ORTHO!

𝐃𝐎𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐈𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐆... 𝐌𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐒 𝐀 𝘾𝙍𝙔? γεννηθήκατε σπασμένοι, δεν χρειάζεται να προσπαθήσετε!

[99lostsouls]

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝙇𝙄𝙁𝙀? 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙇? ( ☠️ )

you're not a living thing with feelings.

a private ORTHO SHROUD account. affiliated with NIGHT RAVEN UNIVERSITY

ＬＯＡＤＩＮＧ　ＤＡＴＡＢＡＳＥ．．．．

―――― ༉‧₊˚. 💀 RULES.

as this is an affiliated RP account, all interactions with ortho will be kept within the affiliated group.

ortho can be quite the extreme and violent person when provoked. please always know MUN does not equal MUSE.

ortho's story itself contains many dark themes, if any mun needs something tagged please let me know.

―――― ༉‧₊˚. 💀 THREAD TRACKER

find it HERE!

―――― ༉‧₊˚. 💀 MUN INFO.

berri ( she / they )

minor mun.

find me on twitter @/laylaberri!

―――― ༉‧₊˚. 💀 TAGS

𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐒 - in character posting

𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐄𝐏 𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄 - out of character posting

𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐎𝐅𝐓𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐄 - reblogs

𝐋𝐎𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐄 - metas

𝐈'𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐀 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐀𝐍! — minis

𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄 - prompts

[99lostsouls]

THE END IS NIGH

TEAM 3, STARBURST CRUSADERS : @vipetriol, @hyaina, @troisfleur, @threadedwheels, LET'S GO!(one last time! )

everything happened in such a blur.

one moment, ortho was searching the contents of the forbidden laboratory alongside his teammates— then suddenly a bright light engulfed them, spitting them out onto a castle bridge.

when the android opened his eyes, cobblestone was underneath him. the wind whistled and howled like it was living…

and before he knew it–

❝ ARREST THEM! ❞

❝ IT'S THE MAGESTONE! ❞

ah shit.

…

the plan was relatively simple, at least for their team, all they had to do was distract the guards and buy everyone some time! only there wasn't much time to think things over– so ortho would do what he did best.

taking head of the charge, ortho could be found soaring through the air, blasting lasers at the castle walls. he would shoot holes in the wall, setting fire to or breaking several items in his path.

through the incoming ruin, ortho would shout down to his teammates. ❝ let's do what we do best, mess stuff up! ❞

[headmage-crowley]

the final hour.

You don’t know how long you’ve been in the Ghost Realm. Time seems to unravel here and, with each new terrain that your team explores, a sinking feeling fills your gut. The search for the magestone seems to be a hopeless endeavor. Doubts have begun to fill your mind. 

Does your team even know how to get back?

You think, perhaps it's time to turn around. The odds aren’t in your favor. It’s only time until your rations run out, until your team turns a foul path, and you find yourselves as fresh citizens of this realm. Screw the magestone! 

You turn on your heels— Then, a bright light engulfs you. 

You find yourself atop a castle bridge, the wind howling.  It’s not as shocking as the first warp that you’ve experienced. What is shocking, however, is the increase of familiar faces around you. Your teammates, all of your schoolmates who’ve embarked on this dauntless task, have been gathered here. You stare at each other in astonishment, but the reunion doesn’t last for long. 

“There they are!” You hear a shout from afar. On the other end of the bridge, a squadron of ghost-knights barge in. “Those are the living folk that have been terrorizing our citizens! Arrest them!” The knights begin to charge, everyone has no choice but to run. 

The only exit throws everyone into the castle’s audience chamber. It’s grand, it’s spacious. There’s plenty of routes for people to run, plenty of objects to hide behind, but most noticeably–

“It’s the magestone!” You hear someone gasp. You turn your head around to the end of the hall, where the stone rests caged and atop of a pillar. It gleams beneath the firelight, a beautiful shimmer. You’re about to make a run towards it, but then every door slams open. More troops pile in. They begin to surround everyone— It’s time to think fast!

OOC INFORMATION BELOW THE CUT.

 Somehow, you've made it to your end-goal, but you’re surrounded! In order to retrieve the magestone and escape safely out of the ghost realm, every team has been assigned one major task. Each group has been given a general prompt they must complete by the end of the event period. You’re all free to plot the interaction as you wish, or have your team roll a 1d20 to decide how successful they’ll be in the final stretch. Your muses may run into as many obstacles as you see fit— but, the job must get done!

TEAM #1: FIND AN ESCAPE ROUTE

The main entrance has been sealed, leaving you without a way out! As the rest of your classmates fetch the magestone and distract the guards, you should conceal your presence and sneak across the castle. Your objective is to find a way to operate the castle gate, or to find a new escape route. Don’t alert anyone of your presence…if anyone should become privy to it, make sure to silence them at once.

TEAM #2: RETRIEVE THE MAGESTONE

This is it. The moment of truth. All of your training has led up to this. NRU’s fate rests in your hands. No pressure, though. Just hide from the guards, get to the end of the hallway, bypass the different layers of security, and get that magestone out. All in a day’s work. Succeed through any means necessary. No need to sweat the fact that a single wrong move could botch this mission up. 

TEAM #3: DISTRACT THE GUARDS

The ghosts have been alerted to your presence — there's no other way around it, someone has to act as bait. Unfortunately, you’re up! Try to get as many ghosts as possible following your trail in order to buy the rest of your classmates some time. Run across the castle, creating as big a commotion as you possibly can…remember, it's imperative you don't get caught!

[99lostsouls]

AFTER finding nothing of note from that ruined castle, leaving the area was a given but— the venture only led the group into another strange place.

the remains of a dead forest surrounds them. the path ahead was dark, decorated with dried leaves & torn off tree bark. utterly perfect for alerting anyone nearby of their location with just one misstep.

ortho did his best to assist by shining a light ahead for the group to see. reflecting on the path like bright flashlights from the android's eyes— it made the trek just a bit easier.

❝ ah— i see something ! ❞

ortho had mostly been quiet during their walk, but when he spotted an old backpack among the ruins he brightened up.

reaching down for the bag, the miracle was proven to be TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE when ortho's light highlighted another.

the owner of the bag, very displeased.

@hyaina @vipetriol @threadedwheels @troisfleur

[troisfleur]

vipetriol​:

99lostsouls​:

the moment ortho locked eyes with the ghost, he froze. like a prey gazing into the eyes of a predator, trying not to move to live.

unfortunately, this was no poor sighted dinosaur they were dealing with but— trey’s trick gave him an idea.

