Skyline Goes Unconscious

Characters: Skyline, Neon, MaybeTooMuch, Maybee, Phoenix, various

Locations: Public chat, Private Messages, Birmingham

Public Chat, 17 July 2021

**NeonPunk**

> What do you mean?

Working with fae

**MagpieNotMagpie**

Glamour is capable of wondrous things

**NeonPunk**

A computer too

**MaybeTooMuch**

ay

request

**NeonPunk**

I still don't see why

**MaybeTooMuch**

lets not talk about glamour

Think I pissed someone off when they tried to explain it

**NeonPunk**

Was it a fae?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Why are we talking about Faerie?

**MaybeTooMuch**

Don't know. They went by something silver if I remember

**TrophyForTheTaking**

Talking about glamours fine. Bunch of fae don't like talking about it, cause it don't always hold up under scrutiny

**MaybeTooMuch**

The ones I can confirm is that Grey one, and some sort of bird? Looking thing at least.

**NeonPunk**

> Don't know. They went by something silver if I remember

😒

Oh

**MaybeTooMuch**

what

**NeonPunk**

> Why are we talking about Faerie?

Someone works with them apparently, don't know why

> what

I think I know who you're talking about

**Seafoam**

neon and silver do not have the best relationship. <:kitteehee:>

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Why not explode stuff instead?

**NeonPunk**

Right!!!???

**MaybeTooMuch**

> Why not explode stuff instead?

Brings attention and isn't as good as some may think when in fights, on account of being within the blast radius

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Boooooring

**MaybeTooMuch**

Hey

**NeonPunk**

> Brings attention and isn't as good as some may think when in fights, on account of being within the blast radius

It looks cool af tho

**MaybeTooMuch**

Skyline

You ok?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Me? I think I'm fine, why?

**TrophyForTheTaking**

> Someone works with them apparently, don't know why

Promise of power, bunch of half truths folk buy into.

**MaybeTooMuch**

You never seem happy, at least whenever I see you on OMO.

**NeonPunk**

> Promise of power, bunch of half truths folk buy into.

That's dumb imo

**MaybeTooMuch**

Yet I still see you pop around

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Well, that's unfortunate

**MaybeTooMuch**

Are you ok?

**NeonPunk**

Stop judging dude!

That's rude

**TrophyForTheTaking**

I've worked with a couple fae myself, but I've been the one approaching them, not the other way around

**NeonPunk**

That's... Better?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Why worry so much?

**MaybeTooMuch**

More concern I'd say.

And probably because it's something I sorta have been doing for a while. Checking if people are doing fine

**MagpieNotMagpie**

You can use glamour to disguise explosives. Probably not the intended use for it, but it *can* be used for such purposes

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

How cute!

**NeonPunk**

> You can use glamour to disguise explosives. Probably not the intended use for it, but it *can* be used for such purposes

Why hide it? Let them know what's coming ;)

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

💥

**MagpieNotMagpie**

Surprises can be quite exciting

**MaybeTooMuch**

Do you have friends? Maybe a support group? Hear some of them can be pretty helpful, or even just show people there's good folks out there

**NeonPunk**

Do you?

**MaybeTooMuch**

Yeah.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

I've got a few friends

**MaybeTooMuch**

Not the closest, but enough that I can talk with them from time to time

**NeonPunk**

> Yeah.

Then go ask them how cool it is to be interesting someone like this

**MaybeTooMuch**

What? You write that correctly?

**NeonPunk**

Whoops, *interrogating*

**MaybeTooMuch**

Oh I've done so a few times to them as well

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

This is really cute 😆

**MaybeTooMuch**

Usually ends in a shoving match but it helps out sometimes

**NeonPunk**

Like shovels? You fight with shovels?

**MaybeTooMuch**

> This is really cute 😆

Now this? Reminds me of those kids I see sometimes

Getting defensive instead of just talking and answering the questions

Of course the little shits try to threaten me with a pocketknife once or twice but that's not too bad

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

You really do seem to understand how she works. Not bad.

**MaybeTooMuch**

You speaking in third person now, or referring to Neon here?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Neither.

**MaybeTooMuch**

Other entity?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Hey, I wouldn't call myself an Other!

But it is nice to know she's got other people who care about her. I worry.

**MaybeTooMuch**

That was meant to be lowercase 'other' in this instance but that works too.

**NeonPunk**

I'm confused now 🙃 I'm gonna eat

**MaybeTooMuch**

So.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Yes?

**MaybeTooMuch**

The aggressive one, I'll call them. They safe with you or you suddenly popping up?

You gonna give me a warning or threat not to contact them or something like that?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Why would I do that? She's going to wake up *eventually,* and then she'll want her phone, and I'm not enough of a dick to deprive her of friends she might actually talk to

I could swear that talking to her feels like pulling teeth sometimes 🙄

**MaybeTooMuch**

So have we talked before? Or has this entire conversation been with another entity besides the 'Ghoul' in the username?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Nah, I only picked up the phone like thirty minutes ago

**MaybeTooMuch**

Mm.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

I'll put it down eventually, thought I'd see what she's been up to

Interesting stuff, wouldn't've thought she'd be this busy doing something other than play with her dog or brood

(Really, why does anyone need to brood that much?)

**MaybeTooMuch**

So how correct has my assumptions been on the ghoul, since I was thinking they were about them instead?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

What, that she's a defensive kid?

**MaybeTooMuch**

Yeah, among the others. You can scroll back up to see, I don't particularly want to repeat myself if that's alright.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Whilst I like to think I know her pretty well, she's not that good at talking to *me* either. But yeah, she's pretty much always like that, when she's not actively working or with her dog - she talks, and she talks, and a lot of what she says is somehow rude.

**MaybeTooMuch**

I figured somewhat. Defensive mechanisms?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Do you think I'm a psychologist?

**MaybeTooMuch**

No, but one can pick up some things overtime. She really that ghoulish or bad in appearance? Some of the ones I've...seen, have been pretty good at blending in with people.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Depends. She looks pretty fucked up right now.

**MaybeTooMuch**

That's somewhat unfortunate.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Part of why I'm here, actually. She might be out for a few days.

**MaybeTooMuch**

Well then. You going to be her caretaker, or something along that thinking?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

No more than usual, but we do share a room.

So you care about her, huh?

