EMPTY COPIES

{ AUTOPLAY } Indipendent Blake Belladonna

[umbrisis]

[umbrisis]

          ❝ Something happened here…  ❞

     Walking along the path, expired leaves crunched and crackled      beneath her heels. The canopy of twisted branches overhead       were particularly thorny and uninviting, devoid of spring’s touch.      Howling winds admixed to the spooky atmosphere of the wood.      Even so, it wasn’t the location itself that provoked such dismay–      rather was the metallic scent resemblant of blood laden in the      air. She was reluctant, yet daring enough to carry onward. 

      ❝ …something bad. ❞

[umbrisis]

[ So I’ve been in the mood to play Blake again! I figured I’ll just hit restart on the blog I have here with new icons/a new theme and drop my affiliation. I’ll probably re-write my rules as well. ]

[umbrisis]

            + midoriizaru

     While she'd always considered herself to be a rather diligent      reader-- she found her eyes were scanning the inky pillars of      text at a sluggishly disinterested pace. The clock mounted on      the wall had a sort of ticking that amplified the silence-- killing      time with each cringe-worthy strike. Moments spent leisurely      only seemed to worsen her mood. The unanticipated sound of      a loud crash was just enough to make her snap. 

     Curtly, she swiveled around in her chair to glare at the source--

  "What are you doing? You understand that this is a library, don't you?"

[umbrisis]

{ ???: }

                     『I’ll get i—』

           ( & ) he trips again.

       While it might have been more courteous to react with concern and        offer a hand, she couldn't help but glare at him scrutinizingly, wincing        at the sight of him colliding with the ground yet again. It seemed this        might turn into a never-ending cycle of disaster if she didn't intervene.        Although... truthfully, she wasn't sure she wanted to. The fraction of        her conscience that cared eventually urged her to speak up.

                ❝ Er... Do you need some help with that? ❞

[umbrisis]

       ❝            You can't be serious. ❞ Lips pulling into an exasperated frown, she grudgingly averts her attention from the odd sight. 

[umbrisis]

{ pyrrha: }

      THERE existed a part of her that was wary upon asking—perhaps fearing that Blake would respond with a mark of irritation in her tone of voice, when she responds. She’d been made aware of the possibility, somewhat. Prior experience of concern for a certain blond-haired boy had done much to consider measuring her words carefully this time around. The change in her expression is subtle, a relieved sigh to escape moderately parted lips. In truth she feels relieved her show of concern did not trigger the effect she once bore witness to. Still, focus is placed on Blake’s words over her relief. 

      "Then… Do you mind if I asked what’s troubling you?" The concern in her voice is still evident, gentle tones making it so. That had to be it, right? She can think of little else that points to the difficulty in getting a full night’s rest, and if there was anything she could do to alleviate the intensity of Blake’s troubles she’ll not hesitate to do so in order to assist. Even if it had only meant to listen, perhaps offer advice if she could?

     In part, she guessed that she was a little overwhelmed with all of the concern that she'd been causing her friends recently. At first, she'd never expected them to really notice-- and even if they did, she didn't expect them sit her down and try to suggest what was best for her so persistently. While she instinctively fought everyone off with a sharp tongue, it was admittedly a little reassuring to know they were looking out for her. They were all people she could rely on, people she could respect. It was something distinctively different from relationships she'd built in the past. She could tell Pyrrha was treading carefully around her-- her recently unpleasant behavior wasn't exactly a secret, after all. And her own team had already resolved to investigate into what had been bothering her. That was enough to quell her, for the time being. 

❝ Why... don't we go and talk somewhere that's a little more quiet? Like the dorms? ❞ Blake surveyed their surroundings for a moment-- noting a few students that were passing through. She didn't want to risk talking about anything that could get them questioned or into trouble. ❝ I can find that book you wanted to borrow, while we're at it.❞

[umbrisis]

{ ???: }

★ ☾╰☆╮☽ ★ —  ;;     Well wasn’t she just a ball of sunshine. Being a mid-semester transfer     student was odd enough for an average but for one coming to Beacon?      Well Kratos wondered if it was even heard of. He didn’t know anyone…     while not a major concern for him. Except for the fact that he could of     swore he’d passed by this bench before.  Besides, it wouldn’t hurt to     ask for directions.

