You and I were Fireworks// July Catch-All ~ [Open]

[phoenixstrut]

Characters: Dove and YOU (Open)
Date: All of July!
Location: Anyplace!
Situation: Anything!
Warnings/Rating: In headers


A. Pretty much anywhere/BEFORE the turtle terror vision, 5th of July
She was having a good day. She was having a very, very good day. Nevermind the distant look on her face-- she was softly smiling more often than not. She definitely looked distracted--maybe more than distracted-- but there was a certain glow around her as she alighted in each sector throughout the day. Anyone passing by might also notice that she's absently playing with the soul gem around her neck more often than not...

B. Midnight Hotel/CLOSED/July 6-9
((During these days, Dove will be entirely indisposed, in her room, away from everyone...unless they come find her.))
Unable to block the surge of terrible emotion washing over the turtle from wracking her mind and cursed with the inability to stop the vision from constantly plaguing her, Dove was more than crippled. The thought of leaving her room didn't even pass through her head as she laid where she was, having crumpled to her knees the moment the vision had started.

Five children... children...

Helpless children.

Never mind that they were turtles.... they were young souls, just like the ones she had guarded all her life. That, coupled with the overwhelming horror of the darkness and the intensity of the vision direct into her mind...

For the second time in her life, the angel was cold, and the storms outside did nothing to help.

C. HEALERS GUILD/After the Toddler Turtle Terror/July 10 onward
She had to return to her job, regardless of the consequences. If they no longer wanted to pay her... so be it. She'd volunteer her help. Anything to help, after... after that.

Those at the Healing Guild would notice a definite difference in the angel, even if they had only ever seen her once. The smiles she offered were tired and weak, despite her valiant attempt to stay light. She was slowly regaining her footing, but she was quiet... much quieter than the happy-go-lucky, bright and bubbly healer she had been over the past few weeks. Kind, yes, and diligent in her work... but quiet.

D. Large Grassy Area outside the city/Slightly happier times
She liked being inside the hustle and bustle of the city most days, but could rarely resist the pull of nature, especially when she was so very overwhelmed.

She wouldn't be alone this time though. As she flew out of the city, a radiant bird the size of a large eagle flew with her, his red and golden plumes shining in the sunlight as they soared.

E. Anything else! :)

Comments

July 4th | Midnight Hotel

[wolfstrike]

The fourth of July didn't mean anything to Yuri. For him it was just another day. This wasn't a date that was celebrated in his world. Instead of going out on the town, he was in the kitchen, getting stuff ready for the breakfast the next morning. He had been making a cake, and had just put it away when a familiar feeling struck him.

He hadn't had one of these episodes in a few days, and he'd almost forgotten about them. Thinking that maybe they were starting to go away. It had at least given him time to get over the whole squid ink thing, but now it returned with a vengeance. The room seeming to spin as the Vertigo struck and he lost his balance. A couple plates crashing to the ground as he stumbled and tried to brace himself. Only to end up crumpling on the floor with a thud.

[phoenixstrut]

She wasn't sure what had provoked her to fly out early over her new home, but as she returned later in the evening, she had to admit: she did miss the fireworks. She knew well ahead of time that few would understand her enthusiasm, but nonetheless, she had donned a lovely deep blue tunic-- low backed, of course-- and had reddened her lips. Just because she wasn't 'home' didn't mean she couldn't at least celebrate.

When she returned to the hotel, though, she found even less reason for excitement as the sound of crashing plates resonated from the kitchen. Without hesitation, she moved toward the door to check on whoever it was inside, a gasp leaping from her throat as she recognized the young man crumpled on the floor. "Yuri...!" Immediately, she moved over to him and knelt on all fours, gently but quickly sweeping his hair from his face. Though she hadn't forgotten about his spells entirely, she had been giving him a little more space than she had been the past few weeks. Just a little.

She bent forward to check his soul gem just in case it might be something else. Sure enough, the stone was almost black. "Are you okay?" she asked, wondering if he had been able to keep his balance longer or if the attack had just started.

