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 Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 5:55 am
It had been a few days since Jessie had changed, most of which he had spent wallowing in self pity. Jessie had thus far refused to live in the sea, much as his body insisted. So he had been lying about either on the shore line or in the rock pools in the rocky outcrop that was along the lagoons southern shoreline.
Today he was lying on his back in the surf, or the occasional waves could lap at his tentacles and keep them from drying up like they had so many other times before. Now with an extra pair, Jessie didn’t want to have to go through that again, ever. He was determined to try and get someone to bring him his stuff, which admittedly wasn’t much, just some sheets, his football, and the mattress. But that’d be enough to at least make one of the rock pools liveable.
He patted his bare stomach as it grumbled. ”So hungry”, he’d have to ask for food too. So far, he’d only eaten a few fruits he’d only barely been able to get too by squirming his way up the beach. And with his beak teeth, it was hardly pleasant.
Hopefully someone would come soon.
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Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:28 am
Ever since that run-in with Light, Aiden was in a poor mood. He was shaken, and though he wasn't as irritated, a blanket of dread had settled over his psyche. Turns out his crackpot theories weren't so crackpot after all. He really wished he had just been crazy, that there was an explanation for all this- like some coma-induced dream or something.
But there wasn't. They were really trapped on an island. They were really turning into monsters. There were pretty much ******** was a depressing truth to cope with. There had been times over the last day or so, that Aiden had wished he never learned all this information. He wished he had stayed in the dark, blissfully ignorant to the end. What would he tell the others? He wouldn't tell the others, that was it. Not now. He still needed to process things himself.
Sometimes, roaming and taking a nice long walk helped him think, helped him settle down. That had been a habit that developed back home, not just on the island. He left his art supplies back in his room at the base this time; he was exploring a part of the island he already knew and had mapped anyways. He had brought his driftwood walking stick, though- that things went everywhere with him.
He walked the familiar shores, trying to clear his head and figure out what to do now. Of course, he was fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your stance) distracted from his pondering as he noticed a shape at the edge of the surf. He came down a bit closer to water's edge, and heading in the direction of the shape, hoping for a moment it might be some sort of tasty fish or something washed ashore- it would save him fishing that way.
No dice, though. As he got closer, he realized it was another islander, one in a poor shape. This one had changed quite a bit- they were hardly human anymore, with tentacles all over and a beak to boot. It reminded him of an octopus, really. This had been the first islander he had seen with tentacles, though. He'd seen fish tails with Hailey (and a longer one with Wesley's), Ian's accordion chest and rebellious tail (tails were all the rage, it seemed), Alcine's scales and interesting new feet (a lot of people had webbed feet though, it seemed)...but he had never seen tentacles or anything vaguely octopus-like in nature until now. But then again, the changes were different for everyone. The only thing in common happened to be an affinity for water.
He came closer, masking his face with a sort of emotionless [removed](shock would only upset the poor guy, and it was bad form anyways). He looked down at the person, trying to gauge who it was. He was familiar but Aiden wasn't recalling a name.
"Sup?" he managed finally.
It wasn't shock or disgust harboring his words as much as it was just...everything that had happened recently. He hadn't spoken to anyone since he ran into Light anyways (and even before that, proper conversation had been scarce for a few days), so his conversational skills were a bit rusty.
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Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 10:00 am
It took a moment to register that someone was talking to him, he hadn’t heard him approach as he lost in his own thoughts. He glanced at Aiden, not quite recognising him immediately.”That guy…who was at the camp? What was his name?” He remembered Aiden’s face, just not his name. Jessie was unsure if he’d changed too, maybe the guy just hadn’t shaved, but a quick look at his feet confirmed it, he had. Claws where a new one though.
Being brought back from his deep thought he became more aware that his ears where now throbbing from behind bent either side of his head. (Those huge pointed things where incredibly impractical) With a great deal of effort he managed to lift himself up to a seated position. Given his soft bones staying up took a lot of energy out of him, and it would take more if he stayed up like this.
“Erm…hello” he tried to force a smile, he’d have to be pleasant if he was going to get him to collect his things for him.
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Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 10:46 am
Aiden's face remain just as impassive as ever, though inside his head the gears were certainly turning. What do you say to someone who had become something like that? 'How are you' seemed like a poor choice, and 'what the hell happened to you' was out as well. God, were they all gonna be this bad?
He remembered...when he had asked Light what would happen, it had refused a straight answer, saying he'd see in time, that others had been getting close to the end...was this what they would become? Fish people? Things kept getting more and more messed up, didn't they?
