Game 008 [Action] - Not Just As Planned

[neverplaysfair]

(( In which Kim lacks appropriate icons s-sob ))

[ In the early morning hours, standing roughly between buildings 36, 38, and 39, is a somewhat unfamiliar figure. Maybe you recognize those rainbow wings. Maybe that hair style and color looks awfully familiar. Maybe you can't see at all, what with it being really freaking early and still dark out.

But one thing's pretty clear: the figure standing there isn't a teen. He's an adult.

He raises his hands and closes his eyes. After a moment, he starts mumbling to himself. He didn't see anyone close enough around to hear him, but if you happen to, you might notice the translation keeps slipping. ]

... stablishing li... wer. Release con... cessitates spa... ting. Beginning scan.

CRACK!

[ A noise, loud enough to give you the feeling of being hit in the chest if you're reasonably close, echoes loudly around the village. Feel free to be woken up, investigate, whatever. If you manage to locate its source, you'll find an adult Joshua kneeling on the ground, clutching his head in pain. ]

Shit.

Comments

[neverplaysfair]

... [ He doesn't want to admit it, but he's agreeing here. ]

iconfail due to cellphone. :<

[nattocat.livejournal.com]

... Hey, it's been a while since we had to be the Players. The challenge might be nice.

[neverplaysfair]

[ That just gets a glare. There is nothing "nice" about this. ]

[nattocat.livejournal.com]

Look, we'll find a way back. I've been through worse than this -- maybe not weirder, but worse. [ Okay that last part is a bit questionable, even for him. He knows Joshua isn't generally the type to want sugar-coating, but a little optimism never hurt. ]

[neverplaysfair]

Like what?

[nattocat.livejournal.com]

... Well! You shoulda seen the Game back in my day. And giving you a lift home wasn't exactly the first time I'd ever gone world-hopping, though I usually don't get stuck -- anyway, how's the head?

[neverplaysfair]

You're evading the question.

[nattocat.livejournal.com]

I've been in tricky spots and gotten out alright, and so have you. So we have to play a game handicapped. At least we've got a whole village of folks on our side.

[neverplaysfair]

Most of the people here are useless.

[nattocat.livejournal.com]

No one's ever useless, J. Thought you would know that by know.

[neverplaysfair]

It's easier to say than "has potential but is currently unsuited to help in any real capacity".

[nattocat.livejournal.com]

Most folks can be useful even if they don't know they're helping. You just have to steer them the right way, trust they'll act according to their nature.

[neverplaysfair]

... Pawns and meat shields.

[nattocat.livejournal.com]

... Not the words I would've chosen.

[neverplaysfair]

Games don't coddle the weak.

[nattocat.livejournal.com]

All I'm saying the weak are still useful.

[neverplaysfair]

Less so than the strong.

[nattocat.livejournal.com]

In some cases. A lot of cases. But they're still human.

[neverplaysfair]

So?

[nattocat.livejournal.com]

So everyone's got a part to play. They all bring something new to the table, even the weak ones. And then there's all that stuff about mercy, empathy, valuing human life, but I know you too well.

[neverplaysfair]

Last I checked, we weren't discussing improving this world. We were talking about escaping it.

[nattocat.livejournal.com]

Don't see why we can't do a little of both. [ He grins, leaning against the counter. ] But, alright, the 'escaping' bit does take priority. Looks like we've ruled out the direct approach. That's progress.

[neverplaysfair]

But it isn't very helpful. [ He sighs. ] I would've been quite happy just getting back my full strength.

[nattocat.livejournal.com]

Yeah. [ That smile fades somewhat, and he moves to get more coffee beans. ] Haven't tried testing my limits yet, really. Don't wanna draw attention, or deal with the backlash if I reach too far -- speaking of which, how's the head? You can stay as long as you want, 'course.

[neverplaysfair]

... Still hurts, but it's not bad anymore.

Aren't you going to try anything?