genessia | Stalking Sonico

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Stalking Sonico

Sonico didn't have work that day but she did have various things to do out and about. Around Attleton, however, Sonico did not seem her usual calm and collected self. She walked with more urgency, always looking over her shoulder, sometimes stopping just to stare around her as though listening or watching very carefully for something. Or someone.

*Just an opportunity for those that know about her birthday to give their birthday wishes. Sonico has probably only revealed the date of her birthday to her housemates, Sakuya, Ayame, and Namur. However, anyone else may have perhaps heard through the grapevine*

Happy Birthday, Sonico. 21 years old - a real big deal for some people. But Sonico doesn't enjoy being the centre of attention (despite what she does for a living) so not many people know it's her birthday. Mobius, however, is one person who does know, and he's offered to take her out, much to her delight. She was so excited that she had forgotten all about her fears of the previous day - she was definitely sure that someone had been following her.

On her doorstep there was a large bouquet of flowers - how thoughtful! Who are they from? Her name is large in red writing on the envelope. Inside, the card features a message but no name of the sender:

Sonico, I hope these flowers make you happy.
I want to smell your happiness. I want to feel it on your flesh.
Only I can make you happy, Sonico. Only me. Only me. Only me. Only me.

Unnerved, Sonico pushed the card back into the basket, and started briskly on her way to meet Mobius. She was desperate to get to him now, knowing he could keep her safe, and he'd help her forget about the crawling fear that was beginning to claw deeper inside of her.

Because, on her walk to meet him, she was sure she could hear footsteps following her own as her heeled boots click clacked on the pavements. She was sure that every time she stopped, those footsteps stopped. Her device rang out and she answered in swiftly in alarm, only to be met by a deep and heavy breathing: "Where are you going, Sonico? Stay with me. Let me make you happy. Let me know your flesh, Sonico. You are all mine, you know. Only mine. All for me. All for me." Her hands shook and she all but threw her phone away. No. She needed to get to Mobius, as quickly as possible.

Despite her quickening footsteps, her long strides almost as fast as a jog, Sonico was sure that the horrible, wet breathing was just behind her. So close she could almost feel it. As she walked she was aware of the thudding in her chest and the tears starting in her eyes. At least she was almost at her meeting place. She couldn't get to Mobius quickly enough.

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[Mobius wasn't exactly fairing well himself. The entirety of the 13th, he'd found himself cowering in buildings more than he could have anticipated. Everytime he'd stepped out to do his job as a deputy, he knees always shook and his stomach kept turning.

It... was lack of sleep, right? Just some awful tricks his mind was playing on him from a bad case of insomnia and stress? Right?

Not that he could sleep last night given what he saw. It couldn't have been real- they kept changing everywhere he looked. He just... he had to ignore it. And he promised to take Sonico out for her birthday, and he was going to, insomnia be damned.

That determination wouldn't ward anything away from him, unfortunately, because seeing the near lifeless body of one of his companions always seemed to be just in his vision. He was pale and shaking, but he tried not to look at it. His glasses weren't registering anyone being there, dammit! It wasn't real! None of his friends were here, let alone-

He'd jolt when he heard quick footsteps and looked up to see Sonico hastily coming over. He was quick to close the gap between them to meet her halfway, hoping he wasn't looking like hell to her. Except, well, he was.]

Sonico? [He barely even got her name out from being so rattled.] Hey, are you okay?

[Concentrate on her. Concentrate on her, damn it!]

*Unfortunately, as soon as Sonico saw Mobius, all she saw was safety. She couldn't answer his question, not in words. Instead, so very unlike her, she practically launched herself at him and squeezed her arms around him. Sonico buried her face in his shoulder, shaking her head in reply. She was definitely not okay.

After she held him sufficiently long enough that she felt marginally better, Sonico looked up at him, without letting go, though she did look around them before focusing on his face. Her look of fear quickly collapsed into great concern as she saw how rattled he looked, so exhausted*

Mobius... What about you...? Has something happened...?

Edited 2017-10-14 06:13 (UTC)

[His arms were around her in an instant, and his embrace only tightened when she shook her head. First and foremost, he wanted to protect her and help her, but that hug was a much needed relief for him as well. At least she was there- she was there, real and alive. When she spoke, he shook his head.]

N-no, I'm okay. My mind has been playing tricks on me. I think it's a little stress is all.

[That's it. That's all it was. That's all it had to be. He had no idea if she could see it, that body of a man in similar uniform to Mobius barely grasping onto life and reaching towards him from the dark alley. Even if she couldn't, he was going to make sure she didn't look in that direction.]

