Personification Life - IC Part VIII [open]

[Teepot Kingdom]

"Oh yes! There is a few bars in this area. There's a tavern called the 'Wilting Succubus' a short distance away, and a nightclub/restaurant called Chaos a few blocks away!" Octavian gave a grin, and then said, "Oh, and if you were wondering what I meant by 'Velociraptor Family'..... I actually meant the dinosaur. I am guessing you saw the house next door to this building, the very creepy one? That's where they live. Before I came here, I never knew I would meet super-intelligent Raptors.... Or that hey could possibly exist. But they do!"

"Hmm..." Ate hummed thoughtfully, before abruptly saying, "Well, its been a pleasure to meet you, but I think its time to take my leave. Besides, I'm sure that you're ready to change into fresh clothes." He closed the book that he had, getting up and putting in its shelve before mentioning, "Perhaps we could talk again in the future?"

[Erucia]

"Well, I'm fine with going anywhere." Jacob said with a shrug. "We can go to the bookstore last for all I care..... I do want to explore a little bit though. Has anyone here seen more than the area from here to Chaos?" Jacob followed along a bit behind Ray and Albert, who nodded in agreement to what Jacob was saying and rolling his eyes at Ray's silliness. Jacob's tail also continued to wave rapidly, because he was incredibly excited to explore the city a little bit.

"Not me, other than the time we all went to the Wilting Succubus. It is rather pathetic, considering Chaos is right across the street from the building," Dora observed matter-of-factly. "The old city, though - that was a different story. I should go back sometime."

Ray didn't quite have an idea of what to say as where to actually go first. He'd expected that his group would decide this, and so he was left scratching his head somewhat at the turn of events. He listened to Dora's statement, and observed peculiarly the statement about the old city. Ray didn't hold much knowledge as to the old city, only knowing of it because he'd heard it referenced alongside of the Drone Invasions. Much of the technology and tactics explained to him about the Drones generally didn't make much sense or seem grounded in reality, although this was perhaps his own ignorance.

"...So, how about we find a model store or something?", Ray finally suggested. "Maybe we could even find a strip mall or something, see if we could find these buildings close nearby each other...And Dora, do you mind if I ask about the old city?" He didn't want to dampen the mood, although he was genuinely curious about the old city.

[New Aksarben]

"Oh yes! There is a few bars in this area. There's a tavern called the 'Wilting Succubus' a short distance away, and a nightclub/restaurant called Chaos a few blocks away!" Octavian gave a grin, and then said, "Oh, and if you were wondering what I meant by 'Velociraptor Family'..... I actually meant the dinosaur. I am guessing you saw the house next door to this building, the very creepy one? That's where they live. Before I came here, I never knew I would meet super-intelligent Raptors.... Or that hey could possibly exist. But they do!"

"Hmm..." Ate hummed thoughtfully, before abruptly saying, "Well, its been a pleasure to meet you, but I think its time to take my leave. Besides, I'm sure that you're ready to change into fresh clothes." He closed the book that he had, and got up and put it in its shelve before mentioning, "Perhaps we could talk more in the future?"

"Probably. We should talk more. Maybe. I have yet to decide if you're interesting enough for me to care." Octavian said honestly, before spinning around to head back into the hallway, sending some water from his tail in the direction of Ate. It wasn't obvious if that had been intentional or not, especially since Octavian was already in the hall and walking off without another word.

---

"Is there even anything left of the Old city to go back to, Dora?" Albert asked, turning around to look at her. "But we probably should stop being a group of hermits, especially since they seem to idolize us for saving them!" He fondly remembered their return, where the citizens had shown up to cheer for them. That had been pretty awesome, in Albert's opinion.

Jacob rolled his eyes, then said, "Well, Maybe they have some interesting landmarks and areas around the city, that we have yet to see because we just hang out around the building all day. So I agree that we could get out more as a group."

