Etheriest Role-Play

Ellie watches Darion.  He is long winded as usual, but is a little confused when he shows his abilities.  Where is the unconfidence coming from?  He is never this way around others.  She hasn’t had him in class before.  She hides her chuckling when he hits Professor with water.  

She wavers her hand.  “I will go next.  Elliana stands and goes to the front.  “For those of you who don’t know me, I am Elliana Chiodo.  You can call me Ellie.  I am a wind user.  I came here to help increase my powers.  I really would love to fly someday.  I am interested in CETE because I want to help people and want to show them that having abilities is not bad at all.  Now for a demonstration of my power.  Professor, be sure to stand still.”  She makes her wind wall and modifies it slightly.  She blows the water off of Kilder.  “You may need a brush through your hair, but at least you are dry now.”

Kilder is pleasantly surprised when Elliana volunteers right away. "Oh cool! Go for it then Elliana!" he says perking up. It was always good to see a well-behaved student who was excited for the course, and Elliana seemed quite confident in her ability.
Kilder listened to her small speech and watched as she carefully raised her wind wall. Wind etheriests were usually pretty easy to work with, even fun, and it looked like Elliana had practiced this a bit. Kilder could see she still had a lot of room to grow to reach her full potential, but her control was quite good for a beginner. It always helped to have people who practiced more than just by using their ability for convenience every now and then, like Darion. There was really no surprise that he had overdone it when in front of the rest of the class, anyone can get stage fright like that anyway.

"Wow, the wind drying was nice, thank you Elliana! And meh, not as worried this close to the end of the day anyway, easily pushed back for the most part... Although I do look like a rock star now, right? hehehe.." he said air guitaring for a moment now that his hair was spiked and blown upwards in the front. He got a slight chuckle there. He then pushed his hair back into place as best he could with his fingers as he said, "Okay then.... any volunteers for the next one? You ready Erizia?"

Erizia walked on stage, looking bored at first, but then surprisingly introduced herself and gave a pretty decent speech.... and kept going for a bit longer than Kilder expected... huh? Was there a bug in here or something? He kept feeling something on his back during her speech and.... WAIT A MINUTE.... Her hands are behind her back.... no wonder... He upped the friction on himself, which caught her next poke just long enough that he could turn and catch her hand. "That's enough..." he said smirking at her. The class snickered. "Gotta give you props there, that was a nice play Erizia. Would you like to demonstrate further today? Besides poking me?"

"ehh... think I'm good if you'll let go of my hand now," she snickered.

"Righto!" he said, letting her go. "You're up, Terena!"

Terena was an odd duck. She acted like she was well, high... most of the time, but she was actually a fairly decent student... Just seemed like she practiced her ether ability.... a lot.... in her free time.... that would be great if maybe she wasn't... uhhh... using it on HERSELF...

As she finished her very short speech, she started slowly at first, producing multicolored bubbles... they were beautiful... Kilder could just.... like... look at 'em all daaaayy maaaaaan... They were like.... EVERYWHERE now..... "Waaait..." Kilder said out loud, reaching into his pocket and hitting a switch on a small remote from it, to which the platform below Terena flashed a wave of light over itself quickly. All of a sudden, all the bubbles popped, all at once. Kilder snapped out of it, looking at his phone time.... "pheeeew Okay, luckily we only lost... 10 minutes... Uhhh sorry, class might run over just a bit today. We'll try and run through the rest quick though!

The class watched as Jeff stunned their teacher for a bit until he was able to jerkily get his remote button pressed, shutting his power off. "Sometimes you gotta take a good punch to the gut to learn something, class... ugh... neeeext!"
Aldon was hard to get to speak at first, but Kilder urged him to demonstrate his power by asking him a few questions, then telling Kilder if his answers were true or not. He was able to determine all but once when Kilder lied at this. "Hmm, good job Aldon, you missed one, but to be fair, I didn't think about my answer on that one, was a test on purpose. We got some training that will help you perfect that here, but you have a lot of potential!" Kilder said smiling.

Kilder watched as a vicuous purple liquid came seeped from Zaranitar's skin slowly. He was happy this guy had decent control over-- spoke too soon.... It started rushing out... of him faster and Kilder quickly hit his button. Suddenly he stopped, and the poison dissipated. "Zara-.... Can I call you Zaran, for short? Sorry... okay, so, that is a pretty difficult one to control, from the looks of it. Things get difficult when a power is exerted from all parts of the body so don't... sweat it.... hehe... sweat... SORRY... anyway! We'll help you get the hang of that... SO!" he said clapping his hands. "LAST BUT NOT LEAAAAST!! Yoooooooooouuuu're up, Visargooooo! My little cheat sheet here tells me you're a fire etheriest, wooooooh... That can be scary and hard to control for some people, but don't worry, just do your best. Heh, sorry, for all I know you could have amazing control, just going by what I normally hear from fire users, not that I've met a lot... Show me ya moves, dude."

Virsago watched the other students show off their powers. He was half impressed for the most part. Some abilities were fairly generic, and others made for decent party tricks. A few looked to be more detrimental than helpful in any capacity. Virsago made sure to stay away from purple ooze boy at all times. What was that liquid, even? Some kind of lubricant? Whatever it was, Virsago imagined it probably stains clothes. The water user could use some target practice, and the wind user....interestingly competent. But joining CETE as a friendly little role model for non-Ether users? Virsago discretely shifted his eyes at that remark.

Then it was his turn. Kilder's little quips didn't really help much with his nerves. Still, Virsago walked up to the platform. If things got out of hand, his ability would get shut off one way or another. He took a deep breath, looking coldly at all his classmates and professor. "Well, I suppose you already know my name and ability. I intend to better understand my powers, where it comes from, how it works. I also want to learn how to defend myself and anything I deem important."

Memories of the robbery attempt flashed in his mind, but he pushed those away with quick meditation. He closed his eyes, thought of nothing but his abhor for humanity, and held out his hand, open palm facing the ceiling. A small red flame appeared in his palm, which grew to the size of a softball and took on a purple hue. Feeling the steady warmth of the flame, Virsago opened his eyes. He kept the flame lit for only about 5 seconds before carefully extinguishing it, drawing a sigh of relief.

Ellie watches the other students.  She is amazed by their abilities, especially Zaranitar's.  She will have to talk to him about his poison ability.  Maybe it will help her talk to Sophie.  The last guy is up.  He is a new student, she has not seen him before.  She will have to introduce herself personally.  At first his ability is the normal pyro, but his fire turns purple, freaking purple.  She has never seen purple fire before.  It is amazing!  Now she will have to talk to him.

"Hmmm," Kilder says upon seeing Visargo's performance, "That was good, Visargo, but I feel like you have a lot more in you. I think I get what you're thinking though. Some flame users are often pretty cautious because they're powerful, and afraid of collateral damage. I get it, man. But don't worry, we'll help you with control on that here. This place is meant to withstand damage anyway. Fire is often a tricky one, much like poison," he says looking over towards Zaranitar. But we'll get you confident with it as best we can here. Looks like you already have some control, which is good, but I know there's far more to it than that, every user manifests their power differently. That said, Terena, your's could also use some control, mainly so that you aren't always hindering yourself out there. Everyone here is fully capable of becoming an officer, or even just being able to defend themself. Don't worry. Anyway, I'm gonna wrap up class for today! That was a good showing though! No homework, but if you get the opportunity, this room is always open to you after school here for practice until 9. We have a guy who watches the place. Just use your student card and sign in, but be courteous to others in the room, please... Anyway! Class dismissed!"

Ellie waits until Professor Arturas dismisses the class before going up to Virsago.  “Hello, your fire is amazing.  I have never seen purple flame before.  I have never seen you here before.  You must be a new student.  Well if you need any help around here, I will love to help you.  We have plenty of stuff to do here at Delacroix University.”  She holds out her hand to him to shake.

Virsago tried not to scoff at Kilder's complement. It wasn't just flame that he weilded. It was something more destructive than any fire he'd seen before. Flashes of the purple wildfire popped in his mind. If only they knew. But he made a promise not to tell anyone the source of his powers. And if he was nothing else, he was a man of his word. Ignoring the gawking looks from the students, he stepped down and turned to head out the door, but the girl who moved wind stood before him. He wore his more polite face to avoid commotion. Still, the offer to help was odd.

"Uh...you really shouldn't hang around me. This fire can easily spread if I'm not careful. Thanks for the offer, though."

“You aren’t the first pyro here.  I was not only talking about our abilities though.  I mean other things, like clubs, groups, or sports.  But if you want, I will love just to practice with you.  My wind wall will protect me.”  Elliana lowers her hand, and quickly scribbles on a piece of paper.  “Here is my info, texting me is the best way to get me.”

Virsago accepted the paper, albeit a little flabbergasted. When was the last time a girl gave him her number? When was the last time anyone gave him their number? He couldn't help but feel some regret in taking the paper. Now he'd have to...stay in contact, and...say hi whenever he sees her. It was something he hadn't done with anyone except Kyo. The girl was odd for being so open, that's for sure.

"I don't really go to any clubs...and I don't like sports either. Um..." Virsago's eyes wandered as some force inside of him forced him to say something. "But if you want to study for an exam, that's fine. No practice. Not unless you're wearing fireproof clothing."

“Well you have my number, and I will be up to study sessions.  I bet by the end of the semester I won’t need any fireproof clothing.”  Elliana winks.  “I have to get going, I have a dinner date with my sister.  Good bye Virsago, it was nice meeting you.”

Virsago gazed at Ellie, unsure of the what was going on. "Nice meeting you too." He said faintly, but still loud enough to hear. As Ellie walked off, Virsago continued watching the girl, thinking about what she meant with that comment about the fireproofing. He then blinked a few times and put his hand on his head, bringing himself back to reality. Get a hold of yourself. You can't go crazy over a girl you just met. He slapped his cheeks a few times before leaving the room, thinking about how little homework he had to do.

[Attn: Open] CETE Headquarters: 2pm-6pm

Banjee's day started off slow, without any real goal or purpose. She couldn't even find Kris to ask what to do next. The only people to ask were those at CETE themselves. She re wrapped her limbs in new bandages and set off to find CETE HQ...as soon as she remembered where it was located. Once she found the building, she transferred from person to person, asking about how to start her acrobatics class. Each person asked her to fill out one form or another, followed by endless instructions and information, and one guy even took a picture for her ID card. After signing the last form of the day, she had done more writing past couple of hours than in the past month. Bixxa never noticed how sloppy her penmanship was until 20th sheet of paper she filled out. Still, the staff at CETE accepted what she wrote, and as the sun began its descent below the horizon, she was finally free.  

Standing in the front lobby, Bixxa stretched her torso after spending so much time sitting. It feel good to finally be on her feet. Her lessons wouldn't start today, but she still had a chance to meet some of the kids that were in the gymnasium. Stepping into the gym, she walked past two hulking guards clad in some strange, padded armor. When she actually saw the people inside the gym, Bixxa could see why such personnel were needed. CETE members and guests alike were using ether powers while performing athletic activities; some were pushing the wind behind them to increase their run speed, others were hovering above the court tossing balls into hoops. And yet, the gym was large and sophisticated enough to accommodate all of its members without much trouble. Bixxa was awestruck as she paced across a set of bleachers, and then she came across a group of kids under supervision. They were playing tag whilst using ether. The control some kids had over their powers was shocking, intimidating even. Bixxa wasn't even sure she had complete control over Perdix, and one kid could avoid getting tagged as if he had eyes everywhere. And the kids trying to tag him were moving as fast as Olympic runners thanks to their own abilities.

Bixxa helplessly sank into the bleachers, staring at the gifted children. I'm gonna be teachin them? They never said they'd have ether powers! Oh man... She looked down at her own hands and started rubbing them together. I'm not sure I can do this, Perry. Those kids can run circles around me. What can I teach 'em? Bixxa's eyes wandered to a set of large shapes designed for gymnastics. She made a little freerunning course for herself made mostly of vaults and precision jumps. Determined, she ran the course as quickly as she could. The vaults were incredibly easy, so she decided to work in a couple flips. The whole course felt way too easy. Bixxa thought the kids would have it done in no time. So she extended the vaults, increased the distance of the jumps, added more flips and a few cartwheels, and kept dialing up the intensity until she mistimed a jump and fell flat on the hard floor. Paralyzed in shock and pain, she lied on her back for several seconds before turning onto her stomach and staying there to think.

{Attn:  Delilah, Sophie, Open,  17:00ish- 20:00 ish}

Ellie looks at her phone after class.  It’s been a long day, but she is looking forward to dinner with Sophie and Delilah.  She quickly texts Sophie.  *Done with class, I will pick you up.*

She then dials the number Braedon gave her for Delilah.  Hopefully she knows to pick up the phone.  

Sophie looks at her phone and reads Elliana’s message.  *Sounds good I will be downstairs waiting for you. *  She sends the message and finishes up with Chief Delacroix’s picture.  She will print them out in the morning.  He will choose which one will go to Coldrion Times.

Delilah has not moved since Agent Reid dropped her off; a thousand thoughts wracking through her overstimulated brain as she eats the sandwich Reid had trusted her to order of herself.

It's terrible. But she's hungry. Which means no matter how awful 'mayonnaise' tastes in combination with tomatos and the three other sauces she mixed onto her sandwich, she'll eat it.

Albeit slowly.

She's in the middle of another slow, spaced out chew when a shrill ringing jolts her back to reality. Her teeth clamp down on her tongue and she barely suppresses a yelp. She hops up from her seat, dropping her sandwich onto the thin paper wrapping it had come in. She crouches down slightly, eyes widened in surprise, the sudden jolt back to the real world leaving her on edge.

There the ringing was again!

She tried to follow it with her ears, cautiously hunched over. Was that the doorbell? No, doorbells sounded different. She followed it still, keeping her eyes peeled. She craned her neck around the corner and saw....something..flashing? It looked to be a phone. A shinier one than the ones she had seen, sitting on the table in a small console. She slowly approached it. It trilled again. She jolted back.

She reached her hand out, recoiling slightly. Would it be rude of her to answer Pierce's phone? She's already overstepped enough boundaries; no...no that wasn't true. Pierce would have let her know. She hunched over the table, peering at the phone's screen. First, it flashed a number; symbols that were meaningless to her. But then, on it, flashed a name.

'Ellie'.

She knew Ellie! She was supposed to be having dinner with Ellie! She swiped up the phone, holding it in both hands. Staring down; debating whether or not the dinner plans were still on on account of....everything.

With what limited knowledge she had of modern technology, she quickly saw the small 'pick up' letters on the green button and pushed it; nervously bringing the phone up to her ear.

"He-hello?" Delilah adjusted her volume quickly, not knowing if she had to speak louder or softer.

Ellie listens and hears Delilah’s voice.   “Hi Delilah, this is Ellie, I am so glad you picked up.  I am leaving the school and driving to Braedon’s to pick you up.  I will see you shortly.”  She is so excited to take her and Sophie out.

Delilah smiles slightly. "Yes! I am- I will be ready. Should I meet you downstairs?" She ponders if she should take Pierce's spare key with her in case he's not home. She would usually say she could just climb up through the window. But Pierce's apartment was a bit....high.

Even though Delilah can’t see it Ellie shakes her head.  “Yes, that would be helpful, and don’t forget a key.  Sometimes Braedon works weird hours.”

It does not take her long to reach the building.  She steps out of the car and walks up to the building.  She has her usual smile on her face and a bounce to her step. .

Once Ellie hangs up, Delilah tucks the spare key nervously into her pocket, wrapping up the remains of her sandwich tightly and stowing it away. Terrible or not, it was food; and she couldn't just let it go to waste.

Delilah made sure to lock the door, securing the house before carefully making her way downstairs; staff in hand. She sees Ellie, waiting at the entrance; and gives a little wave, almost whacking herself with the door as she exits. She offers a sheepish smile in greeting.

"Hello. Were you waiting long? This place has many stairs. And locks."

