FunnyGuy

Avalia

Time: Evening
Location: Roshmi City → Abroad the Righteous Tern, Northbound on the Eastern Sea
Interaction:, Bardulf @Lava Alckon, Rue @Potter, Bowyn @Helo, Zeva @Pink Khione, Brigitte @Tae (optional)
Mention: .
Equipment:Fancy Ring, Cold Ring, Oak Wood Staff IS BACK, Brown Leather Fingerless Channeling Gloves (not worn), Transmission Bracelet, 659 Amas.

---

The answers to Mister Luum’s several questions posed to the group earned a pleased grin and nods of interest from him. Even Bowyn’s charged answers failed to break his excitable spirit! Although, Zeva’s comment concerning her favorite also being purple caused a slight narrowing of his eyes. Who are you really? The words nearly lept from his lips as he continued to listen to the young elf share more about herself. He wouldn’t blurt out his thoughts this time around! Surely, it might happen again… Hell, it would definitely happen again… It was just a matter of when.

All the while, Brigitte was waiting her turn to share with the group, though she felt uneasy about what she should share. It was apparent that not every question required an answer. No one was forced to elaborate further on any response either. There was also the option of possibly just slipping into the background without uttering anything. She was almost sure no one would notice since she seemed to be in competition for least talkative with Rue, Raze, and Starfire. Still, she cleared her throat, prepared to take part with the others, or so she intended.

“Brigitte here is the second student of the University of Luum… or was it House of Luum? Eh, it matters not. Anyway, she’s traveled with and served me for a number of years now, helping me with my lifelong goal of becoming Avalia’s greatest sniper by being my spotter.” Mister Luum placed a gentle hand on Brigitte’s head while shooting her his grin. “She’s a good scout because she can see, smell, and hear things even most demihumans cannot…” He let those words linger for a bit before continuing. “She also has a love for hunting but more than anything, she loves to read and learn new things.” Mister Luum shrugged while removing his hand from her head as if there was nothing else interesting to add about her.

Once the group had finished their meal, they headed to the shops… together. Well, mostly together. Though they weren’t hand in hand or grouped up like a school of fish, they remained in eyeshot of each other. Mister Luum managed to purchase an oak wood staff to replace the one he lost previously while stating he wouldn’t allow “this one” to be stolen again. At some point, Brigitte managed to sell some of the loot taken from the gut of the malnourished owlbear. Mister Luum had wondered how the thing was alive with what the young woman had found after cutting the beast open. He didn’t even consider the poor soul that was eaten who might have been an upstarting jeweler of sorts. Excluding the 400 amas and Ring of Levitation in the leather pouch she retrieved, Brigitte was able to sell 1600 amas worth of gemstones.

When the shopping concluded, the group made a small tour of Roshmi City before boarding the ship that would take them to their destination of North Pass. The Righteous Tern, a ship belonging to Captain Treppie Blackclaw, a gruff badger demihuman who made his amas ferrying travelers across the eastern and northern see, though the latter fetched a steeper price due to the distance and occasional harassment when Avalian naval vessels searched his cargo. Mister Luum had talked the captain into making their trip private and paid him a hefty 1400 amas to allow only the Lumineers to passenger the ship for a one-way trip to North Pass. The deal warranted little argument since the travel fee was only 30 amas per person, and even transport of Starfire wasn’t questioned. Once aboard, Mister Luum found it fitting to divide the amas up amongst the other Luumineers, each receiving 100 amas for not fighting the owlbear, but for “being patient in receiving the loot.” As for the Ring of Levitation that was left over from the loot. Mister Luum tossed it to Bowyn but didn’t openly say why he chose him to take it.
. . . .

Time flew by and evening set in as the pink-hued sun sunk into the horizon. Still, its light left a faint impression on the sky while Roshmi City helped in keeping the evening in the evening of the sea from feeling like a plunge into an abyss. The ship had plenty of amenities onboard since the travel would last several hours, though some were modest. There were more than enough rooms for the group to each have their own quarters, though there were enough bedrolls in each for up to three to share a single space. Other than the Lumineers, there was the crew that handled the operation of the Righteous Tern from manning the sails to ensuring precise navigation on the waters. Beneath a canopy of the ship was a makeshift bar that had a small selection of alcohol with some recreational drugs stashed for those who were willing to ask.

