Redward

Shadow Smiles

Gifts

"All they need is a hand," It emerged from the shadows, slowly, taller than it had any right to be. What it tossed out from that writhing lair drew attention, but it hovered in their periphery. Panic was stillborn, words and thoughts caught in the weight of shifting chains and a smile that seemed to stretch beyond reason. It did not linger, as they stared. "Remember," it said, chuckling from whatever constituted its core, "the Miasma is a gift." Sterility returned to the room, despite the rotting appendage displayed at its center.

"What the hell was that?! Get security in here," From behind a helmet the order came, armor shifting and boots pounding as a result, "I want that thing found and executed! I want footage of its entry, I want-" Someone stepped into the pale circle of light. A man with dark skin, an easy smile and sinister eyes. He held up a hand, adjusting his vest and leaning down to observe the pox-eaten appendage.

"Calm down, Maya," Luca Beake said, "it's just a hand. Even if it does contain some level of Miasma, there's nothing to worry about." He picked it up, tossing it lightly into the air a couple of times. "Wow, it's heavier than I thought. Do we have anything on file about Miasma increasing the weight of limbs, without obvious mutation or surface-level growths? Maybe this son of a bitch was just dense?" He was in his own world. The lights kicked on, as he crouched, the door flying open and a squad of S.C.A.R.E rolling in; weapons free. Behind them trailed the Quarantine Team, their own implements lifted.

All eyes were on the 'scientist'. Maya watched him, from behind her helmet; a slight motion of her hand putting the S.C.A.R.E at ease. "Luca, you shouldn't be playing with that fucking thing. It's dangerous, hand it over." Expectant and imperious as her station allowed, the S.C.A.R.E commander took a few steps. Luca turned on his heels, still in a crouch, and tossed it to her, laughing. It was, indeed, heavier than it looked. She grunted. "Thanks. Clean him up. Keep him in quarantine for thirty-six hours. No chances."

"That seems a bit extreme, but fine," his hands went up, and he rose, "I want to examine it, when I'm released. I don't care if anyone else does tests, but I want them out of my way when I'm out. Clear?"

"Clear, sir. Take him on down, boys."

Blackthorne Medical and Munitions is one of the largest companies in the world; manufacturing items to meet the needs of the people. It is they who first discovered 'Miasma', three years ago, through unknown means, and they who seek to keep it contained. Despite their efforts, many cases of Miasma Infection have occurred around the world. For a time, they simply executed the infected with no fanfare. The Special Combat And Requisition Enforcers (S.C.A.R.E) have, in recent months, received a shift in the focus of their efforts. Now, instead of executing those touched by Miasma; they are collecting them.

New Steel City is where our story begins, in the year 2042, a bustling metropolis situated on the North American East Coast. A creature appears, throwing a piece of the puzzle before them. Not just those gathered in the lofty heights of the Evadne Complex. No, this being seeks to spread the "gift" of Miasma to several worthy candidates.

Most of those who come in contact with the "disease" are twisted beyond recognition, becoming grotesque parodies of life; their forms and minds ravaged by the Miasma's sinister influence, driven only by the need to evolve and consume. A rare few suffer a stranger fate. They become something more.

I intend for this to be a story of horror and exploration. Our Characters can come from any walk of life, given the interference of "Smile", the creature that walks in shadow. The story, its self, will focus on the events to transpire within New Steel City. The mystery behind Miasma.

I expect three to four paragraphs, per post! Standard Guild Rules apply, otherwise!

If you are interested, please let me know! I'm willing to answer most questions that will come up. So long as they don't touch into spoiler territory. I plan to take up the roles of Maya Wyrick, Luca Beake and a Character targeted by Smile.

Thanks for reading!

Out Of Character Thread is now up!

Worlds Apart

Chapter II:

Reticence

She waited in the static-eaten space between worlds. She had been there when the 'Ghost Girl' passed through with her chromatic souls in tow. She had watched, patiently, as they broke apart and were changed. Minute changes. Barely worth noting. No words had been exchanged, the process engaged in as usual; only a momentary flicker of silver-and-black eyes in her direction. Then stillness, after her exit. Stillness was a pervasive aspect of that place, the only aspect of that place.

Earth and Irriss. No different than before. Boring.

She was here to give a status report. A report on things that her 'owner' couldn't be bothered with. Things that still had value, in the large scheme. It irked her, regardless, to be relegated to such minuscule duties. She was, after all, a being of immense potential; much like her mistress. Yet the Ghost Girl was always at the forefront, always the commander. That part didn't bother her as much. It was always easier to handle smaller tasks. Easier to be unnoticed.

Yeah, but that's never where the fun is.

Of course, she had been told numerous times that her assignments were not about 'fun'. She had been told of the high stakes and countless fates that depended on their actions. She's always so serious. What. A. Drag. She better hurry up. Bitching was pointless, but Three enjoyed it anyway. Even if things never changed, she could always complain that they should.