❝ I’m sorry sir…I don’t know what you mean. what bag? ❞ slowly reaching down, ortho picked up the “pile of leaves”, holding it close to his chest.

❝ my friends and I are new here… but when we were livin folk we’d use to play in the leaves! you understand the search for nostalgia, yes? ❞

the ghost seemed to be considering until-

❝ …oho you ain’t getting the best of me! I can see the color on you youngins! plus, that little scraggly one’s stealing right now! you’re after my bag– wherever you put it! ❞

a fixed smile. ❝ what color? ❞

@hyaina @troisfleur @threadedwheels​ @vipetriol​

Trey and Ortho’s approach is straightforward, but it seems to be taking effect. Though the ghost might be brash, his conviction is beginning to waver. He’s confused, caught off balance. Just another push and they just might get away unscathed. 

It takes very little effort for Jamil to look like any semblance of life — or, at the very least, the will to live it — has been drained out of him. He doesn’t need to look at himself in a mirror to know he’s seen better days. The surge of adrenaline brought upon the battle at the castle has subsided, and the lack of sleep over the course of the past couple of weeks is catching up to him, weighing on his eyelids and his lower back. 

He smears the makeup around his eyes, accentuating his exhaustion. When he walks up to them, he allows his now-dishevelled fringe to cast a shadow over his features. 

“ Never thought I’d see the day we’d be mistaken for the living,” he scoffs, tone flat and voice low. “ I sure as hell don’t feel alive. Why, do any of you? ” 

@hyaina @troisfleur @threadedwheels @99lostsouls

"DEFINITELY CAN'T SAY I'M FEELING VERY LIVELY," Trey agrees, not missing a beat as he crosses his arms and shakes his head in some semblance of morose contemplation.

—How is this working? "We're lost, sir... doomed to wander, just the same as anyone else around these parts."

When it was only Ortho carrying the lie, there was immediate suspicion. Now, a (shockingly) unified front? Trey can see that suspicion begin to waver. "You're all pretty young, huh. Definitely not dressed like any ghost around these parts."

Trey wouldn't call himself that good of a liar, but he knows how to keep a ruse going. "Yeah... the school trip was going well, until the accident."

A hand unfurls, extends towards the ghost—through his fingerless gloves, Trey's grip is ice cold, any warmth in his hand painted over. "Honestly, if you could point us in the direction of the trail, we'll be out of your hair. Er, metaphorically speaking."

↳ @hyaina​​ / @threadedwheels​​ / @vipetriol​​ / @99lostsouls​​. ♣️

[99lostsouls]

❝ it feels strange being so...cold. the warmth left us a long time ago. ❞

putting those doll like eyes to use, ortho fixed his most mournful expression.

the ghosts would continue to squint at the group until pointing to the side– back on the trail! ❝ you youngins better get going, stay outta people's hair. ❞ and with that? he disappeared.

what a relief... ortho sighed, then reached inside the "leaf pile" to claim their findings. only... his fingertips would hit a glossy surface.

the world began to warp around the team. ( 🌀 )

opening their eyes would grace the team to their new surroundings. luminous lanterns, bubbling tanks, barred windows nearly covering a moonlit sky. THE FORBIDDEN LABORATORY.

@hyaina @troisfleur @vipetriol @threadedwheels

[99lostsouls]

AFTER finding nothing of note from that ruined castle, leaving the area was a given but— the venture only led the group into another strange place.

the remains of a dead forest surrounds them. the path ahead was dark, decorated with dried leaves & torn off tree bark. utterly perfect for alerting anyone nearby of their location with just one misstep.

ortho did his best to assist by shining a light ahead for the group to see. reflecting on the path like bright flashlights from the android's eyes— it made the trek just a bit easier.

❝ ah— i see something ! ❞

ortho had mostly been quiet during their walk, but when he spotted an old backpack among the ruins he brightened up.

reaching down for the bag, the miracle was proven to be TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE when ortho's light highlighted another.

the owner of the bag, very displeased.

@hyaina @vipetriol @threadedwheels @troisfleur

[hyaina]

troisfleur​:

NO USE IN wasting breath suggesting they step lightly or stay alert when the world can tilt from right underneath their feet.

Case in point: the certainty of a hall gives way to (would-be) greenery, gnarled trees that look as though they’ve seen better days. There’s a faint crackle in the air like lightning should still be on the horizon.

And Ortho has already found them trouble. This time, though, Trey is ready:

“Ortho! Haha, there you are.” There’s a spectral form hovering in the light that illuminates the path; just out of sight in shadow is their prize. We dare not stop, or waste a drop—

Trey jogs up to Ortho. “Good thing you’re giving us some light. Pretty easy to get lost around here. I’m sorry if my friend startled you.” So let the paint be spread.

Simple, easy. No more bag. Only a pile of leaves.

↳ @hyaina​​ / @threadedwheels​​ / @vipetriol​​ / @99lostsouls​​. ♣️

Ruggie thinks, he’s had enough tumbling for the day. His back has gone awfully stiff, undoubtedly a result from being thrown against every surface imaginable. He’s lucky that the forest floor is soft, monochromatic earth giving away beneath his weight, and perhaps the hyena would feel a sense of relief if they weren’t in this ghost realm.  

There’s a pop from Ruggie’s shoulder as he rolls it, evoking a hiss as he makes a half-hearted effort in keeping with his team’s steps. His uniform’s soiled with midnight paint; it’s gonna be a bitch to wash out from Savanaclaw’s leather. Hyena ears switch as he hears Ortho speak, then arch backwards as the light hits an ominous face. Ruggie takes a step back, then another, until he maneuvers himself to crouch behind Ember’s– a much taller teammate– figure. 

“Startled me?” Ruggie hears the ghost say as he silently kneels onto the ground. He inches towards the underbush, movement light. “That brat’s trying to steal my bag!” Pale eyes flicker back to see the ghost pointing accusingly at Ortho. “--And what are a bunch of you living folk doin’ out here, anyway?!”  

Ruggie doesn’t jump in to help de-escalate the commotion. His paws are in the bushes, rummaging around until he plucks something juicy from the thicket– A cluster of mushrooms. 

Ruggie rolls a 4 and harvest Mushrooms! Mushrooms: You’re desperate to eat something and this is the only thing you have. Roll 1d20. 

“Ohhh—!” He exclaims, then immediately hushes as his gaze dashes back towards his team. He silently places it into his vest’s inner-pocket, refusing to alert the team of his finding. 

