002 - Growing Pains

[tabularasa_mods]

Growing Pains State of the World ▲ Locations ▼ Bestiary
OOC ▲ Comments A Light In The Darkness
Light seems to have been especially tricky for the world to comprehend, but it finally, finally seems to have figured things out. Light comes from more than just the sky, and now signs and lamps that were once dark have begun to glow brightly. From the Wall Market's dazzling exhibition of color to the dimmed street lamps of the City of Tears, the whole world has been made bright and lively once more without losing the comfort and tranquility that darkness brings. Even the broken screens of the Hammerlocke Stadium give off a pleasant glow, and the world doesn't seem to care that some lights need electricity to stay on - lights are simply lights, as far as the world seems concerned.

Unfortunately, these new lights are a little too simple. Without any need for a power source, there's no way to turn the lights off - if something is deemed a light source, it will always function as a light source. The only way to stop it is to destroy the object beyond recognition, but that might not be the most practical solution. Covering up the lights is the next best thing, but it's a task that's easier with some sources than others. At least no one needs to sleep yet.

Difficulties aside, now seems like the perfect time to start exploring all those new corners of the world that were previously too dark to navigate. Fire is an easy, safe and portable light source that anyone can use, and it even puts itself out after awhile. Just be careful not to get stuck in the dark by a stray breeze.

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Who's Hungry?
Animals need to eat. People need to eat. These are simple facts that people lost in the strange, changing landscape all seem to be well aware of, yet appear to not apply to this world. That is not to say that people can’t eat or drink, for many people do, but there is no actual need. Eating provides nothing but the knowledge that one has eaten, and anyone might go without food entirely. Lately, some might have found eating has become more satisfying and fulfilling an act, as though food is providing them with a vaguely-defined something they didn’t get before. It doesn’t seem to mean much in the grand scheme of things, but perhaps it allows them some sense of normality.

When hunger sets in, it’s sudden. Every person, whether or not they ever needed to eat in their homeland, is hit with a powerful, overwhelming sense of hunger, to the point it feels that if they do not eat they will soon starve. Those who have never eaten in all their time here might easily find themselves so hungry they can barely even move, and have little choice but to eat. Fortunately, food is plentiful. If it can be put in the mouth, chewed and swallowed, it is food, and thus will give a person temporary relief from their hunger. What goes in does not appear to come out, instead simply becoming part of that person and revitalizing them. How long it takes to feel hungry again seems entirely random, and each time there is no lead up - someone is either fine, or they are starving, without any in-between.

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Starving Mad Beasts
When people suddenly remember hunger, so too do the animals of the world. For some creatures this isn't an issue - the tall-necked beasts continue to graze on the treetops like they always have, and the smaller creatures seem content with snacking on whatever small scraps they can find. Not all creatures are so easily satisfied, however, and the more aggressive ones have turned to attacking other species for food.

The vicious water dragons are quick to clamp their mouths on anything within reach... but, lacking teeth, this doesn't amount to much. Still, they're as persistent as ever, and in a way their inability to viciously devour their prey only makes them more dangerous. These beasts are starving, and for all their skill in chasing down prey they can do little to actually eat their catch, which means they're constantly on the hunt and out to get anything that moves. Perhaps it might even be a good idea to help them out, if feeding the fish might make them a little less aggressive.

The machines are far better equipped for hunting, and all the more dangerous now that they're hungry enough to take a bite out of someone. Death is not a concept the world understands, so it's not like they're doing any permanent harm, but it's still a bit unnerving to see animals limping by with bite-sized chunks taken out of them. They haven't had a taste of people yet, but it doesn't seem like it'll be long before they try.

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Mushroom Hunting
Mushrooms are a new sight within the world, and a perfect snack to satisfy that sudden debilitating hunger! Harvesting them can be a bit of a problem, however. For one, they are massive, and the task of cutting one down and breaking it into edible chunks is made much easier with a group of people than one person working alone. Finding the mushrooms in their dark habitats may also be difficult... although, it is much easier to spot a mushroom the size of an entire person compared to something much smaller.

The real problem with mushroom hunting is where they can grow, which is nearly anywhere indoors. Though light now comes from other sources besides the sky, there are still buildings with dark corners that might suddenly acquire a giant mushroom or two (or three, or four) if left alone. And if those mushrooms are allowed to remain, they may just continue to grow, and grow, and grow...

So, if you don't want giant mushrooms bursting through your roof, it might be a good idea to keep an eye out for them before that happens.

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code bases by tricklet

Comments

[symbolofstrength]

He nods, understanding her unspoken request to elaborate.