With a sigh she leaned against a non-existent wall, flipping a non-existent coin. Mimicry was a strong suit of hers. Boredom was her bane. Her favorite color was white. Wish I'd brought my yo-yo. That would certainly make the stillness more tolerable. Even the habit of breathing was unnecessary in a place like this.

As Three mulled over the various aspects of Nothing, she walked around it; picking idly at her jacket. It wasn't a large space, despite what its initial impression might give. Nothing ended about seventy steps from where the 'entrance' was. After that Nothing became Something. Those Somethings sat on either side; with darkened potential beyond each other surface. She could, just as easily as her mistress, pass through the spatial membrane that kept it all from spilling into one another.

It just leaks. Doesn't spill. Not yet.

Then came the underwhelming entrance. A small decompression at the center of Nothing that denoted the return of her mistress. Three's heart swelled in her chest and she spun on her heels, a smile spreading across snowy features. Indigo eyes focused through the still smog and on the form of the one she had waited for.

"Greetings. I apologize for my lateness," the Ghost Girl removed her hood and mussed her hair vigorously, "the Semblances have been received and all is moving forward." Her face betrayed nothing, but Three could read the Ghost Girl better than most. She was irritated, and maybe tired. Probably something to do with unruly Mortals and all that weight she insisted on carrying. A small sigh escaped the white clad girl.

At least she's sorry, this time.

"That's to be expected. Want to hear my report?" A nod met the words as they left her, and a small motion of the Ghost Girl's fingers urged Three to carry on. "Ok, well, let's see." She produced a non-existent clipboard and pen, looking over notes she didn't take. Her mistress never did appreciate her jokes, but that never stopped her from trying. "Lightbridge is pretty stable, though areas of corruption have started to show." Three knew that a projection would be wanted, so she held her palm out to save time. "They're temporary, so guessing at their source isn't too hard. Still, could be a problem if interference continues. I'd give it," Three pretended to nibble at the edge of her pen, "four to six days until there's any real cause for concern."

She adjusted non-existent glasses and looked to her owner. The Ghost Girl reclined against nothing, staring out at Nothing; a small smile hinted at with her eyes. "I am impressed with your progress. However," Three cocked an eyebrow, waiting, putting her clipboard away, "it may be more beneficial to have you operate within Irriss, for the time being."

Yes! Finally!

"I may have lingered too long," Ghost Girl looked at her, now, back to blank restraint, "my continued presence will be noted. The Mortals are already in danger, I do not wish to imperil them any more than need be. You do not share my..." Hesitance, for the first time in ages. Three saw the flash of discomfort; that glaring moment of uncertainty. Her heart sank, a little. It was like her mistress to appear melancholy, but to actually sense it from her was rare.

"Got it," Three smiled, trying to break the gloom, and tossed her glasses aside, "I'll get over there, soon. Are you sure you trust me with this?" Despite her eagerness, Three wanted to be sure. "I don't want to get in trouble for messing up the big moves." She knew the plan, though, and had every relevant detail memorized. Her form twitched, breaking away from its outline in jagged spikes of black static and indigo interference, for a moment; reverting as soon as the lapse was noticed.

Oops. Pull yourself together.

The Ghost Girl didn't seem to mind that, though. She was resting her head against her knee, staring at Something. A Something that Three couldn't see. She looked, anyway, in the same direction. Staring into the tenebrous depths of a reality completely barred to her. Wonder what's over there. It flared and rolled but never truly moved, the mist and fog of Nothing; but the slick surface of empty Somethings always seemed to ripple and strain against its self, when Three peered closely.

"I have trusted you with much, Three. A day, or two, in Irriss will serve as a test of your capacity for extended responsibilities," Ghost Girl looked up, slowly pointing to the Something on Nothing's left side, "When it suits you, enter Irriss. Begin with scouting. The Mortals should be traveling to Silverbrook. Those who go elsewhere are not to be tampered with."

Really? Why not? She went to adjust her glasses, forgetting that they had been tossed aside. "Ok, so keep a low profile. Stay out of the way. That's easy. Any particular places you want reports on? I've already got a list of my own. Couldn't hurt to add some more."

"The Crystalline Garden is to be avoided. The Demense and Jagged Keeps are to be avoided," So the Enlightened and Unfettered cores were denied to her, something Three would bitch about later. She nodded compliance, sighing several times. "Magician has been given a specific task, another thing I would ask you to refrain from meddling in. A wide berth between the two of you would be best," Ghost Girl looked to the Something at her right, "Everything else is yours to explore."

A whole world. A whole Irriss for me to play with.

"I must rest, Three. Please excuse me," The Ghost Girl stood, stretching and absently replacing her hood. "We will convene, again, in a short while. I will be awaiting you, here, when that time arrives." Three knew she would hear the call, when she was needed. Smiling, she waved goodbye to her mistress. To her surprise, the wave was returned; sluggish but affirming. "Goodbye," came the last word from Ghost Girl, spoken with a turned back, before she slipped back to Earth. Back to the C-Route.

