The Fallen World

[Blackadder]

2. “Once, we ruled in Atlantis. We sought to challenge the Divine, and so we were scourged from the earth. A blow so terrible it tore a great Abyss in reality and left our world Fallen. We who are so touched by God must control our hubris and understand that this is a gift given unto us. And it must be used accordingly.”


Name: Quinn Torano


Weight: 165 lb.


Height: 5”10


Age (apparent age): 70


Gender: Male


Ethnic Background: Caucasian (Italian)


Nationality (place of origin): American


Hair Color: Brown turning to gray


Eye Color: Blue


Handedness: Right-handed


Personality: Quinn is an older, more conservative man (fiscal conservative GOP moderate). He is pro-life but does not oppose abortions in the cases of rape, incest or mother's safety. He believes government should be limited, but it's reasonably needed, it's needed. Quinn is also a devout Catholic.


Background:


Quinn Torano was born in 1945, to parents of struggling means. Bruno Torano had left in 1941, signed up to fight in Europe, and Quinn was the product of their celebration of World War Two's end. However, the post-war loans to GIs allowed the Toranos to move to Levittown, New York, Bruno as a firefighter.


Too young for the Korean War before it ended, Quinn went working in a local a general store before serving in Vietnam from 1965 to 1968. Bitter over the illusions of war portrayed by politicians and yet equally critical of self-righteous young men and women demonizing those who went through horrors, Quinn went back to the general store and continued running it, until he took it over and turned it into the Torano General Store.


Business went well enough for him to open local branches in other towns through New York State, Quinn married Wendy Tompkins after a long seeming courtship, and they had three sons, Albert, Ian and Lawrence. Decades passed - the boys had their own families and Quinn stood grandfather to a nice brood...


Then Wendy grew sick, and sicker. It turned out she had cancer... discovered too late except to provided a dignified passing. Quinn had to take comfort in her and the Lord's shelter, and soldier on. But it was tiring.


1. What is the worst thing you've ever done?


Killed. Many times in Vietnam.


2. What is the worst thing you can imagine yourself doing?


Killing innocents. Quinn never ever wanted think if the planes overhead in Vietnam were bombarding Cong dugouts or a village instead.


3. What is the worst thing you can imagine someone else doing?


Rape, Quinn saw just how torn and damaged victims were in mind, body and soul.


4. What is the most traumatic thing that has ever happened to your character?


Losing Wendy.


5. Strange things happen in every life - what have you forgotten?


At times, in Vietnam, Quinn swore he saw animals where there were men, and men becoming animals. Or the black panther that tore through a NVA patrol where a certain Ranger scout had gone ahead.

 

[Ayl]

As above, so below. The view from Axis Mundi is infinite, you understand. Kill the god, and the river dies. Bind the river, and the god sickens. As moves one, so must the other. Realize, then, that I may push the right one to see your cancer return. Take your bulldozers away from this sacred place, or suffer.

Marcus Nicholas Kronner

General Info

Name: Kronner, Marcus Nicholas


Father's Name: Lionell


Gender: M


Age: 36


Birthdate: May, 15th


Occupation: Former: Police Detective, rank Seargent


Currently: Unemployed/Freelance Investigator


Bloodtype: A+

Strengths:

• Ambitious
  
• Brave
  
• Honorful
  
• Respectful
  

Weaknesses:

• Straightforward
  
• Unsocial
  
• Paranoic
  
• Impatient
  

There Was Once A Detective

Shit happens all the time. Whether it's a quick mug in a dark alleyway, away from the eyes of witnessess, when night's veil covers the horizon, or straight out bank robbing in mid daylight, or even in a simple 'cutback', Evil never sleeps.


But it shall triumph if no one rises to opose it. Balance must be kept, no matter the cost. Too much good is bad, but too much bad is also bad. Then, one might wonder which side is truly better. For Marcus, the answer is none. Only Balance is what matters. That was the reason he joined the Force.


Unlike many of his peers, he knew it was madness trying to change the world by yourself, from the beginning. He didn't become a detective to simply combat crime, but to keep the balance from tipping towards either Side. He was but a child when his mother, a federal agent, was murdered in cold blood. His father bailed on him before he was even born. A taste of both worlds. Bittersweet.


