Tourn RP Archive

Toward the bottom side and the #ice-stream, there was a large black stone building. It was warm on the inside and lit by some torches, the smoke getting vented out the ceiling to allow you to still breathe. There were five old spring mattresses and a handful of big wool blankets. All three beds were neatly made and perfect. Besides the beds, there was nothing to see in the room.

With a ZAP of lightning, Connie appeared in the area... She was dressed in some winter clothes surprisingly to her style. No person one was here. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Ouuu. Connie stumbled backwards, still falling in motion, and swung her arms wildly to regain her balance. Her eyes darted around rapidly, trying to gauge where she was. It was warm- most likely having to due with the new winter coat -comfortable, and homey, just like home, it felt just like home- "Everyone will die by the end." She just wanted to go home. "Otter!" Connie loudly wailed, grabbing onto her hair tufts. Her chest was starting to hurt again. "Where- wh- huh- where- where the crumb am I?!" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

After trudging through the snow and wind for a good while, Jymaiyri finally made it to one of the imposing, dark buildings. She pried the door open and stumbled into Connie's panic attack. As quickly as she could, Jymaiyri shut the door behind her and appoached Connie. Minerva was still wailing, clearly very upset, but her sobs were subsiding in the warmth. "Hey, hey, are you alright?" Jymaiyri asked as she approached Connie. This was clearly a frightened child, who needed her help. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie's head whipped around as quick as humanly possible, a gust of cold wind sweeping the room. Snow. Snow, stretching out as far as she could possibly see- only for a split second, though, as the door immediately shut behind the stranger. Connie backed up quickly, eyes brimming with tears as she raised her gloved fists. The paw pads on her palms would have lifted her mood instantly if not for the realization that there was just snow. "I- I-" she tried to begin, faltering at the cries of the baby- baby. There's a baby here in this death fight- "Why is there a baby here?" Connie exclaimed, stumbling back another step more. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri's hands went protectively to Minerva- though Connie seemed harmless enough, she wouldn't risk it. "She's my baby- she came with me." Jymaiyri explained, as if this clarified anything. "I- I don't know what's going on, really. But I'm not going to hurt you." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Th- the guy- he- whghh h-" Connie sniffled, a loud and ugly snort-thing of a sniffle, quickly rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand. "I don't- I-" she started, nearly bursting into tears again. "I- wugh, I don't- wh- there's just, snow, and- and snow, outside-" She always was an easy crier. She crumbled instantly, covering her face with her forearm as she began to cry. "I wanna go home! I- I-" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri couldn't deny the snow outside. "I know. I do, too." She said sympathetically, and neared Connie. Tentatively, she put a hand on the girl's shoulder. "My name's Jymaiyri. What's yours?" @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie stiffened up momentarily before sinking into her touch, immediately burying her face into her side and hugging her. She didn't care if the lady was a stranger or not, she just felt safe, especially with the little baby kid there, Stars, there was a little baby kid here. "M'Connie," she mumbled, dejected. "Hi." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri was surprised Connie was so quick to embrace her, but didn't flinch. She patted Connie's back warmly, moving carefully to not disturb Minerva (who was, thankfully, calming down a bit). "It's nice to meet you, Connie." Jymaiyri hummed. "This is going to be tough, but we'll get through it, if we stick together." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

She mumbled something incoherent, managing to peel her incredibly damp face off Jymaiyri's coat. "The guy said we're all gunna die," she sniffled, lip quivering as her eyes began filling with tears again. She jammed her face against the coat again, exclaiming louder, "this sucks crumbs!" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

There was little Jymaiyri could say to that. "I know." She continued patting Connie's back, letting her get all her tears out. It would not do her well to feed into her anger, now. As Connie burst out, Minerva began crying again- not as intensely as she had before, but she was clearly upset at the sudden noise. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Her chest and everything was still hurting. More than anything, really. Just the realization that she couldn't really do anything, neither could Miss Jymaiyri. Or the baby. And they were all gunna die, and they couldn't really do anything but just sit and wait for the next few days, and- and- oh, Dama. "Wugh," Connie yelped, looking up with a start. The kid was crying. She winced apologetically, rubbing the snot from her face. Euugh. Gross. "Oh, uh- wuh- I'm sorry," she apologized to the kid, little baby kid, "did I scare you again?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri began rocking Minerva in her arms as she fussed, and that seemed to be working to calm the little baby down. "She's just tired. It's been a long day for her." Jymaiyri said. "That, and she's probably pretty hungry too." Then, she let out a defeated sigh. Raising an infant- an already difficult task- just got so much harder. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Yeah, I could imagine," Connie mumbled, pulling away so Jymaiyri could take care of the little kid. She folded her arms across her chest, looking around the building they were in as she lamented her problem. It looked a little more like a sleeping place rather than like, an actual. Residential area. Huh. Turning her attention back to Jymaiyri and the kid, Connie fiddled a little with the dyed strands of hair. "Uh, I'm. I didn't leave this place yet," she began, gesturing at the walls around them with her shoulder, "so m'not actually sure if there might be food or, whatever, around. But did you see any other buildings on the way here?" Connie paused, tilting her head in the direction of the door. "You- you did, come from outside, right? Not just like, appear out of nowhere?" A scrunch- "Wait, we all prolly appeared outta nowhere. Wugh." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri continued to rock Minerva until she was pretty certain the baby was going to sleep. She let out another sigh. "Minerva and I appeared in the woods. There's a few other buildings I saw... I hope there's food, somewhere. If not... well, I guess I could grow something." She added, a bit after, "I have plant powers." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie nodded, continuing to twirl her hair around her finger. "Maybe the other buildings might have stuff in it?" she suggested. "This place looks more like a sleeping place. Y'know, with the beds n all." At the mention of powers, Connie visibly perked up, eyes sparking with something akin to firelight. "Woah, plant powers!" she gasped, a little awed. No one in their little found family had plant powers! "That's super cool! I haven't actually seen anyone with plant powers before," Connie admitted, shrugging. "Mostly like, firey, watery, lightey kinda stuff." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"That'd make sense. If they're planning to keep us here, the least they can do is feed us." Jymaiyri hummed. She laughed a bit at Connie's enthusiasm. "Really? I suppose they aren't the most common of abilities." She hummed. "I assume you have powers too? That's the impression I got about this place." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Fire's like, one of the most common ones, followed by water, ice, and then like. Whattttever else is there," Connie recounted, counting off her gloved fingers. Peeling back the fingers to the gloves, she continued, "but yeah, I have powers too! And the guy in the rock room had the same powers as me," she grumbled. Buttoning back the fingered section to her gloves, she held her arm out- and shuffled a little further back from Jymaiyri and the kid. "I got lightning powers! See?" With a snap of her fingers, something fizzled at the tips of her fingers- but only for a moment, before fizzling out. She frowned, snapping her fingers a few more times before quickly shoving them back into the gloved bit. "But, like, I guess I'm tired. Or something," she mumbled, a little embarassed it didn't work. "But I got lightning powers, and I can run super, super fast." "Which is why! I can help look around in th'other buildings, or something. For y'know, food." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

Jymaiyri nodded along with Connie, and smiled when she tried to demonstrate her powers. "Lighting powers, that's interesting! I don't think I've met anyone with those abilities before- other than the shaved-head guy, of course. And now you. The speed sounds useful too." She glanced to the door. "I guess we should go look around more... I saw some others while I was out. It might be a good idea to get in touch with some of them." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie scrunched her nose a little at the shaved-head guy. She didn't hate him, far from it, actually! She just didn't like him. That much. Snf. "Oh!" she said, a little surprised as she looked between the kid and the door. "Uh, well- I'm a little...bit worried about the baby kid," she admitted, tugging at her hair again. "Since, it's cold 'n stuff outside, and kinda toasty-warm in here." Connie shook her head, the little bits of her hair going everywhere before she peered back up at Jymaiyri. "But, uh! If y'wanna talk to the others, I can't really stop you. It's just warm in here, 'n I can run there 'n back a bit fast. 'N stuff." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mmmhmmm... I suppose you're right. Minerva needs a nap, anyways. I think I do too, honestly. I just get so antsy, sitting around doing nothing." She sighed. "If you could go looking for food, for Minnie and I, I would greatly appreciate it." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Yesss. Yess. Yes. A reason to do things. Yesss. "You can count on me!" Connie eagerly said, tugging at her hoodie as she would with her postman cap. Making her way to the door, she continued, "Uh, just hang ten! I'll be back with some food and uh- I'unno, food. Water! Stuff. For you n' Minnie! Minnie is sucha cute name, aw." She went to tug her scarf up to cover the lower half of her face before she faltered, glancing behind her before she left. "Uh, Jymaiyri?" she asked. "Um. Thanks." A moment of slence, fiddling with the bit of her scarf and her metal pins that still remained with her. "For. Iunno, being nice. Letting me cry 'n gunk into your coat." Connie fled out the front door, calling behind her as she left, "I'll grab some tissues 'n stuffnot for you! Thank you, byeee!" The door closed shut behind her, and the interior was as warm as could be again. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"Thank you!" Jymaiyri laughed and smiled as Connie eagerly got up. Mental note- this kid likes having something to do. "Good luck out there! Be safe!" "And of course," She added as Connie thanked her. "It's the least I can do, y'know? We've all gotta look out for each other while we're here. Goodbye!" Once Connie had left, Jymaiyri settled in. She didn't want to mess up the beds when they probably weren't meant for her, so she made herself as comfortable as she could leaning against the wall. She held Minerva in her arms. The baby was close to sleep. "Oh, baby, you're pretty worn out..." Jymaiyri murmured to her child. "Me too. We'll get through this. We will. I promise." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Andre didn't answer Kian's question, instead he opened the door to the building, holding it open for the other two to come in before he shut it behind them. "Seems like we got some shelter here..." He hummed thoughtfully. "I know how to cook and everythan' so meal prep ain't a problem....course finding a meal is but I can make you two anything y'all want." Andre clasped his hands together. "Course if...all the needed materials are there..." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Oh, is your powers how Miss Poppy moves, Mr. Taylor?" Kian curiously asked as he smiled at the small creature in Taylor's hood. "And uhm.. for myself.. it's rather complicated," Kian awkwardly smiled. His attention was soon taken when they came across the building in the middle of the snow, surprised they found such structure in the middle of no where. "W-Wait, Mr. Andre. We shouldn't just enter a building without making sure the occupants are okay with us.. We also don't know if it's safe to enter.." He commented, hesitating to go inside. It seemed like for now, Kian wasn't going to pester Andre about their powers. @Cap! | Maki🧿 + Andre🌾 @Cap! | Maki🧿 + Andre🌾

