XEBECK: -there's nothing graceful about the process of metamorphosis -- not when, from her perspective, only moments ago she had been awake in a landscape of memories, inhabited by thousands of strangers, peppered by the occassional familiar face and, even more alarmingly, sometimes herself. she knew she had died. xebeck might not seem like a clever person, but there are some truths in this world that are simply undeniable. she remembered what happened in the forest that night almost immediately.-
XEBECK: -opisne had been bringing quinne out into the wilderness regularly. to challenge her, to train her, to punish her -- whatever their mother's excuse was, it didn't matter, because xebeck saw it for what it was: abuse, and someone needed to do something about it. perhaps, at the time, xebeck had hoped they could settle things civilly. that maybe their mother would listen to her. these tactics never failed her before... but it became clear right away that xebeck would have to fight to defend her sister. and she would, and she did, only to black out in cerulean colored snow. when she awoke, of course she knew she died, because she had never felt so hopeless before.-
XEBECK: -but then, all at once, she was gifted breath again, though it hardly felt that way as she clawed at the organic prison she was being held in. in that moment, everything is primal, and it's her only defense mechanism against all the questions that will inevitably bombard her mind when she breeches the skin of her cocoon. everything is so bright and pristine around her (she wouldn't know she's in a hospital on Skaia) it feels like she really is being born again. but unfortunately, she remembers exactly what happened. she remembers everything. and snow white hospital walls assault her with memories like a freight train, leaving her breathless and frantic as she looks around, expecting to see her mother, ready to teach her another important lesson.-
SAGE: -it's been a long time. sage hasn't bothered to count the days she's been at xebeck's side, but it didn't matter. all that mattered in the first place was that she would be here when xebeck woke up. she's half asleep, dozing off and leaning to the side of her chair when she hears the sound of scratching, and accompanied with it, claws. it's so much to process, but she doesn't care. she wants xebeck to be okay again. her tired eyes widen and she sits up straight, wanting desperately to comfort her but not wanting to frighten her or make things worse.- becky?????
XEBECK: -whips her head in sage's direction, pupils dilating before she focuses in on the shape there. she tries to form words, but her voice only cracks and her attempts to get out of the cocoon only result in her spilling onto the floor along with a rush of goop tinted with the color of her blood.-
SAGE: -it's so upsetting to see her like this, but she knows that whatever xebeck is going through right now is so much more difficult for her, and she wants to do everything she can to support her. when she falls, sage gasps, and she rushes to her side. she's trying to keep her voice down- becky......it's okay....you're okay!!!
XEBECK: -the impact startles her worse, causing her to reel back against the nearest wall. sage's voice manages to break through the ringing in her ears and she looks to her again, wide eyed and panicked.- Wha--
XEBECK: Where... -she doesn't even know what to ask first and it's frustrating. everything is so scary and confusing, her eyes start to swell with tears.-
SAGE: -she just wants her to keep from hurting herself with all these sudden movements and tough walls. but xebeck is tough, too. sage doesn't know if she can touch her or hug her- we're on skaia now
SAGE: they brought you back
SAGE: it's okay SAGE: i'm here
XEBECK: Wha--? -she's feeling cold suddenly, realizing late it's because she's nude and covered in slime, so she holds herself tightly.-
XEBECK: Qu...
XEBECK: Quinne?
XEBECK: WHERE'S QUINNE?
SAGE: quinne's okay -she starts tearing up too, just at all the pain xebeck's been through and how much she doesn't deserve it- she's out of the infirmary SAGE: my dad and bruncle found her and brought her back
XEBECK: -she falls quiet, just watching sage for a long moment- ...
XEBECK: I'm sorry...
SAGE: -she looks at her for a moment, not believing what she's hearing- don't...don't be sorry becky
SAGE: -she's trying her very hardest to keep up a smile-
ZUSERK: -There's a soft thumping coming from a vent, and then... he drops out, teary-eyed and staring at Xebeck.-
ZUSERK: ...h.... here....
XEBECK: -startled again by the noises, but the sight of zuserk and hearing his voice calms her down a little quicker. she sniffs, looking between the two of them, and in a moment of clarity finds herself so thankful that if anyone were here right now, it's these two.-
XEBECK: ... Zuserk
XEBECK: Sage -she reaches a hand out shakily, but seems unsure of what she's reaching for, exactly.-
SAGE: -watches as zuserk comes out of nowhere, but she's glad he does. she knows at least a little of how close to xebeck zuserk is. she doesn't hesitate in taking xebeck's hand- hi
ZUSERK: -he's sort of just getting close enough to wrap two hands around... both of theirs.- wan... wan to hel. xebe.
XEBECK: -she doesn't have very much strength, but she tries to give sage's hand a squeeze, tears spilled out uninhibited now.- Y--You don't-- -words are quickly replaced with sobs. as thankful as she is, she wishes they didn't have to see this. she wishes they didn't have to go through all the pain that they must have while she was gone. it's all too much to bear.-
ZUSERK: -His ears hang low, and he isn't sure how to help, as much as he wants to. He's never been the best at this. But he knows that she's bare and... he's not helping much just standing here. He maneuvers away as quickly as possible just to grab her a towel, wrapping it around her like another soft cocoon.-
SAGE: -she's not going to leave her side until xebeck wants her to. she may be alive now, but she still deserves to be taken care of. she just...keeps smiling at her. even though she's crying-
XEBECK: -the smile on sage's face is heart breaking, but she can't deny what a relief just the sight of her is. when zuserk returns to her side, she can't help leaning into him and the towel.-
XEBECK: T... Thank you...
ZUSERK: -Despite his own uncertainty, he can't help fitting more of his arms around her, hoping that even in the silence that he can offer something.-
ZUSERK: is... safe. xebe.
SAGE: yeah
SAGE: you're safe now