Jacob and Albert both nodded in agreement at finding a model shore, and both thought it would be best to let Dora explain things about the old city. "Well, there is a Strip district down the street from our Building. To the north, I believe." Jacob said with a nod, pointing in the direction he thought as north. Which was actually west.

[The BranRiech]

"Hmm, so it's all very confusing then? Spare me the details." Natiya wondered without expecting an answer. She got up and shook her hair out. "Well, unless there's anything else you want from me or Aleki, I'd like to get out of these clothes. I don't mind about the appearance though." She sighed and sat back down. Her sigh was more content, content that she got out of the place without harm.

"Am I in any danger?" She suddenly asked.

--

The group was no, more or less, at the lobby. He noticed Thriller carrying the children back into their apartment, but decided to say nothing as he led the place out of the apartment.

--

"Wings are pretty useful. I couldn't imagine living without them." Drova said with a shrug. He walked along, still keeping his towel wrapped around his dripping midsection. "I usually just use them to get around to places that have open sky, and sometimes for fun and leisure." He spoke softly.

[Giovenith]

"Nyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaoooo!" Giovenith made airplane sounds, stretching out her arms, running in front of, around, and behind her group as they walked along. Making sure not to get too caught up in her game, she would occasionally look up to see where they were turning, then zoom after them with breaking character. Giovenith thought herself the best little airplane in the world.

[Swith Witherward]

For those heading up Main Blvd to the Market District...

The building sat at the corner of Subabsurdus Street and Main Blvd at the southern end of the Market District. A sort walk up Main would take them past Park Point Street, to the corner of Min and Mission where Chaos sat facing the ocean (no buildings were on the ocean side of the street in order to preserve the view.) Two trolley cars ran on tracks in the cobblestone street and brought people up Main to Memorial Park, where Gio’s giraffe statue raised its tongue to the skies in a gesture of defiance at the Drones. No other vehicles were allowed on this stretch of road and it was densely packed with shops and restaurants of all sizes and shapes.

(It should be noted, for those who are curious about its location, that the Wilting Succubus was located east of the building on Subabsurdus. A small street (Slack St.) ran off from this street and the Tavern was tucked neatly between an insurance agency and a pharmacy.

The Market District held a massive green grocer. Crops were brought up from the Agricultural District early each morning. A large fish market occupied half a block off of Main. It had an open-air area where massive tuna, sword fish and other delights were placed whole on mounds of ice. The local restaurants, including Chaos, sent their head chef daily to pick out the evening’s fish specials.

The pet shop and Mama Toussaints were north of Chaos on Main. Mei Garden was a little farther north and sat across from Memorial Park.

[Swith Witherward]

"Hmm, so it's all very confusing then? Spare me the details." Natiya wondered without expecting an answer. She got up and shook her hair out. "Well, unless there's anything else you want from me or Aleki, I'd like to get out of these clothes. I don't mind about the appearance though." She sighed and sat back down. Her sigh was more content, content that she got out of the place without harm.

"Am I in any danger?" She suddenly asked.

"Danger? Yes. We're always in danger. Drones, evil being, unimaginable abominations, paper cuts. The list is endless," Swith replied. "Bear in mind, until tomorrow, you'll "taste" like one of the cultists. In particular, you'll taste like you belong to Plotter. It could be quite fun, actually. Enjoy the evening. Walk down the streets. Hold hands! Nothing is quiet as pleasing as having Klaus' men puzzled over things beyond their comprehension."

Swith stood up. "Well, if you both don't mind, I have some things to do." She handed them back their clothing. "The uniforms will dissolve by dawn so don't bother returning them. Just... remember that they dissolve so you're not caught naked in public!"

She gently ushered them back up the stairs and then rolled her eyes upon seeing Will and Hans standing outside the door. "Alright," she said with a sigh. "This had better be good. I have a nasty suspicion the twins are up to no good. Mother radar."

Thriller said nothing as he glared at the twins before him. He grabbed for both of the by the tops of their heads with his hands. He brought them up to his eye level and gave a glare to each of them before holding them more properly. He, from there, would carry them back to their apartment.