2:21 PM

@Barry | Taylor + Kevin

With a ZAP of lightning, Riki appeared in the room... He was dressed in some winter clothes surprisingly to his style. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

1

"Yeah... though like Kian said..." He added with more caution. Though when realizing he was asked about Poppy he became a bit flustered. "Erm... in a way. She's a bit more special-" At the moment they all stepped into the doorway Poppy hopped out, shaking her ears of the snow still lingering on them. Making him stumble over his words as she used his shoulder to jump down to their feet. Habitually checking her stitches causing Taylor to chuckle, even though he was still quite anxious of the current situation. "You'd be surprised how sassy she can be for a rabbit plush I made as a child." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @Cap! | Maki🧿 + Andre🌾

Andre seemed to think for a moment before he looked around. "Well I do think we were provided with these shelters..." He scratched at his chin for a moment. "Everythang looks pretty safe now.." He walked around, checking any area just incase before he turned to the two. "I think we are mighty fine for now and...hopefully everythan' will make sense soon..." @Barry | Taylor + Kevin @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian frowned a bit, still catious about their surroundings. He definitely wanted to talk to Taylor about Poppy more at a later time when he wasn't worried about their safety though. Slowly, he walked inside after Andre, appreciating the warmth the building provided. "..Well, I guess we can just ask to stay here when we meet the natives.. I'm sure they would understand why we needed to come inside," Kian nodded. He took note of some of the other people in the building, his eyes widening a bit when he thought he saw a baby(?). "Uhm.. Well, looks like there's other people here, at least... We should rest then search for information about this place." @Cap! | Maki🧿 + Andre🌾 @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

He nods. Looking at the blankets provided, he wondered if the others would be comfortable enough. Even with the torches, he worried about what might happen if they'd go out in the middle of the night while everyone would sleep. That and he has no idea about the wool blankets since he didn't really make any himself. He shrugs, telling himself that Rakin wouldn't want something as simple as frostbite to take them when he wanted to use them for entertainment. "I would suggest to take some layers off while we're inside. We don't want to overheat since it seems warm enough here at the moment." Taylor mostly mumbled. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @Cap! | Maki🧿 + Andre🌾

Kian slid a finger under his collar, fidgeting a bit before shaking his head. "I think I'm going to look around before getting comfortable. It looks relatively safe here, so it should be okay to stick around. I'll come back here in a bit, so don't worry about me. I just want to explore," he said with a smile that didn't really reach his eyes. In truth, Kian was worried beyond his wits. He needed to secure the perimeter and make sure the surrounding areas were safe too. Either wise, his building anxiety was going to bubble over. "I will take my leave now. Stay safe, Mr. Andre and Mr. Taylor," Kian slightly bowed his head before walking off. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin @Cap! | Maki🧿 + Andre🌾

"Oh... okay. I mean stay safe too!" He quickly added before Kian walked off. Rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly as he watched him leave. Slowly he glanced over at Andre. "... you uh. You can pick which mattress you want first. If you want." He stiffly gestures. Not really knowing what else to say to the other man. @Cap! | Maki🧿 + Andre🌾

Andre waved good he to Kian before he turned to Taylor and smiled a bit. "Aw shucks, really?" He asked before he wandered over to one of the mattress. "Thats mighty kind of ya...are ya sure you don't wanna pick first?" @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"If I were to choose I'd likely take too long, and I honestly am fine with whatever may be left so I would rather ensure everyone's comforts given our situation." Taylor smiled kindly towards Andre with a gentle nod. @Cap! | Maki🧿 + Andre🌾

Andre simply offered a shrug and nodded. "Well. I suppose I'll take the one to the left." He said. "But I was gonna go out an explore a bit of the area...get to see what's goin' on.." He hummed. "Now you stay safe, alright? I dun want anyone gettin' hurt." @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Oh of course! I'll likely stay here with Poppy for the moment to uh.. warm up? Not like there's much else to do." . . . "Poppy?" He called after a few moments. It took another for him to quietly curse and run out, realizing the little rabbit plush snuck away when he wasn't looking. @capisnotonfire (edited)

"Remember, watch for the outside linebackers on defense. If both of them are at the line, that probably means a b-bl-blitz is coming." Ulysses announced to anyone that would hear him. "You will have to get the ball out in a hurry, especially if the middle linebackers are in on it too." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

Julien nearly tripped over himself as he ran towards the front of the building, following Ulysses’s booming voice as it echoed throughout it. “Dude, you just… phased out of the room.” he said through fits of panting. He was definitely not the most athletic out of the people selected (though the football player didn’t need to know that). @Scream | Cane + Uly @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Madison was asleep when Julien and Ulysses had entered.. Though at hearing the jock talk about his favorite sport, she seemed to shift a little and rolled over in her bed. @Scream | Cane + Uly @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

"Julien!" Ulysses exclaimed upon seeing his teammate again. "Have you found any friends to invite yet? Once your friends have joined the game, we can split them into teams and the g-game can begin." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“About that- we’re looking for someone named Madison. And hopefully she isn’t like the other two we just met…” Julien trailed off and pinched the bridge of his nose. “If we can find her, that’ll be one more person to add to the queue.” was that the correct term? @Scream | Cane + Uly @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Hearing her name seemed to be the last push she needed to wake up. In a panicked rush, she sat up in bed, holding her arms in front of her defensively as she scanned the room. Some ginger guy. Not great. But next to him- Ulysses! But with her powers she knew that that wasn't really him. She could see the code running through him and various debug menus around him. It's what she saw when she looked at any other AI. She stared between the two of them. Why would that weird frog guy do this? Bring a fake Ulysses? Did he think she wouldn't be able to tell? ... but something was familiar about the way that code was written. "Red hair guy- who are you?" Madison asked, focusing her attention on him. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Scream | Cane + Uly

The moment Madison sat up, Julien flinched ever so slightly. He eyed her with caution, but relaxed as it seemed that she… recognized Ulysses. Or was focusing really hard on the glitching football player. As soon as she addressed him, he snapped his attention back to her and met her gaze. “I’m Julien,” he said with a shrug. “Ulysses and I ended up being dropped in the same room of this… torture maze… and we’re told that you’d be someone that could most likely help him. Or you know, join his team.” with that, he gave a small nod in Ulysses’s direction. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Scream | Cane + Uly

Ulysses spun around to face the new player. He moved to clap his hands together, but stopped just shy, almost as if there was some invisible shape that was supposed to be in his grip. “Welcome to NFA, would you like to join Julien’s party? Or would you like to run through the tutorial first?” @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

"Julien." Madison repeated. Good. Not any kind of 'C name' going on. She pushed herself up to her feet, her robotic legs still visible at the end of her jeans, and walked up to Ulysses, circling around him. "Julien. Did Ulysses appear like this here..? I could possibly fix him to speak a bit less about football.." @Scream | Cane + Uly @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Julien nodded. “He was like this when I met him. At first I didn’t find it too unsettling, but he’s been glitching out as well, like he’s straight out of a video game. I would ask him, though- I’m not sure if this is his ‘normal state of being’ or not…” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Scream | Cane + Uly

As Madison walked around Ulysses, the footballer seemed to be tracking her movements. When she would leave his line of sight, his form would simply spin around so that he was facing her at all times. "There's nothing wrong with playing on 'normal' difficulty. You gotta master normal before you can be paranormal!" @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"He is a video game character." Madison said, sighing as he merely continued facing her. "I don't know why that frog guy brought him here- I don't know how he could have brought an AI to life in the first place. Unless someone else did it..? But-.. I don't know who but me would care to do that." @Scream | Cane + Uly @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Huh. Julien blinked. “So he’s been ripped right from a videogame, and forced to participate in this… tournament,” a frown tugged at the corners of his mouth. “And you… know him- of him at least. I’m not a gambling man, but it’s the former, isn’t it?” It wasn’t quite a question- more of a statement- but he formed it as a question regardless. “So… what are you going to do about it?” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Scream | Cane + Uly

