epidemiology | Let's Live Life

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Let's Live Life

CHARACTERS: Sorey & Open
DATE: May (first half)
WARNINGS: Dead bodies.
SUMMARY: Left Behind. Sorey, without his resonance, tries to help.

Bodies

[Of course Sorey knows about fighting back home, purifying the hellions and hunting for food and supplies such as the hide. But at the same time, that doesn't mean he's so used to death. To seeing it like this. It's different to hunting, killing to live, to eat. This is something else. These bodies were...used for something. That much is evident, as he notes the driftwood, the strange writing on it.]

This....something isn't right.

[This was obviously not a drowning. And with tensions so high, it can't be a coincidence. At least, even as he raises a hand to his mouth, he manages to fight back from retching once he's more or less finished inspecting the bodies, straightening and getting back to his feet as he turns for a moment.]

Fighting:

[It's instinct that makes Sorey want to step in when he sees the fighting. The Nalawi really...don't mess around! Even if their smaller size might make them initially underestimated. But he can't just stand and not do something to try stop it. So he steps physically in the middle of it, hands out attempting to reach their heads and tell them to stop.

Of course he doesn't immediately realize in the continuing scuffle that some other Nalawi might be making off with some of his supplies he's found, particularly the food....]

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[ Mikleo can't help but turn away at the sight. It's-- too much, even for him. His expression falls. He's unguarded with both Sorey's resonance gone, and no one else around currently.

A hand moves to his mouth, stomach churning slightly at the thought of it. However, he draws in a breath, wanting to force himself to calm his nerves enough to message Sorey.

It's still-- too harsh of an image. It's too much. For anyone. Whatever happened to these bodies, they had to be used for something of importance to someone. This was... Whatever the reason it was, it was awful. Much like Sorey, he doesn't think that these bodies were used for food. ]

Are you sure about all of this?

Edited 2016-05-09 05:15 (UTC)

[Sorey shifts slightly, as he notices the incoming message with his own jewelry as Mikleo tries to get his attention to ask him. He's not entirely sure on the details of course, but it seems pretty obvious this wasn't just the fish as these bodies washed to shore. Or, no fish that Sorey might be familiar with from his time here thus far anyway.

It's probably in some ways easier for Mikleo. Not needing to take Sorey's fretting over him into account with his own reactions to everything for the time being, without his resonance to see the water seraph, or hear him. But it only heightens Sorey's perpetual alertness, that strange feeling of being almost certain Mikleo is with him but not being able to see his friend all the time. He turns his attention from the bodies and the driftwood when he gets the message.]

You don't think something's up? I don't....I don't think it was the fish. This looks like some sort of writing, here. At the temple, I heard about the idea of sacrifices, but I wasn't sure if the Nalawi did that.

Of course I think that something's suspicious. But... This isn't the same as problems back at home. There may not be a lot we can do here. But, I already know what your answer to that is going to be.

[ Sorey will want to help, anyways. Or, he'll want to try to do something. Still... It's a gruesome image, regardless. ]

It is....kind of different. But I still want to at least try. I'm not saying you have to if you don't want to.

[He would never force Mikleo. But at the same time, chances are that if Sorey is as predictable as usual and wants to try help find some answers, especially if there have been deaths, that Mikleo will not exactly feel right ignoring this and letting the other investigate this alone.]

Didn't I tell you from the beginning? I'm not letting you go through any of this alone.

[ He doesn't want Sorey to have to be alone through any hardships, no matter what. ]

You did. I just don't want you pushing yourself. Or getting involved if you aren't comfortable.

[But he's sure Mikleo knows that and feels much the same on his end too. They've always looked out for each other and all that way. Since they could remember. Even now, unable to see or hear the other like he usually would, Sorey knows Mikleo is right there with him.]

I'm not the only one pushing myself here.

[ Sorey is definitely one to talk. He's been pushing himself all this time, hasn't he? ]

You're saying I am? I can do this much. Even if I can't armatize. This could be related to the storm, the others with us and ALASTAIR that are missing.

[But well. Both of them know how stubborn and distracted Sorey can get. It isn't hard to figure that he's at it again. Trying to help and be and feel useful around here somehow, even without his resonance and accompanying powers.]

We're both the same. I didn't come out here just to do nothing.

[ He... wants to watch out for Sorey. He wants to see what he can do. Mikleo is just as stubborn as Sorey is, if not moreso sometimes. ]

Edited 2016-05-20 05:58 (UTC)

I know.

