Realistic or Modern Milk and Honey IC

[Coca-Cola]

Grand dad stood in the center of the room. He had a smile and began to speak "good morning everyone" he said with pride. "How are we feeling out there?" He was always happy somehow. he began to smile even wider. he would turn his head. " Minerva! Can you help lead the exercise for today? You know grand pa is getting old and all that I can't stretch as well as I used to" he would smile while he said that looking around but he couldn't see
StaleBread
Undead Witch
_Yua Watanabe_

 

[Undead Witch]

MinervaGrand-dad stood on the stage of one of their largest rooms. It wasn't much to look at, not that it needed to be. Most of the building had fairly narrow halls and rooms which were easy for the blind to navigate by feeling along the wall. This room was different. It was large and devoid of most furniture. Though they got around the problem of navigation through a tactile floor. Smooth parts of the floor told people where to stand so they wouldn't bump into each other during exercise. Of course, this tended to be difficult for newer members, but it worked well enough.

Minerva, being the lifelong veteran she was, didn't need the tactile floor to navigate through the room, nor the rest of the building or even surroundings outside. She had everything memorized. She was often called upon for assistance, even though she wasn't the highest ranking member of their group. Their group would be called a cult by some, but to her, it was family. This was one such moment when her assistance was required.

Minerva made her way up the stairs and towards the center of the stage, her cloak twirling around behind her as it struggled to keep up. It was a feat she was proud of, since others might have required assistance, though it was also one that would go unnoticed, since no one in the room could see her.

"Alright everyone, we'll begin with some light stretches!" Minerva called out cheerfully to the room. She would expertly describe each exercise so everyone could follow along with ease, counting out the rhythm each time. A light scent of sweat would overcome the room by the time they were done exercising, by which time Minerva would thank everyone and dismiss the group for some downtime. From there she informed everyone of where the snacks and refreshments were. She also told everyone that if they needed help, they had but to ask her.

She made her way into the crowd so she could begin helping anyone that asked. She gave a quiet chuckle at the sound of people occasionally bumping into each other and apologizing. She greeted people and gave out encouraging shoulder pats as she walked around. Although her main goal currently was to help others, she still made her way towards the snack table. She could already smell one of her favorites. Donuts!

Gregarious MononovitchGregarious didn't care much for their regular exercises, though he attended anyways. He had his own workout routines he liked to stick to. He certainly wasn't about to let these peasants disrupt that. He navigated the large meeting room expertly towards a corner. Although it's said that the blind have heightened senses, Gregarious' were on another level. He navigated not by feel, like most blind do, although he was capable, but by scent and sound.

Gregarious had been blind his whole life. He had a rare form of blindness that resulted in a complete lack of light perception. While most blind had some light reception, he saw nothing at all. Despite this, people often called him a faker. Accused him of claiming blindness for sympathy. Ironically, he never needed sympathy. He could tell when and who, specifically, entered a room. He could smell their individual scents. Even with showers, people tended to have unique scents. He wasn't a bloodhound, but he could tell as long as they were close enough.

He could also hear the swishing of people's clothes. The way they rustled and swayed as a person moved about. Even if he were nose-blind as well as sight-blind, he would be able to tell who was near him based on the patterns people present when they move.

Gregarious' various heightened perceptions, along with his intelligence, has lead to him being rather arrogant. Unfortunately, few can actually check him on his behavior because he is always able to perform. Since he always thought himself so far above other people, he rarely followed along with others. This time was no exception as he performed his own workout routine in the corner.

Of course, being the awesome person that he is, Gregarious did not wait for the dismissal of the group before finishing. His routine was exactly that. Routine. He finished when he finished and no one would tell him otherwise. Though he did wait in his corner for the others to finish. Once done, Gregarious made his way through the crowd towards Grand-dad. He often met with him regarding his dealing with outside people

He expertly dodged and weaved past people like a sewing needle through clothe. Though his movements were superb, the grace of others was limited. Someone had the gall to step on his overcoat. He turned to face the other, not that facing people was needed, just a habit from dealing with sighted people, and he chastised the clutz.

"Watch where you're going!" Gregarious said, an edge of annoyance in his voice. His statement was quite the ironic one.

 

[Coca-Cola]

May was the youngest in the room she was in. After doing the stretches she walked over to the snack table, she walked to the table and tripped "ouchy!" she said trying to get up feeling around she struggled to get up, often falling on her butt again but she got up. This was her whole life. The truth was she was just now getting used to being blind. she walked over to Minerva smiling "miss Minerva" May asked "how are you feeling this fine morning?" she would grab a chocolate chip muffin and some orange juice.

Grand-dad was standing there hearing Gregarious he smiled "how many to punish?" He is obviously talking about the nightly blindings "and how many showed interest?" he asked like this was the most normal thing like asking how your day was. this was not out of the ordinary for him to ask he smiled.

 

[StaleBread]

Abel shuffled his feet along the floor, feeling around for the grooves to dictate a safe spot for him to follow along without being obtrusive to the others. He listened to Granddad's booming voice as he greeted everyone.