[wolfstrike]

Yuri was on the floor, holding himself partway up with his hands, though he looked nauseated and unsteady even like that. But he did managed to notice Dove as she came to his side.

"Yeah... no problem. Just gotta wait for the room to stay still."

His voice a little shaky despite his attempt at humor.

[phoenixstrut]

She didn't like the tremors in his voice. They didn't suit him at all.

"Okay... how long has this one gone on?" she furthered, setting a hand at his side in case he became more unsteady.

[wolfstrike]

"It just started," Yuri said in the same wavering voice.

"It's been awhile. Guess its making up for lost time."

[phoenixstrut]

She clenched her jaw and sighed.

"Excellent..." She shifted to help him if she could. "Come on..."

Just like the last few times, she would help him lie on his back if he would allow it, glancing upward for a quick moment before turning her attention back to him. "Try to focus on that light fixture," she told him, pointing out a blown out bulb high on the ceiling.

[wolfstrike]

Even if he wanted to protest, he really couldn't, not in the state he was in. But they'd done this before and so he laid back and looked up at the ceiling.

"Alright."

Though by the way his eyes fluttered it was clear that he was having trouble focusing, his gem still dark.

[phoenixstrut]

Careful with him, she helped him onto his back, watching his face carefully and worriedly as she counted the seconds. After about half a minute, she reached forward and gently guided his head to the side, her fingertips warm as she looked down at him.

"Keep trying to focus...now on me."

[wolfstrike]

He blinked and then shifted his eyes towards her.

"Yeah, that's easier," he replied with a little smirk.

Though even still it looked like she wasn't staying still either. But since she was closer, it was easier to focus.

B

[wolfstrike]

It had been a couple days and Yuri was starting to get concerned. Dove was usually around, particularly at breakfast, and she hadn't shown up the past couple mornings.

And the fact that they'd just witnessed a very disturbing vision just before that probably wasn't a coincidence.

Thus after his duties this particular day, Yuri gathered up some food, just in case, and went to Dove's room. Knocking on the door once he stood in front of it.

[phoenixstrut]

She had, by the time he decided to come looking for her, been able to move herself to her bed instead of the floor she had laid on for so long.

Still, she wasn't well, and Yuri's knock on the door would go unanswered at first.

[wolfstrike]

When she didn't answer, he frowned. Either she wasn't there, or something was wrong. He hoped it was the first, but he tried again. This time knocking a little louder and calling out.

"Hey Dove, you in there?"

[phoenixstrut]

Yuri.

For the first time since the vision had struck them, she tried to use her voice. Instead of the melodic chime she normally would have greeted with, he would hear only a weak inquisitive call of his name in return as she curled in on herself a little more.

Even if she had felt like going out into the world, she wouldn't have. She wasn't ready to face people, to face their emotions. The terror was still too fresh, and she could feel it in the air, even without direct recognition. But Yuri... She couldn't deny him after their souls had intertwined...

Her door wouldn't be locked; she had planned to go find dinner before the vision had struck. He could let himself in, and would find her curled on her bed with her back to the door, closer to the window, one of her wings draped limply across the bed, the other crumpled beneath her.

[wolfstrike]

The weak sound alarmed him, thus he quickly opened the door, glad that it was unlocked. He wouldn't have wanted to take the time to explain to Anton about why he had broken down one of the doors.

Letting himself in, he blinked as he saw Dove in that state upon her bed. Quickly setting down what he was carrying, he hurried over to her.

"Dove? ... Hey... you okay?"

[phoenixstrut]

She trembled as he approached, though her wings made no movement at all. When he rounded the bed, he would find her loosely clutching her soul gem, though hours ago, her grip had been almost painful. Her face was pale, her normal radiance faded and her face that of a haunted beauty, tear streaked and exhausted. The warmth in her eyes was still there, but weak and wary as she finally looked back at him.

He didn't hurt to feel... not now anyway, though his concern sent a ping of guilt through the numbness she had worked so hard for. Without taking her eyes from his, she just barely shook her head. "No."

