come_sailaway | JUNE EVENT: CAMP

JUNE EVENT: CAMP

early on June 10th, Friday's morning announcements end with a request for everyone going on the latest excursion to meet her in the atrium. she seems in noticeably better spirits than she had been last time, and she leads them cheerfully to the tender. once they are all aboard, and the door is securely shut, the interior fills with gas, and, perhaps, their last thought before they slip into unconsciousness is "oh shit, not again."

passengers wake up on a rickety old school bus, driving down a dirt road surrounded by woods. what is it that they notice first? that, no matter what they were wearing before, they are now wearing a camp t-shirt and legitimately horrifyingly short shorts? the overstuffed backpack between their knees? the words "take one down and pass it around" dying on their lips? the fact that Friday is absolutely driving the bus?

or, maybe the fact that it's already slowing down, pulling up in front of a massive wooden sign, saying:

CAMP AION

when they get out of the bus, Friday is the one to divide them up into their cabin groups, and she is the one to give the counselors their very official-looking clipboards and whistles. she explains that they are in charge, and that she will be back to pick them up in a week, and... very little else. she responds to nothing outside of whatever is on her unseen little script, and she gets back on the bus shortly after, leaving them there.

welcome to camp. let's make some summer memories!

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

"What? No!" What the hell, Steven?

And what the fuck, Darcy? His eyes may not be what they once were, but he's pretty damn sure he just saw her disappear? He blinks rapidly a few times, questions his sanity for not the first time, and then turns an exasperated look back to Steven.

"She's a little too young for me, man... what the hell are you-- I'm not sleeping with anybody! This is our cabin, that's all."

This is why Steven keeps making just... piss poor impressions. He reaches out to grab for one of Steven's arms to look over. He said something about getting cut up, right?

"A stick..." Really?

Oh, he-- might know that tone, really. He's put on that brave face before, insisted he's got it all under control even when it feels like he's on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He won't call her out on it, but he'll give a nod along.

"Maybe. I don't like it... getting pulled into games where I'm not aware of the rules."

[ finally, ingo appears to have found a kindred soul in the crisp morning air. it may be early, yes, but mornings are a wonderful time of day. he looks a little surprised at first, as if expecting the invitation to be extended to someone else standing nearby, then quickly brightens up (as much as a man stuck frowning can brighten up, at any rate) once it dawns on him that it isn't. ]

Oh, I would be most delighted to, sir!

[ ah, but... something else apparently comes to mind, given how he wilts almost immediately, one hand tugging his cap down with a sigh. ]

Though, perhaps, now that I give it some thought... it would be too irresponsible for a counselor to leave the campsite for an extended period of time.

[ he really wants to go, though. and it shows in how he keeps stealing glances at the hiking-ready backpack. ]

Hm. I thought your favorite would be some creepy horror game.

[It's better when Mizuki backs off, but he still doesn't like feeling watched. Natsuno has to keep reminding himself that he's not being stalked, or hunted, that they're just hanging out doing normal stuff.

He does well enough but alas, still dies before breaking Mizuki's record. Natsuno lets out a quiet tch. Dead inside he may be, but he still wanted to win...]

Looks like I'll have to give up the mystery prize.

[ he is so serious right now. serious enough to flip through his clipboard with little thoughtful hums until he finds one natsuno yuuki, and duly notes the he may be in need of an extra watchful adult eye— perhaps some encouragement to try some other kind of activity.

ingo could try gently arguing the necessity of always informing at least one other person of one's plans and expected whereabouts... but experience has taught him that the single most important part of tackling concerns is to pinpoint the core of the problem.

this is why, once he looks back up from the list of names, he makes an effort to speak more softly: ] Thank you very much for your cooperation, Yuuki. I've marked it down accordingly.

[ with the thanks out of the way... it's time to confront the copperajah in the room, or so to speak. ]

May I ask why it is that you feel threatened? If there is anything I can do to help you feel more at ease, I would be happy to.

[ perhaps he can make up for startling this gentleman by giving a decent overview of what the whistles are for? ]

I was hoping to center attention on myself for the purpose of checking attendance, sir, though this does, by no means, excuse having startled you. [ ingo holds up said clipboard demonstratively. ] Since we have been given these lists of names, it seems a wise precaution to ensure that all those who should be in attendance are present!

[ it's quite understandable that he would come across as the most intense manner of killjoy, isn't it? yet, as soon as ingo has flipped through his clipboard for the right name and marked it accordingly, he perks right up. ]

Thank you very much, this has been noted! Please do not forget to bring a water bottle along.

[ ingo, being from a world where animals are monsters with elemental powers, has not the slightest idea of what a "squirrel" is. based on the answer, he can make an assumption, though. and that assumption is very much influenced by the fact that capturing monsters to make friends with them is completely normal where he's from. ]

Unfortunately, however, I regret to inform you that I have yet to come across any signs of there being wildlife here. [ weird. but he prattles on: ] At any rate, my name is Ingo. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to alert me of them, and I shall assist to the best of my ability!