@troisfleur​ / @threadedwheels​​ / @vipetriol​​ / @99lostsouls​​. 

[threadedwheels]

Ember doesn’t know if it’s the ghost realm or the sheer fact that so much has happened at once, but he finds himself incredibly confused.

Ruggie hiding behind him, an angry ghost in front of him, and the rest of his team staring between Ortho and the ghost.

“…Yes, we’re lost, is all,” He agrees, hearing Ruggie sneak around behind him. Whatever he just found is a question for later, right now he needs to practice his worst skill-

De-escalation.

…or let Trey take control of the situation. That was probably for the best. Right now he just needed to make sure Ruggie didn’t steal anything. He spins on his heels and looks for the Savanaclaw student, sneaking around in the dark.

[99lostsouls]

Ember doesn’t know if it’s the ghost realm or the sheer fact that so much has happened at once, but he finds himself incredibly confused.

Ruggie hiding behind him, an angry ghost in front of him, and the rest of his team staring between Ortho and the ghost.

“…Yes, we’re lost, is all,” He agrees, hearing Ruggie sneak around behind him. Whatever he just found is a question for later, right now he needs to practice his worst skill-

De-escalation.

…or let Trey take control of the situation. That was probably for the best. Right now he just needed to make sure Ruggie didn’t steal anything. He spins on his heels and looks for the Savanaclaw student, sneaking around in the dark.

the moment ortho locked eyes with the ghost, he froze. like a prey gazing into the eyes of a predator, trying not to move to live.

unfortunately, this was no poor sighted dinosaur they were dealing with but— trey's trick gave him an idea.

❝ I'm sorry sir...I don't know what you mean. what bag? ❞ slowly reaching down, ortho picked up the "pile of leaves", holding it close to his chest.

❝ my friends and I are new here... but when we were livin folk we'd use to play in the leaves! you understand the search for nostalgia, yes? ❞

the ghost seemed to be considering until-

❝ ...oho you ain't getting the best of me! I can see the color on you youngins! plus, that little scraggly one's stealing right now! you're after my bag– wherever you put it! ❞

a fixed smile. ❝ what color? ❞

@hyaina @troisfleur @threadedwheels @vipetriol

[99lostsouls]

AFTER finding nothing of note from that ruined castle, leaving the area was a given but— the venture only led the group into another strange place.

the remains of a dead forest surrounds them. the path ahead was dark, decorated with dried leaves & torn off tree bark. utterly perfect for alerting anyone nearby of their location with just one misstep.

ortho did his best to assist by shining a light ahead for the group to see. reflecting on the path like bright flashlights from the android's eyes— it made the trek just a bit easier.

❝ ah— i see something ! ❞

ortho had mostly been quiet during their walk, but when he spotted an old backpack among the ruins he brightened up.

reaching down for the bag, the miracle was proven to be TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE when ortho's light highlighted another.

the owner of the bag, very displeased.

@hyaina @vipetriol @threadedwheels @troisfleur

[vipetriol]

hyaina​:

Ruggie has no qualms following Ortho. If there was anyone on this team best equipped to march on towards unknown terrain, it was undoubtedly Idia Shroud’s robotic brother. Ruggie finds a sense of ease walking alongside their humanoid companion; as long as Ortho’s tech gear remains working, aren’t they practically indomitable?! Steely resolve lets the hyena trek onwards, taking on the infinite staircase until a vivid light pierces his eyes.

“Augh–!” He gasps, instinctively taking a step backwards. He nearly missteps, heel going past the ledge, and Ruggie’s mid-maneuver as a strong force suddenly grips him. It prevents the hyena from tumbling, yet successfully discombobulates him as he’s practically spun onto cobblestone. Ruggie nearly topples from the drastic shift of terrain, eyes flying open in shock– Then a body thuds besides him. 

“T-Trey?!” The hyena yelps, barely processing what in the great Seven’s just happened, when he notices a specter charging at him from the ends of his vision. Quick reflexes enables him to wield his pen—

Ruggie rolls a 1: Miss! 

Painting Ghost rolls a 14: 1.5dmg incoming! Ruggie’s hp: 3.5 / 5 

—But he hardly has time to cast a proper spell as their assailant comes for him next.  The ghost’s spell crushes his shoulder mid-cast. Ruggie’s thrown back as black paint-ooze splatters onto his uniform, the gale that he summons goes off-kilter. It whirls past the ghost and slices the painting behind it. The intricate portrait slams onto the ground, echoing into the abyss. 

@threadedwheels / @vipetriol / @99lostsouls​ / @troisfleur

A morphing world. A dry thud. A stifled yelp. A gust of wind.

Trey is on the ground in the blink of an eye.

Jamil’s mind hasn’t quite caught up with the barrage of stimuli, but his body moves on instinct all the same— he doesn’t need another second to know they’re under attack.

Jamil rolls an 11 and a 9 for damage: Hit for 1 dmg!

Painting Ghost rolls an 11 and a 10 for damage: 1 dmg incoming!

Painting Ghost’s HP: 2/3 

Jamil’s HP: 4/5

A fire spell cast on reflex finds its mark. The foul smell of burning oil paint rises into the air, and a shrill, inhuman wail reverberates across the castle’s stone walls. As it writhes against the frame it had presumably gone out from, the ghost seethes, now settled on its next mark.  

Jamil prepares to retaliate, but the earlier soreness returns with a vengeance, sending painful jolts across his right arm. He’s half a second too slow in casting a defence spell, and the incoming strike sends him crashing onto the cobbled ground.

@threadedwheels / @hyaina / @99lostsouls / @troisfleur

[99lostsouls]

everything happened so fast.

to blink, and suddenly have your teammates— your upperclassmen on the ground brought about a dizzying confusion.

but there was no time to be confused. that would only seal a gruesome fate - it would be foolish.

and ortho was not designed foolishly.

in a string of bad luck, after the spirit had successfully taken down jamil— its path of screeches and wails seemed to be heading straight for ember next.

in a quick effort, ortho charged forward, shooting out a laser from his palm.

ORTHO ROLLS A 12 AND 20 FOR DAMAGE: HIT for 2 DMG!

PAINTING GHOST'S HP: 0/3

ORTHO'S HP: 5/5

the stench of flames and burnt oils wasn't pleasant, but being killed wasn't anymore agreeable.

once the flames of the burning painting went down, ortho reached to help up his injured colleagues.

