tushanshu_logs | It's Christmas!

The Emperor, before her untimely death, amassed presents for the Foreigners, and had them delivered to everyone's doorsteps! Perhaps there was a mix-up and someone got a gift labelled for someone else? Or maybe someone is going around mischievously swapping presents and/or trying to steal them? Or maybe characters are trying out their new charms?

Baby turtles have hatched and are exploring the entirety of the city! They are the size of a minivan and probably several times as heavy, and they are going where they can and making holes in buildings when they can't. They will be talking to everyone telepathically and spreading joy and cheer wherever they go! If they come across a character that's sad or upset they will redouble their efforts to try and cheer them up. FEEL FREE TO NPC THE BABIES AS NECESSARY. If you need information on how one of them would react to a specific circumstance, feel free to PM

ironwood for any clarification.

They will begin to emerge from their shells in the wee hour of December 25th, and will be active from that point onward. Enjoy, and Merry Chelomas!

[Somewhere, in a room with walls saturated with months' worth of protective magic designed to make sure no one but the egg's three caretakers could get in or out, (given the nature of Malicant, Sabriel felt such paranoia was entirely justified), Sabriel looks up from her reading as she felt her connection to the egg twitch- and then gasped as she saw cracks begin to spread over the shell.]

[It's like Christmas came early for the Atlantean, except it's. Technically right on time. But he also doesn't care about Christmas when something momentous and joyous like this happens instead. Luckily he's delivered his small and impersonal presents early, otherwise the recipients wouldn't get them at all - there's so much more on his mind, namely a massive telepathic infant turtle scuttling around like a curious and precocious child.

It's a little like watching his son learn and grow, if his son were about eight feet long and weighed more than most large cars.

The baby's size doesn't seem to deter the sturdy Atlantean at all, and they can be found all over Water Sector when it isn't with its other caretakers. Arthur seems to enjoy spending time with it, and his smiles come much freer as he tries to keep the massive turtle from doing too much property damage, riding on its back as it slips around happily in the snow, and talking to it in earnest, both telepathically and out loud.

About mid-afternoon, he manages to coax it into taking a lunch break in an open plaza of the Water Sector, bringing some large melons for it to try, but it seems more interested in munching on one of the large potted decorative shrubs.] C'mon, little one, try some real food, huh?

Armin wasn't aware that today was "Christmas", but the warm and pleasant feeling that was suffusing Tu Vishan was not lost to him. He lounged around his suite in only his civilian clothing, content to lay about and do nothing, unable to string together the usual never-ending train of thought that chugged it's way loudly through his mind. Normally relaxation was something that just didn't happen to him: instead he'd wind around and around and around until he got tired, and that would have to do.

So a relaxed Armin ends up looking like a very sleepy Armin, as he lays face-down on the couch and contents himself not to move. He didn't know the difference between the two feelings.

He spends most of the day like this, until he hears a knock on the door. It takes some effort on his part to gather the willpower to simply get up and see who it is.

Or whoever it was. They're gone by the time he reaches the door. However, they left an ample gift on his stoop. Armin stooped down to sort through candied fruit, cookies, tea (those came from someone else, although he wasn't aware) more juulan than he'd ever possibly need, being a tightwad, and...

A knife?

Not just any old knife though. This was a combat knife. A good combat knife, with a solid hilt and a supple leather sheathe. It would fit well in his boot, or maybe attach to his gear. When he tested its sharpness against the back of his arm, it drew a tear of blood before he felt the blade's bite.

Who on earth left such a fine weapon at his doorstep? He didn't think it was a threat, considering what it came with (seriously, consider how you'd feel if you got a fruit basket with a knife in the middle of it), but... Armin shook his head and gathered all the gifts to bring inside.

Edited 2013-12-26 06:37 (UTC)

[It's been a quiet few weeks for Clara. After the death of the emperor and subsequent mourning period, she'd felt increasingly upset over being distant from her family over Christmas. It's funny. She'd have done anything to get out of it back home but now she wanted nothing more than to curl up with some hot cider and listen to her old gran tell stories.

And now she's starting to hear voices in her head. She shakes her head with a sniff and rubs at an eye. Perhaps the isolation is getting to her. Then suddenly something hits her hard in the chest and sends her flying into the snowy ground. She coughs and tries to catch her breath as she looks wildly around for her attacker.

