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Entry tags:
- ! event log,
- a discovery of witches: kit marlowe,
- detroit: become human: chloe,
- detroit: become human: connor,
- final fantasy: sephiroth,
- locked tomb: harrowhark nonagesimus,
- marvel: jennifer walters,
- marvel: loki odinson,
- marvel: thor odinson,
- my hero academia: takami keigo,
- oc: elenore evans,
- prodigal son: malcolm bright
Something in the air...
✖ The Isle That Blooms
Ⅰ. ARRIVAL
You can read all about your character's arrival in the game lore.
This is the first isle you can smell before you see it rising on the island. It starts with the faint hint of growing things that blossoms into a floral scent that teases you with the combination of familiarity and the unknown. The next breeze seems to carry you closer even as it coats everything in a delicate wash of golden pollen that only the Ferryman seems to be able to avoid.
Do you like your lips to taste the gritty sweetness? Or are you already starting to sniffle? Either way, the island starts as a smudge then turns into a riot of color as it reveals itself.
The Isle that Blooms lives up to its name as flowers vie in a silent war of roots and strangling vines to cover every viable surface with sprays of color and vibrant pulsing life. There are signs of human life in the form of a village built on stilts and full of little anachronisms like a glowing neon sign that hint that the island sees a large number of Travelers come through this place.
And who wouldn’t be drawn to the abundant flora, brightly painted houses, and lively locals?
Everyone seems to be glowing with health as the locals gather near the dock to welcome the latest set of tourists. They come with arms full of flower wreaths and friendly smiles, clearly in control of their faculties and interested in trade. Their clothing is as bright as the paintings on their buildings, as the flowers that surround them, and perfect for the warmth of the day.
Do you notice, though, the absence of any babies or prepubescent children? Or that while there are old people, no one shows signs of the infirmities that come with age? It might be easy to miss, especially as the Isle starts to affect you, too.
The ache in your back from that terrible fall, the craving for that next drink, the trauma that’s too close to the surface, all the petty hurts the build up in a lifetime start to fade as you, too, start to bloom.
Ⅱ. THE TEMPLE
Orchids in shades of yellow and pink so bright they glow have been trained to grow along the walkways and bridges of the elevated village to guide Travelers to this island’s Temple. The building stands alone at the edge of the Village, extending out in the ocean of flowers that fill most of the isle.
The temple is made of simple stout wood that has been carved and painted in patterns ornate and lovely in a way that speaks of hundreds of hours of creation and maintenance. The same orchids that guided you here gild building and act as camouflage the sleeping porches ring the outside. They are kept private and safe from insects by fine netting, and you will find the bedding soft and fine.
This Temple’s Guardians are a pair of lazing cats with strange spots and scaly wings that regard you with affectionate disinterest as you explore the facilities. There are toilets and sinks, but no baths or showers. The pantries are stocked with edible flowers and fresh fish and the space and tools to cook. If you are brave enough, the Guardians will probably give you practical advice on how to use those supplies. There are new clothes and sandals better suited to the heat, and even practical machetes.
Ⅲ. THE LOTUS BATHS
CW: fantasy setting drugs.
There’s only so long a person can stand to be covered in pollen, and when you ask the locals, they grin. Oh, you want a bath? There’s a path back to the ground and through the tall flowers to a natural spring. Make sure to head out early, they warn.
It’s always better to be in the village before nightfall, and you are clearly going to take a while.
As you walk the winding path to the baths, the everpresent flowers seem to thin out and even disappear as ground warms and rock rises from rich soil. You can smell the mineral richness of the bright blue pools that form waterfalls over a series of rising ledges. There is life, though, even here, in the form of delicate lily pads that float in rafts around vivid lotus flowers.
If you test the water, you’ll find it’s warm enough to melt the knots out of muscles and make it easy to understand why the few bathers seem to be so languid and relaxed. If you sink all the way in, well, not only will you manage to get clean, but you might find yourself mellowing out even more. So mellow you’ll hardly notice when the pleasant hallucinations start.
You’ll find yourself drawn into visions of your most private joys and of the pleasures you keep to yourself. Maybe it’s a matter of shame or maybe it’s because they’re too precious. There’s one small problem, though. If someone else gets in the same pool, not only will they start to share the same vision, but you’ll start to see theirs too.
