soul_logs | [OPEN] June 2013 Introduction Log

[ Quick and awkward is what she expects from Karkat, and she does return the hug. She doesn't hold him any longer than he'd like, though. The show of appreciation for her presence isn't lost on her. ] I did. For all intents and purposes I am on my own now.

[ At his offer, she shakes her head slightly. ] I cannot think of any immediately pressing concerns. Unless there is specific information I should be made aware of? [ A brief pause. ] ...or. Perhaps others we know that are also here? Unless we are the only ones.

That's good, because I'm awful at explaining all this. You would think that the game would prepare me for explaining completely random and strange occurrences in a way that makes some amount of sense to someone else's thinkpan, but no, I still suck at it.

No, there's a couple other people here. Sollux, John and Dave have all been here for a while, way longer than I've been here. Meenah's here too, although she's fucked off somewhere at the moment. And, uh, almost all of our ancestors are here. They aren't that terrible though, except for Her Imperious Condescension, who is terrible by definition. She'll probably greet you with a death threat, but she has a moirail here and he keeps her in line, apparently. She hasn't tried to actually kill me just threaten me a shit ton.

Given what I have been told so far, I believe it would be a cruel thing to ask you to explain it, after all. Worry not.

[ Though she stares and blinks several times. ] Her Imperious Condescension, here? [ A few more blinks... until the second realization hits. ] ...and our ancestors. Mine, as well?

[ Whoops BRB processing. She'll probably make some slightly funny faces as she sorts through what Karkat just said. Because. Wow. What. I mean seriously: What. ]

Do you know if you're a weapon or a meister yet? I know having your soul scanned sounds freaky as all fucking hell, but it's not actually that bad, and it's not like they see your thoughts or anything.

Yeah, and yes to that second one too. I know it's weird. Believe me, I was bombarded by practically all of them when I arrived. Your ancestor seems pretty cool, so don't worry about it. You'll probably get along fine.

Edited 2013-06-17 22:47 (UTC)

A Meister, or so I was informed. That was indeed quite the unique machine used for such a function, I had not thought that such things were possible. However, given the nature of this place and the events taking place, perhaps I should have expected it. [ Different world, different rules, etc etc. She missed the meteor's familiarity, if she was to be honest. ]

Given that, after my initial apprehension, I was able to speak with Porrim without issue, I hope that is the reality of this meeting to come as well. [ A little shake of her head. ] I presume I should also prepare for a bombardment, to use your definition, by the others when I offer my greetings to the city as a whole.

Oh, sweet. I'm a weapon, so if you want, we could go on a mission together. I'm not a chainsaw, but you've seen me use my sickles enough that you should be fine. Yeah, this place...it's weird, because once you're here for a while, it seems normal, but then you sit and think about it again, and realize, no, it's still fucking weird.

She seems nice. I haven't really talked to her a lot, but I guess she's sort of my ancestor's lusus? It's really weird, but then, their whole group is kind of...well, they don't behave like most trolls.

Yet weird is something that we will have to come to accept while we are here. No matter how much we wish to deny it, doing so will not change the nature of this place. Nor will it affect what has been asked of us. It would seem the wisest course of action would be to settle in and not worry about it until we are free to leave.

[ She shakes her head, realizing she'd rambled a bit. ] I would not be against a mission as a team, though I would prefer that my first experience wielding your sickles be in a controlled environment first; or rather, wielding you. It is a concept that I am still wrapping my mind around.

[ She was also still wrapping her mind around the fact that she felt different, here. No rainbow drinker thirst for blood, and though she wasn't going to try it out in the sun, she wondered if she could glow at all. Meanwhile... ]

Given that the group with Porrim was so notably different from us, I do not find it surprising that our ancestors are not as we would expect. I will have to speak with her, perhaps at length, in the future.

Yeah. That's what I've been doing. If we win their war for them, we get to leave. So, the faster we cooperate and destroy Kishins and Witches and whatever else, the better.

We can practice at morning training. Don't worry I'm sure you'll be fine, and I can wait until you're ready. I don't really have a strict partner I just kind of go on missions and practice with whoever wants to.

