The Legacy Of Cloud

Side blog for my series, The Legacy of Cloud!

[loftwingofcrimson]

*presents a legacy of cloud character with Kairo*

(U can choose near end arc mid arc or beginning if u eant :3 )

Oooooh I choose middle arc if you don’t mind :333

*Feather is sitting on a bench, embroidering a pattern into a small bit of fabric. It’s pretty early in the morning, the sun barely risen, and the streets empty besides a few people doing some early activities. Feather’s one-eyed gaze flies up when Kairo appears and she raises an eyebrow*

“Greetings?”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

"...."

*Kairo glances around briefly, like hes confused she's talking to him before giving an akward atempt at a half wave*

"Greetings."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I haven’t seen you around before.”

*Her eyebrow remains raised and she tilts her head slightly by way of gesturing to the building behind her that’s surrounded by a tall metal gate*

“What are you doing here in front of my school?”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

*Kairo makes a bit of a face at the building*

"I got lost, kiddo."

*he blinks at her like hes just now noticing shes missing an eye, but doesn't dwel on it*

"What are you doing outside of school?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She blanches at the use of ‘kiddo’*

“Dear, I’m an adult. And this is my school. As in, I’m the Mistress of it. As in, I’m in charge of who goes in and out and if I want to have a moment’s reprive outside away from my students, I think like that’s within regulation.”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

"..... my apologies."

*Kairos expression turns slightly wary but he gives her a little bow*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She inclines her head at him in response, then asks*

“Can I assume you’re not here to hurt anyone or cause trouble?”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

*Kairo looks slightly insulted at the question*

"I assure you I have no intention whatsoever to cause any problems-"

*he pasues as if considering to add the word*

"-ma'am."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods and seems to relax a little, returning to her embroidery without another word or glance at him*

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

*he just stands there akwardly staring ahead as if spacing out for a couple beats before opening his mouth to say somthing and closing it almost twice as fast*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She notices and gives a smile at that. Then she shifts over on the bench as an invitation for him to sit*

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

*Kairo hesitates before walking over to take a seat, sitting as far from her as possible and folding his hands neatly into his lap, nodding quickly in thanks*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She acknowledges the nod with a smile and continues embroidering*

“May I know your name?”

[loftwingofcrimson]

So if I were to... hypothetically... drop-kick an unsuspecting Hiel at one of your equally unsuspecting ocs, would you rather a freshly amnesiac Hiel (in pain, kinda out of it) or a gotten-used-to-it-but-still-not-happy-about-it Hiel? :3

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm the first >:333

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*His mouth forms a silent 'oh' as he pieces together what her question was*

"...right."

*He considers the icicle in his hand, then sets it aside, where it immediately begins to melt*

"I want to think I do. Or did. Still do? They could be searching for me."

*He doesn’t sound convinced*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She tries to give a reassuring smile*

“I, uh, I bet they are.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He doesnt respond, attempting to dig into his memories again*

*He mutters something in his native language*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Sage doesn’t say anything, instead leaning back against the wall behind her and letting her thoughts drift*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*After a few minutes he gives up again, sighing and running his hands over his face*

"So... uh... wouldn't your... acquaintances be wondering where you are?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“They um...don’t normally. I-I haven’t been gone for v-very long anyway. C-couple hours. A-and they know when I disappear it’s not uh...very smart to get close.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Hm. Makes sense. Are you the only one with abilities like...."

*He waves vaguely between the two of them*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“Y-yeah. I uh, didn’t before. I-I had a different power, o-one more natural but…it’s gone now I guess.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"'More natural'? Like what?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles wistfully*

“Like not fighting it every moment. I was born with that one, n-natural to me. I could send messages from one person to another, no matter the distance. I uh, couldn’t use it very often because of the b-bands, but I liked it.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*Hiel nods slowly*

"It sounds useful."

*He cocks his head*

"Bands?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gestures to a finger, wrist, ankle, then her neck. All have a discolored loop around, contrasting with her copper skin*

“B-blocked the Magnik. Had them since I was, uh, six? Only recently able t-to remove them.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*His eyes widen, and he hisses through his teeth in sympathy*

"Why would someone do that to a child?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“They didn’t know what powers I had. F-for all they knew, I c-could’ve been the M-Malnik. It would’ve b-been a good deal harder keeping the Malnik imprisoned without the, uh, bands.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"And the Malnik is...?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Most powerful Evenessence. I’m not it. Well…it’s complicated now I guess.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He blinks, well and truly confused, but unsure if he should keep asking questions. Each just seems to lead to even more questions*

"R...right...."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives an embarrassed smile*

“S-sorry.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"If you want to explain... or can... some things you really can't."

*He waves a hand at his head*

"I'm here now. Nothing much either of us can do about this, but I can learn."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“I mean…There’s not much to explain. The M-Malnik was healing me after the Foe rose and accidentally forced some of his power onto me. T-That’s why I can do things o-only the Malnik can.”

*Then she frowns*

“You really can’t remember anything? N-Nothing at all?”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"That makes sense... I think."

*He sighs, running a hand through his hair, trying to think of a way to describe it*

"Curtain analogy. It's over a window, you can see the light of the sun filtering through, but not the sun itself. Shadows pass over it, you can't make out many details, but you know something's there."

*He considers the icicle---though at this point it is half puddle*

"Clearest thing is my powers. But it doesn't seem very interested in filling the gaps."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods slowly, tilting her head*

“That makes sense....I th-think.”

*She grins slightly at the use of the repeated sentence*

“When, uh, when my friend lost his memory, he said he only remembered one thing. A-and when he sleeps, he remembers everything, but then the moment he wakes again...it’s gone.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He allows himself a small smile in return*

"Remembered something good? I hope?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her cheeks turn a bit pink in embarrassment*

“Well...I uh, had affected his mind a little before...so he sorta remembered me. But really only my name and my Magnik.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He gives a nod in understanding*

"Something good, then."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her cheeks turn pinker*

“N-Not really. But thank you.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Ancestors---"

*He spreads his arms wide, indicating the destroyed building*

"All I've seen here says otherwise! Even going this far to avoid hurting someone. You gotta give yourself a little grace."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns, pulling her knees up to her chest and squeezing her eyes shut*

“Y-you...There was a reason I w-was put in the highest-security prison b-by the time I was six. I-I don’t know what the reason is, but b-besides I’ve d-done plenty awful t-things since. I-I helped the F-F-Foe rise. I-I d-don’t d-deserve any grace.”

*The last word is uncharacteristically spat out in a venonmous tone and when she opens her eyes again, they have begun to faintly glow*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He looks like he wants to argue further, but seeing that she's getting upset, he chooses to let the matter drop*

"If you say. I'm sorry I upset you."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She looks at him, a bit confused, but when a few sparks launch out her hands, she squeaks in surprise and quickly presses her hands to her dress again, closing her eyes. Her breath is short and shallow for a minute or two, then it slowly evens out and deepens. After a couple minutes she blinks her eyes open again and they’re the normal red*

“S-s-sorry.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He jumps at the sparks, gritting his teeth as the sudden movement aggravates his wounds. He watches as she composes herself, unsure if he should do something, but she calms before he can decide*

*He just shrugs at the apology, picking at a loose thread on his sleeve*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hugs her knees to her chest again and rests her head on them, opting to remain in silence*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*A few minutes pass in silence before Hiel speaks again*

"...for what it's worth, you're keeping it under control well."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hums in acknowledgement*

“And you’re handling losing your memories well.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He laughs weakly*

"I think I'm still in shock. Ask me again in a week."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives a faint smile and raises her head*

“Hm. Chain left.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He glances around on instinct, even though he couldn't see the spirit in the first place*

"Oh? Wonder why."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“Probably to go tattle on me.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He smiles at that*

"What does that entail?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles too*

“Going to find the Malnik, who’s miles away, bringing the kid to his sister and then guiding her all the way over here to yell at me about self-depreciation. And she’d only be halfway through her rant when she notices you and completely flips.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Sounds... riveting."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Believe it or not, it has happened before.”

*She shrugs*

“Though Imet was closer. The Malnik.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He inclines his head*

"The one who's supposed to be imprisoned with bands like yours? If I understood you right."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns in thought, shaking her head slowly*

“No, he’s lived a mostly normal life. He’s definitely more dangerous and powerful than I, though, if he wanted to be, but it’s impossible to tell the difference between an Evenessence and the Malnik unless they use their powers, which is why the bands were in place since they didn’t know what ability I had. If that makes sense.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"I see. That makes sense."

*He frowns, thinking*

"You said he's a kid?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“About eight, I think.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*That doesn't sit right with him, though he doesn't know why*

"Hm. Lot of responsibility."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods again*

“I could never. Though hopefully I’ve lightened his load a bit. And he’s already achieved great things.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"That's good to hear."

*He starts a list on his fingers*

"So there's you, Imet, his sister, and the spirit, Chain?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shakes her head*

“Imet’s back with his parents, we couldn’t bring him along. Breeze, his sister came though. Chain’s a recent addition, he joined only about a week ago. My friend who lost his memory is traveling with us too, Thunder. And then there’s Timber and Holly. From what they’ve said, they were kinda the ones who started this group. There was another but I never got to meet him.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He hesitates*

"Never met him because he left or...?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“He died.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He gives a half-nod, the kind one does when they expected the answer but hoped to hear a different one anyway*

"Ah... I'm sorry."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“I didn’t know him.”

*Blowing the bangs out of her vision, she stands, asking*

“Can you walk?”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He glances down*

"Legs feel fine. Far as I can tell. Only one way to find out."

*He hesitates before holds out his hand*

"If you don't mind. I... don't want to risk falling over again. Please."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Eyebrows raised slightly, she nods and grasps his hand*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He pushes himself to his feet with her help and stands for a moment, analyzing*

"Okay. I think I'm fine---"

*As soon as he says that, his eyes glaze over, the blood draining from his face as he staggers, pressing a hand to the side of his head*

"Ngh... nevermind..."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She lunges to support him so he doesn’t fall, then slowly sinks back down to the ground after she’s gotten something of a steady hand on him, pulling him along with her*

“Just sit, don’t worry, you’re okay, you’re okay.”

*The slight panic in her expression betrays her somewhat reassuring words*

[loftwingofcrimson]

*presents a legacy of cloud character with Kairo*

(U can choose near end arc mid arc or beginning if u eant :3 )

Oooooh I choose middle arc if you don’t mind :333

*Feather is sitting on a bench, embroidering a pattern into a small bit of fabric. It’s pretty early in the morning, the sun barely risen, and the streets empty besides a few people doing some early activities. Feather’s one-eyed gaze flies up when Kairo appears and she raises an eyebrow*

“Greetings?”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

"...."

*Kairo glances around briefly, like hes confused she's talking to him before giving an akward atempt at a half wave*

"Greetings."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I haven’t seen you around before.”

*Her eyebrow remains raised and she tilts her head slightly by way of gesturing to the building behind her that’s surrounded by a tall metal gate*

“What are you doing here in front of my school?”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

*Kairo makes a bit of a face at the building*

"I got lost, kiddo."

*he blinks at her like hes just now noticing shes missing an eye, but doesn't dwel on it*

"What are you doing outside of school?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She blanches at the use of ‘kiddo’*

“Dear, I’m an adult. And this is my school. As in, I’m the Mistress of it. As in, I’m in charge of who goes in and out and if I want to have a moment’s reprive outside away from my students, I think like that’s within regulation.”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

"..... my apologies."

*Kairos expression turns slightly wary but he gives her a little bow*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She inclines her head at him in response, then asks*

“Can I assume you’re not here to hurt anyone or cause trouble?”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

*Kairo looks slightly insulted at the question*

"I assure you I have no intention whatsoever to cause any problems-"

*he pasues as if considering to add the word*

"-ma'am."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods and seems to relax a little, returning to her embroidery without another word or glance at him*

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

*he just stands there akwardly staring ahead as if spacing out for a couple beats before opening his mouth to say somthing and closing it almost twice as fast*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She notices and gives a smile at that. Then she shifts over on the bench as an invitation for him to sit*

[loftwingofcrimson]

*presents a legacy of cloud character with Kairo*

(U can choose near end arc mid arc or beginning if u eant :3 )

Oooooh I choose middle arc if you don’t mind :333

*Feather is sitting on a bench, embroidering a pattern into a small bit of fabric. It’s pretty early in the morning, the sun barely risen, and the streets empty besides a few people doing some early activities. Feather’s one-eyed gaze flies up when Kairo appears and she raises an eyebrow*

“Greetings?”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

"...."

*Kairo glances around briefly, like hes confused she's talking to him before giving an akward atempt at a half wave*

"Greetings."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I haven’t seen you around before.”

*Her eyebrow remains raised and she tilts her head slightly by way of gesturing to the building behind her that’s surrounded by a tall metal gate*

“What are you doing here in front of my school?”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

*Kairo makes a bit of a face at the building*

"I got lost, kiddo."

*he blinks at her like hes just now noticing shes missing an eye, but doesn't dwel on it*

"What are you doing outside of school?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She blanches at the use of ‘kiddo’*

“Dear, I’m an adult. And this is my school. As in, I’m the Mistress of it. As in, I’m in charge of who goes in and out and if I want to have a moment’s reprive outside away from my students, I think like that’s within regulation.”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

"..... my apologies."

*Kairos expression turns slightly wary but he gives her a little bow*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She inclines her head at him in response, then asks*

“Can I assume you’re not here to hurt anyone or cause trouble?”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

*Kairo looks slightly insulted at the question*

"I assure you I have no intention whatsoever to cause any problems-"

*he pasues as if considering to add the word*

"-ma'am."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods and seems to relax a little, returning to her embroidery without another word or glance at him*

[loftwingofcrimson]

So if I were to... hypothetically... drop-kick an unsuspecting Hiel at one of your equally unsuspecting ocs, would you rather a freshly amnesiac Hiel (in pain, kinda out of it) or a gotten-used-to-it-but-still-not-happy-about-it Hiel? :3

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm the first >:333

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*His mouth forms a silent 'oh' as he pieces together what her question was*

"...right."

*He considers the icicle in his hand, then sets it aside, where it immediately begins to melt*

"I want to think I do. Or did. Still do? They could be searching for me."

*He doesn’t sound convinced*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She tries to give a reassuring smile*

“I, uh, I bet they are.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He doesnt respond, attempting to dig into his memories again*

*He mutters something in his native language*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Sage doesn’t say anything, instead leaning back against the wall behind her and letting her thoughts drift*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*After a few minutes he gives up again, sighing and running his hands over his face*

"So... uh... wouldn't your... acquaintances be wondering where you are?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“They um...don’t normally. I-I haven’t been gone for v-very long anyway. C-couple hours. A-and they know when I disappear it’s not uh...very smart to get close.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Hm. Makes sense. Are you the only one with abilities like...."

*He waves vaguely between the two of them*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“Y-yeah. I uh, didn’t before. I-I had a different power, o-one more natural but…it’s gone now I guess.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"'More natural'? Like what?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles wistfully*

“Like not fighting it every moment. I was born with that one, n-natural to me. I could send messages from one person to another, no matter the distance. I uh, couldn’t use it very often because of the b-bands, but I liked it.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*Hiel nods slowly*

"It sounds useful."

*He cocks his head*

"Bands?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gestures to a finger, wrist, ankle, then her neck. All have a discolored loop around, contrasting with her copper skin*

“B-blocked the Magnik. Had them since I was, uh, six? Only recently able t-to remove them.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*His eyes widen, and he hisses through his teeth in sympathy*

"Why would someone do that to a child?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“They didn’t know what powers I had. F-for all they knew, I c-could’ve been the M-Malnik. It would’ve b-been a good deal harder keeping the Malnik imprisoned without the, uh, bands.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"And the Malnik is...?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Most powerful Evenessence. I’m not it. Well…it’s complicated now I guess.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He blinks, well and truly confused, but unsure if he should keep asking questions. Each just seems to lead to even more questions*

"R...right...."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives an embarrassed smile*

“S-sorry.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"If you want to explain... or can... some things you really can't."

*He waves a hand at his head*

"I'm here now. Nothing much either of us can do about this, but I can learn."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“I mean…There’s not much to explain. The M-Malnik was healing me after the Foe rose and accidentally forced some of his power onto me. T-That’s why I can do things o-only the Malnik can.”

*Then she frowns*

“You really can’t remember anything? N-Nothing at all?”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"That makes sense... I think."

*He sighs, running a hand through his hair, trying to think of a way to describe it*

"Curtain analogy. It's over a window, you can see the light of the sun filtering through, but not the sun itself. Shadows pass over it, you can't make out many details, but you know something's there."

*He considers the icicle---though at this point it is half puddle*

"Clearest thing is my powers. But it doesn't seem very interested in filling the gaps."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods slowly, tilting her head*

“That makes sense....I th-think.”

*She grins slightly at the use of the repeated sentence*

“When, uh, when my friend lost his memory, he said he only remembered one thing. A-and when he sleeps, he remembers everything, but then the moment he wakes again...it’s gone.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He allows himself a small smile in return*

"Remembered something good? I hope?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her cheeks turn a bit pink in embarrassment*

“Well...I uh, had affected his mind a little before...so he sorta remembered me. But really only my name and my Magnik.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He gives a nod in understanding*

"Something good, then."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her cheeks turn pinker*

“N-Not really. But thank you.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Ancestors---"

*He spreads his arms wide, indicating the destroyed building*

"All I've seen here says otherwise! Even going this far to avoid hurting someone. You gotta give yourself a little grace."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns, pulling her knees up to her chest and squeezing her eyes shut*

“Y-you...There was a reason I w-was put in the highest-security prison b-by the time I was six. I-I don’t know what the reason is, but b-besides I’ve d-done plenty awful t-things since. I-I helped the F-F-Foe rise. I-I d-don’t d-deserve any grace.”

*The last word is uncharacteristically spat out in a venonmous tone and when she opens her eyes again, they have begun to faintly glow*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He looks like he wants to argue further, but seeing that she's getting upset, he chooses to let the matter drop*

"If you say. I'm sorry I upset you."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She looks at him, a bit confused, but when a few sparks launch out her hands, she squeaks in surprise and quickly presses her hands to her dress again, closing her eyes. Her breath is short and shallow for a minute or two, then it slowly evens out and deepens. After a couple minutes she blinks her eyes open again and they’re the normal red*

“S-s-sorry.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He jumps at the sparks, gritting his teeth as the sudden movement aggravates his wounds. He watches as she composes herself, unsure if he should do something, but she calms before he can decide*

*He just shrugs at the apology, picking at a loose thread on his sleeve*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hugs her knees to her chest again and rests her head on them, opting to remain in silence*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*A few minutes pass in silence before Hiel speaks again*

"...for what it's worth, you're keeping it under control well."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hums in acknowledgement*

“And you’re handling losing your memories well.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He laughs weakly*

"I think I'm still in shock. Ask me again in a week."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives a faint smile and raises her head*

“Hm. Chain left.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He glances around on instinct, even though he couldn't see the spirit in the first place*

"Oh? Wonder why."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“Probably to go tattle on me.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He smiles at that*

"What does that entail?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles too*

“Going to find the Malnik, who’s miles away, bringing the kid to his sister and then guiding her all the way over here to yell at me about self-depreciation. And she’d only be halfway through her rant when she notices you and completely flips.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Sounds... riveting."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Believe it or not, it has happened before.”

*She shrugs*

“Though Imet was closer. The Malnik.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He inclines his head*

"The one who's supposed to be imprisoned with bands like yours? If I understood you right."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns in thought, shaking her head slowly*

“No, he’s lived a mostly normal life. He’s definitely more dangerous and powerful than I, though, if he wanted to be, but it’s impossible to tell the difference between an Evenessence and the Malnik unless they use their powers, which is why the bands were in place since they didn’t know what ability I had. If that makes sense.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"I see. That makes sense."

*He frowns, thinking*

"You said he's a kid?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“About eight, I think.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*That doesn't sit right with him, though he doesn't know why*

"Hm. Lot of responsibility."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods again*

“I could never. Though hopefully I’ve lightened his load a bit. And he’s already achieved great things.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"That's good to hear."

*He starts a list on his fingers*

"So there's you, Imet, his sister, and the spirit, Chain?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shakes her head*

“Imet’s back with his parents, we couldn’t bring him along. Breeze, his sister came though. Chain’s a recent addition, he joined only about a week ago. My friend who lost his memory is traveling with us too, Thunder. And then there’s Timber and Holly. From what they’ve said, they were kinda the ones who started this group. There was another but I never got to meet him.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He hesitates*

"Never met him because he left or...?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“He died.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He gives a half-nod, the kind one does when they expected the answer but hoped to hear a different one anyway*

"Ah... I'm sorry."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“I didn’t know him.”

