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Forum Index > Roleplaying > The Isle of Abilities
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Britters
Level 72
The Eggstraordinaire
Joined: 8/25/2014
Threads: 167
Posts: 2,041
Posted: 8/9/2018 at 12:16 PM Post #61
There were hardly any words to describe what Tox was feeling in this moment. He continued to feel the angry tension building up within his muscles. He was not inherently a violent person, but as he stared down at Crypt, who was beginning to look confused at his reaction. Of course she as, he thought to himself, because what warm-blooded male could resist her? His fists were beginning to clench, and he finally felt things coming to a head so he opened his mouth to say something to her...

Before Tox could say anything, however, he felt Brain's sudden presence beside him, and suddenly he could think of nothing to say. She was coming to his rescue, that much was obvious (at least to him), and even he had to admit that it gave him a funny, warm feeling inside. He was sure it was just relief and gratitude, of course it was. The redhead had been tolerable of their shared meals and mild conversations the last few days, but this was the first time she'd sought him out to act our their charade.

"Yes, of course I am," he said, looking down and flashing her a charming smile, "I hadn't forgotten." He glanced at Crypt, who was now standing there in what looked like shocked rage. "You'll have to excuse me." He nodded, placed his hand over the hand of Brain's arm which was linked through his and steered her away.

Without realizing it, and without saying much of anything till they were far enough away, Tox did in fact take Brain to his "secret spot" he liked to go to think. He sort of blinked and frowned at himself, wondering why he had done so, but he supposed there was no harm. Brain wasn't anyone to be worried about bothering him when he didn't want to be bothered. He disengaged his arm from hers, not hastily as he didn't want to offend her, but he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable.

"Thank you," he said sincerely as he leaned against the wall, "I would hate to think myself capable of hitting a woman but, well...she was pushing it. I appreciate your interference." He shook his head and sighed, the weight of today settling heavily on his shoulders. He'd had little time to think about all of it before Crypt had started bothering him. "What a day..."


-----

Reach had no real issue with hard labor. She wasn't built for it, certainly, but she had had to lift boxes of supplies, be on her feet 14 hours a day, and ran here and there during her time as a nurse. It hadn't really done anything to build up her muscles, and it had been difficult for her a lot of the time, but her work ethic was strong. She didn't turn her nose up at work, she just put her head down and did the best she could. Which is exactly what she was doing now with Wire, carrying the crates of potatoes to the kitchen area.

"Perhaps we could find something to contribute," she mused thoughtfully as they walked back to grab the last of the crates, "I didn't see much of a garden anywhere, not that it seems we're lacking in food, but more often than not some kind of activity outside of regular chores is beneficial to morale." She remembered some of the doctors saying much the same to recovering soldiers at the hospital, stating that they needed to get up and engage in activities to speed up their recovery, both physically and mentally.

For a moment as they walked back to the crate of supplies, Reach stopped and gazed around at the vast compound. It seemed strange to hear herself talking about this place as though she were invested in it, but perhaps she was finding herself more and more comfortable with this new existence. She had Wire, and Mr. Darcy, possibly Brain, and who knows who else she might meet. Those seemed like reasons enough to try and do something to make things here more pleasant.

"Or hey," she said to Wire with a chuckle, grabbing one of the last crates, "How about a book club?"


-----

The feeling of trying to keep someone out of trouble was not unfamiliar to Flora. She had grown up in a very large family, seven children to be precise, and she was smack dab in the middle. She was the epitome of the "middle child", and she had found herself supervising her younger siblings when her parents and older siblings were too busy and preoccupied with other things. It was this habit that she felt was coming out of her when it came to Necro. He was not a child...but he certainly acted that way what seemed like the vast majority of the time.

Flora watched intently as Necro spoke with Wasp. The poor woman was clearly heartbroken about her friend's death. It made Flora's own heart ache for her. She had always been a mellow, caring, tender person. She was the one everyone came to for a shoulder to cry on, someone to talk about about anything and everything. She enjoyed being helpful, though sometimes it was hard to give herself the same amount of attention and care. She shook her head to clear her thoughts in time to see Necro giving Wasp the message from beyond.

