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[waitingforplayer2]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, CHIAKI NANAMI.

FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX

*** galagamer has joined XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX
<galagamer> This is Chiaki Nanami.
<galagamer> I'll get back to you as soon as I can!

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Action, 8/6, August arrivals red pill aftermath!

[knifemonopoly]

[He'll be waiting for her outside his door, still in his merperson form, brightly colored but now dressed in comfortable pajamas -- sleep shorts and a sleeveless t-shirt from the Mall of Bavania that says GAME BOY.

A gray key, the same shade of gray as the Fog, that kind of color that looks like it'll be cool to the touch no matter what the temperature around it is, rests in his brightly colored, webbed hand. Notably, the door to the apartment behind him is pulled completely shut.]

cw: self-harm wounds

[waitingforplayer2]

[ Nanami opens the door just a few moments later. With her hollow eyes, it's a bit difficult to see the expression in them, or how tired they are. But her fronds are a little droopier, and she's sagging at the bonsai bend of her trunk.

The bite marks on her arm aren't quite as deep as they used to be, at least. And she hasn't gone back again. Bark doesn't taste as good as chocolate. ]

Hi... [ She shoulders her pink bag, then moves into the hallway and shuts the door carefully behind her, so she doesn't wake up her roommate. ] Are... you doing okay?

[ She saw those messages on the network to Norman, mister. ]

[knifemonopoly]

[He gives her a tired smile, then a shrug.]

I don't like it. But, I'm going to be up either way...and, going to Dyster isn't hard. Besides, it's better if we stick together, right? So, if I start acting strange...remind me what I'm doing, and don't let me wander off!

[He puts a hand on her shoulder, just for a moment, reassuring. She doesn't look good, not at all, and those wounds on her arm -- did somebody bite her? For a moment too long, Atem stares at them. He has to tamp down his own anger at the prospect -- only avenge injuries done if that's what she wants, he reminds himself, and his brain's a sieve right now anyway.

After that moment, though, he shakes his head, his fins flapping.]

Right. Dyster. Okay...!

[He turns around, and with less deftness and dexterity than usual, he wiggles the Fog-key into the lock, and turns it. The door opens, and it's not into Atem and Ryou's shared apartment, full of flower-smells and baking-smells and a little bit of lion, but into a dark, columned entryway -- two rows deep, it's too dark to see how far they go to the left or right, or how high the ceiling is, until Atem advances, pushing open a second set of doors in front of them, which open into a garden courtyard, with plenty of light.

The green light from the permanent Fog presence comes through from above, of course, but what's stronger is the luminescence from the big, rectangular pool, water-lilies dotting its surface near the edges, that takes up most of the center of the court. Fifty feet across and a hundred feet long, its blue glow casts ripples on the brightly painted pillars that ring the area. A covered, paved walkway surrounds the pool on all sides: there's plenty of room, you just have to walk around it. The pillars are carved and painted like trees: greens, reds, golds, blues, all of them give the illusion of a stylized tree garden. Other plants grow in tiered soil-boxes around the pool: lower bushes, moonflowers and other night-blooming plants, all of them flowering or fruit-bearing or both. The walls of the courtyard are painted with a landscape: plants from all over the Middle East as well as Ryslig make up the foreground, then mountains, and then behind that a starry skyscape. There's a table and two chairs, for guests, at the far end of the pool, near a third, bright red, closed set of double-doors -- (framed by winged serpents carved into the pillars, and the doors themselves are carved with rampant, giant bats with open mouths and prominent fangs) -- but it's also perfectly possible to sit on the stone edge and dangle your feet, closer to the entrance.]

This is my place! Make yourself at home -- I'll see who's around.

[And Atem will head back in the direction they came, to stick his head out the main entrance and look around the cul-de-sac his building sits on.]

[waitingforplayer2]

Yeah... it is.

[ There is that, also. Nanami worries about a sleep-deprived Atem being left on his own, after what happened last month-- she's already making silent plans for sleepovers and regular check-ins.

But the hunger has become a much more pressing issue, in the last couple of days. So she follows him through the door, crawling carefully on her roots into the dark entryway, and then through into the courtyard.

The place is breathtakingly beautiful. She has to stop just to take it all in. Of course Atem, a former pharaoh and current priest, would live in a place as elaborate and royal-looking as this.

