#lethalramifications ※ 01

[cladinivcry]

@lethalramifications

"Once you get the hang of this place, it isn't so bad." They breathe out smoke from the cigarette between their lips. "You might even meet some new people and make awesome friends." IF a past Indigo had told them that they would find someone here, they wouldn't believe them. Alas, here they are.

"Anyway, I've been here a minute so if you have any questions, I miiiiiight be able to help."

[vinedhcart]

She only feels sadder and sadder as Ramlethal speaks. Only bad news it seems. No escape, no explanation, no freedom. Or...Hmm, now that was a little on the tricky side, wasn't it? She was FREE to fly wherever, but she was not free to leave.

Blue eyes follow where the lady points out. A kiosk. She's not sure what it's used for, but she's heard and seen ice cream. She has secretly always wanted to try it.

"You are very kind." She says, attention pulled away from the kiosk and landing back on the lady. She bows her head in thanks. "I would love an ice cream please."

Ramlethal shakes her head. Her answer is painfully straightforward: "I do not know."

Yumine must have been taken away from something personal from her world, whatever it is. People. Things she likes. Abilities. Otherwise she would not be making that face.

"There may not be an explanation. There may be. It may be a rational reason. But that won't ever make it feel right."

In conclusion, there is nothing that can be done fix that aspect of the situation. But there are things to alleviate these wrong feelings. If only a little.

"That kiosk over there sells ice cream. If you like it and are not allergic to it, I can purchase something for you from there, and you can talk about what you miss. Or you can talk about things that interests you. Or anything you want."

Someone had once told her 'people like to be heard.' Also, ice cream is good.

[einwish]

It's lunchtime. At the most popular fast food joint in Golden Ward, lines stretch around the block. Those lucky enough to get their order don't even have room to sit indoors, forcing them to the usually-deserted outdoor tables during this time of year.

A tasty hamburger rests on the table before a seemingly serious woman with platinum blonde hair. Before she can do anything with it, however, a fluffball of white descends on table right beside the plate. Its jewel-like, ruby-red eyes blink brightly at the burger with every twitch of its ears and flick of its tail. This is a message that transcends all barriers of language, race, or creed.

It and the universe asks: are ya gonna finish all that by yourself?

⋆˚🐾˖ @lethalramifications ⊹ . ݁˖ .

[vinedhcart]

She's following behind like a hurt puppy. Disgusting. Aggravating. Why can't she just--

Yumine whips around, her wings expanding out almost in a fit to be threatening. Larger than she really is. "WHY NOT." Her voice grows a few octaves louder. "In a WORLD like this, ISN'T it obvious?" No. Yumine truly considered Ramlethal to be a dear friend. She WOULD never in her life use her friends in a way where it would only benefit her.

"It's laughable you really thought I could actually befriend something of the likes of YOU."

Ramlethal is jolted, both by Yumine's shove, and what she's saying. Worse, it is impossible to remain collected about this. 

"So you never liked me. I liked you but you never liked me. You lied-acted like you liked me when-" You are not making sense. You are repeating yourself, Ramlethal. "You never-"

No. She's not letting this go. Against her better judgement, Ramlethal just follows after her. Despite it being redundant, she just keeps repeating herself. Like she just expects a different answer.

"You were just acting?! For w h a t?" 

She's never heard a sound like this come out of her mouth before. It was high pitched and hysterical. Then again, she has yet to hear anything like this come out of Yumine's mouth either.

[cladinivcry]

"Mmmm, not a fan of those two, huh?" it's fair. Indigo liked all creatures and believed they were all pretty. Anyway, they all served some meaning to life. It's why they were a capture-and-release type of person.

Ramlethal is looking rather closely at their tattoos, and while Indigo would have minded (for various reasons) in the past, they've grown used to it. They didn't mind if those hidden scriptures tattooed on their body from birth were seen beneath the variety of ink. Who's to say if Ramlethal could even read them, right?

