Unless you mean an specific instance, I have a tendency to leave a space due to it being easier to read for me. I do think I gained the habit because I also worked with early hypertext a lot, so it was kinda important to make clear distinctions. That, and reading a lot of old text for history and philosophy study. I am aware that it is a technical error, but to be honest, I prefer it personally as well.
Because they are best bois, and because it is a kickass line ?~ I have also a duty to have at least one reference per chapter due to Mihoyo.(Not that I managed that fully)
This is one of the proof of concept scenes I had pseudo written out before I started the Quest. It is not canon, so it is includes at best conceptual spoiler. Definitely went for an Epic scale Feeling with it. As for an Proper update… probably within the week.
For a Herrscher to feel trepidation is rather rare. And even in this case, she would be hesitant to call it such. It felt far too weak a word for the feeling she was experiencing, the feeling everyone was experiencing, be it the usually cool headed Fu Hua, the self-assured Sirin, even Kiana had a look of nervous excitement on her face.
Here they stood, 39 Herrscher, three generations of them, if you wanted to put it this way, all ready for that last confrontation.
Was it a sign of arrogance that their opposition didn´t even had to threaten them to get them to fight it ? That it just let the way to the final confrontation open, expecting them to follow it there, to the core of everything ? No, they were beyond such petty things.
Regardless, decisions have been made, goodbyes spokens, wills written in some cases. With a silent nod, they took the step into the void. Nobody expected a speech about heroics at this point, every possible point made in the path leading up to this. There would be no grandstanding, no cheesy speeches about the power of love, no hidden power moves. This would be it, the final confrontation, the last test. The Will's Challenge to them.
As they stepped into the Sea between Worlds, their breaths stopped in awe, even the ones who had experienced the heights of the previous wars being caught off guard by the size of their opponent.
To say it was gigantic would be to compare an atom to a skyscraper. It's size alone defied common sense and made it seem less like an entity, and more part of the world, for the lack of a better word.
It was incomparable to even the highest mountains as each feather of its wings easily surpassed any land mass in size, each claw large enough to rend the moon into two with but a twitch.It was a mixture of many creatures, but serpentine in appearance, it's long body warped around the Tree of Life like it was the biblical serpent. With a hundred wings, each crystalline in nature, countless stars of long perished cosms twinkling inside them, placed in a switching pattern across its body, each lazy swing of them crushing worlds in their way.
This was the beast that devoured the Warrior and the Thinker, the one that hunted the Loner and the Apex , before hunting down the rest of their kind throughout the cosm, gouging itself on them in the service of the Will's twisted whims.
The serpent awoke, it´s eyes, each a storm of shards mimicking galaxies,focusing on them. The weight of fate fell upon them, as the beast moved to face them, not discounting them as a threat, crushing entire branches of what was once called Yggdrasil beneath its weight. Unlike many beasts in tales of yore, it was not prideful, it wasn't arrogant, it wasn't even cruel. That, what it had gained on earth and what had allowed it to rise beyond the infinite and divine, was that spark of humanity that longed for freedom.
They prepared, for both parties knew there was only one end to this. Only one could truly free itself of the threads of fate. The time for consideration was over, all arguments presented, all proof accounted for.
Taylor looked upon what could happen once her partner and what had been her friend in that desperate wish for liberation. They had come into being together, and now it would end with one of them.
The time of Judgment was upon them, and the Angels of God would wage War upon each other.
Good Catch. It is part of the reason why I choose the Seeles over the flaming chickens. Many of their themes just kinda resonate better with each other, and Veliona offers a glorious opportunity for snark en mass.
.... Actually I can imagine that Seele would TRY to temper Lisa...
Veliona? Although her more sadistic suggestions would be dismissed outside of "What I can do to Coil to make Satan himself cringe to the cruelty"...
. .
To the hour of Snark.. She and Lisa will be certainly exchanging pointers to see if they can drove someone into a Berserker rage with the minimum of words possible.... In fact I can guess that Lisa will likely let Veliona vent off by this way.....
To the hour of Snark.. She and Lisa will be certainly exchanging pointers to see if they can drove someone into a Berserker rage with the minimum of words possible.... In fact I can guess that Lisa will likely let Veliona vent off by this way.....
After a brief moment of consideration that felt like months however, Taylor made her call.
{I mean, it is not like I want the attention. Besides, I am here as a favor to her, not the other ones. It may be inescapable that they want something from me, but I should at least congratulate her first before being swamped. Besides, I am sure we will get enough chances to show off.}
She commented as she made her way to the fence, having jumped from the roof and landed a few meters away, she moved over casually. No big movement, no fast ones either. Just a normal walk.
(Taylor tries to be casual and covert.. roll d20… 1, Really ? Well, we have a reroll)
( D20 … 7… well, that is a first, I think.)
She got a few looks, but before she could be talked to, she had reached her destination, the old man that had invited her in the first place.
"Hi there!" Her voice carried a note of genuine happiness. After all, that was the man that allowed her to hold her address at basically no cost to herself.
He looked surprised, before smiling slightly. "Hey! Nearly didn't expect you would show. But then again, you are a constant new breath of air." There was a note of bitterness hidden beneath his words, but it wasn't quite strong enough to Taylor to even really consider digging for more info.
People had now noticed her, but were still hesitant in approaching her. Not the best situation, but she supposed she really couldn´t expect to just mix herself into the crowd. Still, she had something to do before that bit of hesitation vanished.
Looking around, she leaned over and muttered "Who is the girl of the day ?" She really should have asked that before. The man pointed to one. "Her name is Theresa."
Taylor nearly gasped at the spike of pain. {What is going on ?!}
{Sorry… just… }
{Kiana´s adoptive aunt carried that name as well. Don´t worry about it.}
With a nod, Taylor began her journey towards Theresa, and as they approached, she could feel Kiana lighten up, due to a very specific reason, she suspected.
{SHE IS SO CUTE!~ I WANT TO HUG HER! TAYLOR! HUG HER AND GIVE HER HEADPATS! See if she gets shy about it!}
{What ?! No! I won´t just go around hugging the children of strangers! Who does something like that ?}
{...I do…}
{It is really not that weird. Plenty of countries have a custom of greeting by hug, especially in an informal setting.}
{Still will not do it!}
{Fine…}
Soon, green and blue eyes met, and it was almost cinematic to watch them widen with joy, but also hesitance.
Taylor paused, she herself unsure what to do. Just two weeks ago, she wouldn´t have dreamt of doing something like this. She couldn´t have. But now, here she was. So, she did what had been her motivation for so much in these last days. She decided to say screw it, and just went for it.
