture. Typical. The main photo showed Persis and Varian sitting next to each other, with a disgruntled looking (as usual) Kallum and Cody sitting on Varian's side and a tired looking (also typical) Enzo on Persis' side. Taped on to the side of that picture was another picture- this one of Maddy and Albanes holding hands in the ballroom. It kind of looked like they might have been dancing, but Maddy was staring right at the camera and glaring, so clearly the photographer was intruding and getting on her nerves. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian's smile didn't lessen. "S-Still.. just knowing a you cares about a me.. It m-makes me happy," Kian chuckled quietly. As Agustin started to rummage through his wallet, Kian scooted closer, excited to see what he had on hand. Scanning each individual photo with the same amount of interest and care, Kian reached out to gently brush his fingers over some of them. He gazed fondly, tears shining in his eyes as he tried to hold them back from falling. Kian was uncharacteristically quiet and even though he looked at the photos with earnest, there was a hint of distance in his eyes. Like looking back at something you can't quite remember. After a while of silent staring, Kian rubbed his eyes and sniffled. "T-Thank you, Uncle Agustin. It's nice to know t-that in this world, we're also happy.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yeah, whenever me and dad were over, you guys seemed pretty happy.." Agustín said and picked up all the photos again. His wallet was still incredibly full of pictures. "Do you want to keep any of them...? These.. Aren't your family but I'm sure they look close enough." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian smiled, but shook his head. "No.. you said y-you like to keep them on hand too. Plus.. You're r-right. They're not my family. No matter how much they look like mine... I can never go back to them," Kian said with a weak chuckle. "I'm content knowing you a-and all of them are happy." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustín shrugged and managed to squeeze them back in to his wallet. "Yeah.. unless you could go back in time or something.." Agustín said. "You-.. you can't do that, right?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

His smile fades just the slightest. "As far as I know, n-not in the way you're thinking," Kian replied. "I've.. been to other timelines before. One of which w-was in the past. But I think that deals more w-with portal powers rather than my time ones.." "A-And besides... messing with time really.. throws things into a loop. J-Just look at me now. Two hundred years later and I'm still eighteen." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"How did you get to the other timelines..? Was it on accident?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian nodded and slowly rested his chin onto his knees. "Y-Yeah... It was right after I took these powers away from a person named Leon Ostrovsky. They were on my radar for some time because I-I thought their power was quite dangerous. It's... a long story, but the reason it was dangerous in their hands was because of who they were, not the power itself," Kian explained. "The moment I took it, a-a portal opened right beside me and sucked me through. I was stuck in that timeline for about a year before another finally opened. I-It took me to a different dimension again, and I was stuck there for almost three years. The third time the portal opened, it took me back home. I-I don't know how, but I could just tell it was my dimension." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"If you could learn to control that power, you might be able to get us out of here.." Agustín suggested. "And you managed to get back home? That is impressive... But from what I've heard about your life, I'm guessing it wasn't all that positive.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

The boy sighed, unsure. "M-Maybe... but I'm not sure if I'll be able to get it down that quickly.. even with your help, Uncle Agustin.." Kian replied. "I think i-it was a lucky shot I ended back home. I was rather relieved, because my mission was on a hold for almost five years.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. What is this 'mission' you've been talking about..? You said you were tracking someone with dangerous powers.. Are you some kind of vigilante?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian looked away from Agustin for a moment and shifted awkwardly. It seemed like he was thinking if it was a good idea to tell his uncle about what he had been up to for the past two hundred years. "T-That's.. that's not the term I would use to describe it.." Kian sighed. "You don't have to worry about it, Uncle Agustin. You just have to trust me that I'm doing it for a good reason." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"... Kian, what is the good reason?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"If I tell you, there will be people who will come after you to kill you, Uncle Agustin," Kian replied immediately, his voice becoming firm, before returning to its usual softness. "P-Please... you have to trust me." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"People trying to kill me?" Agustín blinked. "You think I couldn't handle them?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian sighed and clutched a bit of his hair in his hand. "Uncle Agustin, y-you literally died because of a disease, you didn't have powers until recently, a-and as far as I know, you haven't needed a reason to fight. I-I'm sorry for being worried about you, but I can't risk you being in more danger. You told me to think things through and be smart.. That's what I'm doing right now." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"The me who died was a different me." Agustin sighed. "But.. Fine. I won't push it out of you. But if you need help, I want to help you." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian's fingers dug into his skull as he tried to keep himself calm. "T-That doesn't make me feel better, Uncle Agustin. No matter which universe, I-I want to keep you as safe as possible..." He replied. "And this is something I don't want to bring o-others into. This is my mission alone. It's better this way." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"You're sounding a lot like my dad right now." Agustin said. "And I think you know where trying to handle his problems alone got him." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"D-Don't compare me to Uncle Manuel," he retorted. "I'm n-not like him. I'm not keeping you out because I-I think I'm the only one capable of this. I'm doing t-this because it's a task for me. Not anyone else." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I'm pretty sure that's what my dad thought about his purpose in life when he was born with unexplainable blood powers. That it was his task to fix every blood-based disease problem in the world. Did someone tell you this is what you're meant to be doing..?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"I don't need to be told t-to do this. I'm not a child," Kian retorted. "A-And I don't need to be told I don't have to do this either. Trust me, if I thought anyone else was capable of doing this, I-I would of given them the task. It's n-not something I want to do.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. Sounds like you circled back to thinking that you are the only one capable of doing it." Agustin sighed. "But I get it. You don't want help and I can't force you to let me. So lets just drop it for now." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian didn't retort anything else. He would take the chance to forgo the topic entirely if Agustin was going to give it to him. After a beat of silence, Kian finally looked over. "I'm sorry, Uncle Agustin..." He quietly apologized. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustin just sat in silence for a bit after he apologized, looking over at the tub of water instead of the other man in the room. "... I think I've just felt like there's some- grand event I've been waiting for my whole life.. And I guess this is it. Not helping you but.. This event. Clearly I was chosen for some reason out of any other axolotl. But I feel like I'm the bad guy here. Seeing that everyone else who was kidnapped isn't an amphibian.. I'm a bit worried about what Rakin intends for us to do. I doubt its to just sit here..." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

The boy let out a weak laugh and turned his head down to stare at the floor. "A-And you said I sounded like Uncle Manuel..." Kian commented. "I trust you, Uncle Agustin.. W-Whatever Rakin wants you guys to do.. I know you'll be able to do what's right. I just.. I just don't understand why Rakin wants all of us to hurt each other. He talked about c-chaos and the ultimate species.. Does that mean anything?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"When your father and all of his closest friends all fought a giant dragon of a lord of the dead and came back to life, you're.. kinda left feeling like your life is really lame by comparison. Seems like you've had your fair share of adventures." Agustín sighed. "But.. An ultimate species.. Maybe the Pilarians? I know the froglings used to be all about them, but I heard that is was actually Raina who played a hand in wiping them out.. The axolotls were pretty excited about it, we've been separated from the Pilarians for a long time." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian looked back up at his uncle and slowly scooted over, giving Agustin a side hug. "I-I think you're pretty cool, Uncle Agustin. Whacky adventures o-or not," Kian smiled. Though, as Agustin went on about the amphibs, Kian raised a brow. "Pilarians..? Hm. Interesting. It would be odd for Rakin, or I suppose, Raina, to want to bring them back if he was the original cause for them to be gone..." He nodded. "To be fair though.. t-this whole thing is already weird on its own. Whatever Rakin is planning, I-I doubt he'll just tell us. Maybe Zahara knows..?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. The Pilarians are known for controlling people- puppeting them.. You can easily tell because their eyes will become dark and full of specks of light.. Rakin looks very similar but the eyes aren't quite right.." Agustín said. "But it wouldn't be impossible for him to be being controlled. From what I've heard Zahara describe Raina as, this whole 'Rakin' persona is his is very strange.. But I'm not convinced he's entirely under the Pilarians control, he's still just slightly too nice." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian hummed as he thought about his uncle's words. "S-So I guess that means even Zahara doesn't really know what's going on..." Kian commented with a faint frown. "Do the Pilarians.. d-do they enjoy chaos like Rakin said? He said that's why he brought all of us here.. t-to fight and bring upon chaos as the ultimate species rose." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

".. They do quite like chaos... I wish my dad was here- he knew way more about them than I do... I grew up pretty separated from other axolos." Agustin sighed. "Zahara should know more about them.. But this is sounding very Pilarian-ey to me." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Right... hmm," Kian pondered for a moment more and he quietly folded his photo into his shirt pocket. "Uncle Manueal was a-always very intelligent, but in a way, I am relieved to see you are here, Uncle Agustin," Kian smiled faintly. "I think it would serve us well to continue investigating, b-but maybe more so some time later. I wished to explore, but with you here, I feel less threatened by my surroundings. I may go introduce myself to more of the people who came here instead," Kian hummed. "I figure you had the same idea, Uncle Augustin? Isn't that why you were wandering around outside?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I was doing my rounds earlier- every night I like to make sure that there's no creatures running amuck or anyone left out in the cold. Sometimes creatures like bears or wolves come in the night time- but one only seen them once or twice and they avoided the fire. Doesn't hurt to check in case any other people were going to randomly show up, and I guess that finally paid off." Agustín nodded. "But I think we should go and see how many new people are here. That will help us with rationing and sleeping arrangements." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian nodded and stood up, offering Agustin a hand afterwards. "Mhm.. There was a hefty group in that big building that I walked out of earlier. I met two men when I woke up, Mr. Andre and Mr. Taylor. They're both kind from what I can tell. That's also where I saw the people with the baby... I wonder if there are people outside still. T-They'll be in danger if they stay out in the cold too long." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. This is at least doubling our population here, and we were already struggling with food as it is.. Hopefully some of the new people have powers that can help us with our food requirements." Agustín said. "The Barracks toward the back of the area should hopefully have enough beds for everyone.. The Barracks up front is where me and the others have been sleeping, but there are two extra beds in there as well." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"S-Sorry.. If I knew how to use Uncle Persis' powers.. I could be of more use here.." Kian said with a small frown as he helped Agustin up. "We'll figure it out... Is there a lake or river near by? We could fish for most of our food." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustín stood up with Kian's assistance and nodded. "There's a pretty good flowing stream on the far end of here that has our Well in it. We've already been fishing it pretty heavily, but it never seems to run out of fish even though the stream begins and ends at the wall.. I just hope fishing it more won't deplete it." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Mm.. T-That's reassuring at least. And if we don't have enough bedding, I'm happy to just sleep wherever. I'm used to that now anyways," Kian said with a faint smile. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. There will be enough beds or space for you, it's way too cold to be sleeping outside." Agustin said. "If we're out of beds, you can stay in mine and I'll go patrol more." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian pouted at that. "Wha—No way are you not getting to sleep in your own bed, Uncle Agustin. I'll be fine, promise! I was just talking about the floor or something.. t-though, it wouldn't be my first time sleeping outside in a snow storm either I guess-" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I know I'm physically older than you, but I don't need to sleep in a comfy bed every single night. When's the last time you slept in a comfortable bed?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian snorted, a childish smile on his lips. "You say that, but I know your genes, Uncle Agustin. Uncle Manuel didn't take care of his back all that well either, so I would prefer you do," Kian mused. Though, the boy did have to stop and think about that last one. "I mean... I've been sleeping in a hut for the past few months. That's better than the floor." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Upupup, you know half of my genes. Maybe my mother was an Olympian or something." Agustín corrected. "And there's actual buildings here. And mattresses that aren't too bad. You deserve to actually sleep comfortably." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Agustin earned a couple more giggles from Kian. "Right, right. My apologies for assuming. You simply take after Uncle Manuel in about every other aspect, Uncle Agustin," Kian teased. "I'll sleep on a mattress as long as you do. Can we agree on that?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Well, I never met my mother, so who knows what she was like." Agustín said. "But fine. Deal." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian nodded and smiled triumphantly. "Good. Now, let's get out of this kitchen. I'm sure it wasn't meant for all the drama it's seen tonight." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. This is probably the most action it's seen ever. Usually it's just Dante in here by himself..." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

He laughed once more. "I can imagine," Kian commented. "Where to next, Uncle Agustin?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Like I said, we should split up to find everyone we can and report back together at some point. I can search outside and you can look in the buildings..?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Mmk. Just making sure," Kian chuckled and took a step towards the door, but stopped and turned to face Agustin once more. "Can I hug you one more time before I go though-"

@Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Of course." Agustín finished putting his gloves back on before holding his arms out. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian softly giggled as he hugged Agustin once more, this time out of genuine comfort. "Stay safe, Uncle Agustin," he told the older man, giving Agustin a good squeeze before letting go. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustín was a bit of a big guy, so there was a lot of him to hug. Kian probably didn't mind. "That's what I'm good at, you stay out of trouble too. If you come across any problems... I'm sure I'll be able to hear you if you scream." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Yeah, Kian didn't mind more to hug. He was a hugger, after all. "Thanks. You can scream for me too if you want, Uncle Agustin... I have a feeling you'd be too embarrassed to though, so.. just call instead?" Kian teased with a small laugh and went to the door. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustín followed him out, and began heading down one of the paths. "Sure, but I know I won't be needing help." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"You're sounding more and more like Uncle Manuel, Uncle Agustin!" Kian said through the thick snowfall as he walked opposite of Agustin, making sure to get in one last word before walking out of sight. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Well-" Agustín looked back, but Kian had already disappeared in the snow. "Hmpf. Fine." He trudged on his way.

Scott walked up to the door, and reached out for the handle then stopped. In a quieter voice to Ko he said, "Should... should I knock? Maybe this is like someone's home?" @Shae | Ko

“If it is someone’s home then they should know about this death tournament,” Ko spoke, “us barging in will be less of a surprise I’m sure.” Even still she couldn’t help the want to show manners as she reached around Scott. Doing three quick knocks on the door. @Mister Jokestar

After waiting a moment, and not hearing anything Scott reached for the door and turned the knob opening the door slowly. "Hello? hmmm... I guess there isn't anyone here." He pushed the door all the way open and walked in. taking into account the contents of the room. "This... looks like a kitchen? with a bathtub?" @Shae | Ko

“Or a collection of drinking water,” Ko offered glancing at it. “If you’re right about this not being survivalist based it should be safe to drink.” Glancing around Ko took in the rest of the room, frowning at the lack of life in the kitchen. @Mister Jokestar

"I wonder if we are gonna have to cook ourselves. I can make a pretty good grilled cheese. " Scott walked up to the water and looked in at his reflection. "It seems strange they would leave water just out in a tub like this. Like why not put it in a brita pitcher or something..." @Shae | Ko

“I can cook fine though I certainly don’t prefer it,” Ko admitted. “Considering I don’t see a sink in here that might be our only access to water. With the climate outside it makes sense, no risk of the pipes freezing if the water is just out in the open.” @Mister Jokestar

"Oh... That is pretty smart then." Scott moved from the water and started to examine the stove. "Well... This is a start, food is always good right? Now just need a place to sleep." @Shae | Ko

"It is, and even if we don't find anything else we can always sleep here. Not the most comfortable but it's warm and protected from the elements," Ko pointed out. "it's a good sign that we've seem to be provided with things to help us stay alive." @Mister Jokestar

"There were plenty of other buildings out there, so chances are that there are beds in one of them... i hope at least." Scott looked up towards the vents. "Maybe we can send up some sort of smoke signal. Like S O S or something. If we get a clear day maybe someone will see that, or like a plane or something." @Shae | Ko

“I’d rather make a plan with what we have then for what we hope for,” Ko admitted. She’d always been taught to be logical, optimism and hope while she could understand their purpose weren’t what she usually relied on. “But so long as the snow doesn’t start coming down really hard we can certainly try. The torches outside could help light up any kindling we find to try and make a smoke signal.” @Mister Jokestar

"Okay... We have a kitchen and we have warmth. So we won't die hungry, or freezing." He glanced at the water, "Or thirsty. The woods means there's plenty of wood, so making smoke won't be an issue so long as the weather is clear. " He walked towards the door now, "should we explore more then?" @Shae | Ko

“No need to worry about basic needs,” Ko assured herself, “yeah, maybe just a bit more though. I want to find all we can but not at the cost of all my energy. Being out in the cold will sap it away even without all the walking around so we should just be cautious of that.” @Mister Jokestar

"well there was another building not too far, and it looked bigger than this one, so maybe that one has beds, if not we can always come back here and huddle up next to the stove or something to stay warm." Scott was referring to the Barracks Back south of the kitchen. He didn't know that there would be beds there, it just happened to be the closest building and it seemed it would work out for him. Scott opened the door, "After you I guess?" @Shae | Ko

“Thank you Scott. Let’s hope your optimism holds true,” Ko spoke. Moving back out into the cold to head towards the other building. Already missing the warmth of the kitchen as she pushed forward. @Mister Jokestar

Lykos had left at some point, and Zahara didn't seem to be in the kitchen, either. That meant the fifteen year old was unsupervised again. Hell yeah. Connie bit down on the fingers of her glove to yank it off in one clean move as she shuffled over to shelves to get a cup or something. Maybe a bowl. She wasn't too picky. She was just thirsty. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

It was a few minutes before Taylor walked in. The coat hanging loosely off his shoulders as he now held Poppy given how the area was much warmer compared to the freezing cold outside. Some snow having collected on his head beginning to melt from the heat as the small rabbit plush was after all resting in the hood before. He pauses. Seeing the young girl shuffling around the shelves. He was quietly observing her. Not knowing if he should say something or if it would be awkward to do so now. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie squinted up at the shelves, tapping her feet a little bit. She could'a just gone back to get the cups from the building they were in before, but also- brr, not as fun. Climbing it had to be, then. Connie kicked off her boots and pressed her little hands against the counter, before quickly (and effectively) pulling herself up with a little grunt. She stood atop the counters with her socks and all, carefully balancing atop the counter. Now! Bowls. Or just cups. Water, yummy. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

Taylor couldn't help but give out an anxious squeak of surprise seeing her climb on top of the counter. His indecision ripping at the seams as he immediately skittered over to be behind the girl. "U-um Uh we- I- miss i don't think that's a good idea to get up there l-like that You could fall and break something- or break something!" His waved his hands, almost flapping them from the spike of anxiety as he went in between trying to be ready to catch her to wringing his hands. Though maybe he should of alerted her first before loudly pleading with her to get off the counter... @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie frowned a little, tapping her chin in thought. Wait, it would've been easier to just. Get the cup from where she got the fish cups earlier. It was down there, r- "WA." She yelped at the sound of a new person, just damn near slipping off the frickin' counter. She was fast though! Fast, speedy, zippy, Connie, and immediately turned around as to slam her entire dang back against the shelves. It took her a moment or two to recollect herself, staring straight ahead as she wheezed silently, painfully. After a moment though, she glanced down at the new guy, blinking a little owlishly at them. "I'm aeee-okaye," she chirped, flashing a thumbs up. "Um- hi!" @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Oh gosh oh gosh I'm so so so-sorry I forgot you coul- ah uh yeah Hi! Taylor. B-b-but ate you sure you're okay? Ate? Sorry I mean are. " He stumbled through his words. Still ready to catch her if she slipped again. His face looking a bit pale when she was so close to slipping off, as if his heart was about to leap out of his throat. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"I'm good! I'm good, I'm okay!" she reassured, carefully shimmying to a little crouch on top of the counter. All the better to get down with. "I'm good, uh! I'm sorry for scaring you, I was just trying to get some cups! Um, for, for water. Yeah!" Sitting down on top of the counter, the ground didn't seem too far away. She slid off the counter, carefully, arms extended as her feet hit the ground. Bravo! "Um, it's nice to meet you, Taylor! I'm, I'm Connie. Uh, again, sorry for scaring you! Um- just- water, yeah!" @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

He couldn't help but sigh. Poppy having still clung to his shirt when he let go of her as he had been extremely panicked for a moment but luckily nothing seemed to happen. Good good good. "S-sorry. I just have first hand experience that doing that is a bad idea. At least on your feet. Uh. Connie you said, right.. Here I can get the cups. Goodness I'm sorry again for scaring you I was just worried. Its s-silly I know." He mumbled. Still glancing away awkwardly. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie shuffled in place a little, starting to feel the cold seep in through her socks. Sitting down on the ground, she bagn to pull her shoes back on, chattering a little as she undid the laces. "Aw, I get that! I used to fall from places uhbunch. You don't have to apologize! It, it spooked me a little, but it's alright!" One shoe down, one to go. "I'm just kinda good at doing, uh, quick things- yeah! So I didn't fall!" She looked up at the guy a little bit, as if examining his expression. After a moment, her eyes lit up, and she seemed to sit upright a bit more. "Um! I like your plushie, though!" @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

At the sound of that Poppy tilted her head back, still holding onto the front of Taylor's shirt as vest she could. Her red button eyes staring at Connie upside down, ears flopping back as she did so. This at least seemed to make the young man give a hesitant chuckle. "S-She's flattered. Here." He pulls Poppy off after a moment, making her stand on the counter. Pointing at her accusingly. "Do not run off while I get these cups p-please. I don't need you hiding in the cabinets like the.... last time." He coughs awkwardly. Remembering there was a kid present. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie let out the tiniest little gasp when the frickin' little bunny wabbit plush began to move! "Oh, hello!" she gushed, hands pressed agains her cheeks. "So frickin' cute!" Connie watched, entranced, as Taylor set the little plush atop the counter. And they were still standing! Huh. Quietly picking herself up from the floor without so much as a rustle from her jacket, Connie sidled up to the counter to quietly watch the rabbit. Her eyes were absolutely sparkling with stars, if it were humanly possible. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

Taylor smiled a bit more at the sight as he looked. A little distracted as he hopped onto the counter on his knees when he went to grab what he saw could work as a cup. This should be a lot safer than standing on it in only socks. ...if his coat didn't get in the way. Making the counter slick enough without anything to hold onto to make him smack his face into the counter top before rolling onto his head. The 'cup' he found being a mason jar. "...I'm okay." He said after a moment. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie watched the plush for a moment longer before she began to slowly reach out- to pet the plush? Touch? Pet? Nonetheless, just to give the little plush a pat or something. That was, before a loud thud startled her out of her quiet little watch. Her head jolted ip with a little yelp, and she watched in mild horror as the guy who was just helping her get the cup frickin' fell. Right on the head! "Oh my God, are you okay?!" Connie yelped, dropping to her knees next to him. "You- you fell on your head- gwuh- uh- uh-" Aw, she wasn't good at healing! She couldn't heal! And he fell trying to help her! Aw crumbs. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

He was currently looking upside down, butt in tbe are as his knees were also on the floor in front of his face in his current position. Groaning. He seemed to easily roll back onto his feet after a moment, mainly just stretching as he did. At least this time he's not- "Yeah I'm uh fine. Sorry about that I am a bit clumsy... haha." He held the Mason jar awkwardly towards Connie. "Er... here you go. Not a cup but close enough to get some water. Sorry again for scaring you, after all I said about being careful.. egg on my face huh?" @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie tilted her head a little as she stared down at him, her hair falling into her face. It seemed like she was trying to gauge if he was hurt like- bad, or not, but after a moment, she sat back on her haunches, taking the jar from Taylor with a smile. "Well! At least you're alright," she reassured with a tiny laugh. "Maybe! It's just best not to like, stand on counters- or anything high up, heh! Um, thanks! For the jar! Yeah!" She stood up and extended her hand for Taylor to take. "You say sorry a lot!" @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

Shot point blank with that comment, he could only stare at her for a moment, blushing a bit in embarrassment. "Ah. So- so I do i guess." He mumbled. Taking her hand. Poppy was covering her little mouth. Even though she couldn't laugh, Taylor knew she'd be howling by now if she could make any noise. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie blinked owlishly at Taylor's face for only a second, before immediately being sent into another little panic. Waving her hands quickly, she started to babble loudly. "N-not that it's a bad thing! Uh! Um! There's nothing wrong with saying sorry! Uh! Just! You! You say it a bunch even if you didn't do anything wrong! Wuh! I didn’t meanna say it's bad! Wuh-" She was squeezing the poor little Mason jar so hard it could break- she said sorry a lot! Otty said sorry a lot! Everyone said sorry a lot! @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

Riki entered the kitchen. He noticed the two others, and greeted them with a bow, but was too focused on finding food to the nursing mother to engage in a conversation. He found some dried fish and tea. He started brewing the tea, and wondered if he should make makeshift fish soup, or if Jymaiyri would be fine eating it as it was. He decided to offer it as it was, and possibly catch some fish later to make fresh fish soup. When the tea was ready, he poured it into a thermos he found, leaving some for the two in the kitchen if they wanted, took a couple of cups with him with the fish, and left.

Upon entering the kitchen, it felt immediately warmer than even the barracks to Acxiom, so much so that the first thing they did was just stand there letting their hands warm a bit, since they'd gotten cold while Acxiom carried around a chunk of wood. They put the wood down and finally did start checking, and it didn't take too long to find a smaller knife. They wondered if it would be too paranoid of them to take one of the knives for themselves. It didn't look like there were a ton there, and Acxiom sure as hell hadn't had much part in feeding people- would be kinda shitty to take an extra knife right about now. Acxiom decided to just chill there for a bit before leaving. Give themselves a minute to be alone and process, maybe, before heading out in the cold.

