#ip log

MAVRIK: -There is hardly anyone left walking about, and as the slow trickle of employees from the Silvah dollar exits the building there is a deep quiet. But before the owner has had the time to leave or lock the doors, a figure is melting out of the shadows and slipping into the restaurant.- 

MAVRIK: -The hood of his sweatshirt is drawn but there is no disguising his horns or the cracks running along one of them. Mavrik might look rather sinister with his eye patch and his hands stuffed into his pockets if it wasn't for his twitchy appearance and the way it seemed like it was impossible for him to focus in one area of space. This whole place reeked of troll and disgusting cooked food. But focus, he had to focus. He's here to see silvah.-

SILVAH: -Silvah's not hard to find on such a small station, especially since Mavrik ought to be aware of the troll's fairly predictable routine of being the last one out the door, closing up shop and making the lazy walk to either the transportalizer pad back to Skaia or the shuttle depending on his mood and the convenience of either option. It's the end of a pretty busy day, so he's sweaty and dirt tired. All the lights have been turned off but just as he's going to lock up, he rounds the corner and is momentarily startled by Mavrik's sudden appearance. After days and days of hearing nothing but rumor of the ugly fight, and after all the tension his conversations with Ryan and Jack have been building up in his mind....it's almost surreal. But he relaxes slightly and at least puts on a welcoming face.-

SILVAH: Didn't expect t' be seein ya back here

SILVAH: -He scratches the back of his neck thoughtfully.- Thought ya'd be planet-hoppin by now. MAVRIK: -His eye is locked on Silvah, intense and cold. Not like the usual grumpy look he wore before, Mavrik looks like his mind is distant.-

MAVRIK: Mhm.

MAVRIK: I came by to get my last paycheck.

SILVAH: -Lets out a big sigh....- Alright. Yer entitled t' it.

SILVAH: I'm....mighty fuckin sorry things turned out this way. I wouldn't a let him hurt ya if I'd been there.

SILVAH: An' he's not allowed around here no more, y'know. MAVRIK: -Grunts and shrugs rather sharply, his whole body is stiff and tense.- Shit happens. 

MAVRIK: This was always going to end up a limited gig. All my jobs always do. 

MAVRIK: I just need the money and I'll be out-- -Suddenly looks to his left and jolts at nothing visible. There are a lot of smells in here, a lot of lingering essences of people who have been through the building today. Its like a constant assault on his nose and eyes. Too much really. He has slept in a few days, hasn't eaten in longer. Hes becoming delirious.- SILVAH: -Gives him a long, searching look. While he's looking, he investigates Mavrik's emotions and feels the odd intensity and desperation and hunger coming off him in waves. It doesn't bode well. He turns to walk away towards his office where he keeps the payroll....but hesitates.- Y' aren't lookin' too good, man.

SILVAH: Do ya need help? Money?  I mean besides yer paycheck, that is. Place t' stay?

SILVAH: -The things Jack said about Mavrik, what he's capable of keep cycling through his mind. He can't help but think there has to be something he can say or do stop it.-

MAVRIK: -He watches Silvah move across the room, as if he's anticipating some sort of sudden movement from him.-

MAVRIK: No, I just want what I haven't been paid yet. I don't need your money just mine. 

MAVRIK: I'm fine. Perfectly fine. SILVAH: Look, ....I know a fucked up situation when I see it. I ain't blind. Just got one functionin' peeper. Like yerself currently.

SILVAH: I can tell yer scared and ya ain't firin' all cylinders. Apt to do somethin' regrettable.

SILVAH: But it don't have t' be that way.

MAVRIK: -He is listening to silvah talk, and seemingly still neutral up until he mentions mavrik doing something "regrettable"  then all bets are off, and Mavrik goes entirely rigid. Hardly even breathing for a short time.- ...........

MAVRIK: "Regrettable." -Repeats it with a rumbling growl in the back of his throat.   And odd choice of words. Jack had attacked him for something he hadn't done, would he have told silvah? What if silvah also believed him capable of those things was he being paranoid? How much did Silvah know about him?? Jack knew plenty what if he told.-

MAVRIK: What am I doing that's regrettable? What doesn't have to be what way?? Hm?? HM??! 

MAVRIK: I'm doing fuck all, I'm not scared of anything I'm FINE!! -Steps suddenly towards Silvah, hissing loudly, before he comes back to his senses again and backs down.- ..... SILVAH: -Uh oh. Silvah doesn't need complex math equations to know he made a bad call by trying to appeal to Mavrik. For a moment all he can do is blink in surprise at Mavriks sudden spike in paranoia and  hostility, and for the first time he feels the madness too- which comes in a cocktail of potent emotions that make his head spin. The situation  obviously isn't as manageable as he first thought. He has to be careful. Very careful. He makes his voice sound worried, but still relaxed and soothing.- Now I don't know nothin about any a that. I was just sorta speakin in general terms . Relax would ya? I'm gonna go get your pay check an then if ya still wanna talk about this yer welcome t it. -He just casually as can be starts walking to his office.- MAVRIK: -Relax.... he could do that, he could relax... maybe.-

MAVRIK: -He takes a few deep breaths, picking up on that forced calm Silvah has and trying to do the same for himself.- Okay... y-yeah okay. 

MAVRIK: -His eyes follow silvah as he shuffles over to the counter to wait. This just felt dangerous to him, going to a less populated area, no where to hide, and silvah might very well know what he is.-

SILVAH: -He does go and grab Mavrk's paycheck as he said, his mind racing the whole time while his body leisurely strolls....but while in the sanctity of his office, he makes sure to equip his armkind . One twist of the wrist and he'll have his weapon at the ready- literally at hand. Just a little insurance policy. In case Mavrik actually is as crazy as Silvah thinks he is. Text from his conversation with Jack is scrolling over and over again in his head, especially the end bit.  He's too far gone. Silvah still doesn't know if that's true....Not for sure. But he has a bad feeling about all this now. The sooner he has Mavrik out of his resturaunt, the sooner he can actually do something about it. He approaches the counter and slides the paycheck over to him wordlessly, along with a few extra hundred dollar bills. Maybe all he really needs is money.  It's possible right? That's what most people need.-

SILVAH: ...Well I was closin up when ya came. Think I'm gonna head out now.

SILVAH: Take care a yourself. MAVRIK: -When Silvah comes back out Mavrik snaps back to attention, having previously been hunched over the counter top staring at nothing. He looks up at Silvah, then down at the check and money before snatching it up checking to be sure it was signed and then tucking it away for safety. Suddenly he felt some relief wash over him, just these few hundred dollars extra meant maybe he could keep further in reality, further from daily feeling like he was dying. Mavrik lets out a sigh.- .............. Thank you. 

MAVRIK: And. 

MAVRIK: I............ I never wanted it to go that way. With Ryan's friend. That guy. 

MAVRIK: I wasnt what he said I was. SILVAH: -It's impossible for Silvah not to keep feeling sympathy for Mavrik, despite all the evidence piling up against him. Silvah in that moment genuinley hopes the poor guy will take the money and run. Find somewhere to be happy- or at least less miserable. Not hurt anyone or be hurt by anyone. Silvah just nods and strides slowly towards the door.- not trusting himself to say much more without upsetting him again- ...I  know. -He wants to believe it. But he's not sure.-

MAVRIK: Mhm. 

MAVRIK: But I'm running out of options. And chances. If he said anything to you, if Ryan said anything to you...

MAVRIK: Silvah I've always hated every single troll with a burning rage you cannot even fathom... -Turns his head and stares at Silvah as he starts moving towards the door.- But you cut me some slack when I needed it so I'll give you a heads up. 

MAVRIK: Stay off of Lauctis. And if I ever see your face again there wont be a second time. -He needs to protect himself, and if that means pulling intimidation tactics so be it.