The weird thing is that they're so different from the dancestors. I mean, my ancestor's not nearly as obnoxious as Kankri. I was kind of freaking the fuck out when I met him, because I figured he'd be Kankri with a couple sweeps added on, but he actually lets me talk to him before he starts on one of his lectures. And his lectures are actually sort of understandable and aren't about rights for some obscure group. _{[Signess is actually not that bad, even if he does tease him sometimes.]}

Precisely. It would seem that some choose not to fight, and though I can see the appeal, I do not agree with it. I would rather pursue a means home in the most efficient and effective way possible. By cooperating and fighting.

I see; and this morning training occurs every morning for all residents? If so, it is something I would be unwise to pass on. [ A pause. ] I presume that picking a constant partner is something that is recommended, here? Or is it merely an individual choice?

Oh. [ A blink, so they were different in a different way. Less extreme, she supposed would be the accurate way to describe it. ] However he does still lecture, though with more consideration and less... [ ...give her a moment. There's a word she could use here, but no, sarcasm is winning. ] ...and less Kankri. Interesting.

Apparently some people don't want to go home. I guess I don't blame them. It's not like we have much to look forward to. Oh boy, I can't fucking wait to return to an impending battle with an invincible demon, and in the meanwhile, a completely boring and worthless existence. But it's not like we can quit now.

Yeah. You don't have to go, but I'm there every morning because it's required for me. I'm on the Watch, with John and Dave and a whole bunch of other cool people. It's basically the people here who actually have combat experience getting together to protect this place. _{[He's grown to like the Watch. He was interested from the get go, but now that he's warmed up to Death City, he's even more enthusiastic about it.]} It's recommended, but it's not a requirement. Plenty of people here don't have partners, and no one's told me what I'm doing is wrong. I'm pretty sure as long as we're fighting for them they're happy.

Yeah. When we first got here, he fucking bought me cake and talked to me about my stupid problems. It was so weird. The gesture was pale, but it was obvious he didn't feel that way, and I didn't feel that way, but before I even talked to me he was telling me he cared about me. He's just...weird. _{[And Karkat is more than a little conflicted about enjoying his company.]} I guess he doesn't do quadrants either. Or maybe he did and now he's stopped? But he's doing some human mating ceremony with Nepeta's ancestor. I have to wear a fancy outfit and everything.

Well, given that you and others are here, I am less inclined to leave with immediate haste. Given that others could also be brought to join us, the future is simply full of too many unknown possibilities. [ A little smile. ] I look forward to what this place has to offer as much as I look forward to fighting alongside you and the others when we return. We are going to win both, of course.

The Watch sounds much like an organized security force, badge-holders to enforce the peace and well-being of the City as a whole. I imagine its members work tirelessly around the clock, defending and- [ A.h.e.m. She catches herself before going too far. ] It is a group I can tell you excel as a part of, Karkat. I believe it unwise of me to turn down the opportunity to join you there tomorrow morning; perhaps I will see John and Dave as well.

Well, given what he has been through, paired with your connection as his descendent, there is a familial bond that he may feel inclined to nurture. I would not find it strange for my ancestor to harbor such seeming pale feelings without them being as I perceived them. [ A little shake of her head. Rose had talked about something like this. ] The behavior, I believe, is more like and more easily understood if compared to human bonds and friendship. And- [ Full stop. Human mating ceremony? Nepeta's ancestor? Woah. Hold on. Wait. Rose had talked about the concept before. She's staring at Karkat for a moment before asking, very specifically: ] A wedding?

Yeah, it's been nice, actually. Seeing John and Sollux were welcome surprises, seeing as I have no idea when I'll see Sollux next, and I had to wait three fucking years to catch sight of the elusive John Egbert, and I still didn't get to see him before I came here. _{[Does she really believe that? God damn, he wishes he could be that positive about this.]} ...Of course.

Yeah, it's like that. And we do have shifts at all hours, but not all of us have to be awake all the time that would just be stupid. My schedule's all weird right now because I have two shifts instead of one. We had a mission go pretty bad recently, and I wasn't that injured, so I picked up some of the slack. _{[Wow stop Kanaya you're going to embarrass him.]} Thanks. I guess there was another version of me here before me that I'm guessing was past me, and apparently he was a zone leader, so I guess that means I'm pretty damn good at it. John will be there, but I'm not sure if Dave will. He's one of the idiots that got himself injured during that last mission, and I'm sure John will insist on Dave staying in bed.

