dialetheism | ❧ ic inbox. (RYSLIG)

[ There is a heavy lull in the conversation as the pair continue their shuffle towards the promised arbor. Nogi Wakaba is left to stew in her fear and worry for a time as her words are weighed and measured, examined from all angles for any hint of a flaw.

It isn't until the gazebo is in sight that the silence is broken. Admittedly, it's with another of those soft gasps of salt-in-a-wound, but they push past it without allowing comment. ]

Good. Pushing yourself will only make the process of recovery worse in the end.

[ Said with all the trite hypocrisy of someone who very definitely isn't making it worse right now by demanding she let them inside the school. It's fine. It's fine. ]

.... But honestly, "no strangers on campus" is a good rule to keep even at normal times, as frustrating as it might be for circumstances like these. You could always come up with a system to vet specific people you know are safe, and it stops...

[ A pause. There's no polite, Successorly way to phrase "random monsters coming in and eating kids" that doesn't sound like an insult. ]

Accidents. From occurring, when things like this month happen.

[ #nailed it. ]

[ hell yes she lives another day

At least the gazebo is different enough to break the illusion. It's this large stone structure that's less "tea spot" and more "mausoleum". When they get close enough is when Wakaba breaks off to take a seat on one of the benches. Not having to force herself upright anymore is wonderful, slowly stretching the one arm out and forward until she's just face-down in the stone table. Nails scrape on the surface, loosen with one long exhale.

Much better. When she speaks again it's infinitely less strained in comparison. ] I know. I've had enough physical therapy to know all the lectures. And the 'accidents' are the reason for the rule. We'll have a proper system by November.

[ When her eyes bleed and the minotaur strength comes back. When Niina heals enough to be able to face threats. But until then, neither are in any state to do anything. Any bit that helps quell the anxiety of those that live here is more than worth it.

Which on that note: the head finally turns to See them properly for the first time. ]

So. What'd you bring.

[ It's just different enough that their skin won't crawl off their body for daring to sit and rest in such a place. That's good enough for now.

While Wakaba melts and tries to absorb the cool stone into her skin, Lion just... perches on one of the benches, awkwardly, like that one friend who's been invited over to your house after school but doesn't want to cause trouble by existing in the wrong place. Reflexively, they start adjusting and fiddling with their ring - and thank god, whichever one cares to intervene in these small prayers, that Beato thought to stash everything away before she left, because they don't know what they'd do otherwise.

Breathe. One step at a time. Her explanation is taken at face value, as the overburdened tote bag is relieved of it's service and gently plonked next to her head. ]

I'm glad you and your Principal are planning ahead. This sort of storm will only get worse from here.

[ But it's a clear day-- oh.

Morbid sighs aside, they start unpacking the bag. The boxes are grubby and battered, but clearly medication. ]

Not what you're expecting, so please don't get your hopes up. [ She's given another Look. ] I'm not the type to break into a hospital on a whim. But thankfully, not all of what we collected in preparation for my inevitable transformation went missing in my absence.

[ Meaning it's questionable boxes of The Good Shit, hoarded by a madwoman in expectation of some truly gruesome body horror. Knock yourself out, Nogi. ]

Please take whatever you think will help. I'll keep the rest, though hopefully I won't need it quite yet.

Edited 2022-10-26 07:59 (UTC)

[There's not a lot of people on campus. There's a small core group of 'students' with a few of their close friends mingling in school uniforms around the school. The uniforms were a formality that came up when Niina was found unconscious; better for outsiders to think this was just a normal school.

There's a few open windows in the main building, though. A loud voice, distant but definitely angry drifts on the wind.]

Wakaaaaba! Where are you?! I told you to stay in your room!

[Then there's silence. Then: is that a fight in the school building now?

The Principal has found out.]

[ The storm is assumed to be a metaphor and left at that. Because they are correct - once everyone returns from Felfri, be it by dying or that portal the network talked about, the hunts will resume in earnest. ]

It wasn't a hospital, it was a clinic. [ Wakaba is immune to their Looks. ] It was wise to prepare in advance. When I refill my prescriptions I'll pick up replacements.