SILVAH: -Silvah's been doing a pretty good job of keeping his cool this whole time....but the blatant threat startles him and gives him pause,. His skin prickles like the temperature in the room dropped several degrees. It's kind of ridiculous in a way- the giant military trained troll that he is, being intimidated by a tiny thing like Mavrik. But it's not really Mavrik himself that gives him this creepy feeling but the malice in his voice. Once Silvah hears that, feels the intensity of that hatred...towards all trolls, .all the doubts in his mind are swept away. He has to get out of here  and find a way to help. Even trying to postpone the music festival would be a start. Instead of turning around and talking to him again...he just keeps walking. But faster than before.- MAVRIK: -Ah. There it is. That spike of fear clear as day and absorbing Silvah in a whole new shade. He knew it. Mavrik fucking knew it. Any other person would be confused, maybe a little nervous from the death threat but look at him Silvah was a tank? Why would he be this nervous of a guy half his size. Silvah knows something is up.- 

MAVRIK: -When Silvah doesnt even so much as respond and starts walking, Mavrik shoves off from the counter top and swiftly follows at his heels.- I thought you were interested in talking before. What suddenly happened to change that. SILVAH: -FUCKIN HELL, he's on to me. Silvah wonders whether it would be be better to stop and try to stall him or just make a break for it. Silvah's not the fastest person in the world, that's for damn sure....But maybe intimidation can go both ways? Just relying on instinct, he whirls around, clicking his arm into place as he turns and suddenly there's a sort of strange looking gun  where his arm would be, pointing at Mavrik point blank.- Death threats don't tend t' make me too conversational, my friend.

SILVAH: Go on. Take the money 'n go on t' Lauctis and we needn't trouble eachother no more. MAVRIK: -GUN ARM!!-

MAVRIK: ................. -He stares down the barrel of where Silvah's hand used to be and internally sweats. His outward expression straining to not look fearful while a good two thirds of his own instincts tell him to flee the scene. But what use is running for self preservation if Silvah can go and tell some sort of lawful official that could start a manhunt for his ass?- 

MAVRIK: -His hands twitch at his sides.-  You... You dont have the nerve to fire that weapon. -steps closer just to test it.- SILVAH: -Growls when he steps closer. It's a VERY LOUD growl, like a motor revving.- Wrong. I don't wanna fire this weapon. But I will if I have to so mind your p's and q's. -He starts backing off towards the door, just interested in getting more space between he and Mavrik.- MAVRIK: -He jumps at the growl backing up again several paces, but rather then the growl completely scaring him off it just makes Mavrik raise his metaphorical hackles.- 

MAVRIK: -He hisses back at him.- NO YOU WONT!!! -His gaze suddenly darts to the table next to him, Mavrik may not have super strength, but he does have enough muscle to lift and flip it towards Silvah. Get wrecked.- SILVAH: -The table never makes contact, but it does surprise Silvah into firing the gun- which turns out to actually be some kind of plasma-based blaster that basically melts the table away into pieces and dust, grinding out a stream of filthy curses under breath as he stumbles a bit, while also trying making a dive to dart out the door.- MAVRIK: -J E S U S- 

MAVRIK: -He is very glad that table wasn't him, but in the time it took Silvah to demolish the table, Mavrik has skittered off and jumped onto one of the booth tables. What he might not have in size or muscle he makes up for in agility, which he demonstrates by jumping off the surface to launch himself onto Silvah's back before he can get out the door.-  

MAVRIK: -Hes snarling and wide eyed, practically feral and giving into his natural urge to defend himself combined with his dangerous above average aggression. Silvah can try to throw him off but unfortunately before he can get the chance something even worse takes place. The smell of Silvah's skin so close to him... Mavrik can practically taste the sweet metallic taste of blood from memory alone and never before has it been so overwhelming that Mavrik felt as though he was practically blacking out from the scent alone.- 

MAVRIK: -He doesnt even remember thinking about it first, doesn't remember doing it, but quite suddenly Mavrik opens up his mouth and sinks razor sharp fangs through Silvah's clothes and into the back of the trolls Shoulder.- SILVAH: -He doesn't yell, or scream, but let's out a furious roar of pain once he feels that swift, vicious bite that seems to cut so easily into his naturally tough seadweller hide- like the sharpest knife ever.  Even if he knew that Mavrik had already gotten what he wanted, at this point he wouldn't care- his blood is up now. Since he can't reach Mavrik to shoot him, instead he rolls,  slinging the creature pretending to be a troll to the floor and tying to slam his entire massive weight down on top of him.- MAVRIK: -Its like spooking a horse or any large animal, they try to crush you. Mavrik is too caught up in the rewarding buzzing through his skull from having started chewing on Silvah back, he wouldn't say each blood caste had their own unique flavor but it does taste just a little bit sweeter knowing how high up on the spectrum Silvah is.-

MAVRIK: -Not that he gets much time to savor it, Mavrik is brought back to his frazzled senses when quite suddenly his body hits the floor and there is a tremendous weight on him thats threatening to crush his already still damaged ribs to dust, he is certain one of them just completely broke given the sudden pain in his right side. Mavrik shrieks and tries thrashing and clawing to get his way out, he cant breathe with Silvah on top of him and the pain from his ribcage is growing.- SILVAH:   Filthy. Cuntin'. Traitor! -He spits at the impact- the shrieks from Mavrik only intensifies his rage. His eyes are blood-shot and rimmed with purple. Here comes the gun, directly following it, the steel barrel aimed right at Mavrik's mouth which is currently stained purple with his blood. Silvah doesn't dare fire it since the plasma splash would hit him too at this range, but it makes a decent blundgeoning weapon in a pinch.- MAVRIK: -For a brief and terrifying moment Mavrik actually thinks Silvah might just shoot him in the head, but getting slugged in the mouth with the gun hand hardly feels better in the moment. He takes the shot right to his jaw and feels the crack resulting from it.-

MAVRIK: -He chokes on a yelp and wrestles to get his hands up to try and grab hold of the blunt weapon being waved in his face, all while turning to spit out a combination of Silvah's blood, his own, and bits of crushed molar.- SILVAH: -Given that it's his arm, Silvah has a much better grip on it and easily yanks it out of Mavrik's flailing hands, breathing heavily as blood spills from his shoulder in a hot gush. But instead of hitting him again, he twists at the base of his wrists again, and suddenly in place of the blaster is a blade- some kind of cutlass.- MAVRIK: -This was quickly becoming a bad fight for Mavrik, as the hands change he cant decide which attachment is worse. Gun or sword.- 

MAVRIK: -It doesnt matter though because he wont willingly stick around to find out. Mavrik brings up his knees and attempts to drive his heels into Silvah's stomach as hard as he can.- GET!!! OFF!!! SILVAH: -The kick makes impact and while it doesn't manage to push Silvah completely off, it does stun him for a moment, causing him to rear back. If Mavrik is quick he might be able to squirm away before Silvah savagely brings the cutlass slashing down for a killing blow.-

MAVRIK: -Mavrik was in agony. He had kept himself hidden in shadowy corners of this space station, hiding among trash  bags and dumpsters, until his nose and the cuts on his face from the broken glass smashed over his head had stopped bleeding their weird rainbow of colors. Now it was all mostly dirty looking scabs, asides from the cracks in his horn which were still oozing. Oh well, it was close enough to the base that maybe no one would notice...-

MAVRIK: -His bruised and battered rib cage made it hard to breathe, and the headache and waves of dizziness caused by his horn fracture wasnt helping to improve his thinking ability. Which was bad, because he needed to figure out a way off this damn station and to get back to lauctis without drawing any attention to himself. And currently using one hand to cover up his exposed glowing eye and looking beat to hell and back was not the best way to go about being inconspicuous.-

MAVRIK: -He was behind some other restaurant, leaning against the wall and just taking deep breaths to try and tune out the throbbing in his skull when he smells it. A weird, familiar musk that he only knows in the deepest part of his cognitive memory. There is a instinctual tug in his stomach, and Mavrik knows what it is hes detecting before his brain can even muster the sheer near impossible odds that there is another mimic here.-

MAVRIK:  -Either way though he isn't wasting too much time trying to sort out just how or why another member of his species is here. He needs help, and he can only hope that whoever it is they are willing to give it...-

-As Yulala continues walking she might feel like something is following her, perhaps she might even smell him too. But after a few minutes of tracking her down, and confirming with his nose what she is, Mavrik will grab Yulala by the wrist and forcefully yank her out of view of the public eye and into a corridor where he promptly covers her mouth with a hand and speaks into her ear through gritted teeth.-

MAVRIK: (Dont scream, please dont scream, I need help Im alone and need to get out of here, please help me.)

YULALA: -Music may be a relief to her, but apart of the reason she likes it so much is that it swallows all her sensory information and directs it to one place. She has minimal hope of noticing him before the assailant snatches her. For the first few seconds, all she can think about is how terrified and horrified she is. Nothing like this has ever happened to her, and she never imagined she'd be caught so off guard when it did. However, he might be surprised by how strong she is, when she lashes against him like a viper, threatening to knock him back into the wall of the alley and tear herself out of his grip. Not screaming, but a shrieky animalisitc snarl that he ought to be familiar with.-

YULALA: Get aaaaaawaaaaay from me!