"You know I'm taking note," they say, laughing softly. "Also, if you don't pay them no mind, they'll go away on their own." Another thing Indigo had learned when they left their home to travel among the humans.

"Maybe one day when I got time, I can explain the pieces to you."

She looks them over. Ramlethal, unlike her company, does acknowledge the stares they are getting. It is with a simple, direct, "Please stop." before returning her attention back to the canvas of ink that is Indigo.

"It is difficult. I like all of them save for the ones that look like arachnids and bees."

Like is personal though. Like does not have to have a reason. Just what you are drawn to, Ramlethal reminds herself.

"I enjoy these leaves-the way they climb your arms, as well as their somewhat twisted appearance. All of the flowers, really. I also enjoy the fire overlapping the many crosses on your neck. There is a discrepancy in their appearance, which I like, and I also like that the word Harmony is above them." That ensemble makes her think of people she knew, getting along. Not at all what it all is actually meant to represent. "I like the clouds the flames overlap as well. Oh. The eyes and the moon. While they make no sense to me, they are also appealing."

More people walking by, staring. "Go away."

[cladinivcry]

"The chick---Oh!" They nearly laugh, "Yeah, I think the chick wouldn't mind actually fixing something up for us." So that's Corvus' name from now on. Indigo will have to do the honor of spreading that news.

"I'll meet up with her tomorrow so she can get a few of these. Any particular ones you like on me?" At least from the ones Ramletal could see and was appropriate TO see. They're showing their arms and they're not minding the stares that they're getting from shoppers.

While Ramlethal is able to recognize the majority of the shapes and figures on Indigo's arm, it is the meaning behind them all that begins to intrigue her. She wonders, all of these symbols, what do they mean to Indigo, personally? The hooded figure in particular draws her attention. A commonly used symbol of Death...that can mean many things to many individuals of varying weight. What significance does that hold for them? No matter what Ramlethal ends up putting in her room to replicate these tattoos, it will never hold the same, unique meaning. That is inevitable. But that is just another reason why she likes them so much.

Of course, Ramlethal fails vocalize any of this pondering. Instead, she asks in all sincereness,

"Oh. Do you think the chick would be willing?"

[cladinivcry]

THAT'S easy. Indigo snaps their finger in a way to encourage and support Ramlethal's decision in her decision of having a sign that says BED on it. "That works and it's super cute. The color is perfect, it'll go with whatever color you choose to paint your walls if you want to do that."

it's also a good thing that Indigo had grabbed themselves a cart just in case. When shopping for bedroom stuff, you're bound to purchase a whole lot! When Indigo looks at Ramlethal, they notice the slight trouble on her features and then she points,

"Oh, these? I don't think you'll find them, really. But uh, maybe we can find someone who can draw them?" On that specific arm, there were a whole lot of tattoos from a Butterfly, vines from a plant that spread across their forearm, a grim reaper, and a flower growing over a body among other arts.

There are so many of these signs to choose from. Ramlethal stands there, deep in contemplation, until finally, something pops out at her. It is exactly what her bedroom needs.

[Bed.] It says. “This will go over my bed.”

And from then on she moves to select more things of the same abstract quality. For instance, there are glow in the dark star stickers to light up the walls and ceiling. There is a small decorative plush doghouse with the warning Beware of Dog above the entrance. (Just big enough for her magehound to sleep in for when she can finally summon him again). A black and white bed comforter and an assortment of decorative pillows: One of which is mint green and says Queen. Ignoring the daintiness in which the word is sewn, it makes her think of Sol, seeing as he has so often subjectively stated that Queen is objectively the best band to have ever existed. There is a lamp reminiscent of the ones that decorate the inside of the fast-food joint Danny Missles. And last but not least: she chooses a cactus. Because it looks nice.

"We're still missing something." She gestures mildly to Indigo’s arm. “I have yet to find anything representative of those.” The tattoos. Nothing resembles them in the slightest.

