Aphelocoma @phelia-jay - Tumblr Blog

Canis and Phelia are talking as they clean up.

"We're gonna need to make another trip for water. We gave that one the last of it."

"Mhm..."

"Lucky we didn't have to use the last of the burn cream."

"We needed more of that anyway."

"We don't have the carbons for more and you know it, Phelia."

"Yeah... Witch, I wish I could take jobs like you."

"It's okay, Phelia. I don't mind you not taking the jobs I've taken before."

"Are we gonna walk with her to her place?"

"Not sure that one should be sent off alone anyway considering how they showed up."

@canis-crimson

(Apple’s unsure of how long ae’ve been asleep as she starts to stir, still low energy but feeling less like death itself. Ae grumble quietly, the conversation not registering yet)

Canis nods. "You've got an interesting—"

"rainbow!"

"—place."

(Ae smile at that)

It was completely empty when we found it, save for a couple of chickens, three bunnys and a coyote pup. In the big tent, there’s a carousel Waltz and Tea have been trying to fix for ages… I help when I can.

He nods quietly. "Hm..."

Phelia smiles, despite not understanding what a carousel is.

There’s some old costumes too. Some weird robot suit things as well.

(Ae feel a wave of exhaustion creep in again, but choose to ignore it)

"Robot suit things?" Canis echoes incredulously.

"Those sound creepy."

They look it. I knocked one over in the dark once- woke half the zone up screaming.

(Apple admits)

"Sounds 'bout right." Phelia nods.

Yea.

(Outside there’s low talking, Waltz’s voice and one that they may not recognise but Apple does as Teacup- their tones a mix of relief and questioning)

Phelia had finished up the food, content if not a little full.

"Well... We should get outta your hair."

It’s a long way back. Waltz could drive you?

(Waltz pops his head in and nods, Teacup heading to grab snacks)

Canis looks at Phelia, at the compression garments he needs to resew, and thinks about the fact he doesn't have much water for her at the house.

"Sure. That'd be nice. Thank you."

Of course.

Thank you for bringing me home.

(Apple says, gesturing to the bag with food and water and medical supplies in it)

Don’t forget that.

Canis nods, reaching for it like it's dynamite before taking it.

(Waltz goes and pats Apple’s shoulder, before turning to the two)

Are you ready to head?

"Yes." Canis nods.

"Whenever you are!" Phelia smiles.

I’ll take Tea’s car, there’s more room. Onwards!

(Waltz gestures them to follow, walking like holding back a sprint- a sign it’s happy)

Canis and Phelia start following, but Canis looks back at Apple.

"Yo, Meals on Wheels."

Phelia raises an eyebrow.

"Keep running. Just, maybe not towards 7 next time." Canis says, holding up the bag of supplies like a 'thank you' and a 'goodluck' before catching up to Waltz.

(Apple nods with a half smile, and Waltz soon walks up to Teacups purple car)

Sit wherever!

Phelia looks at Canis questioningly.

Canis, to Phelia's surprise, shrugs— equally as confused.

They both slide into the backseat.

(Waltzer gets in the front seat, not checking the seatbelts- the sensor doesn’t work for them anyway)

So- which zone are we headed towards?

"Edge of Zone 6, real close to 7. It's a shack lookin' thing with a pile of rocks nearby."

Gotcha. Not too far then!

(Waltzer starts up the engine, and drives out the open gate in that direction)

Phelia and Canis stay silent, watching the desert roll by.

(Waltzer is humming, the radio on D’s channel as it continues to drive and lookout out for the described place)

Soon enough, it passes a small pile of rocks.

"Turn right and go about 10 minutes ahead, you'll be at our place." Canis says quietly.

Shiny.

(Waltz turns, driving carefully now)

Turns out Canis was only 3 minutes off.

"Right there." Phelia grins.

The shack is decrepit-looking and likely overheated to boot.

(Waltzer decides not to comment on the place, stopping by the door)

Nice!

"Thank you, for driving us." Canis says. "And the supplies."

He and Phelia get out.

Of course. Thank you for taking care of her.

(He gives them a genuine smile)

"It was no trouble." She smiles.

"Y'all keep running." Canis says, walking away to the front door with Phelia.

Canis and Phelia are talking as they clean up.

"We're gonna need to make another trip for water. We gave that one the last of it."

"Mhm..."

"Lucky we didn't have to use the last of the burn cream."

"We needed more of that anyway."

"We don't have the carbons for more and you know it, Phelia."

"Yeah... Witch, I wish I could take jobs like you."

"It's okay, Phelia. I don't mind you not taking the jobs I've taken before."

"Are we gonna walk with her to her place?"

"Not sure that one should be sent off alone anyway considering how they showed up."

@canis-crimson

(Apple’s unsure of how long ae’ve been asleep as she starts to stir, still low energy but feeling less like death itself. Ae grumble quietly, the conversation not registering yet)

Canis nods. "You've got an interesting—"

"rainbow!"

"—place."

(Ae smile at that)

He nods quietly. "Hm..."

Phelia smiles, despite not understanding what a carousel is.

There’s some old costumes too. Some weird robot suit things as well.

(Ae feel a wave of exhaustion creep in again, but choose to ignore it)

"Robot suit things?" Canis echoes incredulously.

"Those sound creepy."

They look it. I knocked one over in the dark once- woke half the zone up screaming.

(Apple admits)

"Sounds 'bout right." Phelia nods.

Yea.

(Outside there’s low talking, Waltz’s voice and one that they may not recognise but Apple does as Teacup- their tones a mix of relief and questioning)

Phelia had finished up the food, content if not a little full.

"Well... We should get outta your hair."

It’s a long way back. Waltz could drive you?

(Waltz pops his head in and nods, Teacup heading to grab snacks)

Canis looks at Phelia, at the compression garments he needs to resew, and thinks about the fact he doesn't have much water for her at the house.

"Sure. That'd be nice. Thank you."

Of course.

Thank you for bringing me home.

(Apple says, gesturing to the bag with food and water and medical supplies in it)

Don’t forget that.

Canis nods, reaching for it like it's dynamite before taking it.

(Waltz goes and pats Apple’s shoulder, before turning to the two)

Are you ready to head?

"Yes." Canis nods.

"Whenever you are!" Phelia smiles.

I’ll take Tea’s car, there’s more room. Onwards!

(Waltz gestures them to follow, walking like holding back a sprint- a sign it’s happy)

Canis and Phelia start following, but Canis looks back at Apple.

"Yo, Meals on Wheels."

Phelia raises an eyebrow.

"Keep running. Just, maybe not towards 7 next time." Canis says, holding up the bag of supplies like a 'thank you' and a 'goodluck' before catching up to Waltz.

(Apple nods with a half smile, and Waltz soon walks up to Teacups purple car)

Sit wherever!

Phelia looks at Canis questioningly.

Canis, to Phelia's surprise, shrugs— equally as confused.

They both slide into the backseat.

(Waltzer gets in the front seat, not checking the seatbelts- the sensor doesn’t work for them anyway)

So- which zone are we headed towards?

"Edge of Zone 6, real close to 7. It's a shack lookin' thing with a pile of rocks nearby."

