-| U.M.I.R.A. |-

[SHIVERS]

Show ContentTRANSLATION:

U.M.I.R.A.
PRE-INTERVIEW SCREENING

Please fill out as many applicable fields as you can.

NAME: ___________
PRONOUNS: ___________
AGE: ___________
HEIGHT: ___________
SPECIES (approx.): ___________
MORPH (approx.): ___________
POSITION APPLIED FOR: UMIRA Agent
ASSIGNMENT/FIELD: TBD

1. Are you familiar with scraps?    [ ] YES    [ ] NO
2. Are you comfortable working with/near scraps?    [ ] YES    [ ] NO
3. Can you see scraps?    [ ] YES    [ ] NO    [ ] YES, BY USING TOOLS (such as specialized goggles, glasses, etc.)
4. Can you touch, interact with, and/or use scraps?    [ ] YES    [ ] NO    [ ] YES, BY USING TOOLS (such as specialized gloves, etc.)
5. If you answered no to either of the previous questions, would you be comfortable using such tools to see/interact with scraps?    [ ] YES    [ ] NO

6. What are your thoughts on scrap ghosts? ___________
7. What are your thoughts on cryptids and other extranormal creatures/entities? ___________



(continued on back of page: )

8. Have you had any extranormal experiences?    [ ] YES    [ ] NO
9. If yes, briefly list any extranormal experiences you may have had:
You will have more time to elaborate during the interview, if need be.  ___________

Skills and/or Abilities: ___________
Likes: ___________
Dislikes: ___________
Hobbies: ___________
Fears: ___________

Please return to the front desk when you have finished.

[cosmo]

NAME: Ventricle
PRONOUNS: Any
SPECIES (approx.): Concept
MORPH (approx.): Heart (shape) motif, Raccoon variant
POSITION APPLIED FOR: UMIRA Agent
ASSIGNMENT/FIELD: TBD

1. Are you familiar with scraps?    [X] YES    [ ] NO
2. Are you comfortable working with/near scraps?    [X] YES    [ ] NO
3. Can you see scraps?    [ ] YES    [ ] NO    [X] YES, BY USING TOOLS (such as specialized goggles, glasses, etc.)
4. Can you touch, interact with, and/or use scraps?    [ ] YES    [ ] NO    [X] YES, BY USING TOOLS (such as specialized gloves, etc.)
5. If you answered no to either of the previous questions, would you be comfortable using such tools to see/interact with scraps?    [ ] YES    [ ] NO

6. What are your thoughts on scrap ghosts? Deeply fascinating phenomena.

[MarxzVulpez]

U.M.I.R.A.
PRE-INTERVIEW SCREENING

Please fill out as many applicable fields as you can.

NAME: __Herrera Dakotasfield___
PRONOUNS: ___Any_____
AGE: _28_
HEIGHT: __5'5"___
SPECIES (approx.): _Pockitt/Elemental_
MORPH (approx.): ___Rabbit/Fire (smoke subtype)________
POSITION APPLIED FOR: UMIRA Agent
ASSIGNMENT/FIELD: TBD

1. Are you familiar with scraps?    [X] YES    [ ] NO
2. Are you comfortable working with/near scraps?    [X] YES    [ ] NO
3. Can you see scraps?    [X] YES    [ ] NO    [ ] YES, BY USING TOOLS (such as specialized goggles, glasses, etc.)
4. Can you touch, interact with, and/or use scraps?    [X] YES    [ ] NO    [ ] YES, BY USING TOOLS (such as specialized gloves, etc.)
5. If you answered no to either of the previous questions, would you be comfortable using such tools to see/interact with scraps?    [ ] YES    [ ] NO

6. What are your thoughts on scrap ghosts? ____can range from tragic souls to obnoxious pests to interesting conversation partners__
7. What are your thoughts on cryptids and other extranormal creatures/entities? _____Most are Probably better left alone______



(continued on back of page: )

8. Have you had any extranormal experiences?    [X] YES    [ ] NO
9. If yes, briefly list any extranormal experiences you may have had:
You will have more time to elaborate during the interview, if need be.  ___Had a brief run in with the Plaza native cryptid Big Summit, It was an unpleasant experience to say the least__

Skills and/or Abilities: ____Fire and Smoke manipulation, Magnetics Scrap affinity, really good climber and distance runner, I have a Proxy called Springtide Jurisdiction_____
Likes: ___Summer, Honey sticks, Big Burgers, stir fry esp vegetables________
Dislikes: ____Multigrain Pasta, Zippers, cheap plastic______
Hobbies: ____Sewing, Short scary stories (reading and writing)_______
Fears: _____Big Summit, Spit Cultists______

Please return to the front desk when you have finished.

[Ignispark]

U.M.I.R.A.
PRE-INTERVIEW SCREENING

Please fill out as many applicable fields as you can.

NAME: ____Minth Plexle_______
PRONOUNS: _____Any______
AGE: ____27_______
HEIGHT: ____9'0_______
SPECIES (approx.): ____Neuroth_______
MORPH (approx.): _____Dragonfly______
POSITION APPLIED FOR: UMIRA Agent
ASSIGNMENT/FIELD: TBD

1. Are you familiar with scraps?    [X] YES    [ ] NO
2. Are you comfortable working with/near scraps?    [X] YES    [ ] NO
3. Can you see scraps?    [X] YES    [ ] NO    [ ] YES, BY USING TOOLS (such as specialized goggles, glasses, etc.)
4. Can you touch, interact with, and/or use scraps?    [X] YES    [ ] NO    [ ] YES, BY USING TOOLS (such as specialized gloves, etc.)
5. If you answered no to either of the previous questions, would you be comfortable using such tools to see/interact with scraps?    [ ] YES    [ ] NO

6. What are your thoughts on scrap ghosts? _____They're curious occurrences.______
7. What are your thoughts on cryptids and other extranormal creatures/entities? _____They're interesting ideas, though most are probably just stories.______



(continued on back of page: )

8. Have you had any extranormal experiences?    [X] YES    [ ] NO
9. If yes, briefly list any extranormal experiences you may have had:
You will have more time to elaborate during the interview, if need be.  ____I bought a vase on the internet. It was haunted, unfortunately. _______

Skills and/or Abilities: _____Metal Scrap affinity, Automobile and Home Repair, Skating, Camping______
Likes: _____Architecture, Nature, Rain______
Dislikes: _____Chalk, Harsh Lighting______
Hobbies: _____Reading, Writing, Camping, Skating______
Fears: _____The Ocean______

[victorianflorist]

NAME: Kibble Smackbam
PRONOUNS: They/It
AGE: Yes
HEIGHT: 6'-2"
SPECIES (approx.): Concept
MORPH (approx.): Rhino Variant - Aerogel motif
POSITION APPLIED FOR: UMIRA Agent
ASSIGNMENT/FIELD: TBD

1. Are you familiar with scraps? [X] YES [ ] NO
2. Are you comfortable working with/near scraps? [X] YES [ ] NO
3. Can you see scraps? [ ] YES [ ] NO [X] YES, BY USING TOOLS (such as specialized goggles, glasses, etc.)
4. Can you touch, interact with, and/or use scraps? [X] YES [ ] NO [ ] YES, BY USING TOOLS (such as specialized gloves, etc.)
5. If you answered no to either of the previous questions, would you be comfortable using such tools to see/interact with scraps? [X] YES [ ] NO

6. What are your thoughts on scrap ghosts? I find them to he kindred spirits to me.
7. What are your thoughts on cryptids and other extranormal creatures/entities? I've been asked if I was one.