"Hi!" She waved, smiling slightly, before coming over. "You are Theresa, right ? I am Abyss Flower, just wanted to pop in to say happy birthday!"
Surprisingly, to her, Theresa stopped and blushed, before smiling "Thank you!"
There was an awkward pause, before Taylor got an idea. Children loved to show off! "So, watcha got ?" She had settled down near the children's table, ignoring the stares some of the older guests shot her.
Theresa proceeded to show off her birthday spoils, but Taylor soon noticed that she wasn't the actual focus of the girl. She showed off, certainly, but her eyes twitched over to another guest.It was a pre-adolescent girl with straight, dark-brown hair, one who had a rather uncomfortable, if not downright pained expression. She was noticeably older, perhaps by two years.
In fact, most kids seemed to be around twelve, instead of ten. Huh.
Apparently, however, she wasn't quite as inconspicuous as she thought herself as Theresa eyed her, before tugging on her sleeve, a small blush on her pale face.
"H-Hey, could I … could I ask you something? Alone?"
She blinked before nodding, leading her off to the side, keeping careful watch that nobody was able to overhear her.
{Ohhh! Teen Drama! I will make popcorn!}
{They are teenies, not teenagers though.}
{That, sadly, only means that it is cuter and less dumb for her. Less projection, I suspect.}
{Well, I suppose everybody can sympathize with being a teenag…} She trailed off.
{Glad you noticed that particular pitfall.}
Theresa looked at her, eyes shining with vulnerability but also a strange determination of sorts, she tried to speak, but it was clear that for all the bravado, she still felt awkward, stuttering about as she tried to formulate her request.
"My friend… I mean, I worry… I like her a lot and she is…"
It became quickly apparent that the girl had entered a spiral where she tried to explain herself, then correct herself out of embarrassment, only to get confused and more embarrassed. Slowly, she became more and more panicked, cheeks gaining more and more colour and eyes more and more tears
A hand landed on her shoulder, causing her to really look at Taylor once more. She wore a benevolent smile, slight and sublime in its sincerity. And she spoke the words that Taylor herself had wished to hear so often.
"Hey, calm down. I am here to help you."
{Feeling especially corny today, dork ?}
{Not calling her a Fool?}
{No. You are my-the fool. She is the dork. Besides, it wasn't dumb, just dork like.}
Ignoring the freeloaders in her head, the line and gesture had the intended effect of calming the anxious girl, allowing Taylor to continue softly. "So, this is about your friend. I think you mean the cute one {She is blushing! Oh my god! SO ADORABLE!}, with straight brown hair ?" Indeed, the girl had now the kind of shy smile that was heart melting, with a faint blush on her cheeks. "Why don´t you start with her name, and how you met ? It is often easier to build up to a difficult topic rather than jump into it."
Seeing the girl nod slightly, she listened to the girl.
"We… I… Her name is Dinah, Dinah Alcott. We met when I switched schools. I… I was kind of teased because I skipped levels, but she was willing to talk to me. But not just that, she helped me become more social… It is due to her that I am- was capable of accepting my mom´s … passing. She… she died due to a brain tumor . A week or two ago… Dinah began to get intense head pains. Sometimes even so strong that she can´t do anything but cry… And, and, they just try to keep her quiet, just medicine after medicine.. and, I can not lose her… Just like Mom, she is saying things in a weird way, thinks she sees the future and is always, always so sad…"
The girl stopped, not by choice, but because she had devolved in a wide eyed state of panic, sobbing at the horrors supplied by her mind. Instead of trying her previous line, Taylor followed her instincts, born of which origin she wasn´t sure, and pulled Theresa into a hug, patting her on the back, whispering assurances into her ear. She was calm on the inside, but raged on the inside.
{Seriously?! I get not going to hospital because a child has a headache once or twice, but headaches don't just randomly appear out of thin air! What the hell are they thinking ?!}
{Are you really surprised though ? It is what Humanity has always done. Forget the plight of the person for one of some arbitrarily defined group, whose problems are so large that they can do little and say a job well done.}
{Not helping, Sirin! Taylor, calm down. She is 10 years old. She won´t have all the information.}
{Well then, I will go get myself educated.}
Looking at Theresa, she smiled sweetly, ignoring the slight shiver she got from the girl. "Would you mind pointing me towards Dinah´s chapereon? I will have a talk with them." Theresa looked at her with wide eyes, before pointing towards a person. It was a young man, barely in his twenties, with the classical soldier haircut for his brown hair. To be quite honest, he gave off a general jock vibe.
He was currently occupied with one of the older girls, who looked more bored than anything else. About a year older than Dinah, Taylor imagined. They seemed to talk rather lightly.
Be that as it may be, the target was acquired.
Standing up, and giving Theresa one last pat on her shoulder, she began to move towards her target, emotions boiling deep inside her.
(Roll for intimidation, d20, no bonus since non verbal… 20… fuck you Taylor.)
For most people, it would be difficult to describe how she moved. Some would say with the grace of a great cat moving towards its prey, others that she moved with the might of a charging bull. Most, upon hearing these descriptions, would agree that it was both. The people that noticed her, and where in her paths tried to move as far back as they could. Not out of concern or consideration, but because a deep, primal part of their brain screamed at them to move or be crushed.
Even her target, despite being superior in apparent physiology, instinctively flinched, pressing his back against the fence as she stalked closer, her eyes a starry mixture of gold and green, glowing with an expression of rage. It froze him in place. Then she spoke.
"Hello there~" Despite the playful purr, he didn´t relax at all.
Vista was bored and nobody could blame her for it. It wasn´t like she disliked Theresa, she really didn´t. Girl was smart and cunning, but they weren´t exactly friends. She was only here because her father was friends with Theresa´s uncle, and they had apparently agreed to meet up afterwards for a drink. It was more convenient than anything else, really.
She didn´t really mind either, she had to admit. Homemade apple juice and as it turns out the rather masterful grill skills of the uncle had been enough to temper her temper, that and the presence of Rory. Her old teammate, even if she had only served with him for a short time, was still a friend, even in a more remote sense than her teammates.
However, that opinion was liable to change if he didn´t learn how to shut the hell up.
"Look, all I am saying-"
She snapped slightly, "I know what you are saying. I acknowledge the words you express now for the fourth time. Doesn´t change that I do not care."
He narrowed his eyes, before shrugging his shoulders "I get that you want a friend that is like you. But please, do not get too invested in her. With how it currently looks, she won´t be around much longer… " He paused, before adding softly. "I just don´t want to see you hurt. You know that."