As far as food, up to two meals would be provided for no additional cost though it was limited to the crews’ catch. Fish were aplenty this evening and would likely be served as a midnight snack or breakfast depending on when people felt the need to eat.

Mister Luum found himself leaning against the edge of the deck as he watched the last rays of sunlight leave Avalia. He took a deep breath of the salty sea air and exhaled a deep breath of relief. The man was unbelievably quiet as he had just remained in this very spot watching the sunset.

“We made it this far… Good.” The words softly escaped his lips as he admired the end of day. The thought of the well-being of the other groups was fleeting to him at best, though he did want to check in on Malachi. He wondered if he finally got back to smiling again.

Brigitte could be found seated at the bar toward the center of the ship, as far from the sight of water as she could. It was a mild fear but she would never want to be in a situation where she fell overboard. Her eyes scanned across the pages of a book she held titled, Majestic Scales: Dragons of Avalia. It was a book recommended by Mister Luum, though he seemed to have never read it himself which was usually the case if it didn’t exclusively pertain to magic.

tldr

Mister Luum found interest in everyone's answers and then spoke for Brigitte before she could share what she had to say to the group. The Luumineers went shopping, which was when Mister Luum purchased a staff and Brigitte sold the owlbear loot. Mister Luum used the loot to sail to North Pass privately with his group and distributed the rest of the amas to the others. He gifted Bowyn an enchanted ring of levitation. With the group traveling to North Pass, Mister Luum is watching every last trace of sunlight leave Avalia while Brigitte reads a book at the bar.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Peninsula North of Roshmi
Interaction: Cyrene @Tpartywithzombi
Mention:
Equipment: Backpack, fishing net, fishing pole, 3 medium red potions, 3 small blue potions, 1 green potion, fire starting kit, poncho, rope, frogfly named “Beebee,” cooking pot, hygiene pouch, water purifier, wooden spear, handcrafted bow and arrows, knife, wool blanket, big fish

---

“We got a fish ooh! She’ll make us rich ooh! We got a fish ooh! She’ll make us rich ooh! Scale glow at night! That’ll be a sight! Gold in my hand! Acres of land! If she sings her song! Eros won’t be wrong!” Eros sang merrily, voice booming from outside of the tent with fervor. He performed a bit of a dance as he shut his eyes and shimmied his shoulders in excitement. This was the first big break he’d gotten in a decade, so Eros couldn’t help but be giddy at the prospect of successfully catching a possible siren by sheer luck. Not only was removing a threat to weak-minded sailors from the seas, but he’d be filling his pockets as well.

Though he wished he had music, Eros was happy with just the sound of his raspy singing voice. The sudden sound of his pleading captive was not enough to take him out of his moment of joy as he hummed his song as he entered the tent where she sat uncomfortably. Within the tent he continued to bop his head to his hummed tune until his eyes landed on the naked woman.

“Oh…. OH!” Eros’ eyes widened as he noticed the exposed parts of the woman before him. “Cover! Yeah, you’re going to need um….” He searched around for anything that could assist the woman in keeping her dignity against his curious eyes. His eyes scanned the interior of the tent rapidly before they locked onto his poncho. Yes! With a swiftness he sprang to the poncho and immediately threw it at the woman. “It’s something. Not a blanket or clothes but something. Good? Good. That’s the best you’ll receive from the likes of me if you’re a siren. And don’t bother singing if you are. I have a countermeasure for any song you have prepared. In fact! I am prepared for any ability you believe may work on me if you are indeed a scourge of the sea Hmph.” Eros’ eyes held a tinge of fire in them as spoke his last words, though his confidence could not amount to the abilities he claimed.

Was he bluffing? Yes, but she didn’t know that.

Avalia

Time: Late Morning
Location: The Nest, Roshmi City
Interaction: @princess Mari, @Alivefalling Aerilyn, [@Apex Sunset] Scathael, [@Shining Sector] FIVE

---

More and more. Bit by bit. Thraash regained feeling. Initially, it was simply his fingers and toes, wriggling against the fading numbness. Momentarily, his entire body swayed against the floor while his limbs found strength. A low growl preceded a groan from his effort to push himself up.