❝ let's go. ❞

[troisfleur]

TREY CLOVER manages to hold onto his hat for the descent, the only thing he has to his name as dignity falls in time with his body free-falling through the air for a landing most unfortunate. It's not the first time he's taken a tumble—three years and middling (by his own measure, if asked, and as far as anyone will know) ability to balance on a broom's made him no stranger to heights and the bruises and sprains that come with them—but this is the strangest one in recent memory.

It's only by quick thinking on impact that his glasses don't go flying off his face, but breath certainly leaves his lungs as Trey stays flat on his back for a good few minutes.

A few more, and eyes open to a world devoid of color.

"...Everyone alright?" When Trey pushes himself upright, something... crinkles?

↳[X] 🅰🅼🅱🆄🆂🅷— @hyaina / @threadedwheels / @vipetriol / @99lostsouls. ♣️

[99lostsouls]

threadedwheels

Ember idly listens to the group while they debate their options, trying to use his sight to see what was to come. It didn’t work before but… it was worth a shot now, right?

He tries to focus, to even shut out the voices of the others, but… nothing. All he can see is the monochromatic tones of the world around them.

“…I think the stairs are our best choice. At the very least, we can look for more items there,” He says, walking towards them. By no means is he going to be at the front of the group, but at the very least he will act confident in his decisions.

Even if he is unsure of every step he’s taking.

“We should get going either way. I feel as if standing here is going to start attracting trouble.”

though ortho could surely display his own ideas on how to proceed— he saw no need considering they aligned well enough with the rest of his team. 

once everyone came to an agreement, ortho nodded. ❝ I'll scout ahead! ❞ 

it only seemed natural, being able to travel faster than the rest. without another word, ortho began to fly up the twisting stairs to see what lie ahead. as the android flew up he began to brighten– his connection was growing stronger, allowing him the ability to detect magical energy. 

it was strong, beginning to warp his surroundings but before he could inform his teammates, ortho had flew straight into a flash of light. before he knew it he was outside of a ruined castle, falling apart at the seams.

@threadedwheels @vipetriol  @hyaina  @troisfleur

[yaoyaobae]

Book 6 is finally here~

[vipetriol]

hyaina​:

“‘’Course I’m worried about my gummies, every scrap of food’s important!” Ruggie’s brows furrow defiantly, a frown tugging at his lips. They were premium quality, too! The good stuff that all the rich kids got that had frost-apples and artisan sugar and it was supposed to keep him afloat since the teams were gonna share their rations, but now they don’t even have rations to share! This sucks! 

The sound of a wrapper crinkling immediately sends Ruggie scurrying to Trey’s side, eyes wide and transfixed upon the bar. He only spares one second to check his pockets.

“I only got my magipen, no mirror.” Ruggie says. His peels dart from the ice cream, to Trey, to the other students, then back down at the ice cream. “An’ I’m also kii~iinda hungry…” 

@threadedwheels / @vipetriol​ / @99lostsouls​​ / @troisfleur​​

“I lost my bag, so gummies would be preferable to nothing, really,” Jamil admits. He doesn’t have the mirror either, and with his supplies gone, every scrap of food does matter— doubly so with Ruggie around. He shoots an all-too-knowing glare at the beastman. “You? Hungry? Never would’ve guessed.”

On the bright side —if there’s one to be found— having Ortho in their group means one less mouth to feed, but Jamil refrains from voicing the thought out loud, lest Ortho find offence to it.

“As both our senior and Heartslabyul’s vice-housewarden, I believe we can entrust Trey to ration our resources,” or so Jamil says. His tone is perfectly cordial, if not borderline sycophantic, but it was Trey who crushed the miserable bar in the first place, so he should take responsibility.  

“At any rate, we should take a look around. There might be some more stuff we dropped.”  

@threadedwheels​ / @hyaina​ / @99lostsouls​ / @troisfleur​

[threadedwheels]

At the mention of the communication devices, Ember begins frantically searching his pockets for a mirror. His mirror- the only way he could contact Atticus in this haunted hellscape.

No mirror, no phone, nothing in his pockets other than the lint that always finds its way in.

He tries to bite down the frantic tone in his voice.

“Yes. Let’s look around- No eating anything until we know what we have. We’ll… give it all to Trey, I suppose. Stay here, though. No sense in getting split up.”

The focus of his searching wasn’t on food, of course, but rather his mirror. His eyes land on it and he quickly reaches out to scoop it up, flipping it open with shaking hands, and…

“…the mirror isn’t working.”

He smacks it once, twice, but… nothing.

“Anyone else have theirs? Ortho- you have to have a way to contact someone, right?”

[99lostsouls]

❝ please, stop. ❞ a gentle request made as ortho would push ruggie away from trey.

the hyena's behavior wasn't surprising in the slightest, but it did remain inconvenient. ❝ we just got here. your stomach will have to wait I'm afraid. saving our resources is more important. ❞

he'd look up when ember called his name– further questioning their means of communication.

ortho then summoned one of his holographic screens, typing away at something until— he closed it with an expression of disappointment.

❝ my connection is faulty… my systems are picking up on some type of signal somewhere, but we have no idea where that is. ❞

or where they were right now…

[99lostsouls]

*THREAD STATUS TRACKER

LAST UPDATED: May 11th, 2023

— LOADING MAY'S MONTHLY GOAL: KEEP ORTHO ALIVE DURING NRU: STRIKERS, EXPLORE CHARACTER DYNAMICS WITH TEAM MEMBERS.

- LOADING JUNE'S MONTHLY GOAL: N/A

WAITING ON ME

SEALTH CHECK DC 15 ( ROVE )

DEATH BY ROBOT ( EMBER )

FETCH QUEST ( IDIA )

STOLEN BELONGINGS ( JACK )

MAKEOVER ( CLEMENTINE )

WAITING ON THEM

NOT AT SOUP ( NRU STRIKERS: RUGGIE, TREY, JAMIL, EMBER )

CRITICS IN THE MAKING ( TREY )

PARTY PLANNERS ( KALIM )

DOUGH ( RUGGIE )

THE GLITTER GLUE CASE ( ACE )

TREES N' WISHES ( AZUL | MINI )

ORTHO X CRATE COLLAB ( CATER | MINI )

OPEN STARTERS

ITEM NOT FOUND... TRY AGAIN?

[99lostsouls]

ART CRITICS IN THE MAKING! // @troisfleur

❝ trey clover! ❞ a bright voice called out from nearby.

if the third year would turn around, he'd see none other than ortho shroud, fast approaching in flight. he'd make his way over quickly, coming to a haul to hover next to trey.

