ANIMA MUNDI

starting over - are you a little overwhelmed with where our thread is going? let me know, and i'd be happy to start a new one with you!

pausing - if you're feeling one thread more than another we have going on, that's perfectly fine! you're welcome to let me know if you'd like, but it's not a necessity.

multiples - if we have a ship that you love and you have many ideas for them, always feel welcome to throw them at me no matter what! while it may affect my reply speed due to having more, it doesn't affect my interest at all!

regrouping - maybe we initially had an idea that didn't pan out but you don't know how to say it? just shoot me a message and let me know you'd like to plot further/something else.

“i don't think you realize how much people notice you.”

“you don't seem particularly trusting. then again, maybe neither am i.”

“you have a habit of appearing at interesting moments.”

“you strike me as someone who trusts their gut. am i wrong?”

“i've noticed you always leave before everyone else.”

“i think you enjoy keeping people guessing.”

“you seem restless.”

“it's strange how you can be surrounded by people and still feel alone.”

“have i ever told you that you're difficult to read?”

“you look like you haven't slept.”

“you know this place well enough that i'm starting to wonder if you've always lived here.”

“do you ever worry about the kind of person you're becoming?”

“i've known a lot of people. none of them were quite like you.”

“i can't decide whether people truly change, or if they just become better at hiding parts of themselves.”

“i had the strangest dream last night. do you remember yours when you wake up?”

“the more i get to know you, the more i keep noticing little similarities between the two of us.”

“i didn't realize you'd remember that.”

“most people seem uncomfortable with silence. i never minded it much.”

“you seem to know more than you're saying.”

“you seem comfortable on your own. i wonder if that's the same thing as never feeling lonely.”

“do you always look this serious?”

“you're easier to talk to than i expected.”

“i've always thought trust is harder to earn than people pretend.”

“you always seem to be watching.”

“i think you've been avoiding me.”

“you're not at all what i thought you would be.”

“whenever i ignore my instincts, i end up regretting it. what about you?”

“i wasn't expecting to run into you again.”

“i can't tell if you're someone who enjoys solitude or just tolerates it.”

“i know it sounds childish, but i can't help believing some people are meant to find one another.”

“you make a terrible liar.”

“you don't strike me as the sort of person people forget.”

“i think people underestimate you.”

“i can't decide whether you're charming or frustrating.”

“i don't think i've seen you smile before.”

“i wasn't sure you'd come.”

“it's a little strange. i think i've started looking forward to seeing you.”

“sometimes i wonder if we ever really know anyone.”

“you're surprisingly good company.”

“i think most people would like to believe they're good. i'm not sure it's always that simple.”

“i think being truly understood is a far rarer thing than people realize.”

“i don't usually tell people this...”

     A small nod is given in response to their words. He's – always hated saying ‘you’re welcome' if he isn't dealing with older folks that can get irritated when they don't hear it.

     At least, if it was worded to him, they could both agree on that. A hatred for what was considered ‘normal’ and what wa snot. It was something that had plagued him his entire life. Even before he was living the life he gets to enjoy now. Something that continues to follow him no matter where he goes or what he tries.

     “ ‘m not human, no. ’Human' is… relative, I guess. They're a different species and they're sort of a – de facto comparison point. Things c'n be called ‘humanoid’ if they're close enough t' human. It is – typically very frowned upon t' eat other people, yes. ”

     It was a standard of morals, really. There had always been different forms of right and wrong, but – well, eating someone else had always been considered taboo no matter what region on was looking at. At least, all of the places that Eros has been.

     Especially back on the Yuque…

Human. Humane. Words that Paradigm did not understand. Perhaps this world that invented them also did not understand their meaning. They stand and consider it in their own terms. While they shared vitsang, they did not consume their own flesh. That was for the earth, for the other creatures. Eating one's own kin was not looked upon in favour: it was a means of desperation.

"I think I understand the contention. Eating one's own... species." They repeat, not quite knowing if that was the proper context for the word. "It would not be good for the long form survival of said species, or one's own nourishment."