(continued on back of page: )

8. Have you had any extranormal experiences? [X] YES [ ] NO
9. If yes, briefly list any extranormal experiences you may have had:
You will have more time to elaborate during the interview, if need be. My father was a fisherman, sometimes the creatures he hauled up we're long gone.

Skills and/or Abilities: Cool under pressure, Body is incredibly lightweight but durable
Likes: Fishing, Sushi, The Paranormal
Dislikes: Boats
Hobbies: Fishing, Scrap Harvesting
Fears: The depths

[SHIVERS]

Show ContentDOCUMENT:

U.M.I.R.A.
PRE-INTERVIEW SCREENING

Please fill out as many applicable fields as you can.

NAME: Herrera Plexle
PRONOUNS: They/It/Whatever
AGE: 27
HEIGHT: 6'10"
SPECIES (approx.): Concept
MORPH (approx.): Lagonata variant, Smoke motif
POSITION APPLIED FOR: UMIRA Agent
ASSIGNMENT/FIELD: TBD

1. Are you familiar with scraps?    [X] YES    [ ] NO
2. Are you comfortable working with/near scraps?    [X] YES    [ ] NO
3. Can you see scraps?    [ ] YES    [ ] NO    [X] YES, BY USING TOOLS (such as specialized goggles, glasses, etc.)
4. Can you touch, interact with, and/or use scraps?    [X] YES    [ ] NO    [ ] YES, BY USING TOOLS (such as specialized gloves, etc.)
5. If you answered no to either of the previous questions, would you be comfortable using such tools to see/interact with scraps?    [ ] YES    [ ] NO

6. What are your thoughts on scrap ghosts? 
They're curious occurrences, deeply fascinating phenomena. Can range from tragic souls, to obnoxious pests, to interesting conversation partners. I find them to be kindred spirits to me.

7. What are your thoughts on cryptids and other extranormal creatures/entities? 
The real ones are probably better left alone, though most are probably just stories. I've also been asked if I was one.



(continued on back of page: )

8. Have you had any extranormal experiences?    [X] YES    [ ] NO
9. If yes, briefly list any extranormal experiences you may have had:
You will have more time to elaborate during the interview, if need be.
- Had a brief run in with the Plaza-native cryptid Big Summit. It was an unpleasant experience to say the least.
- I bought a vase on the internet. It was haunted, unfortunately.
- My father was a fisherman, sometimes he caught things that weren't fish.


Skills and/or Abilities:
- I can manipulate smoke, and fire to a lesser degree.
- I've also been practicing with metal/magnetics scraps, but I'm very new to 'em, so I can't do much yet. I'll get there, though.
- Been messing with getting a proxy going, but I haven't really worked out what it does yet; planning to ASAP. I did give it a name, at least: Springtide Jurisdiction. Yes, it's very cool, thank you.
- Automobile and Home Repair. That was my last job before this. 
- I'm a good climber and I have a lot of stamina for distance running. 
- Also, I'm cool under pressure. And I can skate.

Likes: 
The Paranormal, Summer, Nature, Rain, Fishing, Architecture, Honey sticks, Big Burgers, Stir Fry (esp vegetables), Sushi

Dislikes:
Multigrain Pasta, Zippers, Cheap Plastic, Chalk, Harsh Lighting, Boats

Hobbies: 
Short Scary Stories (reading and writing), Camping, Skating, Fishing, Sewing, Scrap Harvesting

Fears:
Big Summit, Cultists, the Ocean, Depths

Please return to the front desk when you have finished.

You look the form over one last time.
Yep, think I'm satisfied with that.
Let's do this.



You saunter back over to the reception desk and proudly hand over your work, along with the pen.
The receptionist picks it up, looking it over.
He grimaces.
"Sorry some of these questions were a bit… unorthodox. It's not really our standard form. But thank you for getting this done."
"Not a problem, had no trouble with it. Kinda fun."
"Great, well I'm glad it wasn't too bad." He stood up, keeping the paper in his claw.
"So, just follow along with me, and I'll take you back for the interview.
Okay?"
"Yup."



You follow the neuroth down a hallway, noting what look like miniature catwalks along the wall, near the ceiling;
each surrounded with glass. 
They seem to lead into every room along the hallway, with their own tiny doors as well.

The receptionist abruptly rounds a corner and you deftly swivel to keep up pace. 
Soon enough he reaches the door, knocks, and steps inside.
He leaned his head down, peeking around the side of the door frame at first as he entered.
"Think they're ready for you, Ghost."

Once there's room for you, you scoot around inside to see who this 'Ghost' person is.



You spot them: a dark-colored gesabott sitting at one end of a large conference table.
There's a mug of something hot sitting in front of them, steam wafting from the liquid inside.
The mug has text on its front, which reads: 'METEOR GAP MOTEL' 
Between the text is a tall diamond shape covered with stars; a fiery meteor in its center.



They only glance at you briefly.
"Good.
And they filled out my form?"
"Mmhm." He walks over and hands the paper to the gesabott.
Their eyes begin to pour over it, scooting side to side.

"Thank you, Bobby."
He nods, then leaves the room with a final whispered "Good luck!" to you.

You have a seat at the opposite end of the table as the construct continues to read over the form, taking sips from their mug every now and then.
They seem engrossed, and you aren't sure what to do in the meantime.
Eventually get bored and lean back in your chair, only sitting up when the gesabott finally looks up to address you.

"Thank you for attending this interview with me," they have to stop to quickly glance back at the paper.
"...Herrera."
"Sure thing, man."
"Not a man," they correct simply.
"Got it. My bad."
"You can call me Ghost.
I've had a lot of names, but that's what I've been using most recently."
"...Rad. Okay."



"Would you like anything to drink before we start?
Some coffee? Or tea? Do you enjoy either of those? Both?"

Twenty questions right off the bat.
This bot's weird.

[ಠ_ಠ]

Nah I'd rather just get on with it.

[Ignispark]

I mean, they offered both. Cofftea. Coffea? Tea-Coffee. Get both in the same cup. Infinite power.

[seppawku]

yea both r ok if ur in it for the caffeine

[AceOfNothing]

I want to say just tea, but honestly both in the same cup sounds good. Let's go with it.
Gonna need it if the whole interview involves so many questions

[knux400]

Both in the same cup, about a 3:1 ratio of tea to coffee, gotta keep my wits about me today.

[MarxzVulpez]

If you've got it, Cup Ramen brewed with coffee, if not espresso's fine

[SHIVERS]

"You got espresso?"
"We do."
"Then both."
"Of course. I can--"
"Same cup."

"...You'd just like... a shot of espresso in your tea, then?"
"Yeah." 