[Ayato has never been one for idle conversation, much preferring to lapse into comfortable silence if there is nothing that needs saying. Therefore, as he spots Lumine laying out on her own, drawing closer to make sure she’s alright eventually ends with him seating himself down in the grass beside her. There’s enough room between them to not infringe upon her privacy, though he’s close enough to easily view her conjured illusions.

It’s a quiet, peaceful night. Under different circumstances, perhaps it wouldn’t feel so melancholy.

Her voice draws his attention, eyes flickering away from the stars to her profile before letting out a soft hum in agreement.]

The world feels distant when those you care for are not at your side. [He’s quiet for a moment once more, pausing thoughtfully for a moment before he continues.] Which was your favorite, then? Of the places you have visited prior, I mean.

Darcy squints at the target, which up to this point had remained unpunctured by her sports science-babble. Judging by the scatter of her arrows, it probably was an issue with the angle and not how much force she was using. So she angles up higher, and this time manages to actually hit the target. Well off-centre, down to the lower right, but it's still a hit.

"Fuck yeah. Thanks, dude, I owe you one for that."

"Don't think it'll make it to Egypt..." Besides, the mummy won't be able to swallow anything anymore after getting a fist down his throat.

"Oh no I wasn't-- I--" Steven ducks his head and isn't able to suppress a giggle. "Boning. Dad joke. But I meant I had no such intention. I was just curious." He purses his lips and smiles before taking the bony hand and-- isn't quite able to let go because it's so strange that he's just grabbing bones.

"Steven Grant." Oh my god he's touching actual bones. It doesn't feel magical but everything about it from the way the hand curls around him to every joint moving and everything is just amazing.

"You sound like you're from Ireland. Have you heard of Ireland? I've met people 'round these parts who've not heard of London."

[ ah, here is a gentleman who was present throughout that entire drill. it really is heartwarming to see that people take matters of safety seriously. why, it leaves ingo in such a good mood that he's even more spirited than usual.

not that it shows all that much on his face, but it's audible in his voice. ]

It is lighter fluid, yes. [ he gives a little salute here, because ingo is nothing if not dedicated to his routines. ] Hence, you may rest assured that a fire will be lit safely by myself, or another counselor, sir!

[ which is definitely what the concern was about, yes? ]

[ this young man has certainly not escaped ingo's notice, paying such attention to the points he raised and explained in detail. it makes him even more motivated in turn (a marvel of nature that this is possible at all), his signature pointing gesture being aimed towards his... student? kind of. ]

By all means, please, ask away!

[ he will answer to the best of his ability! ]

"Yeah, well, good. She is too young for you. Half of the ship's passengers are, feels like. And I'm trying to save our marriage with Layla." Steven glances and, sure enough, he has to do a double take as well. The young lady's gone somehow without either of them noticing. It's almost like she's a ghost or something. That's a little unsettling.

He lets Marc take his arm. It's nothing major - just some scratches, cuts and grazes from blundering his way through the greenery. A couple of them are a little itchy though.

"I mean, I know, 'til death do we part and all that. We're not dead dead yet, alright? She still loves you. Don't worry, I can fix this."

It's only after he's wrung his shirt a few times that he sees her clothes scattered about on the faux maple limbs.

"Oh. That's smart, bringing a change of clothes..." Inside out.

Inside out?

Inside out.

Steven makes a noise no man of his age and stature would be caught dead making - and most certainly not in that octave - as he hurriedly backpedals and scrambles to get back out of there.

It's just as well it's so dark out. His face is so hot and red it would almost be embarrassing how much he's scandalised.

[He takes in a deep breath and his shoulders slump as he goes back to fidgeting, wringing his hands, rubbing his knuckles. He doesn't seem keen to just stand there but restless pacing isn't really helping him relax, either.]

I saw him, I think. Back of his head at least. [The whole thing was really overwhelming. Steven panicked at getting gassed and Friday's lack of face is just like BLEGH and everyone is just like WAUGH and it's just been-- a lot.]

It's alright. I'll keep looking. Thank you miss.

[ the enthusiasm, while not a lie... may be a little bit of a coping method to let him deal with the circumstances. possibly. ]

Why, we are seizing the opportunity for camping-related recreation, sir! [ though that earlier statement gives him the slightest edge of hesitation... should he prioritize sleeping in, or are the activities more important? ]

"I don't remember, ever having taken over dressed up in soldier gear and just. Tried to go home. I-- I think I would remember..." Steven's eyebrows furrow deeply. He does remember the times he takes over, disoriented and confused and just trying to make the best of it. "Sometimes I'm-- sometimes there's a lot of blood. Lately at least. I think it's Khonshu. It hasn't happened here yet." But maybe it's only a matter of time.

"Maybe it's not safe for people to be around us." Steven rubs his knuckles and tries to file his nails down using his thumbnail to scratch along the edges. So far he hasn't awoken outside the cabin or hurt Marc yet. What if he does one day?

"You miss it though, don't you? Khonshu knew. I know." Long hours in a museum gift shop doesn't compare to running around with guns going on those kinds of missions.