The moral implications would come to Paradigm in time. For now, they must grasp concepts and ideas that made this reality what it was. Planets... more than one world. What they would call home was a much simpler life. It made more sense back then. Now... they were lost on every possible level.

Their tail idly swishes once, move movement than the almutia has made in the last few minutes. Eyes seemingly stare at nothing. Paradigm thinks of what to say next.

     Arms cross over his chest and he leans back against the counter now. Suppose that they're very right as far as simplicity goes. Something always needs something else and the cycle continues on as it ever has and ever will. 

     Being subtle isn't going to do him any favors when it seems that the other knows little about how this world works. Much like… himself when he was still living in the manor.

     “ Food and water like everyone else sounds about right, but sometimes th' food y'need differs from what would be consider ‘normal’, yeah? Whatever y'er – vitsang is if s'close enough t' blood, what I mean in this instance is… humans or humanoid. Not jus' flora and fauna. ”

     Could one consider some other races humanoid? Human adjacent at the very least and Eros could deal with those just fine. 

     Would this stranger be able to, though?

     “ Huh? Oh – um – Eros s'fine. Tha's what everyone calls me. ” 

Paradigm listens. Eros it was. The name of who owned the blood would come in time, and they would be thanked as well. "Thank you, then, Eros."

Normal. they were beginning to not like that word. What was, 'normal'? What they thought to be normal was gone. Everything was strange, everything was alien. Yet there they were, alive and well enough to be alive.

Eros speaks and they listen. "You eat others of your same shape... I don't quite understand what a 'human' is. Are you, a human, thus is why I hear caution in your voice? Is such a thing frowned upon here?"

Paradigm's people imbibed in each other's vitsang as a sign if closeness, healing, even desperation to extend one's life. To devour the flesh of another was natural, but one's own kind? Is that where this doctor was going?

Then, Paradigm realizes something.

     It's almost akin to if he were to watch himself eating from the outside. They take it quickly once it seems to have passed whatever test they've deemed necessary. Eros can be like that when he has kept himself from eating for too long. 

     Quick and to the point. He takes the now empty bag and tosses it in the proper waste receptacle. That'll need to be taken out later. Dealt with and disposed of properly. 

     Attention turns back to Paradigm, a gentle nod of his head given in response to their words. He is a doctor, after all. His job is to take care of others. Even if it is with something like this. Something one wouldn't quite expect to find. Be it on a barren planet or a populated one, who would have thought someone else could even remotely close to the way he has to at times? It's not the same, but it's close. Close enough to have him curious.

     “ ‘m glad. Makin’ sure people are alright happens t' be m'job. ”

     His gaze darts away at their words, however. Their lack of understanding gives him plenty of chances to back out. But… when was the last time he'd been open with someone about something like this? Only Luka was really aware.

There was a tension, and then curiosity took over. Like a childlike wonder. Paradigm doesn't speak at first, but his curiosity leaves them curious. What an odd thing to say. A head tilts slightly, and garnet gazes through the man.

"Everything needs something from something else to survive. That is the cycle. Eventually what you consume will be returned when you return to the earth and dust, and be transformed again."

Lingering on the words more, Paradigm resumes sitting up straight.

"I can eat food, and drink water... but I have not eaten in a very long time, and this 'blood' is the closest thing in translation to what I call vitsang, though it is still not an equal meaning. I must become accustomed to flora and fauna once more. Is this, what you mean?"

Paradigm seems slightly more relaxed. Something about the conversation brings the other ease. He does not seem inherently malicious, but the people of this time were complex. They had to be careful.

     They're very – forthright with this information. Not the sort of thing that Eros would expect. Perhaps it is because he's lived for so long in the shadows of what is deemed right and what is wrong. He's never known much beyond the veils of morality. It is why his own hunts still tend towards those that are deserving. Those to whom death is a relief for the world rather than themselves.

     They shut the drawer they'd been looking into, holding a single finger up that lets the other know to wait. It'll be just a moment, he thinks. Just one and they'll be taken care of.