The conflict seemed to have already been resolved but Thraash was feeling more ornery than ever. Once again, Mari’s silver tongue had saved their asses. It was always that or his Muze Box. Their talents were a wicked combination of separate art styles that collaborated strangely well in tandem. He had saved her smooth hide at the fort so this made them even… Then again, he was so close to being wasted in this trash heap of a bar.

Thraash couldn’t help but grit his teeth as he established his balance upon standing up, his arms out to keep balance before his eyes met the visage of the warforged. As solid as he thought the metal man was, he couldn’t help but want to get another go at him. Poison was cheap. Sure, he could have easily been born with the same breath weapon as his mother, concentrated chlorine gas but… Who was he kidding, he’d use that shit because it was solid as fuck. To make your foes drop with a whiff of your toxic breath was something to admire. Still, Thraash was a poor sport at the moment. With his teeth still grit, he took a step toward the warforged, the two closer than what most would deem comfortable. He stared for several seconds before he let loose a scoff.

“Dispell any hostility henceforth?” The dragonborn smirked as if to challenge the repeated words. “It’s a deal, warforged, but you gotta fix your fuckin’ voice box or somethin’. No offense to Mari but you sound like a haughty light elf with shit taste in music. Fix it.” Thraash shook his head rapidly in an effort to shake away the slight numbness he still felt before he picked up his axe from the floor. “If not then just… talk less if you can help it. Name’s Thraash. You probably already know it since you’re a dying fan…Hmph… killing fan would fit better but…” Thraash leaned in a bit, closing the distance just a little more. “That’s passed huh? You’re part of our solid band of elite cutthroat hardcore killers. Fuckin’ rebels to the society around us. The leftovers. The fuckin’ ragers that ain’t gonna fuckin’ stop until we incinerate the system around us! You’re either solid or weak. And you. You’re solid as fuck, and I’m not talking about the steel for skin you got on your body.” He took a step back and turned to Mari.

“Good shit, little light. You fucked up our parley with Ears at the start but now we got a shockwave hammer-wielding bunny and a warforged that might be just as solid as I am."

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Peninsula North of Roshmi
Interaction: Cyrene @Tpartywithzombi
Mention:
Equipment: Backpack, fishing net, fishing pole, 3 medium red potions, 3 small blue potions, 1 green potion, fire starting kit, poncho, rope, frogfly named “Beebee,” cooking pot, hygiene pouch, water purifier, wooden spear, handcrafted bow and arrows, knife, wool blanket, big fish

---

“Hmm…” Eros stared inquisitively at the collapsed seafaring demihuman he had swiftly knocked out. He crouched down and poked his index finger against her forehead, cheeks, and shoulders. “Beebee, I don't think she's a siren. That was way too simple…. Hmm, or maybe I was clever in striking swiftly before she could trick me with her voice.” Despite speaking to the frogfly, he kept his eyes on the stranger.

Eros knew he had to remain wary of the possibility of the creature lying here being a murderous siren. He heard many tales of them in his youth, of how they lured their victims in with their beautiful voices and appearances. Once drawn in close enough, their target is drowned and later eaten raw.

A grimace showed on the monkey man's face as he thought how many this one might have killed if she was indeed a monster of the depths. Using his fingers, he carefully parted her lips, revealing the sharp teeth beneath.

“Beebee… I think she's a siren,” Eros said, quickly contradicting his previous statement. The frogfly simply chirped unintelligibly with no rhyme or reason except for creating a responsive noise to Eros' words. “So we're in agreement. Good… No. Great!” With a grin, Eros removed his fingers from the woman's mouth and moved to undo his rope from the net he had cast. It only took him several seconds to unfasten the knot before he returned with his loose rope in hand. “We got a big catch, Beebee. It isn't a fish for eating but a monster for selling!” He started to tie the rope around the stranger's wrists. “All we need is to find a black market and become the richest duo in all Avalia. Imagine it! We could buy so much good fruit. The expensive ones too! The expensive ones are always tasty or so I hear.” With a low grunt, Eros hoisted her up over his shoulder with little to no consideration in the comfort of his captive. Her front half was hanging facedown over his back, while her tail drooped over his front.