Gotcha. Not too far then!

(Waltzer starts up the engine, and drives out the open gate in that direction)

Phelia and Canis stay silent, watching the desert roll by.

(Waltzer is humming, the radio on D’s channel as it continues to drive and lookout out for the described place)

Soon enough, it passes a small pile of rocks.

"Turn right and go about 10 minutes ahead, you'll be at our place." Canis says quietly.

Shiny.

(Waltz turns, driving carefully now)

Turns out Canis was only 3 minutes off.

"Right there." Phelia grins.

The shack is decrepit-looking and likely overheated to boot.

Canis and Phelia are talking as they clean up.

"We're gonna need to make another trip for water. We gave that one the last of it."

"Mhm..."

"Lucky we didn't have to use the last of the burn cream."

"We needed more of that anyway."

"We don't have the carbons for more and you know it, Phelia."

"Yeah... Witch, I wish I could take jobs like you."

"It's okay, Phelia. I don't mind you not taking the jobs I've taken before."

"Are we gonna walk with her to her place?"

"Not sure that one should be sent off alone anyway considering how they showed up."

@canis-crimson

(Apple’s unsure of how long ae’ve been asleep as she starts to stir, still low energy but feeling less like death itself. Ae grumble quietly, the conversation not registering yet)

Canis nods. "You've got an interesting—"

"rainbow!"

"—place."

(Ae smile at that)

He nods quietly. "Hm..."

Phelia smiles, despite not understanding what a carousel is.

There’s some old costumes too. Some weird robot suit things as well.

(Ae feel a wave of exhaustion creep in again, but choose to ignore it)

"Robot suit things?" Canis echoes incredulously.

"Those sound creepy."

They look it. I knocked one over in the dark once- woke half the zone up screaming.

(Apple admits)

"Sounds 'bout right." Phelia nods.

Canis and Phelia are talking as they clean up.

"We're gonna need to make another trip for water. We gave that one the last of it."

"Mhm..."

"Lucky we didn't have to use the last of the burn cream."

"We needed more of that anyway."

"We don't have the carbons for more and you know it, Phelia."

"Yeah... Witch, I wish I could take jobs like you."

"It's okay, Phelia. I don't mind you not taking the jobs I've taken before."

"Are we gonna walk with her to her place?"

"Not sure that one should be sent off alone anyway considering how they showed up."

@canis-crimson

(Apple’s unsure of how long ae’ve been asleep as she starts to stir, still low energy but feeling less like death itself. Ae grumble quietly, the conversation not registering yet)

Canis and Phelia both go quiet, continuing to clean up.

Canis is pushing the window open and closed over and over, trying to circulate air.

(It takes a few moments, but Apple finally opens aer eyes, looking about slowly)

… hi.

"Hey." Phelia smiles.

"Mm." He mutters, fighting the window as it gets stuck halfway.

(Apple stretches somewhat, sighing)

Thank you, for letting me rest.

"It's no problem." Canis shrugs.

Still appreciated.

(Apple says it with a small smile of gratitude)

So… I should probably go home.

"Sure! We'll walk you there."

Thank you.

(Apple manages to click some of aer joints, ready to go home)

I’ll go when you’re ready.

Canis and Phelia both head to the door.

(Apple follows in her chair, remembering the difficulty getting in)

Phelia heads down the stair first.

Canis turns around. "I'll help get the wheels past the step."

(Apple just nods, parts of aem still asleep)

Canis bends down to grab the wheels, maneuvering the chair down onto the sand.

(Ae move out the way of the door afterwards)

Thank you for being careful with it.

"Of course I'd be careful with it." Canis says, sounding almost confused.

Phelia snickers.

I don’t think everyone would be.

(Ae adjust aer position)

Ready?

He nods. "Lead the way, meals on wheels."

(She rolls aer eyes, starting off towards home)

I’m not sure how long this’ll be, so let me know if you need a rest.

"Sure." Canis nods, following with Phelia in tow.

(Ae wheel in the rough direction of home, keeping half an eye out for coyotes- getting attacked by them would really take the biscuit)

They get a fair amount into the journey before Phelia announces she needs a break, sitting down slowly on the sand.

Canis crouches next to her to take her pulse.

(Apple stops moving, digging through the bag-pack to find a can of soda ae offer up)

"Is it caffeinated?" Phelia asks.

"110 isn't too bad..." Canis mutters. Phelia sighs and crosses her legs.

No, but it’s citrus. Dunno if you like that.

(Apple shrugs)

"I like citrus just fine. Thank you.." Phelia smiles.

‘Course.

(Apple smiles slightly)

Phelia takes it, drinking small sips. Canis keeps checking her pulse periodically.

(Apple applies a small lip balm to her own cracked lips, starting to see familiar landmarks on the horizon through the haze of the desert)

"You're back down."

Phelia nods, getting help up from Canis. "We can keep going." She smiles at Apple.

Alright.

(Ae wait for them both to be properly on their feet before continuing)

I can see the little cactus circle.

Canis nods as Phelia squints ahead.

It’s the weirdest circle I’ve ever seen.

(Apple comments on it as it slowly becomes clearer)

Phelia hums as it becomes clear. "Yep. That's odd-lookin."

Canis and Phelia are talking as they clean up.

"We're gonna need to make another trip for water. We gave that one the last of it."

"Mhm..."

"Lucky we didn't have to use the last of the burn cream."

"We needed more of that anyway."

"We don't have the carbons for more and you know it, Phelia."

"Yeah... Witch, I wish I could take jobs like you."

"It's okay, Phelia. I don't mind you not taking the jobs I've taken before."

"Are we gonna walk with her to her place?"

"Not sure that one should be sent off alone anyway considering how they showed up."

@canis-crimson

(Apple’s unsure of how long ae’ve been asleep as she starts to stir, still low energy but feeling less like death itself. Ae grumble quietly, the conversation not registering yet)

Canis and Phelia both go quiet, continuing to clean up.

Canis is pushing the window open and closed over and over, trying to circulate air.

(It takes a few moments, but Apple finally opens aer eyes, looking about slowly)

… hi.

"Hey." Phelia smiles.

"Mm." He mutters, fighting the window as it gets stuck halfway.

(Apple stretches somewhat, sighing)

Thank you, for letting me rest.

"It's no problem." Canis shrugs.

Still appreciated.

(Apple says it with a small smile of gratitude)

So… I should probably go home.

"Sure! We'll walk you there."

Thank you.

(Apple manages to click some of aer joints, ready to go home)

I’ll go when you’re ready.

Canis and Phelia both head to the door.

(Apple follows in her chair, remembering the difficulty getting in)

Phelia heads down the stair first.

Canis turns around. "I'll help get the wheels past the step."

(Apple just nods, parts of aem still asleep)

Canis bends down to grab the wheels, maneuvering the chair down onto the sand.

(Ae move out the way of the door afterwards)

Thank you for being careful with it.

"Of course I'd be careful with it." Canis says, sounding almost confused.

Phelia snickers.

I don’t think everyone would be.

(Ae adjust aer position)

Ready?