                     Though now he wasn’t so sure of himself.———

      ❝Yeah, you can help. I’m looking for the headmaster’s office        though I seem to have gotten a bit turned around….❞

   Puffing her cheeks slightly, she gave a slight glare upon realizing that     she wouldn't be able to spend the afternoon in her own little shell. It     wasn't a favorable turn of events, but she wouldn't turn him away if     he actually needed help. Checking the lower corner of the page she'd     been reading to mark her place, she snapped it closed with a 'thwack'     and lifted herself up. Without a single pause or word, she started walking.

 Gesturing for him with a nonchalant wave of her hand, she spoke over her shoulder.

                 ❝ The headmaster's office, right? Follow me. ❞

[umbrisis]

{ penny: }

         “ you are very welcome ! your hair seems more flowing             and graceful today ! “ the gynoid slightly tilted her head             with the same smile she’s been carrying since she saw             blake. “ i’m here on business with my father ! “

            Blake tilted her head just slightly, donning an expression               of uncertainty. ❝...Right.❞ Letting the topic of her hair slide               at the mention of this 'business', her brow arched slightly               in concentration. ❝Business, huh. What sort of business?❞

[umbrisis]

{ weiss: }

       Yes, perhaps it is a bit insensible to cling with desperation to pressuring expectations pertaining to the momentary abandonment of this unquenchable thirst for immediate progress - an undying appetite for the necessary cleansing of befouled territory serving as headquarters for the very individuals they will repeatedly face from this point on. While she cannot comprehend this strenuous lifestyle - one completely devoid of activities automatically classified as entertaining - as well as others might be able to, childhood naivety does not prevent her from placing herself in tattered shoes belonging to one who has long since adapted to it.

       Being properly equipped with a reliable weapon capable of delivering permanent conclusions to recalcitrant opponents is a must for devoted warriors - huntresses, but a will not fabricated purely for the sake of impressing helpless victims waiting with baited breath for the sudden arrival of a valiant protector is required as well. Both of which this seemingly indefatigable student possesses, which certainly explains why it is that she has so eagerly committed herself to a cause undoubtedly worth sacrificing mundane - and incredibly trivial when thoroughly contemplating the differences dividing them - pursuits for.

        While all of this is understandable, there is this yearning for company - one that can only be satiated by this friend in particular - that remains unsatisfied with each opportunity she rejects. Beneath multiple layers of ice deemed to be impenetrable by those without the means to accurately decipher coded responses and cryptic insinuations voiced by the refined personage, lies a thumping organ that strongly desires the presence of those she is meant to fight alongside for the next four years. Time will surely fly, and what will become of these meaningful bonds then? Will distance be placed between themselves as they travel in different directions? Yet, despite these reasonable points dashing through her mind - an intricately designed place never to be accessed by anyone other than its rightful possessor, she finds herself voicing a modest apology. Why? Simply because it seems to be the appropriate manner of proceeding at the moment. She will not feign remorse over conveying an interest in spending time with her…..likable comrades.  

                                                                       ❝ I’m sorry. ❞

          Glumness rapidly melts away from her countenance like gooey waves of chocolate as radiant optimism shines through in vigilant optics once more. Heels lightly lift up in a slight bounce before  reacquainting themselves with the unwelcoming ground underfoot. ❝ So, does that mean you’ll indulge me today? ❞ In case an unfortunate misunderstanding has arisen, she hurriedly schools her features while curbing her hope. ❝ Normally, I understand subtlety, but when it comes from you… ❞

      Like a dust that slowly spreads over a recently conquered battlefield, she finds herself waiting somewhat wearily for Weiss's response. It could be a challenge to understand her in full, still, just because their upbringings really were so different. Born an heir to the Schnee Dust Company-- while she herself was practically born into the White Fang. They were brought into this world with expectation to be enemies. Two completely opposite sides of the spectrum in the chaotic world they lived in. And even though it was predetermined that they'd be so very contrasting, they worked well together as teammates... dare she even go as far to say as friends. It wasn't their fault that those that came before them were always feuding. They were simply caught in the fray of the ongoing conflict-- none of them needed to shoulder any blame for where they came from. The past was in the past... They had come to an understanding. And if they could make amends-- then, perhaps, there was some hope that things could come to a peaceful conclusion. As far as she was concerned, the other girl had no reason to apologize. Regardless, she appreciated the sentiment. She didn't of the simplest time growing up... but apparently, neither did Weiss. That was just life. What mattered most was the decisions they made from that point onward-- how they'd work to better the future. 

