Missing Home

[Indie ! OC - Please Read Rules, Bio, and Info]

[oceanusparadise-blog]

[He only heard about it just recently. Tiny told him to be careful and not get too caught up, but otherwise great pizza. Toya tucked the case back on his belt and pushed the door open to the pizzeria.]

‘I want a Stromboli. Maybe two. You?’

[crownprincex]

‘Calzone.’

[Real easy going in his motions. Trying to wind himself down subtly. It was working for the most part.

The waiter came bounding over with quite a lot of energy. A blond young man, very handsome, with hair back in a tie. Blue eyed. Pale, he’s a vampire with some fang that peeks out of the smile to them both. Dressed neatly in black slacks and matching apron, with white button up rolled up at the sleeves.

To people that had fought him before, he was Grave or Schadel. To everyone else, he was Konstantine the waiter at Ptah’s Pizzeria. An energetic german.]

Hallo! Only two? [Holding up two fingers to them both.]

[oceanusparadise-blog]

[The whole thing was an adrenaline rush for him. Yeah, it was pretty scary, but nothing compared to his late night “hobby”. The fear really did set in, but saving someone from danger, and adding more clues to the unknown drug were important. Then he noticed the waiter that came over. Holy crap, he should have been in some kind of fancy model magazine.] Yes! Two. Calzone and a Stromboli, please. I’ll also have a Mountain Dew. Not sure what my buddy wants though. We kind of went through an ordeal a few minutes ago.

[oceanusparadise-blog]

[Toya reached on his belt and took his phone out of the leather casing. He held out his hand to Jasper.] ‘I’ll take the vial. Still have to test it.’ [Ptah’s Pizzeria wasn’t too far from their location. Still along Main Street in Millennium, which was convenient. Best pizza in Millennium.]

[crownprincex]

Mm.

[Hummed that he understood. Taking out the vial and tucking it into the case before handing it back.

He knew the place. He’d never gone in–only delivery. He saw a lot of supernaturals being patron-ed in the place. Supposed he was old enough for that not to be a dangerous place to be anymore. So he went on in.]

[oceanusparadise-blog]

[He only heard about it just recently. Tiny told him to be careful and not get too caught up, but otherwise great pizza. Toya tucked the case back on his belt and pushed the door open to the pizzeria.] ‘I want a Stromboli. Maybe two. You?’

[oceanusparadise-blog]

[Just going to follow Jasper right the heck out of there and out of the back. If nothing else, Toya thought this was a good day. He ran a little ahead of Jasper and moved his hands.]

That was exctiing. Pizza? 

[crownprincex]

[That was stressful. The vial felt like dead weight snake bite waiting to happen in his pocket. He tried to shake that off. Answering as he followed.

‘Would like that’.]

[oceanusparadise-blog]

[Toya reached on his belt and took his phone out of the leather casing. He held out his hand to Jasper.] ‘I’ll take the vial. Still have to test it.’ [Ptah’s Pizzeria wasn’t too far from their location. Still along Main Street in Millennium, which was convenient. Best pizza in Millennium.]

[oceanusparadise-blog]

[Toya walked a line these days where he felt compelled to get involved in the world he lived in. He knew he had abilities that the human residence didn’t have, and he needed to be responsible. He respected Rufus and what he did for the city and the supernatual people that live in it. Toya just wanted to play his part in a world that needed help. When Rufus noticed the vial, Toya cleared his throat and nodded once.] I have a friend at the college that can run some tests on it.  I’ve come across these lately in the city, and I hope to figure out who is supplying them. I got your number, and I plan to keep you informed.

[crownprincex]

[One of Rufus’ ears twitched under his beanie cap and he grunted. Limping over to Jasper and getting him to put that in his hoodie pocket if that were the case.]

Go on and git. I have an official report and investigation to complete without over enthusiastic young kids messing up their words in an interview with an officer.

[Jasper took his hands out of his pockets once the vial was there? And didn’t need to be told twice?????

Going to exit out the kitchen.]

[oceanusparadise-blog]

[Just going to follow Jasper right the heck out of there and out of the back. If nothing else, Toya thought this was a good day. He ran a little ahead of Jasper and moved his hands.] That was exctiing. Pizza? 

[oceanusparadise-blog]

New Duds

The University on Sunday’s were nice. There were people huddled together near the fountain who would talk, and those who just did there jogging throughout. Of course, the library had it’s fair share of people near the computers, but otherwise the place was quiet. 