He nods. "Lead the way, meals on wheels."

(She rolls aer eyes, starting off towards home)

I’m not sure how long this’ll be, so let me know if you need a rest.

"Sure." Canis nods, following with Phelia in tow.

(Ae wheel in the rough direction of home, keeping half an eye out for coyotes- getting attacked by them would really take the biscuit)

They get a fair amount into the journey before Phelia announces she needs a break, sitting down slowly on the sand.

Canis crouches next to her to take her pulse.

(Apple stops moving, digging through the bag-pack to find a can of soda ae offer up)

"Is it caffeinated?" Phelia asks.

"110 isn't too bad..." Canis mutters. Phelia sighs and crosses her legs.

No, but it’s citrus. Dunno if you like that.

(Apple shrugs)

"I like citrus just fine. Thank you.." Phelia smiles.

‘Course.

(Apple smiles slightly)

#phelia-jay #like every 10 minutes

Phelia takes it, drinking small sips. Canis keeps checking her pulse periodically.

Canis and Phelia are talking as they clean up.

"We're gonna need to make another trip for water. We gave that one the last of it."

"Mhm..."

"Lucky we didn't have to use the last of the burn cream."

"We needed more of that anyway."

"We don't have the carbons for more and you know it, Phelia."

"Yeah... Witch, I wish I could take jobs like you."

"It's okay, Phelia. I don't mind you not taking the jobs I've taken before."

"Are we gonna walk with her to her place?"

"Not sure that one should be sent off alone anyway considering how they showed up."

@canis-crimson

(Apple’s unsure of how long ae’ve been asleep as she starts to stir, still low energy but feeling less like death itself. Ae grumble quietly, the conversation not registering yet)

Canis and Phelia both go quiet, continuing to clean up.

Canis is pushing the window open and closed over and over, trying to circulate air.

(It takes a few moments, but Apple finally opens aer eyes, looking about slowly)

… hi.

"Hey." Phelia smiles.

"Mm." He mutters, fighting the window as it gets stuck halfway.

(Apple stretches somewhat, sighing)

Thank you, for letting me rest.

"It's no problem." Canis shrugs.

Still appreciated.

(Apple says it with a small smile of gratitude)

So… I should probably go home.

"Sure! We'll walk you there."

Thank you.

(Apple manages to click some of aer joints, ready to go home)

I’ll go when you’re ready.

Canis and Phelia both head to the door.

(Apple follows in her chair, remembering the difficulty getting in)

Phelia heads down the stair first.

Canis turns around. "I'll help get the wheels past the step."

(Apple just nods, parts of aem still asleep)

Canis bends down to grab the wheels, maneuvering the chair down onto the sand.

(Ae move out the way of the door afterwards)

Thank you for being careful with it.

"Of course I'd be careful with it." Canis says, sounding almost confused.

Phelia snickers.

I don’t think everyone would be.

(Ae adjust aer position)

Ready?

He nods. "Lead the way, meals on wheels."

(She rolls aer eyes, starting off towards home)

I’m not sure how long this’ll be, so let me know if you need a rest.

"Sure." Canis nods, following with Phelia in tow.

(Ae wheel in the rough direction of home, keeping half an eye out for coyotes- getting attacked by them would really take the biscuit)

They get a fair amount into the journey before Phelia announces she needs a break, sitting down slowly on the sand.

Canis crouches next to her to take her pulse.

(Apple stops moving, digging through the bag-pack to find a can of soda ae offer up)

"Is it caffeinated?" Phelia asks.

"110 isn't too bad..." Canis mutters. Phelia sighs and crosses her legs.

No, but it’s citrus. Dunno if you like that.

(Apple shrugs)

"I like citrus just fine. Thank you.." Phelia smiles.

Canis and Phelia are talking as they clean up.

"We're gonna need to make another trip for water. We gave that one the last of it."

"Mhm..."

"Lucky we didn't have to use the last of the burn cream."

"We needed more of that anyway."

"We don't have the carbons for more and you know it, Phelia."

"Yeah... Witch, I wish I could take jobs like you."

"It's okay, Phelia. I don't mind you not taking the jobs I've taken before."

"Are we gonna walk with her to her place?"

"Not sure that one should be sent off alone anyway considering how they showed up."

@canis-crimson

(Apple’s unsure of how long ae’ve been asleep as she starts to stir, still low energy but feeling less like death itself. Ae grumble quietly, the conversation not registering yet)

Canis and Phelia both go quiet, continuing to clean up.

Canis is pushing the window open and closed over and over, trying to circulate air.

(It takes a few moments, but Apple finally opens aer eyes, looking about slowly)

… hi.

"Hey." Phelia smiles.

"Mm." He mutters, fighting the window as it gets stuck halfway.

(Apple stretches somewhat, sighing)

Thank you, for letting me rest.

"It's no problem." Canis shrugs.

Still appreciated.

(Apple says it with a small smile of gratitude)

So… I should probably go home.

"Sure! We'll walk you there."

Thank you.

(Apple manages to click some of aer joints, ready to go home)

I’ll go when you’re ready.

Canis and Phelia both head to the door.

(Apple follows in her chair, remembering the difficulty getting in)

Phelia heads down the stair first.

Canis turns around. "I'll help get the wheels past the step."

(Apple just nods, parts of aem still asleep)

Canis bends down to grab the wheels, maneuvering the chair down onto the sand.

(Ae move out the way of the door afterwards)

Thank you for being careful with it.

"Of course I'd be careful with it." Canis says, sounding almost confused.

Phelia snickers.

I don’t think everyone would be.

(Ae adjust aer position)

Ready?

He nods. "Lead the way, meals on wheels."

(She rolls aer eyes, starting off towards home)

I’m not sure how long this’ll be, so let me know if you need a rest.

"Sure." Canis nods, following with Phelia in tow.

(Ae wheel in the rough direction of home, keeping half an eye out for coyotes- getting attacked by them would really take the biscuit)

They get a fair amount into the journey before Phelia announces she needs a break, sitting down slowly on the sand.

Canis crouches next to her to take her pulse.

(Apple stops moving, digging through the bag-pack to find a can of soda ae offer up)

"Is it caffeinated?" Phelia asks.

"110 isn't too bad..." Canis mutters. Phelia sighs and crosses her legs.

Canis and Phelia are talking as they clean up.

"We're gonna need to make another trip for water. We gave that one the last of it."

"Mhm..."

"Lucky we didn't have to use the last of the burn cream."

"We needed more of that anyway."

"We don't have the carbons for more and you know it, Phelia."

"Yeah... Witch, I wish I could take jobs like you."

"It's okay, Phelia. I don't mind you not taking the jobs I've taken before."

"Are we gonna walk with her to her place?"

"Not sure that one should be sent off alone anyway considering how they showed up."

@canis-crimson

(Apple’s unsure of how long ae’ve been asleep as she starts to stir, still low energy but feeling less like death itself. Ae grumble quietly, the conversation not registering yet)

Canis and Phelia both go quiet, continuing to clean up.

Canis is pushing the window open and closed over and over, trying to circulate air.

