tushanshu_logs | Grave digger, grave digger

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Grave digger, grave digger | October Catchall

Characters: Pepper Potts, Devin Parker, and you!
Date: Throughout October
Location: Around Keeliai
Situation: The spooky happenings has everyone a little on edge, and Devin is having an especially bad month.
Warnings/Rating: Death, possible mentions of violence and abuse. Will specify as needed.

A. [Pepper] KPD | Throughout October | Open

The uptick in crime doesn't leave the KPD extraordinarily busy, but between the rise in illegal activity and the strange, unsettling things resulting from the odd planar activity, things are definitely more tense. Pepper tries to just focus on work, but occasionally she'll do something slightly odd around her desk, such as tossing grains of salt over her shoulder. She does try to keep the superstitions out of the office, for the most part, but the creepy incidents are more distracting than she'd like. Sometimes, she's actually quite cheerful, and begins decorating some areas of the headquarters as though nothing is amiss.

B. [Pepper] Jade Dojo | Mid October | Bakura

Pepper has taken to spending some nights over at Bakura's apartment lately, complete with having claimed one of his drawers for some of her things. The concerns over the planes thinning hang over most of the city, but nothing explosive seemed to be happening, and really she ought to be more accustomed to ghosts and spectres given who she's dating. Lounging around together under the blankets seems like a good option to distract from anything unsettling, especially as the temperature starts to drop since cold weather is not at all Bakura's favorite.

C. [Pepper] Earth Sector | Mid October | Raine

So, ghosts. Yeah. That's-- that's a thing that's happening. That's a thing that's currently happening to her, along with lots of other people in Keeliai, and it's unsettling and scary and also... kind of amazing, in some ways. She hasn't seen her mother since she was six, and a ghost is still better than nothing, and everyone at the house has something going on, so instead of rambling her panic/excitement at Tony and Gene and Bakura all month, she goes to visit Raine. It's been a little while since they've just hung out, and if anyone can help her find some more calm about this situation, it's her friend. She knocks a little hesitatingly on Raine's door, glancing at the redheaded ghost over her shoulder with a nervous smile.

D. [Devin] Sky Sector | Early October | Open

The chill in the air doesn't both Devin at all; England was cold and misty for no small part of the year. The sudden shift is a bit odd, but that was par for the course in this city as far as he could tell. He spends part of his time continuing with his mapping routine, and while he's at it he considers more seriously where he might move to. Devin has very few possessions, so one of the smaller lodgings made available to Foreigners would be ideal. He's more aloof and even irritable, avoiding extended conversations and familiar faces.

E. [Devin] Metal Sector | Mid October | Open

Devin returns to the Metal Sector to test his memory of the streets partway through the month. The tension in the city is evident wherever he goes, and while he's not immune to it, routine has always helped. That is, of course, until he spots two faces he hasn't seen in over a century, and his blood runs cold. He stops abruptly as their attention turns to him, frozen in what can only be described as fear. This is dread he doesn't even know how to hide - so he runs, darting away in a blur and only halting when he's half a sector away and hidden in an alleyway.

F. [Devin] Turtle's Head | Mid-Late October | Open

His family hasn't ceased haunting him no matter where he goes, and now it's all five of his siblings as well as his parents. The sense of calm at the turtle's head helps a little, but Devin keeps away from anyone else who's there, finding as secluded an area as he can. He's shaken in a way he hasn't felt in years and years, and he's giving very serious consideration to leaving the city altogether in an effort to distance himself from it's inhabitants and battle with his panic in peace. If anyone decides to interrupt the spectres currently following Devin with abusive, personal diatribe, they should be prepared to deal with a nasty vampire. See: cornered animal.

(OOC note: Let me know if you want a specific starter, or feel free to write up your own!)

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"Pepper." Raine opens the door with a harried sort of a smile. "It's good to see you-- I've been a little concerned." This month has been... difficult for some people, and while she does generally think Pepper is capable of coping with whatever life throws her, that doesn't mean Raine isn't going to be concerned.

She stands aside, and only then notes the trailing ghost. The corners of her eyes crease faintly. "...I see. So that's why you're here?"

Honestly, Pepper hadn't been sure exactly how Raine might react - strange things have been happening all over the city, and she's not the only one with ghosts following her around.

"Well, partly," she says, waiting to enter until it becomes more evident that Raine is okay with this. "I, um, also wanted to just talk. But-- well, you met my dad. Now you get to meet my-- my mom," Pepper manages, still torn between joy and sorrow about this whole situation. "Since you're awesome, and she's awesome, and that kinda seemed like a good combination."