You hesitate.

"...Not just a shot. 
Uhhh, more like... a 3-to-1 ratio of tea to coffee."
Your brain struggles, attempting to process and double-check what you've just blurted out.
It fails.
"...Yeah," you confirm.

"...Sure. Anything you'd like.
Just a moment."
Ghost stands up and leaves the room.

...Why did I say that?
Nerves. Gotta be getting to me.
Whatever. It won't be that bad.
And the caffeine'll keep me awake.


The construct returns quite a while later, carrying a large mug in one claw and a tape recorder in the other.
"Bit of an odd choice, but maybe I should try it sometime."
They set the mug directly in front of you.



You confidently take a big drink before setting the mug back down.
















Fuck.



It's terrible.
One of the worst things you've ever tasted.

You do your best not to make a face.


"How is it?
Need more cream, sugar, anything?"

Gotta make this convincing.
Not gonna bomb the interview over something like this.

You take another swig.

It's just as bad as before.
No.
That isn't entirely true.
Now that the noxious substance has had time to linger on your tastebuds, it's worse than before.

"Nah, you did it perfect.
Tastes great," you speak the last word through gritted teeth.

"That's good to hear.
Let me know if you need more."
"You got it."

I'm gonna die here.





Ghost pulls up the form you filled out.
"Alright," they click a red button on the tape recorder.
"I'd like to go over some of this with you, if you don't mind."

You take another drink.
"Sure," you can't stop yourself from letting out a small cough. "...whatever you wanna do."

Ghost takes a sip of whatever they have.
"Starting off, one thing I find curious...
You had an encounter with Big Summit that you say was unpleasant, and you list Big Summit as one of your fears, yet you're wearing a Big Summit shirt.
Why is that, exactly?
And, if you'd like to tell more about the experience in general, of course."



I can answer that. Easy.
Just, it was--
It's easy because I know why the...

C'mon.
I got this.
I got this and I can do this I just need to remember and to remember I gotta think really good- No that sounds stupid.
Is it--
Think good?
Well.
Think really well.
I can't even think. Or I'm thinking a lot.
Why can't I think? What's--
Oh god the caffeine--

You want to respond, but your thoughts are jumbling together.
Everything is piling up in your head, trains of thought overlapping and crashing into each other.


You have a feeling it'll be more difficult to respond during the interview, but you've got to try.

[ಠ_ಠ]

Bite your tongue a bit to focus. Explain that being afraid of something doesn't stop you from wanting to know more about it.

The shirt just happened to be something you picked up on vacation one day when you were talking with a local tourist trap owner about Big Summit sightings nearby. It had a neat design, and the cryptid had a personal signifigance to you anyway.

Try not to make a joke about how you are here at this interview despite being afraid of interviews.

[Lilium Mortem]

Ask for a moment to collect your thoughts, you really seem to need it.

[Ignispark]

If all else fails, being vague never hurts in avoiding a question if the details fail to surface to memory. Some comment about how the design is cool, but the real thing is a far worse experience might be a decent dodge of the question.

[Pichi2214]

take a deep 'breath' (as much as concepts can anyway) and give yourself a second to think before answering

"Yes, I am afraid of running into it again and the experience wasn't pleasant, but that doesn't stop me from being interested in it. I am a fan of the occult anyway, so of course the one big phenomenon I ran into will fascinate me."

[SHIVERS]

You wonder briefly if you should ask for a moment to collect your thoughts.
Instead, you throw that thought away.

No way I'm showing anything but confidence.
I just got here, I'm not screwing this up.
That's a bad idea. 
And I need to avoid bad ideas.
Avoiding bad ideas-- Whatever Yes Cool Focus Already

You do give yourself a second for a deep breath, though, looking to the side and covering your face with a claw to disguise it.
You even give a little "Hmm..." to really sell that you're thinking.

"Being freaked out by something doesn't stop me from being curious about it.
Like, I wouldn't want to run into it again, yeah... 
Cause the experience?" 
You raise your claw by your head, flicking your wrist and pointing up at nothing in particular.
For emphasis. 
"That was bad.
But y'know, I still... 

...It's a cool thing." 
Your hands perform a vague gesture; entirely incomprehensible to you, and any other mortal or god who may have witnessed it.

"And I like cool things. Weird, cool--
I like weird things, so... that kind of stuff is interesting to me.
Occult stuff, and-and... and... paranormal shi-stuff. Stuff.
Scrap ghosts, crypti-- All that, stuff.
Yup.
...So it interests me."



Ghost nods, saying nothing.





O

Okay so

So more? More, The Shirt
the shirt, Yep okay Right



"As for the shirt,"

You realize that being vague could help you dodge questions.

"...I wear it."

Nope




Another idea:  Biting your tongue could help you focus, you think.

Yeah that's a good idea.
Then I can focus more and that's what I need is to focus more.



As best you can, you chomp down.



You wince in pain.

Wow!
Ow? Yes.
That hurt.
No, but I need to be thinking about the interview, not that, but it DOES hurt and--

The construct across the table is watching you.

Don't you do that.
Can't you look anywhere else?
Is there something on-- INTERVIEW.
This is an interview, yep.
Right, I'm supposed-Answer the--
What did they ask?
Was--
Okay, but that--
FOCUS! FOCUS
They're looking so I need to do something 
I can think of things to do Yes yep okay so how about

You take a drink of the concoction you've foolishly created.



The hot liquid pours across your tongue, which incidentally had been bitten recently.





Poison



You lean forward in your seat, metaphorically clamping down on your face to try and keep your expression normal.
It probably isn't working.



Ghost is still looking at you.

You try - in your pained stupor - to read their expression. 
You need to find out what they think of you in this moment, your interview could hinge on it.




.

.

.

.

.

.



Robot




Clearly, your skills must be improving.



At the very least, now that the initial searing pain has passed, incinerating your tongue seems to have shaken you enough to temporarily, mostly focus. 
Though, the rush of new caffeine is sure to make things worse in time.




"...I wear it because...
Well, see... I was on vacation, and there was a tourist trap owner and she had, all of these Shirts.
In her shop.
Looots of cryptids," You slowly wave your arm in front of you. "...and stuff like that. 
And she had Big Summit on one of 'em.
And I thought the design was cool. And it's got like... It's personal for me."

"I ran into the thing, and lived, so..." You gesture to your shirt.
"It's a memento, like I conquered it.
...Not, y'know, 'conquered' cause I beat it up or something, but I survived.
So I made it something good. Personal significance."

"...Why not, right?"









They take so long to speak, you had your mouth open, ready to add more to your rambles.
"I see."




What does that Mean



Mentally, you feel as if you're gradually collapsing in on yourself like a dying star. 

Desperate to garner some kind of feedback, you once again try to study the construct.
But, their face may as well be some funny squares drawn on a blackboard:

You can't discern the slightest clue as to what they think about you.
As far as you're concerned, they're an impenetrable wall.







Ghost takes a polite drink from their mug.
"Fascinating."

is that Sarcasm?
I don't Know anymore


"Well, that level of curiosity in the subject matter certainly explains your initial interest in this job.
Still, it's important to remember that this position requires a lot of respect for the extranormal, not just interest."