What's wrong? [He hesitated a moment.] Or... should we get moving? Get somewhere to talk first?

[A change of scenery would be good, right? He couldn't let on that the longer he had 'Eric' staring at him from the alley, the more unease he felt.]

Stress? Maybe...

*Sonico turned her head again, faint footsteps sounding like they were shuffling nearby, the feeling of being watched. She bit her lip and looked up at Mobius again, her fear evident*

Yes. Yes, please. I just - I don't feel...

*Well now she just doesn't know how to explain herself in a way that won't make her sound completely crazy to him. Reluctantly, Sonico started to let go of him. Then she didn't need to explain herself to him as she grabbed his arm in fright and stared at the man who was reaching for Mobius. Surely that wasn't her pursuer?*

Mobius! What is that?

*As frightened as she is, Sonico also isn't sure if they should try to help the man in some way*

Edited 2017-10-14 07:19 (UTC)

[Mobius' feathers twitched as he heard the nearby shuffling, glancing up at the same moment Sonico did. His eyes narrowed, obviously she heard it too, and with that terror in her eyes he knew he had to get her out of here.

... but then she pointed that out. If there was any color left in Mobius' face, it was instantly gone when she pointed out that reaching body staring at them with blank eyes. Mobius instantly stood between Sonico and the 'man', his hands clasping Sonico's tightly. Mobius began trembling again, gritting his teeth.]

That-- that isn't real!

[His voice cracked, his own fear starting to get the better of him. What life there was in that man in the alley left him as he collapsed, and instinctively, Mobius spun around and picked up Sonico. He was off like a shot, running for the archway to Genessia City as fast as he could, ignoring the distant cry of a familiar woman to him as best he could.

It wasn't until they ran far beyond the archway and into Genessia City that Mobius began to slow down. Still trembling, he slowly looked at Sonico, making a feeble attempt to regain himself. To say he was terrified was putting it lightly, but if he could just keep focusing on her...]

I-I'm... I'm sorry, are you... are you okay?

*Along with the shuffling, the rasping heavy breathing sound had started again, like it was hovering just behind Sonico's ear, though there was no one there. Her attention was on Mobius, ignoring her own fears for the shake of worrying about his. As he trembled, Sonico gave his hand what she hoped was a reassuring squeeze.

But there was no time to say or do anything more as she was scooped up and carried away. Away from whatever figures or voices were haunting them. As Mobius ran, Sonico placed a hand on his chest while her other arm was around him, more to support him than herself. Her eyes were on his, full of concern for the terror that was on his face, in his posture*

Please don't be sorry... I'm okay now... Are you...?

[Slowly, he managed to reduce himself down to a walk instead of a full sprint and as the adrenaline wore off, it felt like his legs were weakening somewhat. He hadn't immediately realized it, but he'd carried her nearly to the Bay in the center of the city.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady his breathing and his pounding heart. He'd nearly came to a stop by now, but he was still holding Sonico, and right now letting go of her was the last thing he wanted to do.

His feathers were pressed tightly against his head, listening around them carefully. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary in this particular city. They didn't have to worry about the sudden curfew for a while, and the people and sounds were the same as always.

Mobius tightly shut his eyes. There was an overwhelming sense of shame. Still, he opened his eyes to look at Sonico again. Staring at her may very well be the only thing to keep him sane right now.]

I'll... I'll be fine.

[His voice cracked again. Had she... really seen that vision of Eric too? Was he not going insane? Did he just humiliate himself fleeing from Attleton like that?

He couldn't bring himself to ask at that moment.]

You're okay? You're sure? Are you hurt at all?

*Now that he'd nearly stopped, Sonico wondered if perhaps she should try and climb down now to give him a rest, but he seemed happy to hold her, so she was happy to stay there if that was what he wanted.

When he shut his eyes, the hand on his chest lifted to rest lightly against his cheek, and when he stared at her she stared right back. But the smile she tried when he said he was fine was quite weak*

I'm sure. He - It... I can't hear him anymore...

*She had noticed the relative calm and quiet in Genessia too, and the distinct lack of any sign of the man who had been following her*

[Feeling her hand against his cheek and hearing her say she was sure helped calm his rattled nerves a little. There was the faintest smile for a moment before he finally set her down. He didn't want to let her go, but he managed to pull his hands away, immediately removing his glasses before covering his eyes with his other hand. Another deep breath and he moved his hand.]

I don't... know what's going on in that city right now.

[Was it just Attleton? Was Genessia City bringing a false sense of security? He'd never felt this terrified in his life, even when he thought he was stranded on an island to die.]

