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DivineSaturn Vice Captain
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 Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 8:37 pm
Reserved- Shhh! You're in a Library!
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Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 9:47 pm
Survey Time!
Part 1: The Basics
1. What is your full name?
Eriol James Satourne. What, you didn't know I had a middle name? Me neither.
2. Where and when were you born?
Not sure about the whole "born" thing, but I guess August 12th, in the Library of Ever After.
3. Who are/were your parents? (Know their names, occupations, personalities, etc.)
I don't think I have "birth parents," but my Mom's Divinity Satourne. Everyone calls her DS. She's a freelance bookkeeper, which means she pays other people's bills for them and stuff. And she caters on the side. She's cool, I guess, but she can be really dramatic, and really smothering too. But when she's not, she's really not so bad, for a mom.
4. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?
Tons. None of them are my real siblings, just like Mom's not my real mom. The closest things to being siblings would probably be Linnea and Bob. Linnea's Mom's first kid, some sort of fishgirl who came from a flower. She's really quiet and shy, but nice. Bob is actually Mom's daughter, and also a fishgirl (guess Mom's got a thing for fish). She bites. I hope she quits that.
5. Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place and the person/people.
I still live in Mom's house with the rest of the family. Besides Mom and Linnea and Bob, there's Naita, Bob's OTHER mom, Karan, some strange albino kid with issues, Xue, a Porcelain (whatever that is), Prana (one of Aunt Fae's kids who's staying for a while), Yeine (a Jedi apprentice, neat!), Ying and Rinsei (Jumi, people with rocks in their chests), and Savvy (a freaky ghost attatched to Ying). And Vivi, but I don't want to talk about it. And some Talaye and household pets. The house is pretty freaking big, and most people have their own rooms, but there's so many people that it's getting crowded. I kind of wish I had more elbow room, but it's also nice to have help with stuff. I can be lazy when I want to.
6. What is your occupation?
Haven't got one yet, but I'm looking.
7. Write a full physical description of yourself. You might want to consider factors such as: height, weight, race, hair and eye color, style of dress, and any tattoos, scars, or distinguishing marks.
I'm pretty tall- 5'8" or so, I guess, and Mom says I'm still growing. Not really sure how much I weigh, but I try to exercise, so I'm pretty fit. My hair's brown, around my shoulders, and I haven't really brushed it so it sort of looks like fat dreadlocks now. I like it though, easier to take care of. Just keep it tied back and that's all. Green eyes, except they look sort of reddish now. I don't really care much about clothes, and prefer worn-in stuff like jeans and t-shirts, and my leather jacket. And I wear gloves (fingerless ones) so my hands don't touch stuff. Oh, and I have a tail. Gray. Short. Scruffy. Not much to tell.
8. To which social class do you belong?
Middle class, I guess. We're not rich and we're not poor.
9. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?
I'm G-Virus positive after last Halloween. Besides making me pale and red-eyed and a little sensitive to sunlight, so I have to stay covered up during the day, it really doesn't do much. Don't think I'm allergic to anything. My hands are sort of sensitive 'cause of the burns there, but nothing awful.
10. Are you right- or left-handed?
Right-handed.
11. What does your voice sound like?
I don't really know. Ying sometimes says that I sound gruff, whatever that means. Other people say I sing pretty well. Whatever my voice sounds like, it works for me, so why worry?
12. What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently?
"You've gotta be kidding." Though I say it less now, since I'm more used to weird stuff going now.
13. What do you have in your pockets?
Uh... a few cigs, my lighter, some change, and a blank sticky note.
14. Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?
Strange? Not really. I think I'm the normal one here. I sing in the shower (well, I might add), and when I'm upset I'll hole up in my room, but that's pretty usual stuff.
Part 2: Growing Up
15. How would you describe your childhood in ******** weird. But hey, whose isn't?
16. What is your earliest memory?
Flying. Mom says that when I was still a page one of the Talaye folded me into a paper airplane, so I guess it's me remembering that.
17. How much schooling have you had?
Not much. I've taken a few classes at a place nearby, but that's lately. Mostly I've been doing work at home, reading, and Mom's taught me some. I sort of want to see what school is like now.
18. Did you enjoy school?
Like I said, never really went. The school nearby's sort of like college, with individual class sign-ups and different teachers, and I like that enough to want more.
19. Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?
Mom's been teaching me about centering and stuff so I don't set anything on fire. She says that I can do a lot more when I'm ready, but I guess I'm not ready yet. Doc helped me when I accidentally set my hands on fire, and gave me the gloves so I don't do it again. And when I was in Durem, Ace and Maggie helped me with some other stuff. Not sure I liked it.
20. While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them.
When I was little, mostly Mom. Then it was more people I read about in books, like King Arthur and other heroes. Nowadays I haven't really got one.
21. While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?
Eh. Well enough. I like some better than others. Now it's really crowded so I keep to the ones I like more.
22. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A knight, like in storybooks. Or a Jedi, like Eragon and Yeine are training to be.
23. As a child, what were your favorite activities?
Reading and exploring. They're still my favorite things to do.
24. As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display?
I dunno. I guess I was pretty friendly. Had a hard time believing a lot of stuff that happened, but I'm better with that now.
