Welcome to Gaia! ::

Miller rolled over again to look at Awen and gave a smile, "Yahz one morez nightz wouldn't be all thatz bad..." He got up slowly makeing his way to his blanket pile before flopping over on to it. He finally saw the mess he'd made of the room and offered Awen a sad shrug, "Sorryz boutz... the... mezz..." he said with a yawn. These transformations sucked the life out of you.

Jordan was still feeling quite depressed and he didn't really want to go outside, but he pushed himself to go outside as far as the beach before stopping on the sand. He was having a change of dress today, instead of his usual suit attire, he had unpacked some of his casual wear. He'd hung up his tie and silk shirt in exchange for a shirt layered with descending shades of blue and black jogger-type shorts with silver lining down the sides. He couldn't push himself past the sands of the beach because he'd already imposed upon several others with his problems and there was little chnge that had resulted beyond pushing him deeper into the quagmire of his depression.

He wasn't content to sit on the beach today. He had to move around and so he walked the length of beach, holding his arms behind his back, paws clasped as best they could be. Jordan kept his eyes on the sand beneath him, watching his paws instead of where he was going. His strides were slow and lax, letting the sand crunch loudly under his paws as it sifted between his toe-like digits. The breeze that normally felt so good and refreshing merely carried the scents of the ocean today with little joy.

A little ways along the beach the canine would notice the waves parting around the figure of a blue haired islander. Awen didn't sit very close, definately not close enough to be emersed when a wave came in, but close enough for a trickle of water to reach her and every once in awhile pool about her ankles before drifting back into the sea.

She stared out at the horizon with not much more than a blank stare. Unlike many, however, this islander had a small smile on her lips as she watched where sea and sky met.

The dogman sighed. The water was so tempting. He wanted to swim badly and the only time he had taken that opportunity was the day before his first change. He had so much fur on him now. Would that affect his ability to tread water or just make him heavy like a lead weight and sink? He'd been afraid to find out, but in his current state he just didn't care if he did sink to the bottom.

He paused in his step and looked up, shielding his eyes from the sun. It was definitely another sunny tropical day and this fur made him hot as.. well, a dog on a hot summer's day. It was decided: he'd go into the water again. He needed to excercise badly and his paws made weight-lifting awkward. Jordan turned to the water, pulling his shirt off and tossing it onto the sand as he made his way towards the waves.

"Well, not the first time someone's started stripping inront of me without even noticing." Awen laughed as she glanced over the man. He was the skiddish new islander, the one that had a fear yet fondness for Moreau? "At least it doesn't look like you're going to drop the rest."

The manta mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like "unlike the others" under her breath and shook her head with a small grin. How many people had she caught bathing in the river and lake and accidently seen them naked? Seven or so wasn't it..?

He'd gotten to the watery limit where the sand was dry and the sand was wet when he heard Awen's voice. It was so familiar and he looked up gasping as he hadn't seen her in... seven weeks?! Not since his encounter at the lake with her and Joli. He felt embarrassed, not only because he was half naked in her presence, but because she was seeing his body half covered in fur and the chest, stomach, and abdomen of his torso still bare human flesh. Though, he was relieved to know she was doing well.

Jordan waved shyly at the manta girl, stepping tentatively into the water. "Hi, Awen.." was all he could really muster. He didn't know what else to say. It wasn't her, it was his mood. He paused as he hadn't felt the cool water on him in what felt like eternity and he arched his back, gasping from the pleaurable sensation it brought against his pawpads and his fur.

"Oh no.. I'm not skinny-dipping today.." he said it as if he had before, which he hadn't He looked around nervously quicly at the thought of anyone seeing him completely nude.. and changed 'down there'. Jordan pushed himself forward and the water rose up his legs. "Oooooooooo.. this feels so good.." he sighed, letting his eyes close.

Awen smiled watching the man enjoy the water as he did. She wished she could venture into the salt seas as other could, the lakes and rivers were sufficient but they were nothing like the open sea. Such room and freedom is what the manta ray truly longed for, and will be forever denied.

"Sorry for rushing off last time. But I suppose you can now relate to the change, hm? I didn't really want to scare you watching mine."

He nodded to her statement of empathy for others' changes, as well as his own. He'd been more scared of his own changes than the fear he'd dsplayed when the manta had rused off.

"I understand.. Believe it or not, I actually dove in after you.." he splashed water on himself, revelling in the feeling this brought him. He even submerged himself beneath the water to get himself accustomed to the cool temperature. Tropical water was usually warm, but in the 'winter' and spring seasons, it still got cool and refreshing. "I changed about... four weeks ago..? And unfortunately, I didn't know the symptoms that brought it on and went into the village for some tylenol.. I wound up changing infront of this poor girl on her first day.." his ears flicked and he shook his head "I don't know who was more frightened: me or her.. it.. hurt.. so much.." he looked at his paws, holding the pawpads skyward. He was glad neither he, nor Awen would be able to see the clawmarks that had been dug into his arms during his change, though, they may have healed by now anyways.

Awen scratched the sid eof her check and nodded. "I know you did...." Sighing the girl listened to the stories told to her by the now furry islander. Had it really been four weeks or more since she'd seen the man? It hadn't seemed that long at all... "Poor girl." She mumbled softly, although was a little bit glad it had happened. Better to find out sooner than later it seemed to her.

She looked away hearing of the pain. Awen hadn't really known too much physical pain in her changes and the last was uncomfortable at worst. She embraced it fully and she believed it helped her pass the latter changes. She hadn't truly known how painful it could be until Miller changed right infront of her in the duplex. There had been so much blood... did all birds and beasts go through this? Maybe she was lucky because the rubber just had to emcompass her.... her skin just had to change substance it didn't have things bursting from it.

"Well, you're on your way to becoming one of us now." She smiled softly. "I wonder what you're changing into, some kind of canine I'd imagine with that tail and your paws."

"Definitely some sort of dog.. though I'm not sure which breed.. the girl I changed infront of- uh Sophie- thinks I'm becoming a husky.. and I'd been researching it until I was distracted.."

He waded towards Awen, forcing a small grin. His cheeks were rosing. "I've met a lot of nice people.. Ambrose, Maryke, Lauren, Colche, and especially Kim.." maybe it was the way the sun hit the water he splashed onto himself, but it looked like there were definite colorful sparkles surrounding him. "We...uh.. that is... uhm.. me and Kim.. uhm.. became close after she transformed in my arms.. only a week after I had changed.." he was definitely acting smitten with his stammering. It was embarrassing. He'd never really gotten this close to anyone in this manner before. "I even threw her a birthday party and ordered her the perfect gift. I'd been to her duplex and seen all her video games and techno stuff and got her something callled the Nintendo Wii. She really loved it too.." he cracked a smile, fumbling his paws over each other nervously as he confessed his lovel ife to Awen.