I... believe we're safe.

[He slowly looks around them, his feathers slowly uncurling away from his hair. He could feel his heart drop again, just thinking about what he saw back there. He never had this long of a break save from when he was indoors somewhere.]

Some deputy I'm lookin' like right now, huh?

*Even when she is set down and she has smoothed out her dress - something decidedly feminine that she thought he might like - Sonico stayed standing close by him. She didn't know what she could do for him so she just lightly touched his elbow as he covered his eyes*

I don't know either and I... I don't think we should go back... not until it's gone.

*Whatever it is. She continued to watch him with concern and moved her hand like she might touch him again, but she wasn't entirely sure if he would like that, so her hand dropped awkwardly to her side*

Don't you worry about that. Right now, you don't have to be a deputy. You need to give yourself the chance to relax...

*Because they were kind of supposed to be on a date, weren't they? Oh yeah, and it was her birthday. She had forgotten about all of this in the face of all that fear*

We don't need to - I mean today... But, maybe we should sit down somewhere. Get something to drink.

*A coffee. Or anything else. Once Mobius had calmed a little, then he would be free to do what he wished. She wasn't going to force him into any sort of birthday fun or any sort of date stuff if he wasn't feeling up for it*

[He had to let her words sink in, repeating them in his head to try and fight off that shame and guilt of suddenly fleeing the city. What if it was affecting more than just them? Was there anything the Guardian's office could even do? He nodded slowly.]

I- I don't think I can bring myself to go back.

[Should he even talk or think about it? Would acknowledging it help at all? He pursed his lips. Part of him wanted to mention that thing in the alley and assure her that he knew it had to have been nothing more than an illusion, but he couldn't possibly bring himself to. He couldn't concentrate on his duties when seeing those twisted visages, and he couldn't sleep. He probably didn't need to even mention his insomnia after even she saw it.]

What you heard, did it... only just start?

[He hated asking that question, his face even wincing slightly. There was the fear in the back of his mind that he was just coming off as a lunatic, no matter how much his common sense told him that wasn't the case. He winced again. Something was scaring her too before he took her and ran. He really shouldn't be talking about this. He didn't know what were good decisions and what weren't right now.]

R-right, we should. I think there's a place nearby. [He forces a small, apologetic smile to his face.] I didn't mess up your dress, did I?

*Seeing Mobius looking so wretched over what had happend only made Sonico more determined to do something to fix it, or at least to make him feel better for a little while. She just wished she knew what to do. In reply, Sonico shook her head and looked down at her boots*

It started yesterday. It was like someone was following me... I could - I could almost feel him breathing down my neck.

*Still staring at the ground, she swallowed and shook her head to try and rid of the images in her head*

It was worse today. It was like...he was waiting for me.

*Finally, Sonico looked back up and started walking towards a cafe that was nearby, self-consciously smoothing her clothing down and her hair down, a little awkward about it too*

No. It's okay. Thank you.

*Though the 'thank you' part came out a little heavier than she had intended*

[His eyes had widened, as if hearing her say that caused some sort of revelation.]

Yesterday? I started seeing... things yesterday.

[Were these connected? While he wanted to find out, fear crept up on him again and it was easily overriding his desire to keep up with his duty. He had to stop thinking about it. He couldn't bring her down with him, and he'd probably hurt her if he kept this topic going. He wouldn't forgive himself for that.

His body stiffened. He shouldn't have asked about her dress. That attempt to change the topic backfired, didn't it? And goddamnit, the dress. Taking her out today was his number one priority, how the hell could he even screw that up? And now because of all the weird shit that was going on in the cities, his options to take her anywhere were severely limited, and a dinky little cafe wasn't going to cut it.

... was he feeling tears well up in his eyes? He hastily put his glasses back on in some attempt to hide it.]

Can I... tell you something, Sonico?

[He seemed to barely speak above a whisper. At the moment it was a wonder he managed to speak any at all.]

*That definitely sounded strange and too much of a coincidence. There must be something going on. But then... how had they both been so scared in Attleton but now they were here in Genessia everything seemed fine? It didn't make sense. Then again, many things in this place didn't make much sense to her.

More concerning for her right then was Mobius. She felt safer here and safer with him. He had brought her away from her fears, but she felt she had done nothing to help him feel better about his.

Sonico paused outside a small but pretty cafe when he spoke again. She looked up at him, her expression soft, and hoping that he'd realise how she was there for him and willing to listen*

...of course.