Then, as a new revelation dawned on Aiden, he got a sort of worried look on his face. It flickered briefly before he replaced the image of composure.
"Forgive the forwardness, but...ah, how long have you been changed like that?" he finally spit out.
He could feel his heart beat faster. he should have asked for a name but...he had to know. If it had just in the last few days...what if his meeting with Light had upset the cosmos? What if they had messed with some of the islanders instead of him, knowing that would hurt him more than having to bear the burden of his insolence on his own shoulders? He could feel that familiar gut feeling that this was all his fault creeping up in his chest, wrapped around his rapidly beating heart.
He had really messed up this time. Messed up bad. he had screwed with a power far higher than he was and if he wasn't paying for it now, he knew he'd be paying for it soon.
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Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 3:34 am
What was this guys name again? Jessie strained his mind to try and remember, he’d met him only briefly when the camp was being set up, and what conversation they’d that had been the same. He’d only seen him around, but never spoken to him further since. He’d just walked round that problem for now.
Jessie struggled a bit to keep himself up straight, in the end he was forces to fan his tentacles around him to support him. When he looked back at Aiden, he assumed his worried face was from seeing him squirm about like that. He couldn’t exactly hold it against him, he was horrible to look at like this.
“…A few days” he managed to say after an awkward silence. He’d rather not think about it, denial was his best friend.
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Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 8:01 am
He felt his heart drop out and lord, was it hard to keep a straight face. He had met with Light just days ago- whether it was two days or a little more was up for debate. Aiden was steadily losing track of time, though he had made a point of adding a mark to his sketchbook for every day, so he'd know how long between each major event, and how long he'd been here overall. But he didn't have his sketchbook, so even that was moot.
He had tried forgetting the expirience with Light anyways. Bad memories.
But if this boy had changed just days ago...it had to be a coincidence, right? He couldn't be responsible for this! It had been just days since he snarked and scoffed at Light. What if his human insolence and persistent questions had upset the cosmos? What if he HAD caused this?
But he hardly knew this one. Or at least, he thought he hardly knew this one. Maybe this was just a warning, then. Either way, Aiden still felt terrible. Damn his empathy!
"S-sorry man. I shouldn't have brought it up." he said, shaking his head. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
He felt bad, and even if he hadn't caused this change (though his ind as firmly set on the fact he HAD caused it, despite how unreal that really was), he felt as thought he ought to offer some help for the boy. It must be hard to be stuck in a form like that. Aiden wondered just how bad he'd get someday. He shivered again and looked at the boy.
"Oh, and...what's your name, anyways? I'm terrible at recalling things like that." he asked, as a bit of an afterthought. He may as well ask now...
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Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 10:03 am
Was there anything he could do for him? Hell yes there was! He could’ve just blurted it all out, but he was dependant on Aiden right now, he couldn’t be overly demanding. But then again, he felt guilty for what he was going to ask.
“Well…yeah, I left my stuff back at the airbase…you know my mattress and sheets and stuff….” He’d plucked up enough courage to start, might as well finish “Could you get them for me?”
“Oh, it’s Jessie” his reply was at least a bit perkier than before, but he had good reason, he’d been sulking for days waiting for someone to help him out, and here he was, offering it right off the bat. Somebody up there liked him!
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Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 12:53 pm
Just moving some stuff? That wasn't that much of a problem. Sure, the base was a bit of a hike, but it wouldn't be too terrible. At least he had legs still. At least all he had for facial modification were whiskers and not a beak. He was lucky.
Inwardly, he drooped at the thought of luck. Always the lucky one. He was sick and tired of it. He wasn't wishing a horrible mutation on himself like the other but this luck...it was hard for him to enjoy it. Too empathetic.
He felt a dull blow at the word 'Jessie'. Oh, that name sounded familiar. He must have been that kid he had seen at the base camp meeting. He hadn't spoken with him much- too busy, and he was a bit of a hermit- and in a way, he wished he had gotten to know the boy before he'd become...well, what he was. But all the regret int he world couldn't change anything.
But he could go get some stuff for the octopus boy. It was the least he could do. This was all his fault, and he had to atone. He had to do something.
He bobbed his head at the kid's request and smiled, whiskers twitching weakly. "That's no problem. It's not too far off...where were you staying? In one of the barrack buildings? Is it just sheets and a mattress you need?" he inquired, trying to come off as casual as opposed to hysterically exuberant, though he only managed about halfway between.
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Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 6:07 am
Still, that little pang of guilt was there, it did seem a bit much of ask of someone when they’d only just met. Enough though Jessie had been thinking about this non-stop for days now, he knew he’d feel this way, regardless of who he asked.
