Old ballpark dreams.

Landon Decker || 20 || The Sovereign "And a fighter by his trade And he carries the reminders Of ev'ry glove that layed him down Or cut him till he cried out In his anger and his shame "I am leaving, I am leaving" But the fighter still remains." My name is Landon and I'm a guard for Eric Holmes.

[merebates-deactivated20170204]

He’ll get Joey all riled up, which might further jeopardize Joey’s position as a cadet and I really don’t want his hard work going to waste like that. Plus, Will just likes to cause a lot of trouble and it wouldn’t be fair for the rest us…I don’t think him being around would be any fun. 

Even more? Have I always sounded like your mother? I think I’ll start wearing motherly clothes around you and I’ll have to start baking you sweets, and doing motherly things. And it doesn’t matter how I’m carried just as long as I’m carried.

Oh? So it’s a challenge. I like that. I like challenges.

[thelandondecker]

Yeah definitely, not to mention Joey's just such a great guy anyways. And an equally good guard I would assume. But I mean, I don't think it'd be far if Will was just sort of pushed back while we go off having fun. I don't know, wouldn't that case more trouble?

A bit. She was always trying to make me feel better too. That might be a bit too far, but I'm not going to say no to you making sweets. If you want to make me cookies in the near future go right ahead. Definitely, I'll surprise you then. 

It is a challenge. Ready to win Bates?

[emily-fairfield]

There's a rumor about some Halloween party, huh?

[emily-fairfield]

I use the binoculars for sight-seeing, of course. Or do you think I’m watching everyone at all times? Hm… guess you’ll never quite know! Let’s just say that dinner you made for yourself last night looked pretty appetizing. May have left it too long in that oven of yours, though.

I’m thinking a cat or a native american costume. Or the devil because it just feels oh so fitting. A baseball player would be a perfect fit, but I kinda already assumed you were one! You know you’re leaving me full reign to make fun of you with that question, right? If I were you, I think I would have to say that I would look pretty good in a giant chicken suit. Stick on some crazy sideburns and you could pull off the Elvis look, too. 

[thelandondecker]

Now that's creepy, but also good eye because I thought it was burnt too. Unfortunately I'm a terrible cook. What else have you seen so far with those binoculars? More things to explore I'd imagine. Hey a native American costume would be kind of cool, and a cat too. Devil though is definitely fitting, do you have actual horns you just hide with your hair? Yeah exactly, I'd have all the materials but it's not all too fun. I'm giving you feel reign, but please don't make me regret that.

Elvis yes, chicken no. Where would I even get a chicken suit?

[emily-fairfield]

Lock and Key | Emily & Landon

[emily-fairfield]

At the mentioned of a door, Emily’s eyes lit up. She was going into this blindly, she knew that much, but who knows what they would end up finding? The possibilities were endless in a place like this. “A door? Really? Lead the way! Maybe one of these things will end up opening it,” she said, jingling the keys yet again. Emily had to admit, she liked having a friend along for the ride. A lot of time was spent alone within that antique shop of hers as she rummaged through stacks of old books, jewelry, and other items she managed to find. While she was used to the lack of company, having someone along, especially Landon, was making her even more excited about the day ahead of them.

The two continued on and Emily could sense Landon’s nerves, slowing her pace a bit to study his features carefully. In comparison, Emily was always eager to act before taking the time to plan things out. The possible discoveries that awaited them made the girl restless, her veins coursing with a stream of excitement that was urging her to move forth beyond her usual boundaries. “Plan?” she replied, biting her lip. Coming to a halt, she hesitated momentarily, looking back in the direction of the antique shop and the surrounding shops. They could turn back now, sip some tea, and plan out their endeavors for another day. Scenes of her trip into the forest with Meredith flashed through her mind. It was a spontaneous move on her part and an even more dangerous move to top it off. She had endangered both herself and another being, something Emily still felt guilt over. If they had planned out the trip, then perhaps things would’ve been different. Emily glanced back at Landon and all she could think about was possibly putting him in the middle of danger, as well, and for that she would feel devastated over. She had done enough damage.

Her fingers toyed delicately with the keys in her right hand, her fingertips brushing over the rough edges as they flipped various ways within her palm. ”Well… I mean… keys are harmless, right? A-And… this isn’t a trip into the forest or anything. We’re just looking for doors. Simple doors of all shapes and sizes. It all seems a bit safer, especially when you compare it to everything else we could be doing. Just keys and doors… no planning needed, right?” Emily offered a reassuring smile both for Landon and for herself. Anxiety was already beginning to intertwine with her current thrill for adventure. “For all we know, we’ll probably just get stuck finding a ton of broom closets and trunks with dusty things in them. I think we’ll be fine, Landon. But if you’re worried, I can just go on my own, you know. I don’t want to drag you into anything.” Emily continued to stand still, her eyes locked with his. She wanted to make sure he understood her, knowing that whatever they may encounter whether it was today or a week from now, nothing would upset her more than inflicting pain on someone else for her own selfish reasons. She wanted him safe and that went for everyone else, as well.