“Let's go Beebee! We have to pack and set our sights for Roshmi… Ugh, I hate Roshmi.” Beebee chirped once more. “Right, we both hate Roshmi. Well, we can at least relish the trek there. And maybe even run our final test on our purse along the way too.” He patted the potential siren's tail where her backside would be. “Our pockets will be tight if her scales glow at night! Haha!”

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Roshmi!
Interaction:Brigitte @Tae, Bardulf @Lava Alckon, Rue @Potter, Bowyn @Helo, Zeva @Pink Khione, Brigitte @Tae (optional)
Mention: A strange What If scenario.
Equipment:Fancy Ring, Cold Ring, Oak Wood Staff!, Brown Leather Fingerless Channeling Gloves (not worn), Transmission Bracelet, 560 Amas. Oh! And Owlbear loot that he hasn't shared

---

After Mister Luum and Brigitte received their delectable treats, the two took seats at the table with everyone else. Mister Luum couldn’t help but grin at the warm and sticky honeyed toast oozing with sweetness!

“Whoever decided that we should come here needs to be paid and laid right this moment.” He snatched a slice of honeyed toast from the plate he and Brigitte were sharing and nearly stuffed his mouth in his attempt to eat it in one bite. Using a finger, he forced the toast to submit to the demands of his appetite, pushing into through his lips. Brigitte on the other hand, remained her modest self, taking small bites out of the slice she carefully picked from the plate.

The table had fallen silent for quite some time. The treats were simply that good. To put such a tense group at peace was impressive, yet such a feat would not last long as Mister Luum’s eyes lingered on each person at the table. His grin remained intact, making his silent staring all the more creepy.

“Hmm…” He gave his following words a bit of an introduction with this. He also noticeably cleared his throat, took a deep breath, and gave his chin a soft rubbing. The elf had to be sure his merry band was listening to what he said next. “I think we could be doing much better as members of the Luumineers. I’ve been around you people for what? A month? I don’t even know what your life goals are! No knowledge of any of your favorite colors, sexual preferences, likes, dislikes, kinks, fears, pet peeves, beliefs, debts owed… Nothing!” Mister Luum actually frowned for once as he nodded his head to affirm the lack of connection with this group.

“You know what…” He was still nodding but his expression seemed to pick up some. “As the lead Luumineer, I should be the one to start. Yes! To share who I am with my fellows. Yes! So, here goes nothing… Oh, and you all will participate. You will. Okay, I’m ready. I am Mister Luum… formally, so I think it’s safe for you lot to simply say ‘Luum’ if you like. I personally think the Mister gives my name some needed zest but you can drop the Mister if it suits you. My favorite color is violet, though I also like certain shades of purple! I like talking about magic theory and telling stories about my epic adventures! I… very much dislike illusionists. Seriously, they should die or something… Anyway, my religion, yes. I primarily worship the mighty and philanderous god, Solaris. He’s basically my spirit animal. A man able to juggle two women for eons is deserving of godhood. Fuck being the god of the sun I say… And there I go rambling. Sorry, I am very religious. Anyway, debts… The important ones are paid. Now, my life goal. I have a big one but it is also quite simple. I, Mister Luum, desire to be Avalia’s greatest sniper. Yes! The best anyone has ever encountered on the battlefield.” He shut his eyes and shrugged smugly. “Bowyn? Bardulf? One of you should go next. Do it for the Luumineers won’t you..”

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Peninsula North of Roshmi
Interaction: Cyrene @Tpartywithzombi
Mention:
Equipment: Backpack, fishing net, fishing pole, 3 medium red potions, 3 small blue potions, 1 green potion, fire starting kit, poncho, rope, frogfly named “Beebee,” cooking pot, hygiene pouch, water purifier, wooden spear, handcrafted bow and arrows, knife, wool blanket

---

Eros’ amber eyes squinted into those of the fish woman lying on the bank before him. He attempted to discern what she truly was while understanding food was no longer an option… not unless he chopped his catch at the waistline.

"You do not wish to dine on me, sir, I assure you," He simply frowned. Maybe if you were a delicious tuna… The waistline would still be a fish, right? Right?! Hmm…. Eros couldn’t help but lick his lips as he looked at the bottom half of the mermaid, even despite her words.

