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Comfygazing OFFLINE ![]() Forum Posts: 767 |
Posted: Wed, 26/10/2022 05:51 (2 Years ago) |
"Speaking of playing with your food... Looks like you played to hard and let one slip." He intoned almost as if talking about the weather, glancing pointedly at Aster's hand. It was funny, seeing one of the most sadistic demons being taken down a peg by a mere cockroach but it was also a reminder that sometimes not taking things too seriously could be detrimental. A nice sentiment, but he was confident enough that he could just laugh at Aster. Or well, huff out a joke of a snicker before walking closer. "Need a hand? I don't mind rubbing it in your face that you let one cockroach... no. Not a cockroach is it? A rat, perhaps? Yes... you let a silly little rat bite you in the hand." [Read more] |
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Posted: Tue, 25/10/2022 22:26 (2 Years ago) |
It seemed like the the human too was tired as it collapsed on the dirt road beside him. Groaning, Belphie wondered if he should just leave the stupid rat be and die in the dirt, forgotten and alone. It would be the most fitting choice, but no. If he wanted to get on the good side of any other human, keeping this cockroach sleepy and injured was the best bet. Humans were horribly empathetic and would at least take pity on the dying rat allowing Belphie some chance of getting into their circles. Still it was tedious work as he hefted the stupid fragile human onto his shoulder before stumbling his way towards the smell of smoke. It was recent enough for the burnt wood to still retain its pungent scent but long enough that the fire had probably all but died out. Curiously enough, the path was leading him towards a section of the broken and battered town. Having no other destination to follow, Belphie set off towards the burned remains of whatever it was. Hopefully he would find something useful [Read more] |
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Posted: Tue, 25/10/2022 03:37 (2 Years ago) |
Smoothing out the harsh lines of his face, Belphie fit his body into something more approachable and younger, something that didn't scream danger and was probably easier to trust. A teen perhaps? A young one at that but not too young that he couldn't defend himself. Goddess, it was exhausting having to compress himself into something new and he was ready to pass out once again, a cat-like yawn puling itself out from his chest. By the time everything had been said and done and Belphi was pretty sure he had accidentally torn open some of his piercing holes, he was half asleep and stumbling his way down to... somewhere. So sue him if he didn't know where he was going, as long as he found some human child, gained its trust, and finally found out what the hell had been going on for however many years he had been asleep, he could finally fall back asleep without any regrets. Yay So off he went, down the hills of lava and plains of ice. Off to go kidnap a child! Don't worry, he's a demon so this is all sanctioned by the Demon Board of Bad Things to Do. Here, he even has a permit! The middle finger. Going on his merry way, Belphi stood over one of the many empty expanses of desolate lad that made up 90% of the underworld's landscape, feeling like some sort of action hero as he watched a very conveniently placed human teen running through the wasteland. Maybe the world really was giving Belphi a break as he he let himself drop down the vantage point he had to trip and roll down the craggy mountainside. It hurt getting his skin scraped and dug into by small rocks and jagged protrusions and it was absolutely not worth it as Belphi flopped onto his back groaning. At least it was convincing enough that the human stopped running, giving him enough time to dramatically crack an eye open and reach out for it. "Help me, please." He croaked and wow that was a huge blow to his pride. All for a tasty little morsel too, what a hassle. "They're after me, please yo- y- you're a human." He let his voice trail of in surprise, letting himself sit slack jawed at the "unfamiliar" species. "Its been almost half a century since humans were last seen, w-what are you doing here? You're not here to hunt us, right? " Hook line and sinker, the human was visibly confused and now much more willing to at least talk. And talk the human did. "What are you talking about?" It demanded, taking a step back. "Humans have been imprisoned by you devils for at least a decade." Belphie didn't bother listening to whatever the human had to say. They were rats, no even lower than that. Cockroaches. Little persistent buggers but still useful in some situations. But bugs like them were nothing more than annoyances as Belphie grasped its wrist and let his lethargy shed like a second skin. The human's knees buckled pathetically and he was forced to catch it and hold it close in order to speak. "Look, if you want to make it out of here, we have to help each other somehow. You can't make it far without my help and I can't without you. We can part ways or whatever once we get away but for now we have to, as unpleasant as it is, work together. Got it?" Belphi grinned, and perhaps it was the innate fear that humans always had about demons or perhaps even as a childish facade of his usual self he still held some sort of power. But in any event, it worked wonders as the human nodded lethargically through the fear, leaning as far away from Belphi as possible. Score. [Read more] |