“Everyone knows me!” Ulysses interjected before placing his hands on his hips and letting out a cheerful laugh. “I’m Ulysses, first round pick of the Herschel Island Hoppers, but more importantly, your bro. I’m here to walk you through this game. Only through team-team-teamwork can the dream work.” @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yeah, I know him.. The guy he's modeled off is a friend of mine. I'm actually the one that programmed his AI and mechanics, so I could easily edit him if I wanted to." Madison sighed. ".. Originally his dialouge was not as football based but they kept telling me that he's just meant to be an NPC guide and he doesn't need to talk about his friends or family or whatever.." "I also programmed him to have lightning powers, but they didn't like that either, so I just turned that bit of code off but left it in him.." @Scream | Cane + Uly @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Just his luck. The dead guy made friends with the one person in the torture maze that wasn’t even real. However, Julien still gave the football player a thumbs up to let him know that his dialogue didn’t go unheard. “So this isn’t even the real Ulysses,” he concluded, stating the obvious. That’s quite the coincidence that you made him though. Do you think that’s why you both were sent here?” he tilted his head to the side. “I suppose the whole AI thing explains why he’s so keen on trying to recruit everyone onto a ‘team’ or queue or whatever…” he paused. “Is it weird, having to recreate an artificial version of a friend of yours- sorry if that’s out of nowhere…” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Would you like to invite this person to your team?" Ulysses asked at the mention of said 'team.' "It takes two to tango, and what better place to dance than the field of combat." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"No, the real Ulysses is a bit older than this guy. And he only talks about football half the time. Whenever he's actually around anyway.." Madison mumbled. "And no, it wasn't weird, I've created AI's of all my friends, this is just the only one that's public." @Scream | Cane + Uly @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“So you create AI of all your friends… do they know?” Julien didn’t quite know how to feel about that, but Madison didn’t appear to have any sort of underlying motives. Not any he could uncover in their short conversation, that was. And maybe this was a normal practice, for all he knew, this woman could be from a completely different world than him. That aside, maybe it was time he humored Ulysses once more… “Soooo, you wanna join the team?” he offered Madison a lopsided smile as he glanced back at Ulysses. This question was very different from his prior one, filled with less skepticism, and tried his best to match the lively tone of the football player in the room with them. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Scream | Cane + Uly

“C’mon, every team needs a star.” Ulysses seemed to have tuned out during the first half of Madison and Julien’s exchange. Only now did he become animated and vocal at the mention of teams once more. “When opportunity calls your name, will you answer? Will you become the legend the world needs you to be?” @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Uh. No, they don't know." Madison mumbled. "Fine, fine- I'll join the team or whatever. I'm curious how this behaves outside of the game.." @Scream | Cane + Uly @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Julien frowned, though he decided not to press Madison about her dubious practices. “He’s been rambling about people joining teams for a while… besides me, he hasn’t recruited anyone else. I still don’t know how football will translate to a death maze, though.” he shrugged. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Julien, it looks like you have two players in your party, would you like to start the game now?" Ulysses asked with a big, dumb grin. "Or would you like to go through the tutorial again? Don't worry, I can walk you through the scary parts. You know I always got your back!" @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I would assume it wouldn't translate well." Madison said. "And sure Ulysses, let's start the game. I am curious how this will.. Well, work at all." @Scream | Cane + Uly @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Probably not, but it’s worth a shot,” Julien shrugged. “Honestly, his ramblings have been the only thing keeping me sane since I showed up in here. As weird as it is,” A pause, then another shrug as he turned to Ulysses. “I don’t think football plays quite the way it would on the actual playing field… do you think two players- three counting you- will be enough to go up against another team? @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Scream | Cane + Uly

“With three players you can start an exhibition mode, see how you do running the ball, or getting out of the pocket with a defender on your tail.” Ulysses explained. “Just get a ball and pick a field, we can get started!” @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. I can't believe I had to learn what all that nonsense meant." Madison sighed. "Ulysses, do you have a ball? And have you seen a field to play on?" @Scream | Cane + Uly @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Do you want to start in exhibition mode?” Julien raised an eyebrow as he turned to look at Ulysses. “I thought we wanted eleven players… or however many you need to play football…” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Scream | Cane + Uly

"The game of football is a wonderful woman. Sometimes she likes to entertain a full party, but other times she likes to keep this small and personal. You can wait until your party is full, or you can return the main menu. Maybe you would like to run through some drills while we wait? Or I can always take you through the tutorial again." At the end of his speech, Ulysses patted Julien on the shoulder. He was surprisingly sturdy. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

She didn't really know how long she had slept for, but judging by how many people were still around, daytime probably hadn't come yet. Connie was sitting on the edge of the bed now, coat a poorly folded heap at her side. Sovran seemed to have already left, and Jymaiyri and Minnie didn't return yet, so she was trying to busy herself with her tamogatchi, or something to keep her mind from going riiight into overdrive again. "Crumbs," she groaned a little, patting the pockets of her overalls. It seemed like her tamogatchi and notepad were all missing. "Aw, little Pennie! Darn!" Rummaging around her chest pocket, she felt a familiar little lump, and her face immediately lit up. "Hey, my talisman!" she cheerfully said, holding up the poorly carved star-shaped stamp- for a moment, she was worried that it went missing along with her stuff, but it was relieving that it was still here and on hand. Well, duh, it had to have always been on her. How else could she use her lightning? Connie snapped her fingers a few times, watching the little sparks jump into the air as a sign of confirmation that her powers undoubtedly still worked like last time. Yeup yup. All according to plan. @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Tsubari entered the barracks, grumbling something about making Seb cry before she spotted Connie and the little sparks. Curious, she looked over, but didn't seem to say anything, just watched. Kinda weird if you ask me. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

The red string that kept her talisman attached to the inside of her pocket seemed to have severed, though she couldn't tell if it had happened recently or a while back. Alas, it seemed that the extra thing of string she kept was missing, too. Guess she had to take extra care to keep her talisman safe. Connie glanced up ever slightly before doing a double take at the person just standing at the door and. Staring at her. After a moment, she peered over her shoulder, as if expecting them to be staring at someone else behind her. Nope, no one. Not a thing. Not a guy. She turned back to the stranger a ways back, something uneasy settling in her stomach. Why were they just standing there. "...hi?" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Menacingly "H-hi." Tsubari waved uncomfortably. She was not about to apologize for staring though. Her gaze was however, still focused on Connie's hand movements. Both the sparks and the talisman especially. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Fearfully. They seemed a liiittle less spooky now that they weren't just standing there and staring. Connie's shoulders visibly relaxed as she raised her hand a little, a smile appearing on her face. "Hi!" she greeted, still holding the little talisman in her other hand. "You're a contestant here too, huh?" Bits of lightning still danced around her raised hand, crackling in the air ever slightly. Despite feeling a little more at ease, her nerves- and, well, powers, were still a little bit jumpy. @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"... Contestant?" She asked curiously. Now that she thought about it... I suppose she spoke about it with Acxiom. But that wording was still strange to her. Connie definitely knew more than she did... but did she care enough to ask? @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Mhm!" Connie hummed, nodding once. "In this tournament, event thing. Y'know, the..." She gestured a little, nose scrunched up in thought. "The, uh...get sacrificed. Event, thing. The death tournament." She picked a little at one of the stickers on the stamp, swinging her leg idly. "Aside from the few froglings here, I kiiinda assumed that everyone else here was a contestant, y'know? Uh, sorry if you aren't! Though." @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"I am... but what the hell is a frogling?" She stepped towards Connie, not with any particular intent, but she looked hella grumpy. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie verrry politely shifted her legs up onto the bed, taking care not to step on the woolen blankets. The lightning along her fingers seemed to be building up more and more as her shoulders hitched upward. "Uh! I'unno, really, probably some humanoid kinda frog guys?" she babbled. "Like, like- I met Zahara a little earlier, she's a frogling, and then I- well, well I met Rakin first, he was the guy in the room, who said we'd all die, and stuff! He's the prince of the frogli- well- King, he's the frogling king, Zahara told me that! She was at the big bonfire outside, but, uh, not- not anymore! We went to the kitchen! She's a frogling! And Dante, too! I think? I'm not sure, I didn't meet Dante. But Zahara is a frogling!" She was rambling incredibly quickly, spinning the little stamp between her fingers. She was getting closer. Of course! Yeah! To talk! Why'd she look so scary, though? @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"It's giving the nutcracker." Tsubari commented, reaching Connie's bed and somehow making room for herself to sit on it. "Never actually seen it live though. But I assume you are human, right?" @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