Three stalled, for a moment, mumbling into Nothing as she walked to the Earth-Something.

"She could've waited. I need to get my yo-yo..."

Worlds Apart

"Go ahead, Surris." Vagorrez gave a toothy grin and crossed his massive arms, a small rumble rolling through his form; something Beatrix could only guess was a half-hidden chuckle. "I'm sure the girl-" He shook his head, lifting a clawed digit, "Beatrix of Ashworth- will bear well your interrogation." She couldn't help but smile, though she pressed her palm to her mouth to cover it; turning and doing her best not to look back. Caretaker Nirvu was at her back, but Beatrix still thought she could feel its slight amusement. "I will await my turn."

Beatrix of Ashworth sounds...kind of cool! M-Maybe I should....maybe...

"Jest as you will, King of Obsidian Fangs. Her answers will prove valuable," Surris had her hands on her hips, her eyes narrowed and an intensity in her words Beatrix hadn't expected. He...might not have been joking. Is she going to really interrogate me?! N-No way! "Where is it you hail from, Beatrix?" O-Oh. Well, that's not so bad! Without thinking, she brought her hand up; rubbing it along her cheek until extended digits brushed the blue Remembrance Leaf.

"I'm from Lightbridge. It's an island, and...and!" Thinking about her home was bittersweet, but still brought a smile to her face. Beatrix's heart started to kick with more vigor. Anxious, yet without the usual tightening of her throat. I wonder what I should tell her, first! Maybe Vagorrez, er, King Vagorrez will be interested, too! They would probably love-!

"Understood. How is it you came to Irriss?" The Saint-Knight of Searing Light brought Beatrix's quickening thoughts an abrupt shift. She wasn't sure how to handle that, so she stared. Her expression shifted; eyes seeking the distance with a draining enthusiasm. Her fingers curled around the leaf and gave it a gentle tug.

"I don't know..."

How did I end up here? It was a question asked a hundred times. I remember walking home...and then...then... Then there was nothing. A yawning gap in her memory, beginning and ending with her taking steps; even the details, as she brought the scene to mind, were shaded in uncertainty. It was really quiet, that night. Beatrix remembered that much, along with a sense of urgency; though its source was another anomaly of vacancy. I wasn't far from Dayglow...

"Understood. Vagorrez, King of Obsidian Fangs, you may put forward the next question," Surris' lambent gaze softened, and her stance shifted, hands finally leaving her hips. Exposed joints slid and rolled silently as Surris moved; flowing with an uncanny grace for three long strides. Bringing her arms up, one to cradle the elbow of the other as she rested a hand on her shoulder, she too seemed to seek something in the distance. Beatrix looked away, slowly.

Do they already know about Lightbridge...?

"Very well!" Beatrix yelped, her body tensing immediately after. Wh-Why did he yell?! Vagorrez considered her for a moment, something she didn't shrink from; to her own surprise. A smirk tugged at the strange beast's lips, and Beatrix felt the warmth from it. Slowly, the King of Obsidian Fangs lowered himself to be at eye level with the Mortal girl. His knee touching against the ground was quiet. "My apologies, Beatrix of Ashworth. Startling you was not my intent." The laugh that followed was loud, genuine in its mirth. She watched the armor on his shoulders scrape against his mottled scales; watched as sparks were grated out. "I'm not sure what to ask of you. You've come to Irriss completely unprepared. It's strange that you're here at all, let alone your own strangeness."

"Wh-what do you mean?" He wasn't nearly as scary as Beatrix had imagined. I think Surris scares me, more... She lowered her gaze, staring down at dirtied sneakers. "I don't understand what's going on! I-I heard you say I smell like an Unfettered!" Beatrix pointed to Surris' back, with her free hand. "She said I have the aura of an Enlightened! I'm not, I'm not-"

Vagorrez reached forward, gently placing his hand on Beatrix's head. Lightly, he mussed her hair. "Calm yourself. There's no need to panic." She looked up as his hand was withdrawn, her face flushing from embarassment. Beatrix drew in a deep breath, nodding slowly. "Prime Caretaker Nirvu," The King looked over her shoulder, and she turned to follow his gaze, "I've made my decision." The words carried weight, that much was evident in their delivery, but Beatrix wasn't sure as to why. "The Unfettered Lords will not be given word about Beatrix of Ashworth. She is no threat."

Well, yeah! Of course I'm not!

"Thank you, Vagorrez," Caretaker Nirvu offered a small bow and what Beatrix thought was a beaming smile, "Your discretion is, as always, appreciated." Behind her, Vagorrez rose; taking up his usual intimidating stance. "Surris of the Searing Light, may I place my trust in your judgment as well?" Beatrix stiffened, feeling a shift in the atmosphere. Tension, though muted, washed over her. Caretaker Nirvu and Vagorrez both looked to the Saint-Knight; her back still turned. Her wings dimmed and spread slightly, their tendrils dancing slowly in the air.

What's going on? Her heart began thundering, again. The air felt heavy, like her entire existence depended on the words spoken by the shimmering angel; that judgment was, indeed, at hand.

