The Keepers
Posts 357
Power Level 31
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Post by Geata on Dec 17, 2016 12:44:34 GMT -7
Geata had put all of a few seconds of thought into the plan. The extent of the plan was that Aurora wouldn't agree while she could leave so the obvious solution was that she couldn't leave. He was vaguely aware of Blue Jay being able to teleport out of the room, but that didn't matter because why would he pass up the opportunity to get Aurora to sit and talk and hopefully listen without fear of her storming off for whatever godforsaken reason. And, despite being right about Jay's priorities, it seemed Geata was wrong about Aurora at least wanting to get it over with so she could get back to more important matters.
"Then you can sit there quietly while Jay explains himself to you, if you don't want to participate," Geata said, his tone matching Aurora's. "I'm probably not in a great condition to threaten you, no, but goddammit I'm sick of... the two of you fuckheads! It's pretty clear you can't fix your own fucking problems, so I'm having to step in and try to help. Besides, I'm saying you can't leave a room. What you're implying is turning my body to sparkles, yes? Even without factoring in that doing that would probably screw with my life support system, that seems a tad extreme for the circumstances. Furthermore, even if you were to only take my arms and legs, which strikes me as the only even remotely reasonable escalation, all that would do is give me yet another reason to do absolutely nothing."
"As for threatening your people, if you're meaning Jay, I only included him in that threat to make it sound like I wasn't picking favorites. He can teleport, there's absolutely nothing I can do to keep him in a room besides give him a reason to stay. Which I did. If you're meaning the random assholes out there, I'm so sorry that they attacked me and I needed to convince them not to try that shit again. Would you have preferred it if I actually fought them? Because I was under the impression that an empty threat was considerably better for their health and it's certainly done wonders to improve their motivation. Or, if you're just meaning in general because, oh god, I'm a big bad Keeper and just absolutely terrible, I feel the need to remind you that I'm one of your fucking people!"
He had been fairly successful at keeping his volume normal, but it spiked and he was yelling for the reason of why the hell not. All things considered, he deserved to yell, and he was fully willing to explain why. Luckily, nobody outside of the room would be able to hear him. "This entire damnable year has been stressful as hell, and going and developing powers did absolutely nothing to help with that! Ever since the fucking sky whale, I've been freaking out over dragons, on top of all the other crap that being a super entails! I convinced the police that I'm a fucking murderer to save the reputation of a sack of shit Bulwark who was having a mental breakdown, and I'm still dealing with that shit! And yet, despite everything else that went wrong, the entirety of the year was outright peachy compared to the last month! I was killed because I was trying to be friendly for the sake of joining a group towards someone that I really shouldn't have tried to be nice to, joined the group bent on world domination just so that I can find out information to keep you ungrateful bastards alive, am risking being found out by that group and permanently killed for that reason, every time I turn around I'm seeing people that I care about working themselves to death because 'they know their limits and their perfectly fine' even though you clearly aren't, I'm getting attacked by idiots left and right because they're too stupid to realize that I'm here for a fucking reason, and I do something nice for you and I'm treated like dirt immediately after? Fuck that! I'm going to have one thing actually go well for me if it kills me, and that thing is going to be getting him," he shouted, jabbing a finger towards Jay, "to stop whining about how you," the finger jabbed towards Aurora, "are just so mean without the two of you sitting down and having a somewhat reasonable conversation about it first! So start talking!"
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Pandaemonium
Posts 381
Power Level 31
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Post by Aurora Disicio on Dec 17, 2016 22:22:59 GMT -7
Aurora rolled her eyes as she took another bite of cereal. She didn't care if Blue Jay was his friend and that he wanted to be hers, if they were incompatible they should just stay away from each other unless absolutely necessary. Every interaction they had proved this time and time again and at this point both of them were just being selfish. She still had no intention of acknowledging anything Blue Jay said.
"Don't be obtuse, I don't care what they did in the past that's not what happened right now. People can stay here with no strings attached; they are not obligated to do anything. As much as I'd like them to help with the cleaning, I will not do anything to make them feel like they have to, it goes against the purpose of this place. Do not threaten them. And they are not maggots." Aurora's eyes narrowed as took another bite of cereal. "Obviously if they threaten you first that changes things, but that's not what happened here.