MAVRIK: -When she sharply moves to throw him off her Mavrik chokes on the wince he makes from her knocking into his battered body. He lets go of her wrist in favor of wrapping both his arms around his sides and leaning forward as he tries to outlast the sharp radiating pain.- (Fuck!!)

MAVRIK: Pl-Please Im not trying to do anything, I need your help someone attacked me and I think they know we need to get out of here! -He hisses and then looks up at her pleadingly, both eyes open, one seemingly troll like with an indigo iris, and the other bare and neon. A look Yulala might find very familiar.-

YULALA: -Yulala could smell the blood the whole time....Among other confusing...(and exciting?) scents and colors coming off him in waves. It's making both her eyes and nose very confused. She hisses again, but it's slower, like she's thinking it over for a second, although she's still bolt straight and clearly about to attack him again to make her escape. But then she gets a good look at him, and sees the ugly hurt aura of colors that's radiating from his wounds, and that cools her hostility into instantaneous pity. She's not stupid though, she's still guarded. And angry.-

YULALA: Why did you pull me aaawaaaaay like that? It reaaallly scaaaarred me!!

YULALA: ...but you cleaaarly need aaaa hospital....I could caaalll you a caaab? Is thaat what you need?

YULALA: You....-She does notice his neon eye. It stuns her. She's never seen another eye that looked like hers before, except...In a mirror.-

MAVRIK: NO! -He hisses again, but then regrets it and tries to be as seemingly non-aggressive as possible through his body language.- No hospitals!! Are you crazy???

MAVRIK: And I pulled you in here so no one would see us! I can't believe you are walking around like that, look at your eyes what are you thinking!?? -He wheezes and points a finger at her face.- Sunglasses or contacts or something you cant go bare eyed thats so fucking dangerous! I know most of the worlds and stations near here are musclebeast shit backwards without culling laws but for fucks sake...

YULALA: -At first she's confused....and then incredibly offended....and then confused some more.- Aaa.....Aaare you from aaaa plaaaanet with culling laaaws? -She clumsily lets her voice fall into a not-as-agressive tone, a little startled by all these sudden developments.-

YULALA: I...I know you might be scaaaared, but it's saaaaaafe, I promise. My faaamily haaas lived here for aaaaaaaa long time aaaand most of them are offspec.

YULALA: I could...go with you...If you're reaaaaaallly aaaafraaaaid! -She doesn't really want to, despite the offer. Something about him just....unnerves her. His sudden presence in her life is scary and she wants him gone as fast as possible. But she can't abandon a hurt, confused person.-

MAVRIK: -Yes, pity him he is indeed hurt and confused. But mostly confused at her. Mavrik looks at her like Yulala has two heads.- Wh-?? Yes! I came from a damn planet with culling laws, the odds of existing on one of those flimsy "Beforean" minded hell holes is so rare they keep too close of a track on their caverns. -Or so hes been told.-

MAVRIK: I'm from a colony world controlled by Alternian government, or I was. I had to defect to lauctis which is where I'm trying to get to but at this point I'm willing to go anywhere, seriously ANYWHERE.

MAVRIK: -He reaches out and takes her arm again.- But you said your family right?? "Family??" There are more? Please take me to them, take me with you I promise I'm no threat rogue, I lost my group sweeps ago I've been on my own since I just want to meet them, to see others like us again!!!(edited)

YULALA: -None of the trains of thought her racing mind was pursuing seem to be related in any way to this strange troll's babbling. She feels herself kind of withdrawing inward as he talks, noticing the way the splatter of his blood shines. Just like hers. She backs off from him more although the alleyway is cramped and there's not much space to work with. She's just overhwelmed with way he's assaulting her sights and senses. For instance the prisma of his aura of misery and loathing is so bright in comparison to other people she's met that it almost burns to be too close to it.  And he can see her fear rising, probably assume that at any moment she wants to bolt without replying to any of his increasingly alarming statements.-

YULALA: ...

MAVRIK: -He can see her fear, plain as day, even if it comes muddled through the one contact lens. Shit he didnt want to scare her off, but why was she even so frightened?? He was like her! He was one of them! Even with his confusion though Mavrik lets her back up again and holds his hands out in front of himself fingers splayed in a peaceful gesture, and he tries to appear as non threatening as he can despite his heart thudding in his chest and all his senses going crazy.- Please, please just...

MAVRIK: Just get me to lauctis. Thats all I need, and I can explain myself more but we cant stay here. Neither of us.

YULALA: -There's a tense silence....and then she speaks up again.- Whaaaats the point of getting aaaanywhere if your injuries get infected aaaand you die? You don't trust the hospitaaal on Laaauctis either, I guess?

YULALA: You're confused. Aaabout aaa lot. I don't know whaaat you think we haaave in common, but we don't.

MAVRIK: No! I have medical supplies I can't treat myself there- Wh-??? -He frowns at her. He's the confused one?? She's the one trying to get him to go to a hospital where he could easily be exposed and found out! It's like she doesn't even know the first rules of mimic survival!-

MAVRIK: -Then his frown turns more squinty, like he's inspecting her. And then again Mavrik is suddenly invading her personal space again, taking hold of her arms and sniffing at her collar bone, her shoulder.- Holy shit I thought I was seeing things because of a concussion but it's not here. You don't have it. -There is a sudden twisting in his gut, and the strong urge to correct her lack of internal parasite.-

MAVRIK: -Lets go of her wrists and jumps back.- What are you??

YULALA: -It's safe to say that everything he's said thus far has her taken aback, but he doesn't need to see her aura to know how it makes her feel, her eyes squint with surprised hurt as though he slapped her. Its not the first time she's heard those words. All she can do is give him a flabbergasted blurt back.-...No. What aaarre you?

YULALA: -She fiercely yanks herself away from him again.- Stop it! I didn't saaay you could touch me!

MAVRIK: I'm like you! If you need to put a word to it trolls have called us "mihmiks" for centuries. -Says the name with so much distaste and malice it might as well be acid on his tongue.-

MAVRIK: You are parasite free something is wrong with you, where is the rest of your group?? Where are their parasites?

YULALA: Mihmiks. -Her stomach is twisting around inside her painfully. She doesn't understand all of what he's saying- still-  but somehow...she knows what he's saying is true. And it's the worst thing that's happened to her....So far. There's another layer on top of the colors both she and Mavrik can see- an even fainter and more subtle aura of intuition that's for her alone. This person is going to set off an unavoidable chain of events....It's hard not to get lost in that train of thought- it's already trying to unfocus her from the situation and yank her away from reality.-

YULALA: I don't know whaaat you mean by paraaasites....I don't know why you'd waaant to ....haaaave paraaaasites. I waaaas raised by my daaad. An indigoblood!  On a ship. With lots of other offspec trolls.

MAVRIK: -Stares at Yulala like shes gone and grown a third head. Seriously this lady keeps getting stranger and stranger.- .... The lack of parasite is no longer the strangest thing, you were raised by trolls???

MAVRIK: The murderous species that would literally rather have you, me and everyone else like us dead raised you???

MAVRIK: -He cant even compute that.-

MAVRIK: Did they not know what you are!? Well I guess obviously so because why would a troll keep someone that feeds off their kind alive it doesnt make sense!

YULALA: You- we- You're saying Mihmiks feed on trolls? -HORRIFIED.-

YULALA: Ugh! I caaaan't deaaal with aaalll this. I don't waaannna deaaaal with aaaaaaall this!

YULALA: Look, just put a hoodie on, sneak onto a traaansportaaaalizer paaad. I don't caaaare where aaas long aaas it's faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar aaaway from me! -

YULALA: -With that she turns and starts to run.-

MAVRIK: Not really trolls themselves, its an option if you can manage it but mostly its the eggs and grubs. You havent lived until you-- WAIT STOP!! -He tries to sprint forward after her but before he even reaches the end of the ally way he has to stop, he cant run, he cant keep up. Mavrik just places a hand against the wall to support his weight and pathetically wheezes...-

RYAN: -she's hanging out at the counter again, poking at the remaining contents of a strawberry milkshake and being far less chatty than she was yesterday.-

SILVAH: -Given that there's not really much ON this station other than Skaianet research facilities, private research facilities and basically....the one resturaunt at least there's not much trouble Ryan can get up to up here. Silvah is just finishing cleaning and restoring his stocks from last night. He stayed up far too late and got a little drunk himself, but he's in good spirits. He's fairly sure the reopening was  rousing success and that he's gonna make back the money he spent on the deck. Big man is boppin with the radio as he works until he finally makes his way back behind the counter and sees Ryan there. His fins flick.-

SILVAH: Blondie!