“Erm…it was one of those barrack buildings, I’m not sure which” He rubbed his temple with his mitten hand as he thought. “Oh, and there’s a football too.”
He seemed so overly enthusiastic for this too. Why would anyone be so happy to go collect the possessions of someone they hardly knew? Then again, they where stuck on this island, Aiden could just feel sorry for him, really, really sorry form by the sounds things.
Whatever his reasons, he was helping. He could worry about it later.
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Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 11:58 am
He arched a brow ironically when the octo-man mentioned a football. What was he going to do with that? It wasn't like he had the legs for playing that anymore...better yet, it didn't seem like he needed a mattress either. He was temped to try and finagle the mattress out of him, especially if it turned out to be in better condition than the small one Aiden had found. But then again...that wouldn't be right. Shame on you for even thinking that. There's a reason you're being punished, you d**k.
Aiden waved nonchalantly to the boy's inability to recall exactly where his stuff was, still smiling unnervingly. Barracks, huh? He'd have to figure out what building the stuff was in. Ah, he could figure it out when he got there, right?
So he was just getting a football and some bedding? No problem, he could probably carry it all back at once, though the mattress might prove to be a bit heavy. No matter; perhaps bearing a Sisyphus-style burden on his back would help him atone. He really did mess up when he had challenged the cosmos.
"No sweat man, I'll figure it out." he said.
He turned and headed off, back to the woods, back to the base. It was a good hike from where they had been to where he had to go, but nothing too bad. Aiden had run that route many times before, so it seemed to go faster. Maybe it was because he was jogging, trying not to stumble over gnarled and twisted tree roots.
He broke the treeline and came up to the base. He went through at least two of the barracks before he found the one with the mattress, sheets and ball. It took some tugging and grunting, but Aiden finally managed to prop the mattress somewhat on his back, the ball and sheets jammed and tucked under his arm, his free hand being used to open doors, balance, and occasionally hold the mattress in place.
It wasn't easy negotiating such a load around, and by the time he got out of the barracks and to the treeline, he was exhausted. He felt like he had to hurry though, like he was under some sort of time limit. Couldn't keep Jessie waiting. He didn't deserve it.
He figured he could head through the woods behind base where it was thinner. Then he could just head down the beach to meet Jessie again. That would make it easier to carry his load, and quicker- mattresses dragged a bit better on sand than they did across roots and rocks.
He was so tired though, and his shoulders were killing him. It seemed almost cruel he was carrying a mattress of all things when he was so exhausted. He laughed weakly and headed back through the small strip of woods, trying not to drop everything. More than once the ridiculous ball slipped away, forcing Aiden to set everything down, chase after the ball, pick up the sheets (which he had resorted to folding and throwing over his shoulder) again, tuck the ball under his arm, nd continue a few more feet until the same thing happened.
By the time he managed to get to the beach, he had to sit down and rest. The mattress was heavy, despite being a bit decrepit. It was exhausted to struggle along, half dragging, half carrying it behind him.
He wondered how many minutes had elapsed since he'd left. It took a good ten plus to get over to base, and then he'd spent time looking for the right barrack room, and then there was the amount of time he'd spent trying to pick everything up and move it this far...
He wagered he'd been gone at least a good half hour or so. He hoped Jessie didn't think that Aiden was ditching him. He forced himself upright, stretching out his sore back and arms. This was brutal. But he deserved it.
He staggered down the beach, huffing and puffing as he hauled the stuff with him. He was getting closer, and the mattress did slide easier against the sand. His footing wasn't as sure, though, and he tripped, landing on his knees. The mattress flipped to the side, and the sheets brushed the sand.
He got up again and set the ball down. He flipped the mattress over. He grabbed the sheets, shook out the sand, and tossed them on the mattress. He set the ball on the mattress and began to tug the lot across the sand. He couldn't carry that s**t on his back anymore, and between the heat and the stress and his tripped and stumbling, he was frustrated.
The octopus better appreciate this. This better put him right in the eyes of the cosmos.
He tugged and hauled and occasionally stopped when the ball rolled off. By the time he got back to Jessie, a good chunk of time had elapsed. He set the mattress down, panting and heaving.
"There's...your...stuff..." he wheezed. he was so tired and he ached like crazy. He felt a little like crying, too. This was all too much. But he forced a wan smile, hoping for approval.
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 4:13 am
“Thanks” Jessie waves as Aiden headed off towards the base. There wasn’t anything to do until he got back, and Jessie already thought it would take him a long time. He settled himself down in the sand to wait.