"Good morning everyone!"

"Good morning!" He responded meekly with the echo of the various other member's voices, his own blending seamlessly into the crowds.

"How are we feeling out there?!"

"Great!" Abel made to match the chorus of enthusiastic voices but cringed at the crackle and gravelly texture his throat produced. Even though he tried to speak at a greater volume his response came out weak with a lack of sincerity in his tone. He bit at his lip in an attempt to stop thinking about his shortcomings, instead refocusing his ears on Granddad's calming, but authoritative presence.

"Minerva!" Abel noted the joy in Granddad's voice, he could hear how wide his smile must be. He let his own smile crease his features slightly at the image his mind gave. "Can you help lead the exercise for today? You know grandpa is getting old and all that, I can't stretch as well as I used to."

Even though he was talking about the pains that came with age and the restrictions he had with his older body, Granddad's voice didn't give a trace of bitterness. Instead, his tone was tooth-rottingly sweet, Abel could almost taste it. He couldn't help the soft smile on his face from before turning dry. How was it that others could be so.. content with themselves? With their situations? He mentally admonished himself and made a point in his mind to be more positive. He gave himself a determined nod, though he knew the apprehension he felt in his core wouldn't be moved so easily.

"Alright everyone," A familiar singsong voice chirped cheerfully from the center stage. Abel quickly discerned that it belonged to Minerva, one of Granddad's various grandchildren, actually related by blood- hence the informal 'grandpa' Granddad referred to himself as when speaking to her. At least, that's what he assumed... why else would they be so close? She had a pleasant way of speaking that tended to lift Abel's mood whenever he heard her. Which was becoming more frequent the last couple of days since it seemed Granddad was relying on her more and more for the exercise routines. "we'll begin with some light stretches!"

Abel tried his best to follow along with Minerva's instructions, even though she spoke clearly and confidently, he couldn't help but second-guess his every movement. In moments like this, he wished he could just take a peek at what everyone else was doing to match his movements with theirs. But that's not how this works. He bit at his cheek in frustration, more at his thoughts than at the circumstance. He knows that how he thinks is flawed and that he should just be thankful that he's allowed to be here despite that. But he feels that if the others were ever able to hear his thoughts he'd be left behind without question.

Sight is not something to be sought after. The way human eyes perceive the world is inadequate and false. If Abel could just forget about vision as a sense and focus on the vision of their cause, he'd be made better for it. The world would be made better for it...

Distracted by the ever-deepening chasm that was his thought process(that seemed to be getting worse the longer he stayed here, or, he guesses, better?), he failed to notice the figure trying to walk past him. He did, however, notice the different texture of the floor under his shoe. As he went to move his foot away he felt the distinct brush of air, one felt when someone turned towards or away from someone in a quick motion, a sharp voice stabbed into his ill-prepared ears.

"Watch where you're going!" Abel stumbled trying to get away from the voice, before stuttering a quick, confused apology.

"S-sorry!" He blanched slightly at the volume of his own voice, internally cringing at the remnants of his accent peeking through and quickly readjusting his pronunciation as he continued. "I- um, didn't see you there." As he talked he got quieter bringing his volume down to nearly a whisper, overcompensating for the loudness of his starting statement. He gave a wry, self-deprecative smile to himself as he settled his posture, his balance now completely regained. He tried to think about what exactly he was apologizing for before his mind ran back to the differently textured floor. The texture of fabric.

"I didn't mean to step on your... scarf?"

 

[mysterybox]

Z had no struggle with their daily routines, their daily exercises least of all. He had mastered his voluntary blindness since his first day of his official acceptance into his new family. And his physical prowess was never an issue.

Or at least that’s what told himself anyways.

Realistically speaking, Z was one of the worst, if not the worst of all his peers at these exercises. His balance was already poor before joining the cult, but now without his vision he was a walking disaster. He couldn’t hold a basic tree pose for more than a second before he’d pinwheel into the nearest wall and/or person. Not to mention his limbs were basically twigs for all the muscle he had. The kid could barely do two push ups before he started trembling like a new-born fawn.

During the exercises, Z had thankfully managed to keep from knocking anyone down today. He’d never be able to live down that time where he had somehow managed to stumble doing jumping jacks and caused a domino effect and took down half the room.

After exercises were done, Z wobbly pulled himself off the floor with an exhausted sigh. “Finally, how troublesome.” he murmured as he made his way to the snack table. He had been distracted that morning during breakfast and hadn’t had much to eat, and there was a lemon poppyseed muffin on the table that was looking extra scrumtious.

 

[Undead Witch]

MinervaMinerva made her way to the snack table. It was her favorite part of their exercise routine. She had a sweet tooth something fierce, something others could tell from her plump midsection. She greeted various people as she passed. She had all sorts of tricks to tell who she was talking too. Gently brushing by them to tell their height and build, or placing a hand on their shoulder, or wherever she happened to bump into. Sighted people would be surprised how distinct a person's should is from another.