"Yes, we call them that because of their appearance and abilities. Passing through solid walls, creating illusions, things like that. There's some superstitions that say that Ghost Pokemon really are ghosts, that they're born from dead humans or Pokemon, but we haven't found any scientific evidence to confirm this." Because as always, as a scientist, he's interested more in actual facts than superstitions and folktales.

[obscurus_phantasma]

"I could help," she practically blurts. Elaborating with, "If any Ghost types appear, I could help by communicating or soothing...anything. That's my job back home."

If creatures here resemble some of Oak's already, then there's surely hope more will follow. And Melinoë wants, feels, wishes that with the appearance of spirits, her abilities shall simply follow as well.

[symbolofstrength]

"Oh?" He looks over at her with some surprise. "Are you some kind of... spirit medium, or something like that?" Now he feels a little insensitive about dismissing the idea of real ghosts -- not that he actually believes in ghosts and spirit mediums, but he normally wouldn't be callous enough to shoot down those ideas in front of someone who does believe in them.

[obscurus_phantasma]

Her smile takes on a proud nature, peppered with mischief and amusement. "I am a Greek Goddess; of nightmares, insanity...and ghosts."

The latter she deliberately delivers in a semi-dramatic fashion. "My father rules the Underworld, and I often share company with spirits and the like. Just not here. Not yet." She's been frustrated by this, lonely and saddened and empty. Mel so badly needs her abilities returned that she almost aches.

[symbolofstrength]

"A... what goddess, now?" His world doesn't have a Greece; it may have some equivalent, but it won't be called Greece. He gives her a quick glance, trying to spot any unusual anatomy or markings.

"You look like a normal human to me. Is that what goddesses look like where you're from?" He's not saying so out loud, but her claim is a little hard to believe.

[obscurus_phantasma]

"Grecian? From ancient Greece?" And when it's evident that no such country exists for the professor, Melinoë explains, "It's a country on Earth, in my world. More simply put, I am a divine being reincarnated into a mortal body. Were I in my true form, it would obliterate you, professore."

The only unusual feature about the mortal Dulcinea's body is the eyes; aubergine in coloring where such shades don't quite exist without the assistance of contacts.

[symbolofstrength]

Ah, one of those. People who think they're a reincarnated this-or-that. He's polite enough to keep his judgment to himself, at least.

"I see. Well, if ghosts ever do appear here, I'll look forward to seeing what you can do with them." In other words: He'll believe it when he sees it.

It doesn't help that in Sam's world, purple eyes are uncommon, sure, but are as natural an eye color as the more common brown, blue, and green. In his eyes, things like blue hair (he knows several people with naturally blue hair) and purple eyes are just part of normal human coloration.

[obscurus_phantasma]

:p

Forlorn, her sigh is heavy with longing. "Sì. Me too. My head hasn't been this silent since I was a teenager. It's...strange. Unwelcome."

Melinoë blinks over at Sam. "If you see them, could you find me, please? I have a room at those new apartments, the Merlaut. I'm in 108."

He's the first guy she's given her room number to for a reason other than sex. Not that Mel's giving the information freely, having only the two acquaintances thus far.

[symbolofstrength]

"I think just about everybody is staying at those apartments. I hope we don't run out of room." They might have to double up, and each apartment is small for one person, let alone more. Maybe this place will provide more living arrangements the way it did the apartments, or maybe they'll have to start building their own.

"I live there too, I'm a floor above you." Well, 'live' to a certain extent, considering they don't need sleep yet. Really it's just a private place to store the things that he can't or doesn't want to carry.

[obscurus_phantasma]

Mel's lips twist into an impish grin. "I think I have someone I could room with, should the need arise. Though it's odd that we haven't had very many newcomers. Like we're the sole test group."

She nods and notes this. "If hunger now exists, then maybe sleep will too? Should I keep an eye on you for when you slump over from fatigue?" Melinoë is teasing, her smile more innocent and lightly playful. She needs to keep Sam around and is trying to befriend him. Especially if ghost begin to show, but also for the creature perk.

[symbolofstrength]

Sam teases back, folding his arms with a slight smirk.

"I don't know, it seems like you'd just be as likely to collapse as I am. And I'd rather not have to carry you back to bed."

Oh, he could, definitely. He's certainly strong enough, and without his labcoat hiding it, that stocky, broad-shouldered build of his is more apparent. But he's also certain it wouldn't be a pleasant experience -- a child, maybe, but a grown woman?

[obscurus_phantasma]

In response, Mel holds up her arms, even kicks up a leg (and deliberately making it look awkward since they're still sitting). "Dai, I only weight twelve pounds. You and some of your semi-Poké-friends could easily get me to safety.