(It takes a few moments, but Apple finally opens aer eyes, looking about slowly)

… hi.

"Hey." Phelia smiles.

"Mm." He mutters, fighting the window as it gets stuck halfway.

(Apple stretches somewhat, sighing)

Thank you, for letting me rest.

"It's no problem." Canis shrugs.

Still appreciated.

(Apple says it with a small smile of gratitude)

So… I should probably go home.

"Sure! We'll walk you there."

Thank you.

(Apple manages to click some of aer joints, ready to go home)

I’ll go when you’re ready.

Canis and Phelia both head to the door.

(Apple follows in her chair, remembering the difficulty getting in)

Phelia heads down the stair first.

Canis turns around. "I'll help get the wheels past the step."

(Apple just nods, parts of aem still asleep)

Canis bends down to grab the wheels, maneuvering the chair down onto the sand.

(Ae move out the way of the door afterwards)

Thank you for being careful with it.

"Of course I'd be careful with it." Canis says, sounding almost confused.

Phelia snickers.

I don’t think everyone would be.

(Ae adjust aer position)

Ready?

He nods. "Lead the way, meals on wheels."

(She rolls aer eyes, starting off towards home)

I’m not sure how long this’ll be, so let me know if you need a rest.

"Sure." Canis nods, following with Phelia in tow.

(Ae wheel in the rough direction of home, keeping half an eye out for coyotes- getting attacked by them would really take the biscuit)

They get a fair amount into the journey before Phelia announces she needs a break, sitting down slowly on the sand.

Canis crouches next to her to take her pulse.

Canis and Phelia are talking as they clean up.

"We're gonna need to make another trip for water. We gave that one the last of it."

"Mhm..."

"Lucky we didn't have to use the last of the burn cream."

"We needed more of that anyway."

"We don't have the carbons for more and you know it, Phelia."

"Yeah... Witch, I wish I could take jobs like you."

"It's okay, Phelia. I don't mind you not taking the jobs I've taken before."

"Are we gonna walk with her to her place?"

"Not sure that one should be sent off alone anyway considering how they showed up."

@canis-crimson

(Apple’s unsure of how long ae’ve been asleep as she starts to stir, still low energy but feeling less like death itself. Ae grumble quietly, the conversation not registering yet)

Canis and Phelia both go quiet, continuing to clean up.

Canis is pushing the window open and closed over and over, trying to circulate air.

(It takes a few moments, but Apple finally opens aer eyes, looking about slowly)

… hi.

"Hey." Phelia smiles.

"Mm." He mutters, fighting the window as it gets stuck halfway.

(Apple stretches somewhat, sighing)

Thank you, for letting me rest.

"It's no problem." Canis shrugs.

Still appreciated.

(Apple says it with a small smile of gratitude)

So… I should probably go home.

"Sure! We'll walk you there."

(A joy with big pink hair in a wheelchair is slowly wheeling in the general direction of them- wearing a yellow and pink sprinkle tank top and orange trousers that look dirty from days of being worn- with aer eyes looking closer to the sand than the actual horizon. As ae get closer she looks more and more tired and worn down)

@caramelapple-kjrp

Canis is on the front steps of the dilapidated shack, braiding Phelia's hair.

Phelia taps his shoulder. "Canis. Look."

Canis glances over. "It's fine."

"But if she goes any further into 6 she might get sick!"

Canis sighs. "Yo!" He barks at Apple. "Careful. Go much further you'll be too far into 6. Unless you want a nice slow travel to the Witch."

(Apple looks up, sees them, and realises ae’s hopelessly lost)

Oh.

(She doesn’t sound awfully upset about the concept of a slow death, stopping in her tracks and trying to get aer bearings)

"If you turn around now and go about straight west, you'll be in Zone 5 again. Not sure how fast that chair goes, so I can't give you an estimate as to how long till you reach back into 5." Canis states, still braiding Phelia's hair.

(Ae nod at that, fishing an old compass from the bag on the side of her chair and looking at the direction tiredly. She looks about to fall asleep, awake out of spite)

Mm… okay.

Phelia whispers something to Canis, who grumbles at her but nods.

"Come over here, Meals on Wheels. You look half dust. At least hide from the sun for a bit."

(She takes almost a minute to actually start to wheel towards them, actual burns evident on her blistered neck and arms. Ae wheel slow, but manage to get close)

Thank you.

"I'll help your wheelchair up the step. The inside is cooler than out here." He states, reaching for the wheels. Phelia goes inside to prepare the couch for Apple.

‘Kay.

(Ae move so the chairs a little easier to lift, so aer pink converse won’t hit him)

Canis takes the wheels and lifts, pulling the chair until it moves past the large hole in the stair and then heaving till it gets into the thin strip of porch. He makes it look a little easy.

He walks towards the couch inside, gesturing for aem to follow.

Phelia is currently gathering what little burn gel they own.

(Ae just about push herself along, looking at the burn gel)

Wait- I have some of that. In here.

(She gestures to the bag)

Phelia nods, setting theirs down. "I'll apply some for you?"

Alright.

(She’s too tired to apply it aemself, exhausted from wheeling for days)

Phelia takes some into her hand and gently applies it to the burns. Canis watches silently.

(Ae watch Phelia tiredly, not afraid but making sure it’s all correctly done)

Thank you… stranger.

"Phelia." She smiles kindly.

"Canis." He mutters. "Get some rest. I'll find water."

(Ae nod slowly, and gestures to the bag on the chair)

There’s… some sweets and chips in there if you need a snack. All out of water though…

Canis leaves, finding a small bottle of water and handing it over.

Th’nks..

(Ae sip slowly, not wanting to throw it back up- water is precious)

I can’t believe I managed to get so turned around.

"Neither can I. This is a pretty far out place to wander to."

He states, arms crosses. Phelia nods in agreement.

I live in this zone. I was headed… towards 2, I think. Had to get out the sight of some damn clouds… lost my sense of direction.

(Ae look a little frustrated with herself)

I didn’t even tell anyone I left.

Canis nods, quiet.

"Clouds suck." Phelia grumbles.

Yea- I’m not getting caught. Ever.

(Ae look at the floor, picturing how Static just left willingly and feeling guilty all over again)

"If you want, me and Canis could come with you when you decide to go back to your home?" Phelia offers.

Canis is looking vaguely distant, like thinking deeply.

"No rush, though! Stay as long as you need." She adds quickly.

Maybe… they’ll be reassured if I’m not alone.

(Ae shrug a little as she sips water)

"Well. Let us know when you're ready." He states as Phelia plops down on the floor. He sits beside her, re-braiding her hair.

(Apple nods, just trying to stay awake now as she finishes the water. Ae watch the braiding, curious)

Canis works fast, obviously having done this for awhile.

Phelia's long blue hair is in little sections, some being micro braided only halfway down, while the rest is being put in a large Dutch braid.

Phelia is smiling.

(Aer own pink afro is a little droopy, but she’s always had big hair- never been able to braid it, not the way her curls sit. Ae decide not to move until the pair are finished with the braids)

Canis ties off the braid and offers Phelia a smile, who grins at him while adjusting her compression gloves.