The woman over Pepper's shoulder has a soft, knowing smile on her face, red hair tumbling down her shoulders. Her eyes are bright blue, and there's a sense she can understand how uncomfortable things are.

Despite the rise in crime--among other things--Sheena's not at the KPD to report any trouble. She's stopped by to check on the supply of gels the officers have, and that's when she sees Pepper and her decorations. She had immediately liked the girl from the first moment they had spoken--though they hadn't done so in a long time.

Time to correct that.

Smiling, Sheena approaches. "Would you like a hand with that?"

Valdis concentrated on the peace, ignoring the two spectral hounds circling her. She could hear them in her mind, growling accusations and distant threats, yet tempered by Hila's presence. The ka lay curled around her as she meditated, large head on her paws, watching the dark specters as they moved, their eyes glowing red. Valdis didn't realize Devin's presence until Hila nudged her arm. Her eyes opened, head turning in the direction of the sour emotional state of the Vampire.

Valdis let the colors of the world fade into the shining lights of souls. Kedan, Hila and that tiny flame inside of Devin lit up brightly, but the Hounds and the spirits following the vampire remained dark. Soulless creatures wouldn't register on this plane, she supposed.

Hila stood, curling back lips to show teeth to the Hound that she deemed came too close. Valdis, now missing her backrest, uncrossed her legs and got up, still watching Devin. The two ghost Hounds followed her gaze, then bounded away, not bending a blade of grass or sending any dust rising as they moved.

If Devin were in a clearer state of mind, he might have noticed Valdis as he approached Tu Vishan's massive head, but being trailed by the ghosts of his family had him severely unbalanced. This wasn't the first time he'd visited, given that the spectres seem bent on harassing him as long as possible.

He found a patch of rocks and scraggly vegetation away from the area most people visited, sinking to the ground and covering his face with shaking hands.

The seven shades drifted more than walked towards Devin, surrounding him in a semi-circle. “Failure,” murmured one. “Abomination,” another. Bits and pieces of old conversations, things they’d told him a century ago. “Go fetch me a snack, little brother; make it a blonde.” Devin closed his eyes and tried to drown them out of his thoughts. The eldest-looking woman nears. “You were supposed to be our triumph, and you are nothing but a disappointment.”

“I’d tell you to go to Hell, mother, but you’re already there,” Devin snapped back, finally collecting himself some. “You deserved what you got.”

If the Hounds had been able to affect their surroundings, Valdis might have felt more concern as they bounded across the shell toward the vampire. As it was, She walked after them, unwilling to let them out of her sight, Hila by her side.

There is much tension in the air, the wolf commented.

"I've noticed." Valdis replied dryly.

The comments from the ghosts trailing after Devin floated to her on the breeze, barely audible, but less concerning than the aforementioned tension.

"Devin?"

The two Hounds circled back, turning to lurk behind her, silently watching.

Devin's head shot up at the sound of Valdis' approach, like he was suddenly expecting to be attacked. His gaze darted from her to the ghostly hounds and Hila, and then to the dead vampires around him. The seven of them turned to look at the new arrival, disdain clearly written in their features.

"Go away," he growled. He didn't want Valdis to see him like this, much less anyone else. She had the unique ability to understand just how deeply his family was affecting him, no matter how much he hid it. He detested that she would be able to feel that they scared him like he was still a child, even buried under the anger at what they had done. "This has nothing to do with you."

Valdis lifted her chin as she regarded the ghosts, their disdain meant nothing to her, but it seemed to be affecting Devin quite a bit. She dug through the emotions in the air. Rage. Resentment. Fear. She crossed her arms, turned her head to glance at her own ghosts, then returned her gaze to those belonging to Devin.

"I don't think we've met," she said to them, one brow arched, "But I don't generally introduce myself to unworthy creatures." Valdis didn't look at Devin, "Especially ones who torment my allies."

No enemies, only future dead bodies. Of course, these ones were already dead, but she'd still treat them as if they were lesser than her. Because, of course, they were.

Valdis disregarding his demand wasn't exactly surprising, but it was unwelcome. He just wanted to be left alone.

The eldest male ghost - Devin's father - sneered at her, then returned his attention to his son. "So, you've allied with a whelp like her, boy? You always were weak. I never should have let you live."

"Oh, sod off, Elias," Devin retorted angrily, hating the tremor in his voice. He looked coldly at Valdis. "Welcome to the bloody family reunion."

Valdis smiled at this Elias, "Whelp?" she repeated, "Is that the best you can do, mosquito?"

She looked at Devin and gestured to the two Hounds, "Fancy that, I'm having one too, care to trade?"