[cladinivcry]

Don't think Indigo hasn't noticed, but they're absolutely used to being stared at because of the tattoos and the amount of piercings on their skin. They're used to being stared at.

"Well, shit. If she's giving them out and it's for promotion, I really should, huh?" Smiling, they look over at Ramlethal. "I'll be sure to locate her and get one." They're ALL about promoting others too.

when Ramlethal's attention falls on the different words and phrases, Indigo chuckls at them. Shine On You really catches their attention. "Wanna check those out? They might have something you'll like."

Ramlethal takes in all those tattoos with stoic wonder. Traces each of the exposed patterns with her gaze. Indigo really is just so. So. Cool.

"I find that difficult to imagine at this current time, but I trust you." She responds as she is motioned along, not quite finished tracing the patterns on Indigo's arms, but that can be done on the move.

"Yes, she does make her own posters, and I recommend you ask her for one. Since they are promotional, she loves to give them out to everyone she can." And of course, Ramlethal will always there to give 'constructive criticism' during the creative process. This mean's that El's posters are always going to be perfect.

Finally Ramlethal draws her attention away from Indigo's arm and looks at the aisle they are heading down. There is a collection of signs with a plethora of arbitrary words and phrases. Everything from [I Love Us] to [Restroom] to [Shine On You Batshit Crazy Diamond].

"....What does this all m e a n?"

[cladinivcry]

Indigo is taking notes on this and nods as she goes through the lists of things she likes. At the mention of their tattoos though, Indigo chuckles and actually rolls up their long sleeves to reveal more. Maybe they can figure something out if she does like them. "Oh, y'know, yeah sure, you might not be able to put songs or astronomical stuff as decorations, but there's always something you can work with."

With that, they're motioning for Ramlethal to follow as they walk through the aisles.

"So your sis, she makes her own posters, huh? I might ask her for something too then."

They enter the building. True to Indigo’s words, it contains different aisles of varying decorations, all organized into their respective categories. Lots to choose from, yes, but at least one would know where to find the kinds of objects they were looking for. That makes things somewhat less uncomfortable (intimidating?).

Now the biggest issue is precisely what Indigo brings up next. [“What do you like?”]

Ramlethal’s eyes sweep over the aisle labels as she answers. Artwork. Plants. Furniture. Light fixtures….on and on...

“I like many things. The people I live with-…or lived with. My sister. Her music. Food. Stars. My dog. But people, food, a missing animal, songs and massive astronomical objects are not things you can decorate a room with. I like your tattoos as well. But that too is an impossibility.”

“I did think that one of El’s band posters could go on my wall if she were to make more of them. That is doable.” And that is the only conclusion she’s come to so far.

[cladinivcry]

And it's right here that Indigo thinks to themselves that Marcille would LOVE to meet Ramlethal, and they don't know why. Maybe it's part of her very own charm. "Yeah!" Though picturing Corvus as a literal chick is funny enough. They'd pull a prank on her in the future, but they don't want to get hit by something.

Now that they're at the building, Indigo smiles and turns their attention to the lady. "Hey, don't worry! They have different aisles and they're all organized so you can shop easily. We'll start with the small stuff and then work our way up from that." And with that reassurance, Indigo continues to lead them inside the building. "You're only decorating your room and luckily that's not much. What do you like?"

“I see. I suppose the only posters I have ever encountered so far are advertisements for products, music bands, or cinematic and theatrical productions. Posters of just pictures I have either never acknowledged or considered.” Posters for her sister’s Death Metal Band in particular comes to mind. Maybe El’s still making those. That, she decides, can go on her wall.

“Hm. So the chick has defied it's physical limitations and painted you a picture of a dove, and because she will not do it for just anyone, that makes it important to you.”

Things you find colorful, interesting, and things that are personal. That seems to be what they are getting at.

Up ahead, Ramlethal notices people coming in and out of a large building, some holding bags containing what look to be decorative objects. If this is the store they mean to go to, and if the store is as big on the inside as it is on the outside, there is going to be a l o t of things to chose from.

