When did it happen, you wonder, that the people around you started to resemble snakes. The heavy...
Light Up (Dresden Files)
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Bladestar123
Happy
- Location
- Man, wherever
When did it happen, you wonder, that the people around you started to resemble snakes. The heavy breathing, the intense glares, and the too warm rooms making every meeting an unpleasant one. When, you wonder, did you start to lose the feeling of camaraderie that working with your partners brought you, and begin to notice the cool glares the upper management sent you and the rest, licking their lips with those dead eyes and stout bellies.
The boardroom was cold. You wilt under the heavy glare of the Assistant Chief, his displeasure boring through 6.6 mm of bone to give you a headache. You don't even consider looking up and making eye contact with any of the men in this room.
The quiet whisper echoes in the silent room, making the wood paneling shiver slightly. "Where's the aide?"
Another man grunts. "It's Tuesday."
Empty laughter rattles around an emptier room, chair after leather chair swiveling in the artificial breeze. You fix your eyes on the grey patterned carpeting, hoping that one would just choke on his beard. Maybe the nerd in the blue coat, he looked disgustingly proud of his outfit.
"It's a wonder the man is ever done with his job, with how much he buries himself in it."
"Now, now, this meeting is strictly off the records, there's no need to give the man gaffe for doing his job. This is a favor, after all."
It's unhealthy, you've been told. Something about repression, pushing back dread not actually helping.
Maybe so. But maybe you just wanted an excuse to drink and keep drinking. A bottle a day could convince people you were coping but stable, and you didn't need to bother with the frilly shit they forced the suckers who accepted help into.
You just really needed something to keep you steady.
"The mayor getting involved in this strikes me as...excessive? Does he really have an opinion on this...?"
"Hardly, but his voice isn't one we can ignore. The Chief claims the Mayor informed him-"
"-of a somewhat reluctant interest, yes. The man has no choice, the public has been vocal about their priorities."
Someone needed to bear accountability, and that man be you. Willingly enough, mind you. Especially since you were the only one capable of doing so.
It doesn't help that everyone else but you refused to admit what happened was real. That it meant nothing.
The badge on your chest never felt lighter. For all that it seems meaningless as a symbol at times, you wanted to believe that it had worth. The light shining off City Hall is cold under the fluorescent light, so goddamn shiny you think you can see all 5 men reflected on its surface.
"Well then, that settles that matter I suppose. Re-election is right around the corner after all."
"Re-election? Bit early to call that isn't it?"
"As early as any foregone conclusions can be determined."
"Is it really?"
Their faces shine between the pillars, and you snicker quietly at the implications, hoping against hope that no one is shooting you a knowing glance. You choose to not look up and find out, instead casually cracking your neck and letting your 5th yawn of the evening bring your head slowly back up.
Your eyes dart nervously between the men, and it's with the lightest sigh of relief that you fail to make eye contact.
"Enough. The aide will be making his way here shortly and we can proceed with this...discussion, I suppose."
"Ah yes, I'd nearly forgotten."
"You're not on the golf course yet, keep up."
"No, if I was I'd have you holding my balls, wouldn't I?"
More laughter.
You sink a little deeper into your chair, before sliding slowly back up, reluctant to allow yourself even that relief.
"And where is the subject of this evening?"
"Presenting himself. Down there, at the end of the table."
"Young, isn't he? Was it really him? Who authorized his involvement with this in the first place?"
"Down boy. Detective Arden requested his assistance on part of his investigation. The rest...well. That's why we're here, isn't it?"
"Be fair, he has a clean record and a good head. He'll do fine."
"Now who's jumping the gun?"
Then, one turns to eye you. Steel-brush hair over a stern jaw would have painted a dour picture, if not for the deep crow's feet about his eyes and a telltale mustard stain tucked away under a buttoned coat sleeve. He looks at you with more amusement in his eyes than in the whole of your current person, and says nothing. The pit in your chest opens deeper, and it's hard not to resent the man for it.
Your new boss, praise be to his exalted self, introduced himself earlier. SIU, was what he called it, the Special Investigations Unit. The brand-new department opened by the Mayor himself in conjunction with the Police Chief in response to the public's demands. Too many "ghost sightings" could be suppressed, but when things escalated to supposed "ghost killings", well, solutions were demanded. You were on a related case yourself, assisting one of the Detectives with the area around a scene, before you...