"Kim?" Awen paused a moment as it took awhile for the name to truly sink in. "OH! Kim the gamer Kim? She used to be the duplex above me, er, before I was moved anyway!"

She chuckled softly. "Ah! You got het a Wii? Great! Now the island has all the systems from last gen and this one. I've been dying to try out the Rev for so long, I was salivating for it. Never got to hear all the hype or name change, until Miller told me what I missed."

Her grin broadened however as she pressed onto more serious matters. "Aw! So Jordie's got a girlie? Cute!"

It took Awen just this long to realise that she had missed her own birthday. Pausing a moment with a furrowed brow she thought. No candles, no cake no presents. She'd completely missed her own birthday while she was unconscious in the labs. Ah well, not like she would have done anything anyway.... No one even now knew her brithday. Except the labs themselves.

"Wait... You know Kim..?" he lowered his paws, blinking in surprise. It shouldn't have ome as a surprise because of their time on the island. "And you lived below her..? Wow.. that's quite an amazing coincidence. Well.. maybe you two can play it sometime.. glad I can spread the fun.."

Seeing Awen was alive and well made him feel a little better. Knowing that she and Kim were duplex mates, if not friends, made him a bit happier, but also made him worry too. Friends had a tendency to share information, like he was doing with the manta. He really did like Awen as a friend. She was sweet and kind. And he tried to hide the fact that Miller had left a bad impression on him, but if Awen knew him, he'd not let it spoil their conversation.

He blushed. The moment of tender thoughts was enough to stave the depression at bay- for a few moments. He blushed even more as she ribbed him a bit about having a girlie. Jordan's paws rose to his face and he couldn't keep himself from turning brighter red and he let out a soft giggle. "It really surprise me.. we just kinda.. bonded on the beach.. and watched the sun dance on the waves.. I didn't know if I'd see her again, so I gave her my sunshades as a reminder that I'd been there for her.."

"Didn't know if you'd see her again?" If Awen had a nose she would definately wrinkle it at that statement before shaking her head. "You're on an island, boy! There is a directory in the town hall with all the names and duplexes of the islanders, geez. You would have seen her again, ya lug."

She giggled and kicked a foot up to splash the poor pup. "But still is was very cute and sweet of you it seemed to do that. I'm sure Kim was touched."

The little self conscious clockwork turning away in Awen's mind almost made her smile fade, but she held it. She hadn't seen or talked to Sabin in awhile... she was sure he must be busy with something important, and she knew that he was more wanting to just be friends, for now, but it still kin of hurt to hear about yet another happy couple on the island. The manta girl was... insufficient as far as girlfriend material as far as she was concerned. All she had were silly little crushes on men who obviously were not interested.

Sure Jamal had been for awhile... but that had obviously changed. Still she was slightly bitter that the tiger man hadn't even remembered her, perhaps her looks had changed but her voice and at least hair had stayed the same. He knew what she had been turning into, how could he have just not remembered?

A slight tinge of red rose to her cheeks as she grasped some wet sand in her hand playing with it. She shouldn't be this way, she shouldn't be so self conscious about everyone seemingly pairing off. She wasn't exactly the most social islander, never had been on mainland either, so she wouldn't likely get noticed much. She was aquatic and spent most of her time in the lake and rivers anyway. But still... sometimes all Awen really wanted was someone to hold her. Something at this rate she wasn't sure she'd ever get.

Looking back up to the dog she laughed. "Weeelll anyways Kim and you should be good together. Both nice and fine people. But I'd say start practicing your gaming my friend, you'll need it. I could even teach ya a few tricks to beat that Kim, eh?"

"I...uhm...I mean... there's just so many people and everyone has their own lives still and..." he really didn't know what else to say, trailing off on that particular thought with a bedfuddled look of defeat. "Y'know... sometimes people just get busy.. right..?" he had no clue what e was babbling about.

Jordan splashed back at her, his tail splashing water on either side of him. "You're faster in the water...but I bt I can make a bigger splash.." hw winked and bellyflopped, sending water everywhere.

That was perobably a bad idea. He hit the bottom with an 'oof' and surfaced quickly for air, looking pretty stupid for doing that without thinking.

'Nice and fine people'. Maybe Kim.. but he had his secrets, his connections to Feral. He felt anything but a fine and nice person. A fine and nice person wouldn't be trying to impress to labs by putting on such a show like he had with Newt.. and he wasn't nice for punching Seth in the snout.. and..

"Uhm... she'll expect me to be able to play.. video games..?" he gave her an awkward glance "Uhm.. the last thing I ever played was PacMan.. on my Atari.. when I was a kid. I think you're both way out of my league for competition purposes."

Awen rolled her eyes at the splash. Of if only she could enter the water fully he'd see who could make the bigger splash, but she dropped it.

"Ah Jordie, she probably wouldn't expect you to, or force you or anything. But she's a gamer, she probably would like to hang out and game with you."

He shuffled his paws in the sand nervously. He wasn't sure if he could say it, but it was bothering him. He felt like he was being paranoid again, but maybe he'd said something that secretly offended her. Jordan stepped closer, cautiously in the shallower area where the manta was. "Did I say something wrong.. to offend you..? You've.. been staying away from me.. in the shallow end.. We're still friends, right..?" He tilted his head down to the water, saddened by the thught that she may be keeping her distance from him.

"Of course we're still friends Jordan!" Awen was really puzzled by the self consciousness of the man. "I can go into salt water, it's bad for my gills. Almost drowned last time I went in."

"Oh!" he gasped in stupidity. "I'm so sorry, Awen! I... I thought... god I'm stupid.." he pounded a pawed fist against his forehead. "It must be so insensitive of me to splash around.." he moved closer to the manta-girl and sat down in the water next to her, giving her a hug.

"I didn't know you'd get hurt if you came out further. It's okay.. I'm really sorry.. lately, I'm not quite sure what's wrong with me.. For about a week, I've been depressed.. I think there may be something wrong with me.. I'm so afraid and scared that I may be getting 'sick'.." he emphasized the word 'sick', meaning the cancer-kind-of-sick. "I haven't been myself lately at all.. and it scares me.. Colche has even been checking up on me every day to make sure I'm okay.."

Awen looked the dog man over as she came trodding up to sit beside her. Letting out a soft breath the manta half closed her eyes. "It's okay Jordan." The girl started to feel dizzy, the onset of staying out of the water for too long. But surely she could stay a little while longer...

"Jordan... I'm sure you're okay." She smiled and gave the man a nudge. "But what are you feeling? What does it feel like when you feel this sickness?"

He really hesitated. He didn't want to say anymore, biting his lip. He pulled his knees as close to him as he could and huffed. "I'm constantly having headaches and my stomach churns.. like.. worse than normal stomach pains.." he splashed his paws in the shallow water. "And.." he paused, not saying a thing "You know, you're probably right.. I'm probably just fine.." he didn't want to say anything to make her upset or worry her unneccessarilly. He'd work through this himself, he hoped at least.