Hila followed up with a light barking laugh.

"I don't think it works that way, unfortunately," Devin groused, pinching the bridge of his nose.

At the insult, the ghost rounded on Valdis, murder in his eyes though his feet remained planted. Devin recognized where the hesitation came from. "Not so easy to beat someone into submission like this, is it?"

"You have no grounds to stand on, murderer," one of his brothers hissed.

"You betrayed us," another added, leaning close to where Devin was sitting.

"I learned from the best," Devin retorted, and it sounded petulant to his ears. His eyes found Valdis', the helplessness of an eleven-year-old briefly flickering in his eyes before he squashed it. "I may need to request a few days' leave, since they follow me everywhere and will no doubt disrupt the office," he said bitterly.

"That is unfortunate," Valdis sighed. She eyed Elias again, tipping her chin down a moment and smirking at him.

"You know what your sin is, Elias?" Valdis asked, eyes sparkling, "It's your unsubstantiated pride. Pride like that always ends badly. But I'm sure you've figured that out by now."

She looked at Devin again, pretending she didn't see the look in his eyes. It bothered her more than she thought it might, seeing him feel so helpless. "I'd deny your request, but if you really are weak enough to let your past get the better of you, which I highly doubt, then take as much time as you need."

It was harsh, but if he had any chance, then anger was better than fear.

Edited 2017-10-06 03:09 (UTC)

If Valdis wanted him angry, she was getting her wish, but the jab was too close to what he'd grown up hearing day after day after day to dislodge the fear entirely. It felt like disloyalty, even if he would know better in a different situation. Her smile just made it all the more surreal.

"Oh, I like your little friend," his tallest sister crooned. "Keep her around for us, will you?"

"Quite the ally you have, boy," Elias said, ignoring Valdis' barbs. The look he gave her was predatory. "He'll stay down, like he always does. Stay - perhaps you will do my work for me, reminding him of his place."

"Shut up, all of you," Devin roared, desperation tugging at his words as he vaulted to his feet. His fists were curled tightly. "My place was as your child, not as your punching bag, not as an outlet for your disappointment, not as your prisoner. You betrayed me the moment you knew I was different, and the rest of you," he crowed, eyes sweeping over his mother and siblings, "abandoned me to cruelty. And you," he snapped at Valdis, "have no idea what you are talking about, so don't you dare-- don't you dare act like you understand what is happening here."

He was about a knife's edge away from trying to throw his fists through the shades, ineffectual though he knew it would be. There was no one left to attack.

Valdis ignored Devin's sister, her gaze settling on Elias even as Devin snapped at her, accusing her of not understanding. Perhaps he was right about that, but that didn't mean she didn't feel his pain, his desperation, or his fear. Empathy was both a blessing and a curse, but she was unfazed, for now.

"A queen does not obey a peasant, Elias," She commented.

A queen. one of the Hounds growled, a queen does not turn on her own people.

Hila turned, showing her teeth to the Hound who had spoken, but Valdis didn't even flinch. Devin was not in a good place, seeing his family was breaking him apart and she greatly resented that.

"Devin gets to choose his own place now, and, being dead, you can't exactly change that."

Edited (missing word) 2017-10-06 04:18 (UTC)

The addition of yet another voice was no help, but thankfully it wasn't directed at him. He couldn't get his hands to stop shaking, he could still feel it even balled into fists, and it was taking real effort not to run or scream.

Elias smirked at Valdis. "I think you will find yourself mistaken, your majesty," the ghost drawled. "Just look at him. I may only have words to punish his insolence, but that is clearly enough. You will never belong."

Apparently, that was a step too far, and the fragile level of control Devin had left suddenly shattered. He launched himself at the ghost of his father, but all seven of them disappeared just before his fist went through Elias' face, causing him to stumble. Devin didn't quite fall to his knees, catching himself and snarling in frustration as he straightened. It felt like his skin was crawling, he was breathing too hard, and his eyes were shining too brightly, at the edge of tears.

Valdis didn't have time to answer before Devin lost control and lunged at the ghosts. She stayed still, though Hila shifted as if to follow Devin, but the ka remained by Valdis as the two ghosts haunting her released low, warbling laughs. Her breathing escalated with Devin's, his emotions still tended toward fear, and Valdis doubted that the ghosts were gone for good.

Words were easy to deal with when you had worked with them for two thousand years, her sense of pride had always protected her from such things. Her strength and regenerative abilities only added to that protection. Devin didn't possess the same abilities or experiences.

Such a failure. hissed one of her ghosts.