She expresses nothing. But. Her eyes do noticeably widen. “Pulse slowly increasing.”

[vinedhcart]

Yumine moves herself from on top of the lady and remains on her knees, hands on top as she gets another look at her.

Oh, why she feels awful for having fallen. She looks over her shoulders to see that both her wings are undamaged. Still, it had been a concern as to why she couldn't fly as high as she thought. It's almost as if something had prevented her from going too high up.

"I'm not sure." She admits. "My apologies. I took into the air," She says, wings stretching and then folding right back behind her, "And I thought I could fly higher." Yumine notices the small talon marks on skin and gently brushes them. It's marks. Her claws hadn't pierced hard enough to draw blood, but still.

“You did hurt me. But it is fine.” Ramlethal says flatly, but sincerely. Since her ribs are crushed, this all struggles to come out, and when it does, her voice is noticeably winded, not to mention muffled due to her face being gloriously mushed into the concrete. Actually, it's a miracle that she's as audible as she is. “Although there is pain, it is temporary.”

Temporary, but definately there. Especially since her abilities are muted. Ramlethal feels claws digging into the exposed parts of her skin, and her head is pounding due to impact with the ground. Because she is in prone position, she is unable to assess the person who has crashed down on top of her.

“Bystanders are unharmed, and your fall is broken, so my task has been successfully executed. I am glad about that.”

“Requesting a report on your condition, as well as a description of what happened. If that is okay with you.”

[vinedhcart]

She had braced for impact but when she felt cushion instead of cement, the half-bird blinked her eyes open. Claw-like fingers brush against, what feels like leather. She notices the hat, then notices the long hair, and then...

"Oh," She must have been the one to break her fall. "Thank you." Not a broken bone on her body. Just a fuzzy feeling in her head. However, Yumine is now inspecting the person for any injuries. "I hope I did not hurt you." She should get up. It might not feel comfortable having her feet talons digging into skin, right?

As soon as Ramlethal notices it, she has a total of 2 seconds to react. A body is falling from above, decreasing altitude at an alarming rate.

In an instant, unsuspecting civilians are shoved out of the way to safety. Then...

Bracing for impact

CRASH

Thankfully, Ramlethal's body is naturally resilient. "Ow." She states more than expresses from underneath.

[cladinivcry]

"Yeah, well...The posters and plants are just to add at least some kind of decoration. Some color, y'know? While I like keeping things simple, I don't want my room to be boring."

This kid is certainly making Indigo laugh some more. "Advertisements? I guess people could use ads as their decorations, but nah...my posters are just, uh, I have a poster of a flower painting. There's a chick here who's really good at painting, but she doesn't just paint for anyone. I have another poster of dove."

Regardfully, Ramlethal falls behind Indigo as they take the lead.

There is relief, she discovers, that Indigo knows what she is getting at so quickly. Glad for this easygoing perceptiveness, because really, she doesn’t quite know what she was getting at with all this. Not yet.

“These posters and plants. They are additions that are 'unique' to you, correct? That is why you put them there. Even your need to keep things ‘simple’. That is something important to you.”

She wants to understand Indigo’s individual thought process for why you chose these particular objects. There is one thing in particular which throws her off.

“I am interested to know why you chose to put advertisements in your room for decorations.”

Yes, as of now the functionality of posters is the only thing she knows of. Posters for decorations? Not so much. At all actually.

[vinedhcart]

"A preventative barrier..." That didn't sound great at all. So there was no way of escaping this place. "I see." She whispers, head lowering. There's an inaudible sigh as she continues to smooth the lady's skin and sure, the imprints won't go away like this, as it'd go away on its own in time, but there's comfort somehow.

"I thank you again for breaking my fall." She says once more, hands now back on top of her knee as she dips her head. Yumine raises to her feet and her wings once more unfurl to help her balance when she comes to her feet.