[ Someday, Beatrice will get a handwritten thank you letter. For now, leaves are quietly hovered over. Three bottles taken out to read over the backs. Whichever one is enough to take the worst edges off will be fine. Which one functions as a nerve blocker- And the thoughts derail at the sound of that robotic shriek. Oh. Oh no, she woke up early. That's actually a good thing, and one bit of anxiety unwinds. Niina's recovering. Thank god.

Downside: Niina's recovering. And went to check on her room first.

You know what. Never mind the above consideration. She's grabbing the one with the strongest dosage, already a professional at getting the lid off with one hand. Max three per day? Sure. Take them dry like always. ]

...She's honestly very nice. But, um, now's your best chance to escape.

[ Ever the martyr. ]

I'm going to assume for the sake of your long-term wellbeing and safety that you're referring to a normal clinic, and not the other one.

[ That's all they can say on that topic, really, before all hell breaks loose.

The robotic shriek gets a startled flinch as Lion all but jumps in their chair. Whatever that was - no, whoever, the speaker knew Wakaba's name - is on the warpath and woe betide any who get in their way. Wakaba is given the solemn, if slightly amused, stare of a mourner stuck at a funeral for a corpse they barely know. ]

The 'Principal' you mentioned earlier, I take it? [ Sounds young, too. But it makes sense in a world of monsters. ] And you don't think it would be worse for you to be found on your own...?

[ They make no move to stand up, nor show any sign of fear beyond the initial alarm. Sorry, Nogi. ]

Edited 2022-10-26 10:04 (UTC)

[Maybe fight wasn't the best word. It sounds like about four other people trying to yell at the loud overwhelming voice. The static splits the air as bellows.]

I'm fine--I'm standing, aren't I? I'm fine! That idiot--

[There's a few other distinguishing words now.

"Miss Niina--please! Mr. Ivor, help me--"

"I'm sorry, Miss--"]

Don't touch me!

[It seems there will at least a minute before Niina gets out of the building.]

Not the other one. It's a small human-only one near the city center. Claims to help the poor, but tripled the prices on all their supplies after new management took over.

[ And she owes their temporary guard a favor. But it's a thought gently rolled away for now. Regardless of anything else, that's at the end of a whole series of smaller steps, starting with not being bedridden when she needs to be walking again.

Er. Not quite. First step is now 'don't let Niina go on a rage bender', and from the sounds of the arguments in the distance this is already a failure. The corpse of a person sits up enough to evolve into Less Corpse Of A Person, and Lion's expression is given a blank stare. Well. If that's the decision they wish to make, then they can have the responsibility for it. ]

Yes. The guard is mine, but she's the actual head here, okay?

[ There is a consideration to say something else. "Try to be less." Except that would get her aggro'd by Lion and dealing with both of them sounds like a nightmare. Roll that thought away, too. A nail taps on the lid of the container she's taken, completely composed in the face of death. ]

I'll just take these ones. Do you need to write the name down?

I'll keep that in mind, then.

[ Which part? All of it. So far this has been a goldmine of information about the kind of person Nogi Wakaba is when the surface layers of prissy hero are peeled away, giving them a much clearer look at the person who exists underneath. It's not that different. But the understanding is... nice.

Even if they're about to watch her get brutally murdered by a friend of hers. They should've brought flowers to lay on her grave. Oh well. The stare shifts into blank confusion. ]

What kind of person do you take me for, Nogi-san? I already have a list, and I can just check it against the missing items later.

[ Ah. Nerd. Specifically, nerd who can't remember shit. ]

[All hell breaks loose as the doors of the building slam open. The far too narrow proportions of the monster make it clear what type she is even before the glint of light on metal makes it obvious. A faded screen where a face should be, paint imitating clothing... hair that looks more like a wig than actual hair... At a distance it's hard to tell details beyond that but she's gaining ground.