**MaybeTooMuch**

I'd say somewhat, but I care about a lot of people. Like I've already said; It's something I sorta do. I wouldn't call myself a community figure or even a minor pillar like that, but enough folks help me out from time to time because I helped them out.

Just nice sometimes to help out.

**NeonPunk**

Wait, wait, who are you? Wheres the real skyline?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Awwww.

Who, me? You can call me Phoenix if you want.

**MaybeTooMuch**

Alright then, Phoenix.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Skyline's... I'm not sure what the word for it is. Ghouls don't sleep like humans do.

**MaybeTooMuch**

Wouldn't call it an infatuation or specifically targeting her.

**NeonPunk**

Phoenix, did you do something to sky?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Good to know, Maybe.

**NeonPunk**

Why do you have her phone?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

*She's* the one who fucked up!

**NeonPunk**

Explain

**MaybeTooMuch**

Neon, please do calm down.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

I *told* her that they'd changed the wards, but *apparently* she didn't listen, because she *tripped the fucking wards*

**MaybeTooMuch**

See? An explanation in due time.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

And now there's an unconscious ghoul who we had to carry back to base!

Which *stinks,* by the way.

Seriously, she smells.

**NeonPunk**

And who the fuck are you? Other than *Phoenix*, what do you do?

Don't say shit about her

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

I've been living with her for *months,* I think I've got the right to say she smells. I get very tired of smelling corpses all the time.

**MaybeTooMuch**

Likely a strong smell if it's one of the first complaints you have.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Blood and meat and flesh and the others tell me to get over it 🙄

**NeonPunk**

Are you one of those witchhunters?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

No.

**MaybeTooMuch**

I can understand the sentiment. Deal alot with those materials so I know deeply how strong their stench is.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

*Months* of stinking like corpses, sheesh

**NeonPunk**

So is she gonna be ok? Will she be free to answer later?

**MaybeTooMuch**

Likewise with Neon. What's the forecast on their status?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Yeah, she'll heal. Hard to put her down permanently.

**NeonPunk**

Can you lie?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

*Fine*, yes, I'm a Practitioner, sheesh

Lying's bad for me.

Now, I'm pretty sure *I* should be the one giving *you* the shovel talk, Neon

**MaybeTooMuch**

Nice to have those assured.

**NeonPunk**

Well, the fuck you wanna know?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Are you going to hurt her?

**MaybeTooMuch**

Likely not, so long as she doesn't to me or those I care about.

**NeonPunk**

Well, that's complicated, give me a few sounds to answer

**MaybeTooMuch**

And even then, I like to attempt diplomacy first

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Complicated? She actually apologised to you. I think she's apologised to me exactly *once,* and she's been *very very very rude* to me *many* times

**NeonPunk**

So we fought before in something that's kinda like a VR thing or something, we ended up fine after leaving, I wouldn't try to hurt her unless I was forced to do so or we went to that VR thing again, so no, I wouldn't hurt her if I can avoid it

**MaybeTooMuch**

That either is a good thing on us, or a bad thing for you. Not trying to imply something bad, just an observation.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

🙄

**MaybeTooMuch**

Actually

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

> So we fought before in something that's kinda like a VR thing or something, we ended up fine after leaving, I wouldn't try to hurt her unless I was forced to do so or we went to that VR thing again, so no, I wouldn't hurt her if I can avoid it

If you weren't actual countries away, I'd consider promising to set you on fire if you went against that.

**NeonPunk**

Wait... How do you know she apologized to me? Have you been around her messages? Isn't that kinda toxic?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

To make my perspective *quite* clear.

**MaybeTooMuch**

Are there going to be repercussions because of what she did? Whatever exactly happened with those wards you mentioned?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Probably.

We'll deal with it.

**MaybeTooMuch**

One can hope for that outcome.

**NeonPunk**

Huh so you *do* care about her then? Are you the one that bound her?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

No.

**MaybeTooMuch**

Will you show her the messages that have occurred here, or the questions I asked?

**NeonPunk**

What were you doing that made Sky get knocked out?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

I didn't knock her out!

**MaybeTooMuch**

I'd like to least have you ask them or have her talk with me sometime to see how she is.

**NeonPunk**

I don't mean you in a sense that you did it, but you in plural, what were you and sky doing that made her push against those wards?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

I'll talk to the others, but she's stubborn. And I can predict that she's going to be pretty angry once she's up.

> I don't mean you in a sense that you did it, but you in plural, what were you and sky doing that made her push against those wards?

I don't think that's your business.

**NeonPunk**

If she gets hurt for that I care about that shit!

**MaybeTooMuch**

Please do calm down Neon. Cool heads prevail more often than not.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Care all you like, what we do is our business. She can tell you when she wakes up if she wants.

Though, while I'm here? Don't try to steal her.

**MaybeTooMuch**

?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Neon should know what I mean, unless she's an idiot.

**NeonPunk**

Steal her?

Oh you mean that, so you *are* with the guys that have her bound, right?

Fuck you

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Are you seriously suggesting that a ghoul should be free?

**MaybeTooMuch**

Neon is...passionate, from what I've seen here.

**NeonPunk**

Am I suggesting that? 🤷‍♀️

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

I don't know. Either way. Don't steal.

**MaybeTooMuch**

Please don't play mindgames with the one who is going to be helping Skyline out while she is recovering.

**NeonPunk**

Haha reminds me of those drawings with the caption "do not steal"

I'm not gonna steal her, she's a person, you're talking like she's an object

**Maybee**

OKAY SHE ISNT LETTING ME USE THE KEYBOARD SO IM JUST GONNA TYPE INSTEAD

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

... Fuck

**Maybee**

MWAHAHAHHAH YEAH BITCH I CAN MAKE ACCOUNTS TOO

okay seriously ‘skyline’ will be fine

**NeonPunk**

Waht

**Maybee**

you use Phoenix here right yeah okay

**MaybeTooMuch**

Who are you?

Phoenix, do you know who this user is?

**NeonPunk**

Oh no, 2 maybes

**Maybee**

I’m sky’s friend, I hope! Also Phoenix’s

**MaybeTooMuch**

Theirs has two e's. Not that hard to differentiate.

**Maybee**

currently I’m like sitting on top of Phoenix trying to type but she isn’t letting meeeeeee

**NeonPunk**

Maybe(e)

**SilverWolf**

Well, this is weird

**MaybeTooMuch**

Or just use ee. But ee,

**NeonPunk**

Who isn't letting you? What are you?