SILVAH: I thought I made a regular outta you.

RYAN: -perks up, immediately putting on a smile when she hears his voice, but it's definitely half hearted.-

RYAN: naturally??? youve got some great vibes going on here. :blush:

SILVAH: I built it that way babycakes, but that don't mean it ain't nice to hear.

SILVAH: -starts restocking the baked goods displays as they chitchat.-

SILVAH: You had some pretty good vibes yourself last night. -Not so much today though, huh? He's peepin on her.-

RYAN: again. naturally! as a new regular youll soon discover im always the life of the party. :wink:  -leans on the counter, chin in her hand.- SILVAH: That's quite a claim. Maybe I should think about buyin a leaderboard. Huh huh.

SILVAH: Sure are cute though. Feel like I should be payin you to sit there and look pretty.

RYAN: well im not about to turn down that offer. :hugging: 

RYAN: ive got a pretty lengthy resume as a professional cutie. you wouldnt regret the decision.

SILVAH: Now, now. I'm not totally sold.  You strike me as a troublemaker too.

SILVAH: Acutally now that I'm thinkin about it, the round robin never made it to ya.

SILVAH: What's your story?

RYAN: :scream: 

RYAN: its not polite to ask a lady such questions...

RYAN: which is definitely NOT something a troublemaker would say. :thinking: SILVAH: Keepin it close to the vest I see. That's fine. I'll get it out of ya eventually.

SILVAH: Food is great at makin people talk. RYAN: -chinhands intensifies.- yeah? what do you find is the best thing to feed a person to get them to share their life story? SILVAH: Somethin' caffeinated.

SILVAH: I'll tell you what- I'm crossin strawberry milkshakes off the list as of today.

RYAN: -giggles. geez... it feels good to laugh.-

RYAN: okay fine. youve fed me enough lines to change my tune. :stuck_out_tongue: 

RYAN: youre right about me... i am a troublemaker. but im trying to cut back these days. SILVAH: -Seems satisfied at getting her to laugh. And to crack.-

SILVAH: Respect, little lady. It's not easy.

SILVAH: I'm also one of those.

RYAN: yeah? what are your vices?

RYAN: mine incluuuuude... -checks them off on her fingers as she says them in an attempt to keep it light.- running away. all manner of narcotics. and beautiful sad men and women that only break your heart.

RYAN: so you know. the standard really.

SILVAH: You're right. That is a hell of a resume. -Scratches under his  fat chin with Robut hand.-

SILVAH: Lesee....I'm right there with ya on runnin away. Dissapointin my family. Sexual deviancy. An you may have noticed that I like to eat a lil bit.

SILVAH: We already got the makins of a pretty good country song. Too bad that's not my favorite genre.

RYAN: hehehe. id love to inspire any kinda song really.

RYAN: but other than that it seems weve got a lot in common. -sips milkshake.-

RYAN: ive been... disappointing a lot of people for a long time. but i feel like i really dropped the fucking ball again recently. :weary:

SILVAH: -Now he's got both fins angled towards her.- You wanna get into it?

SILVAH: Don't gotta. But if you feel like you need to I have time.

SILVAH: That's how I got so fat. I'm full of secrets.

RYAN: -snickers and shrugs, swirling the straw around in the glass thoughtfully.- well... guess theres no harm in it.

RYAN: since youre being so nice and charming. :wink: 

RYAN: things have just been... i dunno.

RYAN: first i fell off the wagon.

RYAN: definitely disappointed my family... and probably my boyfriend. or like. whatever our deal even is. -sighs.-

RYAN: then my ex comes along and starts pulling some burn book bullshit... spilling all my secrets. pissing off my friends. making aforementioned romantic relationship all the more complicated. i think.

RYAN: ugh. -just sighs. it's hard to really dig deep when it's all so frustrating, so she just kinda slumps a little.-

SILVAH: Mm. Did ya say some things you regret?

RYAN: -nods slowly, pouting a little.-

RYAN: yeah. so much stupid shit.

RYAN: im trying to fix things but... i dont know--

RYAN: i dont know what im doing half the time.

SILVAH: -Pauses for a minuite, and while he's processing all the vibes he's picking up from her he's making himself look busy, which is something he's pretty practiced at by now.-

SILVAH: It's not the easy route. It's easier to keep cuttin out. Start over somewhere where they don't know ya. But that would be a waste in the long run.

SILVAH: If you keep tryin eventually they'll see the effort and appreciate it. Even if you're graspin at straws and you say all the wrong shit. RYAN: -peers up at him, finding that answer... strangely comforting. she gets the sense he understands. maybe because of his own experiences, or just because he's used to dealing with sad sacks like her. it was kind of a cliche. in any case, she's quiet for a moment as she thinks it all over too. her voice is a little hushed when she does speak, a bit embarrassed by admitting the things she is... but knowing full well she needs to say it.-

RYAN: i feel like my efforts are pushing him away.

RYAN: alienating him cuz he feels guilty too. hes always stuck in his own head.

  RYAN: i think he feels like hes not good enough. but i dont really get it. im the one who kept running away.

RYAN: he never did anything wrong. at least i dont think he did. it just-- a shitty time. and i dunno if its ever gonna pass so long as im around to remind him that-- fuck.

RYAN: -puts her head in her hand with a sigh.- sorry im not making sense anymore.

SILVAH: -Frowns as he takes this in, and at the same time takes in extra information. All her good intentions, the desperation that go along with them.- Y'know most of the time tryin to anticipate what someone's gonna do or why they feel the way they feel is real misleadin. Unless you have a real blunt discussion about it, you could never know. You might've fucked up, but it don't mean every bad thing that person's feelin is your fault.

SILVAH: The stuff you can pin down as yours is what you should concentrate on, is what I'm sayin.

RYAN: -peers up from behind her hand, eyes glossy with sadness but... there's some hope too. she laughs a little, trying not to seem too broken up about the stuff going on in her head.-

RYAN: i hear you.

RYAN: i just...

RYAN: wanna know im making someone happy for once.

RYAN: you know?

SILVAH: -She seems so vulnerable, it almost hurts to look. They're barely acquaintances at this point, but he doesn't care, he's gonna lightly reach out and touch her hand with his non robotic one.- You got yourself a super acheivable goal there, blondie. I think you're gonna be ok.

SILVAH: -Backs it up with a warm smile too. Believe him. He belives in you!-

RYAN: -well... it's hard not to smile when it feels like someone believes in you. and for some reason, in this moment she kind of believes it too. she doesn't mind the touch. she welcomes it in fact, feeling a little bit touch starved lately.-

RYAN: ill definitely be okay if i keep coming back for these milkshakes...

SILVAH: Hah! You think I'm gonna let you keep orderin just milkshakes.

SILVAH: -Pats her hand, gives it a gentle little squeeze and then releases her.-

RYAN: -giggles again. what a big softie...- i thought the customer was always right???? rude ass...

SILVAH: -Laughs with her. Huh huh huh.- I'mma personally fight whoever came up with that horse shite. The customer ain't right even half the time, let alone always.

SILVAH: This is the only place in the goddamn world where I control everythin. It ain't a fuckin democracy.

RYAN: -snorts and then full on cackles.- geez!!! then i guess ill have to refer to your expert opinion every day im here. :wink:

GAMZEE: =Whitenoise, all of it. His head has been worse for the duration of this experience. All emotions and thoughts he can't get a hold of, arrange in any kind of comprehensible fashion, or simply allow to settle. It's been a stupor of anger and helplessness, and he's struggling to cope. With himself and everything around. With everyone around. He's been out walking again, more or less in a daze trying to outspeed the hazy flickering at the back of his mind seeping into the corners of his vision. It's frizzing even now as he spots Kankri sitting outside.= 

GAMZEE: =Ultimately, after just watching for a little, he walks on over to him to plop down by his side. He doesn't look at him, instead trying to catch what Kankri might be looking at out in the air.= mind trailing on the breeze?