She did, and that was why it hurt. She knew that Triumph really wanted the best for her, unlike so many others, but that best, it hadn´t worked in the past.
Truth be told, she hadn´t been in the best mindset these last two days, and the talk with the shrink hadn´t exactly helped. It had helped her realize several things about her life, but with these realizations came … insecurity. As much as she hated to admit it. Which, as the shrink told her, she shouldn't.
It was kind of nice to try and be Missy instead of Vista, at least right now, if she was honest.
Still, it felt like a blanket had been removed from her eyes, and in the end, she didn't know who she could trust. Not as in, trust with her life. She trusted everyone at the Wards, Protec and PRT with her life in most situations but in… she supposed it was to actually help her. The Wards felt… different. She had looked into the regulations and actually thought about how many guidelines were just plain stifling in how they were formulated. Perhaps it will settle…
Her eyes narrowed as her sense tingled, then she felt it.
The same hazy, weird nexus of folding space, reaching out into thin air.
"Is that … Flower?" She startled Triumph with her comment, but she couldn't care less, because there was indeed the Star of Brockton bay, as some have taken to calling her, some seriously, some mockingly in a good natured way.
"It certainly looks that way. Oh! That must be what Rodric meant with a special guest." Triumph noted with surprise, before cocking his head. "Is… is she trying to be covert?"
Indeed, Missy had to stifle a giggle at how awkward Flower looked, trying to be casual. She remembered her own first time where she was told to visit a party as Vista for PR. The party goers were mostly nice, and she could still recall the warm feeling when she got asked for her first Autograph.
Naturally, because she couldn't have nice things, there were some creeps there as well… One of the reasons why she wanted a damn taser. But no, old enough to be a media cash cow, but not old enough to practice sensible self defense. It is not like she wanted a gun to snipe gangbangers or something.
Fucking assholes.
"Probably. Not the worst I have ever seen, but then again, she is definitely the showing type. She can't be perfect at everything." She snorted lightly, before looking at Triumph. "That reminds me, any info on what Piggy is up to in regards to her? She must be fuming at having lost at what is basically a Cape with PR Yes as a rating."
"Not really. She would have prefered it, naturally, but with the way AF has conducted herself.."
"You mean comparing the PRT to the Stasi ?"
"Surprisingly didn't piss her off. The way she had formulated it really didn't insult her or the troopers. Hate the position, not the person. Others however … Let's just say that the local PR wasn't happy, and some of the other locations didn't took it as well. People are torn. Besides, she is a wild card, and a dangerous one. Heard even New York weighed in on her ratings and they still aren't decided. Prism mentioned that one of the more… patriotic, as she phrased it, members tried to pin her as a social master. Apparently that didn't work out because well…"
"Trying to pin her as an evil Master and use that as an excuse to take her out would be literally what a fascist would do?"
"Yeah…" Trailing off together in silence, Missy sighed before noting that Flower had taken Theresa to the side, before hugging her. She then noticed the change in atmosphere around them as the other Cape stood straight up, before the younger girl pointed towards them.
Ah fuck.
She now recalled the feeling that had caused all the chaos a few days ago.
That of a predator watching her.
The young man seemed to need a second to get into gear, but Taylor wasn't about to let him have that. She wasn't here for pleasant conversation, and she wasn't about to pretend to be.
"Say, you are the caretaker of Dinah Alcott, correct?"
The man managed to get his wits together and offered his hand in greeting. "Rory Christner, I am her chaperone and cousin, yes. Her parents have a function to attend, so I got kinda roped into this one. Not that I mind, she is quite fun to be around." He answered, wearing a surprisingly genuine if nervous smile.
{Damn it. I can't exactly punch him for it then. Time for plan B.}
{You have a plan B?}
{She isn't you, Fool.}
Taking his hand, she gave it a hard squeeze regardless. She was still irritated.
"I see. Pretty similar here, not that I mind. Say, do you know if she has some sort of medical condition?"
He paused, before nodding slightly "I do know that she has a tendency to develop headaches, but there is no reason for it as far as we can determine." He then added with worry. "Does she have them right now ?"
"Not as far as I know but given her expression… I was just approached by Theresa due to… Well, her mother." He nodded in understanding "Could you tell me what has been done to find the source of these issues, so I can maybe help calm her down ?"
"Well, they did most things short of an actual hospital visit. Her father decided that it would be … issueful, if they went to the hospital now. What with the reelection of my father and all that. City politics are just as cutthroat as national ones." He didn't sound all that sympathetic to the decision.
That threw Taylor for a loop, before recalling that the current Mayor was also named Christner.
{Oh my, so we are in high society then ?~ I mean, it fits, because really, what is the difference between a children's party and a political one? Beyond that one is fun, the other just sad.}The mocking undertone was not to be missed.
{Bah, politics. One of the few things I agree with Sirin over.}
She twitched slightly in agreement, before looking her opponent into his eyes. "Yeah, I am not buying that. I get that it is an inconvenience, but don´t you think that it is kind of… too far when the girl suffers from hallucinations ?"
"Wait, what?!" He went from an awkward conversational tone to one of genuine alarm.
Taylor was surprised as well, and felt her anger evaporate. "It is… what Theresa told me? That Dinah is speaking weirdly, and that she thinks she sees the future." She grounded out.
"She… hasn´t told her parents anything about that, as far as I am aware. I will bring it up to them. This is… this opens up options I rather don't consider." He gave her a nod, one that managed to convey how serious he felt about it. "I promise, I will take care of it."
With that, he shot one last look at his previous partner in conversation, before marching off, escorting Dinah to his vehicle. Apparently he was a man of action.
{Well, I didn't expect that to work so smoothly… I expected a lot more drama, maybe a fight…}
{What, do you think we live in some kind of soap opera world? As much as I loathe the worship of the false rational which has developed, it is based on a useful social trait. As usual, humanity corrupted it, but sometimes you will find embers yet to be quenched. People are capable of intelligent thought, although they are rare..}
{I guess so…}
{Hey, cheer up! This is a party, let's have some fun!}
Over the next hour, that was exactly what she did. To be quite honest, It felt nice to just let go.
To be entirely truthful, she was more game leader and caretaker than actual participant, but she didn´t mind. They kids were carried away by her infectious energy, so that even the older kids enjoyed the more simple games, be it button, button, or similar.
The only time she really got to participate was when she was the target in a rather fun game of tag. It wasn´t quite a tag, as the children had to claim an improvised flag bound to her thigh.
Kiana laughed that it was excellent Evasion training, while Taylor tried desperately to keep track of every child.
