Fantasy Code FERAL

[DawnAntalios]

Zoe was relieved when Bael revealed that in mere moments their teas would be ready for consumption... but she also found something strange. Whenever she approached the boy he would become stiff and would be at loss of words. As she held the tea in her hands, watching it manifest sorrow started to fill her heart. She felt the warmth receding, the beating of her heart slowing down as she stared at her cup of water.


" Do you... loathe my presence? " she asked with a hint of sadness in her voice. Her cold mind and her logic seemed to return as she was holding the mug, her darkened expression being reflected in the water " You speak with enthusiasm, you work with professionalism... yet the moment I walk close up to you, the moment we touch you seem... cold, stiff. "


She took a few steps back, her expression turning from pained to neutral.


" I have overstepped my bounds, it would appear. " she concluded, watching as her tea finished at last, taking a sip. With a sardonic smile she raised her mug. " It is delightful, truly a work of wonder. You are indeed a master. " she put it down and sat down on a chair. " Worry not, I will not... bother you any longer. Finish up your tea and then-... "


She heard steps and she saw the girl Wednesday appearing in the hall. She nodded at her greeting and offered her a seat.


" Greetings to you, Wednesday. Bael just unveiled his enormous knowledge in tea-making, he is really good. Perhaps you would like some? "


She purposefully wanted to avoid the boy's look, afraid of his answer. At least now the warmth and the 'illness' was gone - and in its place was a well known company, a painful, echoing throb.


@Sleipnir @Hel


Eos listened to Beth and smiled when she blushed at mentioning Manjano. She truly seemed to have a bond with him - maybe not the kind the stag thought of but still something. As he watched them and was about to reply he winced in pain momentarily - as he felt a sudden, unknown sadness descend upon him. He however knew about this kind of feeling and even though their link was weaker than before they still shared a connection.


" Oh Zoe, what has happened to you? " he thought in himself as his attention shifted to the cart full of wonderful food rolling in for them. He sighed heavily and just shook his head after he heard Beth's offer.


" Thank you kindly, but I think I shall not eat right now. " he said with a bittersweet tone, watching the others feast. He was now too anxious about his girl to concentrate on anything but contemplating so he just remained silent and waited.


@Flutterby

 

[Lioness075]

While the doctor and nurse finished up with Falarion, Manjano was temporarily distracted when Beth raised her voice, addressing him and Alec.


Glancing over at her, Manjano blinked when she told him to get some food. Now that he realized it, he hadn't really eaten anything for most of the day.


Not having any real reason to argue about it, not that he literally could, Manjano calmly walked over to the food cart, which was still near Beth, Totus and Eos.


Tilting his head, Manjano was then better able to see with his good eye, as he examined the contents of the food cart.


Uncertain of what to really grab, Manjano settled for a basic turkey sandwich mixed with a few other ingredients.


Without adding anything, Manjano opened up the package and then began absentmindedly eating it, not realizing that he was still standing in front of Beth's bed.


Glancing back over at Falarion, Manjano relaxed when he saw the doctor and nurse retreating, Falarion hooked up to an IV and buried under some blankets to keep him warm for now.


The wolf was definitely going to need a bath once he'd recovered some more though. Which was no doubt going to result in a lot of arguing since Falarion wasn't too keen on baths.


Remaining distracted, Manjano continued to silently stare at Falarion while his mind wandered to random and scattered memories of himself when he was younger and trying unsuccessfully to bathe Falarion.


@Flutterby


"No! You can't make me!"


Bounding down the hallway, Falarion's muddy paw prints left a clear trail, as Manjano sprinted after the mutt, his expression of irritation and slight amusement.


Dodging into a closet, Falarion's panting gave his location away, as Manjano slid to a halt outside of the closet...only to slip and end up sliding all the way down the hallway in mud instead.


Laughing, Falarion leapt out of his hiding place, leaving mud trails on some jackets hanging up, before he turned to sprint the other way...but froze in place instead.


"What is this 'mutt' doing throwing mud about this place? Manjano, get your ass up and clean this up."


Keeping his eyes on the ground, Manjano carefully stood up from the mud, wary of falling down again.


Nodding at his foster father, Manjano then quickly walked forward and grabbed Falarion by the collar, something his foster father had insisted on, before leading Falarion back into his room and putting him in a crate, another thing his foster father had insisted on getting.


Sighing, Manjano looked Falarion in the eyes before whispering, "Don't worry, Falarion. They can't keep us here forever."


Blinking his eyes upon returning to the present, Manjano let out a subtle sigh, still seemingly distracted.