"It sounds like you're starting to understand 1/10th of what I have to deal with. I have a lot of people competing for my attention, why the fuck should I suddenly care that some asshole is butthurt that I don't want to be friends with him? If I had to care about that with everyone there wouldn't be enough time for anything else. I don't give a shit if he's your friend, just because you have bad taste in people doesn't mean I do and it doesn't mean I have to deal with every fucking whim my people have. I've already offered my support for a lot of those things in that rant, you're not getting anything else. You being part of Pandaemonium doesn't mean I'm responsible for every decision you make."
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Pandaemonium
Posts 343
Power Level 30
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Post by Blue Jay on Dec 18, 2016 17:17:48 GMT -7
Blue Jay had sat nice and quiet at the table as Aurora and Geata bickered like the children Geata was claiming he and her were, even after being ignored, discussed like he wasn’t sitting across the table from her, and accused of being whiny (like Geata was one to talk). This was the second time in the last few minutes in which his assumption that he was immune to any punches Aurora could throw was shattered. Before Geata could give his rightful retort, Blue Jay stood and slammed his hands down on the table.
“Is that all I am to you?! ‘Some asshole’?!” He rubbed his knotted temples. “I bring you back to my house, endangering myself and everyone there so that we can get you medical attention after you get shot, I throw away my old life, pissing off no small amount of Bulwarks to come join you, how much time I’ve spent worrying about you because you’re working yourself to death and showing up at my house unconscious, not to mention everything I’ve done for you since joining Pandaemonium, how many dozen batches of dishes or toilets I’ve cleaned, and that’s all I fucking get. ‘Some asshole’. So glad to know I’m what is considered ‘bad taste in people’ and you’ve just taken and completely rejected the notion of gratitude.”
Crossing his arms, Blue Jay dropped back into his seat and shot a biting glare at Aurora. He didn’t start shouting again, but a sharper edge of aggression came into his voice. “And you have no right to talk to Geata like that. You think you’re going through shit, huh? That we should pity you and play nice because life’s so hard. Geata’s risking his life for you and the best you’ve got is you’ve already helped him so fuck off? The hell kind of ungrateful-” Blue Jay stopped himself and let out a frustrated sigh. “If you just thought for a moment, maybe you’d see he’s going through his own shit too. You’re acting like a spoiled brat. We’re not ‘your people’, we’re Geata and Blue Jay. This isn’t about business, Aurora. Are you really so obsessed with Pandaemonium that it’s the only way you can see the world anymore?
“You claim you don’t get enough support, but when people go out of their way to help you, you treat them like dirt. How many times are you going to punch the people who actually care about and support you while you waste away to feed this nameless, faceless mass of ‘supers’?” A calm soberness crept into his voice. “It won’t have your back, it won’t take you home if you end up in a ditch after a dragon fight, it won’t fight by your side when someone tries to kill you for your title, it’s just going to keep draining everything away from you until you die exhausted and alone.”
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Pandaemonium
Posts 381
Power Level 31
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Post by Aurora Disicio on Dec 18, 2016 18:16:37 GMT -7
Aurora continued looking at Geata as Blue Jay ranted because he still wasn't the slightest bit relevant right now. As much as she wanted to just tell him yes, he was indeed some asshole that wouldn't leave her alone, and be done with it, she refused to cooperate while being threatened. His concerns could be addressed later considering how insignificant they were in the grand scheme of things. They were typical of people that wanted to bleed more out of her and weren't satisfied with what they were currently getting. He could talk about sacrifice all he wanted, as if doing the right thing wasn't something worth doing in its own right. As if she didn't show her appreciation in other ways. The people that helped out always got their favorite foods stocked and greater access to some of the other facilities. The latter was limited right now, bu she hoped to expand it soon enough. She provided everyone with a place to stay, stuck her neck out for everyone constantly, risked death regularly, and would always do everything in her power to make sure everyone stayed safe. The one thing she would never offer everyone was her friendship. She would be part of their team, but she would never force herself to be anyone's friend. They were not owed that, or her time, no matter how much they claimed to care. Friendship was reserved for very special people, and if people were only doing things to get her attention or love she didn't want them around anyway.