Bouncing from foster home to foster home, his behaviour being less than desirable, Marcus learned to take care of himself.Growing up, he'd seen and read enough to know the World was diseased. His badge gave him the power to do his part. Never the same place for long. His hard work paid off, and he discovered a corrupt politician. Same old story. In his youth, he dreamt of changing the world, but age made him weak. A lot of people were dying because of him, and he had to be stopped. Bullets proved effective.


Proof was circumstantial, not enough for time. But enough to destroy a reputation. Marcus was kicked out of the Police, for good. Now, he's on his own. He still have his old friends, and acts as a private investigator. He only takes cases he finds an interest in. That help him further his cause. Some refer to him as 'broken', or even 'murderer'. But he knows actions speak much louder than words, and he isn't short of those yet.

Private Interview

What is the worst thing I've ever done?


"There's no such thing. I never did anything wrong. Others may say otherwise, but they don't have what it takes to be me. To maintain order, to keep the Balance!" he said as he took another cigarette from the almost-empty pack. Lighting it up, he continued his train of thoughts. "But, if it really matters that much, I did kill people before. Two, actually. One was a gangster kid. Pulled his gun on me and shot, but missed. I didn't," he made a pause to exhale. "The other, was a senator. Bastard wanted to raze an entire neighborhood and didn't care who'd die in process, just so he could fatten his wallet. Wasn't the first time he'd do something so horrid. Someone had to stop him, for good. They never could prosecute, but I never denied it. Cost me my badge." he finished, letting ash fall into the ashtray.


What is the worst thing I can imagine myself doing?


"Going against my principles. Violating my code. Give either Side an advantage over the other through my actions. Disturbing the Peace. Even now, I strive to uphold it, even though I'm no longer a cop. But "cop" is just a title. It's one's actions that show you who that man is!"


What is the worst thing I can imagine someone else doing?


"Disturbing the Order. Stepping past his station. Everybody's got a place, and when someone denies that concept, they're commiting a terrible sin, and must be stopped.". Inhaling again, his lips formed a subtle smirk in the corner of his mouth. "I know, you would believe I've done so too. But I didn't go past my station. I've never lost sight of my boundaries, not one moment.".


What is the most traumatic thing that has every happened to me?


Putting out the cigarette, he answered again: "I keep the Balance, but I always tried to stick by the Good. You can imagine then how hard is it to shift sides. Do I regret it? No, he deserved it. But it was a totally different experience. Something I'll never forget.". Just as he was preparing to leave, grabbing his coat, he stopped to answer once more, before departing.


How I've changed? What did I forget?


"No one goes through Hell and comes back the same. I knew that when I started walking the path. Now, I don't trust anyone anymore. I'm my own counsel, and childhood naiveties have all but left me. Is that a good thing? Perhaps. It's what kept me alive, so it can't be that bad. But sometimes, I miss it. Being able to trust anyone, just like a kid. It was a good feeling, that of safety.". Letting out a sigh, he spoke for the last time: "Sorry, but I got a case. Hope you got what you needed.". With that, he turned away.

Equipment

1. Glock Pistol: Being the paranoic that he is, besides his work weapon, Marcus also had a spare pistol at his appartment, which he now carries around on his various jobs. The gun has no markings, making it impossible to trace.
   
2. Handcuffs: Sometimes, his jobs require he'd find some deadbeat and bring him to justice, case in which Marcus has found the use of handcuffs primordial.
   
3. Cellphone: While not a fan of them, as he knew how much these devices could hurt their owners, Marcus still considers it has its uses and carries it around just in case.
   
4. Smokes: These are of utmost importance, as they are the only ones that can calm Marcus in any situation. The familiar nicotine odour makes him able to focus on whatever enigma he's tackling.
   
5. A small Notebook: Marcus keeps everything noteworthy in there. Tracks of his jobs, important persons, phone numbers, even some of his most private thoughts, etc.
   