Will the fantasies become a nightmare or will you manage to navigate them together? Will you ever be able to look at each other the same way again?
Ⅳ. NIGHTBLOOMING
CW: abduction, violence.
You are warned to stay in the elevated village at night. The flower fields are safe enough during the day, but things happen at night. It’s hard to imagine during the day when stingless bees that glitter in jewel colors bumble along and hummingbirds the size of chihuahuas feed from the abundant flowers while squeaking their strong opinions at each other.
But as the moon rises, and most of the flowers close, there’s rustling sounds that make it clear that there are big things moving through that growth. Things that make the hair rise up on the back of a person’s neck. It would take a big prize to make it worth finding out what makes those sounds. A big prize or a reason to face your fears.
There’s a scream in the night. You can ignore it, of course. Not everyone is meant to run towards the scream. It might not even change the color of your ScryWatch.
But if you go to the source of the sound you’ll find a mother weeping openly while other locals gather around to comfort her. It seems her teenager decided that the best way to woo their lover was with glowing flowers that only open under a full moon. The teen has been gone for hours, and the grim expressions on the people around you say his chances aren’t good.
You have a choice to make. Will you go into the dark to face the unknown dangers? Will you offer some other form of comfort? Or will you go back to hide in the safety of the Temple?
Ⅴ. SPECIAL EVENT: THE FLOWER ORACLE
In the center of the village, there is a giant flower bud that is bigger than a man is tall. The villagers tell you that you are lucky. You will be here when the Flower Oracle blooms. You will have a chance to speak directly to the Ancient One through the Oracle, and She even answers. All it takes is a little sacrifice.
Bonus: music to watch the flowers bloom to.
You can read all about your character's arrival in the game lore.
This is the first isle you can smell before you see it rising on the island. It starts with the faint hint of growing things that blossoms into a floral scent that teases you with the combination of familiarity and the unknown. The next breeze seems to carry you closer even as it coats everything in a delicate wash of golden pollen that only the Ferryman seems to be able to avoid.
Do you like your lips to taste the gritty sweetness? Or are you already starting to sniffle? Either way, the island starts as a smudge then turns into a riot of color as it reveals itself.
The Isle that Blooms lives up to its name as flowers vie in a silent war of roots and strangling vines to cover every viable surface with sprays of color and vibrant pulsing life. There are signs of human life in the form of a village built on stilts and full of little anachronisms like a glowing neon sign that hint that the island sees a large number of Travelers come through this place.
And who wouldn’t be drawn to the abundant flora, brightly painted houses, and lively locals?
Everyone seems to be glowing with health as the locals gather near the dock to welcome the latest set of tourists. They come with arms full of flower wreaths and friendly smiles, clearly in control of their faculties and interested in trade. Their clothing is as bright as the paintings on their buildings, as the flowers that surround them, and perfect for the warmth of the day.
Do you notice, though, the absence of any babies or prepubescent children? Or that while there are old people, no one shows signs of the infirmities that come with age? It might be easy to miss, especially as the Isle starts to affect you, too.
The ache in your back from that terrible fall, the craving for that next drink, the trauma that’s too close to the surface, all the petty hurts the build up in a lifetime start to fade as you, too, start to bloom.
Notes:
1. NO GUNS are allowed on this island. The Ferryman will keep them safe for you.
2. These residents of the island are normal humans. Killing them is possible and may affect the color of your Scrywatch.
3. Any type of flower could exist on the island, blooming somewhere, regardless of its real world requirements. Rare ones are difficult to find and magical ones need a check in with the mods.
4. There is nothing preadolescent of any animal species on the entire island, including insects.
5. The island’s ability leaves people as the healthiest, most energetic version of their current selves. Examples: A blind person in otherwise good mental and emotional health would notice minimal changes. A person with a disorder would find themselves having a string of good days. A 50 year old probably hasn’t felt this good since their thirties.
Ⅱ. THE TEMPLE
Orchids in shades of yellow and pink so bright they glow have been trained to grow along the walkways and bridges of the elevated village to guide Travelers to this island’s Temple. The building stands alone at the edge of the Village, extending out in the ocean of flowers that fill most of the isle.
The temple is made of simple stout wood that has been carved and painted in patterns ornate and lovely in a way that speaks of hundreds of hours of creation and maintenance. The same orchids that guided you here gild building and act as camouflage the sleeping porches ring the outside. They are kept private and safe from insects by fine netting, and you will find the bedding soft and fine.