Well. You suppose you certainly found what you were looking for, or at least something damn close to it.
See, you remember. You remember the moment that these men started eyeing you like snakes, and what led to it.
[ ] You found a hooker dragging a corpse behind a dumpster
[ ] The gang member you were tailing to a bust gave you the strangest look of your life
[ ] You cut a deal in a dark alley you shouldn't have approached, especially with two birds already in the back of the cruiser
[ ] You solved a case you probably shouldn't have meddled in, and reaped the benefits
[ ] You chased a lead no one else believed existed, and found something you regret
Maybe if they asked your colleagues, they would have said that you weren't the sort of man to believe things like that. Flights of fancy, brief flashes of insanity and waking dreams, these things are for other men. Not for you, they might say. But everyone has a little something in the past, something they don't like to share. Or someone.
[ ] A paranoid cousin who always insisted there was something more out there, shaking in fear and buried in evidence he insisted was true
[ ] An old carnie who spent too much time drinking on the street and making fortunes for the needy and desperate
[ ] A priest that raised you with tales of demons, angels, and all the beasts in-between
[ ] Your grandma, old and withered in her rocking chair and clutching her carved rosary to her chest, whispering words in a language no one knows
[ ] Your slightly odd friend who caused strange things to happen ever since you met them, until they went missing one summer, never to return
Now, some details. The character you choose as your "support" goes in order of least to most aware of the supernatural. The more supernatural a support you choose, the more likely they are no longer in your life, in exchange for giving "you" more information regarding the supernatural to start. The ones with a weaker grasp, in exchange, are more likely to be around, and can also continue to grow and perhaps aid you, should you or they wish for such a thing. Everything else, is up to you.
The boardroom was cold. You wilt under the heavy glare of the Assistant Chief, his displeasure boring through 6.6 mm of bone to give you a headache. You don't even consider looking up and making eye contact with any of the men in this room.
The quiet whisper echoes in the silent room, making the wood paneling shiver slightly. "Where's the aide?"
Another man grunts. "It's Tuesday."
Empty laughter rattles around an emptier room, chair after leather chair swiveling in the artificial breeze. You fix your eyes on the grey patterned carpeting, hoping that one would just choke on his beard. Maybe the nerd in the blue coat, he looked disgustingly proud of his outfit.
"It's a wonder the man is ever done with his job, with how much he buries himself in it."
"Now, now, this meeting is strictly off the records, there's no need to give the man gaffe for doing his job. This is a favor, after all."
It's unhealthy, you've been told. Something about repression, pushing back dread not actually helping.
Maybe so. But maybe you just wanted an excuse to drink and keep drinking. A bottle a day could convince people you were coping but stable, and you didn't need to bother with the frilly shit they forced the suckers who accepted help into.
You just really needed something to keep you steady.
"The mayor getting involved in this strikes me as...excessive? Does he really have an opinion on this...?"
"Hardly, but his voice isn't one we can ignore. The Chief claims the Mayor informed him-"
"-of a somewhat reluctant interest, yes. The man has no choice, the public has been vocal about their priorities."
Someone needed to bear accountability, and that man be you. Willingly enough, mind you. Especially since you were the only one capable of doing so.
It doesn't help that everyone else but you refused to admit what happened was real. That it meant nothing.
The badge on your chest never felt lighter. For all that it seems meaningless as a symbol at times, you wanted to believe that it had worth. The light shining off City Hall is cold under the fluorescent light, so goddamn shiny you think you can see all 5 men reflected on its surface.
"Well then, that settles that matter I suppose. Re-election is right around the corner after all."
"Re-election? Bit early to call that isn't it?"
"As early as any foregone conclusions can be determined."
"Is it really?"
Their faces shine between the pillars, and you snicker quietly at the implications, hoping against hope that no one is shooting you a knowing glance. You choose to not look up and find out, instead casually cracking your neck and letting your 5th yawn of the evening bring your head slowly back up.
Your eyes dart nervously between the men, and it's with the lightest sigh of relief that you fail to make eye contact.