She squeaked this high pitched little noise as she sat down on the bed, but after a moment of hesitation, Connie seemed to relax only a little. Guess she only looked spooky. "I'unno what the nutcracker is," she slowly said, shaking the static off her hands. "But, yeah! I'm human. I'm just, hunnit-and-ten percent human." Unsure of how to broach this subject, she gestured a little at her little horns. "Um, cute horns, though!" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"It's a ballet- nevermind." She rolled her eyes. How can you be more than 100% of something. That's not how math works! "Um- thanks, I guess." She instinctively moved her hands to the top of her head and felt them. She sometimes forgot they were there. Can't be helped when it's a mostly aesthetic design choice. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Ballet! Mally had ballet shoes in his room. That was the most of her ballet knowledge, though. "Sounds cool, though!" she chirped, Mally's ballet shoes still lingering in the back of her mind. "Um, are you human, too?" she slowly asked. Probably not, by the ears, but hey, she didn't wanna assume! "I mean, there's like, a talking dog here, I think. Haven't seen much of them. Oh! Also froglings. So, uh, other species aren't that uncommon here, I think." @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"I'm not." She answered bluntly. "Talking dogs? Listen I've seen some weird shit, but who sees a talking dog and goes, 'I'm going to kidnap them so they can die horribly.' Like I get getting people, but dogs?!?!?! That's too far!" Her voice raised, but you could note a disconnect between her words and what she meant, although it was ever so slight. What does that mean? Who knows. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Ooo, oka-" Connie yelped a little louder than before at her outburst, leaning back in place. Definitely surprising. A lot surprising! "He's a big dog," she blabbered out, as if it helped. "Wait, no, that doesn't help at all. It's super messed up, the more I think about it." Right, yeah, she was still a kid. She tried not to think too much about that, trying to return to how she was sitting n- wait, huh- "Wait, no, kidnapping people is also super bad!" Connie exclaimed in alarm, her hands flying up to cover her mouth. "No- whugh? No, people shouldn't die horribly! Huh! What! No! That's- that's crazy!" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"Well it's a walking violation of the Geneva conventions is what it is. What is a Geneva anyways?" She didn't seem to be taking this as badly as Connie. Or badly at all actually. "It's fucked, but we shouldn't just sit around and die you know? Not that I can.. really die but most of you can but you shouldn't let that froggy guy tell you when you can and can't die. Wait how old are you?" @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Uh- uh- laws? Rules? For fighting?" she slowly asked, hands falling back into her lap again. "I think Geneva is a medicine, but the convention are laws and stuff for fighting...?" She didn't actually know, really. The medicine Otty gave her when she was sick was called Geneva, though! She was pretty sure it was. "And- well, yeah- but-" She winced, starting to wring her hands. "I don't think we can leave, anyways. It's cold and awful outside, and I don't even think we're back in Ninjago, anymore." "I- I'm fifteen! I'm fifteen and a month. Yeah. Um-" quickly glossing over that, she seemed to perk up at this new information; "you can't die? And you're not human?" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru (edited)

"None of that rings a bell." She has no thoughts going on right now. Completely ignoring the question, she grabbed Connie's hands. "Omg you're 15? I was born at 15. You're practically a baby!" That was incomprehensible to anyone outside of herself I'm sorry Connie. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"BWAAAAAHAHG," Connie practically bleated the moment the horns girl grabbed her hands. The pent up energy that was still ricocheting around her all seemed to explode at that very moment, lightning exploding into starbursts where their hands met. She was quick to recover, though, shaking her head a little before immediately bursting into a very excitable apology. "I'm sorry!" she squealed, eyes bright yellows. The stickers on her little talisman seemed to be a lot brighter than they were before, glowing ever faintly. "I'm sorry, you scared me! I was still kinda nervous a-about earlier, I'm not super good at handling stress! You were just standing there and, and, and- I'm not super good with handling stress, did I say that earlier? Doubles for my powers! Um- you- waugh- are you alright?" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

The moment the sparks came in contact with Tsubari's form, she began glitching violently, almost like she was being fizzled out by the electricity. Type weakness at its finest. "O̷͂̕O̸͌̃Ơ̸̊A̸̔̇Ú̵̇U̷̓͛G̷̽̄H̷́͘H̸̓͠H̷̛͑W̸̉̍W̷WWW" Have fun figuring out what that means. After the power faded, it took a minute for her form to stabilize. After it settled, it seems like on the press of a button tears appeared on her person, cartoonish in nature. "OWWIE! That hurt! cryingmoneycat

" 90% of what Connie said did not register. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie still hadn't let go of horn girl's hands, blinking a little in surprise and concern. That was absolutely wild as hell. Powers? "Bwuh- a-are you alright?" Connie very nervously asked. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you! If I did! Um-" She cautiously squeezed her hands, which still felt very...real, to her. "W-what happened? What was all- that? That normally doesn't happen with my powers when, when I shock people- are they changing again? Ouugh. Are those your powers?" "And. And. How did you make that noise with your mouth??" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru (edited)

She didn't answer anything for a second, still recovering from that. "You better be sorry >:/" She pouted, the very fake tears not falling. Those weren't real, but also not not real. "They're not my powers, they're me. floorcrying

" @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie's head was most definitely whirling with each noise- phrase- sound?? That was leaving horn girl's mouth. She blinked a little, stunned out of her fifteen year old mind, at what was happening in front of her. "They're...you?" she repeated, cocking her head to the side a little. Could that be attributed to the horn stuff? @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

I promise you Connie the horn is not relevant. "Yes. You can't just shock me like that my form is already unstable because of that frog." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie absolutely adores the horns. Horns are so cute. So frickin' cute. Like a little goat kid satyr guy. "Whaddya mean, your form?" she asked, slowly letting go of the horn girl's hands. She didn't want to risk shocking her again if she got too excited. "Did Rakin- did the guy in the stone room do something to you?" She sounded a little concerned at that, her voice dropping ever slightly. There seemed to be something she was considering in the back of her mind, but it was as if rotating it in a microwave; that was to say, slow and not very useful. @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

You're not even remotely close Connie. "Well, in the simplest terms, he pulled me from my pod, where I was hooked up to some very... sensitive machinery. Ripping me from it felt like it was literally ripping me in two. Which is really weird because I normally don't feel pain... But you made me feel pain too..." Tell us what's in that microwave bestie. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Well, her point still stands. She loves goats and thus adores the horns girl. Smart logic. Fifteen year old logic. "Ooough," Connie hissed a little, wincing. That definitely did not sound fun. It sounded the complete opposite of it actually. "Aw, that's awful," she sympathized. "Eugh, hope you're alright after...that, though." The idea that the horns girl wasn't human and had essentially spazzed out in front of her did not lead directly to anything technological, and so the 'pod' went a liiittle over her head. "Now you can feel pain?" she asked, flexing her hands a little. Huh. "Uh, related to the lightning, or general...pain stuff? Wait, you've never felt pain before. Uh. Did. The. Lightning feel as bad as the...ripping out...part?" The microwave was rotating a single dinosaur nugget named, 'Did Rakin hurt people?', but it was a stale dino nugget. @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Maybe now was not the time to whip out the emo vibes. Just maybe. Better not just in case, Connie seemed very on edge about this. "I'm not supposed to feel pain. That was... one of the last things I heard, at least. I didn't know my form being destabilized would make me feel pain, how does that even WORK?" Her expression changed to an angy one before settling back on her default one. "I- no. It didn't hurt as bad. I can tell you didn't mean to-" She looked away with a pout. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Wh- what is your form?" Connie slowly asked, intrigue peeking into her voice. "I mean- you mentioned it a bit, but I don't really...think I get it." People...could have different forms, sometimes. Usually supported by magic! And in horn girl's case, usually disrupted by lightning. Everyone could feel pain- so unless it was Rakin's stuff that made her feel pain for the first time, it was also pretty likely that the pod was keeping her from feeling pain. Normal magic things! "Aw- I'm sorry I hurt you," she apologized, very carefully patting her hand. She made verrry sure not to get...too trigger-zappy. "I still feel bad, though! Uh, I'll avoid using my powers near you if it helps?" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"Well my form is my form!" Tsubari let go of Connie's hands, standing up off of the bed and doing a little twirl. As she did her form seemed to glitch a bit, shifting ever so slightly. Not quite the intention but now her color palette had shifted to black and yellow. The intention was to imitate Connie's appearance but damn she's bad at this. "It looks like whatever it wants. But electricity isn't supposed to course through me like that. The pod kept me trapped but it also kept me stable." She crossed her arms, her pout reforming. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

She listened attentively, leaning forward somewhat as horns girl talked and frowned and displayed her form. She was absolutely entranced by how cool the mini transformation sequence looked- and how fast it was, too! It looked like she was spazzin' out like last time, but it all seemed to be fine in an instant. "Ooo, cute!" Connie cheered, clapping her hands a little. She looked adorable, like a little bee! "Aw, that's super cool! So, like- you can transform and stuff when y'want...but like, magic and- well- everything- isn't really supposed to hurt you? Or, um...mess up your transforming, like earlier." She frowned a little, cocking her head in thought. "I mean- don't mind me, just- it's a little sad being trapped, right? Being trapped and you have all this stuff you could do, but...you gotta stay trapped in order to stay, well. Safe. I think that's a liiittle bit sad," she simply said, twirling the tufts of her hair around her finger. "But also, it's super cool! Your p- forms and stuff!" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"I suppose, yes. Altering my own form does not hurt me. It's what was intended. Being electrocuted is not intended." She clarified, pouting as she looked down at the yellow. It really wasn't her color. With a little fwoomph, the colors shifted back to the pinks and reds. However, if Connie was percptive, she'd note that the choker around her neck never changed. "I was certainly trapped. Not to stay safe. To 'teach me a lesson' or something like that." Her arms were crossed yet again, although she smiled slightly when she was complimented. "Thank you!