"I'm sorry to bother you with my problems.. I feel like I'm losing it.. my mind, that is.. and I'm just trying to find out what my purpose is.. it's hard, y'know..? Feeling useless.."

Slipped under the door to Awen's duplex is a letter in a sealed envelope:


Dear Awen,

I have had a rather disturbing encounter with a man named Jordan, one of the newer villagers. It was my second encounter with the man. I first met him he was as you would expect of a new islander, frightened and barely holding it together. He said he was sometype of islander employee. I assumed he was merely tricked by Moreau and confused.

This time it appeared his personality had performed a 180. More worrisome was that he displayed a fanatical devotion to Dr. Moreau himself. Informing me that “It is not my place to judge him, nor his motives. It’s not my place to ask why, but only to do and to die." When I confronted his views with logic and facts he shut down and crumpled into a ball, insisting that I stop talking. I'd like to think I might have started him thinking for himself again but he ran away before I could determine that.

I have seen indoctrination before but usually takes months to get to this point, not weeks. We need to find out what Moreau is doing to this poor man. Be careful not to mention me, I doubt he has a very favorable opinion of me.

Sincerely,

Richard M Harrison

PS please be careful

Awen sighed as she played her PS3, honestly it didn't matter what she was playing, her mind was so numb just from the repeated button presses and that was all that mattered. She regretted, dearly, ever saying anything to Richard, even though he was one of the only people she could open up to as of late, it was just silly angst probably that led her to confessing her loneliness to the man. It just seemed like everyone she met or was becoming friends with had someone. Maybe it was their reluctance and hate for the island that drove these people together, but somehow Awen just hadn't had that sort of luck in love. So here she was, on the day of hearts and flowers, button mashing her way through a game she'd already beaten, it didn't matter really. It was just another day...

Sabin, meanwhile, was in a similarly dark mood. He had stalked around the labs, shot threatening glares and words at some of the lab techs, and growled at the masses of roses that Moreau had littered Aubrey's workplace with. He was being showy. Very, very showy. Because apparently being showy and having a lot of money made up for real sentiment in the man's mind. He just really hoped that Aubrey would be smart enough to see through the glitz and glamour as just another attractively-baited hook. But while she was brave and bold when Moreau was gone, every time previously she had turned to mush when the man himself was actually around. He had barely seen her since he had gotten back, and the doubt lingered on his mind. He had probably done a very stupid thing. And it only drove in the point with more emphasis on just how lonely he was here. Having that glimpse of potential again was almost more of a slap in the face than not having had it at all. And only opened some painful questions in his mind and might have worked in a dangerous c***k in his armor.

He sighed as he sat heavily at his desk, scritching beastie behind his ear as he leapt onto his lap with a mrrr of support. Tapping his fingers in thought, he impulsively tapped at the intercom... to one particular aquatic duplex.

A beep carried its way over the intercom in Awen's room momentarily before the connection was established, and a lightly accented voice called through. "Awen.... hello."

Awen's posture and expression automatically perked up hearing that delectable french acent come through the com. But something in her halted her from enjoying the hopeful feeling for too long. Friends, remember, friends... It's a crush, you're getting over it.

Shaking her head a bit to dispel any more thoughts the manta pulled herself from the pool. Not even bothering this time to press pause on her game, just mute on the TV, the girl made her way to the com with a small. "Hey Sabin! Been a little while huh?" Friends were fine in the girls mind, there was no sense being gloomy, they didn't get to talk terribly often and he was very nice anyway, so she was slowly starting to cope with the friends ideal.

"Yes... I am afraid that I must apologise for that... things have been hectic up at the labs, but I will spare you the boring details." He responded. If there was bitterness in that phrase, it was disguised.

"Regardless... I am afraid that today we have something in common than people should not in our isolation. Assuming that you have been paying attention to the calendar at least. But I was wondering if you might be interested in joining me for dinner."

Awen nodded as she always did, the labs often kept Sabin busy enough not to talk to her. She never blamed him, and really his apologise were unecessary, but she would accept them none the less as a part of their routine. At the mention of the day however and that the two had something in common Awen couldn't help but feel a tad bitter and yet a tad hopeful.

"To be honest I've been drowning out the calender with mindless button mashing." She chuckled, but it seemed a bit dark for Awen. She smiled though at the man's offer for dinner. Friends could have dinner....on Valentines Day... when both are single and lonely. Yes. Just friends. Sabin just... wanted to be friends. It's a crush remember, nothing serious. And though she repeated similar thoughts in her mind over and over she couldn't help but feel on air at the prospect of... it was Valentines Day after all.... But she'd refrain from anything... too presumptuous.

"I'd love to join you Sabin. The cafeteria style food is nice and all, but it doesn't ever beat a nice sit down meal."

"Of course not. And I would love to be able to treat you to a nicer diner. Especially on such a special occasion." After all, it would not be difficult. The cook was available seeing as how Moreau had whisked Aubrey off for a quick romantic getaway....

There was some dead air on the line before Sabin spoke up again. "Regardless. I should be able to have things ready by... seven? I can send a jeep to pick you up."

"A... a jeep?" Awen grew a little self conscious at this notion. Being catered in a jeep up to the labs usually meant there was something wrong or.... or you were exactly what Awen was in the eyes of many islanders, a traitor or a fool. Possibly both. However before Awen could burst out about how she could just walk there herself like the last time she glanced down at her feet. In all honesty, she probably couldn't. Not without much difficulty and having to be tossed into a tank of water by the time she got up there.

"At seven, sure." She nodded finally. "I'll see you in a little bit then?" There was a short pause before a very sincere smile and perhaps a little blush appeared on her features. "And thanks Sabin, this is very nice of you."

"You are welcome, Awen. You... have always been very thoughtful. You deserve something nice."

And without another word, the intercom cut off as Sabin went to make preparations.

As promised, at seven on the nose, there was the unmistakable rumbling of a jeep outside Awen's duplex.

Awen had made sure to stay in the water until a little while before the jeep was supposed to arrive, keeping herself hydrated so she wouldn't be too tired for the nice dinner and hopefuly some good talks with Sabin. Maybe she'd even be lucky enough to see Beastie in this visit! The girl didn't really have anything nice to wear for the dinner though, anything in the way of dresses that she had brought wouldn't fit. So sheepishly Awen had to climb into the jeep in naught but one of her nicer bathing suits.

The guard, uncharacteristically enough, hardly said a word as the manta girl climbed in, and only stole a short glimpse at the swimsuit before driving her down the familiar road to the labs. The sun was just setting, and the guard didn't seem keen on dallying.

And eventually, the gates of the labs emerged as the trees fell away and the jeep rumbled into the parking lot in front of the mirrored doors of the entrance of the labs.