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Posted: Mon, 24/10/2022 23:55 (2 Years ago) |
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Username - Tsukoyomi Character name - Hwa Age - 12 District - 10 Preferred Weapon / Skills - Has an almost encyclopedic level of knowledge about plants and their various uses. Also very stealthy on account of being small and can fit in very tight spaces. Has surprisingly strong arms for a child but still manages to get others to lower their guard. Has perfected the art of puppy eyes Gender - Vaguely to the left of female Appearance - Hwa is a small 4'7 child with tanned skin and soft brown eyes, bordering on gold if viewed in the right light. No one is really sure how it came about, but Hwa has soft peach hair, unnatural and probably because of the amount of time spent in the sun bleaching the hair in a semi-natural way. Because of a lack of personal grooming, Hwa has a sort of shaggy and unkept skunk hairstyle. As someone with very little money, most of Hwa's clothes are oversized and falling apart at the seams. It gives Hwa deadly sweater paws though. Beware the innocent cuteness Personality - Hwa is someone who strives to live up to a name despite its multi meaning nature . On one hand, Hwa is a gentle flower who is a lover of nature; delicate and fragile. Anything Hwa touches flourishes and many have named Hwa as District 11's flower child. On the other hand, Hwa represents a hope for the new generation that young people may grow up with their innocence intact and carefree. Hwa is a star in that regard, a small but guiding light who pours in hours and hours of work to uplift and empower others. But flowers can wilt and stars can fade; Hwa is no exception. Despite the innocent airs surrounding Hwa, the knowledge of a the harsh reality that comes with living in District 11 has been ingrained at a young age Family - Seyoung, who is the closes thing to family Hwa will ever have even if they're not related by blood History - Hwa doesn't remember much. Maybe perhaps because life back then was much too harsh and it was simply easier to forget or maybe its because of something else. Regardless, life on the streets isn't something that they would want to remember, willingly or not. All that comes to mind from those times is Seyoung, a boy no older than her taking Hwa under his wing. They became each other's rock, the family that they needed. Co-dependent, the adults around them would sneer. Weak and unable to live on their own. Strong, Seyougn would whisper, wrapping blanket upon blanket around Hwa's shoulders in the long winter nights. Dependent, yes, but not on each other but on the humanity we give each other Character's Greatest Fear - There are many things a young child will be afraid of. The dark, loud noises, dying. But strip all the superficiality out of the way and Hwa is only ever been afraid of disappointing Seyoung. Loneliness, after all is a disease that infects all of us PalPad? - Lemme innnn Other - Im going to murder her specifically can I murder her please can she die a sad meaningless death Im actually seriously asking here "I'm strong because I had no one to walk in front of me, so I'll be strong for those who walk behind" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Username - Tsukoyomi Character name - Alecto "Alice" Athamas Age - 18 District - 8 Preferred Weapon / Skills - Knives, Scissors, Needles, anything that needs delicate handwork he can do. As his specialty is weaving, if the plants are right and he can gain the needed material it can be easy for him to create what he needs. He is also very home savvy, knowing a whole host of common household chores such as cooking and mending Gender - Male Appearance - He's just some dude, some dude who really can't be bothered to brush his ridiculously long black hair and simply lets it dangle in front of his eyes or pulls it up when he's working. Personality - Studious and disciplined, Alice is the type of son that your mother always says to be more like. As the oldest of eight, he carries with him the burden of having to be the most responsible person in the room at all times. This carries through as he presents himself as calculated and in control of the situation at all times. Calm and rational even under pressure, Alice often looks bored when in conversation, not willing to show much outward emotion when he's with strangers aside from what is expected from him. Above all else, he loves his family dearly and it his a pride point for him whenever his siblings achieve anything. Family - He lives in a communal home and considers everyone there his family. In this home there are 6 adults and 8 kids, Alice being the oldest of the children History - Character's Greatest Fear - That he's wasting his youngest years chasing a profession he doesn't even want to go into, that all his life he'll be stuck doing what his family wants. Not what he wants PalPad? - /hacker voice/ I'm in Other - He is a family man at heart and its disgusting how domestic he is [Read more] |