"Oh, Wasp, keiki," she said, striding forward and giving Wasp a hug, letting slip the Hawaiian endearment her mother had always used for her and her siblings, "I'm so sorry, sweetie, but you need to remember that she loves you and not hold onto her too hard, hm?" Her voice was smooth and calm, her smile radiant and nurturing. She only wanted everyone to be happy and at peace.
Edited By Britters on 8/9/2018 at 3:22 PM.
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Posted: 8/9/2018 at 11:05 PM Post #62
As Tox lead her away from the still-present group of scragglers, unable to grasp the idea of a death in the compound, and the memorial wall itself, Brain became ever-so-painfully aware, again, of her contact to him, her own highly-freckled arm linked with his flawless one. She's not sure what made her do it, but she had always been able to act a part. Perhaps it was the constant lying to her family, to herself, that made her so adept at it. Maybe it was the numerous times, during her schooldays, she would lie and claim not to know an answer, if only to avoid ridicule for being a "know-it-all" and a "nerd" and the like.

But regardless of where her skill for fibbing came from, she could not take her mind off of the skin of Tox's arm pressed against her own. It was so calm, so casual, and she thought it a wonder that he did not flinch from her contact in the first place. It would have been utterly mortifying if he did - endearing, yes, too, like his leap was earlier when she snuck up behind him, but still embarrassing.

She was intrigued to find that his skin was slightly warmer than normal skin should be, but she figured that that was likely just a result of his Ability.

When he removed his arm from hers, she was understandable disappointed, but hid it well. Instead, she leaned up against the wall next to him and folded her arms across her chest, letting her head fall back against the bricks. "It's never a good day when we lose one," she murmured in agreement to his unfinished statement.

Then, as she glanced around them, she came to realize that perhaps he had followed her little lie. The location was quiet, reserved, and peaceful. "Do you come here often?" she suddenly asked, her voice soft as she refused to meet his gaze for the sake of the burning feeling that sparked itself in her chest unexpectedly - did she have heartburn? Should she ask Dr. Jezschaououghen to check for that?


-

For a bit, Wire only listened to Reach and contemplated in her own head, for once. Normally, she would be the one talking, but a sort of emptiness still hung about in the air, that which reeked of failure and disappointment, all wrapped up with a whiff of fear. For the first time, Wire began to wonder if she would be better off with her horrendous brother than here.

But then she wouldn't have Reach, her mind reminded her, and she instantly knew that any place with Reach was far better than being back home in that shabby little cottage with her only sibling.

Wire did her best to nod along to Reach's suggestions and offer her agreement - the girl was smart, that was for sure. Wire herself would not have thought of boosting morale. Reach's last musing, though, caused the African to pause, and she was immediately grateful that her skin was dark-colored and would not allow for a prominently red blush that would surely affect a humiliated white person.

"I... I believe that is a good idea, yes," Wire stated, though her voice had raised in pitch. "Perhaps you could find some people willing to join the reading club with you. Maybe that redhead from yesterday. She looked brainy enough. I support your club," she nodded, trying to be as convincing as possible.


-

It was true that, as Wasp began crying harder in response to his message, part of Necro wanted to take it back, to refuse to communicate with Nerve. Tears made him uncomfortable; they always had. Though, of course, he had never really been a sympathetic person to begin with. Emotions were irritating, and he'd rather cause within himself a feeling of elation.

But watching Wasp sob, a highly uncharacteristic act for the buff woman, Necro felt his own mood deteriorating some, and he wanted no more of it. But then there was that caramel girl watching him with a near-unnerving stare, and he could do little more than stand there and let Grizabella weave around his feet.

The caramel girl then approached and began to comfort the blonde woman, murmuring softly to her in a way that Necro couldn't quite believe was spontaneous. Wasp's hands covered her face as she leaned into the other girl and let her sorrow overcome her. The dark-haired outside observed as small black stingers protruded from each of Wasp's five fingers, retracted, protruded, retracted, and so on and so forth in what he could only describe as a nervous habit.

Slowly, he shook his head as he watched. This was too much. Why were they upset? What reason had they to be upset. "Am I the only one here who understands that death is not an end?" he suddenly exclaimed, not having wanted to speak out loud, but accidentally blurting regardless. He decided to stand by his words, though, and lifted his chin in defiance. "Death is a beginning. Perhaps it is life that is the end."
Britters
Level 72
The Eggstraordinaire
Joined: 8/25/2014
Threads: 167
Posts: 2,041
Posted: 8/10/2018 at 9:20 PM Post #63
For a moment all Tox could do was run his hand through his colorful hair, staring intently down at the ground. He knew he needed to regain his composure, and he as surprised to find he wasn't bothered by Brain's presence while he did so. This was the day he'd been dreading, the day he hoped wouldn't come but that he knew would. They had lost many people since the first group had been brought to the island, but this one Tox would always remember as being different.

"Yeah," he agreed, taking a deep breath and letting it out through his nose before looking up at her, "I have to admit, I'd never really cared much when we lost someone, but this was the first one since Kicker and...I dunno, I guess I was still just hoping someone else would step up as leader before I had to perform that particular duty."