"Yes, of course," Surris sounded almost playful, a tinge of laughter hidden deep within the words, "there is no cause to alarm the Veiled Council. I trust that Beatrix Ashworth will be of no concern to them, if she remains in your care, Prime Caretaker." She turned to them, offering a bow of her own. "I will return to the Demense." Surris trained her indigo gaze on Beatrix and bowed, again. "It has been a pleasure to meet you, Beatrix."

"Y-you too!" She didn't know what else to say, but relief washed over her. The Saint-Knight turned and began walking away, without pause; fading from view altogether after silver flared from her form and twisted the space around her. Beatrix's mouth fell open, as she stared at the spot where Surris had been.

Wow! She can do that?! I...shouldn't be surprised!

"I'll linger for a moment. I believe I've found my question," Vagorrez looked down on Caretaker Nirvu, giving a slight inclination of his head before kneeling again. "Tell me, Beatrix of Ashworth...what does power mean to you?" Her gaze slowly shifted from the empty patch of Golden Path. The King of Obsidian Fangs was smiling at her, showing rows of black blades. It didn't scare or startle her; instead, she felt calm. There was no malice, there, but there was expectation.

I guess I've never thought about it before. I'm not out of shape or anything...but that isn't power is it? Is being strong being powerful? Despite how little clarity she had, her heart knew the answer. N-No! That's not it at all!

"Power...power isn't s-something I have. Power," Her face felt hot, the words rushing from a place she didn't know existed, "is being able to stop the people you care about from suffering! It's a...it's a shield, a-against...evil...it's doing the right thing for the r-right reason..." Beatrix's eyes fled from Vagorrez and back to her feet. "Th-that's what I think. I'm sorry! If that doesn't-!" A hand fell gently on her shoulder. Not that of the Unfettered, but Caretaker Nirvu's. Again, she felt a smile from it; perhaps something akin to pride.

Before her, the King of Obsidian Fangs also smiled.

"Then, Beatrix of Ashworth, you've got your heart in the right place," He stood, again, stretching to his full height. "I've got a gift for you." With speed she didn't think such a frame capable of, Vagorrez tore away a section of his tattered crimson cloak. It fluttered in his grasp, a bit above her head, dancing with a light breeze she hardly felt. Slowly, he lowered it to her; offering it out in the palm of his hand. "You'll get what you consider power. No doubt about that in my mind. Keep that close, it'll help you on the way." Beatrix took it, slowly, feeling its weight as it slid from his hand. It was coarse and worn, but pulsed with an energy she couldn't be sure she felt. "Train her well, Caretaker Nirvu."

I'm sure Caretaker Nirvu will do what it can to trai-

...What?!

Beatrix had frozen, the cloak in her hands almost falling free.

"If she is willing, I will do what I am able."

Worlds Apart

She ignored the budding confrontation, much as Tabitha was doing. Other things had made themselves apparent. She couldn't figure them out, given how her attention seemed to drift erratically between spheres of thought and broken circles of emotion. The laughter had been fake, despite how much it forced her chest to heave and her eyes to water further. Put on one mask to take another off, right? Fuck. Her hands were still trembling and the warmth that had spread from her Semblance was fading, slowly being replaced by the warmth of the Irriss Sun. Her focus was, somewhat irritatingly, sharply trained on the Ghost Girl. The depths of her eyes as they slid to certain speakers.

She's somethin' else, that's for sure. I wonder how far we're gonna go, if this keeps up.

Tabitha let her own vision trail to the thing Tristan had become. At least, she thought it was Tristan. Hard to tell with all the cryin' I was doin'. Pretty sure that's him, though, ain't nobody else, here, gonna go out they way to be around me. She sighed, quietly, and let the excess energy work its way out in the best way she knew how; without being too obvious. She dug her feet against the dirt and grass, feeling it against her toes. Why the fuck ain't I got shoes on? It was probably irrelevant, but it seemed like an odd thing. Just some leggings. I guess it ain't a big deal. Can always pick somethin' up, later.

"You are nothing less than you were before coming here," The Ghost Girl's words were, as usual, rattling; a quiet razor against Tabitha's dancing thoughts, "You are still Mortal." She slowly lifted a hand, making a motion to those who had embraced the 'metamorphosis' she had offered. "Merely a Mortal imbued with greater potential. Many of you have already noticed, if not exercised, the boon taken. What source you now draw your power from is irrelevant. The creature that became the Semblance is no more, you have consumed what little remained of them." She folded her hands, the very image of patience among chaos.

Chaos she brought with her. With us. Wonder how much of this she was waitin' on.