--

Envy replied with a loud moan.

"But Daddeeee," Sydney whined in protest. "We didn't mean to make trouble!"

Siduer said nothing. He knew they'd done bad. He was starting to give serious thought to his current career as a mischief maker. Chi tolerated it. Swith busted his chops over misbehavior. But Dad? They'd never run afoul of him before. He was an unknown and it suddenly dawned on the boy that "unknowns" could be more frightening that mothers. Had Swith been there, she would have stood and clapped and said "Good. You won't listen to me but you will listen to your father." Then again, Swith was old school and believed in corporal punishment. She would have said all this but she was all the way in the Lair dealing with personal matters.

Boopsie followed behind in Thriller's wake. She wasn't going to wander the building alone. Everyone always tried to kill her. Her tiny bell tinkled and she had a spring in her step. Thriller was her savior for the day.

--

Xanthe ducked across the hall and knocked loudly on Superbia and Blythe's door. "I know you're busy in there, but I need Superbia!"

[Torsiedelle]

"Ooh, Mr. Nikanor!", Torii said as she followed happily pulling Yoshi along. "Can we see some if the statues for us break quick? I'm kinda curious about them."

She wanted to see just a few of them, then continue on to go shopping, maybe catch up with Albert, Ray, and Gio.

....

Katya emerged from her shower, refreshed. She remembered the Turkey and gasped. Why, she must put it in the fridge! She did so quickly, then hopped on the bed and turned the TV up.

[Giovenith]

"NYEEAO!" Giovenith took a few airplane laps around the giraffe statue, careful not to run into anyone on the way. She then flew after her friends, enjoying the freedom and space to run around freely. "Nyeeao!" she zipped past them. "Where to first, guys?"

[Tiltjuice]

Ray didn't quite have an idea of what to say as where to actually go first. He'd expected that his group would decide this, and so he was left scratching his head somewhat at the turn of events. He listened to Dora's statement, and observed peculiarly the statement about the old city. Ray didn't hold much knowledge as to the old city, only knowing of it because he'd heard it referenced alongside of the Drone Invasions. Much of the technology and tactics explained to him about the Drones generally didn't make much sense or seem grounded in reality, although this was perhaps his own ignorance.

"...So, how about we find a model store or something?", Ray finally suggested. "Maybe we could even find a strip mall or something, see if we could find these buildings close nearby each other...And Dora, do you mind if I ask about the old city?" He didn't want to dampen the mood, although he was genuinely curious about the old city.

"Is there even anything left of the Old city to go back to, Dora?" Albert asked, turning around to look at her. "But we probably should stop being a group of hermits, especially since they seem to idolize us for saving them!" He fondly remembered their return, where the citizens had shown up to cheer for them. That had been pretty awesome, in Albert's opinion.

Jacob rolled his eyes, then said, "Well, Maybe they have some interesting landmarks and areas around the city, that we have yet to see because we just hang out around the building all day. So I agree that we could get out more as a group."

Jacob and Albert both nodded in agreement at finding a model shore, and both thought it would be best to let Dora explain things about the old city. "Well, there is a Strip district down the street from our Building. To the north, I believe." Jacob said with a nod, pointing in the direction he thought as north. Which was actually west.

"Not really. After I got brought back from the dead, I was told to stay away from there for a while. There's a lot of things that Aren't To Be Messed With in the ruins apparently. Not that I'd listen ordinarily, you understand, but Ogoti and Minerva had just brought me back and it seemed rather ungrateful to off myself again by wandering through." She grinned. "What do you want to know about the old city, boss?"

For those heading up Main Blvd to the Market District...

(Image)

The building sat at the corner of Subabsurdus Street and Main Blvd at the southern end of the Market District. A sort walk up Main would take them past Park Point Street, to the corner of Min and Mission where Chaos sat facing the ocean (no buildings were on the ocean side of the street in order to preserve the view.) Two trolley cars ran on tracks in the cobblestone street and brought people up Main to Memorial Park, where Gio’s giraffe statue raised its tongue to the skies in a gesture of defiance at the Drones. No other vehicles were allowed on this stretch of road and it was densely packed with shops and restaurants of all sizes and shapes.