Tox was surprised to find himself opening up like he was, but he realized that he found Brain easy to talk to. It was probably for the same reason he figured she was the perfect candidate to fake a relationship with to get Crypt off his back. She never really showed much emotion, nor did she usually have much to say to anyone it seemed, so he didn't feel uncomfortable getting things off his chest around her.

"Mhm," he replied casually to her question, looking around the area, "I found it after my first month here. I don't know if you remem..." He stopped suddenly and looked at her with a sort of boyish Oops expression as he realized what he'd been about to say. "Well, I didn't exactly get along with a lot of people, and I realized I needed somewhere I could go to cool off. This place is kind of hidden and out of the way so no one really comes over here ever. It suited me."


-----

Reach set her crate down and then pressed her palms into her back to stretch backwards. She heard a satisfying crack and sighed in relief now that they were down unloading the potatoes. She took a thoughtful glance around the compound, her mind whirring with possibilities. She felt something like a renewed sense of purpose and understanding of her new world.

She somehow knew being around Wire had something to do with it, and she while she was unsure exactly how she felt about being so effected by someone she had just met, but she chose to enjoy it for the moment. She turned toward her friend.

"Yes, I think I'll talk to Brain about it at dinner," she said with a smile.

There was something odd about Wire's behavior, Reach did note, and for a brief moment she considered saying something, but in the end it came down to the fact that they hadn't known each other long. Wire could still be feeling effected by the Nerves's death and her perspective about this place changing, and Reach simply decided it as best to just give her some space. She stretched her arms languidly above her head and let out a deep breath.

"Maybe we should take a walk?" The suggestion was meant to change the subject as well give Wire something else to think about.


-----

There was no doubt that Flora could be considered a "touchy-feely" kind of person. She had absolutely no qualms about physical contact. This did not mean she did anything like kiss everyone she met or anything of the sort. It was more hugging, grabbing someones hand or arm or leaning on someone, casual contact. She supposed it probably came from her nurturing side, her desire to make everyone feel better. It was just in her nature.

"Oh, hon," she said, putting her arms around Wasp, "Its all going to be alright. You know she'd want you to be strong and know she'll always be with you. I know you can do that." She gently rubbed the other woman's back, practically praying inwardly that Necro would either walk away or keep quiet.

Of course, neither of those things happened...

Flora turned her head slowly, and stared at Necro with what could only be described as the epitome of an I-can't-believe-you-just-said-that look on her face. She knew he was rather odd, almost everyone who had been here long enough to meet him knew that by now. Being odd didn't excuse being rude and unfeeling, and in her opinion that is what she felt he was being in this moment. What a horrible thing to say to someone who was suffering the loss of a loved one!

"Thank you for that," she said blankly, and then turned her attention back to Wasp, "Why don't you go get some rest, keiki? Try and eat something too, alright?"
Edited By Britters on 8/11/2018 at 12:06 AM.
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Posted: 8/11/2018 at 1:58 AM Post #64
Of course, Tox's mention of Kicker brought a multitude of memories to Brain's mind - that of Kicker, first introducing himself to her, a bit shy upon having initially arrived - that of Kicker, realizing that the couple dozen people in the compound needed someone to take charge - that of Kicker, who would, every once in a great while, come to her to just talk, because he knew she would listen without any unwanted feedback or commentary of judgment - that of Kicker, growing more distant from everyone as he took on the responsibility of more people - and even that of Kicker, coming to her the night before his last check-up. That one was the worst.

Brain herself had never been particularly close to Kicker, had never called him 'friend', but he was more than an acquaintance. He confided in her when he had no one else to talk to. Their conversations would have a tendency to be highly one-sided. But that one night, the day before his death, he had arrived at the door to her room and asked to come in. He sat beside her on her bed and asked her about her life. No one had ever done that before, besides Hesiod.

But Tox continued speaking, answering her question, and upon him starting the comment about being unsure of her memory, she opened her mouth to interrupt. He seemed to notice, though, and the sheepish look on his face was so endearing, she couldn't help the lopsided grin that lifted her own.

She nodded in understanding to his explanation. "Many people here had rough starts. Jelly, if you remember, tried to take on three security guards at once the very first day she arrived. It's a wonder they let her live. It's far better now than it used to be."


-

Wire wasn't sure whether she was relieved or uneasy at the fact that Reach hadn't questioned her discomfort, the former for not having to admit a weakness and the latter for wonder of if she would have told her friend, had Reach asked.