It does kind of remind me of the whole human dad thing, at least from what I've heard about the concept. It's still weird though. An ancestor and his descendant aren't even supposed to be around at the same time, let alone have a fucking familial bond, or whatever. It's unnatural. _{[How did he guess she'd be familiar with it.]} Yeah. A wedding. Apparently they've been en...gaged for a while. I'm sure you'll be invited, considering his lusus equivalent is your ancestor.

Edited 2013-06-18 16:46 (UTC)

I have still yet to see the elusive John Egbert, so being here will allow me to rectify that situation. [ A smile, and she rests a hand reassuringly on his shoulder. She knows the thought of that battle, in his words, sucks. But worrying won't get anyone anywhere. ] Worry not, Karkat, it is likely far in our future.

I see. I imagine that Dave's instincts as a Knight pushed him forward without thinking, to defend someone. However, so long as he recovers properly, we need not worry. [ She shakes her head. But then at his next statement... ] ...Another version of you? If it had been a past you, I imagine you would have remembered being here at least slightly. If not, then perhaps an alternative self, perhaps from the dream bubbles as our dancestors were? Anything is, perhaps, possible. Even if it makes little to no sense to consider the logic or lack thereof behind such a turn of events. I- [ Ahem. Just gonna... cut that train of thought short right there... ]

Weird to us, yes, especially given the fact that, as you say, an ancestor and descendant should not be around at the same time save for one single exception. The Empress and Heiress alone must bear such a burden, and if what we are told is the truth, only one is to walk away from their fated encounter. [ A little shake of her head. ] So worry not, your feeling that it is unnatural is in fact a natural feeling. That said, I do hope I have proper time to prepare for such an event. From what I understand, there are indeed dress standards and obligations that are to be upheld at a wedding and I would not wish to detract from such a joyous occasion. [ Big smile, biiiiig smile. ] If I am invited, I look forward to it a great deal.

I assure you, he's just as obnoxious in person. Particularly lately, since he's been fretting over Dave. _{[He appreciates the hand on his shoulder, but he's still not all that reassured.]} Kanaya, we're arriving, our three years are up, and half of us are out of commission. Terezi's not herself at all, Gamzee is fuck knows where doing fuck knows what, and you know better than anyone that Rose's condition isn't exactly beneficial to us strategically. That leaves, what, you, me, Dave, and the Mayor. What the fuck are we going to do down one God Tier player, two seers, and with an elusive Bard that could be on our side or he could be waiting to fucking ambush us? This isn't the way it was supposed to be! _{[Ugh, no, he needs to calm down. This isn't the time to talk about this. Kanaya just got here, and she probably wants to hear good news, not listen to his fears.]}

Yeah. Dave was injured on a mission, with John and I. He pushed himself too hard, and he tried to wield John and I at the same time. It worked, and we were fucking awesome, but it takes a lot of energy and concentration to resonate with three people. _{[He shrugs.]} Signless told me I had grown a lot when I first got here, so I figured it must have been past me, but it could have been an alternate me too, I don't know. All I know is, I don't remember being here, but apparently, that's a common thing around here. It's up in the air when someone comes back if they'll remember being here or not, and usually they aren't from the same period of time as they were before. BREW is weird about timeline stuff, as you can probably tell from the whole ancestor thing.

Some fated encounter. Feferi never even set eyes on her, and now we're the ones that have to deal with her. It's the six of July, I guess, so we have almost a month to get ready. As far as I know, all you have to do is find an outfit and show up in it, unless they want you to do something special. Which they might. I'm uh. Doing something extra, so I have to show up to all the tedious fucking rehearsals. Believe me, Kanaya, you'll be invited, and there's no fucking way you'd detract from it. They'll probably be thrilled you're here.