She took another bite of cereal in silence, completely unfazed by Blue Jay's talking points. Aurora considered saying nothing, since it looked like Geata was going to wait for her to respond and she figured saying nothing would get the point across just as well, but decided on something else. Aurora never wanted their pity, and while she was perfectly fine with people expressing their frustrations, she was not okay with people using them to manipulate her into doing what she wanted. Her eyes remained locked with Geata, she still had no intention of acknowledging Blue Jay in the current circumstances.
"Why is my 'no' never enough for you people?"
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The Keepers
Posts 357
Power Level 31
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Post by Geata on Dec 19, 2016 13:46:37 GMT -7
Geata was aware that absolutely nothing was actually being solved here, as shouting at a problem never actually does anything about that problem. That was why, despite how much he wanted to voice his issues at full volume, he was trying to take a few moments to calm down a little after Aurora's statements. Jay seized the opportunity to make a few comments of his own, only to be greeted with... nothing. Instead, the only thing Aurora said at all was a bad attempt at making them feel bad. At this point, Geata expected nothing more.
"The better question would be why do we keep hoping for anything different from you," Geata said quietly, an edge of irritation present. "You can ask Jay that if you want an answer, because at this point I have no clue."
Suddenly, his voice turned sickly sweet, his words dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, I'm so sorry that I was attacked two days ago and I'm still not in a very good mood towards the attacker. I guess I'm just too petty to just drop an issue so far back in the past. I'm so very truly sorry," he said, punctuating with a nod, before reverting to the previous tone of pure irritation. "Listen, if it was actually something that was in the past, I'd drop the act. However, it's still a regular occurrence, so I've got to do something to dissuade other morons from trying to harm me. If people see that I've instilled a healthy dose of the fear of God in my previous attackers, the odds of further attempts decrease. Once it's actually been a while since the last attack, I'll stop with the drill sergeant routine."
"And no, I guess I don't know what it's like, running a group of people that I hate and am only bothering with because it's convenient for my plans. But I can relate, to a degree; after all, I'm involving myself with a group I largely despise and want nothing to do with for the sake of trying to protect the people I care about. And, no, I don't mean the Keepers, or Pandaemonium for that matter, before you get all uppity. I mean the super community in general."
He paused for a second to let his words sink in before continuing on, his words soaked in venom. "Honestly, I can't stand the vast majority of the supers I've met. Between sociopaths and assholes, sometimes it seems like the only people who get powers are the worst that's produced by society. Every time I turn around, there's another break-in here or murder spree there. I'd do what I can to stop it all, but I'm too busy running around like a headless chicken to try and keep the few supers I do like happy. And what do I get in return? Jack shit that actually matters. I came to you, asking for help to try and convince my girlfriend to stop killing people because you were the only one I could go to, and it just wasn't worth your time."
"Hell, it's not like I even believe in your cause, anyway. All you're going to do is make everything worse for supers in general, Aurora. Do you honestly think that supers laying claim to a city in America won't be seen as an invasion? They won't ever leave you alone. Even if they do, though, or even if they don't; I have no intentions on staying here. In all honesty, I don't even much like being a super. Oh, sure, for the first few months it was great, but the appeal is long gone. The main reason why I put on a mask was so that I could find my bitch of a mother that disappeared, even though I really couldn't stand her. The only reason I've not hung up my cape already is because I've been trying to do my best to keep the people I care about from getting themselves killed. But, ironically, losing my entire fucking body has helped me develop a backbone. I'm done trying to waste my life in order to try and clean up other people's messes. Good luck with provoking a mass genocide of your people, Aurora Disicio. I no longer want any part of it."