@Flutterby

 

[Sleipnir]

Bae frowned when Zoe questioned whether or not he even wanted her around and when this sank in, he panicked a bit and shook his head. "What—? No, Zoe, that's not it at all, I— I just get — I don't dislike you, that's not the case in the least! It isn't that I don't want you to touch me or— I mean, I like it well enough when you— well, actually, I don't know that that's the phrase I want to use because I'm not like— I don't— it's that..." He stopped abruptly and threw her a helpless look.


Then Wednesday appeared at the door. He threw one last, anxious look at Zoe before turning his attention to Wednesday. "There's plenty of tea if you want some. I could make some for you or you can have what's made. It's lemon," he offered, trying to shake off his awkward apology so it wouldn't make interacting with Wednesday more awkward or difficult.


@DawnAntalios @Hel


Cedar nodded. "We do a lot of tree climbing in Michigan too. Black bears are the best at it, you know."

 

[zCrookedz]

After pulling the needle out of his leg and placing it back on the tray, He watched Jimbo leave, sticking his tongue out at his him over the comment about not doing anything stupid. Simon rubbed the spot on his leg he had just punctured as he reached back for his breakfast. Half the plate was gone now, and Simon began to wounder if it would be to much to ask for more. But as he got to thinking about it, he began to think about how much he was going to be able to move today and if Jimbo was actually going to let him leave the infirmary, and figured one helping would be enough.


As he began to shovel pieces of sausage into his mouth, he watched as the medics attended to Falarion. Simon couldn't help but notice Manjano's look of concern for his partner, an understandable emotion for one to feel when their partner was injured. He looked back to the bed next to him and could see Leandra still a bit lost in her own thoughts. As he looked back and forth between the two of them, he chuckled to himself a bit.


Simon swallowed the mouthful of food and looked up to Leandra and Luness, clearing his throat a bit to try and ease her out of her own world and not startle her.


"You and your brother look nearly identical when your lost in thought."


He realized how redundant the comment sounded, what with them being twins and all. But that didn't stop him from making the observation with just a drop of humor added to infer that he knew the comment was just a bit sarcastic.


@Lioness075

 

[Hel]

"Not the American ones!" Cerci quipped, leaning her body against Cedar playfully, shoving him as she teased.


"We should have a contest some time, tree climbing or the like," she suggested, looking at the other bear with a goofy smile.


Wednesday looked between the two and got the slight impression that the situation was awkward before she entered, but decided it hadn't been as they both greeted her.


"A tea master, huh?" Wednesday asked Bael as she took a seat on the other side of the boy. He seemed familiar to her, and honestly reminded her a lot of her little brother she'd left back home. Well, he did a little. The two looked nothing alike, but her brother liked tea and music, too.


"I'd love some tea. I've never had lemon tea... is it good? I can't imagine it being as good as orange tea, but I hope it is," she said, towards the end she remembered the advice cerci was always giving, to be positive and smile, so she did. She wasn't sure how effective it was, but it wouldn't kill her to try. These two seemed like people she could trust, and befriend. Bael wasn't threatening in the least. While Zoe was threatening in demeanour, the fact that she was also a woman made Wednesday notice it a bit less. Plus, she couldn't imagine it would hurt to have a friend who seemed fairly B.A.


Though... Other than that she knew nothing about them.


After a moment, she spoke again, and said, "I was just thinking about something you said, Zoe, you're right, we should all probably get to know each other better." She offered a little smile that again didn't really reach her eyes.


@Sleipnir @DawnAntalios

 

[Lioness075]

Leandra glanced up from her hot chocolate when she heard someone clearing their throat nearby as if to grab her attention.


Seeing Simon looking over at her, Leandra tilted her head to the side inquisitively before hearing Simon's comment and smiling slightly.


Glancing over at Manjano for a moment, Leandra then said wistfully, "Yeah, I suppose you're right."


Returning her gaze to Simon, Leandra suddenly grinned and her eyes seemed to light up slightly, as she smartly added, "Although, considering we're twins and both albino, I'd say we look alike about 99% of the time."


Seemingly content to eat her food in silence for now, Luness continued to eat the small portions of meat she'd managed to find on the food cart. From what she could tell, they tasted like voles or something akin to them.


@zCrookedz

 

[DawnAntalios]

Zoe silently listened as Bael was trying to say something to her - but to no avail. Once again it appeared that her presence has caused the boy to be at loss of words again. This made her silence even deeper and felt terrible for causing so much trouble already - yet she knew not why did all of this happen. All she wanted was to know him better... to perhaps talk to someone... yet now she caused him to panic and lose focus. Way to go...


