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 Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 2:43 pm
It had been a while she had been in Negaspace, but every time she found it very lovely in her own unique way. It was a space reserved for them, here when they needed an escape for the reality. Technically, they were there on business. Nubi loved her General and was more then happy to stop in for a little 'status' report of sorts. It was nice to be recognized, along with her twin, for their efforts. Maybe she had been worried they hadn't been keeping up. Everything went smoothly in the end though and for that she could breathe out a little sigh of relief.
One last wave to their general and then the door clicked shut behind them. "Not bad, but we could be doing better, right?" There was always room for improvement. It had been over a year and yet they were still in the same position as before. It was time they start making a name for themselves. People should know who they are.
"So, I know we were going to go home after this. But let's do some work. Hm? Start getting better here and now!" She was talking to her gloomy twin standing next to her of course. They needed to get more in sync, really get out there and rattle the town.
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Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2019 9:07 pm
"Of course we could be doing better, but I think we are just fine. I don't need to do anything to stand out, otherwise we'll just be pestered non-stop. Besides, we have better things to do during our daylight hours than draining and starseed pulling." For 'Mali there was little interest in their Negaverse related work. He did what he was told, and in exchange he was provided with the power needed to protect 'Nubi, and to ensure that no sorry b*****d hurt them again. A simple exchange and one that he was all to happy to keep as it was. Why did he need to become someone well known?
But... Honestly, if 'Nubi wanted it, he'd find a way.
"Don't you still have school work? And to prep for the next shoot? But if you really, really want to, fine. But you're gonna do the laundry for the next week or so. I don't have the same boundless energy you do." Nor did he have the tolerance to interact with so many strangers. And speaking of which... One seemed to be heading their way.
'Mali nudged his sister lightly, head tilting towards the direction of the person... Was it a person? He honestly had little experience with the youma part of this world. Rather than open up his own mouth, he'd let her do the talking at first. He'd hate to accidentally chase off a potential friend, sarcasm aside.
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Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2019 9:30 pm
One thing about long, crystal, dark hallways was that voices carried. If there wasn't a door closing you off, it traveled a distance in a dark, vacant corridors. It was the mention of doing work that caused the half-youma to pause in his tracks and turn a ear to what he was hearing.
Work.
Work usually meant patrols.
Patrols meant outside. Fighting. Destiny city.
Turning, he glanced around and then headed down the corridor towards the talking voices. Two figures started to make their way in his line of sight, and his gut clenched a little. Usually people with partners didn't need a third. Still, he was already smiling, the picture of bright-eyed and bushy tailed.
"Hello there. I couldn't help hearing - are you two going on patrol?" He asked, moving closer and stopping before them both.
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Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2019 2:20 pm
Nubi made quite the face at the mention of homework. Ugh, Mali had to go and bring that up. Nothing was exactly due the next day, but there were a few projects that could use some attention from her. "Nope, can't think of anything!" Deny it for now, deal with it later. Of course he would know she was lying, but that didn't really matter.
Laundry for a week? She could handle that and simple nodded with some enthusiasm. The worst part of laundry was guarding the socks so Obie didn't run off with them. Though, laundry was more fun these days because of their little feline friend.
If her twin hadn't pointed out that someone was coming down the hall, she would have bounded off that instant. She turned her head though to see who it was and had to contain the squeal of excitement that so terrible wanted to escape from her in that moment.
"Oh my god, they're so cuuuuute." She whispered, close to her twin. Though, it might have been heard anyway with ears like that. When the curious agent stopped in front of them Nubi's hands twitched out in front of her, but it would be so terribly rude of her to touch those soft, fluffy ears.
"W-we are!" Nubi blurted out, the excitement of something so adorable standing in front of her really shining through. Her face was flushed with just how adorable, and small, he was. "H-he can join us, right Mali?" She turned her own puppy-dog eyes on her twin. This was okay, right? Pretty, please? 'Mali needed to make more friends in the Negaverse anyway. This was a good opportunity for them.