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Posted: Mon, 24/10/2022 20:55 (2 Years ago) |
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Posted: Mon, 24/10/2022 07:59 (2 Years ago) |
![]() Unsurprisingly, it was a monotonous affair. The lady droned on and one about the capital, about the glories of the games, and most importantly reminding the masses that they were inferior in every single way. It was a little infuriating, Hwa had to admit. It seemed like forever when the speech finally ended along with the gruesome video which showed someone bashing a tribute's head in with a brick. It had made Hwa's stomach roll in disgust and a few of the girls down the row emptyed their stomachs. Many children in their district didn't like to watch the Games, opting instead to work on the fields for experience while the adults were glued to their chairs, watching the morbid display of capital might. For many, it would be one of the first times watching someone be brutally murdered. The Capital woman gently coughed into her fist, high heels clacking across the floor as she shuffled back up towards the microphone. "Now wasn't that just wonderful? Oh it brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it." She fake sobbed, even going as far as to dab at her dry eyes. "With that over though, we come to the good part. As always, Ladies first." The lady once again did her little shuffle, hands wiggling above the clear bowl stuffed with blank slips of paper. Hwa held her breath as those perfectly manicured nails dipped into the sea of white, sifting around the waters until acrylic claws grabbed onto one specific slip. Hwa didn't know why their heartbeat was pounding, deafening everything. They figured it was the nerves of the very first reaping and that it would pass soon. It wasn't a big deal and took deep breaths to calm herself. Slowly but surely, the ringing faded and their racing heart slowed into a steady thrum. Putting a hand over the beat of life, they breathed out and directed their gaze back onto the stage only to see the capital woman staring right at them. "Hwa, dearie. Come on up. You've been picked." ![]() In the end, the Peacemakers had to drag him onstage, his roaring laughter much too contagious for his feet to even move as he stumbled to a stop. "O-oh my oh my that was quite some time since I've laughed this much!" He giggled, crooked smile and jagged teeth unnerving the poor children up front who were given the best seats in the house to see them. "Ah, even being chosen to die doesn't make it any less funny. Missus, it's an honour to go out dying in a game with you. You'll at least make this boring yawn worthy gore fest into a spectacle won't you?" Turning his eerie grin to Andrea, tipping his head before walking to where he was supposed to be [Read more] |
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Posted: Mon, 24/10/2022 07:43 (2 Years ago) |
... ... (Yahui?) (Suffer) ( (That's your own mother you're talking about, dear sibling mine) That was it, Mara was going to murder their twin in cold blood the moment they reunited. Mark their words, Yahui's body was going to be found in some backwater alley and no one would be able to figure out his cause of death. Gulping, Mara only bowed even deeper to Kai. "I'm sorry, Your Grace. No matter what you think, I am still a servant. To see a Princess engage in such an activity with someone no better than the lint on her overcoat will not bode well with you. Please, excuse me." Stealing the sight of the Princess herself for the barest moment, Mara used it to map their escape before blending into the rest of the crowd and with the bustling servant's that weaved in between the many many guests [Read more] |
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Posted: Mon, 24/10/2022 06:08 (2 Years ago) |
It took an embarrassingly awkward time for Mara to even notice than anyone was talking to them, tapping into someone else's eyes out of sheer boredom and annoyance at their brother's antics that they even noticed the Princess herself. Mara was going to actually die and they hastily bowed with due reverence any servant would give and even more for their rudeness. "Ah, Your Grace a thousand apologies for this lowly one's ignorance and brazen rudeness," They stammered out, voice hoarse and straining from disuse. "But I'm afraid you misunderstand, I am nothing more than Master Marquess Yahui's personal servant. As honored as I am to be wrongly named as The Young Master Marquess, to insinuate so would be..." Trailing off, Mara winced as if the implications were too much to speak of in the presence of such fair company. The Malakos march never did look fondly upon the second twin [Read more] |