While she was sipping her tea she heard Wednesday talking as she looked up, the words of the girl dispelling the stupor. Looking at her was... calming yet somehow it was also quite strange. She had a feeling churning in her belly, one she knew not how to explain...


When Wednesday mentioned her idea she raised her head and tried to fake a smile.


" Oh yes... right, you are right. " she said, trying to collect all her remaining pride. " Well, you know something about me I guess... the girl who boasts and thinks she is a good team player while reality proves otherwise. " her bitter monologue made her chuckle " I regret my introduction on that day... things should have happened differently... "


Trying to snap out of this melancholy she nodded to herself and spoke.


" I grew up to be a fighter. I walked in the footsteps of my sister, a great warrior who I lost a long time ago. I was always learning, studying and training alone, trying to perfect my style. And now... well now I am here. "


She wanted to cut the introduction short but paid close attention to the reaction of the others.


@Sleipnir @Hel

 

[Sleipnir]

"Oh, we'll see if that's true," Cedard exclaimed. "I'll race you any day of the week and I'll win most of them!"


@Hel


Bael listened and nodded, half-heartedly putting together an orange tea for Wednesday. He listened to Zoe's little monologue. "My turn then," he guessed at a bit of a mumble. His failed attempt at apologizing had not escaped his attention and, in the fashion of a teenager, had fallen to sulking on the failed attempt at mending his apparently-cold demeanor. "I'm Bael. I live in Michigan and keep a lighthouse. I am incapable of holding onto a functional friendship. I enjoy blending tea. I'm skilled in herbal healing."


@Hel @DawnAntalios

 

[zCrookedz]

Simon smiled as he picked up the last piece of his bacon and tossed it into his mouth. He was very happy for the food, he hadn't realized how hungry he was until he was finished eating. He was very happy to have the food in his belly now and leaned back on his arm exhaling contently.


He listened to Leandra talk about her and her brothers identical features, and Simon smiled back at her.


"Huh, I didn't realize you were considered Albino. I thought that was primarily something people with white hair and red eyes were called."


Had Jimbo been in the room, he probably would have tossed something at Simon for commenting on someone's appearance. Luckily for Simon he realized that he was approaching insensitive margins and tried to reel himself beck before he said to much. He shot up off the arm he was leaning on and waved his hands about trying to back peddle.


"Not that there is anything wrong with white hair and blue eyes at all!! You look lovely I swear.......that is you look perfectly normal.....you know...for someone with white hair and .......blue.....eyes......"


By the end of his rambling, Simon was ready to give up and simply threw his arms up in defeat and fell backwards on the bed.


@Lioness075

 

[Hel]

Wednesday listened to both of the others, nodding as they spoke. Bael was from a similar area of the world, and she took some small level of comfort from that familiarity. At least, it was nice among so many who were from such far-away places. She maybe could relate to Zoe, as it seemed they both struggled with negitive feelings towards their own abilities. She doubted that was something to bond over, though.


When it was her turn to speak, she first responded to the Zoe, as though she would talk about them rather than herself.


"I think everyone puts on a mask when they meet new people. Everyone wishes they were something they aren't.... Or maybe it just seems that way." She said, before taking a breath, "Well, I guess, I had a standard life: loving family in a small town and all that. Between high school and college I went to Tibet and found Cerci. I got engaged in college, but he left me. Then I joined the watch to try and finish my schooling," She said. It seemed a good overview of her life. She didn't dump a ton of emotional baggage on them and hadn't avoided a real dialog. Hopefully they thought it was a good medium, too. The keen ear could catch the subtle changes or catches in her voice when she spoke of her family and of her ex fiancé.


"Oh... You both mentioned hobbies. I like dance?"


@Sleipnir @DawnAntalios

 

[DawnAntalios]

Zoe listened patiently as the others did their introduction. It was a bit strange hearing all their life stories... but perhaps that was the natural thing to do. She herself could not imagine being this talkative about her past - she would rather forget it than bringing it up. But alas she was the one who proposed this idea so she had to comply.


When Wednesday asked about even more things she raised her eyebrow.


" Is this some kind of interrogation? " she asked, a bit annoyed " Why on earth do you -... "


It was then when she reminded herself that this was supposed to be the bonding stage with her team mates so she calmed down and continued.


"My apologies. But what are... hobbies? You mean... things that you... do every day? " she tried to figure out what these elusive 'hobbies' were in her mind but she could not put her hands on it. " Well... I make my arrows myself if you think that counts. I craft them from the finest steel available, sometimes enhancing them when I have extra materials. "


She tried to think of something else as well. She then recalled something she wanted to share.