It was almost ironic, in someone who could speak as well as she. Her language was something she prided herself on, even. She spoke perfect Zulu and near-perfect English. On her less humble days, she'd even boast of how she knew bits and pieces of Russian, though those were few and far between, if she were being truthful.

Some part of her wondered how Mphatso was now. If he was still alive. Probably not, her mind reasoned. He had moved to Libya when she was ten and he was nearing eighty-five. If he were still alive, he would be a whopping ninety-eight. Perhaps, if she ever ended up off of the island again, she'd try to find out what happened to him, though that would be a bit difficult without his last name.

"A walk sounds nice," Wire answered absentmindedly while placing the last crate of potatoes with the others. She chose a random direction and began to wander in it, trusting Reach to follow by. "You mentioned a garden as well, did you not? Perhaps there is someone here that could help you with that," she suggested, slowly coming back to the present day. "I mean, I am at your service, but I would not trust myself to babysit a cactus," she smiled humorously.


-

Necro rocked back on his heels and crossed his arms over his chest as he watched the comforting take place. He had never been one to understand comfort. Even when he was a child and would hurt himself out of immature foolishness, and his mother would dote over his 'boo-boo' and kiss it and hug him, he would squirm away and resume his previous activity.

He was grateful when Wasp nodded and followed the caramel girl's advice - by Death herself, what was that girl's name?? It escaped him so! - and soon expected the remaining female to follow, but his mischievous side sparked up again and he couldn't help but open his mouth once more.

"Why, I'm always at your service, milady," he grinned and bowed in response to her sarcastic thanks. "If you ever need someone to lighten a mood, you know who to call," Necro actually winked with this.

It quickly became a burning curiosity within him, though, that he couldn't, for the life of him, remember her name. He knew that she was part of his batch, but she had always been very low-key. Very laid back. He had only ever interacted with her maybe once before this, and even that was brief and more formal than anything else.

"What is your name, Engelskuchen?"
Britters
Level 72
The Eggstraordinaire
Joined: 8/25/2014
Threads: 167
Posts: 2,041
Posted: 8/11/2018 at 4:20 PM Post #65
Tox had never been one to make friends. He remembered his first day very clearly, as well as the following few months which hadn't gone well either. He had been angry, angry at everyone and everything and he remembered lashing out not just at guards but his fellow lab rats. It was extremely hard for him to adjust to his new life, but he'd been guided to accepting his new mantra of "maintain the balance" by Kicker. The two had never been close friends, but Tox had looked up to him (not that he'd ever admit that to anyone).

"I guess that depends on your definition of better," he replied to Brain, running his hand through his hair again, it was now sticking up all over the place, "But you're right, we've managed to create a working community and thats the best we can hope for here. I just wish I hadn't needed to be the one to step up as leader. I hate it..."

The last bit was said more as an inward thought, but Tox realized he had said it out loud. Again he was struck by just how comfortable he was talking in front of Brain. It felt natural in a way that was somewhat alarming, but which he hastily decided was still just the fact that she never said much back and merely listened. That could be the only explanation, surely...

"We should probably head back," he said with a weary sigh, "Not that I'm anxious to face the masses again."

-----

It was a beautiful day, Reach thought as she took another look around the courtyard. Though, every day here so far had been beautiful. She wondered what it must be like when it rained. Surely it rained here, right? Of course it did, she mused silently, it would be impossible for it to never rain here. Even deserts got rain and this was a lush, green island.

"Yes," she said, falling in step beside Wire as the other woman took off in a random direction, "We don't seem to need extra food, but we could still make a project out of finding things to plant, tilling the soil, that sort of thing. There seems to be chores to do but more often than not everyone seems to have a good bit of free time. Idle hands are the devil's tools as my mother used to say." She suddenly found herself stopping in her track a moment and blushing furiously. Why had she said that?

It wasn't that Reach didn't trust Wire, because she found that she actually did trust her quite a lot. It was simply that Reach hardly ever spoke about her family. She had left when she was eighteen after...well, after, and she hadn't looked back. She had tried to make a life for herself at university, but that had been cut short when the war broke out. After it was over, when her life began again with Ronald, she tried to find out if her family had survived the bombings but they had left and she never found out to where.

"Sorry," she murmured, bringing herself back to the present, as she hurried to catch up to her friend, "Yes, I think perhaps you're right. There are so many different individuals in this place, there may in fact be someone who would be able to help in an agricultural pursuit."


-----

Flora held Wasp for as long as the woman wanted, murmuring comforting words and trying to her best to put of an aura of peace. It was something she was good at, and under the circumstances she felt it was the least she could do. Wasp, and even her late friend Nerve, could be rather hot-headed and rub people the long way, but they had clearly cared deeply about each other. Losing someone you are that close with is a horrible ordeal, as Flora was well aware.