Ellie shakes her head and returns her wave.  “It is so nice to see you.  I just got here myself.  Come on let’s go.”  She takes Delilah’s hand and practically pulls her to the car.  She is telling Delilah all about her day.  “Here she is…”  She pushes the button on the key fob.  “I know it is not as nice as Braedon’s car, but my dad and brother worked on it for me, so it is better.”  She waits for Delilah to sit down before starting it up.  

“Now to pick up Sophie.  I know you will like her.  There is one thing I have to warn you about though.  She does not like to be touched, like at all.  Her skin is very sensitive and she keeps it covered just in case.  Other than that, I am sure you guys are going to get along.”  She pulls up to Sophie’s apartment building.

Sophie waves at Ellie when the car pulls up.  She automatically begins to walk over to the passenger side before noticing a person sitting there.  She walks to the back door and opens it.  “You didn’t tell me you had a guest.  Hello I am Sophie, if she didn’t mention is already.  It is nice to meet you.  So Ellie where are we heading?”

It looks fine from Delilah's perspective, and she is careful to mind her staff as she gets out of Ellie's car. She looks to Sophie, quirking her head as the young girl asks her if she works with Pierce. Her smile turns almost apologetic. "Er, no. Though, I suppose you could say we did meet through work. His work. I asked this 'CETE' for help finding my father, and Pierce was kind enough to take me in while they searched. He's very compassionate, I doubt there are many others who would take a stranger, especially one as peculiar as I, into their home." Her heart sank a bit remembering a potential outcome to her situation. "But, photography, you say? Like for magazine's?" The woman's smile brightens once more as she follows the two girls into the resturant.

Ellie holds the door open for the other ladies.  “She only worked for the Torrino up until a few weeks ago before the jerk fired her.  He is an elite photographer.  Sophie has her own pictures in the People Of Coldrion book series.”

Sophie blushes slightly.  “Leave it to Ellie to brag.”  She goes over to the hostess to get a table.  “I do have some pictures if you want to see.  I have to show Ellie the ones I took of the game anway.

“I may brag, but I don’t exaggerate.  You never give yourself enough credit Sophie.”  Elianna huffs as they are shown the table.  “Now order anything you want Delilah.  Just wait until you see the pictures.”

The waitress asks for their drink order.  Sophie digs out her ID and orders a glass of wine.  Elianna raises her eyebrow.

“Don’t give me that look.  It’s been a long weird day…”  Her phone vibrates.  “…And I deserve it.”

She looks down at her phone. It's important.  –Z  Sophie sighs and rolls her eyes.  She begins to type while muttering ‘asshole’ under her breath.  *LEAVE ME ALONE.* She replies.  She brings out her laptop and sets the drive on the table.  “Go ahead and show her the pictures.”

“Is everything ok Sophie, you seem perturbed.”  Ellie opens takes the computer and opens it up.  She sticks the usb stick in the slot.  “You are going to love this Delilah.”

(A Continuation Of My Collab With Xenolion)

Delilah quirks her head at Sophie's suddenly strange demeanor. Was that a phone? She seemed bothered by whatever news it brought. She eyes the computer curiously, knowing what it is, but never having had a chance to view one up close. It seemed so small, so compact!

"It seems it has been a weird day for us all, Sophie." She tried to make light of it, wiggling nervously in her chair.


“Oh did they find your father?”  Ellie asks as she waits for the pictures to load.  “I bet he is a wonderful man.  Oh Sophie these pictures are perfect.”  She nudges Delilah and begins to show the pictures to her.  “I am going to show these to everyone.  You will have people lining up for your services.”

“That was just an idiot I am avoiding. So you want to trade stories.”  Sophie raises her eyebrow.  “Well that may have to wait Ellie.  You are looking at CETE’s new crime scene photographer.”  

Ellie coughs.  “What you must be kidding…How did that happen?”

Sophie shrugs and briefly explains her interaction with Chief Delacroix.  “It is not the perfect job, but it will keep me from having to move back home.”  She does not say anything about the classes she has to take, not wanting Ellie to know she will be on campus.  “I can still take pictures on the side.  In fact, I will be at the convention this weekend.  Maybe I can do a book of the costumes.”

"Yes," Delilah nervously wrings her hands around her staff despite her happy expression. "His name is Ames he-" She stops as the conversation derails into Sophie's new job.
"A 'crime scene photographer'? That sounds..rather gruesome. But it sounds like a good job, if you're working with 'CETE'."


Ellie looks between Delilah and Sophie.  Her head stops at Delilah.  “You first…you must tell me everything that happened.  Is he a nice man?  Will you be moving in with him?  I am happy you found him.  But you can still stay with Braedon as long as you need too.  I am not a jealous girlfriend.”  Her head goes to Sophie. “I know it is not a dream job, but you can add it to your resume at least.”  

Sophie is used to Ellie’s ‘interrogation’ methods.  “Wait, you live with Braedon?”  She looks at Delilah.  “And you are ok with it?”  She looks back at Ellie.  “Wow I have been out of the loop.”  The server drops off their drinks.  Sophie takes a drink from hers and waits for Delilah to answer Ellie’s questions.

"Well, not..no..." Delilah tried to keep her nervous hand wringing to a minimum. "He lives in a..a hospital you could say. He suffers from mild Alziemers. I don't know the exact extent. But he seemed fine when he spoke to me." She took a sip of her water- well, 'a chug' might have been a better descriptor. It was a rather large swig, polite, but still, a swig. "As for..staying with Pierce. It is entirely up to him. Ried told me Pierce asked him to drop him off at his place. But I don't want to impose."


“Well at least you had a good visit.  He doesn’t hate you or anything.  I cannot speak for Braedon, but I will be happy with you staying there.”  Elliana tells Delilah.
The server delivers their drinks and takes their orders.

“That reminds me, mom and dad still need to meet the mysterious Braedon.  I haven’t told him anything but good things.”  Sophie smirks at Elliana after ordering her food.  “They are curious about him.”

Delilah looks at the women curiously over her beverage. "No, no. He was very happy to meet me, thankfully. Told me about my mother.."
'And my run away sister who may or may not be Pierce's absent mother.'  Her eyes shifted downward as they abysmal thought flickered in and out of her head.
She quirked an eyebrow as the sisters talked about 'meeting parents'. She thought meeting parents was supposed to happen initially? Not that Delilah had much experience in such matters.


“That is great.  I won’t pry more, but if you want to tell us more you can.  As far as Braedon meeting the parents, I will bring him over when our schedules allow it.”  Ellie sighs.  “Both of us are so busy now with school and that case he is working on.  I wish I could help him more.”

“That is what I told them too.”  Sophie smiles.  “I like him, he is a good guy.  The age difference may freak out mom and dad at first.  Just a warning.”

'The age difference weirds the forest lady out slightly and she's not acclimated to your strange society, so listen to your sister, Ellie.' Delilah kept her words to herself. She didn't wish to impose on personal matters- besides, it was not her business to impose on anyones personal matters. If they were happy, she wasn't here to harp on their happiness.
"I doubt Pierce would accept the help, any way. It seems rather...delicate, from my observations. Seemed rather grim about it." She notices her drink running towards empty and sets it down. "I'm sure 'CETE' is giving him all the help he needs; and he seems very capable. I doubt you need to fret over it." She gives a comforting smile, opting to not reach across the table to comfort her, afraid she might knock something over.


“I know, I know, but I just hate seeing him like this.  It affects Jenia too.”  Ellie returns Delilah’s smile.  “I guess I can help by making him forget work for a little while at least.”
The food arrives.  It looks and smells delicious.

“Thank you Ellie for suggesting this, I really needed it.  I got to meet a new person.”  She turns to Delilah.  “If you ever need pictures taken, let me know.  Maybe with your father?  Something tells me I will relish taking pictures of live people soon.”  Sophie adds.

Delilah smiles, nodding to Sophie. "Of course; perhaps- perhaps you wouldn't mind teaching me how? It might be nice to have a hobby? My mother had a bunch of old 'National Geographic' magazines, a lot of them weren't in color, but I loved looking at the nature pictures. I always wanted to take some of my own. Perhaps if you teach me how to shoot, I could take you hiking? I know many beautiful places in the wilderness."


“That sounds like something I can do.  I will be happy to teach you the basics.  I don’t mind hiking a little either.  Just be sure to slow your normal pace.  I have little legs here.”  Sophie winks.

Ellie bursts out laughing.  “She must really like you, she is teasing about her height.  Although she is an excellent cross country runner.  So did you guys want dessert at all?”

Sophie digs in her backpack for her hard.  “Here is my card, you can call me anytime.  No I don’t want any dessert, I am full.” .

Delilah happily takes the card, tucking it into her pocket. She beams. "Thank you, Sophie. I'll be sure to call you, once I get myself sorted."
She looks at Ellie with stars shining in her eyes. "Dessert? Like...ice cream?" She quickly took control of herself, trying to hide her almost child like reaction to the mention of 'dessert'. "I am content without it, if you ladies are."


“What do you think Sophie, should I introduce her to cheesecake?  She has already tried ice cream and loved it.”  She smiles brightly.

“If I was not so full, I would have some myself.  Delilah, I recommend the cheesecake with caramel on top.”  Sophie packs up her laptop.  “I am going to walk home if you don’t mind.  Take some pictures along the way.  Who knows I may run into someone famous again.”

"I will only have some if you do. I feel...odd, eating when others are not. Otherwise I would be happy to wait and build up suspense for this...'cheese cake'." She knew what cheesecake was, but this place had been so odd she had doubts whether or not it was made of actual cheese.

She perked up as Sophie packed up to leave. "Ah, well, it was nice meeting you Sophie! Best of luck with your new job."


“Thank you Delilah, it was nice to meet you.  Please don’t be a stranger.  I will see you later.”  Sophie sets down more than enough money to pay her meal before leaving.

“Boy she really had a bad day.  I will have to talk to her later.”  Elliana orders cheesecake for both of them.  “I am so glad you found your father.  I am sorry he is in a home though.  I really do hope you stay in town.  If you need help with anything, please let me know.”

Delilah waves slightly as Sophie leavs, smiling as she goes. She perks at Ellie's works. "Bad day? Did something happen?"

She smiles softly at her offer. "You are very kind. I am happy enough that he is alive. He is a kind man, who remembers my mother, and has accepted me. That is more than I could have ever dreamed. But I will remember your offer Ellie, I might need you to explain some of the stranger technology in the city. I am a quick learner but some of it just seems so...bizarre."


“I don’t know, I will call her later to find out.”  Ellie looks up as their cheesecake was dropped off.  “If you need help with anything technology wise let me know.  You can always go to Delacroix University too.  You can learn a lot there.  Maybe they will let you teach a class on survival too.  Oh go ahead and take a bite.  Trust me, you will love it.”

"Yes, yes. Pierce told me about that. I fear I might be a bit....old...to enroll." Weren't Universities typically for young adults? She wasn't young, by any stretch of the word. She also sincerely doubted they'd let her teach a class, no matter how happy she'd be to teach survival techniques to city goers. She carefully cut off a piece of cheesecake , looking at it for a moment. It looked rather good. She popped into her mouth and-

Her eyes lit up. This was delicious! It was so sweet! And she doubted it would give her brain freeze like ice cream! She tried to maintain her table manners as she went to down on the confection before her, shifting her eyes occasionally upwards towards Ellie, awaiting her response.


Ellie waits for Delilah to take her first bite.  She smiles watching her eyes light up.  It is so adorable and innocent.  “We have plenty of older students.  Is one truly too old to learn?  And your situation is unique too.  Delacroix teaches Etherists and Non Etherist alike.  And if anyone says anything different, just let me know.”

"I mean, one is never too old to learn- I just....I always thought Universities were for the younger generation. But I may look into it. It seems I have a lot to catch up on." Delilah smiled, enjoying the last few morsels of her cheesecake.


“Whatever you choose, you will have my support.”  Ellie smiles.  She takes the bill and places enough money to cover it.  “Now are you tired, or is there somewhere else you want to go?”

Delilah shakes her head, hit with a pang of guilt that Ellie was spending money on her. "No, I think...I think I've had my fill of excitement. And cheesecake!" She smiled at that last bit.


“Anytime you need to hang out, or just get away from Braedon, I am a phone call away.  Although the second part I will take Braedon.”  She winks at Delilah.  “I will take you home and let you relax.”  Ellie stands up and waits for Delilah.  “Next time I will take you to my parents.  Mom makes the best cheesecake.”

Delilah nods. "It would be lovely to meet your mother. Thank you." She follows Ellie as the younger woman stands to leave.

Delacroix University - 3h30 ~ 7h30

(ATTN : Keltan girl/Reela(thx xeno for reminding me =3)

Kyo left from his brother office, feeling a little bit preassure from all the current events going on. He went toward the university however as he had a late afternoon class. Hopefully the Keltan girl would be available to meet him tonight, but it sounded like they were at all time.

His class was about control of energy around you, a practice one that would make them try to charge their power, but it was measured by instruments that could tell if you were unstable into the amount of energy you were using to perform an action. Kyo was always a mess at this, he often end up using too much and as much as he have good control over his ability, he had yet to come up with a good way to minimize needed energy. This practice class was always hard for this very reason, he just hoped he wouldn't burn himself out too much.

Thankfully the teachers stopped poking at him before it got to the point where he would be exausted on the ground. He was still tired, but at least it wasn't about to faint tired. He thanked them and went to the bathroom to wash his face and put back his clothes as ... he had been transforming to practice, thus removing his clothes.

When he was done he went to get his stuff and sat in the stairs outside the school for a bit as he sent the message to the Keltan girl. ''If you're free, I can come to you guys now.'' He started to eat a bit of leftovers he had in his bag while he waited for a reply.

Delacroix University/Ryla and Deego's temporary place / 7h45~11PM

(ATTN: Closed)

**This is a collab with Leah7**


Kyo waited for a few minutes before he got the message "We'll be free in 20min!  Come on by!" from Reela, the Keltan girl.  He replied to her saying ''Alright, I'll be on my way to you guys then.'' He put his leftover food away in his bag and got back up. On his way there, he bought a small meal to eat over to their place if he was to get more hungry. Kyo thought this was probably for the best given his black hole of a stomach and the fact he transformed a few time. He arrived thirty minutes later at the place they were renting and knocked at the door.

The man came to answer the door, he looked pretty stoic at a first look, but as Kyo looked over his expression with more focus, he noticed a bit of sadness coming from his eyes. Looking over his shoulder, he could see the girl sitting in the chair crying as she was holding her phone. He toook out his phone and wrote. ''What happened ? Is there anything I can do to help ?....'' He asked looking worried as he was invited inside.

Deego scowls, pointing to yet another chair before he says apologetically, "Sorry.  We just got some bad news.  Just give us a moment."

He moves over to the girl, holding the tiny thing in his arms as she leans into him and cries.  He strokes her soft hair, his overly large figure acceuntated by her overly small size in contrast.  He sits down and pulls the girl onto his lap and lets her cry on his chest as he finally looks over at the silent boy that visited them with a sigh.

"We have been stripped of our titles.  We are no longer Keltan and should we ever return to the island...we will be treated as tourists."  Deego explains.  Just the statement of this explanation sends the young Reela into another bout of heavy tears.

Kyo went to sit down as directed and took a seat as he was directed. Deego took Reela into his arms to confort her from the pain she was feeling, when he told Kyo what was up though.... Kyo shook his head and he could feel frustration and pain for them. He got a little bit closer and wrote ''I'm so sorry to hear this.... This is so unfair, you guys did nothing wrong either.... Well .... the best I could do would be use my contacts to find you cheaper accomodation for now, will try to see if I could get something for free for you guys. Even though.... I wish I could do a lot more to try and change their minds about this.... I'm really sorry.''

Deego nods, "It's fine.  We'll be fine."

These words are to Kyo, but you can tell those defiant words are being spoken to Reela, as well.  He looked down at her as she wiped her tears and slowly stood up with a weak smile and waved at Kyo.  Her sleeves dried her cheeks well, but her galaxy-colored eyes were wet and irritated.  With a sigh, she tries to catch her breath back and recover, "I'm so sorry, Kyo.  I'm a mess."
 