❝ hello ~! I hope the day's been treating you well. I recently saw your bulletin listing— and well, I'd love to peruse the galleries with you! ❞

it would be an understatement to say ortho admired trey, it went somewhat deeper than that. through all his time spent observing other students on NRU, clover stuck out like a green thumb.

his attentive and caring traits were certainly a breath of fresh air compared to some of the more…dicey students here. trey was easy to look up to in a way! as a new NRU student, ortho surely wanted to be a little like him come his third year.

ah he only hoped they could have a good time together at the art instalation!

that is if trey accepts of course…

[99lostsouls]

let us gaze upon the stars. // @rove-bogge // continued from HERE

GUILT ;

/noun/ a feeling of having done wrong or

failed in an obligation

guilt was one of those distinctly human emotions ortho had little grasp or understanding of.

he was custom designed with nearly every scenario possible in mind with abilities like no other. with all at his disposal, making a wrong decision or failing wasn't something he planned for. especially not like this.

this wasn't glitching calibration or broken parts. It involved his friend. he was hurting and.. maybe ortho was too, but there was seemingly nothing he could do about it

rove always got up and walked away before the android had a chance at properly understanding.

days, and weeks thinking over their initial

conversation led ortho to the conclusion that he reacted incorrectly. it was his fault rove acted in such a way, and he should alter his speech patterns to cause less distress, and yet..that was wrong too?

he couldn't wrap his head around it. with how every conversation had gone so far, it seemed he would never be given the chance to.

embarrassing. to be a highly intelligent Al but to be just as lost as a child in a store without their mother for guidance and comfort

ortho's eyes loosely focused on the falling snow as they stepped back outside... he wondered if his brother was okay back in ramshackle.

it was easy to tell ortho wasn't really invested in the lantern making as he was before. placing the candle into the lantern was more like a side quest to earn extra game currency instead of the large main objective to learn & conquer.

at the sight of rove's phone, ortho suddenly snapped back into focus. standing with his lantern he'd pose, making two peace signs with his fingers, smiling underneath that mask of his.

it was easy to assume the two would venture back to campus once ortho was done with his lantern, so rove's proposal for the beach was met with a surprised expression

❝ okay. ❞ simple acceptance in response.

rising from his position, ortho would fly alongside rove's audible steps. he'd glance

between the town in front of him, back to his dormmate time and time again.

yet another silent trek to their desired location. it would be a plain faced lie to say the awkward tinge in the air wasn't uncomfortable.

no one else was present, but they alone. the distant sound of rolling waves filtered through ortho's audio processors. a backing track to the start of rove's monologue.

he could have easily searched and downloaded at least 10 articles of information on these blister bugs within a few seconds but instead— he would listen to rove.

the sheer nerves the student carried in his speech spoke volumes. this wasn't about bugs, if it was he'd be much more comfortable dare even fast paced while conveying such information.

his own cantharidin…

it was somewhat silly to describe his mechanisms in a way, but it made complete sense for someone like him. suppose that's what ortho admired about rove the most.

slowly the young shroud approached, taking one of his friend's hands to hold within his own.

❝ I… I do not want to be called human because I am not one. I do not deserve a title that does not belong to me. ❞

his digits brushed against rove's open palm, tracing alongside the aforementioned marks.

❝ but I do know that I'm very bad at living. I'm overemotional, reckless, obsessive and so many things— I do a long wrong but I always want to do right by you.

you've always made me feel seen and connected despite not being a student. some people here don't even know I exist, really, but I've always been able to have you in my corner. so for whatever I do wrong, I'm sorry. and for whatever bothers you…. please talk to me. I want to help however I can, but I can't if you don't let me. ❞

[rove-bogge]

Shuddering as a synthetic thumb pad smoothed over his markings. A psychological sensitivity tied to a reservoir of insecurity. Part of his mind marvelling at how gentle Ortho's touch was. He had seen glimpses of the strength Ortho had so the control and gentleness the other had was a marvel.

"You haven't done anything wrong Ortho…" He responded with a soft sigh escaping his lips. "I am just…broken I guess."

It sounded somewhat nonchalant but the undertones of self deprecation and sadness were just audible to someone who had picked up on Rove's vocal habits. The tone shifted to something more rough and layered with bitterness.

After a few moments he smiled softly. "I…I really envy you and Idia. You once told me your motto was you and Idia against the world, I really envy that Reda was never there for me like that. Maybe if he had been I wouldn't feel the way that I am. I really needed him when I was younger and instead of helping me…he turned his back on me. Ever since we have been hostile to each other.”

He let out a breath before meeting Ortho's eyes. "I guess we both are really bad at living. You say those things like I am not guilty of the same."

He thanked the cold chill in the air that kept people away from the beach. Likely more attracted to the festivities on the streets away from the shore. "I will always be in both yours and Idia's corner Ortho….I guess we are like a family in an odd way least a dorm family." He held out his pinky finger to the other. "Ignihyde against the world?" He questioned the best way he could think of to show the others that they were a team.

[99lostsouls]

memories of the past rang true within ortho's mind. to envy he and his brother....no one had ever said that before. the sentence was nearly shocking to hear.

suppose that's what made ortho and rove one in the same, the misfortune that clung to their skin. an unfortunate stench utilized to drive people away.

and yet...here they are together on these salty shores.

ortho would giggle at rove's comment. they were bad at this huh? ❝ well...we both certainly have some things to learn. I think we can teach each other. ❞

it felt right to smile at rove again, to hold him close and cherish the feeling of warmth he gave him, the taste of humanity just at his fingertips.

like rolling through fields of ticklish flowers. he had no idea where he was going, or if he'd be okay in the end...but that in itself was so thrilling, along with the plushness of each petal.

ortho would stare at rove's offered pinky in a moment of silence. an unexpected effort– reaching up, the android would unhook his mask so rove could truly see him. that smile of his.

it was no doubt dipped in honey from the sheer sweetness displayed within. there was something so perfect yet imperfect in it. teeth perfectly straight and shiney, yet how ortho tilted his head, they'd begin to look a bit slanted. you couldn't be sure if his mouth was small or his head was just big. but there was fun in not knowing.

to just sit back and admire the strange things about one's appearance, taken as utter silliness across the board.

ortho would soon wrap his pinky around rove's.