"And I won't even touch on the bed comment, because I don't want it to count against me when I ask you if you're in the market for an assistant? Back home, I was Professore Zennyo Ryūō's assistant, so I have experience..." Hopeful, she trails off. Sensei Ryūō left sooner than she wanted, but Melinoë had been able to get at least a month under her belt.

[symbolofstrength]

He politely looks away when she kicks up her leg, so as to not accidentally get a peek at anything; really, twelve pounds? Surely that's some kind of hyperbole?

As for him, any possible innuendos he may have accidentally made fly right over his head, and he would be mortified to hear his words could be taken more salaciously.

"Oh? What did you do as his assistant, what was he a professor of?" The news that this woman was involved in academia surprises him; she doesn't seem the type. But as always, he'll keep his mind open. It didn't even occur to him to seek the aid of an assistant here, but if she really wants to help....

[obscurus_phantasma]

A liar and stupid; Mel's just checking off all of the right boxes here. Not that's aware of what Samuel thinks.

"He taught meteorology, so I helped grade things. That wasn't exactly a subject I was well versed in, but I assisted where I was able. Brought him meals, kept him hydrated." She slightly chuckles at this, because Ryūō was a water dragon. "I also taught Italian on the side to students who were interested; ah, that's a foreign language." Since Sam hadn't known Greece, Melinoë offers an explanation as a courtesy.

[symbolofstrength]

"That sounds like more of a teaching assistant than a research assistant." Not that a teaching assistant isn't helpful if you actually need one, but Samuel's retired from the university life, focusing on his lab these days. "Do you have any experience in the field?" There aren't any universities in this new world, either, so the latter is what will be more useful to him.

[obscurus_phantasma]

She looks at any nearby creatures with hesitation before admitting, "I know dead things, and mind things, and how to play the cello. I can speak a number of languages, and have minor experience with flowers." Specifically those that prosper during the spring.

With a mostly defeated shrug, Melinoë says, "I've been trying to find purpose here, but I understand if you'd rather someone more qualified."

[symbolofstrength]

Samuel shakes his head gently. She really wouldn't be much good to him as an assistant, other than having an extra pair of hands around, but... well, he's a bit of a bleeding heart.

"If you want to tag along with my investigations and research, I don't mind. But you'd be more of a student than an assistant. Would you be alright with that?" If she does well, and learns under his wing, she might be able to 'graduate' to assistant, but for now, she'd be the one getting the better deal out of this, not him.

[obscurus_phantasma]

She's expecting rejection and is already shifting the mushrooms off of her dress so she may stand and take her leave, so when Sam makes his offer, Mel is in an awkward stance; slightly hovering between sitting and standing.

"If...if you're certain?" To save her muscles, Melinoë crouches, hands on her knees.

[symbolofstrength]

He just nods. Yes, he's sure, at least for the immediate; he's not sure if it'll work long term, but he's willing to give it a try.

"Of course, I'm expecting you to be on your best behavior. Consider it a probationary period for now." You hear that? No flirting with or teasing your teacher!

[obscurus_phantasma]

Her smile slowly creeps upward, equal parts amused and jubilant. "Che carino, our ideas of 'best behavior' probably vary, professore. Whatever do you mean?"

Because while she can omit the flirting, Mel will still probably tease Sam. But only a little. And good-naturedly. c:

[symbolofstrength]

What kind of school did this woman go to, that she doesn't know how to behave around a teacher?

"Well, you know. Carry yourself like a professional."

Not that professionals don't lightly tease each other or joke around from time to time, but they have to earn it, first.

[obscurus_phantasma]

Mythian Academy was...rather unconventional. But then, it housed deities, and monsters, and demi-gods, and so on and so forth.

With a thoughtful hum, she responds with a bob of her head. "I think I can manage that.

"Shall we hash out the details, then? Since there are not any days or time, when would be best to tag along?"

[symbolofstrength]

That is a good question; without a way to keep track of time, they can't really arrange meetings.

"Well, you told me where you live, didn't you? I can knock on your door or leave you a note when it's time."

That's about the best he can think of, short of them just being metaphorically glued at the hip, which he's sure doesn't sound any more appealing to her than to him. For Sam in particular, he is a charismatic, outgoing introvert, but still an introvert, and needs his alone time.

[obscurus_phantasma]

Extending a pale hand, Melinoë states, "Deal."

Where she has little to no regard for personal space, the Goddess does have other things that occupy her time. A professor at the hip would complicate said activities. His proposed system shall work just fine.