"I'll see you later, hon," she said with a soft smile as Wasp walked away, hopefully to eat something and take a nap.

For a moment Flora just stood there, staring into the distance with an unfocused gaze, her mind on the past. But she dared not dwell there, and reached out for a distraction, which was unfortunately Necro. She turned and regarded him silently. She tried extremely hard to get along with everyone she met, and she had no outstanding complaints about Necro other than the fact that he could be a bit tactless.

"I'm Flora," she stated simply, "I know your name, Necro. Has anyone ever told you that you have absolutely no filter on that mouth of yours?"
Edited By Britters on 8/11/2018 at 11:16 PM.
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Posted: 8/12/2018 at 12:08 AM Post #66
Perhaps Tox didn't consider the situation now to be that much better than it used to be, but Brain knew for a fact that it was. The compound was a terrible mess before Kicker cleaned it up, not that long before Tox had arrived. When she had arrived, there were maybe twenty other people from the previous batches. None of them got along with each other. There were daily fights as people tried to figure out what was going on. Yet, no deaths, by some miracle. Not a thing got done. Hardly anybody spoke to each other civilly beyond formal introductions and distant politeness.

It was Kicker that took charge, learned everyone by name, and shouted at them that it wasn't working. But Brain didn't have the energy within her to argue with Tox, to tell him about how the compound used to be. She hardly ever had the energy to talk about the past anymore; there was far too much past for her to mention.

His confession caught her by surprise, and she glanced at him. Her face was blank with emotionless consideration, but she felt a small ache in her chest. She figured it likely wasn't too fun being the leader of the compound, especially with the new batches every six months.

"It's a lonely place to sit at the top of the pyramid," she murmured in agreement. "And not too comfortable, either, I'd wager." He certainly looked uncomfortable, but she couldn't tell if it was because of his position or their conversation. Maybe both. "We don't have to. Don't you think you deserve a break, every once in a while? You know, the world won't crash and burn if you turn your back on it for a few minutes."


-

Something was odd about the way Reach acted after first responding to Wire. It was as if, for a minute, she was afraid of the dark-skinned woman. Which was odd. They had been friends for a few days now. But, soon enough, Reach seemed to get over her own turmoil and continued speaking.

But the death of Nerve had put Wire into a somber state, and she struggled to keep her mind positive for once. Normally, she was a terribly optimistic person, but today had been taxing enough that she wasn't feeling too optimistic anymore. "Were you close to your mother?" she found herself asking before it occurred to her that maybe she hadn't.

So, instead, she tried to turn the conversation away from Reach, who had made it obvious that she was uncomfortable talking about herself. Wire had never had any qualms about her own past, personally. "You don't need to apologize. I like to think that I would have been close to my mother," she stated, looking at a distant point in contemplation.

She didn't think that Reach's annexation to her side of the conversation required response. Quickly becoming overwhelmed with the dark turn their conversation had taken, Wire cleared her throat and gave her head a bit of a shake.


-

Flora! That was it!

Necro would be the first to admit that names had never been his strong suit. He did know Wasp, though, from how prominent she had made herself in the compound, and Nerve, too. But Flora had never done such thing. Who could blame him for not quite remembering her name?

He grinned charmingly at her comment, absentmindedly itching at the ice-cold pitch black mark on the left side of his collarbone. "My mother always called my free-speaking one of my finest traits, you know," he told her in a serious tone that contradicted the goofy smile on his face. "Who needs a filter when you know you're always right anyway?"

At his feet, Grizabella quickly became aware of the fact that she was not-being-loved at that very moment, and decided that that was completely unacceptable. She gave her broken meow and wove around his legs for a few seconds before padding over to Flora. She put her front paws on one of the girl's legs and meowed again for attention. Necro raised one eyebrow and watched his familiar with amusement.

"No, no, Grizabella. She doesn't care for the likes of us, didn't you know?" he teased.
Britters
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Posted: 8/12/2018 at 4:43 PM Post #67
Tox knew he could be rather hard-headed most of the time, and he made no apologies for it. Brain seemed almost exasperated with him because he seemed to not understand just how much this compound had changed from the beginning. He sort of roll his shoulders, but he kept quiet. It wasn't that he didn't understand, but more that a part of him still raged over the fact that they were even here at all. Better would be escaping, but he had left that idea behind a while ago.