❝ Ignihyde against the world! ❞

[rove-bogge]

He had never seen Ortho with both his eyes and mouth revealed. It was always one or the other. It had always been a morbid question that gnawed at his mind to ask why to either Ortho or Idia but it seemed like a loaded bullet of a question that he vowed never to ask in case it broke the fragile bond they shared. Thin in places but strengthened like tempered glass in others.

Yet he found himself staring in awe as the other showed himself fully to Rove. A shine in his eyes as he felt like even breathing would break this moment. The light of the sun giving the moment a glow part of Rove's brain couldn't help but think that this felt like a scene of an anime. But Ortho's smile was imperfect yet beautiful. So human with its slight off angle which made it so real.

He swore he felt a slight shock run up his arm and down his spine when Ortho's pinky met his. A jolt to his soul almost as the other repeated the phrase and he couldn't help but grin giddily back at Ortho, a slight noise in approval. His heart and soul burning with a happiness he was sure he had never really felt before.

"O-oh!" He suddenly jumped. Grinning so wide his cheeks would hurt tomorrow Ortho could likely see the excitement in his body reading as he reached into his coat pulling out the thick packet. "I Know it isn't wrapped but I got you this....It's a felting kit if you want I can show you how to make felt animals." He smiled offering it to Ortho. The package is thick with felt fibres and tools with a picture on the front with several felt animals that could be made with the items inside.

"I know its not techy but I remember you saying you wanted to learn more things you could do with your hands and such." He flushed slightly embarrassed and worried he had made a mistake but he hoped Ortho would be happy with the gift. Maybe it would be nice to switch offline from his tech every now and spend time with Ortho teaching him a new hobby craft.

[99lostsouls]

there was a certain vulnerability layered within ortho's action of exposing himself fully to rove.

but— that was the mark of a true friend, was it not? to be honest and open with one another. it was rather foreign to have someone other than idia to be vulnerable with but….ortho liked it.

it felt good to be real, to be open, and to especially see rove smiling like that again. ortho would make a mental vow to not fight like that ever again… it was far too taxing to keep up.

but something else seemed to be peeking rove's excitement! ortho watched with an attentive gaze as the other fished out a thick packet from his coat.

inside were…felts and fabrics, plenty of tools used to create! you could see it in his eyes how ortho lit up as it was being explained. ortho may not be human himself— but he certainly is alive. for someone to feel and love so deeply? he had to be.

he took the packet as it was offered. finally, with that mask removed, rove was able to see the pure warmth that was a smile from ortho. this…this was personal.

for rove to even remember his passing desire meant near everything to the android. before he even breathed a word to respond, ortho would lean in to hug rove.

a firm yet affectionate hold. ortho's head would rest against his dorm mate's shoulder.

❝ I love it. I love it a lot…! can't wait to craft with you…. ❞ he whispered into rove's ear, followed by the soft crashing of waves.

he was content.

he was whole.

[99lostsouls]

THE TWO-HEADED DOG — ; ORTHRUS

* light card and chapter 7 spoilers for eng server

CERBERUS — an awfully well-known character across greek myths and adaptations, dubbed "the hound of hades" or more recognizably, "the guardian of the underworld."

cerberus even makes his appearance in the disney movie " HERCULES! " it's clear as day by now that the cast of Twisted Wonderland are nearly all inspired from a specific character from their movies.

nearly being the keyword, as some remain as utter outliers. take ORTHO himself. with many characters to argue to be his origin, there is one that exists outside of the disney movie, and instead within greek mythology.

would you ever guess the grand cerberus ever had a brother of his own?

ORTHRUS — a two-headed hound, serving as guardian to geryon's herd of red cattle in the "sunset" land of erytheia.

the name connection is obvious enough. orthrus easily translates to orthos, plural.

in most art that exists, orthrus is often shown dying pierced by one or two arrows from heracles or as most viewers recognize him, HERCULES.

stretching back to the translation of the name, orthrus to orthos — this two headed dog can be equated to the two orthos we encounter in chapter 6.

the first being the original— the one who died very young and the second being the a.i. version we're better equated with.

during the events of this chapter these two emerge in two separate instances— firstly when they work together to take over S.T.Y.X, with the primary ortho taking control of the a.i's body and secondly near the end when the a.i ortho is given his counterparts memories, resulting in a heart of his very own.

ortho shroud's connection to these guard dogs will likely become even more prevalent with his upcoming title card— "GUARDIAN OF THE UNDERWORLD."

I'm excited to see what his involvement in chapter 7 brings. perhaps malleus will damage one of the dogs, bringing the 3 headed group down to two like orthrus— but who's to say, we'll have to wait and see.

ΔΕΝ ΜΙΛΑΤΕ ΚΑΚΟ, ΔΕΝ ΑΚΟΥΣΤΕ ΚΑΚΟ, ΔΕΙΤΕ ΚΑΝΕΝΑ ΚΑΚΟ.

[troisfleur]

team 3: You Are (Not) at Soup. ♣️

TREY CLOVER manages to hold onto his hat for the descent, the only thing he has to his name as dignity falls in time with his body free-falling through the air for a landing most unfortunate. It’s not the first time he’s taken a tumble—three years and middling (by his own measure, if asked, and as far as anyone will know) ability to balance on a broom’s made him no stranger to heights and the bruises and sprains that come with them—but this is the strangest one in recent memory.

It’s only by quick thinking on impact that his glasses don’t go flying off his face, but breath certainly leaves his lungs as Trey stays flat on his back for a good few minutes.

A few more, and eyes open to a world devoid of color.

“…Everyone alright?” When Trey pushes himself upright, something… crinkles?

↳[X] 🅰🅼🅱🆄🆂🅷— @hyaina / @threadedwheels / @vipetriol / @99lostsouls. ♣️

[99lostsouls]

the fall was certainly a bumpy one, sending each student hurling towards a realm without a spot of color.

the suddenness of the transportation in truth startled ortho as well. quick blinking allowed ortho to realize he was indeed falling. thank the seven or– idia himself that the android was granted a faster reaction time than most.

ENGAGING EMERGENCY THRUSTERS—

in a quick effort to avoid damage, bright blue flames would eject from ortho's hands and feet, allowing a safer descent to the ground.

these…weren't his teammates, but when where things ever that simple here? ortho would then scan each student for damage while offering a hand to use to stand up.

❝ you may experience soreness and bruises, but I don't detect any serious injuries from you all. ❞

[prince-kalim]

Spirits had been low in the shared Ramshackle house as the time taken to return to the dorms stretched out into the new year. He had been lounging in the living room fidgeting with a loose thread on a cushion trying to think of a way to get everyone smiling.