[Honestly, he'd asked that without thinking much about it. There were things he wanted to say, but he went and got himself in a corner without even fully knowing how to word any of it. He didn't exactly want to make a conversation about him either. It's not like he was the only one that had something horrifying to deal with back there in Attleton.

Her expression was somewhat comforting for him, even if he was fearing he'd stepped on more than a few eggshells. His hesistance was clear, but he can't exactly keep leaving her hanging since he started that conversation. He took a deep breath, glancing away from her. Talking about his emotions wasn't exactly a thing he liked doing very much.]

Truth is, the longer I'm here, the more lost I feel. At home I was someone, and I had a purpose. Here, I've only felt like this world's punching bag ever since that circus happened. I can't even feel like I'm being a half decent deputy, even when protecting people is what I was trained to do.

[Admitting that felt like twisting the knife on what little pride and confidence he had left. He couldn't even really say he had many friends here, most everyone were either acquaintances or co-workers.]

The only constant good thing I've had here has been you. Everything else here just makes me constantly question my self worth.

[He paused, his hand gripping around the blue ribbon tied on his left arm.]

I guess what I'm trying to say in this stupid roundabout way is... [He took another breath, looking back at her.] More than anything here, I just. I love you, and I want to protect you.

[If he can even do that right. Just even saying that is making him think he's gone and made the situation straight up awkward. He feels right out pathetic, especially spouting this at her after they both just got out of some horrible living nightmare. Way to start digging your own grave, Mobius.]

*In the moments that he was getting his words together, Sonico was imaginging all the possible things he might want to say to her. Perhaps he just needed to be alone, perhaps he had tired himself out by having to carry her here, perhaps...

Sonico opened her mouth, surprised and upset to hear he felt this way. She wanted to reassure him, but she said nothing, just allowing him to express how he felt. Knowing that he felt so little of himself hurt her deeply - she wanted to do everything in her power to make him feel better. Yet at the same time, knowing that she meant something to him filled her with a warmth she'd never felt before.

Again, she might have responded to reassure him, but then - then is telling her that he loves her and her heart was so full she thought it might burst.

At once, she stepped forward and touched him arm, standing close to him and gazing up with dazed but happy eyes. More than anything, she is amazed to hear these feelings from him - she had only dreamt that he might feel this way*

Mobius... I love you too. And I want to protect you too.

*She said it with a fierce determination - she knows that she is useless in many ways, but she also knows that she will do anything in her power to look after him and keep him happy and safe*

It isn't the best time for celebrations, not with so many strange things happening all around the cities. But because of that, Kay is even more determined to make Sonico have a good time for her b-day.

He's bought a box of her favorite sweets, macarons, and a new purse as b-day present. Now it's a matter to wait for her to get back home but with how dangerous are the streets now, he worries that she might be in trouble.

Any gifts that were left for Sonico or presented to her in the morning were gratefully received. In fact, if the purse matched her outfit, she probably took it with her on her birthday date with Mobius.

However, it may be several days before Sonico returns again, terrified as she is of what is happening in Attleton.

Kay wasn't a fashionista but he did pay attention to the clothes Sonico wore so he could get her things that matched her tastes. The young woman being gone for so long worried Kay and he's not sure if it's because she decided to give them some time alone again or something else. When they finally meet again, Kay is visibly relieved.

"There you are, lady. Are you okay? I was wondering where you went."

It was be quite some time before they meet again - she would remain in Genessia for the duration of the curse, and perhaps Kay would be somewhere with Cassian to relax for a while. So when they meet again, Sonico is very pleased and smiling quite happily, "Kay! I'm back! We're both back!" And she has missed him enough that he even will get treated to a hug.

Kay's own week had it's ups and down. Going out of the house had been pure hell but he had to do his duty as a deputy and help people, even if he had to face his fears out there. On the bright side, Cassian being an incubus had very...interesting side effects on both their personal lives. It's a miracle their bed is still in one piece.

And so, when Sonico hugs him, Kay happily returns the gesture. "I've missed you. Are you okay? Where have you been all week? Not all alone, I hope."

[It's been a long time since he's had a chance to visit Sonico, and their last conversation wasn't exactly the greatest. But she did tell him about her birthday, and he'll be damned if he lets it lapse without at least wishing her a good day...

Even if he has to do so as a tiny bug-thing.

At least the wings let him zip around at about his usual speed, so that's something. And he doesn't feel the need to fear heights at the moment, which is an added bonus because he would seriously be off the rails frozen with fear, considering how much more keenly he senses distance in this form. But hey, who cares? He's got wings and he can fly. So fly he does, leaving shimmering blue contrails in his wake, carrying a modest bouquet of pale pink flowers in a double handed grip because that plastic wrapping is slippery and the bouquet weighs more than he does, and even though so far they've managed to survive getting dropped twice, Namur's pretty sure the third time isn't going to go so well for most of them, and that'd be a damn shame. He sets them down gently on the front porch of her suburban Attleton home, and buzzes up to ring the doorbell.