I imagine that will change when Dave recovers. [ Meanwhile she listens, politely, to Karkat's concerns. They are all genuine, all specifically pointing out exactly what they have to deal with, and that's why she gives him a hug. Karkat dear, worry not. ] I suspect, even as hopeless as things may seem, that luck still yet remains on our side. If past events are of any indication, we are quite often the underdogs that come out on top. [ Of course, she's not going to force this hug on Karkat any longer than she needs to. Just enough to calm him down. ]

[ A pause... ] I will remember that; though I do not see the appeal in wielding two weapons. I imagine that John does not take the form of a sickle, thus the combination seems unfortunately unwieldy to me. However, I am pleased to hear that Dave was successful in the endeavor at first. [ She shakes her head. ] And yes, the presence of our ancestors explains the timeline control that BREW possesses quite effectively.

A month away, I see. [ A smile. ] And I will trust that what you say is the truth. I do not doubt that you are correct in assuming so. In addition, allow me to say that I am quite sure you will live up to the expectations they have asked of you without issue. The wedding will surely benefit from your assistance in what they have asked of you.

God, I hope so. Between Dave trying to feed me some bullshit about his miraculous recovery so he can get back on the job and John freaking the fuck out about losing Dave, even though his injury was never life threatening, it's been fucking awful in that house. That's why I moved in in the first place, because they obviously had no idea what to do with themselves. _{[Hugs are okay. He's had to deal with more than his fair share here, and one more from Kanaya isn't all that bad.]} Ha, yeah, well, I think I'd rather be the ones that are expected to win from the beginning and then do without any problems along the way, but I guess I have to take what I can get, at this point.

Dave is an overachiever. That's the appeal. No, John's a hammer. Dave keeps making some stupid human joke about a hammer and a sickle, which I can't figure out. It actually isn't all that bad. It works better because we all know each other really well, so it's easier to resonate. If we didn't give a fuck about each other, I'm pretty sure it's impossible to resonate at all, not to mention resonating with three people. John is Dave's partner, so it's not like this is a full time thing or anything it was just something Dave had been wanting to try, and there was this emergency mission and they convinced me to go with them.

It better fucking benefit, because there's no way I'm getting involved in something this important and screwing it up like always. Maybe you can help me look for a suit. Dolorosa, that's your ancestor, has apparently been harassing everyone about that, and I haven't had a chance to look for anything yet.

So John is panicking without logical reason while Dave is making his recovery out to be more than it is. [ A little shake of her head. ] Overly dramatic in two different ways. After I am settled in, you are welcome to drop by at any time if you are in need of a respite from such things for any amount of time. [ She gives him a reassuring smile, meanwhile. ] If it were that easy, we would not be able to grow from the trials we have yet to face. We would not be as we are without difficulty, as detested as difficulty tends to be.

I see, so resonance has somewhat of a basis in familiarity among those involved. [ A small nod. ] Which means that when we have the opportunity to practice tomorrow morning that we may be able to resonate to an extent already. Or, so I hope. Though I ask that you refrain from laughing at my wielding of a sickle for the first time.

[ Another nod. Karkat's growing up so fast, she's so proud. ] I would be glad to assist, Karkat. I hope my advice and assistance can reassure any concerns of yours, as I am quite certain you have yet to wear a suit. That is nothing to worry about, however.

Yeah, exactly. It seems like it's been going on forever soon. Dave's recovery can't come too soon, in my opinion. Thanks. I might just take you up on that. It'll be nice to spend some time with you again. It's been...a while. _{[Sigh. He certainly feels the same, and in his opinion is that everyone is changing, so he hardly recognizes them anymore, but he won't contradict Kanaya. He argues about this enough with Aranea as it is.]} You did say you thought our titles were meant to challenge us, although I still think you're a natural with yours.

Not necessarily. It's just easier to resonate with someone you know well. If you're compatible with someone but you don't know shit about them, you can still resonate, but it wouldn't be as strong of a resonation, unless you have piece of shit friends that don't know the inside of your thinkpan from their own nook. There are certain people that aren't compatible though because I guess their personalities are too different, and something called Soul Rejection happens. It sounds painful, at least on the Meister side of things, but that hasn't happened with me yet. I won't laugh at you. You aren't the only one here who doesn't know how to wield a sickle properly, and unlike some of them, you actually have combat experience.