"Please, release me from this, and I shall swiftly depart. I'm even prepared to compensate you for the inconvenience of your damaged net."

"I can provide you with coin for your troubles if that would help persuade you."

Eros grunted before approaching the woman and crouching in front of her tangled form. Again, his tongue flicked at his lips, his eyes still narrowed. With a swift movement of his hand, Eros pinched Cyrene’s cheek. The gesture was swift and almost like a poke on her cheek except for the faintest feeling of pain.

Beebee chirped behind him, causing him to briefly glance back at the miniature pet of his.

“Enjoy the mermaids while the sun is bright… Beware the sirens glow during night… Hmm… Yes.” He wore a serious expression as he nodded to the maiden, not exchanging another word. His hand was swift as before, but a pinch was not in order this time around. Without a word or warning, Eros bopped the woman with a closed fist on the top of her head. A strike so vicious and violent with the intent to knock Cyrene out cold in a single bash.

Young Justice

Zach & Viktor

The Warrior and Wizard's Parley PARTAY!

---

The day had finally come, and Viktor was well prepared for what he was going to get ready to do. The team seemed to be in especially low spirits at the moment. Alisa had left the team, KJ had been benched, and Daphne was on her period… so it only seemed right to try to mend the bridge once burned with Zach. Things hadn't been right since the Last Vegas mission and this one-on-one was long overdue.

Viktor entered the lounge where he figured Zach might be. The magician had one of the couches to himself. Hell, he had the lounge to himself until Viktor walked in with a legal pad and two pens in hand.

“Greetings, Zach.” Viktor simply stood by the couch with his supplies in hand.

Zach was playing on his phone, and then he looked up and raised an eyebrow when Viktor spoke to him. “Oh, you’re actually talking to me outside of work? To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Well…” Viktor made a look of discomfort before he sat down beside him. He felt like his thought-out plans for this were already beginning to crumble. “Yes, I am. I want to… I need your help… and I want to make things right between us.” Viktor set the legal pad down on the coffee table. “We're both very different people but we're also on the same team. And being a team is more than just the missions we go on, yes?”

Zach nodded. “Absolutely!” Zach sighed. “Alright, I guess… I should say it first. I’m sorry about the Vegas thing…”

“Vegas…” Viktor averted his gaze, scowling at a spot on the ground. “Well… I am surprised you apologized for that. It's a good thing. It is but my issues with you stem from more than just the ‘Vegas thing.’” Viktor's eyes met Zach's again, his expression dull. “At times, I think you should be called ‘Iceburn,’ Zach. It's Pei's alias but it describes your nature.”

Zach raised an eyebrow “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Iceburn.” Viktor quickly looked around to ensure he didn't summon her. “Cold and hot. Sometimes you're dependable. Hot. Sometimes you're not. Cold. Why is this? Why can't you just be… consistent?” Viktor's tone was more curious rather than harsh. Even his face looked to be seeking an answer he himself hadn't come up with.

“Because I’m Zachary Zatara darling. You never know what you’re gonna get!” He replied in a sassy tone. “After all, I am a magician. Being an enigma is my specialty!” Zach laughed, but he could tell very quickly that Viktor wasn’t joking. “In all seriousness though. I wonder that all the time…

“Hmm… I can admit you've at least gotten better at being hot so-” Viktor sighed as he realized his choice of words. He knew using metaphor might be problematic sooner or later. He winced at first but then he chuckled.

“Apologies. I meant to say, maybe your relationship with Mateo isn't a bad thing.”

“Thank you! I like him a lot. I just wish I could bring him here. This long-distance thing is killing my vibe… Um… Anyway, what did you need help with?”

“I…” Viktor looked toward the legal pad. It seemed he expected Zach to have more pushback but perhaps Viktor didn't know the magician as well as he thought. “I wanted to plan a second Vegas trip as a getaway of sorts. And it has to be better to make up for what occurred last time. I figured the ‘Shock and Awe’ duo would be best suited.”

“Sounds fun. I’m in!”

“Perfect.” Viktor managed a rare smile at Zach. “Since we're not 21, we have two options. We break the law with fake identities or we make use of the attractions suited to us. There's plenty to do but… should this be another guys' night?”