A look of surprise came upon Tox's face as he listened to Brain spoke about his role as leader. Lonely? I guess he'd never thought about that since he preferred being alone anyway...at least, thats what he told himself. Uncomfortable? Definitely, and in more ways than he ever could have imagined. He pondered her last words very carefully, mulling them over. Finally, he let out scoffing sort of laugh.

"Yeah," he said, smiling at her, "I guess you're right. Just always seems like something needs doing, but maybe I just make more work for myself than is necessary. A break would be nice." He lowered himself down to the ground, where he almost always sat when he came here. He looked up at Brain, smiled charmingly at her, and then patted the space next to him.

"Might as well join me," he told her, "This was your idea anyway." He looked momentarily uncertain. "I mean, unless you'd prefer to go back to your table and work on your notes. Promise I won't be offended." Smooth recovery...for the most part.


-----

Reach didn't answer Wire's question right away. She wasn't exactly sure what her answer was, and that made her feel like a wretched person. She had loved her parents dearly, and her younger sister, but her ability had caused a rift that had never healed. Then there had been that very first time she'd ever glimpsed the future.

"For a time, yes," she finally replied, "I was close to my mom when I was younger, but then...something changed." She paused for a second, remembering. "And then I went off to university, but I was drafted as a nurse during the civil war in Great Britain and I lost touch."

The words came easily, as they always seemed to around Wire, and Reach was grateful. She didn't want to have sounded uncomfortable talking her family. There was a melancholy feeling hanging about her friend, and she wasn't sure what she needed to do about it. It upset her more than she would have expected so see the other woman so out of sorts.

"Perhaps we should see if we can find an appropriate place for the garden?" She hoped this would be enough of a distraction. She wouldn't pry into Wire's past just yet, especially considering there was plenty she wasn't ready to talk about.


-----

Being the center of attention was not something Flora enjoyed. She loved being around others, she wasn't antisocial, and she worked well in groups, but she was not a leader, or very outspoken. She simply preferred to work in the background, making people feel better, and helping out in whatever way she could.

"Your mother was clearly a patient person," she said, a smile slowly appearing on her face (she could never usually go long without smiling), "And personally I would never consider myself always right and one is always still learning."

It was something Flora's own mother used to say to her, that you never stopped learning and you always had to be open to being taught. Her mother had been a teacher so it was no surprise it was her favorite saying, but she had little time to ponder memories as Necro's feline familiar came trotting over to place her paws on her legs.

"Well, hello there, sweetling," she said happily, squatting down and giving the cat her full attention, "Aren't you just precious?" It was true the cat looked pretty ragged and probably unappealing to most, but Flora loved all creatures. "Does she have a name?"
Edited By Britters on 8/13/2018 at 6:12 PM.
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Posted: 8/13/2018 at 11:16 PM Post #68
It was odd, Tox's request. Well, offer. Certainly, he wouldn't prefer her company over being alone, but Brain figured the invitation was more of a courtesy nod to their faux relationship, something which, to this day, bugged her, but she couldn't bring herself to say anything about it.

How could he understand that it could hurt her, someone who had never been in a relationship and was told her entire life that she never would be, that she was now being teased with that which she felt herself unworthy and unsuited for? No, not felt. That which she knew she was unworthy and unsuited for. All it did was throw a wrench into the works of her emotional state, and she struggled to remind herself that she had no feelings.

But appearances must be kept up.

Isn't that what her uncle taught her, every time he would don his weekend night outfits? Every time he would show the world who he was unafraid to be? Every time his new order of makeup would get lost in the mail? 'Never forget to be consistently you, Mneme. Your brother never understood me, but I never stopped.'

'Uncle Lance,' she had once said to him hesitantly, 'What does it mean if I do not know who I am?'

'It means you need someone's help.'

Just like that, her memory left her alone and she was back with Tox, sitting on the ground beside her. Oh, well. What did she have to lose? With a sigh, she lowered herself to the ground next to him, but left at least a foot and a half's worth of distance between them. She didn't bother to say anything; there wasn't anything she particularly had to say, anyway.


-

It was impossible for Wire not to feel saddened, ever so slightly at least, by the fact that she had never really known her parents. That they had died when she was only four years old. Though her life hasn't been perfect, she has always been one to look on the brighter side, and it was rare that she actually fell into a moment of mild depression over what her life could have been.

And although she doesn't remember her mother's face, she can picture what it might have looked like. She pictures her own face, except a little older, maybe less prominent cheekbones and eyes a little farther apart. But Wire knew that her mother was beautiful; that much, a person just knows.