There were two standouts however, for different reasons.
Theresa proved that she was indeed a smart cookie, because as soon as it became apparent that no singular child or teenager would be able to snatch the token from the heroine, she began to coordinate them. Well, most of them. They applied some pressure on her, mostly because they were small and fast, often hiding before trying to snatch it.
That being said, some of the older teenagers definitely fell for the sunken cost fallacy of wanting to beat her on her own, and the only that came even close was the one Dinah´s handler spoke to, who had to be the fittest midget Taylor had encountered so far.
{Kick her stupid legs in, KID! DO IT!}
{Why are you cheering her on ?! And why do you want her to kick me?!}
{Don´t you know?}
{Know what ?!}
{Don´t you dare!}
{Sirin is a midget! She just makes herself appear larger in the mindscape!}
{Go to hell!}
{But I am an Angel!}
{... I hate you so, so much!}
{Whatever you say, Midget~!}
Missy, as she learned was she called, was visibly exhausted, but had that glint of determination in her eyes that sent a shudder of anticipation down Taylor´s spine. She had come in late, but was by far the fittest here, and the one with the best hand eye coordination. She had pressed her quite hard, as hard as a teenager could push her.
Then she felt how the token was taken. Theresa had hidden underneath the table. She snorted.
Children.
Taylor looked around as she sat down on the grass, having decided to give the children the chance at asking some of their questions, or how one of them put it, to gain prime info for PHO. She also noticed that some of them had borrowed the cameras of their parents.
"Alright. I will pick one out, and then we go from there. We have enough time to answer all your questions."
Seeing the collective nodding, she pointed to some random kid she never caught the name of.
"Why do you call yourself Abyss Flower? Flowers can't grow in the dark!"
Considering briefly how to word her question,and listening to the input of her sisters, Taylor began with hesitation, trying to make it not sound too cliché.
"Well, to be fair. There are flowers that can grow in the dark, with minimal light. There is even one called the plant of eternal flame. It is quite nice to look at actually, and I identify with it somewhat. It even tells you when to go to sleep because it´s leaves close up in the evening. That is a plant that knows how to relax! That being said, I chose that name because that's what I wanted to be. The world can be dark and scary, but to know that a flower can survive, thrive in it despite it all.. it might give people hope."
Seeing the considering look, she picked the next one, who blushed a bit. Cute.
"W-well, I was going to ask why you are a Hero, but.." It was clear that he was rather embarrassed by it, so Taylor shot him a smile.
"There are no stupid question… is not entirely correct, but, I do think any question asked with sincerity does not deserve mockery. So, shoot it!"
He sighed, before asking a quiet question. "Can I become a hero ?"
"Yes." Taylor herself was surprised at her near instantaneous answer, nearly snapping it out even, before adding to it. "Maybe in a different way than say… Vista, or me, or Panacea, but anybody can become a hero. I can not tell you how, or why, but I do believe that everybody has something that gives them a feeling of deep fulfillment, which they ought to pursue, and which in turn encourages others to do the same. Anybody can, with enough time and will, become an inspiration for others. And be it just in the way they live a good life."
Keeping eye contact, the boy nodded with a smile, before a girl was up next. So far, so good. They were typical, cute children with a healthy amount of interest in the more important things in life..
"Is Rune your girlfriend ?"
She fucking hated children.
{Help!}
She heard a snort.
{Swim or sink, dork. I am not about to help you, and Kiana is a shameless pervert so don´t expect any graceful answers out of her.}
Ah, the consequences of her own actions.
If she denies it, Rune may take it the wrong way, but if she admits to it, she may get problems…but the question wasn't if she was interested in Rune, but if they were in a relationship! Loopholes for the win!
{How awe inspiring. It must be the high point of your day to have found a flaw in a child's question.}
Ignoring the salty midget in her head, Taylor shook her head.
"No, she isn't. It is mostly harmless flirting from my side."
Did that kid just mutter something about fanfic?! With a slight sigh, she pointed to the next one, this time a boy.
"Where did you get your guns?!"
Ah, a sensible question! Thank the Will.
"Made them myself. Well, technically, a friend came up with the design for me, I simply use my power to recreate them as needed."
"Wait, so you can create them ex… nil…"
"Ex nihilo? No. Not really. Ex nihilo means that even the energy that makes up the object is created by me, but I simply transform existing energy. Besides that, my creations have a very limited durability if I don't keep an eye on them."
"Can I hold one ?"
Taylor paused, before shooting a look towards the parents. "While I can ensure safety, it is up to them." before noting with a sardonic smile "I know my mother wouldn't have been a fan."
Seeing the parents huddle together to discuss it, she pointed to another kid."Let's give them some time."
"What is your favourite Pizza topping? Also, Dr.Pepper or Coca Cola?"
{Sausages, Parmesan cheese and egg,sometimes with bacon.}
{Caramelized onions, apples and goat cheese.}
{…Really ?}
{ … Я окружена имбецилами!}
{No comment on Dr Pepper versus Coca Cola?}
{Sis, none of us are American enough to care.}
{Is that an actual debate people are having ?}
{...Yes ?}
{I am not even surprised. Although, that is not the vile kind of stupidity, it is the disappointing kind. How you can ever find hope for this collective waste of biomass, I shall never grasp.}
Smirking in slight amusement, Taylor gave her own answer.
"Crispy crust, caramelized onions, anchovies and salty olives. And I would say… drink water, or apple juice. Or Coffee, although I am more of a tea person when I can take the time to enjoy it. If I had to choose however, probably Dr. Pepper."
This got her various looks of disgust, betrayal and one or two of intrigue.
"If you had a choice, who would you kiss first, Rune, Glory Girl, or Panacea?"
The image of a brightly blushing Abyss Flower would now be easily accessible for anyone.
"I…I plead the fifth…" She paused as she saw the disappointed look, before adding with."However, I wouldn't be opposed to any of them. I am not going to choose between three terrifying gals."
"What about the Triumvirate ? Who do you think is the best ? And who would you go on a date with ?"
Seriously, were all children so interested in shipping ?
"Mmm. I used to think Alexandria is the best, but if I am being honest right now, I couldn´t make a call. Just like I don´t believe that you should compare bad situations to each other, in terms of how awful they are, as it devalues especially that. Same applies to cool stuff. If you say one thing is cooler than the other, you kinda are implying that the other bit is less cool. As for the date… Probably Legend. Not because I am interested, but it would probably be the most pleasant experience. Not over the Moon on it either, just really kind of an age gap between us."