Purple and black covered steel. Brass fittings. She might look intimidating if it weren't for two things: the fact that out of the entire gathered group, humans included, the simulacrum is by far the shortest here. The other is that there seems to be a faint rainbow shine, breaking the paint job up in various areas: her limbs, her glass covered chassis.

Ivor, the security guard, and the girl that Wakaba was with are trying to hold her arms as she storms forward. The screen is blank, aside from a small smoky discoloration about halfway up.]

Wakaba! You stupid idiot! Why are you out of--[She jerks her head suddenly towards Lion.]

Who are you?! Wakaba, what the hell are you doing? Didn't you suggest we have no strangers on campus! Why the hell did you go to the trouble of hiring Ivor if you decided to invite more people in?! Liv told me you were out in the gardens but she didn't say you had company!

[The girl gives a sheepish smile as she tries in vain to hold on. Ivor, on the other hand, is having more problems trying not to hurt his employer than anything else right now.]

[ A nerd who can't remember shit explains so much. Another question starts here, but the words get lost over the slam of metal into metal. That was faster than expected. She really is feeling better. Very good. ]

Good morning, Niina.

[ And it's said with all the placid zen of someone who's far too used to people waking up in a blind fury. There is one part in all that where Liv gets a flat stare show at her - not anywhere near mad, but the very definition of really. really???? Because letting her think she wandered off on her own was such a smarter choice.

Ugh. Too late now. ]

Ivor. You can let her go. And Lion's not a stranger. They're my friend. [ Duh. ] I asked for their help while you were resting.

[ It's so different when it's not their responsibility to defuse an oncoming argument, they're finding. There's less pressure, no overwhelming drive to be perfect above all else. It makes it so much easier to just watch the new girl-bot - fascinating, simulacrum get to be so interesting - with their typical mild-mannered poise.

...They should've brought tea. But at the same time, that likely would've made the first impression worse. Boo. ]

It's nice to meet you, Niina-san. Though I wish it was under better circumstances.

[ Since Wakaba already introduced them by name, they don't bother. But the surprised delight at being called friend is for them and them alone.

Of course, it means they're perfectly justified in what they're about to do, so really she only has herself to blame. ]

I apologize for any trouble my intrusion may have caused. Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of the 'no visitors' rule until after I had arrived. If there's anything I can do to rectify this error, please let me know.

[ And while they don't get up to bow, because that just seems awkward, okay, they have standards, they do bring out the most reassuring smile they can muster. ]

[Ivor does let go, with a grateful sigh. Liv just sort of smiles apologetically, mouthing 'She looked out the window first' before ducking behind Ivor. Niina's stance changes slightly now that the humans aren't touching raw burns.

She tilts her head, a small circle swirls in the center of the blank screen. Thinking, thinking. There's a robatic sounding scoff as she crosses her arms then quickly uncrosses them. Not a good idea.]

Lion, huh? A member of the crew is vouching for you, so I'll let it slide for now but there's some people here that get antsy when new faces show up unexpected. Even if someone didn't tell me, it shouldn't have been a surprise. You didn't know so I guess I can't fault you for that, though.

[At least it seems that this has soothed the angry robot somewhat. For now. That is when she turns her head to Wakaba.]

You? You know better. What are you even doing out here? Couldn't you have just...

[Niina trails off, tilting her head from side to side. She doesn't know what's in the boxes but...]

...Wakaba. Explain what that shit is and why it was so important to break the rules.

[Niina is now moving closer, ready to grab Wakaba's shirt if allowed.]

And don't go 'good morning, Niina', idiot!

Edited 2022-10-26 11:45 (UTC)

[ There is an initial wince at the speech, but it melts very quickly into confusion. Violet eyes dart back and forth between a tv screen and the portrait of a rich person. She just... let it pass? There's even a second spent locking eyes with Liv in mutual question marks, offering a miniscule shrug in response. Well, at least Lion lives.