She'll extend a hand out to help her savior up as well. "My name is Yumine. What is your's?"

The stranger is off of her. Physical alleviation acknowledged.

“Apology accepted.”

Peeling her face from the concrete, Ramlethal rolls onto her side while splinting her abdomen. There is the slightest hint of a wince. Now, properly, she is able to assess the condition of this stranger. Based on appearances and the way she both moves and talks, she seems to be functioning well. Her appearance is a combination of both avian and human.

Although she is obviously not, there is something Gear-like about her. Moreover….there is something that, for a fleeting second, reminds her of someone. Is it the wings coupled with this gentle, apologetic behavior? No matter what, Dizzy inevitably flashes across her mind.

“No one is able to go outside of Spirale City. By land, sea or sky, you can only travel so far before you are stopped. What you encountered was a preventative barrier.”

Ramlethal watches expressionless as the stranger brushes the marks on her skin with a hand. “Those are imprinted. They cannot be removed that way.” She states unironically, clearly misinterpreting the stranger's intentions.

[vinedhcart]

Yumine would try again. Try to fly, but after what Ramlethal had explained about a barrier, it probably wasn't worth it. If anyone could escape, wouldn't they have done it already?

"Mm..." This imprisonment did make her feel all sorts of wrong. She could only fly and for some reason, she was only able to manipulate a small fraction of the wind. Strange.

"They take from us, why is that?"

Even after she is made aware that the action will not fix anything, this feathered stranger still chooses to continue brushing her hand against those indentations left behind on her skin. But it feels…nice. Soothing is a more accurate word. Ramlethal decides: Fine. I will not stop her then, even if I fail to understand it. Maybe this is helping her too?

After the stranger stands, she goes through the procedure of introducing herself. Yumine, she is called. Storing it into memory. “Greetings Yumine, my name is Ramlethal Valentine.” She responds mechanically while taking her extended hand and pulling herself up.

Ramlethal herself off mildly and straightens her hat back into position, as though she wasn't just crushed under a person who fell from the stratosphere. Her eyes make a quick assessment of the area. The bystanders have returned to their usual tasks and recreations. No injuries sustained. No longer is anyone staring at them. All is well.

When Ramlethal’s stoic gaze falls back on Yumine, the next statement that comes out of her mouth may seem out of left field given the absolute flatness with which she speaks it with: “This imprisonment makes you feel wrong."

[cladinivcry]

"That's a good idea," Indigo says with a snap of their fingers. ALRIGHT, closest, and then the furthest. Indigo begins leading the way with a nod.

Ramlethal's question earns a quirk of their non-existent eyebrow and they run the question in their head a bit. "I do. Everyone gets one when they arrive. Uh, unless you happen to be WAY too big for the housing accommodations. Heard that there were some people out there who were housed outside." Turning their attention to Ramlethal, they smile and ask, "You wanna know how I decorated my room or something?" Because that made a lot of sense as to why she would ask in the first place.

"There's not much. Kept it as simple as I could. Uh, there's a few posters on my wall though, maybe a few plants here and there."

Impressive. Their handshake is strong. They have good communication technique.

“I’ve determined that most functional trajectory is to begin at the closest store, then go to a farther store if we do not find what we are looking for. It is more time efficient and less energy consuming. That isn’t to say I would not like to travel, but that is not my objective right now.” Actually, she would love to go sightseeing. Mission comes first, though, mission comes first. “Lead the way and I will follow.”

Looking them over again, Ramlethal cannot help but shake her head. It is impossible to think that Indigo isn’t into decorating. They decorated their entire body! If nothing else, they have an aptitude reflecting their identity externally. And come to think of it….

Finding a store isn’t the only problem Ramlethal has. There is something else: She doesn't even know where to even begin personalizing a room of her own. Unfortunately, she can't manifest this concern into words, so instead, she (somewhat unfortunately) asks:

“Indigo, do you have a bedroom?”