25. As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like?
I guess so. My best friend when I was younger was Eragon, and his sister Illy wasn't bad, but they've both moved away. I still miss Eragon, he was really cool.
26. When and with whom was your first kiss?
This girl at the Halloween party last year. I don't really remember it well. Does that count?
27. Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?
Well, yeah. I'm not stupid.
28. If you are a supernatural being (i.e. mage, werewolf, vampire), tell the story of how you became what you are or first learned of your own abilities. If you are just a normal human, describe any influences in your past that led you to do the things you do today.
Mage? I guess the closest thing would be a mage. Mom says that I have lots of magic potential, whatever that means. The first time I learned I could do stuff was in Durem, but I thought it was a fluke. After that, when I got home, I sort of set my hands on fire. That sucked.
Part 3: Past Influences
29. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
Either all that time in Durem (I guess you could call it running away if you want), or the whole thing in the Library with Viviana. Probably both, since both events really changed my life.
30. Who has had the most influence on you?
I think it's still my Mom. She's a pain lots of times, but she's also really strong, and part of me wants to start protecting her like she's protecting me. Not that I need it.
31. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Making it this far in life without major screwups.
32. What is your greatest regret?
If you asked me a few days ago I would've said going into the Library. Now I'm not so sure.
33. What is the most evil thing you have ever done?
Evil? I'm one of the good guys!
34. Do you have a criminal record of any kind?
... yeah, but Mom doesn't know. Just pickpocketing, nothing serious.
35. When was the time you were the most frightened?
The time that stupid Library tried to drown me. I seriously thought I was gonna die.
36. What is the most embarrassing thing ever to happen to you?
Probably having to introduce myself as a dad. Still not used to that.
37. If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why?
Again, a while ago I would've said not going into the Library and finding that book and Viviana, but now I'm not sure.
38. What is your best memory?
Oh, wow. That's hard. Really hard.
39. What is your worst memory?
Probably when my hands were on fire. I wasn't scared, it just hurt like hell.
Part 4: Beliefs And Opinions
40. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?
I like to think I'm realistic. It's not half full or half empty, it's just half a glass.
41. What is your greatest fear?
Being overlooked. I've had to deal with it on a small scale already, and I don't know what I'd do if everyone forgot about me.
42. What are your religious views?
Religious? Hell no. I guess I'd be an atheist, but I just try not to think about that stuff. Way too complicated.
43. What are your political views?
See above. I have better things to think about.
44. What are your views on sex?
Eh. It would probably be fun, but so far I'm fine with just kissing and stuff. I'd rather wait until I find a girl I want to remember.
45. Are you able to kill? Under what circumstances do you find killing to be acceptable or unacceptable?
I probably could, but only if I had a damn good reason.
46. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?
Manipulate someone, especially if it's in order to hurt someone else.
47. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?
It's possible. I'll have to have proof to say more.
48. What do you believe makes a successful life?
Doing what you want to do, even if it's hard.
49. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings (i.e. do you hide your true self from others, and in what way)?
I think I'm pretty quiet. No one really needs to know what I'm thinking anyway, unless I want them to.
50. Do you have any biases or prejudices?
I used to have a thing against girls, but let's just say I've warmed up to them. Otherwise, a person is a person. I like to think I don't judge before I meet someone.
51. Is there anything you absolutely refuse to do under any circumstances? Why do you refuse to do it?
I'm not really sure about that. No one's tried to force me to do something I absolutely wouldn't do.
52. Who or what, if anything, would you die for (or otherwise go to extremes for)?
My Mom and I guess most of my family, even if they annoy me. My friends, not that I've seen many in a while. A damsel in distress. Being a hero has risks.
Part 5: Relationships With Others
53. In general, how do you treat others (politely, rudely, by keeping them at a distance, etc.)? Does your treatment of them change depending on how well you know them, and if so, how?
Honestly, it depends on how I'm feeling. If I'm pissed off, I'll probably lash out. Otherwise, I'm just pretty neutral.
54. Who is the most important person in your life, and why?
I guess Viviana, since she depends on me now. Even though she could probably get along fine without me, she needs me while I'm here, and I've never really been needed before.
55. Who is the person you respect the most, and why?
Mom, when she's not being a drama llama. Otherwise, Yeine. Even though she's younger and shy, she's really brave and works hard, even when she doesn't want to. I wish I could be like that sometimes.
56. Who are your friends? Do you have a best friend? Describe these people.
Eragon used to be my best friend. He still is my friend, even though he's gone. Jason's not a bad guy. And Marie and Layla are cute too, for girls.
57. Do you have a spouse or significant other? If so, describe this person.
Nah. I wouldn't mind one, but I'm not really looking either.
58. Have you ever been in love? If so, describe what happened.
Not really.
59. What do you look for in a potential lover?
Someone I can have fun with, but also respect. And looks don't hurt either.
60. How close are you to your family?
Pretty damn close. I mean, we're shoved into this house together, how much closer can we get?
61. Have you started your own family? If so, describe them. If not, do you want to? Why or why not?
Uh... well yeah, I guess so. I mean we're not related any more than me and Mom, but Viviana is my "daughter." I'm still not used to it. Not sure I like it either.