[He's never thought of the water seraph as a liability, not for a second. But he knows it's one of Mikleo's insecurities, given their initial fight back home around him becoming a Sub-Lord. Mikleo has his own stubborn moments of being useful somehow too.]

We could at least try figure who they are and what happened though. Their friends and family should know....

Sorey...

[ Sorey's always, always thinking about others and what he can do for them. It's one of the many traits he admires about his friend. ]

That's a good idea. In that case, we should find a way to tell the natives.

Hopefully without upsetting them too much. They already seem pretty well worked up lately. But someone should let them know. Even if I'm not sure if I recognize them by name. We can at least ask around, if any of them have been missing.

[It's part of the plan, not that either of them are necessarily aware of that just yet, timing wise. But Sorey's personality has always been a selfless one. He's just figuring if this were one of his friends or family, he would want to know. Better than to wait and wonder forever on what happened, if they went missing and had no news, right?]

Understandably, it'd probably upset them even more if we didn't say anything. I don't think a situation like that can be approached in a delicate manner. But, we can at least try.

[ It should be done soon - at least, well before the mission is over. ]

Yeah. The sooner the better, I wouldn't want them worrying and wondering too long if we can manage to find them.

[He just wants to help. However he can, in all of this, even without his resonance. Sorey moves to stand again, giving the bodies one last look before turning, facing the shore.]

Let's go.

[ Even if Sorey can't see it, there's a nod on Mikleo's end. ]

I'm here. I'll be right behind you.

Yeah, no shit.

[ Dude, that observation is so painfully obvious it almost hurts Stiles to hear it -- he's on his now-usual patrol-slash-investigation round, walking around to see if something new pops up, writing it down in his notebook, in the rapidly growing list of strange things that have happened after the storm; stopped nearby, close enough to hear Sorey speaking out loud.

His back, though, is turned towards him and thus the bodies -- it is blood that squicks him the most, but he'd rather not take another look at those bodies if he can help it. ]

[Okay, so maybe Sorey's observation he'd said aloud isn't the most astute. But he's used to talking aloud, sharing everything with Mikleo or having time to himself that it doesn't really matter, since there weren't so many seraphim at Elysia back home.

He pauses, turning a little and straightening some when he hears Stiles, looking a little sheepish.]

Ah, I guess that was kind of obvious....I was just trying to figure out what happened.

Yeah, well, that makes two of us.

[ Trying to figure this shit out, that is. ] I mean, the way they look kinda screams ritual murder, but aside from that... I got nothing.

[ Why they were killed, if it even worked, who killed them -- it's all a mystery so far. ]

Rituals? Like...you mean like sacrifices?

[Achilles mentioned the idea, when he'd met the other in the temple earlier. But if it was something like that, wouldn't they want to leave whatever they were offering their god or goddess at their own temple? He's not sure exactly, it seems different from the way humans treat and revere the seraphim back home. But he doesn't have much more of an idea than Stiles on this.]

What about this writing? On the wood there, can you read it?

Yep, [ he says, popping the 'p' like they're discussing something far more mundane than actual human sacrifices. ]

There's mutilated bodies in the water and weird markings on the beach, all signs point to sacrifices to the water goddess.

[ He glances at the writing when Sorey asks about it, but has to sigh and shake his head. It's the same he's seen when investigating, too, but... no dice for him. ] No. I mean, the marks mean something, that much is obvious, but I haven't found anything that'd help translate them.

Sacrifices.....

[He heard of the idea, even back home. But it's never sat well with Sorey. For obvious reasons, being so helpful and optimistic as he is and all. He would always want to find some other way, something else to offer rather than someone's life, if possible. Any other alternative.]

I'm not sure if I can read them either. I just thought maybe someone else might know. The Nalawi?

[Showing and asking them....may not be the best idea? But Sorey figures they would probably find out about this sooner or later, if they weren't already aware of some people going missing.]

... yeah. I take it this is your first time dealing with them?

[ At least like this. ]

Probably. But good luck trying to get them to translate for you. [ It's not like they've been particularly helpful until now... and showing them things that may or may not have to do with them being killed also doesn't sound like the brightest of ideas. ]

So we're pretty much stuck with guess-work until someone gets some information out of... something. [ Stiles waves his hands haphazardly; the whole disorganization of ALASTAIR really never stops to astonish. ]

Not exactly, but....this is different.

[This isn't the wind shrine. This is something else entirely. Not something willing, only involving the person wanting to end it.]

Yeah. But it's worth asking. You never know? [He probably is being too hopeful and optimistic there, but all the same. He intends to try. Even if it might fail. He's not sure who else might know.]