That's when the Idea came to him. Of course it was so obvious! A party!

Excitedly he rushed past the room Jamil was shouting something about preparing a feast for the evening as he headed to Sam's to get decorations.

After dropping no small amount of Thaumarks he was now balancing on his tippy toes on the edge of the sofa trying to pin up some bunting stretching as far as he could to get the angle right when the door opened causing him to jump.

"Wah!"

He braced to hit the floor but luckily it never came. Greeted by golden eyes he chuckled slightly.

"Ah thanks Ortho! It was, wasn't it! Good job you were here." He rebalanced himself dusting himself off. 

[99lostsouls]

❝ thank you! I'm glad I could be of assistance. ❞

kindness and innocence swirled within those gold flecks. ortho's grip on kalim was firm when he first caught the prefect, only loosening up once he was assured kalim was alright.

he took the liberty to even help with readjusting, placing him back on his feet as if he weighed nothing!

ortho wanted to ask something– but the android was found to be distracted by a keen glimmer of copper against ramshackle's wooden floors. a glance down would confirm his suspicions of the item : thaumarks!

just as quickly as ortho caught kalim, he was scooping up the coins from the ground to return to kalim.

❝ that's a lot you've got there! plans to go out I persume? ❞ his inquiry came with a tilt of his head.

ohh ortho just couldn't help but be curious! the lives of his brother's peers were just so interesting... he wanted to know all he could!

[prince-kalim]

Kalim blinked as Ortho's attention seemed to be drawn away. Jumping a bit as Ortho suddenly swooped something off the ground. Confused as robotic fingers uncurled only to laugh as he saw it was coins.

"Oh! Yeah it's just some pocket change. It's been kinder hard not to have a treasure room..." He sighed a bit dramatically.

After some patting of his pockets he pulled out his coin purse, the poor thing building and stressed out at the seams filled with coins and notes.

"It's hard to try and store it all on my person. But I wanted to try and make this place look better for everyone. Maybe people will feel more comfortable if we make this place look nicer. No offence to YuYu and Grim but..." He grimaced a little feeling bad at insulting the others home but...

He sighed but laughed. "It's fine! We will all pull through this. I am very grateful for Yuyu and Grim letting us stay here. How have you and Idia been holding up here Ortho? I presume it has been a bit harder for Ignihyde students to settle in this older building.”

[99lostsouls]

sympathy coated ortho's features at kalim's reveal of his troubles. the ramschakle move sure was....something.

ortho's opinions were bound to be an out lier. he wasn't a student, nor human, to be exact— so most that bothered everyone else never came to ortho's mind. like money and treasure rooms. It didn't seem that hard to store your funds properly, and yet here, his friend was struggling!

oh the confusing ways of life.

but— there was conversation to be had and questions to be answered. kalim's question in particular brought light to one of the more annoying traits of ramschakle life.

❝ it's been an adjustment, especially since nii-san and I have roomed together for so long. but it has been difficult to keep myself online for so long.

my charging booth had to be taken out of ignihyde to prevent damages to it... but whenever I use it here, I tend to take up most if not all the electricity. you can imagine how that fares with everyone else here. ❞

ortho nearly winced at his own reminder. to be the biggest walking disturbance in the dorm wasn't the most pleasant thing in the world.

the faster this was all over the better...

[prince-kalim]

Kalim's face fell as he heard about the problem Ortho was having with charging properly. He wondered if they could get in generators like the ones he had seen used for large festivals at his home to give Ortho a better power source to charge to instead of the finicky wiring in Ramshackle...then what what would charge the generators...the only real fix would be completely renovating Ramshackle.

"We should definitely pressure the Headmage to look at renovating Ramshackle when we are able to return to our dorms!" He nodded before sighing. "I keep thinking how difficult it is staying here without the basics we have at Scarabia and how dreadful it must be for Yuyu and Grim..." He sighed pitifully, eyes closing as he could only picture how rough it was for their host. "I have to go to the basketball club changing rooms to take a shower as there's just not enough hot water here for even one of us. How does Yuyu survive here full time...Your troubles with charging only adds to how urgently we must get the magestone back."

He looked at Ortho before smiling. "Don't worry though Ortho I'm sure no one minds the power issues as long as you're alright. Your wellbeing is far more important." Kalim was 100% certain this was the thoughts of everyone in the building. It had to be no one could be heartless enough to put their electronics time above Ortho's wellbeing.....surely. 

[99lostsouls]

ortho certainly shared kalim's sentiments when it came to yuyu and grim. this way of living was certainly unfair, and to a student completely stripped from their world of origin? he couldn't begin to imagine the struggle. but before he could respond —

don't worry though ortho! I'm sure no one minds the power use as long as you're alright.

so….who was gonna tell him.

kalim's response practically confused ortho. had he been living under a rock this whole time?

❝ I do enjoy that outlook…but I can't imagine it true. no one here on campus would put me before their conveniences and entertainment— despite my brother and rove of course. ❞

after all, he was still new to being a student, meeting people and making connections. even then… this was still NRU. even the optimist within the android had to be realistic about this.

[99lostsouls]

epel was an endearing boy himself! such a curious case, presenting himself kind and earnest to most and yet...word of mouth says he has some fierceness to him.

now, ortho shouldn't "study" people he wants to be friends with ( he learned that the hard way. ) but it was too tempting... taking in each stammer through dialect and mannerisms, all of it would be served to memory.

ortho followed epel inside the dorm room once prompted, giving the phone he presented a quizzical look. he's never seen any thing like that before...

but not to worry, a quick search with keywords [ LADYBUG ] and [ CELLPHONE ] should do the trick!

.....

EH?!

❝ ....this phone is recommended for young children in a 5 - 11 age range and or senior citizens. ❞

blunt‐ but overall true. that is what the website for it clearly states! but moving on from— that. epel's request was simple! pictures was a base ability on all cellphones.

❝ well... this phone can take pictures I assure you, with high resolution as well! let me show you. ❞

entering the base password to unlock the device, he opened up the camera app for a proper demonstration.

after a quick glance around the room ortho found his muse! that meaning the view of the outside through the room's window.

he pointed the phone towards the windows, zooming in for the perfect shot.

and....click! once it was taken, ortho showed the photo to epel. not only did the phone pick up on the texture of the glass pane, it showed the view outside clear as day.

❝ with this cellphone you can do all kinds of things like texting, pictures, customization, listening to music, social media– would you like me to walk you through it? ❞

[fel-mi-er]

❝ ....this phone is recommended for young children in a 5 - 11 age range and or senior citizens. ❞

Epel blinked. Wait, really?