                    ❝...No, it's okay. You don't have to apologize. ❞

Right now, there were larger forces at work. Something that simply went beyond attaining respect for the faunus. Conspiring with humans... Torchwick. They were likely just being used as pawns in some larger plot. And this impending sense of dread clung to her chest like a parasite. Even so... her friends had already investigated for the sake of her state of mind. There was nothing they could do, until they could come across another lead. It was frustrating-- but, perhaps her teammates made a decent point when they said to relax every now and again. Sitting still wasn't something she particularly enjoyed-- but it'd be best if she could learn to appreciate the importance of occasional rest and leisure. She had to learn that she wasn't bearing the weight of the world on her shoulders alone... she had friends to help her carry it, now. Thus... it was also important to treasure the moments they had, while they were there for the taking. Who knew what tomorrow might bring? ❝It's hard... but right now, I guess there's really not a lot we can do about it. Besides... if we rest today, we'll probably perform better when it actually counts. Right? ❞

It's only when the vivacious light in Weiss's eyes returns that she can let herself slide away from such devastating thoughts. She blinked a few times, giving the offer yet another moment of contemplation. While she didn't see herself as the type to enjoy shopping much, she supposed it couldn't hurt to try it at least once. Dinner, movies... it wasn't often that she got this kind of chance. 

While she might have been a bit too stubborn to admit that she thought it might actually be fun, she did let her walls fall just a little in terms of her demeanor. Finally, she gave a slight shrug of her shoulders. Honey hued irises rolled playfully and the ghost of a small, lopsided smile turned at her lips. 

                                   ❝ Yeah, sure. Why not? ❞ 

[umbrisis]

{ pyrrha: }

      IT was indeed likely she’d take notice of it sooner or later. Blake’s exhaustion in the last few days had been evident enough, very little perception was needed in class and talks in between friends to regard that much. She’d never thought to ask, given that the question was apparently eluded whenever anyone could get the chance to inquire. She gives the other a small smile, more tinged with concern whilst to convey she wasn’t at all bothered by the other drifting off to sleep mid-conversation. 

      “There is, but I think there is a little more pressing concern to me than that. Blake, shouldn’t you get some sleep?” Her smile remains, tone gentle but urging. "You’ve been looking much too exhausted lately… It is a little worrying." Knowing full well she isn’t the only one who thinks so. Not that she would speak of it just yet as it may well set her off, given what she’s heard from the others.

       The last thing she wanted was to make anyone else fret-- she was probably ignorant to assume that no one would think to speak up about her current state. There was no way for her to make the hollow crescents shadowing her eyes disappear; perchance with the exception of a good night's sleep. Rather problematic, considering she couldn't seem to let herself rest. Her teammates had expressed their worries earlier... and now Pyrrha. She didn't want to snap back at her, as she was clearly only being considerate. In part, neither did she have the energy to compose a quick remark capable of deflecting such careful heeding. 

❝      I'm fine, really. ❞ She assured. The answer was somewhat clipped, but she did sprinkle just enough effort into both her volume and tone to keep from sounding irritated or impatient with the other. ❝ I just... haven't had the easiest time getting a full night's rest lately. I don't think there's a lot I can do to change that right now. ❞

[umbrisis]

{ ???: }

            ❝… you don’t have to unless you wish to, but, I unfortunately have no idea where I’m wandering around at.❞ No map obviously, nothing to help him either and a foreign land is nothing too hard to deal with. He’s been in such situations before that the idea is nothing he isn’t too uncomfortable with given quite a few places he’s been to on terms of foster homes had their own differences. It’s part of why he had to ask for some form of help, the smartest solution that he decided to act upon knowing there had to be someone that can lend a hand at some point.

            ❝I can at least offer something for your time if needed also.❞ He would after all, be wasting away her time which might not be useful. Productivity is something that the fool could understand, he tended to try to be when he can’t sleep during the evening by studying or at least wandering outside to do something else back at home.