*Blowing the bangs out of her vision, she stands, asking*

“Can you walk?”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He glances down*

"Legs feel fine. Far as I can tell. Only one way to find out."

*He hesitates before holds out his hand*

"If you don't mind. I... don't want to risk falling over again. Please."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Eyebrows raised slightly, she nods and grasps his hand*

[loftwingofcrimson]

So if I were to... hypothetically... drop-kick an unsuspecting Hiel at one of your equally unsuspecting ocs, would you rather a freshly amnesiac Hiel (in pain, kinda out of it) or a gotten-used-to-it-but-still-not-happy-about-it Hiel? :3

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm the first >:333

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*His mouth forms a silent 'oh' as he pieces together what her question was*

"...right."

*He considers the icicle in his hand, then sets it aside, where it immediately begins to melt*

"I want to think I do. Or did. Still do? They could be searching for me."

*He doesn’t sound convinced*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She tries to give a reassuring smile*

“I, uh, I bet they are.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He doesnt respond, attempting to dig into his memories again*

*He mutters something in his native language*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Sage doesn’t say anything, instead leaning back against the wall behind her and letting her thoughts drift*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*After a few minutes he gives up again, sighing and running his hands over his face*

"So... uh... wouldn't your... acquaintances be wondering where you are?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“They um...don’t normally. I-I haven’t been gone for v-very long anyway. C-couple hours. A-and they know when I disappear it’s not uh...very smart to get close.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Hm. Makes sense. Are you the only one with abilities like...."

*He waves vaguely between the two of them*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“Y-yeah. I uh, didn’t before. I-I had a different power, o-one more natural but…it’s gone now I guess.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"'More natural'? Like what?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles wistfully*

“Like not fighting it every moment. I was born with that one, n-natural to me. I could send messages from one person to another, no matter the distance. I uh, couldn’t use it very often because of the b-bands, but I liked it.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*Hiel nods slowly*

"It sounds useful."

*He cocks his head*

"Bands?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gestures to a finger, wrist, ankle, then her neck. All have a discolored loop around, contrasting with her copper skin*

“B-blocked the Magnik. Had them since I was, uh, six? Only recently able t-to remove them.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*His eyes widen, and he hisses through his teeth in sympathy*

"Why would someone do that to a child?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“They didn’t know what powers I had. F-for all they knew, I c-could’ve been the M-Malnik. It would’ve b-been a good deal harder keeping the Malnik imprisoned without the, uh, bands.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"And the Malnik is...?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Most powerful Evenessence. I’m not it. Well…it’s complicated now I guess.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He blinks, well and truly confused, but unsure if he should keep asking questions. Each just seems to lead to even more questions*

"R...right...."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives an embarrassed smile*

“S-sorry.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"If you want to explain... or can... some things you really can't."

*He waves a hand at his head*

"I'm here now. Nothing much either of us can do about this, but I can learn."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“I mean…There’s not much to explain. The M-Malnik was healing me after the Foe rose and accidentally forced some of his power onto me. T-That’s why I can do things o-only the Malnik can.”

*Then she frowns*

“You really can’t remember anything? N-Nothing at all?”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"That makes sense... I think."

*He sighs, running a hand through his hair, trying to think of a way to describe it*

"Curtain analogy. It's over a window, you can see the light of the sun filtering through, but not the sun itself. Shadows pass over it, you can't make out many details, but you know something's there."

*He considers the icicle---though at this point it is half puddle*

"Clearest thing is my powers. But it doesn't seem very interested in filling the gaps."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods slowly, tilting her head*

“That makes sense....I th-think.”

*She grins slightly at the use of the repeated sentence*

“When, uh, when my friend lost his memory, he said he only remembered one thing. A-and when he sleeps, he remembers everything, but then the moment he wakes again...it’s gone.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He allows himself a small smile in return*

"Remembered something good? I hope?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her cheeks turn a bit pink in embarrassment*

“Well...I uh, had affected his mind a little before...so he sorta remembered me. But really only my name and my Magnik.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He gives a nod in understanding*

"Something good, then."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her cheeks turn pinker*

“N-Not really. But thank you.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Ancestors---"

*He spreads his arms wide, indicating the destroyed building*

"All I've seen here says otherwise! Even going this far to avoid hurting someone. You gotta give yourself a little grace."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns, pulling her knees up to her chest and squeezing her eyes shut*

“Y-you...There was a reason I w-was put in the highest-security prison b-by the time I was six. I-I don’t know what the reason is, but b-besides I’ve d-done plenty awful t-things since. I-I helped the F-F-Foe rise. I-I d-don’t d-deserve any grace.”

*The last word is uncharacteristically spat out in a venonmous tone and when she opens her eyes again, they have begun to faintly glow*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He looks like he wants to argue further, but seeing that she's getting upset, he chooses to let the matter drop*

"If you say. I'm sorry I upset you."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She looks at him, a bit confused, but when a few sparks launch out her hands, she squeaks in surprise and quickly presses her hands to her dress again, closing her eyes. Her breath is short and shallow for a minute or two, then it slowly evens out and deepens. After a couple minutes she blinks her eyes open again and they’re the normal red*

“S-s-sorry.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He jumps at the sparks, gritting his teeth as the sudden movement aggravates his wounds. He watches as she composes herself, unsure if he should do something, but she calms before he can decide*

*He just shrugs at the apology, picking at a loose thread on his sleeve*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hugs her knees to her chest again and rests her head on them, opting to remain in silence*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*A few minutes pass in silence before Hiel speaks again*

"...for what it's worth, you're keeping it under control well."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hums in acknowledgement*

“And you’re handling losing your memories well.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He laughs weakly*

"I think I'm still in shock. Ask me again in a week."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives a faint smile and raises her head*

“Hm. Chain left.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He glances around on instinct, even though he couldn't see the spirit in the first place*

"Oh? Wonder why."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“Probably to go tattle on me.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He smiles at that*

"What does that entail?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles too*

“Going to find the Malnik, who’s miles away, bringing the kid to his sister and then guiding her all the way over here to yell at me about self-depreciation. And she’d only be halfway through her rant when she notices you and completely flips.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Sounds... riveting."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Believe it or not, it has happened before.”

*She shrugs*

“Though Imet was closer. The Malnik.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He inclines his head*

"The one who's supposed to be imprisoned with bands like yours? If I understood you right."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns in thought, shaking her head slowly*

“No, he’s lived a mostly normal life. He’s definitely more dangerous and powerful than I, though, if he wanted to be, but it’s impossible to tell the difference between an Evenessence and the Malnik unless they use their powers, which is why the bands were in place since they didn’t know what ability I had. If that makes sense.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"I see. That makes sense."

*He frowns, thinking*

"You said he's a kid?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“About eight, I think.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*That doesn't sit right with him, though he doesn't know why*

"Hm. Lot of responsibility."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods again*

“I could never. Though hopefully I’ve lightened his load a bit. And he’s already achieved great things.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"That's good to hear."

*He starts a list on his fingers*

"So there's you, Imet, his sister, and the spirit, Chain?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shakes her head*

“Imet’s back with his parents, we couldn’t bring him along. Breeze, his sister came though. Chain’s a recent addition, he joined only about a week ago. My friend who lost his memory is traveling with us too, Thunder. And then there’s Timber and Holly. From what they’ve said, they were kinda the ones who started this group. There was another but I never got to meet him.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He hesitates*

"Never met him because he left or...?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“He died.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He gives a half-nod, the kind one does when they expected the answer but hoped to hear a different one anyway*

"Ah... I'm sorry."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“I didn’t know him.”

*Blowing the bangs out of her vision, she stands, asking*

“Can you walk?”

[loftwingofcrimson]

*presents a legacy of cloud character with Kairo*

(U can choose near end arc mid arc or beginning if u eant :3 )

Oooooh I choose middle arc if you don’t mind :333

*Feather is sitting on a bench, embroidering a pattern into a small bit of fabric. It’s pretty early in the morning, the sun barely risen, and the streets empty besides a few people doing some early activities. Feather’s one-eyed gaze flies up when Kairo appears and she raises an eyebrow*

“Greetings?”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

"...."

*Kairo glances around briefly, like hes confused she's talking to him before giving an akward atempt at a half wave*

"Greetings."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I haven’t seen you around before.”

*Her eyebrow remains raised and she tilts her head slightly by way of gesturing to the building behind her that’s surrounded by a tall metal gate*

“What are you doing here in front of my school?”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

*Kairo makes a bit of a face at the building*

"I got lost, kiddo."

*he blinks at her like hes just now noticing shes missing an eye, but doesn't dwel on it*

"What are you doing outside of school?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She blanches at the use of ‘kiddo’*

“Dear, I’m an adult. And this is my school. As in, I’m the Mistress of it. As in, I’m in charge of who goes in and out and if I want to have a moment’s reprive outside away from my students, I think like that’s within regulation.”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

"..... my apologies."

*Kairos expression turns slightly wary but he gives her a little bow*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She inclines her head at him in response, then asks*

“Can I assume you’re not here to hurt anyone or cause trouble?”

[loftwingofcrimson]

So if I were to... hypothetically... drop-kick an unsuspecting Hiel at one of your equally unsuspecting ocs, would you rather a freshly amnesiac Hiel (in pain, kinda out of it) or a gotten-used-to-it-but-still-not-happy-about-it Hiel? :3

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm the first >:333

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*His mouth forms a silent 'oh' as he pieces together what her question was*

"...right."

*He considers the icicle in his hand, then sets it aside, where it immediately begins to melt*

"I want to think I do. Or did. Still do? They could be searching for me."

*He doesn’t sound convinced*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She tries to give a reassuring smile*

“I, uh, I bet they are.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He doesnt respond, attempting to dig into his memories again*

*He mutters something in his native language*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Sage doesn’t say anything, instead leaning back against the wall behind her and letting her thoughts drift*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*After a few minutes he gives up again, sighing and running his hands over his face*

"So... uh... wouldn't your... acquaintances be wondering where you are?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“They um...don’t normally. I-I haven’t been gone for v-very long anyway. C-couple hours. A-and they know when I disappear it’s not uh...very smart to get close.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Hm. Makes sense. Are you the only one with abilities like...."

*He waves vaguely between the two of them*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“Y-yeah. I uh, didn’t before. I-I had a different power, o-one more natural but…it’s gone now I guess.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"'More natural'? Like what?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles wistfully*

“Like not fighting it every moment. I was born with that one, n-natural to me. I could send messages from one person to another, no matter the distance. I uh, couldn’t use it very often because of the b-bands, but I liked it.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*Hiel nods slowly*

"It sounds useful."

*He cocks his head*

"Bands?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gestures to a finger, wrist, ankle, then her neck. All have a discolored loop around, contrasting with her copper skin*

“B-blocked the Magnik. Had them since I was, uh, six? Only recently able t-to remove them.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*His eyes widen, and he hisses through his teeth in sympathy*

"Why would someone do that to a child?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“They didn’t know what powers I had. F-for all they knew, I c-could’ve been the M-Malnik. It would’ve b-been a good deal harder keeping the Malnik imprisoned without the, uh, bands.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"And the Malnik is...?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Most powerful Evenessence. I’m not it. Well…it’s complicated now I guess.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He blinks, well and truly confused, but unsure if he should keep asking questions. Each just seems to lead to even more questions*

"R...right...."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives an embarrassed smile*

“S-sorry.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"If you want to explain... or can... some things you really can't."

*He waves a hand at his head*

"I'm here now. Nothing much either of us can do about this, but I can learn."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“I mean…There’s not much to explain. The M-Malnik was healing me after the Foe rose and accidentally forced some of his power onto me. T-That’s why I can do things o-only the Malnik can.”

*Then she frowns*

“You really can’t remember anything? N-Nothing at all?”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"That makes sense... I think."

*He sighs, running a hand through his hair, trying to think of a way to describe it*

"Curtain analogy. It's over a window, you can see the light of the sun filtering through, but not the sun itself. Shadows pass over it, you can't make out many details, but you know something's there."

*He considers the icicle---though at this point it is half puddle*

"Clearest thing is my powers. But it doesn't seem very interested in filling the gaps."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods slowly, tilting her head*

“That makes sense....I th-think.”

*She grins slightly at the use of the repeated sentence*

“When, uh, when my friend lost his memory, he said he only remembered one thing. A-and when he sleeps, he remembers everything, but then the moment he wakes again...it’s gone.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He allows himself a small smile in return*

"Remembered something good? I hope?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her cheeks turn a bit pink in embarrassment*

“Well...I uh, had affected his mind a little before...so he sorta remembered me. But really only my name and my Magnik.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He gives a nod in understanding*

"Something good, then."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her cheeks turn pinker*

“N-Not really. But thank you.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Ancestors---"

*He spreads his arms wide, indicating the destroyed building*

"All I've seen here says otherwise! Even going this far to avoid hurting someone. You gotta give yourself a little grace."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns, pulling her knees up to her chest and squeezing her eyes shut*

“Y-you...There was a reason I w-was put in the highest-security prison b-by the time I was six. I-I don’t know what the reason is, but b-besides I’ve d-done plenty awful t-things since. I-I helped the F-F-Foe rise. I-I d-don’t d-deserve any grace.”

*The last word is uncharacteristically spat out in a venonmous tone and when she opens her eyes again, they have begun to faintly glow*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He looks like he wants to argue further, but seeing that she's getting upset, he chooses to let the matter drop*

"If you say. I'm sorry I upset you."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She looks at him, a bit confused, but when a few sparks launch out her hands, she squeaks in surprise and quickly presses her hands to her dress again, closing her eyes. Her breath is short and shallow for a minute or two, then it slowly evens out and deepens. After a couple minutes she blinks her eyes open again and they’re the normal red*

“S-s-sorry.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He jumps at the sparks, gritting his teeth as the sudden movement aggravates his wounds. He watches as she composes herself, unsure if he should do something, but she calms before he can decide*

*He just shrugs at the apology, picking at a loose thread on his sleeve*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hugs her knees to her chest again and rests her head on them, opting to remain in silence*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*A few minutes pass in silence before Hiel speaks again*

"...for what it's worth, you're keeping it under control well."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hums in acknowledgement*

“And you’re handling losing your memories well.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He laughs weakly*

"I think I'm still in shock. Ask me again in a week."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives a faint smile and raises her head*

“Hm. Chain left.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He glances around on instinct, even though he couldn't see the spirit in the first place*

"Oh? Wonder why."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“Probably to go tattle on me.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He smiles at that*

"What does that entail?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles too*

“Going to find the Malnik, who’s miles away, bringing the kid to his sister and then guiding her all the way over here to yell at me about self-depreciation. And she’d only be halfway through her rant when she notices you and completely flips.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Sounds... riveting."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Believe it or not, it has happened before.”

*She shrugs*

“Though Imet was closer. The Malnik.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He inclines his head*

"The one who's supposed to be imprisoned with bands like yours? If I understood you right."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns in thought, shaking her head slowly*

“No, he’s lived a mostly normal life. He’s definitely more dangerous and powerful than I, though, if he wanted to be, but it’s impossible to tell the difference between an Evenessence and the Malnik unless they use their powers, which is why the bands were in place since they didn’t know what ability I had. If that makes sense.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"I see. That makes sense."

*He frowns, thinking*

"You said he's a kid?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“About eight, I think.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*That doesn't sit right with him, though he doesn't know why*

"Hm. Lot of responsibility."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods again*

“I could never. Though hopefully I’ve lightened his load a bit. And he’s already achieved great things.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"That's good to hear."

*He starts a list on his fingers*

"So there's you, Imet, his sister, and the spirit, Chain?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shakes her head*

“Imet’s back with his parents, we couldn’t bring him along. Breeze, his sister came though. Chain’s a recent addition, he joined only about a week ago. My friend who lost his memory is traveling with us too, Thunder. And then there’s Timber and Holly. From what they’ve said, they were kinda the ones who started this group. There was another but I never got to meet him.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He hesitates*

"Never met him because he left or...?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“He died.”

[loftwingofcrimson]

*presents a legacy of cloud character with Kairo*

(U can choose near end arc mid arc or beginning if u eant :3 )

Oooooh I choose middle arc if you don’t mind :333

*Feather is sitting on a bench, embroidering a pattern into a small bit of fabric. It’s pretty early in the morning, the sun barely risen, and the streets empty besides a few people doing some early activities. Feather’s one-eyed gaze flies up when Kairo appears and she raises an eyebrow*

“Greetings?”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

"...."

*Kairo glances around briefly, like hes confused she's talking to him before giving an akward atempt at a half wave*

"Greetings."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I haven’t seen you around before.”

*Her eyebrow remains raised and she tilts her head slightly by way of gesturing to the building behind her that’s surrounded by a tall metal gate*

“What are you doing here in front of my school?”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

*Kairo makes a bit of a face at the building*

"I got lost, kiddo."

*he blinks at her like hes just now noticing shes missing an eye, but doesn't dwel on it*

"What are you doing outside of school?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She blanches at the use of ‘kiddo’*

“Dear, I’m an adult. And this is my school. As in, I’m the Mistress of it. As in, I’m in charge of who goes in and out and if I want to have a moment’s reprive outside away from my students, I think like that’s within regulation.”

[loftwingofcrimson]

*presents a legacy of cloud character with Kairo*

(U can choose near end arc mid arc or beginning if u eant :3 )

Oooooh I choose middle arc if you don’t mind :333

*Feather is sitting on a bench, embroidering a pattern into a small bit of fabric. It’s pretty early in the morning, the sun barely risen, and the streets empty besides a few people doing some early activities. Feather’s one-eyed gaze flies up when Kairo appears and she raises an eyebrow*

“Greetings?”

[the-elemental-legacy-blog]

"...."

*Kairo glances around briefly, like hes confused she's talking to him before giving an akward atempt at a half wave*

"Greetings."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I haven’t seen you around before.”

*Her eyebrow remains raised and she tilts her head slightly by way of gesturing to the building behind her that’s surrounded by a tall metal gate*

“What are you doing here in front of my school?”

[loftwingofcrimson]

So if I were to... hypothetically... drop-kick an unsuspecting Hiel at one of your equally unsuspecting ocs, would you rather a freshly amnesiac Hiel (in pain, kinda out of it) or a gotten-used-to-it-but-still-not-happy-about-it Hiel? :3

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm the first >:333

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*His mouth forms a silent 'oh' as he pieces together what her question was*

"...right."

*He considers the icicle in his hand, then sets it aside, where it immediately begins to melt*

"I want to think I do. Or did. Still do? They could be searching for me."

*He doesn’t sound convinced*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She tries to give a reassuring smile*

“I, uh, I bet they are.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He doesnt respond, attempting to dig into his memories again*

*He mutters something in his native language*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Sage doesn’t say anything, instead leaning back against the wall behind her and letting her thoughts drift*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*After a few minutes he gives up again, sighing and running his hands over his face*

"So... uh... wouldn't your... acquaintances be wondering where you are?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“They um...don’t normally. I-I haven’t been gone for v-very long anyway. C-couple hours. A-and they know when I disappear it’s not uh...very smart to get close.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Hm. Makes sense. Are you the only one with abilities like...."

*He waves vaguely between the two of them*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“Y-yeah. I uh, didn’t before. I-I had a different power, o-one more natural but…it’s gone now I guess.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"'More natural'? Like what?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles wistfully*

“Like not fighting it every moment. I was born with that one, n-natural to me. I could send messages from one person to another, no matter the distance. I uh, couldn’t use it very often because of the b-bands, but I liked it.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*Hiel nods slowly*

"It sounds useful."

*He cocks his head*

"Bands?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gestures to a finger, wrist, ankle, then her neck. All have a discolored loop around, contrasting with her copper skin*

“B-blocked the Magnik. Had them since I was, uh, six? Only recently able t-to remove them.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*His eyes widen, and he hisses through his teeth in sympathy*

"Why would someone do that to a child?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“They didn’t know what powers I had. F-for all they knew, I c-could’ve been the M-Malnik. It would’ve b-been a good deal harder keeping the Malnik imprisoned without the, uh, bands.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"And the Malnik is...?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Most powerful Evenessence. I’m not it. Well…it’s complicated now I guess.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He blinks, well and truly confused, but unsure if he should keep asking questions. Each just seems to lead to even more questions*

"R...right...."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives an embarrassed smile*

“S-sorry.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"If you want to explain... or can... some things you really can't."

*He waves a hand at his head*

"I'm here now. Nothing much either of us can do about this, but I can learn."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“I mean…There’s not much to explain. The M-Malnik was healing me after the Foe rose and accidentally forced some of his power onto me. T-That’s why I can do things o-only the Malnik can.”

*Then she frowns*

“You really can’t remember anything? N-Nothing at all?”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"That makes sense... I think."

*He sighs, running a hand through his hair, trying to think of a way to describe it*

"Curtain analogy. It's over a window, you can see the light of the sun filtering through, but not the sun itself. Shadows pass over it, you can't make out many details, but you know something's there."