" I like... " she started but then she felt her cheeks turning slightly red " I want this information to stay between us. " she said before she continued after a heavy sigh.


" I like dancing. " she concluded " It... it was mandatory for my training for evading things so I had to do it... I wouldn't... wouldn't have tried it otherwise... obviously..."


@Sleipnir @Hel

 

[Lioness075]

Leandra suddenly realized with a start that she'd openly admitted to being an albino, her eyes widening with the realization.


Hearing Simon's response only further proved that he hadn't had any idea that the twins were albino. Great.


Watching Simon wave his arms about in a comical manner, Leandra raised an eyebrow and then was grinning by the end of Simon's rambling.


As he fell backwards on his bed, Leandra shook her head in amusement and then said in a teasing and sarcastic tone, "If you're this bad at simply discussing appearances with me as a friend, I can only imagine how terrible you are at flirting with someone you're interested in."


While Leandra's heart was racing at her admittance to being an albino, she tried her best to mask it with humor. After all, humor was her first line of defense, in a sense.


@zCrookedz

 

[Sleipnir]

Bael frowned. "I never learned to dance. You know, I never really had the time for much except the light and the piano. So — did you ever do stuff, you know... Just because you liked it?" He asked, glancing at Zoe. She seemed so convinced that she couldn't relax or just enjoy herself and this was what he had tried to get through to her about the tea. "Or what about Tibet, Wednesday? I feel like there's a lot to hear about a trip like that. What got you to go?" He couldn't help but be genuinely very curious about that. They both seemed to him to need to really relax. He stayed quiet a moment, contemplating the situation and considering his options before adding, "At some point we should have tea. Properly. The three of us — real tea, with a real teapot, relaxing. Not like this. Real, proper tea."


@DawnAntalios @Hel

 

[deer]

Xiao Hui was so engrossed in playing that she hadn't noticed three more people joining in the room with them. As she finished the last stringed note, Xiao Hui opened her eyes, taking a deep breathe. However, she jumped slightly from a male's voice she had yet to recognize. Her eyes zoomed in at the person who spoke as her cheeks flushed slightly. "R-rin." She said breathily, feeling her face flush at being caught off guard. She hated such a feeling, even more so that she so openly showed her surprise. Laohu chuckled as he looked towards Duirk, "Got her?" He shook his head as he laid his head down on his paws. "T-thank you." She said softly, smiling back at the Japanese male before her. He kind of reminded her of herself, in a way, mysterious and quiet. Observant yet wise. However, at the same time, naive and foolish. Perhaps they're more alike than she would ever know, from the few times she seemed to observe him. However, hearing a female voice, Xiao Hui looked towards Haku, the snake companion. She felt goosebumps crawl up her spine and arms as her heart quickened slightly. But, thankfully, she regained her composure and hid it behind a smile. "Hui, she isn't going to harm you, you know that." Xiao Hui inhaled deeply. nodding, "I know, my body just reacts in such a way I can't control it, Laohu. I'm trying." She spoke solemnly through their mindlike as Xiao Hui politely bowed her head in response, "Thank you, Rin and Haku. How are you two, today?" She asked out of genuine curiosity and respect. Xiao Hui mentally scolded herself for being so see-through.


Xiao Hui watched Rin's movement across the room as Haku spoke to Laohu. She laughed lightly, hearing the tease from Haku as she saw Laohu's fur stick up. Laohu huffed slightly, amused by Haku's teasings and decided to go along with it, "Why, of course, Milady. My paws are definitely skilled in pressing keys." He said as his attention towards Calista. "Calista, " Laohu spoke as he bowed his head and looked up to her, "I'm Laohu, it's nice to officially meet you." Xiao Hui looked at the spirit animal, feeling and seeing her sorrows and pain as Xiao Hui resisted the urge to hug her, afraid she may push some buttons on the cheetah yet racoon like animal in front of her. Instead, she smiled softly towards her, "Hi, Calista. I'm Xiao Hui." Looking towards her new-found company, Xiao Hui smiled, "Do any of you guys play? If not, I can teach you ann instrument if you'd like?" She asked them genuinely as she looked at Duirk, "Or perhaps maybe Duirk can show us his skills as a DJ?"


@SilverFlight @andujarprime
​

 

[Flutterby]

Beth took a large bite from her sandwich, looking between Eos and Manjano. Eos seemed so sad, and didn't want to eat; Manjano was clearly distracted by more than just Falarion's condition, but at least he was eating. She frowned, unsure of what to say to help them.