There, waiting with a gentle smile was Sabin, emerging from the doorway as the jeep arrived. He was dressed as was customary for him, and yet had the boon of being appropriate formalwear, if outdated.

"Awen... I am glad that you could make it. Please - come in. I have a set up prepared that should see you more comfortable." He held out his arm for her.

Awen was thankful enough that the guard didn't say anything, she'd been self conscious enough and worriedly stealing glances out to the village as it passed. She just hoped no one would see her like this, she knew a few islanders knew she was friends with Sabin, but she didn't want everyone knowing just yet. Even fully transformed Awen had been left with virtually no natural defence against any of the predator type islanders.

As always around Sabin though Awen felt all at once at ease...yet underdressed. She blushed a little bit as she stepped out of the vehicle, giving the driver a small word of thanks before continuing towards the lab tech. "It's good to see you again Sabin, ravashing as always." She giggled a little bit as she took his arm, though wasn't quite sure if she meant it truthfully or just the joke she had originally intended.

The manta tilted her head to the side wondering about this set up. What could it have been like then? What could he possibly have arranged?

He chuckled softly as well at her compliment with a slight bow of his head. "Besides... We have needed an opportunity to catch up. And what better way than over dinner?"

He led her through the lobby and to the elevator. Once inside, he spoke "Floor four", and the elevator rose.

"I do hope that you've been well." He said, initiating conversation while they walked.

"Well enough anyway. I think I'm going a little stirr crazy here though." She admitted with a slight shake of her head. "I don't think I could help build with any of the constructions, I am not a writer so I can't help out with the newsletter, I don't really have any viable talents... because really video gaming is just supposed to be a way to pass the time, not fill it entirely." She frowned somewhat before giving an awkward smile up to the man. "Honestly, sometimes I wish I could have work to keep me busy, like you. Maybe a better balance of my time and yours but just something to do."

She didn't meant to complain. Really they didn't get much time these days, he invites her to a nice dinner and all she can think of to say is how she's bored? Smooth... really smooth.

A frown tugged at Sabin's mouth as he nodded listening. "Well, perhaps there is something I can do to help? I am sorry if you are feeling stir-crazy. I can only imagine that things must be difficult being limited given the aquatic nature of your serum compared to some of the other islanders."

The theater. The newsletter. Both projects coordinated by islanders who tended to be skeptical of the labs. He didn't want to see Awen victimized because of her affiliation or worse even, swayed to the other side.

"Although... perhaps I might be able to suggest some things.... I know that Lauren is begining a project that you might be more suited to assist with. She's working on putting together a sort of television show to broadcast to the islanders?"

The elevator opened and he led her down the hallway to a door. Inside, finally it seemed, Sabin had been able to set up a room for an actual table as opposed to a converted office. There were some red and pink accents around the room, including a couple of bouquets of roses in the corners. They had been easy enough to find given the multitude of them around the labs. But Sabin worried that too many of them might give the distinct wrong impression. On one side of the low table was a large converted basin. It has a large, spongelike substance filling it that looked like it would make for a more comfortable seat, yet still keep her wet. The table was spread with a large amount of food with a Japanese flaire - particularly a wide variety of sushi, but also teriyaki eel, beef, eggs, and various rice and noodle dishes.

Sabin smiled as he gestured to the water-seat as he went to kneel down at the other end.

Awen nodded as she walked with the man listening to the suggestion andthe sympathetic ear. She was contemplating the idea of a broadcast just as they reached the door and Awen saw her seat. She blinked a few times and was instantly reminded of the tank-bed she had in her old duplex. She smiled and looked over to Sabin. "That is just great. Thank you." She smiled and moved over to the basin glancing it over before tentatively sitting down.

Her eyes then turned to the food and grinned. "Oh wow this all looks so good!" She gave a short look to the flowers about the room and indeed as there were not terribly many the girl just thought it was nice for the atmosphere, but nothing more.

A nagging thought hit her as she wanted to backtrack slightly though. "And hey, don't get me wrong. I am a lot less limited than some islanders.... the other aquatics mostly. And I've been trying to help them as I can." The mood perked up a lot when Awen had a sudden memory come to her. "I taught Alec how to swim and breathe underwater." She nodded proudly. "And I was actually thinking of doing a small write up for the newsletter.... something of a 'how to' or something of the sorts for aquatics. I mean I'm not a really good writer but I'm sure Richard could do something about the style of it."

Sabin nodded, interested and curious to hear what Awen had been up to, and some of her ideas. He situated himself and picked up a pair of chopsticks, moving some of the rice and beef onto his plate.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea. And perhaps you might be interested in such an informative broadcast with the television. I know that Lauren wants to help others adjust to the current situation instead of encouraing .... lashing out." Sabin put the self-proclaimed 'propeganda' that Lauren had spoken of in the nicest terms.

"And I am glad that you have been helping some of the others.... I might keep an eye on Alec if I were you... he has ... lashed out a few times... against Aubrey and against Zachary in the past.... he... seems to have some troubles...."

"Oh, of course I'll help Lauren out too!" That had been an islander the manta hadn't seen in ages. And they used to be such good friends... when did they drift apart? She couldn't quite remember.

Awen reached over to the sushi and placed a few on her plate, along with some rice when Sabin was done with it, noodles and eel. She wasn't exactly sure what the eel was when she picked it up to put to her plate, but it didn't really matter, it smelt good.

"Really? In all the times I've seen Alec he's been quite.... well downright friendly." She shrugged slightly and although she didn't really want to say much against the labs...being in them and in present company, the girl just had to add something in. "But Aubrey is... a part of the labs after all. And he is turning into a shark. I mean, you know I don't really hate you guys." Most of you anyway. "But the majority of the islanders still hold a certain.... anger to what you're doing to them. Along with more violent predatory animal instincts.... some lashing out is to be expected I think."

After a brief pause Awen smiled. "But it'll just take time. I mean we can't really fight it, not really anyway, and while I still don't like taking people against their will there are certain gifts that people get by transforming." Her smile was very sweet and sincere, she wasn't coating over her true feelings but honestly believed to most these changes are a gift. "It just takes awhile in some cases to realise it. Some people dwell too much on what's lost. Though I can't say I really blame them... I don't know how I would have delt with losing my legs."

Waving her hand to dismiss the heavier topics and connotations of what she'd been saying Awen turned the focus to different matters. "So, aside from busy how have you been? Happy at least some I hope? How is Beastie doing anyway, still healthy and happy I hope?"

A frown tugged against his face. "yes.. I am a part of the labs as well. And I do not think that Aubrey was a suitable target for Alec's aggression... regardless of his motivations or sentiments. And he has likewise attacked Zachary for his affiliation... and so... I would be careful if I were you. I am concerned for you... and I do not wish to condone his violent outbursts."