She swallowed hard and gave her head a little shake, trying to drag her own mind out of the mud. Within the span of two seconds, she had recovered herself and gave her friend a smile. She was amazed by how much Reach had divulged to her just then, but knew that she had to be gentle with the girl and wouldn't push her luck for further explanation.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," she answered the English girl as Little Mbali soared through the air around her for another minute yet before settling on a tree a few paces in front of them and waiting patiently for them to catch up. "Forgive my oddity this day. Death is never good."


-

Death was good, in Necro's honest opinion. It was not just an end, but it was a beginning of a whole new era, an era of freedom, of being able to explore realms that one would not even dream of when they were alive. He often communicated with the passed-on souls, if only to hear about the wonders they had experienced outside of the world of the living.

As Flora fawned over his familiar, Necro found himself pleasantly surprised and mildly charmed by it. The faintest hint of a smile twisted the corners of his lips. It was odd. A human woman had not made him truly smile in many years.

"Grizabella, or Grizzy for short," was all he responded with, though.

After all, Flora didn't need to know the details. What the name meant to him. What the namesake meant to him. Or even that it was a reference to a character at all. Necro had always found himself secretive by nature. He simply didn't bother telling people things about him, because in reality, was it their business?

Would Flora be at all enriched by the fact that the musical 'Cats' had been the first one he had ever seen? Or the fact that it was what made him fall in love with musical theater? Or even the fact that it was the first time he had ever seen his mother perform, in the very role that he feline was named for? No. So, why should he bother explaining something to her if it really didn't apply to her?

Exactly. That's why he didn't, merely watched the caramel girl interact with Grizzy, who, by the way, was more than happy to receive attention. And yet, a snarky comment teased the tip of his tongue, and he saw no reason to hold it back.

"But, as you know, death by any other name would still be so ostracized."
Edited By Creativity on 8/14/2018 at 7:59 AM.
Britters
Level 72
The Eggstraordinaire
Joined: 8/25/2014
Threads: 167
Posts: 2,041
Posted: 8/14/2018 at 6:54 PM Post #69
It was difficult for Tox to know how to behave around Brain. She had agreed to help him out with Crypt, to keep up this idea that the two of them were in a relationship. They still had not said anything to confirm or deny when people would ask why they'd been spending so much time together. He would simply shrug and say they were simply eating meals together and talking, Brain would of course say nothing. It seemed like things were working out the right way, despite Crypt's flirting attempts earlier.

There was something about Brain's behavior, though, that nagged at Tox, but it was hard to figure out. She seemed discomfited when she was around him, conflicted somehow. He knew she tended to not show emotions, probably too busy with her notes so much of the time ("I far prefer the company of paper and ink" she had said) but that didn't mean that her emotions didn't exist. Everyone had emotions, even Tox. Most of the time his were in the range of anger, but he was capable of others.

"Thanks again for earlier," he said, glancing sideways at her after she sat down, carefully noting the distance she had placed between them, "I know you're not a fan of this whole charade, but I do appreciate it. Crypt is one of those types of girls who aren't going to let go of something they want easily, I've seen her kind before. I just can't let people get emotionally attached to me." He stared into the distance, his brows knitted together as he frowned deeply.

There had been a girl...she was his little sister, Kimiko, and she had been Tox's whole world. His parents had thought they wouldn't be able to have another child after he was born, and he had longed for a sibling, so when his sister came into the world it was a miracle. He had treated her like a princess, always playing games with her, taking her places with him. Oh sure, they'd fought just as siblings always do, but he loved her as fiercely as any big brother had ever loved his sister. Until that terrible day...

"I'm sorry," he murmured, realizing he had forgotten about Brain beside him, "I got lost in a memory." He was stunned to realize that he had somehow moved in closer to her without meaning to. At least, he was quite certain he hadn't meant to...


-----

Reach could still remember her family fondly, for that she as grateful. True, the horrific memories were mixed in there, and she grimaced a bit as she walked beside Wire, but the happy ones were still there. The memories of picnics in the park, going to the theatre with her parents, and opening presents at Christmas. She had been fortunate in her life, much more than some, at least until it had all fallen apart...

"Yes," she agreed, looking over at her friend, "Death is never easy to deal with, and I know you were excited about this place." She knew that it was true, not that she blamed Wire at all. She understood.

It seemed that perhaps Reach had been trying to fool herself back in London. Her existence had maybe been comfortable, but it had been lonely and she never got to do anything. Being here just these few short days had reminded her of how life could be, and she had begun to realize just how empty her previous life had been. This place seemed to come with certain dangers, but she had friends and she had purpose. Look at her now, walking alongside her first real friend in years, planning a garden.