Kyo shook his head and wrote. ''It's okay, I completelly understand. I'm really sorry this is happening, and although Deego said it was fine, it's still in a way our fault if it happened, so I'll do everything I can to help you guys. First of, did you eat yet ? I could go out to get a few ingredients to make you guys something. I'm a pretty good cook. Anything you feel like eating right now that would make you feel a little better ?... ''

Deego says, "She likes sweets.  I can go buy cookies or something, if that's easier."

Reela shakes her head, "No, I want to do the interview, first.  Let's....let's do our business, first."

''Are you sure  it's okay to ? I don't want to force it if you feel it's too heavy to talk about this. As for the sweet alright, but I could also make her something a bit bigger tomorrow and bring it. '' He showed the text to them with a soft smile even though he still felt sad for them and it would show behind the said smile.

"Yes, I'll take some sweets tomorrow," Reela says sadly, "I just...I lost my home because I chose to do the right thing.  So I'm going to keep doing the right thing.  THat's all that I can do."

Deego looks at her with concern, "This has just been too much stress for you, Reela.  First the travels, the interviews, and the distortion--and that man spying on us, I mean, you can't do this, too.  You need to stopp overworking yourself--"

Reelay punches the big man lightly, "THis is an interview, Deego.  With a nice man.  That's all it is, nothing big.  I can handle this, today.  I can handle...just this."

Kyo wondered what that man spying on them was about. ''Man spying on you guys ?....  I just hope it's nothing dangerous. If you feel like you need assistane into something feel free to ask me anytime. But yes I will proceed then, if you need breaks here and there just let me know. Don't push yourself too hard alright ?.'' He waited for her to reply before he would continue with the questions.

"We'll talk about it later," Deego says, his gaze shifting to the girl with caution, "For now, let's just do as she asks.  Let's hear your first question."

Kyo nods and started writting ''Well as we mentioned before we will work out the location to communicate with the wolf when we are ready. However I'd like to understand better the roots of this fire spirit and how it is connected to this problem and the Keltans. It seems to be a good place to start to understand where everything started. So my first question will be.... When did the fire spirit first started to be with the Keltans ? What did it first see in them to start being with them so to speak ?''

Reela says, "Hundreds of years ago, our ancestors made a pact with the fire spirit.  He gave us a great gift--the gift of its fire, pure and borne from its soul.  Ever since, all those born from the Keltans were Flame Etheriests--Flame, not Fire.  There's a difference between the two.  The Keltans are....way more powerful than most Fire and other Ethereists.  It is a cultural fact that these things occurred, but now, there's a divide.  Many think these things were just...stories.  Legends.  Others follow these as facts, but keep it all pretty hidden and secretive.  Many things came with this pact that the Kelts do not wish the rest of the world to know about."

Kyo thought for a bit and then wrote ''I see, then ... did the fire spirit abandon them because of the people who did not believe, or did something else happen that made so it decided to turn its bad on the Keltans ? And how long ago did it abandon the Keltans ?''

Reela replies, "We do not think it has abandoned us...but we have lost our connection, a bit.  It is...less than it was."

Deego says, "I personally think it is because of this whole....superiority complex thing they have going on.  Do you know how much it took for Reela to become an honorary Keltan?  To be able to come live with us?  They wanted to remove her title just for not being a Flame user after her power manifest, but I think that...I believe that the fire spirit is with her, in her blood."

Reela sighs, "You're getting off topic.  We aren't sure that the Fire Spirit left us.  That's what I'm saying...Maybe....maybe it sleeps."

Kyo sighs and writes. [i]''I'm sorry you had to go through all that, I wish they'd be more accepting of some changes or differences in a way. And I don't mean to be rude by saying that, but it's just sad that they would leave behind their own kind for this. Still this is strange, that the spirit would be less there and stuff. I just hope nothing happened that could make it grow weaker or something, is there any ways for you guys to check if the fire spirit is still around somewhere ? To check if it is still healthy so to speak or perharps even communicate with it if it's even possible ? If we could talk with it, we could know its reason right off, then again you guys probably would have already tried if.... it was possible.''

"Only the flame wolves knew of its location, once," Deego says, "Either the current generation of them won't say or they don't know."

''I see, I wonder if we would be able to talk about this topic as well with the wolf we are researching, it is a problem affecting all. But then again with her current mood she might not be willing to speak of it at first. We should probably stick with making her come out of her dire situation first and see after if more can be done toward the fire spirit as a whole. So I guess for now the fire spirit problem cannot be really solved or pushed further. I'll move to the wolves now. Were they normal wolves who got blessed at first or did they appear around the same time as the fire spirit to follow the Keltans ?''

"The wolves were a gift of the Fire Spirit," Reela says, "They were bonded to each of us, I heard--in the past.  Now, they are a pack that lives separately from us, but do occasionally communicate with us in their own way.  Yet, they are the creatures chosen by the Fire Spirit, just as we were.  I don't know if their connection to the Fire Spirit has weakened, as ours, has....no clarification has been given, regarding that."

''Mmm.... So they now live seperatly from you guys, that is sad considering keltans were always with them in the past. Did they seperate from the Keltans a long time ago ? Do you know about how many years it's been since they separated ?''

Deego answsers this one, "Actually, the pack leader of theirs--she visits us and stuff.  She's cool.  I like her.  But uh....her pack stops in from time to time, they just don't get too cozy, if you know what I mean.  Mostly it's just her--she's called Strykerra.  I can't say exactly when they stopped living with us."

Kyo nods and continues. ''I see, that's a pretty name by the way.  But the follow up of event sure seem weird in its own way, it makes it difficult to perharps see clearly at the roots to resolve the problem there. Also gonna take a bit of a extreme turn in the topic, but I was wondering also about the overall regular culture of the keltans as well. How do they live on there, what do they do usually of their days. I've heard their way of living their everyday life was very different in term of how they did things and went through their days. But I didn't hear much of the specific and I must admit I'm also slightly to learn about that aspect as well to better understand the keltans. ''

Deego grimaced, "Not sure you really wanna know.  They suck."

Reela reprimanded him with another light punch, "Deego.  We can go over the culture, sure, but I mean...have we helped your case?  With the murder?  I really hope you'll be able to fix what's going on here and prevent any further death from happening."

Kyo shook his head and replied. ''I promise I'll do everything that I can in this matter, I don't want any other death and the reason why I'm asking all of this is that if it comes down to negociation if I can try and help, I think every details count. Plus ... everything from that problem is connected to the culture at its source. With a better understanding I may be able to come out with better ideas and thus better results. To be honest if I can help you guys find even further information to help out with the issues of the fire spirit I'll do what I can too. Both problems are related either way. I may be an outsider, but if there are things I can do to help as one, I will. ''

Reela nods, "I'd honestly like to find the Fire Spirit, too....I'd like to know why it didn't bless me.  Maybe I wasn't good enough."

Deego punches her, this time, just as lightly while his eyes roll.  "Uh-huh.  Yeah, no.  Let's not start talking nonsense, now."

''I don't think it's nonsense though, if we were to find the fire spirit we could be able to understand the exact why things are as they are. I think we should keep it into a possibility to look into after the case with the wolf is resolved. It may be able to help with some of your problems and I think it's something worth searching into. However whatever your power is I'm sure you are still a worthy Keltan, no matter what others says and it may be that the fire spirit have difficulties blessing a whole lot of people too if it is weakened who knows. But yes let's move with the culture for now if its okay with you.''

Reela nods and both she and Deego try to discuss the variations of their current, modern culture with Kyo as best they can.  Of course, some of the history has gaps and most of that is explained by Deego, rather than Reela--it's clearly not her strongest suit of knowledge, but she still does as best she can.  Just talking aabout the various cultural subtleties takes quite some time and it isn't but an hour later that Reela is much more of herself again, all sadness pushed away.

After all this talking, Kyo barely see time fly, but then he nods in acknowledgement. ''Thank you for all those details, I think I have enough details to understand the culture a lot better as well as the issues at hand. Now all that is needed is me planning out the location with my partner, I'll come back to you guys to elaborate the plan once I feel we are ready on our side. That okay ? ''

"Yes," Reela says, "You must be careful.  Not many will like what we have to say.   Your partner won't.  I don't think she believes us."

''I will, however I do trust my partner a lot.... I think it's more of a she doesn't want to fully believe things she never saw, but she's a good person and she wouldn't do anything to hurt the process of this. I'll do my best to take care of her part, don't worry. '' He said with a smile. ''Coming back into something more serious though... you mentioned a man spying on you earlier, that does worry me a bit, if I can help with this as well I wouldn't mind giving assistance.''

"Oh," Deego says, sounding displeased, "There's someone spying on us--with their ability.  Reela keeps seeing them looking at us--her ability lets her see things, sometimes....the reality of things.   And well, she said she can see someone watching us, listening.  We don't know who they are or why.  It's just a man who just lays there and listens to us."

Kyo tilt his head on the side thinking and wondering if it could be his brother possibly. ''If you saw him... do you perharps have a description ?'' He asked to try and confirm what he knew.

"Yeah," Deego says, "Some asian dude, right?"

"Yes," Reela replies, "Always well dressed, sometimes shirtless--but then, I think he's sleeping...but still, somehow listening.  I'm not sure how it works."

''What about the hair color and stuff like that ? Did you get to see his eyes at some point as well?'' Kyo asked trying to further confirm this, but so far it seemed to be matching.

Reela hesitates, "Dark brown hair.  Brown eyes.   I think he's white and asian, honestly.  Like,  a mix."

Kyo sighs and type something. ''Well I don't want you to be too much in shock, but I'm pretty sure it's my brother so I can definitely help clearing out some stuff on that matter. I'll just show a picture to be fully sure its him before I elaborate. '' He looked through his phone and checked out his gallery until he came to one of the only picture he took of him at some point when he wasn't expecting it to use as his contact picture. It was a picture of him at his desk taken on the natural. He showed it and waited to get a confirmation.

"Wha..?"  Deego said after reading the text.  The two looked at each other with confusion and curiosity as Kyo looked through his phone for a picture of his brother.  They both looked wide-eyed with shock as Reela nods her head in confirmation upon seeing the image of Zorlias, the very man that she has seen several times.
 
Kyo scratches his head and start typing. ''Well... first I can tell you that giving how my brother's ability work, he most likely doesn't control the fact that he sees you. He have random visions often horrible ones of situation that are happening somewhere or sometimes that will soon happen. He sees a lot of gruesome things usually and even make a lot of nightmares as he also get visions in his dream. It can also randomly activate when he touch someone or a place as well. He doesn't really control it that much. It just kinda happens and often makes him weak when it gets too much. So I can at least confirm that whatever he listened to he prob was sent there without really planning on it. And since you can see things that's probably how you see him too......

I'll be honest, he did mention seeing a girl with weird hair a few times but I didn't quite click on it right away, but I did have a conversation today that kinda got there because of one of my co worker that described you in front of him and my brother pretty got up his seat and stuff. I did try to get more info from him, but he wouldn't tell me... He did tell me that he would like to meet you if it was even possible, when he ask its usually that he saw something that he needs to warn the person about. But I think in your case it may be because of the weird phenomenon both of your abilities are doing. But yeah in short I highly doubt he wants you any harm. He may look a bit cold and stuff, but he's someone sweet inside I promise. Does that help a bit ? Also if you wish on meeting with him I could be there too if you're uncomfortable. If you wish not to, it's your choice as well.'' He waited for an answer with a comforting smile hoping he managed to remove probably one stress out of their shoulders.

Deego laughs a little, "....so you're telling me, this was an accident.  Her stalker is an accidental stalker."

Kyo chuckles a bit. ''Glad I could remove at least one stress out of you guys shoulders and help out. But yes it most likely is, but I don't think it's something he's experienced with his ability before, at least with the tiny stuff he told me. But yeah let me know if you're interested on meeting him. I could set up something easily. I think maybe that stuff is happening since your ability are so similar but I don't know.''

Kyo's appartment 11h35PM

Kyo finally got home after a long day and he didn't really care about eating at this point he just wanted to sleep. He did his usual routine and then removed his shirt and pants to crash into his bed. He almost forgot to set up the alarm and suddenly woke up after a ten minutes of dozing off to set it. There he could sleep at peace now. He would have to try and see his brother about Reela and Deego, but.... tonight he was just burned and was going to sleep.

{Attn: Open, Time skip up to Thursday 8:00 AM}

Ellie is settling into her classes her week has been busy.  The Etherball team is gearing up for the Staccato game and Coach Steele has been driving them hard.  She has barely seen Braedon at all, but she has been texting him conversationally.

Her favorite class is with Professor Arturas aka the nutty professor.  Whether he know some students call him that she does not know.  He may have his quirks, but she loves his class.

She wakes up in the morning to her alarm blaring.  She glares at it a ball of wind forming in her hand.  No, she need to get up and go for her jog.  The game again Staccato is tomorrow and she needs to work out her kinks.

She picks up her phone and goes to the messenger.  She sees Braedon’s name and smiles.