The portals surrounding the room disappeared, but one opened before Geata. Leaving the two cans of soda on the nearest table, he promptly made his exit through it, and decided to wait by the main entrance of the Panda base. If and when Blue Jay left through it, Geata intended on accepting the previous offer of hanging out, with one major difference. He'd be paying. He thought it only right after making him sit through that.
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Pandaemonium
Posts 343
Power Level 30
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Post by Blue Jay on Dec 20, 2016 0:04:52 GMT -7
Nothing, he got nothing out of her. Not even a glare sent his way. She didn’t bother even looking at him. Was this some new aggression tactic of hers? After insulting and punching one moved up to being completely ignored? As much as he liked being upgraded to premium services, he couldn’t help but question what exactly she thought silence was going to accomplish. If it was trying his patience, she could consider it thoroughly tested and stretched. If Geata hadn’t stepped in, he probably would’ve found something new to yell about and kept right on it like a roomba that failed to realize there was a wall in front of it.
It gave him time to cool his thoughts and realize he had better things to do with his day than yell at the sky. And, by the time he’d finished, Blue Jay had joined previous Aurora in staring at Geata. He was thinking of quitting being a super? He seriously hoped it was just the heat of the moment that was making Geata say that, because it was feeling more and more like Geata was the one sane person he knew anymore. If it wasn’t for his rationality, sarcasm, and, even though he wouldn’t admit it for fear of what might result, teasing, Blue Jay probably would’ve been even more lost in this mess of a lifestyle that’d been thrust upon him one afternoon in the form of a sword that hated his guts and was actively trying to relocate them to the outside. Geata was right; the super community was full of idealistic, blood thirsty lunatics who saw killing as a pastime and the world as their birthright. He had to keep the few sensible people he had the pleasure to meet cared for and close, because unlike Geata, he doubted he was going to be able to leave. It was the only way he was going to keep himself sane.
After Geata left, Blue Jay sighed, stood, and reached for one of the left cans of soda. Because he refused to let himself continue to be ignored, he teleported atop the table, landing gently and lowering into a crouch about the same distance from the bowl in desperate need for some sugar as Aurora was. Can rested between his hands, face flat, he stared at Aurora like he was trying to burn a hole through her.
“Hey, if you want to make this better, you need to go apologize. Now. Maybe he’s not your ‘friend’, but he is your ally, and a damn good one at that. Don’t lose him.”
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Pandaemonium
Posts 381
Power Level 31
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Post by Aurora Disicio on Dec 20, 2016 10:03:54 GMT -7
It never mattered how much she did, people always wanted more. That would never change, and it was why she had to remain firm every time someone tried to squeeze more out of her no matter how innocent it seemed, and why these stupid accusations of friendship couldn't be taken seriously. It was starting to look more and more likely that the statue wasn't an actual gift or symbol of appreciation like they claimed, but yet another sad attempt to get on her good side. Her stomach burned, embarrassed and irritated that she actually fell for something like this again. Aurora took a few more bites of cereal as her shoulders visibly (despite the thickness of her coat) further.
"I have always been completely clear about who I am and my actions should be predictable at this point. I explain why I do and don't do things and my intentions. I have no idea why you wouldn't even be expecting what you get at this point."
Geata was making even less sense the more he talked, and it was irritating her further. That was, until it became clear to her why he was talking like this. She'd already made it clear that he didn't have anything to stand on, and it was clear he knew it too. It was just saying things to be obnoxious and to maybe have some attempt at winning this argument. Suddenly, she relaxed, and calmly finished off her cereal while she waited for him to finish whatever the hell he was saying, while only half listening to him. Her victory was only confirmed once he started to leave.
"Taking off your mask doesn't suddenly mean you're not a super anymore. You can't change that aspect of yourself whether you like it or not. The entire point of doing this is to make it so you can just be a person instead of being a super. I'll be fighting for you too whether you like it or not."
Aurora picked up the bowl and put it to her mouth so she could drink the remaining milk in it when Blue Jay jumped onto the table. Her expression flattened as she put the bowl down and finished off her orange juice too. She considered ignoring him still, but with Geata gone there wasn't much point in doing so. The portal were gone, she wasn't under duress anymore, so it was probably fine. She had no intention of doing what Geata wanted right now though, even if she was willing to acknowledge Blue Jay.