(Ae stretch a tiny bit, adjusting the way she’s sat)

Um… would it be alright… if I took a nap before we go?

Canis nods.

Phelia nods as well. "Take as long as you need."

@caramelapple-kjrp

Canis is on the front steps of the dilapidated shack, braiding Phelia's hair.

Phelia taps his shoulder. "Canis. Look."

Canis glances over. "It's fine."

"But if she goes any further into 6 she might get sick!"

Canis sighs. "Yo!" He barks at Apple. "Careful. Go much further you'll be too far into 6. Unless you want a nice slow travel to the Witch."

(Apple looks up, sees them, and realises ae’s hopelessly lost)

Oh.

(She doesn’t sound awfully upset about the concept of a slow death, stopping in her tracks and trying to get aer bearings)

(Ae nod at that, fishing an old compass from the bag on the side of her chair and looking at the direction tiredly. She looks about to fall asleep, awake out of spite)

Mm… okay.

Phelia whispers something to Canis, who grumbles at her but nods.

"Come over here, Meals on Wheels. You look half dust. At least hide from the sun for a bit."

(She takes almost a minute to actually start to wheel towards them, actual burns evident on her blistered neck and arms. Ae wheel slow, but manage to get close)

Thank you.

"I'll help your wheelchair up the step. The inside is cooler than out here." He states, reaching for the wheels. Phelia goes inside to prepare the couch for Apple.

‘Kay.

(Ae move so the chairs a little easier to lift, so aer pink converse won’t hit him)

Canis takes the wheels and lifts, pulling the chair until it moves past the large hole in the stair and then heaving till it gets into the thin strip of porch. He makes it look a little easy.

He walks towards the couch inside, gesturing for aem to follow.

Phelia is currently gathering what little burn gel they own.

(Ae just about push herself along, looking at the burn gel)

Wait- I have some of that. In here.

(She gestures to the bag)

Phelia nods, setting theirs down. "I'll apply some for you?"

Alright.

(She’s too tired to apply it aemself, exhausted from wheeling for days)

Phelia takes some into her hand and gently applies it to the burns. Canis watches silently.

(Ae watch Phelia tiredly, not afraid but making sure it’s all correctly done)

Thank you… stranger.

"Phelia." She smiles kindly.

"Canis." He mutters. "Get some rest. I'll find water."

@caramelapple-kjrp

Canis is on the front steps of the dilapidated shack, braiding Phelia's hair.

Phelia taps his shoulder. "Canis. Look."

Canis glances over. "It's fine."

"But if she goes any further into 6 she might get sick!"

Canis sighs. "Yo!" He barks at Apple. "Careful. Go much further you'll be too far into 6. Unless you want a nice slow travel to the Witch."

(Apple looks up, sees them, and realises ae’s hopelessly lost)

Oh.

(She doesn’t sound awfully upset about the concept of a slow death, stopping in her tracks and trying to get aer bearings)

(Ae nod at that, fishing an old compass from the bag on the side of her chair and looking at the direction tiredly. She looks about to fall asleep, awake out of spite)

Mm… okay.

Phelia whispers something to Canis, who grumbles at her but nods.

"Come over here, Meals on Wheels. You look half dust. At least hide from the sun for a bit."

(She takes almost a minute to actually start to wheel towards them, actual burns evident on her blistered neck and arms. Ae wheel slow, but manage to get close)

Thank you.

"I'll help your wheelchair up the step. The inside is cooler than out here." He states, reaching for the wheels. Phelia goes inside to prepare the couch for Apple.

‘Kay.

(Ae move so the chairs a little easier to lift, so aer pink converse won’t hit him)

Canis takes the wheels and lifts, pulling the chair until it moves past the large hole in the stair and then heaving till it gets into the thin strip of porch. He makes it look a little easy.

He walks towards the couch inside, gesturing for aem to follow.

Phelia is currently gathering what little burn gel they own.

(Ae just about push herself along, looking at the burn gel)

Wait- I have some of that. In here.

(She gestures to the bag)

Phelia nods, setting theirs down. "I'll apply some for you?"

Alright.

(She’s too tired to apply it aemself, exhausted from wheeling for days)

Phelia takes some into her hand and gently applies it to the burns. Canis watches silently.

@caramelapple-kjrp

Canis is on the front steps of the dilapidated shack, braiding Phelia's hair.

Phelia taps his shoulder. "Canis. Look."

Canis glances over. "It's fine."

"But if she goes any further into 6 she might get sick!"

Canis sighs. "Yo!" He barks at Apple. "Careful. Go much further you'll be too far into 6. Unless you want a nice slow travel to the Witch."

(Apple looks up, sees them, and realises ae’s hopelessly lost)

Oh.

(She doesn’t sound awfully upset about the concept of a slow death, stopping in her tracks and trying to get aer bearings)

(Ae nod at that, fishing an old compass from the bag on the side of her chair and looking at the direction tiredly. She looks about to fall asleep, awake out of spite)

Mm… okay.

Phelia whispers something to Canis, who grumbles at her but nods.

"Come over here, Meals on Wheels. You look half dust. At least hide from the sun for a bit."

(She takes almost a minute to actually start to wheel towards them, actual burns evident on her blistered neck and arms. Ae wheel slow, but manage to get close)

Thank you.

"I'll help your wheelchair up the step. The inside is cooler than out here." He states, reaching for the wheels. Phelia goes inside to prepare the couch for Apple.

‘Kay.

(Ae move so the chairs a little easier to lift, so aer pink converse won’t hit him)

Canis takes the wheels and lifts, pulling the chair until it moves past the large hole in the stair and then heaving till it gets into the thin strip of porch. He makes it look a little easy.

He walks towards the couch inside, gesturing for aem to follow.

Phelia is currently gathering what little burn gel they own.

(Ae just about push herself along, looking at the burn gel)

Wait- I have some of that. In here.

(She gestures to the bag)

Phelia nods, setting theirs down. "I'll apply some for you?"

There's a frantic pounding on the front door.

@canis-crimson

(He opens the door in a slightly baggy red tee hat overhangs his brown trousers, his brown boots thudding on the tile)

Hello? What’s wrong?

There's a younger boy with shaggy dark red hair, who's holding a girl that definitely does not look good.

She's leaned against the boy, looking pale and sick as she sways on her feet.

They're both in clothes that look either a little too small or a little too big.

"I just need a place to get her cooled down. Please."

‘Course, come right in.

(He holds the door open, looking concerned for them both)

Heat exhaustion?

Canis nods, guiding her in and setting her on the floor nearby. "We were running from a cloud. Couldn't stop to get her heartrate or her temperature down."

He pats his pocket for a flask of water, grimacing when he finds it warm. "This is all I've got, Phelia."

"Mmh... It's fine." The girl mumbles, taking a sip.

POTS, I take it?

(He gets a couple actually cold bottles of water, passing them over)

Clouds are nasty. I haven’t had to run from one in a long time…

Canis nods. "Yeah, POTS."

He passes one bottle to Phelia while she sits up against the wall and sets the other aside.

I have medical training… didn’t deal with it often, but I know of it. What do you find helps? I’m sure I have something.