I don’t know how people can be up this early in the morning.  I just wanted to remind you of the Etherball game tomorrow against Staccato.  I cannot wait to see you, but will understand if you cannot come.  Promise me that we can go out this weekend sometime…I may need someone to work out my sore muscles =) .

~~~~~~~~

To say that Sophie has been busy is an understatement.  The convention was a total success.  The cosplayers she did the photos for loved the idea of her book, most of them not only allowed her to use the picture, but wrote a paragraph or two for the book as well.  All she has to do is get the content ready for the publisher.

She also met with the Admissions Dean at Delacroix University.  She was more than happy to assist Sophie with enrollment and selecting classes. She is taking 12 credits this semester.  She is making sure to avoid Ellie at all cost; thankful no classes are shared.  She is only on campus for classes, and really does not talk to anyone outside of class.

She is also checking in at CETE.  They made a uniform for her in her size too.  It fits perfectly, not that she had to use it yet.  She overheard some talk about a leak and new regulations about cases.  Nothing she has to worry about yet.  She has been given a mentor at CETE.  He is their current photographer.  She does recognize the name.  She was surprised that he worked for CETE.  She thought he worked for one of the local magazines.  

Turns out he does, and only works for CETE part time.  He is happy to see her because he does not like the job.  Sophie has a feeling that she is going to be given all the shit jobs because of it.  Not that she minds, she needs the job.

She is still getting occasional texts from Zorlias as well.  Why is he so interested in her?  She swears the next time he texts her, she will call him and verbally tell him to back off.  They have no reason to communicate and she will never forgive him for what he did.  Maybe it is time to get the police involved.  They must have some people who can protect her from Zorlias.

Sophie walks into her classroom and sees the bleary eyed students.  She chuckles to herself quietly.  This is why she loves morning classes, they are the least crowded.  She hopes after class to head over to CETE for a few hours and maybe have a workout there.

Timeskip Events

**Just wanted to say, xeno I did not forget you, its just I didn't think our characters would get the chance to see each other much in the chaos, but I promise to react to sophie being in CETE as soon as opportunity arise !!**

The day after, Kyo went to visit his brother after his long day of classes to talk about Keela and Deego and how they would also want to meet with him. Zorlias seemed thrilled and curious to meet them, however Kyo also explained that they would be moving out soon and so they would be able to see them only after.  He stayed over a bit later with his brother that day and ended up staying over for the night. Only to discover in the morning that pranks had been something that continued for the Lioness. But there was no lead to the suspects yet. Although Kyo worried for Zorlias's sleeping schedule, he was happy that this was most likely going to reduce her speed into doing more shit.

He took some info from Brae as soon as he could to make sure everything was going okay and apparently had found someone to stay with him which was good. It meant he would most likely be able to work safe.... however that was the least of his troubles as soon enough there had been a leak about the information regarding the case him and Kris had worked on. His dad was pissed about it and they had to lock all their files now, it was pretty discouraging to know they probably had a traitor among themselves or someone that managed to come in unseen. It took days to try and clear that stuff from the media and in between that he had been trying that suit prototype a couple of times. Though he felt pretty bad since he destroyed it every time so far. But Inami did not get discouraged, she would always call him back pretty fast.

Either way once the case was cleared from the media, it seemed they were putting it on hold at the moment as finding the wolf would be impossible, plus their Keltan friends were in the process of moving. In fact when Kyo had holes he would go visit them to bring them food. Another thing he would do within the week whenever he could was to go see Jenia, she was recovering well thanks to the special therapy and healing magic his dad paid for her. She would most likely be patched in no time which was amazing.

Current day/Zorlias Corp./6 AM

This morning he had another test with Inami before school and work after school.  He prepared his stuff for the day and quickly went to meet with the girl in one of the etheriest/equipment testing room.

(Will continue in a collab later this week)

Zorlias Corp./6AM ~ 8h40

Imani was there, waiting already, arguing with someone else in a similar lab coat as her own.  It didn't take too long before Kyo showed up, though she wasn't surprsied.  Zorlias was always punctual, so why would Kyo be any different?

"Hey," Imani says, "You ready to get started?"

Kyo nods with a smile, looking excited to see the new version of the suit and see if this one would hold to his transformation at least. He was always shy to remove his clothes though, but he did for most of them except for the boxers. He waited for the new suit to be handed over to him to try on.

Imani handed the suit over, glaring at the man she had just been arguing with as if daring him to say something further.  The man wisely chooses to say nothing further.  Then she says, "Alrighty, let's go.  Success, this time.  I'm sure of it."
 
Kyo gladly took the suit and started to put it on. Fibers felt slightly different from the last trial to touch. It was actually pretty comfortable and soft somehow. He was surprised. Taking a few step back he focus and start transforming into his third full form.

His transformation starts and his biologic armor starts to form all over his body as well as the long looking boots for the rider. However, everything that was armor seemed to have passed over the suit and his glyphs were still showing all over. The suit did not get ripped appart, no it was as if his armor went through it. How ?! Kyo started to get curious and started to test movement of articulations first where his armor wasn't really existent to give him room for movements. He could see the suit in those parts, but not much elsewhere. He looked happy and excited, he took a run to go get his celphone and came back as he forgot it in the locker room. Although it was a bit of a challenge to type in this but he managed barelly. ''This is amaziiiiiing !!!! So like should I try more action ish stuff to stress test it ?'' He asked looking like he was ready to jump all over like a kid.

Imani nods, "As usual.  We have the test dummies set up over there.  Have at it."

Kyo left his phone in Inami's care and then approached the dummies as he transformed his arm into a blade and as he got in range he stretched it to launch a slashing hit on the first dummy. He then brought it back and it felt like the suit was holding on perfectly. He then tried the same with his other arm and as he was done with a few test to make sure it seemed okay he decided to go for the fast run with his armor boots. He went full speed starting to appear as if he was roller skating against the walls and eventually came back down right in front of Inami. He seemed slightly out of breath, but not too badly so. He took back his celphone and wrote ''It wooooorks  !! Should I untransform now or would you like me to make more test ?''

Imani writes notes down as he is using his abilities against the dummies, paying close attention to the prototype as it moves and flexes with its wearer.  She looks down at her paperwork with approval as Kyo stops, typing on his phone screen.  After reading his text, she nods, "Yes.  I want you to continue using it for the next four or five hours.  After that, you can turn it in Jarvis.  I'll make you some copies and we'll ship them your way to make sure that you'll have plenty.  I expect reports on how they handle in the field."

''I won't be able to handle a transformation for that long with my ether, this form is still unstable in term of ether use, but I could do a couple more test with my first two  forms. However I also have classes around 9 until 12.  So I could do a few more test here for a bit more and then I could wear it under my clothes while I'm at school if you'd want me to try it longer on its passive form and bring it back after school. Is that okay ?'' He asked waiting for a reply.

"Very well," Imani says, "Just be sure to record your findings."

Kyo nods and as agreed, he continued to make more tests using his first two forms mostly. He left in a hurry around 8h40 to get to school on time. He still had the suit under his normal clothes and the longsleeves of it were going further then his short sleeves he had today. Oh well, he didn't really care for now.

Delacroix University/8h55AM~12PM

Kyo arrived barely on time in class and had a few stares at first since he's usually always there early. He simply smiled ignoring all those stares as today was an amazing day so far ! Or so he thought after getting dizzy for two seconds there before getting to his desk. He might have over did it in the testing session this morning. He still managed to get at his desk and sat down as everything was normal. Someone asked him if he was okay and he just smiled and gave a thumb up to say yes.

Class started, thankfully it wasn't a ether practice, because he most likely would not have enough energy for that. It was discussion on the ether history today. After a fairly long class and some exercises given by the teacher, he was finally free. He was surprised on how although it was pretty warm in the class, he was just fine. Was this another fonction of the suit ? Making so he's neither too cold or warm ? He would have to ask Inami about it later. For now though he planned on going to see Jenia and see if he could perhaps eat with her.

DAWN OF
THE DAY AFTER THAT WEEK THAT JUST PASSED
-Around 6AM (shit this is early for Kilder)-

[Attn: Closed]

The blades of the ceiling fan weren't particularly any more interesting than they were any other morning, and yet, fo rsome odd reason, Kilder found himself staring at them, in the dim light of his bedroom this morning... This was definitely not a normal day... Why was he even awake at this hour? What trail of events had led up to this? Not that he didn't ever have mornings that he woke up so early and couldn't sleep, but they were both A) infrequent, and B) usually didn't leave him feeling... oddly energized... OH! AND C) He didn't have this weird feeling usually, which he could only make sense to himself as a weird sort of anxiety.... or excitement? He couldn't even figure it out completely other than it was probably both... but he didn't know why.... just like he couldn't remember what on earth possessed him to actually go to bed EARLY last night, or how he had gotten surprisingly good at cooking for ...seemingly now.... his cat.... He hadn't even heard from Mayor Amden in... well, at all.... and the weirdest part was that he felt like he had formed some kind of odd link with Errette.... almost like she was communicating to him, and yeah, she was an expressive cat and it had sort of felt this way for a while... but at this point he almost swore he was hearing her ACTUALLY speak at times... That was something that made him think he was losing his mind more everyday.. If it weren't for the small bits of time that he had made to go to visit Jenia and being in school teaching, he probably would have gone crazy...

Classes lately just seemed more and more like a slog this pst week... this early in, and things were already this rough.... mostly that it didn't feel like he was moving things along very fast in his training classes, where being his favorite, were surprisingly difficult this year. The students that were trying weren't the most competent right now or just had a power that was difficult to utilize correctly, and the ones that did seem to know their power better were either overcompetent or holding back way to much.... he wondered if some of them even wanted to learn it, or weren't AFRAID to, at least.... it sucked... One of his standouts was Visargo, but while Visargo seemed to have great powerr and a lot of potential and may have even been good at controlling it, Kilder couldn't tell because he seemed afraid to show it.... and Kilder could tell... he had told him the room was built to allow him to test it without bringing harm to others, but so far it just felt like he didn't trust that... *sigh* That got to Kilder a bit, really... But there was still a lot of the semester left, at least.

At least his visits to Jenia had been nice, and she was really recovering quite well, but he wished he had gotten to see her a bit more recently still... she had been busy a lot... and so had he really with the state of the school and the investigation still going on around it had been even worse.... Jenia had been a bit more distant in ways lately, but Kilder knew that she was just stressed... he kinda wished she would vent about it a bit more though.

On top of all this, Kilder and Zorlias had been staying out a lot at night lately... it had been almost like a second, more fun job, and Kilder took a lot of pride in their work. He was happy they were back together but wow...staying out so late was harder than it used to be for sure, although it was actually funny how easy it had been avoiding getting caught now. Were they just that good at this or did CETE and the police have too much else on their hands to care? Not that they couldn't get out of it if so, and Kilder suspected that it was more than just Kyo who would cover for tehm as far as THAT was concerned anyway.... Everyone there already HATED the Lioness as it was....

Just thinking of that, Kilder couldn't help but smile to himself... still looking up at his ceiling... with all these thoughts rushing through his head... everything seemed like it wasw going so fast, and yet... what was even happening? This had all just became normal for him again in a way... but there was something that he kept wondering to himself.... how was he doing all this in the first place and not laying here at the crack of dawn, completely awake and not exhausted? It really didn't make sense... he had only been as organized as the bare minimum for being considered organized in his entire life, but suddenly he was juggling more than ever and..... it was working?

His entire train of thought had shifted at this point from "wow, life is rough lately," to "wow, life is rough lately but... I'm getting by... just... fine?" What the fuck? That can't be right... I'm never this organized! he thought.

He popped up from bed at this realization.. "holy shit... that's gotta be it.... I HAVE MY SHIT TOGETHER! Despite the small mishaps, and the lack of social time... I am taking care of shit! HOLY SHIT! ERRETTE, I don't know what's going on, but I kinda feel like a responsable ADULT! DESPITE THE FACT THAT I TALK TO A CAT AND DEFILE PRIVATE PROPERTY AT NIGHT! THIS IS REALLY WEIRD!"

Errette looked up at this sudden outburst, somewhat sleepily but with as much grace as ever, giving Kilder one of her eye-roll like expressions (he had gotten used to this one) and then laying right back down.

"Okay, I know, I know, calm down, as usual, sorry... I just feel so weird today... not sure if this all it is either.. although this would definitely be a weird thing... it's even WEIRDER because Piper has been kept so busy lately that even she isn't nagging me about ACTING LIKE AN ADULT lately and NOW, I actually feel like I'm DOING JUST THAT."

Piper really had been staying late at work a lot lately too, which made him wonder what Zor had her working on, but he was also pretty sure Zor was doing this on purpose to cover up their prank work from her somewhat.... Seemed about right. And although Zorlias still didn't say much, the hangout time was super refreshing. Kilder still wondered though... there were definitely some things that Zorlias was hiding, and even THIS.. This prank thing they were doing. It was the most they had done together in YEARS, and Kilder could tell there had to be more to this than just 'revenge for his sister.' As always, Zor was good at covering his emotions, but there were glimpses. He knew there was a bigger endgame in all this somehow, he was just trying to work his way to the point where Zorlias would actually spill what it was to him again. Kilder wanted his best friend back, and he felt like he was starting to get him back, although very slowly.

Maybe that was this part of this feeling this morning too... Like... one of those almost future-predicting feelings that SOMETHING... BIG was about to happen... Did those really exist? Kilder wasn't sure, but he felt like they did. "Maybe today is the day Zorlias opens up and begins to tell me what has been going on with him all these years, or maybe Jenia will open up more to me and tell me if she feels anything for me, hehe, because I mean, why not?" he thought, "Or maybe ERRETTE WILL START EXPLAINING HOW IT SEEMS LIKE SHE'S TALKING TO ME! ERRETTE, AM I MAD??" He said this out loud, causing Errette to pop up again.

"You aren't mad, but you are annoying...." Kilder thought? to himself as he looked at Errette who looked kinda pissed now, really.

"Maker it's been a weird last few weeks... and I've been inner monologuing for like.... an hour now.... somewhat incoherently.... I think I should make breakfast and get ready for work now...."

Delacroix University/12h~1h PM

**This is a collab between me, Leah7 and RadioTanuki**

(ATTN : Closed/Jenia's office)

As he started to walk Jenia's way he saw that he actually got a message from her saying she wanted to see him and so he moved over there with his lunch in hand. He arrived in front of her office and knocked as usual before he entered. He waved at her and got closer, sititng down in one of the chair in front of her and typed ''I was just about to come and ask if I could eat with you and then I saw your text so either way I was coming here haha. How are you doing sis ?''

Kilder looked up at the clock... it was already noon, thank god... the early morning lectures had been dragging ass today.... The subject matter used to be at least a bit more fun than this, but the deeper into the law terminology they got, it got to be a slog at times, and this unit was... ugh... he pitied the students on this one, but they had to learn it... He was just ready  for some lunch at this point but discovered he had a message from Jenia. "Oh... Jenia wants to see me? Okay... wow I think it's been a bit since she called me to the office at lunch.... of course I don't miiind.... hehe..." he smiled. "Should I maybe bring some candles??.... Okay, Kilder, too much man, stop that!" he shook his head and put on a straight face. "I'm sure it's just business is all. Definitely nothing like that.." He was about to open the office door but notice the door just closing behind Kyo. "Hmm... Okay... this may be more important than I thought then..." He walked into the office and did a small salute-wave, " 'ello gov'na, how may I help you? And 'ello to you too, Kyo! How's it going?" He smiled to them.

Jenia is sitting at her desk when Kyo comes in and she smiles and waves at him upon his entry.  She waits patiently as he writes up his text and is handed his cellphone just as Kilder walks in.  She gives him a quick "hi" and smile before looking down at the phone and reading the text.  Then, she hands the phone back to her brother.

"I'm doing well.  I've made a good friend, Delilah.  I've been spending a lot of time with her and I think you'd like her.  Anyway, yeah.  I'm good.  Just restless, to be honest.  I'm ready to be out running."  Jenia speaks softly, rolling back from her desk slightly and turning her chair around to mess with the blinds in the room.

The entire back wall behind her desk is a glass window, but the blinds there are massively thick and useful for blocking out too much light--or prying eyes.  Or anything else that could be annoying, really.  She turns back around after closing them, tapping the lamp on her desk to provide more light into the now dimmed room.

