Welcome to Gaia! ::

After a few days of looking around on his downtime, sticking to the ares of town that was closest to Deus main HQ, Dawson finally found it. To the northeast of the school, with a rather decent view of the would-be park, was a small two-floor building that, while in quite a bit of disrepair, looked as though it could be converted to a chapel with enough TLC. After assessing it for himself with a few other more experienced Moons, he stuck a few flyers around:


God willing, it'd be sturdy enough to handle the s**t Deus often went through.

attic

Dawson held his hand out as they ascended the stairs. "Watch yer step now, we only jus' got this part reinforced but some a'the place is still rotten wood."

Today it was inventory taking--or rather, more cleaning by the looks of things. In sight were old toys, a few boxes labeled David Things, a window that had been smashed open by something long ago, and various scattered magazines and books.

Virtue

Liam's response to the Help Wanted add had been automatic, utterly thoughtless, comfortingly selfless. It didn't matter that he didn't know Dawson beyond what he'd seen on twitter. It could have been anyone asking, and because of what they intended to do, Liam would have been glad to help.

Religion had always played a big part in his life. Liam had grown up catholic, and the teachings had stuck with him, despite his own moral short comings. (And there were plenty.)


So he showed up one afternoon with a half empty toolbox borrowed from the quartermaster. "Ah, hello?"

Virtue

He came across Dawson and a senior Moon discussing an addition to the plans.

"...I mean, maybe we could add it right off to the side, y'know, it'd make a nice scene..."

"Don't know, man. I just build crap, I don't grow it. Check with someone who works in the greenhouses?"

"Yeah, good idea..."

"If that's it, I'll be going. You need me, I'll be on the roof with Mason," the man said before taking his leave.

Dawson scratched his beard thoughtfully before noticing there was a third person. "Oh! Y'ello there, kiddo." Glancing at the toolbox, he broke into a grin. "Ya got somethin' fer me?"

clean up

It was also hard to hit anything with his eyes squeezed shut.

Rodney was mostly doing his best not to hyperventilate.

He managed to look, a little, with Dawson in front of him, but quickly flinched away and sank to the floor with a groan. "I'm sorry," he said, "I don't know what comes over me. Every time I think I can, and I just-"

Froze up completely. He had always been this way about it. A friendly shoulder punch was enough to send him shaking. He'd joined a military organization because he thought there would be other jobs.

Pull it together, Seven said, Big, tall, and fuzzy can't save you all the time. That's my job. Like he said. You just reach out, and swing. Hell, I'll do most of the work.

Rodney said a prayer under his breath. He pried open his eyes. He tore a hand away from Seven to wipe his sweating face.

Then, very carefully, he gripped Seven's handle and reached out towards a Shadowling that had worked its way close to Dawson's leg. He took a deep breath. He tilted the head of the grappling hook forward.

Rodney patted the Shadowling, once, very lightly on the head.

It flattened its murky ears, looking confused.

clean up

Taking advantage of its momentary pause, Dawson smashed it to the ground under his boot.

"Good start," he said bracingly, startling several others back when he feigned with his shield. "I know you about keepin' the peace, but ya gotta know how t'defend yerself, y'know? Might wanna do it with yer eyes open, though," he added with a chuckle. "C'mon, put some weight inta those throws."

Virtue

Whatever offense Liam might have taken from the 'kiddo' comment dissipated as a hand fell in a friendly clap against his shoulder. He'd always been quick to forgive, quick to forget, and Dawson seemed like a nice enough guy.

"Yes, actually." Here Liam grinned. "Before getting my partner here I was at the Victoria base as a runic hunter. I used weighted chains, but I know how the daggers work."

Virtue

"Ohhhh, so yer one of 'em Canada kids, huh?" Dawson observed. "I heard about that. Wasn' on the mission myself, but I know it was some big Creation mess, right?"