"Hello Maude, how are you?" "Oh, hey there Abel! Good work out there!" "Hey there Damon, looking good out there!" She shared a chuckle with Damon over their running joke.

As she approached the snack table a small girl greeted her. "Miss Minerva," May asked, "how are you feeling this fine morning?" She would grab a chocolate chip muffin and some orange juice, a big smile on her face.

Minerva reached out a hand towards the child. She brushed awkwardly, but gently, across her face before resting her hand on May's head, giving her a gentle pat. "I'm doing wonderful, May! You know how I like my sweets! I always work up an appetite after exercising!" Minerva patted her belly. The joke was meant more for the sighted, so it often went over others' heads here. "And how are you getting along? Are you able to find your way around alright? I could always teach you some tricks later if you want?" Minerva began munching greedily on an orange scone while she listened to May.

While May spoke, Minerva could hear some rummaging at the table. Her best guess was that it was Z. He's been here a few months. Normally that's enough time for Minerva to really get to know someone, though Z could sometimes be difficult to talk to. He had a strange manner of speaking. It contradicted his clumsy movements. Minerva made a mental note to speak to him after May.



Gregarious MononovitchAbel was a fairly new recruit. Portuguese by the sound of it, but trying to hide their accent. Greg didn't see much potential in him, but laid out the footwork for him to join. This was, of course, at Grand-dad's request. It didn't take much, just a pamphlet dropped in his path. Another lost lamb that Grand-dad managed to wrangle. Pathetic, Greg thought. Even worse, the sad sap dared step on his overcoat.

Greg scoffed at his overcoat being called a scarf. With a sinister undertone he remarked, "Watch where you're going." With that, he walked off to speak with Grand-dad.

Grand-dad was standing there. Hearing Gregarious, he smiled "How many to punish," He is obviously talking about the nightly blindings, "and how many showed interest?" He asked like this was the most normal thing, like asking how your day was. This was not out of the ordinary for him to ask.

Greg spoke in a matter-of-factly manner. As though he were simply recalling the minutes from a meeting, he said, "Three punishments. They went smoothly. There is also another potential recruit. They didn't show much promise, but were eager enough. I handed them a pamphlet. They should be reaching out in the next couple of days."

Greg stood before Grand-dad stoically. Although none could see, even the blind could see how cool his stance was. He effortlessly radiated coolness. Except, it wasn't so effortless. A large portion of his free time is spent thinking about how to hold himself. What poses to take, what words to use, and other such things he could do in a cool manner. The fact that he pulls this off despite lacking the luxury of sight is a wonder.

 

[Coca-Cola]

May told Minerva all about what happened the night before. "so last night right before I went to sleep I heard something about school! What's that?" She was the youngest one and the cult never had a formal education system, she ate her muffin with a smile on her innocent face. She started drinking her orange juice. she would smile wide

Grand-dad would smile. "Good.... I suppose we should get ourselves ready for today make sure everyone is ready and try to keep the blues in line"

 

[StaleBread]

"I didn't mean to step on your... scarf?"

The silence that came from the other figure was deafening, if it was a week or so earlier Abel might've even thought the other person just left. But in his last sightless month of being part of See No Evil, he quickly learned how to feel someone's presence. It felt like that paranoid feeling people would get when they felt eyes on them, but more distinct. More refined.

And this person's presence, the one standing in front of him, radiated off of them. Abel wasn't quite proficient enough to place what the difference between one and other's presences signified, or even a difference between them altogether, but the one in front of him was almost overbearing. Searing against his psyche. Abel wanted to squirm away, to shrink into nothing under the scrutiny of this individual. Before, finally, the man had enough mercy to speak. The tortuous few seconds of silence ended as the figure scoffed at him.

"Watch where you're going." He repeated in a growl before turning in a swift motion, leaving Abel to shutter to himself.

If Abel wasn't so preoccupied with getting his heart rate to settle, he probably would've noted the smoothness in which the other parted ways with him. Walking with a sure diction that Abel couldn't obtain even if he still had his sight. Instead, Abel cowered slightly at the relief from the other person's presence. Most of his interactions here have been polite, if not a bit over-zealous towards their cause, but polite regardless. But, he guesses, there are exceptions to every rule. Even in places of unmatched sanctity.

Still, the way he felt in those seconds of silence...

He swallowed harshly at the image his mind made of a large, menacing shadow towering over him. Watching his every movement with bottomless red-bloodied eyes, analyzing his every tick and shifting of balance. His right hand crept up his left arm. What could it have seen? He grabs at his arm, fingers digging into him with enough force to bruise. Nothing that's not obvious after one look at you. The static that was taking presence in his ears started growing stronger, images of a damp alleyway, a dumpster fire, an empty hospital bed, a swinging cable with its end cleanly cut- flashed through his mind in quick succession. Abel bit down on his lip, hard, in an attempt to keep himself from hyperventilating. The taste of iron on his tongue kept him grounded just enough to not make a scene.