             While caution still withstands in her current demeanor, she does pivot to face him a little more fully upon hearing what he has to say. It seemed there was no point in offering him clipped sentences or dry sarcasm-- he just seemed like a stranger in genuine need of some help. She didn't intend to tear her guard down based on that simple instinct, of course, but she supposed she could offer him the direction he needed. He was wearing a school uniform she didn't immediately recognize... was he there for the upcoming tournament? It seemed as though it would be a logical guess, although t'was apparent that he wasn't carrying a visible weapon on his person either. In the time it'd taken her to assemble the puzzle pieces in her mind, she realized she'd been standing quietly for an extended period of time that might be deemed as rude to some. 

❝ No, it's... fine. You don't have to pay me or anything. ❞ She tilted her head to the side quizzically before making a small, waving gesture at the courtyard standing around them. ❝ We're currently on Beacon school grounds. Are you here for the tournament? ❞

[wordsnquotes]

Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself.

Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist (via wordsnquotes)

[umbrisis]

{ penny: }

          “ hello, blake ! " her voice rang through the space between them,            a little bit too cheery. “ how are you? i think you look wonderful            today ! “

          ❝ Penny? Um... thanks. ❞ A shred of incredulity       laced itself in her tone, given the unexpected nature of       the other's arrival. How was it that she always managed       to sneak up on her? ❝ ...What brings you here? ❞

[umbrisis]

{ weiss: }

         Something remarkably close to identifying as a grin of pure enthusiasm - a unique product instantly created when attempting to unify a pompous smirk and a toothy smile - majestically paints itself across the lower region of a countenance permanently made unusual by a ribbon shaped scar wordlessly representing a victory not easily won. The tip of a lone digit shamelessly points in the direction of the worrisome individual -  a constant reminder of the incessant scheming done by heinous foes collaborating for the sake of summoning forth a future in which optimism and goodness are both extinct.  ❝ I heard that! That right there, Miss Belladonna, is e x a c t l y what I’m talking about. Actual proof that I’m right. ❞ Not that it was ever insinuated that her significant conclusion - the metaphorical sun this discussion orbits around - was absolutely devoid of truth, but still. With irrefutable proof that this lifestyle so ardently embraced by the singular embodiment of determination is one solely fueled by an innate desire to toss a wrench into deplorable plots - a refusal to permit meaningless pursuits that will fail to bring her one step closer to that admirable goal of hers, she has effectively placed her teammate in a position where fabricated truths cannot be offered to substitute those that have already been cemented. Splendid! 

      Suddenly empowered by a massive burst of confidence unexpectedly bestowed upon her, she recklessly furthers this by breathing life to words of wisdom that are intended to open eyes honed in on the more grueling side of life. ❝ You can’t keep living like something terrible could happen at any moment. Just because it can, doesn’t mean that it will. Don’t let your life completely escape you. When we’re not out there fighting, you should do something to take your mind off of tomorrow. Rushing into it won’t do you any good. ❞ Exposed extremities gently resting against hips presently concealed by multicolored fabric, she finally resolves to address the query that has so predictably been posed. ❝ I propose we spend the day together. We’ll do some shopping, eat out for dinner, come back, bake cookies, and watch some movies. I’ll even let you pick the shops and movies. Maybe where we eat too. ❞

        ❝ Look, I appreciate what you're trying to say here , but... ❞  The tone and volume of her voice quavers, thus she purposefully trails off in effort to create a space of time of which she could properly reattain equilibrium. Part of her wanted to tear down sections of the walls she'd so carefully build around herself, to open up to her friends rather than giving them constant grief and reasons to worry. Usually bone-chilling ice has palliated 'cross her teammate's visage, a genuine rarity to be witnessed. The two had made a pact to confide in each other from that point onward-- Weiss was clearly upholding her part of their agreement. And in truth, it meant a lot. Unshakable ambition and bonds-- which of the two was she to favor, now? This wasn't something she could run from, like she had time and time again when personal confrontation seemed daunting. Writhing and interlocking her fingers, she holds them close to her chest and grazes the ground with half-lidded eyes  ❝ I can't forget just like that. Before I came to Beacon, I spent nearly every day fighting or defending myself outside of the kingdoms. Taking a day off was never really an option.  ❞