Zach nodded. “Yes. Yes, it should. The girls have plenty of fun without us anyway.” Viktor had already begun to pen down notes but stopped upon hearing this.

“They do?” Viktor raised an eyebrow before writing “Girls” and striking an “X” through it.

“Of course. The whole reason I did the Vegas thing the first time was because they had a slumber party without us…”

“A slumber party? You mean the gathering they had in the lounge? Fun?” Viktor shrugged and dared not explain how he knew about the slumber party. “To each their own, I guess. Also, a smaller group might be better for this trip… Mateo could come as well. If you want him to.”

Zach’s eyes lit up. “Oh my gosh yes! I would love that! A trip to Vegas with my BF would be great.” But then he realized something. “Wouldn’t that be kind of awkward for you though? You’d be the third wheel…”

“Third wheel? Zach, I would be the sixth wheel since my intention is to invite Vincent, Kila, and… Will.” Viktor forced the final name out with aversion. “Despite that, thanks for the consideration… friend.” Viktor smiled warmly.

Zach grinned from ear to ear. “You’re welcome. And… neat, Young Justice Boys night! This will be great! Vegas won’t know what hit them!” Zach threw a hand up in the air and shouted. Ittefnoc! A bunch of colorful confetti came out of Zach’s hand and got everywhere while smiled, actually finding the spectacle amusing. The “Shock and Awe” of the team were finally back in sync.

Young Justice

Ja & Vik

No beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity…

---

If he's not in his room then where could he be? Viktor was pondering where Ja might be as he ventured into the kitchen. He wanted to speak to him as he'd been so reclusive since the incident at the docks. His eyes scanned the kitchen, seeing no trace of the bushy-haired teen in what Viktor considered to be Ja's secondary dwelling.

Not finding him here meant he'd have to venture outside. Considering the task, Viktor made his way to the refrigerator to grab a leftover sandwich in plastic wrap Daphne had informed was his to take.

“Where did she put it?” Viktor thought out loud.

Within a few moments of looking, the enhanced young man surely picked up on the sounds of movement. It was very subtle, as though small items were being slid across a wooden surface. Suddenly, an upper cabinet door opened, nearest the fridge. Inside, a rather large bag of flour had been pushed aside, and in its place was a peculiarly familiar dark bush. A blink of an eye later, it grew the face of the very teammate he’d been looking for.

For a moment, his golden eyes regarded his slightly older teammate and friend. A small, somewhat somber smile was his offering. Viktor met his gaze, silently questioning his place in the upper cabinet.

“Mhoro, Vicky.” Ja carried his voice calmly, as opposed to his typically energetic delivery.

“There you are. Greetings, Ja.” Viktor shut the refrigerator door, opting to forget the sandwich he had been searching for. He took a step back to leave room for his friend to comfortably venture down if he chose. “You seem to be in better spirits. Did your meeting go well?” Viktor was curious, and so he would pry as he normally did.

A tip of his head to the side, almost like a shrug, was his first response. “I have learned more about the nature of my…well…nature…Why my abilities of the Red behave somewhat as they do…what I am destined to become…” His answer caused Viktor to raise an eyebrow.

“Destined to become…” He echoed. “So you have control of it?” His leading question was deliberate. “The Red Beast?” He specified further.

Ja shook his head, slithering out of the cabinet. It was oddly similar to a snake as his body appeared to spill out of a tunnel that seemed to go deep behind the cabinet wall. Once out, he slid the bag of flour back in front of his secret burrow.

Interesting.

“As I told Pei in the past, such a question is ignorant to how the wild interacts with humankind. Not everything can be controlled by people, nor should it be. It is a matter of learning how to coexist peacefully with it.” The nature boy was rather unusually serious, sliding past Viktor to look into the food preserver.

“If your question is; ‘Will the beast cause more problems?’ It…he…I shouldn't, at least not while we are home.”

“Apologies.” Viktor replied rather flatly but Ja would find the word a quite rare utterance from him. Viktor slightly leaned back onto one of the counters and crossed his arms. “Our last conversation about him wasn't the friendliest. I don't wish to repeat that. I come seeking understanding and… I also want to apologize for something else.” He blurted out the last bit as quickly as he could. A statement that made even Ja's gluttonous urge pause.