He lay there for a while, curled up in a ball that no human could ever hope to copy. He rolled a bit to and fro, as he tried to take a nap. But to no avail. ”Maybe I should have told him how I carried that stuff” The though passed, Aiden was already long gone. He lost himself in thoughts, mainly concerning how Aiden was acting, weird how he was so willing to do this favour for him.
After along time Jessie squirmed his way into the water, his skin was starting to dry up from being in the sun for so long. As he rinsed himself off he spotted Aiden off in the distance. ”Already?” He hadn’t expected Aiden back so soon, if anything he thought he’d take several hours, but he’d been gone perhaps just one, but Jessie could only guess.
“Err, you okay Aiden?” He asked seeing how tired he clearly was as he approached, despite his smile he was still wheezing and panting heavily. That guilty pang returned in full sway. The guy hadn’t had a break the whole time, what was he thinking? It had taken Jessie practically an entire morning to take that stuff from the camp to the base to being with, let alone bring it here.
“Y-you know Aiden you can use the mattress for a while…if you want.” ”Damn conscience” “I just need the sheets for what I’m planning”
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 7:05 pm
Aiden was still panting and gasping minutes later. He sunk down to the mattress and sat there a while, just trying to catch his breath. he felt dizzy, and rather sick. If he had eaten anything today, he was sure he'd have thrown up. he certainly overworked himself by running all the wy to the base and then dragging such a large load back in record time. Even so, it had taken a good hour- possibly more. He had little concept of time beyond the change of days anymore.
He swung his head back up after some time, and gave Jessie a wan smile, his face red and shiny still from the exertion.
"I'm...fine!" he managed.
He waved his hand at the offer to use the mattress. He wanted to take it back and horde it but...no, that was hardly right.
"I'm just going to sit here a bit, that's all I need." he said, words coming easier now. "I have my own mattress back at the base anyhow."
It was nowhere near as nice as this- it was just a ratty thing, smaller and a bit flatter, but still better than sleeping in the dirt, or on the floors.
"So what's your plan for all this? Set up a little place for yourself to rest?" he asked, trying to keep up conversation while he rested.
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Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 4:59 am
“You really don’t look fine” Jessie replied a little agitated, now he knew how Wesley felt when dealing with him. (Not that he realized it at the time) But at least the guy was resting now, and admittedly, when he offered the use of the mattress, he was only referring to the rest of the day. Not forever.
“Oh…okay” He decided not the pry further into what Aiden was thinking on the subject.
“I’m planning to set up camp over in a rock pool that’s over there” he jabbed his thumb over his shoulder towards the rocks off in the distance along the beach. “I should be able to make it shady with the sheets now”
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Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:40 am
Aiden was a stubborn cuss at times, whether in arguing with people, or denying anything was wrong when it really was (though the latter occurred more than the former). He shook his head again at the boy's assertion that something was wrong.
"Just tired, that's all. That stuff...weighed a ton." he said, laughing weakly. He wasn't lying, either- he was tired. He was just...omitting how bad it was. "It was no problem though!" he assured, trying not to make the boy feel bad about the errand. Now he was lying a little.
He unwrapped his bandanna and used it to wipe his face off. He was streaked with sweat and dirt- not attractive at all. But it wasn't like he was trying to impress Jessie or anything. Still, he wagered that tonight he'd be taking a soak in the stream out back to try and at least get some of the dirt and sweat off him.
He glanced over at the indicated rock pool and nodded. it would be a good place for him- for one, it was close to the water to wet down in when needed (he never personally needed to stay wet, but he had heard many of the others needed to on a regular basis).
Pitching a tent with the sheets would be handy as well. It wasn't as though many on the island needed to cover up the way the heat was here. Even some nights, it remain so humid and warm that blankets were a thing of the past.
"Cool." he said, nodding. "I guess that would be a better place for than the base, huh?" he said, managing another weak smile.
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Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 9:42 am
"Okay, its just it took me a lot of effort to get it there to start….I’m just saying…Why was Aiden so insistent that there wasn’t a problem? He was clearly exhausted from the hike. “But thanks again, I’d have never been able to set a camp up without this stuff…I guess I owe you one. (If there was anything Jessie could ever do to help in his current state.
Now that his body had soaked up enough water, Jessie squirmed his way up the shore and seated himself down next to Aiden, wobbling a bit as he tried to sit upright. The feel of the mattress under him has a huge relief in comparison to the sand and stones he’d had for seats in the day few days.
“Of course it is, it’s not like I can leave the water for too long like this.” He sighed “I guess that’ll be my home from now on”
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