it's not the same ( OPEN )

[circulets]

WHO: Sorey, Mikleo, and your character!
WHERE: Various places in Heropa!
WHEN: During the Road Not Taken event.
WHAT: Sorey deals with being human for the first time, Mikleo's suddenly a seraph here. It's a big role reverse for them!
WARNINGS: n/a.

A) Do You Believe In Magic?

[Of course, there are certain things that are almost instinctive. That Sorey can't help attempting to do without thinking. One of these things is attempting to idly play with his water artes as they walk down the street. Except. For some reason, it is not working, when he attempts to summon and manipulate the particular element he is attuned to.] That's wierd. I can't....

[ Mikleo stops at that, looking on at mild surprise. He's more used to accidentally being drenched or sprinkled with water when they're walking more often time than any. And so, when Sorey speaks, he can't help but look confused. ] Is something wrong with your artes?

It's not...working. [Sorey frowns, almost pouting in initial confusion as he tries once more to use his artes. Again, unsuccessfully, for both subsequent attempts.] Something's not right.

We're in another place, aren't we? Do you think it's possible that your artes have weakened here? [ He looks down, brows furrowing as he thinks of a possible solution. ]

Maybe. It's just strange. To not be able to use my artes like this. I don't like it. [It's obvious it has Sorey uneasy, for all Mikleo's attempted reassurance. He's not even noticing others potentially staring at him, more focused on figuring this out.] What about you?

[ Mikleo shakes his head, crossing his arms. ] It's too soon to tell. I'm no seraph. My powers lie with yours mostly, remember? [ He looks forward. ] Let's go to the training center. We can give artmatization a try. [ He reaches, putting a comforting hand on Sorey's shoulder. ] Something like artes doesn't just disappear. I'll ask around. There's others here with supernatural abilities.

You think it might be others too? I know this place seems pretty big on powers and all....but okay. Training centre then. [He gives a nod, obviously not yet realizing most can probably only catch his side of the conversation. Because usually, it's the other way around. People seeing and hearing Mikleo, not him. Easily following, unless someone happens to stop them upon hearing some or all of the conversation between them.]

b) Getting Stranger and Stranger

[ Of course, over time, considering how often they go wandering outside, Sorey can't help but notice the stares. Which, he is used to, since Mikleo became the Shepherd and all. It's just....this time the stares seem to be directed at him?]

Are they looking at you, or is it.....me? [He's so not used to this. It makes him almost excited amid the confusion. To think so many seem to be able to see him. To possibly hear him.]

[ Mikleo turns towards others, who are now giving Sorey rather pointed stares. His gaze hardens a little when he sees just how strange of looks they're giving him, but-- it is rather strange. After all, people can't-- really see Sorey. ]

It's almost as though that don't even see me, but... [ His voice trails off. ] ... They can see you.

But most humans can't see seraphim, right? I thought they'd be staring at you, not me..... [It's strange. Sorey isn't quite sure what to make of it. What this might mean. If the people here can see him, what that might mean.] I mean. I guess maybe a lot of people here have really high resonance?

[ Mikleo stops at his words, shaking his head. ] No, you just said it yourself. People can't see me, but they can see you. It's almost as though I myself am the one who's invisible to others in this world. .... The fact that your artes aren't working in the first place is already strange as it is.

But aren't all these people...or, most of them, humans? [In which case, things should surely be the other way around. Or so Sorey would figure. It's always been Mikleo who dealt with the humans back home. Sorey isn't as sure what to make of this, how to go about it if this is suddenly switched. But they might not have a choice. If the other is supposedly in his previous position.]

[ Mikleo cups his chin with one hand, looking thoughtful for a moment. ] It's almost as though we've switched places, Sorey.

Switched? You don't mean....how? [Sure, they've heard of people being reborn as a seraph, but only under certain circumstances, and there were consequences for that. He's not sure there has ever been an incident where a seraph became human though.]

[ Mikleo looks to Sorey, purple-colored eyes looking towards him intently. ] We've come to a completely different world. It's best to be prepared for anything, even if it means this.

c) For the First Time

[ They've been walking through town for a while. However, it's when Mikleo hears a strange-sort of noise that he stops, looking mildly confused. ] ... Sorey. Was that your stomach?