While Atem's away, she crawls over to the pool, and lowers herself close enough to look into the water. It's almost nostalgic, and she thinks about how a month ago, she might even have dived in, even as shallow as it is.

But she's interested in the plants growing on the water now, and reaches out to one of them. It spins a little closer to her (probably the currents in the pool), and she touches it gently. ]

What are these?...

[knifemonopoly]

[He pauses at the inner set of doors.]

Ah, those? That's a blue lotus! It's the same plant I grow in my apartment...only, where Tybolt can't get to it! All lilies are bad for cats, and that one's no exception. It's good for people, though!

[And with that, Atem heads back through the two sets of doors, sticking his head out of the main entrance. Nanami will hear him shout:

"Hey! Anybody around to help? I've got a friend who needs to feed! Nymph, but the death can be by vampire!"

There's a shout in reply. Can she have a minute to finish mowing the grass out here? She's nearly done. Atem barks that that's fine, the door's open when she's ready. With that, he'll head back into the main room.]

[waitingforplayer2]

[ As focused as Nanami is on the little plant, which she's now holding gently in her leafy fingers, it's hard not to overhear the shouted conversation from the main hall. She looks up from where she's sitting, the little guy still in her hands, and straightens up as Atem returns. ]

They... really don't mind? Why? [ The lotus she holds close to her barky chest, almost protectively. ]

cw human sacrifice/child murder! oblique mention of sexually charged harassment also,

[knifemonopoly]

[Atem comes over and takes a seat next to her, sticking his froggy feet into the water. Even if he's not completely submerged, the water's soothing...he can think a little clearer, this way.]

It's because of how they came to be immortal. The way I understand it...years ago, a town of humans decided they were going to worship the Fog. To prove their devotion...

[Here, Atem pauses. There's a warning in the set of his shoulders that what he's about to say isn't good. A breath out, then back in, and he goes on:]

...they sacrificed all of their children to her.

That wasn't the kind of thing she wanted...it made her angry with the town, instead of winning her favor. So, she killed all of the adults, made this area her own, and brought all of the children back to life. Now, they can never die -- they're under her protection. Any time a monster feeds on them, they come back.

[And...he's got to tell her the whole truth, right?]

Truthfully, I've only fed on them if I find myself in a dire situation...I'm not too sure about how willing they are to be food for us. Maybe that's just because I'm usually a vampire, and humans used to ask me to bite them sometimes in a way that's weird. So I'm more suspicious about things like that than most! But, if you're kind to them, and you ask, and you don't make it painful or cruel...then, it can be a better choice than the alternative.

[waitingforplayer2]

Wh-what?

[ Nanami freezes. She glances towards the door furtively. Holds the little lotus close. ]

They're-- they're the children? They really died like that?

[ Oh no. Oh no, she can't really do that to them, can they? Not if they've already suffered like that. ]

[knifemonopoly]

[He nods.]

They're older now. But yes, that's who they are.

[It's obvious she's upset...she's a kind person. Atem has feelings of his own, about sacrifices...but, the people in Dyster have lives, here. Safer, arguably, than most humans, only that they have to experience death, sometimes.

But the way he feels about death and the way, say, Ryou does isn't the same. He's quiet, letting her make her decision. Dyster-sourced feeding isn't the only option.]

[waitingforplayer2]

[ She raises up on her roots.

Well, first she actually places the little lotus back down on the surface of the pool. She doesn't want to leave it alone from its family.

Then she looks at Atem. ] I... no. There's... other options. Like the soup kitchen, or... or what you said, people-- people who deserve it.

[ She glances back at the door, where she's halfway fearful of the lawn mower coming in at any moment. ] I'm-- I won't do that to them, they've suffered enough.

[knifemonopoly]

[...and she's reached her decision. Atem nods. He won't try to change her mind one way or another -- everyone has to choose the targets they can live with.

(The lotus goes back into the pool, and maybe it's her nymph power, maybe it's a current in the pool, but it seems to spin happily in the water -- a little bit brighter than its fellows.)

If Dyster's people aren't an acceptable emergency food source for her, then that's fine. There are other options.]

Okay. Then I'll take you back...there's meat in my apartment that should tide you over for a little while.