He nodded at her mention of gifts. "I wish that more people could see it like this. The changes are fascinating... and can bring a power, a beauty, and amazing gifts that most people could never dream of let alone comprehend. Most of the ones even complaining have exhalted in their new prowess, but hypocritically still will speak against us."

He was eager for the change of topic, not seeking out more depressing subjects. He took a few bites of the food, smiling. "I have been... decent. Like I did say, busy and not with nearly enough time, but that is normal. And beastie is doing quite well. Forgive me for not inviting him to dinner. With a low table and fish, I do believe he would have proved to be quite the nuisance. And I did not wish to make you fight for your meal." He said with a chuckle.

Awen grinned a little bit at the thought of a mini-displacer beast trying to steal the sushi from her plate. She chewed on that thought and her food for a short time before even replying. "Oh, I wouldn't have minded so much. At least I'd be able to meet the little guy." She really did want to see the kitten, after all she'd heard about him first the first time dinner had been arranged in the labs and it had been so long since then.

"But he probably would have gotten a stomach ache from all this fine food." It was good to be on less heavy and island based topics. This was a special occasion they could debate and discuss all they wanted about islanders, transformations and politics... but at a later time perhaps.

Sabin laughed, the smile on his face melting away some of the concern and distant thoughts that had been in his eyes ealier. "Then I shall have to introduce you. Save him a few pieces of fish from your plate, and I am sure that you will have a friend for life."

Sabin savored a few more pieces of the beef before reaching for a few more varied selections - a few pieces of the sushi, and some of the eel. "Although... I spoil him too much. I doubt the food would phase him... unless he overate, and that would be a distinct threat."

"Well, I suppose that's good to hear anyway. Every pet should be spoiled I think." Awen smiled and was visibly excited about the thought of meeting Beastie. It had been so long since Awen had been around a pet of any kind and really missed some of her animals from home. She'd never really given them much thought, which made her feel a little guilty for it having been more than a year now and her pets were dear to her back home... She supposed it was the transformations and the people of her life that took hold of her mind at least in the earlier days. Recently though Awen rarely thought of the mainland and things she'd left behind. Had she been so easily swayed to forget?

"And I'll be sure to save him some pieces..." Although it seemed as though it would be hard to do so. All the food tasted so good, she had a few more dishes along with the beef, eggs and noodles.

"But really, no good gossip from the labs lately?" A devious smile crossed the manta face. "There has to be something going on huh? You think the village is a soap opera but I know the labs are too. So...? What's the scandal of the day?""

Sabin nodded, "I do have to agree with you there." He said with another chuckle. Of course, Beastie was not the only pet he was spoiling... but that was not exactly what Awen meant. Zachary certainly required a different measure of attention. Beastie, meanwhile, was likely expressing his dissastisfaction with being left alone.

There was certainly a rather large chunk of gossip, but that was not something that Sabin was going to volunteer.... but there were certainly other things to talk about.
"Well... I do not know if you have heard... Aubrey is pregnant... although Moreau has not been around very much until recently... he has had to take care of some business back on the mainland.." Sabin explained as he made short work of some of the food on his plate. "Other than that... much of the same...." He was sure that she did not need to hear of the current situations with Jamal and Annie either... that was not conversation that he wished to have this evening. This evening was an escape. The talk of gossip as a whole even made him feel a bit uncomfortable given that the situation with Aubrey was something he was trying to NOT think about, despite all of the constant reminders...

"Ah I'd heard a few rumours down below of Aubrey... but Moreau hasn't been on the island? Geez, cause for celebration back at the village that bit of news." Thinknig about what she'd said Awen looked up to Sabin. "Not that I'd leak that much of it anyway. Don't want anyone trying anything, being dumb, getting hurt and all..." With a shrug that was that for the manta as she set down her chop sticks, quite throughly done with the meal.

"Mmm..." She said and patted her belly slightly. "Quite delicious you know, my compliments to the chef." Yes, she'd actually said it. Sadly enough for the manta but she'd started to run out of things to say. She didn't want to bore Sabin with the mundane details of her life, but she didn't want to dive into more depressing or serious topics, even if they were a little more exciting.

Sabin nodded in appreciation. "The last thing that some of those people need is a green light to launch some dangerous lash at us if they think there is a weak spot. But Moreau has returned recently, though I do not know how frequently he will be about." Sabin paused, consideringly. Despite how convenient it would be if the islanders were to successfully get a hold of Moreau, that idea was a very, very risky one, and opened up for a slew of other potential problems such as it going much further than intended... Aubrey's certain reaction.... he pushed the thought aside.

"And I am very glad you enjoyed the meal. I figured that this might be something that would appeal to you. And with Moreau and Aubrey out at the moment, who was I to let their chef go to waste." He licked his lips for emphasis.

He pushed aside his own plate and picked up one of the small shrimp sushi pieces as he stood. "Now.... you wished to see Beastie?"

Sabin nodded in appreciation. "The last thing that some of those people need is a green light to launch some dangerous lash at us if they think there is a weak spot. But Moreau has returned recently, though I do not know how frequently he will be about." Sabin paused, consideringly. Despite how convenient it would be if the islanders were to successfully get a hold of Moreau, that idea was a very, very risky one, and opened up for a slew of other potential problems such as it going much further than intended... Aubrey's certain reaction.... he pushed the thought aside.

"And I am very glad you enjoyed the meal. I figured that this might be something that would appeal to you. And with Moreau and Aubrey out at the moment, who was I to let their chef go to waste." He licked his lips for emphasis.

He pushed aside his own plate and picked up one of the small shrimp sushi pieces as he stood. "Now.... you wished to see Beastie?"

"Ooo I got to dine on the head haunchos would-be food then? Definately awesome." More for just a stab at Moreau, however pathetic it may be, that she would be able to just take something of his.

Awen stood up suddenly, accidently sloshing water from her basin onto the floor. THe girl winced with an apologetic smile but her eagerness could not be so contained. "You mean it? Oh, that little devil, I've been dying to meet him. I'd be really happy to.... I mean if I'm not imposing...." Entering Sabin's private space, this in and of itself could be quite scandelous if news ever had gotten around. Even if it was just because Sabin was her friend and she wanted to meet his little displacer beast. But thankfully word wouldn't get around so there was no need to worry.

Sabin took the implications in stride wtih a devilish grin as she mentioned dining on his food. "Waste not, want not. Besides, I know that other than Delia's version in the cafeteria, there is a sad lack of most ethnic foods to your general availability. Delia does a good job, but she is the proverbial jack of all trades."

"And of course I mean it. You are no imposition, and he is a fiend for attention."

He led her down the hall, and back to the elevator, "Floor twelve". And it began to move again.

"Well, you'd better be careful then." She followed him, dripping all the while btu trying not to think about it. "I may just steal him away from you." She gave the man a grin and a wink as the elevator started. So the twelveth floor housed this particular french lab tech's quaters? She wondered what it would be like, small and modest like the duplexes or something a little more..grand for one of the heads of the project.