**Maybee**

shit fuck now she’s chasing me brb

**MaybeTooMuch**

Why are you trying to restrain Phoenix?

**Maybee**

PHOENIX TELL THEM IM NOT SCARY AKSHDLALS

**MaybeTooMuch**

Then do try to not prevent Phoenix to assure people and tell them a user some care about will recover

**NeonPunk**

... What....?

**Maybee**

I’m trying to make sure she DOES tell people because it looks like she’s starting fights over ghouls n things and even if she seems like an asshole she’s definitely gonna take care of sky

Other btw so no lying for meee

**MaybeTooMuch**

Then why restrain them in the first place?

**SilverWolf**

Its been a while since public chat was this confusing.

**Maybee**

lmao sorry that must have come across funny I wasn’t restraining her

*hugs*! okay she’s stopped chasing me now

**MaybeTooMuch**

You can think what you want to but be careful not to gainsay yourself.

**SilverWolf**

And now there are hugs?

**NeonPunk**

Or do it, but don't mess with sky

**Maybee**

yeah! As soon as skyline stops being spiky there will be more hugs if she lets me

she doesn’t let meeeee ;-;

**MaybeTooMuch**

Probably because you're too fast, I'm assuming.

**Maybee**

huh?

**NeonPunk**

... So she was in danger? The spikes they appear when she is, don't they?.

**MaybeTooMuch**

You try to be more methodical? Slow, at her own pace?

You might've made things worse if you try to invade her personal space while it seems she has been in a bad mentality.

**Maybee**

I can be at whatever pace I want, but that’s not going to change much

**MaybeTooMuch**

It's how I've interpreted things considering most of what she does consists of arguing or insulting others.

**Maybee**

I’m also bound, we’re kinda stuck in the same vicinity a lot of the time lmao

**NeonPunk**

I'm still as confused as before

Who are you running from?

**MaybeTooMuch**

Likely Phoenix.

Rather impressive that one can still run and type

I've tried to do more while running. Usually ended with tripping or failing miserably.

**Maybee**

I can cheat heheh

Phoenix gave up on trying to catch me

maybe skyline will actually be happy with me since I got Phoenix off her acc

**SilverWolf**

Skyline? Happy?

**The Glorious**

Who's Phoenix?

**NeonPunk**

Fuck that phoenix person, sounded like a douche to me

**MaybeTooMuch**

Somewhat rude I'll say.

**The Glorious**

We talking about like, an actually burning bird phoenix?

**makesperfect**

Phoenix? What did I miss?

**MaybeTooMuch**

Interrupting them.

New users, please *try* to read the backlogs.

**SilverWolf**

If an actual phoenix is using someone's account, then I'm *very* confused

**MaybeTooMuch**

Try to show you have at least some minor levels of competency.

**NeonPunk**

Yeah, fuck off this is too confused to explain, read the rest

**SilverWolf**

I read the backlogs, Maybe. They're very confusing.

**NeonPunk**

confusing

**MaybeTooMuch**

Then makes and Glory can do the same.

**The Glorious**

What phoenix?

**MaybeTooMuch**

You don't backread do you?

**makesperfect**

I read things. Perhaps consider how your tone comes off to a moderator?

**SilverWolf**

An individual using Skyline's account said they could be called 'Phoenix'.

**MaybeTooMuch**

Well I've been rather worried for Skyline.

**Maybee**

no okay so, phoenix is like the nickname for an acquaintance of mine's/skylines, skyline's kinda out of it so like phoenix got on her phone, i was tryng to type too and phoenix was being annoying so i got on to explain things but i think i made them even more confusing

**MaybeTooMuch**

So I've been attempting to keep things calm as to not upset the one in Skyline's vicinity or have them harm said ghoul in question.

**makesperfect**

Oh, I understand. It’s always rough when something happens to a friend. Still, politeness is important.

**Maybee**

its so funny calling them skyline and phoenix—also did you know that skyline and phoenix's names irl rhyme

its kind of adorable

> So I've been attempting to keep things calm as to not upset the one in Skyline's vicinity or have them harm said ghoul in question.

okay this is why i got on—neither myself nor phoenix are going to hurt skyline.

**MaybeTooMuch**

Your lackadaisical tone and attitude was suggesting otherwise to me.

**Maybee**

how old do you think i am lmao

**NeonPunk**

> okay this is why i got on—neither myself nor phoenix are going to hurt skyline.

You better

**SilverWolf**

Ever?

**MaybeTooMuch**

> how old do you think i am lmao

Not much.

**Maybee**

> Ever?

i cant speak for phoenix but intentionally of my own will especially while she's compromised, hell no, thats; just mean

**SilverWolf**

Huh.

**Maybee**

not unless she gives me a reason to

we're like, sort of maybe friends? idk

**MaybeTooMuch**

Still suspicious.

**The Glorious**

So Skyline's in trouble then?

**MaybeTooMuch**

I trust Phoenix more.

**The Glorious**

That's waht I'm getting here?

**Maybee**

skyline got hurt, she should be fine, she'll heal and phoenix is good at Patching People Up™️

**MaybeTooMuch**

They were at least helping.

**Maybee**

friendly reminder that im BOUND

like what do you think im doing running around causing chaos for the sake of it

**MaybeTooMuch**

Yes.

**NeonPunk**

idk you, maybe

**MaybeTooMuch**

I know and met several Others that have done so, and worse for the sake of it.

**Maybee**

i got on bc it looked like phoenix was pissing people off and i just wanted phoenix to not do that, and also to reassure people that yes, skyline is being taken care of

AND NOT IN THE OMINOUS WAY ASDFGHJKJHGFD

**MaybeTooMuch**

There are multiple ways to interpret that.

Somewhat concerning you haven't explicitly said which one yet.

**SilverWolf**

Breathe, Maybee?

Perhaps you'll phrase things better if you're patient.

And stop concerning people.

**NeonPunk**

Yeah, are you on some sort of drugs rn?

**Maybee**

> Yeah, are you on some sort of drugs rn?

lmao no i am Kid™️ people would be mad at me

**MaybeTooMuch**

Confirms one thing.

**NeonPunk**

™... Oh god

**The Glorious**

So anyway, since you're here, what is that you do anyway?

**MaybeTooMuch**

Sounds like they're an Other.

**Maybee**

im a god-begotten, v smol one, bound by same guys that bound skyline, and im very bad at the whole being an Other thing

**SilverWolf**

So it seems, since you're actually saying that.