     The vidyadhara leaves the room, going to another to search through the fridge. Which of these does he have the most of..? It'd be best to keep track and only use what is in surplus. Thankfully, he has one such type that he can stand to lose a bit of.

     After grabbing the bag, he makes his way back into the exam room and shuts the door. There is no one currently in the clinic besides the two of them, and yet he wants to exercise as much caution as he can. 

     No reason to cause a stir or a panic. 

     “ Here. S'not often that I find someone – similar enough t' m'self. I keep enough of those on hand f'er when patients need them, but… I s'ppose this situation isn't that different. ”

For once, Paradigm's understanding of this new world has brought them fortune. Watching in silence as this apothecary, or doctor, whoever it was, leaves to bring Paradigm exactly what they need. A sack of liquid with the unmistakable scent of iron.

Garnet claws take the bag with gingerly opened palms. A screw cap kept them from the drink, but they don't eagerly down the contents once the cap is gone. There is a tentative sniff, eyes half lidded as the aroma hits their olfactory senses: no tell of screams, no excess chemicals so say this was taken with a hostile intent. So they put the opening to their lips and drink.

The bag is downed in a few seconds, despite it's size. It's as if Paradigm doesn't even breathe, taking it all in one gulp. The point of a tongue clears any stray drops in a flash. There is another pause. The memories of this individual will become part of themself in due time.

"Your kindness is appreciated, stranger." They nod their head in a bow. "This will... help."

The empty bag is handed back to him. They remember the words he said.

     It's all in the feeling that the other gives off. Their constitution is different even down to the way that they walk. He's seen it time and again when encountering a species he's never seen before. The earth tells him many things, after all.

     His search stops for a moment, hand over a box of gloves before his attention is turning to the stranger. Are they… like him?

     Suppose if they are, he's lucky that he does keept blood on hand. Whether it be for transfusions or some he has kept away in case of his own emergencies. Hands grip the side of the drawer for a moment, steadying as he tries to find the right words.

     If he misunderstands, this could be an issue. He'd be done with on this planet before he found his target. That in itself would be bad enough, but then he'd probably have to get rid of whoever this was instead – and Eros really didn't want to hurt someone who didn't deserve it. Someone innocent. A stranger.

     Deep breath. He's a professional, after all. He's just never met… someone similar enough to himself.

Was that hesitation? Intrigue? Something else, perhaps. Maybe fear... needing such a thing brought out interesting reactions from people. Claws flex subtly, ready to flee, ready to fight if necessary. They sit still while the other contemplates their words.

The definition of sick was being impaired by not being in good health. Technically, Paradigm was impaired by lack of good health. Paradigm did need some. The issue here was being clear: the clarity in their statement was going to make or break this situation.

Her voice, despite it's hollow ring, was calm and certain. "Yes. As in both. I am not at my healthiest, and I require blood to consume as nourishment. I have no desire to forcibly take such vital essence from unwilling creatures."

They could function at a minimal capacity without it, but being without a proper meal for so long left the old one weary. Food was of course an acceptable substitute in other situations, but that would not satiate the need completely.

"If this is not something you can fulfill, then I will leave. You needn't worry about my situation or having seen me."

     “ I gotta say, y'er not th' usual type I get visitin' th' movin' clinic, ” Eros admits, looking through one of his drawers before his gaze turns again to the stranger currently in his seat. “ Granted, ‘m sure pop-up’s like this aren't very common, so… s' t' be expected. Run me by what's botherin' ya, hm? I'll be sure t' take care of it as best as I c'n. ” Even if the situation calls for use of his magic.

Not the usual type. Certainly an ironic statement given to the mostly covered individual that sat before him. The idea of a clinic was still foreign to Paradigm, but they understood it's definition: a medical space that provided assistance to send one healed as soon as possible.

Being healed was not something Paradigm needed, but they were being ailed by a lack of proper nutrition. Said proper nutrition came in something very specific... and they were not one to rip it out of some poor soul. This world did not work like how they were used to.

Paradigm is coiled up while they sit in the chair. The room smells of many things, some familiar and some not. Chemicals, herbs, metals and some other aromas they couldn't place.