"Solving issues pertaining to the often-unexplainable means being dedicated to ensuring the safety of all those involved; abnormal or not.
And often the solution is atypical. Creativity and acceptance are key."

The gesabott tilts towards you, clearly passionate about the topic.
Their eyes meet yours, but you'd rather they look anywhere else. 
It feels as if they're peering down into your very soul, and you can't have that.

What could they find there, after all? 

You can't afford to make mistakes, can you? 

No, not if you want this job.





Yet, you can't look away.





You have no time to dwell on it, as those discerning eyes address you once again.

"You have to be willing to keep an open mind, learn everything you're able, then apply that knowledge to the situation as best you can, with the goal of helping everyone."

"Is that something you're ready for?"

"What would you do to make that happen, Herrera?"

"Are you prepared to give your all, come what may?"



The caffeine has kicked in once again.
You feel your brain may buzz its way out of your skull, at this rate.

[Lilium Mortem]

Are you ready for that kind of responsibility? You've made a lot of mistakes, even just here in this room. Can you afford to screw up helping people?

At the very least, you can and will give it your all, whatever that may look like.

[Ignispark]

That seems to be a fairly simple 'of course'. That's arguably the meaning of life. Doing your best to improve things and everything that relies upon....what else is there to do, really?

[SHIVERS]

"Of course I am," you blurt out before your brain has a chance to catch up.

"...I mean, I make mistakes aaaaaalllll the time, even during this int--" 

You worriedly pivot at the last moment, feeling a new train of thought rolling out of your mouth as it forms in real time.

"Cause... y'know... Everyone makes mistakes.
Meaning of life, or whatever." 

You shrug.

"Can't afford to screw up helping people, but...
 
uh... 

...I give it my all, and improve stuff.
Every time.
What else is there to do?"



You stare at Ghost after your reply, nervousness creeping through you.
That could've been worse

Probably



Ghost doesn't falter, picking up right where they left off after another quick "I see."

oh come ON
give me SOMEthing to go on already

...They're Absolutely doing this on purpose, I bet.
no doubt about it






"I notice you see scraps with the aid of tools, rather than having natural scrap sight.
I'm assuming those are the glasses you have on currently, correct?"

"Yep." With your thumb, you attempt to lift up your glasses slightly to show them off, but your caffeinated hands clearly have other ideas.
You fumble, knocking them all the way off your face, causing them to clatter noisily across the table.

Hastily, you reach out - much farther than anticipated - snag them, and toss them back on your face, as if nothing happened.





Ghost seems to ignore the accident.
You can't tell if it's out of pity, spite, or simply not noticing.

"Looks like you have an impressively-spread set of scrap abilities, but most of them are new to you, or you otherwise don't have much utility with them yet.
It's good that you're comfortable with scraps, but I'd also recommend caution when it comes to everything that entails; particularly with regards to your proxy.
That's a very important thing to be careful with." Ghost tilts their head forward, really stressing their warning.
This may be the first emotion you've picked up from them throughout the interview:  Genuine worry.

Though, that almost feels insulting, doesn't it?
What impression have you given off to make them think you can't handle this?

Regardless, you know they're mistaken, and you're sure that's all that matters.





The gesabott moves on.

"Have you used your scrap abilities in emergency situations? Whether to help other people, or for combat? 
Anything along those lines?"

[Lilium Mortem]

That's why you're here isn't it? you realized you can use this power to help. There was a fire, back home. you were a bystander at first, but you knew your power, and could feel the smoke. so you used it, ran in for a rescue pulling the smoke away. building was empty, but it still made you realize what you could do, that you could help.

[ಠ_ಠ]

I can make a mean smokebomb if thats what youre askin.

[SHIVERS]

"Emergency situations..." 

You scratch your face, combing your memories.

"Uh... yes-Yeah." One hits you.

"Definitely."



You clear your throat, ready to tell your tale. 

You've got this now.
Hook, line, and sinker.

"So, there I was. Back in my hometown.
I'd been staying with a friend and was heading back home.
I smell smoke, look up the road, and-" You raise your hands up beside you, open them, and move them away from each other; mimicking flames rising.
"Boom. The church is on fire.
But!
But..." You point at Ghost. "I'd already been practicing with smoke scraps, right?
So I knew I had it.
I pull into the parking lot, jump off my bike, and I RUSH in to help."

Ghost leans in an inch.
You shake your head, exhaling.

"It was awful. Whole place was in flames already.
Falling apart and everything.
Flaming boards - falling from the ceiling, having to dodge around 'em."
You raise and lower your arms to pantomime.
"But me? I knew I had it."

"I start pulling the smoke away from me, funneling it out... out windows and the doors and-"
You gesture wildly.
"Just, everywhere. Doing everything I can while the whole place... burns down around me.
Trying to make sure everybody got out."

You pause, and the gesabott politely nods for you to continue.
You lean back in your chair, putting your arms behind your head.



"...Building turned out to be empty.
But y'know.
Thought that counts, n' all that."

"Made me realize what I could do."





You conveniently leave out the part about passing out from smoke inhalation, as well as your subsequent rescue and hospital stay.

Better they don't know.
This is a job interview, after all.



Good thing the story makes you look good.
You think so, anyway.



...Or maybe you don't.

Maybe it sounded better in your head.
Maybe the story was good, and you messed it up because of the caffeine.
Maybe you need--

what I NEED to do is STOP Thinking so much
get it Together already, herrera



just... Say some more stuff
they aren't talking yet so I need to



You pipe up just as Ghost opens their mouth.

"And uh... Combat?
Let's just say I make a mean smoke bomb.
Sorta.
...I mean it's not an actual Smoke Bomb.
But since I use smoke-
Right?
You know." You wave your hand. "You get it."

on second thought Shut Up





The construct characteristically waits far too long to respond, worsening your worries.

Once they seem absolutely sure you have nothing further to blurt out, they continue.

"Well, that would certainly be a harrowing experience for anyone, I'm sure.
Very brave, even if it didn't end up being someone's rescue."

Except your own, of course.

"And I'm sure any sort of smokescreen could be very useful in combat.
Even better for avoiding combat, which I'd argue is even more important."

"Well, it's good you've had some experience with things of that nature.
There may be a lot more of that in this job.
Make sure you're ready."





The gesabott looks you in the eye again.

"I have one last question."



ALRIGHT YES almost done
but how about you Don't look at me like that
why?
what do you know?





there's no way you Know I was leaving things out

No Way In Hell

and what's this last question, huh?
I'll ace it, too

throw it at me

I'm not ner-- You are exceptionally nervous.
You worry you might be visibly shaking, in fact.

Though, you're much too nervous to tell anymore.





Ghost speaks.


"Skateboard, rollerblades, or ice skating?"





"...huh?"

"You mentioned skating, I'm curious."





"...Uh."