"As for what you do with this gift, I can not say. I have requested your aid in repairing this world, as well as preserving the current state of your own." Her eyes betrayed nothing, but she looked at Anni with something Tabitha could have sworn was close to a smile. "However, you are free to do as you wish." Tabitha curled her toes and didn't let them relax, staring hard ahead. The green-clad girl had mentioned that, a few times, but had never given the specifics of what she wanted from them. "I would pit you against the inequities of Irris. Against the plots of veiled foes that have gone uncontested for many years. I would have you serve as my blades, in this world." That sent a chill down Tabitha's spine. "Eventually, you will come to realize the truth. I can not reveal all to you, yet. The moment of my departure approaches rapidly. I have given you what I am able. If you so choose, we will meet again after you have made contact with Magician. Goodbye."

The Ghost Girl let her hands unfurl and held them aloft. Waves rippled through the air around her, and her form began to fade; losing its luster, its weight...even its opacity in small intervals. Tabitha watched, but her mind had trailed off.

Were the tears fake, too? That was like a punch in the gut. The possibility of her anger and sorrow being manufactured was something Tabitha had never considered, before. Nah, couldn't be. Those were real. She steeled herself, taking a quick glance at the sky before focusing on the secene before her. Everything was different, except the people. It was almost laughable.

"Good. Kick rocks, bitch," Tabitha muttered under her breath, casting a sidelong glance at Tristan, "I'm probably gonna hit the road, soon." She didn't know whether or not she was talking to him, or to herself, "These idiots are gonna tear each other apart, and I ain't wanna be here any longer than I gotta be." She had other things to worry about. Will, Rani, and finding a way to ruin everything the Ghost Girl had in mind. If she brought us here to fight her battles, she's outta fuckin' luck. Part of her wholeheartedly believed that; another already knew where they would end up. She finally let her legs relax, sliding them back and forth again.

"The world's pretty fucked up. Guess it don't matter if we're here, or there." With that, she stood. She didn't start walking, not yet. Tabitha knew she would, eventually; 'south' was the only real direction she had in this brand new world.

What Are You Listening To?

Worlds Apart

"Surris of the Searing Light and Vagorrez, King of Obsidian Fangs have been very interested in meeting you, Beatrix." Caretaker Nirvu was leading her along the Golden Path; a wondrous, intricate work that spread like so many veins through the Crystalline Garden. Beatrix had seen some of its possible paths, but now she tread along one that was rarely traversed...at least according to the Prime Caretaker.

Hours had passed since her tutoring session, and the Sun had risen high above. It must be somewhere around noon. I wonder what time it is, back home. Glossy leaves were scattered along their path, shed from strange trees that sprouted from between crystal pillars. Beatrix thought they were beautiful, despite how gnarled they all seemed to be. Red bark made them noticeable, even from afar, while leaves of countless colors made their spread branches twinkle like rainbows of glass. "The Garden is beautiful, Caretaker Nirvu," her eyes greedily fluttered between the sights; the gold, the leaves of myriad hues, the crimson bark, the rows of Semblances. "I wish I'd been able to see it without so much stress."

The Caretaker nodded without turning. "Few appreciate it. Even my fellow Caretakers become numb to its wonders, after a time." It folded its arms, letting its sleeves overlap one another. "Many think that we are timeless, that we were the first to behold the Garden. The Mortals of Irriss have told countless stories of its creation, but few have ever come close to the truth." Beatrix lengthened her strides to better keep pace, looking at Caretaker Nirvu with open curiosity. It turned its mask back, in return, and she felt a small smile of approval. "The truth is a complicated thing, Beatrix. I can not adequately explain the Garden's origin in the time it will take us to meet with Surris and Vagorrez. I appreciate your interest, however. Perhaps another time I will tell you how it came to be. How the Semblances came to be."

She smiled broadly, bringing a hand to her chin. "That'd be great! I know, earlier, I was having trouble...but...but now I feel like my mind's clearing up!" She slowed and stooped to retrieve a leaf; a broad one, bearing veins of gold across its glossy surface of cerulean. "I think it's something about this place. A-about you." Beatrix was surprised at the weight of it. It has to be close to three or four pounds. No wonder the trees are so droopy, sometimes! The Caretaker continued to smile at her, bringing a flush to her cheeks when she noticed. Despite the strangeness that had existed during the first few days of her stay, she was now confident in calling Caretaker Nirvu her friend. "Can I...?"

"Of course, Beatrix," the Caretaker unfolded its hands and stopped to retrieve another leaf, this one purple and red, "the Remembrance Trees are meant to be admired." It offered the leaf forward, placing it gently into Beatrix's large palm. She had begun working the first leaf into her hair as the Prime Caretaker resumed its stride. "It is said that every being who comes in contact with one of the leaves fallen from such a tree will be blessed. Pilgrims come from across Irriss to find such a boon. Once they fall, they will never change." She worked the gift in, opposite the leaf she had chosen, as the Caretaker continued. "It is said that memories are contained within the leaves, before they fall. That the wind takes those memories to where they belong."

I wonder what was in them, then, before they fell. Her eyes drifted ahead, after the second leaf was secure. It made her head feel heavy, but Beatrix planned to keep them there as long as she could. Ahead she could see a small gathering. They stood in a large clearing, a place where the Golden Path ended one of its branches.