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Posted: Sun, 23/10/2022 08:29 (2 Years ago) |
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Posted: Sun, 23/10/2022 07:17 (2 Years ago) |
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Comfygazing OFFLINE ![]() Forum Posts: 767 |
Posted: Sun, 23/10/2022 06:29 (2 Years ago) |
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Posted: Sun, 23/10/2022 05:33 (2 Years ago) |
Before you laugh, and if you are shut up, Belphi had been asleep for Goddess knows how long and Hell had decided to rearrange its whole floor-plan ever since. Spinning around, Belphi tongued at his cheek piercings as he tried to figure out where he was. There was a castle somewhere off in the distance and he supposed that would be his best bet. Probably. Hopefully it wasn't a castle of doom because he really wasn't in the mood to fight any disgruntled upper demon who was over arrogant and kind of annoying. God, just the thought of fighting was already making his blood boil, frustration coursing in his blood and blocking out his vision. It left him exhausted and a husk of his usual very charming self, which. Awful. Horrible. His kind charismatic nature being robbed from the underworld? A Travesty! So yeah. He really hoped that whoever was the homeowner wouldn't try and fight him. He just might cry That was a promise, not a warning He was pretty sure he fell asleep on the walk over because the next thing he knew, there was a demon snarling at his face. Ah, he really wasn't in the mood for this and he sniffled a yawn which... probably wasn't the best option as whatever guard-demon really didn't take that well. Again. Not great. With a sigh, Belphi gently pushed the demon away who stumbled and fell, looking a bit confused before resigned, letting the other pass without much of a fuss. There was so many guardemons actually that it was a bit annoying to actually enter. It looked familiar enough so Belphi was pretty sure that he was at the Goddess's castle which. Cool. Nice. He wasn't in the wrong place but god, it was so heavily guarded that he just kind of gave up. Plopping his ass down on the nearest tile he could, he took a deep breath and began yelling. "Madam? M'lady? Man, I don't even know what title you go by these days and this is really kind of embarrassing. I just woke up so you can understand the sort of stress I'm under because it looks like you remolded the entire place ever since then and I'd really just like it if you told me what needed to be done and maybe catch me up on the maybe last few I don't know how long I've been asleep? I really hope this is you're palace because if it isn't it would be very embarrassing for me just screaming at someone who isn't who I think it is. Oh this is a horrible experience, remind me to never wake up again. Lady Persephone please don't leave me on read." [Read more] |
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Posted: Sat, 22/10/2022 23:00 (2 Years ago) |
Following the other's approximate line of vision, Yahui raised an eyebrow but acknowledged that it would probably be a bad look if they weren't mingling among other gentry members. Public image, after all, was highly fickle and had to be strictly managed. Thankfully, his own image as a political schemer always worked to get him out of the obligatory dances and here he would use it to his favor. "And I bid you farewell as well. As much as I enjoy your company, I'm afraid I must move on. There's a senator I think I spot who has been quite staunchly against my policies this past quarter so this might be the opportunity needed to finally sway her. My, did anyone get the memo that this was a Masquerade? That mask barely does anything to hid her face." Sighing at the audaciousness of some people (says the idiot who hasn't even covered up half his face) he bowed and left to make his way over to his next [Read more] |
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Posted: Fri, 21/10/2022 01:31 (2 Years ago) |
Waving away the other's apologies, his face visibly soured all at once loosing the poise he was oh so praised for. "Yes... I suppose that would make Father most delighted wouldn't it? If the Queen and Prince looked at me... I'm afraid I may be outcompeted by you though. If the tales you tell me are true, then you are undeniably a candidate who can not be overlooked. Your knowledge of the common folk and their desires along with the public's support would be invaluable. Don't sell yourself short, my friend." A grimace of a smile crossed his face as he finished off his drink. "Well, it all falls upon the Princess herself to choose of course, and you seem to have gotten a head start." [Read more] |