(It should be noted, for those who are curious about its location, that the Wilting Succubus was located east of the building on Subabsurdus. A small street (Slack St.) ran off from this street and the Tavern was tucked neatly between an insurance agency and a pharmacy.

The Market District held a massive green grocer. Crops were brought up from the Agricultural District early each morning. A large fish market occupied half a block off of Main. It had an open-air area where massive tuna, sword fish and other delights were placed whole on mounds of ice. The local restaurants, including Chaos, sent their head chef daily to pick out the evening’s fish specials.

The pet shop and Mama Toussaints were north of Chaos on Main. Mei Garden was a little farther north and sat across from Memorial Park.

(Image)
(Image)

She looked up and down the street. The distant ringing of the trolley cars echoed, and the faint touch of a wind coming in off the ocean could be felt. It began to whistle as the group found themselves in Memorial Park; but that was offset by the godling of airplanes and airplane sound effects.

"NYEEAO!" Giovenith took a few airplane laps around the giraffe statue, careful not to run into anyone on the way. She then flew after her friends, enjoying the freedom and space to run around freely. "Nyeeao!" she zipped past them. "Where to first, guys?"

"Model store sounds good, I guess," Dora suggested, since no one seemed to object.

[Erucia]

"NYEEAO!" Giovenith took a few airplane laps around the giraffe statue, careful not to run into anyone on the way. She then flew after her friends, enjoying the freedom and space to run around freely. "Nyeeao!" she zipped past them. "Where to first, guys?"

As he walked, Ray chuckled and even laughed at Gio's outbursts of childishness. While it could be associated with his actions around Albert, Gio seemed to be incredibly silly at all times of the day. It was somewhat of a relief from the generally depressing details of life, giving one good time to simply enjoy the moment of Gio being an airplane. However, what model of aircraft she was remained up for questioning.

"We were going to a model store, right?", Ray scratched his head as he stopped to think at the same time as Dora answered the question, then continuing onwards with a question. "So, Gio, are you a passenger jet? Or are you a fighter jet? Or are you not even a jet?"

[Teepot Kingdom]

Probably. We should talk more. Maybe. I have yet to decide if you're interesting enough for me to care." Octavian said honestly, before spinning around to head back into the hallway, sending some water from his tail in the direction of Ate. It wasn't obvious if that had been intentional or not, especially since Octavian was already in the hall and walking off without another word.

"Hmph." he grunted, his suit now wet. Although he could have blocked the water, he was wary of prying eyes.

Having to take an extra trip back to his hotel room, he opted to take the stairs rather than the elevator to his room as to avoid Octavian. Once inside with the door sealed behind him, he decided to take another shower.

[Tiltjuice]

"Wings are pretty useful. I couldn't imagine living without them." Drova said with a shrug. He walked along, still keeping his towel wrapped around his dripping midsection. "I usually just use them to get around to places that have open sky, and sometimes for fun and leisure." He spoke softly.

"Sounds good. Hey, here's an idea! I could use practice in dealing with flying opponents! Want to help a lady out with that?" Chrys said, in a sudden rush of words.

[New Aksarben]

"NYEEAO!" Giovenith took a few airplane laps around the giraffe statue, careful not to run into anyone on the way. She then flew after her friends, enjoying the freedom and space to run around freely. "Nyeeao!" she zipped past them. "Where to first, guys?"

"Well, we are going to a model store, Gio." Jacob said, smiling at the sight of the godling running around like an airplane. He never thought he would see a god, even a young one, being as silly as Gio could be. "Do you see one anywhere, amice? Jacob and Albert were looking around, but couldn't spot one anywhere. "Also, what is with this Giraffe statue? It is quite silly, but what is it doing here exactly?"