Nothing to worry about? Kanaya, it's a god damn suit. I don't do suits. I am not going to show up looking ridiculous to an important romantic ceremony and embarrass my ancestor more than I already have simply by being related to him. _{[Signless says he doesn't see it that way, but Karkat is certain he's just saying that.]}

Edited 2013-06-19 20:11 (UTC)

Burdens can seem to last far longer if no reprieve is offered in their full duration. It makes handling problems particularly frustrating. [ She is speaking from experience, okay. ] I agree that it will be nice, once again, our time on the meteor kept us occupied with other things I must admit. And. [ A pause. ] Thank you, for that. I still find myself second-guessing myself, often. But I suppose that merely furthers my thought that our titles are to do exactly as I said. They are a challenge, of that I have no doubt now.

Soul Rejection does indeed sound particularly unpleasant, thus that means the process of choosing a partner to resonate with is that much more important in order to avoid such an occurrence. I feel that beginning with a more familiar friend may be a wiser course of action, first, to limit the chances of a negative first experience. [ Then, a nod. ] I am glad to hear that my combat experience is something you can trust in. I imagine that a sickle will not prove overly difficult to adapt to.

In no way have you or will your existence embarrass anyone, Karkat. [ See this look she's giving him? This is the look of "this isn't up for debate, this is a fact". ] Nor will you look ridiculous in a suit, I assure you of that. Even if you do not "do suits", that does not mean you will be at all embarrassing while wearing one. Even amongst our group, you would easily be one of the more fitting trolls to be seen in one.

Yeah. I'm sorry I wasn't more help with Rose. I didn't realize her problem was...actually a problem. If my title isn't a challenge, I have no idea what the fuck it is. Everything about is challenging, especially because no one has any idea what it means. I asked Aranea, and she could only give me theories.

_{[Haha yeah he resonated with a stranger first time. But it was a cute four legged god, so don't blame him okay.]} I'll walk you through using one, if you want me too. You can even borrow my physical ones, to practice with, as long as I get them back in time for my Watch shifts.

One of the more fitting trolls? Are you kidding me? Kanaya, you're clearly delirious, and are imagining that I actually have a figure.

Edited 2013-06-24 16:51 (UTC)

Unfortunately I believe that we were all under that impression; at least until our arrival drew close. [ A little shake of her head. ] And yours is quite the challenge, you are correct. But at the very least we do have theories that can be drawn from half of it, given that you are not the only Knight. I do not think it a coincidence that you and Dave are both members of the Watch, protecting the city.

[ A cute four legged god, huh? Sounds like quite the tale to tell, not just anyone gets to meet a god. ] That would be most welcome, to both of those ideas if you would allow. If it is not overly presumptuous of me to inquire, have you made plans for your time here, before we make it back home? [ Feel free to tell her no, Karkat, She's curious and a little worried because of how strange this place is. ]

[ Karkat. Look at this troll whose obsession is fashion. Look her in the eyes and say that again, because she's standing with a hand on her hip, eyebrows raised, looking like she's about to tell him a thing or two about why he's wrong. She gives him the chance to accept what she'd said, and speaks in a tone that clearly asks if he's actually doubting her or simply being himself. ] Karkat.

Dave tried to talk to me about it, but I brushed him off. It wasn't until I brought up having an intervention for Terezi, that he straight up told me Rose needs one too, and even then, I didn't really believe him. But her Seer powers are one of the most useful abilities, according to Aradia, and combined with her God Tier status, she could be the difference between victory and defeat, and I didn't even consider the fact that the human soporific could mess with her abilities. _{[Well, yeah, okay, but he doesn't feel like a Knight. Then again, Dave would probably say the same thing.]} Yeah. At least there's that. Still, no one knows shit about Blood, and it doesn't help that Kankri was completely useless and didn't do shit with his powers either.

_{[Amaterasu and Kanaya would probably get along pretty well, come to think of it. Maybe he should introduce the two of them.]} Sure. Plans? I don't know. Not really. It kind of depends on who's here, and that changes at the blink of a ganderbulb. I could be gone tomorrow, or I could be here for years. It just seems stupid to plan if I don't even know when I'm going to leave.