And here they were in the kitchen! Jymaiyri seemed pretty glad to be back inside. "Whew. It's pretty rough out, huh..." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora shivered, but diligently held out her pouch of berries. “Mhm… it’s, um.. much warmer.. in here.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah. It's good to be inside." Jymaiyri hummed. Keeping Minerva in her sling for now, she looked around the kitchen for anything to deposit the berries into. "There's some water, if you're thirsty. We can also make tea. There's also some dried fish if you're hungry." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mm.. I would… like that. Um, let mm- um, let me help!” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"The water or the tea or the fish?" Jymaiyri laughed. "And you don't need to help, none of them are really hard to prepare." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Um… tea and.. and fish. P-please. Mm, but.. I wanna help!” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"You helped with the berries!" Jymaiyri said, finally finding a few bowls to put said berries in. She dumped all of her berries into one, then set a few others on the counter. "Here, how about you sort the different kinds of berries into these bowls while I prepare your tea and fish?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mmm.. okay..” She sounded resigned, but she happily started sorting. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

While Nora sorted, Jymaiyri readied a cup of peppermint tea and plated a serving of dried, preserved fish for the girl. When both were done, she set them in front of the girl. "Eat up." She hummed. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora finished her sorting, happily rocking. She tilted her head at the tea, watching the steam rise from it. “Mm.. um, thank you!!” She took a bite of fish, chewing on it for a while and making various faces as she did. After that she had some tea, which she seemed to like more. “Hmm… fish.. chewy. Weird. But, um… I like.. the tea. Um.. are you… gonna eat..?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah, I probably should." Jymaiyri nodded. "I've been so stressed, I've been forgetting to. You kids are keeping me alive, I swear." With a dry laugh, she got to plating her own serving of dried fish. "Agh." She said after a bite. "I'm not the biggest fan of this stuff, I'm gonna be honest." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She frowned a little in worry for her mom, but it also made her feel nice. Something about being cared for and caring in return. Something rare in her life, but natural to her. “Mm.. food.. always good. It, um.. makes me.. feel better. Um, but.. one time, I- I ate.. too much and.. it hurt and I throw up. But, um.. dad h-healed me and.. and I had soup. Then- um, then I felt better.” She took another bite of fish. “It’s.. okay.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mmhmmm... I'm glad Yeonai was around to help you. He's really good at that. What kind of soup did you guys have?" Jymaiyri laughed in between bites of fish. "Hah! I'm glad one of us can tolerate it." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mhm. He- he helped, um.. my leg too… I was.. I was scared.. of him before, but.. he’s very nice. Hee.. you- you’re nice too. Ummm… I don’t know. It had.. crab and, um.. carrots and potatoes. It was yummy.” She continued to eat her fish and drink her tea. “Mm, it’s, um…. Better than.. um.. rats. I don’t.. I don’t like rats. Taste bad.” She frowns a bit at the thought of them. Gross. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Thank you!" Jymaiyri smiled. "Remind me to tell you about that time Yeonai healed my twisted ankle on our third date. It's a fun story." "Oh, that sounds like a good soup." She nodded, though her face scrunched into confusion as Nora went on. "Never eaten rats before, myself. Why'd you have to do that?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She smiled a bit at that. “Oh! Hee, okay! Mm.. it was good. Um.. Mister Moses.. um, he made it. He was.. scary but he’s nice.” Her smile fell as she explained. “Mm, I- um.. w-when.. um.. before.. I was here… I- um.. lived with S-Salvatore. He… he’s mean a-and I.. I hate him. He would- he’d leave and… and he’d be gone.. a long time and.. I had to.. find food. And there was.. was rats. So I- I had to.. eat them. I hhate rats..” She fidgeted in place as she spoke. She was picking at her skin, nervous tick. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

Jymaiyri's expression only grew sterner with concern as Nora went on. She began to understand why Yeonaixho had so unexpectedly taken this girl in. "I see. Where is Salvatore now?" She's plotting murder. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Um, he- he died. S-someone killed him. He.. he turned into… into mold and bugs. It was icky.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"Oh." Jymaiyri seemed to calm down. "Oh. Okay." "Well, as long as you're around me, you'll never have to eat rats again. I promise." Jymaiyri smiled. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She relaxed as Jymaiyri did, taking a long drink of her tea. “Mhm. I don’t.. mm, have to.. eat rats or- or apples.. or get hhurt. And- and I wanna.. keep you safe.. too. You and.. and dad and Minnie.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm. Do you not like apples?" Jymaiyri asked. "But yeah. You won't get hurt, or have to eat things you don't like. And we'll all keep each other safe." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mm, I hate apples… they’re m- mushy and gross… but, um.. I’m- I’m happy I.. I met you. Um.. I don’t like.. being here, but… I have.. family now. I’m happy. Hee..” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Hm. We must be eating different apples." Jymaiyri thought, then smiled. "I'm happy we met, too. Meeting you has been about the one good thing that's happened here." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora smiled. “Mhm! Um… I’m done.. with my food and.. I wanna- I wanna look… around outside.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Alright." Jymaiyri nodded, and took Nora's plate. "Will you be alright on your own? I was thinking of staying here and cooking up some of those cranberries." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mhm. I- I wanna.. I never seen.. snow before. I wanna- heehee, I wanna play.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Alright- but be safe out there!" Jymaiyri cautioned. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mhm!! I- I will!! Bye bye, heehee.” After putting her warm clothes back on and tying her hat down she heads out the door. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Shortly after Nora left, in came Theora, cursing and yelling. "That stupid- that stupid thing! He's so close! He was here and-" Theora screamed. The bowl of berries was in her hand one second and the next it was hitting the floor nearby her. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

True to her word, Jymaiyri had been preparing to cook the cranberries- piling them into a large pot over the stovetop. Minerva was still in the little sling, though the commotion Theora caused seemed to upset her a bit. "Whoa- don't throw the berries!" Jymaiyri set down the spoon she had been using and turned to Theora. She looked, astonished and disappointed, at the mess of mushed-up raspberries now on the floor. "We need those!" @soul | 🎻

"FUCK YOUR BERRIES!" Theora snapped, then turned to the stranger. And the baby. "Miles was here! I knew he was here! They took his bag so I couldn't see him! Now they've moved him to the other side and sent me here! This is the closest I've ever been and they've taken him away from me!" She kicked the goddamn table. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Theora's snapping only upset Minerva more. She was crying now. Jymaiyri stepped back. "Don't yell at me like that! And don't yell at my baby-" She put her arms around the baby, hoping to calm her down. "Why do you even- calm down! Wrecking things isn't gonna solve your problem, or anyone else's." @soul | 🎻

Theora stared at the baby. Her face was a mixture of confusion and disgust as she recoiled from the noise. She stepped back. Her hands were shaking. "You have no idea! I have been hunting him! He was practically in my grasp! And now they've taken him awa!" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Hunting him- that's-" Jymaiyri took in a breath to steady herself. "That doesn't mean it's okay for you to just destroy things. Especially not food that we need to live." @soul | 🎻

Theora glowered at her. "You will find more berries." She kicked the table again then began to pace back and forth. She closed her eyes and groaned at how nothing had changed. Her eyes on the other side were still blocked. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"No- I'll have to grow more berries. Myself. It's because of me we even had them in the first place." Jymaiyri scoffed, and muttered something about 'not appreciating hard work'. She turned away from Theora, and refocused her attention to her crying baby. @soul | 🎻

"Well you can grow more then," Theora retorted. Her eyes followed Jymairyi's movements to the babby. "What's that?" She said, a mix of confusion and disgust. Maybe irritation at the noise. Girl. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Despite Jymaiyri's efforts, the baby was still crying. "What is- my baby?" Jymaiyri gaped at Theora. "Does no one here know what a baby is?" @soul | 🎻

Theora's eyes widened from their narrowed state. "I've heard of a baby. Why do you have one?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Why do I- because she's my baby? They brought her here with me." Jymaiyri sighed. @soul | 🎻

Theora narrowed her eyes again. "Your baby?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yes? Mine?" @soul | 🎻

Theora just stared, her face scrunched up with mostly confusion. "How is it yours?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Cause I gave birth to her??!!" @soul | 🎻

Now Theora was just entirely confused. "What- no, you grow babies." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Well- yeah, technically they grow in utero, but that's- I did that too." Jymaiyri stammered. "How do you think the baby gets out, if no one's giving birth?" @soul | 🎻

Theora just stared at Jymairyi. "What's 'utero'?" Girl. She considered the question for a little while but had no answer. However, she didn't seem convinced. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri blinked. "In the uterus. The womb. You know, where babies are grown?" She parroted Theora's weird language, hoping it would get the point across. @soul | 🎻

Blank, confused, angry-at-being-confused stare. "Babies are grown in the laboratory." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"What? No, it's inside a person's body. So it can be anywhere." @soul | 🎻

"I was grown in a laboratory. From one of the scientists in the facility." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"What? Like- IVF? Even IVF embryos need to develop in a person. That's just how pregnancy works." @soul | 🎻

Theora stared at her. "That's not a real word." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Which one?" @soul | 🎻

"Preg Nancy." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Wh- you don't think pregnancy is a real word?" Jymaiyri had to glance away to collect herself. "How do you think babies happen, then? Magic?" @soul | 🎻

"They're grown in laboratories," Theora repeated firmly, crossing her arms. "I'm entirely the DNA of one scientist." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Once again, that's not-" Jymaiyri stopped. "So you're- what, a clone?" @soul | 🎻

"I don't know what that is." Girl <3 sorry Jymairyi. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"If your DNA is all from one person, you're a clone of that person. Normal babies have dna from two people- their parents. Like my baby. Half of her DNA is from me, the other half is from her dad." @soul | 🎻

Theora did not want to admit defeat - even if Jymairyi was right. "That's not real." Girl what.

"So- what, you think every person on the planet is a clone?" @soul | 🎻

"Parents aren't a thing. Babies are grown." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Wh- that's just- not true at all? Unless there's new ways to make babies now. You usually need reproductive cells from at least two people- those people being your parents." @soul | 🎻

"No. We don't have parents. The scientists made everyone in the facility." She paused to reevaluate. "Except Miles. They found him and brought him back." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"That's not- even if you are a clone, that doesn't mean that everyone else is. I'm not a clone, I was born the normal way. So was my baby." @soul | 🎻

Theora looked Jymairyi up then down. Then the babby. "What do you know?" GIRL. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Uh- a lot? I at least know how my baby was born?" @soul | 🎻

Theora scowled. "You don't know how others are born." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Well, I know enough. I've talked to other people about their experiences. And I certainly know that we aren't all clones grown in a lab." @soul | 🎻

Theora continued to glare. "You know nothing." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Really? Wanna bet on that?" Jymaiyri raised a disbelieving eyebrow. @soul | 🎻

".........................................................................................................................................no." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"As I thought." Jymaiyri concluded. Her attention went back to her baby. @soul | 🎻

Theora stepped closer to Jymairyi, eyes narrowing at the baby. "Why did you have it?"

6:58 PM

@innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Cause I wanted to have a baby? That's a stupid question." @soul | 🎻

"What are you going to use it for?" THEORA. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"... what?" There was a sudden harshness to Jymaiyri's voice. @soul | 🎻

"Are you going to give it powers?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"What- I can't do that- if she has powers or not, that's not my choice. And anyways, she's a person. I'm not going to 'use' her for anything." @soul | 🎻

Theora squinted in confusion. "Then what's the point of growing a baby?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Cause I wanted to be a mom?" @soul | 🎻

Theora stared, doubtful. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri just turned back to her baby, bouncing her in her arms and trying to calm the poor thing down. @soul | 🎻

Theora stared at the two of them, perplexed, for a little while. Then she stared at the berries. Then at Jymairyi again. "The facility grew me and gave me my powers. They grew the others too. But not Miles. The way they brought him back gave him his powers." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"You already said that. You explained the whole clone thing." Jymaiyri said. Her attention was clearly not on Theora. @soul | 🎻

Theora glared. "Did you see Miles?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri bristled. "What's it matter to you?" @soul | 🎻

"I need to bring him back to the facility. Where we belong. " @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"The facility you were grown in, I presume?" @soul | 🎻

"Yes. Obviously." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Why do you wanna go back?" @soul | 🎻

Theora stared at her. To her, it was a stupid question. "It's where I belong." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Is it where he belongs?" @soul | 🎻

"Yes. I said that." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri was kind of getting what was going on here. Kind of. "Yeah, I think I'd disagree with that." @soul | 🎻

"What?" Theora took a step too large to look natural, to get close to Jymairyi. "What do you know?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Well, I definitely know more about where babies come from than you." Jymaiyri added, and then, just because she could. "And more about plants, definitely. Very likely I know more about cooking." @soul | 🎻

Theora huffed. "I know enough to stay alive while I hunt for Miles." She stepped closer - this time her step was more like a shuffle. "You don't know anything about the facility. It's where he belongs. It's where I belong." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Well, you certainly don't know how to convince people of things." Jymaiyri scoffed. @soul | 🎻

"I convinced plenty of people to look for Miles on the other side." Girl you did not. "They understood much better than you." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Really?" Jymaiyri did not believe that for a second. @soul | 🎻

"Yes. The puppet girl. The healer. The stupid clay boy-" That was an outright fucking lie. "-the girl by the barracks with the light. They all agreed to look for him." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Healer- Yeonaixho? He wouldn't have agreed to that." @soul | 🎻

"He did." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"No he wouldn't." @soul | 🎻

"What do you know?" girl @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Well, a lot about Yeonai, considering he's my husband." Jymaiyri narrowed her eyes as she looked over the girl, then shrugged. "He was probably just lying to you." @soul | 🎻

Theora just stared. "Why would you marry a man?" So she knew what the concept of marriage was. Don't think about it. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri's brow furrowed in conclusion. "Uh. Cause I love him? Why is that strange?" @soul | 🎻

"...why?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Why do I love him?" @soul | 🎻

"I don't know, you're the one who married him." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Well, I love him cause I love him. Why do you love asking dumb questions?" @soul | 🎻

Theora stiffened and just glared. She ignored the question. "Did you see Miles?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"What do you think?" @soul | 🎻

Theora stared at Jymairyi for a longass time. "...he was on this side for a while. You could have." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah." Jymaiyri said vaguely. She turned back to baby. @soul | 🎻

"So did you?" Theora moved to still be in eyesight of Jymairyi. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Nope." Jymaiyri lied. @soul | 🎻

Theora stared at Jymairyi. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"What, you want me to say yes? That wouldn't be true." @soul | 🎻

Continued to stare.... @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri turned away from Theora. At least Minerva had stopped crying now. Maybe the baby was asleep. @soul | 🎻

Theora stared at Jymairyi until curiosity got her and she stared at the baby. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Baby was indeed asleep. Jymaiyri was watching over her for the moment. @soul | 🎻

"That can't have come out of the body. It was grown." Oh Theora. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah? You think so?" Jymaiyri scoffed. "She was smaller when she was born." She admitted. @soul | 🎻

"It's too big. You'd die." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri just raised her eyebrows, gave Theora a very specific, disbelieving look, and turned back to the cranberries she had been cooking earlier. @soul | 🎻

Theora furrowed her eyebrows and glowered daggers at Jymairyi. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri was cooking cranberries now and didn't acknowledge Theora. @soul | 🎻

Theora stared at the baby. Sorry Minerva you make no sense to this girl. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva was still asleep. @soul | 🎻

Theora stared at the sleeping babby. Her glaring eyes softened slightly in jealousy. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Quit glaring at my baby." Jymaiyri chided. @soul | 🎻

Theora glared at her instead. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Quit glaring at me, too." @soul | 🎻

"I'm not glaring at your baby now," Theora snarked. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Wow. Someone's observant. Now quit glaring at me." @soul | 🎻

Theora blinked a little too long as she checked to see if maybe, somehow, the rocks on the barracks had moved. No. Rude. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri didn't pay her any mind. Cranberry time. @soul | 🎻

Theora... watched her. Loser. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri didn't pay her any attention. @soul | 🎻

"If you're not doing anything with the baby, what's the point of it?" Girl you can't just ask what the point of a baby is. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Well, she's sleeping now. As long as she's not in danger, I can do other things while she sleeps" @soul | 🎻

"That's not what I meant. You know that." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I really didn't. You should use your words. Anyways, the point is that she's her own person, and she'll grow up to make her own choices and decide what she wants to do with her life." @soul | 🎻

Theora's eyes stayed glued to Jymairyi, then flickered down to Minerva. "She's sleeping," she mumbled. Her hand rose to her face and rubbed the top of her cheek. "She can do that." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yup. That's most of what babies do." @soul | 🎻

"Why?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"They're little, and most of their energy is devoted to growing. Plus, they're still figuring out how to be alive. Exhausting stuff." @soul | 🎻

Theora stared at the babby now. "How long's that going to take?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"How long is what gonna take?" @soul | 🎻

"For it to be useful. Worthwhile." girl @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I don't know. You seem pretty old, and you don't seem to be doing anything worthwhile." Jymaiyri scoffed, and turned back to her berries. A minute later. "I'm sorry, that was mean. But she's worthwhile now, cause she's a human person. Worth isn't measured in usefulness. People aren't tools." @soul | 🎻

Theora glared at Jymairyi as she said that. It kept up even after the apology. However, it flickered slightly at the rest of her words. "I need to find Miles. It's the only way I can sleep." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"What? How do those things correlate?" @soul | 🎻

"I can't sleep until I bring him back," Theora said like it was oh-so obvious. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"You say that like it makes sense when it doesn't." @soul | 🎻

"It does make sense. Once I bring him back, I'll be allowed to sleep again." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"What's keeping you from sleeping now?" @soul | 🎻

Theora scowled, annoyed that Jymairyi couldn't understand this sound logic. "I can't sleep." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"That doesn't answer my question, like, at all." Jymaiyri narrowed her eyes in frustration. "What's keeping you from sleeping?" @soul | 🎻

"I've been stopped. They turned it off." Theora also narrowed her eyes. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"You can't-" Jymaiyri furrowed her brow. "The lab people, I assume? That shouldn't even be possible, but-" It got her thinking. If someone like that could be stopped, there was a good chance that it could be started again. But there were no MRI machines in the tundra space death maze, and it's not like she'd know how to work it anyways. "Well, if it's lab people who did it, that means it's science and not magic that's keeping you from sleeping. And the neat thing about science is that anyone can do it with the right tools. Why don't you just go to a doctor, or something," A pause. "Not me though, I'm a plant doctor." @soul | 🎻

"The scientists," Theora corrected, as if there was a difference between the lab people and scientists. Synonyms bitch. She stared at Jymairyi as she thought, and spoke. "No. Only the scientists can get rid of it." But Theora actually wasn't sure. She just assumed it was the case. She narrowed her eyes. "What's a doctor?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri blinked. "The scientists were probably all doctors. Or, like, grad students. Especially if they were growing babies in tubes or whatever you were talking about." @soul | 🎻

"They grew us. They each gave DNA for the other kids. They gave us our powers. Some of them dug up Miles. They all brought him back." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Dug up-" Jymaiyri stiffened. "What?" @soul | 🎻

"They dug him up. The scientists." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"From?" @soul | 🎻

"...the ground? Where else?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Why was he in the ground?" @soul | 🎻

Theora shrugged. "That's where they found him." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"And- okay." Jymaiyri sighed. She had clearly had enough of this girl. @soul | 🎻

Theora stared at Jymairyi. "What?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I said 'okay.'" @soul | 🎻

Theora just stared. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I'm actually trying to do work here. If you're just going to stare rudely, you can do that somewhere else." @soul | 🎻

"You're trying to mix berries." Theora did not seem to believe that counted as work. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah." @soul | 🎻

"....why?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"To make them taste better." @soul | 🎻

"How?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"That's how cooking works. Again, if you're not doing anything useful, I suggest you get out of here." @soul | 🎻

"You can eat berries not cooked. You're wasting time." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"These ones are pretty nasty when they're not cooked. You're free to try one and prove me right." @soul | 🎻

Theora eyed the uncooked berries. "Do they have nutritional value?" Girl doesn't know what a uterus is but she knows about nutrition. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah. Cranberries have all kinds of vitamins and whatnot." @soul | 🎻

Theora put a cranberry in her mouth. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

The cranberry, still mostly uncooked, would have a sharp and bitter taste. Jymaiyri watched Theora for a reaction. @soul | 🎻

Theora's face scrunched into itself but instinct set in and she swallowed regardless. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Told ya." Jymaiyri said, and turned back to her berries. @soul | 🎻

"You can still eat them like that." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"But it's not very good, huh?" @soul | 🎻

"It's edible. Nutritious. Can keep you alive." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"But it didn't taste good. I could tell from your face." @soul | 🎻

"That doesn't matter." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Says you. I, personally, like it when my food tastes good. And Minnie agrees. So you're outvoted." @soul | 🎻

"Who's Minnie?" Even as she said that, her eyes fell to the babby. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"The baby." @soul | 🎻

"That thing's called Minnie?" Girl. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yes. That's her name." @soul | 🎻

"...what does it mean?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Well, her full name is Minerva, which means wisdom." @soul | 🎻

Theora looked at Minerva, judgingly, trying to work out how a baby could be wise. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva was, wisely, asleep and not having to endure this conversation. @soul | 🎻

Theora then looked back at Jymairyi, still judging. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri was cooking berries. @soul | 🎻

"So you didn't make her to give her powers? Then what's the point?" Theora ignored that they'd already talked about this. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"To have a kid. Told you already." @soul | 🎻

"Why would you want that?" Girl. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Cause I did." Jymairyi wasn't going to waste her effort with an actual reply. @soul | 🎻

"That's not an answer." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Sure it is. What's it matter to you, anyways?" @soul | 🎻

Theora crossed her arms and studied Jymairyi and her babby for a little while. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri just kept cooking berries and ignoring Theora. @soul | 🎻

Theora watched her cook the berries. Mostly staring at the berries. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Are you just gonna stand there?" @soul | 🎻

"Are you sure you didn't see Miles? He was here." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I'm sure. Never met someone with that name before. Did meet a guy named Kilometers, though." @soul | 🎻

Theora stared at Jymairyi, squinting. ".......that's similar to Miles." GIRL that's not a name. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah? You think it's your guy?" @soul | 🎻

Theora stared at Jymairyi. "...you met Miles." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"No. I met Kilometers." @soul | 🎻

Theora scowled. "You met him." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Nope. I haven't." Jymaiyri said. It wasn't the most convincing thing she'd ever said. @soul | 🎻

Theora just stared. Girl trying to intimidate. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri was not intimidated by this teenage girl. @soul | 🎻

"You saw Miles." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I didn't. I don't know why you keep saying that." @soul | 🎻

"Kilometers isn't a real person." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Well, I don't think Miles is a real person. I've only met Kilometers." Jymaiyri was committing to this bit. @soul | 🎻

Theora glared and just... gave up. "I'll find someone else who talked to Miles." Girl stormed off. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

soul | 🎻

Theora glared and just... gave up. "I'll find someone else who talked to Miles." Girl stormed off. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Well, Jymaiyri was just glad she was gone now. Goodbye, weird girl!

... Not too long after Theora left, a pair of froglings entered. It was Rakin and Zahara. Rakin had his right arm wrapped around Zahara's shoulders as he led them inside. Zahara had a large blanket draped around her, but her shivering was incredibly evident. Her braids were frozen, and bits of frost were forming on her face. Neither addressed Jymaiyri as they walked in. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri had been at work cooking up the cranberries, and had been enjoying the silence and peace that came with Theora's absence. She startled when Rakin and Zahara walked in. "Whoa- Zahara, are you alright?" She didn't adress Rakin yet, but it was clear her attention was on him, too. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Zahara could only clatter her teeth in response. "Dante pushed her in to the stream and tried to drown her. You watch her, I'll be right back." Once the door was closed behind them, Rakin zapped away. Zahara stood toward the front of the room, shivering intensely. She wasn't quite looking at Jymaiyri. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh- oh my god-" Jymaiyri wanted to ask why Dante had pushed Zahara into the stream, but couldn't before Rakin zapped away. She watched her go, then turned her attention to Zahara. "Do you want some tea? Or even some hot water? It might help you warm up." Jymaiyri offered. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Zahara was shivering so hard it was a bit difficult to tell, but it looked like she nodded.. Regardless, Rakin zapped in with a change of clothes for Zahara. "You need to get out of those frozen clothes. I got you some new ones. I'll help you." Rakin said calmly and slowly removed the blanket from her. Underneath that, all of her clothes were frozen and covered in ice. Her gloves were already taken off, and frostbite was nipping at her fingers. "I'll get Agustín to help you once you're changed. You'll be okay." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri quickly poured Zahara a cup of hot water- tea would've taken too much time- and placed it on the counter next to her. "Whenever you want it." When Rakin reappeared, she startled, but didn't seem too alarmed at his presence. They both had the same goal, at least right now- helping Zahara. "I'll look away." She announced, turning back to her cranberries so Zahara could have more privacy to change. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Thankfully froglings weren't too concerned about human nudity, so even if Jymairyi had been looking their way, nothing much would have changed. Rakin was quick to undress her, and once she was dried off, replace that clothing with the fresh set. She instantly looked much better, her shivering decreasing and her eyes a bit more focused. "There. You should recover now. Just stay in here for a while." Rakin soothed, patting her on the arm. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Nonetheless, Jymaiyri cared about giving Zahara privacy. She turned back around once she was pretty certain Zahara was dressed again. She looked relieved to see the woman doing better. "If there's anything I can do to help, I'd be happy to." She offered. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"N-new flowers- f-f-for my hair.." Zahara managed to say after clearing her throat. She rubbed her hands across her arms anxiously. "Th-the old ones fell off. In th-the water." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah- sure." That was actually something she could very easily do. "Got any preference for what kind?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Um.. Desert lily flower.. o-or maybe something that can survive this temperature.." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Lilies won't survive in this weather. I'll grow you some Labrador tea." Jymaiyri said, and briefly left to the outside. Only a few moments later, she returned with a handful of small, pale white blossoms. "Here you go." She handed them to Zahara. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

9:46 AM

"Th-thank you.." Zahara said and reached out toward them with her shivering hand. Her fingers simply were too frozen to properly grasp them, so Rakin grabbed them with his left hand instead and began twisting the stems in to her hair like her old flowers had been. He had a very steady hand and extreme amounts of tenderness to these touches. "Thank you for your help." Rakin spoke blankly. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Of course." Jymaiyri said. "Again, if there's anything more I can do to help, just ask." A glimpse of worry crossed her face. "What happened? You said Dante pushed her in the water? Why?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Dante pushed her in to get my attention. So Theora could ask me about Miles." Rakin said with extreme malice as he tenderly braided in the flowers. "It was incredibly stupid of him. But he has been dealt with." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh. That... does sound stupid." Jymaiyri hummed. This moment between Rakin and Zahara seemed pretty... intimate, and she didn't want to intrude- as much as she disliked Rakin, she did like Zahara. Though she wished to, though she had a lot to talk to Rakin about, she didn't yet interrupt or change the subject. "Theora is still going around asking about Miles." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I don't think she ever will quit. But I don't know what her plan is if I put them on the same side, it's not like she can do anything with him there.." Rakin sighed. "I have been trying to keep her separated for Miles' sake." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm." Jymaiyri hummed. "When she asked me if I'd seen him, I told her I hadn't. I don't think she believed me, though." She shifted as Rakin went on. "Speaking of changing sides, and all that..." She trailed off, hoping he might catch onto her implications. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. You want to be with your husband, I assume..?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yes." Jymaiyri said. "Of course I do." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Would you rather go to his side or have him come here?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Wh- hm." Jymaiyri had to actually think about this. "The other side is warmer, right? And I doubt you'd bring him here with warm clothes, seeing as how you didn't do that with the others who switched..." There were other things to consider, though. If she left now, Nora would be alone. But she could not resist the oppurtunity to see him again. And of course, there was another daughter in question. "Would Minerva switch sides with me?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"The other side is very hot. And tropical." ".. I-it is..? I-I wanna go there.." Zahara said quietly. Rakin closed his eyes, sighing. ".. My master will not allow you to go. You must remain here. And there is a toad on the other side.." Zahara didn't respond to that, only whimpering quietly. "But anyway Jymaiyri, yes, the baby would come with." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Then I'd rather go there." Jymaiyri said, with uncertain resolve. She held Minerva close to her chest. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Okay. I'll keep that in mind. That's not a promise." Rakin shrugged, finally finishing up with the flowers and stepping back from Zahara. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Thank you." Jymaiyri said, and watched Zahara and Rakin. "There's also some... other things I was hoping to discuss." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Well tell me. I'll give you five minutes of my time." Rakin put his hands on his hips and tilted his head to the side just a tad. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri took in a breath. "I'm- very aware of how little you know about human babies, but- she can't eat the food we have here, and I don't think I can breastfeed her as much as she needs. If we could maybe get some baby formula, or something... Oh, and maybe, like, a crib? She's not supposed to be on an adult-sized mattress at this age. And some diapers. Please." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Baby.. formula.. crib.. diaper.." Rakin repeated back to her. "I can try. I have to find what out what you're talking about." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh, and a bottle for her, too, of course. A baby bottle." She specified. "Maybe two." "Well, you've got people here who know what all of that is. Myself, to name one." Jymaiyri said, a bit insistently. She had very little patience for this frog man and his froggy ways. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Baby bottle." Rakin said. "Okay. Well then explain it to me well enough to find it easily. You have four minutes." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Time to speedrun a maternity course, apparently. Jymaiyri began with a deep breath," Baby formula is a powder you can mix with water to make milk for the baby. The bottle is how the baby drinks the milk- ideally, the top should look somewhat like a nipple. Get a few, so I can clean one and still have one she can use. A crib is a bed for a baby, the mattress should be firm and it should have walls to keep her from rolling out. Diapers are like- underwear for the baby, since they can't use the toilet yet. They make reusable ones and disposable ones, get some made for six month old babies, or else they won't fit her." She sighed. "Also, all these things you should be able to find at, pretty much any decently-sized supermarket. If you can read, the products should be labeled." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Okay. Okay. I think I get it." Rakin said. "A few questions. What's a nipple and could you just get walls for a regular bed. Also, yes I can read. Pilarian and English." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"What's a- you have them." Jymaiyri gestured to Rakin and his open robe (which I assume he still has but even if not she still saw him with it before). "A regular bed is too big, and babies need a special kind of mattress. Great. You can use those reading skills to get me some supplies for my baby." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I have what." Rakin looked down at himself. The only thing he could really notice were his burn scars and the little nubs coming out. That must have been what she meant..? Why did she need that? "Uh. Sure. I'll get that. But I'm not going to have to read much." Rakin held out his right hand toward the center of the room. "You might want to cover your ears." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri covered her baby's ears, rather than her own. Priorities. She glared at Rakin suspiciously. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Zahara moved her hands up over her ears. Rakin looked to where his hand was and closed his eyes, but even though they were closed, it was clear that they were flashing different colors underneath. He did this for a time, before opening up his fist. Lightning struck the ground, making an average sized off-white crib appear in the center of the room. In it was the mattress, a single can of powdered formula, a dual pack of baby bottles with the nips, and one box of around twenty diapers for 6 month olds. He stumbled back a step, gripping his right hand with his left and grimacing. "There. I got everything you asked for." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri grimaced at the crack of lighting, though she was grateful she'd moved to protect her child's ears over her own. After taking a moment to catch her breath, she inspected the objects Rakin had summoned. "We might need more formula... and diapers..." She hummed in thought , though she didn't know how long they'd even be here. She was honestly pretty surprised she'd gotten anything at all. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I got what I could. You didn't say how many you needed. So pardon me for having to assume my frog metabolism on to your spawn or whatever." Rakin sighed. "But that is all the time I have. I must get going. There is another fight soon I have much preparation left to do." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"You could've asked." Jymaiyri grumbled. "But it's better than nothing. Thanks." She perked up at the mention of a fight. "I don't suppose I get to know who's fighting?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"It is someone you know. Farewell." Rakin said before instantly zapping away. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Wh- okay." Was all Jymaiyri could say before Rakin zapped away. She turned to Zahara. "Are you feeling any better?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. Y-yeah.. Rakin helped.." Zahara said quietly. "Y-you see.. H-he's so caring.. he got ya all that stuff even though he ain't have to.." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah. He's real helpful." Jymaiyri said. Something in her tone was a bit off- indicating that while she did agree that Rakin was helpful, she didn't quite trust him as much as Zahara did. Though, Zahara didn't know her very well, and could've easily missed the cue. "I am glad he got all this stuff for the baby." Jymaiyri said, inspecting the crib. She could probably move it to the barracks on her own. "And that he was able to help you out, of course." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