**NeonPunk**

A god begotten huh

**MaybeTooMuch**

Mm.

**Maybee**

anyway skyline was just being more reckless than usual bc person from her past was in town iirc so she got hurt and now phoenix and i are babysitting the sick bed bc phoenix has both mundane and practice-based first aid skills and im just kind of there? hypesquad

**MaybeTooMuch**

Quite a casual attitude towards Skyline's condition.

**Maybee**

she'll be fine. she's been through worse and come out the other end as if nothing's happened before

**MaybeTooMuch**

Potential disregard for condition because they can survive, noted.

**NeonPunk**

So... Why did she got knocked out then? Why did she push against those wards?.

Oh, now you stop responding?

😒

**Maybee**

sorry tried to ask idk the details; ask sky when she's back

im kind of confused did you all think sky was in like ghoul utopia or something? all safe with tons of friends or whatever?

sorry that shitheads like me are the people she's stuck with i guess

**NeonPunk**

I thought she was in more of a dystopia, I think I wasn't that far away

**Maybee**

that seems kinda mean ;-;

i was just trying to help jeez

**MaybeTooMuch**

Mm. Sounded like she didn't particularly appreciate her environment.

**Maybee**

okay look her doggo is in FULL protecc mode

so im confident she'll be totally fine

**NeonPunk**

Huh, so if max is taking care of her she *might* probs be fine

That *dog* is not weak at least

**MaybeTooMuch**

Huh.

**Maybee**

THATS ALL I HAD TO SAY DSASDFGHJKJHGFD

**SilverWolf**

The dog is more trustworthy than the fire-related Practitioner and the god-begotten, hmm?

**Maybee**

;-;

i like cats apparently thats a sign that im untrustworthy

**NeonPunk**

I'm not allergic to max, she probably will be fine

**MaybeTooMuch**

More of a curious statement than one of being reassured.

Gonna go see if I can sense fear like a bogeyman or something like that with a barely formed plan in mind.

**SilverWolf**

Fare well, MaybeTooMuch.

**MaybeTooMuch**

Gonna see if I can still talk here while doing so

That's not a confirmation on leaving

**NeonPunk**

I should also go check on the kids

**Maybee**

and i have managed to make things worse... thats my cue aigh imma head out

*Simultaneous to previous public chat discussion, and Maybee's later entrance into chat*

**DM to @NeonPunk**

Ay, can I rant for a bit here?

**NeonPunk**

Eh... Sure? Go for it

**MaybeTooMuch**

jesus fucking christ fuck this bullshit fucking nonsensical speech shit I'm basically pulling out rapid quick

i ain't good with this careful speak shit so i don't like putting in on when I gotta at the more professional stuff but I gotta cus I'm worrying this ghoul gal got fucked up and shit and ughh

like you seen how I talk and write and shit casual because I don't wanna strain myself to try to look all fancy smart or whatever but ahhhh

fuck this shit imma go get some cheap booze or something to relax after I'm talking with whoever is using the account

maybe find those kids again and check how they are and see if I gotta give them a good smack or two to help get their lives and priorities straight

aw I probably ain't gonna do it but I damn wanna put on my armor and scare the shit out of them literally, shake their shoulders like that show that puts kids in prison to make them be less bad

**NeonPunk**

I'll be honest, I'm really confused, what's going on?

**MaybeTooMuch**

That Phoenix person or whatever. They seemed sketchy as fuck and I got worried so I pulled the fancy old timey sounding words and speech to hopefully see if that ghoul gal is fine

**NeonPunk**

Okay, if something happened to her I'm going there

**MaybeTooMuch**

hold on you know where she is?

**NeonPunk**

I've sent her some stuff before, I don't know her exact address but the city yeah

Ok, you'll be the metaphorical good cop to my bad cop

**MaybeTooMuch**

ugh I sound like a fucking preppy kid in college writing an essay or some shit I ain't went to college so I dunno

wtf

fucking "forecast"???? she ain't a cloudy sky

**NeonPunk**

Hehe, weird words

**MaybeTooMuch**

aw fuck is this maybee the bad guy?

**NeonPunk**

Idk what the fuck is going on

Should I insult them to see how they react?

**MaybeTooMuch**

idk I've been keeping kinda calm writing to not make them do something dumb or dangerous for the ghoul gal

you think this maybee character is being defensive by acting...well like that?

bit weird considering they're bound and so...that thing

**NeonPunk**

I have no idea what they're trying to say

**MaybeTooMuch**

Fucky, I'll say.

You think the weird attitude is a act?

Get our guards down, show how 'wacky and harmless' they are?

**NeonPunk**I really don't know, they're too far away to check quickly

I guess we can only wait till sky comes back?

**MaybeTooMuch**

Or Phoenix if they get back on. Christ hopefully that Maybee user or whatever stops fucking around eventually

Yeah I think it's a act. I don't know any kids that genuinely act like that

**NeonPunk**

The kids that are with me don't act like that

**MaybeTooMuch**

Also seems kinda dickish

Like I dunno about you but if I had a close buddy that got hurt I would be pretty worried and not so...that.

Maybe it's me but it's kinda like they're brushing off what happened like they don't care or something

**NeonPunk**

Maybe using sanctuary as a way to travel? Is there a door in Europe?

**MaybeTooMuch**

The gift is for Resplendent. Something practical, self defense I'm thinking.

**NeonPunk**

Oh nice! I hope she likes it

Is it armor?

**MaybeTooMuch**

Eh, maybe? Thing is that their Other shape shifting thing might break it though.

So I'm thinking some sort of emergency escape thing or weapon?

**NeonPunk**

Hmm I would say, sometimes a weapon ain't enough for something too big, but being able to escape could be more helpful

... Not that I'm used to escaping...

**MaybeTooMuch**

I am, but more mundane like running away. But yeah, idk how she is on weaponry or fighting besides in her other Other form?

So probably something to run away. Christ, I'm getting a bit stressed out over a buncha things.

That trip, the gifts for others and Resp, if she's actually gonna be alright, and the fucking kids.

**NeonPunk**

Same, I'm worried about sky, I hope she comes back soon or idk

If I need to look for her I might need something *ignifuge*

**MaybeTooMuch**

You want that on your coat? Can add it free of charge if you can at least check up on her while at Calvarn.