"Eos, if you are worried about Zoe, you should go find her. Just to see how she is doing. It may ease your mind." Totus said quietly, watching the stag closely. He felt for the companion deeply. When he and Beth first bonded, she didn't seem to want anything to do to him, but he had no choice but to stay with her. When he found out the reason, he understood, but those first few weeks had been very difficult.


@DawnAntalios


Beth, meanwhile, swallowed her food and cleared her throat. "Manjano, is Falarion doing better?" She asked. Her mind automatically phrased it is a yes-or-no format to make it easier for him, despite it being a little odd to say.


@Lioness075

 

[zCrookedz]

Simon sighed as he placed his hands on his face. He would never admit it openly, his pride wouldn't dare allow it, bit was tines like this were he could have really used Jimbo's help. He laid there for a moment hoping that Leandra wasn't upset at what he had said. But when she mentioned his aproach to someone he liked, Simon lifted himself up onto his elbows and looked at Leandra with a faded smile and a chuckle.


"Ha, that's funny. I haven't had time for a relationship since I left The Watch five years ago. I had to much on my plate running the garage and taking care of Ma and the others."


Simon sat there for a moment a bit lost in thought before he shool his head and smiled back at Leandra. He rubbed the back of his keck a bit before sitting back up with his elbows resting on his knees. Simon is not the most observant person in the world, bit every now and then he would pick up on subtle things, like someone being a bit embarrassed about the way they looked. He spread his fingers and began to push the tips together before he looked back at Leandra.


"At the risk of sticking the other foot in my mouth, you don't have anything to worry about. Being Albino is nothing to be ashamed of. You are who you are inside and out, and if your a good person on the inside than the outside will reflect that."


Simon's crooked grin stretched from his chin to his ear as he listened to the words in his head. Yet another piece of wisdom he had picked up from the old man.


@Lioness075

 

[SilverFlight]

Alec blinked at Manjano as he justified his choice, then smiled. "But that's what trust is." He opened the door for Jimbo before stepping out himself. "Trust is believing in someone when you don't know what'll happen. Its means putting yourself in a vulnerable position with the hope that the one you give power too is there to help. But I can pretty much guarantee you Manjano, we're with a good crowd here." He waved to the others in the room and left.


@Lioness075


the aardvark was taken aback at Simon's enthusiasm. When he accepted the empty syringe his companion drew out a notebook. "Now, please be as detailed as possible, how do you feel?"


@zCrookedz


Alec walked a little ways, trying to figure out how to word what he wanted to ask. They had reached the central hub by the time he spoke.


"Jimbo, I wanted to ask you, that is...Simon and agent Strong. They have a history, that much is obvious." Alec begun, dancing around the subject awkwardly. "What I'm asking is, well, I just watched Simon jump off a cliff to get her back...he's willing to risk a lot...I want to know if this will put the team in danger."


He felt like a jerk for asking it, but he just couldn't be sure Simon wouldn't risk the safety of the team too if it meant a chance at rescuing Strong.


"I'm looking for some sort of promise we can trust him to keep his head on right when it comes to the others."


Just then Alec heard something, a faint music and he blinked in surprise. "Do you hear that?" He asked but didn't wait for an answer, only motioned for the ape to hurry up.


@zCrookedz


Duik stayed enraptured right from the beginning of the song. He completely forgot to set up the little recording device he had pulled from his bag, instead he set up the computer and pulled a sound file, adding a beat to the background of Xiao's playing. With a few adjustments he had it match perfectly with the rythem of the song. He closed his eyes and listened with a smile playing on his dark muzzle.


When Xiao stopped playing his eyes were wide and shining. "That. Was. AWESOME!!!!" He cried, nearly jumping when Rin and Haku spoke, he hadn't even noticed that they had come in.


Callista smiled at the pair and nodded. "I know who you are. We hand-picked you remember?" The wear of the day was visible on her soft face but she was determined to hide it as much as she could.


"You play beautifully. You know, Amber, um, agent Strong loves music. When we get her back you'll definitely have to play for her."


"Totally," Duik agreed. When asked about his own work the hyena put his head down modestly.


"Aw, I'm always working on one thing or another, I guess I got a few...to be honest it just hasn't been that fun since Alec stopped playing...um, I mean. Aw darn."


Duik bit his lower lip. "Alec doesn't like me telling people he can play...you won't mention it will you?"


"Too late." Alec stepped from around the corner, his arms crossed over his chest but he looked far from upset. Instead he was gazing at Xiao with a new admiration.


"Alec!" Duik squeaked in surprise. "We were uh, just talking about you...ah, busted." The hyena waved to Jimbo as he saw him. "But you know, since that cat's out of the bag--no offense Lao--Look what they've got!" Duik pointed to a case in which sat an elegant violin.