They think of the right words carefully, lacking the nuance of understanding every word being spoken. "I require... something that I understand is within your practice to get humanely. I am in a state of... weakness."

The request was not going to sound pleasant to this stranger but to Paradigm, it was as simple as asking for water.

      A WAVE OF INSPIRATION!

⚰️ * a few thousand years back, folks called those deadly gunslingers⠀❛❛ BOOTHILLS . ❜❜⠀you see, it ain't exactly a name meant for the living, & well, i guess i ain't quite what you'd call ❛❛ alive, ❜❜ ha !

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚕𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚘𝚗 𝚋𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚍, 𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝

⠀⠀⠀⠀𖥠⠀⠀𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐊𝐀𝐈 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐋 .

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀𝟸1 + 𝚊𝚌𝚌𝚎𝚜𝚜 . 𝚜𝚎𝚖𝚒 - 𝚜𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚜 .

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀𝚑𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚢 𝚁𝚄𝙴 ⁽ * ³⁰⁺ ⁾

"THERE WERE OCEANS ON YOUR PLANET?" Nata mused and thought of his own world. In the weeks since he'd been plucked out of the sands of the desert by the Astral Express crew, the boy had begun to open up to new perspectives. He remembered glancing at his own world—something that he'd been barely able to fathom—and remembering how blue it was. How big and round it was, too. He looked upon it . . . and was shocked when March pointed at it and said that it was his home.

All that blue was the oceans, he thought in hindsight. Monstera Aster was littered in them, a blue marble with patches of white and green and terracotta. Going from a humble little village to an entire planet . . . it was certainly a lot to have to process.

Their planet, a long dead piece in a much more vast universe from their understanding. Paradigm remembered home well: vast oceans, forests that breathed with the wind, grass fields that whispered rumours of far off lands in your ear. Pieces of home lay dormant in their vitsang, hoping one day to reunite with earth and stone once again.

There was an aching. They ignored it.

"Yes. Oceans, seas... rivers, lakes, ponds... so many colours and so many different... envi-ron-ments." That was the word in that tongue, wasn't it?

Nata smelled of sand, dust and grit. Not just any of it's kind: one heated by an intense sun and a harsh wind to move it. Paradigm remembered being a creature; long scaly legs and talons striking sand quickly in search of shade under the sun's undiscriminating gaze. They tripped and fell down the hill, stressing a joint too far in the tumble.

They will not dour the boy's excitement, not that there was a face to see under the darkness. Seeing the ocean again might be refreshing. It had been too long since they tasted the tang of the brine, and felt the motion of the tides.

There was only one slight problem.

give that to me! where did you find this?!

do you drink coffee or tea?

sorry– am i crazy, or have we met before?

do you trust me enough to close your eyes?

when were you planning on telling me?

at the risk of being a cliché, do you want to get out of here?

can i convince you to stay the night?

do i look like someone who knows what that means?

would you consider giving me a second chance?

do you really think that's helpful right now?

would you mind showing me around?

do you ever plan on forgiving yourself?

are you thinking what i'm thinking?

can we ... go out and do something crazy?

why are we whispering?

who exactly are you, anyways?

can't we just be civil for a minute?

does the past ever keep you up at night?

if you have nothing to hide, what's the problem?

how long has it been since i saw you last, [ name ]?

did the power just go out?

are we still doing the thing where we pretend not to care?

how should we celebrate?

can we just ... start over?

why is this so important to you?

how was i supposed to know that?!

do you want me to stay? it doesn't have to mean anything.

where are you? nobody's heard from you.

can you help me zip this up?

why do these things always happen to me?

you don't secretly hate me, right?

can i get you something to eat? –or drink?

ready to see what i've been working on?

where have you been disappearing off to?

what's that perfume you're wearing?

you're laughing?! do you really think this is funny?

are you planning to stay for dinner?

did you think it was going to be easy?

you see where you went wrong, don't you?

when did we become so cold and distant?

who are you working for?

did you really do all of this for me?

can i open my eyes yet?

haven't you heard the stories?

