when-the-doves-cry

[when-the-doves-cry]

nice to meet ya to, I like the cable hair thing you got going on *huh, he really hopes jevin didn't mean black can track them, even from here* huh? oh no I uh, I wasn't made by anyone in town, I was pretty much just, born, like this? I'm not an AI either, think of it like... my body being robotic at the start, but my consciousness being pre made into my body, sorta like transferring someone's consciousness into a robot body but, skipping the "having an organic body" entirely in the first place

Funbot proudly flicks his wire dreadlocks when Techy complimented them, smiling at the other robot while he spoke. "Uh-huh? That's pretty neat! Well I'm sure having you around will be a big help while-" "TSST.." Jevin hissed sharply, looking around the bedroom anxiously. Out of habit, he went and closed all of the blinds, leaving the hallway light and Funbots LED's being the only dim source of light. "Jevin..?" Funbot frowned, watching the priest quietly. "...I've since changed my mind! We are stronger in numbers. Funbot, join us to go fetch Gray, Techy, we're leaving, we'll find Tunner on our way back to the temple." Jevin hissed before hurrying out of the bedroom, talons clacking loudly on the floor.

[when-the-doves-cry]

*wow, funbots cable hair sorta reminds techy of... what was that one style... Jamaican? either that or the braided cable look is just a style choice, a bit concerned when Jevin starts getting slightly visibly angry since he doesn't want him to make a mistake in all this, not that he himself isn't prone to those, taking funbots hand* oh - yea my name's techy, I've uh, been trying to help Jevin and tunner with some stuff recently, I uh... wouldn't say its been going too well recently but, we try

Funbot firmly shakes Techy's hand and nods, then setting its hands on its hips after pulling away. "Well this is the first I've heard about anything 'not too well' going on!-" "Yes, and I don't feel its safe to discuss what's been happening in public. He very well could be listening for us." With a frown, Funbot looked over at Jevin. "Oh... So I see." The brief, shared moment of silence made it clear that Funbot knew exactly what Jevin meant and how intense things were at the moment. It looks back at Techy, offering a semi-reassuring smile. "Well hey, we're happy to have you helping us, you know? Just four people protecting a village isn't much, but we're lucky enough to live somewhere safe. It's nice meetin' another robot! Did tatay make you and not tell me? He's the only builder in town I know"

[when-the-doves-cry]

*oohh wait a minute, the drought might be different than techy thinks, if durple is as bad, if not worse than simon is, and he's in the water alot, maybe that black bile is contaminating it beyond repair, though aside from that, great to be back at garnold and clukrs place, still following jevin wherever he goes to see if he can assist* oh, yea I'm heading in with him

"Right.." Garnold frowns, the LED eyes on his headset rolling in annoyance "Ang daming dinadalang dumi sa bahay, kakalinis ko lang..." He mutters while trudging off, his suit lurching slightly. "This damn humidity! Making this suit act up." Meanwhile, back in Funbot's bedroom, the robot sat on its bed 'plugged into' its charger, large and heavy cords hanging from the ceiling and connecting to his back. Funbot's visor flickered to life as Jevin entered the room. "Oh, Jevin, hey!- What's going on? Why are you here?" "There you are, thank Lupis.. Funbot, we need you at the temple tonight, 9 PM sharp." "Is something going on? You seem panicked- Who is this?" Funbot pointed a claw to Techy, but was interrupted by Jevin snapping his fingers for its attention. "Yes, something is very wrong, but we cannot discuss it here. I need everyone there tonight- You, Gray, Tunner- All of us. Has Gray come to you with any reports recently? I know he's here with you all of the time." Stunned, flustered, Funbot visibly took a moment to think on this, fidgeting with its wire dreads. "Nnnnnnno, I uh- N-No, no, we don't talk about that sort of thing much when he, um, visits." "...Right." Jevin growled in annoyance, Techy being able to catch a glimpse of the priests lips peeling back to show sharp dog teeth in his mouth. Funbot, however, turns its attention back to Techy and extends a hand to him, the screen on his mouth flickering to a big toothy smile. "Hey there! The names Funbot. Who are you?"

