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 Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 12:47 am
The past while had been difficult for the hell hound to put it lightly. She had cut the world out, focusing on studies. It was all she could do, after all, she was to blame. She hadn't protected anyone. Whisper wasn't the strong hero type she had imagined herself to be, and that reality had hit her so very hard. She was becoming exactly what her father had said she would; a crazy hermit hound with no purpose. She had wanted to do so more for everyone, but she just wasn't capable. Whisper even felt like she wasn't good enough for Natalia, and that was a Heartbreaking thought.
Whisper was letting her thoughts get the best of her once more, causing her to continuously toss and turn under her covers. She slipped out of her bed and pulled on her coat. There was no point in trying to sleep if it wasn't going to happen. The ghoul exited the room into the hall, to the stairs and up to the roof. That was the only place she could find a quiet corner of the school, with no prying eyes and their questioning looks. It's was nice and cool, a light breeze under the unjudging moon.
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Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 1:20 am
A fair amount of time had passed before another presence had shown up on the roof of the demon dorms. Her reasons were very different, and yet Riley was looking for the same amount of solace in solitude that Whisper found from her perch. Unfortunately, as soon as she started moving forward on the roof, she saw the silhouette of another person there already, and she stilled. The darkness did not cloak Whisper's form from Riley's glowing eyes, as she could see as clearly at night as she did in the day. That did not change the fact that the ghoul was unknown to her, and she treated it as she would any new face. Very carefully.
My apologies. I did not think someone would be up here this late. Please, don't let me disturb you. Have a good evening. She backed away, already making her way to the door. She would just have to find another building to jump off of.
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Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 1:37 am
Whisper's ears twitched at the sound of the newcomer, and immediately when the scent filled her nose, her face lost its color. She knew that scent, and she had heard the rumors. However, the hellhound had dismissed them as just that. She turned rather quickly only to see Riley backing away. "No! Wait! Come back!"
She almost thought that she was hallucinating, but the ghoul was there. She was alive and she was there. Sure, they had spent maybe half a day together in total over her time so far at the school, but that didn't mean she was any less relieved. Whisper had blamed herself so deeply for not being there to help in tht battle; It ate away at her slowly everyday since like a terrible disease.
The hellhound couldn't stop the tears from flowing, as she leaped towards Riley, embracing her. "I'm so sorry I didn't protect you, I got there too late and I thought you died and...and..." she was having issues forming words, unable to contain the overwhelming flow of emotion.
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Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 2:14 am
Oh.. no.
Riley froze like a deer in headlights when the ghoul flung herself at her, stiffening for a mere second at the hug. But soon enough, she forced herself to relax into it, and pulled one arm out of the embrace so that she could wrap it around Whisper herself, and pull her close.
There would be so many moments like this ahead, she feared.
Shh. Don't fret so. She whispered, patting the ghoul's hair softly. There is no need for guilt. What happened, happened for a reason. There was no stopping it. She pulled away, just enough to look into the ghoul's face, and her brow furrowed. The awkward part would come next. I appreciate that you care enough to have wished this tragedy hadn't happened, but it did, and now we must deal with the consequences. With that in mind.. please try to take what I am about to say with patience, and understanding.
A deep breath, and then, like a band-aid, she ripped it off. What is your name?
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Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 2:39 am
When Riley reacted the way she did, Whisper knew something was up. Sure, she didn't expect a glorious reunion, but the ghoul seemed far more apprehensive then what Whisper thought she'd normally be. The sound of Riley's voice in her mind was so soothing, as she often felt when the ilithid spoke. But the end of her speech confused the hellhound. She wasn't offended in the least, but she was slightly concerned. Consequences? Did she lose her memory? It was an odd concept to grasp; the greatest student tht Whisper knew, wasn't herself anymore.
She slowly parted from the ghoul, trying to figure out what to do. Of course she'd introduce herself, but how much more could she do? Perhaps if she could help Riley, it would be a form of redemption. Plus, Whisper felt as though it would be a good time to let someone in. After all, Riley probably needed someone too. "My name is Whisper. I know your name, but it's still nice to meet you."
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Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 2:47 am
Whisper's reaction was relieving. It was obvious in the way Riley's body slowly began to relax, and her expression lost the tense tightness as she waited. Lizzy refused to look at her, and even Amrita had run from her at first. She had no idea what to expect from any of her former companions, anymore. That did not, and would not, stop her from reaching out to them - but it was a tense few moments regardless.
Well met, Whisper. Riley's voice bubbled with mirth. Though I'm confident from your initial greeting that we know each other. May we sit down? You and I both have a lot to discuss.