“For what, Vicky?”

“For not approaching you about your… division. Kila and Ja. The two aspects of yourself are something I never addressed out of concern for the mission rather than the concern for you.” Viktor sighed. “It was an abnormality that I ignored due to your capability and effectiveness. I failed you in a sense, especially with the surfacing of a third aspect of you… and I am sorry for that.”

Having pulled baked potatoes out of the fridge, Ja stared off into the distance for a moment. At first, his expression was clouded with confusion, looking down at the food in hand before looking back up at Viktor. Then, there was some clarity.

“The…side of me that is ‘not bad but different’…Like you told me before.” He slowly nodded. “I wasn’t sure what you meant before…but…there are…dreams that I’ve had— nightmares too. Dreams that I am not sure are simply stories of my sleeping mind…Stories that instead might be…memories…”

“Memories of the other two?” His question was rhetorical as he gave Ja a few curt nods. “Make sense to how I’ve thought about your relationship with them. One actor, two spectators. They see things play out from a limited perspective that is also manipulated by their biases and natures. For instance, if I berated you right now. You, Ja, might react to it with confusion and sadness that I could be so upset with you. Kila might be disagreeable and dismissive of my misplaced aggression. The Red Beast… He should have a different name by the way… he might see me as a possible threat or challenge. And I stand by what I said previously. You, Kilamanjaro, are not bad, and neither are your other two counterparts. I haven’t met the Red Beast… but I would like to, despite everything that’s happened.”

As Viktor rambled on, Ja seemed to lean back further and further. At first, he said there were two parts of him…which he could understand but now three and… “What are you talking about? I…yes, there is me, and when my instincts take control…But…you are saying other ‘two’…I have heard Kila before…but that is what BSF had been calling the Red Beast…The reports that they tried to hide from me…unless…”

Ja took a seat on a stool. “…my head has been broken worse than I thought…”

“I wouldn't say broken. A mind divided might be better. The transitions and memory syncing are almost seamless, especially if you don't know of Kila.” Viktor clasped his hands behind his back and started pacing in front of Ja as he continued. There was no point in him being surprised by Ja's ignorance of Kila. It simply made things more interesting for Viktor to explain.

“He was the one who defeated me in the outdoor training area. He is also the one who was initially grabbed by the squid, as well as went on the Vegas mission. His personality is more rigid, expressions more serious… but he doesn't seem to share your power of animal mimicry. I haven't figured out why but that'll come with time, I guess.” Viktor shrugged.

Sometime amidst his explanation, Ja took a bite of one of the potatoes, not even feeling the need to heat it. Things slowly started to connect, but it was as clear as the look on his face that it was a lot to take in.

Was he always like this? Did something happen when he was taken to Buredunia? Did he…divide, while there? As he’d learned later, most children weren’t raised to fight for their country as soldiers…That it wasn’t right. That it was too traumatic, especially for young ones. Ja had seen as much— wore the memories as eternal reminders on his body. The countless missions he’d been on flashed before his eyes. The pain…the suffering…

His head started to spin and the potato shook in his hand but a firm touch grasped his upper arms. The potato slowly steadied in Ja's hand as Viktor was now standing in front of him.

“Ja. Calm yourself. Focus,” Viktor coached, his expression slightly etched with concern. This is exactly what he didn't want to happen to Ja. To break his mind with such a revelation. However, the recent surfacing of the Red Beast forced his hand. “I can help you… talk to Kila if you want.”

Although he was brought back to the moment, the Prince of the Red frowned and his bottom lip wobbled. Talk to Kila? What would that even mean? What did you even say to…well…yourself but not you? His mind wanted to default to Iwisa’s training…but…did Iwisa know? She was the smartest person he knew. She had to have known…why didn’t she tell him? Or his Amai even…?

“He's… He's a good person, Ja. Different, yes but he's gotten along with the team just as well as you,” Viktor assured, though he had no idea what was going on through his friend's mind. All Viktor could do was try to support him but was he capable of such? “And if it means anything, I'm here to assist you. All three of you.”