"Rollerblades."
"Hm. I can see that being difficult, given your physiology."
You look simply confused.
"I can't imagine small feet being good for balance."
"...Nah, I... it's... not a problem, actually.
They make some that work for like... legs like this... mine."
"Oh, that makes sense. I haven't seen those before.
You'll have to show me sometime.
Very interesting."



when 

   would
 y-
              I,

Ghost stands up, taking their mug and your filled form with them.
They open the door to leave, only to look back at you.

"Oh, you're hired.
Tomorrow's your first day. 
10AM. I'll see you when you get here."

"Thanks for your time, Herrera."

You're too flabbergasted to respond.

Or do much of anything, for that matter, except remain in your chair as you try to process what had just transpired.










The neuroth from before walks in on you after some time, doing a double-take as he realizes you're still in the room.

"Oh, Herrera?
Did Ghost not--?
I'm sorry- Here, I'll take that." He points at the mug in front of you. 
"...Unless, you wanted to finish it in the lobby.
I don't mind if you'd like to."
"Nope. Nah. I'm good." You respond instantly, ridding yourself of the poison you engineered.
"Okay, no problem." Bobby carefully holds the mug with both hands as you stand up.
"Well, if you'll-" The neuroth catches and swings the quickly-closing door back open with his foot.
"If you'll follow me, I've got some paperwork for you before you leave."


"...Congratulations on the job, by the way!"




 

---

---

---

The caffeine crash hits you long before you walk through the entrance of your studio apartment.
You step inside, dropping your keys atop a bright purple shelf by your door.

You take off your jacket and toss it over the loveseat before collapsing onto it yourself, taking care not to crush your old laptop; currently half-buried in blankets.

You rub your face, dealing with your exhaustion as you soak in the 'atmosphere' of your place.





This is your living room... and bedroom, technically.
Your studio's so tiny it doubles as both, which makes the pullout-loveseat especially useful.
It's not all that comfortable, pretty beat-up, and it's kind of an ugly dark green color, but you got it for free, so you can't complain much.

There's also your kitchen(ette), which only really consists of a mini-fridge, sink, microwave, and a single electric burner.
You keep intending to get more for it - toaster oven, crock pot, panini press; the works - but you haven't gotten around to it yet.
Plus, there's the money issue.
 
But you're remedying that.



You've tried to spice up the plain beige walls a little with some posters - music and movies you like, or just random ones you found in thrift shops that looked cool.
But, it probably just makes it look like some 19-year-old college freshman's dorm room.
You should probably just throw up some paint sometime instead. At least you're allowed to do that.
...Lot of work, though.

You wish your place was bigger, or that you had a nice TV at least.
Then you could invite people over.
You doubt your old CRT is much for watching movies on.

Not that you really know anyone around here.

Everyone at your last job was a jackass. Or just never spoke to you.
And you haven't really gone out of your way to make friends. You've been too busy looking for a job.
There's Maria, your neighbor.
She's nice enough, but also in her seventies.



Thinking about your neighbor, you look out the window at what you can see of her rooftop garden, her bleeding-hearts and wisteria vines creeping onto your balcony.
Not that it matters, since you never use it. 
And it makes for a nice view past your blue-and-brown mismatched curtains.
You're still kicking yourself for not landing the unit that included the lower roof access, but you doubt you'd have the patience for a huge garden like that anyways.
No way you would've been able to afford that unit with your old job, anyways.

Whatever.

This apartment isn't much, but it's what you've got.





Enough of that, though.

You want to celebrate, but you aren't sure what to do.
Maybe you'll order some delivery.
You think you can afford that. ...You'll have to check later to make sure.
You can make it work until your first paycheck, bare minimum. You're sure of that.





For now, you need to do something to shake off this fatigue. 
Or at least distract yourself until it goes away.



A nice hot shower could do the trick. 
Might help you settle your nerves, and wake up at the same time. 
Something like that.

There's the garden, too. 
Maria's said you can use it when you like, as long as you're careful.
Could be perfect to relax, and focus.

Though, perhaps succumbing to your tiredness and passing out right here would be best. 
Something to recharge before you kick things into gear.
You have some work to do tonight, after all.



You're struck with brief indecision until the choice comes to you.

[seppawku]

it’d be nice to rest, don’t u think?

[ಠ_ಠ]

You may as well conk out before the reality of how your life has changed really sinks in.

[Pichi2214]

relaxing in the garden sounds nice
if you're allowed to stay there as long as you're careful taking a nap there ...or well passing out there sounds comfy enough
maybe some actual fresh air helps too, otherwise just falling asleep in your apartment would be my plan of action. get some rest in any case

if you have money for delivery you should try and check beforehand, maybe you'll be able to order something (preferably via online account and not phone call given our current state) and have it arrive later so we have food when we wake up
I'm not sure how long we usually sleep though so that might also be a bad idea if we'd just sleep through the delivery

[Lilium Mortem]

Take a stress nap dude, you've earned/need it. Don't forget to set an alarm though.

[MarxzVulpez]

I'm wary of weird over caffeinated dreams if we sleep instantly, let's head down to the garden for a bit

[SHIVERS]

You think over taking a walk through the garden, but...
...better to nap while you're able.



You're too tired to even bother pulling out the bed part of your couch, instead choosing to flop over where you sit.
You reposition one of the cushions to act as a pillow and decide that's the maximum amount of effort you've allotted for this nap.



With your eyes closed, your thoughts drift back to the task ahead of you once you're up:  Your proxy.

You may have given it a fancy name already, but it doesn't look like much of anything.
Every time you've tried to summon it, it's hardly appeared at all - just a weird little shadow thing - and it usually fizzles out within a few seconds.

A few times it's lasted a several minutes, during which time you tried talking to it.
You're not sure what that guide you read online was talking about, though; talking hasn't helped it form better.

Not like it's much for conversation regardless.





You turn over on the couch.



You're not even sure if you're doing it right.



You could just be screwing up from the start and forming the shadow thing out of your smoke instead.





Or maybe it just can't work for you.







There's a possibility it's just out of your skill range.
















Or that something's just inherently wrong with you in this department.






























You might be too anxious to sleep.
















































The rain over the lake always looks pretty from up here.
Even when it's storming.
You'd say that adds to it, actually.
All the dark clouds overhead glow with deep blue-greys and give a nice look to it.
Even if you're soaked.

The train rounding the lake looks pretty, too.
The rain's rolling over it and falling off the sides.
It's splashing along the tracks.



Are you about done?

Am I about done?









Hang on



You jolt.
Lightning strikes one of the giant trees alongside the train tracks.

You stand up.

The tree wobbles, then fa l  /   s .
It slams onto the third train car, almost bisecting it.
The deafening yelp of rending metal rings through the air.
The train wheels screech on the tracks as the later cars crash into the third.

The train derails.
Cars pile up seemingly at random, some sliding hundreds of feet away while others topple over each other into awkward stacks.

You rush
             down the hill.
You make it a few steps.
Your foot slips out from under you.
You fall onto your back and slide the rest of the way down.
Grass stains the back of your jacket.

Ever the theatric one.

You slide to a stop and get to your feet as quick as you can.
There had to have been people on that train, right?


You near the fiery wreck.

Your face glows orange.
You can feel the heat from here.



You hesitate.