Toya made his way to the shop on campus and cracked his body as he set the backpack upon one of the work benches. “Hey, Mark!” He called out to a young man with short brown hair, thick black glasses, and wearing protective gear as he was just finishing up a welding job. Mark smiled as Toya walked in and he set his tools aside as he took off the gloves. “Good to see you made it in today. From the tone over the phone I expected you to be half dead.” “Yeah, well, I sure feel that way. I dropped about eight stories last night.” He rolled his shoulders around painfully and sat down on the nearest stool. “I’d say you should be dead, but seeing as you’re like Captain America of the real world, I’ll let the suspension of disbelief settle in.” He laughed and shook his head as he went over to a work locker. “Were you awake enough to hear I had something for you, Mr. Vigilante?” “Awake enough to hear excitement in your voice, yes.” Toya groaned as he reached into his backpack and pulled out a bottle of pain meds and popped one. “Well you’ll be happy to know I got what we were talking about before. I ordered it in, made a few modifications to it, and not to toot my own horn, but I did a hell of a job.” Mark said excitedly.  “Please don’t tell me you made me a hero outfit. You’re crazy if you think I’m wearing spandex.” Toya tilted his head to try to get a better look. “The thought crossed my mind to mess with you, but trust me, it’ll look somewhat normal.” Mark pulled out a briefcase and opened it up on the work bench. Inside the case was what looked like motorcycle gear. Toya squinted and opened his mouth, but closed it. He wasn’t sure what to say. Not really excited, but definitely confused. “Does this come with a brand new cycle or?” Mark crossed his arms and gave Toya a hard look. “I expected a thank you. It’s enhanced with Kevlar over sensitive areas. It’s also shock resistant from falls..kinda. I’d be damned if you can’t do your backflips in it. It also comes with a built in heart monitor.” He said with a big goofy smile. “Why the heart monitor?” Toya asked. “So I can make sure you’re not dead. Ever since you saved me  I’ve been thinking of ways to make your night life more comfortable.” Mark tapped his foot and looked off to the side. “Thank you, Mark! You’re one swell guy for making me a cool suit.” Toya laughed and stood up to give Mark a hug. “Thank you, Mark. You’re one swell guy for making me a cool suit. Even though it makes me look like a Hells Angel.” Mark hugged him back and rolled his eyes. “A Hells Angel would be more equipped to kill, but sure, whatever.” he snorted and let go of the hug to push up his glasses. He clapped his hands in an excited manner and pointed at the locker. “I almost forgot one more thing!” He ran over to the locker. “Please tell me it’s not another mask. Las time it fell off while I was jumping around.” Toya wasn’t a fan of the whole mask thing. It felt like a gimmick or some weird comic book fantasy. “Better than that! Also, you should wear the mask. Last thing you need is people coming after you at the University for knowing your identity.” Mark was protective, and Toya enjoyed that. It was nice to have someone out there know his secret hobby. Mark came over with a two foot long baton and passed that over. Toya glanced and grabbed it. The weight felt nice and he swung it a bit. “Watching too much Dare Devil I see.” He pursed his lips. “Everyone should have a stun baton, Toya. You never know when it’ll come in handy.” Mark smirked and patted Toya on the back. “You don’t have to use it, but I think it’s better than constantly knocking people out with your fists. Has a sophisticated quality to it.” Toya snorted and nodded at that. “Thank you. I’ll see when I can use it. You got another one of those masks?” “I’ll see what I can cook up. This time I’ll make sure it won’t fall off of you.” He sat down where Toya was and shrugged.  “I still find it hard to believe you never read a comic book before. I think you’re just weird. People think I’m weird too, but that’s beside the point. I don’t jump from roofs and tackle assholes.” “And you don’t have to.” Toya leaned in and kissed the top of Mark’s head. “You’re the best for helping me out.” “Oh shucks.” Mark bashfully looked away and shoved Toya. “I’m guessing you’re headed to your buddy’s place?” “Garreth? Yeah. I gotta do some training and he’s going to help put some salve on my bruises. Anyway, thank you again. Pizza tonight? My treat.” “Nah. I got some more costumes to make for people. With the whole Halloween season and conventions coming up, business as usual.” He smiled and waved Toya off. “Go before I think of something else to add to your suit, Superboy.” Toya snorted and walked out with his new stuff. 

Mark watched him leave and sighed heavily as he looked down. “Be careful.” He whispered.

[lexi-shapiro]

“That doesn’t sound naive at all. Not in the slightest.” Lexi spoke truthfully, not a hint of sarcasm in her voice. Doing good, making a difference; it’s what she had always strived to do. It’s why she did what she did.