KANKRI: -He is not quite looking at anything in particular, probably that rock several yards away. He doesnt much react when Gamzee sits down next to him, but he does briefly glance at him.- Yes. 

KANKRI: Very much s9.

KANKRI: H9w are y9u?

GAMZEE: =A very interesting rock then, since they are both looking at it. He shrugs a shoulder.= LIKELY AS FINE AS ANY OTHER MOTHER FUCKER LEFT AFTER THIS HORROR SHOW. 

GAMZEE: regardless ain't me what i be of concern on now. =Looks at him finally (guess the rock wasn't that interesting after all). Instead of asking if he's okay, a stupid and pointless question, he wraps one arm around his shoulders in a one armed hug.=

KANKRI: -He thinks an interesting rock, in fact boy that rock is damn awe inspiring just look at how his eyes start to water a little when Gamzee wraps an arm around him, all for that rock, boy.- 

KANKRI: -He does briefly tense up during the initial embrace but only for a moment before his muscles relax and he leans against Gamzee.-

GAMZEE: =The rock is truly an inspiration to us all... He simply holds his arm on him in a loose drape while Kankri tenses, only pulling him in against him once he's relaxed and leaning. Fingers rub against Kankri's shoulder in slow steady motions, his cheek resting against the top of Kankri's head. He's never been good with words, not even after the supor left his system. They're caught in his chest, and for now he doesn't know if he's capable of fishing it out. Instead he speaks with a gentle squeeze to Kankri's shoulders, giving what comfort he could.=

KANKRI: -The silence is really appreciated, more and more lately Kankri found himself not wanting to spend the energy on the words he usually gushed out. Simple was fine, simple was better. And after a minute or so of this, and a few silently shed tears, Kankri slowly straightens himself up and wipes at his eyes with the back of his hand.- 

KANKRI: I'm fine. Its 9kay.

GAMZEE: =The tight grip on him loosens somewhat once he straightens, letting him move as he liked. Gamzee watches him wipe his tears, turning more towards him to let his free hand touch his cheek. Thumb swiping below his eye, catching tears.= YOU AIN'T. 

 GAMZEE: but ain't no crime in having youself be so.

KANKRI: -No, his cheek is gross with the wetness of his weakness.- 

KANKRI: -But still thats a really sweet gesture and he reaches his hand up to take Gamzee's and hold it.- Well I'm g9ing t9 6e fine. 

 KANKRI: Its just a matter 9f waiting it 9ut, which I will d9. In the mean time I can f9cus 9n h9w thankful I am that this is 9ver and I w9nt 6e l9sing any9ne else.

GAMZEE: =Crying isn't weakness, but whatever floats his boat. He twines their fingers together, not saying anything straight away as his words swirl around in his pan. The whitenoise is more insistant. He has to wet his lips before speaking, gaze flitting off just to the side of Kankri's face then back again.= 

GAMZEE: DOUBT HE NEEDING ON HAVING ME TELL HIM THAT SIMPLE WAIT WITH FEELINGS UNPROCESSED AND ADRESSED AIN'T HOW A MOTHER FUCKER BEST HANDLE HIM SHIT. 

GAMZEE: requires work, adressin', have a real time to break apart then build back on up anew.

KANKRI: Perhaps that is true, 6ut currently my moirail is unc9nci9us and s9 at the very least Im just g9ing t9 have t9 wait until I get t9 adressing any 9f it. -Its a good excuse.-

GAMZEE: =Squeezes his hand.= CANNOT LET THEM FEELS FESTER WITH LINGERING CLAWS, BROTHER. 

GAMZEE: find on ways to give release elsewise while john rest.

GAMZEE: =He scoots closer, eyes firmly set on his.= WAYS OF ESCAPING-- RETREATIN', FIND SOME PLACE WHERE ALL AIN'T SO MUCH WHAT IT BE. 

GAMZEE: for a time, not always, until it good.

KANKRI: -Turns to meet his deep purple gaze with his own duller red, and he listens to him and tries to grasp the concept of those words.- 

KANKRI: Are y9u suggesting t9 me attempts 9f meditiati9n?

GAMZEE: =It's frustrating how he can't seem to make people understand, much less himself. The idea was already there, he knew, but all this time he'd been teethering. Unsure whether to do one thing or the next. He had never made true desicions for himself, where to go, other than... Ones that lead him to other people, make connections he so longed for. This time it was nothing like that, a desicion that would lead to more loneliness he had thought, but maybe it didn't have to.= ESCAPE IT BE WHAT I SUGGEST, PHYSICAL AS BE SPIRITUAL. 

GAMZEE: have a way aways from here, noise and mofos suffering louder than what they dare speak, than what they dare spill from headspace feeling on too heavy for themselves. 

GAMZEE: AS OF PATH WE NOW DO TRAVEL, TIME WILL COME WHEN A MOTHERFUCKER CANNOT KEEP HIS STEPS, AS WHAT WICKED NOISE ROLLS IN HIM FEELS AND MIND BE TOO PIERCING.

KANKRI: -His eyebrows knit together in confusion as he hears out the idea, and then it hits him what Gamzee is proposing and suddenly his stomach is swirling and it feels like up and down might be switched.- 

KANKRI: .....Leaving. -He needs to say it just in his own voice, for clarity. And he briefly flashes back to his last sugar high and all the rambling about living on Avalon and finally escaping the misery that followed this ship. It was still such an intoxicating thought and dream, but without the drug jacking up his heart rate and erasing the emotional and responsibility tethers he had here... Kankri found the idea a gut churning bitter sweet.-

KANKRI: I... Leaving the ship. Leaving every9ne else.

KANKRI: I d9n't think that I...can. J9hn will never leave and. 

KANKRI: And then there is Porrim, and Horuss, and-- -He swallows.-

KANKRI: I kn9w I'm n9t much use t9 this crew 6ut we've c9me this far while I d9nt really 6elieve t99 hard it fate I still feel like there is reas9n t9 stay, t9 keep seeing where it leads.

GAMZEE: =His eyes are searching, confused, even after Kankri is done explaining. His knuckles whitening at how tightly he is holding his hand, then easing the grip once he realises how tightly he'd hold the hand resting in his. It wasn't a surprising answer. He'd expected it frankly, but there had still been that brief flash of hope that he didn't have to start over. That someone would be with him. It's a selfish request, he knew it deep down. One that couldn't be done. Still, apart from his desire to not be alone, he did want for Kankri to be happy. To find some peace. He laughs airly, shaking his head.= ain't useless, all peeps got some use in them for one or other. 

GAMZEE: DON'T SUGGEST ON LEAVING FOREVER, AIN'T WHAT-- MOTHER FUCK. 

GAMZEE: ain't what i'm saying at yous, or... what it be i is suggest. 

GAMZEE: JUST 'TIL ON AIN'T HURT NO MORE. 

GAMZEE: 'tils you don't cry or feel like you ain't you and none is right.

KANKRI: -He did wince a little from the strength of the grip, but since Gamzee stopped soon enough he didnt say anything or pull his hand away.-  

KANKRI: -He does need to look away though, feeling the tightness in his stomach rapidly crawling up into his chest at the flashes of upset he can see in Gamzee's face.- As great as that s9unds, (fuck) as amazing and h9pefull as that s9unds. Leaving isnt g9ing t9 make me feel 6etter, Gamzee. 

 KANKRI: I already tried leaving my pr96lems 9nce, and thats h9w I ended up 9n this ship in the first place. I just-- -He pauses a moment to take a breath and force himself to look at Gamzee again, just really take in the sight of this troll sitting next to him, being there for him, pestering and pushing him to get better.- I can't leave. I d9nt want t9.

GAMZEE: =It hurts hearing that, and it hurts more feeling how he's getting angry about it. Angry that Kankri is saying no, that he has so little hold on his temper, angry that his wistful fantasies so rarely come true. He knows it isn't right to demand it, to expect it, nor to get angry over him telling him no. The whitenoise is overpowering, and he swallows. He wonders if he is doing the same thing, that when presented with the option to "take a break to heal" by Tavros he wasn't actually going to do so. That he was just finding another way of escapism. Gamzee's jaw sets tightly, as if he wants  to yell (and he wants to), something stinging painfully at his eyes and then... His expression falls, tension gone, but with apathy in it's place. The one safespace he had left.= 

GAMZEE: KNOW YOU BEST, THAT HOW IT FALL IN THE END OF ALL THINGS. 