[The BranRiech]

"Sure, we can see some statues. Maybe we could pick up lunch someplace as well." Bran said as he skipped out the main door, leading his group down the same street as the other group. They were a but behind them though, so they couldn't see them from where they were right now.

"I think there's a park we're going to pass right up here."

--

Drova nearly jumped out of his skin at the outburst from Chrys, and her loud speaking didn't help, as he held his hands up to his ears defensively. "Uh, sure? I could teach you a few things."

[Giovenith]

"Yaaaaay, model store!" Giovenith did a little hop over a crack. "I'm a magical airplane, that carries talking turtles to Turtle-land!" She told Ray, doing a little spin "mid-air." "And the giraffe was my request when they rebuilt the whole city!"

She left out the part about how it was brutally destroyed by alien invaders, thus leading to it needing to be rebuilt.

[Tiltjuice]

Drova nearly jumped out of his skin at the outburst from Chrys, and her loud speaking didn't help, as he held his hands up to his ears defensively. "Uh, sure? I could teach you a few things."

"Great! Well, some other time, perhaps. You've got to get flying and I and my armor need to get dried off and then I need a shower and a Dr Pepper." Chrys gave a firm nod and a wave to Drova. "Nice hanging out and talking!"

She had things to buy, now. He wouldn't know what hit him, if she did it right.

[New Aksarben]

"Yaaaaay, model store!" Giovenith did a little hop over a crack. "I'm a magical airplane, that carries talking turtles to Turtle-land!" She told Ray, doing a little spin "mid-air." "And the giraffe was my request when they rebuilt the whole city!"

She left out the part about how it was brutally destroyed by alien invaders, thus leading to it needing to be rebuilt.

"Well, Its Awesome Giovenith. It seems exactly like something you would want to have in the city. Something silly, but awesome!" Jacob said happily, his tail continued wagging, mainly because he was excited to see new things with good friends. Albert continued looking around for a model store, but hadn't spotted anything quite yet.

[Torsiedelle]

"Sure, we can see some statues. Maybe we could pick up lunch someplace as well." Bran said as he skipped out the main door, leading his group down the same street as the other group. They were a but behind them though, so they couldn't see them from where they were right now.

"I think there's a park we're going to pass right up here."

--

Drova nearly jumped out of his skin at the outburst from Chrys, and her loud speaking didn't help, as he held his hands up to his ears defensively. "Uh, sure? I could teach you a few things."

"Sweet! I think me and my sister were at a park, once...don't know if this is it, though."

Torii continued to follow Bran along the way, but stopped skipping. She chose to walk, instead, and take in the sight of her neighborhood, which she found beautiful. Who knew what the rest of the city held? She never explored much anyway, so this was an adventure!

[Erucia]

"Yaaaaay, model store!" Giovenith did a little hop over a crack. "I'm a magical airplane, that carries talking turtles to Turtle-land!" She told Ray, doing a little spin "mid-air." "And the giraffe was my request when they rebuilt the whole city!"

She left out the part about how it was brutally destroyed by alien invaders, thus leading to it needing to be rebuilt.

"Well, Its Awesome Giovenith. It seems exactly like something you would want to have in the city. Something silly, but awesome!" Jacob said happily, his tail continued wagging, mainly because he was excited to see new things with good friends. Albert continued looking around for a model store, but hadn't spotted anything quite yet.

"Hum! That's an interesting little present that the city decided to leave you with. Awful nice of them to do so, but I wish I would get a nice present from the city," Ray huffed with a slight amount of sarcasm. His tail twitched occasionally, but it didn't seem to have any correlation with his thoughts. "And I would want to visit Turtle-Land some day! Sounds quite nice; how can I go there?" As Ray spoke, there seemed to be a small building within a street corner that held up a sign that displayed numerous planes and trains on the front.

[The BranRiech]

"Well, see you later." Drova waved back and took a turn away from Chrys, down his hallway to his apartment. His sister was waiting there for him, messing around with potions or something of that sort. He sighed and threw himself into the bathroom to groom himself, and then to put on some clean clothes.