Abel felt his entire body tense as a hand landed on his shoulder. Using his every functioning facet to not instinctively recoil, his senses finally have the wherewithal to key back into the world of the living.

"Oh, hey there Abel! Good work out there!" Minerva's friendly voice rang in his ears, almost causing him to flinch. But just as quickly as she came into his bubble, she left it, lightly patting his shoulder before going to the next person in her near vicinity.

The system shock he took from being pulled from his mental spiral was just starting to wear off as he felt his stomach grumble. His hands shook lightly as he prodded at his nails in thought. Nobody here knows me from before, nobody here can even see me. This is as fresh of a start as you can get, just.. don't fuck it up. Abel reassured himself and shook away the lingering negative energy that was siphoning off his skin. He focused his ears on the commotion around the snack table. People talked and engaged in lively conversation, when he imagined himself among them he couldn't help but smile softly. But the more he thought about it... the more wrong it felt.

He shook his head. More positivity, remember? He tentatively made his way to the snack table in slow, careful movements, yet without wavering in his resolve.

 

[Coca-Cola]

It had been precisely one year since the void consumed their world, erasing everything they once knew with its relentless darkness. The memory of that fateful day remained etched in their minds, as if it had just happened yesterday. They recalled the distant sounds, the whispers of secrets floating in the air, the exhilarating atmosphere of a lively party, where music mingled with laughter and joy. The intoxicating aroma of alcohol filled the room, adding a hint of excitement to an already unforgettable night. However, as the hours ticked by, tension started to escalate, culminating in a sudden and unexpected fight that shattered the harmony of the gathering. Amidst the chaos, they remembered the inexplicable presence of push pins, they had gotten into their eyes by their abusive ex-boyfriend the pain. And then, everything went black. Blind, they said for the rest of their life they would see nothing maybe some faint light, but a void. In their darkest hour, when they found themselves at their lowest point and on the verge of homelessness, See No Evil, a mysterious organization, extended a helping hand. Despite warnings that See No Evil was actually a cult, notorious for preying on the weakest and robbing them of their humanity, they saw them as their ultimate saviors. To them, See No Evil appeared as saints, guiding them through the challenges of living without sight. The situation left them pondering the idea of joining this enigmatic group, especially since they engaged in acts of charity alongside their questionable practices. As they contemplated the decision, the allure of See No Evil's humanitarian efforts became increasingly enticing. The notion of participating in their philanthropic endeavors while tackling their own personal struggles resonated profoundly. The idea of aligning themselves with a group that could simultaneously offer solace and contribute positively to the world held immense appeal. After all the exercising was done, they grabbed some refreshing water and sat down to relax. They allowed themselves to slowly calm their bodies and minds, remembering everything that had transpired during their workout. It was a moment of pure bliss, as everything seemed to fall into place in their lives. In that very moment, they found themselves surrounded by their loved ones, engaged in lively conversations and bursts of laughter. They savored the company, taking occasional sips of their cool drinks, and eagerly joining in on the joyous festivities.

Leopold

Leopold, also known as Leo, had been a part of the See No Evil organization for a remarkable duration of three years. Surprisingly, faking blindness had turned out to be far easier than Leo had initially anticipated. All he needed to do was blend in seamlessly with his surroundings, acting like a "normal" person in this unique and challenging environment. Leo portrayed the role of a newly blind individual, perfectly executing the mannerisms and behaviors that one might expect from someone who had recently lost their sight.

It seemed that acting clueless and portraying himself as completely unaware of his surroundings granted Leo an even stronger position within See No Evil. The organization's first and foremost rule was that no member could possess the ability to see. They had to be either legally blind or constantly blindfolded. Yet, Leo proved to be a master of deception, skillfully fabricating a false identity that made him appear convincingly sightless. This ability to deceive others gave him an unwavering sense of self-assurance and invincibility.

After completing his daily stretches, Leo would make his departure just before everyone else, ensuring he had ample time to indulge in some refreshing fruit punch. Exiting the main room, he would step into the adjacent area known as the outside room, a designated space for relaxation and decompression. Here, he could finally unwind and reflect upon his experiences within the walls of See No Evil.

 

[StaleBread]

Kylee smiles as she hears Minerva take the stage. Even though she knows the routine by heart, she still listens intently to Minerva's instructions and follows them accordingly. Kylee is dedicated and thorough in her exercise, just as she is with all other facets of her faith, so once the exercises are done, she's hardly broken into a sweat. That doesn't dismay her though, as is her routine, she plans on going for a run after catching up a bit at the snack table, since she's already in her workout outfit(a workout bra, sweatpants, and tennis shoes) anyway.

Kylee made her way in a straight path over to the table, she bumped into a few people but simply continued in her desired direction, paying no heed. As she approached she smelt the distinct scent of mandarin oranges, she grabbed one and quickly went about peeling it, listening in to the conversations of the people around her just in case there was something interesting to jump in on. She did a quick cross pattern against her chest before bringing a slice of orange to her mouth, she intoned 'So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God' silently in her head before popping the slice into her mouth.