[ name ], what are you doing here?

what's it gonna take for you to trust me?

do you believe people can change?

how about we catch the ten o'clock showing?

don't you remember what happened last time?

why is it so unbelievable that i'd want to help you?

you're [ name ], aren't you?

who did this to you?!

how did you know i'd be here?

what's that supposed to mean?

do you think i'm irredeemable?

what kind of mess have you gotten us into?!

do you see anything you like?

what do i owe you for the food?

why won't this stupid thing work?!

does tonight really have to end?

holy shit. can you believe we really pulled that off?!

i can tell you're upset, [ name ]. what happened?

how long have you been standing there?

do you ever wish you could just ... run away?

haven't we been here before?

wait, shush ... did you hear that?

did i miss today's newsletter or something?

can we put our differences aside for a second?

what are you getting out of this, exactly?

you'd tell me if something was wrong, right?

are you willing to bet on it?

would you kill for me?

what made you think that was okay?!

do you believe people can change?

what's the worst thing you've ever done?

you were going to leave without saying goodbye?

[ name ], can you sit up for me?

can i kiss you?

where are your keys? you're not driving like this.

how's life been treating you?

where have you been?!

aren't we supposed to be alone tonight?

aw, has someone had a little too much to drink?

where are you going with this?

are we really doing this right now?

have you eaten today?

can i crash here for the night?

how did you learn to lie so well?

can i at least buy you a drink?

where should i meet you?

is that  ...  blood?!

are you trying to make me jealous right now?

what’s your problem? you're acting weird.

[ name ], you're ... real, right?

where’s your sense of adventure?

do you like horror movies?

what are you trying to prove?

can you give me a ride?

do you have any idea what you've done?

shouldn't you answer that?

why should i be the one to calm down?

have you been up all night?

why are you lying to me?

is that my [ jacket / hoodie / shirt ]?

what are you so afraid of?

do you want to grow old with me?

you’re gonna walk away from this?

are you nervous? your hands are shaking.

where am i supposed to go?

how many fingers am i holding up?

you want me to just walk away from this?

[ name ], slow down– what's wrong?!

are you embarrassed of me?

what's that smell? something's burning.

how can i make it up to you?

why can't you stay out of it?

is this some kind of trick?

come on, what do you have to lose?

do you ever still think of me?

idiot. why didn't you tell me?!

can we stop and think about this rationally?

how long has it been since you’ve slept?

what's your ideal first date?

are you ready to tell me the truth?

i almost died, and you're laughing?

what do you mean, "sort of"?

can we just stay like this forever?

when can i see you again?

can we put this behind us?

oh ... you thought of me first?

where did you learn to do that?

oh my god,  are you bleeding?!

where are you?  nobody’s heard from you.

[ name ], are you drunk?

how can i make this go away?

someone's jumpy today. are you feeling okay?

are we safe here?

what can i do to convince you?

what could possibly go wrong?

you have no idea who i am, do you?

how do you really feel about me?

why can't you look me in the eyes?

did you know you talk in your sleep?

were you following me?

can we just pretend this never happened?

are you just barely getting home?

are you even listening to me right now?!

where does it hurt?  can you show me?

are you trying to get yourself killed?!

how about we just forget the world exists?

how long have you been keeping this from me?

were you ever going to tell me?

what do you make of this?

[ name ],  what the hell?!

can we just be honest with each other, here?

are you trying to keep me a secret?

why does your story keep changing?

how long have you known?

it can't be that bad, right?

are you happy? i mean, really happy?

isn't this place amazing?

did i interrupt something?

how am i supposed to trust you?

are they still following us?

are you fucking serious?

do you remember our first kiss?

can we take a break for a minute?

how about we disappear for awhile?

you're going to walk away from this?

can you please just cut the crap?!

why didn't you tell me you were hurt?

how can i make this go away?

can you just look at me, please?

is there anything i can do to change your mind?

do you ever stop talking?

that depends. are you done lying to me?

are you sure this is legal?

how do you take your coffee?

can you keep your voice down?