Now the real problem. A breath is taken in - still feels like knives through her lungs, hasn't kicked in yet - and she lets determination fill in the gaps her body left behind. She is still a near-corpse, like something out of some B-grade horror film, but the glare is lucid for once. There's no recoiling from Niina's slow advance. Until her death, she is unyielding as steel. ]

I broke no rules. I was not aware my medication from my previous stay ran out. I needed assistance that the others could not give, and I will not send you outside for this.

[ Go ahead, strangle the invalid, Niina. But she won't give you the satisfaction of her caving. ]

[ They really should intervene. Instinct says to intervene. Years upon years of duty as the Successor to the Ushiromiya Family says to intervene. This is going to brew into a hell of a fight if they don't, has all the hallmarks of the kind of family bickering that screams walls down regardless of who is watching.

... But for once, they don't have to. The choice is theirs to make or ignore as they see fit. The thought is batted around like an idle plaything, as their gaze flicks from one girl to the other. ]

Understandable, I'll endeavor not to do anything that might make those people antsy.

[ Privately, they also make a note to warn the girl next time. As refreshing as it is to not be the one forced to keep the peace, for once, that doesn't mean they want to cause grief if they don't have to.

They'll help dig Wakaba out of her grave in a moment. For now, they're going to let it play out. ]

[Lion gets a nod. They're noted but there's someone in her sights for now. She doesn't strangle Wakaba but she does try to lift her up. There's a brief flicker of static as her body tightens.]

"No strangers on campus". That's a rule broken. They might not be a stranger to you but try explaining that the crew! Getting medication isn't that difficult. You didn't even ask! You're not the only ones with connections.

[There's a sharp shrill sound of static.]

But I guess asking for help is too painful, huh? [As her grip tightens there some more growling.] I'm the boss of this crew. You don't have the right to say that I couldn't have done it myself!

Edited 2022-10-26 12:21 (UTC)

[ There is no attempt to stop her when she is lifted, only a faint wince. Distantly, there is agony. Distantly, there is the awareness that this a monster, and even if she wasn't injured that static screen is the face of death. Each word scrapes at unwanted corners: there was no rule broken, Liv was the that helped her send those initial messages, getting the specific strength she needs isn't something that can be done through connections.

But that last one taps on the wall, just once, and something taps back.

The glare aimed at the static loosens, eyes quickly turning a furious red that Niina remembers, and everything goes still. Words flow like calm poetry, apathetic and unmoved. The determination is still there, but it runs undercurrent to something worse. ]

Painful as you killing me, I should expect. How I would have enjoyed being made aware of your status, so I knew the price of staying here was my choices.

I'm not going to kill you! I just--what if you started bleeding all over the place again? You ever think of that?

[She snarls again but there's... something else in it. She does feel that gaze. She recognizes it. She's pressing against a wall.]

Waking up and finding you were just gone--that shit wasn't cool.

[ Eyes close. Focus on the sounds of the breeze and Niina's own words. It's just her worry displacing itself as anger. Thus, the words themselves are warped. She's worried. And with one aggravated sigh, her hand is placed right on Niina's screen. Light shove. Cut it out. ]

I'm not going to bleed anywhere. They're scars now.

[ Dumbass. Niina's free. Instead, that vengeful streak goes right over her shoulder and hits someone else. ]

In any case, I told Liv to pass on my location if you woke up.

[ ...If it weren't for the computer-screen face and the monstrous red eyes, the scene would be almost painfully familiar. They're just watching from the wrong angle, this time, rather then from inside. But only some of it fits, and the comparison is quietly shelved without further comment.

It's enough to get them to finally speak up, though, head propped gently in the palm of their hand from where they're resting on the table. As cute as it is to watch them worry over each other, it does nobody any good if they actually come to blows. Again. ]

Scars can still re-open under duress, Nogi-san. [ The comment is unmistakably childing, but diluted into something mild enough to soothe instead of irritate. Hopefully, anyway. ] Especially if you fuss at the wound and keep it from healing in the first place.