"Oh-ho no. No. Not happening. I don't play anymore." He turned to the others, "you know, Duik always sells himself short, you should get him to play some of his mixes. They're really good."


"Come on man," Duik pleaded, but the resolute expression from his partner forced him to turn his pleading look onto Xiao instead. He was sure that if she asked it might just work.


@crucialstar @andujarprime @zCrookedz

 

[Lioness075]

Leandra raised an eyebrow at the smile Simon gave her, as it clearly hinted at old secrets and perhaps a relationship he wanted to keep hidden.


It was even more obvious to her when he said that he hadn't had time for one after he left The Watch.


Biting her lip when Simon became quiet for a moment, Leandra inwardly fought with herself, as she wondered if it'd be appropriate timing to ask him who he had dated. Perhaps it had gotten serious.


Before she could think any more about it, Simon spoke up again and Leandra raised an eyebrow at the mention of sticking his other foot in his mouth. Now that wasn't a metaphor she'd heard before.


Hearing Simon's advice, Leandra smiled halfheartedly at him before replying in a saddened tone, "Yeah, well, if you grow up being told by everyone that you're a freak among other things, you find it easier to hide than to keep trying to make it work. After all, it's easier to say you dye your hair and just have a pale complexion than it is to say you're an albino. From my experience, people tend to treat me like I'm a leper when they find out and see my real eyes."


Leandra glanced away in time to see Alec leaving the room. She'd been so distracted by the conversation at hand that she never heard what Alec said before leaving.


Her eyes lingered on Alec, as she thought with a sigh, 'I seriously need to stop falling for anyone remotely attractive. He clearly has a thing for Xiao, not me.'


@zCrookedz @SilverFlight

 

[zCrookedz]

Simon sat on the bed, tilting his head a little to Leandra sad response. This was obviously a touchy subject for her, and from the sounds of it, it had affected her for a great deal of her life. Simon thought back a bit to what Leandra had told him about how she and Luness had first come together. He began to wonder if maybe that was the reason that the group of kids had been picking on Leandra to begin with.


When she mentioned her eyes, Simon gave her a questionable look as he sat up straight.


"Sure it may be easier that way, shoot a lot of life's hardships would be easier that way. One of the best ways I have found to get stronger is to embrace those sorts of things. That's what makes you unique and special."


That time it wasn't a memory from his father that he thought of. But a memory of him sitting in a chair all banged up as a child with his mother wiping dirty tears from his cheeks sprang to mind instead.


"And I hope I'm privileged enough to see your real eye color one day."


Simon finished with a big smile and a thumbs up as he heard the man that had come in with the aardvark begin to question him.


Simon's face turned into what looked like he was comically thinking very hard as he tried to getting a feeling for how he actually felt. There was something that had begun to notice since sticking the needle in his leg. The part of his leg under his cast was itchy as hell.


Now that he had actually noticed it, Simon looked up at the man and smiled.


"My leg is pretty itchy actually. Got a ruler or a pencil I can use to try and scratch it? Also, I'm not 100% sure, but I think my heart may be beating a bit faster than normal."


@Lioness075 @SilverFlight


Jimbo walked along the hallway listening to Alec. It became very clear very fast what Alec was getting at, and Jimbo was extremely glad it was Alec asking these questions and not the man with the giant freaking tiger from before.


Jimbo sighed, keeping his eyes forward as they walked and he tried to explain.


"I know you have legitimate reason to be concerned Doc, hell sometimes the big guy concerns me too when he does shit like this. Something you gotta understand is, Simon's a big guy with a big heart. It's true that Simon and Amber have history, hell it was because of Amber that Simon got pulled into The Watch the first time around."


Jimbo sighed deeply and continued to walk beside Alec. Jimbo knew Simon could be a bit reckless at times, he had been that way since he had first met him. Picking fights to prove himself, pushing himself beyond his limits, even nearly killing himself just to prove a point. Like a bull in a china shop sometimes. But Jim knew something else too.


"Look Doc, I wont promise anything for Simon. He can do that himself, he's a big boy. But you should know, Simon is loyal beyond belief, I'm honestly surprised that he didn't wind up with a dog as a partner. Sure he may be stubborn and a bick unorthodox sometimes. But he would never put the lives of his friends and teammates in danger. That I can promise you."


When Alec perked up to the sound of music playing, Jimbo cocked his head and followed after him until they had reached where it was coming from. Jimbo took a quick glance around and noticed that the Tiger Laohu was there sending a chill up his spine. After seeing the giant tiger from earlier, he felt a bit more comfortable being around something that didn't look like it could eat him in one bite.