[As he goes to the door -- the young woman, 19 or 20, smelling of cut grass and Fog, pushes the outer door open. She looks from Atem to Nanami, identifying her immediately. Her skin is flushed from work, but there's dark shadows around her eyes, not unlike Nanami's -- it's been a long time since this woman's seen the sun. There's recognition in her eyes, looking from Nanami to Atem, but no real fear -- not even the kind of resentment you'd expect from someone called in for jury duty. These are monsters, her siblings under the Fog, and she's fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time to help them.

"You're the nymph who needs help, aren't you?" she asks. "Would you like my name? Or will it be easier for you if you don't know it?"]

[waitingforplayer2]

[ Oh. Her heart skips a beat. The human is young, maybe just a little older than Nanami herself.

No, there's no way she can. Especially meeting her like this. The other girl is too kind.

She crawls up to the young woman on her roots and gently takes her hands in her own leafy ones. ] I'm not going to. I'm okay. But I'm... I'm really grateful, that you'd be willing to help me like that.

What's your name?

big old cw for cult behavior/thinking/self sacrifice,

[knifemonopoly]

[Her face falls, her brows knitting in confusion. No...?

"I'm Ingrid. I live with my brothers along this street. Our monster neighbors have always been good to us...really, I'd be happy to be able to help the Fog's other children."

She shifts from one foot to the other. Her overalls are clearly meant for work, and they're out of style even by Bavan's standards. They, and her shoes, have been repaired many times.

"Is, um...is there something wrong with me, Fog-Chosen? I can find somebody else, if I'm not the kind of human you want to eat. Just tell me what you need -- I want to help you any way I can."]

[waitingforplayer2]

[ She shakes her head, fronds rustling. ]

There's nothing wrong with you at all. I just... don't want to hurt you... any more than you already have been.

[ Gently she squeezes the human's hand. ] Live, okay? Make a lot of memories that make you happy. Can you... can you do that for me?

cw suicide/drugging discussion

[knifemonopoly]

[She is so confused.

"If you're hungry, then you're the one hurting, not me. I'll be okay -- I'll come right back to life! Thanks to the Fog."

Atem's standing to the side, watching this -- he's not going to interfere, this is Nanami's decision.

"I'll live no matter what. But you'll be hungry, if you don't feed. You're a nymph, so I won't even feel it! I like nymphs. We don't see many here, but I've always thought they fed very gently." Ingrid has no idea what to say; she's not used to the idea that a monster might ask to eat her, then change their mind. So, her mouth is just sort of going -- anything that pops into her mind comes out. "Would it be better if I took care of it? I've got a shovel in the shed. I can dig up some of our garden, and take something that'll put me in a deep sleep."]

cw: death discussion

[waitingforplayer2]

[ It's true-- Nanami is hurting, her gut still painful no matter how much she ignores it. But her heart's breaking at this girl's kindness. ]

It hurts to die, doesn't it? [ She speaks gently and softly. ] Even if I was gentle... you'd still remember it. I don't want to do that to you.

[ Not to her. Not to this kind soul, immortal or not.

She finally lets go of Ingrid's hands and moves back, her roots carrying her over to where Atem's standing. She hesitates. ] You're kind. I won't forget you. I promise I'll be okay.

[ And before Ingrid can say anything else, so that Nanami won't have to look at the disappointment in the girl's face any longer, Nanami turns and hurriedly crawls her way down the passageway back towards the door where Atem let them into Dyster. ]

cw: death discussion

[knifemonopoly]

[Atem puts a webbed hand on Ingrid's shoulder, thanks her, apologizes for pulling her away, and then follows Nanami. He'll need to open the door for her, to let them back into the hallway of the 38-8. As he goes, he says:]

Death's difficult for you, isn't it...? I can understand that, and it's not just you who feels that way.

[But he doesn't.

He's died so many times, both in excruciating pain and without any at all, that death is an old friend, a fact of (un)life. He could tell Nanami about this, about how he's died about ten times so far, and has thoughts about them all, and which were worst, and why...

...but, he has it together just enough to think, Nanami needs to eat. Not to listen to me.

He puts the key in the lock, and turns it, leaning hard against the door as he goes. He's exhausted, and on his last legs, even though he can't sleep. As long as he keeps moving, he's fine.]

I've got butchered meat in my apartment. We can bury that for you if you want it. Or, you can take some of me...

cw: death discussion continued

[waitingforplayer2]

Isn't it for everyone?

[ It seems like an obvious question, and she's a bit surprised at the way Atem refers to it. ]

You died too... I saw.