.. The crib was too big to fit out of the door without being deconstructed. With tools he didn't get. "Mhm.. Raina is always helpful.. Ya just have to believe in him.. He's gonna help alla us. You believe that, right..?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Great. Her baby was living in the kitchen now. "Well, I'd have appreciated if he'd made a way for me to get this thing out of the kitchen." Jymaiyri huffed, and put her hands on her hips as she stared at the crib. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. He must have not thought about that.." Zahara frowned. "Can't ya take it apart and then move it..?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri inspected the crib. "Looks like it's all screwed together, and I am lacking a screwdriver. I don't wanna break it apart, cause then we can't use it." She glanced towards her baby, still asleep in her sling. "Sorry kid, looks like we're living in the kitchen for now." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Oh.. Well it's warm in here, at least. And you have plenty a water.. It might be more private than tha barracks.." Zahara tried to input some positivity. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Until people need to come get food." Jymaiyri said. "Oh well. I mean, I'm already in a death maze. Might as well sleep in a kitchen too. Throw all normalcy out the window." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

From the training room, Celena made her way to the kitchen. She felt incredibly hungry, and figured that she should step in and make herself something to eat. Something nice and small. When she stepped in, the scent of smoke caught her attention. Something was burning? Glancing around, Celena couldn’t spot the source. Cautiously, she called out. “Hello? Is anyone around?” @Sam | Errol 🖌 + Chris ☀⚡

A quiet gasp came from under one of the cabinets in the room- followed by the sound of clattering pans and a THUMP of something hitting the top of the inside of the cabinet. Seemed like someone was in the room. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“.. Hello?” Celena called out again. She stepped further into the kitchen. “You okay? I’m not.. Here to hurt you. I’m just here to eat, honestly.” @Sam | Errol 🖌 + Chris ☀⚡

The cabinet the smell seemed to be coming from opened slightly- leaving pure black smoke to billow out a little. A black shadow emerged from the cabinet... only for the shadows to fade, revealing Chris. Their eyes were wide in almost a panic as they glanced around, their eyes settling in Celena. "You-- You're not that- that thing-" They suddenly spoke as they stared unblinkingly. A black smog came from their mouth as they spoke, the veins along their neck and wrists blackened. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Celena frowned as she listened to Chris. She remained in her spot and slowly raised her hands to show innocence. “No, I’m not that ‘thing,’” Celena spoke. “Which- Which thing are you talking about?” @Sam | Errol 🖌 + Chris ☀⚡

"The- The thing-- demon- imp- thing-" They stammered a little as they motioned like they were demonstrating a smallish creature. "In- In a cloak-" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

(also there's a bunch of baby stuff just lying around here lmao)

“U-um- I don’t know anything about demons,” Celena frowned, her foot gently brushing against a rattle. “But there’s nothing like that here.” @Sam | Errol 🖌 + Chris ☀⚡

Chris jumped at the sound of the rattle, eyes wide in surprise before they seemingly relaxed. "...Maybe it was a dream... yes... Yes it was a dream..." They let out a shaky breath- the smog seemingly vanishing from their mouth and the black in their veins disappearing with it. "...Sorry for freaking out on you like that-" Chris spoke sheepishly as they stepped toward Celena- watching the ground for anything else they had to step over. "I'm not normally so jumpy...." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Maybe it was a dream? Or maybe there was an actual demon around. Celena wasn’t all too interested in finding out, actually. “Yeah, just a dream.” She nodded her head. “Don’t worry about it, it’s understandable. We’re all in a tense situation, it’s natural to be jumpy.” @Sam | Errol 🖌 + Chris ☀⚡

"We are...?" Chris blinked a bit before frowning, straightening up a bit. "What do you mean tense situation? What's happening?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Celena blinked several times as she took that in. “Do you.. Know where you’re at?” Celena asked somewhat slowly. “Other than a kitchen.” @Sam | Errol 🖌 + Chris ☀⚡

Chris shook their head, "Erm-... no... Let's just say I haven't exactly been-..." They cleared their throat. "aware." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Okay, okay- Understandable, I get that,” Celena spoke. She fell silent, unsure what to say. How would it be to break the news to this person about the fact that they were now in space, in a death tournament, and had no way of escape? God, she didn’t want to be the one to break the news. “What’s your name?” @Sam | Errol 🖌 + Chris ☀⚡

"Oh- You can call me Chris." They replied, perking up slightly. They held out their hand for a shake, "Chris White." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Chris,” Celena hummed. She held out her hand and gave theirs a nice shake. “I’m Celena. It’s nice to meet you.” @Sam | Errol 🖌 + Chris ☀⚡

"Celena, nice to meet you too." Chris gave a smile. "So... You seem to know where we are... Where exactly... isthat...?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“It might be hard to believe, but we’re on another planet. In space. In a fighting arena.” Celena looked exhausted just saying that. “I didn’t believe it at first until we were teleported to the fighting arena and we saw outer space.” @Sam | Errol 🖌 + Chris ☀⚡

Chris blinked, staring at Celena in silence for a moment. "...So we're... fighting for our lives... in an arena... in space...?" They spoke slowly, as though checking they heard right. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"It sounds crazy, doesn't it?" Celena sighed. "But yes, that's what's going on. We're living a rather crazy life." @Sam | Errol 🖌 + Chris ☀⚡

__

9:00 PM

Taylor walked back into the kitchen, still in a daze after seeing the first match and having barely been able to stomach seeing the next one. Barely having fought against the dissociation that had him by the throat, he gone to the kitchen. Quickly downing a cup of water to try and help his anxiety.

The door opened gently behind him and quickly closed, cutting off the cold. There was a little girl in a witch costume here, who was staring up at him like a deer in headlights. This guy was big compared to her. The hand still on the doorknob was shaking a little as she tried to speak. “I- wh-who, um.. who are.. you?” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin (edited)

His heart clenched. Seeing another young kid in a place like this. Breath in. Breath out. You need to focus on what in front of you. "Ah... I'm Taylor." He says gently. The natural rasp to his throat making him have to cough to clear it before continuing. "Do you... um. Do you need anything? I can help, if you want." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She looks around nervously before speaking again, hand still on the door. “I- I um.. I’m.. l-looking for a.. ssowing.. needle.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Oh a sowing needle?" He perks up some, immediately knowing what she might need to use it for. "Oh well I unluckily didn't have any on me when I first got here but I definately can help you look!" Good. Good. This can help distract the both of them if he doesn't screw things up again. "Any specific size you looking for dear? Or just any kind will do? I just wanna make sure to keep in mind what you're looking for." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Huh? Umm..” She finally took her hand off the door and pulled out some thread from her hands, seemingly out of nowhere. “Um.. ssize for.. for this..?” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

He slowly walks over, leaving Poppy on the counter as he kneels down to Nora's level given their height difference. Putting a finger on the thread, it was almost an immediate hunch of what type of needle she's need. "Hm.. the thread isn't that thick, but you probably want something with a sharp tip to sew. Especially depending on the fabric. I got a couple in mind we can look for." He concludes. Giving the kindest smile he could muster @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She tensed up a little when he got closer, when his finger touched the string she could feel it. As he would touch it, he might notice there was a certain strangeness to the thread. It seemed almost.. alive?? “Um, f-fabric.. I.. it’s not, um.. it’s for a toy..” She wasn’t looking at him directly, and she happened to look over his shoulder at the stuffed rabbit. Her eyes lit up and she gasped. “Oh!! B-bunny?” She stepped past him to look at the rabbit. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

He paused for a moment as he felt the string move, slowly glancing at her as she almost seemed to avoid his gaze. Luckily she seemed to be interested in the rabbit plush. "Hm? Oh yes I made her. She's Poppy. Say hi Poppy." After a moment thr rabbit pushed raised an arm to give a wave as if to say hello. "She can tell you that I've had plenty of practice patching her up." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora smiled brightly and walked up to the plush, staring at it with wonder. “Eeeeeeee!!! Y-you move!! I- I can- I can do th-that too!!” She pulled out her own stuffed animal, a raggedy little orange cat. It also waved at Taylor. “Mm, P- Poppy.. hee.. s-she’s cute.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

He slowly walked over, though this time kneeling down a couple feet away to give her space after how she reacted previously. Luckily she seemed not as nervous like him, pulling out the raggedy cat plush. It made the rest of his anxiety epp away for that moment. Reminding him of the children he'd see in his uncle's store. "Thank you. Your little friend looks quite cute as well. What is their name?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Her nervousness was melting away by the second. “Mm, her- her name is.. Kitty. Um… I- I wanted to.. make her a- a friend.. f-for my sister. Sso I need a n-needle.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin (edited)

"Aaaaah of course. If you wish, I could help you. I've had much practice sewing and making friends for little ones." He claps his hands softly. Smiling over towards Poppy. "I've also had many a time of having to restitch seams and such as well. What sort of friend were you trying to make for your sister?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mm, I- I’ve um.. made a lotta my own.. too. Mm… but, um.. I wanted to.. make her a bunny. Heehee, like- like um.. Poppy! C-Celena makes th-these pretty lights.. I wanna make.. a bunny w-with stars.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Of course of course. While I don't know if there's any fabric with stars here that you could use, I could show you how to stitch a star pattern in them." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mm? Oh! Um.. I can.. I can make my.. my own cloth.” She again pulled out some string from her closed fist, but this time it was a soft yellow color. She showed it to him, smiling. “I- I have.. magic string! Like- like a- a spider! Hee.. s-so I can make.. my own th-thread and- and I can make cloth, but it, um.. it takes a bit.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Oooooh neat! That is very helpful. Alright then, if you can do it yourself I'll give you space. Though if you need reference Poppy is sure to be happy to help. Isn't that right Poppy?" Poppy seemed like she'd shake her head no.. but slowly nodded instead. Sitting down on the counter and kicking her legs as if waiting. "Good bunny. Oh, but if you need anything to eat or drink let me know. They at least seem to have this place stocked up decently." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Hee.. um.. can- can I.. hold her?” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

With a 'come here' gesture, Poppy hopped off the counter and quickly went towards the two without even a question. Her footsteps mostly silent except for what must have been the weighted material keeping her up right. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Eeehehehee!! S-she’s so cute!!” Nora reached for the toy, feeling its fabric and stitches. “Mm, h-how.. how long have.. you had her?” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"For as long as I've lived with my uncle." He replies simply. Watching her feel Poppy. "Enough to have to restitch fix her up time and time again. Just shows how active she is." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mm, s-she’s.. nice. Um, good work! Hee.. mm, I- I’ve had.. my kitty for, um.. forever. But, um.. I didn’t make her, um.. but I have.. fixed her a- a lot. Um, that’s how.. I move her a- around! Heehee..” The toy wiggled around its paws from the crook of her arm. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Heh... seems you and I have a few things in common. " He nods as he listens to her talk about her Kitty. "I'd love to hear more about her, if you feel so inclined to do so. If not that is also fine." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mm.. ummm.. I dunno, um, I like.. petting her fur, but, um.. I kinda rubbed it off.. a few places. And, um..” She didn’t seem to know what exactly to talk about. “Um.. you.. you tell me about.. Poppy.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Hm..." He thinks. This is maybe the first time he remembers someone asking about Poppy here without seeing her as just an object. He thinks. He's been zoning out so much from how stressed he was about the fights. "Of course. What would you like to hear about her?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Umm.. well.. how do.. you move her?” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"...Because I gave her a body." He chuckles a little. Rubbing a thumb against his scar. His mark. "I put my intent to give her a body - one of her own again - so she could be sassy and silly again. Sure I can put that in other dolls as well but Poppy. I gave her something special so she could move on her own." He gently pats her head, rubbing between Poppy's floppy ears as she looked up at Nora and Taylor. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Her eyes lit up with wonder. “Oh!! Wow… that’s- that’s really cool!! Oh wow, y-you can.. you can make y-your own friends!! Heehee..” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

The door to the kitchen creaked open carefully and Connie made her way into the kitchen with the little toad pin cushion in her hands. She did a quick little one-over of the room, and immediately brightened up at the sight of Nora, and Taylor from earlier! The guy with the rabbit plush! "Nora!" she greeted, shutting the door behind her. One hand shut, yesss. "And Taylor, hi!" Connie quickly made her way over to Nora and held out the pin cushion in both hands. "I got the needles for you!" @Barry | Taylor + Kevin @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

"Indeed she's my- oh!" He jumps a bit hearing another voice. Turning to see Connie come over towards Nora and him.... holding needles. Right. Right she was looking for those. Not to talk no it was to talk about Poppy. He just got excited someone else could.... "Well looks like she got just what you were looking for!" He smiles over at Nora, not letting a hint of what he was thinking shine through. "Now you can make that plush for your sister." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Connie! Oh, what do.. what’s that? Hee.. it’s cute!” She smiled back at Taylor. “Mhm! Um, wh- when I make it.. um.. do you wanna play.. with me and Celena? Um, y- you too, Connie!” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"It's a pincushion!" she beamed. "There's a buncha needles- we can't, uh, really lose them though. Yeah!" Connie gasped a little, nearly dropping the puncushion. "Oh- you're making it for Cellie! That's super cute! I'd love to play with you guys!" Then after a moment, she waved a little at the animated rabbit plush. "And, uh, you too! Hi!" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

Poppy and Taylor wave at the same time. Not really saying anything but nodding along, having no complaints about playing for a bit. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora took the pincushion happily, looking it over and inspecting the needles. “Hee.. th-thank you!! Mhm, I- I wanted to.. make a toy so.. so we can play more. Um, and.. I can.. make you.. a toy too! Hee..” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @Barry | Taylor + Kevin (wanna end soon?)

"Awww, Nora! That's so sweet!" Connie gushed, clapping her hands together a little bit. "I can help, too! I wanna help you make some stuff!" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Barry | Taylor + Kevin (Sure!!! Im down yarr)

"You know my offer still stands if you want it too." He chuckles again. Poppy clapping her hands eager to see how this turns out. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (Yep)

Nora smiled brightly. “Eehee!! Th-that sounds.. fun! Hee.. we can-“ She was cut off as the announcement rang out. Her smile fell as another person was gone. Mister Moses would be here! But- Before she could react, she was gone. Taking the pins with her. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

And here Jymaiyri is! She, at least, teleported in standing. She kept her arms firm around Minerva, supporting her as best she could. "Oh- jeez," She muttered to herself, and slipped Minerva as she prepped the crib- getting out all the supplies and setting up the mattress. Once that was done, she set Minerva in the crib and got to putting her coat back on- god, she was glad she'd kept it on her this entire time. At least she'd teleported into a building! @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Some time after Jymaiyri had appeared in the kitchen, the door opened. "Jymaiyri? Are you in here?" Agustín asked as he opened up the door and peeked inside. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri had redressed both herself and Minerva, and was organizing baby supplies, when Agustín entered. She looked up with a slightly frightened, mostly vacant look. "Oh. Yeah, that's me. You can come in." She scrutinized his features. "You're... Augustín, right?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustín had his hood and scarf up, so it was a bit hard to see.. But his outfit was recognizable, even after he had washed all the blood off. He stepped inside and closed the door. In his hands was the crystal basket. "Um.." This felt so awkward he was almost wanted to just leave and set the basket down. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri turned to fully face Agustín when he entered, abandoning her obsessive organizational work for a moment. She paled and grimaced when she noticed the basket, and had to steady herself on the counter. "That's not- it's his-" she stammered, unable to actually say it. "Isn't it?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

This felt even worse now. There was some awkward silence. ".. I'm- I'm sorry. I didn't know what else I- I could do. I couldn't save him. I tried. I really did." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri put her hand over her mouth, and then her cheek. She didn't look away from the basket. "No, no, you- you did what you could." It felt wrong to console this stranger about her husband's death. "Wh- why did you take his heart?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. It was already- uhm- separated.. S-so it would be easy to take.. I-i wanted to keep pieces of him for you i-incase Rakin didn't. A-and it seems like he didn't.." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Well, that made sense. Really, Jymaiyri appreciated the gesture. She knew Agustín had been put in an impossible situation, and was just trying to do his best. She just felt so, so much more. At last, she let her gaze drift from the basket, to the door. "Well. I guess there's nothing to do but bury him now." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Oh- here..?" Agustín frowned. "Do you not want to get him home to bury him..?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri gave Agustín a look that conveyed nothing but grief, and absolute devastation. "Agustín, I- I don't know if I'm going to make it back home to bury him." She stammered. "And- and I can't carry him around. Not like that." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"It's so cold outside here that as long as he's on this side nothing should happen to the.. Him." How the hell was he supposed to do this.. "Wh-whatever you want to do is best. I'll just help you how I can. You tell me what to do." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

It wasn't the rotting of the body that prevented Jymaiyri from taking her lover like a burden. It was something she'd never be able to put into words. She glanced to Minerva, young and innocent and ignorant of all this pain, then back to Agustin. She met his gaze this time, avoiding the basket. "In your opinion, where would make the best place for a grave?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"... Do you have any um.. religious things to keep in mind..? There's a few places I've thought about, but not for.. Anyone besides us amphibs." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"As long as the ground is deep enough, any dry land should be fine. Fertile land would've been nice, but..." She sighed. "I doubt we'll find that here." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"There is a patch of berry bushes that came up recently.. But besides that, nothing is too fertile. Zahara's rain can make land more fertile, as long as it hits the ground as water and not snow.." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I grew that." Jymaiyri said at the berry patch comment. She thought for a second. "I think... that could work. At least, there's some plant life already there. I can grow something on his grave." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Oh, you did..?" Agustín commented. "It looks like it got half burned down since you've been gone, but we can help you regrow it. Dante's heat may help, with Zahara's rain." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"It shouldn't be too hard to regrow." Jymaiyri nodded. "Well... I guess there's nothing to do but go... do it. Do you know where we can get a shovel?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. We don't have any shovels. And the ground is rock hard from the frost." Agustín said. He paused, thinking. "And that- that creature is on this side. You shouldn't go out until we figure out where it is. It's too cold for a baby out there, and it's not safe to leave her in here alone." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Something faint shifted in Jymaiyri's expression- something uneasy. "Right." Yeonaixho would have to wait for peaceful rest a while longer. "We should wait." She echoed. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustín finally stopped looking away from Jymaiyri and looked at her for a moment, before looking down at Minerva in the crib. "Is there.. Anything I can do to help you? I know we just met, but if you need some quiet time.. I can watch the baby, I used to babysit my nephew. If we hurry out we could make it to the dining hall and you can eat there. It's close to here." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I don't want to eat anything right now." Jymaiyri said. She was hungry, but she still couldn't stomach the thought of eating anything. Regardless of the dining hall that was apparently here now. "I think Minerva and I should just stay here for now, if that's okay. She needs to rest- and I do too. And I can't get the crib out of this building." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"That is very fair. If you get hungry later though, the dining hall is north of this place, away from everything else. If the snow clears up you should be able to see it from here." Agustín said. "Sorry you can't get the crib out of here.. How did that even happen..?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind." Jymaiyri replied. Hopefully, they'd have something better than fish. She glanced towards the crib. "Rakin brought it in for me, but I was in here, and it's too big... I guess I'm grateful to have the supplies, but..." She sighed. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. That's.. on brand for him. Helping but in an unhelpful way.." Agustín sighed. "Do you think you can beat the creature if it comes in here? I want to go look for it to keep some tabs on it, but I don't want to leave you alone any longer if you think it'll be a danger to you or the baby.. If you can fortify the door that's the only real way in." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I could fortify the door." Jymaiyri nodded. Her unsteadiness shifted into resolve. "And if it comes near me, I will kill it." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Good. I'll do the same if I come across it." Agustín said, despite not at all being qualified for that. He couldn't even punch straight. And he had healing powers ~~rough subject~~. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri nodded sharply. "Good. Good." She was probably slightly more qualified. At least she had more combat oriented powers. She didn't say anything else, but watched Minerva. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Well. Then I'll get looking. I'll announce myself if I'm at the door again." Agustín said. "And I'm.. Truly sorry for your loss. I'll do everything I can to right this." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I'll put some thorny vines over it. They won't live, but they should provide some defense." Jymaiyri said. She took in a breath to steady herself. "... thank you. For everything you did to try and save him. I'll... see you around." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Don't thank me for my failure." Agustín shook his head and put his hood up again. "Don't worry about letting other people in, tell them there's a dining hall up north now, they can get food and water there. This can be your nursery for now." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri nodded. "I'll tell anyone who stops by to head there." With nothing else to say, she simply bade Agustin a simple, "Good luck out there." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"You too." Agustín headed out, closing the door quietly behind him. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri grew thorny vines over the door as soon as Agustin had passed through it....

As Jymairyi grew the vines, a figure stepped out from behind her. No noise was made, and no effort was made to alert her to their presence. No. They tilted their head to the side, slow.... @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Ignorant to her surroundings, Jymaiyri checked the door was properly shut before idly turning around. She would check on Minerva, she would put the baby down for a nap, she would get some rest herself- Her heart nearly stopped when she realized she wasn't alone. @soul | 🎻

(tw for some decomposition) He stared at her, head still tilted but slowly straightening up. One eye was piercing yellow. The other, his right, was clouded over - though underneath, the iris was blue, a blue Jymairyi would recognise. He had horns, one broken with the sharp edge pointing upwards, the other intact. His face was gaunt, like a skeleton's but under the yellow eye's cheek by the chin, green grew and the skin peeled downward. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri stepped back, til her heel hit the door. This- this couldn't be another contestant, could it? She didn't recognize their face, beyond the hauntingly familiar blue of the eye. This was hardly a person- this was a corpse, yet a corpse did not stand or stare. She glanced to Minerva, safe and content in the crib. "If- if you want food, you should go to the dining hall. It's to the north." Jymaiyri repeated what Agustin had told her. "Please, my daughter and I are trying to rest." @soul | 🎻

(tw for fucked up hands and chest) He continued to stare, head now straightened up and looking directly at her. His hands, raised to his chest, were horrifically mauled, broken, bent out of shape and bloody, yet he seemed to be holding something that simply wasn't there. Not anymore. His clothes were almost too entirely neat, a white cloak with a grey trim, connected with that same colour thread at the neck, a grey vest and a white high neck shirt. But at the chest, they gave way to blood and a giant cavity, revealing the empty hole where a heart would once be, ribs broken and propping the skin apart. His clothes covered the rest of his body. His gaze did not break. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri kept glancing between Minerva and the- thing. She couldn't help but stare at it, and the horrid absence in its chest, the horrible grotesquery of its hands clawing towards it. Her own heart pounded in her chest, rung in her ears. She found herself stepping from the door, closer to Minerva. She could not let this thing hurt her daughter. "Get out!" She demanded, not breaking eye contact with the apparition. She pointed to the door. "Get out! Now!" @soul | 🎻

He stepped closer as she backed away. His eyes broke away for a second to glance at the door, then he looked back at Jymairyi. Stepped closer, unsteady on his feet. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Every step it took closer to her, Jymaiyri took another closer to Minerva, til she could rest her hand on the crib's wall. "Don't come near me. Leave. Leave us." @soul | 🎻

And he neared her, and the crib. One hand tentatively left whatever he thought he was holding and rested, somewhat, on the crib wall. He was still staring. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri was frozen- in shrill, complete terror. "I told you to leave." She managed. She did not have will or reason to question this thing- though she was sure it wouldn't have answered her. "Please. Leave us. I- I don't know what you want from me. Please." @soul | 🎻

Then his gaze broke and his head turned slowly, unnaturally, toward Minerva. No emotion showed on his face, the same neutral, if maybe thoughtful, look as he stared at the baby inside. Only his eyes looked to Jymairyi, but then back down at Minerva. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva whimpered as the decaying face came into her field of view, uneasily and disturbed by the uncanny visage. Her whimpers slowly morphed into wails. "Don't- don't look at her! I'm talking to you! Leave us alone!" Jymaiyri demanded. She moved half a step closer to the figure. @soul | 🎻

He stared at Minerva for a few seconds longer, then his hand let go of the crib wall. He stepped back slightly but then his eyes dragged back to stare at Jymairyi. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri pointed at the door again, now behind the figure. "Leave." Her insistence and resolve were cracking. @soul | 🎻

He didn't look at the door. Just her. Yellow eye piercing down at her. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri trembled under his gaze. "I told you to leave. Please leave us alone." In her crib, Minerva continued to wail. @soul | 🎻

He stared at her, then he began to move, circling past her, his head turning to stay staring. He sat upon the counter, legs apart and one hand brought up as if to hold something and the other bent out like a conductor. He stared at her, then his gaze flickered to stare ahead at nothing. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri bent down into the crib and scooped Minerva into her arms, but did not let her gaze leave the figure. She stood still, waiting to see what his next move would be, all the while dreading it completely. @soul | 🎻

He simply sat on the countertops, gazing into nothing. The most emotion he showed on his face began to form, a wistful expression, maybe even peace despite the state of him. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

That peace was not mirrored in Jymaiyri's expression. She held Minerva, trying to get her to stop crying. She was stuck in here. Stuck in here, with this thing- she couldn't leave, it wasn't safe out there, but she couldn't stay in here, with that!. "R- Rakin, if this is some sort of sick joke," She found herself saying out loud, glancing up at the ceiling. "It's not very funny!" @soul | 🎻

Wow. That ghost sure could sit. As she spoke, he looked to her and slowly stood. He began to pace toward her, head tilted as he stared at Minerva in her arms. That emotion left him but there was something in his eyes, a memory of emotion he could no longer tap into. And when he looked at Jymairyi again, he almost looked sad. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jynmaiyri stepped backwards as the figure advanced towards her. She held Minerva tight to her chest, and would not let the infant see this- thing. She reflected his unidentified emotion with sheer, unmistakable terror. Tears began to well in the corners of her eyes. "What do you want from me?" @soul | 🎻

He stared. Then he turned toward the door, still covered in vines, and he walked away- through the vines. And he disappeared. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri watched him until he had left her line of sight, then let out a high whimper. She stood there for a moment, waiting to see if he would return. When he didn't, she could only sit down on the floor, trying comfort her crying child. @soul | 🎻

Wow. That guy sure could stare. There was no one outside.