**NeonPunk**

Huh that would be helpful, my skin protects me a bit, but it still fucking hurts a lot

I won't promise anything tho, but I'll try to check on her if she takes too long to come back

**MaybeTooMuch**

Mm. Might be a bit hard to fit some level of protection, but still theoretically possible. And thanks. She worries me sometimes.

**NeonPunk**

Oh wait, sorry, you meant on resplendent? Sure, I probably can check on her

**MaybeTooMuch**

Lemme guess. You were talking about Skyline?

Uhhgfhh alright.

**NeonPunk**

> Same, I'm worried about sky, I hope she comes back soon or idk

I mean, I did mention sky :/

But checking on the snake girl should be much easier

**MaybeTooMuch**

Sorry, bit scattered with the whole almost being gainsaid thing. It's fucking...ugh. Thst just reinforces what I'm thinking, you know? Like, who does that? I was looking out for people and they went there immediately, not even trying something else first.

Mind sharing where Skyline is, just in case? Like if you're occupied or something like an emergency?

**NeonPunk**

I get you, I've gotten gainsaid once before in here, and someone else tried to do that a second time but they were wrong

Ehhh... Idk, I'll tell you she's in the UK but, you know...

**MaybeTooMuch**

Huh. Welp, might not be able to get there so quickly then, on account of that being overseas

**NeonPunk**

Yeah, that's what I meant before saying it wouldn't be too easy to see her

**MaybeTooMuch**

Seems so. Dammit, I'm gonna let off some stress, do some patrols because my prep is mostly done. Now I'm mostly waiting for whenever I'm leaving

maybe get some last minute gifts kr something

**NeonPunk**

I should stop talking to you then, go do that shit, talk to you later

**DM to ShadowOnTheSkyline (18 July)**

Hey uh... Just checking, are you still asleep or knocked out or whatever?

*((no response))*

**NeonPunk**

Oh

Ok

Eh... Get well soon?

Shit, you can't see that

Bye

**DM to ShadowOnTheSkyline (19 July)**

You're still not awake, are you?

*((no response))*

**NeonPunk**

well, I hope you're ok

The demesne of Cedric Kane - an alias, one of *many* - was buried deep underground, accessible through basements and more complicated routes that were easily forgotten. Set up as an air raid shelter, once upon a time, it was prepared for a siege... One that, thankfully, had yet to occur.

But in the meanwhile, the path to get there was desolate, and required you to both know it, and identify yourself. But May *was* known, here, her entrance permitted - Bound by its owner - and so her entry went smoothly.

'Cedric' was found in a small alchemy lab, bubbling beakers sending smoke into the air to be caught in glass. He wasn't a particularly terrifying man, to look at. Average appearance, the sort that was easily forgotten.

May hesitated by the door.

"What is it?"

His voice, now. His voice was memorable. Clear and authoritive, with the confidence and certainty that the spirits adored. It spread through the room, almost like a physical weight.

And then a pause, for the answer.

May cleared her throat. “D-do you have a moment, sir?”

By contrast to ‘Cedric’, May was only wearing the shroud of confidence like an ill-fitting suit. It wouldn’t fool anyone, and certainly not the spirits.

A sharp gesture, and a timer began to tick. He turned to the girl. "What is it?"

May cleared her throat again, adjusting her shirt. “I was wondering when you were, um, planning on waking Elara up.”

"When she's the most appropriate tool for a task. What does it matter to you?"

“It… She…” May swallowed, shifting her stance. “It matters to me on a personal level.”

Neutral, always neutral, but being watched by him always felt like being wrapped in a serpent's strangling coils. The air in here was always oppressive. Like drowning.

"If you're lonely -" Lonely is pronounced as if its a personal failing, rather than a natural emotional response - "Then talk to that witch hunter. What personal issue is sufficiently important to bother me?"

May flinched. “I just—Elara also maintains connections with Mara Montague. I just think her presence helps keep people friendly, that’s all. …A-and I didn’t want myself to be, um, compromised, by, um, worrying over whether or not Elara will come back.”

There was a momentary pause, and then his eyebrows went up. "You think *Elara's* presence helps keep people friendly?" There is a very distinct note of disbelief.

Quite a reasonable one, too. The ghoul was good at her job, and did tend to fuss over the others - it wasn't unknown for her to arrange meals when people forgot, or push at people to take breaks - but when she wasn't faking cheer she was a melting pot of aggressive temper.

(Though who really took it personally, by now? Hmm.)

“I… Yes. I think so.” May nodded, as if trying to confirm it more for herself than anyone else. “She’s aggressive, but she cares, and everyone’s used to her.”

She took a deep breath. “She’s like a pressure release valve for us, I think. Without her things feel like they get… Tense.”

There is a pause. The timer ticks. "There is a building which I have reason to believe *they* are using as a safehouse," he says eventually. "You may see her once she's finished investigating and has returned to you."

The timer is spinning towards the end. One last sentence.

May’s eyes widen. “Really? U-um—thank you, sir. And, um, thank you for your time.”

The timer rings, a high and sharp *shriek,* too-true; with a gesture it cuts off, and he turns back to his alchemy. "You're dismissed," he tells her, careless of the god-begotten right there within his domain. Of any possible threat.

But then, what does he have to fear?

For a moment, May hesitates, as if she’s about to ask something else. Then her gaze catches on the timer, and she seems to think better of it. The god-begotten turns away, and for a moment there’s the hint of something there—wings and eyes and power, just within reach.

And yet, her exit is quiet.

Whatever it is slinks away as May does, back down that desolate path.

*I'll never believe in you again*

*I'll never forgive those things you said*

*My only relief is gone and dead*

**\*I'll never forsake myself again**\*

It really is a toss-up whether its worse to be awake or asleep when you're half-way dead. Some might argue that its worse to be awake. Worse to suffer the hungers and the temptations and the sickness.

Elara would not. Elara would never.

Anything was better than being trapped.

The pain is just as sharp every time the pipe hits, and every time she embraces it, because it hurts less than her heart. Less than her soul.

*"Just wait here for me, alright, little shadow?" he asked her. "I'll be back, I promise. Just wait for me, little shadow."*

She sobs, and tears burn hot as bones break, as cuts open, as shadows creep into the corners of her vision.

No matter how many times this replays, it always goes the same way.

She could let herself drown. She could let herself go under. She could let the darkness finally take her away, wherever it was she was supposed to be.