"I think I see a little bit a clearing in that direction," she said, pointing towards one side of the compound, "If I'm being honest I don't know much about gardening besides what I've read in books, but I know plants need sun so the spot can't be too shaded." She pushed her glasses back up the bridge of her nose, as they were beginning to slip, and glanced up fondly as she watchers Mr. Darcy seem to float above her head, landing in the same tree as Wire's familiar and hooting at her companionably.


-----

As Flora continued administering affection to the raggedy feline, she looked up at Necro in time to catch his smile. She smiled in return and couldn't help thinking how much better he looked with a genuine grin on his face. His appearance was often rather severe, and very unlike what she had been used to in Hawaii. Though the island got a lot of tourists, her family mostly to themselves, only venturing off their ranch property when it came time for markets.

"A pleasure to meet you, Grizabella," she said, using the cat's full name and nodding respectfully, and then felt a sudden nudging against her foot, "Oh, and this is Pele." She didn't even need to look to know that her armadillo was the one doing the nudging, wishing to get her share of the attention.

The name, Grizabella, it sounded almost familiar, though Flora couldn't quite place it. She supposed Necro has probably named it after someone or something. It was a common naming thing here for people and their familiars. She knew that the redhead who had been here a long time, Brain, had named her badger after the Norse god, Thor. She herself had named Pele after a Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, because the armadillo looked sort of like a volcanic rock when she rolled up in her armored shell.

"I don't believe death is the problem," she said, standing up and brushing her capris off, "I think you fail to recognize the tragedy in being without your loved ones until we are all eventually reunited. Knowing that you won't get to see them or hold them. Death is not what people fear, its being alone." She spoke eloquently, as well as casually.

Flora loved talking with people, loved listening to stories. She watched cheerfully as Pele tried to sniff Grizabella, and she knew by the way the armadillo was wriggling that she was hoping the cat would play with her.
Edited By Britters on 8/14/2018 at 10:05 PM.
Creativity
Level 72
Cutely Creative
Joined: 3/4/2013
Threads: 255
Posts: 5,902
Posted: 8/14/2018 at 10:49 PM Post #70
As Brain sat there, next to Tox in his most favored spot within the compound, she couldn't help but think about how, a week ago, she never would have imagined herself in this situation. Pretending to feel something that she did not towards someone that always made her feel strange. It was the same way that Hesiod had made her feel, and she had not figured it out, even back then.

So, today, all she knew was that her heart sped up slightly when she would first see or greet him, and it would suddenly feel as if all of the blood had left her hands. It could be a medical condition, like she pondered earlier, though that would be solved rather quickly with a visit to Dr. Jezschaououghen.

Her throat turned dry as she realized the closeness Tox had gained on her without her really noticing how or when he did it. But his voice had grown tender, almost vulnerable, she'd wager. It was heartbreaking, and she thought, for a second, that maybe he had skeletons within his closet that haunted him to this day.

"Well, you don't have to worry about that with me. I have no emotions," she shot him a smile, trying her best to keep the strain out of it, though she was not completely successful; her own mantra hurt her more than she would ever disclose. But then there were the words of her mother, reminding her of their necessity.

'Have no feelings, Mneme. If you possess none, then none can be used against you.'

Screw her!

Brain swallowed hard and met Tox's gaze hesitantly. "Memories have a funny way of cr-creeping up on us like that, you know," she told him softly. Thor padded around in a circle in front of her, supposedly chasing his own stub of a tail, but in a slower pattern than one would expect from a cat or dog.


-

Flora's words kind of struck Necro. They were so out-of-place among her calm air, among her sweetly-colored skin and her kind, gentle eyes. She radiated 'housewife' by his... By the standards of an old acquaintance of his, someone who, should be mention, actively expressed her negative opinion towards the role of the 'housewife'. But Flora seemed far too peaceful, too agreeable, to spark such a controversial conversation with him.

After all, hadn't she just swept into his opinionated expression of death, simply to comfort a sobbing woman? He raised an eyebrow curiously at her, and a mischievous smirk twisted one corner of his mouth.

"I think you'll find, Engelskuchen, that there is a large area of overlap between death and life. When a loved one is lost or dies, those left behind should not consider the absence as a sadness, but instead as an opportunity to appreciate the lost more. Perhaps it is true that absence is more presence than true physical presence."

After all, wasn't that what he told himself, every time his mind would wander to that dark place, and he'd picture a sweet little toddler face with honey-colored eyes, a heavyset jaw, and the softest pearl skin he had ever known?

Cordula. The name haunted him still, but he continuously reminded himself that, after many years, hopefully, he would get to see her again. To talk to her again, though she was still rather young when he last saw her. And by the time he did reacquaint with her, he would feel the love that he once had felt for that darling soul.
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