Only to find herself staring into the face of an adorable baby turtle that's most definitely calling her "mum". Or thinking it anyway.]

You've hatched. Hello there.

[Clara says it more to herself than anyone else as she reaches up to stroke the turtle's nose and it subsequently tries to nuzzle her causing her to laugh for the first time in what feels like weeks.]

→ DAMIAN + JIM

[His Christmas Day had been spent in Jim’s company, and contrary as it sounded it had been quiet and... nice, especially after Jim had surprised him that morning with a hand-carved easel. Kyle had been looking forward to getting a fresh start on paintings since he had none left: they’d either been sold or burnt.]

[Except Jim being Jim had insisted on a walk outside first, to enjoy the fresh air. Kyle, in that halfhearted, exasperatedly fond way one indulges Jim, agreed to it, because it was a beautiful day and hell if he was going to spend it indoors being a grouch. The moment he’d stepped outside and made it to a nearby square a turtle had butted its head gently against his leg.]

[Kyle’d jumped, more out of shock at the unexpected telepathic contact than any fear of the creature itself, and after a few seconds of staring curiously, reaches out a hand to touch it, tentatively.]

Hi...?

→ KORRA

[He hasn’t gone back inside or even thought to stop much to eat or drink something. He’s been running across turtles all day, and stopping to talk to them even if they are committing wanton property destruction and he should probably be trying to report them instead of overlook it. His face hurts from the smiling, but he keeps going; and finally come evening collapses on a few steps, only to be approached by yet another turtle. Laughing, he pets it, lavishing as much affection on it as it’s giving him: the sensation of complete serenity; that he’s needed and craved for so long.]

Hey little guy. Where’re your parents?

[ Damian's not very far behind. At first glance, he looks put-together as always. It only takes a further look to notice his eyes are a little wide, and that he's sticking waaay too close to the turtle. ]

Rayner.

I... think it reads far more of me than I expected it would...?

[ In other words, the turtle knows Damian likes the lantern. ]

[A quick smile lights his face and then it's gone, the youngster's concerned and Kyle — Kyle doesn't like the idea of a foreign influence anywhere near him. He slides off his ring, for safety, and slips it into his pocket, before gingerly petting the turtle.]

[It only takes a glance at Damian to see how worried he is. Kyle steps forward, nonverbally requesting that they close the distance between them as much as they can, publicly.]

Yeah, you don't say.

[It's reading me.]

When — ? [did it hatch? He can't really articulate, the sheer wonder he feels at witnessing this is incredible, especially since Damian was warned they could be something else.]

Yesterday.

[ Of all things, Kyle's reaction makes Damian focus, makes him calm down a bit. Makes him start register things fully, again, where he's been going on reactions for the last day or so. ]

I believe they all hatched yesterday. They have been ...

[ So, so much softer. ]

It has been very confusing.

[ And, just like that, there is a wave of love, and cheer, from the hatchling. In answer to his uncertainty. Damian just. Raises his eyebrows. See? Also, it has probably been reading him since before hatching. ]

[The hesitant patting becomes steadier as Kyle gets accustomed to the sensation. Yeah, he's uncertain too. He can't help it. He doesn't like surprises.]

They've been getting around.

[He finishes the sentence, trailing off, the fingers of his free hand curling in slightly where he'd reached out to steady himself instinctively when it had nudged him. In response, the turtle chirps pleasantly in his mind, and he smiles again.]

Hey there.

[His expression is soft, as he brushes his fingers over the turtle.]

How're you doing, huh? Don't mind your daddy over there, he's a worrier.

[So Bruce got a dog, which was interesting for him considering he holed up in the Stark labs almost as much as the Banner Tony knows. But Christmas is a great time for companionship and it's not that surprising that people want more during the season. He just didn't expect Arthur to pick a giant turtle.

It takes a minute for him to realize that the new baby must have come from Arthur's egg, mostly because he's just shocked by the size of the hatchling. He approaches the pair on foot, dressed warmly and wearing a curious smile.]

I was just going to find you. I have something for you, but I didn't realize you were going on a birthday walk.

[Miles wasn't there when it hatched, but he felt the wave of psychic emotions get so much stronger all of a sudden, so he ventures over to Water Sector to try to find his "co-parents" and the egg.