GAMZEE: ain't forcin' you to do none what you don't wish, can't push mine careless shit so far. 

GAMZEE: =He swipes a thumb over Kankri's knuckles slowly, then lets go of his hand all together to wrap his arms around his own knees. Eyes back to the rock over yonder.= 

 GAMZEE: =The rock holds no answers to his thoughts, of what might be right, instead he spills the truth as it is. Harsh and all.= 

 GAMZEE: ONCE WE ALLS MORE SKYBOUND, A TRASHASS CLOWN WILL BE NONE MORE.

KANKRI: -That split moment of anger in Gamzee is shocking, it threw Kankri off to see it but at the very least its ebbing away and so Kankri can release the breath of anxiety he didnt know he was holding onto. However when Gamzee releases his hand he almost tries to grab it back, but no, he hesitates and then lowers it.- 

KANKRI: .................... -It was what he had been starting to fear over the course of this conversation. Obviously he couldn't stop Gamzee from leaving anymore then he could convince him against staying. And it sucked. It actually physically hurt and suddenly Kankri feels extremely winded and like his entire body is burning and there isnt any real way to stop it. He wont cry though, hes not going to cry now. He just swallows it down a dry throat, and turns his gaze forward again.- 

KANKRI: If thats what y9u want then 9kay. 

KANKRI: ...I will miss y9u.

GAMZEE: =His fists clench as he sits there. Only briefly as the nonsensical swill of grief and anger rises in his throat, only to be pushed down again. He keeps his eyes focused on the rock to keep from going back on what he's saying. What he is going to do.= 

GAMZEE: =He laughs, humorless.= ain't what i want. 

GAMZEE: BUT IS WHAT I IS NEEDING. 

GAMZEE: can't go on up and witnessing these sickening displays, have them what matter torn apart while own pan make none sense. 

GAMZEE: SPEAK OF USELESS THEN IF THERE BE ONE HE NEED LOOK NONE FURTHER THAN HERE. =Taps a finger to his temple.= 

GAMZEE: more in the now than before, be what i is slow to realise. 

GAMZEE: BRING ON MY OWN ASS UNDONE, TO CONTINUE THIS HERE PATH WHICH I TAKE. 

GAMZEE: thus bring on all else what mattering to me. 

GAMZEE: =Sighs shakily, swallowing thickly.= SO IT MUST BE, THAT I STRAY. GAMZEE: =His voice shakes now, angry and upset.= but never don't come at me like that. 

GAMZEE: THINKING IT SOME SHIT I GONE UP CRAVE AND WANT. GAMZEE: for none less true. 

GAMZEE: =Rubs his face, turning to Kankri with his voice more level.= YOUS MATTER, STILL DO, WON'T STOP. 

GAMZEE: don't think i ain't true in that.

KANKRI: Right. N9, I kn9w. -He still doesnt look at him and keeps turned away.- 

 KANKRI: We are 69th d9ing what we need t9. I hate that circumstances are what they are and that every day its wearing d9wn every9ne that much m9re. 6ut I understand y9u want-- needing t9 leave. 

 KANKRI: I w9uldnt want y9u t9 stay and risk y9urself anym9re then I w9uld h9pe y9u w9uld feel if the r9les were reversed.

KANKRI: I'm angry. I d9nt like it. 6ut that has n9thing t9 d9 with y9u, and it w9uld 6e selfish 9f me t9 h9ld any anam9sity t9wards y9u f9r it. S9 I d9n't.

GAMZEE: RATHER YOU UP AND SPILL WHAT FURIOSITY YOU GOT AT A CLOWN. 

GAMZEE: than keep it on inside with the rest.

KANKRI: -He finally looks at him again and when he does Gamzee can see his face is red and he scowls and snaps.- I just t9ld y9u I d9nt!!

KANKRI: ........have any. -Takes a deep breath and tries to settle himself.-

GAMZEE: =He's watching him, the whitenoise overpowering and the apathy fully settled.= 

 GAMZEE: AND IF SHIT BE TRUTH, THEN SKIES BE GREEN AND GRASS BLUE.

KANKRI: UGH! D9 y9u want me t9 6e angry with y9u?? T9 6e upset and yell? What g99d w9uld that h9nestly d9 f9r either 9f us right n9w!

GAMZEE: to let it go.

KANKRI: May6e I d9nt want t9! 9r at the very least end it all with us screaming at each 9ther.

GAMZEE: GOT ALL RIGHTS TO BE ANGRY, WON'T UP AND TELL ON YOU TO BE ELSEWISE. 

GAMZEE: only have none want to know i leave when words are unsaid. GAMZEE: FILL ON NOTHING BUT REGRET.

KANKRI: 9kay fine. Then I'll say it. -He huffs and folds his arms tightly.- KANKRI: I am angry. Furi9us. At y9u f9r saying y9ure g9ing t9 leave, and its stupid and childish 6ut it feels like y9u are leaving just me and- 

 KANKRI: And it hurts! It hurts 6ecause it makes me wish we never g9t inv9lved 6ecause then I w9uldn't 6e feeling like calling y9u a c9ward 9r 9ther h9rri6le things purely 9ut 9f pers9nal spite. 6ecause as much as I want t9 reas9n with myself that y9u getting away fr9m all this is the 6est p9ssi6le thing f9r y9u I can't help 6ut feel resentment t9wards y9u and its n9t fair t9 either 9f us and that just manages t9 get me even m9re angry a69ut the wh9le thing!!

GAMZEE: =In one way apathy really hurts, it makes you numb and nothing... Nothing matters or feels remotely real, but at the same time it can serve as a comfort. A protection against things that are too much. It's the latter now, a comfort as he simply takes it. Takes the anger Kankri is spilling over him.= GAMZEE: cannot blame you on your feels, brother. 

GAMZEE: IF ROLES WERE IN REVERSE, KNOW WELL ON HAVE HIMSELF THE SIMILAR STIRRINGS IN MINESELF. 

GAMZEE: feel anger on mine own ass as were, that i ain't more right in the pan. 

GAMZEE: STRONGER OR BETTER, MORE KNOWING ON ALLS THIS SHIT WHAT SPILL. 

GAMZEE: but i ain't, and that what i hate. 

GAMZEE: THAT WHAT I NEED. 

GAMZEE: to figure on out. 

GAMZEE: SO CAN BE SOMEONE I AIN'T HATE, THAT CAN BE SOMEONE WHO KNOW MORE HOW TO BE OF ASSIST TO THOSE WHAT MATTER TO ME. 

GAMZEE: so can feel more like i is normal.

KANKRI: -He knows this, he understands it, and hell he even agrees with it. But it still does nothing to settle the swirl of horrible emotions inside of his chest and mind.- 

KANKRI: (I kn9w.) -He hisses out through gritted teeth and then wills himself to calm again, he said his piece, there is no more reason to continue to throw that anger when it will do nothing to solve the problem.- 

 KANKRI: I want y9u t9 get 6etter. And then perhaps when y9u are, tell me.

GAMZEE: =Watches him hiss, then looks away.= 

GAMZEE: STILL PLAN ON GIVING PESTERS. 

GAMZEE: tell on how i do, how you do, for ain't much crueler thing i can be think of than leave all in silence. 

GAMZEE: UNLESS SO HE WISH OF ME.

KANKRI: N9. I w9uldnt wish that 9f y9u. 

KANKRI: 6ut. I need time t9 reflect 9n this and 9ther things....

GAMZEE: so i realise. =Looks back to him, an extended pause before speaking.=

 GAMZEE: STILL. TIME DO REMAIN IN SPACE BETWEEN HERE AND NOT. 

GAMZEE: don't need be "see you later" just on yet, as i remain. 

GAMZEE: BUT IT IS FOR YOUR FEELS TO DECIDE ON. 

GAMZEE: whatever picked, clown do comply.

KANKRI: -He simply nods.- Right. 

KANKRI I'll 6e keeping y9u updated then. 