*He considers the icicle---though at this point it is half puddle*

"Clearest thing is my powers. But it doesn't seem very interested in filling the gaps."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods slowly, tilting her head*

“That makes sense....I th-think.”

*She grins slightly at the use of the repeated sentence*

“When, uh, when my friend lost his memory, he said he only remembered one thing. A-and when he sleeps, he remembers everything, but then the moment he wakes again...it’s gone.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He allows himself a small smile in return*

"Remembered something good? I hope?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her cheeks turn a bit pink in embarrassment*

“Well...I uh, had affected his mind a little before...so he sorta remembered me. But really only my name and my Magnik.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He gives a nod in understanding*

"Something good, then."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her cheeks turn pinker*

“N-Not really. But thank you.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Ancestors---"

*He spreads his arms wide, indicating the destroyed building*

"All I've seen here says otherwise! Even going this far to avoid hurting someone. You gotta give yourself a little grace."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns, pulling her knees up to her chest and squeezing her eyes shut*

“Y-you...There was a reason I w-was put in the highest-security prison b-by the time I was six. I-I don’t know what the reason is, but b-besides I’ve d-done plenty awful t-things since. I-I helped the F-F-Foe rise. I-I d-don’t d-deserve any grace.”

*The last word is uncharacteristically spat out in a venonmous tone and when she opens her eyes again, they have begun to faintly glow*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He looks like he wants to argue further, but seeing that she's getting upset, he chooses to let the matter drop*

"If you say. I'm sorry I upset you."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She looks at him, a bit confused, but when a few sparks launch out her hands, she squeaks in surprise and quickly presses her hands to her dress again, closing her eyes. Her breath is short and shallow for a minute or two, then it slowly evens out and deepens. After a couple minutes she blinks her eyes open again and they’re the normal red*

“S-s-sorry.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He jumps at the sparks, gritting his teeth as the sudden movement aggravates his wounds. He watches as she composes herself, unsure if he should do something, but she calms before he can decide*

*He just shrugs at the apology, picking at a loose thread on his sleeve*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hugs her knees to her chest again and rests her head on them, opting to remain in silence*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*A few minutes pass in silence before Hiel speaks again*

"...for what it's worth, you're keeping it under control well."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hums in acknowledgement*

“And you’re handling losing your memories well.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He laughs weakly*

"I think I'm still in shock. Ask me again in a week."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives a faint smile and raises her head*

“Hm. Chain left.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He glances around on instinct, even though he couldn't see the spirit in the first place*

"Oh? Wonder why."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“Probably to go tattle on me.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He smiles at that*

"What does that entail?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles too*

“Going to find the Malnik, who’s miles away, bringing the kid to his sister and then guiding her all the way over here to yell at me about self-depreciation. And she’d only be halfway through her rant when she notices you and completely flips.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Sounds... riveting."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Believe it or not, it has happened before.”

*She shrugs*

“Though Imet was closer. The Malnik.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He inclines his head*

"The one who's supposed to be imprisoned with bands like yours? If I understood you right."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns in thought, shaking her head slowly*

“No, he’s lived a mostly normal life. He’s definitely more dangerous and powerful than I, though, if he wanted to be, but it’s impossible to tell the difference between an Evenessence and the Malnik unless they use their powers, which is why the bands were in place since they didn’t know what ability I had. If that makes sense.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"I see. That makes sense."

*He frowns, thinking*

"You said he's a kid?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“About eight, I think.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*That doesn't sit right with him, though he doesn't know why*

"Hm. Lot of responsibility."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods again*

“I could never. Though hopefully I’ve lightened his load a bit. And he’s already achieved great things.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"That's good to hear."

*He starts a list on his fingers*

"So there's you, Imet, his sister, and the spirit, Chain?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shakes her head*

“Imet’s back with his parents, we couldn’t bring him along. Breeze, his sister came though. Chain’s a recent addition, he joined only about a week ago. My friend who lost his memory is traveling with us too, Thunder. And then there’s Timber and Holly. From what they’ve said, they were kinda the ones who started this group. There was another but I never got to meet him.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*drops River in front of one of your characters* :3

*chucks my angry guy Flint at him*

*several sparks fly from his fingers when he notices River*

“Who are you??”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*River reaches for the sword at her back, not drawing it but ready to at a moment’s notice*

“Commander Galna of the Southern army. Who are you.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint’s eyes narrow into a glare*

“…Flint.”

*the sparks are gone but the air sizzles around his fists*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns, her hand not leaving the hilt of her sword*

“A name tells me nothing. What’s your station in society?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*his expression darkens*

“That’s none of your business, lady!”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Noticing the change in expression, she draws her sword, raising it, her eyes narrowing in warning*

“I’m afraid you’ve made it my business.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He immediately takes a few wary steps backwards, sparks flying from his hands as he does so*

“The hell I have! Get away from me with that!”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“You’re not behaving within regulation, Evenessence.”

*She advances slightly, sword ready just in case, though she isn’t certain how it would be of use against fire*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“What the hell are you talking about? What regulation?? I don’t even know where I am!”

*his voice rises in pitch slightly in panic and the air crackles and pops around his hands, the ground smoldering beneath his feet.*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“An hour’s trip from the castle, two hours from the barracks.”

*River says this part matter-of-fact, like it’s the most obvious answer in the world. Then she throws up her hands in anger, half forgetting her sword*

“Whatever regulations you Evenessences have that prevent you from going berserk and ruining everything!”

*She steels herself and her expression as the air and ground react to Flint, trying not to show fear*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“What’s an Evanessence????”

*More sparks fly the more panicked he gets, to the point his fingers start getting red from the heat*

“What castle? What barracks? Is this some sort of test??”

*he looks around as if expecting to see someone*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Caught off-guard by the questions, she stares at him as if he’s crazy and backs up a step*

“Castle Werini and the barracks belonging to it, of course. An Evenssence is what you are, Magnik wielder.”

*She narrows her eyes again*

“Are you playing dumb? Or are you just naturally oblivious.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“I’m *not* dumb! I wanna know how the hell I got here! I’m supposed to be back at the Keep!“

*the bandages around his palms and forearms start smoldering, and he quickly shakes his hands to try and rid them of the sparks, but more of them just fly and sizzle at the air*

“Silas is gonna kill me-“

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I’ve never heard of a “Keep” and how am I supposed to know how you got here?”

*She takes another step back, then frowns and steps forward again, berating herself under her breath before raising her voice again and looking Flint in the eye*

“Are you going to tell me what you’re doing here or am I going to have to take you in?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he stares at her with wide eyes and a few more sparks pop around his fingers*

“Why do you think I’d ask if I knew?? What do you mean ‘take me in’? Take me in where??”

*At this point he sounds more afraid than angry*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She regards him for a moment before seeming to come to a conclusion*

“You must be a spy for another Island, then. Honestly I would’ve thought one could come up with a better story than being unknowingly transported here, but otherwise why would you be so close to the castle.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“I’m not a spy!! How the hell was I supposed to know there was some castle here??”

*he backs up a few paces. The ground where he’d just been standing is singed*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gestures behind him where the top of a spire peaks out of a deep valley*

“Well it’s kind of obvious and there’s literally nothing else over here except the barracks so you’re here to spy on either the Creeng or the General, and I’m not having either, Evenessence.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he throws his hands up in exasperation*

“Am I speaking another language? I just told you I’m not a spy! I don’t know who the hell you’re talking about, and I don’t care about your general or your stupid barracks or your stupid castle! I just want to go home before Silas realizes I’m…wherever-the-hell.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She huffs an annoyed breath then sheathes her sword*

“Fine, then. Ignoring the fact that that’s exactly what a spy would say, how are you planning to get “back”.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint opens and closes his mouth several times trying to form a response*

“Well I’ll…I could…uh…”

*the heat and sparks around his hands fizzle out and he suddenly looks a lot younger than he is*

“…I don’t know…”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She looks a bit uncomfortable, biting her lip before putting her hands on her hips and sounding matter-of-fact again*

“Well you’re an Evenessence, don’t you guys have, like, powers like that? I think I heard something about a girl accidentally swapping worlds once. Can’t you do whatever you did to get here?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint blinks more rapidly like he’s trying to avoid crying*

“That’s what I keep trying to tell you! I don’t KNOW how I got here! I blink and I’m in some weird place with someone threatening me with a sword and calling me some ‘Eva-sense’ or whatever-it-is!”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shifts on her feet, looking unsure and nervous*

“Look, uh, I’m sure you’ll find a way back. It can’t be that hard if you got here so easily.”

*She looks around, half hoping someone else would show up and comfort the kid instead of her*

“I can uh. I can try to help?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint tries to glare at her but he really just looks more wary and scared than angry*

“Why should I trust you? You’ve spent this whole time threatening and interrogating me.”

*he wraps his arms around his torso in a sort of self-hug*

“You obviously don’t trust me either. Why do you care what happens to me anyway?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“OhmygoodnessIwishStormwashere.”

*She heaves a deep sigh and forces herself to stay and not just walk off and let Flint handle himself, mostly because she would get in trouble later from either Storm, for leaving a kid out in the middle of the desert, or the General, for leaving a potential spy to do as he pleased*

“I was being logical, for one, usually when a stranger appears near the castle it’s because they’re working for the enemy. And I don’t trust anyone beyond the General, so you’re not special in that regard. And I honestly don’t care that much besides the fact that you’ve made yourself my problem and I don’t like to leave those unfinished.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint stares at her for a long moment before looking down at his feet*

“…Oh.”

*he looks a bit unsurprised at her response, his features smoothing over into a more blank and unreadable expression*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Uh...”

*She tenses, replaying her words in her mind and seeming to realize how harsh she was*

“I don’t mean. Other than. Just...”

*She buries her face in her hands in frustration, but obviously not at him*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint glances back up at her from the corner of his eye, one eyebrow raising slightly before he awkwardly kicks at the dirt with the tip of his worn-down boot*

“…It’s fine. I’m used to it anyhow.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*River grimaces*

“It’s not fine and you shouldn’t be. I’ll shut up now, yeah? Not make it any worse.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*This time he fully looks up at her, a little surprised*

“You, uh…Okay.”

*he glances around*

“So.….what now?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“Well...I’m not sure where to find other...I mean not other, but...”

*She stops, letting her sentence reset*

“The only people I know who can help are the Evenessences, but the closest ones are in the West.”

*Then her eyes light up*

“I bet the General would know what to do! He always does.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He still seems a little wary*

“The same general you thought I was spying on?”

*he hugs himself a little tighter*

“Is he…What’s he like?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“He’s brilliant. Most feared general in all the Islands, never lost a battle. He’s taught me everything I know, took me in about two years ago and trained me to become a Commander. I owe everything to him...”

*She trails off, frowning as she studies Flint*

“He uh...he doesn’t like weakness though, it doesn’t become a soldier. And with your....ability, I’m not sure how he’d respond to it.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*almost instantly as she explains, he straightens and tucks his hands between his arms and his sides*

“I’m not weak. And I-I can control it…”

*he doesn’t sound very sure of himself*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her frown grows deeper despite his response*

“It...it might not be a good idea...but would it be treason if I didn’t?? Would he order me to? What would Storm do? What would the General do? What would happen if I didn’t and what would if I did...”

*She seems to be talking to herself at this point, not even looking at Flint anymore*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he frowns. As she talks, he grows more anxious again and the bandages around his hands and arms smolder again, but he quickly shakes them out and takes a few breaths to calm himself as he balls his hands tightly into fists*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She realizes she’s rambling at this point and cuts herself off*

“Right. We’re not going to the castle, we’ll find a different way. Come on.”

*She turns, walking the opposite way she was before and beckoning for him to follow*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He stares after her for a moment before quickly following behind her*

“Uh…Where are we going now??”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She sighs*

“Hopefully the barracks, I’m not sure how to help you but someone there might. We get recruits from all over.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He keeps his hands tucked close to himself and nods*

“All over? Like where?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She raises an eyebrow*

“All over the Islands. Even I’m not from Southern, as you can probably tell...er well you could if. Well I have a different accent than most people around here.”

*She shrugs*

“You not having a Southern accent is part of what put me on edge at first.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He narrows his eyes*

“I…do have a Southern accent…but, well you don’t sound like anyone from my South…”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Well you don’t sound Southern here. Maybe an Eastern if we’re pushing it. I’m from the West but I left there.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint huffs and mutters something about her sounding Northern*

“Why’d you leave?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She flinches, hand subconsciously drifting to her side*

“None of your business.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He gives her a look of somewhat understanding and shrugs*

“Okay.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*They walk in silence for a couple minutes before River speaks again*

“You uh, mentioned a Silas?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint’s pace falters*

“Uh…yeah. He’s…my master. He trains me. And Daliah, but she handles Zee and Terran more than me and Mari.”

*he glares at the ground as they walk*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hums in response then notices his expression*

“Oh, are you two not on good terms or…”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he lets out a humorless bark of laughter*

“Hell no. I’d happily set him on fire any day of the week if I thought I could get away with it. I’m just a tool to him. A weapon with an anger problem.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

*She shifts uncomfortably*

“You have allies, though? Your peers? Mari and Zee and Terran?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he glances at her out of the corner of his eye*

“Yeah, but they’re trapped just like me. We can’t go anywhere or do anything without their permission. They…Don’t like disobedience. Or mistakes.”

*he shudders slightly and picks at the bandages around his arms before looking up and peeling back the bandages a bit to show two rings of runic tattoos around his wrists layered over some nasty-looking burn scars*

“We’ve all got these. It stops us from leaving the Keep unless the barrier is down. That’s why I don’t know how I got here. I shouldn’t have been able to leave. I wasn’t even trying to for once.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her eyes widen at the sight of the tattoos, then an expression of anger flashes across her face, her hands balling into fists*

“They’re quite lucky they live in a different world at this very moment…You want to go back to that?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“No, I-“

*he looks down*

“I…can’t leave the others. They’re all I have. They’ll get in trouble when Silas and Daliah find me gone. I don’t wanna lose anyone else…”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She glances sympathetically at him*

“It’s often best to look after your own interests and let others deal with theirs. Other people hold you down, they’re a weakness.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*His expression hardens into a glare*

“I’m not leaving them! I’m not gonna be like my sister. They wouldn’t leave me, so I’m not leaving them. They’re my family.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I’m afraid that word doesn’t mean much to me.”

*She tries a small smile*

“Though it’s good that you have one.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“They’re all I really have left.”

*he admits, kicking at the dirt a little*

“Why doesn’t it mean anything to you?”

*he raises an eyebrow*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She stares forward, not looking at him, the smile gone and her face stony*

“I left them.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*his expression turns unreadable*

“Why?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I couldn’t...nevermind. It doesn’t matter.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he stops walking and crosses his arms*

“Yeah it does.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her step hesitates for a second but she continues her pace, still not looking at him*

“No it doesn’t.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Yeah it does! Either they hurt you and kicked you out or you ran away. Why’d you leave?”

*he stays rooted to the spot, his voice trembling slightly*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She stops but doesn’t turn around*

“Why do you care.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“…I wanna know why people leave. Most of us didn’t have a choice. Or we were left before we could.”

*he crosses his arms*

“And you keep asking about me but you don’t answer any of my questions.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Well I had a choice if that’s what you want to know.”

*River’s voice hitches at that last word and it takes her a second to resume speaking. She starts walking again*

“You’re the one that showed up out of nowhere.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Yeah, well we already established that I didn’t have anything to do with showing up here.”

*by now she’s quite a bit ahead of him so he reluctantly hurries to catch up with her*

“If you had a choice, what made you leave?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Wasn’t blaming you, just saying when a strange kid pops up you tend to ask questions.”

*She unravels her hair from her loose bun to let a ponytail take its place, purposefully angling away from him so he couldn’t see her face*

“And that’s not important.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“If it’s not important then why keep it a secret?”

*he stays a couple of paces to the side behind her*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Not all secrets are important to the present. You don’t need to hear mine, they don’t affect you in the slightest.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he huffs and crosses his arms*

“Fine…”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She doesn’t say anything in response. Her sword clanks on her back as she walks, jostling with her shield that has the emblem of the Southern Island on it. Her hand has drifted to her side again*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint notices but is a little wary of asking questions again*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*It’s a good couple minutes before she asks*

“So how can you do the spark thing?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He glances up at her and quickly checks to make sure he’s not sparking currently before responding*

“Uh, well I was born with it. I can’t…really control the sparks as well, but I can start and stop fires on demand now. I…used to not be able to control it, but I can now!”

*he opens his hand in front of him and a small, controlled flame comes to life in his palm*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her eyebrows raise, impressed*

“I’ve only seen one other person who could do that. It was on a much bigger scale but the circumstances were...different to say the least.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint’s lips quirk upwards in a lopsided half-smile*

“I can make bigger fires, throw fireballs and all that but uh, it can get chaotic. I didn’t think anyone else had the same curs-ah, well, powers.”

*he swirls his fingers and the flames dance into the shape of a phoenix before he closes his hand and extinguishes it*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles at the trick, then shrugs*

“And I thought she was the only one. She’s the Malnik, the most powerful Evenessence. She has other abilities but didn’t use them against me so I’m not exactly sure what they are.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Huh…So…What exactly are these Evanessence people? Are they like me? With magic?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I don’t think exactly like you. They have Magnik, I don’t know what magic is, but most of their powers relate to the mind. Like, one girl can read minds, another can move things with her mind, things like that. Only one has an elemental power and that’s the Malnik. I’m not sure of exactly anything more about them, I’ve been trying to read up since my failed mission but...”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he tilts his head curiously*

“Huh…the others kinda sound like the Gifted back home. There’s only six back home including me that can manipulate the elements.”

*he pauses and glances at her with a raised eyebrow*

“Failed mission?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She winces*

“Uh, yeah. I had a mission in the East a week or so ago. I’ve only just got back.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“What happened? What kinda mission was it?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Well…I’d tell you if I didn’t think you’d freak out.”

*She casts a dry smile at him, though it seems a bit forced*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*his brows furrow and he narrows his eyes*

“Why would it freak me out?”

*he crosses his arms*

“Are you ever gonna give me a straight answer to anything?”

*the second question is more muttered under his breath but still audible*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She rolls her eyes*

“Fine. I was sent under the General’s orders to capture the Malnik for his plan. Happy?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he frowns*

“No. Why? What do you need him for?”

*he looks a little wary*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I don’t know, I was just under orders to so I did my best to follow them.”

*She gestures at him*

“See? You’re literally proving my point right now.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he glares at her and huffs*

“Yeah well I don’t like being lied to or having people keep things from me. I’ll decide for myself if I wanna be freaked out or not.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“You’re a random kid who popped out of nowhere, apologies if I’m hesitant about telling you classified information that I can get in serious trouble for disclosing.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he rolls his eyes and makes an expression that looks suspiciously similar to a pout*

“Whatever. It’s not like I’m anyone important anyway so what’s it matter?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“It’s not about who you are, it’s about who you tell. Rule seven.”

*She tightens her ponytail unnecessarily, needing something to do with her hands*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he frowns*

“How many rules are there? Do you have a lot like we do?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Ninety-seven in total. A soldier must know all ninety-seven by heart and follow them absolutely, only then can you serve your Island and General well.”

*She says this automatically and in a strangely monotone voice*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint instantly looks more uncomfortable at her tone and subconsciously straightens his posture*

“Oh…Do you have to train a lot?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her tone is normal again when she speaks and she doesn’t seem to notice the difference*

“Not so much anymore. I train a lot of the newer recruits, mainly in the physical stuff, Storm handles the mental and moral.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he glances over at her*

“…What do you teach them?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“The physical stuff. How to swing a sword and not get stabbed, how to behave in battle or during missions or travel, forms and regulations regarding everything but words.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he seems relatively intrigued*

“Are you good at sword fighting? Silas doesn’t really teach me how to use weapons. Just how to use my powers better.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“I’m a war commander, I have to be. It’s either kill or be killed and you can’t kill if you can’t wield some kind of weapon.”

*She raises an eyebrow*

“What does teaching you how to use your powers better entail?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he rubs at his forearms subconsciously*

“Learning to control the fire. It’s harder to focus when I’m upset. They can’t put out every fire I start, so…I had to figure out how to do it myself. I have to be able to use my power on demand. Set fire walls and use fire as a weapon during raids.”

*his gaze looks a little far away*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods sympathetically*

“You’ve got it now though?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he shrugs*

“Most of the time. Sort of. I can start fires easy enough but…I still have trouble stopping them sometimes. And…Silas doesn’t like it when I spark. I dunno how to stop that. It happens whenever I’m upset.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“If you can’t control it then it’s not your fault.”

*She gives him a wry smile*

“Besides, what is life if there’s no disappointing your superior officers from time to time.”