 

[mysterybox]

Z snatched up his muffin with some effort and began snacking. The lemon flavor was a little more intense than he was anticipationg but it was otherwise delicious. The others made quite the din as they also converged around the table, enjoying themselves and talking amongst eachother. Z didn't often bother with such menial things like small talk. It was more of a waste of time than anything, really.

Sure, it seems like the others are having fun. Some of their voices carrying over in laughter and a few chuckles every now and then. They sounded like they were having a good time...

But Z didn't need such things like the company of others! He had important business to attend to. Far too busy to deal with such things. He must work to earn his keep within the cult, after all. Not to mension his original mission he had been working towards, even before joining See No Evil. There was an evil on this earth, one that only few seemed to be aware of, Z being one of them. He refered to this evil as the Darkness. The Darkness was everywhere, hidden just out of sight, lurking in the very corners and crevices of the world. It corrupts the minds of the innocent and turns them to evil. It's true! Z saw it happen to plenty of his classmates before he switched to online classes. When Z would first meet them they would be normal, happy people. After a few days, however, they would change. Their eyes would become dull, they talked less, and their smiles would be strained.

Of course, this effect would go away when Z was not present. That was because the Darkness's power was weakened when they were near Z, though, and they couldn't mask their work on their victims! It broke his heart to see that happen to his dear classmates, so he'd been working hard to find a way to expell them from their host's minds. He hadn't made much progress yet, but he was sure that See No Evil would surely provide him with the resources to do it!

When Z was finished with his muffin he balled up the wrapper and placed it in his pocket for later disposal and began his endevour to find the exit. He had chores to finish after all. He just had to get to the supply room to get some cleaning tools. Perhaps he could do it without assistance this time?

 

[Coca-Cola]

Grand-Dad

He just stood there, his anticipation growing as he waited for a response. His foot tapped on the ground, the sound reverberating in the room. It was a peculiar mixture of impatience and kindness that seemed to emanate from him. The power he possessed was undeniable, but it was starting to have an effect on him, as if it were slowly consuming him.

As his foot continued to tap, creating an echoing rhythm, he spoke, his voice filled with a subtle irony. "Also," he said, his words carrying weight, "keep an eye on any new members..." The irony stemmed from the fact that he was blind, relying solely on others to keep him informed. Despite their blindness, the cult had managed to evade any run-ins with the law for two years, which was seen as a positive outcome.

However, the truth was far from what he wanted others to believe. Just yesterday, a call to 911 had been made when a member of the cult had suffered a broken leg. It was a secret that needed to be kept hidden, even from Greg, the most valuable resource amongst them all. The fear of exposing their vulnerabilities and the potential consequences that may arise plagued his thoughts, it was a weight he carried silently.

In this complex web of secrecy and power, the man's lingering presence seemed to hold a heavy burden. His anticipation, impatience, and the facade he maintained all hinted at the intricate dynamics within the cult. The story behind his actions and the hidden truths they carried would continue to unfold as time went on.

May

She, being the youngest one in the cult at just 7 years old, exhibited an innocence that made her susceptible to the manipulative tactics of the cult leaders. Despite her tender age, she found solace and security in holding onto the hand of Minerva, the woman who stood just ahead of her in the line. The dim, faint light that emitted from their surroundings revealed only glimpses of warmth and familiarity, yet it was enough for her to sense the motherly figure that Minerva embodied. Her small hand, delicately gripping Minerva's, sought not just physical guidance, but also a semblance of protection and love. In the midst of the cult's dark and sinister practices, this innocent connection with Minerva offered a glimmer of hope, as if a flickering candle in the night, pushing away the oppressive shadows that threatened to engulf her young soul.

To other members of the cult, the young girl's presence served as a chilling reminder of their own moral disillusionment. They recognized this child's naivety, fueling their twisted desires to exploit her innocence and mold her impressionable mind to fit their depraved ideology. However, beneath the facade of obliviousness, the girl possessed an innate resilience that defied her tender years. Though she could only discern fragments of affection and kindness within the faint illumination surrounding them, she clung steadfastly to Minerva, aware of the comfort and reassurance that her touch provided.

As she stood there, enveloped in the suffocating darkness of the cult's oppressive rituals, the young girl's limited perspective limited her comprehension of the sinister depths to which these practices sank. Yet, in her heart, she yearned for a brighter, more compassionate world beyond the confines of the isolated compound. Through her innocent gaze, she glimpsed fleeting moments of tenderness in the gestures and expressions of her companions, desperately holding onto the belief that there was more to life than the desolate existence that the cult enforced.

In this haze of confusion and manipulation, the girl's connection with Minerva became a lifeline, anchoring her to a sense of stability and humanity. The warmth transmitted through their linked hands seeped into her being, offering solace and a glimmer of hope. She treasured this connection, cherishing the fleeting moments of motherly love that she experienced through Minerva's touch. It was this fragile bond that allowed her to maintain her innocence amidst the darkness.