 KANKRI: -And with that he risks touching their shoulders together, leaning into him. Even if he is angry, and hurting and sad, Kankri wont let it ruin this one last moment where he can have that comfort.-

FINN: -he enters the gym with the purpose of getting some exercise in, but he's immediately distracted when he sees orphus battling bots with real swords. one wrong move could be deadly here, and that's enough to bring Finn closer, nervous but wanting to be prepared in case something went wrong-

ORPHUS: -He was too engrossed in his fight to even take notice of Finn's arrival. Orphus had been at this for quite some time now, so to makeup for his tiredness he had to put all his focus into this last match. Perhaps to most this sort of semi lethal combat seemed quite extreme, but to Orphus there was no thrill and no drive to succeed unless there was a serious cost to come at losing. It felt more intense, more /realistic./ And that was more important to him then worrying if he could be cut by the sword in the robots hand.- ORPHUS: -Although, maybe he should have been more cautious about it. As the duel continued with swipes and parries, Orphus was really starting to feel his fatigue setting in. And suddenly one misstep back led to him stumbling, and the bots keen senses estimated this as the perfect opportunity to barrel into Orphus completely wrecking the last of the balance he had.- ORPHUS: -His back hit against the floor mats with a hard thud that nearly knocked all the breath out of him, but that wasnt the terrifying part. No that came when the bot stood over him with the sword raised for the final blow (There was a chance that maybe he had made the settings a little to high...) Orphus' survival instincts kicked in and he clumsily rolled to the side to avoid being stabbed, eyes wide, heart pounding, and when he stopped in a crouched position he drove his own sword all the way up to the hilt into the side of what would be the bots rib cage like it came naturally to him. It was certainly a dirty move to win a fight, not one Orphus would have been particularly proud of, but it got the job done and the whirring electrical noise of the sparring machine whined down until it came to a complete stop and fell to the ground.- ORPHUS: -Shortly after, Orphus also let himself flop back down onto the floor mats, leaving his sword in the bot for the moment as he tried to catch his breath.-

FINN: -he watches in horror, finding himself starting to run over to orphus when the bot is about to stab him, as if he could do anything at all. but the moment after orphus rolls away, when he defeats his opponent, he abruptly stops until he flops down again. finn's pace picks up until he is at orphus's side- orphus FINN: are you okay FINN: let me help you

ORPHUS: -He is still calming down from the rush of battle so when there is suddenly someone else hovering over him, his first reaction is to roughly shove them off and get ready to take down another attacker.- ORPHUS: -He was already sitting up, hand having connected with Finn and grabbing onto the boy's sweater, when Orphus realized where he was and who this was.- ORPHUS: -Orphus stared wide eyed at him, still panting.- F-....inn... ORPHUS: I.. sorry. I uh. -He quickly lets go of him and leans back. The thought of "Thank god the weapon was farther away at the time." rushing through his head.-

FINN: -the sudden grab has him afraid that he might actually die right here and now, with this being orphus and all. he looks at orphus with a mix of fear and confusion, matching his gaze. he gets himself together after the apology and breathes- no it's FINN: it's okay uh  FINN: but are you okay

ORPHUS: -This was so unbelievably embarrassing. Damn it finn why did you have to be here.- ORPHUS: Am I...okay? -He slowly parrots back the question, still somewhat in a confused and dazed state.- Er. ORPHUS: Yes. No. M'fine. -He mumbled, turning away from the human he couldn't look at as he uneasily pushed himself to his feet to retrieve his weapon out of the robots body.-August 21, 2016

FINN: do you have any pain FINN: anywhere that you think is bruised

ORPHUS: -A lot of places likely. Before the swords were introduced Orphus was training in hand to hand combat and the bot got a few good swings in.- ORPHUS: Possibly, -He grunts as he slides the sword out, its got a few nicks and is covered in oil. This will take some cleaning later but for now he is tucking it away inside his sylladex to where it can do no harm.- My ribs. But it is nothing serious.

FINN: -ribs. sounds familiar. he pushes the thought from his mind- will you let me look at it FINN: just to make sure

ORPHUS: -He finally turns his head to look at Finn.- Why. ORPHUS: Would you want to?

FINN: to make sure you don't have any injuries that get worse

ORPHUS: Why would it <on<ern you? -That is not a spiteful question, he is genuinely wondering it.-

FINN: because 

FINN: i can help you

ORPHUS: You are not a medi<al professional.

FINN: -glances downward- but you won't be going to the infirmary

ORPHUS: It is unlikely that I would bother those working there with something so trivial.

FINN: that's what many people say 

 FINN: before they end up having a broken rib 

 FINN: that causes them a lot of pain

ORPHUS: -Stares blankly at him.- I am aware what a broken rib feels like. ORPHUS: This is not it. 

 ORPHUS: However if it does indeed bother you so mu<h. -He sits down cross legged where he stands.- Then very well. You may look just to put your worries at ease. -He doesnt like people complaining and fussing over his well being.- ORPHUS: -He is already in the process of taking off his shirt, albeit a bit stiffly but that is partially because he still felt so tense from the battle. Once it is off and over his horns, Finn will be able to clearly see the long line scar going across Orphus's chest, and the old healed bullet wound to his left shoulder.-

FINN: -sits down next to him and examines his chest, his rib area, and he can't help but notice the scars- how long have you had those

ORPHUS: -He is very calm, fairly sweaty, but he has regained most if not all of his breathing control by now.- ORPHUS: The sword injury o<<ured four sweeps ago.  ORPHUS: The gunshot, one.

FINN: -frowns a little and sighs-  FINN: well all i can see from looking at it now is that this is going to bruise at least

ORPHUS: I <ould have told you that.  ORPHUS: Also from your frowning.  ORPHUS: You look displeased. ORPHUS: Are you disappointed that you were in<orre<t about my ribs.

FINN: -shakes his head and redirects his attention toward him- no FINN: i'm disappointed you had to go through the pain that gave you those scars

ORPHUS: ......... -That. Oh. He isnt sure what to say to that??- ORPHUS: Uh. ORPHUS: It was not. ORPHUS: It is no ordeal now.

FINN: still FINN: you must remember

ORPHUS: ....Yes. I do. -For a moment he zones out, recounting the exact memories. Some moments are harder to sort out after so long, but the majority of the event stands clear in his mind.-  ORPHUS: -Snaps out of his brief pause.- They are merely past events. ORPHUS: Memories. ORPHUS: And lingering s<ars. So there is no more pain to feel from them.

FINN: -listens to what he says but is having a hard time processing it- the combat you were doing FINN: pretty intense

ORPHUS: I perhaps.  ORPHUS: <ould have stopped before that final round. ORPHUS: -He leans over to grab his discarded shirt.- ORPHUS: But I am also be<oming lazy. ORPHUS: Allowing myself to be distra<ted or lose fo<us.

ORPHUS: So I <annot lessen on <ontinuing to push myself.

FINN: i don't think you need to have the robots use real swords

ORPHUS: -He squints. Not another "Fake blades" supporting person.- ORPHUS: If they are not real. Then where is the motivation?

FINN: i imagine there's still pain with inauthentic swords if that's what you have to work from  FINN: you seem like you have your own motivation

ORPHUS: My motivation <omes from the desire to not die. ORPHUS: Also. It is not the same with dull swords. It is not. ORPHUS: Authentic. ORPHUS: I have not pra<ti<ed with fake weapons sin<e I was a wiggler.

FINN: do you ever get serious injuries from sparring

ORPHUS: It is rare now. ORPHUS: Also. ORPHUS: What are we <onsidering as "Serious."

FINN: broken bones FINN: excessive bleeding

ORPHUS: Ah. ORPHUS: My answer remains the same. ORPHUS: My usual training partners are better aware of my physi<al natural breaking points. ORPHUS: So broken bones do not normally o<<ur. Unless it is in the pro<ess of ship work. ORPHUS: But I have only broken something four times. And it has been over two sweeps sin<e my last one.

FINN: how often do you have such close calls like that one

ORPHUS: In pra<ti<e? ORPHUS: Or in total?

FINN: in practice

ORPHUS: Hardly ever.

FINN: and having real threats is the only way you guarantee you'll try your best

ORPHUS: Of <ourse. It also prepares me for real attacks.

FINN: -he nods, trying not to worry too much- it's nice FINN: feeling prepared

ORPHUS: Hm. ORPHUS: Yes. That it is.

FINN: i understand that

ORPHUS: -Frowns.- 

ORPHUS: You...do?

ORPHUS: -He was prepared for Finn to try and debunk his reasoning. Others who have learned more about his personal training regimen had.-

FINN: -nods sincerely- well yeah FINN: i like to be prepared too -if that's what you can call it-

ORPHUS: -He eyes Finn up and down.- ORPHUS: I am not <ertain that you and I <onsider "Prepared." in the same way.