*"I will," she told him. Just two words, but she meant them with all her soul.*

She holds onto the pain with everything she has, and it *burns,* but that means she's alive. That means she's still here. She can't even see anymore. Its just piercing pain as she snaps apart, piece by piece, over and over, until -

Footsteps. They leave.

Its harder to stay alive now, in the duller pain, so she moves. Or she tries. Every millimetre of ground is bought with agony, concrete grains pressing into open wounds. The dirt of this damned and cursed city pressing into her.

But she was alive, still. She was alive. She was her. She was *alive.*

(A walking corpse, crawling along the floor -)

She was still **here,** and she wasn't leaving, even if they thought she was done.

She was never going to be done.

She smells - flesh. Blood. Fresh.

She lunges for it, buries claws and teeth in it, and devours meat and flesh in gulping, savage bites. She hits bone, and it cracks, and she laps at the marrow, swallows down scraps of bone without care for the spikes. She tears and she rips and slowly, gradually, she comes to her senses.

She freezes.

"Able to think, now, are you?" A familiar voice, confident and clear and masculine. A voice which demanded her attention. "Look at me."

She looks up.

He glows with Life, green and turquoise, rippling off him like scales. She can't ignore him. She doesn't dare to attack him.

"Are you listening?"

Elara nods, once.

"You were reckless." The words are confident, certain, ironclad. "Foolish, even. Your injuries were avoidable. You know better than that. But you acted anyway."

Words are starting to bubble up, but Elara clenches her jaw against letting them out. Against being herself.

"Such self-indulgence could damage our cause." The man glances to the side, and Elara follows his gaze. Max lays quietly on the concrete floor, watching them. Death shrouds him under Elara's gaze, his Life flickering and faint, if she isn't just hallucinating its presence. "You've been particularly difficult in that way recently," the man continues. "Your old partner in town, I understand. Not sufficient excuse."

Elara couldn't argue. Did not argue.

"I haven't questioned this hound's presence. I haven't questioned its purpose. But if you continue to be more trouble than you are worth..." He trails off, watching her steadily.

Elara feels sick.

"Do you understand me?"

Elara nods, mute.

"Good." His tone is brisk. "Your next assignment's description is on the table. Get to work."

He moves, a slither of sound, and the door closes behind him. Elara looks down, at the half-torso she'd been given, and continues to feed.

Flesh shreds. Bone shatters. Congealed blood drips. Once she's eaten it all she laps the remains from the floor as well.

Everything is grey, when she's done, everything except the hound cloaked in Death, watching her quietly.

Her claws are shorter than usual, more like elongated nails, and she leafs through the papers. Its a simple task. Reconaissance. She could do this in her sleep.

Metaphorically.

"C'mon, Max." Elara's voice is worn and cracked, and she coughs. Uselessly. "We've work to do." He hops up, padding quietly at her side. She's grateful for his presence.

As they walk through the dark city streets she finds herself pulling out her phone. Just a quick check. See what she missed. How long it had been. Max was watching out, and she'd walked these streets hundreds of times. More than a thousand. She knew their dangers.

Only a few days. That was good. She remembered times when she'd been out for weeks.

*How* many notifications?

Public chat. A ping from... *Maybee?*

> **Maybe:** MY PFP IS CATHULU NOW

Replying to a message that she'd never sent.

Fuck. Fuck. *Fuck.*

Elara scrolls up, frantic. *Fuck fuck fuck fuck **fuck***

Mara. Mara Mara Mara.

Talking about her.

No, no no *no.*

How fucking - how fucking dare she talk about her like that -

> **NeonPunk:** Wait... How do you know she apologized to me? Have you been around her messages? Isn't that kinda toxic?

Elara has to shut her eyes. She has to look away.

*No no no no please no*

It wouldn't have just been her messages with Neon. It. It would have been -

*No, please*

Don't let her have seen the messages to Mia, please, no, not the messages to Mia where she admitted to having a crush, not the messages where she ranted about how Mara wouldn't take her fucking medications.

And -

And then *May* -

...

May talked to *Silver?*

That *stupid* fucking child, so fucking *stupid*, talking to *her* of all people, how could someone be so fucking *stupid* -

Elara's steps have a hiccup, hesitating for a moment.

> **MaybeTooMuch:** Ay Resp

> Be careful around maybee

> I get bad vibes from them

Did they seriously

Did

Did they *really* just -

One hand clenches so hard that her claws cut into semi-dead flesh.

Its not fucking *complicated* you fucking *fucks* you *don't upset the fucking kid.*

(Ignore how many times she'd snapped at her. Ignore how many times she'd yelled. She was *the fucking kid,* she was the thing they were supposed to *protect* -)

How fucking *dare they?*

Its like this, bristling with fury, that Elara checks her private messages.

*Neon.*

**NeonPunk:** Hey uh... Just checking, are you still asleep or knocked out or whatever?

If she was alive, this might have knocked the wind out of her.

God. Fuck. *Fuck.*

She scrolls down, and she's shaking.

**NeonPunk:** You're still not awake, are you?

**NeonPunk:** well, I hope you're ok

God, was Mariette trying to kill her?

Her eyes itch. Her throat burns.

Fuck them. Fuck them all. How dare they *care* about her? How - how could they -

Max whines, nudging up against her palm, and Elara jerks back into the real world. She looks down at her dog, her precious, *precious* hound, who...

She had to focus.

"Right," Elara murmurs, and her voice scratches. It sounds wrong. She clicks her phone off and slides it away. "We've got work to do."

**NeonPunk**

DM to ShadowOnTheSkyline

Huh, you probably can't still answer, but yeah, just checking in, hope you're doing better 🙂

/

A notification.

There was really only one person who was going to do that, wasn't there?

Elara shifts, turning her head without moving away from Max's fur. The dog nuzzles at her as she looks at the screen, swipes into her messages.

Fuck.

How?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

why?

**NeonPunk**

Fuck, is it you again, Phoenix? Not funny, ass

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Fuck *off,* don't remind me that bitch got into my messages, fucking *hell*

Its Elara. Okay? I'm awae

awake

fucking hell

fuck this *shit*

Why the fuck did they have to do that?

Why the *fuck* did you have to upset the kid, huh?

Terry's probably *pissed* isn't he

Fuck

Fuck everything

**NeonPunk**

Fuck, *you* are back?

Are you ok? Did that flamey idiot tried to attack you?