“There aren’t many people out there with that kind of outlook or desire to do good. It really is admirable.“

[oceanusparadise-blog]

“You seem to use the word ‘admire’ an awful lot towards me. I’m really not all that special. Compared to some of the people in my family, I’m not that great.” He swallowed hard when he mentioned his family. That was a whole other ball park of therapy sessions waiting to happen. For now, he cleared his throat and smiled. “In any case, maybe you and I could possibly hang out. I’m on my way to Garreth’s right now, and I doubt he would mind if we were lazy.”

[lexi-shapiro]

“Yeah? That’s probably because I’ve been in your place before. It’s not easy.” Lexi believed that trying to do good was just as valid as being ‘special’. But she kept quiet. Family could be a sensitive topic and she didn’t want to dive into that.

“I’m down for that. Can we grab some food on the way? I’m starving.” She hadn’t eaten all day and her stomach was rumbling.

[oceanusparadise-blog]

He chuckled and touched his stomach. “Now that’s the best thing I’ve heard all day. A bite to eat sounds amazing. I’m thinking something along the lines of greasy and really bad for us.” He gave another smile and nodded his head towards the nearest Mickey D’s. “I hear you’re working at Darkside Bar. My mother owns the place, actually.”

[lexi-shapiro]

“That doesn’t sound naive at all. Not in the slightest.” Lexi spoke truthfully, not a hint of sarcasm in her voice. Doing good, making a difference; it’s what she had always strived to do. It’s why she did what she did.

“There aren’t many people out there with that kind of outlook or desire to do good. It really is admirable.“

[oceanusparadise-blog]

“You seem to use the word ‘admire’ an awful lot towards me. I’m really not all that special. Compared to some of the people in my family, I’m not that great.” He swallowed hard when he mentioned his family. That was a whole other ball park of therapy sessions waiting to happen. For now, he cleared his throat and smiled. “In any case, maybe you and I could possibly hang out. I’m on my way to Garreth’s right now, and I doubt he would mind if we were lazy.”

[werecogsinthemachine]

“…anyone else pickup up on that?”

[oceanusparadise-blog]

“If you’re talking about what just occurred, then yes. Kinda hard not to feel that.”

[werecogsinthemachine]

“Hey, sometimes you just need to be sure. Need a why and how though, so I know if the bar needs to be open a shelter. Though I’m currently leaning towards the shelter bit.”

[oceanusparadise-blog]

“I couldn’t tell you, guy. I’m not sure what happened. All I know is what I felt, and what I felt only lasted for about two seconds. Other than that, I think things are back to normal for now.”

[oceanusparadise-blog]

Sh*t Days

[oceanusparadise-blog]

Not. Cool.

Toya was already feeling terrible. Now add a person who lands on him from at least ten feet and now you’re asking for trouble. There had to have been something watching over him, and it said ‘let’s make his night even worse’.

He groaned loudly when she jumped off him and he gripped his sides. He fished into his pocket and pulled out a glowing blue stone and held that close to his chest. At this point, he just needed to heal quickly and get the hell out of the alley.

Oh, yeah, shine a light in his face. How thoughtful.

“Can you please not do that.” His eyes shined a bit like a cats when the light was at his face. He put his hand over his eye and groaned again. “Do you jump onto people often, or am I a special case?” He asked.

[lafleursang-blog-deactivated202]

Oh no, he was awake. Shae kept her light on him, the tight white beam pointed squarely at his scrunched face and oddly reflective eyes. She didn’t know human eyes could do that in the dark. “Aww shit man, I’m sorry!” She whispered, quick and hushed. She made sure to stay in the shadows, her features and dark clothing obscured by the darkness. He didn’t need to see her face, lest he remember her face and get her into trouble. She briefly considered quieting him. …Nah. He wasn’t on her hit load. Besides, she was the one that stepped on him.  “…And shhh! Keep it down!” She put a finger to her lips, following the wall as she slowly backed out of the alley. Yeah, she stepped on him and all but she didn’t have time for this. Pounced or not, it was his fault for being conveniently below her while she jumped out the window. He should be thankful that the impact didn’t cave in his rib cage or something. The least he could be was quiet in case any nosy cops or pedestrians were trawling about.