FINN: i always want to be prepared in the case of any disaster or injury so i can help FINN: at any time

ORPHUS: Oh. ORPHUS: Is that why you <arry that ba<kpa<k.

FINN: -pauses and then nods-

ORPHUS: To help others. 

ORPHUS: If something happens to them.

FINN: -nods again- yeah

ORPHUS: That seems useful. 

ORPHUS: Like a field medi<.

FINN: yeah 

 FINN: that's what i wanna do

ORPHUS: That is an admirable profession. -Is he actually being nice to Finn? What is this strange Happening.-

FINN: thanks 

FINN: takes a lot to do what you do too

ORPHUS: That it does. 

 ORPHUS: I would not re<omend my job to anyone lightly.

FINN: good to have someone who knows what he's doing

ORPHUS: -He nods.- 

ORPHUS: -This was a weird moment, he never would have considered a time where it would be him and Finn sitting and talking like this.-

FINN: -it is pretty weird, but it doesn't feel like that for some reason- are you done with practice

ORPHUS: -He looks over his shoulder at the broken spar bot.- Er. 

 ORPHUS: Yes I believe so.

FINN: i was thinking about doing a workout of some kind but 

 FINN: now i'm rethinking it

ORPHUS: You should not. Staying a<tive is important for physi<al health as well as mental health. 

ORPHUS: Also. What would you do otherwise.

FINN: what do you recommend in terms of getting a good workout in 

FINN: you seem to be better than i am

ORPHUS: That would depend what your desired out<ome is. 

ORPHUS: Stret<hing of <ourse should always be your first <ourse of a<tion.

FINN: -gets to stretching right there on the floor- okay

ORPHUS: -There he goes.- 

ORPHUS: Am I be<oming your personal trainer.

FINN: would you like to be

ORPHUS: I <ould be. 

ORPHUS: If you are asking.

FINN: sure 

 FINN: i'm asking

ORPHUS: Then yes. 

 ORPHUS: -He stands himself up.- Get in position for jumping jacks.

PORRIM: *porrim wasn't sure where else to go. she didn't feel like she could go back to her room, and there were very few places she felt comfortable right now... so she's been wandering the halls restlessly, stomach anxiously churning with mixed emotions. she notices kankri coming from the other direction, but does little more than continue forward.*

KANKRI: *Well he notices her too, and his frown becomes more strained.* ............... *He was planning on just walking past her, continuing on and keeping from risking putting his own foot in his mouth. But when the pass did happen he stopped and looked over his shoulder at her back.* I ap9l9gize if Lifera's presence 9n this ship actually 69thers y9u.

PORRIM: *she stops in her tracks when he speaks, fists clenching as an outlet for her rapidly growing frustration.* Do+n't do+ that.

PORRIM: Just say what yo+u mean.

KANKRI: D9n't d9 what? I am saying exactly what I mean.

PORRIM: Yo+u're being passive aggressive. As always.

PORRIM: Of /co+urse/ it bo+thers me.

KANKRI: N9w, I w9uld n9t say I am "Always" passive agressive.

KANKRI: In this m9ment? Yes perhaps a little 6it c9nsidering y9u did put f9rth the 9pti9n t9 have Lifera reimpris9ned.

KANKRI: C9nsider my additude regarding such a thing a little... distur6ed c9mpared t9 my usual m99ds.

PORRIM: Yes. So+ I want her impriso+ned. I can't help it if I view her invo+lvement in this war as a /crime/ and her presence here as a bitter reminder o+f everything the Befo+ran peo+ple have suffered fo+r. *finally looks over her shoulder at him, glaring.*

PORRIM: I do+n't think she's an ill intended perso+n, Kankri. I do+n't want her dead, no+r did I want an impriso+nment to+ be o+ne lacking in amenities that we all have the right to+. I'm no+t a /mo+nster./

PORRIM: I just-- *shakes her head* This situatio+n is so+ unique. An o+ppo+rtunity fo+r... a bunch o+f fucking /no+bo+dies/ like us to+ have co+ntro+l o+ver a so+cial matter. Sea dwellers-- They do+n't /get/ punished. They just /do+n't/, Kankri. *her fists clench tighter. she might be shaking a little.*

PORRIM: I do+n't want mo+re suffering. Or revenge. I just.

PORRIM: Want to+ feel like we're o+n equal gro+und. Fo+r o+nce.

KANKRI: Firstly.

KANKRI: We are /n9t/ n969dies.

KANKRI: Sec9ndly I d9n't care h9w equal y9u 6elieve y9u are 6eing 6y standing there and saying she deserves it 6ecause "Seadwellers never get punished." That is the maj9rity 9f the argument I have 6een hearing pe9ple make. That 6ecause she is viewed as upperclass r9yalty that this is a chance t9 finally make s9me9ne pay the crimes 9f an entire gr9up 9f pe9ple. Yes, she played her part in what happened t9 all 9f 6ef9rus, I d9 N9T excuse her acti9ns 9r what she has d9ne. 6ut quite frankly I dare say I d9 n9t think y9u w9uld 6e s9 quick t9 6lame s9me9ne if say, it were me wh9 was supp9sedly inv9lved in it. I understand h9w every9ne is mad, 9r cr9ss em9ti9nally, h9w d9 y9u think I feel?? My wh9le planet is g9ne and she was the 9ne wh9 actually raised me.

KANKRI: May6e I am 6iased, 6ut all I want is that if she is g9ing t9 6e punished it is f9r her /9wn/ acti9ns. N9t 6ecause we finally have a chance t9 kick d9wn a higher mem6er 9f a p9is9ned s9ciety.

KANKRI: S9 g9 ahead and say y9u want her placed in cust9dy f9r her r9le as a face 9f a war that resulted in destructi9n and mass l9ss. 6ut d9 n9t make this 9ut t9 6e s9me s9rt 9f gl9rified caste 6urning missi9n like several seem t9 6e.

KANKRI: *He finishes off his rant by tightly folding his arms and returning her glare tenfold.*

PORRIM: It IS fo+r her actio+ns! My feelings abo+ut her caste are no+t exclusive to+ what I feel she's do+ne. They're /related./ One begets the o+ther. Because o+f her so+cial standings, she's been given the platfo+rm to+ act in inexcusable ways. What is it so+ hard to+ understand that this isn't so+me kind o+f witch hunt? Maybe it is fo+r o+thers-- But it's no+t fo+r ME.

PORRIM: *holds a hand to her chest, shivering.* I kno+w her to+o+, Kankri. She didn't raise me like she did yo+u, but that do+esn't mean I can't view her as an individual.

PORRIM: Do+n't yo+u remember what it was like-- When I lived o+n Befo+rus... Everything I fo+ught fo+r... And she-- *shakes her head, looking away*

PORRIM: She co+uld have listened.

PORRIM: **Why is it

KANKRI: *He also needs to look away, especially when she starts talking about times on beforus.*

KANKRI: ......................

KANKRI: *He really did feel torn. About everything. But as much as he claimed to be unbiased when it came to Lifera how do you just completely shrug off a lifetime of care and support? Even if it was under the constraints of a messed up system designed to undermine him from his hatch date. It was just too hard to separate cold hard fact from a flood of personal feelings.*

PORRIM: *some jade might be spilling from the corners of her eyes, as much as she resents it.* ... Kankri I'm...

PORRIM: I really am so+rry.

PORRIM: I kno+w it's no+t easy fo+r yo+u. But I can't... take a side I do+n't believe in.

KANKRI: ...I ....kn9w.

KANKRI: *Doesnt make the way she feels hurt any less.*

KANKRI: I can't ever imagine y9u d9ing such a thing.

PORRIM: *she feels an old familiar sting. how many times had she been in this position in the past? her beliefs vs. the people in her life. it didn't seem fair that they so often were at odds, but with kankri, she couldn't say this was something new for them.* ... I sho+uld go+.

KANKRI: *No, it wasn't new for them. It was rare that him and Porrim ever saw completely from eye to eye, even from the day they first met in some dusty online chat forum. That was part of what he actually liked about being friends with porrim, the competition, the debates. But this topic was such a bitter one, there was no satisfaction to be had in fighting it.* Alright.

KANKRI: *He wasn't going to do a thing to try and stop her.*

PORRIM: *without another word, she turns away again, heading back down the hall with no real destination in mind. after that, she doesn't feel any less like she doesn't belong anywhere here.*