She was going mad. When Minerva stopped crying, Jymaiyri rested her back in the crib, and tried to ground herself.

We are outside the kitchen baybeeeeeeee I definitely didn't pass out. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Hearing someone at outside, Jymaiyri tentatively approached the door. Was it the apparition, come back to haunt her again? She cracked open the door only a slight bit, and peered through the vines. "Hello?" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

The figure looked through the small opening in the vines. "Hey uh, is there a reason there's suddenly vines on the kitchen? I don't exactly need it but it's kinda weird." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

This wasn't that- thing, at least. It looked like a kid. "I'm fortifying this place because my baby's in here." She explained. "And it's not safe. If you want food, there's a dining hall to the north." @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Baby... ohhhhhhh "Oh, it's you again. Well this wasn't here before. Whatcha protecting your baby from?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Do I know you?" Jymaiyri tilted her head to the side, confused. She's too stressed to put together that this is Tsubari. She took in a breath. "The fish thing that killed my husband, if you must know." @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

A "Oh... I'm sorry. Didn't know that was your husband. Haven't seen that fishy guy around, been hangin around the woods lately." It kicks at the snow for a bit before looking up at Jymaiyri. "Well the baby certainly seems safe, but you look a little... stressed. I imagine for very good reason. I can try to bring you some tea but I don't think it'll be warm for very long." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Don't apologize." Jymaiyri sighed. "If you do find them... well, try not to do that." Jymaiyri glanced to Minerva, safe in her crib, then looked back to Tsubari. "I'm fine." @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"Yeahhh don't think I'm gonna be doing that anytime soon." She rocked on her feet for a bit, her gaze remaining on Jymaiyri. "I don't think someone who is fine would lock themselves into a room." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri took in another breath. "Well, this isn't exactly the ideal situation- but I'm fine. Minerva's safe, I'm safe, we've got shelter and warmth and supplies and we're okay." There was a certain, high-strung anxiety to her voice that indicated she very much wasn't okay. "Who are you, anyways? I don't think I've seen you around before." It was a big day for that. Hopefully, this kid wasn't of the same stock as that last guy. Jymaiyri briefly glanced out into the storm to see if she could spot where he'd gone... @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"What do you mean? We met befo-" The child trailed off, looking down at her hands. Baby hands. Ah. "I get it now. I'm the one that wanted to poke your baby. I was taller... and pinker." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh. You." Jymaiyri said. She didn't sound too annoyed. "What happened?" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Tsubari lit up. "I am glad you asked!" It smiled, standing on tippy toes. "I'm free! Miss Calamity freed me, so now I can be whatever I want." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Huh." Jymaiyri's brow furrowed. "And you chose to be... a tiny kid? Okay." She didn't really get all Tsubari was saying, but her concerns were elsewhere. "Good for you, I suppose." @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"If we're gonna get technical about it, I've only been around for like 5 years. Felt the most fitting." It smiled up at Jymaiyri. "Thank you." ... "I'm guessing you would like me to leave now." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"If you don't mind. I'm very tired, and I would like to rest." Jymaiyri said, voice flat. Before Tsubari could leave, though, she reconsidered. "Wait. Have you seen a man around here, with red skin and dark hair and horns? Looks... kinda dead?" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Tsubari looked up at Jymaiyri with a puzzled look on her face. "Only thing with horns I've seen in a while is Miss Calamity. And she's all pink. I suppose I'll keep an eye out for you." Doesn't know much, but can probably figure out that's where the thorny side is comin from. "I don't think I've seen anyone this whole time who looks like that. Hm" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"If you do see anyone by that description," Jymaiyri said, "Please tell me as soon as possible." She sighed again, and glanced out into the snow, before refocusing on Tsubari. "That was all. Goodbye." She shut the door. Bye. @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

lmao fair enough Tsubari shrugged it off and left. They would keep an eye out though... quite an interesting description.

Jymaiyri would get a bit of peace and quiet, before there was more crunching of snow up toward the door. "Jymaiyri? Are you in there? I-i heard you switched back to this side..!" Zahara spoke from outside. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Well, guess she had another visitor. Jymaiyri tentatively got up and went to the door, cracking it just a bit so less of the cold would get inside. This was not helping her look confident or sane. "Oh, it's just you," she sighed upon seeing it was Zahara. "Hey, Zahara. Yeah, I'm back here now. The baby's resting right now." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yeah, jus' me." Zahara said. "C-could I come inside and talk? I m-met up with Agustín a-and he told me to talk with you." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah, sure- come on in." Jymaiyri moved the vines so Zahara could come in, and opened the door for her. "Did he say what he wanted you to talk to me about?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Zahara squeezed in through the gap. She took a deep breath of the warm air and slid her mittens off. "Oh, he said he was going to go talk to the person I was talking to before- the.. Thing? He called them a creature, but that felt a little mean. He said I should tell you that they're in the 'camera' room right now." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri repositioned the vines and closed the door once Zahara was inside, then turned to the frogling. She paled. "The- creature. The... the fish creature?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Hmm, now that you say it, they kinda did look like a fish! A weird fish. With a thang on its head!" Zahara smiled as she nodded. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri's breaths became heavy. She braced herself on one of the counters. "You- you said they were in the- camera room right now? Is that close to here?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Hmm.. Kinda, but Agustín said not to interrupt em', so if you wanna go see em you'll have to wait." Zahara said and slowly stepped over to her. She put her hand gently on her shoulder. "Are ya alright, though..? Ya look like ya need tuh lie down." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri nodded, shakily, and only flinched slightly at Zaharia's touch. "Later. I'll go... see them. Later." She turned to Zahara, her expression somewhere between fear and rage. "You- you don't know what they did, do you?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Zahara only looked.. Confused. "Um. Nah.. but it was laying on the floor all bloody when I got in there.. Hurt. And then we looked at the cameras an' they got pretty upset. And a lil scary. So I ran off." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"It killed Yeonaixho." Jymaiyri said. Her voice trembled. "My husband. It killed my husband." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Zahara gasped, her grasp getting tighter on Jymaiyri's shoulder. "Wh-.. I- I ain't know that- I'm so sorry. Wh-what happened..?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri has to pause to even her breath. "The fights that are happening- you've been hearing about them, yeah? Rakin put Yeonaixho up against that- thing. It mauled him, he never stood a chance-" She buried her face in her hands. "And- and now he's gone-" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"The fights- yeah-.." Zahara only frowned deeper as Jymaiyri moved her hands up to her face. "No no no no no don't cry- Th-the thing was hurt.. so Yeonaixho m-must have been able to do something against it.. A-and I'm sure Rakin will- will- bring h-him back.. I'm sure.." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeonaixho was a blind healer, he was only able to land a few punches on it-" Recalling that fight was painful. She trembled. "It tore out his heart! He's *dead!" She exclaimed. "If Rakin can bring people back from the dead, he better get started on it. This is his fault as much as it is the creature's." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Zahara flinched at her description of Mallon's actions. She moved her hands off of Jymairyi's shoulder, and instead covered up her own ears. "I-i'm sure he's tryin-.. N-none of ya believe m-me.. h-he's a good man!" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Forgive me for not believing in the goodness of the man who orchestrated the death of my husband." Jymaiyri spat. "I'm sorry, Zahara. I really am. I'm sorry you got tricked into believing he has our best interests at heart. Because he clearly does not." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"H-he ain't orchestrate nothin'." Zahara spat back, now closing her eyes as well. "H-he does. He does. He wouldn't do this without good reason. I-i know him. Better than anyone.. I know.. I know.." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Then what do you call all of this? All these fights, all this death? He's to blame- and if he isn't, he better have a damn good explanation to why he's still going along with it." Jymaiyri went on. "Good reason. You think he had good reason to make a widow of me. You have any idea what that 'good reason' might be?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"H-he's being controlled, he's gotta be!" Zahara shook her head, though there really wasn't any good reasons Zahara could think of. "I-i don't- I don't know- m-maybe he thinks you and y-your husband weren't good together..? M-maybe you'll be better alone..!" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Blind rage engulfed Jymaiyri. Without thinking her actions through, she slapped Zahara across the face, then instantly grimaced. "Oh- shit- sorry" She caught herself, and shook her head. She still seemed anrgry, "But you can't honestly think that! That- that he killed Yeonaixho because he thought we should divorce! Yeonaixho and I were- we were soulmates, he- and it wouldn't even be Rakin's business in the first place!" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

The moment Jymaiyri slapped her, Zahara stopped paying any attention. All she could do was stare off in to the floorboards and take increasingly deep breaths. A few noises left her throat that may have been mistaken as trying to respond, but they were just whimpers. But she didn't have to respond, the building static around Minerva's crib did that well enough. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri took a few deep breaths, and pulled her hair away from her face. "Zahara, I know you can't believe all that. Please." She cut herself off when she noticed the static. "Oh, great..." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

The static built until it's peak, and Rakin zapped in to the crib next to Minerva. He thankfully didn't sit on her at all, but the loud noise and surprise of him being in there was probably shocking enough. He still had his cowboy hat on, though now some of his outfit was stained with blood. "Now, what is all this about?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva, who had been chilling up til this point, began to wail and cry with Rakin in the crib with her. Jymaiyri turned to face him, and stepped away from Zahara. "You." She spat, with all the loathing her voice could muster. "Get away from my daughter." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Rakin gently picked up Minerva, holding her exactly as Jymaiyri had been doing earlier. He bounced her lightly. "Shhhhh, shhh." He cooed. He looked up at Jymaiyri. "Is this better than before? I've been observing." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva was still crying, for now. Jymaiyri approached Rakin. "Don't touch her." She glanced him up and down, almost sizing him up. "I think your time would be better spent explaining to Zahara here how you murdered my husband." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"You want me to leave an infant crying? That's harsh." Rakin said. "And, I did no such thing. Mallon killed Yeonaixho, and I did everything I could to stop that from happening. I stepped in and I sent in a healer. It's not my fault Agustín couldn't manage it. I have a feeling he's about to get himself mauled by Mallon right about now anyway." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I want you to put her down. You're, clearly, not making her feel any better." Jymaiyri's tone was even, only in the way of someone brimming with anger and trying to temper it. "Oh, was it someone else who looked just like you, who put him in the area with that thing? Was it someone else, who took us all from our homes and brought us here? Was it someone else, who waited til my husband's heart was out of his chest to bring in the healer?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Rakin still didn't put her down, but he did move one hand in to his pocket and took out a fluffy green piece of fabric, which he dangled in front of her face. "Remember this, Minnie? You liked it before." Rakin smiled down at her. "And Jymaiyri, I think your anger is upsetting the baby here." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva seemed somewhat distracted by the fabric, but didn't calm down entirely. "Shut up." Jymaiyri spat, and tried to grab Minerva, but couldn't. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Ah ah ah, she's just calming down." Rakin continued to dangle the fabric and bounce her. "Anyway, I don't appreciate you hitting Zahara. You do know she's like a child of mine to me, right? How would you feel if something were to happen to Minerva here?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri took in a breath to try and steady herself. "Zahara said that you were justified in orchestrating Yeonaixho's death, because you thought he and I should be divorced. I don't know if that's normal for you weirdo frog people, but I don't appreciate it. Zahara is an adult woman. She should know better." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Well, that's not the reason, but she was just giving her best guess. The real reason is that Alrai Pin said that this is the fight that would happen. The outcome is not my fault. Were you even watching the same fight as me? I mean, Yeonaixho kept stopping and standing around.. He could have made it if he didn't do that. He had a great lead. I also gave Mallon a disadvantage. I did what I could." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"You-" Jymaiyri sputtered. "None of this would've happened if you hadn't put us here in the first place. It's your fault he's dead. It's your fault everyone else is dead! Even if- even if it had been someone else in the arena, against Yeonaixho, someone would've still ended up dead, because you keep putting people in impossible situations! And you hide behind your master's orders and your lies- lies you continue to feed Zahara, and pretend this isn't your fault because you were told to do it." "Disgusting." She spat. "I knew you were a murderer. I didn't know you were this much of a coward." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Rakin listened along, chuckling. "Mhm, well, you know you'd all be dead if I just stopped listening to Alrai Pin-" "St-stop it Raina-!" Zahara whimpered, cradling her cheek with her hand and wiping away tears with her other. "Th-this ain't you! I know it ain't! Y-you wouldn't be tormentin' all these folks, y-you'd be a hero! I-i bet you ain't even- I bet you ain't even Raina at all! I-i saw it on the camera- R-raina is back at the swamp! A-and- I ain't even know what you are!" Rakin was shocked silent, nearly dropping Minerva in the crib before regaining his grip. "You- you what?" He asked, quietly. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

With Rakin distracted, Jymaiyri took the oppurtunity to scoop Minerva into her arms and rest her in her sling. The infant calmed instantly once she was back close to her mom. "Still a coward," She began, only to be cut off by Zahara. Genuine surprise painted her face as the frogling woman rambled on. She.. didn't know what to say. This was new. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Rakin glanced between the two of them, before huffing and zapping himself away again. Once he was gone, Zahara fell to her knees on the floor and just cried. She was still cradling her cheek. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Jeez..." Jymaiyri muttered as Rakin abruptly left. She took a moment to calm down both Minerva and herself, before turning back to Zahara. "Hey..." She crouched down, trying desperately to not sound awkward. "That was, uh, pretty dramatic..." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"D-don't hit me a-again- I'm sorry-" Zahara curled in on herself, leaning away from Jymaiyri. "I-i'll tell you wh-whatever y-you want to know." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri was not used to being seen as a threat. It made her uneasy, but not to an extent she wouldn't take advantage of it. "You said you saw Rakin on the camera. Is that true? Did you actually see him?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I-i saw Raina b-back at the swamp.. I c-can't be sure wh-what's happening. R-raina could be going home or this might not be Raina.. I-i know I'm gone from th-the swamp, Raina and h-his family left me flowers.." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri took that in. There wasn't much she could do with this information, but it was good to have. "That's all I wanted to know." She settled on. "You can go now. Don't- don't bother coming around again, Minerva and I will be fine on our own." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Zahara quickly nodded. "Th-thank you- you are very merciful-" Zahara nodded again and scrambled up to her feet and rushed out of the door. She didn't close it behind her in her rush. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri followed Zahara to the door, only to close it after her. She sighed, and pressed her back to the wall. "Oh, Minnie... what are we gonna do..." she asked her daughter. "What are we gonna do.."

The door opened slightly, and from the crack bushed through what seemed to be a thick bundle of blankets moving on their own. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri was giving Minerva a bottle when the blanketed figure walked in. She instantly tensed up, holding her daughter close. She'd forgotten to regrow her barricades. "Who are you. What do you want?" She demanded. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

The figuse paused and peered through a gap between the folds. The eyes could be somewhat be seen even though the face was shaded by the fabric. "Just came for food", the person said, stepped in and turned to close the door. The voice was unfamiliar to Jymaiyri. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I asked you who you are." Jymaiyri demanded, her voice growing sterner from fear. It didn't seem like they were Mallon, but she couldn't be sure. "Identify yourself. Now." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Why do you need to know? It's not like it matters..." they grumbled, and started waggling around the kitchen, trying to open cabinets without sticking their hands out of the blankets. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Actually, it does matter, because there's dangerous people around, and I have a kid I need to protect." Jymaiyri explained. "If you want food, go to the dining hall in the north. There's nothing for you here." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Aren't we all dangerous?" they mumbled while opening a cabinet. Then they paused and turned around. "Wait there's a dining hall? How far away?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Some are more of a threat than others." Jymaiyri stiffened. "I'm not sure- but it is to the north. It shouldn't be too hard to find. Supposedly there's better food there." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Well, I would have already attacked you if I wanted to, right?" They said, a little annoyed. Then they sighed, and fell in thought, pondering if it was worth the risk to go out of their way to find the dining hall. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"And if you weren't a threat, you'd have no problem revealing your identity." She countered, still holding the baby close to her. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

They snorted and cackled mockingly. The sound was kind of inhuman, and somewhat familiar to Jymaiyri. "Oh, yeah, right, as if that's the only reason someone would not want to tell their name. Whatever." They turned, and were about to move back to the door, but stepped on one of the blankets and fell forwards with a little shriek as they faceplanted on the floor.@innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri was loosing her patience fast. "Tell me who you are, or-" And then they fell. She didn't make any move to help them up. Sorry, hands full of baby. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

They grumbled, cussed and struggled on the floor. It was a bit difficult to stand back up with how they had wrapped the blankets around themself. They seemed like a big fat blanket worm, wriggling around pathetically. "Crap!" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri stayed on the other side of the kitchen, holding Minerva and eyeing Kiran suspiciously. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

They managed to sit up on their knees, but that was as far as they could move for now. "Crap, crap, crap... Uh, little help?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Why would I help you?" Jymaiyri scoffed. "You won't even tell me who you are." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Well you'll have to tolerate me in your space the longer I'm stuck here", they huffed. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"If you want my help you'll have to tell me who you are." She was dying on this hill. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Urgh, fine! I'm... Snowy." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"... really?" @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Yeah." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Well, that was a name and it wasn't Mallon. Jymaiyri hoisted Minerva up onto her hip, and went over to help Kiran, unfurling the blankets as best she could with one hand. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Agh! Wait! Just help me up, don't take them off!" They pulled away, tripping on their knees and thumping back onto the floor. A bit of fluffy red hair was sticking out of the bundle, as well as the hand-like feet and part of the tail, before they were pulled back into the blanket roll. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"How else are you planning to get untangled?!" @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Urrrgh..." They curled up into a tight ball and fell quiet for a while. Finally a whine carried out. "Fine, I guess, agh..." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri continued untangling the blankets... @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran stayed curled up and once Jymaiyri got the blankets untangled enough for them to move properly, they sat up and wrapped the blankets around them again, looser this time and hunched on the floor, covering their head but not their face. "...thanks." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh. It's you." Jymaiyri recognized Kiran. "Are you going to the dining hall now?" @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran nodded a bit. "Mm. Maybe. I dunno if my battery will die on the way there, though." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri did not want this random person's problems. "Well, I can't help you with that." She shrugged, and went back over to the crib. "You can stay here as long as you're quiet and don't bother us. But I don't want you sticking around. I have a baby to take care of." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Wow, stop bragging..." Kiran mumbled under their breath. "You said there's something to eat here too, though?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"There's dried fish in the cabinets. You can't have the baby formula." She was already refocused on caring for baby, not caring to reply to Kiran's first comment. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Hm, okay." Kiran stood up, tried to make sure they were as hidden under the blankets as they could, and went back to raiding the cabinets. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri went back to caring for baby, but kept an eye on Kiran... @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran found a stash of dried fish, and sat on the floor to eat them. Scomch scrumch scronch. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri continued feeding Minerva her bottle while watching Kiran somewhat suspiciously. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran could feel Jymaiyri's glare on them, and they frowned and glanced at the woman in annoyance. "What? You think I wanna eat your baby?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Don't eat all the fish." Jymaiyri said simply. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Hm. You want some?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Better to have some left than to not." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"So you don't." Kiran continued munching. "Why don't you have fresh fish?"

11:12 AM

@innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I don't know. That's what they have here." She gestured towards Minerva. "I've been a bit too busy to go fishing." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Huh. Bummer." Kiran hummed and continued eating the tough fish. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri was quiet for a moment, then turned back to Kiran. "Hey. I have a question for you." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"What?" the lerava grunted, a fish between their teeth. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I'm- looking for someone." She stammered, like the phrasing wasn't exactly truthful. "If you see someone- a man, with red skin and long horns, looks... kinda dead, has weird eyes- just tell me. Tell me if you see him and tell me where he is. Please." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran glanced at her, rather disinterested, but paused at the mention of the guy looking dead. "Huh. Sounds like a creepy dude. What's his name?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri sighed. "Wouldn't I like to know." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"You don't know? Why do you want to find him?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"He- he didn't talk," She stammered, fully aware of how insane she was beginning to sound. "But he was here. And then he left. And I want to know who he is and what he wants from me." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Huh. Maybe he was just looking for fish?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"It didn't seem like that. He seemed... really interested in the baby..." She shifted uneasily. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Oh?" Kiran frowned and cocked an eyebrow. "Hm... maybe he just never saw a human kitpup before. Guessing you are a human." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I am." She nodded, then sighed. "It's... I just don't know what to do. He didn't say anything. He just... stood there." Clearly, this experience had unsettled her. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Hmh", Kiran nodded their head to the side, shifted to a more comfortable position and munched on a fish for a while. They watched Jymaiyri thoughtfully. They were mildly interested about the strange man, mostly because of the description. They were also trying to figure out why Jymaiyri was so upset. "Was he big?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"He was about... this tall." She held her free hand about half-a-foot higher than her head. "Without the horns. The horns made him taller." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Hmmh." Kiran nodded, tilting their head and seeming to scrutinize this information. They could understand that someone bigger and stronger would seem more intimidating and threatening. That's how avesauria and even lacervos came across to Kiran, even when they didn't have a little one to care for. So a mothering female probably would feel defensive in the presence of a large male. Especially if he seemed kinda rough like the description made it seem. "You probably don't need to worry about it. If he's not here anymore he's not a threat to you." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"But he could still be out there. He is still out there, since none of us can get out." She sighed. "If you do see him, or find anything else about him, please tell me." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"I mean. I just doubt he's actually out to get you. But you can just not let him in, too. But sure. I can tell you", Kiran promised, although they planned spending their time tightly curled up in a corner, covered in blankets and hiding from a particular electric frog man. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Thanks." Jymaiyri said, not mentioning how the first time the man had shown up, he hadn't seemed to come through the door. "I appreciate it." @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"No prob", Kiran hummed, and finished eating the figh they had been munching on. Then they stayed quiet for a moment, pondering if it was worth it trying to find the dining hall. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri fell silent again as she tended to Minerva. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

After a little while, the lerava stood up again and started moving towards the door. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymairyi didn't make any move to stop them. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

They left without another word. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Goodbye, Kiran!!