Flames leap from one of the windows just in front of you, lapping at you like waves.

You cover your face and collapse backwards.

...Were you always this spineless?

Does that really qualify here?




Someone still might need help.
 
You get back to your feet.




A figure stands above you, on top of the wreck.

Their face is dark, it's hard to discern them.
The strongest light is coming from behind them, where another car from the train pile sits, this one more ablaze than the others.


You squint.








...Canine? 

Maybe?

The figure turns away from you, and walks directly into the flaming train car behind them.

You want to say something to stop them, but you're all choked up.








...You need to help them.
They'll die in there.

Yes, I'm sure they need your help.
Good luck with that.


What remains of the tree that caused the crash is propped up against the car, creating the perfect bridge.

...You're not serious, are you?

You hop on, making your way up.

I shouldn't have asked.

It cracks underneath your feet.
You look down.
It's burning from the inside.

As it breaks, you leap to the train.
You snag the side, just barely.

What were you expecting, exactly?

You pull yourself up and dash into the burning train car.




















Sparks rise into your view.

The church's paint is peeling off the walls.
A pillar collapses, demolishing some of the pews.
Boards fall from new hole in the ceiling.
You narrowly avoid them, careful not to fall.

You breathe in and cough.

S m o k e   f i l l s   y o u r   l u n g s .

You drop to the floor.
Fire swirls around you.






...Rescue's coming, right?



'Rescue.'

I thought you jumped in to save that person.
Haven't you practiced since then?
Or was all that time spent a waste?







You raise your claw.
And concentrate.



The smoke filters away.

You get to your feet, funneling as much as you can out a nearby window, taking heaving breaths of clean air.

You stumble your way through the nearby doorway into the hall, pulling out more smoke as you go.



The figure you saw before is nearing the end of the hall, far away from you.

You call out their name.

Which is what again?

They turn to you over their shoulder.
You get a good look this time.




...Definitely canine.




The floor cracks beneath your feet.

You look down.

There's a tear in the floor under you.

It's burning from the inside.



It rips apart, opening up to swallow you as you fall.






















You're tangled up.
You try and wriggle free, but quickly realize the ...wires? that you're tangled in are the only things keeping you from falling into the black void below.

You search around nearby, looking for anything to grab on to.


A bright light catches you off guard popping on a few feet away.
It's... static.
A TV?

Looks like it.

It's only showing colored static, buzzing with that blizzard-like sound.





Though, you can hear something else.
Inside the static.

It's...




...a voice?




You can't make out what it's saying.
Shouldn't you be able to?

You lean closer, trying to listen.














...What is that?

Is it really speaking words?


You still can't really make it out, but maybe if you got closer...



Alright, this has been all sorts of fun, 

...But I'd appreciate it if you woke up now.





The TV crackles in front of you.

And explo




 

---

 

---

 

---

---

---

You jolt awake with a gasp.

There's an immediate sensation of rain hitting your face as you whip your head around to figure out where you are.
Thunder rumbles overhead.

Within a few moments, you adjust enough to realize you're out in Maria's garden, laying on one of the benches.
The particular area is mostly secluded by high lattice and flowering vines; it's always been a favorite spot of yours.

"Are you all there now?"





You look side-to-side, seeing no one.

...Are you still asleep?

"Herrera."
You hear the snap of a finger and turn in that direction.




You still don't see anything.



No, wait.

You see... the outline of a figure in the rain, only visible by the rain deflecting off that spot in an odd manner.
It's standing on two legs, you think, but beyond that it has very little definition.

"...Who are you?
Why are you invisible?"
"I'm not. I have no body yet."
"...Goooot it. 
Scrap ghost.
Are you here already because you heard I got the job?
Need help, bud?"
"Herrera, I'm not a scrap ghost."

You stare.

They sigh.

"Last time you spoke to me, you said you'd be busy looking for jobs."
"...
...Springtide?"
"...Close enough."



"Oh my god, then it finally worked.
Didn't even have to be conscious for it this time."
"Herrera."
"Wait, have you always been able to talk?
'Cause you never--"
"Herrera.
Focus.
I don't have a lot of time."
"What, you have somewhere to be?"
"How long were you able to keep me around every other time you've tried this."
"Rightright, fuck. Okay.
What's up?"

"I'll keep this simple:
I can't form properly because you never used a base.
So, I need you to--"
"A base? What, like I'm cooking something?
I think--"
"How wonderful for you, that you think. 
I very much appreciate whatever quip you had prepared, but now that you're not talking anymore, I'd like for us to get back on track.
Can we do that, Herrera?"



"...no need to be--"
"Can we do that?"
"On track, got it. Yes."

"Alright.
Go get me a base object to form myself with.
It can be any object, but ideally something small enough to fit in your hand.
If it holds personal significance to you, even better."
"Personal- Okay, uh... I can find..." You jump to your feet.
"Quickly." "On it."


You make your way to the side of the roof and hop back up to your balcony, soon making your way into your apartment.

As fast as you're able, you sift through your possessions for anything fitting your proxy's description.










It's not long before you're back with a handful of things, making your way over to the spot from before.

You step under a nearby picnic umbrella, and the rainy figure follows suit.

"More than one?"
"I didn't know which you'd want, okay."
"It's not an issue.
Put each down under the umbrella and explain why they're significant to you."
"...Uhh... Do I have to explain why?
Don't really share that kind--"
"Yes."
"Fffffine."



You lay them all down.

"So there's my VHS of Leech Lake III - favorite movie.
In this one, the protagonist from the second one becomes friends with the monster from the first one and they take down the new monster together. It's wild.
But uh... it's my favorite because... for a while when I first moved out on my own, it was the only movie I had.
So I watched it over and over, and sometimes I would leave it on when I slept - so it felt like I wasn't by myself.
And I liked the two of them coming together, it's kind of...
...Anyways, still need to see the fourth one, but I bet it's bad." "Herrera."

"Next, the magic amulet thing my sibling gave me when they left for college, before we stopped talking.
It's really just a thing from a cartoon we watched as kids. Just a little plastic jewel-looking thing.
Got a cool symbol on it, though, so... y'know.
...And it's... kinda the last thing I have that makes me think of them. Y'know... hanging out and watching stuff together and... all that.
Back when it felt like we were actually siblings, and we had each other's backs.
...We aren't in touch anymore and that's probably a good thing even though it sucks, but, it makes me remember the good times with them, I guess."

"Then last one's an old brass key I found.
I was out exploring abandoned places around in our hometown, since there wasn't anything else to do. One was this old drive-in movie theater. Filled with bugs that tried to sting me-
Anyway, this was the coolest thing I ever found while doing that, and I found it there.
Kinda feels like... a mystery, I guess. Like 'what's it go to?'
Probably some shed or whatever, but... makes me remember exploring and finding new places and discovering stuff, and how I miss doing that.
Easy to forget how much cool stuff you used to do as a kid, when you get older..."





"...So... yeah.
That's what I got."

You bounce on your feet as you wait for a response, partially from the cold.

"...Can you pick one at random, or something?
I feel weird and... self-conscious talking about all this stuff.
And I'm soaked."