It hurt. It hurt to hear that voice play countless times in her head, to feel every ounce of fear--the pressure bearing down on them... helpless... so helpless....

[wolfstrike]

She looked terrible and Yuri was struggling to understand why. She didn't look like she was hurt. Was she sick maybe? Either way Yuri sat on the bed next to her and attempted to draw her into his arms.

"What's going on?"

[phoenixstrut]

She went easily into his arms, still shivering even as she tucked her head down against his chest. "I felt it... a-all of it," she told him, her voice barely above a choked whisper.

D.

[wintershepherd]

On warm days, Jack had taken to flying a few circuits of the turtle's shell, because the high velocity wind did wonders for keeping him cool. He couldn't wait until the summer months were behind them once again, but in the meantime...

A shine of red and gold caught his eye, and he angled to intercept the pair. "Hey!" he greeted. "That doesn't look like your typical native species..."

I'm sorry for my sucky late tag!

[phoenixstrut]

She had closed her eyes, just for one split second as she enjoyed the wind through her wings, only to have then snap open as she swooped to avoid crashing into their sudden company. With a laugh to offset what she was sure had been a very startled expression, she turned again to face him, the Phoenix circling above them both and offering a bright cry of greeting himself.

"Hi!" she laughed, glancing up at the bird. "He's the only one I've seen around anywhere, really..." She shrugged, her eyes bright and full of warmth. "We also don't normally run into other flying people, either, though."

She was definitely surprised, but clearly excited. Meeting new people had been especially interesting here, especially when they had powers.

no worries, I'm pretty slow lately myself

[wintershepherd]

"Yeah, the skies are usually pretty clear nowadays," Jack grinned. There had used to be a lot of Foreigners who could fly, but many of them had left even before the battle of Malicant, and there remained only a handful now who had the ability.

"Nice wings. I prefer the wind-riding approach, myself."

Permission to 'read' him as happy high spirited?

[phoenixstrut]

She grinned-- his high spirits were infectious.

"Thank you! Just one of the perks of guardian angel," she shrugged, "it definitely helps with presentation." She loved her wings, and was clearly proud. "I do have to admit I've never met anyone who could fly without them..." She furthered, looking him over curiously, with obvious hope for an explanation.

that's fine!

[wintershepherd]

"A guardian angel like... an actual angel?" Jack echoed, looking half skeptical, and half impressed. Spirits were one thing, but angels seemed to be in a whole other category. Then again, it wasn't the strangest thing he'd have encountered in Keeliai.

He swooped a little. "Like I said, wind riding."

Re: that's fine!

[phoenixstrut]

She laughed outright. "Yep-- feathers and all. No halo though... totally impractical." His slight awe made her glow; his wariness made her giggle.

"Wind riding...huh..." Not exactly a full explanation, but given the magic foreigners all over the turtle, she didn't press it. "It definitely looks a lot more convenient than sprouting wings every time you need to get someplace," she observed, gathering her hair over one shoulder. She should have pulled it back before flying around the turtle.

"I'm Dove, by the way," she offered, extending a hand.

[wintershepherd]

"How are the wings not impractical but the halo is?" Jack somehow feels like he's missing the punchline of a joke, but it's in good fun. "But wow, an angel. That's really something."

"I don't know how to explain it better than that. The different winds have their own personalities, so they're like friends."

He shook her hand, and his touch was abnormally cold. "Jack."

[phoenixstrut]

"Uh..." she hesitated, but only for a moment as he went on. Yes, an angel. It was becoming more and more fun here on the turtle. She seemed to be the only one, and vain as it was... she was coming to enjoy it.

Nevertheless, she shrugged and gave him a blushing smile.

"The winds have personalities? Like... you know them?" Wind wasn't alive-- or maybe she had never been aware of it. They didn't have a soul... at least, not one that she could feel.

She took his hand, more and more interested by the second, but jumped a bit at the chilly touch. "Whoa-- Jack Frost, by chance?" she giggled, her eyes wide in awe. She would, of course, have no idea, and only meant it as a lighthearted tease.