(Wicked chooses this moment to pop its head round the door, looking for where Vodka went. Upon seeing guests it just stares, it’s curly poof of hair extra frizzy today)

"Salt and water, mostly. Her heat intolerance is real bad, so I try to keep her cool and hydrated. It just didn't work out that way this time" Canis mutters, checking her pulse on her wrist. "Phelia, legs." He mutters. The girl elevates her legs with a grumble.

I’m sure you did your best.

(He grabs the pillow from behind the counter, offering it to them)

Wicked, could you grab me those chips?

‘Kay.

Phelia offers a shaky smile, taking the pillow and propping it under her head.

She looks flushed, both from heat and tachycardia as she tries to catch her breath.

Canis adjusts her compression gloves, one hand on his ray gun holster out of habit.

(Wicked runs out in a polkadot tee and pink leggings, giving the chips to Hollow- who immediately passes them to Phelia)

Oh…

Phelia gives a little wave, opening the chips and taking tiny bites.

(It waves back, essentially hiding behind Hollow’s leg once he’s grabbed his cane)

"I'm way too hot." Phelia groans.

"I know. Just drink."

The air-con is on… I can see if there’s ice?

(He frowns, wishing he remembered more about how to help)

"It's no trouble. It'll clearing up anyway." Phelia waves her hand. Canis grumbles at her dismissiveness.

(Hollow goes to look for some anyway, as Wicked slowly shuffles towards Phelia)

Phelia nods. <Heat and dysautonomia are not bedfellows.>

(It takes a moment to comprehend the word, sort of understanding it)

(Hollow brings a couple of ice packs out)

<Yes, they have salt in them>

Canis places one icepack between the pillow and the back of her neck, truly unsure where to set the other one so he just hands it back.

(He nods, taking it and putting it away before coming back with a granola bar for Canis)

Is it any better?

Phelia nods. "Mhm."

Canis goes to check her pulse again. "We're back down again."

Phelia slowly sits up against the wall, eating the rest of the chips.

"We should go. Thank you." Canis stands up, offering his sister a hand.

It’s still hot out. I don’t mind you staying a little longer, make the journey to wherever you’re going more bearable?

(Wicked bobbles off outside while Hollow is slightly distracted)

"We're fine. Thank you." He mutters, hauling Phelia up.

"Appreciate the help, mister."

Of course. Just be careful, it really is hot today.

(He gives them two cold waters for the road, smiling kindly)

Phelia nods and takes the waters and walks with Canis.

"Canis.... Are we really walking all the way to 6?" She whispers.

"Got a better idea? Plus, we've walked farther."

"Not in this heat."

Canis stays silent for a moment as they reach the door. "Would you rather stay in a strangers shooting range?"

(Wicked looks at them from outside, already starting to go a little red from the sun)

Canis doesn't say anything, and Phelia just offers a tiny smile.

"...Fine. But we're leaving when the heat dies down."

(Wicked nods, sitting by the door with a crayon and a notepad)

Canis and Phelia walk back over nearer to Hollow. Canis looks a little antsy, fingers twitching towards his ray gun out of habit.

(Wicked follows to find some snacks, as Hollow sits with a crossword by the cupboard with the painkillers)

Canis and Phelia take a seat on the floor.

(Wicked approaches Canis, offering Canis a bag of chips)

Canis hesitantly takes it. "Thank you."

<You’re welcome.>

(Wicked looks at the crossword Hollows doing, looking like it’s trying to understand the words. It eventually sits down again, doodling Tequila’s caravan)

Canis slowly eats the chips while Phelia yawns.

(It looks up, catching the yawn)

Phelia nods. <That would be nice.>

(Wicked finds a thin blanket and puts it over Phelia, resisting the want to go outside again)

"Thank you." She mumbles, curling up next to Canis and falling asleep.

Canis doesn't move, just eats a chip and pulls the blanket up over his sister's shoulder.

(It sits in a weird position, doodling again to pass the time. Hollow has started to doze off a little)

Canis stays wide awake, scanning the room over and over again, partly to occupy himself.

(Wicked gets out some coloured pencils, momentarily seeming to space out and slump a little. It lasts seconds, and zey don’t seem to notice)

Canis looks confused, but doesn't comment. He picks at a loose string on his ill-fitted shirt.

(Zey frown at themself before going back to colouring for a little bit, and then pinning the drawing to the wall with a little smile. It’s a grey caravan, with butterflies floating around it and a few small cactuses)

"Looks nice." He mutters.

(It signs with a little smile, before staring at Hollow a little. Zey haven’t grasped that he’s fallen asleep yet)

"Who is he?" Canis asks quietly.

<Hollow?>

(Wicked tilts its head a little)

<He’s my dad. He’s always looked after my adopted siblings, and their friends. He’s stitched my sibling up more times than I can count… and he’s saved my life before.>

Canis nods. "Mm."

<He’s always nice, and he seems to mean it. He’s always so patient with my brother and getting him to drink properly so he stops being so sick.>

(Wicked likes talking about Hollow quite evidently)

Canis nods again. "Sounds... nice."

<He’s more than nice. He isn’t intimidating, even if he looks it.>

(Currently, him dozing off doesn’t look too intimidating)

"Not very intimidating." Canis agrees.

(Wicked’s face gives away how much that irritates zem)

"Mm. Irritating?"

<Very.>

(Hollow stirs a little, mumbling something about patients)

"Who's Cyan?" He looks over at Phelia as she tosses and turns for a second.

(It gestures to the basement door)

<It’s sleeping down there.>

Canis glances at the basement door. "What's he like?"

(The light is obviously on down there, Cyanide maybe not as asleep as Wicked thinks)

He nods. "Huh. Partner any good?"

(Wicked nods)

<She’s nice. Treats him like a person.>

(Wicked’s eyes glaze over for a second or two, again not something it notices)

"Mm..." He doesn't ask anymore questions.

(It gives zer head a shake, frowning just a little when it realises it seized. It starts another doodle, pulling out a small picture to reference from. Hollow stays mostly asleep, and low music comes from the basement)

Canis glances at the basement when the music starts. "Huh."

Phelia tosses and turns before settling again.

Cyan’s up.

(It says quietly as it draws, looking like it’s trying to focus on the picture. It’s a photo of Polkadots, taken a few weeks before she dusted)

He nods quietly, picking at loose threads on his shirt.

sparklingcyan-kjrp

(Cyanide comes up the stairs quietly, wearing brown boots with fur and a blue a-line skirt under a salmon pink crop top underneath a denim jacket covered in patches. When it sees guests it shoots Hollow and Wicked a quizzical expression)

… hi.

Canis gives a little 2 finger salute, his other hand itching towards his ray gun out of habit before he sets it on his leg.

sparklingcyan-kjrp

(It’s own gun is tucked into the inner pocket of his jacket, along with a few poison vials and a knife or two. It recognises the mistrust, saluting back)

Hey Wicked, let Hollow know I’m going out for that piercing appointment?

(Wicked nods)

Uh.. you two shiny?

Canis nods as Phelia stirs before going back to sleep.

sparklingcyan-kjrp

(Cyan does a thumbs up, stifling a yawn)

Cool- I’ll be back in a bit.