Huh? Was it....? But I don't really get hungry like you do. [Or. Well. He hasn't previously because he was in his seraph body. Not a human's. Sorey can't help looking down, almost confused, at his stomach as Mikleo asks. Usually, Mikleo is pretty good at taking care of himself that he never quite gets to this sort of point where his stomach really protests. But of course, Sorey isn't used to such necessities, so he possibly has been quite neglectful in this regard.]

And I haven't been hungry. [ He frowns deeply at that, reaching to tug at Sorey's wrist. ] Come on. I'll cook something for you. If we're right about switching places, you need to eat something. [ It's strange, but it's a good thing that Mikleo's become pretty talented at cooking meals for himself. ]

Oh yeah. Okay then. Does this mean I'll get tired too? [This is partly him wondering aloud to himself, but he easily allows Mikleo to pull him along, following at a decent pace with his longer legs.] I mean, I'm used to just staying up and reading while you sleep. But I guess if you remind me we can figure food. [Sorey might manage okay with some simpler meals or snacks but mostly, it's Mikleo that needs the food after all. Sorey just occasionally joins him because he appreciates the cooking.]

We won't know until it happens, but it's likely at this rate. [ Mikleo says softly. He... wonders if he won't need to eat or sleep now himself. What a strange thought. It means he'll have more times to do things that he wants to do, but he also knows that a large part of him will want to remain close to Sorey through all of this. ]

Does this mean you won't need to eat or sleep while I do? That's gonna be....weird. [The opposite of their usual habits and necessities. Sorey can already sort of tell it's troubling his friend, the way Mikleo is starting to fret over him and this new development.] I'm sure we'll figure it out though. What were you thinking of making?

Your favorite. [ Mikleo offers a small smile, though it's a little forced. He doesn't want Sorey to worry about him. He wants Sorey to worry about himself during all of this. He's the one who needs it far more than Mikleo. ]

Yeah? Great! I'm....what's that word again? Starving? [Apparently. It's a new experience for him, but Sorey imagines it will only increase his usual enjoyment of eating Mikleo's food.]

[ Mikleo stops, sending the other a rather dry look. ] ... Only you would sound happy about something like this.

d) wildcard

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Comments

c

[historiology]

Only me? Well, I've just...I've never been hungry before. Not like you. Not like humans. I mean, I like eating. But it's not something I have to do or my stomach makes noises like this or kinda hurts.

[It's not something he's experienced before. It's new. And most anything new, of course Sorey tends to get a bit excitable over it. Even if that might in some ways only at times make Mikleo more worried. But at least he does look almost a little sheepish over it, as he follows Mikleo to get some food.]

[circulets]

It's always been something you did for the fun of it, but... For whatever reason, we'll have to make sure that you do it for more important purposes now.

[ Will he need sleep, too? What a strange world they've wandered into... It's almost as though he's not a seraph at all anymore. ]

[historiology]

You think it means I'll have to eat while here? I guess it could be worse. As long as the food tastes good! You'll just have to remind me.

[Because Sorey isn't as used to this, actually needing to eat. He'd probably initially take a while to adjust to having to eat every few hours rather than sitting down whenever he feels like sharing a meal with his friend. Sorey doesn't seem too worried about it though, more confused, trying to reassure Mikleo even if he isn't sure what is going on.]

[circulets]

We shouldn't take our chances and wait until you're too hungry. Once we find a place to eat, let's stop there for now.

[ He... knows that Sorey isn't used to being hungry. All the more reason for Mikleo to start watching out for him more. The last thing they should do is wait around until he's starving. ]

[historiology]

Okay. I guess you're more used to this than I am. You usually eat a few times a day, right?

[Sorey doesn't mind eating, enjoys it sometimes even, but it's still strange to think he will need to now, so often. But that's why he'll be relying on Mikleo to remind him, hopefully before the point of his stomach really protesting. Still, that is a lot of time, including sleeping, that he could be exploring or reading more about this place.]

[circulets]

That's what's healthiest. We'll both have to eat around the same time. It'll make this easier, anyways.