Maybe they held the memories of the Fallen that became a Semblance.

Despite her earlier inability to understand, several things had been made clear to her by Caretaker Nirvu. The haze of her nerves had been slowed, almost entirely dispersed. Now the basics were known to her. Enlightened are the servants of the Enlightened One. They're made of metal, but are just as alive as me or Caretaker Nirvu. They represent order within Irriss. Beatrix smiled, slightly impressed with herself. The Unfettered are more chaotic, even though they have the Unfettered Lords to guide them. They're made of flesh, for the most part. Caretaker Nirvu said that I shouldn't be fooled by their appearances, though. Them or the Enlightened! They're just like me! Uh...kind of, anyway!

She understood that she would be meeting with Surris of the Searing Light, the Saint-Knight; the foremost servant of the Veiled Council. Vagorrez, King of Obsidian Fangs was the most prolific of the Unfettered Lords' envoy. Beatrix didn't know much about either of them, but Caretaker Nirvu had made it clear that she was there by their request; and they had come here at its request. It told me that they had wanted to meet somewhere else, but that wasn't going to happen. At first she had wondered why exactly the Crystalline Garden had been chosen. Now, seeing their forms in the distance she thought she understood.

Caretaker Nirvu doesn't want me to get hurt!

That thought put a larger smile on her face, and made her feel warm. She rarely considered dangers, when in Lightbridge, but here it had been a nagging thing that ruined her otherwise sunny disposition. Irriss, as she had been told several times, was a place of many dangers. Dangers, Caretaker Nirvu had said, that she would eventually have to face. But...I don't really want to leave this place. Unless it's to go home. She often felt a pang of sadness when Caretaker Nirvu mentioned her inevitable departure from this place. I...I might end up missing it...

As the pair drew closer, Surris and Vagorrez both lowered themselves to a knee; kneeling to show their respect. Caretaker Nirvu motioned for them to rise immediately and the two did as bid. Beatrix wasn't sure how to respond. Beatrix had never bowed or knelt to her friend, and had never been asked to. It was strange how she felt like her treatment within the Garden was different from others. It was an uncomfortable distinction.

I don't deserve to be treated any differently...I...I'm just...

"This is the Aberrant Mortal?" Surris spoke with a voice clear and strong; a warrior's words coming from her sleek shell. Beatrix felt her face color, again, but for a much different reason. Surris was shorter than she was, something the Lightbridge girl hadn't expected. In the Sun she shimmered and glittered, but that paled in comparison to the indigo glow that came from her eyes and back. Wings...she has beautiful wings... Beatrix stared, and started to force words from her depths. "She has the aura of an Enlightened. Why is this so, Caretaker?"

Vagorrez, all scales and muscle, shook his broad, spined head and folded massive arms across his chest. "You're mad, Surris. The girl smells like an Unfettered." I...I...I what?! He was easily a foot taller than her, and broader by thrice. His eyes were smoldering pits of yellow, slit pupils of umbral depthlessness bored into her. Beatrix flinched, a little, after making eye contact and stepped to place herself behind Caretaker Nirvu.

"I had thought the two of you would find her interesting," the Caretaker turned to let its gaze linger briefly on Beatrix before motioning her forward. She did as bid, her hands laced together in front of her; cheeks flushed and unable to lift her eyes. Instead, she watched the feet of the Enlightened and Unfettered. Surris wore pointed greaves, where Vagorezz only had thick rings of metal around his ankles. "Beatrix Ashworth is the name of this Mortal. You may speak to her freely. I will remain here to observe."

N-no! Wait! Please, Caretaker Nirvu! I-I-I don't know what to say, I don't know what to do!

"Greetings, then, Beatrix Ashworth. I am Surris of the Searing Light, Saint-Knight of the Veiled Council," Surris stepped forward with a fluidity that revealed the truth of her form. Curvaceous and proud, Beatrix wondered at her beauty. "I have many questions for you." A sword hung at her hip, locked in place by a small mechanism that Beatrix couldn't hope to comprehend; intricate as it was. The blade, its self, was golden...a stark contrast to the silver that seemed to compose Surris' entirety.

Vagorrez stepped forward, sending a rolling vibration up to Beatrix's knees. H-he's heavy! "I am Vagorrez, King of Obsidian Fangs; envoy of the Unfettered Lords. No need to call me by title. Takes too long. I've got questions, as well." He leaned forward, letting slitted nostrils flare as he took measure of her. "She's definitely Unfettered." Surris turned her head and affixed a glare on the behemoth.

Beatrix wasn't sure what to do, but found herself speaking.

"I, uhm, I'm just a Mortal," she lightly drug her heel, back and forth, finally bringing herself to look at the two, "but I'll...I'll answer your questions the best I can!"