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Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 3:21 am
"We do, but not very well. I was always kind of...intimidated by you. The few times we met I kept my cool, but I knew who you were and never wanted to be a bother." Whisper's tired eyes lit up ever so slightly, her grief taking a brief step to the side. Well, the ghoul figured it'd be temporary, as any kind of permanence would be too big of a blessing.
The invitation to join the ghoul was far too tempting to resist, so she didn't even try. "I'd really like that Riley. I think it's been a long time coming, and I hadn't even realized it."
She made her way to her usual spot, close to edge overlooking the rest of the grounds. The ghoul took a seat and patted the area beside her, signaling it was fine for Riley to sit closely beside her. She couldn't help but giggle. "Don't worry, I won't bite."
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Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 7:56 pm
Riley did not look particularly worried when Whisper patted the spot beside her, as the edge had been her primary destination before she'd even noticed the ghoul. The comment, however, made the mindflayer raise a single eyebrow.
Is that a promise, or a threat? She inquired, with no sarcasm or real indication of her sincerity in her voice. Her legs swung over the edge of the building after she sat down, and her posture straightened as she turned to face the ghoul. You mentioned something that has already intrigued me. You said that you knew who I was, but you never wanted to be a bother. Now I ask you, for my sake as well as for yours, who did you think I was, and why would you have ever been a bother? Her eyes lifted in lieu of a smile. You seem like a perfectly companionable presence. What could have bothered me about you?
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Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 9:08 pm
"It was a ... joke" Whisper's previously cheerful giggle took a slightly more awkward tone when she realized she wasn't very funny. "But a promise too I suppose. I don't really bite anyone unless they attack me first. I'm not a very violent ghoul...well I try to avoid it when I can. Though recently I guess there hasn't been much of a choice."
She began to swing her legs back and forth, trying to not think of the past battles. She used to enjoy the thrill of the fight, but the past few battles had dulled that excitement. Especially now that she was older, Whisper did not want to fall into the patterns her father had. But those thoughts had not a lot to do with the questions that were posed to her by Riley. "Everyone knew who you were...are. You are who most strive to be. Smart, athletic, respected. One of the popular ones. Plus you have Malodore. You guys are an unbeatable team."
Whisper had to pause, feeling as though she was gushing a little too much. But it was true. After Red, Riley was one of her idols. She was the epitome of halloween, at least to Whisper anyway. "I just didn't feel good enough. Like if I was around you, I'd be tarnishing your star. I get down on myself really easily, especially now. And you have so many friends, so many who are close to you and care about you. I just didn't want to seem like I was trying to replace anyone or force myself into your life. I'm not very good at the whole social thing."
The ghoul sheepishly smiled, partially embarrassed. It was true, she was an awkward turtle sometimes. It was in her nature to try to stay in the shadows and watch. Unfortunately that didn't bode well for her social life.
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Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 9:52 pm
Riley's deadpan expression broke into real, surprising amusement. I knew. She whispered, perhaps just a touch guilty that Whisper hadn't realized she was teasing. Her amusement slowly faded as she listened, with increasing intensity, to Whisper's idea of who she'd been. She briefly considered correcting her correction, for she most certainly considered the ghoul that Whisper spoke of to be dead and gone, but when Whisper continued, she let it go. None of the compliments phased her, but when Malodore was mentioned, Riley's perfect posture broke, and she turned to look out ahead of her, into the night.
Your plight is not unusual, you know. Riley's voice was soft, a gentle breeze of thought that seemed to pass through Whisper's thoughts with cautious ease. And I'm sure others have told you how wrong your self-image is, but it isn't enough. She turned her head to look back at Whisper, slitting her eyes into upward crescents. You have to believe it in here. Riley's long-fingered hand pressed against Whisper's cheek. I have no power to change your heart. But what I can do, is assure you that your presence, and your friendship, are no lesser or greater than mine. You are clearly intelligent, perfectly lovely, caring, and sensitive. And all of this I have managed to glean from knowing you for all of five minutes. She chuckled, and pulled her hand away. Imagine what more I could gain as our time together continues.
Her eyes returned to the stars. One can never have too many friends. Her voice returned to it's normal strength. I have no capped limit on how many people I want by my side. I want them all. Her cheekbones lifted slightly. Do you think that is selfish?
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Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 12:38 am
"Only one other has said I was wrong about myself. And I haven't seen her in...awhile." her voice almost cracked, unable to hide the pain that the sentence had brought forth. Natalia had been absent from her life for some time now, and not so much by the choice of either of them. Whisper did not want the ghoul to see her this way, and she was sure the ghoul felt the same. Perhaps it wasn't the best way to handle her personal issues, but Whisper didn't know any other path to take.