[when-the-doves-cry]

ah man... oh well... least I know... *he was a tad confused when Jevin mentioned a drought, he thought the town looked plenty supplied with water already with its basic needs* yea I ain't fallin behind, don't worry *he won't ask what jevin is thinking when he looks at tunner since, they all have alot on their plate right now, though now he's thinking to himself that he should've gotten a sample of that black stuff as gross as it is*

Ahah! Smart of you to catch onto that little statement! How odd of Jevin to mention a drought... And given the fact you could hear the rush of the river circling the island nearby? What was he talking about? Regardless, Jevin keeps his mouth shut. The two stand in silence, watching Tunner walk away to continue his patrol.. Only when the sheriff is out of sight does Jevin begin to walk again. He's basically trotting this time, running like a vulture might with his wings slightly spread and his form hunched, but he's reached the mechanics' house in no time at all, bashing his scaly fist on the door. "Garnold! Clukr! It's Jevin, I must speak to Funbot!" Jevin called through the door, stepping back at the sound of the handle rattling. Garnold, fully donned in his complex suit, pushed the door open with a grunt and stared down at the priest, his golden fish tail swaying. "Funbot? Ehh, th' boys charging, what do you need?" Regardless, Garnold stepped aside and motioned for both Jevin and Techy to come inside. "To speak to him, that's what." Jevin snipped while hurrying into the home, Clukr looking over from the living room sofa to wave one of his many hands at Techy. "You goin' with him or stayin' outside?"

[when-the-doves-cry]

ooohhh I see... huh... well it was worth a shot to ask... though that reminds me... you said your trying to get sky to master your abilities right? is it possible for healing magic to like, "stack"? making it stronger the more people use it? *huh, he also didn't know fun bot was a town protector like tunner*

"No, unfortunately it is not, this has already been something I've studied time and time again." Jevin mutters, audibly disappointed by what he tells Techy. Slowly, gray storm clouds begin to fill the dull sky, the soft boom of thunder heard far in the distance. "...We've needed a break from the drought." The priest commented, face turning to the cloudy sky as he walked. Rain wouldn't be here for another few hours, the day had only just begun, they still have plenty of time... "Come, hurry, we're nearly there..." Though right after he said that, Jevin paused, his attention turning to Tunner who walked silently through the streets just up ahead, passing the mechanics home. He didn't say a word... He just watched. It's impossible to tell what exactly he's feeling.

[when-the-doves-cry]

I can imagine... I saw that black mark on your hand when you healed it, least THAT isn't spreading... *he perks up when he hears about heading to garnold and clukrs place* a meeting? huh, first time I'm hearing of that... I know they're engineers like me but, do either of them also dabble or specialize in conventional medicine? maybe we could get them a sample of the pure black stuff

Jevin let out a sigh at the reminder, looking back down at his hand... The scar throbbed with pain and was colored an angry black shade, dark memories resurfacing Jevin's mind as he continued to walk. "No, neither of them do, but their son, Funbot, helps us protect the village- along with Tunner and Gray... Though Gray has been shirking his duties as of late." He growled that last part in annoyance, waving a friendly hello as he walked past Pinki and her cousin Owakcx. "There are only a few other healers within the temple, but none as powerful as I am. Sky is learning to perfect my abilities so that he can take my place whenever I die." At this point Jevin seemed to be talking just to take his mind off of whatever Black was up to.

[when-the-doves-cry]

*techy didn't like this, he REALLY, didn't, like this. really not wanting to leave simon alone with black of all people but, christ, what else can they do? they've got a crowd and things are getting awkward* y… yea, see ya simon, just… hang in there… alright? *techy follows Jevin back outside* I honestly thought that would go alot better… fffffuck man…

Jevin stands with his head down, wings wrapped tight around his body and face. "There is only so much I can do to that man. He holds far more power over me then you realize, boy." His voice sounds almost... choked with tears. But he lifts his head and strolls through the empty streets rather gracefully. He's walking down a familiar path... A path towards Garnold and Clukrs home. "This meeting tonight will be far more urgent then I realized. I must go tell Funbot the news, assuming he's charging for his nightly patrols."