[ goodness, he wonders what the problem might be... but surely it's nothing that a bit of unbridled entusiasm cannot help them solve. ]

Of course! It is currently... [ a pause as he needs to check the xtransceiver on his wrist. the time is about what he'd expected, perfect time to seize the day, and he claps his hands together in delight at it. ] 7:18 in the morning, miss!

[ good thing he was here to answer her question, though... she seems to be a tad disoriented and dishevelled, given the question and manner of dress. perhaps ingo ought to encourage her to sleep in a little for today. ]

Huh.

[He's... kinda impressed, actually. Natsuno's been known to lurk in places while staring at nothing for hours at a time, but to do it for ten hours without moving - that's a whole other level. Maybe it's a robot thing? Not like a mechanical being can get muscle cramps.]

Aren't you bored?

[The last time he and Lumine set together under a bright moon ended... well. They both know how it ended. But now the night seems peaceful, the roofs are occupied by other brooding edgelords, and maybe Natsuno is hoping to make a better memory this time. Her quiet company isn't bad, all things considered.

He's content to sit silently at a short distance and watch the illusions, but when she speaks up, he replies.]

You've been in many of these? Pockets of reality, I mean.

[There's blood in the kitchen. He noticed it on the first day, right next to the orange juice. It's pretending very hard to be tomato juice, but of course Natsuno can tell. It's hardly a surprise, considering there are two vampires in Taurus cabin, but to just display it so blatantly without even the disguise of a coffee machine - that's just making fun of him.

Natsuno drank his fill before the excursion, but after four days of using his abilities to scale trees, dig holes and turn rocks in search of animals (and most recently, trying to destroy Clarke Griffin in a prank was), he's running a little low. He decides to try visiting late at night, but of course that Jade Curtiss has to be there as well, curse his stupid insomnia.]

Yeah? How noble of you to sacrifice your precious sleep to keep watch and prepare breakfast for the rest of us.

[The rice ball on the right? Natsuno's totally eating it.]

[Just like when she taught him how to shoot, Natsuno listens attentively as he watches her work, occasionally stopping to ask Clarke a question or ask that she go one step back so he can try for himself.

He knows he doesn't have the knowledge people like Jade, Pal and Skulduggery have, knows that his experience is limited. But he also knows he's clever and keen and that he's much more resilient than most passengers. He needs to learn as much as he can, to be better at gathering information for people better equiped to decipher it.

When Clarke is done, he pushes down the perch and raises his eyebrows when the it falls and the noose tightens around his fingers. Cool. He tugs at the string a few times, trying to figure out if a fluttering bird can break out.]

Did you use stuff like this a lot, when you were on Earth?

[The clipboard probably says something like "Natsuno Koide (will try to tell you he's called 'Yuuki')," just to make it more embarrassing.

He doesn't like hearing Ingo say he "marked it down." This man seem to be too taken with his ridiculous counselor duty to actually follow him, but Natsuno decides to be extra alert just in case and change directions the second he's out of Ingo's site.]

You're new on the ship, aren't you. [Guess he IS going to have to give at least some sort of rundown, if only to make sure this guy doesn't screw things up.] On the last "excursion", we were told we had three days to fight each other to the death. Instead of that whistle you "counselors" got, we all had collars that'd kill us slowly and painfully if more than one of us survived once time was up.

[Did you get that, Ingo? Because Natsuno isn't stopping to give you time to process.]

There aren't any "rules" for now, but I don't trust the captain not to surprise us with something later this week, and I don't trust half the people here to play nice. If you really want to put me at ease, worry about your own cabin and make sure no one there gets funny ideas.

"Alright, time to sort out the bunks, I'm sure this is going to be the most important set of decisions we make while we're stuck here." Kiriya sounds cheerful as ever as he enters the cabin and tosses his backpack on one of the lower bunks. Easier to sneak out in the middle of the night for motorcycle crimes if you've got a lower bunk. "And do we want to do introductions, or just go by 'hey, you' while we're here?"

"H-hey!" He's not the type to just piss himself and cry, thank you very much! He might not know what to do when confronted by a bear but he would do something heroic if the situation called for it. He's plenty capable of being heroically stupid!

"W-w-wait! I don't want mud up my bum. Could we just talk about it?!" he exclaims exasperatedly. Because in case there's a bear attack, negotiating a truce is definitely the first action to take, right?

"Oh my days! Ava! Not helping," he hisses at her before scurrying over to try and untangle Ginko from Sharky. "Are you two lads alright?! Oh bless, I think you hit your nose. The tears and blurry vision are perfectly normal, not to worry!" Steven tries to fret over them both, lending his hands to sit them up. "Did you land weird? Have you fractured anything?"

He's definitely not capable of fending anyone off from wild animals or masked serial killers, but at least he seems pleasant enough and has decent bedside manner?

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Page 18 of 178

JUNE EVENT: CAMP

CAMP AION

no subject

no subject

morning people unite

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

night mode!

no subject

no subject

[dora voice] sharky no burning!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

night

no subject

no subject

no subject

Sagittarius Cabin

sorry I was out all day 🥺