*She pauses, frowning*

“Goodness, I’m sounding like Storm now.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he shrugs*

“Silas gets mad when I mess up. He’s…scary when he’s mad. And getting stuck in a fire is…

*Flint shudders*

“I don’t like it when I can’t control it.”

*he shakes his head*

“Who’s this Storm person you keep talking about?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her eyes go wide with sympathy*

“I’m sorry to hear that. Not being in control of it is probably scary too.”

*her cheeks flush a bit red at the question*

“My uh, coworker. The other Commander. I don’t keep talking about him, it was only once.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he nods along to the first statement before raising an eyebrow*

“Yeah, you mentioned him just now and twice earlier. What’s he like?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She rolls her eyes at the first part but doesn’t argue it*

“Annoying. Constantly teasing. Gets into these “moral” phases and questions orders. There when you need him, physically or emotionally. You’d probably like him, everyone does.”

*She keeps a very carefully stenciled expression while she answers*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Do you like him?”

*He smiles a little*

“He sounds a lot like Zee.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She dodges the question*

“What’s Zee like?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Annoying.”

*He says instantly, echoing River’s earlier description*

“But she’s also the most hopeful out of the four of us. She has more spirit, more personality. She doesn’t let Daliah and Silas push her around, or us for that matter Even…even when it gets her in trouble.”

*he glances down at the ground again, his fingers sparking so slightly it’d be easy to miss*

“She’s the sister I never had. Closer than my actual sister. She won’t let anything happen to us, and I won’t let anything happen to her.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“Hope is a powerful thing. The one who wields it is often the brightest in the room. I have no doubt she’ll be okay with the rest of you watching her back.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint smiles and though it’s small it’s probably the most genuine he’s looked thus far*

“Yeah…I know she is, but…I don’t wanna be away from them for too long. Things aren’t as bad when we’re together.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles*

“Let’s get you back, then.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*His expression brightens further*

“Uh, thanks for helping me.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She looks at him, surprised*

“Of course, uh, I mean, I haven’t been that much help so far but—“

*She shrugs*

“You seem like a good kid and I want you to get back to your family.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he shrugs*

“Besides Zee, Mari, and Terran, you’re probably the nicest person I’ve ever met since my Craft Master died. The people in the Creed are mean and my village thought I was cursed.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She stares at him for a couple seconds, her surprise morphing into complete shock before she remembers she should probably respond*

“Well…that isn’t an adjective I can’t remember anyone describing me as…”

*She raises an eyebrow*

“Because of your abilities? Why they thought you were cursed, I mean.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he nods*

“When I was born, I couldn’t control my powers yet. My mom…she got really hurt because I started a fire as I was born. After that, she couldn’t work anymore. Back home, they look down on people that can’t work. And I couldn’t figure out how to control my powers for a long time, so nobody wanted to apprentice me.”

*he stares at the ground*

“That’s why my sister left. And why Papa hated me. It’s my fault our family lost all their honor. After they were…all gone, my village would’ve kicked me out if Master Cyrus hadn’t taken me in.*

*his fingers spark again*

“They did kick me out after he died. That’s how the Creed found me. They sold me off to keep the Creed out of the village.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*As he talks, River’s expression changes to sympathy and somewhat understanding*

“I…I’m so sorry.”

*She pauses*

“Maybe it was for the best, though. Now you’ve found a new family who seem much better.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He looks up at her with a sort of searching expression before nodding slowly with a bittersweet sort of half-smile*

“Yeah, they’re a lot better. We promised each other that one day we’re gonna run away together from the Creed and hide somewhere in the mountains or one of the uncharted Eastern Islands and do whatever we want. Eventually.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles, the most genuine she has the whole time*

“That sounds lovely. I’m sure you’ll achieve that soon. Silas can’t control you all forever.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He grins and nods*

“That’s what Zee says. She said there’s snow in the North. I’ve never seen snow, but she says it’s really pretty.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“It is! We don’t get much down here but back in Blob there was a couple times where it snowed. Awful wet, though.”

*She tilts her head*

“How does your fire respond to the cold?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Not very well. Silas wanted to know how I’d respond to the cold so he tested it a lot. I can keep myself warm enough to use my powers most of the time, but if I’m too cold I can’t get it to work. I can keep fires going better than I can start them when I’m cold.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Makes sense.”

*She files the information away to the back of her mind, just in case*

“I personally like the heat better than the cold, though sometimes it does feel like you’re roasting in the armor.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He nods*

“I like the heat too. I don’t really wear armor, though. Only the guards wear it at the Keep.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“It’s standard military garb for most everyone in the army. The newest recruits have the heaviest, though. I normally don’t wear it on missions, though, unless I’m expecting to fight.”

*She frowns*

“They put guards on you four?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he chuckles sheepishly*

“Yeah, uh, Zee and I especially have a history of escape attempts so…even though we have the barrier around the Keep now to keep us from leaving, they still keep us guarded unless they’re with us. There’s normal guards that defend and stand watch over the Keep though.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her face screws up in disgust*

“They’re quite lucky they live in a separate world at this moment.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he grins wickedly*

“You could always come back with me and give them the what-for. If I had money I’d pay to see that.”

*he says it like he clearly doesn’t expect it to actually happen*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives him a matching grin but it quickly drops off*

“The General would never allow it.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Damn.”

*he dramatically kicks at the ground, sending a few sparks flying in its wake*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Besides, however you got here I assume it has something to do with Magnik or your powers and it would be exceedingly difficult for me to do anything with either.”

*She shrugs*

“I would if I could, Mate. I’d being my half of the battalion and everything.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he laughs, clearly imagining the scenario of River showing up to the Keep with her battalion*

“If only. Do you think anyone can even figure out how to get me home?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hesitates, not one to give out meaningless reassurances*

“There have been myths and legends and tales of inter-world travel before. Even one that happened relatively close to the barracks. And Commander Sivolage especially is versed in those occurrences, I bet if anyone, he’d know what to do.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He gives her a hopeful grin*

“Is that who we’re headed to find?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods as the two crest a hill and she points at a cluster of buildings*

“He’s at the barracks, I’m pretty sure. We should be there soon.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He has a slight bounce in his step as they crest the hill and he squints to see the buildings*

“Are there…going to be lot of people there?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns, looking up at the sky to note the time*

“There are about three hundred in this barrack, though they’ll likely be resting from this morning’s training bout. And we won’t go where there are many if that’ll make you uncomfortable.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He rubs an arm nervously and nods*

“Yeah, that would be nice. I-If that’s okay.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“Of course. We’ll go in closer to where the officers bunk.”

*There’s a gate surrounding the barracks, but after walking around to the side, there’s a small door that River pulls open and beckons Flint through. The barracks where they come in don’t look like much. The open space between buildings they come into has a few newer recruits who are mingling but other than that nobody’s around. They come to attention when River passes and tilt their heads at Flint curiously, but there’s not much notice drawn before River’s opening a door leading inside a small wooden bunkhouse*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint instinctively shifts so that he’s closer to River and a little bit behind her to obscure him partially from view of the others. He’s tense and standing straight and refusing to look at anyone at eye-level, though he does glance around curiously*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*River beckons him into the small building and closes the door behind them. Inside is dimly lit and mostly a few tables and chairs plus doors leading off to either side. She crosses over to one of the doors, bangs on it until it opens, then exchanges a few words with whoever’s on the other side. She comes back after a couple seconds, a young man with auburn hair in tow*

“Flint, this is Commander Storm Sivolage, Storm, this is Flint. You two talk for a sec, I need to change out of this armor.”

*She leaves the room by the other door and Storm raises a questioning eyebrow at Flint*

“You’re a bit young for a recruit.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint swallows and looks a little uncomfortable with River suddenly leaving him with this new person*

“I’m, uh…not really a recruit…”

*he tucks his hands closely to his sides again to avoid sparking*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm laughs good-naturedly, clapping a hand on Flint’s shoulder*

“Don’t worry, Riv told me ‘bout the situation. From a different world, I hear. We’ll getcha back home.”

*He winks*

“There’s been between-world travel before, it ain’t nothin’ to worry about.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint flinches slightly at the clap on his shoulder, his fingers sparking a little before he offers a hesitant half-smile*

“It’s not? You think I can get back home? I’ve been gone too long already…I’m worried.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“If there’s a way in, there’s a way out.”

*Storm gives a reassuring smile*

“An’ don’t worry, you’ve got the best soldiers in the South on it. There’s nothing we can’t do!”

*He makes a fist, punching it up into the air playfully*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*his smile grows a little more genuine*

“Really? Thank you.”

*he looks around curiously before looking back at Storm*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“No problem!”

*Strom grins*

“Now the real question ‘ere is if you can ride.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he tilts his head*

“…Ride? Ride what?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Well, you’re a teensy bit too tall to catch a ride on a butterfly, so I’d suggest a horse or snove.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint snorts*

“You’re weird.”

*he smiles before rubbing his arm nervously*

“I’ve…never ridden a horse before. And the guards’ horses at the Keep don’t really like me.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm bows*

“I do strive to be! It livens the place up a little.”

*He straightens back up, then leans in to mock-whisper conspiratorially*

“You can bribe just about any horse to do what you want if you ‘ave a bit of sugar. Plus you’ll be riding with me or Riv, so they should behave.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint laughs and visibly relaxes a little*

“I was right. You’re a lot like Zee.”

*he pauses*

“Are you sure they won’t freak out if I spark?”

*he lets a few sparks dance around his fingers in demonstration*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Well this Zee person sounds wonderful if I do say so myself.”

*He doesn’t even bat an eye at the sparks, maintaining the same cheerful expression*

“Our noble steeds have seen a lot worse than a kid with fritzy powers. Like an adult with fritzy powers!”

*He pauses, tilting his head*

“Was right? What did Riv tell ya? About me, specifically.”

*There’s a muffled shout from the room River disappeared into*

“DON’T.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He relaxes and seems a little more reassured about being around the horses*

*At River’s shout, Flint grins mischievously*

“She said you’re annoying but reliable and most people like you.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storms nods, smirking*

“All true! Though River doesn’t like me very much. ARE YOU ALMOST DONE IN THERE?”

“YES AND YOU’D BEST BE RUNNING ONCE I AM!”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint snorts*

“Why doesn’t she like you?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Pro’bly cause I tease her.”

*He shrugs*

“But I haven’t gotten an Evenessence to read her mind for me yet so I guess we’ll never know.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he blinks*

“Those Evenessence people can read minds?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“One can. They can’t all have the same powers, otherwise that’d get boring!”

*River comes back into the room, dressed in simple riding clothes. She gives the two a mild frown*

“Stop telling the kid stories, Commander. You two ready to go?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“I wanna hear more about those Evanescence people. They sound a lot like the Gifted back home.”

*At the mention of leaving, he gets a little nervous again at the idea of riding but nods*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“If ya want, I could tell ya about them on the ride there. To distract you from riding.”

“He’ll fall off if he’s distracted.”

“Not if he’s holdin’ on!”

*River rolls her eyes*

“That is the point.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*A few sparks pop around his fingers*

“I can listen and hold on at the same time!”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm gestures at Flint, nodding slowly. River gives both a doubtful look but huffs*

“F i n e then. Let’s get moving.”

*she walks over to the door they originally came by and clomps out. Storm follows, making sure Flint does as well*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint tries for a smile and eagerly follows behind them*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*The stables aren’t too far away, and Flint doesn’t get many more stares than last time. When they reach them, River finds two and leads them out, explaining that it’d be easier and quicker to ride bareback than with the saddle in this situation*

*Storm looks at Flint as River climbs astride one*

“Do you ned help getting on?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint stares at the horse warily. His hands spark and he quickly crosses his arms tucks his hands against his sides*

“Uh…maybe…”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*The horse couldn’t care less about the kid in front of it, and when Storm steered Flint over to its side and hoisted him up, the only reaction it gave was to shift and readjust its footing. Storm jumped up in front of Flint*

“If you needta, just grab onto me.”

*Storm and River exchanged glances, then River kicked her heels and led the way out, Storm’s horse following without much prodding*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint nods and shifts nervously on the horse before eventually getting somewhat comfortable. When the horse starts moving he instantly grabs onto Storm*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm chuckles and tries not to jostle around too much. They keep at a walk throughout the barracks, but once they leave, through the main gate this time, River presses her heels deeper and urges the animal into a faster trot. Storm does the same, coming up right beside River. He calls back to Flint, voice raised a bit*

“You good?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint still holds on tightly but he nods, before realizing that Storm is in front of him and can’t see him*

“Yeah, I’m good. Uh, Where are we headed exactly?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“We’re not going far. Just someplace Magnik lingers. My siblings told me about it a long long long long long time ago.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“You have siblings? Who are they?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Dawn, Glimmer, and Trench.”

*He grins back at Flint*

They’re all Evenessences, which is super rare to have three in one family. Trench is extra specially rare cause something something boys’ brains something. They left to study Magnik on another Island a while ago.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He returns the grin and tilts his head*

"And you're not one? Of the Evenessences I mean?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Nope.”

*He pops the ‘p’*

“Definitely wouldn’t be here if I was. All’s those folk have to go to boarding school to train up their Magnik, none are in the army.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint’s brows furrow and he tilts his head*

“Why aren’t there any in the army?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“They’re not supposed to swear loyalty to any island. They move around a lot and Magnik would give them an unfair advantage in battle.”

*He shrugs*

“And most of them are girls.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“I guess the loyalty thing makes sense. Kinda. The Creed uses people with magic because it gives them an advantage…Why’s it matter if they’re girls, though? River’s a girl.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Doesn’t matter, per se, girls just join the army less than boys.”

*He raises his voice slightly*

“ALSO I WAS TEASING RIVER.”

*River casts a withering look over. Storm grins at her, then looks back at Flint, eyebrow raised*

“This ‘Creed’ isn’t using you, right?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint stifles a laugh when River glares back at Storm after his comment. At Storm’s question, he shrugs and looks away*

“They kinda are. I dunno what River told you but my village sold me to the Creed after my Master died. My powers are useful during raids.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm frowns*

“She didn’t tell me much, only that you had fire and showed up from another world and that yes you do want to go back even though it sounds really bad.”

*Then he smiles*

“It’s noble of you to stay with your family.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he shrugs*

“They’re all I have left, even if we’re not family by blood. I just don’t want them to get hurt because the Creed found out I’m missing.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“It’s a good thing we’re here, then.”

*He eases the horse down to a walk, then halts it altogether. He slides off, then raises his arms to help Flint off*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint gratefully lets Storm help him off the horse, He hesitantly pats the horse’s side in thanks before looking around curiously*

“Where are we?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm gestures around dramatically at the dusty, weedy, slightly rocky landscape around them*

“Now it doesn’t look like much—“

“Because it isn’t.”

“Hush River. Now it don’t look like much to the regular individual, but this very spot...or maybe that one over there. Or that one. Well, this very area, is where the Lady Evieda first crossed into the Islands.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint’s brows furrow in confusion as he looks around*

“The Lady Who?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Not important. But! We can use the lingering travel Magnik from that trip to combine with your abilities, and you should be able to tell the Magnik through your abilities where you came from and it’ll take you back!”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He looks more than a little confused*

“So…how do we do that?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Use your ability. Talk to the Magnik, however that works.”

*River offers, coming to stand next to them*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he shifts nervously and looks down at his hands, which spark a little*

“I…don’t really know how…Ive only really ever learned how to use my powers as a weapon.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm frowns, obviously displeased at the second sentence, but soon resumes an encouraging smile*

“Can you just...start a fire?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he nods and opens his hands in front of himself and closing his eyes. A moment later a fire flickers to life in his hands, growing until it fits comfortably in his palms*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Almost instantly a tingling feeling starts up, first in Flint’s fingers, then slowly expanding. An unfamiliar voice hisses something in an unfamiliar language. The two commanders don’t seem to be aware of it*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint instantly opens his eyes. The fire sizzles and pops a little in his hands in response, and he looks around, confused.*

“Did you guys…hear that?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*They exchange glances. Storm takes a step back and River bats a hand at him*

“No, we don’t. But I’m guessing it’s working, then.”

*The voice hisses again, but this time in barely comprehensible words. It sounds like if a wind could have a voice*

“Beeeen caaalled.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint glances at them both nervously, before whipping back around when the voice speaks again. The fire crackles in his hands as he looks around at the empty air around him in search of the source of the voice.*

“Wha…?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm’s eyebrows raise and River steps back as well*

“Maaaake bigger.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint stares at the fire in his hands, before inhaling. He slowly exhales and at the same time, the fire in his hands grows bigger and brighter, sparks swirling around it and him*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*In a moment, the blink of an eye, Flint is back at the Keep, in the exact position and moment he was when he had first left. The tingling feeling is gone and there’s no presence of Magnik around*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint blinks and looks around in confusion*

"Wh-Storm? River? What...I'm home..."

*He frowns when he doesn't see them, but he quickly goes off to look for the other three elementals to make sure they're okay*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm and River jump slightly when Flint pops out of existence, then they exchange raised eyebrows*

“Did…did it work then?”

*River looks worried, hoping she didn’t accidentally send Flint to a random world or worse. Storm shrugs*

“Probably.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint goes running into the Elementals’ shared bunk room, where the other three elementals are sitting. They exchange confused glances when Flint comes in and hugs them*

“I’m back! It worked!”

*Zee raises an eyebrow*

“What worked? What’re you talking about? You just walked out less than a minute ago.”

*Flint blinks*

“…Really? Well…Heh, never mind.”

[loftwingofcrimson]

So if I were to... hypothetically... drop-kick an unsuspecting Hiel at one of your equally unsuspecting ocs, would you rather a freshly amnesiac Hiel (in pain, kinda out of it) or a gotten-used-to-it-but-still-not-happy-about-it Hiel? :3

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm the first >:333

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*His mouth forms a silent 'oh' as he pieces together what her question was*

"...right."

*He considers the icicle in his hand, then sets it aside, where it immediately begins to melt*

"I want to think I do. Or did. Still do? They could be searching for me."

*He doesn’t sound convinced*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She tries to give a reassuring smile*

“I, uh, I bet they are.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He doesnt respond, attempting to dig into his memories again*

*He mutters something in his native language*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Sage doesn’t say anything, instead leaning back against the wall behind her and letting her thoughts drift*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*After a few minutes he gives up again, sighing and running his hands over his face*

"So... uh... wouldn't your... acquaintances be wondering where you are?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“They um...don’t normally. I-I haven’t been gone for v-very long anyway. C-couple hours. A-and they know when I disappear it’s not uh...very smart to get close.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Hm. Makes sense. Are you the only one with abilities like...."

*He waves vaguely between the two of them*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“Y-yeah. I uh, didn’t before. I-I had a different power, o-one more natural but…it’s gone now I guess.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"'More natural'? Like what?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles wistfully*

“Like not fighting it every moment. I was born with that one, n-natural to me. I could send messages from one person to another, no matter the distance. I uh, couldn’t use it very often because of the b-bands, but I liked it.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*Hiel nods slowly*

"It sounds useful."

*He cocks his head*

"Bands?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gestures to a finger, wrist, ankle, then her neck. All have a discolored loop around, contrasting with her copper skin*

“B-blocked the Magnik. Had them since I was, uh, six? Only recently able t-to remove them.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*His eyes widen, and he hisses through his teeth in sympathy*

"Why would someone do that to a child?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“They didn’t know what powers I had. F-for all they knew, I c-could’ve been the M-Malnik. It would’ve b-been a good deal harder keeping the Malnik imprisoned without the, uh, bands.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"And the Malnik is...?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Most powerful Evenessence. I’m not it. Well…it’s complicated now I guess.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He blinks, well and truly confused, but unsure if he should keep asking questions. Each just seems to lead to even more questions*

"R...right...."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives an embarrassed smile*

“S-sorry.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"If you want to explain... or can... some things you really can't."

*He waves a hand at his head*

"I'm here now. Nothing much either of us can do about this, but I can learn."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“I mean…There’s not much to explain. The M-Malnik was healing me after the Foe rose and accidentally forced some of his power onto me. T-That’s why I can do things o-only the Malnik can.”

*Then she frowns*

“You really can’t remember anything? N-Nothing at all?”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"That makes sense... I think."

*He sighs, running a hand through his hair, trying to think of a way to describe it*

"Curtain analogy. It's over a window, you can see the light of the sun filtering through, but not the sun itself. Shadows pass over it, you can't make out many details, but you know something's there."

*He considers the icicle---though at this point it is half puddle*

"Clearest thing is my powers. But it doesn't seem very interested in filling the gaps."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods slowly, tilting her head*

“That makes sense....I th-think.”