Worlds Apart

They argued, they stared, they questioned, they mingled; and one had taken the first step. The Ghost Girl watched it all with her usual placidity, while Tabitha watched her; giving the others only the slightest bit of her peripheral attention. With the Sun of Irriss at her back, in the nameless field she had brought them to, Tabitha waited patiently for the answer she wanted. She already knew what it was, the Semblance held lightly between her palms. Looks like Koda ain't doin' so hot. She wondered if that was what awaited all of them. Shit's nasty. Blood on the flowers, blood on the grass.

The hippy lady had approached him, her kind nature showing through as she questioned his well being to a being that probably couldn't care less. It made her reconsider wanting to put the Mask on. Another part of her laughed at that. Like I ain't gonna throw this thing on. Far as I get it, this is our tie to this place. Without it, we ain't here. If we ain't here, we're dead.

"Do not concern yourself, Stormy Jeans. What you see before you is a glorious metamorphosis." The words crushed the atmosphere like a rain of concrete blocks. "What happens next," the Ghost Girl said, once again interrupting Tabitha's train of thought and demanding her attention without true use of force, "is each of you comes to discover yourself." She pointed a digit at Koda's retching form without her usual sloth. This time it seemed imperious.

"Koda Yuhashira is the first to undergo the change. His Semblance is now being drawn into his soul. Much the same will happen with the rest of you. Once the merger is complete you will find yourselves imbued with a strength far beyond the Mortals of this world, or your own." While her cadence had not changed, the words sent a shiver through Tabitha; something felt different, now that they were in her world. It wasn't just the way the pleasant field suddenly felt like a facade, to Tabitha, it was the idea that she had really come this far. "Don them when you feel yourself to be ready. Here, you are not restricted in terms of time. I, however, am."

Her eyes shifted over the group, watching as they broke into pairs or small groups, talking and reflecting; judging. "As you make your choice, I will inform you of my next request."

Tabitha struggled to find her voice. Her eyes drifted to the ground, uncertainty sinking claws deep into her chest and stomach.

"Request, eh? That don't sound like somethin' ya'd do. With the truth bein' 'invariable' and all, s'more like ya gonna tell us what to do next. Right?" Tabitha held her Semblance aloft, staring into the slits of its eyes again; recalling the jagged and uneven surface behind the attractive facade. Guess I'm gonna do it, too. Now or never, right? Will, I hope ya got my back. She wasn't entirely ready, not yet, but she brought the thing closer to her face.

Then, she faltered. Realizing something she had fought down, finally, on the surface level. I'm afraid. Fuck. Irriss was real. Standing in front of the train hadn't simply been an easy way to avoid saying she had wanted to die. Still, I always believed her. Why did it make so much sense, when she told me all that shit? Why'd she have to be right? Her fingers trembled, sliding uneasily along the jagged edges of the Semblance. The train had been nothing. This was something altogether different. This meant that they were going to have to be a part of this world. It meant that-

I already knew this shit. No need to freak out, now. Fuck it. I got this!

"Your assumption is incorrect, Tabitha. I have yet to demand anything of those gathered here." She felt eyes of void on her, and could see, just above the crest of her Semblance, that the Ghost Girl was looking at her, "Each of you possesses a will that I can not alter. If you choose to deny my request, there will be no repercussions. Save for that the path you walk will be a longer one. One without my guidance. As you said, the truth is invariable. Regardless of where you go, eventually you will arrive where you are intended to."

While minute, it seemed that her demeanor had shifted again to the more languid Ghost Girl the assemblage had come to know. Her voice sounded softer, her motions without the tinge of dominance Tabitha thought she had briefly witnessed. "I ask that you travel along this path," for emphasis, she gave a slow point to the stretch of dirt Tabitha had noticed earlier, "to the south. You will find a town called 'Silverbrook'. There is where your guide awaits."

"What guide ya talkin' about? How we gonna know who it is?" Tabitha brought the Semblance closer, cradling it against her chest. I can't do it, yet. I need to listen. Ask some questions. Figure this shit out. It touched against the rise of her chest and small warmth spread to her. The hell? It's warm, it's- Tears formed at the corner of her eyes, unbidden and senseless. The thoughts that followed were much the same. It's alone. Just like me. It's askin' me to put it on. So we ain't gotta be alone, anymore.

"He is a whimsical creature. An Unfettered who calls himself 'Magician'. The locals of Silverbrook will direct you to him. For a time, Magician will be your companion." Tabitha opened her mouth slightly, before the Ghost Girl continued, "He will familiarize you with aspects of Irriss, as well as aspects of your new-found power." She shifted her stance, looking once again over the group. "I am sorry that I will not be able to accompany you, for a small measure of time. My presence, should it be noted, will put all of you in terrible danger."

She seems... Tabitha struggled to find the words. Before, there existed nothing like sympathy for the thing that wore a human shape. Now she wasn't so sure. She seems sad. Does she really care about us? I can't buy that. There's somethin' here that I ain't get, yet.

At her chest, the Semblance let its warmth spread. Tabitha Calvicante couldn't resist it, the second time. The strange moment of empathy that existed between her and the Mask had wrenched something free in her. Tears still slowly flowing down her face, Tabitha quickly turned the mask and placed her face into it.