[oceanusparadise-blog]

“Wait a minute!” He got up off the ground and cracked his back, along with all the other aches and pains. The stone did it’s job and healed a lot of the broken areas from the fall. That wasn’t what he was pissed about. He looked around the alley in search for anything useful, but nothing was there. Any evidence that the person was here was gone. All that with only a quick glance around. He held his side as he walked over to her. The blinding light was still concealing her face, but he needed to know. “Did you see a man come through here? About five foot, ten inches tall, and running through here as if he saw a ghost?” He touched his face and he instantly went pale. Where the hell was his mask? He looked around the area. It must have fallen off when he was jumping over the building. He cleared his throat and looked around nervously. “Never mind. Forget I asked.” He walked around her and started his way out of the alley, but he put his hand against the brick wall and held onto his side. Still some residual pain from the fall.  

[oceanusparadise-blog]

There was a moment of pause from him. A lot can be said about humans and their intuitive nature. Most were blind to that sense, but there were many that can sense that something is off. Her sentence made him believe that she knew more, or at least could feel something was off. Which lead him to believe that she possibly was different as well, in some way.

He smiled as they were getting close and he turned to look at her with those blue eyes. “I guess you and I are a lot alike in that aspect. I feel the same way about you. I am really good at judging a person, always have. And you would be surprised at how many decent people are out there. They’re just afraid…”

[zodiac--muses]

Eliza had learned over the years that her gut instinct was usually right. Didn’t always keep her from trouble or doing the wrong thing on occasion, but she knew when to trust it.

“I… Thanks. For saying that.” She smiles at him, pulling over into the closest parking spot she can find. “It’s nice to know someone else thinks that about me. And for people just being scared, I’m not suprised. The world’s a scary place nowadays.”

[oceanusparadise-blog]

“The world is filled with strange and unknown creations. Beautiful and scary all boiled into one. One just has to look at it with a little empathy and an open mind.” He smiled and grabbed his bag once they got into the parking area. He stopped and turned his head to look at her before he got out. He let his smile brighten as he waited for her outside. The smell of roasted beans in the air. “Well since I figured you like books, there’s a small section in this cafe where they have books for sale. Just a heads up.”

[oceanusparadise-blog]

Sticky Theater Floors

[blind--magic]

She plops herself down in one of the other seats near by, kicking up her feet. “Well, my siblings and I live nearby, my sister knows the owner of the theater, and we got asked to look into it.”

“We do this kinda stuff all the time, sort of our job. Well just mine really, the others have actual jobs.” She tilts head, propping her chin up on her hand. Using her free hand to remove her sunglasses and fold them up. “This one seemed pretty small and easy, so I just came by myself.”

“Now, you don’t seem all that boring to me.” She smiles at him, “I mean with how Bright you are, you’re probably just as ‘normal & boring’ as I am.”

[oceanusparadise-blog]

He didn’t know how to take the term ‘Bright’. It could mean that she thought he was decently smart. Or maybe she saw something in him. Either way, he just bypassed it and just played with something in his pocket to help meditate his thoughts while he spoke. “I’m sort of new to all this. I’ve done a lot of research and played around with the occult life, but all in all I’m really new. My family does this type of stuff all the time, but they kind of take things a little too far sometimes.” He pulled a black stone from his pocket and continued to fidget with it. He turned his attention to her and looked into her eyes. “I guess I’m not as boring as I thought. You on the other hand are an interesting person. How long have you been doing this kind of stuff?”

[werecogsinthemachine]

“…anyone else pickup up on that?”

[oceanusparadise-blog]

“If you’re talking about what just occurred, then yes. Kinda hard not to feel that.”

[oceanusparadise-blog]

[ Watched the lake waves crash against the rocky shore. He loved how this place was perfect for relaxing.]

[oceanusparadise-blog]

They must consider that great responsibility follows inseparably from great power.

French National Convention - 1793

[oceanusparadise-blog]

Toya had the most trouble at school when it came to this, but again, meditation and concentration were his allies. At least that’s what he learned from his grandmother and Garreth. He listened to her question and shook his head. “I’m not a hunter by any means. I don’t believe in killing something for profit. Not that I judge others for it, but it’s not my thing. As for Garreth’s training, I do it just to learn more about myself.”

[lexi-shapiro]

Lexi couldn’t help but feel a brief pang of…something not nice at the hunter comment. It showed itself in a barely there, millisecond long clench of her jaw before passing.

“That’s a pretty noble reason to go through all that training. I mean, your training is probably different from mine since we have different reasons, but still.”

[oceanusparadise-blog]

Unfortunately, Toya could feel that like a semi. He could feel that she was perturbed by the comment, even if he meant nothing by it. At least, not judging her, but he knew how it came out. He looked away from her and just stared off at something for a brief moment. “It’s just so I can get a better grip on things. I’m nowhere near where I need to be, but it’s something I have to do. If I don’t learn how to control it, I’ll have to live out in a hut in the woods. No offense to Garreth.”