1

.... Knock knock knock. ".. Jymaiyri?" Agustín said from outside. He sounded.. tired. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri had just put Minerva down for a nap when Agustin knocked. She opened the door for him, and at first seemed startled and apprehensive, but her gaze softened once she realized who it was. "Oh. Hello again, Agustín." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustin was holding his hand over his shoulder, but otherwise looked fine. He quickly went inside, closing the door behind him. "The creature. It moved. I don't know where it went anymore. I tried to fight it but.. It got away." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri regrew her thorny defenses once Agustin was inside, and shut the door behind them. "The- oh." Her face fell into an expression of concern. "Did it hurt you? Where did it look like it was going?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Um.. No, it didn't hurt me.." Agustín sighed. "I'm not sure. I lost it in all the snow. But.. I don't think it is coming after you.. It just seemed pretty scared." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"That's... good. It could be worse." Jymaiyri sighed. "Thank you, for trying to fight it. Even if it ran off." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"You don't have to thank me, even if it seemed scared at the moment, I don't feel safe with it being out and about on this side.." Agustín said. "How have you been holding up in here?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I've been... alright. I just put Minerva down for a nap..." She glanced over at the baby. "... Zahara actually came by earlier. And... Rakin showed up." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"He did? Did something happen or was he just checking on Zahara..? I haven't seen her in a while.." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Well-" Jymaiyri glanced away, a bit reluctant to share this. "I, kind of- hit Zahara, and he appeared- but you have to understand, she said that Rakin killed Yeonai because he thought we should be divorced. I don't- I guess my emotion got the better of me." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"You hit her?" Agustín frowned and leaned back against the counter. "Yeah that's- that's in line with stuff she's said before.. I'm sorry it hurt your feelings. I.. Can't agree with your actions there. I'm sure Rakin is watching you like a hawk now." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"It's about the most insulting thing anyone's ever had the nerve to say to my face. I... understand why she said it, why she thinks that. But it doesn't excuse it." Jymaiyri said. It was unclear how much remorse she felt about that. "I'm sure he is. Can't imagine it'll end up good for me. He already threatened Minerva." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Zahara is very sheltered from.. Human issues. And most other things. And her devotion to Raina is all she has left here to keep her sane. She's just trying to justify him being a murderous lunatic.." Agustín rubbed the back of his neck. "He threatened the baby? Why?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Agustín. She insinuated that my husband deserved to die because Rakin thought we were a bad couple. We're all in this- hell together. It doesn't justify her actions." Jymaiyri crossed her arms, and sighed. "He said that he didn't appreciate me assaulting Zahara and all. Implied that he might do something to Minerva if it happened again. I... I don't know. But it was a threat. I'm not making that up." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"And I'm saying I don't think she knows what she's talking about. She's just as stressed as the rest of us, including you. And I'd say you're plenty even now after you hit her." Agustin said. "I believe you about that part. That's.. not beneath Rakin to do." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri nodded. "I can understand that. I just... I don't want to make excuses for myself, but I'm not in a state of mind where it's easy to regulate my emotions." She glanced to Minerva again. "If he so much as lays a hand on her..." She trailed off, thinking it better than to finish that thought. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I.. If he does hurt her, heaven forbid, what could we even do..? He's.. If you try to fight him, he'd probably just kill you too.." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

(bleeding eye tw) Just out of Jymaiyri's peripheral, he stepped into the room as if from nowhere, until he was next to the crib, then looming over it. Quietly, he gazed into it, at Minerva, expressionless, clouded eye dripping blood that never hit the floor, and his fingertips gently scraped the top of the crib wall. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I don't know... it's not like I can let him hurt her, she's..." Abruptly, she trailed off, as she caught sight of him. She turned away from Agustín, heart pounding in her chest. "Hey! Get away from her!" She exclaimed, addressing the apparition- though to Agustín, she'd be talking to nothing. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @soul | 🎻

Agustín flinched back as Jymaiyri suddenly yelled. "Are you okay?! Um- there's nothing there.." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @soul | 🎻

(tw bleeding eye again) He didn't look up as Jymaiyri yelled, focused on the babby. He moved his hand so the palm ran across the surface of the crib wall rather than his fingertips. Blood dripped from his eye but vanished before it hit the crib mattress next to Minerva's face. His hand moved in and out of the crib, in a rocking motion, but the crib did not move with him. He didn't seem to notice. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Stop that!" Jymaiyri exclaimed, and got up to approach the crib, but didn't get halfway to it before she stopped as Agustín spoke. "Wh- he's right there! Don't you see him?!" This was a pretty distinctive guy! @soul | 🎻 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Jymaiyri there's- there's nothing there. I promise you. Unless another one of your powers is seeing ghosts, you may be experiencing stress induced hallucinations or- or something like that. No one else is here." Agustín said calmly. "I-if you want I can go to wherever you're seeing that thing and prove its not real." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @soul | 🎻

Yeah girl how does it feel. He paid no mind to any of this conversation- his ear twitched at Agustin's explanation but it seemed unwillingly, instinctual. Just as the hand trying to gently push and pull the crib, and yet it did nothing. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

A hallucination. It made sense. Too much sense. That would explain how he seemed to disobey the rules of physics, or life. But he seemed too real. And she wasn't insane. Jymaiyri trembled. At least, Minerva was asleep now. "A- a hallucination..." She repeated. "Please... please go over to it... it's by Minerva's crib." Her vulnerability sickened her. (edited)

8:37 PM

@Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @soul | 🎻

Agustín slowly approached the crib and walked around it, waving his arms to be sure he'd hit the thing if it was there. He made a full loop around the crib. "Is it still there?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @soul | 🎻

As Agustin waved his arms, one passed through his chest. He immediately froze, bent over the crib, yellow eye glowing. Then the glow faded away, though he stayed coiled, staring wide-eyed at the baby, his form juddering as if a glitch. But he stayed. Stayed dead still. His only movement was his head tilting up to stare at Jymaiyri, his expression the same but the angle forcing upon him the perspective of anger through his eyebrows. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"He's still there- your arm went through him, and- and he stopped moving, and now he's staring at me..." She was terrified. Why was she so terrified. "Agustín, he looks so real..." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @soul | 🎻

Agustin looked where Jymaiyri was looking and stepped in front of it to block her view. "What does he look like?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @soul | 🎻

He stepped away from the crib, moving around it, until he was next to Jymaiyri, tilting his head as he stared her up and down. Hey guy. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Jymaiyri's gaze followed the apparition as it moved, and backed away as it approached her. "He's taller than me, and he's all red, and he has these horns, but one of them's broken off... and his hands are all broken and bent. His skin is decaying, his face is gaunt... one of his eyes is blue, like Yeonai's.. and his chest is open. His heart is gone..." @soul | 🎻 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (general gross corpse stuff)

"Wh-.." Agustín also followed Jymairyi's gaze here, trying to stay in front of the apparition. "That.. Honestly sounds like some kind of demon. Have you ever seen it before?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @soul | 🎻

He stared at her, his face neutral now he wasn't looking up, and he drifted over to the counters, running a hand across them as if collecting dust. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Jymaiyri shook her head. "I've never even seen anyone like him before." She still trembled under the apparition's gaze. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @soul | 🎻

"Well, then this must be caused by the stress of losing Yeonaixho, I can only assume.." Agustín said. "I'm sure it's scary, but you will just have to ignore it. It can't hurt you. It can't do anything." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @soul | 🎻

Sure. The stress of losing Yeonaixho. Yeah why not. He inspected his hand for dust, then kept brushing his hand against the counter top, ignoring Jymaiyri and Agustin. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Stress. It was probably just stress. That made sense. "God..." She muttered, and took in a few deep breaths. At least, she managed to tear her gaze away from the thing. "I'm going insane..." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I'm not sure if insane is the right word- it's.. A bit harsh. I think the stress is taking a toll on all of us." Agustín cleared his throat, his gills wiggling in the air. "We're all in an impossible situation, I'm sure if we can get out you won't be seeing that thing anymore.." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @soul | 🎻

"Well, I don't exactly feel sane. And I'm the one hallucinating demons." Jymaiyri said, a hint of dry sarcasm to her tone. She sighed. "Do you really think we're going to be able to get out?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I'm sure we will." He wasn't sure. He was actually pretty sure of the opposite. "And.. I'm sure at least you can, even if it's by the rules of the maze.. You can be the sole winner and leave. I'm not sure where that leaves us amphibs, but considering we're not participating, I'm guessing we'd leave too.." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri had to think about her next words. Winning would mean survival, but it would also mean survival at the expense of the lives of everyone else here. "I don't know... I'm not a fighter. I don't think I could win this entire thing. Maybe, if everyone else has allergies." She let out a dry laugh. "Mhm... maybe so. Lucky you all, I guess." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I wouldn't say anyone here is lucky." Agustín mumbled. "But besides getting out the old fashioned way, people like Moses are working hard to find a way out. I am too. And I'm sure others are.. There's gotta be a way out of here. I know Rakin has my compass that can travel across universes. We just have to find that." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri turned to Agustín, a confused look upon her face. "You have a compass that can travel through universes?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Well- my dad did. Long story with rising from the afterlife and fighting a big dragon. Rakin stole it to kidnap everyone I'm pretty sure.. my sobrino saw him with it." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Huh." Jymaiyri paused. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around all this multiverse stuff... but that makes sense. Stands to reason he'd need something to pull us all in here..." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Mhm. So all we have to do is get that, kill Rakin, and then send everyone home.. Hopefully.. That can't be too hard." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Not hard at all." Jymaiyri echoed. "What about... the other guy? The floating one, with the eyes? What are we gonna do about it?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Um.. I guess we also need to kill that one too. So kill two people then send everyone home." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Right." Jymaiyri nodded. She was doubtful any of that would actually happen or work as intended, but it wasn't like she had any better ideas. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Even if it's hard, it's not entirely hopeless." Agustín said. But that was the extent of the hope he had to give. ".. besides Zahara and Rakin, and the hallucination, have things in here been fine..?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Nothing's fine," Jymaiyri sighed. "But I'm managing. It's good to have access to actual supplies for Minerva, and this building keeps out the cold. If the weather clears up soon, I might try to go to that dining hall you mentioned." Her appetite was finally returning. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I could bring you back food, if you'd like. I'd hate for Minerva to have to go out in that cold.. It looks like it's going to be storming for another hour or so." Agustín said. "Or if you'd like to go to help yourself, I could stay and watch Minerva. I don't think the creature will mess with me again I really.. Beat it up." Sure you did, Agustín. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri thought about it. "Do you have something to put the food in? If you think you could watch Minerva..." She felt like she could trust Agustín. At least, more than others here. "You said you've taken care of babies before, right?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I don't have any baskets, no, and anything I brought would be cold by the time I get here." Agustín said. "And yes, I watched Kian when he was a baby for a... Few hours at a time with my father. I should be able to manage Minerva on my own." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

He's still here. He's been here. Trying to clean. Looking freaky. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

That wasn't the most reassuring. Jymaiyri tried not to look at the ghost, and sighed. "Well, she is asleep now... I think I'll go get something to eat. Just- watch her while she sleeps, comfort her if she wakes up. There's formula and diapers if needed. I should be back soon." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Well, he hadn't changed a diaper in.. Many years. He couldn't hide a little wrinkle in his nose at hearing that. Hopefully Minerva would just stay sleeping.. "Okay, I can do all that." He probably couldn't, but hey, it wouldn't be for too long. Surely nothing would happen. "The dining hall is just straight north from here, if the snow hasn't blocked in the paths I know I trudged up one earlier." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Thanks. I should be back... pretty soon." Jymaiyri nodded, and prepared herself to go outside. Once she was all bundled up, she paused at the door. "Good luck with the baby. Stay safe." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustín stepped back over to the crib and sat down behind it, looking through the bars so both Minerva and the door were visible. "You too. I hope the food is still good over there." Agustín nodded. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Agustín stepped back over to the crib and sat down behind it, looking through the bars so both Minerva and the door were visible. "You too. I hope the food is still good over there." Agustín nodded. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri gave Agustín one last stern nod, before leaving out the door. She shut in firm behind her.

Agustín just sat there, looking between the baby and the door..

He did not follow her.

Agustín was still staring at Minerva. He hadn't taken his eyes off of her..

Well, Jymaiyri was back here! She removed her fortifications, opened the door, then regrew them all before addressing Agustín. Jymaiyri walked straight over to the crib and looked to Minerva- still sleeping, very peacefully. Thank God. "How was the baby?" She asked Agustín. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

As Jymaiyri entered, Agustín finally leaned away from the crib and rubbed his eyes. "She's been fine. Just sleeping.." Agustín sighed. "I'm sure she's appreciated no thunder and lightning for a bit." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm, I bet she is." Minerva did look pretty chill. No ghosts haunting this baby just good dreams. "How have you been?" She asked Agustín, finally. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. If I'm honest, not great. I think I'm getting a cold." Agustin cleared his throat and stood up, with some support from the wall. "This lack of sunlight for the past month and a half.. I don't think it's doing me well." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm..." Jymaiyri hummed in acknowledgment. With everyone in such close proximity, and with the distinct lack of qualified healers around (sorry Agustín), illness was definitely a threat. "You should make some tea for yourself. It might help, at least a bit. Maybe I can grow some ginger for a home remedy later." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Eugh- all I drank for that time was pine-needle tea and water.. Y'know, that probably didn't help either. My first real meal here was earlier today." Agustin sighed. "Any remedies would be pretty appreciated, my powers might help a bit, but they're better with minor physical injuries.. Right now, anyway. My grandparent had these powers and they could do a lot more. So. Maybe a me problem.." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Hmph. Maybe I'll grow some herbs for some better tea. Don't think any tea tree will flourish with how cold it is... but I can make something." Jymaiyri mused. "Maybe some thyme and peppermint. Probably gonna make an awful tasting tea, to be honest, but it might make you feel better." She didn't comment on the healing-powers talk. It was still a bit of a sore subject. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I've never had that kind of tea, but anything you think will help." Agustin nodded. "Anyway, enough about that, how was your meal? You were gone for a while.." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"It was decent. Good to eat something actually filling. I think I needed it." She hummed, and sat down by the crib so she could watch Minerva through the bars. "I met up with Isabelle, someone I met on the other side, and we both went over to the phones. I called my friend Hanishadria." She sighed. "It went... as well as it could've gone." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

He hadn't met this 'Isabelle' before.. But he recognized her name from the first fight announcement. She won, obviously. "Ah, you used your phone call. I'm glad you could talk to someone you knew." Agustin nodded. "Did you see any new rooms open up while you were out? There's been another fight since I found the dining hall open. So there might be a new room open on this side..." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"They're all new to me. None of these rooms were open when I was around here last time." Jymaiyri sighed. "But I didn't see anything that looked particularly new." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Oh, it's been that long.. Wow." Agustin said. "There's that phone room, the dining hall, a camera room that the creature was using to watch someone, and now potentially another one.. What things are open on the other side? Anything useful?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Wow." Jymaiyri made a note that the creature perhaps frequented the camera room. Just in case. "On the other side... there's apparently a TV room, and a place with ice cream themed around all the fight losers. So... not as useful." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. A TV room and ice cream..." Agustin frowned. Yeah, this side was awful and probably an active detriment to his health, but at least there were things here. Buuut there were more open on this side as well, maybe A side was just getting bad luck. ".. Does your husband have a flavor then, too..? That's- that's really weird... It's all weird, I should clarify, but..." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri grimaced. "I guess so? I didn't check it out myself. It appeared after Celena's fight." She didn't want to think about what ice cream flavor they'd made Yeonaixho into. "God, it feels gross to think about." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. Yes.. Very. I'm sorry that's out there." Agustin mumbled. "Well, if you're all set in here, I'm going to go look around for a new room. Maybe there will be something useful.. Or something stupid and uselss like a ski resort or something.." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm. Good luck out there. Hope it's not morbidly themed cocoa, or something." Jymaiyri hummed. "And, thanks for watching over Minnie while I was out. I appreciate it a lot." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. True, I hope not. If there's something useful out there, I'll let you know." Agustín said and walked over to the door. "And it was no big deal, she was pretty peaceful." "Could you clear off the door again, please?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh, of course." Jymaiyri nodded, and got up with Agustín. She cleaned away the thorns from the door and let Agustín through. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Thank you. Stay safe and warm in here." Agustín gave her a little smile before walking out. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Thank you. Stay safe and warm in here." Agustín gave her a little smile before walking out. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri regrew the thorns over the door once Agustin had left. "Stay safe." She said through the vines, before shuting the door. bye!

A flash of light, and Sovran appeared in the kitchen. He dropped to the tile flooring with a grunt of pain as his leg screamed with agony. Blood began gushing from his stump of a leg now that Kian wasn’t using his ability to keep the blood within his body. There was already a decent sized pool of blood around him. With trembling hands, he forced light to form overhead and felt as it healed the damage. By the end of it, he was breathing hard and heavily as the blood slowed down. It wasn’t healed all the way, but a decent amount. His hands reached out to tighten the belt to prevent more blood from coming out when he noticed where he was. Huh, a kitchen- Oh, a kitchen that was occupied right now. “H-hey, Jymaiyri.” Sovran gave her a bloodied two-finger salute in greeting. “Good to see ya.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 [Sovran’s at 22 HP]

Jymaiyri, who had been playing with Minerva with all the cheer she could muster at this time, yelped in surprise when Sovran appeared suddenly, and only seemed to get more concerned the more of his state she took in. "What the - Sovran?" She exclaimed. "What happened to you- are you okay? Wh- where's your leg?!" In a hasty movement, she put Minerva back down in the crib and rushed over to him, helping him sit up. "What happened?" She repeated. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Sorry to just drop on in,” Sovran grunted as he was helped into a seated position. He bit back a groan of pain as he leaned his head back and squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. Now that he wasn’t in front of Kian, he felt that he could express the pain he was in. And god, this man was in agony. He was significantly paler and trembling with shock and blood-loss. His clothes were torn still and mostly bloodied. Not a good time. “H-had to help Kian out,” Sovran said. “The kid’s got trouble with his powers, so- I t-took one of ‘em. Poison. It ate up my leg. D-don’t regret it, th-this would’ve killed that kid eventually, I’m handlin’ it well enough.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Shit! Fuck! Shit!" She understood why he'd done it, but this was just a bad situation. Where was Yeonaixho with his healing powers when you needed him! He was dead. But she couldn't dwell on that for long, or else Sovran might join him. She hovered a hand over the stone floor, and nothing happened . "Fuck these stupid powers," She grumbled, and instead tore off her white undershirt. She pressed it to Sovran's bleeding stump. "At least this is absorbent..." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran’s vision darkened entirely at the sudden pressure against the wound. A little warning would’ve been nice. He blinked repeatedly and tried to focus his gaze on Jymaiyri. After a few moments, he spoke up. “Your powers are m-mighty helpful,” He commented, because that was the more important thing to discuss. “You gr-grew us a whole farm.” He sucked in a deep breath. “Sorry to have ya ruin your shirt..” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Sorry Sov, she's a tiny bit stressed right now. "Well, they're not very useful right now." She grumbled, and once again moved a hand to try and grow something, keeping the other over Sovran's wound. This time, her powers actually worked, and a broad-leafed tropical plant sprouted from the cracks in the floor. It didn't look like it was faring too well in the cold, dark environment, especially when Jymaiyri started plucking off the large leaves and wrapping them around Sovran's stump as bandages, using the stems as twin to keep them secure. "It's fine. I'll be fine." She sighed. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran was gritting his teeth the whole time she was tending to his wound. By the time Jymaiyri was done, he was red in the face. He finally took in a deep breath and let it out as a shuddering exhale. “Thanks, Jymaiyri,” He managed out. “I owe you another one for helpin’ to save my life..” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah... no problem. You would've done the same for me." Jymaiyri said, calming down as it seemed Sovran was doing better. She fastened her coat over her now- bare chest. "Jeez. Fuck. You lost your leg..." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran took note to wash his jacket and give it to Jymaiyri later. She’d need it to endure the cold. “In a heartbeat, I would’ve,” Sovran answered immediately. He looked down at his leg. “Yeah, it’s- Gone.” He gave her a thumbs up with his left hand. “Guess this is what’s left, huh?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri nodded shakily. "Maybe... I can make you some crutches or something, later. I can carve them from some wood, or something." She grimaced at all the blood around. "How are you feeling? Do you need anything to eat? There's just fish jerky here, but it's better than nothing." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I’d appreciate that big time, I’d be able to move around a bit," Sovran nodded. “I’m feelin’- Bit lightheaded still, but I feel a bit more grounded now. Don’t got much of an appetite, if I’m honest. Think the pain took that away.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"Mhm. I'll definitely try to get to that soon, then." Jymaiyri sighed. "Understandable. Completely understandable. If you do want anything, just give me a shout." She sighed. "You're taking this better than I would've..." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Appreciate that. I’ll let you know if my appetite comes back.” Sovran glanced down to his leg. Or rather, lack of one. “I’ve been through a lot of physical pain in my life. This hurts, but it just feels like another incident to add to the list of things that’ve happened.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri considered this. "I suppose that's true... I don't want to tell you how to feel. I just know I'd be freaking out about loosing a limb. But everyone reacts to things differently...." She thought again of Yeonaixho, and tried not to. "That must be some pretty potent poison, if it did all this." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Maybe I'd be freakin' out 'bout it, too." He remained looking at the stump. "Dunno if it's hit me yet, or if it has. My head's a bit foggy, if I'm honest." He sighed. "Yeah, it's pretty powerful stuff. As soon as I took the power from Kian, it started to eat me up. It's better me than the kid, I can at least choose when to use this power, rather than have the kid be left wonderin' if he'll accidentally be forced to use it." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"Mhm, it could be that, too." Jymaiyri nodded. She sighed. "Yeah, that kid doesn't need to be loosing any more limbs. Not that anyone does... poor kid. I worry for him, with all his... drama. His powers don't seem like the kindest to have. At least, he won't have to worry about poisoning himself anymore." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Could be," The man ran a hand through his hair, grimacing when he felt his blood stick to it. Great. He definitely needed a shower soon. "I worry for him too." Sovran paused for a moment. "I wanna take him under my wing. Not that I think that I'm the best guardian for him, but.. The kid does need guidance, I think I can help him out with that." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm. I mean, having you around would probably be better than nothing." Jymaiyri shrugged. At that moment, baby Minnie began crying out- not intensely, but just enough to signal she had some need that wasn't being met. Probably not being close to her mom. Clingy babby. "Oh, Minnie." Jymaiyri got up, wiped her bloody hands on her pants, and scooped Minerva into her arms. The baby did seem to calm down once she was held, though she seemed ... particularly interested in all the blood around. Weird. "What're you looking at?" Jymaiyri asked her daughter, "Wait- you don't think it's freaking her out, do you?" Minerva didn't look very freaked out. She looked curious, more than anything. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Oh, shoot, sorry, Minnie," Sovran winced. "I wish that I could've dropped in elsewhere so she wouldn't be exposed to this." Sovran squinted at the baby. "But she doesn't look scared.. She looks intrigued. I don't know from what, though." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I guess she's never really seen blood before..." Jymaiyri frowned, and watched Minerva. "This doesn't seem like the reaction a baby should have to seeing all this, though." Even in her mother's hold, Minerva stretched her tiny little arms out towards the puddles. The blood directly beneath her began to faintly ripple, flowing backwards towards the center of the puddle. "Wh-" Jymaiyri sputtered when she realized what was happening. "Minerva?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran stared at the puddle of his blood and how it moved. His eyes widened. "Does she got- Blood powers?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri looked from her baby, back to the rippling blood, to her baby again, and then back to the blood. "Maybe?? I've never even heard of blood powers before!" She wasn't prepared for any of this. Once Yeonaixho had... passed, she had all but assumed Minerva would take his powers. But Yeonaixho could never do this. "Minnie! You weren't supposed to develop powers til you were two! That's what the doctor said!" Minerva just giggled at her, seemingly pretty excited about what she could do. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran let out a rather joyful laugh. "Maybe she's just eager to make you proud! She loves you very much." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Ehhh...." Jymaiyri repositioned Minerva so she could see the baby's face, though Minerva was still mostly focused on making a big bubble of blood. "Did she really have to have such... gross powers? I mean, where did this even come from? I've got plants, and Yeonai has- had healing. Where did blood come from?" She asked Sovran, like he would know. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran had his gaze fixed on the little bubble. “Y’know, I’ll be honest, I ain’t too sure. Sometimes powers like this randomly spawn in, or a distant, far off relative had that power. Maybe that’s how she got it?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Maybe..." Jymaiyri sighed. That was something they could worry about later. Once a big enough bubble had formed, Minerva tried to lift it up into the air- though, that seemed a bit too difficult for her little baby skills, and it burst open on the ground, making an even bigger mess. "Eughhh..." Jymaiyri grumbled, looking around the kitchen. "God, this place is a mess... and so are we. Blegh." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran gave a small laugh as the bubble popped. “I’ll be sure to rinse this place on down with some water once I’m a bit strong enough,” Sovran said. “It’ll be good as new.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm, I appreciate it." Jymaiyri nodded. She didn't want to give Sovran work right after he'd almost died there, but she also didn't see another way the kitchen was getting cleaned. "There's a bathroom somewhere around here if you wanna clean up..." She hummed. She'd probably have to carry Sovran over there. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

used /r

# 17
Details:[d20 (17)]

Sovran hummed as he formed water. He began to rinse the floors with small waves of water that he would then move into the sink. Maybe not the cleanliest place to despose of bloody water, but it was the best option he had. Sovran did several rounds of this until the floors were nice and clean! He made an orb of fresh water float up to Jymaiyri so she could rinse her hands off. “Bathroom, huh? I’ll definitely have to head over there soon.” He motioned to his bloody body. “This’ll dry up real soon.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri set Minerva back down in the crib, and gratefully washed her hands in the water bubble. "I can get started on those crutches for ya. Can you watch Minerva while I'm out getting wood?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“‘Course, I’ll keep an eye on her,” Sovran nodded. He made a water bubble for himself and rinsed out his hands. He doubted that he’d have to hold the baby, but just in case he’d have to force himself up to his foot, he would. “‘preciate you makin’ them crutches for me.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri managed a weak smile. "Of course. It's the least I can do. Minerva's just in the crib over there- and I should be back pretty soon. Good luck." She didn't waste much time before leaving the kitchen, leaving Sovran alone with the babby. Minerva was pretty chill, just babbling to herself. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Take your time, we’ll be alright.” Sovran offered her a grin. He watched as she left the room, then he turned to Minerva. “How’re you doin’, baby girl? Havin’ fun just talkin’ with yourself, huh?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva smiled at Sovran, and tried to roll over to face him. Seems she's pretty happy to be spending some time with uncle Sovran! @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran chuckled at the sight of the baby. He continued to speak with her to fill the silence. It was mostly just non-sense. "You're so well-spoken, Minnie," Sovran, at one point, commented at the sound of her babbling. "That's a real strong opinion that you got there. Real bold." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva truly had some insightful opinions on so many things. Queen of hot takes. Setter of trends. No one is doing it like her. Icon. Legend. She is the moment. A while later, Jymaiyri returned, making sure to regrow her thorny defenses before shutting the door. She was carrying under her arms two large, long blocks of wood, and set them on the floor of the kitchen. "Hey, Sov! How's the baby doing?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"She's doin' real good," Sovran said with a grin. "We were havin' a real deep conversation just now about our existence as a whole. She's got some pretty good takes as to why we're here." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Really? Sounds about right." Jymaiyri laughed, and sat down with the blocks of wood. She estimated roughly the size crutches a man of Sovran's height would need, and began carving out a rough framework with her knife. Same knife she'd taken from this very kitchen all that time ago. "Now, I've never made crutches before, so these might be a bit rough." She cautioned. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"You got a very clever girl here," Sovran laughed. At the sight of her getting to work on the crutches, he sat up a bit straighter. "It's alright, I'm willin' to take anythin'. Anythin's appreciated, even if I get a few splinters along the way." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri's automatic response might've been 'she gets it from her father', as she had easily answered such remarks before, though, it stung too much to verbalize that. "Ah- I suppose I do." She laughed awkwardly, and tried to regain composure. Seems thinking of Yeonaixho cost her some time on getting the crutches carved. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran fell silent for a moment, sensing the slight shift in energy. He sat up further and cleared his throat, "Is there anythin' I can do to help?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri shook her head- more to clear it than anything- and got back to work. "No, it's alright. I was just... thinking." She seemed pretty relieved to have something to focus on that wasn't her feelings. "Do you think this will be tall enough for you?" She showed Sovran the outline she had made. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Penny for your thoughts? " Sovran asked. "If not- That's fine, too." He hummed and looked at the crutch. "It looks like its tall enough, it looks good, Jymaiyri." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Ehhh... you don't want to hear all my whining about Yeonai." Jymaiyri sighed. Not much progress on the crutches right now. Girl. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"I do, if it'll lift some weight off of your shoulders and your heart," Sovran offered. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri sighed, and paused her work. "It's just... I don't even know how to talk about him anymore. He's just... gone. I don't know how to deal with him being gone." She didn't cry. She just trembled. "He's been in my life for... years now. I don't know how to be without him. I don't know what I am, now that I'm not by his side." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran glanced down to his stump of a leg. He remained silent for several moments before he spoke up. "When I lost my- Other," The word came out slightly strained. He continued on. "I didn't know just- How I'd go on. Didn't know how I'd exist after havin' someone in my life for so long, how he was always there by my side, then he simply- Wasn't." Sovran sighed and leaned his head back against the wall. His leg was beginning to ache painfully again. "I wish I could tell you that it gets easier, Maiyri," Sovran spoke softly. "But it's been almost two decades, and the ache's still there. I'm still tryin' to figure out who I am." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri set down her knife, and ran her hands through her hair, then cupped her face. "It's never gonna get any easier, is it..." If she had been better hydrated, she might be crying now. "It's never going to get any easier..." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"It-.. Comes and goes in waves, but- It does get a bit easier," He took in a deep breath before he let it out slowly. He wished that he could stand and give her the tight hug that she needed. "I swear, it does get a bit easier to manage." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri believed Sovran. She really did. It just hurt. Everything hurt. What could she do? What could be done, to ease this aching loneliness in her heart? "I swear to God..." She let out a shakey breath. "I am going to slaughter the thing that killed him..." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“If you need help doin’ it, I’m your guy,” Sovran spoke with a hardened voice. Then, it became slightly lighter as he attempted to grin. “I might be part of the man I used to be, but I could still hold my own and lend you a hand or two.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

(I think the sovmaiyri shippers are going on Twitter after this to say how Canon it is)