Souls mean weakness and sentimentality. whispered the other. Your empathy is worthless.

"Go chase a rabbit," Valdis replied breathlessly, trying not to focus on what Devin was feeling.

Valdis hadn't spoken to Pepper in awhile and was just about to walk through the door to her office when she saw Pepper toss something over her shoulder. She knew things were getting weird, but this was new.

"Is that salt, Pepper?"

Edited (tenses) 2017-10-06 15:41 (UTC)

It wasn't words per se; Devin could handle verbal sparring and insults because he usually initiated them. Being at the mercy of his family, however, opened wounds that had never fully healed. Even he hadn't expected how deeply they would affect him.

He stared at Valdis silently for a few seconds, and then held his arms out. "Well? No glib remark? Say what's on your mind, I'm sure you have plenty of opinions you want to share," he barked.

Valdis frowned at him, "I'm not your family, Devin and I'm sorry that I can't sympathize with you over their abuses, I don't remember my childhood or how I came to be who I am." Or at least not all of it. "But that doesn't mean I can't empathize with you. Part of my curse, remember?"

Devin gave a single, sharp laugh and turned away, running his hands over his face. He had to calm down and he didn't know how. The world seemed to be spinning away from him, like everything he knew had somehow been proven wrong. It was irrational, a distant part of his mind understood that, but solid ground felt very far away.

"You think your empathy tells you so much, don't you? It gives you an advantage over everyone," he said stiffly. Her knowing exactly what emotions were tearing through him was as much a violation in this moment as anything his family had done, even though it wasn't her fault except for the fact that she stayed. "How long will it be until you decide to use this against me, too, hm? You've never been shy about prodding what hurts."

Her empathy did award certain advantages, but feeling everything so very deeply, especially those emotions that didn't belong to her, had been crippling more than once.

"I poke," she replied, fighting off the dizziness that came with whatever he was feeling, "And I prod, because I need you to think, and unlike you, I don't do it to push people away. I know my limits. I can feel the line and I don't cross it."

Hila shoved her head under Valdis' hand, offering physical support to offset the dizziness.

"Oh, yes, because clearly I've never thought of anything you've thrown at me before," he shot back. "The arrogance of that is astounding."

Devin squared his shoulders, hands on his hips, but he wouldn't look back at her. "You did cross the line. Just because you drew a different one does not mean you haven't tread where you are not welcome. No one--"

No one had ever seen him quite like this since he killed his parents. No one living, at least, there might have been a few in those early days, but it made no difference. This was as personal as it got for him, and she had not been invited, she had not given him the choice to share or not share. She'd simply barged in, and even if she was trying to help him, it meant the secret was lost to him now. He couldn't hide it away until he was ready.

"You are such a hypocrite. How is what I do any different from your poking and prodding?" She asked, "How is it different from the time you goaded me into fighting you? Or the time you thought I was letting personal bias get in the way of my work?"

Hypocrite. Traitor. Murderer.

Valdis ignored the whispers, "We all have secret nightmares, and this place has an unfortunate tendency to force them into the open."

Secret nightmares? We are more than a nightmare. Do you want them gone? We are eager to help.

Valdis tipped her head, that wasn't the ghosts.

"Because I am trying to protect people from me," Devin bellowed before he could stop himself, pivoting on his heel. "Because I am trying to keep everyone else safe from the hell I bring with me! This isn't a nightmare, Valdis, this is my life. I was six the first time my father beat me within an inch of death, and that is the kind of horror and brutality my kind perpetrate on anyone they don't like. Everyone near me is a target for it simply because I exist, and I will not suffer one single person to go through what I did if I can do anything about it."

He exhaled in a huff, fingers clenching and unclenching. "And don't tell me that it's different here, that I can somehow let go of an entire lifetime of war overnight when I know what I'm going back to. Don't even start."

"That's the problem, Devin," Valdis replied, chillingly calm in the face of his anger as she started to cut herself off from all emotion. "We don't need your protection. We all had lives before Keeliai, Devin, we know how to care for ourselves."

In fact, she was slightly offended by the fact that he thought otherwise.

"I'm not asking you to let go of your war. Some scars run far too deep for that." She should know, her soul was covered in them, "I understand that your life was, and is, painful, but you don't have to face your monsters alone."

Always alone. The serpent hissed.

The two ghost hounds had started circling again, expanding to include Devin in the pattern, though they kept their distance.

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Grave digger, grave digger | October Catchall

C

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A

F is for fish....again :P

beautiful

Re: beautiful

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A is for Apparition :P

probably cw: mentions of child abuse from here on out

;-;

;_______;

/sobs

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