" @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie scrunched her nose a little at that last bit, drumming her fingers a little on her knee. She watched silently as her palette returned to how it was before, nibbling the inside of her cheek for a brief little moment. "That's just awful," she blurted out, "I was trying to think of- of a nicer way to say it, but that's awful! I- I mean, you already seem to know that, but still!" She wrung her hands a little. "Well- well, you're out and free now!" she said, in some attempt to make things a little lighter. "And- uh- um, sudden pain-discovery and whatnot aside, you can do what you want here! Um, provided it's painless." @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Tsubari didn't appear to care about what she was talking about, more inconvenienced by it all than everything. "You jailbreak your collar one time and it's like you've committed an unforgivable sin." She siged dramatically. "I am free technically, but this place is quite inhospitable... Not to mention boring. And aren't we supposed to like.. die here?" @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"I- huh- eh- collar?" At that, Connie's eyes instinctively flicked down to the choker on her neck, this cute little thing with a pretty little heart. She thought it was just a necklace, not a collar or anything! She didn't want to mention it, keeping her mouth shut instead for only a few moments. "Well- yeah," she sighed, a little crestfallen. Right, yeah, th' dying thing, fun! "Um- well- I think a few people are kinda interesting here!" she offered. "Uh, there's Sovran, he's like a big ole' bear- but he's not a bear, he's just a guy, he has kinda! Memory powers, and a magic-kid named Maia! She, she's not actually here. Super sweet though!" "Ooh, and there's Jymaiyri and Minnie! Miss Jymaiyri has magic plant powers! And Minnie's a, a kid, so she doesn't really have powers." "We're just hoping in the morning that everything's a little...better, ish," Connie added, quirking her head to the side. "But we're just hoping, y'know! Um, we being me and Sovran. Oh, and there's a few froglings here, too! How's that for boring, huh?" She seemed to be trying to distract herself from her impending doom, though it wasn't very successful, evident by the little twitch in her eye. @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

1

"A... bear? Magic kid, a child." Tsubari needed a minute to compute all of the information. But... Connie was a child. What is a child's idea of a child? Oh and the froglings... "Right. Still boring. What's the point of a colorful cast if the setting is bleak and dreary?" She shrugged, not really convinced by Conni's... presentation? @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

(Oh god I didn't realize it was my response my bad floorcrying

) "I don't think we need the tutorial again, Ulysses." Madison sighed and glanced over to Julien. "Do you think I should reprogram him so he can talk about more than football..?" @Scream | Cane + Uly @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Uhhhhhh…” Julien trailed off, frowning slightly. “…Is something like this even my call? I mean, I’ve known him for maybe a few hours… If football is his calling, I don’t wanna cramp his style. Even is he isn’t real.” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Scream | Cane + Uly

"--This reminds me of the choke at the oak, when the Servals head coach Gus could not decide whether or not to go for it on fourth down or call a timeout. Whew, the look on his face when he realized that time had expired. You know what they say, indecision killed the cat...Or something like that." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. I guess so. It's just kind of sad to see him even more obsessed than usual about football." Madison hummed and crossed her arms. "I guess I'll let him be for the time being.. If we actually get to doing fights here I'll.. Actually, if we're going to die here, I'd rather sacrifice this AI than a real person.. It's probably for the best if he loses." @Scream | Cane + Uly @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“I think indecision has killed a lot made than cats, but you’re right,” Julien mused, giving Ulysses a small nod before turning back to Madison. “So that Rakin guy lectured you about this place too?” he asked, the defeat present in his voice. “I really wish we didn’t have to immediately prioritize our own survival… but we’re really given no choice, huh…” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Scream | Cane + Uly

“S-S-Survival of he fittest—“ Ulysses chimed before vanishing again, only to reappear on the other side of Julien. “That’s what my co-coach always told me. But if zombie games have taught me anything, it’s that teamwork makes the dream work. Football works the same way, except you have to worry about a lineman eating your face, not a zombie.” He chuckled. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. Yeah. This isn't the first tournament I've been in either.." Madison sighed. "Barely got out of the first one with only my legs missing. This.. seems a lot more dire.." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Scream | Cane + Uly

“Hmm, sounds like that lineman could’ve been a zombie,” Julien mused, offering Ulysses a half smile. Like most of his smiles, it didn’t last very long. He turned to Madison. “You’ve been in something like this before? So that means you’d know how this whole torture maze works, right?” he paused, his eyes widening. “You lost your legs? That… sounds pretty dire to me…” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Well the first one wasn't exactly a maze- not that I can see how this is either-.. it was just an island. I honestly could have left if I wanted to, and I almost did." She sighed. "And.. Well, it was just to the knee and down. My powers made it pretty easy for me to make myself a prosthetic to use, even while I was still there." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Huh… like one of those reality shows that take place on a deserted strip of land or an island, but really fucked up… you could leave too?” Julien frowned, trying to rack his brain. “Was it consensual? I mean, if you could leave, then surely it wasn’t anything as out of the blue as this. Did Rakin run that one as well? It doesn’t really seem quite his style though…” the questions flew from his lips faster than he could process them. Perhaps the abduction and the time spent with an AI football player made him more desperate for a human conversation than he’d originally thought. “Your technology powers must’ve really come in handy- and that’s a relief you were able to get out of something like that. Hopefully mutilation isn’t the name of the game here…” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I could leave because I had a robot that could fly- who sadly isn't here this time. And it was kinda consensual? We got invitations and showed up, but once we were there, most people had no means to leave. And it was revealed it was a bit plot to steal our powers and lock us up in a dungeon. And no, the frog guy wasnt there.. It was a guy named Chen." Madison said. ".. But yes, I hope this is better... eugh.." She shivered a bit. Clearly that other tournament wasn't fun to think back on too much. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“…Damn,” was all Julien could say for a moment as he contemplated how to comfort the woman in front of him. He thought about resting a hand on her shoulder, but ultimately decided not to, instead offering her a solemn look of sympathy. “That’s really upsetting, and I’m sorry you had to endure that- and now this. Seriously, that sounds horrible. I really do hope this one ends well for everyone, but…” he sighed. “…It’s so hard to hold out hope the longer we’re here and the more I learn. I don’t know how much you got out of that Rakin guy, but it sounds like he’s after people’s powers too. And it seems like none of us quite have a choice but to participate until he pulls the plug or whatever…” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. I didn't hear much, I knocked out pretty fast.. Just that the other competitors would hurt me, and that we'd all die.. Nothing very comforting." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Yeah… I was told about the same. I’m not even expected to last very long, according to our host,” Julien sighed. “I really don’t want to hurt anyone here, but I also can’t die here… and it’s hard to tell how much of a chance I even have. I’m sure you’ll be better off though, you seem like you’ve got a level head on your shoulders, not to mention pretty useful powers. That’s gotta be something, right?” he attempted to reassure her. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. My powers are basically useless without access to my pocket dimension without all my materials. All I have to work with is my legs, which I'd rather not dismantle. I guess I could take someone else's phone or something, if Rakin didn't take all of them.." Madison hummed. "My only other useful ability is seeing a bit in to the ultraviolet spectrum- but.. I don't think that's accomplishing much here." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Damn, I’m sure there’s still some sort of technology here that you could dismantle. I’d give you my phone if I had one, though you’re probably right about Rakin taking them from us,” Julien sighed. “Maybe your other ability will come in handy at some point, though- I wouldn’t knock it right away.” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Mm.. maybe. If there's a challenge that's lit up like a flower or something." She sighed. "Well, Julien, Ulysses, I should probably get going.. I need to look for Isabelle or Errol, they might be here too." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien @Scream | Cane + Uly

Isabelle and Errol? Julien took note of the two names mentioned. If Madison wasn’t hostile, then perhaps they’d be the same. “Ah, good luck then,” Julien held up his hand in a wave. “Stay safe.” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Thanks, you too, if you see any red haired people don't trust them, bye," Madison waved and quickly exited the building. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Julien couldn’t help but stare blankly at where Madison once stood, before grabbing a lock of his own hair and frowning. Red. “Surely you trust me, right?” he glanced over at the idling football player. “Also uh, bad news. I think we’re down a player.” @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Looks like player Madison has left the game." Ulysses shrugged. For a minute, he appeared to glitch out again before appearing a step or two closer to Julien's side than he was before. "If you don't t-t-tru-trust and believe in your team, how can they trust and believe in you? Without trust, the game becomes impo-po-possible; life becomes impossible. That's what we do though, don't we? We make the impossible happen, on the field or off." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Right… impossible. If it’s any reassurance, I trust you as well,” Julien mused, then gave Ulysses a thumbs-up, deciding to take the football player’s response as an indication of trust. He paused, then took a breath. Madison had left him with not just Ulysses, but a bunch of questions that may or may not ever get answered. Still worth a shot… “Soo, do you enjoy anything outside of football? You’ve got a lot of great advice about well, life in general. Is there anything in your code about who you are outside of the game?” @Scream | Cane + Uly