"I'm glad to hear you're at least out getting some social interaction, Jenia, and I'm sure. I think I would be going crazy in your position, personally. If you ever need anything, of course, I'm here, you know. So anyway... this place just got spookier," he said as she drew the blinds. "How can we help you, Jenia?" he said, placing his hands behind him as if a fancy waiter.

Kyo does a quick wave of hi toward Kilder while Jenia was reading the text on his phone. He then wrote ''I'm glad you're better and nice about your new friend, I'm glad. And be patient it's coming, when you're ready I could come and jog with you if you'd like ! '' He then noticed how Jenia closed the blinds behind her so that no one would spy through the window. He knew this was getting serious. ''Seems like you called us for a serious issue. I'm listening.'' Kyo added to his previous text.

Jenia frowns, "Yeah.  We can still have lunch....but there is an issue I need you guys for, so I want to get it out of the way.  How familiar are you guys with Ken Li?"

"Hmmm.... I can't say I know of him? Is he an extra from kung fu movies or something? He's famous, I guess,  right?"

Kyo thinks for a second there and start writing ''I've heard of him a bit about him from news I read online sometimes I guess... but I can't really say I know of him much other than that.''

Kilder at this point pulled a sandwich from his pocket and began eating as he waited for Kyo's response

Jenia scowls, "I've now had the displeasure of meeting him.  That's right--he came all the way to Kyrie Vaan to tell me that he wishes his son to be an exchange student here.  He's sort of....put me into a corner and unless I want the University to look bad, I've got to do it.  The kid is going to be here in an hour and I'm selecting you two to be his....'guides,' so to speak."

She pulls out a file, one that Kyo will probably find familiar.  She slides it along the desk for Kilder to see as she looks down at it with a look of displeasure, "And by his guides, I expect you to keep an eye on him--I want you two to watch him as CETE agents would.  I want a full investigation into this boy.  The information I have on him is....unsatisfactory and I don't trust the Dictator's motivations."

Kilder almost chokes on his sandwich, but then gets it down finally... looking at her with a blank stare now. "Well, it's a good thing I didn't still have coffee I guess... AN HOUR??? WHAT? Okay.... so.. the son of a PRESUMABLY EVIL DICTATOR, because like... when DON'T those two words go together... is gonna be here in AN HOUR... and we have to babysit? Sorry... Okay... that's.. that's kinda big? I mean, I can do it... I WILL do it... but why such short notice?" Kilder coughed a bit. "Sorry to freak out a bit there," he said, finally clearing his throat.

Kyo reconized the file alright and shook his head writting. ''I'm sorry you had to meet that guy and was forced to take his son in when he didn't fill his information properly. I'll look into it sis. I'll have to contact some folks to say I'll be late however. Have to deliver back something I'm wearring to an employee of bro, kinda been working on something for me when I transform. His face looked slightly excited there, but then went back to serious as he typed the rest. But ! I'll tell her I'll swing by later. And I'll tell dad I might be late cause you need me for something that's okay ?''

Jenia looks apologetic, "I don't mean you'll have to give him a tour today or anything--just meet him. that's all.  I want to introduce you both as the people to go to when he has questions or whatever.  The tours you'll be able to schedule and I recommend not being alone with this guy--ever.  I've seen his Ether and something is off."

She pauses, reads Kyo's text, and then nods her head, "Yeah, I noticed you had used some of your ability today... I'm sorry.  I know this is last minute, but I didn't know he was going to be here soon soon.  They sort of threw this on me."

Kyo shook his head with a smile and wrote ''Don't worry anything for you sis, I don't mind moving my schedules a bit to make time for the meeting. And yeah I did some field testing with the suit this morning. The third form ate some ether alright, but the suit didn't break which is awesoomeee... anyhow back on topic, really don't mind it sis. And off ? Like dangerous ?''

Kilder picked up the file and thumbed through it curiously as Jenia spoke. "Yeah... Sorry to freak out like that Jenia. I know this isn't your fault anyway. And don't worry, we'll take that all into account. I don't think it will be a problem at all. If anything the least bit suspicious comes up, you'll know right away. And don't worry, we'll take care of this together as much as possible, or at least with someone on standby as backup. I think it's safe to consider this official CETE business in this case anyway. No worries.... WE GOT THIS!" Kilder beamed at her, hoping it would put her at ease a bit. Looking at what Kyo had written, he looked back up to her. "Oh yeah.. do you know anything more about that? Is this guy like unstable or something? I mean... that shouldn't be too big a problem.... I deal with that in class a lot, but I may need to talk to Zor about getting some possible precautionary equipment for this if it seems that dangerous... It's pretty amazing what some of that stuff he has can do..."

Jenia opens her mouth to speak, but she stops as her brows furrow.  She listens intently, hearing footsteps clattering down the hallway--running heels.  One of the eyebrows raise as she points at Kilder and asks him to get to the door to open it.  Kilder only just reaches the door as the frantic sounds halt more loudly just on the other side and knocking is heard through the wooded structure.

The door is opened, but the clerk thrusts the door open more wildly than Kilder had initially intended to open it, himself.  It's Jenia's personal Clerk, but she is supposed to be out for lunch.  Her cheeks are red, her hair is a mess, and she looks miserable and aloof with her wide, frantic eyes and her aruduous breathing from the running in her heels.

"I--"  The clerk says, but she bends over to breathe.

Jenia holds up a hand to calm her, "Breathe.  Just breathe, Zoe."

Zoe pushes out her panicked words, "The--Shun Li!  He's here.  He's on his way up to meet you."

Kyo was in shock hearing what he just saw and heard. Guess he would eat a little late for now. ''This isn't good, I'll stay close Jenia and let you speak. '' He moved closer to Zoe and wrote. ''Thanks for telling my sis, are you okay? Need water ? I have some in my bag.''

The door swings open so fast as Kilder reaches to open it that he drops what is left of his sandwich, the door hitting him in the face. Less phased by this he was as the look of terror on Zoe's face. "Woah, woah, it's gonna be okay, just.. we got this! DON'T PANIC... NOW!... Jenia... what do we do? Should we go out and meet him halfway?" Trying to act in control of the situation only worked for Kilder until he realized that he actually didn't know how to approach this at all.... He might as well have been caught in the bathroom stall, not finished with his business yet...

Jenia sighs, "Thanks, Zoe.  Just lead him up here....slowly.  Take your time, really.  And breathe."

Zoe nods her head, taking the offered water and taking a big drink before she apologizes to Kilder and exits the room and Jenia rolls around once more, opening the shades back up.  She then begins to clean up her desk--removing her lunch that she had prepared to eat and the file from its surface with care and into one of the drawers below.

"Scarf your lunches, if you're gonna eat," Jenia says, "Might as well meet you now, I guess.  An hour early, really??  This is ridiculous.  Kyo, bring that third chair over here, would you?  No, not that the brown one--get the black one, it's more comfortable.  Yeah."

Jenia opens up another drawer, pulls out a brush, and quickly grooms herself with a small hand mirror.  She looks herself over, brushes off her business dress, and then looks back up at the boys and sighs.  This is going to be a rough day.

Kyo was glad to offer the water to poor Zoe, he always had extra anyways so it wasn't a big deal. ''And I'll do my best to eat quick a part of my lunch, I'll eat the rest later if anything. I don't mind.'' He wrote after bringing the chair Jenia asked for and placed it next to the wheelchair. He was looking at her get ready and couldn't help, but be a little bit worried about her. Still he would stay with her while the said meeting would last. He took the chair he had initially and brought it a bit closer to eat his food.

"It's okay, Zoe," he told her before she left, "Just calm down and take care of yourself." He then goes to clean up the remains of his deceased sandwich as he listens to Jenia speak and helps her tidy up some of the other things around the room in a rush. He runs his hands through his hair a bit quickly to hand brush it and looks up to both of them as Jenia told them it was going to be rough. He was worried now.. but he knew he had to keep cool, for her sake.... for everyone's sake. He and Kyo were both CETE, and while it had been a while since he had done this sort of CETE stuff, he had to act like a real agent now. It had just been a while. He smiled uneasily... At least he had Kyo here to help too. "Um, Jenia... you have a stray hair there you missed, by the way..." he chuckled a bit, then gulped, kind of hoping it could somehow ease the mood. He wasn't lying about it to fake her out, either way, so it couldn't hurt, right?

Jenia straightened up the hair as best she could, but she could also hear footsteps coming down the hallway--multiple people, this time.  With another brush on her suit, she waits patiently as the door is knocked upon and Jenia invites them in.

Zoe enters in with two men--one obviously a teenager and the other a grown man.  By his stereotypic suit and buff exterior, she can guess that he's a bodyguard.  The strong amount of Ether also added to this possibility, but there was still a chance she could be wrong.  With a smile, she invited them to sit.

The teenager is a boy with silver eyes and black hair, piercings, and tattoos.  His attire is that of black cargo pants and a maroon and black, Jai Yeoung styled, silk vest.  He carries himself casually as the bodyguard simply moves to the back of the room and stands up against the wall quietly.  Bodyguard, indeed.  

The teenager, now seated on the other side of Kyo from Kilder, looks at the other two and nods his head to each of them and to Jenia, "Sup."

Jenia forces a smile, "Shun, this is Kilder and Kyo.  Kilder is a professor here and Kyo is a student, both of which I have selected to help you around the campus when you need assistance."

Shun looks them both up and down analytically, his eyes quick as he leans forward in his chair and shakes Kilder's hand and then "fist bumps" the air in Kyo's direction after he doesn't return the shake.  Jenia was quick to explain that Kyo is mute and doesn't like to be touched, but that his texting is pretty fast and he speaks through that.

"A'ight.  Coo'," Shun says, "I haven't looked through the City, yet.  Just got here, really."

Kyo smiles to the new guy and play around with what Jenia told him. ''Yeah sorry about it, don't want to make you uncomfortable. If you need any help with directions and such I could try my best to help you.'' He wrote to the new guy hoping it would make him feel comfortable.

"Nice, to meetcha dude," Kilder loosened up at hearing this kid's demeanor. "And yeah, if you need anything, just let us know man, we're here to help however we can while you're here. Which could include...." he cut his eyes at Jenia, "uh, yes, showing you around here, if the time allows. However I do have classes this afternoon, so it may depend on time. Jenia?" he said, not sure how far they were supposed to go for this dude... He hoped she would step in and help him not goof this shit up anymore than he might have already... "Shiiiit how far are we gonna have to go for this guy? At least he seems easy going... but...."

Shun cuts in casually, "Hey, today is moving day, still.  I'm getting my suite all set up.  But I can give ya my info and then you guys can hit me up when we go partyin'.  You can show me where all the chill places are at....look, can I be frank, here?"

Jenia looks at him with speculation, but she nods her head, "Candid and honest, yes.  Be so and we will be so in return.  Out of respect, of course."

Shun grins, "Great.  Look....Ms. Delacroix.  I hear my dad made you let me come over here and...well, that's great for me, but it sucks for you.  He's gonna be watching you like a hawk and the best thing you can do is ignore him.  After I get settled, I don't expect any special treatment.  I'm just a kid, y'know?  You don't feel pressured to keep giving me all these..."

Shun gestured to Kilder and Kyo briefly as he continued, "...benefits.  I'm here to learn and that's it.  Once I learn what I came to learn, I'll get outta your hair.  --I gotta say, though, choosing a mute as my guide?  I'm judging your choices here, lady."

Jenia catches the humor in this last part and she smiles genuinely, this time.  He's charming and loose.  She likes that.  With a small laugh, she says, "Well, Kyo here is my brother, so I know that I'm giving you the best.  Kilder....well, let's just say I chose him just to mess with you.  You'll know what I mean when you get to know him."

''I may be mute, but I know a lot about the school and the city so I can help regardless and I'm happy to help if I can help you. I'd do the same to other new peeps who need help honestly. Hope we can get along and that you'll have a bit of patience with me typing. I'm sure Jenia only wants you to integrate the place okay too, you're coming in a bit later as well, so you might need extra guidance compared to people who came on day 1. Really if you have questions or need directions don't hesitate I'll be happy to help. '' He mentioned with a smile. This guy was pretty honest and easy-going so far, though kyo went with it, he was still on his toes in case. But the guy seemed okay.

Kilder let out a sigh of relief that was farther from inaudible than he would have hoped, but whatever at this point. He felt as if all the weight had been lifted, but he'd best stay on guard anyway... He couldn't trust this kid on this alone, as much easier as that would possibly make this. "Well then, that said, I think we're going to be just fine! Hey, you may enjoy my company, even! As far as parties go, Kyo's a bit younger than me, so he might know, but as social as he is, I don't think he typically attends them, haha.. Well he is also always pretty covered up, but dude, I'm glad you understand our position, for real. But still, if you need any help around here, we are here for that, just as we are for any other student!" He leaned in closer to him to whisper, "And I may be a bit too old for parties, but that doesn't mean I don't know where some are if you ever wanna hit me up about finding them.... hehe..." he smirked. "But yeah, no worries about special treatment. You're a new exchange student, so it's only natural you might need a bit of help around here. I mean, not like there are that many ETHER schools around in the first place!" Kilder said, mildly amused. Maybe he was being a bit too casual, but that kinda played into his plan anyway. The cooler he acted, the more at ease this guy should be around him. At least... as long as he wasn't overselling it... which was unfortunately likely....

Shun read Kyo's text, listened to Kilder talk and just smiled with a small smile as he leaned back in his chair as any kid would do.  "Yeah....coo', guys.  Pull out'cha cells.  I'll give ya my number and you can hit me up.  I'll be unpacking at first, but Ms. Delacroix said it's okay to have a few days before starting classes."

He looks over at Jenia and winks before actually taking out a card from his back pocket and handing it over to Kyo that has his contact information on it.  "Man, my dad didn't tell me how pretty Vaan girls are.  Or how elegant you are.  You wearin' Ethermist?  I freakin' love that perfume, I dig it."

Jenia blushes a little, surprised to be flirted with by someone so much younger than she.  And the fact that he could smell her perfume from all the way over there?  Maybe she had put it on more strongly than usual this morning...

"Ahem," Jenia says, embarrassed, "Thank you. Yes, it's Ethermist.   I didn't realize it was such a popular scent."

Kyo nods and gladly takes the contact info in his cellphone and then he starts replying. ''Sounds good, unpacking can be a bit hardcore, take your time on setting up. '' He was surprised the guy started to flirt on Jenia now, he sure didn't expect that. Even less so with the sensitive nose the guy had. ''I know it's weird to say, but I'm impressed by your sense of smell.''  Kyo wrote with a smile. Although inside he wasn't super comfy with the idea of him flirting Jenia, but so as long he stay within the line of respect, Kyo would keep from saying something about it.

Kilder took his contact info, and gave his to him. Then as he listened to what else the kid had to say, his eyes widened and cut over at Jenia quickly as she blushed <.< "THE FUCK? NO!... He's a child... that's just weird.. but w-hu-huuuut.... THE FUCK??" He quickly looked back and smiled at Shun, trying to hide his, unease. "Oh yeah, maan, dude... trust me, there are FAAAAR more pretty girls out there where that came from. Just in this school alone... Just wait until you see your classes man! THEY'RE EVERYWHERE! Hehe! And all quite young and athletic, I might add, too... yeah... haha..." ^^'

Kyo gave a look to Kilder about that last statement, but then gave in return his contact info to Shun for him to add after this one was done reading.

Jenia looks at Kilder as he is talking about all the "hot girls" in his class.  She says nothing, but she just...stares.   Shun is laughing and grinning, looking quite happy about this news, so she's happy that he doesn't notice her glare of displeasure.  If she were Supergirl, Kilder would have met her lazer eyes and been desintigrated, by now.

"I have no doubt, my dude," Shun says, "I just like 'em classy--and older, if I'm gonna be honest.  The older they are, the better they treat me.  That's what I think....I like 'em experienced."

Kilder was about to lose his mind, but kept his smile.... In fact, it got slightly more intense as he tried not to grind his teeth together.... "Oh yeah, well, ha ha... there's still plenty of those around I'm sure...." "I WILL KILL YOU AND YOUR FUCKING FATHER AND BURN YOUR ENTIRE COUNTRY IF YOU TOUCH HER... JAI YEOUNG WILL EXIST NO MORE..." ".... BUT! " he said raising his finger to the air with a goofy smile, "I must remind you that student-teacher fraternization as such is strictly prohibited and stands as grounds for expulsion here, just in case you happened to get the hots for any of our lovely faculty members! ...And I don't know how you swing.... but man... I'm sorry, you just aren't my type..." he said taking an apologetic tone. THIS WAS FUCKING WAR. He would have to explain this to Jenia afterwards... somehow....

Shun was obviously hitting on Jenia again and it showed. Kyo was a little irritated inside and wasn't sure what to say to keep him off Jenia without making a bomb happen. It's then that Kilder started and Kyo couldn't help, but giggle slightly at the last part. ''Well he have a special way of saying it, but it's kinda true.'' He added to what Kilder said with a smile again. He just couldn't believe Kilder said that at the end.

Shun laughed, "Damn, that sucks.  Here I was gettin' excited.  Okay, threesome is out."

He stands up, offering a hand to Kilder and Jenia once more and an "air fist bump" to Kyo as he talks about how he should "get going."  He doesn't want to keep these guys for too long.  With a small, but pleased smile, he says, "It was a pleasure meeting each of you.  I hope we'll talk again soon.  I know my way out, no worries.  Have a nice day."