[ Of course, it isn't something they're both particularly sure about, but better to be safe than sorry. Mikleo's never had to watch out far too much for the seraph, but in this case, it's time to put how he knows how to take care of himself to use. ]

[historiology]

I guess. I mean, there has been the odd time I've joined you to eat before so this shouldn't be too hard?

[If Mikleo is in the habit of eating anyway. It's just a matter of making more of whatever he has, so Sorey gets something in him, is the important thing. And getting him to rest, if he actually might also need to sleep. But they'll figure it out. Even if it might be a bit more of a shift from Sorey constantly keeping Mikleo's mortality and needs in mind. More Mikleo looking out for him.]

Hey, Mikleo, what's a 'burger'? [Yes, he is eyeing up some typical fast-food joint as the first restaurant of sorts he spots. Of course he is.]

a

[drizzle]

[Nike was continuing her journey around her new surroundings while allowing the numerous voices of this world to guide her step. Actively asking for their knowledge to help her return home, to her time. Needless to say, her eyes were clearly in a deep trance as the color of her eyes were the darkest shade of green. People had to avoid Nike as she was no longer herself. It wasn't until she passed by a duo that brought her back to her current state of reality like an anchor to a ship. Nike will shake her head a bit as she finds herself in control once more while rubbing her eye. What happened? Who distracted her?

She'll look behind her to find two interesting things: one, the guy visibly talking about lack of art skills; something about him felt very familiar, yet it felt....like something was wrong, just like with the vampire she met before. And two, the outline of someone was by the other guy's side. Something about that blurred outline made her heart begin to race and eyes begin to sting. Why? Why was she feeling so overwhelmed? Why was she getting the urge in wanting to quickly head his way?

Without thinking about it, she'll end up behind him, almost wanting to hug him from behind, but she stopped herself at the very last minute. Instead she will take hold of a piece of his shirt, behind the inside of the outline of his sleeve. The duo will find an almost confused and tearful Nike dressed in a pink traditional outfit from her country while using her shawl as a long and thick ribbon to keep her hair in a high ponytail. She knew them, didn't she?]

[historiology]

[Sorey does look different to his usual human self, all in blue this time rather than just his shirt under the Shepherd mantle. He's distracted from following Mikleo, from talking more or asking more when he feels a tug at his shirt, making him pause and turn.

Only to see a girl. One that seems almost somehow vaguely familiar, but he's easily able to brush that off. After all, they pretty much barely arrived here, haven't they? Or so it seems to him, thus far. But he can't ignore her. Not when she seems so upset and confused about....well, something. He's not sure what exactly. Sorey looks almost lost, glancing to Mikleo for some sort of guidance on what to do.]

H-hey....are you lost? I'm not sure I know much more than you do, but I can try help?

[Because of course that is his first instinct. Of course it is. And as a human, he can theoretically do a lot more to actually help and reach out now, in comparison to what he could manage as a seraph back home. Even if this is....still so weird.]

[drizzle]

[It was strange. Too strange. She can feel a slight ache forming in the side of her head for almost absolutely no reason other than a gut feeling informing, almost yelling at her at this point, that all of this wasn't right. Somehow she almost wanted to have someone paint a portrait of this boy. The very thought made her feel self-aware and uncomfortable that she was blushing a bit out of embarrassment.

When he begins to feel concern about her, she'll nod her head before making a "so-so" gesture by moving her free hand slightly. She's technically a little lost, but. May as well ask him her true question that is nagging her now.

She'll point to him then to her with a curious expression. 'Do they know each other?' or 'Does he recognize her?' could be a good alternative too. Hopefully he was good at understanding her.]

[historiology]

Hm? Do I....know you? I'm not sure. I don't think so? I mean, I don't remember meeting you back home or anything, but you do seem kind of familiar....? That's weird of me to say, isn't it?

[But he can't deny there feels like some familiarity there all the same. Even if he's not entirely sure how to explain it. At the least, he seems to be mostly guessing at what she tries to say or ask though. He looks almost sheepish for a moment before considering.]

Ah, but if you can't talk, maybe writing stuff down might help?