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Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2019 4:29 pm
'Mali would have to agree. Whatever, whoever it was that approached them was quite cute. That stony expression he had softened just a little the closer the person came, eyebrows only raising slightly at the obvious eavesdropping the fluffy thing had done. Was he offended? Not at all, but they didn't need to know that.
Before he could say anything, that loose-mouthed sister of his confirmed the answer, and he frowned, reaching over to her to pinch her arm. Sometimes the girl really spoke too much and without thought. Didn't he JUST say he didn't like being noticed?! But dammit, she was really right, the person before them did seem very eager... And was so damned cute.
"I'm sorry, she invited you without any introduction, practically forcing her will on you, as she always does." A halfhearted glare was directed towards her, but then relaxed once again when he resumed gazing on that cuteness that was... Whoever this was.
"I am Zubeneschamali, and this one here is my sister, Zubenelgenubi. 'Mali and 'Nubi for short. We are going out on patrol, I suppose. Work, draining, all that fun stuff for sure. Who might you be? And if you would like to come with us, you are certainly welcome to."
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Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2019 4:57 pm
This was perfect. Better than perfect. Not only were they both friend, but the one woman was quick to invite him along. Seemed three wasn't a crowd after all, and held down the compulsion to beam back at her.
His tail, however, did not know the phrase "to mask one's emotions" very well as it swung back and forth.
"Really? Well, if you don't mind." And then the man apologized and formally introduced the pair of them. The names had his expression go rigid with intimidation. He was usually okay with remembering names, but there was no way in hell he wasn't going to butcher both of them. Trying to sound it out in his own head already made his tongue feel feeble at the overwhelming task. Luckily, they provided very short alternatives. Praise the Queen.
Their names were similar however. Their outfits too. Their hair was long and slightly braided.
We're they -
"Oh no. That's alright. I'd actually love to lend a hand if that is alright with the both of you. I haven't been on a patrol today so it would be nice to stretch my legs." He hadn't been on patrol in a few days. Finding anyone to take him along was hard and he was often just wandering about hoping to catch someone who wasn't returning back from one and dropping off their energy quota for the week.
"I'm Vitriol. I suppose you could call me Vit for short." He introduced himself.
"So.......are you two married?" He gestured to their outfits and, well, all of them.
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Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2019 5:30 pm
"Owwwww..." Mali earned himself a little glare from his twin with that pinch. He forgot she had on heels in this outfit though, heels she so rarely wore. So she dug one (lightly) into his foot in return, sticking her tongue out at him. It was a good thing she didn't really care what people thought of her, that was why it was so easy for her to just be herself around everyone.
Nubi could only shrug when Mali scolded her in front of the other Agent. It was true, so there wasn't any deny it. Besides, he didn't seem all that put off by her offer. In fact, if the wagging tail was anything like a real dog, he seemed happy with her offer. Her brother made habit of wearing a scowl, but he was just as weak to adorableness as she was. Sadly, he kept that fact hidden from the world.
She was carefully watching the cute half-youma in front of them and recognized the far off look on his face when Mali said he name. Their new puppy got lost in thought, she couldn't blame him. Their names were a mouthful and even she still butchered them.
It wasn't until he asked a very odd question that she realized just how much information he had missed while lost in thought. He no sooner finished his sentence and she lost in, doubling over in laughter. Were those tears in her eyes? Never, ever, had anyone asked her such a ridiculous question.
Finally she straightened up. "Oh no. No, no, no." She was still fighting off the tears of laughter, but eventually she settled down.
"This is why I don't even bother telling people the full name. It's too much, you confused the poor guy Mali. Vit, this is my brother. My twin! And despite that scowl on his face, he really likes cute things. So you two should make great friends!" Oh man, this was going to be a good night, she could already tell. Off to a great start already!
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Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2019 5:48 pm
Unlike 'Nubi, 'Mali responded with a slight eye twitch at the heel against his shoe. The hideous shoes he wore were at least decently good at protecting his feet from such vicious attack as what his sister enjoyed dishing out. He surely wasn't about to lose his posture in front of a stranger, especially not one as fluffy and cute as this one.