His bodyguard is already at the door, holding it open for the exit to come.  Fast--he moved fast.  Jenia didn't even see him move from the wall to the door.  He was just there.  That's one hell of a bodyguard.

"The pleasure was ours, Shun.  Please.  Let us know if you need anything."  Jenia says.

Kyo waved at Shun to say byebye with a smile, although the bodyguard freaked him out for a sec there, he stayed cool about it though, but that movement was crazy. His hands a bit more free for now, he took a couple of bites of food while waiting for them to get out and walk further.

Kilder just stared off into space at the threesome comment.... he felt like his eyes were about to bulge out of his head, so he closed them and put on a fake smile as he shook his hand, laughing nervously.... Upon Shun leaving.... his expression went blank once again and his face turned as red as a fire truck.... and then he broke into cold sweat trying to fathom what the literal fuck just happened there..... he was afraid to even turn in Jenia or Kyo's direction now... he just wanted to run to his office and curl up in fetal position in a corner.... and for Jenia to hold him and tell him the bad man wasn't coming back... but he really didn't see the second part happening.... especially after that awkward.... awkward was actually an understatement for that threesome comment... "That kid made a FOOL out of me.... noooooooooo...." He honestly couldn't remember the last time he was so embarrassed... oh no..... never mind.... one of the last times he saw Cynric actually... never mind....

Jenia sighs with relief, pulling out her lunch, "Glad that hell is over.  What a charming kid.  Doesn't seem half bad, now."

She begins to unwrap her sandwiches and noodles, "Okay, so.  His Ether is like...not just in his aura, I don't think.  It expands more widely with him than most people's do.  Whatever his ability is, it might be limited by touch, but it might not be.  What I do know is that he's pretty good at using it, whatever it is."

Kyo started to type with his free hand while he ate fruits with the other. ''I see, although he seems chill but I'll still be on my guard. Plus I honestly don't like how he was flirting you. Though he stayed polite, but still. Anyhow we'll still carry on the task when he's around school ground some more. And I'll try and watch out for his ability though it's hard to tell what it could be. His bodyguard was intense though. ''

"I didn't think he was thaaaaaaat charming, I mean... Yeah he had some, for sure, but I thought he was a bit...  too forward, don't you?" Upon noticing Jenia immediately change the subject, and then kind of hoping she had ignored his last comment, he added,  "Hey, no worries, Jenia, I got it... Whatever his ability is... I'll have it  figure out for ya!" he said smiling confidently and giving a thumbs up to her. "He'll have to show me if he's in my begginer class! ... He is, right?" he quickly cut his eyes both ways comically with a suspicious look on his face.

Jenia rolls her eyes, "I'm hit on all the time.  It comes with being a woman.  Don't worry about it.  Anyway, just keep in contact with him, find out what you can.  Let me know."

Phew... "Yeah, true.... Aye aye, capitan, will doooo!" Kilder replied, leisurely giving his two finger salute. "eh boooy... this kid.... this was gonna be a rough semester.... ugh" he thought as he walked out...

Kyo nods as he continue to eat some more and type again with his food free hand. ''Alright sounds good. Sorry, I just can't help, but worry cause you're my sister. But if you say it's okay it is. Just tell me if one of those dudes ever gets too far yo. And I'll finish eating with you before I leave if it's okay ?'' He asked her to be sure.

Kyo took the time to finish his lunch with Jenia and spoke about more casual things with her. Even showed her a glimpse of what the suit was doing by transforming a part of his arm. He didn't want to go full out to keep his ether in case. Jenia seemed thrilled about it and he couldn't help but smile and tell her to not tell Zorlias she saw before him, he'd probably be jelly. When he was done, he left the school ground to go back and see Imani.

**Collab with Leah**
August 20th, 10:15am

Bixxa awoke to the sun beaming its light through a small hole in the shades and onto her eye. She winced, pulled from her dream of the city and its endless alleyways. Bixxa turned over to face away from the blinding light, but her body already decided it was time to wake up. After spending 3 minutes trying to ignore nature's call, she finally gave up. She unraveled herself from her bedsheets and concentrated her apendages into tentacle-like limbs. After a drawn out yawn, she pushed herself up into a sitting position and then stood on two makeshift legs. Shortly after relieving herself, she walked into the kitchen to feed on cereal. Even though she had been living in the same apartment for what felt like a week, eating breakfast without having to steal it was a new experience for her. Not only that, but the silence of the enclosed space was still unnatural to her. No sounds of feet shuffling across the sidewalk, cars rumbling down the road, or angry partners arguing at the top of their lungs. Without Kris in the room, it felt somewhat sterile. Bixxa opened the window in the living room and watched the scene outside. It was a beautiful morning that she would have missed if it weren't for the sun.
Bixxa thought about how Kris would always come home looking like she never left work. She had an intensity to her that seemed concerning. If Bixxa wasn't out tutoring or freerunning, she'd wait in the living room for Kris to come home. She works herself too hard, like the other adults. She needs a vacation. And as Bixxa put the bowl and spoon in the dishwasher, the lonliness she once forgot came seeping back in. She stroked her hands, reminding herself Perdix was with her, but she still craved human interaction more than she ever did while living on the street. Maybe I should visit her. I think my pass should work. I am a part of CETE. I can probably find her if she's still there. Yeah. Bixxa then hurried to get herself dressed and wrapped in strips of cloth. She bolted out the door, making sure to lock it, this time. On her way to CETE headquarters, she came across a convenience store, one that she remembered buying chocolate from. Ah! I should get her some! She'll be so surprised. After spending some of her allowance on a chocolate bar, she unwrapped a small section of the cloth and let the chocolate bar sink into her hand as if it fell in a cup of syrup.
With the chocolate stored safely, she continued to CETE, walking up to the front gates with her pass hung around her neck.

As Bixxa approached the CETE establishment, one of the guys at the front desk looks warily at her when she enters the door, but he also looks incredibly exhausted.  Of course, all the desks for the agents are way in the back, but Kris is already up front, arguing with the front desk guy, herself.  This is probably the cause of his exhuastion.  He opens his mouth to speak to Bixxa, but Kris interrupts him before he can even dream to utter a word.

Kris says, "She's with me."

She gestures her over with one arm, picking up her cup of coffee with the other as she turns to head back towards her desk.  She is walking down the space between the rows of desk with a confident calm as they walk, the guy up at the front gazing back with an afronted expression--probably because she granted him no closure to their argument...not even a goodbye.  She makes her way to her desk and then points at the extra chair with papers stacked up in it.

"Have a seat," she says.

Bixxa stared blankly at the chair with the pile of papers on the seat. Am I in trouble? She hesitantly thought to herself. Completely forgetting the chocolate in her arm, she silently walked up to the pile of papers and sat on top of it, having to crouch for a small hop in order for her bottom to reach the top of the papers. "Uhh....hi Kris. H-how are you?" Bixxa stammered as she struggled to face Kris. Her legs dangled a foot above the floor, making it apparent she didn't really have human feet to anyone perceptive enough.

Kris had already noticed the girl's physical oddities during their week of staying together, but she says nothing.  Partly, she's jaded from her work--she's seen a lot of shit, but she hasn't seen it all.  Still, it's rude to ask, unless you're doing something incredibly abrasive with it.  Happily, Bixxa has enver given her a reason to pry.

"My work is not going to plan," Kris says, sounding displeased, "So I'm not happy.  What about you?"

"Not happy?" Bixxa's eyes widened as she realized her intuition was right. Kris was unhappy! How long had she gone on like this without saying anything? Bixxa jumped as she remembered the chocolate. "Oh! I bought you something to cheer you up!" She unraveled one of her hands, trying to ignore the other strangers in the room. She held out her unwrapped hand, taking a moment to concentrate. Her face scrunched as she forced the chocolate bar out of her hand. It slowly emerged from her palm, rising up as if it were like lava bubbling to the surface. The bar was nearly halfway exposed to the air when Bixxa finally let out the breath she'd been holding while concentrating. "Uhhh...ehehe...I'm still learning." She confessed with a wavering voice. She tried looking only at Kris so she didn't look at anyone else, but Kris' hardened gaze forced her to look toward the floor.

Kris smiles a little, "That's very kind of you, thank you.  Don't you worry--you'll get used to things.  You're supposed to keep busy each day--what's on your schedule today?"

Bixxa warms to Kris' compliment, feeling confident enough to face her. "Well...I don't have tutoring today, so um, nothing much, really."

Kris nods her head, "I see.  Well...You can shadow me today, if you want.  It's nothing too exciting, but I'll be giving you something to do."

Bixxa's mouth widened into a big grin as her eyes shimmered. "This is going to be so cool!" She put her hands on her cheeks in excitement, feeling the plastic of the chocolate wrapper rub against her skin. Her awe was briefly interrupted by the chocolate bar that was still embedded in her hand. She clutched the exposed chocolate bar with her other hand and started wrenching it as hard as possible. "I'll do...anything....you want." She grunted in between pulls. After tugging with enough force to disfigure solid aluminum, she accidentally broke the chocolate into two. One end was still lodged in her hand and the other smushed into a shape that resembled a smooth turd. Bixxa's body froze once she realized the chocolate was no longer one, and when she opened her clutched hand, her mouth fell open. "Son of a bitch!" She exclaimed for all in the room to hear. Her chocolate-embedded hand then snapped to her mouth, molding itself to fit the shape of her face. Her eyes darted around the room, finally falling upon Kris for any shred of complacency.

Kris raised an eyebrow, oddly confused at the display, but she snatches up a piece of the chocolate and eats it.  She looks down at some papers, signs on a couple of lines, and then stands up.  Moving over to put some case work into some filing cabinets, she looks over at Bixxa with a look of expectation.  The girl's all exciteable.  Rookies.  She clears her throat.

Kris says, "Okay, rookie.  You're gonna do as I say and when I say it.  I expect you to keep up.   If you have questions, ask, but not in front of the civilians.  Got it?"

As Kris picked up one piece of the chocolate, Bixxa's guard lowered. Maybe she screw up as badly as she thought. She caught a few workers glancing at the two of them with prying eyes. Bixxa kept her hands close together, trying to prevent the others from seeing her dark skin. Still, she was happy Kris ate some of the chocolate, and when she faced Bixxa with those steely eyes, Bixxa felt the expectation through the air. Bixxa was so anxious that when Kris finally spoke, it caught her off guard.

"Uh, yeah!" She proceeded to sit up with her back straight and hands on her lap. She had no idea why she suddenly felt like sitting that way but it seemed appropriate.

Kris nods, "Good.  Then eat your piece and we'll be off.  I've got the file and I get to go to my next crime scene.  I don't know why, but I have this odd feeling that you're going to love it..."

Kris stood up, on her way out towards the font of the office.  She looks back to make sure that Bixxa is following only once before she continues on out the front door and into the parking lot.  It is time to begin her new case--a less interesting case, to be sure, but certainly not the one she wants to be working on.

Bixxa took her new instructions without hesitation. She jumped off of the stack of papers, causing several sheets to fall to the floor. She scrambled to pick up the papers and messily place them back on the stack. By then, Kris was already halfway to the front of the office, so Bixxa hustled to catch up, concentrating on removing the rest of the chocolate from her hand. When it was finally free, she gobbled the remaining piece and tucked the wrapper beneath her shirt.

In her life, Delilah had never considered herself a particularly anxious person. Of course, she worried, as did anyone else. But up until this very moment, she knew she had never truly felt anxious.

'Delilah, there will come a time when you have to face things you would rather run away from. Things I will not be able to protect you from; know what when this happens, you might come to face things about yourself you would have rather not seen.'

Were those things her white knuckles, her jittery legs, her wide, frantic eyes? Or was it the hammering in her chest, her shortness of breath- the nagging voices in her ears that made her treat every glance as an accusation.

She tried to remember her mothers soft touch upon her deep, ivory black hair; her soft words in her ear. The way her chest rumbled when she hummed Delilah to sleep. She felt calm, for a moment, the briefest of moments.

But then she remembered how 'family' had put her in this situation, and the comfort once again shifted to anxiety.

Reid was not a terrible companion for such things- he was cheery, upbeat. Perhaps too upbeat for the situation. When she asked for answers, he had dodged, telling her they could wait until they got to the precinct. Delilah didn't want to wait. And if she saw Braedon there she new for certain she would either jump out of her skin, or die of paranoia right on the spot.

She had zipped her jacket all the way up, all the way up to her chin. Burying her mouth in it as her posture crawled into itself. Her once free, relaxed demeanor, gone, replaced by a bundled mess of anxiety and uncertainty.

"You know, agent, when someone puts off telling you something, it is usually because the news is bad."

As Reid opened up the office door with a quick movement and a big smile, he gestured her inwards with an overly large, gracious movement.  He looks amused, but also quite mischievous as he replies, "Ms. Devereaux, I never deliver bad news.  Only the good and the better."

Delilah's collar moved down below her chin revealing a deep, rather comical frown. "Tell me why I do not trust your statement." She notes the impishness of his demeanor. She never took Reid for a sadist, but now she was suspecting her initial perception of him might have been wrong-

'No, no, Delilah. You're simply being paranoid.' She thought to herself, clutching onto her staff as she shuffled in the door, her chin low as she nervously eyed the office.

Taking his usual seat behind the desk, Reid laughs a little, "Sorry, my humor is quite terrible."  He moves the papers across his desk,  "Here are your results.  Just understand that regardless of the answer you are getting, here, regardless of how you feel about them, I'm going to be here to help you every step of the way.  This is my job, Delilah.  You aren't alone in this."

'Really? Because I doubt I've felt more alone in my life.' Delilah thinks to herself, perching on her seat like a bird ready to take flight. She reaches out tenatively, nervously side eyeing the papers. She wanted to know, but she didn't- She wanted this anxiety to be over, but she didn't want to rip off the proverbial bandait.

She didn't know if Braedon being related to her would be a good thing, or a bad thing. Her hand reaches out and recoils several times. She can't tell if she's merely making up the frusteration Reid was sure to be feeling- or was just jinxing herself.

Finally she scoots her chair forward, pulling the papers towards her- recoiling briefly- but then grabbing them, focusing intently as her heart hammered a samba attempting to break out of her ribcage.

Her face was blanched- the words she could usually understand, mixed with some new ones, dancing with uncertainty, like an awkward attempt at the two step. It's almost dizzying. She gently, but briskly returns the papers to the desk, not wanting to admit that she hadn't actually read it.

Did she not understand it, or was she just reluctant to admit the truth.

"I don't know certain...key meanings, of the words, Agent. I apologize." Her voice cracked, anyone could probably tell she was lying, the only person Delilah was fooling was herself, and even then, the performance was lackluster. She would rather admit stupidity than cowardice.

But no, she had read it. She had understood; she understood at it made her ill, and she didn't know why. The Agent, Braedon- was part of her family. Her nephew. Her nephew who her sister had abandoned, just like she'd abandoned their father. She fought back the electric feeling behind the surface of her brain, as tears threatened to come to her eyes.

Reid moved from behind his desk, recognizing this reaction all too well.  He had waited patiently for the woman to open the folder, so this was obvious.  He understood her feelings to a degree--or at least, he expected them.  Whether or not he truly understood them was unclear.  He sat on the floor at Delilah's feet, taking her hands in his and looking up at her with an expression of complete calm.  All humor gone, all sincerity taking its place.

"Delilah.  Back away from your thoughts for a minute and listen carefully.  Within a matter of weeks, you have gone from zero living family members to two family members.  You have gone from losing someone that you love so much to having two more people in your life that you can love just as much.  I want you to think about that, first."  He says.

Delilah's mouth is no longer hidden under her collar, warbling in uncertainty, screwed as she tries to prevent herself from crying. She does not move as Reid takes her shaking hands in his, her staff leaning against her shoulder, kept in place by her foot. It is unlike him, this calmness- every time she had seen him he had always been perky, cheerful, upbeat. She cannot say she doesn't appreciate it.

Delilah makes in silence for a moment, looking the Agent in the eyes as she processes his words, fighting back tears.

Her words, when they come, are hushed. "He will hate me. After what my- our family left him to. He will hate me and I will lose my friend." Her voice cracks, despite Delilah desperately trying to keep her composure.

Reid smiles softly, shaking his head with the certainty of a knight, "Oh, no.  Delilah, Braedon is a good man that I've come to know for a long time.  I work with him quite frequently and he brings cases to me all of the time.  He forgives.  He loves.  And Brae will know that this is not your fault--but don't tell him I called him that.  He'll kick my ass.  He's a good man, but he's also terrifying."

Reid grabs the tissue box and hands it over to Delilah, just in case she needs it, "You did not make the choice for your mother.  She made the choice for you.  You did not make the choice for your sister.  She made that choice.  And now, you know who he is and you can make your own decision.  You can show Agent Pierce that not all family members will make that same choice.  I believe that you will."

Delilah's.....whatever she was feeling, a cocktail of emotions combined into a volatile mixture, was in no way abated by Reid's light attempt at casual humor.