62. Who would you turn to if you were in desperate need of help?
I don't know. Not sure I really have anyone to turn to right now, so it's good that I'm pretty self-sufficient.
63. Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who, and why?
Mom, 'cause she's nuts like that. Yeine too, maybe. But mostly, I can protect myself.
64. If you died or went missing, who would miss you?
My family, I guess. But I think they'd get over it. Mom managed okay, the first time.
65. Who is the person you despise the most, and why?
Right now, probably that lime jerk in the Library.
66. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?
I don't mind arguing if I'm right.
67. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?
A little bit. I can't help it; when I know what everyone's thinking, I always want to be the one to bring all those thoughts together.
68. Do you like interacting with large groups of people? Why or why not?
Sometimes. Other times I just want to be alone.
69. Do you care what others think of you?
Well, yeah. It's one of the reasons I stay home so much. People are ******** hyprocrites, and it's depressing.
Part 6: Likes And Dislikes
70. What is/are your favorite hobbies and pastimes?
Reading, for sure. I still like exploring, when I get the chance. Singing too.
71. What is your most treasured possession?
The knife I got while I was in Durem. It saved my life once. And the ring that Mom gave me, since it proves I'm part of her family.
72. What is your favorite color?
Green, totally.
73. What is your favorite food?
Mom's chocolate stuff is really awesome, but my favorite's gotta be blueberry muffins. Good stuff.
74. What, if anything, do you like to read?
Anything and everything. Non-fiction, fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, whatever. I like medival fantasy and sword stuff best, but everything's cool.
75. What is your idea of good entertainment (consider music, movies, art, etc.)?
Movies are sort of fun, but concerts are better.
76. Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? If so, why? Do you want to quit?
I smoke, but not as much as I used to. Maybe one pack a week now, instead of three. Mom's been trying to get me to quit, but fat chance. I don't like the taste of booze but wine's okay when I can get some. Drugs are just stupid.
77. How do you spend a typical Saturday night?
Reading, helping with the kids, taking care of Viviana. Damn, I need to get out more.
78. What makes you laugh?
Mom's bad jokes. Ying's bad jokes too.
79. What, if anything, shocks or offends you?
Someone trying to say that I'm not as good as they are REALLY offends me. For shock... it's hard to shock me anymore.
80. What would you do if you had insomnia and had to find something to do to amuse yourself?
What, like I do all the time? I read, or go to the kitchen and experiment. I'm not an awful cook because of that, actually.
81. How do you deal with stress?
Hole up in my room with some books and music, and tune out the world. Hitting a pillow helps too.
82. Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?
I sort of stink at being spontaneous. Oh well.
83. What are your pet peeves?
Idiots. People who think they're the bomb. Someone else eating off my plate.
Part 7: Self Images And Etc.
84. Describe the routine of a normal day for you. How do you feel when this routine is disrupted?
Jeesh, I haven't got much routine anymore, so there isn't much to disrupt. But it bugs me anyway.
85. What is your greatest strength as a person?
My flexibility. I might complain, but I'll change if I have to.
86. What is your greatest weakness?
My unwillingness to do what's asked without complaint.
87. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Either the tale or the setting things on fire. Both are monster pains.
88. Are you generally introverted or extroverted?
Depends. I can be both.
89. Are you generally organized or messy?
Messy, but in an organized way. I know where things are, even if no one else does.
90. Name three things you consider yourself to be very good at, and three things you consider yourself to be very bad at.
Gardening, singing, and studying, and for bad, cooking with recipies, focusing, and taking care of kids.
91. Do you like yourself?
Eh. Sometimes. Usually.
92. What are your reasons for being an adventurer (or doing the strange and heroic things that RPG characters do)? Are your real reasons for doing this different than the ones you tell people in public? (If so, detail both sets of reasons...)
Because it's fun. And being a hero, doing something that only you can do, that makes a difference... doesn't everyone want to do that?
93. What goal do you most want to accomplish in your lifetime?
To be someone I like all the time, and find someone I like all the time. Several someones would be better.
94. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Here. I'd rather not be, but that's what I see.
95. If you could choose, how would you want to die?
Doing something for other people that no one else could do.
96. If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours, name three things you would do in the time you had left.
Have fun. Maybe go clubbing or something. And make sure the brats are in order, so Mom wouldn't have so much trouble with them.
97. What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?
Doing something important.
98. What three words best describe your personality?
Aw jeez, I dunno.
99. What three words would others probably use to describe you?
Ask someone else. Grouchy is probably one of them.
100. If you could, what advice would you, the player, give to your character? (You might even want to speak as if he or she were sitting right here in front of you, and use proper tone so he or she might heed your advice...)
The hell?
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DivineSaturn Vice Captain
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DivineSaturn Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006 8:32 pm
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006 11:44 pm
It seemed that her kids were more popular that she was, DS thought as she plucked out a few articles that made up the bulk of the mail. There were cards, magazines, and a few letters. One of them was in an envelope so blindingly neon that she had to flinch. "Eri," she called, "mail for you."
Eriol was in the kitchen, trying to coax a recovering Viviana into eating some chicken broth. The girl was fussy, and the job difficult. He was glad to put down the small spoon and take the brightly colored letter.