Jymaiyri's expression shifted slightly. "I want to be the one to kill it. I want to cause it pain." She was already thinking of the different ways one could butcher a fish. "But thank you. Thank you, so much." She took in a breath. "No matter what, that fish is gonna end up dead. It has to die." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Then you have my word that I’ll help you in makin’ sure that you get the last blow,” Sovran gave a bow of his head. “I swear, you’ll get your revenge, Maiyri.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri nodded firmly, filled with viscious determination. She set her hands back on the block of wood destined to become Sovran's crutches, but didn't get back to work just yet. "For Yeonaixho. He deserves to be avenged." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“For Yeonaixho,” Sovran repeated. “Who was taken from us too soon.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri nodded firmly. "It's- it's all we can do for him. That, and give him a properly burial." She nodded towards the countertop, where the crystal basket of Yeonaixho's... parts remained. "Agustin gave me his remains. When we get home, I'm going to give him a proper funeral." Her voice trembled through this confession, though she remained strong. With that added determination, she got back to working on the crutches. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I see. If you need help with any of the preparations, I’d be more than happy to lend a hand in any way that I can.” Sovran offered. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Funerals in Yeonai's culture are... pretty intricate affairs. I worry I'll mess it up somehow, say the wrong thing or do something wrong... but of course, you'd be welcome to it." More steady progress on the crutches! @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"I'd appreciate that, thanks." Sovran hummed. "Even if I can lend a hand in the smallest way, I'd just be happy to be able to help." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I don't want to bury him here," Jymaiyri continued. "He deserves to rest somewhere better than this. The ground is too cold, and ... it's just so far from home." She sighed. "But when we get back, I'm going to bury him." More good progress on the crutches. It seemed easier, to deal with the pain while she was working. To talk about Yeonaixho in more objective terms. To remember he was dead, and to treat him as such. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I respect that. I think he’d like that, being buried in a place that’s familiar.” Sovran gave a nod of his head. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm. If I can, I'll try to bury him in the same cemetery as his mother." Jymaiyri hummed. She finished up the first of the crutches. "How's this look?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"I'm sure he'd like that a lot, Maiyri," Sovran grinned. As she held up the crutch, he looked over it and gave a nod of approval. "It looks great! Looks like the right size, and it looks like it'd be pretty comfortable to use." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Thank you. I really think he would." Jymaiyri hummed in thought, a lightness to her tone that wasn't there before. "Mhm, that's good." She set the finished crutch to the side and began working on the other one. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran hummed and gave a nod of his head at her response. “It’d be a loving place for him to rest, that’s for sure.” Sovran watched as she worked on the crutch. He’d glance back to Minerva and would make sure that she was alright. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minnie was just chilling, and giggled in delight when Sovran came into her field of view again. Jymaiyri focused pretty intensely on her work, but smiled at her daughter's laughter. After a pause, she dared a question. "You mentioned... a partner. Your... other. You don't have to explain anything, if you don't want to, but..." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran tried not to let his smile fade. He kept his gaze fixed on Minerva and stuck his hand through the gap of the crib, wiggling his fingers slightly over the baby. “.. He was the first person I ever came to love,” Sovran spoke softly. “I never knew what it was until I met him. We were both young, dumb, and in love. He was.. Perfection in its purest form.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

What a familiar sentiment. Jymaiyri continued her work. "It really does feel that way, doesn't it... you must've been lucky to have him." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran let out a small, saddened chuckle. “I felt like the luckiest man alive. So much had happened since then an’ now, an’.. Well, I don’t feel too lucky anymore.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I... figured as much." Jymaiyri's tone grew somber. The only bad thing about that kind of love was when it ended. "What happened to him?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran was quiet for several moments before he let out a tired sigh. “I don’t know,” He answered truthfully. “I left our home due to some- Issues that arose, but I had planned to return when I was a grown man. When I did, I discovered that my home had been attacked and raided. He was one of the individuals who was unaccounted for, so.. I don’t know. I’ve been hopin’ to one day find out the truth about his disappearance, or perhaps even find him, but I haven’t had any luck.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri looked away from Sovran for a moment, contemplating this. Was it worse to not know if your love was alive, or to see them killed? She didn't know. It all hurt, but the hurt was so different. Even if Sovran found his partner, would he be the same after all those years? She couldn't voice the question- it wasn't hers to voice, and was surely something Sovran had thought of before. "So... he could still be out there, somewhere, and you'd have no idea... that's horrible." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Yup,” Sovran smiled. He finally looked over to Jymaiyri, exhausted and sad. “Pretty horrible, ain’t it? It’s been- Years of me wonderin’ if he’s even alive, or if he’s stuck somewhere, or.. If he’s just livin’ life happily somewhere safe with someone. I like to think of the latter sometimes.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

There was little Jymaiyri could offer as support. She continued her carving, finding quiet solace in the way the wood peeled beneath the blade of her knife. Quiet, steady motions. "Do you ever wonder if he's looking for you?" She said, after a pause. "Sorry, that might be too... difficult..." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Nah, it’s alright, sometimes we gotta ask the difficult questions, y’know? Part of the whole- Healin’ process.” He took in a deep breath before he let it out slowly. “No, I.. Know he’s not lookin’ for me,” Sovran sighed. His hand uncharacteristically fiddled with the material of his shirt. “Things left off on a- Rough note for us both. I don’t think he’s out there lookin’ for me.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm..." Jymaiyri sighed. She briefly paused her work, her hands stilling over the wood. "That's... not the best scenario. But, perhaps he's moved on, and found happiness in his own life, on his own. Maybe, you can too." The words spilled out of her, like running water. "All love has to end at some point, doesn't it? That's what makes it so precious when we do have it. It's something we want to hold onto- something warm and bright and beautiful in the midst of this bleak, dark world. But... nothing can hold a star forever. At some point, we just end up holding our own memories." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Like to think he’s found someone. I think happiness is out there for me.” He ran a hand through his messy curls. “It hurts to lose love, but that time you got it? It’s meaningful and valuable. They’re cherishable moments. But they’re also learnin’ moments, too. We take ‘em and learn from ‘em, and carry on to the next love, and hope it’s just as, or even more, lovin’ and passionate.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri managed a small smile. She sighed. "Yeonai... he was always so full of love. He had so much care for everyone that came into his life. I am... so lucky I was the object of his care, even for how briefly our time in one another's lives really was. He loved so many, and he loved so strongly." She paused. "I guess... all I can do now is take the love he gave me, and carry it with me, and give it back to those around me. I... really think that's what he would've wanted." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I think it’s what he would’ve wanted, too. Yeonaixho was a great man, he was always extendin’ out a hand to everyone an’ was makin’ sure that they were alright.” He paused before speaking once more. “My ‘other’ was a lot like that. He cared for everyone who crossed his path and took in any child under his wing. He was kind, tender, and lovin’ to all. I think he’d want me to replicate that and spread some good to this world. It’s what I’ve been tryin’ to do.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"He really was..." Jymaiyri sighed wistfully. "He sounds like an incredible person," She managed a smile. "It's... really all we can do to continue their work. Their kindness. In a way... they can keep on living through us." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Mmhm. With every moment, we carry ‘em with us. They’ll stick around with us through thick an’ thin.” Sovran hummed. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyr hummed. It was a comforting thought, that she'd carry Yeonaixho's legacy along with her. It was what he deserved, to never be forgotten. She finished up the second crutch. "I think this should be finished now... how do they look?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“They look good, Jymaiyri.” Sovran grinned. “You did a great job with ‘em! Should I take ‘em out for a spin?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Sure- they should support your weight well." Jymaiyri handed Sovran the crutches. "Do you need any help getting up?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I wouldn’t mind a helpin’ hand,” Sovran admitted with a small chuckle. “I’ll admit, I’m just a bit lightheaded still.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm, don't over-exert yourself." Jymaiyri cautioned, but helped Sovran up by letting him drape his weight over her shoulder. She helped him get the crutches in the right position, and stepped back once she was sure he could stand on his own. "How's that feel?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I won’t, I’ll be careful,” Sovran gave her a grin and another two-finger salute. Yes, ma’am. He settled himself comfortably onto the crutches with Jymaiyri’s help. His head still felt light, and the feeling only grew now that he was standing. However, he didn’t waver or fall. The height on the crutches were both perfect for him, and they were comfortable enough that Sovran knew he could spend quite a lot of time on them. “Maiyri,” Sovran flashed her another grin. “You’ve outdone yourself with these. Thank you.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri couldn't help but let a prideful smile overtake her features. "Well, I tried. You're welcome. I've never made crutches before, so I'm glad to know I've got a talent for it." She laughed. "They should suit you well enough, but if they do break I can probably make a replacement." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“First time makin’ ‘em? You’re a natural!” Sovran laughed. “I’ll be careful not to break ‘em. I can’t let all your hard work go to waste.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm, it's the least I can do." Jymaiyri smiled. "Seriously, though, don't be getting yourself into trouble." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"I won't, I won't get into more trouble," Sovran reassured her with a quiet chuckle. "After all, I can't have you savin' my rear for a third time. I've put you through enough trouble already." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I trust you." Jymaiyri finally relented with a slight laugh. "Well, I can't have you dying on me, so..." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

'Third time's the charm,' Sovran wanted to comment. Though, he fought back that thought. "I won't go dyin' on you," He spoke instead. "S'long as you don't go dyin' on me, alright?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I don't plan on letting anything here kill me." Jymaiyri nodded, with a newfound determination. And she meant it. She really did. "After all, I've got the baby, and who else is gonna save your ass when you get in trouble again." That last part was said with a playful lightness. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran believed her. A part of him hoped that he wasn't her opponent. After all, there was nothing like the rage and desperation of a mother to live for the sake of her child. He hoped to be spared from that wrath. "I believe you, you got a little one to look after," Sovran chuckled. "An' that last part's true. There's no one else lookin' out for me the way that you do. Much appreciated, Maiyri." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri nodded, and spared a glance towards Minerva. "I can't leave her alone. I can't loose my fight. For her sake." She sighed. "Well, as long as I'm still around, you can count on me to look out for you. You've done a lot for me. It's the least I can do." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"I get that. If I had a little one of my own, I'd be fightin' tooth an' nail. I get it." Sovran nodded. He decided to test the waters a bit with his crutches. He balanced on one foot and used the crutches to move forward, finding that it wasn't all that difficult. Alright, nice, movin' and groovin'. Sweet. "You've done plenty more for me than I could ever hope to repay you with," Sovran chuckled. "If there's anythin' I can do for you to help out in any way, lemme know. I'll do whatever I can to try an' help." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri stepped out of the way so Sovran could test out moving with his crutches. "You don't have to repay me." She reassured, going back over to the crib and scooping Minerva into her arms. "For now... Minerva and I are doing fine. I can't think of anything specific we need now. But having you around is helpful enough." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran moved around a little bit more. At times, he was a bit shaky, and it definitely seemed like he was going to fall, but he kept his balance and did great! Woo! “Nah, I want to. You’ve done a lot for me.” Sovran smiled. “I am pretty glad though that I can be helpful just by bein’ here. Still, if you or the little one needs anything, I’ll hobble as fast as I can to lend a hand.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri smiled, and gently bounced Minerva in her arms. "I don't want you to overexert yourself when you've so recently been injured. Especially not for my sake." "I am grateful for your help, though. Incredibly grateful." She turned to Minerva, "Say 'thank you' to nice Mr. Sovran!" Minerva only babbled cheerfully. (edited)

1:23 PM

@Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Ah, I’ll be fine, don’t worry about ol’ me,” Sovran chuckled and waved his hand. “I’ll be fine. I’ll do whatever I can for you.” At Minerva’s babbling, Sovran laughed and offered the baby a wave. “Thank you, Minerva, for bein’ such a great girl for your Ma!” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri nodded and smiled, though it was clear in her eyes she wasn't convinced Sovran would, in fact, be fine. Jymaiyri held up Minerva's little hand, and made her wave back to Sovran. Minerva giggled, and Jymaiyri gave her a kiss on the forehead. "You hear that, Minnie? You're great! The greatest little girl in the world!" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"The absolute best." Sovran chuckled. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"The best girl in the world." Jymaiyri smiled, and rocked Minerva in her arms, swaying slightly as she did. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I’d go far to say in the galaxy,” Sovran laughed. “Truly, the absolute best.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Based on what I've seen of space and aliens so far, I'll have to agree." Jymaiyri chuckled. "Minnie, you're truly one in a million." She kissed her baby's forehead again. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran smiled at the sight. A part of him wanted to reach out and ruffle the baby’s soft hair, but he refrained from doing so. Even if his hands were clear of blood, the rest of him was still pretty messy. It’d be best to keep his distance from the baby for the moment. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri sang a soft song to Minerva as she rocked her, spinning her around. For the first time since Yeonaixho's death, she felt brief respite from the overwhelming grief and fear and anger. She was still tired, and it still hurt, but for a moment, things were alright. "Hey, Sovran- do you know any good songs? Minnie loves to be sung to." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

At the suggestion of a song, Sovran glanced away for a second. He looked a bit embarrassed. “I- Got a couple up my sleeve,” Sovran admitted quietly. “I used to sing to the kids and the babies back home when they’d have trouble sleeping, or when they’d have a nightmare, or when the weather was bad.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"If you'd like to share one, I'm sure Minerva would love to hear it. As would I." Jymaiyri offered a supportive smile. "I think she'll enjoy something new, that isn't just my old lunarian lullabies." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Well- My voice ain’t all that good,” Sovran admitted. He glanced away once more, slightly rosy in the cheeks. “Wouldn’t want to be nails on a chalkboard for her after she got to hear such a lovely voice such as yours.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh, pshh- like my voice is anything special." Jymaiyri brushed off the compliment. "Please. For Minerva?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“You got quite a nice voice, I don’t mean to say it just to say it, I mean it,” Sovran let out a quiet chuckle. “Well, when you put it that way, how can I tell the little lady ‘no?’” Sovran adjusted his grasp on the crutches. “Now, just a matter of which one..” Definitely seemed like he was wracking his brain for a song. “.. Alright, I think I got one..” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri definitely didn't think she had a talent for music, but she wasn't going to protest that to Sovran. She adjusted Minerva in her arms, so the baby could better watch Sovran sing. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran shifted on his crutches once more, seeming a bit anxious to sing in front of Jymaiyri. However, once he began to sing, he relaxed with every line. “Wandering child of the earth Do you know just how much you're worth? You have walked this path since your birth, You were destined for more.” His voice was that of a lower tone, one that would’ve been soothing for just about anyone. In his mind, Sovran could picture a younger version of himself singing this song as he held an infant close against his chest. The lower tone and the vibration of the song from his chest would aid in lulling the young ones to sleep. “There are those who'll tell you you're wrong. They will try to to silence your song, But right here is where you belong So don't search anymore. You are the dawn of a new day that's waking, A masterpiece still in the making, The blue in an ocean of grey. You are right where you need to be, Poised to inspire and to succeed Soon you'll finally find your own way.” Once he was done, the anxiety and slight embarrassment returned. He didn’t meet Jymaiyri’s gaze, and instead looked at Minerva for her reaction. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

Jymaiyri rocked Minerva gently to the tune of the song. Sovran's low voice, and the soothing lulling of the song, all helped Minerva relax in her mother's arm. She watched Sovran intently, clearly mesmerized, but also pretty sleepy. "I think she liked it," Jymaiyri said, in a very soft tone. She kept her gaze on Minerva. "Think she's about to fall alseep, actually." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Good, that's good," Sovran smiled with relief. "She can get some much needed rest, then." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm." Jymaiyri hummed in agreement, and rocked the little baby in her arms til she slept. "It's been a very long day for her... I can't imagine how much all the stress has tired her out..." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I can only imagine.” Sovran hummed. “Maybe you should go on and get some rest with her, Maiyri. You deserve some rest, too.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm, I've been trying to. Kinda hard for me to rest, when I feel so on-edge..." She sighed, "But I feel better, that you're here." She rested Minerva in the crib, and since there was no real place for her to rest in the kitchen, sat down beside it. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran offered her a small smile. "Glad that I could make you feel a bit more at ease, Maiyri. I'll admit, havin' you 'round makes the whole 'I lost my leg' situation not as nerve-wrackin' as it should be. Appreciate your presence big time." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm." Jymaiyri hummed. She still spoke softly, since her baby was sleeping. "I'm glad. I'll admit, I was pretty freaked out about it myself, but... I'm glad my being around helped you feel better." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Yeah, I'd be freaked out 'bout that too," Sovran chuckled quietly. "Sorry again to just drop in on ya like that, I know we got no control over where we spawn in, but I'm glad that I spawned in with you. Definitely feel a lot calmer 'bout it." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Ah, it's alright. Like you said, we don't exactly have control over when or where we switch to. I'm glad you spawned here, too, at least for your sake." She hummed. "Honestly, I'm kind of glad to have something to do. Not that I want you to be hurt, or anything- of course not. But... being able to think of something other than... all of this..." She trailed off. "I guess I like feeling useful." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“It’d be a pain if I spawned outside in the cold,” Sovran chuckled. “Definitely a real pain. But I get where you’re comin’ from. It’s nice havin’ somethin’ to keep yourself busy with. Lettin’ you know, you’re plenty useful, Maiyri.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm, definitely. The weather's not getting any nicer over here." Jymaiyri sighed, and let her gaze drift. "Thank you. Right now it's... really hard to feel any sort of positive way, especially about myself, but... thank you." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Think it's plenty worst now than it had been when I dropped in before," Sovran hummed quietly. He offered Jymaiyri a small smile. "I get that, I've been that way plenty of times, but hey, you got me here to bring you some of the positives. As I said, useful. Real kind, quick thinking, cool-headed under pressure because I know for a fact other people would've panicked seein' a one-legged guy drop in from nowhere. An', above all that, you're a great mother. Minnie's lucky to have such a great mom like you." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm. It's pretty rough out there. I went out earlier to get some food." Jymaiyri said, and sighed. "Thank you. Really. I just..." She trailed off. Did she want to be reminded of her virtues, now? Virtues that had not been able to save Yeonaixho, no matter how hard she tried? She didn't know. "Ahh... nothing. Thank you." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Right, food. He still needed to eat eventually. Hell, he still had to shower first. "No problem," Sovran glanced over Jymaiyri. "Remember, I'm here if that 'nothing' becomes 'something.' If you wanna talk 'bout it, I'm all ears." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri nodded. "I will. Right now... it's too much to think about, let alone talk about. Right now, I just want to rest some." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"That's understandable, I'll respect that. Still, my door's always open," Sovran offered her a grin. "I'll leave you to get some rest, how does that sound? Meanwhile, I'll hit the shower." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Good luck out there. Minnie and I will be here when you get back." Jymaiyri offered a supportive smile. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"I'll see you both later, get some rest." Sovran grinned and offered her a two-finger salute as he made his way out of the kitchen. On to the rest room! @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri rested in the kitchen, her coat spread out as a pillow on the floor near the crib. It was hardly comfortable, but she was so weary, and sleep came quick for her. Listlessly, she drifted like a raft into unquiet, restless dreams... She dreamt she was in a bower. Not the tropical, lush forests of her home, but the denser, harsher wood of the north. Pine spread up above and around her, hardy trunks a wall of protection and entrapment alike. She had traveled to many forests like these in the waking world, and they always crept back to her through her subconciousness. Those dense woods haunted her- the winter chill that permeated through the thicket, the cawing of the crows in the boughs. The rot and decay of the old wood in spring. She could always rationalize the behavior of trees- she knew their bodies as intrinsically as she knew her own- but they still haunted her. And in her dream, she knew nothing. It was winter, in the dream, or moreso late fall. Thick fog hung in the air, but no snow had fallen. The treeline was so dense, she could not see anything but wood, no matter which direction she faced. This disquited her. Even when she looked up, all she saw was pine- and the slightest glimpse of the white, open sky. Even the underbrush was thick- thick with vining, blossomed lilies, bulbus petal fluttering slightly in the still breeze. That couldn't be right. Why so many flowers, and why here? They couldn't flourish in such a cold, dark environment. They were doomed to die. And yet, they persisted. "Jymaiyri." And then, she saw him. Her lover stood there, in the bower. He was paler than he should've been, his long hair loose and light in the breeze. His chest was bare, an open robe gracing his shoulders but not covering them fully. His pale eyes seemed to watch her without sight. The blood dripping from his wound stained the petals. "Jymaiyri." He spoke, though his lips didn't move. Longing overtook her, flooding her senses like a dam broken. She ran towards him, desperately, but never seemed to get any closer. He was perpetually out of her grasp. She tripped, and fell, achingly, into the tangle of lilies. A vine twisted around her ankle, another around her wrist. With all her might, she pulled herself up. "Jymaiyri." He was there. Before her. Crouched over her, he placed a hand on her shoulder. A finger graced her lip. "Jymaiyri, I need to-" Elsewhere in the wood, an infant cried. An older child screamed in pain. "Y- Yeonai-" Jymaiyri stammered. She tried to pull herself out of the tangle. She tasted blood on her lips. "Yeonai-" She woke.

10:48 AM

(its spoilered cause dream no tw other than mild blood stuff)

Jymaiyri's staying right here sorry miners and crafters

Lykos had returned to the barracks, and found that the ‘tofu’ was even worse cold. The texture and taste were so horrible to them, that in a fit of desperation they trudged out into the cold and towards the kitchen. The walk there was horrendous. The dim torches provided no respite to the doctor as they trudged through the snow with their weak body. Shivering and miserable, they stared at the strange vines covering the door. Under any other circumstances, they would be fascinated by this work of magic, but they were fucking cold. With a deep breath and an assumption, Lykos knocked on the door of the kitchen and called out, “Dr. Jymaiyri? May I c-come in- b-before I freeze out here!” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

Jymaiyri startled at the unfamiliar voice calling her name, but she's not the type to let someone freeze out in the cold (unless they're a very particular anglerfish). With Minerva tucked into the sling, she approached the door and cracked it open, just enough to see who it was outside. "Who are you? I haven't seen you around before." Her brow furrowed. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

This person had a.. vague familiarity to them. Something about their lab coat. They seemed a bit crestfallen. “Ah. I.. I know this will sound insane, but I am Dr. Lykos. The wolf- yes. I am.. stuck in this form.” They frowned a bit as they spoke. Sure didn’t sound like that wolf did. They shifted on their feet, seeming to favor one leg more. “…can I please enter. I won’t harm you.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

Well. Even if this person was lying, she couldn't very well leave them out in the cold. Jymaiyri willed the thorns to lower, and usher Lykos quickly inside, regrowing the vines and shutting the door behind them. Once the entrance was sealed, she turned back to the doctor. "You... said you're Dr. Lykos?" She looked over the now very human doctor. "What happened?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

They hurried inside, leaning against the counter as they shivered. “Thank you.” Lykos cringed at the question, sighing a bit. “I- I’m sure you heard. Riki and I had our fight. Er, I won-“ They didn’t. They simply didn’t strike first. Was too afraid to. Weak. They stared at the ground, a mix of anger and guilt on their face. “…despite that, that cloaked thing appeared and stole my magic from me. It turned me into… back into this.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah. I heard." Jymaiyri sighed. Her face fell into grim neutrality. So, Riki was gone now too. She could only hope he'd met a peaceful end, but was any end really peaceful here? Her expression shifted to intrigue as Lykos continued. So, it was their magic that kept them in wolf form. Some sort of werewolf deal, maybe. Whatever the case, it was clearly a touchy subject, and she didn't want to make the doctor any more upset than they clearly already were. "That's... unfortunate. They can just... take our powers? God..." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Quite unfortunate, yes. This damn body is so- weak.” They took a shuddering breath, and slowly lowered themself to the floor. “My magic what kept me together. Kept me moving. I- damn it, I could’ve asked that! If it can just take our powers, why keep us here?!” They grumbled, setting their face in their hands. Another deep breath. “My apologies.. I came here to see if there was any meat left. I know a dining area opened, but I.. cannot stand any of the food there.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"It's... it's fine." Jymaiyri sighed. "Don't beat yourself up over it. Sounds like... a pretty impossible situation you were put in." "Really? When I went over there, they had turkey. They must've switched it up." Jymaiyri hummed, and dug around the cabinets. "Anyways, here's some dried fish. It's pretty much all that's over here." She handed the fish to Lykos. "You can have as much as you want. It's too tough for Minnie, and I've got no appetite for meat right now." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Turkey.. stars that sounded heavenly right now. They took the dried fish with a nod. “Thank you. I wish there was turkey. Or deer, either would be nice. Hm, you don’t enjoy meat?” They bit into the dried fish. It felt nice to tear at something with their teeth, but it was dry as hell, so. Win lose situation. Seems they enjoyed it at least. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"Not three hours after I watched my husband's organs forcibly removed from his body." Jymaiyri replied, rather bluntly. She spared a glance to where Yeonaixho's... belongings still remained in their crystal basket on the counter. She listened to the announcement as it rang out and didn't have much of a response. "Hmph." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos stared up at her in quiet horror. Husband? Was her entire family here?? Lykos followed her eyes to the basket. Then they remembered. They had met, on the other side. They were together as a whole- “Oh. I- that is.. understandable. I’m sorry for your loss.” They sounded sincere. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri sighed, her gaze returning to the basket. "Thank you. I... appreciate the sentiment. He was a good man." "Anyways,.. the idea of eating meat is pretty unappealing right now, what with that image in my mind. Sorry if it grossed you out, too..." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

They continued to stare at the crystalline vessel, a distant look in their golden eyes. [surgery/organ discussion] There were many moments where they had held the instruments responsible for life in their hands. Their unwilling donors still warm as they packed them away for research. It was never personal to the doctor. A means to an end. The same as the prey between their teeth. Never personal. This was personal. Yeonaixho was kind. Not some faceless soldier to harvest from. They tore their eyes away from the basket. “Yes, he.. he was. He helped me before. You do not need to apologize to me.” The announcement was nothing but ringing in their ears. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm. Felt like saying it, anyways. If only, because it' what Yeonai would've done. He was vegetarian, you know. It's actually kind of silly." She was rambling now, but she didn't seem too aware of it. Talking about Yeonai was like letting water pour from a vessel, except your attention was always elsewhere. It was so easy to overflow. "I'm glad he could help you. I wish he was still here." There was a weight, to those simple words. I wish he was still here. Oh, how she did. Minerva began to cry, and Jymaiyri scooped her into her arms. "Oh, Minnie... shhh, shhhh...." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

They listened quietly to her rambling. “I cannot imagine how difficult this is for you. And-“ They winced and Minerva cried. “I am sorry for upsetting you both.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Ahhh, don't apologize. It's alright..." Jymaiyri sighed as she rocked Minerva in her arms. "And I don't think it's because of you she's upset. Sometimes babies just cry. It's hard, being so little in such a big world." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

It certainly is hard being little. Their short stature knew that well. “It is, yes.. er. Why are there.. wood shavings here?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva seemed to be calming down in her mother's arms. "Oh, right. I was making crutches for Sovran. He, uh, lost a leg." She grimaced. "Sorry, it's still a bit messy in here." At least the blood was gone. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Sovran..Sov- that was Connie’s friend. He looked in rough shape. “Hm, impressive. It’s good he could get aid. This is a dangerous place to be immobile. I don’t mind the mess. If it would help, I could clear it up for you.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Sovran's a good friend of mine. I'm just glad I can help him." Jymaiyri hummed. "Mhm, I'd appreciate it, but don't feel pressured to. I can get to it once Minerva's calmed down." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“I have nothing else to do, and besides, it would be a good way to get used to moving in this form again.” They got to their feet, glancing around the room to see if there was anything they could use to sweep. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Mads (is there a broom or anything)

(No)