Seeing that the parents had apparently come to a verdict on the whole gun issue, Taylor decided that it was time for this to come to an end.
"One question, after that we hear how your parents decided, and then we are going to enjoy some BBQ, sounds good ?"
It was clear by the disappointed looks that they wished for more, but they were also hungry, so nobody complained.
Finally, the birthday child herself put her hand up.
"Yes?"
She was surprised by how serious Theresa looked. Knowing that she was quite serious and observant, she prepared herself for a more serious question unrelated to her love life.
"Do you come from the moon?"
What.
{You know… technically, I was reborn on the moon. Meaning I could claim to be lunarian in origin. Since you two are, technically speaking, my reincarnations, this could also apply to you.}
{Wait… are we Sailor Moon ?}
{Who ?}
{Reserve an evening for binging.}
{Look, I am not going to claim I am from the moon… But I will say that I was on the moon.}
She wouldn´t lie.. but she wouldn´t be totally honest either.
"Well…I do have wandered upon the lunarian surface, and you could say that I do feel at home there. Indeed, I have observed this planet from a view few humans can imagine, far less match."
Hook, line and sinker. Everyone seemed to want to ask another question.
"But alas, that was your last question. Now, we eat."
Ah, she so, so could see the appeal of being smug.
It was once said:
"But all good things come to an end, often a sad angry miserable end. The cause for such an end can usually be whittled down to one of three things: money, sickness, love lost."
In this case, Taylor was more than comfortable to bet on the first of the three.
She had been showing her gun to some of the older parents, some of them being ex military, along with the Uncle. Just about to finish the safety check, doing it slowly so people could actually see the mechanics of the weapon, she felt that something was off.
(Instinct roll, d20, … 17, Impressive success, +2 to next Roll)
Her eyes narrowed, and if she had body hair in this form, she was sure that it would be standing up. Her eyes were drawn to a particular section of the fence, and her ears picked up an increasing noise, standing out because unlike the sounds of the street, it didn't ebbed and flowed, but steadily increasing in volume.
Her eyes widened in panic, in fear, but most of all in rage as she saw what looked like a truck that got stuck in it's edgy teenage phase just over the rim of the fence, with two figures on the back, driving backwards towards the fence.
*Crash*
The wooden fence never stood a chance, splintering as the truck drove through it.
(Reaction roll, d20+2… 18(16+2), Impressive Success, Free Action, +2 to next roll)
(Taylor uses Grasp, targets Leet and Uber.)
(Grasp roll, d20+2…22(20+2), Unbelievable Success, Combat prevented, +2 to next roll)
(Intimidation roll, d20+2+3… 25(20+2+3), Unbelievable Success,)
She wasn´t going to accept this. She had just a good fucking time, and now some schmuck with a shitty gimmick would ruin it. Not going to happen. Focusing on the anger, the rage inside her, the accumulated annoyance and a whole lot of unprocessed trauma, she gained a strange sort of focus through it, vicious but precise in it´s actions and most important of it all, deceptively calm. A calm that turned into amusement as she realized just who dared to step up to her.
Taylor could finally understand just how Sirin felt at times.
No gestures, no colorful speeches, she wasn´t in the mood for that kind of play. Instead, she simply gazed upon the duo of Uber and Leet, and did as she did for platforms and grasp, just as they jumped to shout whatever braindead slogan or speech they had prepared and the shouting of panic began as everyone worked through the surprise.
It stopped. Leet and Uber were in the air, but they didn´t descend or ascend, just hung in the air mid-motion, unable to gesture, unable to speak with any kind of clarity. But their eyes moved, managing to focus their panic gaze onto the Cape that did this to them.
Taylor stood up from her chair, gun still in hand, before beginning her approach. A sway in her hips, a hum in the back of her throat, but one whimsical in nature, the kind you would usually hear from someone cheerfully skipping along.
She did not skip cheerfully, she stalked forward gleefully, like a cat which caught it´s prey. Her eyes, two still pools of glowing green with some gold mixed into it, outlandish pupils only focused on them, but nevertheless able to speak of the things she wanted to do to them.
In her hands, her weapon, she goes through the motions of preparing it. Each step, she began to move faster, yet not really. She didn´t begin to run, her movement didn´t change, only the tempo increased in a way impossible to understand, as if time moved faster and faster,in combination with their heart beat, eyes beginning to flatter in panic and the loss of air only made it worse for the duo.
She blinked onto their truck, directly before them, and only then, the grasp vanished, letting them fall before her, onto their knees, coughing and panting. Struggling to get up, there was a loud snap, as the slide of the gun racketed forward, chambering a bullet. They froze, only to hear a drawl "How about we chat? I am always happy to meet new friends!" There was a purr under her tone, one that just underscored the implied threat.
Leet was not a good person, he knew that. He usually prided himself on not caring that he was.
Right now, he regretted not being a better person, as a better person wouldn´t be in this situation.
Before either Uber or he could recover and do anything, they were grabbed by their throats, their make up ruined by the tears released while they got the shit chocked out of them by the crazy bitch that was their target.
He briefly heard her shout something like "Don´t call the PRT! I will take care of it." His eyes flattered as he tried to catch his breath, his lung burning and his head pounding. Before he could, he felt a brief moment of lightness before he impacted the street outside of the garden, rolling and sliding forward by the force of the throw, definitely destroying the KISS costume they had made for this.
A second impact told him that his friend suffered the same fate.
"So~!" Came the cheerful voice of Abyss Flower, behaving as if she didn´t just crush them without even blinking an eye…. in fact, her eyes were unblinking, which added to just how creepy she was right now.
"Could I persuade you to give me the name of the person who set you up for this ?"
Wait, how did she know that they were hired?! Regardless, Leet knew better to give up the name of the one who hired them. Coil was … dangerous. The kind of danger that settles in your bones, far more so than say the Empire or the ABB.
Apparently she was done with them as chew toys, because she actually waited for them to catch their breath.
He winced, and quickly exchanged a look with his partner, before shaking his head to her with a grin.
"Sorry, hotstuff, ain´t gonna happen. And we are being recorded, so don´t try anything!" He most definitely didn´t squak that last part in response to the slightly narrowed eyes of the woman before him. He didn't know where the camera was.
Then she smirked. "Thank you for confirming my suspicion that you were hired. Now, could you two most kindly tell me what you were hired for ? Pretty please ?" A shudder went down their back. This felt wrong. They were used to not being able to read the expression of their opponents, but right now, they could, but it spoke of the same lack of care as Coil liked to present.