"Sh," the figure shushes you gently.
"I know I don't have long, but I need to think."

You sigh and take a seat at the picnic table.



As you watch, your proxy selects an item.

[ಠ_ಠ]

VHS. It resonates with the feeling if company and veing protected, and also teamups.

[knux400]

The key feels like it lines up with the new job: exploring and seeing new things.

[Ignispark]

The key seems like a good choice. It is heavily unknown, sort of involves danger, and is chock full of memories of adventure.

[Lilium Mortem]

VHS, all the power in the world doesn't mean squat if you can't cooperate. Friendship, teamwork, solidarity, is the greatest power of all.

[ಠ_ಠ]

put the key in the vhs and wrap the amulet around the vhs and use all three

[victorianflorist]

The Amulet - We must remember who we've been to be who we will become, the past transforms the present as we find ourselves in the future. Broken bonds and connections will be important as we seek to aid scrap ghosts, aimless in their wanderings.

[skinstealer]

gotta go magic amulet for toy factor

[AceOfNothing]

Like the movie plot, but I have to go with the amulet. Feel that sibling thing pretty hard

[MarxzVulpez]

While all three are all very good, I'm feeling the Amulet the most

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Gonna go for the VHS here, wonder what could come from that.

[cosmo]

VHS sounds so cool. amulet is kinda generic (for when it comes to having a magic item, the memory is very sweet). key is also epic but VHS has better chance of beating amulet so: VHS has my vote.

[Pichi2214]

voting for vhs
the item itself isn't the thing sticking out to me... but the attachment to it and the memories are important, the feeling of not fighting by yourself
supernatural beings will be important to our job too... so it feels very fitting

[SHIVERS]

E v e r y t h i n g   i s   s t i l l .

You do your best to be patient.












The VHS tape floats a few inches off the ground and begins to glow.





A strange feeling bubbles up inside you.





The fur on the back of your neck stands on end.





A deafening spark of thunder rings in the air.



You shut your eyes in surprise.




















When you open them,





your proxy is standing before you.



They are... at least a foot taller than you, their new body towering over yours.

You - disappointingly - can't help but find it intimidating, especially considering their appearance.


The first thing that strikes you is their head.
It's massive, resembling an old CRT TV in its shape, but it's empty - no screen or electronics on the inside.
Instead, there's a floating ball that moves about and changes its shape, acting as an eye.

Atop their head are old 'rabbit ear' antennae, though they're shaped oddly, looking like horns more than ears.
They seem to twitch on occasion.



Their arms stand out as their most... horror-adjacent feature.
They are... leeches, as best you can tell. 
These 'creatures' look similar to those featured in the Leech Lake films, unsurprisingly, but seeing them in person is... much more terrifying.
Their fleshy, segmented lengths stretch and pulse akin to REAL leeches, and they even come equipped with toothy protrusions from their... 'mouths'.
Which... you can only guess function - morbidly - as hands.

You have no idea how that works, and frankly, you don't want to think about it.
So, you move on.



Their body is mostly covered in a peculiar substance that resembles television noise.
It moves about rather liquidly, but somehow you don't think it would feel like a liquid, if you were to touch it.
Wedged in the middle of the static 'slime' is an oversized VHS tape.
Its bottom is open, the substance seeming to flow out of it.

At the center of their upper torso is an open cavity, within which you can see a beating heart.
The experience of viewing it is unnerving in some respects, but with its cartoonish shape, it almost feels... sweet, somehow.







All in all, your proxy is more than a little daunting to behold.
But, them being frightening only makes them more effective in battle, you assume, should worst come to worst.

You try to focus on that, instead. 
Not your own fear, or that unfamiliar sensation from before growing stronger, gnawing at you.



Currently, their arms are outstretched, 'eye'... closed, you think.

... They're feeling the rain.







You push past your intimidation to speak.
"...'Sup."

Their eye opens, but it takes them a moment to turn in your direction.
Your skin crawls from the motion.

Their arm raises, giving you a little wave.
"...Hello."

"You uh... look..."
You gesture at them.
Words fail to manifest immediately, lagging behind.

"...cool."

"Yes, I... I like it, too."
They stretch out, flexing their body in mildly distressing movements.
"...It's perfect.
And you couldn't have picked a better spot for this.
Maria's garden is always nice this time of year..."
One of the leeches gently touches a nearby flower.

You try to reply, but vision begins to blur.
"...um..." 

Your lips open wordlessly, 

as the world falls away.



"...Herr e  r     a      ?"












































Blearily, your eyes open.

Your head feels swimmy.

You're laying on your loveseat. There's a towel over your head.
The TV's on in front of you. You must've left it on.
Some ghost dating show.
The paranormal network's never got anything good on anymore.

You rub your head.
Why is your head wet again?

It's raining.



"Morning."
The distorted voice comes from next to you.

Your head whips sideways.
A monstrosity overshadows you, right by your face.
You yelp - humiliated that you could make such a noise - and have half a moment of trying to get the blanket off before you realize.

Your proxy stares, looking... mildly offended.
"...Hello to you, too."

You try to sit up, but your head still hurts, so you lay back against the loveseat.
That feeling from before is still present, but seems to be fading slowly.

"God...

...you didn't hear that noise.
For the record."
"You mean you squeaking in horror?
No. Definitely didn't hear that."
"Listen--"
They snicker.



You shake your head.
"Mov-Moving on,
uh..."

Springtide is next to you, sitting in the folding chair you keep in the closet.
A towel is draped over their back.

...They are on your laptop.

"Woahwoah, Springtide you--"
"I'd rather you didn't call me that."
"...what?
Springtide Jurisdiction is your name, cause I named you."
"Ah, ah. That." They point. "Right there."

"What?"
"You named me.
You picked that name for me, practically before I even existed."
"...So?"
"So, I didn't get a say in it.
So, I chose my own this time."



"...but it's such a cool name..." you lament.
"Herrera."
"Fiiine, fine. 
Okay.
Fair enough."
"You can always use it for something else."
"Yeah, yeah..."



"...Plan on filling me in?"



"...Vigil."

They clench their claws.

"Do you... like it?

For me, I mean.
Does it suit me?

...Obviously, it's my say.
Ultimately.
 
But... humor me."

"Suits you fine.
You picked it, so... I'd say that's, about as personal as it gets."

"...Not nearly as cool as Springtide Jurisdiction,"
you embellish the title as much as you're able.
"...but uh... good second. I guess."

They... smile, you're pretty sure. 
As close as their expressions can muster, at least.

"I looked up names, and it seemed to fit.
...You know, it's harder to type with these than I imagined."
It raises one of the leech maws near your face.
You flinch on instinct.

They shrink back, pulling their arm away.
"...I don't look that scary, do I...?"
You're quick to swoop in with a response.
"Apfft, scary? What? You--
You're not--
It's cause you're... t... taall." You clear your throat.

It's not convincing in the slightest.

They look away from you.



Things go quiet.
Rain pours down the window.







You toss out some thoughts, desperate to fill the awkward silence.