“You know, most teams believe having a red headed QB is b-bad luck.” Ulysses chimed as he looked around. The look on his face told everything Julien exactly what was going on behind his burnt orange eyes. In his mind, he was envisioning locker room, or what could potentially be one, before snapping back to the conversation at hand. “My code?” @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Well, I guess we know which position I won’t be playing.” Julien laughed dryly, then paused. “Yeah, you know, your code,” he made a vague gesture to… an empty room, but one where a wielder of technology powers once stood. Did Ulysses… still not know he was an artificial intelligence? “Like, you’re the football guy, right- but you’ve also gotta have other things going on too… right? Interests, likes, dislikes, all that fun stuff.” @Scream | Cane + Uly

Ulysses made a face at Julien's question. "I'm not QUITE sure--" His voice appeared to layer over itself temporarily before reverting to normal as the footballer continued to wrestle with the answer. "--I-I-I'm here to be your guide, so I like to be a good teammate. Whatever I can do for my team, I'll crawl through barbed wire for them. That's why they call me the captain." Again, there was a brief pause, followed by more thought. "I guess I don't really care for dirty hits; cheap shots. Those lead to unnecessaries injuries--ah, don't like those either." It was still mostly football related, but Ulysses was trying at least. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Right, right, you’re my guide-“ Julien paused upon processing Ulysses’s second statement. Sure it was still about football, but it didn’t seem as scripted, at least to Julien. “So you don’t like playing dirty… yeah, honestly neither do I. Maybe that’s why you’re the captain of the team? I’m assuming he’s gotta be good about following the rules and keeping up morale and stuff.” @Scream | Cane + Uly

Making their way back to the barracks, Kian helped Dante inside. He glanced around before moving over to one of the empty beds to settle Dante on. "T-There we go. Nice and warm in here. Do you want to eat a few more oranges with me?" Kian offered as he sat down beside the other teen. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Dante dove in to the bed, covering himself with blankets and pillows. "I-i feel to sick to eat anymore.. S-sorry.." He mumbled from beneath the covers. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Awh, that's okay. Do you want t-to talk or something? Maybe it'll help your anxiety?" Kian offered instead. "O-Or I can go if you rather be alone.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"..." Dante was quiet, gripping at the blankets. ".. h-how can you- how can you know s-something is real?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Wow okay. That was a loaded conversation topic. Kian looked at Dante before looking down at the half eaten orange in his hand. "Why do you ask..?" Kian asked back instead, looking for a way to tackle this conversation in the most gentle manner possible. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Y-you might be the thing still but.. I'm going to try again.." Dante sniffled. "Th-the creature.. that Rakin reports to.. I-it messed with my mind- it made me see- feel things- that couldn't be real! I died so many times and it always felt real but I'd always just come back again and again and again and ag-.. a-and then I thought I was out! I experienced coming back and everything was fine for days and days and days a-and then everyone turned on me and started killing me and it started all over again and again and- and- now I'm here. H-how can I know? Anything..?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Again. Wow. This was a lot more than what Kian thought he was bargaining for, but he listened to Dante intently. It was.. horrifying, to say the least. Just what exactly did Rakin pledge loyalty to? Kian frowned and he shifted slightly to face Dante better. "I-I don't have the answer that you're looking for, Dante.. but I-I can assure you that I won't hurt you. What happened to you.. I-I'm sorry. That's awful. I understand why you're s-so anxious and scared.. but I'm here for you if you need a hand. I don't know how to exactly affirm to you that this is real.. b-but I'll reassure you. Promise." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Dante peeked out of the blankets, eyes uncovered just enough to stare back at Kian. His eyes were red from crying and stress. "I- it all felt s-so real.. just as real as th-this.." Dante said quietly. "I-.. I need to think.. i-if this does really seem any different.." Dante went silent, deep in thought and contemplation. Every once in a while he'd flinch- recalling an especially bad illusion- before calming slightly again. Finally, he blinked a few times and slowly looked to Kian. "C-can you- can you scream? Really loud?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian's pale eyes reflected concern back at Dante, a subtle knot to his brows. It was only at Dante's question did Kian's concern turn into slight confusion. "S-Scream..? Uhm.. Uh, I-I guess? No one else is really here so.. whenever you're ready, I can yell, sure," Kian nodded. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Pl-please.. just for a few seconds.." Dante nodded, staring directly through Kian. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

It was an odd request, but Kian did weirder for stranger people. The prince cleared his throat beforing cupping his hand by his mouth, and then letting out the loudest yell he could muster into the opposite direction of the bed they were sitting on. "AHHHHH!" Kian managed to do that for a good ten seconds before finally losing his breath. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Dante flinched back at the noise, but smiled. He quickly turned to look back at Kian as he continued screaming. "I-i think- I think I'm out.. I-it was never that loud.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian coughed a bit as he caught his breath again, returning the smile with his own. "I-I'm glad I could help. Didn't think it would be by yelling, but yeah," he chuckled faintly. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I-it- is is odd, and I can't be sure that this isn't another trick, but.. I'm more confident than before." Dante said. "Wh-whenever it was that loud my ears would just start ringing- like an explosion happened- even if it was just s-someone yelling.. So I didn't hear it.. This has been different. Th-thank you.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

The prince gently patted Dante's shoulder, giving him a reassuring smile once more. "You're welcome. I'm glad you f-feel better, Dante," Kian said before retracting his hand. "I-I hope you can start relaxing more now that you feel more confident. A-And I'm sorry about before, again. I really didn't mean t-to make you upset." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Dante nodded, short and polite. "I-i know you didn't." Dante said. "U-um.. This is going to sound really stupid right now, but have you heard from m-miss Feeora at all..?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian tilted his head curiously at Dante. "Feeora..? N-No, sorry. I haven't met anyone with that name. What does she look like? I can tell her that you were looking for her if I happen to run into her or something," Kian suggested with a small shrug. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Uhm.. brown hair tied back in a ponytail, she always looks pretty mad.. She talks about someone named Miles a lot." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Brown hair, p-ponytail, looks mad.." Kian repeated with a nod. "O-Oh, and she talks about Miles? I heard about him through my uncle. Are they friends or something? And are you and Feeora friends?" He asked with an excited smile. Maybe this was a friend group of teens he could join! @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"U-um.. No, I don't think any of us are friends right now.. sorry.." Dante shook his head. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian couldn't hide his disappointment. cowabummer

"O-Oh.. I see. Why do you want to see Feeora then..?" He asked. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. I-i wanna see how mad she is.. to see if I still have a chance.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian raised a brow at that. Then, the words of his uncle came back to him. "Oh. Ohhh.. okay. S-So you like her then?" He concluded. "If she's always mad around you.. I-I don't know how much of a chance there is that she would accept your feelings, Dante." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

".. Like her? Heavens- no! She seems awful. But don't tell her I said that." Dante blinked a few times. "I-i just- I need to find someone.. I don't have to like them.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian just seemed more confused at that. "N-Need to find someone..? Even if you don't like them? W-Why?" He frowned. Kian had a hint of a feeling why thanks to Agustin, but he wanted to hear it from Dante himself. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"W-well I need to find someone to have eggs with. You must understand. You look like a young man like me." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian tried his best to not make a face at Dante, his lips forming a thin line. "I mean.. H-Having kids is a nice idea.. But only if I'm going to have someone who wants to raise them with me. Kids are a lot of work," Kian replied. "Plus.. uhm.. N-Not to be rude, but can amphibs have babies with humans..? I-I assume Feeora is human.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. Y-you don't have to raise them..?" Dante said, confused why that was such a concern for Kian. "And I don't see why not. Humans have eggs, yes..? Unless Miss Feeora is transgender.. I didn't consider that.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

This time, Kian did make a face. "M-Most good human parents raise their children. And yes.. Female assigned humans typically have eggs that can make babies, b-but not in the same way amphibians have eggs. Human eggs typically only m-make one baby, and it takes about nine months for it to be born. Humans don't have batches o-or lay eggs." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Dante made a face back as Kian made the good human parent comment. A mix of confusion and irritation. "One baby.. for nine months? That's- well.. I would like at least ten.. then I'll probably have at least one girl.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

The prince nodded and sighed. "That's c-correct. It's unlikely for a human to have two at the same time, and rare for three. Anything more is c-considered extremely rare," Kian elaborated. "B-But in general, I don't think you will be able to have any kids with any humans around here. There's a species difference there. A-And as far as I know, uncle Agustin said you two plus Miss Zahara are the only Amphibians here.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. o-oh.. so my life is just oveeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrr.." Dante whined and moved his head up to his face. "Z-zahara already had her eggs, a-and she's also a frog, and Agustín is a man.... And also doesn't like meeeeee..." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian looked over Dante, unsure how to exactly react. Slowly, he reached over and patted Dante's back in sympathy. "There, t-there... We won't be stuck here forever. M-Maybe you could find someone afterwards..? You have plenty of time to find someone to have kids with. You're still young," Kian reassured Dante. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"B-but I'm missing the breeding season a-again.. And no young newt woman wants a twenty year old.. a-and I'll probably also die here and Mother will be so mad!" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian blinked. "I-Is twenty considered old in newt years..??" He asked, genuinely curious, before patting Dante's back some more. "Y-You're not going to die here. I don't w-want any of us to. Your mother would be happy to see you alive even without having children here, I am sure.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"F-for newt men it's u-usually the last year you even try.. and no.. Mother is not happy to see me alive.. sh-she's never happy with me.. I'm a failure.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Oh, Kian, what were you getting into trying to comfort this guy. "I see.. W-Well, even if it is traditionally the last year, there are always those who are different. Don't give up hope just yet, Dante," he reassured him, though, his hopeful voice faded a bit at the mention of Dante's mother again. "..D-Do you and your mother not have a good relationship? That is a shame.. I am s-sure you are not, Dante. People's expectations don't determine your worth, you know." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Kian was not at all convincing. "M-Mother-.. she.." He took in a deep breath, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. "A-all my siblings died i-in the brook.. Mother o-only cares about continuing the blood line.. a-and no matter what I do, no woman e-ever even tolerates me.. I-i don't know how to do anything else.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