Uber, the brave man that he was, spoke up. "Look, lady, we weren´t even supposed to-"
A shrill sound, loud enough to be felt in their eardrums, rang through the air. Seeing that she had their attention, she lowered her hand from the whistle position back onto her hip.
"See, I had quite the emotional last few days. Lots of new and old emotional wounds. However, being the kind, forgiving individual I am, I will break it down for you. You attacked a children's birthday party, one that had the child of the fucking Mayor in attendance. So, the PRT will soon roll up and ruin the whole thing more because that is their literal job. I am not happy, Theresa isn´t happy, you are not happy, nobody is. To perhaps borrow from your abysmal, obstreperous, unctuous and most of all vacuous insult by comparison you dare to call vocabulary." She coughed before speaking in a very lazy tone that screamed stupidity.
"My dudes, My guys, You fucked up, you absolute fools!"
Coughing again, her voice returned to normal before continuing. "So, you can either help me fix this bullshit, starting with what needs to happen for you two imbeciles to not get … whatever your criminal employer may or may not do, or and this I swear, " Suddenly there was a crunch behind them before the remains of their camera rolled in front of them, just as she appeared in front of them, whispering into their ears" I will get as much mileage out of you two absolute failures of the mental functionaality I possibly can." She had a smile on her lips, and she hadn't blinked once, her hands however twitched.
Once more, his partner spoke up. "Wait, wait, wait!" Seeing these searing orbs, which had more gold in them than before, focus on his partner for a moment, Leet couldn't help but release a sigh of relief.
"Yes~?"
"You want to help us ?" Yeah, he was confused about that too. Usually they were just beaten up before fleeing.
"It is what I am known to do, even though, in this case, it mostly does help myself. Since I really don´t want to talk to an officer of the law right now, Incidentally, this means playing the mediator for this whole issue. Sooo…. "
They looked at each other, before shrugging slightly. This was a better deal than they would usually get, and it wasn´t like telling her what they were supposed to do was an actual issue.
Once more, Taylor found herself in a standoff. This time, they were in a three way standoff between the elected representative of the parents, Uncle, who stared daggers at the duo of Leet and Uber on the other side, who didn´t look impressed by the glare.
Abyss Flower stood in between them, her smile vanished, and her eyes verdant once more. They had spent the last twenty minutes discussing how they could resolve the issue presented.
"So, this is what we agreed to. Uber stays here as insurance for me, but also to cover your asses as having kept me occupied. This comes in the form of me performing songs, using your sound set up that you wanted to use to make a … guitar hero themed show. No idea what that is, and I do not care."
"Problem is, we don´t exactly have stuff we need to jam every type of song."
{I can cover that.}
Not doubting her sister for a second, Taylor repeated her words, causing a muttering of "Bullshit" from the gamer duo.
"While we are doing that, Leet is driven to a location in which he can access your hideout, without being observed by his escorte, naturally, and grabs a gift, a nice one, a console or something, so we can cover your asses as this being a very dumb birthday surprise. Once the Party is over, I will fix the fence. All in agreement ?"
It was Leet who decided to open his damn mouth.
"What? Not afraid I harm the old timer ? I-"
(Uncle rolls for a punch, d20… 20…. Cease.)
There was a crack and Leet was on the ground, staring unblinkingly into the air as blood tickled from his nose.
The Uncle, on the other hand, simply took his keys and noted with an even voice "I will be driving."
{That was a good one! Excellent form.}
Snorting, she decided to add a bit, just to ensure compliance. "Leet, to be absolutely clear, you try anything…" For a brief moment, she let her eyes flash golden, "Do not."
He swallowed.
Soon, the van of the family drove off, and Uber looked far more insecure. She was briefly tempted to tease him about it, but it felt in poor taste.
Nodding her head, she moved towards the truck, looking far more secure than she actually was.
{Kiana, can´t you take care of this ?}
{No. It is fun! Don´t worry about it! I will help you out.}
{But-}
{No buts. Please, Taylor, trust in me on this.}
{F-fine.}
Stepping up like this… it was worse than the speech. There she was fueled by rage, but here…
Waving to gather the attention of those present, she began to speak. "So! Thanks to my amazing negotiation skills, we managed to ensure that the party can carry on! With… "
Taylor let Kiana take control, allowing her to channel the honkai in a specific way. What looked like a mix board appeared in front of them, a construct made out of Honkai, and only in existence because Kiana actively focused on keeping it that way.
"Music!" Using the cheering of the kids as a cover, the three in one package decided to have a quick internal chat.
{You are up first, Sirin. What song do you want to sing ?}
{What are you talking about, Fool ? I am not going to sing.}
{... Please, just indulge me this once.}
Taylor was surprised, because Kiana´s mental voice was almost begging, raw in emotion.
{... Fine. This song then. And what do you want me to do ? I never learned to sing in a way that wouldn't be harmful to their ears.}
{Just… try to project as much of your emotions as possible, I will take care of the rest.}
Nodding to the crowd that had died down, seeing some even recording her, Taylor spoke up once more. "As a personal preference, I will sing one in Russian, one in German and the final one in English." Her voice was gentle, having placed emphasis on the preference part. Seeing the general interest, she sighed, Sirin more in control of her mouth, before beginning.
(Sirin rolls to Perform! D20+1… 18(17), Impressive Success, 2 to the Reputation dice pool. Apparently, Sirin is a siren.)
Many were surprised that it wasn´t some spunky, explosive song screaming with energy, but a soft piano that started playing at first. Yet, perhaps it was the way she carried herself, how, over the entirety of the party so far, she went from awkward, to furious, to happy and friendly, to angry, never hiding anything in the eyes of but the most observant ones, or something else beyond their perception, something appealing not to their minds, but their soul, their intuition.
No words were yet spoken, and many of the younger audience hadn´t the eye to discern the subtle changes, but for the older ones, the hopeful heroine changed from her usual self, to something odd, something perhaps not quite dark, but dimmer, not from grief, not from rage, not from extremes, but defeat, defeat through mundanity, through the gears of time and society, only not broken yet, standing straight with some sort of cynical pride, not denying the defeat, but keeping hold on that pride regardless, like a princess of a dead kingdom holding her head high, swaying slightly in the dust of the day.
Then, as soft drums set in, not disturbing the haunting, yet perky, melody, she opened her mouth, and sang, sang in a voice silken, brittle but strong, much like her expression, as if the progression of day to night was given voice.
«Зря не говори: «умереть хочу».
«Рук не опускай, вопреки всему».
Смешно, что все поют об этом песни,
Но не знают, почему.
Не особенно боимся умереть подчас,
Только смерть другого сильно беспокоит нас.