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Posted: Thu, 20/10/2022 20:34 (2 Years ago) |
With Mara off to the side, playing the part of Yahui's personal servant as always, already gently probing into Eltnam's mind. Nothing bad, just drawing out who he really was behind the mask and any surface thoughts. Still, Yahui would buy time for his twin to dig around a bit more if they could, not that he was expecting much. (Wow, love you too...) (....) "Though your face is shrouded in mystery, I assume you are perhaps a duke? I can't quite tell which area from your clothing but if you please, could you tell me more about your Dukedom?" [Read more] |
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Posted: Thu, 20/10/2022 16:53 (2 Years ago) |
Hell was much different back then too and as Belphi walked, he could see humans Slaving away working on... Something. There were unfamiliar twists and turns, caverns that opened up to nothing and old paths that had caved in. Belphie didn't really care about the changes at this point, it was too much work to figure out what had moved on without him. But still, despite everything, he would have to report that he was aware once more. Which meant more work. Joy. While he didn't like interacting with her, one of the few beings older than him and thus still remembered, Belphie would have to find the Demon Goddess. Lady Presephone was at least kind in that regard, humoring his narcoleptic bouts. He figured it was mostly because he still worked while asleep but on what, he could never remember. Still, she was his best bet at getting caught up with the world and he set of to where he vaguely remembered her castle to be. He hoped that she'd at least tell him how long he'd been asleep this time around. Glancing up, Belphie curled a lip in envy at the demons who flew above the wailing humans, barking out orders. Oh how Belphi wished that he had wings again, those were simpler times when he didn't have to walk. The bubbling earth that threatened to burn off the skin on his feet seemed inclined to agree. Good Goddess, it would be so easy to just lie back down on the ground and let the boiling heat draw him back to sleep. Maybe he'd do just that, already feeling his eyes droop. [Read more] |
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Posted: Thu, 20/10/2022 07:51 (2 Years ago) |
Username: Tsukoyomi Name: Belphi Appearance: Tall, brooding, but very much not handsome. Maybe if he got rid of those eyebags he could be but with the way he dresses (like he's homeless which... the less said about that the better) not even the most desperate of incubi would go for him. With unkept blue hair that is always sleep mused and tangled, Belphi just looks like a slob. Out of most demons, he looks the most inhuman, often letting his demonic traits out. He does like body modifications though, hosting piercings, tattoos and even a split tongue. Personality: One word. Lazy. As all hell. Even other demons get fed up with him, he's kind of a good for nothing. Reliable though because if you ask him for anything he'll deliver. Just don't expect it to be within 5-6 business days. Try 5-6 business years. There is little that he can't do though, capable of doing many things but never quite as proficient as a master. It just takes so much time that its better to ask someone else other than Belphi. But please don't wake him up before September ends, his rage will be unstoppable if so Powers/Weapons: He forces everyone around him to become tired. Unmotivated. Lazy. Suddenly nothing in this world matters. Not anymore. Perhaps its just best if you. Took a nap. Or gave up. Yeah. That sounds easier... No need to think or worry about anything anymore. Nothing... not even his changing appearance... or the emptiness gnawing in your chest Password: O... bama? Role: Head of Intelligence... When he's not sleeping Age: Older than all of you combined that's for sure. He looks to be in his mid to late 30s though Family: Anyone who is connected to him is long gone unfortunately. Don't worry, nothing bad happened to them, they all just lost themselves in their own pursuits. Perhaps Relationships: Usually keeps to himself so no one really knows or bothers to get to know him He does occasionally have flings but none of them really matter in the end Housing: Wherever he can sleep. Which... is everywhere so.... Comments: Loves to play the mysterious role (mostly because he can't be bothered to actually explain things) but really if you look in the right places you can find any and all information you want on him Belphie isn't his real name, but that knowledge is only reserved for those as old as him. But when you've lived as long as he did, it becomes hard to remember silly things like names [Read more] |
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Posted: Thu, 20/10/2022 03:06 (2 Years ago) |