"Sooo... why are you like... still here?"
"Oh.
I tried to leave - just to test things - but I didn't make it too far out of the building before my body started to dissipate.
Not a pleasant feeling.
Seems there's a limit to your range. 
Worth testing more later."

"...I meant--
Why haven't you... uh... dismissed?
Un... summoned.
Whatever the word is."

"Why would I do that?"
"Cause, I mean.
S'not like I'm fighting right now." You shrug.
"And it's not like I want to stop existing right now."

"Okay but--
Fair. Fair.
But y'know... I'm the one... keeping you here, right?
Isn't it ...bad for you to just stick around however long this is?
Aren't I like... draining...
uh...
energy?
Or... something."

"No. 
Doubt it.
I looked it up, and supposedly you should be perfectly fine.
If problems were going to arise, they would've already."

They lift a claw and close their eye, as if lecturing in front of a class.

"Typically, proxies can only manifest as long as the summoner can handle the strain, or as long as certain conditions are met.
With certain conditions, they can last indefinitely.
Ours seem to be the latter, considering you were unconscious and I've been here the whole time."

"I guess I can always dismiss you myself, then."
"Let's not do that, how about, thank you."





"What, so we're--
So, we're just like... roommates now?
Or... how does this..." You scratch your head, thinking harder than you'd care to.

"...I have nowhere else to go.
I have no money,
I don't know anyone else but you,
and I can't move more than a certain radius away from you, or I disappear."

Their eye starts to grow more liquid-like as they talk, their voice growing somewhat shaky.

are they...
starting to cry?

"You know!
How 'bout we just... don't worry about any of that, right this second?
Yeah?
Let's uh...
...do something."

"...Yes. That sounds good.
I think I'd like to do something."
They sit up a little, smiling and raising their arms in a pronounced shrug. 
"I've never done things...!" 
Their expression fades before they finish.

You can tell that this was their attempt at a joke, but even they seemed to realize part-way through that the statement came off much more somber than humorous.
"...Er... but... 

Yes, let's do that.

I'm eager to try things.

Do you have ideas? I'm still ...overwhelmed."







You'd like to try to cheer them up, you think.

This experience is WELL beyond strange, and there's a lot you don't want to sort out yet.
But they could probably use a distraction, too.

Maybe you could suggest you both go out to the mall. 
It's still open at the moment, even though it's raining.
Lots of things to do and see, and maybe you could pick them up something while you're there.

Or, you could probably think of something just staying in. 
Maybe some board games? 
You're sure you've got some lying around...

[Lilium Mortem]

I don't think it's a good idea to go out yet, for either of your mental health. Board games sound nice, something quiet, while you both get used to each other. maybe a card game, or something that doesn't involve much prep or too many pieces.

[knux400]

Staying in seems best. You two don't know each other too well yet, and it's probably a bad idea to introduce the added stress of being in a public space. Maybe later once you're better acquainted.

First things first, does Vigil have any preferred pronouns? We've been using they/them this whole time as a default, but they could prefer something else. Board games seem like a good icebreaker for now! There's also TV, or books, or the Morbnet. And later on when we're a little more comfortable, we should test if those leeches are functional, mostly for curiosity's sake. Having Vigil try to suck the juice out of a fruit would be fun.

[Ignispark]

since, you know, you've got a person there. yeah, elementary school stuff like 'favorite color' and similar things wouldn't be bad regardless of whether board games or mall quest or anything go. i think the mall could be interesting though because, think of the potential. think of the beverages that arent espresso tea (also vigil can try beverages! food! other things. lots of fun). think about the funny hats and silly boots. the terrible movies to get. the potential is limitless. adventure. mall probably has a lot of experiences. good for someone who just spent hours stuck in a room.

[ಠ_ಠ]

I think some time to set in and evaluate Vigils preferences and memories would be good.

[SHIVERS]

You briefly imagine mall adventures, but you aren't sure it's a good idea yet.

Definitely another time.

Maybe board games instead?
Watching TV? Or something online?

...You can't help but feel the faintest twinge of possessiveness at the thought of them using your laptop again.
You're aware this isn't Vigil's fault, of course. 
Growing up with siblings can do that.

You'll let them use it as much as they need, either way.
But, it may not be your first choice.



"...Board games?"
"Perfect. Easy."
"Cool, lemme hop up and I'll grab something."

You make your way to your closet.
Vigil idly glances down at one of their hands as you pass.

"...Maybe something without a lot of pieces."
"Simple. Got it.
Got just the thing."

You begin rummaging, your many jackets and various boxes getting in the way.















You're having trouble finding any of them.

The silence feels awkward to you, so you decide to fill it once more.

"Uhhhhhprrronouns...?"
"...I've never tried any.
Let's... let's go with ones you don't use, I think."
"I mean, I'm not super picky about mine."
"You have some preference, at least."

The proxy falls silent momentarily.



"...Sh...

She/her?

...Is that too much?"

"Too much what?
S'just pronouns. You can pick whatever."

Vigil doesn't answer your question.

"I'll try those, then.
See how they feel."
"Gotcha."







You are no closer to finding anything resembling a board game than when you started.

kill more time

"Favorite color."
"What?"
"I dunno... asking things."

Out of the corner of your eye, you see Vigil put a claw to what you'd call her chin.

"...Purp-- 
Indigo."
"Purpindigo?"
"Herrera."
"Just saying, not a color I've heard of, but it sounds cool.
...But yeah, indigo's good. I go for orange, personally."


"...You realize we've both picked colors we're sporting?"
"Yeah, I look cool. Sue me."
"I'd say I do, too."
"Yep.
Got the whole 'old slasher horror' vibe going on. 
It rules."

She doesn't respond to your comment, but you don't think much of it.







You finally call it.

"...So uh.
Funny thing:  Might have zero board games, actually.
I don't know if I left them at the old place or if they're uh... buried in here somewhere but...
...Wait hang on."

Thinking quickly, you reach on the top shelf and rip off a page from an old notebook, grabbing a pencil right after.

"First off..."
You walk over and turn on the TV, using the buttons on the front to switch over to some music channel.
"...background noise."

You fetch one of your metal TV trays and sit back on the couch, quickly drawing a simple grid.

You hand her the tray, paper and pencil.

"Okay, X's or O's?"
It takes her a moment, but she seems to recognize the game.
"O's."
"Cool. 
You're up first."

You look on, seeing her notice the pencil and hesitate.
Looking like someone using chopsticks for the first time, she reaches down and grasps it, only failing to pick it up once.
She gently lifts it, the leech claw shaking as she tries to finely-coordinate it for the first time.

She concentrates hard, lowering the pencil down to draw.



She passes the tray back to you.
"Your move.
And don't say anything about the circle; you try drawing with these."
"Hey, I get it. Hands are hard, dude.
You'll get used to 'em
...Is 'dude' okay?"
"I have no idea yet."
"Right, yeah, makes sense."



Seems like you've got time to bring up any topics you'd like with Vigil, or ask her questions.

You'll also need to figure out your move, of course.

[ಠ_ಠ]

X top right
Ask her what she's most worried about right now

[skinstealer]

what's it like having the new body? is there anything she wants/needs to feel more comfortable?