[drizzle]

[She'll shake her head as he made that observation over if it was odd to know him without actually knowing the reason behind it. A uneasy smile will be given as she points to herself to show that he wasn't alone. Then she points to her own heart as well. After that, she'll point to her lips and back at Sorey and Mikleo before wrapping herself into a hug. She was telling him that 'it was the same for her' and 'she felt in her heart that they make her feel safe' or 'they are safe'.

When he does ask her about writing down her thoughts may be better, her head will tilt, realizing that he was right to suggest it and made the most sense. A sheepish smile will appear as she hits the side of her head in a playful manner. She agreed with him. If she could laugh, she would because she couldn't believe she missed that at all. However, she'll pretend to write in the palm of her hands before shaking her head. She didn't have anything to write with. An apologetic smile will be given afterwards. Sorry.

But she will clap her hands happily though. Looks like she was complimenting him on the idea though. It was a good one!]

[historiology]

You too? I guess it isn't just me then. [Sorey isn't sure if that should make him feel more relieved or entirely on a new level of how confused he is on this whole situation. Either way was a possibility, once he had more time to consider things and figure this out.

But that flaw in his supposed perfect plan and alternative is still easily fixed.]

I'm sure paper and something to write with wouldn't be that hard to find. I guess it might be a little difficult with just your hands.

[He has no idea on sign language, obviously. And that would require Nike knowing any of it, let alone he himself being able to understand. This charades of sorts seems to be working well enough that he can usually guess more or less.]

[drizzle]

[She'll shake her head to show that he wasn't alone in the confusion concerning their memories. If only she could tell him about the conversation she had with her suppose roommates. It would have been easy if she had something to write with. For now, she decides to keep her way of communication to be short and as simple as she can to avoid any unnecessary confusion.

There will be a nod of her head. It couldn't be too difficult to find paper and pen to use. She'll look around her surroundings for a moment, wondering if she should ask around for some, but decided against it. Instead she will reach for Sorey's hand and pull him towards the direction she came from. With her other hand, she'll make a gesture to follow her. She was planning on taking him and Mikleo somewhere.]

[circulets]

[ While she can't see Mikleo far too clearly, he's donning the Shepherd's garb that Sorey once wore beforehand, brunette-colored hair in place of what was once silver-blue. Purple-colored eyes look on in mild distress as she hurries towards Sorey, nearly reaching out to her as though she's about to fall.

Was she a new arrival, much like themselves, or was she distressed for another reason entirely? ]

You-- are you alright?

[drizzle]

[Upon hearing the voice by her side, Nike felt the same sensation that that returned her to this plane of reality. Then the voice that made her feel overwhelmed was the semi-transparent spirit beside her. Why did she like crying upon realizing this?

She'll reach out her free hand towards the direction of the spirit. An action which will astonished her because it was the second or rather third time she has been touching complete strangers. Why was she acting like they were her mother or sisters? She only had enough courage to touch them, and even then....she technically shouldn't be like that neither. After all, she was only another servant, a caretaker, and companion for her mother.

But, even so, she's reaching out to him too before shaking her head. She wasn't okay. This was too much for her to handle. Why was she acting like this? Why was this person's voice so important to distract her from the other voices surrounding her? Who were they? What were they? She had so much to ask, but didn't know how to.]

[circulets]

[ She almost looking to him as though she can see him. This world--it was strange, he couldn't figure anything out. People were acting as though he was suddenly invisible, yet here was this girl, reaching out for him as though she could see him.

Fingers twitch, and there's hesitation on his end before he reaches upwards, fingers slowly finding their way around her wrist. His grip is gentle, and he tugs her down to sit next to both him and Sorey. ]

... Here. Sorey and I-- we're both here to help. [ He doesn't know why he's so quick to suddenly want to help this stranger. Why he feels like he suddenly knows this girl. Maybe Sorey's been rubbing off a little too much on him. He's always been the one who's insisted that he help others. ]

[drizzle]

[Her gaze will begin to sting once she felt his gentle touch on her wrist. It was all she needed to know that he was real and was someone she definitely knew. The idea of allowing a spirit to touch her is taboo. Her family have taught her to stop reaching out for things that aren't really there. Communicating and forming bonds was different than being able to see and feel. Even though she knew this, she couldn't pull away nor did she want to. A piece of her wanted to hug him too, but was too modest to.