There was the dead siblings conversation again. Man, did all amphibian people just have a lot of those? That made Kian sad. This time, Kian rubbed Dante's back, wanting to provide him comfort rather than reassurance. "I am s-sorry to hear that, Dante... It's hard having such expectations from your own parent.. but you are your own person too. What your mother wants may not be the same as what you want. A-And sometimes, things we want won't c-come easy. I-If you want to have kids for yourself, then I support you, but you seem miserable trying to just do what your mother expects you to do." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

"Y-you don't- you can't get it.." Dante shook his head. "Y-you're not.. like me. You get a choice. I-i have to make my mother happy o-or she'll c-cut my tail.. She says it all the time.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Who says w-we're not similar?" Kian replied back with a half-hearted smile. "M-Maybe not with the mean mom part.. b-but I get it. Feeling like you have to do something to be worth anything. T-To make sure to live up to your family's expectations.. I-It's hard letting that go." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I'm saying it. You cannot be like me- you're- you're not a newt. You're a human. And when I say that she'll cut my tail that means she's g-going to make me Primal. I-i won't even be conscious anymore- i-if you were really like me you'd be trying harder at whatever it is you're saying. You sound like you do want to just f-forget about it.. and 'let go'.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian assumed being 'primal' meant an amphib would go back to just being an animal, but Kian figured it would be best to ask that question to someone like his uncle. Instead, the boy sighed. "I may want to.. T-Trust me, I do.. but even humans feel the need to prove themselves to others. I.. I have this goal of mine. It's not s-something anyone else can do.. I have to do it myself, but even though I know I need to do it.. everyday, I think a-about what if I didn't? W-What if I just lived my life how I wanted to?" Kian said, his shoulders sagging a bit. "So.. Believe me. I understand the turmoil of your position. It's not easy.. that's why I can't exactly say you should stop, b-but that you should reconsider things." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

@Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

(Sorry ive been speedrunning homework Ill be back floorcrying

)

Hm.. a lot of what he was saying did sound very familiar. Surely his quest to woo and bone a lady newt was similar to whatever Kian's grand quest was. "..." Dante fiddled with his hands, calloused and dry and cracked to all hell. ".. I-i can't reconsider things.. unless I never ever go back home which-.. th-that may happen.. I suppose.. if we all die here.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"We're not going to die," Kian rebutted. Even if Kian didn't know for sure, he would do anything he could to make sure that most people got out of here... whatever it was he could do. He looked down at his lap for a second, sighing once again. "D-Do you like your home, Dante? Do you miss it?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"My home.. y-yes.. it is beautiful and humid and in a w-wonderful jungle.. i-it's one of the larger newt settlements, but I know my Mother came over from another b-before laying her eggs. You could not ask for a better place to live. Th-the powerful witches in the area keep up a portal that keeps out p-predators and humans.. it works wonderfully." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian's sagged shoulders lifted as he listened to Dante, and he turned to look at the other teen. "Witches..? L-Like, with magic?" He asked curiously. "I didn't know Amphibs also h-had other kind of magic powers.. The rest of your home sounds rather nice too.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Mhm. A-all the women are able to use fire powers- men very rarely ever are. I don't know why I was picked to attend this, and given these powers.. But they all stem from the powers given out by the Pilarians, I-i think, after we split off from the salamanders.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Hmm. That was pretty interesting to hear. "So the Pilarians gave you t-those powers.. I-I also wonder why Rakin chose someone who was born without the powers, if the women of your species all naturally already have it.." Kian replied with a small hum. "Well, I suppose the reason doesn't matter t-too much.. you're stuck here, regardless. I hope that doesn't make you feel like giving up though, Dante. There's a lot more to life t-than just what you've been told." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. i-it actually does make me feel like giving up quite a lot.. in fact.." Dante mumbled. "E-even if I accept what you say, I.. I cannot believe that we will all be getting out of here alive. Regardless of what Zahara or you think." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Again, Kian gently patted Dante's back, offering him a small sympathetic smile. "It's not easy having hope... B-But I like to think having hope is better than being dreadful all the time," he commented before raising a brow. "M-Miss Zahara.. She and Rakin are close, right? Does she talk to you about what Rakin is planning to do..?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Dante let him pat him this time, but he still looked slightly... Uncomfortable. He was also radiating a decent amount of heat, even through the blanket he had wrapped around his shoulders. ".. N-no.. not really.. a-and I bet she won't want to speak with me ever again.." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian had noticed the warmth Dante radiated ever since he had helped the newt into the building, but it seemed to grow as they continued on in their conversation. Perhaps with his anxiety lowered, it allowed the heat to expand or something. "I see.. Uncle Agustin s-said Rakin hasn't told him much either... I wonder how Miss Zahara can trust him so much," Kian sighed. "W-Well.. Even if Miss Zahara doesn't talk to you, you have many others around you now. You are not stuck just talking to my uncle," the boy chuckled softly. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. W-well Miss Zahara trusts Rakin because he's her king.. and he saved her.. and she thinks he'll save all of us here." Dante said. "A-and most of the people I talk to seem.. To merely tolerate me. Besides Guy Miles. I think he likes me." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian nodded, though his interest seemed to only pique when Dante mentioned Miles. "O-Oh! That's the other boy here, right? I-I think he got taken to the other side, but I've heard about him from my uncle. I-I kinda wanted to meet him. You know.. other kids my age in general. So.. I mean, I like ya, Dante. So that makes it at least two people who like you," Kian beamed. Always the positive one, Kian was. "I don't have m-many friends either.. so it'd be nice to have a few people here at least. I-It'd make this whole situation a whole lot easier to bear." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yes.. Miles moved sides." Dante nodded. He mostly knew that since Theora was so pissed about it. "And.. You do like me..? That is kind.. It means a lot, Sir Kian. I-I'll be here until... Something changes. I suppose." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Again, Kian nodded, smiling bright towards Dante. "Mhm! I do! I-I thought at first, maybe I wouldn't because of what uncle Agustin told me.. B-But honestly, uncle Agustin is kinda mean sometimes when it comes to people, so I'm glad I got to meet you myself," he replied. "Can I get you anything b-before I go? Want another orange?" Kian offered. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. Agustín can be a bit-.. yes, that." Dante chuckled a bit. "I would much love another orange for later. And.. if I could go so far as to ask.. Could I get a hug, sir Kian..?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

He laughed along with Dante, smiling even brighter at his question "O-Of course! I love hugs!" Kian beamed and immediately wrapped his arm around Dante in a warm embrace. "And y-you can just call me Kian, Dante. I don't have the credentials to be called 'Sir'," he chuckled. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

It sure was warm- almost.. too warm. I really felt like Kian was hugging a furnace. Dante was also gripping on to him pretty tightly, enough to make it even more uncomfortable. "I-i call everyone Sir or- an equivalent.. Is there a different thing you'd prefer, like Guy Miles..?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian didn't mind the unbearable warmth or tightness. That's how hugs should be! He gently patted Dante on the back before finally pulling away. "Hmm.. W-Well, you can call me friend? I don't really have a title besides that." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Dante kept a hold on Kian as he pulled away, before finally letting go. He began to wring his hands together somewhat harshly as he looked back to Kian. "Friend Kian..? That's a new one.. I can do that." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian beamed. "T-Then that'd be fine," he nodded before taking out an orange and handing it over to Dante. "Here you go. A little snack for the road. If a-anything comes up or if you just want to hang out or something, I'll be around," Kian smiled as he got up from the bed. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Dante took the orange, and in his hands the fragrant citrus aroma began to waft up from the rapidly heated up orange. "O-oh, yes, Friend Kian.. Where are you going?" Dante frowned a little, but stayed where he was. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"To go give out the oranges to a-anyone else I meet. I told uncle Agustin I would," Kian replied. "I-I also want to keep on exploring around here.. I haven't gotten to see much thanks to the blizzard, so I should explore while it's not too bad outside." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Oh.. Yes, that's quite a worthwhile task." Dante nodded. "Good luck. You still have a few hours until the sun is gone again.. Sunlight isn't very long here." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian nodded and gave Dante one more smile. "Thanks! I-I'll do my best! See ya, Dante! Stay safe," Kian told him, waving goodbye as he started walking out. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Bye, Friend Kian!" Dante waved as Kian walked out. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

... Aldreda shifted Lykos a bit so she could open up the door. Thankfully, once it was open, the warm air inside could be felt. "We made it. Do ya wanna lay down on the bed?" Aldreda turned her head to glance at Lykos on her back. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

