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(no subject)

WHO: Everyone!
WHERE: Jeopardy -> Heropa
WHEN: Nov. 19
WHAT: A resolution and a swear-in
WARNINGS: Please label threads

Somewhere, in a place that is and is not Jeopardy, time has passed. To some, it may have felt like mere hours; to others, days. For time doesn't truly touch this place. Only fate exists here, for imPorts to change or allow to proceed as it will.

Somewhere, the sisters look into the hearts of those with the power to decide the fate of this entire world and know their choice. A blinding light grows, forcing even the strongest to close their eyes, and as they do so, a vision of what could have happened appears in their minds. A world wreathed in flames, fire and screams echoing ceaselessly as they depart; a peaceful world, healed and whole and well—and a certainty that another world has paid a heavy price.

And then there's the sensation of three powerful forces leaving, two taking an unwilling third with them to wherever they are going. This world will be left as it is now, and its future will be whatever the people here make of it.

MEANWHILE, IN HEROPA

One week into the mysterious storm that has enveloped much of Jeopardy, citizens across the nation are losing hope. The government continues to monitor the situation at a safe distance, but cannot enter the affected part of the city, though one SEAL team did make an attempt, only to become lost in the wind for hours before emerging without ever making it through. While the storm hasn't grown, neither has it shown any sign of changing.

The heroes who bravely charged into the storm have not officially been given up for lost, but with no news coming from Jeopardy, few believe they will emerge unscathed. To honor their sacrifice (?) and offer sorrowful natives a means of coping, a candlelight vigil kicks off outside Heropa City Hall at 4:30 PM EST.

Speeches are given. Commemorative t-shirts are sold. It is at this point that a large portal of light opens up in front of the building and deposits all imPorts who entered the storm, as well as a confused but unharmed Layla and Sally Clapp. A stunned silence falls over the crowd — followed shortly by an eruption of cheers.

Organized chaos quickly reigns over the occasion. Medical personnel are quickly called in to aid any imPorts who might need it, and government officials quickly descend, one thing on their mind: what the heck happened, heroes?! ImPorts are asked to state, for the record, exactly what they experienced — which leaves a lot of room open for the more creative among them. Just what each imPorts is willing to confess to or lie about is up to them, but there are other imPorts at hand to refute or support all statements.

While imPorts are technically free to go, all are encouraged to enter the building for a debriefing with government officials. Those who care to share their story begin to paint a picture of what happened, and a flurry of transportation begins to move between City Hall and the local porter outpost, as Jeopardy will certainly require some aid now that it is fully accessible. Reports begin to filter back that while there have been some casualties and collateral damage to the city, it is far less of a disaster than the government anticipated during the storm, no doubt due to imPorts' efforts. Additionally, news from other porter cities begins to arrive; with the dissipation of the Jeopardy storm, all dimensional anomalies elsewhere have ceased.

Following the briefings, ImPorts may go home and get some rest, although they may have trouble shaking off the crowds — which are largely ecstatic that the people who apparently saved the world are in front of them.

While imPorts were occupied with the post-disaster debriefings, locals have used the time to launch an impromptu celebration of their defense of this world. Local restaurants, breweries and nanas have hustled their finest wares over, and free food and drink are flowing for the homecoming heroes. A local party & events organizing company has strung up some lights and tents in the park across the street from City Hall, lending a festive atmosphere to the area. T-shirts being sold to honor the assumed-fallen heroes have been 'edited' with permanent marker, going from 'FALLED HEROES' (there was an error in the print run, given the notice of less than a week) to 'RISEN HEROES' and are, regretfully, being given away for free.

For those who stay, an impromptu party breaks out, and the occasion quickly becomes the latest swear-in, albeit with a more casual emphasis on the actual swearing-in than usual; a card table is set up with the usual seals and documents, but it's a bit haphazard.

Along with tasty libations, local musicians start jamming on acoustic guitars in the park's gazebo, setting up some cheerful background music—or maybe you're not too tired to dance? A local physical therapy school has rolled in multiple portable massage tables, with free sessions for sore heroes!

The locals who haven't dispersed yet are also around, likely to seek autographs from the world savers, while podcasters, BlueTubers and regular nosy nellies might lean in with a recording device, asking for the real story of what happened. For imPorts who become too intoxicated or exhausted to porter home, many locals are offering couches to crash on — although the pillows they use may later show up on ePay.

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Oh, tosh-- [she puffs out a breath, shaking her head.] I've never known a shield to give directions before. That's my fault. So, um... Let...let me see.

[she peeks around behind him, looking about.] If that store is...there, and...and that's over there, then...um. That way! I, I think. Gods, I hope so-- [she winces.] Sorry. This might...be a waste of your time. You don't have to--

We're friends.

[His response is firm and he starts off in the direction she indicated, and within a few steps he's pushing away some people who clearly conclude they are imPorts, mostly because of how beat up and worn and blood stained David is, and Cecelia's, well, Cecelia.]

Ye-yeah, but-!!

[but does it mean having to put him through such trouble? gods. she should've-- she should've just picked a different direction? or at least suggested something more roundabout. now there's just...so many people.

guess it's nice these hands of hers don't seem to be going numb on her now? yay??

she winces, shrinking as David must be a bit hands-on with some of the over-excited citizens who, really, probably mean no harm? but this is stressful.]

Ec-excuse us? Please? Just-- [gods, cameras. she wavers, her head bumping into David's back.]

Move.