[when-the-doves-cry]

*ooohhh yea that's, not a good sign, he isn't sure if sickness is normally supposed to be healable through magic since, he doesn't trust a single thing black says, squinting right back at him and locking eyes, even black's touch make simon spike up and he just... REALLY doesn't want to leave him alone with this guy* so... a "simple illness" can't be healed through magical means, huh?

The two held a firm gaze for a good minute or so, Black's face scrunching up into a dark sort of scowl... Only Techy would be able to see hints of a near-skeletal pattern showing up on his face. "No. It takes time, and it takes patience, and you two would be wise to leave before it... spreads." Jevin shudders much to his own surprise at the last part of Blacks words, the harpy taking a slight step back while anxiously fluttering his wings, hands opening and closing. "...Simon, if you need me then you know where to find me." "Oh- Oh! uh- Yeah! Uhm.. Okay, Mr.Jevin. Goodbye, Jevin's friend-" Simon mumbles, looking around and not making eye contact with the two. Wincing slightly, he put a hand to his temple- a headache was beginning to set in... With great reluctance, Jevin turned and left the house with his head down. He would wait outside for Techy to join him.

[when-the-doves-cry]

*now things are getting... stranger, in a different way, he honestly fully expected black to just, attack outright, though there was some subtle hints that, something more is going on? Jevin and black having some history and, it doesn't seem to be the type he's familiar with, approaching alongside the priest* yea just - lets Jevin work that healing magic and, hopefully, you'll be right as rain? *man, if simon is this bad right now, durple must be having the same trouble*

The two indeed have a bitter history with each other. A history Jevin has learned from, but clearly not well enough.

Jevin says nothing as he focuses on trying to heal Simon, everyone being in near silence aside from Black cleaning up the living room. He'd open a window to air out the stink of bile and rot, and even though his eyes weren't constantly on the trio, it sure felt like it... "...J-Jevin?" "Silence, let me-... Let me focus." Jevin huffed, looking more distressed over time as his healing did nothing. "Jev, I'm not feeling any better... What's going on? Why do I feel so weird?" After another minute of silence, Jevin pulled away and looked over at Black with wild concern. "... I don't know. I can't answer that." "I can." Black hummed warmly, lighting a candle that sat on the coffee table to make the air not quite as sour. "You're simply sick, and quick healing magic cannot fix you. I can. Like I said earlier, Jevin, you should let me help my friend. I want you and your little robot buddy to leave."

He'd give Techy a nasty glare, walking up behind Simon and placing a firm hand onto his shoulder. Simon winced a little, his pupils dilating and shrinking wildly for a few seconds while his fur prickled. He was so unstable.

[when-the-doves-cry]

That bile screams of Black's doing

"You are not the only one who thinks so..." Jevin mutters softly, pulling the shaking Simon in with his wings. For now he ignores their questions, placing one hand around Simon's clawed up and bleeding throat and the other on his stomach. He begins to chant a quiet healing spell, watching the magic start to seep into his body.

[when-the-doves-cry]

* The mind reader bird lands on Black's head *

Strangely enough, said bird cannot understand a single thing happening in Black's head... It's like a film of TV static has been placed over everything. It's loud. It's cold. It's dangerous. Your skin burns being so close to him. Get away.