And that tail... Oh goodness, he really was something else. If asked later on by 'Nubi what he thought of their new found partner, he would have to honestly reply that he had considered petting his head once or twice within the first few moments of their meeting.
That was all well in good, but he did seem minorly shocked at the question, and a tang of agitation welled up within him. How he hated not being listened to... And to make it worse, there she was, with her snorting laughter at the idea of them being married.
As he was to say something about it, maybe even scold the half-youma for missing such an important fact, 'Nubi blurted out more and more information that just really, really did not need to be made public knowledge. While it couldn't be said he blushed specifically, there was a bit of something present on his face, and a hand came up to somewhat awkwardly adjust his glasses. Just let a youma come up and eat him right now... Or better yet, let it eat 'Nubi and her big fat mouth.
"Yes yes, haha, We are not married, and yes, I like cute things. It's nice to see one here every now and then since I'm stuck with such a horrifying person like 'Nubi most of the time." Maybe, just maybe his words were a little rushed, and he needed to clear his throat a little before he began to walk past them, heading towards the doors out of the corridor. "Now if you'd please shut up, 'Nubi, I have arranged with a general to get us back to the surface. Are you ready, or do you need another moment to get all of your cackling out?"
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Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2019 6:12 pm
He did, in fact, not hear Mali. The names had been so long that he missed the 'sister' in the mist and went rigid as Nubi burst into a fit of laughter. Already he thought his chances of going on a patrol would be instantly revoked for such a mistake, and he felt himself drain while he scolded himself for not paying attention. He couldn't even say it was the fluff in his ears. While he didn't have super hound hearing, he at least could hear a bit better than before.
"Ah! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to - it's just you two match and have matching names. I thought it was a couples thing I just don't meet too many siblings and not many who even patrol together or even look so much the same. I'm sorry." He breathed, raising his hands to apologize but stopping them as moving them around too much in a corridor was dangerous.
Looking at Mali, the man looked even more stern and he couldn't exactly read what the expression was on his face and had to guess it was just very disappointed. The tone didn't help, and he deflated even more.
What stood out was one thing. I like cute things.
He stared back, and as the pair started to head out, he considered what was just said before walking behind them. "What do you mean by cute things? What cute things do you like?" He asked, trying to deflect the conversation away from mistakes about siblings to what Nubi said about friends.
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Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2019 5:37 pm
Lucky for Mali, Nubi knew not to take anything he said to seriously. He could call her a horrible person around other people, but she knew he loved her and nothing would change that. Honestly, that might be part of the reason she had no filter at all. Why would she need one? Who cares who came and went with the switching of her moods, she'd always have her brother and that was really all that mattered.
"you know you love me." She pleaded with her brother and followed along after him down the hall. "And it's okay Vit, since you're so cute, I'll forgive you for making such a funny mistake." She was a little surprised to hear that there weren't too many other siblings around. If she had been corrupted without Mali, it would have been terribly hard to keep it a secret from it. That bomb would have been dropped within the first twenty-four hours.
"Mhm, yes Mali. What cute things do you like? Stuffed animals? Sweets? Soft blankets...dogs? Cats? Maximum fluffiness?" She had not missed that almost-blush on her brothers face. It was amazing how well he could keep himself calm around their adorable new friend.
"And speaking of cute thing, Vit. May I please pet your ears? If you let me get this urge out of my system just once I promise to behave after." She had been itching to pet those adorable ears since he first appeared in front of them.
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Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2019 5:58 pm
"Love and like are two different things..." That was the last bit of muttering he'd allow his sister to have on the subject, only rolling his eyes as he led the group along. Hopefully they'd get all their chit-chat out before they reached the general. That's all he needed, the general to think 'Mali was the leader of a bunch of talkative Negas.
While she listed off things that he may have enjoyed, half of them were debatable at best..
"No, no, no, maybe, depends if they talk or not, and depends if it affects my allergies." That redness was still on his face, how could it not be, what with all of 'Nubi's prattling, but atleast he relaxed just a little bit as she finally admitted her ulterior motives.