(It heads out, obviously a little tired)

Canis sighs, staring at the wall.

(Wicked waves at it, before going back to drawing. It seem to be struggling with some of the finer details, eventually crumpling up the paper and accidentally chucking it at Hollow)

Canis raises an eyebrow.

(His eyes open, and he stares at the paper confused)

Wicked? This yours?

… sorry.

‘S okay, I’m not upset.

(He picks it up with an old man sounding noise from the floor, uncrumpling it out of curiosity and then putting it to the side)

He stays quiet, knowing none of this is his business.

(Wicked goes and gets a different pencil, starting again on the drawing. Hollow watches with curiosity)

Does she seem to be doing better?

Canis nods.

Good. I’m glad.

(He sounds sincere, eyes kind)

"Mm.. you guys are nice." He says it almost like an insult.

I don’t see the point in being anything else.

(He says simply, writing a word on the crossword he managed to hold onto)

"Hm..."

Phelia wakes up and mumbles something unintelligible before going back to sleep.

(Wicked glances at Phelia, before tilting its head)

Being mean hurts.

Canis doesn't comment, just nods.

(Hollow nods agreement with a tired sigh, getting up and hobbling to go take some painkillers. Wicked looks a little anxious at that)

Canis watches before glancing at Wicked.

<What's wrong?>

(It tries not to frown, not wanting Hollow to notice)

"...hopefully the painkillers help."

(It nods)

(Hollow hobbles back in, sitting down again after ruffling zeir hair)

Canis stares at the wall, not wanting to wake his sister up.

(Wicked snacks on a granola bar it had in its pocket, actually making progress on its drawing as Hollow continues his crossword)

Canis sips the water Hollow gave him earlier, watching him continue his crossword.

(He scratches his head a little, trying to solve a longer word)

Hmm…

Canis huffs as Phelia kicks the blanket off in her sleep. He folds it loosely and sets it aside.

(It looks up and asks slowly)

"What'd'ya mean?" Canis asks, not sure if it means about her state earlier or her condition in general.

(It looks concerned a little)

He sighs. "Yeah.. she's stuck with it. All we can try to do is manage symptoms. Some days are better than others."

(Wicked looks almost sad at that)

"Yeah? That doesn't sound fun." Canis sighs. "Hers mostly affects her heart. It speeds up too much sometimes and she'll pass out."

He's trying to explain it simply.

(It nods, managing to understand)

(It struggles to find the right words for what Hollow explained to it)

"Huh.. does it hurt?" Canis asks after a moment of silence.

(Hollow looks at Wicked sadly)

Sometimes you fall and knock into things. Sometimes you twitch and move around and hit things.

Canis nods slowly. "I think I've heard of that... I dunno what it's called."

He glances between them both. "Does anything help it?"

There are meds we could get… if we can get someone to smuggle them out. I don’t know how effective they are.

(Wicked frowns at the mention of meds)

"I'm having the same issue with Phelia... Supposedly there are meds that help, but I don't know how well."

I have people I can ask. I’ll see what they can do…

(He looks at Wicked as it slumps a little, eyes widening a little for a second. It’s obvious he fears that every seizure could be its last action)

Canis watches quietly.

(It twitches as it seizes, one arm flailing about a little. The paperpad goes flying across the floor before zey still, lying down on the floor while Hollow crouches down to check on them)

Nghhh…

You’re okay, just breathe for me Wicked.

Canis looks a little concerned, focusing on the wall to try and give them space. He knows too well how a reaction can make some of these situations worse.

(It takes a few minutes, but then it sits up and manages to grab the paperpad, leaning against the wall afterwards. It doesn’t draw, just holds it tight)

<sorry>

"No need. You can't control it any more than my sister controls her flares. It's okay."

(Hollow nods agreement, having said similar to it before. Wicked nods slowly, resisting the want to cry with frustration)

Canis holds out a small bag of jerky. "Jerky, if you want some."

(It slowly scoots over and takes one piece)

(It sits against the wall, eyeing the jerky for a second before taking a bite and almost nodding to itself)

Canis nods, putting the bag back on his belt.

(Hollow stays on the floor with Wicked, watching it with a half worried expression. Wicked eats the jerky slowly, head aching)

Canis sips his water, waiting for his sister to wake up.

(It curls up once it finishes the jerky, looking about to fall asleep)

Canis slides over the blanket from earlier.

(He gently puts it round them with a small sigh)

It’ll be okay.

Canis stays quiet, glancing at his sleeping sister and then around the range.

(The walls are grey instead of white, one of them clearly patched up from some sort of force denting it. There’s some old posters about of old rock bands, and a couple Mad Gear posters. Hollow finds a pillow for Wicked, before returning yet again to the crossword)

Phelia stirs. "Hnnn...."

"Welcome to the land of the living." Canis mutters.

There's a frantic pounding on the front door.

@canis-crimson

(He opens the door in a slightly baggy red tee hat overhangs his brown trousers, his brown boots thudding on the tile)

Hello? What’s wrong?

There's a younger boy with shaggy dark red hair, who's holding a girl that definitely does not look good.

She's leaned against the boy, looking pale and sick as she sways on her feet.

They're both in clothes that look either a little too small or a little too big.

"I just need a place to get her cooled down. Please."

‘Course, come right in.

(He holds the door open, looking concerned for them both)

Heat exhaustion?

Canis nods, guiding her in and setting her on the floor nearby. "We were running from a cloud. Couldn't stop to get her heartrate or her temperature down."

He pats his pocket for a flask of water, grimacing when he finds it warm. "This is all I've got, Phelia."

"Mmh... It's fine." The girl mumbles, taking a sip.

POTS, I take it?

(He gets a couple actually cold bottles of water, passing them over)

Clouds are nasty. I haven’t had to run from one in a long time…

Canis nods. "Yeah, POTS."

He passes one bottle to Phelia while she sits up against the wall and sets the other aside.

I have medical training… didn’t deal with it often, but I know of it. What do you find helps? I’m sure I have something.

(Wicked chooses this moment to pop its head round the door, looking for where Vodka went. Upon seeing guests it just stares, it’s curly poof of hair extra frizzy today)

I’m sure you did your best.

(He grabs the pillow from behind the counter, offering it to them)

Wicked, could you grab me those chips?

‘Kay.

Phelia offers a shaky smile, taking the pillow and propping it under her head.

She looks flushed, both from heat and tachycardia as she tries to catch her breath.

Canis adjusts her compression gloves, one hand on his ray gun holster out of habit.

(Wicked runs out in a polkadot tee and pink leggings, giving the chips to Hollow- who immediately passes them to Phelia)

Oh…

Phelia gives a little wave, opening the chips and taking tiny bites.

(It waves back, essentially hiding behind Hollow’s leg once he’s grabbed his cane)

"I'm way too hot." Phelia groans.

"I know. Just drink."

The air-con is on… I can see if there’s ice?

(He frowns, wishing he remembered more about how to help)

"It's no trouble. It'll clearing up anyway." Phelia waves her hand. Canis grumbles at her dismissiveness.