*She grins slightly at the use of the repeated sentence*

“When, uh, when my friend lost his memory, he said he only remembered one thing. A-and when he sleeps, he remembers everything, but then the moment he wakes again...it’s gone.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He allows himself a small smile in return*

"Remembered something good? I hope?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her cheeks turn a bit pink in embarrassment*

“Well...I uh, had affected his mind a little before...so he sorta remembered me. But really only my name and my Magnik.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He gives a nod in understanding*

"Something good, then."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her cheeks turn pinker*

“N-Not really. But thank you.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Ancestors---"

*He spreads his arms wide, indicating the destroyed building*

"All I've seen here says otherwise! Even going this far to avoid hurting someone. You gotta give yourself a little grace."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns, pulling her knees up to her chest and squeezing her eyes shut*

“Y-you...There was a reason I w-was put in the highest-security prison b-by the time I was six. I-I don’t know what the reason is, but b-besides I’ve d-done plenty awful t-things since. I-I helped the F-F-Foe rise. I-I d-don’t d-deserve any grace.”

*The last word is uncharacteristically spat out in a venonmous tone and when she opens her eyes again, they have begun to faintly glow*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He looks like he wants to argue further, but seeing that she's getting upset, he chooses to let the matter drop*

"If you say. I'm sorry I upset you."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She looks at him, a bit confused, but when a few sparks launch out her hands, she squeaks in surprise and quickly presses her hands to her dress again, closing her eyes. Her breath is short and shallow for a minute or two, then it slowly evens out and deepens. After a couple minutes she blinks her eyes open again and they’re the normal red*

“S-s-sorry.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He jumps at the sparks, gritting his teeth as the sudden movement aggravates his wounds. He watches as she composes herself, unsure if he should do something, but she calms before he can decide*

*He just shrugs at the apology, picking at a loose thread on his sleeve*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hugs her knees to her chest again and rests her head on them, opting to remain in silence*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*A few minutes pass in silence before Hiel speaks again*

"...for what it's worth, you're keeping it under control well."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hums in acknowledgement*

“And you’re handling losing your memories well.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He laughs weakly*

"I think I'm still in shock. Ask me again in a week."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives a faint smile and raises her head*

“Hm. Chain left.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He glances around on instinct, even though he couldn't see the spirit in the first place*

"Oh? Wonder why."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“Probably to go tattle on me.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He smiles at that*

"What does that entail?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles too*

“Going to find the Malnik, who’s miles away, bringing the kid to his sister and then guiding her all the way over here to yell at me about self-depreciation. And she’d only be halfway through her rant when she notices you and completely flips.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Sounds... riveting."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Believe it or not, it has happened before.”

*She shrugs*

“Though Imet was closer. The Malnik.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He inclines his head*

"The one who's supposed to be imprisoned with bands like yours? If I understood you right."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns in thought, shaking her head slowly*

“No, he’s lived a mostly normal life. He’s definitely more dangerous and powerful than I, though, if he wanted to be, but it’s impossible to tell the difference between an Evenessence and the Malnik unless they use their powers, which is why the bands were in place since they didn’t know what ability I had. If that makes sense.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"I see. That makes sense."

*He frowns, thinking*

"You said he's a kid?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“About eight, I think.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*That doesn't sit right with him, though he doesn't know why*

"Hm. Lot of responsibility."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods again*

“I could never. Though hopefully I’ve lightened his load a bit. And he’s already achieved great things.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*drops River in front of one of your characters* :3

*chucks my angry guy Flint at him*

*several sparks fly from his fingers when he notices River*

“Who are you??”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*River reaches for the sword at her back, not drawing it but ready to at a moment’s notice*

“Commander Galna of the Southern army. Who are you.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint’s eyes narrow into a glare*

“…Flint.”

*the sparks are gone but the air sizzles around his fists*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns, her hand not leaving the hilt of her sword*

“A name tells me nothing. What’s your station in society?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*his expression darkens*

“That’s none of your business, lady!”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Noticing the change in expression, she draws her sword, raising it, her eyes narrowing in warning*

“I’m afraid you’ve made it my business.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He immediately takes a few wary steps backwards, sparks flying from his hands as he does so*

“The hell I have! Get away from me with that!”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“You’re not behaving within regulation, Evenessence.”

*She advances slightly, sword ready just in case, though she isn’t certain how it would be of use against fire*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“What the hell are you talking about? What regulation?? I don’t even know where I am!”

*his voice rises in pitch slightly in panic and the air crackles and pops around his hands, the ground smoldering beneath his feet.*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“An hour’s trip from the castle, two hours from the barracks.”

*River says this part matter-of-fact, like it’s the most obvious answer in the world. Then she throws up her hands in anger, half forgetting her sword*

“Whatever regulations you Evenessences have that prevent you from going berserk and ruining everything!”

*She steels herself and her expression as the air and ground react to Flint, trying not to show fear*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“What’s an Evanessence????”

*More sparks fly the more panicked he gets, to the point his fingers start getting red from the heat*

“What castle? What barracks? Is this some sort of test??”

*he looks around as if expecting to see someone*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Caught off-guard by the questions, she stares at him as if he’s crazy and backs up a step*

“Castle Werini and the barracks belonging to it, of course. An Evenssence is what you are, Magnik wielder.”

*She narrows her eyes again*

“Are you playing dumb? Or are you just naturally oblivious.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“I’m *not* dumb! I wanna know how the hell I got here! I’m supposed to be back at the Keep!“

*the bandages around his palms and forearms start smoldering, and he quickly shakes his hands to try and rid them of the sparks, but more of them just fly and sizzle at the air*

“Silas is gonna kill me-“

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I’ve never heard of a “Keep” and how am I supposed to know how you got here?”

*She takes another step back, then frowns and steps forward again, berating herself under her breath before raising her voice again and looking Flint in the eye*

“Are you going to tell me what you’re doing here or am I going to have to take you in?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he stares at her with wide eyes and a few more sparks pop around his fingers*

“Why do you think I’d ask if I knew?? What do you mean ‘take me in’? Take me in where??”

*At this point he sounds more afraid than angry*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She regards him for a moment before seeming to come to a conclusion*

“You must be a spy for another Island, then. Honestly I would’ve thought one could come up with a better story than being unknowingly transported here, but otherwise why would you be so close to the castle.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“I’m not a spy!! How the hell was I supposed to know there was some castle here??”

*he backs up a few paces. The ground where he’d just been standing is singed*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gestures behind him where the top of a spire peaks out of a deep valley*

“Well it’s kind of obvious and there’s literally nothing else over here except the barracks so you’re here to spy on either the Creeng or the General, and I’m not having either, Evenessence.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he throws his hands up in exasperation*

“Am I speaking another language? I just told you I’m not a spy! I don’t know who the hell you’re talking about, and I don’t care about your general or your stupid barracks or your stupid castle! I just want to go home before Silas realizes I’m…wherever-the-hell.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She huffs an annoyed breath then sheathes her sword*

“Fine, then. Ignoring the fact that that’s exactly what a spy would say, how are you planning to get “back”.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint opens and closes his mouth several times trying to form a response*

“Well I’ll…I could…uh…”

*the heat and sparks around his hands fizzle out and he suddenly looks a lot younger than he is*

“…I don’t know…”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She looks a bit uncomfortable, biting her lip before putting her hands on her hips and sounding matter-of-fact again*

“Well you’re an Evenessence, don’t you guys have, like, powers like that? I think I heard something about a girl accidentally swapping worlds once. Can’t you do whatever you did to get here?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint blinks more rapidly like he’s trying to avoid crying*

“That’s what I keep trying to tell you! I don’t KNOW how I got here! I blink and I’m in some weird place with someone threatening me with a sword and calling me some ‘Eva-sense’ or whatever-it-is!”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shifts on her feet, looking unsure and nervous*

“Look, uh, I’m sure you’ll find a way back. It can’t be that hard if you got here so easily.”

*She looks around, half hoping someone else would show up and comfort the kid instead of her*

“I can uh. I can try to help?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint tries to glare at her but he really just looks more wary and scared than angry*

“Why should I trust you? You’ve spent this whole time threatening and interrogating me.”

*he wraps his arms around his torso in a sort of self-hug*

“You obviously don’t trust me either. Why do you care what happens to me anyway?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“OhmygoodnessIwishStormwashere.”

*She heaves a deep sigh and forces herself to stay and not just walk off and let Flint handle himself, mostly because she would get in trouble later from either Storm, for leaving a kid out in the middle of the desert, or the General, for leaving a potential spy to do as he pleased*

“I was being logical, for one, usually when a stranger appears near the castle it’s because they’re working for the enemy. And I don’t trust anyone beyond the General, so you’re not special in that regard. And I honestly don’t care that much besides the fact that you’ve made yourself my problem and I don’t like to leave those unfinished.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint stares at her for a long moment before looking down at his feet*

“…Oh.”

*he looks a bit unsurprised at her response, his features smoothing over into a more blank and unreadable expression*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Uh...”

*She tenses, replaying her words in her mind and seeming to realize how harsh she was*

“I don’t mean. Other than. Just...”

*She buries her face in her hands in frustration, but obviously not at him*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint glances back up at her from the corner of his eye, one eyebrow raising slightly before he awkwardly kicks at the dirt with the tip of his worn-down boot*

“…It’s fine. I’m used to it anyhow.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*River grimaces*

“It’s not fine and you shouldn’t be. I’ll shut up now, yeah? Not make it any worse.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*This time he fully looks up at her, a little surprised*

“You, uh…Okay.”

*he glances around*

“So.….what now?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“Well...I’m not sure where to find other...I mean not other, but...”

*She stops, letting her sentence reset*

“The only people I know who can help are the Evenessences, but the closest ones are in the West.”

*Then her eyes light up*

“I bet the General would know what to do! He always does.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He still seems a little wary*

“The same general you thought I was spying on?”

*he hugs himself a little tighter*

“Is he…What’s he like?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“He’s brilliant. Most feared general in all the Islands, never lost a battle. He’s taught me everything I know, took me in about two years ago and trained me to become a Commander. I owe everything to him...”

*She trails off, frowning as she studies Flint*

“He uh...he doesn’t like weakness though, it doesn’t become a soldier. And with your....ability, I’m not sure how he’d respond to it.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*almost instantly as she explains, he straightens and tucks his hands between his arms and his sides*

“I’m not weak. And I-I can control it…”

*he doesn’t sound very sure of himself*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her frown grows deeper despite his response*

“It...it might not be a good idea...but would it be treason if I didn’t?? Would he order me to? What would Storm do? What would the General do? What would happen if I didn’t and what would if I did...”

*She seems to be talking to herself at this point, not even looking at Flint anymore*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he frowns. As she talks, he grows more anxious again and the bandages around his hands and arms smolder again, but he quickly shakes them out and takes a few breaths to calm himself as he balls his hands tightly into fists*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She realizes she’s rambling at this point and cuts herself off*

“Right. We’re not going to the castle, we’ll find a different way. Come on.”

*She turns, walking the opposite way she was before and beckoning for him to follow*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He stares after her for a moment before quickly following behind her*

“Uh…Where are we going now??”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She sighs*

“Hopefully the barracks, I’m not sure how to help you but someone there might. We get recruits from all over.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He keeps his hands tucked close to himself and nods*

“All over? Like where?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She raises an eyebrow*

“All over the Islands. Even I’m not from Southern, as you can probably tell...er well you could if. Well I have a different accent than most people around here.”

*She shrugs*

“You not having a Southern accent is part of what put me on edge at first.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He narrows his eyes*

“I…do have a Southern accent…but, well you don’t sound like anyone from my South…”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Well you don’t sound Southern here. Maybe an Eastern if we’re pushing it. I’m from the West but I left there.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint huffs and mutters something about her sounding Northern*

“Why’d you leave?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She flinches, hand subconsciously drifting to her side*

“None of your business.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He gives her a look of somewhat understanding and shrugs*

“Okay.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*They walk in silence for a couple minutes before River speaks again*

“You uh, mentioned a Silas?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint’s pace falters*

“Uh…yeah. He’s…my master. He trains me. And Daliah, but she handles Zee and Terran more than me and Mari.”

*he glares at the ground as they walk*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hums in response then notices his expression*

“Oh, are you two not on good terms or…”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he lets out a humorless bark of laughter*

“Hell no. I’d happily set him on fire any day of the week if I thought I could get away with it. I’m just a tool to him. A weapon with an anger problem.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

*She shifts uncomfortably*

“You have allies, though? Your peers? Mari and Zee and Terran?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he glances at her out of the corner of his eye*

“Yeah, but they’re trapped just like me. We can’t go anywhere or do anything without their permission. They…Don’t like disobedience. Or mistakes.”

*he shudders slightly and picks at the bandages around his arms before looking up and peeling back the bandages a bit to show two rings of runic tattoos around his wrists layered over some nasty-looking burn scars*

“We’ve all got these. It stops us from leaving the Keep unless the barrier is down. That’s why I don’t know how I got here. I shouldn’t have been able to leave. I wasn’t even trying to for once.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her eyes widen at the sight of the tattoos, then an expression of anger flashes across her face, her hands balling into fists*

“They’re quite lucky they live in a different world at this very moment…You want to go back to that?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“No, I-“

*he looks down*

“I…can’t leave the others. They’re all I have. They’ll get in trouble when Silas and Daliah find me gone. I don’t wanna lose anyone else…”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She glances sympathetically at him*

“It’s often best to look after your own interests and let others deal with theirs. Other people hold you down, they’re a weakness.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*His expression hardens into a glare*

“I’m not leaving them! I’m not gonna be like my sister. They wouldn’t leave me, so I’m not leaving them. They’re my family.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I’m afraid that word doesn’t mean much to me.”

*She tries a small smile*

“Though it’s good that you have one.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“They’re all I really have left.”

*he admits, kicking at the dirt a little*

“Why doesn’t it mean anything to you?”

*he raises an eyebrow*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She stares forward, not looking at him, the smile gone and her face stony*

“I left them.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*his expression turns unreadable*

“Why?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I couldn’t...nevermind. It doesn’t matter.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he stops walking and crosses his arms*

“Yeah it does.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her step hesitates for a second but she continues her pace, still not looking at him*

“No it doesn’t.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Yeah it does! Either they hurt you and kicked you out or you ran away. Why’d you leave?”

*he stays rooted to the spot, his voice trembling slightly*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She stops but doesn’t turn around*

“Why do you care.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“…I wanna know why people leave. Most of us didn’t have a choice. Or we were left before we could.”

*he crosses his arms*

“And you keep asking about me but you don’t answer any of my questions.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Well I had a choice if that’s what you want to know.”

*River’s voice hitches at that last word and it takes her a second to resume speaking. She starts walking again*

“You’re the one that showed up out of nowhere.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Yeah, well we already established that I didn’t have anything to do with showing up here.”

*by now she’s quite a bit ahead of him so he reluctantly hurries to catch up with her*

“If you had a choice, what made you leave?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Wasn’t blaming you, just saying when a strange kid pops up you tend to ask questions.”

*She unravels her hair from her loose bun to let a ponytail take its place, purposefully angling away from him so he couldn’t see her face*

“And that’s not important.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“If it’s not important then why keep it a secret?”

*he stays a couple of paces to the side behind her*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Not all secrets are important to the present. You don’t need to hear mine, they don’t affect you in the slightest.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he huffs and crosses his arms*

“Fine…”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She doesn’t say anything in response. Her sword clanks on her back as she walks, jostling with her shield that has the emblem of the Southern Island on it. Her hand has drifted to her side again*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint notices but is a little wary of asking questions again*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*It’s a good couple minutes before she asks*

“So how can you do the spark thing?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He glances up at her and quickly checks to make sure he’s not sparking currently before responding*

“Uh, well I was born with it. I can’t…really control the sparks as well, but I can start and stop fires on demand now. I…used to not be able to control it, but I can now!”

*he opens his hand in front of him and a small, controlled flame comes to life in his palm*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her eyebrows raise, impressed*

“I’ve only seen one other person who could do that. It was on a much bigger scale but the circumstances were...different to say the least.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint’s lips quirk upwards in a lopsided half-smile*

“I can make bigger fires, throw fireballs and all that but uh, it can get chaotic. I didn’t think anyone else had the same curs-ah, well, powers.”

*he swirls his fingers and the flames dance into the shape of a phoenix before he closes his hand and extinguishes it*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles at the trick, then shrugs*

“And I thought she was the only one. She’s the Malnik, the most powerful Evenessence. She has other abilities but didn’t use them against me so I’m not exactly sure what they are.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Huh…So…What exactly are these Evanessence people? Are they like me? With magic?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I don’t think exactly like you. They have Magnik, I don’t know what magic is, but most of their powers relate to the mind. Like, one girl can read minds, another can move things with her mind, things like that. Only one has an elemental power and that’s the Malnik. I’m not sure of exactly anything more about them, I’ve been trying to read up since my failed mission but...”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he tilts his head curiously*

“Huh…the others kinda sound like the Gifted back home. There’s only six back home including me that can manipulate the elements.”

*he pauses and glances at her with a raised eyebrow*

“Failed mission?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She winces*

“Uh, yeah. I had a mission in the East a week or so ago. I’ve only just got back.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“What happened? What kinda mission was it?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Well…I’d tell you if I didn’t think you’d freak out.”

*She casts a dry smile at him, though it seems a bit forced*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*his brows furrow and he narrows his eyes*

“Why would it freak me out?”

*he crosses his arms*

“Are you ever gonna give me a straight answer to anything?”

*the second question is more muttered under his breath but still audible*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She rolls her eyes*

“Fine. I was sent under the General’s orders to capture the Malnik for his plan. Happy?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he frowns*

“No. Why? What do you need him for?”

*he looks a little wary*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I don’t know, I was just under orders to so I did my best to follow them.”

*She gestures at him*

“See? You’re literally proving my point right now.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he glares at her and huffs*

“Yeah well I don’t like being lied to or having people keep things from me. I’ll decide for myself if I wanna be freaked out or not.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“You’re a random kid who popped out of nowhere, apologies if I’m hesitant about telling you classified information that I can get in serious trouble for disclosing.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he rolls his eyes and makes an expression that looks suspiciously similar to a pout*

“Whatever. It’s not like I’m anyone important anyway so what’s it matter?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“It’s not about who you are, it’s about who you tell. Rule seven.”

*She tightens her ponytail unnecessarily, needing something to do with her hands*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he frowns*

“How many rules are there? Do you have a lot like we do?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Ninety-seven in total. A soldier must know all ninety-seven by heart and follow them absolutely, only then can you serve your Island and General well.”

*She says this automatically and in a strangely monotone voice*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint instantly looks more uncomfortable at her tone and subconsciously straightens his posture*

“Oh…Do you have to train a lot?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her tone is normal again when she speaks and she doesn’t seem to notice the difference*

“Not so much anymore. I train a lot of the newer recruits, mainly in the physical stuff, Storm handles the mental and moral.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he glances over at her*

“…What do you teach them?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“The physical stuff. How to swing a sword and not get stabbed, how to behave in battle or during missions or travel, forms and regulations regarding everything but words.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he seems relatively intrigued*

“Are you good at sword fighting? Silas doesn’t really teach me how to use weapons. Just how to use my powers better.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“I’m a war commander, I have to be. It’s either kill or be killed and you can’t kill if you can’t wield some kind of weapon.”

*She raises an eyebrow*

“What does teaching you how to use your powers better entail?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he rubs at his forearms subconsciously*

“Learning to control the fire. It’s harder to focus when I’m upset. They can’t put out every fire I start, so…I had to figure out how to do it myself. I have to be able to use my power on demand. Set fire walls and use fire as a weapon during raids.”

*his gaze looks a little far away*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods sympathetically*

“You’ve got it now though?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he shrugs*

“Most of the time. Sort of. I can start fires easy enough but…I still have trouble stopping them sometimes. And…Silas doesn’t like it when I spark. I dunno how to stop that. It happens whenever I’m upset.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“If you can’t control it then it’s not your fault.”

*She gives him a wry smile*

“Besides, what is life if there’s no disappointing your superior officers from time to time.”

*She pauses, frowning*

“Goodness, I’m sounding like Storm now.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he shrugs*

“Silas gets mad when I mess up. He’s…scary when he’s mad. And getting stuck in a fire is…

*Flint shudders*

“I don’t like it when I can’t control it.”

*he shakes his head*

“Who’s this Storm person you keep talking about?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her eyes go wide with sympathy*

“I’m sorry to hear that. Not being in control of it is probably scary too.”

*her cheeks flush a bit red at the question*

“My uh, coworker. The other Commander. I don’t keep talking about him, it was only once.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he nods along to the first statement before raising an eyebrow*

“Yeah, you mentioned him just now and twice earlier. What’s he like?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She rolls her eyes at the first part but doesn’t argue it*

“Annoying. Constantly teasing. Gets into these “moral” phases and questions orders. There when you need him, physically or emotionally. You’d probably like him, everyone does.”

*She keeps a very carefully stenciled expression while she answers*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Do you like him?”