Эгоизмом проникнуты призывы жить:
Страдать не любим мы.
A quick gaze into the audience would permit one to find that there were three groups of listeners, each reacting to softly spoken lyrics in their own way.
Few were those that understood the words sung, a few of the more analytical minded adults perhaps missing the point as they tried to figure out the words, but those few, those very few, that truly spoke the tongue in kind shifted uncomfortably, seeing the ugly, indifferent truth invoked before them, but also sympathy and understanding for the singer.
The second group, outnumbering the others, were those who didn´t follow the words spoken, but the tone and expression. Many were able to achieve an understanding just from this, just these minor details, but by empathy, they understood. The brief look of anger, irritation, frustration, only to be once more quenched by exhaustion, they understood because they had worn that expression, be they children being told that they needed to do more or adults being told that they could not do more, never why or how.
Lastly were those who were lulled into the exotic sounds of the song itself, missing the thoughts expressed, but blissfully swaying in tone to the music, enraptured between the peace of mind and melancholy of the song.
Soon, a guitar joined the tones of music, providing a teasing rise in intensity only for it to join the others in their moderate pace.
Смертью незнакомца будем вряд ли встревожены,
Модно ненавидеть, словно будем лишь так слышны...
Но пойдём навстречу и помиримся всё же мы -
The tone of the voice changed briefly, expressing a bit more life, a bit more energy for a second…
Как прекрасен этот миг!
Only to collapse back into the lull of before.
Кто-то по ту сторону экрана умирает,
Кто-то о своей потере песню сочиняет,
Indeed, the tone became more brittle, higher. Those few who observed the singer closer could see the expression of someone near breaking, rubbed raw from constant pressure, from suffering, amber eyes shedding water.
И мальчишка, видя это, вдруг решает
Нож занести и разбежаться…
There was a short pause, one where the sounds simply filled through the area, raising expectations for it to resume in a higher intensity than before, relying on patterns ingrained by their modern lives, yet, before the sounds could end, it resumed with the same tone, sending a shudder down their backs at how odd it felt, not wrong, but odd, as if nothing could shake the pace of the song but for a brief moment…
Можете ли вы представить, как нас ненавидит жизнь?
Идеалам или эго каждый рад служить.
Но радиоволнам пока не сгубить души,
Транслируя песни об убийстве.
Можете ли вы представить, как нас ненавидит жизнь?
Слишком смело с ней планируем расстаться мы,
Не задумываясь, сразу же хотим решить.
Можете ли вы представить, как нас ненавидит жизнь?
Yet, what had followed was different, difficult in the sublime ways it was, it was louder. As if frustration was finally ready to burst through the walls and foundation of lyrics, only to trail off, becoming quieter, despair filled. It was difficult to grasp, but a few were capable of recognising what it was.
An almost hysterical lament, speaking horrid truths and posing questions which will only drive the one to ask deeper into the abyss, only to have them never answered, the tone simply continuing on its way, steady but more subdued now.
One could almost imagine how the heroine swallowed her pain, taking a pause to build up once more her fortitude,
Если денег нет, предпочитаю я
Целый день под одеялом лежать и дремать.
Смысла жизни в этом увидеть нельзя -
Дышишь только, чувствуя ничтожеством себя.
Скажешь: «Одиноко», и что с того?
Ведь одно простое слово вряд ли выразит боль.
Это лишь глупое упорство, но
Сегодня я в кровати останусь вновь.
Мы подростками были вчера,
И во взрослых должны превратиться с утра.
Медленно стареем, увядаем, и осыпемся
Листьями осенними, безвестно, без следа…
Вот бы получили мы бессмертные тела,
Жили бы вечно, не тревожась никогда...
Нечто подобное видим в своих мечтах.
The same, sad tone, yet, captivating nonetheless. It did not become repetitive, it did not feel the same, but they knew it was. It went against their ingrained instincts, their inner voices shouting for it to change, to become more or less, but no longer stay the same, why would it not change ? Why would the singer permit it to continue in this way ? It changed momentarily, but never fundamentally, just an eternal cycle of grief and exhaustion, codified in a series of notes just teasing what could be. Yet once more, the tone picked up in speed, slightly more intense, with more sounds of a guitar in the background, yet, never taking the front.
Смерти своей не боимся особенно,
Только постоянно о других беспокоимся.
В этом парадоксе видят многие ошибку,
Которой допускать нельзя.
«Прав ты, если правильные делаешь выводы»
«Если не желаешь умирать, то тогда живи»
Даже если слишком больно, даже если сломлен ты,
Смейся, будто всё в порядке!
People should have expected the change, yet, everyone was lulled into the rytmen , the singer's own hunched over form swaying slightly, off in her own memories, just as the other, older, listeners were, nostalgia worming it´s way into their heart, while the younger ones entered a state of contemplation…
Only to be ripped out of it by what sounded akin to the pained scream of wounded animal, not physical pain, but a scream of despair, Flower throwing her head up and back, eyes no longer bound to the present. It was no scream of will, but a dying swan reaching towards the sky, before falling to earth, her voice growing fainter with it.
Можете ли вы представить, как нас ненавидит жизнь?
О счастье не имея представления,
Просто ненавидим всё, что с нами происходит,
И к прошлому относимся с презрением.
Можете ли вы представить, как нас ненавидит жизнь?
Сочинять свои последние слова бежим,
Не зная, что значит говорить «прощай».
Можете ли вы представить, как нас ненавидит жизнь?
Following that, there was a moment without song, but the tones continued, almost as if the song was ending. Those observing the singer however, be it through her performance or due to other causes knew that it was seemingly used for the heroine to collect herself, her amber eyes no longer harboring the far away look of despair, but looking at them with an intensity that seemed almost inhumane, frustration giving them a glow at the music, although both hope and despair where not yet vanquished from the tone of the song.
Счастье быть,
Уходить,
Полюбить
И дружить -
Пустые обёртки и муляжи,
Которые за деньги покупать должны.
Then the instruments hit, the notes of the song becoming far more intense, energy almost pulsing through it. Although few still understood the words, many understood the meaning, the songstress´ head held high, her pride, almost crushed, having resurfaced, but also a sense of inner peace with what and who she was.
Может, завтрашний день мы не увидим,
Будущего нет, и всё закончится ничем.
Рассветы и ночи, и вёсны, и зимы
От чьей-то тихой смерти не изменятся совсем.
Не нужны мне надежды, мечты и прочий хлам -
Когда ты тут, со мной, чего ещё могу желать?
Ах да... об этом
Спеть на самом деле собиралась я.