She'll nod her head as she sits down between them. A boy she can't see entirely and one she can completely see. It was odd how she felt more comfortable with the spirit than the other boy. Why? But it didn't matter as she let go of Sorey and held onto the spirit's hand with it. She wanted to cry, but was holding back. No need to make this worse. She rather prefer the boys sitting next to her to notice her body trembling than allow those passing by them notice her need to cry.

Once she believe she could properly communicate her thoughts, she'll touch her neck and shake her head as a way to let him know she can't speak. Then she'll let go of his hand to touch her heart, then she'll point to him and Sorey, and then hold herself as though she was hugging herself. She was informing him that 'in her heart she felt safe with them' or 'her heart feels safe with them'. After that, she'll shrug her shoulders to show that she didn't understand the reason behind it neither. Then she'll point to him as she tilts her head, wondering if he felt the same or not.]

[circulets]

[ He can see her shaking, and he opens his mouth to speak, only to stop. Compared to Sorey, he wasn't as good at comforting others, but he can't just-- leave her like this when she looks so distressed. It isn't the same as seeing a stranger in near tears. This felt different, as though he'd seen a friend from home in a state such as this.

It takes a moment, but he eventually realizes what she's trying to say. The way that her words warm his heart is unmistakable, and before he knows it, he's nodding his head to answer her question.

He reaches with a free hand, placing it on shoulder and offering a soft squeeze before he smiles at her. ]

You aren't alone.

b

[resipiscent]

[Riku's sticking to himself, and isn't really paying attention to the passersby. He's sitting on the edge of a fountain in the park, a book open in one gloved hand. Stubbornly he's wearing his coat, despite the heat, though his hood is down.

A couple of boys go by, who seem to be discussing that they're expecting one of them to not be seen, but... he can see both of them fine. It's weird enough that he blinks up at them as they pass, noting their appearances. And the fact that he knows who they are, which... is the third or fourth time this has happened to him, and so is still as weird as it was the first time he experienced it, with the girl in his house.]

... You're both perfectly visible, [he says, eyes slipping back down to the book as he speaks. If they speak to him, or they don't hear him -- either is fine.]

[circulets]

[ Mikleo turns towards the stranger--was it a stranger?-- at that, eyes widening mildly as he stops in his steps. It's rare that he meets someone who can see and hear seraphim, but the fact that someone who wasn't from Glenwood could see Sorey was... rather amazing. ]

Him, too? [ He points to Sorey, looking to the seraph, and then to Riku. ]

[historiology]

[Sorey's own eyes widen in surprise at that, blinking at Riku. It's as if he's unsure how to respond. How to react to a human being able to see him. It isn't exactly common, back home, for humans to be able to see or hear seraphim.

Maybe a lot of people here have naturally high resonance though? It's hard to say, given he's used to people staring -- at Mikleo. Not him. So Sorey simply waits, curious at the other's answer. He'd said 'both'. So he had to mean he could see Sorey too, right?]

[resipiscent]

I said both, didn't I?

[He sighs gently, looking up at the pair. He's curious what they think is happening, because whatever it is, it's probably not right.]

Maybe others can't see one of you. But you're both as visible as anyone else, to me.

[circulets]

[ Mikleo takes a moment to take that in, awed at the fact that someone here did indeed have resonance. But, this could be the opportunity that the both of them were looking for, in that case. Slowly, he ods his head in reply. ]

Then, you're like me. [ He looks to Sorey. ] This is my friend, Sorey. He's a seraphim back at home. It's less normal for others to see and hear him. [ He looks to Sorey before clearing his throat.

Was he going to say anything? He's probably too surprised to do it. ]

[historiology]

Both.....? Ah. Y-yeah. I mean, other seraphim can see and hear me just fine. It's humans that can't, once we left Elysia.

[He may just be repeating what Mikleo said, giving slightly more information to some degree, but even that seems amazing to him. Sorey is gradually going from looking stunned to excited. He's turning to Mikleo, looking thrilled as he in turn then gazes to Riku in some sort of awe.]

He can see me. This is amazing! [No, Sorey. Now is not the time to go asking him what colour your hair is.]