[thelandondecker]

Landon had noticed Emily's eyes light up at the mention of a door, and kicking himself mentally for bringing it up he knew by then an exploration was already being made. And though he had his own curiosities of where the door lead to he also was a bit scared to see where it would lead, nonetheless what they were find behind it. It could have been something great, perhaps treasure or something big like the location of their mothers. Maybe it was a monster trapped underground. Whatever it was Landon knew they would try and discover it, and though hesitant, liked the idea of having a friend at least helping him pursue this adventure rather than just him. 

In general it was kind of nice having friends around Purgatory, specifically Emily in that matter. After growing accustomed to it, he enjoyed answering her questions and listening to theories and talking about things like their mothers or what lied behind the forest. The only thing that was an issue was his worry for the girl and her constant need to explore. Landon didn't want Emily to get hurt, even if it meant getting upset with her for doing something she wanted to do.

Seeing her stop Landon stopped walking and turned to Emily, giving her a nod when she asked about a plan. They going into the entire thing rather straight forward, and the fact they didn't give it some thought terrified him greatly. What if it was something terrible? What if Eric was there or another guard? Maybe indeed, it was a monster? Landon looked down at the jingle of keys in Emily's hand and then back to her, watching for a reaction or some sort of response. 

"Keys are harmless... and doors too. But it's what's behind them that scares me." he answered her, looking back to see Emily smile, the same way his mother did when she was doing some sort of plan like making a new recipe or trying a new color pattern. And Landon, like he always did, smiled back  and began to walk to the door again. "No. It's fine, it'll be our little adventure." he offered. "I wanted change in my routine and well, this is definitely change. Hopefully it's much more interesting than just a broom closet with dust." he gave Emily another reassuring smile, and another just for himself, before heading towards the direction of the forest. "It's not too far deep into this place, sometimes the forest is a quiet place to practice. Of course, when you know you're not near danger." the small talk had a small tint of nervousness, but Landon tried his best to stand tall, smile as much as he could, as he walked by some shrubs and bushes pushing them aside to reveal the door to Emily, almost like a prize. "And here we are, which key do you want to try first?" 

[emily-fairfield]

There's a rumor about some Halloween party, huh?

[emily-fairfield]

A giant question mark would be pretty creative, but no making fun of me, Decker! A great explorer must never share her secrets. Binoculars come in handy for… everything.

I have a few ideas. I would share, but you might steal them. What about you? Any costume ideas?

[thelandondecker]

I'm not making fun of you Fairfield, merely making an observation. Well of course, but maybe this explorer could possibly share that one secret. Just so the poor guard isn't left hanging. 

Everything hm? Are you sure about that? I promise I won't steal them, just kind of curious. But I have absolutely nothing planned. Maybe a baseball player? Though yeah, why would I go dressed in something I am. I don't know. If you were me what would you pick as a costume?

[merebates-deactivated20170204]

Yeah, he’d see it as improving hand-eye coordination, he wouldn’t question it at all. Walking on eggshells is no fun. It’s a definite ‘no’ on Will, Don’t even think about inviting him.

Oh, I know, I’m just throwing a few influential words your way to help you boost your confidence, and at the end of the day you can say you thought all of those things about yourself. Like, you’re great at baseball and you’re going to kick all of our asses. If I do cream you guys, I want to be lifted up into the air so I can celebrate my victory. What would you like if you win….or just, kick our asses?

[thelandondecker]

Yeah, and the baseball bats could be a lighter way to practice uh, sword fighting? I guess that could work. Well, why a definite no. I mean, I don't know. Will is pretty well rude. But we shouldn't exclude him from everything. Just maybe, baseball games.

You sound even more like my mother, so thank you for trying. I promise if you win we will lift you in the air and pour water on you like how they usually pour juice or something on the coach when a team wins. Would you like a piggy back ride or just all of us carrying you together?

When it happens, I'll let you know.

[thelandondecker]

mendozaona-mission:

Do you have a Queen record stashed somewhere Landon?

Yeah, except he probably has someone else play the track while he walks.

I think the winner circle needs to expand for guys who are awesome at baseball. Who knows maybe we’ll end up good enough for a hall of fame one day. Get baseball cards with our faces on them.

I wish, it would be awesome to rock out to We Are the Champions or Bohemian Rhapsody.   Probably makes some poor person carry around a record player as he walks the halls. I'm pretty sure Eric would make a red carpet be under his feet everywhere he went if he could. 

I agree... but yeah. Baseball cards! Yes, we definitely should have baseball cards. It could have our faces on them and our stats and maybe some fun facts. I don't know who else would be interested in them though except well, ourselves, but it'd be interesting. 

[emily-fairfield]

There's a rumor about some Halloween party, huh?

[emily-fairfield]

I had a feeling this suggestion would come up! I could see it. Map in hand and a little notepad to jot things down on. Then again, it wouldn’t be a costume if it’s something that I already am. You haven’t seen the binoculars I walk around with?