"Delia is a very sweet lady..." Awen nodded and smiled. "She does what she can really. I mean cooking for such a wide variety of appatites would make it a little difficult to go all out and fancy." She gently leaned over and gave the man a soft nudge. "Which is why I really appreciate these dinners."

Sabin nodded. "She's also a registered nurse, which is primarily what she was hired for." Sabin explained a little. "But she's been invaluable, and a real stalwart woman."

The elevator dinged open - from the back- to a small hallway, and Sabin led her to a door at the end of the hall. From the outside, it didn't appear to be much more than another lab room door, except for the panel by it with a hand-shaped imprint. Sabin placed his hand on it, and then there was a whirr and a click, and Sabin opened the door.

Inside the atmosphere was immediately different from anywhere else in the sterile, unfeeling labs. There was thick carpeting, dimmed lights, and no small amount of real wooden furniture. There were heavy shelves full of books - many looked older and ecclectic. Like his office, several statuettes perched on available space, and a few framed pieces of artwork - most displaying grand mythical creatures - hung on the walls. A heavy grandfather clock loomed on one wall, it's heavy ticks adding to the antiquated feel of the room. The room was large, easily larger than the main room of the duplex, and there was a door at the back of the room that undoubtedly led further into the residence.

Then, in a flash of movement, a small black blur darted from around a corner. With a welcoming murr, Beastie was immediately rubbing against Sabin's pantleg, tentacles waving, and eyes fixed on the piece of shrimp sushi in his hand.

Turning around awkwardly when the elevator opened behind her, not having noticed the other door there at all, Awen stumbled over her feet but caught herself. Going down the hallway Awen frowned as it looked as cool as the rest of the labs... not exactly prime living conditions. "Oh neat..." Awen couldn't help but mutter with the hand print lock on the door.

Awen couldn't help but gape at the nice living space inside of the room. This hadn't been really what she was expecting, though she didn't exactly know what she had expected. Even so, once laying eyes upon it Awen knew that it suited Sabin just fine. Something about the room just screamed the french man's name.

With a blink Awen had almost missed the little blurred kitten bolting towards the door. Looking down as it apporched she saw Beastie cuddling up to his master's legs. Awen couldn't help but a small 'awww' as she bent down slowly. Not daring to reach out to the kitten just yet, as she was sure he'd probably mistake her smell for food. "Beastie is such a handsome little guy.... even more so than I imagined."

Sabin smiled proudly at the compliment of his handiwork. And Beastie, quite the opposite from his inspiration, was anything but hostile towards the manta. Instead, as she bent down, he seemed to notice her for the first time and his eyes pulled away from the food to greet this new person in his home.

He gave another curious meow and padded towards Awen with a "look at me, aren't I handsome" air, his tentacles poised. Then, all ceremony dropped, he began to inspect her to see if she might have brought him something to eat.

Awen grinned a little bit as he moved towards her. She held out one of her hands for him to sniff so the kitten could get used to her but then slowly pulled out a small piece of eel that she'd brought the tentacled cat. "I thought you may like this." She cooed to him softly. "I don't really know what it is, but I like it, I thought you may too."

The cat had snatched at the piece of eel before Awen even finished her sentance. One tentacle lashed out and hooked on it - with an impressive feat of aim - and brought the piece before him where the cat made short work of it. He licked his lips and then his paws and looked back at her eagerly.

Sabin laughed at his antics. "Looks like you made a friend. And you did not know what it was? It was eel. It is wonderful with the teriyaki sauce."

Awen jumped slightly as the tentacle lashed out but she couldn't help a large grin. Amazing... "Ah, so that's eel... Heard of it but I never dared try it. Calamari was honestly enough adventure for me back in the day." She giggled softly as she reached out to stroke Beastie's fur. "All gone, sorry sweetie."

"See, it is good to try new things. You never know what you might find you like. It is one of my favorite fish. Many Americans... they think that things are strange that they have not tried before or is not customary to eat, like squid or octopus or eel... because the fish look strange.... but not so strange as lobster I think, and that is still a delicacy."

Sabin reached down to scritch Beastie as well, who was eating up the attention, and dropped the shrimp by him, which was quickly devoured. With another mrowr, Sabin's absence seemed to be forgiven, and once again he went back to rubbing his cheek against Sabin's hand, and then Awen's.

Nodding slowly Awen smiled up at Sabin. "I guess I'll have to take that as a compliment." A sly sort of grin came to her face. "Strange looknig fish and all." Again just another playful jab, at herself or Sabin the girl wasn't quite sure. She didn't really seem to mind much as she picked up Beastie and stood up. Such a cutie!

Sabin nodded. "Then you should take it as such. And no one I am aware of eats rays. They are very smart fish." He paused, slipping his hands into his pockets as he watched the blue-haired girl pick up his cat, who squirmed at his sudden lack of freedom.

It had been a good choice to have dinner with her... it helped to have someont to talk to about ilght things. "Thank you for joining me for dinner, Awen. And, as always, do not hesitate to call me if you ever wish to speak again. And I am glad you were able to meet Beastie."

"Well I'm so glad that I'm not on the menu for next time." She giggled and gave the cat an affectionate squeeze before letting him go. She stood straight and tunred to Sabin again. Oh so suddenly was it over already?

"Um, oh, Sabin I should thank you. You made all the preparations... it was really nice." She pushed a few blue strands of hair behind her ear and glanced away. "And likewise, you can always call me if you have a spare minute and want to talk..."

Sabin gave her a small bow. "I will remember your generous offer, madmoiselle." He responded with a hint of playfulness. "And it really was no trouble. But I should not keep you... it has grown late, and I will make sure that the jeep sees you safely back home before you dry out too much."

She couldn't help a smile at the bow and playful tone. She really wished it wouldn't be over already... but then... had she got herself swept up in things again? A nice dinner, meeting Beastie and seeing the inside of Sabin's living space. Surely she hadn't thought anything more of it... no no... that hopeful bit... it had to be squashed. She had kept it locked away and shoved deep down inside, she would get rid of this crush. But it was Valentines... She had hoped for..something, and it wasn't until it was over as this with such disappointment did she really realise it.

The manta realised she'd been standing there for a pause, still short but not short enough not to question her hesitence. "Um, am I to... go back down by myself..? Being a subject and all? I'm glad you trust me that much but..others may question...?"

Sabin shook his head. "It is not a matter of trust, but decorum. Well... decorum and the fact that the elevator is programmed to only allow authorized personnel to activate it." He smiled and offered her his hand again as he shooed beastie off while he walked out and closed his door again.

He led her back into the elevator and retraced their steps back down to the lobby. "You made the evening much more bearable, Awen. Thank you for your company."

Awen took his hand once more and was lead back down to the lobby, mostly remaining silent along the way. She smiled, if but a little forced, back at the man. "And you made this night.... more than it would have been otherwise. As I keep beating to death it was an excellent meal... and I'm glad I could see Beastie. I've said it before but...well... I should be thanking you."