*He smiles a little*

“He sounds a lot like Zee.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She dodges the question*

“What’s Zee like?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Annoying.”

*He says instantly, echoing River’s earlier description*

“But she’s also the most hopeful out of the four of us. She has more spirit, more personality. She doesn’t let Daliah and Silas push her around, or us for that matter Even…even when it gets her in trouble.”

*he glances down at the ground again, his fingers sparking so slightly it’d be easy to miss*

“She’s the sister I never had. Closer than my actual sister. She won’t let anything happen to us, and I won’t let anything happen to her.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“Hope is a powerful thing. The one who wields it is often the brightest in the room. I have no doubt she’ll be okay with the rest of you watching her back.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint smiles and though it’s small it’s probably the most genuine he’s looked thus far*

“Yeah…I know she is, but…I don’t wanna be away from them for too long. Things aren’t as bad when we’re together.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles*

“Let’s get you back, then.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*His expression brightens further*

“Uh, thanks for helping me.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She looks at him, surprised*

“Of course, uh, I mean, I haven’t been that much help so far but—“

*She shrugs*

“You seem like a good kid and I want you to get back to your family.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he shrugs*

“Besides Zee, Mari, and Terran, you’re probably the nicest person I’ve ever met since my Craft Master died. The people in the Creed are mean and my village thought I was cursed.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She stares at him for a couple seconds, her surprise morphing into complete shock before she remembers she should probably respond*

“Well…that isn’t an adjective I can’t remember anyone describing me as…”

*She raises an eyebrow*

“Because of your abilities? Why they thought you were cursed, I mean.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he nods*

“When I was born, I couldn’t control my powers yet. My mom…she got really hurt because I started a fire as I was born. After that, she couldn’t work anymore. Back home, they look down on people that can’t work. And I couldn’t figure out how to control my powers for a long time, so nobody wanted to apprentice me.”

*he stares at the ground*

“That’s why my sister left. And why Papa hated me. It’s my fault our family lost all their honor. After they were…all gone, my village would’ve kicked me out if Master Cyrus hadn’t taken me in.*

*his fingers spark again*

“They did kick me out after he died. That’s how the Creed found me. They sold me off to keep the Creed out of the village.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*As he talks, River’s expression changes to sympathy and somewhat understanding*

“I…I’m so sorry.”

*She pauses*

“Maybe it was for the best, though. Now you’ve found a new family who seem much better.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He looks up at her with a sort of searching expression before nodding slowly with a bittersweet sort of half-smile*

“Yeah, they’re a lot better. We promised each other that one day we’re gonna run away together from the Creed and hide somewhere in the mountains or one of the uncharted Eastern Islands and do whatever we want. Eventually.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles, the most genuine she has the whole time*

“That sounds lovely. I’m sure you’ll achieve that soon. Silas can’t control you all forever.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He grins and nods*

“That’s what Zee says. She said there’s snow in the North. I’ve never seen snow, but she says it’s really pretty.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“It is! We don’t get much down here but back in Blob there was a couple times where it snowed. Awful wet, though.”

*She tilts her head*

“How does your fire respond to the cold?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Not very well. Silas wanted to know how I’d respond to the cold so he tested it a lot. I can keep myself warm enough to use my powers most of the time, but if I’m too cold I can’t get it to work. I can keep fires going better than I can start them when I’m cold.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Makes sense.”

*She files the information away to the back of her mind, just in case*

“I personally like the heat better than the cold, though sometimes it does feel like you’re roasting in the armor.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He nods*

“I like the heat too. I don’t really wear armor, though. Only the guards wear it at the Keep.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“It’s standard military garb for most everyone in the army. The newest recruits have the heaviest, though. I normally don’t wear it on missions, though, unless I’m expecting to fight.”

*She frowns*

“They put guards on you four?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he chuckles sheepishly*

“Yeah, uh, Zee and I especially have a history of escape attempts so…even though we have the barrier around the Keep now to keep us from leaving, they still keep us guarded unless they’re with us. There’s normal guards that defend and stand watch over the Keep though.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her face screws up in disgust*

“They’re quite lucky they live in a separate world at this moment.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he grins wickedly*

“You could always come back with me and give them the what-for. If I had money I’d pay to see that.”

*he says it like he clearly doesn’t expect it to actually happen*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives him a matching grin but it quickly drops off*

“The General would never allow it.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Damn.”

*he dramatically kicks at the ground, sending a few sparks flying in its wake*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Besides, however you got here I assume it has something to do with Magnik or your powers and it would be exceedingly difficult for me to do anything with either.”

*She shrugs*

“I would if I could, Mate. I’d being my half of the battalion and everything.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he laughs, clearly imagining the scenario of River showing up to the Keep with her battalion*

“If only. Do you think anyone can even figure out how to get me home?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hesitates, not one to give out meaningless reassurances*

“There have been myths and legends and tales of inter-world travel before. Even one that happened relatively close to the barracks. And Commander Sivolage especially is versed in those occurrences, I bet if anyone, he’d know what to do.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He gives her a hopeful grin*

“Is that who we’re headed to find?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods as the two crest a hill and she points at a cluster of buildings*

“He’s at the barracks, I’m pretty sure. We should be there soon.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He has a slight bounce in his step as they crest the hill and he squints to see the buildings*

“Are there…going to be lot of people there?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns, looking up at the sky to note the time*

“There are about three hundred in this barrack, though they’ll likely be resting from this morning’s training bout. And we won’t go where there are many if that’ll make you uncomfortable.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He rubs an arm nervously and nods*

“Yeah, that would be nice. I-If that’s okay.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“Of course. We’ll go in closer to where the officers bunk.”

*There’s a gate surrounding the barracks, but after walking around to the side, there’s a small door that River pulls open and beckons Flint through. The barracks where they come in don’t look like much. The open space between buildings they come into has a few newer recruits who are mingling but other than that nobody’s around. They come to attention when River passes and tilt their heads at Flint curiously, but there’s not much notice drawn before River’s opening a door leading inside a small wooden bunkhouse*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint instinctively shifts so that he’s closer to River and a little bit behind her to obscure him partially from view of the others. He’s tense and standing straight and refusing to look at anyone at eye-level, though he does glance around curiously*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*River beckons him into the small building and closes the door behind them. Inside is dimly lit and mostly a few tables and chairs plus doors leading off to either side. She crosses over to one of the doors, bangs on it until it opens, then exchanges a few words with whoever’s on the other side. She comes back after a couple seconds, a young man with auburn hair in tow*

“Flint, this is Commander Storm Sivolage, Storm, this is Flint. You two talk for a sec, I need to change out of this armor.”

*She leaves the room by the other door and Storm raises a questioning eyebrow at Flint*

“You’re a bit young for a recruit.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint swallows and looks a little uncomfortable with River suddenly leaving him with this new person*

“I’m, uh…not really a recruit…”

*he tucks his hands closely to his sides again to avoid sparking*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm laughs good-naturedly, clapping a hand on Flint’s shoulder*

“Don’t worry, Riv told me ‘bout the situation. From a different world, I hear. We’ll getcha back home.”

*He winks*

“There’s been between-world travel before, it ain’t nothin’ to worry about.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint flinches slightly at the clap on his shoulder, his fingers sparking a little before he offers a hesitant half-smile*

“It’s not? You think I can get back home? I’ve been gone too long already…I’m worried.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“If there’s a way in, there’s a way out.”

*Storm gives a reassuring smile*

“An’ don’t worry, you’ve got the best soldiers in the South on it. There’s nothing we can’t do!”

*He makes a fist, punching it up into the air playfully*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*his smile grows a little more genuine*

“Really? Thank you.”

*he looks around curiously before looking back at Storm*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“No problem!”

*Strom grins*

“Now the real question ‘ere is if you can ride.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he tilts his head*

“…Ride? Ride what?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Well, you’re a teensy bit too tall to catch a ride on a butterfly, so I’d suggest a horse or snove.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint snorts*

“You’re weird.”

*he smiles before rubbing his arm nervously*

“I’ve…never ridden a horse before. And the guards’ horses at the Keep don’t really like me.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm bows*

“I do strive to be! It livens the place up a little.”

*He straightens back up, then leans in to mock-whisper conspiratorially*

“You can bribe just about any horse to do what you want if you ‘ave a bit of sugar. Plus you’ll be riding with me or Riv, so they should behave.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint laughs and visibly relaxes a little*

“I was right. You’re a lot like Zee.”

*he pauses*

“Are you sure they won’t freak out if I spark?”

*he lets a few sparks dance around his fingers in demonstration*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Well this Zee person sounds wonderful if I do say so myself.”

*He doesn’t even bat an eye at the sparks, maintaining the same cheerful expression*

“Our noble steeds have seen a lot worse than a kid with fritzy powers. Like an adult with fritzy powers!”

*He pauses, tilting his head*

“Was right? What did Riv tell ya? About me, specifically.”

*There’s a muffled shout from the room River disappeared into*

“DON’T.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He relaxes and seems a little more reassured about being around the horses*

*At River’s shout, Flint grins mischievously*

“She said you’re annoying but reliable and most people like you.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storms nods, smirking*

“All true! Though River doesn’t like me very much. ARE YOU ALMOST DONE IN THERE?”

“YES AND YOU’D BEST BE RUNNING ONCE I AM!”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint snorts*

“Why doesn’t she like you?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Pro’bly cause I tease her.”

*He shrugs*

“But I haven’t gotten an Evenessence to read her mind for me yet so I guess we’ll never know.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he blinks*

“Those Evenessence people can read minds?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“One can. They can’t all have the same powers, otherwise that’d get boring!”

*River comes back into the room, dressed in simple riding clothes. She gives the two a mild frown*

“Stop telling the kid stories, Commander. You two ready to go?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“I wanna hear more about those Evanescence people. They sound a lot like the Gifted back home.”

*At the mention of leaving, he gets a little nervous again at the idea of riding but nods*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“If ya want, I could tell ya about them on the ride there. To distract you from riding.”

“He’ll fall off if he’s distracted.”

“Not if he’s holdin’ on!”

*River rolls her eyes*

“That is the point.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*A few sparks pop around his fingers*

“I can listen and hold on at the same time!”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm gestures at Flint, nodding slowly. River gives both a doubtful look but huffs*

“F i n e then. Let’s get moving.”

*she walks over to the door they originally came by and clomps out. Storm follows, making sure Flint does as well*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint tries for a smile and eagerly follows behind them*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*The stables aren’t too far away, and Flint doesn’t get many more stares than last time. When they reach them, River finds two and leads them out, explaining that it’d be easier and quicker to ride bareback than with the saddle in this situation*

*Storm looks at Flint as River climbs astride one*

“Do you ned help getting on?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint stares at the horse warily. His hands spark and he quickly crosses his arms tucks his hands against his sides*

“Uh…maybe…”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*The horse couldn’t care less about the kid in front of it, and when Storm steered Flint over to its side and hoisted him up, the only reaction it gave was to shift and readjust its footing. Storm jumped up in front of Flint*

“If you needta, just grab onto me.”

*Storm and River exchanged glances, then River kicked her heels and led the way out, Storm’s horse following without much prodding*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint nods and shifts nervously on the horse before eventually getting somewhat comfortable. When the horse starts moving he instantly grabs onto Storm*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm chuckles and tries not to jostle around too much. They keep at a walk throughout the barracks, but once they leave, through the main gate this time, River presses her heels deeper and urges the animal into a faster trot. Storm does the same, coming up right beside River. He calls back to Flint, voice raised a bit*

“You good?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint still holds on tightly but he nods, before realizing that Storm is in front of him and can’t see him*

“Yeah, I’m good. Uh, Where are we headed exactly?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“We’re not going far. Just someplace Magnik lingers. My siblings told me about it a long long long long long time ago.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“You have siblings? Who are they?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Dawn, Glimmer, and Trench.”

*He grins back at Flint*

They’re all Evenessences, which is super rare to have three in one family. Trench is extra specially rare cause something something boys’ brains something. They left to study Magnik on another Island a while ago.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He returns the grin and tilts his head*

"And you're not one? Of the Evenessences I mean?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Nope.”

*He pops the ‘p’*

“Definitely wouldn’t be here if I was. All’s those folk have to go to boarding school to train up their Magnik, none are in the army.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint’s brows furrow and he tilts his head*

“Why aren’t there any in the army?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“They’re not supposed to swear loyalty to any island. They move around a lot and Magnik would give them an unfair advantage in battle.”

*He shrugs*

“And most of them are girls.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“I guess the loyalty thing makes sense. Kinda. The Creed uses people with magic because it gives them an advantage…Why’s it matter if they’re girls, though? River’s a girl.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Doesn’t matter, per se, girls just join the army less than boys.”

*He raises his voice slightly*

“ALSO I WAS TEASING RIVER.”

*River casts a withering look over. Storm grins at her, then looks back at Flint, eyebrow raised*

“This ‘Creed’ isn’t using you, right?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint stifles a laugh when River glares back at Storm after his comment. At Storm’s question, he shrugs and looks away*

“They kinda are. I dunno what River told you but my village sold me to the Creed after my Master died. My powers are useful during raids.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm frowns*

“She didn’t tell me much, only that you had fire and showed up from another world and that yes you do want to go back even though it sounds really bad.”

*Then he smiles*

“It’s noble of you to stay with your family.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he shrugs*

“They’re all I have left, even if we’re not family by blood. I just don’t want them to get hurt because the Creed found out I’m missing.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“It’s a good thing we’re here, then.”

*He eases the horse down to a walk, then halts it altogether. He slides off, then raises his arms to help Flint off*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint gratefully lets Storm help him off the horse, He hesitantly pats the horse’s side in thanks before looking around curiously*

“Where are we?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm gestures around dramatically at the dusty, weedy, slightly rocky landscape around them*

“Now it doesn’t look like much—“

“Because it isn’t.”

“Hush River. Now it don’t look like much to the regular individual, but this very spot...or maybe that one over there. Or that one. Well, this very area, is where the Lady Evieda first crossed into the Islands.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint’s brows furrow in confusion as he looks around*

“The Lady Who?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Not important. But! We can use the lingering travel Magnik from that trip to combine with your abilities, and you should be able to tell the Magnik through your abilities where you came from and it’ll take you back!”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He looks more than a little confused*

“So…how do we do that?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Use your ability. Talk to the Magnik, however that works.”

*River offers, coming to stand next to them*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he shifts nervously and looks down at his hands, which spark a little*

“I…don’t really know how…Ive only really ever learned how to use my powers as a weapon.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm frowns, obviously displeased at the second sentence, but soon resumes an encouraging smile*

“Can you just...start a fire?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he nods and opens his hands in front of himself and closing his eyes. A moment later a fire flickers to life in his hands, growing until it fits comfortably in his palms*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Almost instantly a tingling feeling starts up, first in Flint’s fingers, then slowly expanding. An unfamiliar voice hisses something in an unfamiliar language. The two commanders don’t seem to be aware of it*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint instantly opens his eyes. The fire sizzles and pops a little in his hands in response, and he looks around, confused.*

“Did you guys…hear that?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*They exchange glances. Storm takes a step back and River bats a hand at him*

“No, we don’t. But I’m guessing it’s working, then.”

*The voice hisses again, but this time in barely comprehensible words. It sounds like if a wind could have a voice*

“Beeeen caaalled.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint glances at them both nervously, before whipping back around when the voice speaks again. The fire crackles in his hands as he looks around at the empty air around him in search of the source of the voice.*

“Wha…?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm’s eyebrows raise and River steps back as well*

“Maaaake bigger.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint stares at the fire in his hands, before inhaling. He slowly exhales and at the same time, the fire in his hands grows bigger and brighter, sparks swirling around it and him*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*In a moment, the blink of an eye, Flint is back at the Keep, in the exact position and moment he was when he had first left. The tingling feeling is gone and there’s no presence of Magnik around*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint blinks and looks around in confusion*

"Wh-Storm? River? What...I'm home..."

*He frowns when he doesn't see them, but he quickly goes off to look for the other three elementals to make sure they're okay*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm and River jump slightly when Flint pops out of existence, then they exchange raised eyebrows*

“Did…did it work then?”

*River looks worried, hoping she didn’t accidentally send Flint to a random world or worse. Storm shrugs*

“Probably.”

[loftwingofcrimson]

So if I were to... hypothetically... drop-kick an unsuspecting Hiel at one of your equally unsuspecting ocs, would you rather a freshly amnesiac Hiel (in pain, kinda out of it) or a gotten-used-to-it-but-still-not-happy-about-it Hiel? :3

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm the first >:333

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*His mouth forms a silent 'oh' as he pieces together what her question was*

"...right."

*He considers the icicle in his hand, then sets it aside, where it immediately begins to melt*

"I want to think I do. Or did. Still do? They could be searching for me."

*He doesn’t sound convinced*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She tries to give a reassuring smile*

“I, uh, I bet they are.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He doesnt respond, attempting to dig into his memories again*

*He mutters something in his native language*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Sage doesn’t say anything, instead leaning back against the wall behind her and letting her thoughts drift*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*After a few minutes he gives up again, sighing and running his hands over his face*

"So... uh... wouldn't your... acquaintances be wondering where you are?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“They um...don’t normally. I-I haven’t been gone for v-very long anyway. C-couple hours. A-and they know when I disappear it’s not uh...very smart to get close.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Hm. Makes sense. Are you the only one with abilities like...."

*He waves vaguely between the two of them*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“Y-yeah. I uh, didn’t before. I-I had a different power, o-one more natural but…it’s gone now I guess.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"'More natural'? Like what?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles wistfully*

“Like not fighting it every moment. I was born with that one, n-natural to me. I could send messages from one person to another, no matter the distance. I uh, couldn’t use it very often because of the b-bands, but I liked it.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*Hiel nods slowly*

"It sounds useful."

*He cocks his head*

"Bands?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gestures to a finger, wrist, ankle, then her neck. All have a discolored loop around, contrasting with her copper skin*

“B-blocked the Magnik. Had them since I was, uh, six? Only recently able t-to remove them.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*His eyes widen, and he hisses through his teeth in sympathy*

"Why would someone do that to a child?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“They didn’t know what powers I had. F-for all they knew, I c-could’ve been the M-Malnik. It would’ve b-been a good deal harder keeping the Malnik imprisoned without the, uh, bands.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"And the Malnik is...?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Most powerful Evenessence. I’m not it. Well…it’s complicated now I guess.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He blinks, well and truly confused, but unsure if he should keep asking questions. Each just seems to lead to even more questions*

"R...right...."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives an embarrassed smile*

“S-sorry.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"If you want to explain... or can... some things you really can't."

*He waves a hand at his head*

"I'm here now. Nothing much either of us can do about this, but I can learn."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“I mean…There’s not much to explain. The M-Malnik was healing me after the Foe rose and accidentally forced some of his power onto me. T-That’s why I can do things o-only the Malnik can.”

*Then she frowns*

“You really can’t remember anything? N-Nothing at all?”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"That makes sense... I think."

*He sighs, running a hand through his hair, trying to think of a way to describe it*

"Curtain analogy. It's over a window, you can see the light of the sun filtering through, but not the sun itself. Shadows pass over it, you can't make out many details, but you know something's there."

*He considers the icicle---though at this point it is half puddle*

"Clearest thing is my powers. But it doesn't seem very interested in filling the gaps."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods slowly, tilting her head*

“That makes sense....I th-think.”

*She grins slightly at the use of the repeated sentence*

“When, uh, when my friend lost his memory, he said he only remembered one thing. A-and when he sleeps, he remembers everything, but then the moment he wakes again...it’s gone.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He allows himself a small smile in return*

"Remembered something good? I hope?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her cheeks turn a bit pink in embarrassment*

“Well...I uh, had affected his mind a little before...so he sorta remembered me. But really only my name and my Magnik.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He gives a nod in understanding*

"Something good, then."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her cheeks turn pinker*

“N-Not really. But thank you.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Ancestors---"

*He spreads his arms wide, indicating the destroyed building*

"All I've seen here says otherwise! Even going this far to avoid hurting someone. You gotta give yourself a little grace."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns, pulling her knees up to her chest and squeezing her eyes shut*

“Y-you...There was a reason I w-was put in the highest-security prison b-by the time I was six. I-I don’t know what the reason is, but b-besides I’ve d-done plenty awful t-things since. I-I helped the F-F-Foe rise. I-I d-don’t d-deserve any grace.”