(Hollow goes to look for some anyway, as Wicked slowly shuffles towards Phelia)

Phelia nods. <Heat and dysautonomia are not bedfellows.>

(It takes a moment to comprehend the word, sort of understanding it)

(Hollow brings a couple of ice packs out)

<Yes, they have salt in them>

Canis places one icepack between the pillow and the back of her neck, truly unsure where to set the other one so he just hands it back.

(He nods, taking it and putting it away before coming back with a granola bar for Canis)

Is it any better?

Phelia nods. "Mhm."

Canis goes to check her pulse again. "We're back down again."

Phelia slowly sits up against the wall, eating the rest of the chips.

"We should go. Thank you." Canis stands up, offering his sister a hand.

It’s still hot out. I don’t mind you staying a little longer, make the journey to wherever you’re going more bearable?

(Wicked bobbles off outside while Hollow is slightly distracted)

"We're fine. Thank you." He mutters, hauling Phelia up.

"Appreciate the help, mister."

Of course. Just be careful, it really is hot today.

(He gives them two cold waters for the road, smiling kindly)

Phelia nods and takes the waters and walks with Canis.

"Canis.... Are we really walking all the way to 6?" She whispers.

"Got a better idea? Plus, we've walked farther."

"Not in this heat."

Canis stays silent for a moment as they reach the door. "Would you rather stay in a strangers shooting range?"

(Wicked looks at them from outside, already starting to go a little red from the sun)

Canis doesn't say anything, and Phelia just offers a tiny smile.

"...Fine. But we're leaving when the heat dies down."

(Wicked nods, sitting by the door with a crayon and a notepad)

Canis and Phelia walk back over nearer to Hollow. Canis looks a little antsy, fingers twitching towards his ray gun out of habit.

(Wicked follows to find some snacks, as Hollow sits with a crossword by the cupboard with the painkillers)

Canis and Phelia take a seat on the floor.

(Wicked approaches Canis, offering Canis a bag of chips)

Canis hesitantly takes it. "Thank you."

<You’re welcome.>

(Wicked looks at the crossword Hollows doing, looking like it’s trying to understand the words. It eventually sits down again, doodling Tequila’s caravan)

Canis slowly eats the chips while Phelia yawns.

(It looks up, catching the yawn)

Phelia nods. <That would be nice.>

(Wicked finds a thin blanket and puts it over Phelia, resisting the want to go outside again)

"Thank you." She mumbles, curling up next to Canis and falling asleep.

Canis doesn't move, just eats a chip and pulls the blanket up over his sister's shoulder.

There's a frantic pounding on the front door.

@canis-crimson

(He opens the door in a slightly baggy red tee hat overhangs his brown trousers, his brown boots thudding on the tile)

Hello? What’s wrong?

There's a younger boy with shaggy dark red hair, who's holding a girl that definitely does not look good.

She's leaned against the boy, looking pale and sick as she sways on her feet.

They're both in clothes that look either a little too small or a little too big.

"I just need a place to get her cooled down. Please."

‘Course, come right in.

(He holds the door open, looking concerned for them both)

Heat exhaustion?

Canis nods, guiding her in and setting her on the floor nearby. "We were running from a cloud. Couldn't stop to get her heartrate or her temperature down."

He pats his pocket for a flask of water, grimacing when he finds it warm. "This is all I've got, Phelia."

"Mmh... It's fine." The girl mumbles, taking a sip.

POTS, I take it?

(He gets a couple actually cold bottles of water, passing them over)

Clouds are nasty. I haven’t had to run from one in a long time…

Canis nods. "Yeah, POTS."

He passes one bottle to Phelia while she sits up against the wall and sets the other aside.

I have medical training… didn’t deal with it often, but I know of it. What do you find helps? I’m sure I have something.

(Wicked chooses this moment to pop its head round the door, looking for where Vodka went. Upon seeing guests it just stares, it’s curly poof of hair extra frizzy today)

I’m sure you did your best.

(He grabs the pillow from behind the counter, offering it to them)

Wicked, could you grab me those chips?

‘Kay.

Phelia offers a shaky smile, taking the pillow and propping it under her head.

She looks flushed, both from heat and tachycardia as she tries to catch her breath.

Canis adjusts her compression gloves, one hand on his ray gun holster out of habit.

(Wicked runs out in a polkadot tee and pink leggings, giving the chips to Hollow- who immediately passes them to Phelia)

Oh…

Phelia gives a little wave, opening the chips and taking tiny bites.

(It waves back, essentially hiding behind Hollow’s leg once he’s grabbed his cane)

"I'm way too hot." Phelia groans.

"I know. Just drink."

The air-con is on… I can see if there’s ice?

(He frowns, wishing he remembered more about how to help)

"It's no trouble. It'll clearing up anyway." Phelia waves her hand. Canis grumbles at her dismissiveness.

(Hollow goes to look for some anyway, as Wicked slowly shuffles towards Phelia)

Phelia nods. <Heat and dysautonomia are not bedfellows.>

(It takes a moment to comprehend the word, sort of understanding it)

(Hollow brings a couple of ice packs out)

<Yes, they have salt in them>

Canis places one icepack between the pillow and the back of her neck, truly unsure where to set the other one so he just hands it back.

(He nods, taking it and putting it away before coming back with a granola bar for Canis)

Is it any better?

Phelia nods. "Mhm."

Canis goes to check her pulse again. "We're back down again."

Phelia slowly sits up against the wall, eating the rest of the chips.

"We should go. Thank you." Canis stands up, offering his sister a hand.

It’s still hot out. I don’t mind you staying a little longer, make the journey to wherever you’re going more bearable?

(Wicked bobbles off outside while Hollow is slightly distracted)

"We're fine. Thank you." He mutters, hauling Phelia up.

"Appreciate the help, mister."

Of course. Just be careful, it really is hot today.

(He gives them two cold waters for the road, smiling kindly)

Phelia nods and takes the waters and walks with Canis.

"Canis.... Are we really walking all the way to 6?" She whispers.

"Got a better idea? Plus, we've walked farther."

"Not in this heat."

Canis stays silent for a moment as they reach the door. "Would you rather stay in a strangers shooting range?"

(Wicked looks at them from outside, already starting to go a little red from the sun)

Canis doesn't say anything, and Phelia just offers a tiny smile.

"...Fine. But we're leaving when the heat dies down."

(Wicked nods, sitting by the door with a crayon and a notepad)

Canis and Phelia walk back over nearer to Hollow. Canis looks a little antsy, fingers twitching towards his ray gun out of habit.

(Wicked follows to find some snacks, as Hollow sits with a crossword by the cupboard with the painkillers)

Canis and Phelia take a seat on the floor.

(Wicked approaches Canis, offering Canis a bag of chips)

Canis hesitantly takes it. "Thank you."

<You’re welcome.>

(Wicked looks at the crossword Hollows doing, looking like it’s trying to understand the words. It eventually sits down again, doodling Tequila’s caravan)

Canis slowly eats the chips while Phelia yawns.

(It looks up, catching the yawn)

Phelia nods. <That would be nice.>