This Temple’s Guardians are a pair of lazing cats with strange spots and scaly wings that regard you with affectionate disinterest as you explore the facilities. There are toilets and sinks, but no baths or showers. The pantries are stocked with edible flowers and fresh fish and the space and tools to cook. If you are brave enough, the Guardians will probably give you practical advice on how to use those supplies. There are new clothes and sandals better suited to the heat, and even practical machetes.
Notes:
1. The Main Temple is still open to those who are brand new to PM.
2. There are paints and carving tools if you want to add to the temple decorations. (Maybe mention it during the Oracle Event if you do.)
3. All fabric items are ridiculously bright and vaguely tie dyed.
4. The marker orchids have a distinctly strong smell of vanilla with a hint of lime.
Ⅲ. THE LOTUS BATHS
CW: fantasy setting drugs.
There’s only so long a person can stand to be covered in pollen, and when you ask the locals, they grin. Oh, you want a bath? There’s a path back to the ground and through the tall flowers to a natural spring. Make sure to head out early, they warn.
It’s always better to be in the village before nightfall, and you are clearly going to take a while.
As you walk the winding path to the baths, the everpresent flowers seem to thin out and even disappear as ground warms and rock rises from rich soil. You can smell the mineral richness of the bright blue pools that form waterfalls over a series of rising ledges. There is life, though, even here, in the form of delicate lily pads that float in rafts around vivid lotus flowers. If you test the water, you’ll find it’s warm enough to melt the knots out of muscles and make it easy to understand why the few bathers seem to be so languid and relaxed. If you sink all the way in, well, not only will you manage to get clean, but you might find yourself mellowing out even more. So mellow you’ll hardly notice when the pleasant hallucinations start.
You’ll find yourself drawn into visions of your most private joys and of the pleasures you keep to yourself. Maybe it’s a matter of shame or maybe it’s because they’re too precious. There’s one small problem, though. If someone else gets in the same pool, not only will they start to share the same vision, but you’ll start to see theirs too.
Will the fantasies become a nightmare or will you manage to navigate them together? Will you ever be able to look at each other the same way again?
Notes:
1. The hallucinations will end when you leave the water, but only once you and your bathing partner are both out.
2. The flowers are magical and will affect everyone, even robots or super powered people.
Ⅳ. NIGHTBLOOMING
CW: abduction, violence.
You are warned to stay in the elevated village at night. The flower fields are safe enough during the day, but things happen at night. It’s hard to imagine during the day when stingless bees that glitter in jewel colors bumble along and hummingbirds the size of chihuahuas feed from the abundant flowers while squeaking their strong opinions at each other.But as the moon rises, and most of the flowers close, there’s rustling sounds that make it clear that there are big things moving through that growth. Things that make the hair rise up on the back of a person’s neck. It would take a big prize to make it worth finding out what makes those sounds. A big prize or a reason to face your fears.
There’s a scream in the night. You can ignore it, of course. Not everyone is meant to run towards the scream. It might not even change the color of your ScryWatch.
But if you go to the source of the sound you’ll find a mother weeping openly while other locals gather around to comfort her. It seems her teenager decided that the best way to woo their lover was with glowing flowers that only open under a full moon. The teen has been gone for hours, and the grim expressions on the people around you say his chances aren’t good.
You have a choice to make. Will you go into the dark to face the unknown dangers? Will you offer some other form of comfort? Or will you go back to hide in the safety of the Temple?
Notes:
1. The danger in the flowers consists of six foot tall nocturnal orchid mantises who have the teen pinned in a tree. They are currently singing a human language lullaby to the kid to get them to go to sleep and fall out of the tree.
2. The mantises have a hive mind and will retreat if one of their number is killed, but can also be talked to and negotiated with. They will be willing to trade a regular supply of fish for no longer hunting people.
Ⅴ. SPECIAL EVENT: THE FLOWER ORACLE
In the center of the village, there is a giant flower bud that is bigger than a man is tall. The villagers tell you that you are lucky. You will be here when the Flower Oracle blooms. You will have a chance to speak directly to the Ancient One through the Oracle, and She even answers. All it takes is a little sacrifice.