"Enough. The aide will be making his way here shortly and we can proceed with this...discussion, I suppose."
"Ah yes, I'd nearly forgotten."
"You're not on the golf course yet, keep up."
"No, if I was I'd have you holding my balls, wouldn't I?"
More laughter.
You sink a little deeper into your chair, before sliding slowly back up, reluctant to allow yourself even that relief.
"And where is the subject of this evening?"
"Presenting himself. Down there, at the end of the table."
"Young, isn't he? Was it really him? Who authorized his involvement with this in the first place?"
"Down boy. Detective Arden requested his assistance on part of his investigation. The rest...well. That's why we're here, isn't it?"
"Be fair, he has a clean record and a good head. He'll do fine."
"Now who's jumping the gun?"
Then, one turns to eye you. Steel-brush hair over a stern jaw would have painted a dour picture, if not for the deep crow's feet about his eyes and a telltale mustard stain tucked away under a buttoned coat sleeve. He looks at you with more amusement in his eyes than in the whole of your current person, and says nothing. The pit in your chest opens deeper, and it's hard not to resent the man for it.
Your new boss, praise be to his exalted self, introduced himself earlier. SIU, was what he called it, the Special Investigations Unit. The brand-new department opened by the Mayor himself in conjunction with the Police Chief in response to the public's demands. Too many "ghost sightings" could be suppressed, but when things escalated to supposed "ghost killings", well, solutions were demanded. You were on a related case yourself, assisting one of the Detectives with the area around a scene, before you...
Well. You suppose you certainly found what you were looking for, or at least something damn close to it.
See, you remember. You remember the moment that these men started eyeing you like snakes, and what led to it.
[ ] You found a hooker dragging a corpse behind a dumpster
[ ] The gang member you were tailing to a bust gave you the strangest look of your life
[ ] You cut a deal in a dark alley you shouldn't have approached, especially with two birds already in the back of the cruiser
[ ] You solved a case you probably shouldn't have meddled in, and reaped the benefits
[ ] You chased a lead no one else believed existed, and found something you regret
Maybe if they asked your colleagues, they would have said that you weren't the sort of man to believe things like that. Flights of fancy, brief flashes of insanity and waking dreams, these things are for other men. Not for you, they might say. But everyone has a little something in the past, something they don't like to share. Or someone.
[ ] A paranoid cousin who always insisted there was something more out there, shaking in fear and buried in evidence he insisted was true
[ ] An old carnie who spent too much time drinking on the street and making fortunes for the needy and desperate
[ ] A priest that raised you with tales of demons, angels, and all the beasts in-between
[ ] Your grandma, old and withered in her rocking chair and clutching her carved rosary to her chest, whispering words in a language no one knows
[ ] Your slightly odd friend who caused strange things to happen ever since you met them, until they went missing one summer, never to return
Now, some details. The character you choose as your "support" goes in order of least to most aware of the supernatural. The more supernatural a support you choose, the more likely they are no longer in your life, in exchange for giving "you" more information regarding the supernatural to start. The ones with a weaker grasp, in exchange, are more likely to be around, and can also continue to grow and perhaps aid you, should you or they wish for such a thing. Everything else, is up to you.
Last edited:
Bladestar123
Happy
- Location
- Man, wherever
Last edited:
Khawy
TITANNNNNNNNNNN
- Location
- The United States of America
[X] You solved a case you probably shouldn't have meddled in, and reaped the benefits
[X] An old carnie who spent too much time drinking on the street and making fortunes for the needy and desperate
Yes, the old carnie. A good balance of knowing about the supernatural and being still alive. Yes, indeed, the alcoholic is the way.
[X] An old carnie who spent too much time drinking on the street and making fortunes for the needy and desperate
Yes, the old carnie. A good balance of knowing about the supernatural and being still alive. Yes, indeed, the alcoholic is the way.