Stats

 

[Ozmic]

Thomas Maxwell Creed

​

“This is very simple, alright? It’s a demon. Yes, a real one. You didn’t look at the plans very hard when this place was built, did you? Course not. Some clever sod built the 13th floor in just the right configuration to conjure summat up, and now it wants you, among other things. If you don’t want it to get you, you will stand in that circle and be very still. I’ll take care of the rest.”



Age: 33

Occupation: Ex-professor/Bartender

Addictions: Alcohol, Nicotine, Painkillers, Research

Strengths: Intelligent, Lucky, Quick to Think, Quick to Act, Strong Willed, Resilient

Faults: Addicted, Confrontational, Untrustworthy, Paranoid, Substance Dependence

​

A brilliant mind is a horrible thing to waste.

The scene was a usual one. Weekly, if not nightly some weeks. This man, Thom, was once a well known and respected professor at the local college. He was a brilliant man, exceeding not only in his field, but in his relations with the students and other faculty. But one morning, he'd awoken a changed man and his life had quickly changed with him.


The world was a cruel place and Thom was finding that there was something wrong with it.


Not the usual wrongs that you'd think - politics, religious squabbling, a city in distress. No, there was something deeper and it dragged the man down, making him almost a shell of his former self.


Whatever it was, it lead Thomas Creed on the fast track to divorce, a life of heavy drinking, and a strained relationship with his children and ex wife. The more he drank and became reclusive, the less he saw of them and the greater the relationships crumbled.


Then, there was only dust.

No simple survival for me...

Cigarettes. What a dangerous vice. More-so if you're unlucky or not thinking straight.


They linked the apartment fire on 8th and State Street to him. Mark another one down for Creed. Like always though, he was a survivor for better or worse. Gifted and cursed with some kind've sick luck to be in just the right place. The timing, however, that's where he faltered.


He was the first out, then almost the last. Going back in to get his wedding ring, he stopped to help another couple get out safely. Quick to think and to act, he was able to get them out without anyone getting hurt. The landlord was thankful, not pressing any charges that would have landed him in jail.


Thankfully, his old Impala had a big enough backseat to keep what he was able to save. Doubled as a bed too, if one didn't mind back pain. But, he was strong one and resilient to a fault. Giving up never crossed his mind, not matter how bleak things got.


He'd get to the bottom of things. There was always tomorrow...

Riddle me this...

1) What's the worst thing you've ever done?


"Wow. Nothing like a hard hitting question to start off with..." he said with a smokey exhale, blue-grey smog floating toward the ceiling. He watched it for a second, the haze, then looked back down.


"Worst thing I've done? There have been a lot, especially lately, but I'd say leaving my life behind. Hell, leaving my daughters without a dad." He seemed to think about this for a minute, then waved a hand. "Let's move on."


2) What is the worst thing you can imagine yourself doing?


"Didn't I just answer that?" he said plainly with a chuckle, polishing off the last of a beer and adding to his collection of empty mugs. "Does leaving all this mess count?"


A smirk followed and a beat passed before he actually answered.


"There are thing I'd like to tell myself I'd do. Sometimes they worry me, especially after a couple of drinks. I've imagined the usual - going to my ex wife's house and taking the kids, smacking her boyfriend around to get him away from them, that kind of thing."


He sighed and shook his head.


"Just... that's not me. And honestly, he's a decent guy. Better to those kids than I've been since I left."


He sipped his beer thoughtfully and continued. "I think just going away for good would be the worst thing. Leaving everyone behind like my life before didn't exist." He frowned. "Honestly, it sounds pretty good sometimes... but I couldn't imagine hurting my daughters like that. I'm a bad father, but I'm not a monster."


3) What is the worst thing you can imagine someone else doing?


He shook his head and rubbed a hand over his eyes. "Honestly, after everything I've gone through, I can just imagine someone telling me it's all a mid-life crisis. Like I've just gone off the deep end and lost my mind."


He drank again, staring into the fuzz of his beer thoughtfully like a man half-possessed. "Yeah..."


4) What is the most traumatic thing that has ever happened to you?


"Watching my father die, then watching my daughter be born right after."


He chuckled at the expression that followed and continued.


"My father passed early of his own devices. Found out he was sick and wanted to go before it started getting bad. Save us all the grief. Fucking bastard..." he snapped and went quiet for a second before talking again, voice hoarse.