"Ah, so that's what you're after. I apologize for her rudeness, but I'm surprised, she actually asked. I assure you, now that she's asked, she's not going to stop until you give in. Please, just make it quick, 'Nubi. It's rude to keep a general waiting."
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Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2019 6:17 pm
He blushed a bit at that but stared back at Nubi. "But I'm a grown man." He explained. Grown men weren't usually called cute.
Then again, he had been called that often. He bet if he could grow a beard then he might not have this issue, but looking at it now, he really didn't need more hair on his person. Still, couldn't he just be handsome instead. But it was better than being monstrously hideous. I guess beggars couldn't be choosers.
Mali on the other hand seemed to have a very specific preference to what he liked.
Studded animals: No
Sweets: No
Soft Blankets: No? What did he have against soft blankets? Did he like scratchy, hard blankets? Wasn't the purpose of blankets to be soft?
Dogs: Maybe? Who didn't like dogs?!!
Cats: Allergies.
He perked up at that. "Ah, you have allergies too? So do I!" He said, having not met anyone yet who was allergic to cats. It made being around guardians terrible when he wanted to pet them. It seemed to not be a concern for most people.
"Oh, uh. Sure. Petting my ears it kinda the first thing people want to do. Some don't even ask. Just, try not to mess up my hair too bad. It takes me forever to comb it since I can't...really hold a comb." He said, staring at his hands a moment before tilting his head for Nubi to touch.
"Mali, you're really polite. You apologize for Nubi a lot." Vit looked up at Nubi. "Do you ever apologize for him?"
Then, very slowly, his eyes lost a bit of focus as they narrowed. Mali and Nubi said Mali liked cute things and Nubi said he was cute and they'd make great friends. He continued to let this thought process roll through the molasses that was this line of thinking. But Nubi just said he kinda maybe didn't like dogs. So..........
He was still confused.
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Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2019 2:39 pm
Was he really a grown man? It was hard to tell underneath all the fluff and with how...small he was. Though, 'Nubi wouldn't call him out on that. "I'm sorry if I offended, it was just too true in my brain for it not to be blurted out that way. I can call you handsome from now on if you prefer?" Even she would prefer a number of adjectives to describe herself, before she'd like to hear the word 'cute'. It was only fair that, as a man, he would too.
At least, despite her use of the word 'cute', he was happy to allow her to pet his ears. She glanced over at 'Mali, giving him her classic, 'You must be sooo jealous' look before she reached out and an her fingers through the soft fur on his ears. "This is literally the best night ever. I can always help you comb your hair if you need it and recommend some good shampoo!" Hair care was part of her daily life and she loved having a chance to share her tips and tricks with someone in need. "You hair is soft though too." She made sure not to tousle it too much, but was a little surprised by how soft it was. He was a half-youma after all, and a part of her thought it would be more coarse, or less well kept. It was good he cared enough to keep up his appearance.
"I'll admit he apologizes for me more often. I just usually get it all out of the way in the beginning. An example; This is my brother Mali. He's always got a scowl on his face and it terribly dull. I'm sorry you're stuck with him this evening, but deep down he's a really great guy." They were getting closer to the end of the hall, when 'Mali probably had a general waiting for them. So she went quiet for the time being, even she didn't want to rub another General the wrong way. Her personality wasn't always appreciated by those of a higher status. Cavansite was the only general that really mattered to her anyway.
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Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2019 6:19 pm
A grown man, huh? Maybe grown like he and his sister were, but certainly nothing too much older. But who knew? Youmas were so hard to identify if they did not have glamours. and even then, would they age? Either way, the redness to Vit's own cheeks brought a small smile to his own again, and for the moment, he seemed to relax as they continued forward.