[David's voice is hard, firm, and far from amused. It's a tone he used once before around Cecelia, to deal with a clown and mime. And he seems even more serious about it this time than he had been that time. Perhaps even angrier.]

We're tired and we want to go home. Also? Don't bother trying to sell video of imPorts wanting their privacy. I've already hacked your phone camera and deleted the footage. Now go before I have to get mean.

[the new tone of David's voice gives Cecelia an uncomfortable chill down her spine. but she says nothing, instead just remaining tense and quiet at his back until his demands are met and the gawkers relent and back off.

only then does she breathe out.]

Sorry...that this is all...so annoying...

[If nothing else, the tone is in her defense. And he gives a satisfied nod as he turns to her and gestures for them to start again.]

Trust me, Cecelia, I know it. I never meant to go there. I got... Well, I went. I spent a lot of time giving medical aid. And I lost things. I don't want celebrated.

...

[this is the part where she ought to put a reassuring or comforting hand on his shoulder. offer some empathy.

too bad she's got hideous monster-hands. it bloody figures.

murmured:] I'm sorry...

[They aren't hideous and he will assure her of that when they aren't near strangers. So he just keeps guiding her. Right now, he doesn't want comforted. He wants assured his friends are alive.]

Thanks, Cece. I... Just thank you.

[she makes a faint sound in response -- just a sound to ensure he was heard, but she falls into silence after that, not speaking up until she sees the familiar lights of the street leading to the government housing.]

Ah--here. It's...just down this way. I can take it from here, if you need to go.

If it's alright with you, I'd prefer to see you safely to your door. Unless that was a polite way of you asking for me to go. Then just nod and I'll pretend I got the hint the first time?

N-no, I...I'd like that. Actually.

[that he didn't just take the out is...comforting. it shouldn't surprise her that he wouldn't, since he's the one impressing the fact that they're friends all the time, but even so. one can never be so sure...

now that they're far from the crowds, she has less issue taking the lead and walking down the length of houses, slowing down to a stop before the one with the...obscenely out-of-place and ornate balcony affixed to the side.]

This one here.

Nice balcony.

[He is half jealous. But only half so. And happy to see her confidence returning. If it even is that.]

You okay, Cece?

Uh, thanks. It's--[very gaudy from the outside, she's aware. more aware right now, next to someone else who has discerning taste.

oh, well.] I like it.

[at the question, she hesitates, an ear twitching. not long after she offers a little shrug and bob of her head.] I-I'll be fine, fine. I just. I'm gonna...I just need to clean up, is all.

[however the hell you clean up and clean off hideous monster hands.]

Thank you. For--taking the time to...y'know. For going out of your way. For me.

I like it too. Wish my new place had a balcony. Or a patio. I'd grow potted veggies.

[Taking the time? Why does she always do that? He's her friend, and he would do it without hesitation.]

You mean a lot to me, Cece, as a friend. And if I'd known you were there in Jeopardy, I would have hunted you down.

[she dips her head, face getting tomato-red.]

That's awfully dashing of you, David. You say such things so easily... [like Darin does. just...with a more down-to-earth sense of practicality.]

I-I'll leave you to it, then. I have to... [behind the shawl, her claws flex, reminding her they're there. she grimaces, turning and starting for the door.] Farewell for now-!

Dashing? Hardly. You also did help me get away from the crowds. Or gave me an excuse. That's useful.

[But he frowns and reaches out for her.]

How recent are they? Do you have a way to properly care for the scales? Have you considered silicon tips for the claws to keep you from scratching through things you care about?

[He may have... well, had a bit of experience with life with someone with claws.]

[ah...

she'd almost forgotten that he'd noticed and that was why she was wearing the jacket. even the tips of her ears burn up with guilt and shame as she stops in-place, back to him. she needs a moment to get a hold of her bubbling-up emotions and gulp them back down.]

I, I don't know. I just...I'm just hoping they...go away. Eventually. I don't know.

There's a chance they won't. And if they don't, I want to make sure you can care for them. And, so you know, they're beautiful.

[Dangerous, yes, but beautiful.]

[bristling:] Don't say that.

[Really? David frowns and flinches back.]

Why? I mean, your normal hands were better, but what it is with people having a problem with things like this?

I don't know. I don't know about people. [her eyes start to well up as her emotions start to get the better of her.] I don't know about things like THIS. Okay? But the very last thing on my mind right now? Is being even remotely beautiful. OKAY?

Cecelia, I know people. I... I've dated someone with hands that shifted to be like yours. So I'm sorry I upset you, but I can probably help you with this. Whether you're stuck with it or not.

[while he offers his reasoning, Cecelia's shoulders draw up as she hastens to the door, trying to finagle the handle with talons.]

Look--I. I just! I just need time to. To sit and think! Study. Figure out why--why this even...gods dammit OPEN ALREADY YOU-- Ah-!

[she recoils with a squeak, having chipped some of the wood around the knob fixture.]

G-gods...!

[At least let him help. David moves to her side and carefully takes the coat to wrap it around one hand. That should let her grip and twist. Sure, it will tear through the coat, but he's not attached to it.]

Try that?

Don't-- [she starts to snap at him, recoiling like a fussy animal. only when she sees what he's up to does she still, chewing on her lip, eyes wincing.

door opening successful, she ducks her head back down, tilting it so she can barely see him sidelong.

mumbled:] ...Thanks... Good night, David. Go tend to your things.

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helpdesk_hero - 2019-11-28 02:56 (UTC) - Expand

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