Of course her heart didn't seem completely into it, she was too busy cursing herself and wondering why this affected her as much as it did. It had to stop, it really did. She couldn't deal with this. Not having seen him in a long time it felt as though her crush had been fading, but now standing in the lobby saying goodbye after what could have otherwise been a romantic evening.... Awen felt so much more alone than when the evening started.

Sabin was oblivious to how much he was stringing along the poor manta girl. Selifishly he had thought of his own comfort and distractions from his own problems with lonliness and didn't think - or didn't want to dwell on how he might be complicating those very matters in others. Instead, he sunk into old habits, playing up the charm and showing a girl a good evening... a friend... on Valentine's day.

"I am glad that I could bring a smile to your face, Awen. Hopefully it will find its root there. You are very welcome. Have a wonderful evening." He opened the door and once again the jeep was idling, a guard in the driver's seat waiting.

Awen climbed into the jeep, not as happy or excited as she had been the first time that night. She barely looked at the guard and just looked at her feet hoping nothing would be said. The guards never have harassed her much, but the manta was not oblivious to the tales of others and this would be quite the fine time to start. She couldn't believe how stupid she ultimately was. Friends, remember... just god damn friends. Why couldn't she understand this...

Awen had quite a bit to think about from the passed few weeks. And when she had to think she swam. Sadly enough this was also how she cleared her head and relaxed.

For the moment Awen's mind was quite empty as she did lazy circles near the surface of the water causing ripples to flow out from above her. She loved the feeling of the water rushing passed her face, over her gills and it just seemed to pass right through her very core. Everything that worried her seemed to wash away.


Marshall, on the contrary, had nothing to think about. No drama with friends, no unexpected changes, no broken bones. In fact, the only real drama he had was trying to figure out how he would draw again. So far, he had found only two solutions: One, to tape the pencil to the palm of his flipper. Two, to hold the pencil like he was two years old and drawing with crayons. Either way, he looked rather silly.

So, in this moment of complete relaxation, Marshall found himself floating on top of the water, green eyes staring at the clear sky over head; cool water running over his body. He let out a relieved sigh, closing his eyes.

Wonder if I should just lose my shorts...Not like any ones out here... he thought, half-asleep.

It was a good thing, however, that the penguin hadn't yet lost his shorts as the ripples that had been far away from him started to come closer. The slight, but distinct, sound of sloshing that came with something moving just below the surface of the water would stick out from the normal peaceful sounds, or rather lack there of.

Awen hadn't noticed the penguin just yet as she was lost in the thoughts and sensations and her flight under water.

Marshall reached down, about to remove his swim shorts, when he heard a strange sound. It was fast moving, and coming from under the water.

"...Huh?" Marshall asked, no longer lying on his back as he looked around, greeted with...Nothing. Well, nothing from his angle at least. He popped his head under the water, seeing an...interesting sight. This was one of the perks of his transformation: seeing clearly under water.

He was greeted with a blue woman, her hair a darker shade than her skin, swimming under water. She was vaguely familiar.

...She's kinda pretty... he thought, having a rather shallow thought process today. He watched her swim for a while, not sure if he should approach her. Finally, however, he did.

He swam over to her, surprised that he still didn't need to go up and get air yet. Maybe my lungs grew? he thought, waving as he got closer to the blue girl.

Awen stopped aburptly as a black figure descended from the surface. Blinking slowly as the figure was slightly familiar but she couldn't figure out from where she waved back.

With a small smile she pointed upwards with a tilt of her head. Wondering if the guy wanted to chat for a bit, and hey who knows, it may do the manta some good. Without another gesture the girl kicked her strong legs and moved to the surface to wait for the islander.

Huh...Up? She wants to go to the surface? he processed, close behind her as he came up to the top of the lake. He took in a deep breath, merely a reflex.

"H-Hey!" he called out, pleased to see that she was still pretty above the water. In a moment of teenager-like embarrassment, he blushed under his black plumage, pulling his swim trunks up higher and sucking in his paunch.

"Your...Your name is Awen, right?"

"Yeah." Awen was glad to hear that she wasn't batty in remembering the islander, but embarassed that she herself couldn't place him. The memory of the cemetary came to mind and an interupted Star Wars marathon soon followed. She knew this bird, definately, but the name escaped her. "You're ... um... M..Matt, right?"

Marshall's face fell, as did his stomach. His paunch, however, remained uncomfortably sucked in.

"Its Marshall, actually..." he said sheepishly.

"Oh! I'm sorry." Her cheeks turned a little reddish as the man corrected her. "I'm... not so good with names sometimes. But I do remember... you came in when I was watching Star Wars we chatted a bit. Oh and I never got back to you about my whole cemetary theory..."

Biting her lip she just felt like even more of a fool. "I... I was wrong... I'm sorry I didn't come tell you or contact you. I went into a kind of... inward phase just after that. Kind of like walking in a daze for awhile... but then things happened and I really just forgot to come talk to you.. I'm really sorry."

Marshall was surprised by how apologetic she was.

"N-No! Really! Don't feel sorry! It was really hard for me after seeing that, too." he explained, swimming closer to her. "I...I actually didn't leave my duplex for a couple of days. I think it kind of has the same effect on every one..." he admitted, feeling awfully embarrassed. He didn't realize that he wasn't holding in his paunch any more, probably because he felt a little more relaxed.

"So...Umm...How...How ya been?"

"Oh that there is a loaded question." She couldn't help but laugh a little bit bitterly but shook her head quickly. She really shouldn't be acting like that around someone who has nothing to do with it. This is supposed to be a pleasant meeting.

"But generally I'm doing well. Health and relative happiness." She couldn't help a chuckle. "I see we've both changed a bit since last time we met though, hm?" She smiled in the most comforting and encouraging way. She didn't mean anything bad by it in the slightest.

"Heh heh...Yeah. Though at least you look pretty. I look like some sort of joke." Marshall laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. That was, before mentally bugging out.

WHAT THE ******** DID I JUST SAY?!?!

"S-So, um, uh..." he stammered, desperate to change the subject, "So...Um, well...You live around here?"

...I gotta stop hanging around Gaius. Marshall though, knowing that was the third most retarded question he had ever asked any one on this island.

Awen couldn't help but laugh a little bit. "Special duplex number one my friend!" Turning her gaze she pointed towards the edge of the lake with the duplees attached. "It's really quite neat, I get my own underwater entrance. Like an indoor-outdoor swimming pool!"

"And your the record you don't look like a joke." Her head half cocked in his direction as she lowered her arm into the water once more. "Peguins were always kind of cute animals."

"Special Duplex?" Marshall asked, before Awen said that Penguins were "cute" animals. That didn't mean she thought he was cute, but still, it was enough for his already red face to grow an even deeper shade of crimson. Who would've thought that he would be grateful to have plumage on his face?