The hellhound did not back away or flinch when Riley had touched her, she simply listened to the message and nodded. Her tail swayed behind her against the rooftop as she processed all the positive things that were being told to her. "I...I don't think it's selfish at all to admit that. To me, that's brave. I never could admit that to myself, let alone someone else."
She paused for a moment to take a deep breath. "Besides, it seems like every time I try to get close to someone I mess it up. Like with shekh. I am sure she hates me now. I couldn't choose what I wanted to believe, I couldn't figure out what was truth and what was a lie. And because I wasn't sure, I'm sure she'll never forgive me."
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Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 1:33 am
Brave. Riley tested out the word, tasting it, and then nodded suddenly. Yes. Perhaps it is brave to want it all. I will accept this. She nodded again, and let the topic go. Whisper was speaking of someone that made her expression change, and Riley watched that expression very, very carefully. She listened in silence, and nodded when appropriate. Shehk's name caught her attention, but Whisper's explanation made her pause. There was no way for Riley to know the details of the situation that occurred between Whisper and Shehk, but the vague explanation of the so-called mistake was enough information for her. Riley let a moment of silence pass between them as she thought it over, before shaking her head.
I don't know what happened. So I cannot say for sure. But Shehk did not seem like the type to hold a grudge. And in my humble opinion.. hesitating on truth and lies is a sign of cautious intelligence. No one should fault you for that. After all, the truth is a slippery thing. She nodded sharply. Yes. I think, you should speak with her. You clearly care about her opinion, and the only way to rectify this is to tell her.
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Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 1:55 am
"You really think so?" Whisper knew that was a silly question, as she knew that Riley was the type that didn't say something unless she meant it. The no bs type. And maybe that's what whisper had been needing for so long; honesty. It's not that those around were lying, but she knew that sometimes their words were a little sugary. "I just don't know who to trust anymore. Every time I place my loyalties somewhere, it seems like its the wrong side. I just want to trust in someone; believe in a cause. I am tired of so much false information and twisted perceptions. How am I supposed to fight if I don't know who or what to fight for. And I don't want to blindly follow...I don't want to be a sheep just being led to the slaughter."
"I can't even imagine what you are going through...I didn't think you were going to come back, no matter how bad we all wished for it. I'm so glad you did, but it was hard to think you wouldn't. You lost so much time... Could you hear us? Did know what was going on around you? I really hope you weren't trapped in there without being able to reach out..." The ghoul had to stop herself. She had gone down this road many sleepless nights, torturing herself with all te terrible possibilities. And she wasn't even the one who was a statue.
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Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 2:12 am
Riley's immediate nod was her only answer to the question. Whisper's fears were justified - from all she'd been told, they were perilously lied to over and over, and the entire school was in jeopardy. The prospects of who was trustworthy were slim, to none. Fighting for a cause you did not truly believe in.. even worse.
Riley knew well how important it was to believe.
The topic shifted in a direction that clearly did not please her. Her entire body stiffened, and she turned to look straight ahead. She was much more comfortable offering Whisper advice, and trying to help her through her problems. Her own issues.. she worked hard to avoid them.
I cannot remember my time as a.. in the.. I cannot remember that time. Her voice was very quiet, and very sad. So I cannot tell you if I was conscious or not. Whatever the answer may be, I am blissfully unaware of it. I don't - I try not to think about it.
Riley did not try to do most things. It was an effort to use the word.
She died, you know. Her voice was nothing but a whisper within Whisper's mind, now. Her eyes flickered to side-glance at her. That ghoul in the stone. She did not come back, Whisper. Her eyes fell to her legs. I did.
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Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 2:56 am
Silence fell over the ghouls as Whisper tried to process Riley's words. She could tell before they were spoken that it probably wasn't the best thing to bring up, but the hellhound hadn't ever been very good at picking subject matter. Se tried so hard to force her brain to really delve into the meaning of what Riley had said, until it finally came to her. Perhaps there was no hidden meaning. The old Riley didn't exist anymore. She was gone.
Whisper was torn. Part of her was sad, because of the loss. But at the same time it was like the ghoul had gotten a second chance; a reset. For all intents and purposes, she was a completely new demon. "Well, I'm glad you at least came out of it. There could have been far worse endings. I hope I didn't hurt your feelings, we don't have to talk about it anymore if you don't want to. But I am here for you, so don't be afraid to talk to me about anything."
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