Is that kid like a psycho or something?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Oh no don't say *shit* about either of them

They're

*fuck*

how the fuck do I say it

**NeonPunk**

The fuck do know? I

Really don't care

I'm just relieved you're ok tbh

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

I don't understand you

why the fuck

Are you nuts, is that what's going on here?

why the *heck* would you message every day?

**NeonPunk**

...

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Oh fuck off

**NeonPunk**

I don't know, I was worried

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

I'm a ghoul!

What, do you think someone's going to actually fucking kill me?

hell, would that even be a fucking *bad* thing?

**NeonPunk**

First you disappear and this guys appear first a person threatening me to set me on fire like that's gonna fucking stop me, and then there's this weird kid that starts talking like he's on crack and they say you weren't waking up, and I don't know!

I don't know, ok? I just wanted to make sure that you would actually wake up

That you weren't in some worse trouble

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

fucking hell

**NeonPunk**

That would be a a bad thing

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

you sure your brain didn't get cracked in all those fights?

**NeonPunk**My skull did once

Are you sure you didn't got a spike in your brain to have those fucking thoughts of it being a good thing to get killed?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

that might have happened once? not entirely sure

**NeonPunk**

And you survived?!

WAIT, that's not the point

So how did you got knocked out? What hit you?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Does it matter? I'm alive, ish, undead, idk

whatever the word is

> Are you sure you didn't got a spike in your brain to have those fucking thoughts of it being a good thing to get killed?

Did you, like, miss the part where I'm a corpse-eating monster who wants to eat people?

**NeonPunk**

Destroying the brain usually can stop a lot of things of, you know, living

But don't change the subject!

How did you got hurt? Or why? It didn't look like it was a small deal, something about wards?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

I was doing my *job*, and my job is spy on Heartless, how many times do I need to fucking say it? Fucking assholes apparently changed the fucking wards or something *I* don't know I'm not a fucking Practitioner

Why is this the subject now? Why the fuck should it matter?

**NeonPunk**

Well it fucking matters to me, it feels fucking back seeing someone get hurt and being so far away that even if I tried my best it would take too long to help

I'm trying to be patient here, cause last time I just exploded, but I'm still mad now!

~~But I was worried~~ (typed, not sent)

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Don't even think about trying to get here

Even if I'm in trouble

Just

*Don't*

**NeonPunk**

Why? Telling me not to, just makes me want to do it more, you know?

What, would that person actually try to burn me? Better be some really hot ass flames, cause I'm tough

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

You'd probably get your ass killed you reckless fucker

Do you even know what subtlety is?

fuck she probably would

that fucking bitch

she should get her head in order

why did she have to get into my *phone*

**NeonPunk**

What do you mean subtle? Why would I try to be sneaky? Hiding so much usually means that one is up to no good, at least for what I've seen

And if something attacks I would like to see that try, just, idk

~~Are you mad at me?~~ (deleted after a few seconds)

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**damn it mari

damn it

sorry

sorry

**NeonPunk**

Why would you be sorry? Maybe I shouldn't have been so rude against your friends

I thought they were the ones that hurt you

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

i don't think i'm mad at you

sorry if i made you think i was

**NeonPunk**

Oh

That

Hmm hey, did you got just knocked up? Or did you... Die?

I don't know how that works

But your friend saying someone *brought you back* just...

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

idk

feels like I'm dying all over again when i get knocked out

hard to tell

**NeonPunk**Fuck

Just don't stay dead, ok? Be undead or whatever

Why were you spying on heartless? I know they can be dangerous, usually bad people, and can be really strong

Trying to spy on them...

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Long as I do my job, I get fed. That's the agreement.

**NeonPunk**

I... Can relate to that

But the fights I get into I usually know I can win them, and I used to have someone to check out that I could come back... Not because the lord wanted but...

I don't know where I'm going with this

And telling you to take it easier would be a hypocritical thing to say from my part, I guess

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Don't fuss. There's folks who worry. You might have noticed the kid. 'Phoenix' too, I guess, even if I apparently need to fucking talk to them about boundaries, *fuck* her.

And don't upset the kid, okay? Just, like. Don't.

And I know what I'm doing. I've been doing this for a while.

I'm a thief, remember? Sneaky sneak. They don't generally catch me.

**NeonPunk**

I'll try to be more patient with them, I was too worried to care more about them being a kid

I know I would also be mad if someone started talking shit about ~~my~~ the kids

Just be careful not to get caught

So... How are you feeling?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

i'm pretty sure this is what shit feels like. except spikier, I guess.

**NeonPunk**

I fucking hate not being able to be sarcastic, I would say something like "sounds like fun"

Maybe drinking water? Shit, I don't even know if that would be any help for a ghoul

Eat something?

["God, I'm terrible at this"]

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

I've been hugging Max. I'll get over it. Just... takes a while to get over the memories. Not helped by my Binder being an asshole and having to work pretty much as soon as I'd finished eating the food he threw at me, or whatever it was he did.

**NeonPunk**

Fucking asshole, but what was the saying? "No rest for the wicked"

Eh... Can I help somehow?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

I should still have some of that wine you sent me left. you've done plenty, I think.

I still think you're fucking crazy though.

**NeonPunk**

Probably you and many more, heh

So, you wanna rest then? I've been told that wine can be useful

Being honest, I feel tired too, it's weird, I can't remember what I did this morning, that has been bothering me for a few hours now

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

I should go talk to the kid, yeah.

Get some sleep then ask Quiet, alright? She's in your phone, right, maybe she'd know what you did?

Don't go *really* crazy on me now.

Not right when I'm getting used to you being there.

**NeonPunk**

Heh, I don't plan on that

Thanks, Elara

Be careful

Oh, and say sorry to the kid from my part, for being too aggresive, I guess

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

I can do that. Go sleep.

It's a few hours before Skyline gets back 'home', if home was even the right word for the safehouse. Shitty little apartment in the shitty part of town, the only real difference between it and the surrounding area the connection blockers carved into the plaster to get them *something* resembling safety.

Something.

Even so, Elara still comes in through the roof, dropping through a trapdoor and then catching the large hound that followed her through, before dropping him on the floor.

The trapdoor swings shut.