Following her outburst, she gave a quiet sigh. Before Beacon, she'd never just leisurely spent time with her friends, played games, acted like... a kid. T'was a brand new experience laid out for her, one she'd never had the opportunities for in the past. While she still clung to her anti-social antics, she was also grateful for all that she had. If anything, it accelerated her drive to protect those closest to her. Taking these moments of peace between confrontations with the enemy for granted... brooding, stressing herself out over things she obviously couldn't control. Deep down, she knew that her teammate was right. Eyebrows arching, an unsure look softening the corners of her expression, she unlocked her fingers. ❝ I guess you're right, though. ❞ She almost couldn't believe the words that were about to escape her own lips--  ❝ You know, I've... never actually gone shopping for fun before. I wouldn't know where to start. ❞

[umbrisis]

          + lunar-shield​

           Challenging him under an unchanging stare, she can infer that he's attempting to keep something from her based on the nervous timbre of his laughter and the way he fidgets. Honey hues narrow ever so slightly and the commonplace ghost of a frown tweaks at her mouth. Drumming her fingertips impatiently against her forearm, she takes a step closer. Worst case scenario... her mind reeled back to the way he'd almost blurted her secret out loud in the library a few days before. Maybe she was just being paranoid. The reality could very well be something far more innocuous. But if he'd told anyone about her... At the notion itself, her glare intensified. In her voice, a biting warning. 

             ❝        Jaune. Is there something you're not telling me? ❞

[umbrisis]

{ ruby: }

          the distant, ominous rumble of a storm rattles her from an           unconscious mind, eyes bleary & searching for a definite           source of light midst the darkness. form rises with prominent           protest, muscles yearning for just a minute longer of rest, of           stillness, but training shut her initial instinct out in favor of            gaining a fighting chance at surviving. her sight is terrible in           the dark, just barely able to make out the shapes scattered           around her. ruby isn’t sure where she’s ended up at first, but                                              the memory comes back soon enough.

          a fight, close-quarters struggle. she got hit, & then nothing.

          darkness had swallowed her whole like an unforgiving sea claiming           the life of a fisherman washed away from his trusted vessel, leaving           her floundering before her mind could no longer fight, could no           longer stay awake. soles find that of solid ground & she stands, albeit slowly           & uneasily due to the dizzy spell set on by her fall. a hand works on           cradling the soft spot she feels atop her crown when given name is           called, eyes seeking the origin out in the darkness, but she knows the voice.

               ” blake ! “

          clumsy footfalls bring her close enough to the faunus, where she           reaches out to hold onto the girl’s elbow. a means of steadying the both of them. 

               ” yeah … i’m okay. just a bump, but it’ll heal soon.                                   —— are you ? you seem kinda wobbly. “

          she tries to look around once more, though her sight hasn’t adjusted           well enough to see past her teammate’s form. she can’t hear anyone           else nearby, nor does she hear movements besides their own.                                                                    they were missing two members.

               ” where are weiss & yang … ? “

        Festering vexation stung her to the core-- imitations of her own voice echoing that she should have seen that blow coming. She always had the audacity to snap back whenever anyone told her she was just a child... and now, for the first time, an unshakable, icy fear crept down her spine. In this darkness, missing two of her friends. A hurricane brewed within the confines of her skull, threatening to break out and set this mess of unresolved emotion free. However, she forcibly acquired the strength to shove the panic away-- if only for Ruby's sake. Like staring into a mirror, she witnessed a familiar fear in her wide eyes. Mourning past missteps would do them no good. Time spent drowning in misery could be spent instead acting. To panic and cry... that would only be confirming that she was just a kid. Getting back up again was what was important.

Inhale, exhale. All right. She could do this. She had to be there for Ruby, too. It was only right to be worried about their missing teammates-- the enemy had clearly overpowered them and... anything could have happened. Weiss and Yang could take care of themselves, she trusted them. However... it was hard for her to stay optimistic. She shook her head dismissively in response to the first inquiry. 

              ❝ Just a little dizzy, I'll be fine. And... I don't know... ❞

On her leader's cue, glancing about their surroundings, she followed suit and squinted into the darkness. Being a faunus gave her the advantage of sight in such murky conditions. Now that the dust was clearing out--the only thing that blanketed the streets was a cloudy, moonless night sky. For now... it was eerily apparent that they were alone. The patter of a slow, rhythmic rain began to fall around them and she inwardly shuddered. 

                ❝ I blacked out and haven't seen anyone since. ❞

        ❝ They can't have gone far, right? We should search for them. ❞