"We are slaves to the actions of our families. Whether we like it or not, Agent." The brief calmness of her voice was almost jarring; until her voice hiccuped on its own punctuation. "I might not have abandoned him- but the idea of returning to a family who you could have been hating for leaving you- would you do that? I doubt I would."

She takes a tissued gratefully, crumpling it against her eyes. Her breath was harsh for a moment as she tried to steady herself- not knowing what she was steadying herself from. Was she happy? Sad? Angry? Confused? The emotion she was feeling had no definition- the cocktail had no name. It was with her in the moment, and later it would be gone- like a ghost in the wind.

"I know the Agent is good, and kind, and-" 'And funny, and a bit of an ass, and very, very into sports, and-' "But maybe knowing this, knowing me, knowing what I am would hurt him more. He's an adult, he's moved on. He's happy now. After everything we've done to him maybe it would be better to leave him be."

Her words were a lie. A bad lie. The uncertainty was palpable. She wanted her family- all of her family. Her fear was her family not wanting her.

She had felt it for her father, and now she was feeling it for Braedon.

Reid nodded his head, "This possiblity is true.  There is no way to know for sure....but we both know that this isn't about Braedon's feelings.  This isn't about him or your father--it's about you and your fear of not being accepted.  You have knowledge and you have the power to share that knowledge or to keep it to yourself.  And if you keep it to yourself, will it torture you for the rest of your life?  These are the things you should be talking about."

Delilah paused, gazing flatly at the agent as he talked- her silence punctuated by sniffles. She wants to tell him off; to yell at him, how dare he imply that this wasn't about Braedon's feelings- it absolutely was! But she paused, thinking before reacting, perhaps for the first time in her life, and thought about his words.

"Are you 'psychoanalyzing' me, Agent Reid?" She shifted back in her chair. "If you are, I am not sure if you are wrong- though I wish I could tell you that you are. But I can't, perhaps you have more knowledge of my reasoning at this moment than I do."

She hunches over for a moment, closing her eyes, thinking. "I want to say I would rather have it haunt me than risk Braedon being hurt- but that might only be a half truth. And half truths are as good as lies. And I am not a liar." She cleared her throat, sitting up. "If I tell him, would it be here- if he is to find out, would he see what I have seen?"

Reid smirks, "Sorry, Delilah--it's my job.  I'm a counselor, and sometimes, that means telling people that they don't want to hear.  However, I am not psychoanalyzing you...I'm just used to this situation and have been through it many, many times.  After a while, you get used to the tells, to the feelings, to the fear.  To all of it.  Your feelings are valid."

He pauses, "This is your case, Delilah.  We can discuss with this Agent Pierce in the way that you desire.  I would recommend allowhim to see the actual results--this removes any moment of emotional doubt or confusion.  However, the location is entirely up to you and I can be there or I can be a bit away to let you to chat with some privacy.  It's entirely up to you."

Delilah looks from the results on the table, to the agent, then to the results, and then to the agent again.

"My mother didn't like therapists..." Her voice was quiet, flickering as she looked at the papers on the desk. "But I like you, agent."

She slides her gaze back to him. "I want him to see them for himself, and I do not know where would be best; but would it be better if I was here, or should I leave?"

Delilah would love to leave, run away if things went south. Be spared from Pierce's contempt, if he had such hatred in him. But at the same time, she wanted to be there- she knew she needed to be. She had to face this at some point; and her mother hadn't raised her to be a coward.

"Okay," Reid says, "I'll pull him in here and we can do it here.  He's in the back, so it might take me a minute.  And I'll be here every step of the way, okay?"

Delilah felt her heart try to make a beeline out of her mouth, so she tucks her mouth back under the collar and nods.

"Thank you, Agent" A muffled statement comes out from behind the fabric as Delilah tries to calm herself.

Reid is gone for about ten minutes before he returns with Braedon in tow, looking somewhat confused.  Reid has already pointed ot the other chair as he makes his way into the room and Braedon closes the door behind him with a look of concern as sits.  Reid seats himself, Braedon smiles at Delilah with reassurance as he speaks with a tone that matches his countenance.

"I thought things were okay with Delilah and her dad?"  Braedon asks, "What happened?  Do you need me to talk to him?  I'm pretty good with--"

Reid laughs, "No, Agent, no.  All is well between Delilah and her father.  In fact--through her father, Delilah has learned that she has a sister!  And through her sister, a nephew!"

Brae grins, "That's great, Congra--Delilah, what's wrong?"

While Agent Reid is gone, Delilah runs through the seven stages of grief.

Shock- 'This isn't real, this can't be real.' To Denial- 'Well, perhaps this is a massive practical joke! Braedon is a bit of a shit. Perhaps he has organized this to mess with me!'. To Pain- 'I should have stayed back, with my dead mother. He would have been fine. This will ruin his life, make him relive years of emotional turmoil.'. To Guilt- 'I'm a terrible Aunt. I've been an aunt for twenty minutes and I am already the worst in the world. Congratulations Delilah, you failure.'. To Anger - 'What kind of mother runs off on her child! Fuck you, sister-I-have-never-met-before! I hope gravel never leaves your shoes! That all your water tastes like dirt! I hope your hair never parts right! I hope you go bald!'. To Bargaining - 'Perhaps the agent will be fine! He'll be happy to have me in his life! Me.....the....'weird hobo druid'....yes. Absolutely.'

Finally, to depression.

'He is going to hate me. More than I already hate myself.'

When Braedon finally enters the room, she nearly jumps out of her skin- her heart is trying to escape in any way it can; and she almost makes a beeline for the window. She is glad her mouth is still hidden beneath her jacket, because if it wasn't she would have said something stupid.

He smiles at her. Of course he smiles at her. That makes her feel worse. She feels like shrinking in up on herself as she clutches her staff for dear life. She wants to sink to the floor, become one with it, be absorbed into the wood. She wants to weep again, she wants to run away. She wants to-

"I am elderly." Delilah responds, owl eyed and robotically to his question after a brief moment of utter panic. "And I am experiencing a heart attack. I need to leave. Right now, immediatly." She stands bolt upright, considering the window her only means of exit.

Of course, she said something stupid, anyway.

Reid waits, unmoving as Braedon takes his arms, grabbing hold of either shoulder and looking into her eyes with an expression of deep worry.  He's eyes darted to Reid only momentarily before moving back to Delilah.  The man's calm and her obvious panic are incredibly at odds with each other and it's clear that whatever is going on has upset her.  Reid is good at his job, but the man's unwavering calm in this moment really jarred him.  "Delilah?  Breathe.  Just breathe."

Reid nods his head, "Delilah wants you to see something, Agent Pierce.  After she's calmed down a bit."

Braedon nods, understanding immediately.  Whatever is wrong with her new family she found, he'll help her through it.  They are probably assholes.  He will punch them both!  But first, he's going to be here for her.  That's what she needed.  "Okay.  Okay.  Just breathe.  You're going to be fine."

Oh, she had made it worse. So much worse. She was a worm, a worm who wanted to return to the earth and eat the minerals beneath it.

She want to melt between the crevices of the floorboards and retreat away from his worried gaze, and the only thing that stops her is his hands on her shoulders. Her eyes dart about the room, trying not to look him in the eye- but the wide, owlish things eventually settle on his and well, if her panic wasn't obvious before it was now. She did as she was told, inhaling a deep, deep breath.

Which she forgot to exhale as the two agents spoke to each other.

She only releases the shaky breath when Braedon reminds her to breathe again.

''Fine' is rather subjective at this point. Will you kill me? Probably not. Will I want to die anyway? Absolutely.' Delilah melts back into her chair after nodding at Braedon, curling around her staff like a shrimp, the trembling of her hands obvious if one were to look at the head of her staff.

She gives an uncertain nod at Reid, and even though she immidiatly wants to take it back- it's time to rip off the band aid.

Whether she wanted to or not.

Reid hands over the folder to Braedon, "Here's the thing."

Braedon smiles again, out of politeness, taking the folder from Reid as he opens it up and reads it.  And re-reads it.  And then re-reads it again.  He's on his fourth read through, still having not moved from his position in his chair next to Delilah, looking down at the folder as nothing--absolutely nothing--is processed, when Reid chimes in.

"Agent Pierce?"  Reid asks.

Braedon puts the folder down, pushing a lot of his feelings down--mostly his anger at his mother--as he looks over at Delilah and speaks to her with a serious tone and a serious face, "Looks like you're stuck with me, you old bat."

The seconds tic by like hours, weeks, by the time Reid interjects to make sure Pierce is still among the living Delilah has almost convinced herself to make a break for it out the window no less than twenty times.

Why is it taking so long for him to read it? Is he mad? He's probably mad, Delilah's mad at herself too. She should heve never done this. She should have left Braedon live his life, enjoy the adulthood he survived into and the happiness he had cultivated for himself. She should have stayed gone, it would have been easier. For him, at least. She felt sick, dizzy, like she was going to either faint or throw up, she wasn't sure. She wanted to snatch the folder out of his hand and eat it, call this all a big, terrible joke that had gone too far, and run back to her and her mothers shack.

Oh god, he put it down, oh god he's looking at her. Oh god, oh god. Oh god he looks serious this is it the realization of her worst nightmare. Delilah had never been told to go to hell before- this would be a first! The worst kind of first! Like her first broken limb only a thousand times worse than that! Because broken bones heal! The emotional damage that this will cause her will never heal! Fantastic! Extraordinary! She wanted to die!

As he speaks, her brain is already in overdrive, the hundreds of little hampsters working in her brain flinging things around and screaming- oh how Delilah envied them. By the time she had fully deciphered what he had said it....doesn't feel real. Even less real than the rest of the day does. This feels like some weird dream, or perhaps nightmare.

'Old bat', not bitch? Witch? Soulless harpy? Miserable curr? 'Old bat'? A term both endearing and slightly insulting in the wrong hands? Was he not mad?

Delilah's staff falls weakly to one hand, the hand farthest away from him, with the other, uncertain, tenative hand, she reaches out, but stops herself. The tears are still in her eyes, but they're starting to drop, streaking down to the collar of her jacket as her mouth makes an appearance as she uncoils herself.

"Braedon, I-..." She does not have words, or at least, none that she could find, her voice cracks, her heart cracks, her very soul- cracks. As if crumbling in the face of an outcome she never expected.

Braedon smiles, opening his arms up wide and pulling Delilah for a hug.  His eyes well up with tears, shutting out the feelings and thoughts of his mother.  He didn't want to think about her, but he does want to think about Delilah.  He has his own family, now, and so does she.   He cries a little.

It seemed as though just yesterday Delilah was awkwardly flinging her arms around Braedon in joy. Just yesterday he had given her his initial, awkward response.

And now, he was the one pulling her in for a hug. Her, coming down from panic, crying, still shaking- tears that were once made of anxiety and guilt now full of joy. She releases her staff, caught up in joy, relief, love for Braedon, her friend, her nephew. It makes a wooden clatter against the floor, but she pays it little mind. If her mother is with her, she was sure she wouldn't care either. Her grip on Braedon is tight, warm, loving- the hug you give someone when you've found them at last. A hug few get to give. Thanks to his height, her face is predominatly buried, but that doesn't matter to her- at least he wouldn't have to see her cry any longer. A muffled noise escapes her- and Delilah herself cannot discern whether it is a sob or a laugh. It didn't matter. What mattered was her nephew, what mattered was Braedon- what mattered was something she didn't knew she had, but was elated to finally find.

Zorlias Corp./1h30PM~2h30

**This is a collab with Leah7**

Kyo entered Zorlias corp and although he promised Imani he would go to her directly, his excitement over the suit made him want to go see his brother first. He hesitated at first near the entrance, but then moved to Zorlias's office. He did a soft knock on the door in case he would be busy.

Raelyn waves him casually inwards, "Just go in.  He's freaking napping.  Get him to working, won't you?"

Kyo chuckles and nods while writing. ''I'll try to, but I won't guarantee anything.''

He then moved silently inside.... Although he felt bad a bit to wake his brother up for something so stupid, he sort of felt even worse that he left Zorlias out of this project all this time. The thing being complete, he should be able to see it at least. Kyo moved to his side and gently placed a hand on his brother's shoulder and shook him a tiny bit.

Zorlias started await, looking up at his brother and wiping the drool from his lip as he mumbled an apology.  He quickly moved over to his personal coffee maker, grabbing a cup and preparing to make some for himself.  He'd offer some to Kyo, but he's not fully awake, so the rude behavior at this point is inevitable.

Kyo almost jumped when he saw his brother waking up so suddenly, but as this one apologized, Kyo shook his head in a way to tell him not to worry. Giving out a small chuckle, he went to sit in the seat in front of Zorlias's to give him time to make his coffee and took that chance to lower the lightning of his screen so it wouldn't be as blinding.

Zorlias moved like that of a zombie, his energy half empty and his consciousness half blazze.  He finally sat back down at his desk, looking up at Kyo to see him just finishing a text to him, "Sup?"

Kyo was writing while his brother was moving and when he finally sat down in front of him, Kyo was done writing at that moment. ''Sorry if I woke you up, just this may be the only chance to see a working prototype undercover for you. But shhh I didn't come here with it okay ? Can I open up the light a bit more so you can see better ? '' He had a big smile on his face the whole time.

Zor half-smiles with a sleepy gaze, "Hell yeah."

Kyo got up, looking excited and opened the lights slightly more, just enough so Zorlias would see the result well. He removed his clothes real quick and placed his phone on Zorlias's desk and then transformed his arm letting out a blade even for Zorlias to see how it interacted with the suit.

Zorlias laughs, looking the suit up and down as Kyo worked on his abilities, "Badass, bro.  Badass.  Imani really outdid herself."

Kyo brought back his right arm as normal and everything went back into place under the suit layer. Taking his phone he quickly types ''Yes that she did ! I even tested out by big form earlier and was going all out with it. Nothing ripped apart, it's amazing. Plus seems like it kinda regulate body  temperature or adapt anyways. I should have been a bit hot walking with this, but I wasn't at all and it's super comfy. I wonder if making clothes out of that same material would be possible. Cause this one is pretty much skin-tight and feels like another skin layer rather than a suit, but I don't know how well my power would react through something not as tight as this however. Making me a little curious, but this is really amazing !!''

Zorlias nods with satisfaction, "Oh, you can bet that we'll be releasing more products like this in the future, exclusively to CETE.  It'll be excellent for the Chief and all that, but I definitely want multiple field tests before we hit the ground running.  I'm so glad she got this going.  I think your work will get a lot easier, now."

Kyo smiles and nods. ''Yes for sure it will be a lot easier with this, no hesitation I'll just transform like and go into the action. It's going to be amazinnng !!! Oh right I should probably go back to her now, she's probably waiting on me. But yeah I wanted to show you this before I gave it back. Oh and Raelyn wanted you to get to work soon too.... '' Kyo gave an apologic face to Zorlias after writing the last line and letting him read.

Zorlias is smiling as he reads his brother's text, nodding at the end of when his own phone goes off.  He looks down at his own cell, opening up the bright screen and looking down into it.  As he reads the text he received, his stance changes and his mood darkens.  He's all serious and business, now, that's for sure.  "Uh...yeah.  We should both get back to it...."

Kyo writes ''You can do it !! And yeah after going to Imani I'm heading over to CETE so... I'll have to go to work as well soon. Good luck with you day.'' He smiled and waited for his brother to finish reading.

Kyo quickly put his clothes back on, he obviously was so comfortable in his suit that he almost forgot to put these back on. He then rushed out and waved to his brother who was leaving his office at the same time. Going at a fast paced walk, he quickly head to the labs where Imani is and rush over to her. He writes ''Hey ! Sorry for the wait, I'm finally here ! Although ... '' He looked over himself and then added. ''I was so much in a rush I kind of forgot to remove it, but if you want I could speak about my experience before removing it and handing it over to you.''

Imani handed out a sheet of paper with some text on it, "Fill out the paperwork, write your feedback, and then you can hand it over.  I'll take it from there."

Kyo takes the paper and nods. He install himself on a desk and starts filling out the paperwork. When he gets to the feedback he mentions how comfortable the suit is and how it seems to be adjusting to his body temperature so that he's neither too cold or too hot. He also mentioned how he would like to maybe try out in the future with less tight clothes to see if his power would still go through the fiber this well or not. When he was done filling everything he left it on the desk and removed the suit thinking that he still had his boxers under it anyways. He then put back on his clothes and called over Imani with a wave to say that he was done. The suit was neatly folded on the desk with the papers on top. When she comes back to him he writes ''Everything looking good ? .... Just want to be sure I didn't miss any spots.''

Imani smiles after looking the paperwork over, "You're good, kid."

Kyo smiled and gave her a thumbs up before writing some more. ''Alright I have work now so I'll be going, thank you so much again for your hard work it's amazing.''

{Attn: Open, Thursday mid afternoon}

Ellie is exhausted and the day isn’t even over yet. She still has one final Etherball practice before the game. There is some buzz about a new student too. Apparently he is pretty cute and foreign. She hopes to run into him sometime to show him around. She exits her class and texts some people as she makes her way across campus.
~~~~~~~~