He knew his phone wasn't very advanced, and that most people had smartphones nowadays, thats why he posted a call for help in the first place. But did this phone make him look childish? Was this a phone for kids? He felt kind of silly all of a sudden, face heating slightly as he tried to think of every person who had ever seen him use this phone. Were they all laughing at him?

He felt a bit betrayed, thinking that his family gave him that phone knowing how it looked-- they were babying him again! He had told them time and time again to treat him like an adult (nevermind the fact that he had only turned 18 this year), but he would always be the baby of the family in their eyes. He was the youngest in his entire town, so he supposed it was hard for them to stop seeing him that way... He sighed internally and let it go, remembering that Ortho had also said it was geared towards the elderly. This was probably what they were using, so its what they gave him to use too. An honest sentiment with unfortunate consequences.

To be told by a child (robot child, but still) that you were using a phone for 5 year olds... Not his proudest moment. He cleared his throat. Luckily Ortho was already moving on, and Epel was again glad a sweet kid like Ortho had answered his bulletin request-- he could think of several other students who would never let him live that one down.

Ortho assured him that the phone he had presented him with could indeed take pictures. He then proved it by taking a marvelously detailed shot of the view from the window; it was hard not to be impressed by that kind of quality.

❝ with this cellphone you can do all kinds of things like texting, pictures, customization, listening to music, social media– would you like me to walk you through it? ❞

Epel was grateful for the offer. "Yes, please, any help you can give me would be welcome." He had to wonder how much a phone like this would cost, and doubted he would be able to acquire the one in Ortho's hands- he hoped it wouldn't make the kid sad- but he could still use this knowledge on whatever phone he DID end up getting. Or so he assumed, anyways.

[99lostsouls]

though it remained hidden behind his skull mask, ortho retained a sympathic smile for his colleague. being made from the most advanced technology available certainly didn't help in relating to his situation— but it did wonders with explaining the ins and outs of cell phones.

ortho was sure to be thorough with his walk through, downloading a few apps to go through them with the first year.

by the end of it all epel had ended up with the device customized to his likes with a new wallpaper, contacts from his current phone, accounts on magicam, twst tube and more.

❝ there! that should be all of it. if you have any questions, I already put my calling number in your contacts so you can message me if you'd like! I hope you enjoy. ❞

just like that— he closed the phone, holding it out for epel to take, just like it....it was for him!

[fel-mi-er]

Epel had a bit of a slow start on the pickup, but once a few key concepts clicked, he was actually pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to understand a lot of this stuff. Ortho was a great teacher, knowledgeable and patient, and approachable enough that Epel didn't feel silly asking questions.

By the end of their session, Epel was all set up, confidently equipped to handle the modern smartphone.

❝ there! that should be all of it. if you have any questions, I already put my calling number in your contacts so you can message me if you'd like! I hope you enjoy. ❞

Ortho closed the practice phone, and held it out towards him.

Epel blinked.

What? Ortho couldn't possibly mean...

"W-- Is this for me?"

"Ain't no way I-- I mean, I couldn't possibly... accept this..." he shook his head. "It's probably really expensive, and you've already helped me out a ton by explaining this all to me." Helping someone understand something was one thing, but giving them a top of the line electronic for nothing in return? That just wasn't fair.

He looked around the room for something he could offer to Ortho, but nothing he had was all that valuable. And even if it didn't need to match the price tag, he couldn't really see anything that Ortho would enjoy. Apples? Ortho didn't really eat, did he? Something knit? Ortho didn't wear clothes... He had some weights, but Ortho didn't need to work out to change his body. And he supposed Ortho wouldn't be interested in his books on agriculture, either.

What did Ortho like? He didn't really know him that well, honestly. He was famously fond of his older brother, that much he was aware of, but what else? Did Ortho still play with toys? He wasn't really sure how old he was supposed to be, honestly. Ten? Eleven? Did he like videogames as much as his brother did? Well, Epel didn't have anything like that, either..

[99lostsouls]

❝ I couldn't possibly...accept this. ❞ the first year uttered.

how exactly did ortho respond? ❝ sure you can, take it. ❞

like it was the easiest thing in the world! no worries of payment, an offer in return, debt, anything he just....wanted epel to have the phone.

ortho would merely watch as epel frantically searched around the room. for what? he wasn't too sure, but it was an interesting sight, to say the least. he really couldn't understand epel's worry on the matter. of course, it was expensive but— wasn't any other smartphone? this would surely save epel a buck or hundreds!

once the android decided he'd had enough of epel's search, he'd grab at the first year's arm. firm in grasp, but not nearly enough to harm him.

❝ epel felmier, I want you to have this. I wouldn't have brought it over if I didn't! everything's already been made to your liking by us two.

and besides, this experience is far enough payment than any material thing could give me. to know we could possibly be friends that chat and call is exciting! it makes me happy...so please don't worry about repayment and just take it okay? ❞

removing his hand from epel's shoulder, ortho would then press the device into epel's palm. it was his.

[fel-mi-er]

Epel was surprised at the strength of Ortho's grip, though he really shouldn't have been. The action did make him pause, and he looked down at the younger boy.

Epel was touched at Ortho's words. He really was such a sweet kid... and he couldn't really refuse it now. If it would make Ortho happy, then... though he was still a bit uncomfortable, he figured accepting the gift was best.

His fingers curled around the phone pressed in his hand, and he sighed, defeated (though smiling). "Thank you. I really mean it. I'll take the phone, but you have to let me do you a favour, okay? If you need help with something in the future, call me. I officially owe you one." He smiled at Ortho, grateful and determined.

"And we can definitely chat all the time! I'm gonna find a bunch of those funny memes like the ones you were showing me, and text you them in class" he snickered. "Well, maybe before class." He could hear professor Crewel's whip ringing in his ears already.

[99lostsouls]

the android's eyes would sparkle at epel's response. he'd been well used to nagging and convincing [ SOMEONE ] into doing things, so the acceptance came as a relief.

but— his words…epel would text him. they could call, and send funny videos like friends, real friends! before or after, ortho was practically glowing with the joy he felt.

❝ I … can't wait then! ❞ ortho would exclaim. he leaned in for a quick hug before stepping back towards the door.

❝ I'll talk to you soon or– I'll text you! ❞ chuckling at his mark, ortho would wave before exiting through the door.

TECHIE VS FARMIE — mission complete!