Right. The pay was good Cursing capitalism, Masuyo took what file he did have on hand about the missing experiments. She had a hand in actually creating some of them. Well, theoretically of course. He was pretty sure they succeeded in making a Black Mamba which had his work written all over it. Ah, Masuyo would have loved to take a look at the creature but alas, work had pulled her away until it was too late and the specimen had escaped. If Masuyo didn't know any better, he would have said that his co-workers had sabotaged him specifically so he wouldn't see the fruits of his hard worked labour. But that would make them enemies and everyone in here was a friend so they wouldn't do that. Still, this gave her the opportunity to see the closest thing to a magnum opus that she has so this would be the perfect opportunity to craft her newest theoretical paper. With that motivation in mind, Masuyo gleefully compiled each and every paper he had ever written for the project. They'd come in handy if they wanted to track these specimens down. [Read more] |
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Posted: Sun, 16/10/2022 23:59 (2 Years ago) |
Opening the door, Mara bowed and offered a hand for their brother to take, leading him down towards the entrance. They presented the invitation, staying three paces behind their brother who wouldn't even deign him a glance. Which, rude since Mara couldn't even see what was going on like that but also, fair. Mara was just a servant to the general public, why would the Heir of one of the wealthiest kingdoms even look up them. Staying in their brother's shadow, Mara passed him his mask before making themself comfortable in Yahui's mind. It always took a while to get comfortable even though they had done this millions of times already, familiarizing themself with something that could be called their second home. Morbid if you think about it like that but hey. Don't judge if you haven't tried it. 'Stop being gross in my own head' Yahui grumbled, shuddering as he weaved though the guests with Mara close behind. 'If you want to monologue do it somewhere where I can't hear.' He received no reply other than a much too delighted laugh, but thankfully his sibling complied and stopped blathering about depressing things. Tonight, Yahui was supposed to make niceties and con people into supporting more of his political movements. Not that it would be hard considering that his policies were actually good unlike some other senators but hey. A Marquess had to do what a marquess had to do in order to keep the peace or something. [Read more] |
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Posted: Sun, 25/09/2022 08:37 (2 Years ago) |
![]() Those were the words that greeted Hwa every morning and today was no exception. Putting up the obligatory whining and play slaps, the small child cracked an eye open and gave a gummy smile, eyes still heavy. "Good Morning..." The muffled mumbles only got lost in the pillow before Hwa dragged a sleepy body from the pile of fabric that they used to line the floors and sleep on. Stretching, Hwa finally blinked gold eyes open and sighed at the empty wall. Stumbling from the bed towards the other side of the cramped room, Hwa's hand naturally comes up to grasp and the air, fingers closing around nothing but a faint memory of something that couldn't quite be recalled. There, laid out on the ratty cloth they used as a table, was food. The same, old, gruel and paste that the Tessera gave spread out on the table and mocking Hwa who couldn't ever remember getting up to prepare it. Picking up the rusted spoon, Hwa stared listlessly at the bowl. "Thanks for the meal, I guess..." Speaking into the empty air, Hwa dug in while ignoring the echo of a familiar voice saying the exact same thing. Once the food, if it could even be generously called that, had been done and the makeshift table had been cleared, it was time to dress. Much like the meal had been, this too was a silent somber affair, more so perhaps than before as there was only one occasion in which the two would wear such clothes. As Hwa pieced together the outfit, it was done with contempt, callused fingers sliding a skirt up, remnants of an old dress that had once been worn when it had still been fit to be a dress. The shirt on the other hand was much to big for such a small, malnourished frame and had to be tucked into the waistband of the modified skirt. As there was still much time left to before the caustic bell run so Hwa busied around the house, oversized sleeves flapping in the breeze, preoccupied with tidying up the small hovel called home. It wasn't anything grand, but it was all that Hwa had left aside from memories. And that alone was more than enough Before leaving, Hwa knelt before a small table, pushed into one corner of the room. It wasn't anything fancy, just a piece of wood with trinkets piled on top. A candle already halfway burned stood in the middle, melted white dripping on the wood as the lick was lit up. Clapping and bowing to the ground, Hwa stayed the for a moment before