As the cult's indoctrination tightened its grip on the young girl's impressionable mind, she responded with a resolute determination to protect the purity of her soul. It was as if she instinctively knew that by preserving her innocence, she was safeguarding the essence of her humanity. Thus, while she may have appeared naive and vulnerable to those who observed her, she possessed a strength and wisdom that transcended her years.

River

They sat on the sofa, a plush piece of furniture that engulfed them in comfort. Taking sips every now and again from the icy-cold, refreshing water, they found solace in its crispness against their parched throats. Despite the serenity of the moment, an unsettling feeling crept over them as they noticed a stranger sitting directly across. Their presence stirred a flicker of curiosity, yet their unfamiliarity cast a shadow of unease.

Unable to tear their eyes away, they gazed blankly at the stranger, their once-bright eyes now clouded with the weight of haunting memories. Chaos and violence played out like a broken film reel, the images of bloodied scenes and drug-laden tables flashing before their inner vision. The sound of punches landing and screams reverberated in their mind, creating a dizzying cacophony that refused to fade.

With a deliberate effort, they shook off the memories, taking another sip from the cup in their hand. The tremors in their hands betrayed the lingering effects of the turmoil they had endured. As they looked up, a mix of anxiety and curiosity danced in their gaze, prompting them to engage in conversation, however guarded it may be. Words escaped their lips, tentative at first, but gradually gaining momentum as they ventured further into the realm of connection.

Leo

Leo just sat there, his mind consumed by a powerful determination that burned within him. In exactly one week's time, he knew he would pass the rigorous test that would grant him entry into the coveted red rank, the perfect position from which he could expose the sinister cult for what it truly was - a devious organization responsible for robbing him of his beloved Olivia's life. The depths of evil that dwelled within these people were unimaginable, and Leo was determined to bring them down, piece by bloody piece.

Olivia's tragic demise at the hands of the cult left a deep void within Leo's heart. Who would have thought that he, a once docile and unassuming individual, would eventually shatter under the weight of his grief and transform into a relentless force of vengeance? With meticulous planning, he plotted his infiltration of the cult, masquerading as a new member in order to scrutinize their every move and gather the necessary evidence to expose them. But before he could even contemplate such a high-stakes strategy, he knew that his first priority was to stay alive - a feat more challenging than one might assume.

Within the dark, sinister confines of the cult's headquarters, most of its members walked blindly, either with their eyes intentionally shut or completely covered by thick blindfolds. This offered Leo a slight advantage, as he maneuvered cautiously, remaining acutely aware of the danger lurking around every corner. However, amidst the crowd, there was one individual who commanded his unwavering attention - Gregarious Mononovitch. It was this vile man who had ruthlessly ripped Olivia from Leo's life, and Leo had sworn to exact his own brand of justice upon him.

In Leo's mind, Olivia's voice echoed, a warm and cherished reminder of what had been lost, fueling his unwavering determination. But even as he momentarily retreated into that familiar memory, he snapped back to reality, recognizing the urgency of the situation at hand. With a resolute step, he made his way back to his cramped room, determined to strategize and plot his next move with unfaltering focus. The time had come for Leo to embark on his perilous journey, armed only with his grief and the inextinguishable fire of vengeance in his heart.

Athena

Athena was still in the workout/meeting room, a spacious area with bright lights that emphasized the sweat on people's brows and the determination in their eyes. They had just finished a rigorous workout or an intense meeting, and as everyone filed out of the room, Athena chose to linger for a moment longer. She found solace in a corner, hidden away from the commotion, her keen eyes observing those around her.

Her ears perked up as Gregarious Mononovitch's distinct voice resonated through the room, engaging in a conversation with her grand-dad. The soft smile on her face hinted at the delight she found in eavesdropping on their conversation. There was an element of secrecy and intrigue that captivated her attention. However, eventually, even the most interesting conversations came to an end.

Feeling a growing sense of boredom, Athena reluctantly left her corner and began her slow walk towards her room. As she entered the familiar space, her eyes swept across the clutter that seemed to have taken over every available surface. Clothes were strewn everywhere, not only in the closet but also on chairs and the floor. She sighed, wondering why she had allowed her room to reach such a state of disarray. What was the point of keeping everything so chaotic? It was as if the world around her was blind to the need for order and organization.

Trying to shake off her frustration, Athena reached for her hoodie hanging on the back of her chair. As she put it on, she felt a sense of comfort and security wrap around her like a protective shield. She couldn't help but smile, briefly forgetting her annoyance with the messy room. Just as she was about to leave, she heard footsteps approaching outside her door. Without even looking, she knew it was Leo, her arch-nemesis.

"Go to the underworld!" Athena shouted, her voice filled with bitter contempt.

"Ladies first," Leo retorted, his tone filled with a mischievous edge.

The intensity of Athena's anger towards Leo often puzzled her. She couldn't pinpoint a specific reason behind her strong dislike for him, but it was undeniable. Perhaps it was the way he carried himself or the sound of his breathing that grated on her nerves. Whatever the case, being in his presence made her want to rebel against the world, to commit a crime just to express her frustration.