"So...You're duplex connects to the lake?" Marshall asked, slightly curious.
"Mine and a few others." She nodded happily to explain her residence. "I think they've started to fill up too, for awhile mine was the only one in use... I don't know who all is in them yet though, never seem to catch them at home."

She absolutely beamed with cheerfulness, as though all of the passed few weeks hadn't happened. She really wanted to forget everything and stop sulking, just be happy for a short period of time damnit. It seemed to work around the black orange and white islander before her. Sometimes all it takes is a new face, or in this case an old face revisited.

She really felt like she had some extensive grasp on the island when she explained things to other islanders, which made her feel good about herself in a way. She could help teach others something new. And this time it wasn't about changes or the graveyard or something horrible like that.

"The duplexes are the size of anyone else's but about half to three quaters cuts off into a swimming pool type area. There is a large, I think glass, wall with a door that opens out into the lake, or us aquatics can feel right at home inside. It's pretty neat really."

"Really? Wow. I'd love to see it some time." Marshall said, enthusiasm beaming. He honestly would, but mostly he just wanted to spend some more time with this Awen girl.

"The only thing special about my duplex is that Gaius lives right next door. Outside of that, nothin' to talk about." he said, in a poor attempt to add any thing to the conversation.

"Gaius?" Awen puzzled a moment over the name. It sounded familiar but she had been studying the list of people and duplexes awhile back. ... To make sure no one else went missing... The manta doubted that she'd met this one though.

He was special to the penguin though? What could be so spe--oh. Ooooh. "So... you and Gaius are...um...?"

"Are...?" Marshall blinked a few times, before remembering his talk with Ambrose just a couple days prior.

"...NO ITS NOT LIKE THAT!" Marshall yelled in a panic, wondering if he honestly came off as that. Not that there was any thing wrong with it, but still, Marshall wasn't like that!

Awen pushed back suddenly at the man's outburst. Not very far but it had startled her enough. She held both palms up defensively, letting her legs and flippers keep her afloat. "Woah, easy there. I didn't mean anything."

She gave an extremely apologetic smile as she tried to explain. "Well you just said that your duplex was special because Gaius lived next to you... I don't really know what's so special about this Gaius guy but most people that talk like that... well you know mean that the other person is, well, special. I didn't mean to offend you."

Oh, great going, dumbass!

"I-I'm sorry. I kinda over-reacted. Gaius is just kinda my best friend, y'know? Like my older brother. Trust me, I dun swing that way." Marshall said, laughing awkwardly.

It was one thing with Ambrose but for the love of Pete I don't want Awen to think that!

"So...Um..." Marshall rubbed the back of his neck; he hadn't felt this awkward since high school. And at least then he wasn't turning into a penguin or being asked if he was gay!

Awen nodded and moved back to a comfortable distance. He sure was a bit touchy, she hadn't meant anything. She chuckled and nodded. "Oh I see, I'm sorry about that."

Awen likewise wasn't exactly sure what to say to the penguin after that little miscommunication. "Uh..so.. How is the island treating you these days?"

"W-Well...I'm good. I mean...Its not...Terrible. But I'm kinda...happy, y'know?" Marshall said, as if he was talking about some thing terribly embarrassing. Admitting that he wasn't completely miserable, that was some thing he never heard on this island.

"I've made a lot of friends, and I've figured out how to draw...Heh heh, if I had a Wii I'd be in heaven." Marshall chuckled.

Oh! Crap! She'll think I'm a geek! Which, well, I kinda am, but she didn't have to know that!

"Oh! I think someone was getting someone else a Wii... Jordan to Kim I think? Hmm.." She laughed a bit. "I didn't even know what a Wii was until Miller explained that it was the Rev. I wish they hadn't changed the damn name." She shook her head with a sigh. "I don't have one of those but I do have a PS3." She grinned. "Gamecube and PS2 also in my duplex... I think an Xbox in the entertainment room unless someone pilfered it."

She grinned in her own gamer geekdom before turning to his other comments. "You draw? That's awesome. Even better is that you still can! And you're happy. That really is the key to things here." She seemed qite chipper about everything right now, didn't she?

"You got a Playstation 3?! Aww man, you're so lucky!" Marshall said, sounding like an easily impressed 12 year old. It never even occurred to him actually just ask the labs for a Wii, but then again he never was the brightest bulb.

"Maybe I could play against you in Soul Callibur some time, neh?" Marshall chuckled, before a large, gurgling sound came from his paunch. That was when he realized: He didn't eat breakfast or lunch today.

...s**t s**t s**t s**t! Damn you, stomach! How can you betray me like this?!?!

"Eh heh heh heh...G-Guess I shoulda gotten some thing to eat, neh?" Marshall chuckled, rubbing the back of his next. "I...I might head over to the Caf..."

Awen opened her mouth to answer but was silenced by the gurgling. "Oh dear." She chuckled and nodded. "Might be good to grab some food." She paused a moment before adding what she wanted to say. "But any time you want to play games come to the duplex, if I'm around I'll be happy to pwn you."

...Did she just threaten to pwn me? Sweet Buddah I think I'm in love...

"Alright. Um, you're in the first Special Duplex, right? On the other side of the lake?" Marshall asked, even though he already knew the answer to the question.

"I'm at Duplex 59, so...Um...Feel free to drop by any time, okay?" Marshall smiled, waving a little as he swam towards the shore of the lake.

"Yup, that's the place." She laughed a bit and shook her head. "And I'll keep yours in mind too." With a small smile and a wave she shooed the boy off for food. "Now go, go! Before your stomach starts to eat itself, hah."

The manta herself dipped back underwater to go about her day. With all her encounters recently this seems to have been the most pleasant. She'll keep Marshall in mind next time she's looking for a Player 2.

When they finally arrived Miller took a moment to stop before knocking to talk to Lauren one more time, her mood was partially his fault but he couldn't let her live in a fantasy bubble forever. "Lookz Laurenz if you don'tz want to be herez right nowz you can stayz at mah duplex and I'll comez back afterz I'm donez talkin to Awenz..."

"Come in." The manta shouted behind the door, if sounding a bit disgruntled.

The girl winced at the volume of her own voice. Damn that hurt, what had she done the night before? She wasn't much of a drinker, not after that one incedent back home. She had promised herself never to do that again, and unlike most people who promise themselves things like that she'd stuck to it. But here she was leaning against the edge of the pool of water in her duplex, PS3 controller in hand, TV on mute, feeling like absolute crap. This was one hell of a hangover.

But Awen had barely touched a drop since coming to the island, she couldn't remember what could have sparked her interest all of a sudden. So she had decided to drown out her confusion, frustration and pain in video games. Sure the movement sort of made her head spin, but it was better than vegging out in the lake just focusing on how groggy she felt.