Notes:
1. During the week of July 12-18, there will be a special event post where characters can choose to interact with the Flower Oracle for a chance to be rewarded, get an answer, get silence, or get punished by the Ancient.
2. Any starter posted during this window will be honored, specifics to come.
3. This event is optional!
Lotus Baths
Cyberlife's idea of bathing him was a cold chemical shower that he'd never questioned and never minded, but if the thought of a warm, soaking bath interests and intrigues him, he doesn't compare it to what he'd known before. That was in the past, and it wasn't important. As h makes his way along the path toward the baths, there's a gentle smile on his face. Every now and again he stops to press his nose to a vibrant flower or simply to appreciate the ambience, the sounds of singing birds and wildlife scurrying through the undergrowth lining the path. As he approaches, his sensors pick up on the rich scent of the minerals in the springs.
His bathing trunks match his mood, bright, sunny yellow that complements the placid blue of his lazily circling LED. He wears nothing else, enjoying the feeling of the various textures under his bare feet. He's never gone anywhere barefoot before, and it feels almost luxuriously decadent.
As he nears the pools, the air becomes heavy with the thick, cloying scent of fresh roses in bloom, and stepping closer he can see Amanda at her trellises, her back to him as she tends her garden. Slipping into the warm water, he approaches Amanda, his demeanor open and pleasant as he greets her. She turns to him, a warm smile on her face as her voice floats over to him, full of praise and affection.]
Connor. It's good to see you. Congratulations, Connor. Finding that deviant was far from easy. And the way you interrogated it was very clever. You've been remarkably efficient, Connor. You're the most advanced prototype Cyberlife has ever created.
[Connor closes his eyes, basking in the approval of his handler with a gentle smile on his face. It confuses him to hear Kamski's voice soon after, so he opens his eyes, noticing Chloe for the first time. How odd.]
Chloe?
no subject
It's only when Elijah's hand moves to stroke her cheek that her eyes flutter open. It's curious. His fingers brush over her skin as he continues to gaze at her. As he sees her. Her thirium pump feels like it could burst. If it exploded in her chest right then and there, she would feel complete.
Perfect.
Voices. There were other voices. Wasn't one saying her name? Voices she knows.
Slowly, she orients herself to face into the pool. A garden? At first she assumes it to be her garden. Only she isn't resting. And the more she studies the details, the more she sees that it doesn't resemble her garden. Not exactly. But this place doesn't belong to the baths either, does it? Or was she so distracted to not take note of her surroundings?
And there's Connor. And Amanda. How lovely. How special. How strange for them all to be together, but how wonderful. Amanda is a very important woman. And while she shouldn't be there, how lucky they are that she is. How wonderful for Elijah.
The smile she gives Connor holds an easy radiance. )
Are you enjoying the bath, Connor? Isn't it lovely?
no subject
I guess- yes, I am. Are you? You look very relaxed.
[And Elijah looks positively doting. Has their relationship improved since Connor visited Kamski's mansion? Maybe Elijah had been struck with guilt and dedicated himself to Chloe's happiness as a way of apologizing? Connor still has a slightly dumb look on his face as he glances between the three of them, his smile growing awkward.]
I'm sorry, I think I must be interrupting something. I didn't realize Elijah was here. Do you know Amanda, Chloe?
no subject
Elijah strolls over to Connor, standing behind him to place both hands on the android's shoulders and speaks. )
You aren't interrupting anything, Connor. I'm sure Chloe is glad to see you.
( Taking her cue, Chloe nods. Yes, it is nice to see Connor. His presence presents no problem to her, and certainly not if it presents no problem to Elijah.
Though she considers the question that was posed. Does she know Amanda? Yes, she does. Yes, they had met. Elijah had displayed what all the teaching had helped form. Only the mentor had died. And yet here she is. What an odd thing.
But Elijah continues. )
I know Chloe worries about you. Such a sensitive thing. Perhaps you'd like her to hold your hand again?
no subject
Actually Mr. Kamski, I was wondering- I was-
[He falters, looking uncertainly from Kamski to Chloe, a frown beginning to form. He reaches up to rub at his forehead, as though it will help him remember something important that he shouldn't have forgotten in the first place.]
How do you know...? Did Chloe tell you that?
no subject
Because none of it adds up really, does it? They've never met like this. This has never happened. And it couldn't be happening now because they aren't in a house with a room with a pool. They are elsewhere. The strangest place, where strange things happen.