[when-the-doves-cry]

*jeeesus christ techy thinks he can hear that noise even before they enter the house - though when they do get through he door, he sight is even more horrendous than the sound* AUGH - *yea that... that was alot - even for techy - just - bits and chunks and teeth all pooled in black sludge all over the floor - if he wasn't a bot right now he thinks he'd feel sick at that sight - and oooof course, black had to be right next to simon during all of this, guard up and, yea, the worst is probably yet to come - * simon - simon can you hear us - *he also thinks that... one of simon's senses is super dulled? that's what he guesses anyway*

"Whuh- Yeah I can hear you just fine..!- Uhh- Who are-" "Simon, why don't you get behind me, let the adults speak..." "...Black, I am an adul-" One stern look makes Simon go quiet, his horns drooping while his antennae sag. He shuffles behind the other, looking between Jevin and Techy in confusion. "Black, get away from him! I don't know what you are doing, but I-" Jevin was cut off and a gasp was ripped from him when Black snatched his wrist. "Mmmm..." Black squinted at Jevin, eyes wandering his body before settling onto his hand. Squeezing, Black lifted it towards his face and hummed in interest at the scar. "You'd be wise to remember, priest." "ghn- Let-... let go." Jevin pleaded softly, looking away. "Let me tend to my dear friend Simon, here... Go and find your little friend, why don't you. Let me do what must be done. You knew. I don't want to need to... remind you." "No- No, I didn't, it was different then, you need to-" "Black, please let him go..! That's my friend, too! I know you don't like each other but this is enough!" "Ah..!-" Black looked back at Simon with silent surprise, but he obeyed and released Jevin's wrist. Eyes squinting from a smile, he left to go clean up the mess Simon had made with shocking ease- Magic at work, I suppose... "..." Jevin approached Simon, noticing how pale he was... His stretched body, his longer limbs, his shakiness, his off-colored eyes... "Jevin, what's going on?" "..." Jevin glanced back at Techy, unsure of how to answer. There was so much he wasn't ready to tell yet.. Black has done terrible things, yes, but he didn't want to blame him for something he did not do.

[when-the-doves-cry]

*ssshhhhit he thought they all had more time - * ooohhh shit that - sky - wherever is usually safest for you - stay there *yea he's not wasting any time, following jevin and, hoping for the best while preparing for the worst. simon might... be far gone already - *

"yessir..." Sky whines anxiously, looking around before running deeper into the temple. (tw: vomiting)

Meanwhile, with Techy following Jevin's silhouette up in the sky, Simon sits alone, curled up on the floor of his dark livingroom. He heaves massive, shaking gasps and curls up on himself, straining a silent scream so hard his face takes on a shade of orange until he begins to gag. Choking on nothing, Simon lurches and fullbody convulsed while his eyes roll back, thick bile and black sludge gushing out of his throat and splattering onto the floor- teeth and eyes and bits of flesh visible in said filth. Shaking violently, an ear-splitting 8bit synth sound filled and made the air around him shake... Eventually he fell limp and silent for a few seconds. He finally manages to cry out a sound of pain, Simon scrambling back and shaking while wide eyes stare at the bits of body staring back at him. Heaving, gasping, he shakes and claws at his throat, teeth feeling too big for his mouth and fingers feeling hard to spread... he was so cold. "N-No- Oh, no, dude, this- no- t-this isn't.. good."

He didnt remember clawing his way out of bed, the animalisti squeaks, whines, grunts, and snorts he would make as he blindly wandered the house- Quickly he was brought back to attention by the sound of knocking on his front door. "Uhh-... Inna minute!- Crap, uh, uhh!-" "It's alright, Simon. I heard you weren't feeling well, I wanted to check in on my friend!" "OH!- Black! Oh, thank goodness it's just you!" Simon gasped, wiping bile off his bottom lip. He stood on shaky legs that felt too long for his body, still, grabbing an old filthy hoodie he needed to wash and tossing it over the mess he'd made seconds ago before running up to the front door. "BLACK!-" He snatched the front of Black's suit and yanked him inside, puffing hard while gawking up at his friend with teary eyes. Black winced at the smell of vomit and black tar on Simon's breath. "Black, oh, oh dude, I'm like, so sick, I am so so sick, are you feeling okay?! I know I was at your home yesterday and!-" "Shhhh, shh, shh, shh, ohhh Simon, it's quite alright, my boy..." Black cooed gently, reaching out to smooth down Simon's tousled hair before cupping his clammy face. "Hush, boy... oh, you're so worked up." "Hfff... Yeaaahh, I-... I'm sorry. You're feeling okay, then?" "Why of course I am, I-" "SIMON!" Jevin squawked from outside, not waiting for an answer before he threw open the front door- and nearly screamed at the sight. "WHAT IS GOING ON?!" Black flinched and took several steps away, hissing and baring his perfectly white teeth while the rest of his face scrunched up in such an ugly sort of way. He'd glare at Techy as well, growling while he gripped his cane so tight that his knuckles would turn white.

