tvk | Second Step

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[Shit shit shit shit. Corwin's running back for the hotel as fast as he can, deeply regretting "Just one more round of [noncopyright name here] Kart" with some kids from Prospero middle school. Why didn't he keep a better eye on the time? Now he's out during that time, and with his luck...

It takes him a second to register the silhouette at first. A middle-aged man, balding, wearing a business suit. But the second he realizes who it is, he only begins begins to sprint, breaking out in a cold sweat. This man shouldn't be here. He shouldn't. Everything is wrong, this world is wrong, and he has to run, because if he doesn't-

His breath leaves him as a hand grabs the hood of his jacket, dragging him backwards and making him lose his balance. Before he can react, the person's turned him around and grabbed at his collar, lifting him into the air and snarling into his face.]

It's your fault. If you hadn't run, I would still be here!

[Between his choking and own sense of guilt, Corwin is unable to respond. All he can do is struggle to pry those cold hands from his neck, his fingers slipping against their steely grip. The man gives him a shake.]

You worthless brat! If you'd been eaten instead... I would've... I would've-!

[He's losing his strength. He can't fight it anymore. Part of him doesn't even want to. Not really. He always did wonder if, had he been the slow one, that man's soul would have been the one to escape instead. And part of him thinks that maybe, that might have been better somehow.

When he begins to hear the whispering in his mind, it's no surprise he believes it to be a dying hallucination at first.]

I am thou, and thou art I...

Together, we shall battle those who would unjustly harm us.

[He's only hardly aware of the glow of blue and the appearance of a small floating figure by him. The Persona gives a giggle before ramming into the Shadow, knocking Corwin free and causing the Shadow to disappear.

As the Persona vanishes itself, Corwin remains on the ground, sputtering. It would probably be good if someone picked him up before more Shadows appear.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[V/V's not usually one to go out alone in the Dark Hour, but she's been hopping from building to building, trying not to be caught by too many Shadows as she looks for people who might have gotten hurt.

So, the angel with her wings on full display spots Corwin and runs straight for him.] Are you okay?

[...He's gotta still be hallucinating. Why does she have wings?

Hang on there for a second V/V while he coughs violently for a bit, trying to rub at his throat to ease the pain somewhat.]

I th-think so... [cough] He got me good.

Come on. I can't heal you, but you'll be safer at the hotel.

[He gives a quick nod, regretting it immediately when it just aggravates the pain in his neck.]

Y-yeah.

[And now standing! If a bit shakily.]

[She helps him walk, keeping an arm around his shoulder.] This way.

Mm.

[Even just making sounds hurts... He has to gather his willpower (and, to a certain extent, courage) to croak out a question.]

That guy... 's he a Shadow?

He's a Shadow. He's not the real person.

[Well, that would make sense...]

...Don't know if... that guy could come here anyway.

He's important to you.

[His expression tightens at that, and he almost gives a laugh. Too bad the attempt is enough to get him coughing again.]

...Probably the way you'd think.

Come on, the hotel isn't too much further from here. I know someone can heal you there.

((OOC: ...that should be *probably not, derp.))

...Thanks, V/V.

Mmhm. I just want to make sure you're okay.

...Did you meet one'a those, too?

No, not yet.

...I hope you don't.

[She's far too nice to have to deal with something like that.]

Me too. I don't know how I'd handle it.

You... got one of those Persona things, right?

Probably would've gone better than what happened with that guy.

Mmhm. My Persona is Alice. She's not very strong, but she can defend us.

...Alice?

[That's... a surprisingly normal name.]

...I thought they were s'posed to be gods.

Some of them are, some of them aren't.

Weird...

What's she like?

She's a small girl. Maybe a little strange.

[...Um.]

A... little girl?

Uh-huh. Shorter than me.

Second Step

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