Ненавистью всем нам отвечает жизнь.
В конце концов всегда уходим мы.
Не сбежишь ты, не сбегу я -
Листья опадают и в компост превращаются.
Но, пока конец не наступил, будем честно жить.
Искренне друг друга поддерживая, честно жить.
Убивая, страдая, смеясь и борясь,
Живи, живи, живи, живи...
Время жить!
With that, the song ended, the tones trailing off. Abyss Flower stood up, before giving a bow, almost like she had been at a high class performance, which, given how people came only now out of the mesmerized state, was perhaps not entirely inaccurate. She spoke, voice unusually demure, respectful to the performance. Her blue eyes were soft, almost speaking of the empathy she possessed, but also a degree of shame.
"We shall continue shortly, with a bit more cheerful song. I… I need to catch my breath."
AN
This is half of the second part of "Mad Science and Mad Parties".The total word count for it has exploded, likely reaching 20k, so I figured that I may as well break it up.
(TL: By a person who doesn´t know how good they are.)
"Don't say in vain: "I want to die."
"Don't lower your hands, in spite of everything.
" It's funny that everyone sings songs about it,
But they don't know why.
We are not particularly afraid of dying sometimes,
Only the death of another bothers us a lot.
The calls to live are imbued with selfishness:
We don't like to suffer.
We will hardly be alarmed by the death of a stranger,
It is fashionable to hate, as if we will only be heard like that...
But we will go forward and make up all the same -
How beautiful this moment is!
Someone on the other side of the screen is dying,
Someone composes a song about their loss,
And the boy, seeing this, suddenly decides
Bring the knife and run away...
Can you imagine how life hates us?
Everyone is happy to serve ideals or egos.
But radio waves can't ruin souls yet,
Broadcasting songs about murder.
Can you imagine how life hates us?
We plan to part with it too boldly,
Without hesitation, we want to decide right away.
Can you imagine how life hates us?
If there is no money, I prefer
Lie under a blanket and doze all day.
It is impossible to see the meaning of life in this -
You only breathe, feeling yourself worthless.
You say, "Lonely," and so what?
After all, one simple word is unlikely to express pain.
It's just stupid persistence, but
Today I will stay in bed again.
We were teenagers yesterday,
And they should turn into adults in the morning.
Slowly we age, fade, and crumble
Autumn leaves, unknown, without a trace...
If only we had immortal bodies,
We would live forever, never worrying...
we see something like this in our dreams.
We are not particularly afraid of our own death,
But we are constantly worried about others.
Many people see this paradox as a mistake,
Which should not be allowed.
"You're right if you draw the right conclusions"
"If you don't want to die, then live"
Even if it hurts too much, even if you're broken,
Laugh like everything's fine!
Can you imagine how life hates us?
About happiness without having an idea,
We just hate everything that happens to us,
And we treat the past with contempt.
Can you imagine how life hates us?
We are running to compose our last words,
Not knowing what it means to say goodbye.
Can you imagine how life hates us?
Happiness to be,
Leave,
Love
And make friends -
Empty wrappers and dummies,
Who have to buy for money.
Maybe we won't see tomorrow,
There is no future, and everything will end in nothing.
Dawns and nights, and spring and winter
From someone's quiet death will not change at all.
I don't need hopes, dreams and other stuff -
When you're here with me, what more can I ask for?
Oh yeah... about that
I was actually going to sing.
Life responds to all of us with hatred.
In the end, we always leave.
If you don't run away, I won't run away -
The leaves fall off and turn into compost.
But, until the end has come, we will live honestly.
Sincerely supporting each other, living honestly.
Killing, suffering, laughing and fighting,
Live, live, live, live...
Time to live
Welcome back, it really feels like it's been months, doesn't it?
Amazing read, much like everything else to say.
And uh... no idea waht then. In spirit of the thread, roll a D6 to decide the goodbye.
(Roll a D6 on a simulator to decide next action: Natural Six. Because of course)
Well uh, May all the beauty be blessed?
{Oh my, so we are in high society then ?~ I mean, it fits, because really, what is the difference between a children's party and a political one? Beyond that one is fun, the other just sad.}
Rune was tired. School sucked and she didn't feel punching not whtie people. She said: "it's time to fly." She took a big rock, powerd it and flew high in the Bay. The black ocean was an abyss, and the stars were the eyes looking at her heart, and the mon the mouth. She shouted: "It sucks, nobody wants me to be an hero!" She was like Purity.
Abyss Flower noticed her, and jumped to her. "How did you get her?" she shouted. She replied: "I'm awsemo like that." They watched the ocean.
Rune said: "You're like the ocean, cool and like the abyss." "That's my name," Abyss Flower said.
Rune shouted: "And you're like a flower, smelling nice."
AF blushed, and looked to the ground. "You'r nicer than they said."
"I want to be a hero," Rune said. "Me too."
They said hello to each other, to seeing each other the next day.
The next day they met at a cafe.
Abyss Flower forgot the money. Rune asked: "I have some, but it's dirty money." "No you are clean."
Welcome back, it really feels like it's been months, doesn't it?
Amazing read, much like everything else to say.
And uh... no idea waht then. In spirit of the thread, roll a D6 to decide the goodbye.
(Roll a D6 on a simulator to decide next action: Natural Six. Because of course)
Well uh, May all the beauty be blessed?
Yeah...
I hope people don´t mind that there isn´t a vote, but I really didn´t want to extend it to cover the whole of the events in one post. This is maybe a solid middle way (maybe, because the next chapter, being made from the reaction shots to this, the second song, and one of two to three reactions shots to that is 6k already. Also, MP is one of them! Quite excited about that.)
I see that Taylor still has the blessing of Lady Luck herself. Those rolls are such bullshit, wonderful bullshit but still... Also I love that so far her attempt to disguise herself has been 100% failure, it's wonderfully consistent.
{What, do you think we live in some kind of soap opera world? As much as I loathe the worship of the false rational which has developed, it is based on a useful social trait. As usual, humanity corrupted it, but sometimes you will find embers yet to be quenched. People are capable of intelligent thought, although they are rare..}
Lisa: Ahh a can feel someone out there embracing the Sumg. ???: Uhh is Lisa okay, she started to mumble to herself again. ???: Ignore this delusional idiot otherwise you might get infected.
How else did you expect her scream wiped out Siberia. Also isn't it more how good is Kiana's auto tuning considering the earlier comment about her singing.
How else did you expect her scream wiped out Siberia. Also isn't it more how good is Kiana's auto tuning considering the earlier comment about her singing.