As soon as she was done with her classes, Sophie left the campus. She has been lucky so far not to run into Ellie. She has seen her a few times, but been able to avoid her. Even though no one has suspected that she has an ability, she has not let her guard down at all.

It is a nice day, so she decides to walk around town. It feels like forever since she has taken the time to just take candid pictures. Tomorrow is the big etherball game against Staccatto. She has been drafted again to take pictures. She loves etherball and who knows maybe this can lead to other things.

She knows she is in school, but she has not done a lot with CETE yet. In a way that can be a good thing. I mean she will only be busy if there were crimes. She is learning a lot in the classes though. She is just eager to apply it.

[Attn: Open, Thursday Afternoon]

A hot day at the tail end of summer is the perfect time for ice cream... is what we would say if Coldrion wasn't in the bloody mountains, but... roll with it. Ahem. Even in the city, amidst the shade from the canopy of towering buildings, people duck inside to escape the blistering heat and treat themselves to the cold relief of something sweet. Hey! That kinda rhymed! Ahem... bemused expressions adorn the faces of those who've taken their craving to the multicolor walls of Scoops 'n' Smiles Ice Scream, a local Ma & Pop Shop. At the epicenter of the many civilian eyes stands a woman in a rather eccentric ensemble, complete with a flowing cape, almost like some kind of comic book hero. She stands at the counter, staring up at the menu with a hand to her chin and a cheek-to-cheek grin! Ooh! Another rhyme! Two-for-two! Her skin and hair are white as snow, and her eyes are black as night. "Hmmm... what to get, what to get..." she says.

Her empty eyes fall upon the glass before her, looking over every flavor in the store's broad selection. She gazes longingly into the case, practically drooling over all the colors. "It all looks so good!" How could she ever decide?!

A rude man just behind her suddenly barks at her. "Lady, will ya hurry it up?! The rest of us are-!"

"Got it!" The woman says, suddenly hammering her fist into her open palm. She leans over the casing, her hands and face pressed to the glass and a wide grin on her face. "Two cones! One cookie dough, one mint!" Cookie dough and mint! Surely two flavors that don't compliment one another at all. Why would anyone sane pair the sweetness of cookie dough with the overpowering sensation of mint? Then again, the sanity part could be a question. As the two cones are handed over and she slides a few bills across the counter, the woman turns swiftly on her heels.

"Finally," the man from a moment ago sneers.

The woman smiles at him. "Sorry for makin' ya wait, mister! My name's Whitty. Here! A peace offering!" she says, suddenly shoving the mint ice cream cone in his face. What follows is a fit of gleeful laughter from her as she places her hand on his shoulder. "You- you look like a Listerine snowman!" she chimes.

"You little-!" Suddenly the man is overcome with the strangest compulsion to laugh. And so he does.

Whitty stands upright, patting him on the back a few times as she proceeds on her way out. "Oh! Oh, too funny! Kyeehee... oh, that was a good laugh. 'Kay, bye!" she says as she steps out, leaving the man at the counter, still laughing uncontrollably. Though if we're honest, someone that uptight could probably have used the outlet. All this over ice cream? Come, now.

Moments later, outside, Whitty trots joyfully down the sidewalk, just beginning to dig into her delicious, cold, cookie dough treat. She pauses when a distinct shriek rips through the air, turning the heads of everyone walking down the street. Down the sidewalk races a man in shades, clumsily shoving people aside. Whitty side-steps the human bulldozer, watching him as he passes her by. Give it a moment. She'll notice soon that he'd bumped the ice cream from her cone and onto the ground... and so she does. With a fairly blank expression, no less. For a moment, she simply stares at the scoop on the hot pavement.

But the noise hasn't subsided. A woman, out of breath, stops just short of Whitty, herself. "That... that man," she gasps. "He stole my purse!"

Whitty blinks at her unassumingly, then turns her head again and wouldn't you have it, eye-spy a purse snatcher. Devouring the cone, itself, in an instant, Whitty turns and tears off down the street. Soon she leaps into the air, catching a traffic pole and swinging from it to a storefront awning. Bouncing from one awning to the next, she dives back into the crowd, tackling the man to the rough concrete. "Hiya!" she says. "I'm Whitty!"

"Get off'a me!"

"Ha! That's a good one!" Whitty remarks. "Say, I have lots'a good jokes too! Wanna hear one?" Her tone suddenly shifts from jovial to brown-pants levels of menacing as her wide grin shrinks to a devious smirk, and she lowers her head to speak directly into his ear. "Poor you. Of all the people in all the cities whose ice cream you could have ruined, it had to be mine. Talk about bad luck, mister. The universe must seriously hate you, huh? It's really funny... isn't it?" She utters an ominous little snicker as the man falls silent and still, a look of dread filling his now widened eyes. "What's that look on your face for? It's only a joke..."

The purse snatcher begins laughing. He laughs and laughs, harder and harder. The victim arrives just as Whitty gets up, her cheerful demeanor returned and her foot planted on the man's rib cage as he continues to laugh. In her hand is the woman's purse. Soon the man stops laughing, passing out. Whitty removes her foot. "Yeah, you take a nap, now," she says.

"U-uh, thank you," the woman says. Meanwhile, Whitty begins rummaging through the purse, herself, not even looking up at the woman. "Um... w-what are you doing?"

"Here ya go!" Whitty says, handing the woman the purse, having removed the wallet from it.

"T-that's my wallet," the woman says as she takes the purse back.

Whitty proceeds to peek inside. "Good eye!" Whitty says. "Aha!" She pulls out a twenty before folding the wallet back up, placing it back in the woman's purse, and turning to leave. Certainly a natural progression of events to anyone with common sense, yes? Obviously. Yet clearly common sense isn't so common after all.

"W-wait just a minute! Y-y-you just took my-!"

Whitty turns her grinning self back towards the woman. "My payment for helping you get that purse back! And for the new ice cream I'm gonna get because of this nasty guy! Thanks, lady! Your generosity is much appreciated. B'bye!" With that, Whitty turns on her heels and marches back off down the street to replace her cookie dough delicacy. Leaving everyone on the street to stare at her in a complete stupor.

"W-what?"

Collab between Leah, Goe, and Myself...*

Current Day: August 20th, Thursday l12:00pm

Kris and Bixxa are finally about to leave the building after her exit being interrupted for the fourth time when she's interrupted once again. Assistant Reyes waves her down just as she reaches the doors. She gazes at him, unblinking, staring him down with a stony expression that said "I dare you to not have a good reason for this."


He looks at her nervously as he apologizees and she dismisses his unease immediateley as she waits for him to explain what the hold up is. He pauses, clearly waiting for her to reply to his nervous, rambling apology. When she only gives him the continued stare, he continues, realizing that she didn't care about his apology in the slightest.


"Ther--there's a guy here. He's a celebrity guy and he's here to talk about that burn case. Apparently, he has information and he wants to swap info for info or something," He says.


Kris blinks, "We don't give out case files to civilians."


Reyes replies, "I-I know, but he's insisted--"


Kris stepped forward, walking into Reyes' space. He backs up, and she follows him, moving him and pinning him up against the counter behind him. He stumbles, his arms moving up behind him to catch him as he leans backwards while her face moves inches away from his, her glare burning into his eyes as her finger digs into his chest.

"You need to learn to stop being such a 'Yes Man.' This is pathetic." Kris says. She steps away from him as he sighs with relief and she beckons for Bixxa to follow. She hars Reyes call out "Room Three!" behind her and she heads that way. She moves the interrogation room with the number three on it, opens it up, and then leans up against the wall instead of sitting down. She waits for Bixxa to close the door before she speaks.

"I hear you have information for me regarding the Keltan burn case," Kris says simply.


Bixxa was so excited to head out on her first case with Kris. She waved her arms back and forth in rhythm with her footsteps with a big smile she couldn't help. I can't believe it! I'm gonna be a cop! Her fantasy, however, was interrupted by a man about as tall as Kris, and seemingly just as overworked. As Kris grilled the guy, Bixxa watched with eyes wide open and her mouth slightly agape. Whoever this guy was clearly got on Kris' bad side. Bixxa made a mental note to never get on Kris' bad side.

The short conversation flew over Bixxa's head; she didn't think anything they were talking about had to do with her. And then Kris led Bixxa to a small room with barely any furniture. As Bixxa walked through the door, she saw Kris looking at her expectantly. Unsure of what the glare meant, she paused, hoping Kris would explain. After a few seconds pass, she looked to the door frame. Confused, and slightly unsettled, she closed the door, hoping she was doing the right thing. Finally Kris spoke, something about a Keltic burn case?
"Uhhh....Keltin burn case? What's a Keltin burn case?"



Kris looks over at Bixxa with a gaze that could melt ice and she cooly places a hand on her shoulder so as to steer her to a chair and to sit. As she does so, she pushes her irritation away as she says, "It's a murder case I have. Now, remember. Silence is a virtue."


Bixxa complied and sat in the chair closest to her. She felt like she was inching toward Kris' bad side, but she had no idea what Kris was talking about. She struggled to think of what info Kris wanted. Keltin burn case...A murder? Someone got murdered? Bixxa groaned as her face contorted into a puzzled grimmace. Murder....murder....murder....someone burned to death? Is that what happened? Her groaning continued as she replayed past events in her mind. Flashes of days prior to the current day zipped by. Nothing looked like anything relating to burning, until she came upon one memory,

"Oh!....Wait, no." Bixxa grumbled. She stared at the smooth finish table as she remembered back further. Who was burning? After a solid minute, she remembered the older boy with the purple fire. "Ohhhhhhh! It was him! Are you talking about the guy with the purple fire?" Here eyes shone with a satisfaction not usually seen before.


Ignoring the girl , the man across the room from the two of them grunts as if to scoff. He too, is not sitting but instead leans against the wall opposite of them with his arms crossed and a very unenthused look on his face. He is bald and his head looks slightly weathered even. His eyes are a dark brown, and are surrounded moslty by wrinkles save for a scar that is across his upper cheek and brow of his left eye. The majority of his face is covered in a long, scruffy beard and he is dressed from head to toe in what looks a bit like military fatigues, although they look nothing like any anyone here would have seen.

After eyeing them during their brief ....display... he finally steps forward, his look piercing the two of them as he throws a handful of pictures on the table, which all appear to be the same shots fromt he crime scene that were shown on TV recently.

"This..." he grunts... "these pictures here were taken by your people... I believe that I KNOW what caused the marks on the ground, and I can help you find them..... that IS, if you can confirm a.. rumor, I have heard recently... Oh yes, formalities and all that shit... Argus Valdemar... " he said in the same no nonsense tone, quickly continueing. "What I NEED is confirmation.... has this been determined to be a large animal by your people?"


Kris chooses to ignore Bixxa this time. Her inability to listen speaks volumes of how their day is going to go. She's already in a bad mood--she's called Bran all morning and repeatedly after the voice message she'd woken up to and she's incredibly worried. She's not even answering her texts. To top her day off, she gets to babysit and deal with this asshole asking about her case.

"I'm afraid that's confidential," Kris says, "You're allowed to know as much as the media knows, Civilian. Was that all you needed?"


The man looks her straight in the face as she says this, still unflinching. He lets out a light, brief, almost snicker... or scoff.... it would seem.... his face almost seemingly amused at this, although it's hard to tell with the beard. It quickly reforms though into a very recognizable expression... an incredibly intense glare as his breathing seems to get louder for a moment, but then subsides... As if a wave of anger had almost swept over but was pushed back, he looks back to her not angry now, but still as seriously as ever.

"No ma'am, I'm afraid it isn't... But it can be... and quickly at that. But maybe I'm going about this wrong, how I about I share with you a few other things that I know. Maybe also, since you seem to have no idea who I am, I should enlighten a bit. I think you may change your mind. First of all, let's see... the Keltans... they have been here, and not just a few... No, they wanted to take this case as it were, but because it was in Coldrion, it was denied to them. Out of their jurisdiction... But the interesting part? Two Keltans allowed themself to be exiled from their people in order to aide you in the case. This, along with the media saying an animal was involved... and yeah..." he scoffed again.. "It's the media, they could have blown this shit up as big as they wanted... but then something really caught me... they had shots of the scene. And why does that make a difference? Well, I am a professional bounty hunter. I'm almost surprised you haven't heard of me... those corporate fucks really love the ratings on my show... But unlike they might have you believe, I'm the real deal... I've been hunting everything since I was a boy... had to to survive... and I know when I see marks that obvious, they weren't blowing shit out their asses... Keltans don't get exiled for no reason. So... are you gonna give me anything?" he said, his expression more intimidating now, as he cocked his head to the side... "Or has CETE even been capable of handlng this case? I could always assume that based on what you've given me so far. Are you just gonna let this thing run free to kill again?" He raises an eyebrow..


Kris does not like this crackpot. She doesn't like him at all. Not only does he seem half-crazed and entirely obsessed, but it's clear he doesn't care about solving the case--he just wants to hunt a damn big dog for ratings. Fantastic.
"The last thing CETE needs is you making a shitshow over a murder case and disrespecting a Keltan's life by getting your rocks off from murdering an animal on TV." Kris replies shortly, "Besides--I can neither confirm nor deny any statements you've brought to me, as it's against company policy. If you have a problem with that policy, or further questions, you can take it up with the CETE Chief, Mr. Delacroix. If that's all, I have other cases to get to, mister.....Valdemar."


The whole discussion between Kris and the creepy stranger flew over Bixxa's head. The word "Keltan" popped up here and there, but she still had no idea what it meant. Whatever it was, it must've been some serious stuff. Bixxa never saw Kris stare someone down so intensely. Her disapproving glare signaled that whoever this guy was wasn't someone to mess around with. Bixxa held one hand next to her cheek, feeling Perry's comforting silk-like texture on her face. She stroked her wrist with her second hand with her shoulders close together and her legs locked. She eyed the stranger with a sense of caution, wondering what the man was capable of.


"Hmmmph..." Valdemar grunts and turns his head. "It's almost like you don't know what bounty hunters do for a living, Missie... I guess I should have expected this from the CETElings... That's fine. He's the one I wanted to talk to anything, but that's more for another day. It seems there's more I need to do, anyway... " He gives her that same serious stare again, his eyes piercing her's as directly as they could to the point that Bixxa probably thought the two were firing invisible laser beams directly into each other. Then he suddenly walks toward the door out. "Heh... I would say I look forward to working with you..." he turns back to her as he opens the door, "...but I won't be...." he slams the door walking out with a noticeable bit of strength.


"What a pig," Kris mumbles, scowling at the door.


"What was that all about?" Bixxa asked confusedly.


"Just another one of those crackpots trying to get into one of my old cases," Kris says, shaking her head, "Let's get out of here--wait. I have to make a phone call when we get to the car. Then we get out of here."