[ The gaze flicks back across to Niina. Ah well, there goes the amnesty they earned. ]

I imagine the same might be true for steel, but I'm not as familiar with that as I'd like. [ ...is that rude to say? Welp, too late now. ] It doesn't hurt either of you to take the time to rest while you can, or to accept help when it's offered by someone still in possession of all of their limbs, rather then going in circles and lashing out in worry.

You don't know if they're completely healed.

[She snarls these words but she does get the idea. She leans back somewhat, being pushed by that hand. Liv, on the other hand, is going to take this moment and leave. She's not going to get into a fight here.]

I don't have any cuts so I'm fine. [She huffs at Lion before letting go of Wakaba.]

...I guess that makes some sense, though.

[ Hah. You don't know, she says.

Of all things, she gets the smallest smile at that, like someone sharing the worst kind of joke. The start of one word, then dropping it immediately to an expression that's purely dead. What's the point. Nothing more is given until Niina finally lets go. ]

I know myself well, Lion. [ Rasped, at first. Breathe in. That last hit hurt worse than expected. Just shake it off, like all the others. Everything else that follows is the usual relaxed tone. ] I appreciate your concern, and my 'accepting help' is the only reason I'm not resting. My apologies if that was not clear.

[ Next time she'll just get it done alone- mm, no, biased thought. Probably miasma. Let that feeling dissolve without any further acknowledgement. So, next thought on the list is- oh. A small jerk upright, like remembering something you forgot, and then Lion gets read for filth. ]

However- Lion. I fear your secondary meaning may have been too subtle. You can be more open here.

[ It takes a surprising amount of self control not to just immediately bite back with do you, Nogi-san? Picking a second fight when one is actively trying to de-escalate the first is a terrible idea, if a sorely tempting one. But it's at least an instinct they're used to suppressing on pain of death.

Anyway. Wakaba gets a Look, just for a moment. ] It's not subtle, it's tactful. There's a difference, Nogi-san.

[ But the hand not supporting their head drums fingers on the table, idly, in consideration. She's not exactly wrong, either. Fine, if she wants to go for their throat, they can swing right back. ]

There's more then just physical cuts, after... well, a month like that. The heart can be wounded too. And it's not wise to let such things fester untreated. [ A pause. God, they sound stupid. ] ...Which is to say: tearing strips off each other to make yourselves feel better won't do anything except make everything worse in the long run.

[ In a place like this, you need to be able to trust the person next to you. They nearly say that- it's on the tip of their tongue- but the sentiment is bitten back. They don't know either of them well enough to preach that much. ]

[She looks away, stepping away from Wakaba. Her screen just tilts slightly towards Lion before shrugging. There's a long pause, what might have been a wince as her shoulders rise as a piece of rainbow collides with Wakaba's arm.]

... I guess that's fair enough.

[She wants to argue, to continue to spit venom but there's something that keeps her. Being a simulacrum with someone she cares about in the area made certain things hard.]

No use in beating a dead donkey. This is all really unprofessional...

[That's horse. She rubs the back of her neck.]

...I'm Niina.

[ See, Niina has every right to take shots after what happened. Unkind, but fair. She'll take them with a smile every time. Lion however.

A swing and a hit, but harder than expected. Way too hard.

Lion gets turned away from entirely, so they miss how the expression fractures. All misery and anger in equal measure, visibly gnawing at one lip to keep whatever the reaction is inside. It's her own fault - too tired and too pained to keep a better handle on herself. Do better. Niina's few syllables is a few scant seconds, but more than enough time to smooth it back down and stare back with the acceptable level of Mild Annoyance. ]

'Subtle' and 'tactful' are the same thing, Ushiromiya-san.

[ And like nothing even happened, Wakaba sits back down where Niina first grabbed her and resumes being face-first in the concrete table. One long, liberated exhale. How jealous she is of the her ten minutes from now when the drugs start kicking in.

Mm. Something about that phrase feels wrong. ]

...Wasn't it beating the air?

❧ ic inbox. (RYSLIG)

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cw: terrible puns in hovertext

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