As she had expected, the uneven surface bit into her flesh.

What she did not expect was the flare of overwhelming light that came from within her. The wall she had built against the world broke in an instant, setting loose a flood of emotion. Her thoughts, usually so loud, became a jumble of whispers; overtaken by the sheer ectasy of expression. The Semblance gripped her head with a gentle, disintegrating vice; some pieces surged down her throat like a glass of boiling water. Her body convulsed as she cried, doubling over and finally dropping onto her ass. Her sobs turned to laughter, as the light faded and she found herself with her gaze pointed to the sky; a smile plastered across her face, wrapped in warmth.

And somethin' else! The hell is this?

She found herself clad in a harlequin's garb. Her hoodie replaced by a corset that exposed her midriff and striped sleeves of green and purple. Her legs felt exposed, despite the soft mesh that had enveloped them. Around her neck was draped the ludicrously long tendrils of a hat that she discovered by accident. Attempting to wipe away an upward-fleeing tear had revealed it. The thing was huge, bearing two points; instead of a jester's four. Her eyes had taken a silver cast, and her normally dark hair had become a pleasing neon green; perhaps longer than it had been before.

Tabitha wanted to say something, but she couldn't. Laughter, harder than any she had produced before, poured out each time she wanted to open her mouth.

"Though I must depart, soon, I am aware that many of you expect answers from me. It would be wise to put them forward, now."

Why is the rum gone?

I would like to, if you are willing to allow, write some poetry alongside you in this thread. I hope that's not a strange question!

Redward's Box. [1x1/Small Group Interest Check]

Bump.

Edit; This will probably be my last bump for a little while. I'm currently GMing a thread, and don't intend to allow myself to become too distracted from it. I still feel confident in my ability to manage a 1x1 alongside it; but won't be pushing too hard.

Worlds Apart

There you are!

A voice, familiar, cast from afar. Received by a link that few would understand. Despite the sometimes grating nature of his only real friend in the world, it brought the quiet young man some measure of relief. He slowed his pace, sliding the cards back into his pocket; a conversation for the near future.

Hey!

His response was enthusiastic, devoid of the usual facade that came with it. Thankfully, he had come to meet him; rather than forcing the quiet young man to complete his journey with only his thoughts. Still, it was an odd feeling, despite how long that particular method of communication had been used. Hearing another voice in his head, so clear, so foreign despite its familiarity, was always a little offputting. He would abide by it, though.

The quiet young man rubbernecked to check behind him. It seemed his true companion wasn't too near, yet. Good, that gives me a minute to get ready. Sorry, bud, we'll talk some more in a minute. His shadow gave no response in the most predictable way it could. By offering nothing. He's always so happy to see me. He kept that thought from being projected; an option he was thankful he possessed. It might disturb his companion to know about what was bouncing around mercilessly in his head. Eufi...

I'm going to bring you in to the silence, okay? Don't let me startle you.

He smiled, slightly. The silence was something much akin to his own bubble of madness. The quiet young man often felt at peace, in its confines; much as he did when his shadow opened its eyes wide. Alright, he offered, knowing the process involved. Usually it involved sneaking up on him, something he slowed his walk to allow; still sticking close to the wall at his left. Contact followed, then the two of them could speak freely. He enjoyed that, being able to speak his mind without fear of giving himself away. After all, his companion had known him for a long time; had helped him through the cracking and breaking he had suffered. Much as he was loathe to admit it, at times, the dapper young lad had helped keep the quiet young man together during his darker moments.

It didn't take long for the light brush against his shoulder; a touch that would have been unnoticed, had he not been expecting it. Then he felt it was over him, the familiar feeling; followed by the 'real' use of that familiar voice. Before that, though, an arm was slung around his shoulders. He allowed it to remain there, for a moment, before ducking under and taking a full step back; a smile on his face, one matching that of his companion.

"Oi, lad! How the hell are you doin' then? Got some good news for me, I hope?"

I wouldn't be looking for you, if I didn't. We wouldn't be here if things weren't ready. Another private thought, but one he felt a little too cold. Instead, he nodded. "I'm good, thanks. Fourteen, just like we talked about. Got the last two about thirty minutes ago." Without thinking his hand dipped to the blade in his pocket, rubbing his thumb along it; something that was soothing and grounding. "Things are going really smoothly, if I do say so! How about you, though, good news on your end? Oh, right, before I forget. I got some more cards from Eufi and Dave."

He wouldn't say it, but his partner would understand. The credit and debit cards were to be disposed of, but the quiet young man would be keeping Eufi and Dave's ID cards. He had kept all of them, stashed away as mementos. It was hard to let go of someone, after becoming so close to them. It was a sentiment he couldn't break himself from. He produced the appropriate pieces of plastic and offered them forward.

Lazily, he stretched. "I was going to get some food, before meeting up with you. It's been a little while since we've sat down for a meal together. Gives us time to talk some things over. I don't think tonight is the right night to put things into action."