"There's nothing to talk about. And you're the last person that should be telling me how to handle my interpersonal relationships. Now get off the table, the last thing people need are your dirty feet where they eat."
Aurora noted that he grabbed a soda. The first shot caught her off guard, but now that he'd done it once she knew what to expect. If he tried anything with that, she'd open a small hole in the side so it'd spray him instead.
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Pandaemonium
Posts 343
Power Level 30
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Post by Blue Jay on Dec 20, 2016 12:41:20 GMT -7
Blue Jay was sure in a city full of police who would shoot on sight, dragons that wrecked whole districts and killed families, and super disputes that meant getting an arm broken for showing up at the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people, the last thing the people of Pandaemonium needed was his feet on the table. As her response was not ‘alright I’ll go apologize’, which was the only appropriate response after a friend storms off in pain/anger due to no small issue after declaring no small change in conduct regardless of actual fault, Blue Jay neither accepted her response nor got off the table. Instead, he initiated plan B.
In his head, it worked out as him opening the can of soda and spraying it in her face. In actuality, he clicked up the tab, was a little too slow in getting it open, and Aurora beat him to the punch and turned his own attack against him. He caught himself from his startle backwards, and his shoulder and neck caught the bulk of the backfire until he covered the hole with his thumb. The renegade can was met with a silent stare for a moment of dramatic tension before he grabbed his wet shoulder like he was in a good sum of pain.
“Oh god, I’ve been struck with soda! Now I’m going to have to go home and change and do laundry later and my whole day is ruined!” Fire in his eyes, he thrust the index finger of the hand previously on his shoulder at her. “Aurora Disicio, I won’t forget this atrocity! I swear, one day I’ll have my revenge!”
He then rotated the can towards her and removed his thumb.
“Last I checked, I get along pretty well with Geata so I happen to think I’m a pretty good source of information on that topic.” He said matter-of-factly (albeit as quickly as he could) as the soda began to spray.
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Pandaemonium
Posts 381
Power Level 31
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Post by Aurora Disicio on Dec 20, 2016 13:15:08 GMT -7
As expected, he was going to try something stupid again because he never seemed to get any smarter as time passed. Sometimes she wondered if he was even capable of learning. Her expression flattened at his dramatics. Aurora briefly considered saying something in response to that, but there was no point. He was just making fun of her and that was not worth acknowledging. Instead, she picked up her bowl and glass and prepared to put them in the sink to be washed later. Before she turned around, just as Blue Jay was turning the can back around, she turned the bottom of the can into sparkles so the rest of the can's contents would just fall all over him instead. As much as she hated to sacrifice the table, the damage had already been done and it was better than getting her clothes any stickier.
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Pandaemonium
Posts 343
Power Level 30
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Post by Blue Jay on Dec 20, 2016 22:24:45 GMT -7
Aurora didn’t let down his expectations; if she was going to turn soda against him once, chances were high she was going to do it again. That hadn’t stopped him from trying, of course, and now as a result his pants and the table were drenched in soda. Seemed about right.
She seemed to be departing, but this was defeat. He hadn’t intended to go after her the first time; if Geata hadn’t made him, he would’ve been out the front door as soon as he was done wearing a hole in the floor of the proper and Geata’s ear. He didn’t have a whole lot more reason or mind to follow her now. The anger had subsided, to a degree, as it always did, but fatigue had taken its place. It was Aurora’s choice to not try to make up with someone who’d bothered to make her a statue out of gold. Blue Jay couldn’t force it, and he was done with this conversation.
Realizing Geata had left his exit portal open was enough to rekindle a grin on his face and seal his resolve to leave. Blue Jay set the bottomless empty can on the table beside him, cast one last glance at Aurora, and slid off onto the floor.
“See you around, Aurora.” Though he didn’t look at her as he left for the portal, there wasn’t any edge to his voice or words.
He was off to enjoy ice cream with a friend, for which being covered and sticky with soda didn’t matter in the slightest.
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