Anyone home?]

*Sonico is at home at this time, getting herself preened and ready for her birthday date. She answers the door, hairbrush in hand, but opens it a little more cautiously than usual. She glances around, shoulders tense, then looks down at the bouquet on the porch.

Sonico pauses a moment as though to make sure the coast is clear, then crouches to gently pick up the bouquet. Despite looking onto the road for any sign of strangers, she appears to have missed someone else buzzing on the porch*

[Nice. He'd been feeling that whatever romantic overtures they'd had going on had cooled, but looking through him completely when he's right there, glowing and buzzing like a motor?

Damn, girl.

She's pretty distracted though, and Namur's never seen her acting so cautious. So he flies over to the porch railing and lands on top, leaning casually against a support beam.]

Somethin' got yer fins in a fix, sweetheart?

Namur?

*Sonico's atttention did indeed seem to be everywhere other than on him, past to the streets where -he- might be lurking. He gets a very apologetic look, but it's also mingled with surprise at his new appearance - this is really rather different*

You are - you are... changed.

*That was the nicest way to put it. She holds the door open a little wider then waves a hand to usher him inside*

Come in, come in.

*With perhaps quite less patience than usual*

[ It may not be a good day for Attleton, but when Cassian leaves for work in the wee hours of the morning, there will be a small box left behind in front of Sonico's bedroom door. It had taken him a lot of willpower not to go for the gift that seemed most sensible to him, speak a weapon. Instead, there's a blue glass rose inside the box, and a short note in still awkward handwriting. ]

I couldn't find Ithorian roses, but this one will last longer anyway.

Happy Birthday, Sonico, and thank you for being a friend.

When Sonico wakes up there's a text message on her phone for her.

Something for you in front of your bedroom door.

*As far as wake up calls go, this is a lovely one. Excited for what should be a fun and pleasant day ahead, Sonico goes to check out what Cassian left for her. She admires it for a while and places it on the mantelpiece in her bedroom. Eventually, she texts him back with a smile:*

Thank you! It is beautiful! ^^ xox

It's less than what you deserve, but I'm glad you enjoy it.

I'm sorry we couldn't have breakfast together. I had to go in early since I have errands in Nova City this morning, but I'll have plenty of time to drop by at home later.

[ Yeah. Right. Not gonna happen. ]

I do! Thank you! *If there are options of happy emojis, Sonico will have used them*

Don't worry - I know you must be busy! Maybe we can have some cake later, or even tomorrow! ^^

*Also yeah right. She'll have run away to the relative safety of Genessia by then*

[ The emojis will have him smiling. ]

I would like that. You really ought to have a proper birthday cake. I hear that's traditional.

It is! ^^ And traditional to share it with friends too!

Of course. I'll be there. Are you having a party at home?

[Dante was out on a routine patrol, guitar case slung over his shoulder when he literally bumped into Sonico. He cocked an eyebrow and glanced around behind her just to make sure everything was alright.]

Hey, you okay Sonico?

*When Sonico bumped into Dante she let out a scream of fright - not just surprise, but like she might have walked into someone she really didn't want to be near*

Oh! Oh Dante! It's you! H-hi!

[Dante's eyebrow just shoots up higher, cocking his head. He's not sensing anyone else around, but considering this place he isn't going to put too much stock into that.]

Everything alright, Sonico?

Hm?

*Sonico is tugging at hem of her tshirt, then glancing over her shoulder. Then looking ahead to Dante, then biting her lip at looking around*

Oh! Yes. Everything is fine. Thank you!

*Clearly she was speaking on auto-pilot*

How are you?

[Dante blinks, adjusting how he held Rebellion's guitar case on his shoulder before shrugging.]

Oh I'm fine, I just got back from my annual puppy kicking.

[He's just going to casually see HOW distracted she really is.]

Oh right. Of course. Did you have a nice time?

*Yup. She seemed to miss that entirely. She is much too busy glancing over her shoulder and pulling at the hem of her jacket*

[Dante just rolls his eyes, reaching over to pull on Sonico's headphones before speaking again.]

Earth to Sonico. This is Dante you're talking to. Why would I go puppy kicking? What's bothering you?

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Stalking Sonico

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Friday 14th

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Birthday

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So late. So sorry.

S'all good!