You are alone....?

[mistaken_for_monster]

[1]

[After the fight Volya wasn't in any condition to go visit anyone. Severe exhaustion, mental fatigue, trauma, phantom pains. Suffice to say he was curled up tightly in the infirmary and doing his best to sleep off most of it. Of course given what had happened back there, even if he managed to break out with the power of friendship... seeing his uncle... his parents die like that was a pretty jarring sight. One his brain played back to him that sent him springing awake with a sharp gasp, shaking pretty badly.]

...Uncle Sergei... Mom... Dad...

[He sits up and backs into the pillow and the head-railing of the gurney and pulls his knees to his face - hugging his legs tightly. It was sinking in pretty heavily that he no longer had a home and furthermore...]

...That assignment is due tomorrow too...

[He sighs tiredly.]

[2]

[And on the flip side of things Interitus is curled up in the hangar looking like a complete mess. Vines were cut and scorched or otherwise looked like they were hit by a sand blaster, one of the massive fang filled shoulder plates was busted open and there were cracks all over what armor Interitus did have. The creature was snoring placidly, though the heavily damaged mouth was moving as if it were breathing. Maybe it was. Thanks to Desta's actions we all know they were functional.]

Tbbttthhht?

[It perks up, just a little like a sedated puppy when you pass by. Its featureless head watching you as it drug itself over slowly and labourously before just lying there in front of you.]

Comments

1

[jianai]

Hello.

[A horned head peaks into the room. Soon the rest of Ren continues.]

I wanted to see how are you holding up.

[mistaken_for_monster]

... My uncle blew himself up trying to protect me from a crazy evil demon lady working for the people who are supposed to be the good guys that are also trying to kill me.

The demon lady also made me watch and feel my uncle AND my parents die all over again. Interitus and I got shot, cut, blasted and when he got mad because of that one guy who tried to shoot the hostages it felt like someone was screaming in my ear and biting my brain.

[Volya lifts his head up to look at Ren.]

I'm wondering how I'm not crying or screaming right now.

[jianai]

That's a good question. Maybe... it'd be better if you just let it all out.

[Ren comes closer.]

There are some really wicked people living on our planet. But there are also beautiful, noble, merciful ones.

In your life, you already met a lot of both.

2

[jianai]

You did well.

[Ren is going to just walk up to and embrace Interitus - as well as they can, considering the size difference.]

My trust and hopes were with you out there, you know. I knew you'd protect Volya.

[mistaken_for_monster]

Tbbttthht.

[A few vines spun themselves together to form some rather clumsy makeshift hands to hug Ren back with. It lets out a soft and happy coo. Ren could feel the relief that Volya was okay. All things considered, what had happened the whole time was hard on its partner.]

[jianai]

Please continue taking care of him.

[Ren emanates happiness in a disgustingly saccharine scene.]

You are not alone.

1

[tiger_ken]

I think you're excused from school for a while.

[+1 pudding to Volya as Ken steps in, and finds a seat.]

If need be, I can deal with it for you. I know I passed middle school at least.

[There's... an awkward tension, given how Ken's dancing around the obvious issues. Mostly because he doesn't want to make it any worse for Volya, give everything.]

[mistaken_for_monster]

Yeah.. I guess... someone going to write them a letter or anything?

[Volya sighs anxiously. Yeah that would be pretty interesting wouldn't it.]

'Dear school principal, Volya's uncle was taken in a freak explosive related incident. Please excuse his absence as he is dealing with his tragic loss.'

[He choked on the last word and takes a sharp breath. There's only the briefest sign of tears but the kid is remaining admirably composed.]

...I'd appreciate it... my writing's still terrible...

[tiger_ken]

We'll probably tell them you had a bad stomach bug after eating some pudding.

[Of course, now that Volya's gone and said it...]

Though... has anyone talked to you about what we might be able to do for you now?

1

[caressthedarkness]

Volya...?

[When Seta decides to visit and sees this, she naturally looks worried.]

...I know that it might be difficult...but, you should lie down and rest properly...

[mistaken_for_monster]

I know... but... I just can't sleep... just... really hard to...

[He chews at his lip anxiously.]

[caressthedarkness]

I am sorry for what happened...

[There is a hand, albeit a surprisingly cold one, holding one of yours.]

And if that is the case. Then, do not sleep...

But, at the very least...put your body at ease.

1

[majestic_keiki]

I don't think anybody is going to worry about the assignment.

[Kei entered the room just as Volya called out the last thing, carrying some flowers for the injured guy.]

Are you feeling better?

[mistaken_for_monster]

I don't know.

[Volya sighs, looking interestedly at the flowers.]

I mean... everything that happened... I should be feeling worse I guess... but I just feel... really tired right now.

[majestic_keiki]

That sounds like an improvement.

[She looked around for a bit to see if she could find a vase to put the flowers in.]

But...Make sure you get some rest to recover.

1

[cloningblues]

Hey.

...You want to talk?

[mistaken_for_monster]

No... Maybe?

[Volya gives Asagi an unsure look here before looking back down at the covers.]

I don't even know what I should try to talk about... or where to start...

[cloningblues]

There is something I wanted to ask you. If you're up to answering.

1

[actuallyselfish]

"Hey, kid." Dido says, knocking on the side of his door. "Can I come in?"

[mistaken_for_monster]

Not stopping you.

[Volya just glances at the door.]

[actuallyselfish]

"Cool." Dido steps in. She holds up a foil-wrapped bar.

"I, uh, brought chocolate. Would you like some?"

1

[empress_without_a_throne]

Hey there kiddo. Glad to see you're awake.

[Beside Volya's bed, everyone's favorite Abyssian's is right there and smiling now that Volya's conscious.]

[mistaken_for_monster]

[Volya manages a small, if weak smile at Mizuki.]

Hey...

[He sighs though.]

I still feel like I want to sleep for a few more years though...

2

[caressthedarkness]

Ah, please hold on for a moment...

I need to set this down...

[What is Seta carrying? One of those large water tanks that one would use to add storage capacity to their homes. Between its size and how much water is inside, it must weigh at least a ton; but she's handling it like a waitress holds a tray of food.

Not exactly the most showy display of a Kijin's strength, but it is strength that is put to good use.]

[mistaken_for_monster]

Thhhbttthhhtt?

[Like a dog's eyes fixed on the possibility of a biscuit, Interitus' head was transfixed on the tank like a snake to a snake charmer.]