Jimbo's gaze settled on Calista and he smiled as he lumbered over towards her. He sat down next to her, facing the little musical group before nudging Calista with his knuckle and uncurling his hand where he had been holding the necklace.


"Cali, Simon and Alec found this at the cliff. Simon thought you should have it. Hold on to it until we get Amber back."


@SilverFlight @crucialstar

 

[Hel]

"I met Cerci in Tibet.... Is this not proper tea?" Wednesday half heartedly answered as she looked at Bael over the rim of the cup she was about to sip from. She had assumed he would call this proper tea. It wasn't in a bag though, maybe he didn't like the bits of plant that spelled into his drink. After setting the cup down, she looked at Zoe, and said, "You know, fighting could be a hobby too. It's just something you do enjoy doing." She shrugged a little, then had a thought. She knew she'd hate herself for this later: "Maybe we could teach each other something. Zoe could teach us to fight," she motioned between Bael and herself here, "and then maybe she and I could teach Bael some dancing. Obviously none of us are going to master anything new but... You know..." She shrugged, letting her voice die out as she realised how incredibly dumb her idea sounded, especially to her.


'Cerci must be having fun. That's why I'm feeling so odd,' she thought to herself.


@Sleipnir @DawnAntalios


Cerci grinned at Cedar and exclaimed, "Next time we find large enough trees, you are so on! But I warn you, I may as well have been born in the trees!"


She found she was really enjoying her time with the other black bear, and even though they were from different parts of the world, they seemed to have a lot in common.


@Sleipnir

 

[DawnAntalios]

Zoe listened silently as the two of them spoke. She was curious what a proper tea could even be, this was new to her and they said that it can be better even than this? She was curious of what this meant but nonetheless she nodded at Bael's proposal. When Wednesday asked if war was just a hobby for her she felt her blood boil but she kept calm.


" Hobby you say... " she whispered silently as she looked at the girl " I would not consider hunting down and killing my enemies as a sport. It is a duty, something I was born to do. " she looked down at her hand as it clenched into a fist " I had no other choice... I was born into a family which held its head high. I was expected to be perfect like my sister was. I HAD to walk this path, it is not a hobby - it is what I need to do. "


She released a sigh as Wednesday spoke again. This time however she completely agreed.


" War is eternal, thus our studies must last until our dying breath. I would be glad to teach whatever I know, however, my knowledge is mainly based on long range combat. Though it is true that I can find in close quarters if needed. As for dancing... "


She turned away.


" I do not want to do that... I am not that good myself... "


She finished her tea and pondered for a while. She was uncertain that she should ask a question like this but she was now determined.


" You two seem to be... relatively happy. I am just curious... what does death mean to you two? Have you seen it yourselves? Have you... faced it before? "


@Sleipnir @Hel

 

[Sleipnir]

"Well -- real tea as in the way it's handled; with a teapot, and a real table, and chairs, and served right. It -- it makes more sense in practice," he explained a bit awkwardly, but he let the topic pass when Zoe spoke again. He shied when she talked about the hunting and the fighting. Do you not like what you do? You don't... have to do it if you don't want to. But he didn't think it would be appropriate to bring it up; he figured he knew enough about Zoe by then to assume she wouldn't take the suggestion well at all. He stayed quiet several moments longer. "What does death mean to me...?" he frowned, staring into the golden-brown tea for awhile. Had he faced it -- had he lost someone to it. "Well..." another pause. Then he began at a length, "I suppose it's the end of one thing and the beginning of the next, you know? I mean - that'd be death. Something ends. But there's gotta be a beginning with every ending otherwise nothing would have ever started." He looked between the pair of women, lingering on each a moment, before continuing. "I live on the world's biggest and most temperamental lake. And believe me, she's temperamental. Of course I've faced death. I mean -- not terribly close I don't suppose, but... I've had my fair share of close calls with drowning. Slipped off the pier once when the wind was bad. Capsized a fishing boat once. It's safe to say I'm pretty good in the water now," He finished a bit cheerfully, trying to shake off the heavy atmosphere. "Can't say I've had anyone I'm close to die. I count myself lucky for that."


@Hel @DawnAntalios


Cedar threw her a grin. "Oh, yeah, born in the trees she says. I bet I'll still beat you four out of the seven days!"


@Hel

 

[Hel]

Wednesday nodded to Bael's explanation. So he doesn't mean real tea, he just means a better atmosphere. She listened then to Zoe's response, and felt her face flush. That hadn't been what she meant, Zoe must think she thinks little of the girl. Though, it wouldn't have been an absurd question, some found War to be a sport, others a game. She thought of clarifying that she had meant the training part, but instead she had asked about teaching each other, which Zoe shot down quickly.