closing tired eyes. "Hi Sparkles." They murmured, letting the old familiar feeling of someone who was supposed to be beside them envelop the room. "I'm sure you already know, you've always known things well ahead of time, but its that day again. Three years. You'd think I'd be over it already but... Yeah. No. I'm..." Words clogged up Hwa's throat, the tears already traitorously bleeding out from behind tightly squeezed eyelids. Rubbing away at those unwanted emotions, Hwa sat back up to stare at the flickering flame, swaying slowly and calmly. Staring at the fire with a slow blink, Hwa let a wry tired smile tug onto a exhausted face. "Still now you keep watch of me. What an eyesore...." Standing up, Hwa patted the dirt off beige skirts and bowed to the table. "Well, if you are maybe you'll protect me, huh? Wish me luck Sparkles, we'll see each other soon enough." Wandering down the busy streets of District 11, Hwa greeted those they knew, keeping a cheerful smile despite the somber day. Some they stopped to talk with, making niceties until they were inevitably pulled towards the town square where the day before, a grandiose stage had been set up. It was one of the most elaborate things that Hwa had ever seen and a good few seconds were spent gawking at it before duty and more importantly Peacekeepers shattered the awe and replaced it with dread. It was only when Hwa lined up to be let into the reaping did the nerves finally make themselves known. See, Hwa had taken Tessera as soon as possible, distributing the extra tiles to families that weren't eligible for the deadly kindness the capital had given. Already there were more slips in that dreaded bowl with their name on it than any average 12 year old and that was terrifying. Of course, Hwa knew the consequences of taking Tessera but now with them looming so close, a tiny bead of regret blossomed into full on dread. Immediately, guilt washed over them. Why should Hwa be regretful when they had done the right thing? There was nothing to regret and this was just the accumulation of all their actions and Hwa would face it with dignity. It was the least that anyone could do ![]() It was like any other day in the household, someone awake at all times working on whatever project they had. ZhuRong fell out of the loft attic onto the ground with a dull thump, waking them up immediately with a gasp. "Ow." They moaned, rolling over to clutch at their bleeding nose. Their sister who was the one to pull the all nighter today only scoffed, never once looking up from the busted up television that they had received yesterday. Disgruntled, ZhuRong only gave her the finger and crawled over to their designated space, blood dripping onto the dirt floor. Picking up their own project, ZhuRong fell into the ever familiar ebb and flow of talking with someone would fully understand them. With a gentle touch and an inquisitive mind, anyone could do it, but they were never patient enough. Machines like human were delicate and mysterious, always unknown. But machines loved them more than humans did. Perhaps it was the fact that electronics always looked at him with eves that never judged or saw them as anything other than a helper. Humans, on the other hand were cruel in their judgement, swift and unyielding. So lost in the rhythmic push and pull of conversation, ZhuRong didn't even notice the sun rising, cresting over the horizon and filling the room with warm light. It was easier to simply devote their attention on more important things than just what time of day it was. Days passed without any of the Tang family members realizing, only registering the passing of time by customers. It was only when officials came around to make sure that all the registered people was healthy and able to attend the Reaping, that anyone actually realized that the next day would be another year that had passed. This year hadn't even been different and sometimes it was just plain weird to think that it felt like just yesterday that the reaping had happened. And so ZhuRong didn't. Looking out the window, they sighed, setting down their project. "Sister, it's time." They prodded, turning around only to see that their sister had actually fallen asleep. ... Oh well. Guess they'd just let their youngest, a boy no older than 12, carry her to the selection he supposed. Standing up, ZhuRong stretches to pop out and climbing up onto the loft. The shack was much more lively than it was when they had woken up, family tinkering and working as they moved around. The darkness was a friend to them all welcomed ZhuRong back as they changed into the most presentable clothes they had, the overwhelming want to go back to their bed almost taking over. Too bad the threat of being thrown in jail was too terrifying. Not because of, you know, jail. It was that ZhuRong would have to deal with people and any electronics would be taken away. Honestly, that was their worst nightmare. Human interaction was just. No. No thanks. [Read more] |