As Athena contemplated her enmity towards Leo, she couldn't help but wonder if there was a deeper reason behind her feelings. Was it simply a clash of personalities, or was there something more profound at play? Despite not knowing the exact cause, Athena acknowledged the presence of an undeniable tension between them, one that constantly threatened to erupt into a heated confrontation.

 

[Undead Witch]

Gregarious Mononovitch"As your will commands, so shall I act." Greg gave a slight bow in response to Grand-dad's orders. His tone and mannerisms carried a certain weight. There was reason to be wary, and Greg was determined to help alleviate that worry for Grand-dad. He would keep a metaphorical eye on the newer members. He considered anyone who's been there under a year to be new. That included Abel & Z, and though River was on the cusp of that time frame, Greg included them as well. All three were also blue rank, so couldn't go out unsupervised. Greg figured that was a great cover for covert information gathering.

Greg took his leave of Grand-dad and began searching for one of his targets. Taking a moment to listen, he quickly noticed Z leaving the room, as well as Abel still moping about. As Abel was the closer of the two, he approached him first.

Greg approached from Abel's side. He stopped near him, making no extra effort to stand in front of Abel. His voice, though still firm, held none of the venom from their last interaction, "Abel, this is Gregarious. I was wondering if there was anything you needed from outside, or just wanted to step out for some fresh air?"

Given his Purple rank and unique ability to navigate, Greg was often escorting Blue ranks and sometimes Reds. He would bring them to various stores for shopping, or parks with nice walking paths. Although he could almost be mistaken as cordial during these times, it was always strictly business for him. It was simply part of his duties.

MinervaMinerva led May out of the room to help teach her some tips & tricks for navigating while blind. She was a very hands on teacher and strictly used positive reinforcement. She would set up various scenarios and guide May through them. She went over not only ways to navigate, but how to handle potentially awkward moments, such as when you bump into someone or accidentally touch them in a weird way. Her lessons even extended to using various styles of walking canes. She would gently position May's hands and swing her arms around, bumping the cane into things, so she would know how to swing it and what to look for in response.

As her teachings moved them through the building, she would greet and sometimes hold short chats with various members. She often let her hands float away from her body as people neared. Brushing her hands against people was her way of identifying them. Although some people had unique sounds to their movements, she wasn't always sure, though she hoped she could one day get good enough to emulate Greg. One such shoulder she brushed was Z's. ( mysterybox )

With a slight giggle to reduce any awkwardness, Minerva said, "Oh, high there Z!" Z seemed to be busy doing his chores. He was always so diligent. "I appreciate the hard work you're always putting in!"

This was her chance to try to get to know Z a little better! He was always so enigmatic. "Hey, Z? After my lessons with May, is it OK if we chat for a bit? If you have some free time later?"



After her chat with Z, she would later bump into Leopold. "Oh, heya, Leo! Fancy bumping into you!" Minerva giggled at her little quip, "Oh, yeah, I just remembered, Grand-dad wanted us to put up some decorations for an upcoming event. Do you want to get together later and discuss it?" The decorations they used weren't typical ones. They didn't focus on vibrant visuals and the like, but rather textures. They could be anything from streamers than hang down for people to feel as they walked by, or different materials put up on walls for people to feel as they felt their way around. It was a good way for the blind to feel like they can still celebrate things in a traditional manner.

 

[StaleBread]

As Kylee finished up her orange and internally thanked her god, she felt under the table for the trash can and threw her remaining peel away. She dusted her hands as she went to stand back to her full height, letting out a sigh that held a mixture of disappointment and reluctant anticipation. I guess I should find Abel and bring him home before I go for my run...

Her brow furrows as she recalls a couple of weeks prior.
A Couple of Weeks EarlierIt was during his first week in the blindfold, and after bringing Abel to the gymnasium for exercise Kylee thought there wouldn't be much harm in leaving him for 30 minutes as she ran her usual laps. Not 10 minutes go by before one of her friends is calling her saying the guy was looking for her and seemed 'scared'. Kylee rolls her eyes under her blindfold at the memory. When she came back Abel was fine. However, she felt it was a little odd that he decided to sit on the floor where he was stretching rather than try to find the couch. But to each their own, even if it made him weird. Once Kylee spoke to him asking what his problem was he responded quickly in an excited tone,
"Kylee?"
"Yeah?"
"Vixe, I was getting worried. Where'd you go?" He shuffled off the floor, getting to his feet. And with little grace, by the sounds of it.
"For a run. I always run a couple laps after the daily exercise, wasn't even able to finish before Minerva called me to come take care of you." She said flatly with a tinge of annoyance in her tone.
"Oh... sorry." She heard his clothes shuffle a bit before he let out a small chuckle, she couldn't place the emotion behind it, but she returned it with a smile and an indulgent sigh before dragging him along back to the apartments.