A stronger personality may have protested more, insisting they could all teach each other- Wednesday had spent most her life in some kind of dance class, or just doing it for fun- but hers was not a strong one, so she let the suggestion fall.


Then Zoe asked a more dramatic question: What does death mean to her? She thought on it, beginning to remember an event through a hazy wall before quickly shutting it out of her mind. Instead she focused on Bael's response. It seemed to be a good one, a safe one.


"I've never had to deal with death." She said, quietly, "I suppose I've been lucky, too." She looked back at the other two, mostly at Zoe. She was sure these weren't the responses the girl had really wanted to hear, and she didn't want to alienate Zoe's experiences any more than she wanted to be thought of as weak.


@DawnAntalios @Sleipnir


"Perhaps we should put some stakes on this race then, eh? If you're so confident." Cerci suggested, sliding around in front of Cedar with body language akin to that of an excited puppy. Though, some of that was lost in her bulky body, it was clear to any bear that she wanted to play. "What do you say, huh?"


Around then Cerci's demeanor changed as she felt a shift in her companion. She was used to the awkwardness and irritation that usually flowed from Wednesday, but this was different. This was the feeling she got when things happened to her, or around her. Things like Agent Strong dying- or being assumed dead, anyway.


What's going on? She thought to Wednesday, concern in her voice.


Nothing, Cerci, don't worry about me, I'm with, uh, friends. Wednesday returned, We're just talking about stuff. Learning about each other. I'm taking your advice


Right, well, remember: Talk more than you think you should, okay? And don't ignore them, if they talk to you you have to talk back. But relax! Cerci thought, she would have continued with this sort of cliche'd advice, but Wednesday cut her off with a simple; I know, Cerci. I'm fine.


"So... Stakes?" Cerci asked, looking at Cedar with an expression that said she had tuned out anything he'd said in the last minute or so since she'd asked the first time.


@Sleipnir

 

[Lioness075]

Leandra glanced back at Simon, her attention diverted from Alec, as Simon spoke again.


Hearing his advice, Leandra merely shrugged, as she wasn't feeling too keen to simply embrace her albinism and show it off to the world. It was hard to change one's ways if they'd grown up being bullied and mocked for trying to be themselves the whole way.


Hearing Simon's next comment, Leandra blinked in surprise that anyone even wanted to see her real eye color. It always creeped people out and pushed them away.


Shaking her head as she felt mixed feelings of confusion and relief at Simon's desire to see her red eyes one day, Leandra glanced away from him with a small smile on her face.


Hearing Simon responding to the aardvark, Leandra grinned and then said, "You know, it might not be a good idea to scratch it. Who knows what the itchiness means and what if scratching at it makes it worse or irritates your skin unnecessarily?"


Now that the attention was diverted from her personal life and problems, Leandra felt her confidence swelling back to normal.


@zCrookedz

 

[DawnAntalios]

Zoe listened as the two of them spoke. Bael seemed to have a personal struggles with death, something which she personally had lived through as well while Wednesday seemed to be lucky to avoid the cold grasp of the reaper. Somehow she felt relieved that they did not suffer the same fate as she did - they were pure, almost innocent were it not for the fact that they had just did the fierce battle with the wolves. Looking at them she noticed how Wednesday looked... a bit disappointed and she had the idea why that was.


She tried - and somehow succeeded - at forcing on a smile and she nodded.


" You probably think that I would deem you weak for not facing death countless times - but in reality I was curious about your opinions on it. "


She folded her arms together and closed her eyes.


" We all perceive things differently. For me, personally, death means failure. Failure for people around me are dying and I am unable to help them. Yet death is justice as well for it brings equilibrium and harmony in the darkest of battles. That you did not have many contact with the reaper is a blessing, a bliss so wonderful I can not even fathom. I hope that it will remain that way for long. "


She now looked up and with a pleading look her face turned serious.


" I have a boon to ask of you. Both of you. " her eyes raced between Bael and Wednesday " It is clear to me that what you do you do with passion, with enthusiasm, just like me. Yet, I lack something you two do not... when you speak about it it sounds so obvious, so clear - yet so alien that I can not grasp it for I never had the luxury to experience anything like it. "


She paused for a moment then turned to Wednesday.


" You proposed teaching one another, and I think it is the wisest of ideas. As I mentioned I can teach you if you wish to learn but in return I request that you too teach me something I lack. "


She smiled.


" I want to learn how to have 'fun', how to 'laugh'... and how to make true friends. "


@Sleipnir @Hel