monsters in the dark

[animusmods]

Characters: any
Setting: all around the Tower; please specify the date and location in your subject header!
Format: any/party-style
Summary: A general mingle log for characters to encounter monsters.
Warnings: PG-13; please include any more detailed warnings in your threads if necessary.

PLEASE USE THIS POST FOR NEW THREADS.

Comments

[tsunderebunny]

[He had barely slept at all since the power outage on the first, catching a few hours sporadically over the days as much as he could. The revelation of the truth bothered him on a viceral level, and the bed--or that thing that claimed to be his bed-- was just a reminder of what he didn't want to think about. The days leading up to it hadn't helped, as witnessing the remains of Aleph's fight with something haunted him in his sleeping memory.

Barnaby wondered if he should be glad. The nightmares that were scorched by blood and flame were now overtaken by something darker but just as twisted.

The tentative possibility of trusting his room again was starting to come forward when the note was delivered. Fueled by agitation and his own unrest, he had taken to wandering the floors that looked safe. The various lounges, libraries, and gardens were common places for him to lurk, where he would snatch a few hours' sleep in the daytime. Few things gave him peace. A small note from Enoch that arrived in his mailbox was one; the meadows were another.

Illusion or not, the idea of something primal and natural gave him a moment of reprieve from his own concerns, and the brief exchange that promised further continuation gave him something to look forward to.

He needed a drink.

Instead, he got the sight of a familiar face.

His approach was quiet but steady, and perhaps another hint that 'public service' was more than it seemed for him.

Not that it mattered.]

Miss Grants.

[mysterical]

[Lucky for him, she'd been in between bouts of training, contemplating going down to the cafeteria for her daily dose of water and nutrition bars. She looked up at him from her seated position on the ground, eyes red and dull from lack of sleep.

And possible silent crying when no one else could see/find her.

It wasn't any consolation that he looked no better than she did.]

Mr Brooks...What can I do for you?

[tsunderebunny]

[He had 20 years experience living like this, however. What was one more harrowing experience on top of so many?

If Barnaby were honest with himself, he would have taken that pink bunny sitting in his trunk around with him. It represented one of the few things he knew he could trust.

He settled down in the grass nearby, respecting the boundaries of personal space of both of their sake. Although she looked like she was on the verge of breaking, Barnaby simply refused to focus on his concerns. It helped him keep a neutral demeanor.]

Just stay here. If those notes are right, then we're only safe in groups.

[mysterical]

[Tear just looked at the blond man, her eyes heavy from the lack of sleep and physical exertion. His statement was nothing new. She'd known that that was the case, but at the same time she didn't really care. She was tired and she didn't want to play Ruana's sick game.

However, the healer in her cried out to stay with someone who needed her assistance. And that was the voice she always listened to. It hadn't been wrong about Luke.]

I believe we are only mildly safer in groups than alone. I don't think Ruana and her pets care who they go after at night.

[tsunderebunny]

[Tear's instincts were correct, but there was nothing within her abilities that she could do to help Barnaby in the long term. That was something only time and resolution could fix, and it was no guarantee. He had to live with it, and would continue to do so.

But, although he was retired, Barnaby was still a Hero. He couldn't leave Tear in this compromised state without regretting it later.]

That doesn't matter. I can help you escape if we need to.

[mysterical]

[She gave the man a tired smile as she pulled her knees up to her chin and wrapped her arms around them.]

That's very touching, Mr Brooks, but I'm capable of defending myself, you know.

[tsunderebunny]

[He didn't know her skills, and wasn't entirely convinced.]

I'll still be able to get you out faster than you probably can on your own. Don't turn down an offer immediately.

[mysterical]

[She really didn't know this man and as much as he might remind her of Jade in attitude some times, she had no knowledge of what he could do at all. She actually missed the snide, sarcastic colonel in this situation. No doubt he would have found some way to make light of it and keep everyone calm.

As it was, Tear was just a hairs breadth from screaming all the time, especially now that she didn't have Luke around to keep her focused on something, even if it was just watching him to make sure that he was okay. The training helped, of course, but she couldn't do that all the time, and the lack of sleep was making her irritable.]

I haven't turned down an offer at all, Mr Brooks. I'm just capable of handling myself.

[tsunderebunny]

[Barnaby actually missed the foolish old man that he called a partner, Kotetsu T. Kaburagi-- the Wild Tiger himself-- in the current madness. He always caused trouble, but his instincts were always sound. He was a point of focus, a distraction, but also someone that he knew would have his back.

The very idea that Kotetsu almost broke himself during his stay...whenever that was...bothered Barnaby to no end. Did Kotetsu have the same problem he was having in that moment?

All Barnaby could do was rely on his instincts, and his own wall of rationality.]

This isn't the time to work alone. I won't get in your way.

[He couldn't be a rock for anyone, but he could at least provide his own insight. Anwhere could be a trap. But, anywhere could also hold possibility.]

[mysterical]

[He was right of course, and she was too tired to argue. Since he wasn't likely to stab her if she napped, she sighed heavily.]

I'm sorry, Mr Brooks, but I don't think I'll be of use to anyone while I can't sleep. Do you...Is it possible for me to ask you to stay here for a few hours while I rest?

[tsunderebunny]

Go ahead

[He sighed as well. This was going to be a common story over the days to come, he knew.]

I've had a few hours recently. Take what you need, I have some work I need to do anyway.

[mysterical]

[She gave him a tired, wan smile before curling up in the flowers, making herself seem as small as humanly possibly.]

Thank you. [Those were the last two words she spoke before she fell asleep almost immediately.]

[tsunderebunny]

[There was a small part, deep in the back of his mind, that sparked with an envy that he was quick to ignore. Even as stressed as she was, she was able to fall asleep so quickly the very moment she had a chance. He was rarely that fortunate, but he had learned to handle it over the years.

Wordlessly, Barnaby shrugged out of his prized jacket and laid it over top of her with the same gentleness that a parent would show a child. For a brief moment he smiled. At least there was something in this mess that held true.

After he was sure she was comfortable he settled down in the grass nearby and pulled out his notebook.

Floor 25 was safe, as far as he could tell.]

[mysterical]

[She'd been trained to sleep at the drop of a hat, but she was still listening for danger as best she could. She needed this sleep and with a reliable ally for the moment, she could get it.

A part of her took note of the covering. She'd thank him later.

Oddly enough, the older man's presence was as comforting as the jacket he placed over her and she enjoyed it for as long as she could.]