For a moment longer, Ja stared into the distance of thought, but he looked back up to Viktor. Someone who was willing to tell this truth to him, even though it hurt his head to think about. That the team had all been trying to tell him subtly in their own ways. The bushbaby feared that things would be the same as they were before he’d joined the team. However, this team was different. Knowing that much brought a small smile to his face.

“Thank you, Vicky.”

Viktor gave him a nod and removed his hand.

“This is a difficult thing to come to terms with… and I'm not sure what the final solution between you three will be but I believe you all should at least know what you know now.” Viktor pulled out his phone and held it up. “With your own, you can leave a video message for Kila. Say whatever you want but let him know who you are. Who Ja is. Then tell him to find me. Simple?”

Although there was clearly still some hesitation on his part, Ja slowly nodded for his friend to start recording…

Avalia

DARIUS

Time: Morning
Location: Gaurav Village
Interactions: Dante @Alivefalling, Cyrus @Helo, Ophelia @princess and Viola [13org]
Equipment: 2 shot glasses, 1036 Amas total, Flowers from Phia, Dante’s cellphone, and Dante’s knife

---

Despite not being physically injured at all, the warm feeling received from Phia’s healing magic still sent a pleasant wave of delight across his skin. For just a moment – a fraction of a second Darius considered whether the fairy or her magic produced the feeling. His eyes followed hers as he scanned over him like a peculiar item in her grasp.

“We can fetch him a potion once we get there. I am sure we have plenty.”

“Y-yeah.” Darius almost stammered before returning a matching smile to Phia’s. “And thanks.” His voice came out soft as he tried to regain his previous composure. It proved a bit difficult considering how good he now felt.

With not many more words to exchange, the group proceeded into the village so Dante’s fatigue could be tended to. He was given a bottle filled with a blue elixir that was meant to help him in his troubled state. Darius wondered if something like that could cure a hangover Time will tell, I guess.

With Dante’s fatigue dealt with, the group made their way further into the village. It wasn’t hard for Darius to realize things were off as the two newcomers received odd looks and longing stares. He shot a warm smile at Cyrus and Viola in an effort to help the two feel at least a little welcomed in Gaurav while Phia alleviated the tension of the onlookers. It was hard to determine if any of it was working but the two had to make an attempt. Darius did notice Viola’s troubled expression, which made his heartwarming smile uneasy. I do know it’s not working on her. Girl needs to chill.

Through the winding stone path, they eventually reached a restaurant he was somewhat familiar with. Darius enjoyed its homey atmosphere and the food was quite tasty as well. Just stepping inside and taking in the scent of savory food prepared himself for the meal that was to come.

Darius wound up taking a seat, placing himself beside Phia who sat across from Cyrus, leaving him sitting face-to-face with Viola who was looking a bit better than moments before.

“What more can you ask for? And some food?” Darius grinned cheekily as his eyes met Cyrus’ “More food.” He answered before looking at Viola. “A lot of food. Come on now, we won a big battle that Gaurav will tell about for centuries. I always follow up a big fight with an even bigger meal. It’s just too bad we couldn’t cook the bird.” He shrugged with the final comment meant especially for Viola.

Avalia

Time: Late Morning
Location: The Nest, Roshmi City
Interaction: @princess Mari, @Alivefalling Aerilyn, [@Apex Sunset] Scathael, [@Shining Sector] FIVE

---

Ain't this a bitch. Can't move. Can't fight. Shit, I can't even get the Muse Box going………

FUCK!

Thraash continued to lie on the ground as he watched and listened to the events that followed, though he couldn't give a damn anymore. If he couldn't enjoy the battle, what was even the point? Eventually he heard Mari pipe up with some sort of crazed angle of reasoning.

Pay him? Just let him cut your head off… or fuckin run for the hills. If I know anything, Warforged don't sell out, and not because they're solid either. Damn one-track minded scraps of metal!

Thraash's tail lightly slapped the floor in his frustration... The feeling of his scales plopping against the hardwood floor brought him focus.

Just a little longer… JUST A LITTLE LONGER YOU TIN CAN MOTHERFUCKER! His toes and fingers began to twitch and curl weakly. FIRST THE MUSIC! THEN THE RAGE!