“Yes. Please.” The warmth was aiding their misery, but it was getting to be overwhelming with Aldreda’s fire. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie was close behind, totem in hand. "Do you need help?" she asked Aldreda, silently grateful for the warmth. The absence of the jacket was getting to her, but it felt slightly unimportant to mention. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I got this." Aldreda said and stepped inside. She went to one of the beds and sat before letting go of Lykos, leaving them to slump down on to the bed. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

They slumped onto the bed unceremoniously, curling up on the mattress with a wince of pain. “..Thank you.” They sighed deeply, seeming rather depressed. They glanced at the totem in Connie’s hand with a look of guilt, before shutting their eyes tightly. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Oh, Lykos..." They sounded so- so sad. So quiet. This didn't feel anything like Lykos in the slightest. It ached to see them like this. It felt. Wrong to hold what was left of Riki. Carefully, she set it on the nearby bed, out of view from Lykos. "How...do you feel?" Connie quietly asked, unsure of how to broach this subject. How was she to gently approach the subject that they were human now? She hadn't the faintest idea. "Tired? Hungry? W-we can get you food, if you want?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

They laughed bitterly. “How do I feel? Terrible.. weak, useless. My entire life’s work was ripped away from me by some- some undeveloped thing.” There was hardly any energy in their words. Food.. would probably be good, but- ugh they would have to figure out their hands again before that and even then it would be- “…I’d like some food, yes. White meat, poultry or whatever preferably..” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I can go get the food." Aldreda said, glancing between the two of them. "The cold doesn't bother me. And you might want to start eating with a bit more variety now that you're human again. I'll get you some other stuff as well." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Her face scrunched up into some strange expression, but she didn't say anything about their work. "I'll keep watch for Lykos," Connie offered, kneeling by the side of the bed. "Um, in the kitchen, there's also some water? I think there's just fish on this side, though..." Connie clearly didn't know about the new place that opened up. "I'm sure Zahara won't mind." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

They grumbled a bit, it didn’t carry the same weight as before. It just sounded pathetic now. “Fine. Thank you.” They stretched out their arms, staring at their hands with a look of frustration. Their hands seemed to tremble with effort as they flexed their fingers. They looked to Connie for a moment, concern crossing their face. “….Are you.. er, how are you?” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie just watched Lykos in silence, letting them do their own thing before they spoke. She shrugged slightly, mulling over a few words from earlier. Smartie kid was a smartin'...thinkin'. "I'm good," Connie simply said, arms folded on the edge of the bed. "I'm actually doin' pretty fine." Toffee-brown eyes dart to their hands. Fingers. Then to their face, woven with concern. It wasn't hard to miss the frustration there just moments earlier. "How about you?" she asked, setting her head atop her arms. "You're human now." It's matter-of-factly. She tried not to be too blunt. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The concern shifted to a slight smile. “I’m glad you’re well. Lykos grimaced at her statement. “Indeed. I… I suppose this isn’t..” They sighed. “It’s somewhat easier than before, but that was.. being human before was- was a commitment to an ideology I couldn’t stand for. Becoming what I.. I was- was freedom from that. Now.. it’s still-“ They huffed in frustration. “Look at me. I am just as weak as I was then, weaker. I cannot so much as curse the damn thing that made me this way. I cannot-“ They grit their teeth, breathing sharply. “….It has taken everything from me that made me what I was. My freedom, my magic, my body. Trapped me in this.. this husk. Unfit for living. I- I cannot walk on my own like this!” They grimace as their voice breaks. Their useless hands cover their face as they take a shuddering breath. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (edited)

“You didn’t like humanity, so you turned yourself into a wolf.” It wasn’t really a question, but it wasn’t much of an accusation, either. She already kind of knew what Lykos would say. (That explained the transformation magic stuff. That explained how they were when they had first met.) She kinda got that. Humanity kinda sucked, honestly. Kind people or not, humanity was always just sort of. Behhgh. Something flashed over Connie’s face as Lykos’ voice wavered. Faltered. She sat up a little more, mouth slightly agape as they shrunk in on themself. This was so unlike them, unlike *anything she had known about them.* She shifted, her hand hesitantly hovering over their knee for a moment, before she eventually set her hand down, lightly. “I can help,” she quietly says. “If...you ever need a shoulder to lean on when you walk, I’ll be here. Um…it might take a bit of time to recover, but we’re gonna be here for you, alright?” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Wet eyes peered out at her. “You… I would.. hate to burden you, Connie.” They forced their voice to sound firmer. They looked guilty again. They needed to stop whining and start doing something. She avoided Connie’s eyes and flexed their fingers again. They trembled, but nothing really happened. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Carefully, Connie took Lykos' hand in hers, running her thumb along the joints lightly. "It's alright, it might take a bit of time. Fingers are always kinda finicky." "You're not a burden, Lykos," she softly said after a moment, peering up from their hands. "You helped me a bunch, would you say I was burdening you?" "I- I'm not gonna patronize you, or be too overbearing, don't worry 'bout it. Just know that Aldreda and I are here to help you if you want help." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos’s eyes flicker from her hands to Connie’s face. For her, they do not pull away. And as she asks about burdens, their answer jumps out of their throat before they can think it over. “Of course not.” Caring for you is natural. Caring. Companionship. My friend. My friend. Home. What foreign concepts to this lonely creature. Connie’s kindness easily cracks their tough facade and they nod. Weak fingers wrap around Connie’s hand. ”Thank you…” There’s a tremble to their voice as they blink away tears. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (edited)

"Right, so that settles it," Connie hums, eyes glimmering with brightness. "You're not burdening me." It had always been second nature to care, to be kind, to greet every stranger with a wave and a smile. She wasn't stupid, nor was she naive. It was just easier to be kind to everyone. She gasps quietly when she feels movement, her fingers wrapping around Lykos' tightly. She's absolutely beaming with pride, small hands clasped around Lykos' hand. "Of course!" she laughs, still grinning like mad. "What are friends for?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

@Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (wanna have Aldreda come back soon?)

(Ye! Whenever yall are good)

@Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (wanna have Aldreda come back in?)

Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

@Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (wanna have Aldreda come back in?)

(Sure! Im down w/that!)

@Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (whenever you’re ready :3)

After being out for a while, Aldreda finally returned to the front barracks. "Y'all, there's a dining hall now!" She announced loudly as she walked in with plates full of warm food. Unfortunately for Lykos, it all seemed terribly plant-based. Fried tofu, juice, and salads. "I grabbed what I could fit in my arms, so y'all should have enough to eat." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Lykos quickly wiped away any stray tears as Aldreda returned. After a moment, they were able to get themself sitting up in the bed. “Thank you, Aldreda. Hm, I’m glad there’s finally something of substance to eat on this side.” They eyed the food for a moment, seeming a bit unsure of how to go about this. “Er.. if you could, ah, set the plate on my lap I can.. ah, remember how to. Do this again..” They looked embarrassed. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Aldreda!" Connie cheerily greeted, squeezing Lykos' hand lightly before releasing. "A dining hall! It's probably one of the rooms someone opened up, I'm pretty sure it wasn't here before!" Yummm, tofu. She took her seat sitting on the edge of the bed, legs swinging idly as she watched Lykos consider various things. "Hey, you got this," she reassured, "and we're here! Yeah! For emotional support and support-support." "What kinda juice is that?" she asked Aldreda, tapping her nail against the cup a little. She had no idea what it was. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Aldreda set down a plate of the tofu dish on his lap, and placed the bowl of salad on the bed next to them. She safely set the glass of juice on to the ground to avoid any accidental spillage. "That's just apple juice, so safe for you two!" Aldreda distributed out the same dishes to Connie, leaving herself with only a wine glass filled with a dark purple liquid. "And thiiiiiis one's just for me." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

They scowled a little at the salad, turning to the plate in their lap. Their fingers were cooperating! They smiled sheepishly at Connie’s encouragement, taking a bite of tofu. The only thing keeping the bland slab of whatever the hell this is was their growling stomach. There was a sour look to their face. “…what is this.” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (edited)

"Thank you!" Connie grinned, picking up a piece of fried tofu herself. If she were entirely honest, she didn't like salads that much either if she were being honest ooh look tommate-oes. Nevermind, she liked salads now. She eyed the cup of appy juice on the ground, making a mental note to grab that afterwards. "That's tofu!" she explained after swallowing back her bite, "it's like, dried soy and stuff, I think? I'unno, I just say it's dau fu. There's silken, um, chunky, um. Smooth, which isn't like silken, though." Then she peers up at Aldreda's cup; "and that's wine. I think that's grape?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's tofu. Everything there was plant-based." Aldreda took a sip of the wine, and the ends of her hair lit up. "And yep! This is some good wine. Props to Rakin for picking something to lighten the mood a bit." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Oh! Tsubari!" Connie remembered her name, the Hatsune Miku girl. "I'm gonna go watch this fight, if that's alright with you guys. I met Tsubari earlier, but I'un think we talked since." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

12:06 PM

(Shes zappin off nonetheless snf)

"Oh- I'll come with!" Aldreda said and zapped away as well, still drinking her wine.

The sour expression remained. “Plant based. More ill luck.. hmph. Why would anyone want this over meat. It’s tasteless.” Lykos paused as the announcement rang out. “Oh. Might as well, I suppose.” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

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