[lexi-shapiro]

It really wasn’t anything Lexi hadn’t felt before; despite being dedicated, she always felt some guilt for being a hunter. But on a more mindful level, she knew it wasn’t anything personal when people disagreed with her job. Hopefully, there would be no hard feelings that lingered.

“That’s a pretty good reason, but still. Some people would take the easier route and go full hermit. No offence to Garreth. So I think it’s something to admire.”

[oceanusparadise-blog]

Toya didn't know if he admired or resented his gifts. He put his hands in his pockets and sheepishly looked away at her words. Garreth told him he'd make a great hunter, but he wasn't keen on such a life. Killing for any reason other than needing to sustain yourself seemed like a terrible life to lead.

"I lived in a small community for a long time. So it feels different being in such a big city. I just want to help people and maybe make a difference. I know that sound naive."

[oceanusparadise-blog]

There was a moment of pause from him. A lot can be said about humans and their intuitive nature. Most were blind to that sense, but there were many that can sense that something is off. Her sentence made him believe that she knew more, or at least could feel something was off. Which lead him to believe that she possibly was different as well, in some way.

He smiled as they were getting close and he turned to look at her with those blue eyes. "I guess you and I are a lot alike in that aspect. I feel the same way about you. I am really good at judging a person, always have. And you would be surprised at how many decent people are out there. They're just afraid..."

[oceanusparadise-blog]

Sticky Theater Floors

[blind--magic]

Masha hadn’t been to a theater in years, wasn’t really any point anymore. So it was strange being back in one, it could probably be described as something between nostalgia and . In any case she was here on a job, and didn’t want to put much thought into things that were long gone.

She was crouched next to the reason she was even in the theater, one of many puddles of goo that now occupied the floor. It was quite strange stuff and Masha wasn’t quite at sticking her fingers in it when she heard somebody else moving about the theater.

Standing up and dusting off her hands, she glanced around for the source of the noise “Hello? Is someone there?”

[oceanusparadise-blog]

Toya snapped out of his concentration. He didn’t even feel someone else in the theater besides himself. Well, with it being closing hours and all. To be fair, he wasn’t even supposed to be there. He came in through other means, while she was hired through legal means. So it’s safe to say he was startled a bit when he noticed her. “Shit.” He said under his breath. “Yeah, sorry. I’m just here checking up on the recent events that have been happening here. Please don’t call the cops, I don’t mean any harm.”

[blind--magic]

Well, this certainly was odd. The owners of the theater had told her that she would be the only one here. So that meant that he wasn’t here legally. Masha shrugged it off anyways, it wasn’t exactly the first time something like this had happened, she’d learned to roll with whatever happened.

“Nah, it’s cool.” She just gonna calmly walk over to him to get a better ‘look’, “I’m not gonna call the cops, mostly cause we’re here for the same reason.” She nods slightly towards one of the strange puddles on the floor, “So you got any ideas mystery boy?”

[oceanusparadise-blog]

“Toya, and I only have theories. I have reason to believe this place is either haunted by a spirit, or something from another dimension is trying to seep through. I’m not a hundred percent sure on either account.”  He bent down and slid his finger across the plasma and rubbed his fingers together. It felt sticky, cold, and gave off a small amount of static. Obviously not of this world. He was trying to get a feel for any emotions or where it might have come from, but he wasn’t getting a reading. “The only way to know for sure is to stick around and find out if whatever it is pops up tonight.”

[blind--magic]

“Masha, and those sound like as good a theory as any. ‘Least, they are ones I can work with.” She grins at him, bouncing slightly on her heels. “And that sounds like as good a plan as any Toya.”

She watches him run his fingers through the goo, glad she didn’t have to now. Hadn’t really been fond of the idea in the first place. Masha took this small amount of time to really look at him, she could see his glow and that meant he was different. She wondered how.

“Wellllll, if we’re gonna be stuck here all night together we might as well get to know each other a bit yeah?” She grins at him.

[oceanusparadise-blog]

He tensed when she wanted to know more about him. Was there really anything to know? He cleared his throat again and wiped the goo on his jeans. "I don't know what to say, really. I go to college in the city, I study engineering, and I like investigating weird stuff."

He threw up his hands in defeat and laughed lightly. "Not much else to know about me. I guess I'm just a really boring person."

He chuckled again and went to sit down in one of the seats. He tapped his hands against his knees nervously and could sense that she knew something was up about him. He nodded once and smiled. "What about you? What's your story?"