_{[Oh shit. Self loathing vs. Kanaya's fashion expertise. Gulp.]} ...Hi? _{[He's so screwed.]}

I, being closest to her, should have been more aware of the effects the soporifics were having on her. Not simply in the short term, but in the long term as well. I had been willing to take her words and assurances at face value, not doubting in her as she had yet to let any of us down before. [ A shake of her head. ] The mistakes made are easy to see, now, but at the time I had thought little of it; a measured plan, a prepared course of actions to lead up to things... who was I to doubt her as a Seer? [ She runs a hand through her hair, trying to shake off the feeling. Admitting to having made such an obvious mistake didn't feel good at all. ] It is possible that your blood powers could have already manifested in things you have done thus far, or they could be laying dormant and waiting to appear at the precise, crucial moment. We have no way to tell, unfortunately.

[ They probably would; and they'd chat up an incredible storm, honestly. Talk of all kinds of things until the sun set, and then some. ] While the mercurial reality of who is or is not here is something we should not ignore, that does not mean you should let it rob you of chances. For example. [ A smile, and a pat on his shoulder. ] Now that I am here, even as much as I would like to return, I am not letting that desire affect things here. After all, you and others are here. At the very least, we can make the most of our reprieve, however brief or lengthy it may be.

[ Ah-ha. That's what she thought. She lightens up the look, at least, not keeping him under the spotlight. ] You are incorrect, regarding the suit. Allow me to reiterate, without any notions of deliriousness interrupting: You, Karkat, are going to wear a suit and will undoubtedly feel as sophisticated and suave as you will look.

Don't say that. We had no idea what the effects were, and Dave wasn't bringing it up his concerns to you through his stupid rambles and turning it into some stupid metaphor and then changing the subject. You had even less cause for concern than I did. Don't worry about it. If our positions were swapped, I would have made the same mistake. _{[His blood powers don't exist as far as he concerned. He's always been useless and different, and he always will be, but he's not suicidal enough to bring that up to Kanaya.]} I wish they would hurry up and do something already. Even if they manifest when I need them most, I won't know how to control them, which still means they'd be basically useless.

Make the most of it doing what? All I've really been doing is making sure no one does something stupid, and working. I've been meaning to go on a mission too, since the first one was kind of an extreme circumstance. I was going to go with Meenah, but I guess she's busy getting into trouble somewhere, since I haven't seen her around lately. Beyond that, I don't really know what else I want to do.

_{[Just accept it Karkat. Just accept it and keep your self-loathing to yourself.]} Well, if you help me find a suit, it probably won't be too bad.

You are correct in that regard. I found that Dave and his so called jam sessions and raps were notably unproductive and rarely resulted in any manner of information that I could glean any sort of productive benefit out of. Still, it is all too easy to look back and regret mistakes. [ With a slight shake of her head, her tone is all reassurance. ] Unless they manifest and you already have full mastery over them, such as an inherent skill at utilizing them to your benefit.

Well, if all goes well with practicing and training, I am certain I could spare some time for a mission if you would like. [ A nod. ] Meanwhile, as an example, I would think that dinner parties and time indoors with good company are an enjoyable thing to plan for and attend to relax. Including viewing movies; I imagine the human selection of titles is vast.

[ The self-loathing could be worked on later, but after his reply, she smiles. ] I highly suspect you will, in fact, like it.

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Oops I should have made it clear I didn't forget Eridan Karkat just didn't want to bring him up haha

Ahahaha- noticed. Probably for the best for now.

Yeeah he's just started to warm up to Eridan again he really doesn't want to involve Kanaya.

Now now, if he's bad she'll just warm up a chainsaw for him.

Kanaya that is the exact opposite of what he wants. Violence between friends isn't cool.

Only if he's bad. But she'll be good so Karkat doesn't freak out.

Yes good great job Kanaya. Eridan probably won't be quite as reasonable sigh

Well Eridan is Eridan, she'll see how that goes.

He's getting better! ...At least, Karkat would like to think he is.

Well that's good to hear! Hopefully chainsaws won't be required.

Karkat will let her know when chainsaws are required. Otherwise, keep that lipstick capped.

BREW took her lipstick chainsaw. :'(

How dare they! Maybe someone will be able to make one? It's a long shot, but you never know.

Fingers crossed in any case!

She'll at least be able to get a real chainsaw, if she joins the Watch. :D

...don't ever tell her, she'll be sorely tempted.

Haha, if she joined up, he'd probably end up taking another shift so he could be on a shift with her

No, she'd shoosh him until he went home and rested. No working forever.