1

"Suit yourself." Jymaiyri shrugged. She's preoccupied with babby anyways. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Work always aids a restless mind. They got to it, slowly but surely sweeping up the bits of wood with their hands. It wasn’t as effective as an actual broom, but it worked well enough. They made a pile by the door so it could be easily moved outside when it was time. They turned to the family. “…There. How is she doing now?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

Minerva had calmed down. Jymaiyri still held her at the hip. "She's doing pretty well." She scanned the kitchen. "Wow, you work fast." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

They nodded, dusting off their hands. “Good. Ah, I was always particular about how I wanted my lab, I am used to cleaning quickly. Again, I have nothing else to do. Especially so with it being so cold. It is difficult to walk when I can feel the cold seeping into my bones.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"Mhm, that's understandable." Jymaiyri nodded. She set Minerva back in the sling. "Yeah... it really is awful here. You're free to stay around the kitchen as long as you like, but... I don't know if there's more I can do for you." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“It was much more tolerable with fur.” ‘I don’t know if there’s more I can do for you.’ They glanced to the pile of wood shavings. Lykos took a breath, a hand fidgeting with the collar of their coat as they spoke. “…If you were able to make a pair of crutches, I imagine a.. cane would be easy for you, would it not? I would repay you in any way I could. It’s just.. It was easier to ignore a crippled leg when I had three more to rely on. As this I.. If you could, I would be indebted to you, Dr. Jymaiyri.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri's expression shifted to slight surprise. "Oh- yeah, I'd be able to do that. Should be easier than the crutches, actually." She glanced over Lykos, mentally measuring their height. "You'll have to watch the baby while I'm out gathering wood, though." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

They seemed surprised as well, and smiled. “Truly? Thank you, Doctor. I- er, of course I can watch her. Ah, is there.. anything particular about I need to know?” Man’s never dealt with a baby in their life. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri placed Minerva in the crib, on her back. The baby cooed and babbled. "Just watch her while she's in the crib, maybe entertain her if you can. If she starts to cry, try to distract her, and if she keeps crying, get me. I'll be right outside." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Er, alright! Thank you again.” They stepped over to the crib, looking down at the infant curiously. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri shut the door and regrew her fortifications behind her. Minerva looked up to Lykos with curiousity, wiggling a bit in her crib like most babies learning to crawl do. She didn't seem to recognize the doctor in their non-doggy form, but she was pretty interested in them! @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

Lykos leaned over the crib walls, watching Minerva wiggle around. “Hm, you can’t recognize me, can you. I am still Lykos, little one.” She said to entertain her, right? They weren’t sure how to do that, but they dangled a hand above her, waiting to see what she would do. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva reached her hand up towards Lykos's, smiling a bit. As she did so, the skin on their hand sloughed off, growing loose and fragile before eventually splitting open, revealing wet blood and flesh beneath. To the undiscerning eye, it looked like someone had taken the doctoe's palm and sliced it plain opem, then peeled back parts of the skin. Minerva didn't seem... too especially concerned by this? @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (BODY HORROR TW)

Lykos reeled back at the sudden intense pain, barely holding in a yelp. They stared at the wound, then to the crib as it dawned on them what happened. They carefully took off their coat, wrapped the wound tightly with their sleeve and slowly approached the crib. There was a look of awe and pride on the doctor’s face. “Amazing! What power, and at such a young age! Ha, stars that hurts-“ They sucked in a breath as blood soaked through the lab coat. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

Sovran had made his way back to the kitchen, intending on meeting back up with Jymaiyri and the baby. When he entered, he was surprised to see a stranger there. "Hey, who're you-" Then, he noticed their hand. "What happened? Is Minnie alright?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minnie seemed fine! All giggles and cheer. Sovran was back!! @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

4

3

They jumped at the newcomer, clutching their bleeding hand protectively. Turning to him they seemed to relax as they recognized him. “Ah, you’re C-Connie’s friend, yes? Minerva is alright, ha.. Dr. Jymaiyri asked me to watch her, and- oh, l am Dr. Lykos, apologies.” She took a breath, lifting their hand above their head to try to slow the bleeding. “I was.. not aware Minerva had blood magic! S-something like it- at least.. very powerful for her age!” Outside of the obvious pain he was in, they sounded almost excited. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

"Yeah, I'm a friend of Connie's and Jymaiyri's," He frowned slightly. "Good to meet you, Dr. Lykos." "Yeah, we discovered that a lil' bit ago that she's got them powers. She's real talented- D'you want me to heal you up?" Sovran motioned to the bleeding hand. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva was still chilling. Pretty happy baby over here! @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Yes, very talented- Healing, I’d greatly appreciate that. Your name is.. Sovran, yes?” They stepped closer to him, unwrapping the wound for him to access. Their hand shook as they presented it to him. [similar body horror] Their hand was… rough, to say the least. The skin sloughing off of the bone, loose like an old person’s skin. Their palm was peeling open and covered in blood. “All of that with just a touch. Ah, thank you for your help.” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

used /r

# 11
Details:[d20 (11)]

Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

used /r

# 9
Details:[2d6 (3 6)]

"Yeah, Sovran," He offered Dr. Lykos a grin as he raised his hand slightly. Light formed over the damaged hand, and within just a few short moments, the damage was healed. "Just a touch from Minnie, huh? Seems like her powers are already gettin' stronger." Sovran hummed as he peered into the crib. He gave the baby a little wave. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

4:11 PM

(9 points of healing for lykos c: )

Minerva waved back, with both little hands, and did that thing when babies are so excited they shake their whole bodies. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The doctor let out a sigh of relief as their hand healed. “Thank you, Sovran. Hm, healing with light.. fascinating. I have always been interested in magic of all kinds, yet healing always eluded my understanding. I suppose not every path is made for everyone to walk.” They looked to their bloody lab coat with a curious expression. “I am surprised she can already use her power. Especially since she cannot speak yet..” They dared to approach her crib again, holding the bloody coat in their arms. They smiled at Minerva. “Hmhmhmm, you seem excited, little one.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran smiled as Minnie did her happy little baby dance. She surely wouldn’t hurt him. Right? Right? “Ah, my healin’ isn’t really ‘magic,’” Sovran spoke as he glanced back to Lykos. “It’s just part of one of my elemental abilities. I’m not too sure how it works exactly, but of a mystery.” “I’m not sure how she can either. Some kids her age, I’ve seen, have been able to activate lil’ parts of their powers despite their age. Sometimes it reacts on their emotions, and we know that these little ones feel strongly.” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva waved her little hands up at Sovran. Sweet lil babby. can do no harm. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Hm, well, your ‘powers’ seem to just be highly specialized magic- based off of what I have observed. I am sure there are some differences between the abilities and how they function.” They looked at Minerva curiously. “Interesting. I am mainly surprised at the strength of it. I could hardly react before she split my flesh open. At this age I would expect less.. well, power behind it. I am familiar to abilities tied to emotion, yes- it’s just.. fascinating how quickly her power has developed.” They stepped closer, dangling the bloody sleeve over her. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

“Maybe, dunno much of the difference between elemental powers and ‘magic,’ if I’m honest.” Sovran admitted. He frowned as Lykos came closer to the infant and dangled the bloody sleeve above her. Sovran reached out and tugged the sleeve away. “How ‘bout we not conduct any tests on the baby, alright? I get you’re curious, but let’s not, alright?” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva reached out for the sleeve as Lykos dangled it near her, and seemed surprised when it was taken away. She wanted to grab that! Lil baby continued reaching up and babbling baby nonsense. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos frowned back. “This isn’t for my own curiosity, it’s for everyone’s safety. Wouldn’t you agree it would be best to understand what she is capable of before she causes more harm?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Sovran's eyes narrowed slightly. "Unless you got permission from Minnie's Ma to do any kind of 'tests,' I ain't gonna let you do anythin'. Even if you did get permission, you're not doin' it without Jymaiyri around. Sure as heck ain't doin' it when it's just the two of us here with her." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minnie's still waving her hands up in the air and babbling. She doesn't get why no one's talking to her anymore and is kinda frustrated by it!! @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Lykos glanced back to Minerva- a part of them wanted to stick their hand back in, but they decided against that. Curiosity killed the cat or something. “Hmph, you say ‘test’ like it’s some sort of crime. This will be completely harmless, and we will learn more about the extent of her power. This will entertain her as well, she’s clearly becoming restless.” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

(harmless to minnie maybe)

1

“Why don’t we learn more ‘bout her powers on her mother’s terms?” Sovran suggested with an edge to his voice. The edge went away when he looked back to Minnie. “And she’s restless because we’re not giving her much attention- I know baby girl, I know, it’s a bit frustrating when all the attention’s on you and then it gets taken away, ain’t it?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Minerva seemed to calm down a bit when Sovran turned to her, and smiled at him. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos met his eyes, but conceded with a wave of their hand. “Well, by all means entertain her. Reach your hands in. I am perfectly capable of waiting for Dr. Jymaiyri.” ….Still, it had been awhile, hadn’t it? “Hm.. I wonder what is keeping her.” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

“I could entertain her, keep her amused. Maybe she’s gettin’ tired of layin’ down.” He looked back down to Minnie. “Wanna get picked up? Do you want ups?” With a concerned frown, he glanced back to Lykos. “How long has she been gone for?” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva reached her hands upwards to Sovran. Yep, that's definitely a baby who wants to get up. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

They thought for a moment. “Hm. Well… roughly two hours? Minerva was sleeping for a while before she woke up and you arrived.” They frowned with worry. “I- I hadn’t thought about the time until now, do you think something happened to her?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Frick- With how crazy the cold can be, I wouldn't be surprised if somethin' did happen." Sovran gritted his teeth. He leaned against the crib and scooped the baby into his arms. Gently bouncing her in his arms, he turned to Lykos. "Between us both, you're in better shape to lend her a hand if there's trouble. Did she say where she was goin'? If so, maybe you can head over and help her on out." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva leaned against Sovran's chest as he held her, pretty content to be held. Seems babby got what she wanted, and everyone's safe from the weird flesh warping. for now. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Lykos hesitated. “I- I’m really not- I don’t have any magic, that thing took it from me.” Still, they would fare better than he would mobility wise. “Damn it, I should’ve paid more attention.. I’ll go look for her, if I don’t return in- in twenty minutes find help.” They pull on their lab coat, frowning at the still wet blood. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

With a flick of his hand, Sovran took all the metal from his clothes and jewelry and formed a knife. He held it out to Lykos as he cradled the baby in one arm. "It ain't much, but it's somethin' you can use," Sovran offered. "Twenty minutes on the dot, if you're not here, I'll search for you guys myself. Where was she sayin' that she'd head off to?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

Babby chilling I can't manage to write a longer post in this condition @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

2

They stared at the knife, surprised- “How did you- never mind. Thank you.” Then returned to focus.” “I’m not sure where, but she left to.. to make me a cane, she would have to go to the forest. Or- no, she wouldn’t have taken so long then.. Forest, I’ll look there first.” They steeled themself for the cold, then headed for the door. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

With a sigh, there was a faint glow of blue to the left of Sovran. Maia appeared! "Forest, alright. It's complicated to explain, but this is part of my powers. Let her go with you, I'll be able to directly track your location this way." Maia nodded her head excitedly and hopped after Lykos. She gave them a big smile and a wave. "She can't talk, but she'd be able to help. She can use telekinesis, so if you need help carrying Jymaiyri or, I dunno, move a tree off of her, Maia's the one to help." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (You don't gotta respond with baby I'm just @ing so you can see hgkjsdfhjkgf)

They stared at the apparition with even more surprise. “I. Have many questions- later. Thank you, er, Maia, Sovran.” Out the door they went! @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Sovran sighed and leaned against the counter. All he did was hold the baby and hope for the best.. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 Maia hopped after Lykos. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

As Sovran held her, Minerva reached her little baby hands up to his face. Nothing happened... yet. Just a cute little baby doing cute little baby things! @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Just a normal baby doing normal baby things! Sovran smiled down at the baby and chuckled. “It’s just you and me, lil’ lady,” Sovran chuckled. He raised his hand and tickled her sides. “No one can save you from this!” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva giggled as Sovran tickled her, though, reflexively, her powers activated again! The skin on Sovran's hands sloughed and split open, much the same as Lykos's hand had. Overall, gross. Ouch. Weird flesh baby and her weird flesh powers. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Pain flared up in Sovran’s hand. He watched as his skin peeled back and as his flesh became visible. Gross. He momentarily felt nauseous before he attempted to give the baby a grin. “M-Man, you really are powerful, aren’t ya? That’s impressive, Minnie!” Sovran tried to have his light appear so he could heal himself, but it simply flickered nearby. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

(Oh yeah he’s at 16 HP since he wasn’t fully healed from the leg injury fhdkdjdjd)

Minerva seemed to notice how Sovran grimaced, and her bright smile faded into a look of fear and concern. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Shhhh, it’s alright, baby girl,” Sovran reassured her. He began to bounce her slightly. “Nothin’s wrong, everythin’s alright. No need to be scared. I’m alright.” He’s alright, he says with blood dripping onto the ground. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva didn't seem entirely convinced still hearing the strain in Sovran's voice. Her gaze drifted to his wounded hand, and she put her little hand over his. Nothing happened. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"It's okay, baby girl," Sovran reassured her. "It don't hurt much. I know you didn't do it on purpose, you're still discoverin' a lot about your powers." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva looked back to Sovran with big, dark eyes, and watched his face intently. It was hard to tell what she was thinking. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“It’s okay,” Sovran laughed. This time, his light appeared overhead, and the damage to his hand cleared right up! It was as if nothing had happened! “See? Good as new!” He let the light linger around so Minerva could see the way it shimmered and glowed. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva was absolutely delighted by the lights! She reached her hands out to touch them, and put her mouth over Sovran's hand- halfway between a weird baby kiss and a weird baby bite. Completely entranced. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran chuckled at Minerva. He tried to speak when the announcement came on. Connie. "Oh, darn," Sovran spoke. He looked to Minnie. ".. Wanna head to the arena with me, Minnie?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minnie just looked to Sovran. No thoughts head empty. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Thought so." With a nervous grin, Sovran raised his hand. Both he and Minerva were teleported to the arena.. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri rushed back to the kitchen, not even bothering to retrieve the wood she'd gone out for. It didn't matter. Nothing mattered, but she needed to get back to Minerva. Back to a role she was familiar with. Back to safety. None of Mallon's blood had gotten onto her, but she couldn't help but keep checing herself over for it. She felt stained. Marred. Irrecovably ruined. And she had done it to herself. A flurry of motion- lower the vines, push open the door, regrow the vines, slam it shut- and she was inside. "Lykos- I- I'm sorry I was out so long, I-" She cut herself off when she realized she was alone. Completely alone. Instantly, she ran to the crib, but it was empty. The sheet was slightly mussed- someone had picked Minerva up, and taken her away. But who? Lykos wouldn't have ventured into the storm on her own, and why would they have... To look for her, maybe. "Minerva!" She cried out, more of a wail, really, and scrambled around the kitchen, just in case she'd been stowed somewhere weird. When that, of course, came up with nothing, she trekked back out into the storm. She circled the kitchen- not wanting to leave it, in case they returned- all while crying, as loudly as she could, "Minerva! Minerva! Are you out there? Lykos? Minerva!" Eventually, she had to return indoors. In the back of her mind, she remembered the fight announcement. Who had it been for? Would Lykos have gone? Would he have taken Minerva with them? She didn't know. Desparation having all but taken over her, Jymaiyri took the crystal basket of Yeonaixho's body parts and belonging, and keeled over to the floor, pressing it close to her chest. A semblance of closeness to him again. She couldn't feel anything but guilt, and pain, and overwhelming sorrow. Her husband was dead. Her baby was missing. She would die here, alone and begrieved and made into a monster by her own hand. And she couldn't shake the feeling it was all her fault.

Eventually, Jymaiyri passed out from stress and exhaustion, and fell into fitful, dreamless sleep...

The three of them entered the kitchen. As they entered, Sovran's gaze instantly rested on Jymaiyri, who was on the floor. "Jymaiyri?!" Sovran called out with concern. He stepped forward a bit faster and led Yeonaixho inside. Though, when he was close to Jymairyi, he dropped to one knee and set a hand on her shoulder, giving her a shake. "Jymaiyri? Hey, wake up!" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Hearing the sudden concern in Jymaiyri's voice, Yeonaixho rushed over to Jymaiyri's side, and laid a hand over her shoulder, trying to wake her. He still cradled the baby in his arms, who had started to cry in the chaos of all that was happening around her. "Jymaiyri? Are you alright? Jymaiyri? Jymaiyri slowly stirred awake, her arms not unwrapping from the crystals containing Yeonaixho's parts. She wiped sleep from her eyes as she slowly got up, "Ugh, Sovran, I-" and stilled when she saw Yeonaixho. "Oh- oh, god, Sovran, I'm seeing ghosts again-" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran relaxed at the sight of Jymaiyri being awake, alert, and alive. She seemed to be okay. "You ain't seein' ghosts, I promise you," Sovran spoke in a steady voice. His hand remained on her shoulder. "Jymaiyri, there was an announcement that brought all the winners together, and there was a vote. The vote was to bring back someone who had lost a fight. The votes tied, and both Yeonaixho and Nathan were brought back to life." Sovran smiled widely. "You ain't seein' ghosts, you're seeing your husband, live and in person." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri's heart was racing. She couldn't believe the man in front of her could be real, could be actually him. It didn't seem possible. "No- it doesn't- I don't-" "Please, Jymaiyri." Yeonaixho pleaded, trying to comfort his daughter with one hand and his wife with another. His hand found Jymaiyri's face, he cupped it. "It's me. I promise. It's really me." And yet, who but Yeonaixho ever spoke in such gentle a tone. "H-how-?" She stumbled over her words, hot tears running down her face. "I saw you die, I-" "I don't know, lilybud. But I'm here. I'm alive, and I love you. That's all that matters." He kissed her once, lightly, and then another time, with all the passion he could muster. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran smiled. He scooted away and pushed himself up to his foot, grasping his crutches so he could properly stand. He'd let the two of them have their moment. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho and Jymaiyri really seemed to enjoy the moment they got together, however brief it was. Yeonaixho parted from the kiss, and handed Jymaiyri back to her mother. "She missed you, while we were out." "Not as much as she missed you, Jymaiyri smiled. She actually smiled. "Yeonai- I can't believe you're back..." "I can't believe it either. But I am. I am." He kept close to Jymaiyri. "And I promise you, Jymaiyri. I won't leave you alone again." Jymaiyri and Yeonaixho lingered there for a moment again, until Jymaiyri seemed to notice Sovran's presence. "Ah, uh. Sorry, Sovran. You're still here." She moved the crystal basket a bit further away from them, and helped Yeonaixho up. She opened her mouth to speak, but clearly couldn't think everything through. "Mari and I need to talk. Probably in private." Yeonaixho supplied. "You could watch the baby, if you want- though, if you want a break from that, we can take her with us. And you can stay here." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran glanced back over to them, after having been enraptured with the label of the baby formula. He needed something to focus on to give them both a moment of privacy. “Oh, I could never get enough of this little one,” Sovran chuckled. “I’ll watch her. Go on, you two deserve a nice conversation. She’s in good hands.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Thank you." Jymaiyri said, and rested Minerva back in her crib so Sovran wouldn't have to bother with holding her and staying upright on the crutches. She led Yeonaixho over to the other side of the kitchen, where they could speak in privacy (as long as they kept their voices low enough). @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (gonna write a longer post in the morning for their convo)

Sovran gave a nod of his head and stepped towards the crib. Once more, he was back at it with the little baby songs. Woo! A little concert all for Minerva! @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri led Yeonaixho over to the other side of the kitchen, where she and Yeonaixho could speak in peace. Still, she felt a daze in raw emotion- this couldn’t be real. He couldn’t be real. She had seen Yeonaixho die, and yet, there he was before him. Unharmed. Breathing. Alive. She’d think it a trick, but she couldn’t think of anything that would be able to imitate him so well. The lightness of his touch. The gentleness of his voice. The softness of his gaze. “I don’t remember dying.” He said. It was the first thing he confessed to her. “All I can remember is my name being called on the announcements, and then- being here. Or, in the arena, I guess. They voted me back.” “That’s… good.” Jymaiyri echoed. “It’s good that you don’t remember. I wouldn’t want to remember what happened to you.” And yet, she did. Looking at Yeonaixho, it was all she could remember. That, and the many, now all-more regretful decisions she’d made in his absence. She eyed the flame-armor he now wore, and sensed Aldreda had some part in his return. Something more she owed to the woman, but she couldn’t help but fear the secret might have slipped. Yeonaixho’s hand went to his armored shoulder, and Jymaiyri forgot for a moment that he couldn’t see her watching it. “Mhm. While I was in the arena, Aldreda… caught me up, some, on what I missed.” “That’s very kind of her.” “Kind of her, to bring me back, too.” His voice was ever-so-hesitant. It betrayed his quiet discomfort at it all. He wasn’t sure if he was fully comfortable with the thought of being dead, and then returning. “I’m… glad I’ve been given a second chance. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve it.” Everything. Everything he did, made him deserve it. If anyone deserved to live, it was him. He, who was still so kind, so warm, after it all. He deserved the world. More than she did. She didn’t deserve him. Silence fell between them. Silence that might once have been comforting, intimate- now it was nothing but cold. Jymaiyri was reminded of how little she could tell what Yeonaixho was thinking, even when she gazed into those beautiful, blue eyes of his. Death had torn a rift between them, one too deep for soft words alone to mend. “Jymaiyri…” He shifted softly. “I… heard what you did to them. To Mallon.” Guilt seized her, like something had reached into her chest and taken a hold of her heart. Her breath stilled. “Yeonaixho, I-” What could she say to defend herself? Was Yeonaixho even asking her to defend herself? “You don’t know what they did to you. Please. Please understand.” “I… don’t. I don’t know.” He exhaled, like a confession. “And I don’t think I will ever, really, understand why you had to do… that.” A pause. He was considering his next words, and Jymaiyri couldn’t bear to voice any more. “I can’t heal that sort of damage.” He settled on. It hadn’t even occurred to Jymaiyri he might want to heal the damage- but he was always too kind for his own sake. It was what landed him in this mess in the first place. “So… what you did… it will be permanent.” He phrased it like a question, like he might also add ‘I hope you’re okay with that’. She couldn’t answer- the answer was right there. It was permanent. She could do nothing but be okay with it.

2:03 PM

Did Yeonaixho hate her now? Or fear her? She wouldn’t blame him. His countenance was cool, distant. She wondered what death had been like for him- to bring him back like this. “I still love you, Jymaiyri. My lilybud.” His hands found her shoulders, and pulled her into an embrace. Nothing passionate, nothing leading to a kiss or other seductive motion. He simply needed to be close to her. She understood that kind of longing. “I still love you.” Tears welled up in her, and she pressed her face into Yeonaixho’s chest. How had she changed more than him, when he’d been the one to come back to life? “Yeonai- I-” “Don’t cry, dear. Please. Don’t cry.” Yeonaixho shifted over to her. He pressed his hands to her face, drying her tears. Jymaiyri leaned into him, the warmth of his embrace. It was everything, and it was fleeting. “Yeonaixho, what are we going to do?” “I-” He stilled. “I don’t know. We’re going to do what we can.” He held her there, for as long as he could, like he was trying to make up for lost time. (edited)

Sovran kept his attention away from the couple. His gaze was focused solely on the infant, giving her the upmost care and attention that he could. He did his best to block out their words with little songs and tunes, and he even made up some for fun just to keep some kind of noise going. They deserved their privacy, they deserved a moment of time together. They were nearly robbed of a future together. The least Sovran could do was give them the present together. After a rather impressive performance of Baby Shark, Maia came rushing inside. For a Remnant, the little girl looked out of breath with messy hair. At the sight of Jymaiyri, Maia beamed brightly and hopped over to Sovran, pointing at the older woman. Found her! Maia finally found Jymaiyri! "Good job, Maia," Sovran ruffled her hair once the Remnant was closer before he placed a kiss to the top of her head. "You finally found her. I'm proud of you." The Remnant beamed with pride. She peeked into the crib and gave Minerva a friendly little wave. Hello again!! @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Your lovely hair..." Jymaiyri was saying to Yeonaixho as they returned to Sovran's side, having finally broken from their quiet embrace. Yeonaixho laughed awkwardly, and put a hand to his neck. "It'll grow back. Probably." Jymaiyri scooped Minerva back into her arms once she neared the crib. "Thanks for watching over her. Seems like she enjoyed your songs." Minerva seemd very happy to see Maia again! She was all giggles and wiggles and joy, with so many fun people around! @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“‘Course, not a problem,” Sovran grinned. “Anytime you need a sitter, feel free to call me on over.” Maia giggled as Minerva was all wiggly. The child was definitely enjoying this moment with the baby. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm. You'll be at the top of the list." Jymaiyri hummed, though there was an absence to her voice. "I guess you and Lykos went to the fight while I was out? You weren't here when I came back." This was all stuff Yeonaixho had been dead for, so he just kinda... stood around. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I had to be there for it, this one- Was an important one for me. Had to do with one of the kids I’ve been tryin’ to look out for,” Sovran smiled apologetically. “I should’ve left a note, but things were hectic at the time. Lykos had gone lookin’ for you since you were gone for so long, but they couldn’t find you. Still, sorry for scarin’ you about where Minnie could’ve been. She was safe the whole time.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I understand completely." Jymaiyri replied hastily. "Totally. And thank you, again, for taking care of Minerva. I... shouldn't have been out for so long, I'm sorry for making you all worry about me. Yeonai already knows this, but... I came across Mallon." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran’s smile fell from his face. “Snap- Really? I was wonderin’ why they appeared in the arena all banged up like that.” Sovran looked alarmed and stepped closer to her, looking over Jymaiyri with concern. “Are ya okay? Hurt at all? Did they attack you?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho tensed up, but didn't say anything. His hand idly went to his chest. Jymaiyri briefly glanced to Yeonaixho, then back to Sovran. "I'd... rather not talk about it. But... I doubt they'll be much of a threat anymore." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

1

Sovran’s gaze shifted to Yeonaixho, and he quickly gave a nod of his head. “Right, right, we don’t gotta talk about it. As long as you both are alright, that’s what matters to me.” He let out a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. “And as long as they’re not a threat anymore, well, even better..” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri placed a hand over Yeonaixho's, which seemed to ease some of his tension. "Yeah. I'm alright. Great, even." His voice was still tense, but that could just still be from the whole being dead thing. "Mhm. I am too." Jymaiyri echoed. "And it's good, that we're all together again." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