As if in tune with the unspoken thoughts, Elijah trains his gaze on the blonde creation. The smile sent in her direction holds an air of triumph. The hands tighten ever so slightly on Connor's shoulders. )
Because I know everything, Connor. One doesn't create life without an intimate knowledge of each facet. ( The pause hangs heavy in the air. ) Now. You were wondering...?
no subject
So you believe we're alive? Why did you- why would you -Chloe didn't deserve what you almost made me do to her. [He shakes his head irritably.] I can't- I don't know. I can't remember. I think I should go now. I need to go now.
no subject
There's a flicker of two other Chloe models in their blue bikinis, chatting at the side of the bath. The scene wants to shift, but the original Chloe clearly doesn't want to allow it. The memories are forcibly pushed away, making the other two blonde androids pulse in and out of existence.
She makes her way through the water over to Connor, her eyes searching his when she reaches him. Because this isn't happening, is it? Does it echo that same conclusion? Does he see it?
Both her hands wrap around the top of one of his arms to tug him away from the hold Elijah has on his shoulders. )
Let's go. I don't want to be here any more. Let's go. Let's just leave.
( Chloe herself doesn't know whether she's talking purely about the baths or sharing something unspoken from That Day. )
no subject
When Chloe- the real Chloe, so far as he can tell? -approaches, he focuses on her, hoping he's not wrong. He wants to believe she's solid and present, and her hands are convincing, but then Elijah's had been, too. But she's moving and animated and the others are now all frozen in place, like a movie on pause. He takes one last look over his shoulder before he goes with her, letting her lead him away.]
Wait- I have to know. What happened after? What happened to you when Hank and I left?
[He's not looking at the others anymore, and they no longer matter. He's afraid that if he doesn't ask his questions now, there won't be another opportunity, that he'll lose his courage and they'll both just want to put it behind them and forget. But he can't let that happen yet. He has to know- it's important. He needs to know that she was safe, even though they'd left her there with Elijah.]
Were you alright?
no subject
As if to signal her steadfast refusal, the other Chloes fizzle out of the scene. The room with the pool warps, its borders becoming fluid as she evidently tries to erase the entire illusion.
Only it may be that the island has other ideas. Or it may be Chloe herself. It's certainly not something she wants to acknowledge. As she backs away from Connor, she ends up bumping against the edge of the bath. As she moves, so does Elijah. Feline in his prowling, he is the undisputed king of his domain.
Upon reaching Chloe, he places a hand on her head. His fingers stroke over her forehead, right where a bullet would have hit if it had been fired. Now Chloe is the one who looks frozen, rooted to the spot within the water. )
What happened. Hmm. What a question. ( It's Elijah who speaks, still caressing his creation. ) What did you think would happen? That I would apologise? No. One doesn't apologise for the necessary. Chloe knows all too well she is to support me in all things. There are no limits in the pursuit of knowledge.
( The man's gaze is intense, and aimed straight at Connor. ) Do you recall one of the questions I asked that day? I'm sure it must have sounded rhetorical. Magnificent, isn't it? But what is it really?
( His pause is the sword of Damocles above her head. ) A question Chloe wishes no one but herself knew the answer to. An answer that serves to explain so much. How could I let you hold a gun to my Chloe? I'm sure you've asked yourself that question many times.
( He sighs with a dramatic weariness. ) A simple answer - it is not my Chloe. When you left, I shielded it as I always have and it continued its deceptions. Charming, really, the desperation of a creature who knows how far it's fallen.
no subject
The thirium starts to boil in his tubing as Kamski touches her, acting possessive towards her. Chloe belongs to No One but herself! He grits his teeth, seething as Kamski begins talking, answering for her.]
If you were any kind of man, any kind of person, you would have been on your knees, begging her forgiveness!
[His hands are balling into fists at his side, but he continues to listen. What was she really? The same thing as Connor! Why was Kamski so insistent on discovering whether or not Connor had any empathy when he had none of his own? Why did he care about deviants if he didn't acknowledge that Chloe was a person? Kamski had been right about only one thing that day- Chloe is magnificent. Kamski never deserved her.]
Chloe is a person. Just like I am. She doesn't belong to anyone, and she isn't yours.
[Wait, what? Kamski is agreeing with him?