[ She follows him into the haul. She guesses the meat at his place is probably what'll have to do for now... ]

and now for whiplash

[soundsurfing]

[Someone is waiting for them when they come back. It's a werewolf in a very dapper suit with a large comical mustache on his face and an equally large comical cloak on his back, leaning against a wall a little ways away from Atem's doorway. He's a little hesitant to interrupt their conversation once he sees them come back out, but he also knows Atem's probably in no mood for a death talk.

So wish a dramatic swish of his cloak, he approaches them.... in an attempt to be menacing but it's so hard to be when your tail is wagging ridiculously much.]

Ya both stink, yo.

[They smell of Fog. Reaching into his pockets, he pulls out two equally ridiculous as his own fake mustaches.]

I weren't gonna kidnap you as well, brotha, but I can't have witnesses.

[He gently presses the mustache onto Nanami's face, then does the same with Atem's.]

So you part of the kidnap crew now. Or kidnapped. Whichever you wanna. Yer walkie talkie on you, Squiddles?

[knifemonopoly]

[Atem's about to go into his own death, and his strange attitude towards it, over some human remains --

-- when. Beat shows up.

Suddenly, there's a mustache pressed to his face.

Atem...does not understand any of this.

He looks at Beat. Then, he looks at Nanami. Then, back at Beat. Blearily:]

...what's going on?

[Is he seeing things? He understands that can happen, if you go long enough without sleeping.]

Nanami, are you seeing this...?

[waitingforplayer2]

Wha...?

[ Okay she's very confused. She's staring at Beat uncomprehendingly. She has-- a very funny moustache on her face?

She giggles. ] Ah... yeah, yeah I do. Here... [ She unzips her bag and pulls it out-- her W.E.B. (Walkie Emitting Broadcasts) for W.E.B. (Weirdos Equalizing Bavan). ]

What-- Beat-kun, what's going on?

POST IT IN THE RIGHT SPOT DW STOP

[soundsurfing]

[When Chiaki takes her walky talky, Beat promptly takes it and sets it aside. On the floor so it looks like it was dropped, or discarded. Hm. Knocks it over so it looks a little more dramatic. There.]

I'm kidnappin' you, yo. It's enrichment fer yer peeps in yer super hero group AN' enrichment fer you.

[And to get her to eat, if she hadn't with Atem.... Hm, Atem is an outlier here. The poor boy looks absolutely dead on his feet. Beat's tail wags as he stares at him, debating, before going over to him to gently pick him up and lightly place him over a shoulder, patting his back.]

I'm kidnappin' you too, brotha. How you wanna be heisted away, Squiddles? Over the shoulder or under the arm?

[knifemonopoly]

Beat....

[It's a sign of how much Atem trusts him that he only blinks, instead of balks, when he's picked up.]

No. Now's not the time! Nanami needs to eat...I was going to share what was in the fridge...

[Hey Atem why do you have human meat in your fridge. How can you say "fridge" with a mustache on and still have it come out with gravity. Big questions today.]

I don't know what game you're playing, but it'll have to wait.

[waitingforplayer2]

[ Nanami, however, can't stop giggling. Oh, but Beat's not getting into character! But she can help with that. ]

Beat-kun!! You would do... something so dastardly... and villainous? We'll stop you... W.E.B. will stop you!

[ But she's grinning, and she raises her arms to be picked up - in whatever grip is easiest for Beat to grab her. ]

[soundsurfing]

[Beat's all smiles - dastardly ones! - when Atem complains but Chiaki jumps right into it. Turning his head briefly, he whispers into Atem's ..... side, where's your ear oh it's down there, shifts him a little.]

Don' worry yo, we'll get her fed. This'll also put her in a better mood for it. You jus' doze a little if you can brotha, you look dead on yer feet. My shoulder.

[Another gentle pat to Atem's back, then he throws a grin at Nanami.]

W.E.B can't stop me, girly! Oh, I haven't come up with a villain name yet, have I?

[When Chiaki lifts her arms, Beat snatches her up! Into a foot ball hold, sorry, it's easier with Atem on the other shoulder like this. Tucks her tight under his arm, gets her comfortable and balanced.]

Nyehe~ [Yes he's copying a certain old shit man's laugh cause it's skincrawling enough and just as annoying. With Atem and Chiaki it's a little awkward but he does manage to start running away with them.] Gonna force you into a life of crime, girly!