*The last word is uncharacteristically spat out in a venonmous tone and when she opens her eyes again, they have begun to faintly glow*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He looks like he wants to argue further, but seeing that she's getting upset, he chooses to let the matter drop*

"If you say. I'm sorry I upset you."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She looks at him, a bit confused, but when a few sparks launch out her hands, she squeaks in surprise and quickly presses her hands to her dress again, closing her eyes. Her breath is short and shallow for a minute or two, then it slowly evens out and deepens. After a couple minutes she blinks her eyes open again and they’re the normal red*

“S-s-sorry.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He jumps at the sparks, gritting his teeth as the sudden movement aggravates his wounds. He watches as she composes herself, unsure if he should do something, but she calms before he can decide*

*He just shrugs at the apology, picking at a loose thread on his sleeve*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hugs her knees to her chest again and rests her head on them, opting to remain in silence*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*A few minutes pass in silence before Hiel speaks again*

"...for what it's worth, you're keeping it under control well."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hums in acknowledgement*

“And you’re handling losing your memories well.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He laughs weakly*

"I think I'm still in shock. Ask me again in a week."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives a faint smile and raises her head*

“Hm. Chain left.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He glances around on instinct, even though he couldn't see the spirit in the first place*

"Oh? Wonder why."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“Probably to go tattle on me.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He smiles at that*

"What does that entail?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles too*

“Going to find the Malnik, who’s miles away, bringing the kid to his sister and then guiding her all the way over here to yell at me about self-depreciation. And she’d only be halfway through her rant when she notices you and completely flips.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Sounds... riveting."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Believe it or not, it has happened before.”

*She shrugs*

“Though Imet was closer. The Malnik.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He inclines his head*

"The one who's supposed to be imprisoned with bands like yours? If I understood you right."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns in thought, shaking her head slowly*

“No, he’s lived a mostly normal life. He’s definitely more dangerous and powerful than I, though, if he wanted to be, but it’s impossible to tell the difference between an Evenessence and the Malnik unless they use their powers, which is why the bands were in place since they didn’t know what ability I had. If that makes sense.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"I see. That makes sense."

*He frowns, thinking*

"You said he's a kid?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“About eight, I think.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*drops River in front of one of your characters* :3

*chucks my angry guy Flint at him*

*several sparks fly from his fingers when he notices River*

“Who are you??”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*River reaches for the sword at her back, not drawing it but ready to at a moment’s notice*

“Commander Galna of the Southern army. Who are you.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint’s eyes narrow into a glare*

“…Flint.”

*the sparks are gone but the air sizzles around his fists*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns, her hand not leaving the hilt of her sword*

“A name tells me nothing. What’s your station in society?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*his expression darkens*

“That’s none of your business, lady!”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Noticing the change in expression, she draws her sword, raising it, her eyes narrowing in warning*

“I’m afraid you’ve made it my business.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He immediately takes a few wary steps backwards, sparks flying from his hands as he does so*

“The hell I have! Get away from me with that!”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“You’re not behaving within regulation, Evenessence.”

*She advances slightly, sword ready just in case, though she isn’t certain how it would be of use against fire*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“What the hell are you talking about? What regulation?? I don’t even know where I am!”

*his voice rises in pitch slightly in panic and the air crackles and pops around his hands, the ground smoldering beneath his feet.*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“An hour’s trip from the castle, two hours from the barracks.”

*River says this part matter-of-fact, like it’s the most obvious answer in the world. Then she throws up her hands in anger, half forgetting her sword*

“Whatever regulations you Evenessences have that prevent you from going berserk and ruining everything!”

*She steels herself and her expression as the air and ground react to Flint, trying not to show fear*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“What’s an Evanessence????”

*More sparks fly the more panicked he gets, to the point his fingers start getting red from the heat*

“What castle? What barracks? Is this some sort of test??”

*he looks around as if expecting to see someone*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Caught off-guard by the questions, she stares at him as if he’s crazy and backs up a step*

“Castle Werini and the barracks belonging to it, of course. An Evenssence is what you are, Magnik wielder.”

*She narrows her eyes again*

“Are you playing dumb? Or are you just naturally oblivious.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“I’m *not* dumb! I wanna know how the hell I got here! I’m supposed to be back at the Keep!“

*the bandages around his palms and forearms start smoldering, and he quickly shakes his hands to try and rid them of the sparks, but more of them just fly and sizzle at the air*

“Silas is gonna kill me-“

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I’ve never heard of a “Keep” and how am I supposed to know how you got here?”

*She takes another step back, then frowns and steps forward again, berating herself under her breath before raising her voice again and looking Flint in the eye*

“Are you going to tell me what you’re doing here or am I going to have to take you in?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he stares at her with wide eyes and a few more sparks pop around his fingers*

“Why do you think I’d ask if I knew?? What do you mean ‘take me in’? Take me in where??”

*At this point he sounds more afraid than angry*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She regards him for a moment before seeming to come to a conclusion*

“You must be a spy for another Island, then. Honestly I would’ve thought one could come up with a better story than being unknowingly transported here, but otherwise why would you be so close to the castle.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“I’m not a spy!! How the hell was I supposed to know there was some castle here??”

*he backs up a few paces. The ground where he’d just been standing is singed*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gestures behind him where the top of a spire peaks out of a deep valley*

“Well it’s kind of obvious and there’s literally nothing else over here except the barracks so you’re here to spy on either the Creeng or the General, and I’m not having either, Evenessence.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he throws his hands up in exasperation*

“Am I speaking another language? I just told you I’m not a spy! I don’t know who the hell you’re talking about, and I don’t care about your general or your stupid barracks or your stupid castle! I just want to go home before Silas realizes I’m…wherever-the-hell.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She huffs an annoyed breath then sheathes her sword*

“Fine, then. Ignoring the fact that that’s exactly what a spy would say, how are you planning to get “back”.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint opens and closes his mouth several times trying to form a response*

“Well I’ll…I could…uh…”

*the heat and sparks around his hands fizzle out and he suddenly looks a lot younger than he is*

“…I don’t know…”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She looks a bit uncomfortable, biting her lip before putting her hands on her hips and sounding matter-of-fact again*

“Well you’re an Evenessence, don’t you guys have, like, powers like that? I think I heard something about a girl accidentally swapping worlds once. Can’t you do whatever you did to get here?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint blinks more rapidly like he’s trying to avoid crying*

“That’s what I keep trying to tell you! I don’t KNOW how I got here! I blink and I’m in some weird place with someone threatening me with a sword and calling me some ‘Eva-sense’ or whatever-it-is!”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shifts on her feet, looking unsure and nervous*

“Look, uh, I’m sure you’ll find a way back. It can’t be that hard if you got here so easily.”

*She looks around, half hoping someone else would show up and comfort the kid instead of her*

“I can uh. I can try to help?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint tries to glare at her but he really just looks more wary and scared than angry*

“Why should I trust you? You’ve spent this whole time threatening and interrogating me.”

*he wraps his arms around his torso in a sort of self-hug*

“You obviously don’t trust me either. Why do you care what happens to me anyway?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“OhmygoodnessIwishStormwashere.”

*She heaves a deep sigh and forces herself to stay and not just walk off and let Flint handle himself, mostly because she would get in trouble later from either Storm, for leaving a kid out in the middle of the desert, or the General, for leaving a potential spy to do as he pleased*

“I was being logical, for one, usually when a stranger appears near the castle it’s because they’re working for the enemy. And I don’t trust anyone beyond the General, so you’re not special in that regard. And I honestly don’t care that much besides the fact that you’ve made yourself my problem and I don’t like to leave those unfinished.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint stares at her for a long moment before looking down at his feet*

“…Oh.”

*he looks a bit unsurprised at her response, his features smoothing over into a more blank and unreadable expression*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Uh...”

*She tenses, replaying her words in her mind and seeming to realize how harsh she was*

“I don’t mean. Other than. Just...”

*She buries her face in her hands in frustration, but obviously not at him*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint glances back up at her from the corner of his eye, one eyebrow raising slightly before he awkwardly kicks at the dirt with the tip of his worn-down boot*

“…It’s fine. I’m used to it anyhow.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*River grimaces*

“It’s not fine and you shouldn’t be. I’ll shut up now, yeah? Not make it any worse.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*This time he fully looks up at her, a little surprised*

“You, uh…Okay.”

*he glances around*

“So.….what now?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“Well...I’m not sure where to find other...I mean not other, but...”

*She stops, letting her sentence reset*

“The only people I know who can help are the Evenessences, but the closest ones are in the West.”

*Then her eyes light up*

“I bet the General would know what to do! He always does.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He still seems a little wary*

“The same general you thought I was spying on?”

*he hugs himself a little tighter*

“Is he…What’s he like?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“He’s brilliant. Most feared general in all the Islands, never lost a battle. He’s taught me everything I know, took me in about two years ago and trained me to become a Commander. I owe everything to him...”

*She trails off, frowning as she studies Flint*

“He uh...he doesn’t like weakness though, it doesn’t become a soldier. And with your....ability, I’m not sure how he’d respond to it.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*almost instantly as she explains, he straightens and tucks his hands between his arms and his sides*

“I’m not weak. And I-I can control it…”

*he doesn’t sound very sure of himself*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her frown grows deeper despite his response*

“It...it might not be a good idea...but would it be treason if I didn’t?? Would he order me to? What would Storm do? What would the General do? What would happen if I didn’t and what would if I did...”

*She seems to be talking to herself at this point, not even looking at Flint anymore*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he frowns. As she talks, he grows more anxious again and the bandages around his hands and arms smolder again, but he quickly shakes them out and takes a few breaths to calm himself as he balls his hands tightly into fists*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She realizes she’s rambling at this point and cuts herself off*

“Right. We’re not going to the castle, we’ll find a different way. Come on.”

*She turns, walking the opposite way she was before and beckoning for him to follow*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He stares after her for a moment before quickly following behind her*

“Uh…Where are we going now??”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She sighs*

“Hopefully the barracks, I’m not sure how to help you but someone there might. We get recruits from all over.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He keeps his hands tucked close to himself and nods*

“All over? Like where?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She raises an eyebrow*

“All over the Islands. Even I’m not from Southern, as you can probably tell...er well you could if. Well I have a different accent than most people around here.”

*She shrugs*

“You not having a Southern accent is part of what put me on edge at first.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He narrows his eyes*

“I…do have a Southern accent…but, well you don’t sound like anyone from my South…”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Well you don’t sound Southern here. Maybe an Eastern if we’re pushing it. I’m from the West but I left there.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint huffs and mutters something about her sounding Northern*

“Why’d you leave?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She flinches, hand subconsciously drifting to her side*

“None of your business.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He gives her a look of somewhat understanding and shrugs*

“Okay.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*They walk in silence for a couple minutes before River speaks again*

“You uh, mentioned a Silas?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint’s pace falters*

“Uh…yeah. He’s…my master. He trains me. And Daliah, but she handles Zee and Terran more than me and Mari.”

*he glares at the ground as they walk*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hums in response then notices his expression*

“Oh, are you two not on good terms or…”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he lets out a humorless bark of laughter*

“Hell no. I’d happily set him on fire any day of the week if I thought I could get away with it. I’m just a tool to him. A weapon with an anger problem.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

*She shifts uncomfortably*

“You have allies, though? Your peers? Mari and Zee and Terran?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he glances at her out of the corner of his eye*

“Yeah, but they’re trapped just like me. We can’t go anywhere or do anything without their permission. They…Don’t like disobedience. Or mistakes.”

*he shudders slightly and picks at the bandages around his arms before looking up and peeling back the bandages a bit to show two rings of runic tattoos around his wrists layered over some nasty-looking burn scars*

“We’ve all got these. It stops us from leaving the Keep unless the barrier is down. That’s why I don’t know how I got here. I shouldn’t have been able to leave. I wasn’t even trying to for once.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her eyes widen at the sight of the tattoos, then an expression of anger flashes across her face, her hands balling into fists*

“They’re quite lucky they live in a different world at this very moment…You want to go back to that?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“No, I-“

*he looks down*

“I…can’t leave the others. They’re all I have. They’ll get in trouble when Silas and Daliah find me gone. I don’t wanna lose anyone else…”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She glances sympathetically at him*

“It’s often best to look after your own interests and let others deal with theirs. Other people hold you down, they’re a weakness.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*His expression hardens into a glare*

“I’m not leaving them! I’m not gonna be like my sister. They wouldn’t leave me, so I’m not leaving them. They’re my family.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I’m afraid that word doesn’t mean much to me.”

*She tries a small smile*

“Though it’s good that you have one.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“They’re all I really have left.”

*he admits, kicking at the dirt a little*

“Why doesn’t it mean anything to you?”

*he raises an eyebrow*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She stares forward, not looking at him, the smile gone and her face stony*

“I left them.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*his expression turns unreadable*

“Why?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I couldn’t...nevermind. It doesn’t matter.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he stops walking and crosses his arms*

“Yeah it does.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her step hesitates for a second but she continues her pace, still not looking at him*

“No it doesn’t.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Yeah it does! Either they hurt you and kicked you out or you ran away. Why’d you leave?”

*he stays rooted to the spot, his voice trembling slightly*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She stops but doesn’t turn around*

“Why do you care.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“…I wanna know why people leave. Most of us didn’t have a choice. Or we were left before we could.”

*he crosses his arms*

“And you keep asking about me but you don’t answer any of my questions.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Well I had a choice if that’s what you want to know.”

*River’s voice hitches at that last word and it takes her a second to resume speaking. She starts walking again*

“You’re the one that showed up out of nowhere.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Yeah, well we already established that I didn’t have anything to do with showing up here.”

*by now she’s quite a bit ahead of him so he reluctantly hurries to catch up with her*

“If you had a choice, what made you leave?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Wasn’t blaming you, just saying when a strange kid pops up you tend to ask questions.”

*She unravels her hair from her loose bun to let a ponytail take its place, purposefully angling away from him so he couldn’t see her face*

“And that’s not important.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“If it’s not important then why keep it a secret?”

*he stays a couple of paces to the side behind her*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Not all secrets are important to the present. You don’t need to hear mine, they don’t affect you in the slightest.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he huffs and crosses his arms*

“Fine…”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She doesn’t say anything in response. Her sword clanks on her back as she walks, jostling with her shield that has the emblem of the Southern Island on it. Her hand has drifted to her side again*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint notices but is a little wary of asking questions again*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*It’s a good couple minutes before she asks*

“So how can you do the spark thing?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He glances up at her and quickly checks to make sure he’s not sparking currently before responding*

“Uh, well I was born with it. I can’t…really control the sparks as well, but I can start and stop fires on demand now. I…used to not be able to control it, but I can now!”

*he opens his hand in front of him and a small, controlled flame comes to life in his palm*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her eyebrows raise, impressed*

“I’ve only seen one other person who could do that. It was on a much bigger scale but the circumstances were...different to say the least.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint’s lips quirk upwards in a lopsided half-smile*

“I can make bigger fires, throw fireballs and all that but uh, it can get chaotic. I didn’t think anyone else had the same curs-ah, well, powers.”

*he swirls his fingers and the flames dance into the shape of a phoenix before he closes his hand and extinguishes it*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles at the trick, then shrugs*

“And I thought she was the only one. She’s the Malnik, the most powerful Evenessence. She has other abilities but didn’t use them against me so I’m not exactly sure what they are.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Huh…So…What exactly are these Evanessence people? Are they like me? With magic?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I don’t think exactly like you. They have Magnik, I don’t know what magic is, but most of their powers relate to the mind. Like, one girl can read minds, another can move things with her mind, things like that. Only one has an elemental power and that’s the Malnik. I’m not sure of exactly anything more about them, I’ve been trying to read up since my failed mission but...”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he tilts his head curiously*

“Huh…the others kinda sound like the Gifted back home. There’s only six back home including me that can manipulate the elements.”

*he pauses and glances at her with a raised eyebrow*

“Failed mission?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She winces*

“Uh, yeah. I had a mission in the East a week or so ago. I’ve only just got back.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“What happened? What kinda mission was it?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Well…I’d tell you if I didn’t think you’d freak out.”

*She casts a dry smile at him, though it seems a bit forced*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*his brows furrow and he narrows his eyes*

“Why would it freak me out?”

*he crosses his arms*

“Are you ever gonna give me a straight answer to anything?”

*the second question is more muttered under his breath but still audible*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She rolls her eyes*

“Fine. I was sent under the General’s orders to capture the Malnik for his plan. Happy?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he frowns*

“No. Why? What do you need him for?”

*he looks a little wary*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“I don’t know, I was just under orders to so I did my best to follow them.”

*She gestures at him*

“See? You’re literally proving my point right now.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he glares at her and huffs*

“Yeah well I don’t like being lied to or having people keep things from me. I’ll decide for myself if I wanna be freaked out or not.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“You’re a random kid who popped out of nowhere, apologies if I’m hesitant about telling you classified information that I can get in serious trouble for disclosing.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he rolls his eyes and makes an expression that looks suspiciously similar to a pout*

“Whatever. It’s not like I’m anyone important anyway so what’s it matter?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“It’s not about who you are, it’s about who you tell. Rule seven.”

*She tightens her ponytail unnecessarily, needing something to do with her hands*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he frowns*

“How many rules are there? Do you have a lot like we do?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Ninety-seven in total. A soldier must know all ninety-seven by heart and follow them absolutely, only then can you serve your Island and General well.”

*She says this automatically and in a strangely monotone voice*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint instantly looks more uncomfortable at her tone and subconsciously straightens his posture*

“Oh…Do you have to train a lot?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her tone is normal again when she speaks and she doesn’t seem to notice the difference*

“Not so much anymore. I train a lot of the newer recruits, mainly in the physical stuff, Storm handles the mental and moral.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he glances over at her*

“…What do you teach them?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“The physical stuff. How to swing a sword and not get stabbed, how to behave in battle or during missions or travel, forms and regulations regarding everything but words.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he seems relatively intrigued*

“Are you good at sword fighting? Silas doesn’t really teach me how to use weapons. Just how to use my powers better.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“I’m a war commander, I have to be. It’s either kill or be killed and you can’t kill if you can’t wield some kind of weapon.”

*She raises an eyebrow*

“What does teaching you how to use your powers better entail?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he rubs at his forearms subconsciously*

“Learning to control the fire. It’s harder to focus when I’m upset. They can’t put out every fire I start, so…I had to figure out how to do it myself. I have to be able to use my power on demand. Set fire walls and use fire as a weapon during raids.”

*his gaze looks a little far away*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods sympathetically*

“You’ve got it now though?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he shrugs*

“Most of the time. Sort of. I can start fires easy enough but…I still have trouble stopping them sometimes. And…Silas doesn’t like it when I spark. I dunno how to stop that. It happens whenever I’m upset.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“If you can’t control it then it’s not your fault.”

*She gives him a wry smile*

“Besides, what is life if there’s no disappointing your superior officers from time to time.”

*She pauses, frowning*

“Goodness, I’m sounding like Storm now.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he shrugs*

“Silas gets mad when I mess up. He’s…scary when he’s mad. And getting stuck in a fire is…

*Flint shudders*

“I don’t like it when I can’t control it.”

*he shakes his head*

“Who’s this Storm person you keep talking about?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her eyes go wide with sympathy*

“I’m sorry to hear that. Not being in control of it is probably scary too.”

*her cheeks flush a bit red at the question*

“My uh, coworker. The other Commander. I don’t keep talking about him, it was only once.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he nods along to the first statement before raising an eyebrow*

“Yeah, you mentioned him just now and twice earlier. What’s he like?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She rolls her eyes at the first part but doesn’t argue it*

“Annoying. Constantly teasing. Gets into these “moral” phases and questions orders. There when you need him, physically or emotionally. You’d probably like him, everyone does.”

*She keeps a very carefully stenciled expression while she answers*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Do you like him?”

*He smiles a little*

“He sounds a lot like Zee.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She dodges the question*

“What’s Zee like?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Annoying.”

*He says instantly, echoing River’s earlier description*

“But she’s also the most hopeful out of the four of us. She has more spirit, more personality. She doesn’t let Daliah and Silas push her around, or us for that matter Even…even when it gets her in trouble.”

*he glances down at the ground again, his fingers sparking so slightly it’d be easy to miss*

“She’s the sister I never had. Closer than my actual sister. She won’t let anything happen to us, and I won’t let anything happen to her.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“Hope is a powerful thing. The one who wields it is often the brightest in the room. I have no doubt she’ll be okay with the rest of you watching her back.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint smiles and though it’s small it’s probably the most genuine he’s looked thus far*

“Yeah…I know she is, but…I don’t wanna be away from them for too long. Things aren’t as bad when we’re together.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles*

“Let’s get you back, then.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*His expression brightens further*

“Uh, thanks for helping me.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She looks at him, surprised*

“Of course, uh, I mean, I haven’t been that much help so far but—“

*She shrugs*

“You seem like a good kid and I want you to get back to your family.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he shrugs*

“Besides Zee, Mari, and Terran, you’re probably the nicest person I’ve ever met since my Craft Master died. The people in the Creed are mean and my village thought I was cursed.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She stares at him for a couple seconds, her surprise morphing into complete shock before she remembers she should probably respond*

“Well…that isn’t an adjective I can’t remember anyone describing me as…”

*She raises an eyebrow*

“Because of your abilities? Why they thought you were cursed, I mean.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he nods*

“When I was born, I couldn’t control my powers yet. My mom…she got really hurt because I started a fire as I was born. After that, she couldn’t work anymore. Back home, they look down on people that can’t work. And I couldn’t figure out how to control my powers for a long time, so nobody wanted to apprentice me.”