You don't know any of us, or maybe someone with ALASTAIR might know how to read it, if the Nalawi don't tell us though?

[Probably about as hopeful and helpful a hope and wish, but even so. Sorey himself can't read this. It's tiny, and not the same as the sort of thing he finds in ruins back home.]

Hey, I'm not saying not to go for it, dude, just maybe don't expect too much out of it.

[ That kind of optimism reminds him almost painfully much of his best friend -- Scott would have insisted they try, too, because maybe it'd work and the deer people wound up being really helpful!!

... right. But on his own, Stiles can't muster up that kind of optimism. ]

Maybe. I've only spoken to a couple of people about this, and neither of them could read it... that's not to say no one can. I mean, if ALASTAIR has all this information about these planets and places we go to, why wouldn't they have stuff like dictionaries around?

Yeah. I'm not expecting this to be guaranteed. Just....figure it is worth a shot. I have to at least try to ask around. But I guess that would make sense. For ALASTAIR to know more about this place -- all of them that we end up at. I'm not sure how we could ask them though. I know they've used the jewelry before to talk to us?

[But how well it could work the other way with one of the recruits initializing the contact, Sorey isn't so sure. He hasn't tried. But he would hope that they could, in case of an emergency like this.

But Sorey isn't Sorey if he isn't such a naive optimist, regardless of the situation. He tries to maintain that, his purity as a result. Part of why he was the perfect candidate for the Shepherd role.]

Hey, you know what they say -- if you don't try at all you've already failed.

[ So even if it's a slim chance, a fool's hope... it'd make them more the idiots to just call it quits without even so much as trying to ask around.

Stiles sighs and scratches his chin; it'd be convenient to be able to reach ALASTAIR... but so far, the communications seem very one-sided. ]

Yeah, but the question is, can we use the jewelry to talk to them? And would they even give us any answers, even if we could.

Exactly! We won't know until we try. [So it's worth it. Even if they might not be right. Even if it might not be nearly so helpful. It's still worth attempting, if only to know they gave it a shot regardless. That they made an effort anyway. That has to mean something.]

I just -- I haven't. Tried to talk to them before other than that one time myself, I mean. I don't see why they wouldn't work for us the same way for ALASTAIR. They've talked to us from far away before and all. It's just a matter of how much they know of the situation. They might not know much more than they've already told us.....

[ She tries to avoid conflict when she can, placate tempers where she might. But one can only sidestep and reason with so many aggravated deer before reaching failure. There's tension wherever she goes, strained to breaking point—and this time it snaps before there's anything she can do. (Scuffles started over no more than a dirty look, a wayward sneer, etc. There's no helping these people in their current state.)

Still, she'll make an attempt, powerless though she is. It's the right thing to do (also the stupid thing to do), and she isn't one to scale her sense of morality according to her physical strength (or current lack thereof).

—Also, there's a young recruit caught in the crowd; knee-jerk trigger for an attempted rescue, really. (He might not notice himself, but Aqua sees a doe pilfering through his pack while he's distracted.) Having no items on herself to lose, she elbows her way in as best she can—attempting not to rile the crowd any further—and places herself firmly between the pickpocket and the boy. ]

You'll lose all your supplies at this rate. [ (If not more than that; these deer are getting more than a little pushy, and she finds herself being clawed at with belligerent hooves.) ] Come on, let's get out of here.

[ She places a hand over his wrist and gives a gentle tug in the direction they should go. (She's not usually so forward with strangers, but she really doesn't have a choice right now.) ]

[Of course, Sorey himself is too distracted to notice the thieves taking advantage. Even if he had noticed, chances were that he would probably have ended up offering them some to help if they had needed it or just asked anyway. But he doesn't get much of a chance before Aqua steps him, taking his wrist to lead him.

He seems surprised, but he doesn't resist, allowing her to take the lead as he follows, glancing back for a brief moment before staring forward.]

Thanks. I didn't even realize....maybe the fighting was a distraction? But if they'd asked I'd have tried to help them.

[There are definite reasons Mikleo and the other seraphim at Elysia worry over him. Sorey's so helpful and selfless that it would be easy for others to take advantage of it.]

[ Extricating themselves from the rowdy natives proves to be a bit of a trial, but Aqua's not failed an escort mission yet (nevermind her other shortcomings) and doesn't intend to now. She keeps herself close to Sorey, an arm crossed protectively over his pack as she herds them away from the Nalawi.

(With a good deal of pushing and shoving, they're finally able to break for an unoccupied side street...) ]

...Are you okay? I'm sorry to barge in like that, but I don't think it would've been very safe for you to stay there...