- Location
- Postcard from the Root
[X] You solved a case you probably shouldn't have meddled in, and reaped the benefits
[X] An old carnie who spent too much time drinking on the street and making fortunes for the needy and desperate
[X] An old carnie who spent too much time drinking on the street and making fortunes for the needy and desperate
[X] The gang member you were tailing to a bust gave you the strangest look of your life
[X] A priest that raised you with tales of demons, angels, and all the beasts in-between
[X] A priest that raised you with tales of demons, angels, and all the beasts in-between
- Location
- Sweden
[X] You chased a lead no one else believed existed, and found something you regret
[X] A priest that raised you with tales of demons, angels, and all the beasts in-between
[X] A priest that raised you with tales of demons, angels, and all the beasts in-between
- Location
- Lasha Tumbai
[x] You solved a case you probably shouldn't have meddled in, and reaped the benefits
[x] Your grandma, old and withered in her rocking chair and clutching her carved rosary to her chest, whispering words in a language no one knows
Dresden Files quest? Dresden Files quest! Woop.
[x] Your grandma, old and withered in her rocking chair and clutching her carved rosary to her chest, whispering words in a language no one knows
Dresden Files quest? Dresden Files quest! Woop.
WanderingEye
smol skeleton
[x] You solved a case you probably shouldn't have meddled in, and reaped the benefits
[x] Your grandma, old and withered in her rocking chair and clutching her carved rosary to her chest, whispering words in a language no one knows
[x] Your grandma, old and withered in her rocking chair and clutching her carved rosary to her chest, whispering words in a language no one knows
DevilsAdvocate
Always follow the golden rule.
[x] Your grandma, old and withered in her rocking chair and clutching her carved rosary to her chest, whispering words in a language no one knows
- Location
- In my Lair, on my Hoard
[x] You solved a case you probably shouldn't have meddled in, and reaped the benefits
[x] Your grandma, old and withered in her rocking chair and clutching her carved rosary to her chest, whispering words in a language no one knows
[x] Your grandma, old and withered in her rocking chair and clutching her carved rosary to her chest, whispering words in a language no one knows
[x] You solved a case you probably shouldn't have meddled in, and reaped the benefits
[x] Your grandma, old and withered in her rocking chair and clutching her carved rosary to her chest, whispering words in a language no one knows
[x] Your grandma, old and withered in her rocking chair and clutching her carved rosary to her chest, whispering words in a language no one knows
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[x] You solved a case you probably shouldn't have meddled in, and reaped the benefits
[x] Your grandma, old and withered in her rocking chair and clutching her carved rosary to her chest, whispering words in a language no one knows
[x] Your grandma, old and withered in her rocking chair and clutching her carved rosary to her chest, whispering words in a language no one knows
- Location
- Behind you :0
[X] You chased a lead no one else believed existed, and found something you regret
[X] A priest that raised you with tales of demons, angels, and all the beasts in-between
[X] A priest that raised you with tales of demons, angels, and all the beasts in-between
ChildishChimera
A umbran summon
- Location
- New York
[X] You found a hooker dragging a corpse behind a dumpster
[X] A priest that raised you with tales of demons, angels, and all the beasts in-between
[X] A priest that raised you with tales of demons, angels, and all the beasts in-between
Night_stalker
Slava Ukraini!
- Pronouns
- He/Him
New
[x] You solved a case you probably shouldn't have meddled in, and reaped the benefits
[x] Your grandma, old and withered in her rocking chair and clutching her carved rosary to her chest, whispering words in a language no one knows
[x] You solved a case you probably shouldn't have meddled in, and reaped the benefits
[x] Your grandma, old and withered in her rocking chair and clutching her carved rosary to her chest, whispering words in a language no one knows
LordVile
There's thinking and thinking with explosives.
- Location
- INDIA
[X] You chased a lead no one else believed existed, and found something you regret.
Instincts will serve us better than knowledge at this stage.
It takes wizard apprentices decades to get enough knowledge to deal with.
Also, we don't have Bob.
[X] A priest that raised you with tales of demons, angels, and all the beasts in-between.
A formal education in the supernatural and access to psychological support. What's not to like?
Instincts will serve us better than knowledge at this stage.
It takes wizard apprentices decades to get enough knowledge to deal with.
Also, we don't have Bob.
[X] A priest that raised you with tales of demons, angels, and all the beasts in-between.
A formal education in the supernatural and access to psychological support. What's not to like?
Bladestar123
Happy
- Location
- Man, wherever
Votes will be locked tomorrow, at some point between 12-24 hours from now.