*he stares at the ground*

“That’s why my sister left. And why Papa hated me. It’s my fault our family lost all their honor. After they were…all gone, my village would’ve kicked me out if Master Cyrus hadn’t taken me in.*

*his fingers spark again*

“They did kick me out after he died. That’s how the Creed found me. They sold me off to keep the Creed out of the village.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*As he talks, River’s expression changes to sympathy and somewhat understanding*

“I…I’m so sorry.”

*She pauses*

“Maybe it was for the best, though. Now you’ve found a new family who seem much better.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He looks up at her with a sort of searching expression before nodding slowly with a bittersweet sort of half-smile*

“Yeah, they’re a lot better. We promised each other that one day we’re gonna run away together from the Creed and hide somewhere in the mountains or one of the uncharted Eastern Islands and do whatever we want. Eventually.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles, the most genuine she has the whole time*

“That sounds lovely. I’m sure you’ll achieve that soon. Silas can’t control you all forever.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He grins and nods*

“That’s what Zee says. She said there’s snow in the North. I’ve never seen snow, but she says it’s really pretty.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“It is! We don’t get much down here but back in Blob there was a couple times where it snowed. Awful wet, though.”

*She tilts her head*

“How does your fire respond to the cold?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Not very well. Silas wanted to know how I’d respond to the cold so he tested it a lot. I can keep myself warm enough to use my powers most of the time, but if I’m too cold I can’t get it to work. I can keep fires going better than I can start them when I’m cold.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Makes sense.”

*She files the information away to the back of her mind, just in case*

“I personally like the heat better than the cold, though sometimes it does feel like you’re roasting in the armor.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He nods*

“I like the heat too. I don’t really wear armor, though. Only the guards wear it at the Keep.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“It’s standard military garb for most everyone in the army. The newest recruits have the heaviest, though. I normally don’t wear it on missions, though, unless I’m expecting to fight.”

*She frowns*

“They put guards on you four?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he chuckles sheepishly*

“Yeah, uh, Zee and I especially have a history of escape attempts so…even though we have the barrier around the Keep now to keep us from leaving, they still keep us guarded unless they’re with us. There’s normal guards that defend and stand watch over the Keep though.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her face screws up in disgust*

“They’re quite lucky they live in a separate world at this moment.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he grins wickedly*

“You could always come back with me and give them the what-for. If I had money I’d pay to see that.”

*he says it like he clearly doesn’t expect it to actually happen*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives him a matching grin but it quickly drops off*

“The General would never allow it.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“Damn.”

*he dramatically kicks at the ground, sending a few sparks flying in its wake*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Besides, however you got here I assume it has something to do with Magnik or your powers and it would be exceedingly difficult for me to do anything with either.”

*She shrugs*

“I would if I could, Mate. I’d being my half of the battalion and everything.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he laughs, clearly imagining the scenario of River showing up to the Keep with her battalion*

“If only. Do you think anyone can even figure out how to get me home?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hesitates, not one to give out meaningless reassurances*

“There have been myths and legends and tales of inter-world travel before. Even one that happened relatively close to the barracks. And Commander Sivolage especially is versed in those occurrences, I bet if anyone, he’d know what to do.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He gives her a hopeful grin*

“Is that who we’re headed to find?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods as the two crest a hill and she points at a cluster of buildings*

“He’s at the barracks, I’m pretty sure. We should be there soon.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He has a slight bounce in his step as they crest the hill and he squints to see the buildings*

“Are there…going to be lot of people there?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns, looking up at the sky to note the time*

“There are about three hundred in this barrack, though they’ll likely be resting from this morning’s training bout. And we won’t go where there are many if that’ll make you uncomfortable.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He rubs an arm nervously and nods*

“Yeah, that would be nice. I-If that’s okay.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“Of course. We’ll go in closer to where the officers bunk.”

*There’s a gate surrounding the barracks, but after walking around to the side, there’s a small door that River pulls open and beckons Flint through. The barracks where they come in don’t look like much. The open space between buildings they come into has a few newer recruits who are mingling but other than that nobody’s around. They come to attention when River passes and tilt their heads at Flint curiously, but there’s not much notice drawn before River’s opening a door leading inside a small wooden bunkhouse*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint instinctively shifts so that he’s closer to River and a little bit behind her to obscure him partially from view of the others. He’s tense and standing straight and refusing to look at anyone at eye-level, though he does glance around curiously*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*River beckons him into the small building and closes the door behind them. Inside is dimly lit and mostly a few tables and chairs plus doors leading off to either side. She crosses over to one of the doors, bangs on it until it opens, then exchanges a few words with whoever’s on the other side. She comes back after a couple seconds, a young man with auburn hair in tow*

“Flint, this is Commander Storm Sivolage, Storm, this is Flint. You two talk for a sec, I need to change out of this armor.”

*She leaves the room by the other door and Storm raises a questioning eyebrow at Flint*

“You’re a bit young for a recruit.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint swallows and looks a little uncomfortable with River suddenly leaving him with this new person*

“I’m, uh…not really a recruit…”

*he tucks his hands closely to his sides again to avoid sparking*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm laughs good-naturedly, clapping a hand on Flint’s shoulder*

“Don’t worry, Riv told me ‘bout the situation. From a different world, I hear. We’ll getcha back home.”

*He winks*

“There’s been between-world travel before, it ain’t nothin’ to worry about.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint flinches slightly at the clap on his shoulder, his fingers sparking a little before he offers a hesitant half-smile*

“It’s not? You think I can get back home? I’ve been gone too long already…I’m worried.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“If there’s a way in, there’s a way out.”

*Storm gives a reassuring smile*

“An’ don’t worry, you’ve got the best soldiers in the South on it. There’s nothing we can’t do!”

*He makes a fist, punching it up into the air playfully*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*his smile grows a little more genuine*

“Really? Thank you.”

*he looks around curiously before looking back at Storm*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“No problem!”

*Strom grins*

“Now the real question ‘ere is if you can ride.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he tilts his head*

“…Ride? Ride what?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Well, you’re a teensy bit too tall to catch a ride on a butterfly, so I’d suggest a horse or snove.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint snorts*

“You’re weird.”

*he smiles before rubbing his arm nervously*

“I’ve…never ridden a horse before. And the guards’ horses at the Keep don’t really like me.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm bows*

“I do strive to be! It livens the place up a little.”

*He straightens back up, then leans in to mock-whisper conspiratorially*

“You can bribe just about any horse to do what you want if you ‘ave a bit of sugar. Plus you’ll be riding with me or Riv, so they should behave.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint laughs and visibly relaxes a little*

“I was right. You’re a lot like Zee.”

*he pauses*

“Are you sure they won’t freak out if I spark?”

*he lets a few sparks dance around his fingers in demonstration*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Well this Zee person sounds wonderful if I do say so myself.”

*He doesn’t even bat an eye at the sparks, maintaining the same cheerful expression*

“Our noble steeds have seen a lot worse than a kid with fritzy powers. Like an adult with fritzy powers!”

*He pauses, tilting his head*

“Was right? What did Riv tell ya? About me, specifically.”

*There’s a muffled shout from the room River disappeared into*

“DON’T.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He relaxes and seems a little more reassured about being around the horses*

*At River’s shout, Flint grins mischievously*

“She said you’re annoying but reliable and most people like you.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storms nods, smirking*

“All true! Though River doesn’t like me very much. ARE YOU ALMOST DONE IN THERE?”

“YES AND YOU’D BEST BE RUNNING ONCE I AM!”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint snorts*

“Why doesn’t she like you?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Pro’bly cause I tease her.”

*He shrugs*

“But I haven’t gotten an Evenessence to read her mind for me yet so I guess we’ll never know.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he blinks*

“Those Evenessence people can read minds?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“One can. They can’t all have the same powers, otherwise that’d get boring!”

*River comes back into the room, dressed in simple riding clothes. She gives the two a mild frown*

“Stop telling the kid stories, Commander. You two ready to go?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“I wanna hear more about those Evanescence people. They sound a lot like the Gifted back home.”

*At the mention of leaving, he gets a little nervous again at the idea of riding but nods*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“If ya want, I could tell ya about them on the ride there. To distract you from riding.”

“He’ll fall off if he’s distracted.”

“Not if he’s holdin’ on!”

*River rolls her eyes*

“That is the point.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*A few sparks pop around his fingers*

“I can listen and hold on at the same time!”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm gestures at Flint, nodding slowly. River gives both a doubtful look but huffs*

“F i n e then. Let’s get moving.”

*she walks over to the door they originally came by and clomps out. Storm follows, making sure Flint does as well*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint tries for a smile and eagerly follows behind them*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*The stables aren’t too far away, and Flint doesn’t get many more stares than last time. When they reach them, River finds two and leads them out, explaining that it’d be easier and quicker to ride bareback than with the saddle in this situation*

*Storm looks at Flint as River climbs astride one*

“Do you ned help getting on?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint stares at the horse warily. His hands spark and he quickly crosses his arms tucks his hands against his sides*

“Uh…maybe…”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*The horse couldn’t care less about the kid in front of it, and when Storm steered Flint over to its side and hoisted him up, the only reaction it gave was to shift and readjust its footing. Storm jumped up in front of Flint*

“If you needta, just grab onto me.”

*Storm and River exchanged glances, then River kicked her heels and led the way out, Storm’s horse following without much prodding*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint nods and shifts nervously on the horse before eventually getting somewhat comfortable. When the horse starts moving he instantly grabs onto Storm*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm chuckles and tries not to jostle around too much. They keep at a walk throughout the barracks, but once they leave, through the main gate this time, River presses her heels deeper and urges the animal into a faster trot. Storm does the same, coming up right beside River. He calls back to Flint, voice raised a bit*

“You good?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint still holds on tightly but he nods, before realizing that Storm is in front of him and can’t see him*

“Yeah, I’m good. Uh, Where are we headed exactly?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“We’re not going far. Just someplace Magnik lingers. My siblings told me about it a long long long long long time ago.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“You have siblings? Who are they?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Dawn, Glimmer, and Trench.”

*He grins back at Flint*

They’re all Evenessences, which is super rare to have three in one family. Trench is extra specially rare cause something something boys’ brains something. They left to study Magnik on another Island a while ago.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He returns the grin and tilts his head*

"And you're not one? Of the Evenessences I mean?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Nope.”

*He pops the ‘p’*

“Definitely wouldn’t be here if I was. All’s those folk have to go to boarding school to train up their Magnik, none are in the army.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint’s brows furrow and he tilts his head*

“Why aren’t there any in the army?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“They’re not supposed to swear loyalty to any island. They move around a lot and Magnik would give them an unfair advantage in battle.”

*He shrugs*

“And most of them are girls.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

“I guess the loyalty thing makes sense. Kinda. The Creed uses people with magic because it gives them an advantage…Why’s it matter if they’re girls, though? River’s a girl.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Doesn’t matter, per se, girls just join the army less than boys.”

*He raises his voice slightly*

“ALSO I WAS TEASING RIVER.”

*River casts a withering look over. Storm grins at her, then looks back at Flint, eyebrow raised*

“This ‘Creed’ isn’t using you, right?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint stifles a laugh when River glares back at Storm after his comment. At Storm’s question, he shrugs and looks away*

“They kinda are. I dunno what River told you but my village sold me to the Creed after my Master died. My powers are useful during raids.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm frowns*

“She didn’t tell me much, only that you had fire and showed up from another world and that yes you do want to go back even though it sounds really bad.”

*Then he smiles*

“It’s noble of you to stay with your family.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he shrugs*

“They’re all I have left, even if we’re not family by blood. I just don’t want them to get hurt because the Creed found out I’m missing.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“It’s a good thing we’re here, then.”

*He eases the horse down to a walk, then halts it altogether. He slides off, then raises his arms to help Flint off*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint gratefully lets Storm help him off the horse, He hesitantly pats the horse’s side in thanks before looking around curiously*

“Where are we?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm gestures around dramatically at the dusty, weedy, slightly rocky landscape around them*

“Now it doesn’t look like much—“

“Because it isn’t.”

“Hush River. Now it don’t look like much to the regular individual, but this very spot...or maybe that one over there. Or that one. Well, this very area, is where the Lady Evieda first crossed into the Islands.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint’s brows furrow in confusion as he looks around*

“The Lady Who?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Not important. But! We can use the lingering travel Magnik from that trip to combine with your abilities, and you should be able to tell the Magnik through your abilities where you came from and it’ll take you back!”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*He looks more than a little confused*

“So…how do we do that?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Use your ability. Talk to the Magnik, however that works.”

*River offers, coming to stand next to them*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he shifts nervously and looks down at his hands, which spark a little*

“I…don’t really know how…Ive only really ever learned how to use my powers as a weapon.”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm frowns, obviously displeased at the second sentence, but soon resumes an encouraging smile*

“Can you just...start a fire?”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*he nods and opens his hands in front of himself and closing his eyes. A moment later a fire flickers to life in his hands, growing until it fits comfortably in his palms*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Almost instantly a tingling feeling starts up, first in Flint’s fingers, then slowly expanding. An unfamiliar voice hisses something in an unfamiliar language. The two commanders don’t seem to be aware of it*

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint instantly opens his eyes. The fire sizzles and pops a little in his hands in response, and he looks around, confused.*

“Did you guys…hear that?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*They exchange glances. Storm takes a step back and River bats a hand at him*

“No, we don’t. But I’m guessing it’s working, then.”

*The voice hisses again, but this time in barely comprehensible words. It sounds like if a wind could have a voice*

“Beeeen caaalled.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint glances at them both nervously, before whipping back around when the voice speaks again. The fire crackles in his hands as he looks around at the empty air around him in search of the source of the voice.*

“Wha…?”

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Storm’s eyebrows raise and River steps back as well*

“Maaaake bigger.”

[sunnys-rp-blog]

*Flint stares at the fire in his hands, before inhaling. He slowly exhales and at the same time, the fire in his hands grows bigger and brighter, sparks swirling around it and him*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*In a moment, the blink of an eye, Flint is back at the Keep, in the exact position and moment he was when he had first left. The tingling feeling is gone and there’s no presence of Magnik around*

[loftwingofcrimson]

So if I were to... hypothetically... drop-kick an unsuspecting Hiel at one of your equally unsuspecting ocs, would you rather a freshly amnesiac Hiel (in pain, kinda out of it) or a gotten-used-to-it-but-still-not-happy-about-it Hiel? :3

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm the first >:333

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*His mouth forms a silent 'oh' as he pieces together what her question was*

"...right."

*He considers the icicle in his hand, then sets it aside, where it immediately begins to melt*

"I want to think I do. Or did. Still do? They could be searching for me."

*He doesn’t sound convinced*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She tries to give a reassuring smile*

“I, uh, I bet they are.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He doesnt respond, attempting to dig into his memories again*

*He mutters something in his native language*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Sage doesn’t say anything, instead leaning back against the wall behind her and letting her thoughts drift*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*After a few minutes he gives up again, sighing and running his hands over his face*

"So... uh... wouldn't your... acquaintances be wondering where you are?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“They um...don’t normally. I-I haven’t been gone for v-very long anyway. C-couple hours. A-and they know when I disappear it’s not uh...very smart to get close.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Hm. Makes sense. Are you the only one with abilities like...."

*He waves vaguely between the two of them*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods*

“Y-yeah. I uh, didn’t before. I-I had a different power, o-one more natural but…it’s gone now I guess.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"'More natural'? Like what?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles wistfully*

“Like not fighting it every moment. I was born with that one, n-natural to me. I could send messages from one person to another, no matter the distance. I uh, couldn’t use it very often because of the b-bands, but I liked it.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*Hiel nods slowly*

"It sounds useful."

*He cocks his head*

"Bands?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gestures to a finger, wrist, ankle, then her neck. All have a discolored loop around, contrasting with her copper skin*

“B-blocked the Magnik. Had them since I was, uh, six? Only recently able t-to remove them.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*His eyes widen, and he hisses through his teeth in sympathy*

"Why would someone do that to a child?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“They didn’t know what powers I had. F-for all they knew, I c-could’ve been the M-Malnik. It would’ve b-been a good deal harder keeping the Malnik imprisoned without the, uh, bands.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"And the Malnik is...?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Most powerful Evenessence. I’m not it. Well…it’s complicated now I guess.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He blinks, well and truly confused, but unsure if he should keep asking questions. Each just seems to lead to even more questions*

"R...right...."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives an embarrassed smile*

“S-sorry.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"If you want to explain... or can... some things you really can't."

*He waves a hand at his head*

"I'm here now. Nothing much either of us can do about this, but I can learn."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“I mean…There’s not much to explain. The M-Malnik was healing me after the Foe rose and accidentally forced some of his power onto me. T-That’s why I can do things o-only the Malnik can.”

*Then she frowns*

“You really can’t remember anything? N-Nothing at all?”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"That makes sense... I think."

*He sighs, running a hand through his hair, trying to think of a way to describe it*

"Curtain analogy. It's over a window, you can see the light of the sun filtering through, but not the sun itself. Shadows pass over it, you can't make out many details, but you know something's there."

*He considers the icicle---though at this point it is half puddle*

"Clearest thing is my powers. But it doesn't seem very interested in filling the gaps."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She nods slowly, tilting her head*

“That makes sense....I th-think.”

*She grins slightly at the use of the repeated sentence*

“When, uh, when my friend lost his memory, he said he only remembered one thing. A-and when he sleeps, he remembers everything, but then the moment he wakes again...it’s gone.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He allows himself a small smile in return*

"Remembered something good? I hope?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her cheeks turn a bit pink in embarrassment*

“Well...I uh, had affected his mind a little before...so he sorta remembered me. But really only my name and my Magnik.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He gives a nod in understanding*

"Something good, then."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*Her cheeks turn pinker*

“N-Not really. But thank you.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Ancestors---"

*He spreads his arms wide, indicating the destroyed building*

"All I've seen here says otherwise! Even going this far to avoid hurting someone. You gotta give yourself a little grace."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns, pulling her knees up to her chest and squeezing her eyes shut*

“Y-you...There was a reason I w-was put in the highest-security prison b-by the time I was six. I-I don’t know what the reason is, but b-besides I’ve d-done plenty awful t-things since. I-I helped the F-F-Foe rise. I-I d-don’t d-deserve any grace.”

*The last word is uncharacteristically spat out in a venonmous tone and when she opens her eyes again, they have begun to faintly glow*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He looks like he wants to argue further, but seeing that she's getting upset, he chooses to let the matter drop*

"If you say. I'm sorry I upset you."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She looks at him, a bit confused, but when a few sparks launch out her hands, she squeaks in surprise and quickly presses her hands to her dress again, closing her eyes. Her breath is short and shallow for a minute or two, then it slowly evens out and deepens. After a couple minutes she blinks her eyes open again and they’re the normal red*

“S-s-sorry.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He jumps at the sparks, gritting his teeth as the sudden movement aggravates his wounds. He watches as she composes herself, unsure if he should do something, but she calms before he can decide*

*He just shrugs at the apology, picking at a loose thread on his sleeve*

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hugs her knees to her chest again and rests her head on them, opting to remain in silence*

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*A few minutes pass in silence before Hiel speaks again*

"...for what it's worth, you're keeping it under control well."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She hums in acknowledgement*

“And you’re handling losing your memories well.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He laughs weakly*

"I think I'm still in shock. Ask me again in a week."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She gives a faint smile and raises her head*

“Hm. Chain left.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He glances around on instinct, even though he couldn't see the spirit in the first place*

"Oh? Wonder why."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She shrugs*

“Probably to go tattle on me.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He smiles at that*

"What does that entail?"

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She smiles too*

“Going to find the Malnik, who’s miles away, bringing the kid to his sister and then guiding her all the way over here to yell at me about self-depreciation. And she’d only be halfway through her rant when she notices you and completely flips.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

"Sounds... riveting."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

“Believe it or not, it has happened before.”

*She shrugs*

“Though Imet was closer. The Malnik.”

[jumpers-extended-universe]

*He inclines his head*

"The one who's supposed to be imprisoned with bands like yours? If I understood you right."

[legacyofcloud-blog]

*She frowns in thought, shaking her head slowly*

“No, he’s lived a mostly normal life. He’s definitely more dangerous and powerful than I, though, if he wanted to be, but it’s impossible to tell the difference between an Evenessence and the Malnik unless they use their powers, which is why the bands were in place since they didn’t know what ability I had. If that makes sense.”