With a muffled yawn because of her hands over her mouth, Viviana rolled over in her bassinet and kicked her legs. At least she wasn't hurting so much anymore, but she wasn't feeling great either. Outcry was equally lackluster, and showed it by blowing a puff of air apathetically.
Both of them, however, were startled enough to start whining when Eriol shouted.
"Aw YES!" Waving the letter gaily in one hand, Eriol got up and started skipping around the kitchen like a small child might. He was more excited and happy than anyone had seen him in months, and got a few stares from kids playing in the living room. While usually this would have bothered him, he was too busy whooping and hollering to care.
DS couldn't conceal a grin of amusement, and sent out a prayer of thanks to whoever had sent the letter. "Well! Must be good news."
"Heck yeah! I think it's from tha creepy green guy, but if he's doin' this he can' be that bad. All-expenses paid vacation, he's offerin'! To a beach, I think! For me, an' Vivi, and two other people if I wanna invite them!" Eriol couldn't remember the last time he'd had a vacation. In fact, he didn't think he'd ever had one.
It was a very generous offer, and one DS had to read for herself before she believed it. "Well... that is very kind of Pippin-san. I know you could use a break, sweets. I'm just glad you can get one. I'm sorry I-"
"Ma, don't." The last thing Eriol wanted was for his mother to go on one of her guilt trips, not when there was good news around. A real, honest vacation! And soon, according to the letter. "I'll hafta pack, and get some stuff ready, and- jeez, who'm I supposed to bring? You?"
DS laughed. "Thanks for the kind invite, but I couldn't possibly leave everyone alone. However, of you'd like to take anyone along, that's up to you."
It might not be a bad idea to have someone along. That way, they could take turns watching the squirts and also have some fun. But who? He hadn't seen any of his own friends in a while, which left family. If he invited Ying, she would insist on bringing Rinsei and Yeine, and that creepy shadow thing would come too. That would be anything but relaxing, so he decided to leave that group alone. Maybe a boy instead. "Karan?"
"To a beach?" Karan asked from the doorway. He popped inside, grabbed a couple cookies from off the counter, and headed back to the living room. "No thanks. Too sunny."
Sunburn wouldn't be fun, Xue added, taking one of the cookies for himself.
That took care of the boys. And if Karan wasn't going, Prana probably wouldn't either, not that Eriol particularly felt like asking her. There was one other girl he wouldn't mind having along, but he wasn't sure she would go for it.
Still, it couldn't hurt to ask.
"A beach?" Linnea blinked, running one hand around Ren's cup. "Me?"
The fae was sitting on her bed, and had been in the middle of demonstrating how to fold a paper cup. It was a fairly easy design, but she had been interrupted when Eriol came into the room and suddenly asked, out of the blue, if she wanted to go on vacation with him. To a beach, no less. It was a surprise, to say the least, and Linnea was at a loss for words.
"Sure. If you want. I mean, I'd ask ya to help watch Vivi, but there's prob'ly swimmin' and other fun stuff. An I'd like some comp'ny." Linnea was a pretty good choice. She was quiet, generally obedient, and big enough to still be some fun.
"Oh yay! We get to go on vay-cay-shun!" Splashing in her cup, which fizzed actively, Ren gave a small twirl. She wasn't sure what a vacation was, but it sounded like fun!
Of course, he'd forgotten about the cup, who was anything but any of those terms he'd used to describe Linnea. If she came too- and she would, if Linnea did- things could get messy. Or noisy. Probably both.
Linnea's eyes, however, were shining with anticipation. "Me? Really?"
"Um, yeah." It was too late to reconsider. Besides, if Linnea had a friend along, she would be happier. And her friend was small enough not to need a ticket, so Eriol could invite someone else if he wanted to. It seemed that he'd hit upon the perfect solution.
Linnea considered it for a few moments. If it was vacation at a fancy place there would probably be a lot of people there, and that would be scary. But Eriol would be there. And Ren would be there. And if they were there, she would be okay. Probably.
And if not, she could hole up in the hotel room for the rest of the trip.
"Okay," she whispered, nodding.
"Yaaaaay!" Ren shouted, splashing even more. She was practically glowing from excitement, and her bouncing rocked her cup just enough to be worrisome.
Eriol rolled his eyes. "But if you go, will you be quiet if'n I ask ya to?"
Quiet? Being quiet was so boring. But if vacations were as fun as they sounded, she could stand being a little quiet, which had to count. "Okay!"
The Drinkable agreed a little too quickly for Eriol to believe her, but he nodded anyway. He could deal with it later. Maybe she wouldn't sound so annoying if he was on a beach, getting a tan and chatting up some ladies. "Okay. So we're leavin' soon, so get ready an stuff. Pack. Yeah."
"Okay."
"Okay."
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DivineSaturn Vice Captain
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DivineSaturn Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 10:11 pm
[Reserved- Vacation Summation]
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 10:13 pm
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DivineSaturn Vice Captain
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DivineSaturn Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 10:38 pm
smudged ink
Yeah, I know, I really suck at keeping up with this. I kinda want to say I've been busy, but I really haven't. I mean, other than just the normal stuff. Taking care of Vivi, helping Mom around the house, doing some reading at the library. I'm helping Karan learn to read, and we're also working on a kite, which is kind of cool.