"That I do. We have a Guardian that lives with us some times, so my life since the beginning of meeting her has been drowning in Flonase and Allegra, but I make do. Can't exactly kick out the tiny thing just because my immune system dislikes her. Though I wonder if allergy medicine would work on you. We could always try, if you're bothered." Obie was a darling little brat cat, and he adored every moment of them being together, especially when the little one preferred to keep him company rather than Lori. One of the few times his personality won out over hers, though part of him suspected that the two conspired for it to be the case. He really wouldn't complain though.
Jealousy was beginning to well up in the pit of his stomach though as 'Nubi got all handsy with their little guest. How badly he wanted to give in too, to pet the poor man and see just how soft he was. But that was rude! So very rude and he simply wouldn't have it. "I am not dull, I'm just reserved. I simply rather listen than blabber on all night about everything I see."
Once they reached the general, and after a brief conversation, arranging a return time for Vit to be pulled back once the night was over, 'Mali took 'Nubi by her wrist, giving it a slight, squeeze of warning. Luckily this general was a woman of few words, and was ready to send them away by placing her hand on his shoulder.
Not a word, sister. He thought to himself, before reaching down to take Vit by the paw, forcing back a gleeful smile that threatened all too hard to push forward from that touch.
"Excuse my intrusion, but to teleport and all that. I do hope you don't mind." he certainly did not. It was so big, easily hiding his own hands beneith it's pads and fur, and of course the first thought 'Mali had was to poke it. And of course he most certainly did not. He did have a shred of self control after all.
In the next moment, they were back in the city, the general vanishing back to her office once they arrived safely.
'Nubi was let go immediately, but 'Mali allowed his hand to hold that paw for just a few seconds more before letting it go and brushing back his hair out of his eyes to try to cancel out any awkwardness that came from it.
"Anyway, this is our normal hunting grounds, as it were. I do have a question for you, Vit. I have to say, Vitriol isn't a very Negaverse Lieutenant name. I would have have expected something more... Stony than simply sulfuric acid. Do you have a different name you go by? It seems... Ill-fitting in a way. " What he meant to say was that the name could have been cuter. Or more graceful. Not that Zubeneschamali was all that great to begin with. And maybe that question would be enough to ignore his actions previously. "Of course, if you like it, then that's just fine, isn't it?"
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Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2019 6:42 pm
He considered it, but then found himself doubting his previous comment. He was a man, but he wasn't a man. He was a man in age only, but he wasn't human. He was a half-youma, and as such, he shouldn't have any preference one way or another. "You haven't offended me at all. I don't have any preference, and I wouldn't want to bother you and take up your time with something as silly as combing my hair. I'm sure you have more important things to do." He said with an easy smile and followed them to the general.
At attention and alert when before another superior, he took Mali's hand slowly, careful and mindful to curl his claws over his own hand and not too close to the soft hand inside his own. While they teleported, he tested the sensation of someone's hand in his, and felt a twisting in his gut. He'd done this before, but back then, his hand had been so much smaller. Slender. Kept warm during patrols by -
He took a breath as the world of Destiny City came into focus and with it the sound of distant traffic, flickering city streetlamps, and the cold smell of fresh night air. It was a far cry from the chaotic clouds of the Negaverse and he looked up to notice the scattering of clouds, the stars, and the ever-present moon in This sky.
It wasn't until Mali removed his hand from his that he remembered it was even there, and he moved his hand back to his side.
"My name?" He said, staring back, a sudden fluttering of suspicion that they knew his name might be a substitute. But he had no name now. He had not EARNED that name. "Vitriol is my only name now. If you don't think it works, you can call me something else." He said, watching him with interest. He did not know what he was after all.
Vitriol. Sulfuric acid. The poison in his mouth.
Vitriol. To speak with bile, bitterness, and cruel criticism.
Was he not these things? Did he not destroy, burn, and corrode away? Dissolving all things he had once held dear?
His tail swayed as he moved out to look around. It was nice to be outside, and he breathed deep in and out in measured breathes as he looked around, took in the city, and tried to figure out where he was right now. It was still cold out. Still the cusp of winter. Somewhere, his phone was in the woods. Somewhere, his obituary was printed. Somewhere, someone...
"Lead the way." He said, turning on a dime to face them both.
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