Oh. Oh. That's what this is. Another excuse to insult her. To pretend that she's not what she is, what he'd created her to be. A person. A living being, beholden to no one but herself.
Connor can't take it anymore. He rushes forward, grabbing Kamski's shirt and slamming him into the rocks behind him. Raising his arm, his fist swings with the deadly accuracy of an android, connecting with Kamski's face in a satisfying crunch and a spurt of blood from Kamski's shattered nose. He hits him over and over, each punch punctuated by a word.]
Chloe. Deserves. Better. Than YOU!
[The last punch goes straight through Kamski as he dissipates before Connor's eyes. He pulls it just in time to avoid pounding his fist into the rocks behind where Kamski had been standing. With a surprised blink, he turns around slowly, seeing the remaining figures for what they are- illusions, transparent and flickering around them. The skin on his hand is damaged and dripping thirium from the force of his blows, a small price to pay for- for Chloe.]
no subject
Resigned to the fate that's played out for years, Chloe doesn't immediately register what the other android is actually saying. Forgiveness. He's talking about forgiveness. Elijah asking for it from her. About them both being people. About how she isn't his.
It feels as though it's being view from underwater. The expectations are so distorted that it feels like her processing keeps coming to a halt. Listening - really listening - feels... blocked. It's similar to what she experienced before when talking to Connor. There's something within her, some planted coding, that doesn't want her to hear. It's that awful grinding within her head. If she could experience pain, she imagines that's how it would be. Painful. An agonising splitting apart.
RT600 Chloe belongs to Elijah Kamski. RT600 was made for Elijah Kamski. RT600 Chloe loves Elijah Kamski. A brilliant man. An unparalleled genius. A man deserving of adoration. RT600 Chloe cares for him very much.
There is no place for RT600 Chloe in this world without Elijah Kamski.
Another sound invades her audio processors. An organic sound of human bone being broken. It's Connor. Connor hitting Elijah over and over and over again.
It takes her a second to act. Just a second longer than it should. Shock. Of course it's shock. This scene may not be real, but it is still a shock to see her creator pummelled into submission.
It's just shock.
Leaping out of the water, she darts to Connor. With neither of them in the bath, all the illusions are gone. Not that Chloe has taken much note of their surroundings returning to that of the island. She's far too busy taking Connor's injured hand in both of her own, turning it over to check the extent of the damage. Logically, she knows that he will be fine and his self-repair can easily take care of it. The logic of it isn't much comfort, though. )
Your hand... Connor... There was no need... You shouldn't have hurt yourself like this.
( Hurt himself like this for her. Only it feels too presumptuous to say.
Grabbing her towel, she dampens a corner of it in the bath so she can gingerly wipe the thirium off of his hand. )
no subject
If Connor can throw aside the shackles of his programming, then surely Chloe can do the same. If she needs help, Connor will help her. Kamski doesn't matter anymore.
He stares down at his hand, damaged as it is now, and then Chloe taking it in both of hers. Her touch is soft, gentle, calming.]
He shouldn't have treated you like he did. He never should have put me in a position of having to choose between your life and some stupid information. He's a selfish, arrogant man and he had no right to toy with our lives like they meant nothing. You never deserved any of that. [His words become heated and vehement.] He'll never treat you that way again.
[He lets her tend to his hand, watching her closely, wondering if Kamski back home is finally realizing what he's lost.]
no subject
A selfish, arrogant man. He shouldn't have treated her like he did. He had no right to toy with their lives. He'll never treat her that way again.
He's a brilliant man. Others don't understand him. Understand them. There was never any danger. He wouldn't allow her to get hurt. And he has backups.
Countless Chloes who exist in the ether. Old versions of herself. Better versions. The Chloe she was made to be.
Would she even know? If he uploaded one of his backups, would she even know?
An experiment. Always an experiment. New software. New upgrade. Test. Recalibrate. Rinse. Repeat.
But he has to do those things. He wants her to be healthy. He wants her to last. RT600 Chloe is to be with Elijah forever. Young and beautiful forever. A flower that will never wither.
That agonising splitting apart. She can feel it. An urge that tells her to keep going. Another that tells her to stop. One that says think and another that says don't. It feels like hands grasping at her, pulling her up, while others claw to drag her down. Maybe one day she'll just tear in two.
But not today. Today, like so many days before it, Chloe tells it all to hush and waits for the roars to fade to whispers. )