Aw hell, who am I kidding? My life is pathetic. If this is all I'm destined to do, maybe those stupid Grunnies should have just killed me on Halloween. Jeebus, I sound depressed. And I guess I kind of am. I mean, taking care of Vivi is kind of nice, and makes me feel important. But it's not like she wouldn't be okay if I was suddenly gone. Mom would manage, and the girls would help, and there's Zvoni too... in time I doubt she'd even remember me.
This isn't what I wanted. I don't this is what anyone wants, but still. I've gone back to feeling uimportant, passed over, I get that. But this is something more. Or at least something different, you know? I just feel like if I weren't here, things would be the same. So maybe... maybe I should just leave.
It worked the last time. At least, I'd be able to get my head on straight. Figure out something to do with my life more than being some eternal babysitter. And maybe they'd get it through their thick skulls that I'm not someone they can just delegate to. I want my own life, my own adventure, dammit!
And you know what? I'm going to go take it. And there's nothing they can do to stop me.
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 10:46 pm
The building was beyond rundown, it was a ruin. It looked like it had been built hundreds of years ago. In fact it had once been a steel factory, not far from Durem's Reclamation Facility. The upper story, formerly all offices, had caved into the factory floor below. Only a few of the brick walls still stood, and much of the ceiling had fallen away. It looked like a place only ghosts would visit.
But the ghosts knew better. They knew that there was a cheap blue tarp stretched across parts of the crumbling ceiling, placed in such a way that they were invisible from the outside. They knew about the cheaply made beds, mostly consisting of planks and worn out comforters. They knew about the fireplace, carefully constricted of fallen brick and stolen cement. When the residents were there, they knew, and when they were out, they knew what they were up to. It wasn't hard to guess.
It had started almost a decade ago. Four children, siblings, ran away from their home with their aunt and uncle and tried to make it on their own. They nearly failed, but they were not the only ones. Two best friends who had been forbidden to see each other. A girl who was tired of being beaten by her drunken mother. There were too many kids who felt their only option was to take to the streets. Perhaps it was their combined luck that saw them through, as none of them had enough to survive at home.
The first, temporary hideout was the abandoned shed behind a bakery. It was well suited for their needs; food was never far, and it provided warmth and shelter. Soon others joined them, until there were thirteen. That may have been their lucky number, though at the time none of them saw it that way. Their crowd had grown too large for secrecy in such a small place, and discovery was inevitable. It had a good side at least, for it was that unfortunate turn of events that led them to their more spacious, if crumbling, haven.
The ranks changed often. Sometimes a child would be found by their parents, or go home willingly, tired of life on the streets. A few of them matured, taking off to start their own lives as adults. On rare occasions a member was turned out, for dangerous or hurtful behavior. Somehow the number always remained at thirteen, and it was inevitable that the group began to call themselves the Baker's Dozen.
As time went on, the group evolved to survive the harsh conditions, the lack of necessities such as food and clothes, the constant pressure of police yearning to bring miscreants to justice, or worse- to their parents. Each member took a name, from a plain, common word, to avoid being traced to a home. The children changed, perhaps for the better. They were learning something they had been missing at home, what it took to survive. But at what cost?
This was the question the ghosts asked themselves as they saw the tired figure trudge off the beaten path, towards what remained of the factory. Why anyone would go there, that was another question. One that was answered with much more ease; as the shadow came into the light the ghosts could see instantly why he had come. Mere moments later he yanked open the flimsy clapboard door, drinking in the gazes of the stunned youths inside.
"Hi guys," Eriol said, not without uncertainty. "I'm back."
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DivineSaturn Vice Captain
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DivineSaturn Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 11:02 pm
It was reassuring, to have a second home to go to. Eriol knew as soon as things got bad, that he had to come see the people he had counted on all those months ago. As he settled onto the chair he was offered, made of a milk crate and a pillow, he knew he was right. "Thanks," he murmured to the girl who gave him a cup of something hot. Even as he drank it he didn't know what it was, other than hot and soothing. It tasted like home.
There were new faces, he noted with interest. And a few of the old ones were gone. So, he wasn't the only one to leave. Was he the only one to come back? He could feel their eyes on them, watching as he drained the cup of their makeshift tea, and allowed himself to relax. But not too much. It was impossible to completely relax with so many strangers.
One of them, a familiar stranger, extended his hand. He was, as they all were, dressed plainly- in this case clad in a t-shirt and jeans, with a worn, patched denim jacket flung haphazardly over his shoulders. The jacket had a playing card sewn to the front pocket- an ace of spades. "Welcome back," the boy offered.
"Thanks, Ace. Nice to know yer still 'round, I was 'fraid some'un mighta roughed ya up and stolen that fancy jacket o' yers." Eriol tapped one finger against the card playfully.
The teenager laughed, tossing his jacket onto a box and revealing a scrawny figure underneath. Getting a good look at his size, it would be hard to mistake him for being older than sixteen or so, but his face told of maturity beyond his years. "Anyone who tried that would get a nasty shock if they tried to work things around here. 'Sides, who'd want to be the boss of this lot?"