Three-room apartment. There was barely *room* for the dog; Mara and Elara had argued for hours before finally coming to an agreement which mostly amounted to him being a good dog and staying in the corner out of the way. There was a couch that doubled as a bed in this room, a shitty TV, an old computer in the corner. Other rooms were a bathroom and a kitchen. Mara had demanded that body parts and human food were kept separate, resulting in a cooler full of extra body parts on a counter beside their shitty-ass fridge.

Mara sometimes got testy that the cooler was better at keeping things fresh than the fridge.

"I'm back," she says, and her voice sounds rough. She looks mostly human. There are hints; her skin's not quite right, she feels *wrong* to look at, in an uncanny valley kind of way. Her teeth and nails are a bit too sharp.

There’s a whistling shudder like wind through the apartment. Almost like a shiver up ones’ spine, but even a dead girl could feel it.

Something more concrete darts through the air. A shadow. A streak of something. And then—

Something made of feathers and eyes and leathery flesh barrels into Elara and pins her at the waist, squeezing and wrapping around her like a lifeline.

“I missed you,” the God-Begotten girl mumbles, and it sounds like a soft rumble of thunder.

With a sigh, Elara hugs back, patting the girl on the head. "How could I've guessed?" she asks, brummy accent heavy with irony. "Maybe you were kinda subtle about it, huh?"

Sitting on the couch, the tiny, shity-ass couch, someone else turns to look over. Arrogant, refined, every word polished and posh. "Not entirely dead after all then, huh?" Mara asks.

May can hear Elara's teeth grind. "Still able to walk," she says, tone cutting.

There’s a distinctly feathery feel to May’s hair as she pushes her head, cat-like, into Elara’s hand. Between her fingers, a pupil-slitted eye blinks open on top of the girl’s head. “Um… Do you want me to stop?”

That was a complicated question. Which she didn't really know the answer to.

"Just be yourself, kid, though preferably a yourself that isn't a dumbass." She glows so brightly to Elara's eyes; it had been this kid who taught her that black *could* glow with Life, as could greys and whites and reds and golds. Mara was fainter, *off,* lopsided in her body, Life a blazing kind of red instead of May's brownish.

The rest of the room was faintly speckled with life where rot and fungus set in, despite Mara's fanatical attempts at cleanliness. Less dirty than other such apartments, at least.

May made a soft sound of awe. “Thank you,” she murmured, and the embrace became less desperate. It was as soft as a God-Begotten in full glory could be to a ghoul.

Elara ruffles May's hair, and Max settles himself in his corner, where Death had rubbed off like a stain from his presence.

"*Sooo*," Mara starts, and her tone is taunting. "Does somebody have a *crush?*"

Elara's touch is immediately much, much less gentle, though it doesn't hurt. Her hands clench, a bit, instead of gently petting. "Mara." Her tone snaps out. "Shut the *fuck* up."

"I really should've guessed," Mara continues, ignoring her words. "What else would get you acting sweet as a kitten after disappearing for a few days, hmm? Stealing time to spend with a sweetheart, huh?"

Elara goes still. "What're you talking about?"

"Neon, of course." Mara looks over at the ghoul, and she smirks. "Who *else* would I be talking about?"

May tenses, uncomfortable. “Mara,” she starts, tentative. “Can we—“

And then she stops, abruptly. The way she stops when one of the many trains of thought stumbles over another one, a foreign one, because that’s what happens when you also think thoughts that are not yours.

"What?" Mara's tone eases, from the mockery to something neutral, though the infinite *posh* still rubs Elara the wrong way. Its a familiar response, though.

"You're a *bitch,*" Elara snaps.

Mara rolls her eyes. "What else is new?"

May tugs herself in closer to Elara. “Mara, I wanna be able to hug both of you without it being spiky.”

"How *do* you stand the smell? She stinks of corpse and dog."

Elara shuts her eyes, and her jaw is clenched hard enough to hurt. Her thoughts are quiet, wordless, a focus on holding her temper.

And Mara is simply bitter, under her tart words. About what? Now that's the question, simple enough. She's not thinking the answer. She's thinking insults instead, a litany of scoffing about the reckless, temperamental, *corpse.* Not even a wild one, perhaps respectable for its ferocity and cunning - no, a tame servant, caught and Bound.

“Mara,” May says softly. “Please.”

There’s an edge to that word. A word that uses suggestion to pierce beyond the layers of speech and subtext straight to the layer of intention.

"Fine." Mara looks away. "Fine." She turns the page of the book in her hands; she's not reading it.

Elara exhales. *Pain in the ass* is thought loud and clear, bitter with unreturned affections and darker upsets. "You two eat yet?" She looks down at May.

As if on cue, May’s stomach growls loudly. She laughs, suddenly, and there are less feathers and eyes and more girl than there was before—as if it was just a trick of the light.

Mara grumbles, but she bookmarks her page and gets to her feet. "Fine,\*" she says, a third time. "I'll cook something. Don't want corpse-bits getting into our meals."

As she ducks past into the tiny kitchen Elara watches her go, bright gleaming fire. "I guess she's in a good mood," she says, and its tired now.

It sounds sarcastic. It does. But it isn't.

May sways slightly, leaning her head against Elara’s side. “Can we sit on the couch?” She looks up, eyes wide, and there’s all girl and no Other.

With a snort, Elara leans down and picks her up. She takes the few necessary steps to the couch and puts them both down, setting May in the centre; there was room for all three, if they squished.

An advantage of Elara's skeletal thinness, and May being *small.*

"That what you wanted, kid?" she asks, amused.

May squeals in delight, and for a moment she’s just a kid and it’s just a hug on a couch. May curls up into Elara’s side making happy noises the same way a cat would purr.

In the kitchen is muffled swearing as Mara cooks, something that would be pedestrian and beneath her if it weren't for her dislike of letting Elara cook - a dislike that still sometimes leaves the task to Elara, when Mara's out of commission for one reason or another.

With a sigh, Elara tugs May into her side, and delicately turns the shitty-ass TV on, surfing channels while Max looks on.

Normal things. More or less.

"Neon said to tell you sorry, by the way," Elara murmurs. "For being too aggressive. Y'know."

May stills in Elara’s arms. She clearly doesn’t want to say or do anything that would disturb whatever rare thing this is.

“Okay,” she finally says. “Thank you.”

There are a thousand things to say, a dozen and more ways to break this peace. It wouldn't stay like this for long, really. By morning Mara and Elara would probably be sniping at each other, if it didn't start as soon as the food was done.

But for now, Elara just nods, and lets things be.