[Tiltjuice]

"Yaaaaay, model store!" Giovenith did a little hop over a crack. "I'm a magical airplane, that carries talking turtles to Turtle-land!" She told Ray, doing a little spin "mid-air." "And the giraffe was my request when they rebuilt the whole city!"

She left out the part about how it was brutally destroyed by alien invaders, thus leading to it needing to be rebuilt.

"Well, Its Awesome Giovenith. It seems exactly like something you would want to have in the city. Something silly, but awesome!" Jacob said happily, his tail continued wagging, mainly because he was excited to see new things with good friends. Albert continued looking around for a model store, but hadn't spotted anything quite yet.

The main attraction for Dora was the open-air fish market in the square a little east of Memorial Park. Large crowds of people milled about; among their number was a cluster of people, which she judged to be chefs, on the basis that Cuisine was among them and all of them were wearing toques. It brought back vague memories of the waterfront at Piraeus, so many centuries ago, and less vague memories of other things. Seeing that Ray and Albert wanted to pause their discussion of the old city, she stopped.

"I'll catch up in a bit, guys. Going to grab some fish for dinner tonight, and socialize with an old friend." She winked meaningfully at Jacob, though she didn't know exactly why. "Call me if you get to the bookstore or the gun shop, would you?"

[Giovenith]

"You must believe in all turtles you meet, for the rest of your life, before the Queen of the Turtles brings you there!" said Giovenith, slowing down a bit to keep an eye out for the model store. Truthfully, she herself had not gone exploring this far into the city before, but was sure that if they just kept looking they could find some indicator. "The model store will be OUR Turtleland."

[New Aksarben]

"Well, Its Awesome Giovenith. It seems exactly like something you would want to have in the city. Something silly, but awesome!" Jacob said happily, his tail continued wagging, mainly because he was excited to see new things with good friends. Albert continued looking around for a model store, but hadn't spotted anything quite yet.

The main attraction for Dora was the open-air fish market in the square a little east of Memorial Park. Large crowds of people milled about; among their number was a cluster of people, which she judged to be chefs, on the basis that Cuisine was among them and all of them were wearing toques. It brought back vague memories of the waterfront at Piraeus, so many centuries ago, and less vague memories of other things. Seeing that Ray and Albert wanted to pause their discussion of the old city, she stopped.

"I'll catch up in a bit, guys. Going to grab some fish for dinner tonight, and socialize with an old friend." She winked meaningfully at Jacob, though she didn't know exactly why. "Call me if you get to the bookstore or the gun shop, would you?"

"See you later, then Dora." Jacob said, waving happily. He didn't understand why Dora had winked either, but he just guessed it was Dora being Dora. He then spotted the model store, and said to the others, "Oh, look there's a model store!" He pointed out, as he pointed towards it. "Maybe they will have a turtle model kit in it, Giovenith!" He thought aloud randomly, smiling at the godling happily.

[Swith Witherward]

The main attraction for Dora was the open-air fish market in the square a little east of Memorial Park. Large crowds of people milled about; among their number was a cluster of people, which she judged to be chefs, on the basis that Cuisine was among them and all of them were wearing toques. It brought back vague memories of the waterfront at Piraeus, so many centuries ago, and less vague memories of other things. Seeing that Ray and Albert wanted to pause their discussion of the old city, she stopped.

"I'll catch up in a bit, guys. Going to grab some fish for dinner tonight, and socialize with an old friend." She winked meaningfully at Jacob, though she didn't know exactly why. "Call me if you get to the bookstore or the gun shop, would you?"

The fish market was a bustle of activity. Men gestured to the fish on display, asking Dora to look and then inquiring if she'd be interested in purchasing the entire thing. To one corner was a kind faced old gentleman. He sat beside metal tub. Fresh salmon rested on a bed of the clearest ice. On the wall behind him was a small mural.