They all laughed at that. Simple jokes at the group's expense were common, there weren't many other ways such an isolated bunch could entertain themselves. Some time ago a rule of no practical jokes was agreed on, for the safety of the whole. But verbal pokes, given with more care than malice, were taken in stride. For most of the kids, it was no worse than what they had run away from.
The boy, Ace, accepted the laughter and sat on a box at the end of their semicircle. "I guess we have to do introductions. Man, what a pain. Well, let's just go around the circle. And so none of you lot complain, I'll start. I'm Ace- those of ya who've been around as long as me'll remember my first name, Click." He shrugged. "Girly name, it's a good thing the last boss passed his title on to me, or I'd be stuck at the bottom of the food chain." Another laugh, which he paused for. "So that's me. Next!"
A quiet girl to Ace's left looked up. Her eyes had a dreamlike quality, and she was the only one of them wearing a dress, a cheap fuzzy gray material that covered her crossed legs. "As you may know, my code is Magick. Most of you call me Maggie, which is also acceptable."
An eerie silence was left after Maggie finished speaking. The next person, also a girl, cleared her throat and stood. She was stocky and a bit chubby, also in a man's shirt and jeans, with a cap perched rakishly above brown braids. "My name's Dodge, as the lot of you darn well know. Born and raised in Dodge City, and darned proud of it!"
"We know, we know." Two smaller children chimed in together, then looked at each other and laughed. They had the same straw colored hair and overlong overalls, rolled up twice at the ankles. "I'm Skip," the boy announced, "And my sister is Scamp. I think we should've been switched, but then Ace never could tell the girls from the boys."
Eriol let out a hearty laugh. It was hard not to have fun with this. Of course, he knew all the people who had introduced themselves so far. It was tradition to go in order of seniority, by when one joined up. It was those four at the end he was most curious about, but getting to know his old comrades again wasn't worth missing.
The next speaker had already started. She was a tiny girl, in a flashy green shirt cut into tatters at the sleeves and hem. Her blonde curls bounced as she hopped from foot to foot. "I'm Pixy, and I'm ten years old! And I'm Maggie's helper, she's teaching me for when she gets big."
"I'm Red," the next boy started, his flaming hair a clear indicator of his name. He had a black sweatshirt tied around his waist, which might have helped hold up his pants. "I came here with Sage 'bout two years ago." The boy next to him meekly raised his hand, allowing the floppy shirt sleeve to fall on his mop of sandy hair. "We're in charge of security, so nobody'd better mess with us!" Red finished emphatically.
Next to the high-fiving boys was a slender girl, almost a woman. Her sleek black hair was pulled into a braid, which touched the hem of her plain white blouse. "My name is Rose," she said, and left it at that. She knew the newcomer was more interested in the newcomers than in herself.
A scrawny boy pushed a lock of dark brown hair out of his equally dark eyes. "Hi there. Uh... I'm Bird. Came about seven months ago. Ace called me that because he said I can sing, but I think he's just tone deaf as usual." More laughter, to which Bird smiled sheepishly and sat again.
"I'm Quiz," the next boy said softly. He looked to be older than Ace, and taller too. "Found these guys about four months ago, and I'm sure glad for it. People kept saying I asked too many questions, so..." He trailed off, shrugging. "When does the new guy talk anyway?"
"See?" Another boy, slightly younger with light blonde hair and blue eyes, elbowed Quiz in the side. "You can never get him to shush. Me, I'm Five. Er, that's my code, I'm really fifteen. Confuses a bunch of people, neat, huh? Anyway, came here three months ago and having a blast."
The last girl watched the others with wide eyes, and when it was finally time to speak, gulped. Eriol noticed that Pixy was giving this girl a special thumbs up, and also that the girl was smiling because of it. "I'm Re- uh, Spark. I just came here last month, but I really like it. Uh..." Not knowing what else to say, she bowed and sat.
"That's where we stand," Ace announced. "Now then, for what might be the first time someone who's been a part before came back. Let's hear an intro from him."
"Why? Most of y'all know who I am anyways." A few of the older kids laughed, bolstering Eriol's resolve a bit. "I know, I know," he said to Ace's stern glance. "I don' know if I should use my name er my code, but since I'm here, I'll go wih'the code fer now. I'm Knight- readin act'ally got me a cool name, how 'bout that? I was part o' the Dozen a while back, fer about four months. I ran away from home 'cause my ma was too busy to care about me- silly reason for some of ya, but maybe one or two know what I'm talkin 'bout. Anyways, she found me and dragged me home. Hasn't been too bad, for a year. But now things are tough at home again, and I couldn' take it anymore."
The group nodded sympathetically. For many of them, "I couldn't take anymore" was the reason they were all in an abandoned brick factory, instead of at home with their families. Whether it was physical abuse or emotional, the effect was apparent in all of them. Even in a welcoming setting, the wounds were taking their time healing. It would be a long time before any of them would be ready to take on responsibility alone.
"An that's me," Eriol finished. "So what happened to the others?"