[when-the-doves-cry]

*hhhhuh, THAT didn't look good, he's pretty sure he remembers wounds not leaving behind a black mark like that - * I'll join you on that then, and don't worry, I won't be going anywhere anytime soon, this is... a priority to me

"Thank you, Techy. Your loyalty will not go unnoticed or forgotten." He fidgets with something out of Techy's sight for a brief moment before stepping away from the altar and off of the stage, silently walking past the empty pews once more and out of the sanctuary. Pausing when he sees Sky standing at the massive double doors of the temple, he cannot even open his mouth to speak before his son comes charging up to him, panting with terrified eyes. "Something is wrong with Simon, dad- S- Something- I don't know what- Something bad." "Sky?- I- What do you mean? What's happened?" "He's not responding to anything, he's all scratched up and he's walking so weird.. please, please you gotta believe me, please." "Son! Son, Sky, please, breathe, it's alright, I'm here, you are safe-... Did he hurt you?" "No! no, I'm okay! No, no, no, I'm so fine, but please, you have to hurry-" A pit of dread formed in Jevins stomach, the priest not even looking back to see if Techy was following as he gently moved Sky away, ran out of the temple, and took flight in mere moments to investigate Simons home. He could go get Tunner later...

[when-the-doves-cry]

you can feel it? hell I think we've been seeing it, vinnie, durple, simon, the general area in the town, its all getting so... dark... eerie, I'd say gloomy but this is more creepy than sad... I think we might need to invest in some precautions or something...

Jevin watches Techy while scratching at the altar, brows slightly furrowing and his gaze trailing off while he looses himself in thought.. ... ... "ah!-" Wincing and jerking his hand away, blood rolled from a slice in his finger from rubbing the broken marble wrong. "..." Putting his finger to his lips, Jevin sucks the blood off and turns away from Techy "I will leave the temple to go check on Simon, then I shall stop by and let Funbot, Gray, and Tunner know that we need to be more alert. We'll hold a meeting tonight in the temple. You're welcome to join us if you wish, Techy... We'll need whatever help we can get." Jevin looks at his once injured hand, the wound having healed in seconds flat... A black scar remains however. Something he grimaced at, hiding his hand against his robes.

[when-the-doves-cry]

oh hey, Jevin... the temple is uh... REALLY empty for some reason... now that i think about it... is the town itself quieter than usual to? (also happy birf)

He continues to softly mumble chants and praises into the empty sanctuary for a moment after Techy finishes talking, the priest turns his face towards him and opens his head wings. "The temple is indeed rather empty, but I suppose it is to be expected... We openly hold and welcome service members once or twice a week, but I was expecting at least the clergy to be here." Jevin frowns, voice quiet and unsure as he turns back to look at the empty room. He digs a claw into a hole cracked deep into the marble altar. "Something is not right within the village... I can feel it."

[when-the-doves-cry]

where were you before you moved into the village?

"..." He subtly winces at the question, looking up from the altar towards the empty sanctuary, opening his head wings to properly watch specks of dust float about in the soft rays of colored light the stained glass windows provide. "We were wanderers. Vagabonds." Jevin begins, presumably talking about Sky with the 'we' thing. "Since I was young, I'd been on my own. Travelling from town to town, stealing what I needed to survive, hiding from those looking to hunt me down and take me back." Back? Back where? "I found Sky alone in an abandoned home when he was just a cub. i don't know what happened to the parents, but in the spur of the moment I believed I was fit to take him in and so I did." He looks over to the anon. "As you know, we moved in and have been living here since many years ago, and do not plan on moving."