[thelandondecker]

Haha, well hey. At least I didn't say a giant question mark. But that's a good point, and no I haven't. But I'm kind of curious to know why you have binoculars with you.

Got any idea on what you want to be though?

[merebates-deactivated20170204]

It shouldn’t be a problem, Landon… If it’s just you, Joey, and me playing then Eric might just see it as something his guards are doing together, maybe he’ll just think we’re bonding… Yeah, we’ll celebrate, ‘bond’ some more wherever that’ll be.

Well there’s nothing wrong with that, and there’s nothing you can do to make me stop. There’s nothing wrong with being confident, sweetie. That would be interesting but I’d doubt it. 

[thelandondecker]

Hey maybe, maybe he'll think we were training Joey or something. Or that you were training us. It might rack up a few good points with him if we play our cards right too. Yeah, definitely. It doesn't just have to be us three too, maybe we can invite other people like Emily... and Fiona and Olivia... maybe Will? Maybe on Will. We don't need another well, mishap. 

You're right, I can't stop you. But I'm just nodding my head in response. I guess there's nothing wrong, but I just think I should make myself confident. You should not doubt yourself, I'm sure you're going to cream us.

[mendozaona-mission]

I like that.

Being winners rules.

[thelandondecker]

Definitely, we can play We Are the Champions every time we walk in. Right? Man I feel like this is how Eric feels everyday.

[emily-fairfield]

There's a rumor about some Halloween party, huh?

Count me in. Now I just need to think of a costume.

[thelandondecker]

You should definitely go as an explorer. A little explorer's hat, some binoculars, and all of that. 

[merebates-deactivated20170204]

I think he’s more focused on the wolves now, sweetie. Yeah, then we can reward ourselves by gorging on some pizza or sweets because we’ve mastered the art of practicing baseball with flying colours.

I’m sure you’ll be great, Landon. I bet it’ll be like swimming or riding a bike after a short break, you’ll pick it up easy in no time and impress all of us. You’ll make us insanely jealous of your skills.

[thelandondecker]

Or just more stressed. Which means he might snap easily and get angry at the smallest things. You know, maybe if this goes well we can do some sort of small hang-out. Not like a wolf hunt or go into the forest type thing, but just a hang-out around here. That'd be kind of interesting. 

That's just you trying to build my self-esteem. But thanks, who knows though. Maybe you'll outshine us all, have some secret weapons up your sleeve. 

[mendozaona-mission]

I’ll bring my gear.

Let’s do this thing; and get ourselves a spot in the training facility. Winners need a spot to put their trophy.

[thelandondecker]

Of course. We'll make everyone cower in fear if they dare play baseball with us. And new trainees will have to look at the trophy cabinet when they walk in for the first time for at least ten minutes.

[femmefatalefiona-deactivated201]

Ugh I hate headaches...

[femmefatalefiona-deactivated201]

Yea…I never really was the sports type.

[thelandondecker]

Well not everyone is. But maybe you should try it out. Maybe you'll like it.

[merebates-deactivated20170204]

Yeah, I remember you telling me you only kept a ball… and I told you it was a shame that you didn’t keep a catchers mitt and a bat.

I don’t think it could be too big or else it might start looking like an event, and I really don’t want Eric to…well, punish any of us. I did almost have a home run if Will hadn’t messed it up for us, I think I’ll be great. I want to see you bat, you’ve probably got all of us beat with your experience.

[thelandondecker]

Yeah, and well you were right. I mean, I don't know if anyone else would be using them anyways unless another baseball loving Purgatorian came soon one day. 

That's true, and Eric would probably get mad if we do an unofficial event, not to mention the fact it's a baseball game and he's probably still mad at what happened before. But maybe this could just be a practice type thing. Toss a few balls. Bat a bit, and just hang-out. It'll kind of be easier to manage than an actual game. Oh yeah, I remember that. That was a pretty great hit too. Sucks we didn't get to see more. Well hey, I might be a bit rusty but I promise not to disappoint. 

[oh-livs-peerce]

Well that was depressing.

[oh-livs-peerce]

Yeah, just too empathetic for my own good.

[thelandondecker]

Empathy isn't bad though, but what happened that made you too empathetic? 

[femmefatalefiona-deactivated201]

Ugh I hate headaches...

[femmefatalefiona-deactivated201]

Oh of course, always is.

Sounds…fun?

[thelandondecker]

Oh definitely, I wouldn't recommend trying guarding but have you ever played baseball before? It's a blast. 

[mendozaona-mission]

I’ll bring my gear.

Let’s do this thing; and get ourselves a spot in the training facility. Winners need a spot to put their trophy.

[thelandondecker]

Whoa, someone seems prepared. That's it, you're  always going to be on my team. No exceptions. Definitely. It'll be built just for us, wooden shelves and all. Glass so people could see the shiny awards we win. It could have our faces carved on the wood too. That'd be cool.