Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

"What makes you think I'd stop there? " Alice says jokingly.

Ytir just glances around, silence being broken by someone reaching out to touch the raptor, then turns to petting.

 

I take a step away, allowing the petting, but watching the hand.

 

"Because that's mostly the extent of it." I say, shrugging.

Alice almost feels like her life is literally draining away from Artemis' death stare.

 

Alice laughs.
"Artemis, relax. I swore to secrecy."

Ytir doesn't let anyone touch his neck, but eventually he's treated more like a pet than a monster.
"This turned quickly." He comments, cleary on hyperalert.

 

I put a hand on Artemis' shoulder, looking her in the eyes, and she seems to calm down, growing a flower from the table.

 

"Contact helps a lot of animals, I've found."
I respond.

 

"Shadows mess with shadows." Alice laughs.

Ali seems to have watched, smirking the entire time.

 

"Thank god we've moved on from survival of the fittest and most powerful." I say, sighing.

 

"Well, it's new to me."
"Makes you seem less threatening."
"I mean, that's a plus, but... it's still awkward." He complains.

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"For the most part, yes. It's certainly helped to have a code of law, though."

 

"Well,"
I start formally, addressing everyone.
"Clearly the lot of you don't know much about raptors, and you've got one right here, so why not ask questions?"
I suggest.

 

"You can't just move on from 'Absorb whoever is weaker than you to grow in power' to 'Don't do that' without people still doing it," I say, "...At least I wasn't born into that kind of life."

 

"You came into a lot less messy of a situation. Plus, other towns are a lot less ruly. Our detectives are just super farsighted." Alice complains.

"Because it's soft and I want to pet it right now?" Seems to be the general consensus.

 

"It's hard not to get brainwashed in the richest town in the Realm, as well as the main capital of it." I say.

 

"Fair enough. Just trying to spout something up."
I say, trying to find a seat as Crystal sits on the floor.

 

"Well, there were the gangs, but that's a slightly different story. Also, let your detectives know that the case they started working on should be closed. Don't tell them I did it, just say you got it covered. I've got a file back on my coffee table."

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There are four vacant chairs on your end of the room.

 

I sit in one, watching the scene.

 

It slowly evolves into a Q&A, most of the questions asking what it's like trying to survive in the ruin, and most of the answers making them regret asking.

 

I take the chance to look around a bit more, and Crystal listens in.

 

"How does the grass cover the dens?"
"Oh, a mantis taught me how to weave pieces together, and then it makes it so less wind gets in. It's always cold, though."

 

I eventually start listening more.