To help change the subject, Sovran cleared his throat and looked to Minerva. "Right, it's good that you're all back together again. I do have a Minerva update, though, about her powers. They're a lot stronger than we originally thought they were." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Wh- she has powers? What kind?" That seemed to grab Yeonaixho's attention. "Oh, shoot, I almost forgot you weren't here for that." Jymaiyri mananged an awkward laugh. "She's actually able to manipulate blood, believe it or not. Dunno where that came from." She turned to Sovran, leaving her husband blinking in confusion. "You said she's... stronger than we thought?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Don't know where it came from, either," Sovran sighed. He held up his hand for Jymaiyri to look at. She'd be able to see a fresh scar there that hadn't been there before. "Turns out, her abilities could cause injuries to suddenly form. My hand practically split open and had the skin peel back." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh- god." Jymaiyri examined the wound. "That's- really dangerous. Especially in the hands of a baby..." Yeonaixho grimaced, and turned to Minerva. "Why are your powers so weird and gross, babygirl? Why?" Minerva only giggled in reply, and put her little hand over Yeonaixho's face. "You're okay though, now, right? You were able to heal yourself up?" Jymaiyri asked. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"I'm all good, I was able to heal myself and Lykos up," Sovran reassured. "Same thing happened to them." He patted his pockets and let out a huff at how empty they were. "I usually carry Vengestone bands with me, I tend to run into kids who got trouble with their powers, but they did wipe us clean of our things when we got here. Maybe once we're off this planet, I could get you two a Vengestone band for her." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"That's good." Jymaiyri sighed with relief. "And now that Yeonai's here, he'll be able to heal up any more... incidents." She adjusted Minerva in her arms, who had been distracted by watching her dad. "Vengestone... hm..." "It's at least worth trying." Yeonaixho chimed in. "It'd keep her from hurting anyone- including herself- til she's old enough to actually learn how to use her powers." He turned slightly, to the source of Sovran's voice. "I think that's a good idea, and would love to take you up on that offer, once we're out of here." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Vengestone doesn't ever hurt," Sovran reassured. "And I'll be able to make bracelets for when she's a bit bigger, too, just so you both have somethin' for her as she's gettin' bigger. Once she's big enough to use her powers and understand how powerful they actually are, that's when you can start to take it off and work with her on them." Sovran paused. "I could probably lend a hand with that. My Replicate and Nullify might come in handy if things become a bit- Much." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm. We'd... appreciate the help. A lot." Jymaiyri confessed. She was completely out of her depth when it came to... whatever Minerva's powers were. "We'll have to do some research... maybe there's someone else out there with powers like hers, who could tell us something..." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"In all my time, I haven't met anyone with powers like that," Sovran paused. "Though, Kian's got some sort of blood ability. He kept me from bleedin' out when I first lost my leg. Maybe the kid's got some advice he can maybe give?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm... Kian... I do want to speak with him again, at some point." Jymaiyri hummed. "We'll figure it out." Yeonaixho reassured, and put a hand on Jymaiyri's shoulder. She couldn't help but feel relieved- it was so much easier to feel hopeful, when he was around. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Yeah, you an' I both. Sadly, he's on the other side." Sovran sighed. At the sight of Yeonaixho resting a hand on Jymaiyri's shoulder, Sovran smiled. They were definitely perfect for each other, they completed one another in a way that made Sovran's heart feel warm. Truly, they were meant to be together. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm. Maybe he'll switch over here at some point, or we'll all switch over there..." Jymaiyri mused. Girl you have no idea what's coming for you. "Personally, I'm content to stay in one place for a bit." Yeonaixho chuckled. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

9:29 PM

"Wouldn't mind stickin' it out on this side, either," Sovran chuckled. "I prefer this cold over that heat." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm. I'll second that." Yeonaixho nodded. "Not a fan of being zapped around, either. Makes me feel weird." Jymaiyri chuckled lightly. "I think I'm the only person here who doesn't like the cold... oh, but there is better food here, now." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Is there?" Sovran raised an eyebrow with a grin. "I didn't think there'd be anythin' better than the homegrown fruits and vegetables that you made for us on over on the other side." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm, there's a dining hall now." Jymaiyri nodded. "If anyone gets hungry later, we can go over and get something." "Oh, that sounds nice." Yeonaixho smiled. "And I second what Sovran said- it can't be better than all thr fruit you grew for us back there." Jymaiyri laughed. "Better, compared to all the dried fish we were eating before the dining hall appeared." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Somethin’ to eat sounds mighty temptin’, I won’t lie. Slowly getting my appetite back.” Sovran grinned. “Oh, anythin beats dried fish. Don’t think I’m ever gonna eat fish again once we’re all off this floatin’ rock.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm, I could go for something to eat." Yeonaixho laughed. He still felt.. weird, but again. Dead stuff. Jymaiyri laughed. "Hah. Maybe we can head there now, then. Who knows, they might even have something for Minnie now." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“They might have somethin’ for her there. Maybe they’ll even have avocados!” Sovran grinned at the baby. Delicious avocados! @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Maybe so!" Jymaiyri laughed. "I think you'll like it, at least, Yeonai. Lykos said there was all vegetarian stuff." "Oh, that does sound good." Yeonaixho hummed. Jymaiyri put Minnie back into the sling. "If you two want to, we can go over there now." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Yeah, I’m ready,” Sovran grinned. He glanced to Yeonaixho. “You can hold onto my shoulder again.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm, thank you." Yeonaixho hummed. "Oh, by the way, Jymaiyri, what happened to my cane?" "Ah... Agustin saved it, but it's in this crystal basket..." She hummed, and glanced to it. "With some of your other... things. Without Moses around, I don't think we can open it." "Oh." Yeonaixho frowned. "What else did he save?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

(Moses really thought ahead with that one)

Surely, there had to be some other way to turn the conversation away from what was in the basket. There had to be a smoother way to do it. However, Sovran was not the smoothest man around, no matter how 'smooth' he thought himself out to be. To change the subject, he let himself slip from his crutches and crash to the floor. He landed with a loud grunt on his side. Surely, the perfect distraction. "Crap-!" He cried out. "Sorry, my other leg- Spasmed or somethin'- Arghh.." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Wh- Sovran!" Yeonaixho, who was closer to the man, dropped to his knees to help him up. Jymaiyri soon followed. "Are you okay? Do you need me to heal you up some more?" Secretly, Jymaiyri was pretty glad she didn't have to tell Yeonaixho what, exactly, was in that basket. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Arghh- I wouldn't mind some healin'- I just- Didn't land too well. Ain't gonna lie, it does hurt," Sovran gave Jymaiyri a wink. Yeah, sure, it did hurt that much. Dramatic old man. "Sorry to be more trouble." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Of course." Yeonaixho put a hand over Sovran, and healed him up some more. He was still pretty interested in whatever was in the basket, though. "Feel better now?" Jymaiyri returned Sovran's wink with an awkward smile. "Ah, it's not any trouble. I'm just glad Yeonai's here to heal you up." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Yeah, m-much better," Sovran pushed himself up into a seated position. "Thank you both for lookin' out for me. Dunno what I'd do without you both." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"Of course. It's what I'm here for." Yeonaixho laughed, and helped Sovran up. He turned back towards his wife. "So, uh, what was in that basket again?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"I think I heard that it was mostly your clothes, right?" Sovran asked Jymaiyri as he got settled back onto his crutches. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah, just... your old, bloody clothes." Jymaiyri said. Her voice betrayed her, badly. "Huh..." Yeonaixho's brow furrowed as he helped Sovran up. "Are you, uh, sure about that? Why would Agustin save my clothes?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran stood comfortably with his crutches. This was becoming a bit messy to navigate now. “Least, it’s what I’ve heard. At least, the top was saved, I think. It was a way to carry another piece of you and have somethin’ physical of yours.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm, yeah. It's- weird, but, uh, we can't even get into there, so we don't have to worry about it." Jymaiyri was a terrible liar. "I don't-" Yeonaixho took in a breath to steady himself. "I can tell you two are lying, okay?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I got no reason to lie,” Sovran stated. He was a pretty good liar, but damn, Yeonaixho was perceptive as hell. “Really.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Look, I can tell that you're lying, from your voices." Yeonaixho sighed. Jymaiyri, especially, was a bad liar, and since Sovran was saying the same things as she was, that meant he was lying too. "Is it bad? If it's bad, you can tell me- I just think I should know." "It's...." Jymaiyri was hesitant. She looked to Sovran for support. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“It’s- Bad,” Sovran finished. He offered Jymaiyri his hand for support. His gaze rested on Juno. “We know that lyin’ could hurt you, but- We also know that you knowin’ could hurt you even more. We just wanna look out for you.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I... understand." Yeonaixho paled. "Whatever it is, though, I can take it. Please, I already know I died, and in a really bad way. Whatever it is, it can't be worse than that, right? I can take it." "I don't think you can, Yeonai." Jymaiyri replied, wrapping her hand around Sovran's. "It's- it's worse than just being told you died. I don't want you to be hurt even more by it." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran held onto Jymaiyri’s hand. He gave her hand a small squeeze as he took in a deep breath. “Yeonaixho,” He started. “We weren’t able to protect you from what took you away from us. There wasn’t anythin’ that we were able to do. But this- Is just as bad. Let us protect you from this, please. It’s the very least we can do. We just want to protect you.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I'm not a child," Yeonaixho protested, pressing his hands to his chest. "Please. I know you lost me, I know. I'm not so fragile that whatever's in that basket is going to kill me again. I can take it. I can. At least tell me what it is. Please." Jymaiyri sucked in a sharp breath, and steadied herself by holding onto Sovran. "Yeonaixho... it's your heart. Mallon tore out your heart, and Agustin saved it." "Oh." Yeonaixho paled, then grimaced. He kept his hand over his chest. "Oh." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Steady, steady yourself,” Sovran warned Yeonaixho. “Take a seat if you need to.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho's heart- the one in his chest, at least- was racing, pounding in his ear. "Wh- what do you mean it's my heart?" It hadn't been easy to accept his own death. It still felt... wrong to think about. But this was different. A vital part of him had been removed, and put away into a jar. "Was that how I died? It- Mallon took out my heart?" "Yeonaixho. Yeonaixho," Jymaiyri went over to him, putting his hands over him to ground him. "Deep breaths. It'll be okay. We're here." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“It ain’t ever gonna happen again,” Sovran promised in a firm voice. “By them or by anyone else. You’re safe. We lost you once, we ain’t gonna lose you again.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I don't-" Yeonaixho started, and attempted to calm himself by taking a few deep breaths. Even still, he could feel himself spiraling- layers of reality peeling away like the skin of an onion. He had died, and he had come back, and he couldn't deny it anymore. It didn't feel right. It didn't feel real. He kept his hand over his chest, over his beating heart, just to remind himself it was there. He had never feared death. Not really. Not his own. He was a man of faith, and that faith had kept him hopeful there was something, anything for him afterwards. Whatever this was... it didn't feel right. Slowly, still trembling, he wrapped Jymaiyri's hands in his, letting her ground him in the real world. "I know." He whispered. "Thank you. I... just need some time to get used to all this." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran rested a comforting, warm hand on Yeonaixho’s shoulder. He gave him a reassuring squeeze as he started to speak. “Take all the time you need, Naixho,” Sovran managed to give him a small smile, not that he would’ve seen, but would’ve heard in his voice. “We’re here for you. Take all the time you need to take it all in. We’ll be there every step of the way.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho initially flinched at the unexpected touch, but eased into it. His frantic breathing slowly eased. He didn't feel right- not quite yet, but he felt better. Covering his face briefly with his hands, he let out a sigh. "I really am lucky, to have people like you two around..." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“We’re lucky to have someone like you around,” Sovran chuckled. “Havin’ you here with us has been a blessin’, Naixho. This place might be a nightmare, but you two make it a dream come true.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm. Sovran's right." Jymaiyri nodded. "We're lucky to have you. You light up the world, you make everything cold and harsh, warm and comforting." She leaned up to him, and gave him a short, gentle kiss. Yeonaixho laughed. "Aw, now you're just flattering me." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"If there's anyone who could light up a room, it's you, Yeonaixho." Sovran chuckled. "Both of you do, ain't gonna lie." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Aw, you don't have to say that," Jymaiyri laughed. "But thank you." Yeonaixho laughed, and placed one hand on Sovran's shoulder, another intertwined with Jymaiyri's. "And people call me sappy..." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Me? Sappy? Nah," Sovran laughed. He couldn't help but notice just how warm Yeonaixho's hand was. Another reminder that he was alive, he truly was here with them. "Just bein' honest, is all." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Well, then allow me to be honest." Yeonaixho smiled. "Sovran, I'm incredibly glad to have you in my life. I don't think I've ever met anyone as unwaveringly loyal and supportive as you." "Mhm, I'll second that." Jymaiyri nodded. "I don't know where I'd be, if I didn't have you around. You've done a lot for me, and for Yeonai." She hummed. "Also, are we still gonna go to the dining hall?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran's smile, surprisingly, faltered. He looked between the two of them, something doubtful in his gaze. There was no way that they truly meant those words. They couldn't have meant that. "Thanks, you two," He made himself laugh, though it was forced. "Appreciate you both big time. Now, if we do wanna go to the dining hall, we could. I'm still up for a good meal." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

If either Jymaiyri or Yeonaixho noticed the doubt in his gaze or the force behind his laugh, they didn't say anything. But Yeonaixho's hand over Sovran's shoulder grew firmer, more reassuring, and Jymaiyri returned his gaze with a hopeful, kind one of her own. "Mhm. Let's go eat. Surprisingly, all that talk earlier didn't kill my appetite." Yeonaixho laughed. "Alright." Jymaiyri laughed along with him, and began leading the others towards the door... @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Good, we need to get some food in us all. Let’s go,” Sovran laughed. Their smiles, their touches, their presence entirely was reassuring. This was nice. Sovran followed after Jymaiyri and let Yeonaixho hold onto him for the walk there to the dining hall. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Here they were back in the kitchen. Jymaiyri had put Minerva down for a nap, and was trying to get some rest herself when Yeonaixho returned. "Yeonai! How was your time with Sovran?" She said as she let them in, and then in a surprised tone, "Oh- Lykos? Hey, again, Lykos." "It was... nice. But something happened..." Yeonaixho said, and let Lykos explain what had happened. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Time with Sovran- yup, for sure not their business. “Hello doctor. I’m glad to see you’re alright.” They took a deep breath, hand tight over where they had tucked the totem away. “Alrai Pin, that floating cloaked thing leading this tournament. It came here and attacked me with- with… It possessed Riki’s corpse, transformed it into a monster and attacked me with it. It is using their corpses as weapons.” Their voice shook with anger. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"Oh- oh god-" Jymaiyri shuddered. She ushered the two further inside. "Come in. The baby's sleeping, so be quiet." She braced herself on the counter, still trying to take all that in. "That's- that's awful. What are we- how- it can just use people's bodies like that?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

They lowered their voice. “I do not know. I know it- it used my magic to change the body, but I do not know how it possessed him- it.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri looked utterly revolted. Yeonaixho neared her, and put a hand on her shoulder for support. "The possession- that's it's power, I think. It didn't get that from any of us. It's able to... mess with people's thoughts, their memories." She shuddered. "I wouldn't think that extended to corpses, though..." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Their eyes went wide. They stood, processing it for a moment before starting to pace. “That… that is very possible. Perhaps- maybe it can only posses the mind of those living, showing illusions, memories. But corpses… Perhaps without a mind or will to get in its way it can take full control.” They stopped with a shudder. “The longer this continues.. the more its strength grows, then. Not only does it have their powers, it has their bodies to use. Damn it..” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"It's just horrible." Yeonaixho shook his head. "It's so disrespectful. To not just kill someone but to mutilate and use their corpse like that..." "We should organize a group." Jymaiyri said. "The adults, the strongest fighters among us- all attacking that thing. When we have more people, we can devise a strategy. We can't let it just... get away with this." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“It cares little about our lives- still. What a disgusting creature.” They balked suddenly. “Er, wait we can’t-“ Aldreda wasn’t here anymore. “Shit. It- it will hear us planning!” There was clear panic in their hushed voice. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (whoops) (edited)

"It can look into our minds, our memories. I don't exactly think we have the element of surprise here." Jymaiyri scoffed. "We need to act fast. Before too many of us are gone." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“There- there is. A way, but I.. damn it. Is there anything on this side that can create loud noise? It is useless to plan if it hears us!” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"Again- I think it's going to be able to figure out our plan anyways." Jymaiyri sighed, putting a hand to her brow. "It's better to have a plan that it knows than no plan at all." "I- don't have an opinion on this." Yeonaixho clarified. "This is a kitchen- we could just bang on some pots and pans to make noise? Probably not while the baby is sleeping, though." "And there's the phones. We could maybe rig those to make some noise, but... we'd need someone with that sort of technical know-how." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

(man if only madison hadnt died first fight)

(If we all scream loud enough, he won’t hear)

Lykos is at 23 HP “If it hears the plan then It will just plan around it. Hm..” They pulled out their totem. “I was able to create light before, perhaps it can create noise?” They focused on the totem, just hoping for any sort of noise.. The orb flashed, and rainbow colored notes appeared, creating a beautiful, yet somehow painful sound. Lykos used Alluring Voice! “Eugh, that- that should work.” They moved the orb away and the sound ceased. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

Yeonaixho, probably the most sound-sensitive of them here, did not enjoy the sound. He keeled over a bit, pressing his hands over his ears. "Eugh- what is that?!" He was not having a fun time at all. This was miserable. Ow. Jymaiyri seemed fine, if still stubborn and annoyed. She helped support her husband as much as she could while giving Lykos an unmasked glare. The baby seemed... fine, and pretty unbothered by the noise. She was still asleep, though her rest was fitful. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

9:52 AM

[Yeonaixho is at 23 hp]

Lykos rubbed at their ear, cringing a little. “Apologies. That was one of Riki’s powers. Er, are you alright?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho uncupped his ears as the sound faded, having healed the damage it'd caused- and then some. "Eugh. I would've appreciated a warning." He huffed. Jymaiyri was also pretty clearly upset with Lykos, but went over to check on the baby instead of voicing her concern. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Yes. Apologies. I shouldn’t have been rash; that was foolish of me.” They cleared their throat a little. “Alright, well, I know of Sovran, what other adults are here? Nathan and Aldreda are on the other side..“ @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"There's Agustín. He's one of the amphibs, so we know he won't be taken for a fight. He's kind of pathetic, though." Jymaiyri hummed as she checked on Minerva. She thought a bit. "God, I didn't realize how many people were gone..." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Hm, I haven’t met him yet. He might not be the best choice.. I believe Kenji is here as well, and perhaps he’ll know others.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

1

"Mhm. There's also Isabelle. I don't know all what she can do, but she at least seems reliable." Jymaiyri hummed. Yeonaixho didn't know any of these people. So he just stood there. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Hm, alright then. Is there.. anyone else?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I'm still not certain who's alive and who's dead..." Yeonaixho confessed. "I think that's all on this side. I haven't talked to everyone, though, and there could be more on the other side. I know Aldreda would be a big help... maybe she'll switch back over soon." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Yes, Aldreda and Nathan would be quite helpful. Hm.. what are we to do with the children..?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

Before Jymaiyri could reply, the fight announcement sounded, and she disappeared, along with the baby! Yeonaixho rose his hand automatically. he is so scared. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos also raised their hand.

The family arrived back in the kitchen! The vines Jymaiyri had grown over the door, the protections she had so adamantly kept up the entire time Yeonaixho had been dead and then after, were withered and dead on the ground. In the cold, the smell of decay wasn't as strong, but they were still there. Yeonaixho cleared away the vines and led everyone in. Thankfully, the baby sling was still hung on the side of the crib. He sat Minerva down on the counter, and began preparing cups of warm water for everyone (and a bottle for the baby). Minerva watched with great interest as her Papa worked. @cult family

Nathan was looking around with equal interest, feeling the warmth of the kitchen start to seep into their bones. That looked like the hot water alright. And this looked like a kitchen alright. They had been in many kitchens before, and this looked just like one. "...Cozy place," Nathan murmured. The vines again. And a crib...was Jymaiyri here earlier? (It felt like they were treading on sacred ground for some reason. It fel...unsettling. Still.) The longer they looked around in silence, the more their arm began to drip again. The scent of petrichor and earth was starting to arise again, blotting out the scent of the vines faintly. @cult family

"Nice an' cozy," Sovran hummed. He went to search for some fruit for the kids. "Have a seat, it'll be alright." Zora, who was guiding Nora inside, was more than eager to take a seat. She helped Nora sit down against the wall before she heavily sat beside her. Homegirl was tiRED. Sovran went to where some fruit was at. He took a look around and found some mangoes that were in good shape. Perfectly ripe and suitable for eating! Fetching a knife next, he cut them up and set them on two plates. "Got one for you, bud," Sovran offered a plate to Nathan. "And two for you two." He directed at the girls, handing the plate to Zora. "Thank you, Sovran," Zora smiled shakily. She turned her attention to her sister. "Want some mango, Nora? We have some- It looks pp-perfect!" @cult family

Nora slumped down with her, leaning against her shoulder. Nora blinked slowly, but her eyes lit up a little at the sight of the fruit. She reached out for it and took a small bite, and weakly smiled. “Mm… th..thank you..” @cult family

Once he was done pouring the waters, Yeonaixho distributed them around the group and began feeding Minerva her bottle. He fell silent for a moment, holding his baby in his arms, and ended up standing by Sovran. Being back here was... a lot. He could almost hear Jymaiyri's footsteps, almost smell her earthy scent. He couldn't find words and so said none. @cult family

Would it be weird to say that it felt pretty homey? There was a plate of mangoes being offered to them. It would be rude not to take it. Nathan nodded politely at Sovran, taking the plate of fruits as they leaned against the wall. He watched ths sisters quietly, warm affection spreading in their chest. As they were about to take a bit of mango, they faltered, looking up at Sovran. Oh, Nai'o was standing next to Sovran too. (

) "I'm not a kid, y'know?" Nathan asked, snickering. Their eyebags and scruffy hair made it kinda hard to tell, maybe. Or maybe because this guy was just tall as hell. The absence of the light of childhood whimsy in their eyes was a helpful pointer that they weren't a kid, too. "I'm like, a good twenty-seven." @cult family

"Any time, kid," Sovran spoke to Nora kindly. He gave her hat a little pat pat before he had stepped away. Leaning back against the counter, he rested next to Yeonaixho. His arm brushed against Yeonaixho's arm for contact, just to let him know that he was there for him. "Anyone younger than me, I practically consider a kid," Sovran grinned. "A good twenty-seven, you're a kid. Enjoy your mango, bud." Zora took a bite out of her mango slice. The taste of something nice and sweet made her smile lightly. Resting against Nora, she was content just sitting there in silence as she enjoyed a sweet little treat. Yum. @cult family

Her face scrunched up at the pats. Seems Sovran hasn’t completely earned her trust yet. Nora also sat quietly and enjoyed her mango. She took her water and had a few gulps. @cult family (edited)

Yeonaixho rocked Minerva gently as he listened to Sovran and Nathan talk, not having too much to say. He leaned into Sovran's touch, infinitely glad for it. "Mhm, don't tease him too much." @cult family

"Nah, it's alright, he can tease me," Nathan reassured, smiling kindly at Yeonaixho. "It's just a bit of teasin' 'n joshin', I promise." Within a second, they were back to playfully snickering at Sovran, an eyebrow cocked as they picked up a piece of mango. "Anyone younger than you, right?" they asked, waving the bit of mango at Sovran. So, anyone younger a good fourty-seven, right?" "And thank you, I will enjoy my mango, bud." Munch. "...shiiit, that's actually pretty good mango." @cult family

Sovran couldn't help but let out a laugh. "Wow, looks like you got some jokes of your own, huh? Real funny." As soon as the mango was waved in his direction, Sovran yoinked it from Nathan's hand. He was heheblushy

as he took a bite of the mango slice. "I guess since you're so big and grown, you can just go and cut your own mango slices, huh?" Sovran chewed on the mango. ".. Dang, this actually is pretty good." All Zora did was hum in agreement. She rested her head on Nora's shoulder and happily finished off her mango slice. Delicious. (edited)

10:34 PM

@cult family

Nora paused as Sovran stole Nathan’s mango, staring at him with a frown. “Give- give it back t-to him!!” She seemed genuinely upset, her voice suddenly loud. @cult family (edited)

"Whoa-" Yeonaixho interjected. "It's all alright. It's just a game. Let's keep our voices down, I don't want to upset the baby too much." @cult family

"Thank you, I'm quite a silly little guy, I get it often." Nathan mock bowed, only to be robbed of his second mango slice. Good grief. "Alright, yeah, yeah, I'm so big and grown, I'll cut up my own mangoe," they snickered. At Nora's cry of alarm, Nathan faltered, looking over at her with surprise. "Hey, it's alright, it's all good," Nathan quickly reassured, setting down the plate of mangoes. "We were just messin' around. We'll stop if y'want, yeah?" @cult family

“No no, no, she’s right, I shouldn’t playin’ around with food. That’s the one thing we shouldn’t ever play with,” Sovran was quick to say. His voice remained calm and steady, completely apologetic. “I’m sorry ‘bout that, kid, you’re right. I’ll cut him up a new mango slice, how’s that sound?” Zora flinched slightly at Nora’s tone. “Sovran didn’t mean any harm-” “It’s alright, it’s alright, she’s got every right to yell at me. How ‘bout this, I’ll cut him up a new mango slice, and both you and Zora can have the rest of that mango. How’d that sound, Nora?” Sovran asked with a smile. @cult family

Nora frowned more, not understanding. Taking food was bad, not nice. She stared over at Sovran as he apologized, seeming to calm down a bit. “Mmrm…. okay..” Having more mango won her over. @cult family (edited)

"Thank you, for handling that." Yeonaixho said to Sovran. His attention was still on the baby. She could get so fussy about bottles... but without Jymaiyri around, it'd be all she'd have. @cult family

Nathan watched as Sovran deescalated the whole thing easily, still silent. Eventually, they pushed themself off the wall they were leaning against and took the plate of mango slices. "Here- extra mango," Nathan offered, setting the plate down next to Nora. "I'm sorry, Nora. We won't mess around with food again, alright?" They lightly ruffled her hat again. Soft fabric. "And I'll help him cut it up too, yeah?" he added, making their way over to the counter. "Sovr'n and I can work together on it. We'll be friendly, don't worry." Mango- over there- they grabbed it with ease, not because they were short, but because it was far- and began searching for the knife. "...where'd th'knife go?" @cult family

“Not a problem at all,” Sovran smiled at Yeonaixho. He gave his shoulder a little squeeze before he went to fetch a new mango. “We’ll work together to cut it up, kid, we’ll use some good ol’ teamwork.” Sovran smiled at Nora. “I’ll be sure never to mess with food like that again, I swear it.” At Nathan’s question, Sovran motioned with his head to the counter. “Right there, beside the lil’ cuttin’ board I was usin’.” Zora seemed to relax slightly as the situation calmed down. She rested her head back against Nora’s shoulder. Good. Less tension. Very nice. @cult family

Nora settled back down by Zora. “mm.. sstealing’s.. not nice.” She smiled a little as Nathan pat her head. She took the mango he offered, finishing up her first one. @cult family

"Thanks, bud," Nathan hummed, picking up the knife. Now to figure out how to cut it properly, peel and all. At least Nora and Zora seemed to be cozy again. (ehe)

Zahara and Connie

Tsubari Arrival

Uncle Agustin and Kian

Scott and Ko

Connie and Taylor

Riki Tea Time

Stealing Knives

Mother-Daughter Cooking Lesson

This Girl's Problems aren't My Problem

Helping defreeze Zahara & Baby Supplies for the Baby

Celena and Chris

Sewing Circle

Jymaiyri Returns

Blood in the Snow

Strange Child at the Kitchen

You Can't Just Say That

Strange Creature at the Kitchen

Like Sand through my Fingers

Mari's Back!

And I don’t know why, I can’t keep my eyes off of you

The Unquiet Dream

Doctor Reunion

Lykos and Sovran Babysit

An Empty Room, a Broken Heart

Isn't This how you wanted it to Be?

Lykos + The Weird Polycule

A Ghost of Her