After that, Kylee made a bit more of an effort to make Abel aware of her presence and when she planned on leaving. Though it seems he got the hint the first time around, since now even when she forgets to tell him her plans he simply waits right where she left him until she comes back. Not an independent bone in that boy's body. She smiles, it'd probably be indearing if it wasn't so annoying. But! This is her job, her responsibility. She takes pride in her patience and understanding of the newbies even with how slow they are at literally everything. She walks a bit away from the snack table and goes towards the spot Abel usually goes to for exercise. She senses someone approaching her as well, someone with a lingering smell of sweat and smoke, and also oddly tinged with the scent of wet cement. Abel.

"Woo Woo, is someone actually leaving their little square before I have to drag them out of it?" Kylee teases him as he gets closer.

"Woo Woo, is someone actually done talking before the sun explodes?" He shoots back. The little- "I was actually feeling a little hungry, so I thought I'd grab something."

"Really? I swear you ate before we came." Kylee inquired, when she heard Abel move a bit out of nervousness she smiled mischievously. "Or is it not that you're actually hungry, but instead you wanted to meet your fellow people? Dare I say Mr. Brood Boy wants to *gasp* make friends??" Going by the shuffle of clothes and the underbreath grumble of 'Brood Boy?' Kylee would say she hit the jackpot. She playfully pushed his shoulder.

"Hey! And so what, between the two of us at least one of us needs to make friends." Abel said this, but it was all humor in his voice with no sustenance to the negative connotation.

"WOW, I'll have you know that there are plenty of people here that like me! Any that don't are off their rocks and need to have a talk with God." Kylee said this back with humor as well, which seemed to work, given the little laugh she got out of Abel in return. Abel moved backward a bit, saying a disbelieving 'Right, right.' as he did. Her eyes narrowed, "Whatever," she sighed, "does that mean you'll be fine if I leave you here for a bit?"

"Going for your run?"

"Yeah."

Abel shifted a little hesitantly before saying, "Yeah, I should be fine. What's the worst that can happen?"


--------------------------------

This is the worst that can happen.

Abel stands by himself at the far end of the table, picking at a bran muffin that he doesn't want in the slightest. By the time he got to the table, the others were already deep into their own conversations or just starting to head out, leaving him with the awkward choice to either force himself into someone else's conversation or just stand there silently until Kylee came back. He guesses he's been here long enough that he should be able to find his way home on his own by now, but he definitely doesn't know the entire layout of the facility yet. So if he made one wrong turn he'd most likely never be able to find his way back.

What's worse? Standing here until Kylee gets back and having to suffer her never-ending teasing for being a socially awkward loser, or dying in some random hallway because I got lost and no one was able to find me? It was probably worrying how much he had to think on that before deciding to just wait it out, and deal with the repercussions of his quiet nature when Kylee bulldozes him down and laughs at his failures. He sighs inwardly and gives himself a mental kick. Stop being so dramatic. If I was a bit quicker I could've made some friends, this was a good choice, just a bad execution. Abel clenched his teeth as he reiterated to himself to do better in the future.

But just as Abel was coming to accept his solitude he felt someone walk towards him. A cold sweat started beading on the back of Abel's neck, he remembers that presence. That overwhelming, nearly suffocating presence from earlier. He tries to readjust himself in a more accepting stance, trying to dispel his own mopy aura and replace it with something more inviting, maybe the figure wants to talk! If so, his attempt to make a new friend or at least an acquaintance, may not end up in vain. The figure, still a bit off to his side, speaks.

"Abel, this is Gregarious. I was wondering if there was anything you needed from outside, or just wanted to step out for some fresh air?"

The offer not only confused Abel because, to his understanding, this was the first real conversation these two were having- so the man with the intimidating presence yet level and professional voice asking Abel if he wanted to 'step out for some fresh air' seemed somewhat jarring. But the subject of the offer also caused Abel's mind to blank. From what Abel was aware of, going outside of the facility was a bit of a process. Not only did you need to ask ahead of time as to get a supervisor, but for a Blue to be granted permission it had to be something short of an emergency. So a stranger casually asking if he wanted to go outside with a motive as lax as getting fresh air? Abel didn't really know what to make of it.

"W- "

But just as he was about to ask for a bit more clarification, something moved a bit inside his brain. Wait- what'd this guy say his name was? Gregarious? As in Gregarious Mononovitch?! As in the guy that Granddad praises in every other speech with how gifted he his? As in the Greg that went from Blue, to Red, to Purple within a series of months, never done before?! THAT Gregarious?! Abel may be new, but he's been here for a month now, which was more than enough time to hear that name.

"S-sure, Gregarious. I wouldn't mind a walk."

In all honesty, Abel had no reason or will to leave the facility at the moment. But he wondered if Gregarious needed to talk to him about anything in particular and was trying to be subtle, so Abel thought it best to go along with it. He doesn't really know what it is that the Purple ranked do, but he knows that their time is valuable, so whether this is related to something important, or a guy just wanting a buddy for the evening, Abel was determined not to disappoint!

Well, he'll try not to, at least...