It was Dodge that answered. "Idol decided it was time to set out on his own, not long after you left. He was pretty old, after all. He's got a job at some shop downtown, sends us leftover ink every few months, with letters saying he's okay. Max's parents came to get her five or so months ago. She tried to stay, but they got the police involved." Eriol winced as she continued; he'd heard of that happening sometimes. "She's under house arrest in Barton, her parents even have her homeschooled. We got a letter from her once, and were going to try to spring her, but the place was too safe. Trip was also picked up by the police, a couple months ago, for using. It was gonna happen someday I guess."
"I didn' know he was a user. He seemed like a level guy."
"I guess you never know." Dodge shrugged. "I saw him a couple times. He was getting pretty messed up, but that was after you left."
Were they going to hang that over him? Did they think he abandoned them? That he even wanted to leave? He never did get to say goodbye to them after his mother had found him in that alley. And once he was home, the thought of writing them had crossed his mind, but he never acted on it. What could he say to them to make them understand? And was it any different now? Was it really the right choice to come; was it really possible to return to an unchanged memory?
"Rounds tomorrow," Ace cut in. "Scamp and Skip, you two take Five to the city. Get whatever you can, and show him the ropes. Dodge, you and Red and Sage head to the facility and see what they've got. Fish we can eat or sell, if there's good junk keep it. Maybe if there's a good haul we can get a new pole, and we can send more people there. Rose and Quiz, you two pull the date routine in the hot spots, get information. Pixy and Spark, do the lost child bit. Bird, you and Knight can do the bargaining and buying for tomorrow. We need some cloth and thread and needles, but mostly food- bread and fruit, or whatever's cheap. No meat. Everyone understand?"
Of course they understood. After two weeks with the company, things fell into a routine that was easy to live in. Even Eriol, who'd been away for a year, found himself happily falling back into habit. He was confused about why he was being sent out, but he didn't ask about it. Ace had a reason, he always did.
"Then crew, get some shut eye. Shut those eyes, now."
Ace doused the fire with a bucket of rainwater, barely giving the rest of his party time to scramble to beds, or the floor, for well-deserved rest.
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Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:26 pm
Eriol woke up early the next morning. Despite the fact that his "bed" was a pile of rags on the floor, it was one of the best sleeps he'd had in ages. Probably due at least in part to the fact that nobody was expecting him to be Mr. Dad in the morning. Sure, the Dozen had its own kind of pressures and expectations, but they were rarely severe. After all, a lot of kids were there because they were running from that kind of stuff in the first place.
It wasn't advisable to go out too early, but when Eriol saw the makeshift door open a crack, he couldn't resist. Besides, if it was open at all, that meant that somebody else had to be out there. Hopefully whoever it was wouldn't mind some company.
Ace heard the door open, but he didn't turn around. Instead, he just took a deep breath and patted the patch of crumbled wall next to him. "You're up early, Knight."
"You too, Ace. Bein' leader mus' have an awful toll, if it's hurtin' yer sleep." Eriol took a seat, and was reaching into his pocket for his cigarettes before he remembered that he had forgotten them. He sighed, but was pleasantly surprised when Ace handed him one. "I thought you quit," he said quietly.
"I did. And then, I unquit." Ace laughed, but there was a bit of shame in it. He'd wanted to quit, but hadn't been able to. And Eriol... well, he'd never even tried. The two sat in silence for a moment before Ace spoke again, this time apologetic. "I don't have a match, though."
Maybe it was time to show off a bit, then. Eriol raised his hand and rubbed his fingers and thumb together. A spark lit on the tip of his index finger, blinking before lighting up in a small flame. Wincing, he put his finger to both cigarettes, pinching his finger against his thumb when he'd finished.
Ace whistled. "That's a new trick. Where'd you learn?"
"Not sure," Eriol replied, pausing to take a drag on his cigarette. "It's not real useful though- the fire needs't feed on somethin' other'n air, and if you make it on yer skin, there ain't much else around."
Wincing sympathetically, Ace clapped Eriol on the back. "Man, you must get the most ironical magic there is. Maggie said you were full of pain, but I didn't think she meant it literally."
Eriol was curious what he meant by that, but he was more interested in other things. "How is Maggie? And everyone- how's everyone? And the new kids, they behavin' for ya? I can always show 'em what's what, if ya like."
"Slow down!" Ace chuckled, blowing out a cloud of gray smoke that mixed with the morning fog. "Everyone's fine. Really. No one's even been sick for a while. Had a couple close calls with the cops, but nothing too major. And the new kids are cool. Spark's cute- Pixy's thrilled to have another girl around her age. She was awful unhappy when Max left."
While he was still eager to hear more, Eriol felt he needed to participate in the conversation too. "Isn't Bird young too? I swear, sometimes I feel like these kids jus' need to go home... but I know, that ain't always the case." For some kids, being alone was better than the alternative. And in the Dozen, no one was really alone anyway.
Ace nodded sagely. "I can't say I disagree, but you know how it is here. Don't ask, don't tell. Really, I'm kinda surprised you spilled as much as you did about yourself last night."
Did he make a mistake? "I guess I figgred they had a right to know, yanno? Where I've been an all that. Since I'm... well, an outsider now." An outsider. There, he'd said it. Even though this was supposed to be home, that little fact had been bothering him ever since he'd arrived.