He spots Arthur and-- whoa, that's a massive turtle!-- walking about and heads over, grinning.]

Hey! The egg hatched, huh? [Way to state the obvious, Miles.]

[What the f-]

That turtle is enormous. Has it really just hatched?! [Frank wasn't sure what he was expecting, the egg was already giant-sized. And the "little" things are to grow up to Asti's size if everything goes well, so of course the "babies" would be also... Asti-sized.

But logically knowing that doesn't change the fact that it's the biggest damn baby turtle he's ever seen.]

>Tt.<

[ Well, at least for a moment, the reaction is pure Damian, before he has to let the irritation level go, and, well. Turtle. ]

... you would worry, too.

[ Mild, mild grump. But there's a bit of a smile, when Kyle gets the turtle to chirp, and. Wow, knowing that it's happy, (she's happy?) makes so much about the world seem right. It's simply not ... right. GAH. ]

[Kyle laughs, utterly delighted, and the turtle nudges him again, pleased that its tactics are working.]

I would. [I have.] And then get a construct flying monkey of appropriate size: every kid deserves at least one go on the Air Express to Oz.

[ There's a slight questioning nudge from the hatchling at the last phrase. Before he considers it, Damian builds a quick image, of flying and of Oz. ]

[ Suddenly, there is a very, VERY excited wave of I WANT THIS from the baby turtle. ]

... I do not think we can get to Oz from here, little one.

[ Softly, and with far less exasperation than Damian would even usually have used, just a little sadness that he can't give it to the baby. Though he does eye Kyle speculatively. Oz might be impossible, but the other part of the image - the flight... hmm. ]

[Momentarily bowled over, he takes a few moments to gather himself.]

Yeah, no. For starters, we need a yellow brick road.

[He casts a worried look at Damian. Flying's fine, sure, but a turtle, flying? This soon after they've hatched? Do they get motion sick? Are they afraid of heights?]

[ Damian shrugs. It doesn't have to be high or far, to begin with, and they can see from there. ]

... if you talk about munchkins, I will consider giving you more drilling in our next training session.

[ That's a far better threat than 'I'll hit you,' okay? ]

[Taking her eyes off the new baby turtle for just a second was an incredible mistake. Thankfully, Naga made it easy to track down that large little guy.]

There you are. You're worse than Meelo. [Not even close to a scold, this is her little turtle and she's as fond of it as the air kids. But she wasn't expecting to see the Lantern.]

Kyle, hey. We were just going around town. [With her having to patch up what she could in the turtle's wake with some earthbending.]

After being privately contacted by Damian a short while ago, Jack and Baby Tooth headed over to the 3A block of the Fire Sector. He noted absently that it seemed as though all four of the suites showed signs of inhabitance now, like his own quad now was. Despite the disappearances, there still seemed to be more people arriving to Keeliai than leaving it. He didn't see any overt holes in the walls as seemed to be the hatchling's specialty, so he hoped that was a good sign as he landed on the stoop and knocked.

"Damian...?"

There she is! Don't tell me you didn't miss her.

[He rubs its head affectionately, as it keeps pouring the cheer on him. Incongruently: he actually seems pleased to see Korra.]

Hey Naga.

[A beat.]

You decided on a name yet?

[She shakes her head, her lips pursed curiously.]

Nope. We're waiting until we can all agree on one. [Korra scratches under Naga's chin to keep her from licking the turtle's head.]

Why, got any suggestions?

[He nods, mouth quirked upwards pensively.]

Kilowog.

[A single word, but it carries weight. He spent time picking names, when he'd browsed through the parenting books.]

A dear friend. Good soldier. Tough as nails.

[Jim rounds the nearest corner with his hands full of coffee, and he promptly stops dead at the sight. There is no great eloquence here, no witty or intelligent commentary. He just blurts out holy shit and takes a step back as the turtle bowls him over with telepathic affection and loud, echoing queries about what it is exactly he's holding and whether or not the cups are edible.]

It's Christmas!

GIFTS

HATCHLINGS

Turtle Hatching! (open to Chekov and Leonardo)

Midday on the 25th, OPEN

open??? just felt like replying

The 25th-Open

CLOSED | 26th

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Jack & Damian;

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