[ It's kind of him to offer his aide, though, and it immediately leaves an impression on her, softens her expression even as she tries to explain, ]

They've been growing increasingly violent, lately.

Hm? Oh, yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. This is nothing....they were just way more aggressive than I expected when I tried to step in.

[But it is nothing serious, far from it in comparison to some situations back home. He doesn't begrudge her assistance at all, giving her a small, grateful smile as he follows her, assisting in asking or pushing some of the more stubborn Nalawi out of the way.]

It's a good thing you showed up when you did. I think they are getting more desperate. Their powers and how little they know how to do without them and all, their goddess with the volcano. I just don't think fighting about it among themselves will help any.

No, you're right... Fighting won't help anyone.

[ She sighs and shakes her head. ] We can hope to stop it, but lately it seems any intervention only invites more trouble. [ They've proven to be a vicious lot, with tempers volatile and sharp. Particularly impatient and uncaring for the foreign recruits on their soil. ]

—Have you got most of your things? I'm afraid I might have been a little too late...

[ She casts a glance his belonging, which shows obvious signs of having been rifled through once or twice... ]

It won't. Not when we all need to be working together to figure this out.

[But not everyone obviously sees this that way. Unfortunately. Obviously, as Sorey just saw with his own eyes yet again and got involved in. With his attempt to stop them. It's only when she draws attention to his supplies that he pauses, looking to the bag.]

Oh...right. I should probably check. Now we aren't so rushed getting out of there. But pretty much anything can be replaced, really. I keep the important things on me, like the Celestial Record, or my sword.....

[He pauses, putting the bag down to go through it for anything missing.]

[ She crouches down next to him as he takes inventory, helping him hold whatever few objects that might need to stay off the ground. ]

'Celestial Record'...? Is that something from your homeland?

[ She's never heard of such a thing in her world, or ALASTAIR's. (Whatever it is, it sounds incredibly important and mystical in nature...) ]

—Whoever went through your things must have been hungry.

[ She's noticing broken bits of food and scattered crumbs, more of the less-edible supplies left untouched... ]

Yeah. It's this old book that records stuff about the previous Shepherds. It has a map and all sorts. I can show it to you sometime.

[Now probably isn't the best time. Especially when history tends to distract Sorey rather easily. He could rant about it for hours on end if nobody butts in to stop him.

But well. Food is still replaceable at least. And understandable. Something they would need just as much as him. So Sorey isn't so put off by this as he could be.]

Looks like it. They could have asked and I'd have shared it with them. I'm sure I'll manage.

[Chances are that Edna or Mikleo had probably kept an eye out for food for him and Alisha anyway. So Sorey isn't too worried. Once he's checked it all and brushed out the crumbs, he repacks his things again.]

Thanks again though.

[ Shepherds...? As in... 'One that tends a flock'...? ]

Sure, if you wouldn't mind. [ She's always been curious about other worlds—kind of goes hand-in-hand with the Keyblade.

And, that's very altruistic of him, but unfortunately it doesn't change the fact that theft is theft... Aqua gives another small sigh of disapproval. (Nothing directed at Sorey of course; he's the victim here, not the perpetrator.) ]

Asking was the least they could've done... [ She's sorry for the trouble (a setback is still a setback), but glad the damage isn't irreparable. ]

It was the least I could do.

[ —Ah, ] I'm Aqua, by the way. ...May I ask where you're headed?

[ (She'll offer to escort him to his destination, just in case...) ]

I mean. Probably not right now. [He'd end up way too distracted showing her here and now. But later, perhaps. He himself has always been curious, about the outside world having grown up in Elysia, and now with ALASTAIR on all these other completely different worlds.]

Still. I guess they were just hungry. I'm Sorey! I was heading back to the inn....

[Before he saw the fighting and tried to step in to stop it. Almost everything seems more difficult without his resonance right now but he's trying.]

Of course. [ Don't worry Sorey! She won't ask for a history lesson in the middle of the street (even were he willing to give one)! ]

—It's nice to meet you, despite the circumstances.

[ Even from such a brief encounter he seems the friendly sort, and Aqua's glad to have him as an ally. ]

I'll walk with you then, if you don't mind. I'm going the same way.

Likewise! [Regardless of the circumstances of their meeting. He's grateful for her help. And if things were the other way around, he'd probably have stepped in to assist her too.]

Ah, sure! May as well, if we're heading the same direction anyway.

[Together they were much more likely to help deal with any more such fights or attempted thieving along the way, after all.]

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Let's Live Life

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bodies;

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Fighting; hope this works!

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