"Outsider? Please. Once you're here, you're family. And don't think you haven't been missed. Dodge talks about you all the time, especially to the new kids. And Red and Sage still think you're the coolest- clearly they haven't noticed me." Ace sighed while Eriol laughed. "And I think a certain Rose is especially glad you're back," he finished with a wink.
Eriol could feel his face flush, but he tried to shrug it off. "Don' even joke, Ace. You know things ain't like that with me'n Rose."
"Yet," Ace murmured, but allowed the subject to be dropped. "If you're back here, things must be rough. Feel like talking about it? You don't have to, but if you want..."
And suddenly, Eriol found himself spilling everything. About how his mom was doing it again, the whole "for your own good" thing while effectively ignoring what he had to say. About the silly thing with the G-Virus, which explained his appearance. About his siblings, who were nice and all, but he didn't feel especially connected to any of them. And mostly about Viviana, who had totally changed his life, and how he wasn't sure he could really handle that kind of responsibility. At least, not yet.
When he was done, Ace whistled. "Jeesh. And I thought you worked everything out. A kid, though... you sure she's gonna be okay without you?"
"Yeah," Eriol muttered. "There's enough girls in that house t' take care'f an army of kids. Vivi'll be fine. That's part of the problem, yanno? It's not like she needs me. Not like anyone needs me. I don' know what I'm doin' now. So... well, I guess that's why I'm here. I never had any trouble knowing what to do with you guys."
"Not like you ever followed orders either," Ace said mockingly. "But yeah, I get it. So you're just back for a while, to get your head on straight, eh?" He took another puff on his cigarette and looked at Eriol expectantly.
Hearing it phrased that way made Eriol uneasy, but he nodded. "I guess so. Why? Is that... not okay?"
Ace shook his head dismissively. "Nah, it's cool. Never been done before, mind, but you know the rules already. And I have to say... I kinda miss having you around as Jack."
Eriol felt a pang, and he nodded hollowly. "Yeah... where do people stand now anyway?"
"Well, Dodge is King now." They both laughed at this for a moment before Ace explained. "She wanted to be Jack, but she's been here too long. She's really the best choice. And Rose... well, she's Queen now."
All Eriol could do without turning red was nod. "Is that right?"
"Yeah. Quiz is Jack now... nice guy, kind of a loner though... but he's the best person. And Five, Bird, and Spark are the lowers. Everyone else is the same." Ace stared at the rising sun thoughtfully. "If you plan to stick around a while, I'll have to make another position. Maybe something with tarot cards."
Eriol gulped guilitly. "Ace, you don' hafta-"
"Yes I do." This time Ace's voice was stern, one of the leader of the Dozen instead of just a friend. "This is my system, and it works. Everyone knows where they stand, and what they're supposed to do. Not much has changed since you left, Knight. Except... well, something's off. Maybe you coming back isn't just a coincidence."
"Come again?" Eriol asked, puzzled. For him, his return to the Dozen was hardly a coincidence, but he didn't see it fitting into any bigger picture.
Ace gestured at the door, and the people still asleep inside. "The chemistry's off. It's not the kids, they're all great. But something else is wrong. It's not just me. Maggie feels something, but even she can't tell what it is."
Again, Eriol felt guilty. "Ace... what if I'm the bad thing you guys felt?"
"Nah. It's been like this for a while. Couple months, maybe." Ace shook his head, and at that point, Eriol could see just how much the responsibility of being the leader weighed on Ace's slim shoulders. "You being here won't hurt. And maybe it's just what we need."
Somehow, Eriol wasn't comforted, but he nodded seriously. "I'll do my best, boss."
"You better." Ace smirked, and tugged on Eriol's tail. "No more hairbrained experiments from you, got it?" He tugged it again, lightly, and then let go.
"I- huh?" Again, Eriol was confused. He was more of a reader- better still, an adventurer- than a scientist. "I'm not really followin' ya."
Blinking, Ace nearly did a double take. "Dude, the last time you almost blew the roof off the building with all that power. And it was wrong... you're lucky it ended so well."
"Lucky what ended so well?" Eriol asked, now feeling both confused and annoyed. Was Ace talking about something that happened after he left? Or maybe confusing him with someone else?
"You mean you don't remember?" Ace was stunned. "The blast? And- hell, you don't remember how you ended up with that thing?" he asked, pointing to the tail.
Eriol was about to retort that of course he did, but the words wouldn't come. The truth was, he didn't remember how he got that tail. Worse, he'd never even thought about it. It was as if every time he tried, his thoughts were diverted elsewhere.
"No... I don' remember. The hell- what the hell is wrong with me?" Eriol put one hand against his head, as if checking that his brain was still there, and working. "How- do you know what happened? Why I don' remember anythin?"
Ace was about to answer, but a crash from inside interrupted him. "Later," he said. "I think you need to talk to Maggie. And it's time for us to get to work. Alright?"
No, it was not alright! There was a gaping hole in his memory, and from the way Ace was talking, it sounded like something important went there. But he knew that Ace couldn't be diverted when it came to business. "Fine," he grumbled. "Later."
The two boys put out their cigarettes on the stone wall and went inside, both still troubled by what the future held for them. But now, it seemed the past might be even more troublesome for them both.
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DivineSaturn Vice Captain
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