"Almost right after, Lill' was born." He smiled again, a bit sadly. "It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. Lilly being born, I mean. But, in the back of my head, I just kept having the aching feeling that what if SHE was destined for the same fate later in life? And there was nothing I could do to stop it now that she was here."


Lighting another cigarette, he chuckled. "Maybe that's when all this started. The doubt that this was it."


5)Strange things happen in every life - what have you forgotten?


"Forgotten? That's a heck of a question to answer, pal. If I've forgotten it, that is."


He smiled, but got thinking as he finished the cigarette and scraped it out in the ashtray before him.


"Okay, here's one for you. Since I left my old life, there have been these reoccurring dreams. Hallways leading to places that shouldn't exist, or misrepresented memories. There just... I dunno. Something sinister about them that I can't always blame on being drunk when I go to sleep."


He shuddered, as if the air had gotten a few degrees colder.


"I'd just call them dreams but after my father passed, my mum had the same sorts of dreams. Only he was there. She said he kept saying that the door wasn't a door, it was The Gate. Fucking creepy, right?"


Shaking off whatever the memory had been, he huffed a laugh through his nostrils. "Guess booze really DOES effect your memory. I forgot all about it until now."


"LAST CALL BEFORE CLOSING TIME!" barked a voice from the other side of the bar.


"That's my cue. Be seeing you... but next time, no more questions, eh? Let's just drink and be merry."

 

[Grey]

Looking good so far.


MORE POSTS FOR THE POST GOD.

 

[Dusky]

-An Interview-

​

Q: What is the worst thing you've ever done?


A: Look... I'm only answering this because I'm compelled by an outside force. Introspective honesty with others is uncharacteristic of me. Got that? Great.


It wasn't the cheating that was bad of me. It was the whole fucking relationship. I can't say I ever loved him, but I let him love me as it suited me. It was nice to be respected and it's not like I ever asked for it and - look. I didn't know he would kill himself.

Q: What is the worst thing you can imagine yourself doing?


A: Well, violence is an emphatic no. Too much effort. But if I knew someone's weakness? Emotionally speaking? I might take advantage of it. Tease someone apart from their frayed patches.


And maybe not for a good reason, either.

Q: What is the worst thing you can imagine someone else doing?


A: Ignorance is a sin - of the fundamental variety, rather than biblical. The worst thing a person can do is turn away, in mind or in body, from what any part of them knows is there.

Q: What is the most traumatic thing that has ever happened to you?


A: We're really getting to know each other, aren't we? He jumped. He landed. At my feet. I don't have any more to say about it.

Q: Strange things happen in every life - what have you forgotten?


A: The hell's that mean? How am I supposed to tell you if I've forgotten? It's a moot point, regardless; I don't forget things. Ever. She got so used to it she doesn't even register it anymore, the way the shadows move for her. Their dances are consigned to sub-consciousness.

-Inventory-

​

Inventory: LEATHER JACKET


Cutting a Figure


A small act of rebellion – Fi Byrne, her grandmother, and Cael Byrne, her grandfather, ostensibly opposed all things vaguely reminiscent of Alanna Byrne, her mother. That this extended into the realm of clothing materials was, to Beth, silly. In a fit of brattiness, Beth purchased the jacket as Fi stormily looked on, donned it as Cael admonished her, and her grin never faltered. “You look like one of those kids now, Beth,” lamented her poor grandmother.


She had not planned for it to dissuade the more cowardly souls from approaching her – this was a pleasant surprise.

Inventory: NOTEBOOK


Curiosity Killed the Cat


Rosalyn watches the dark-haired girl rise from her peripherals. Silently, she pushes her chair out and stalks out of the door. Not a word to anyone. As the hinges bring the door swinging back shut, Rosalyn lets out a sigh and returns her attention to her work, squinting at the laptop screen.


She could at least-


“She could at least say something, you know?” says Priscilla, Rosalyn’s other roommate, mirroring her own thoughts exactly. Rosalyn turns to look at the voice and sees with surprise that she is fingering what appears to be Beth’s jealously guarded notebook.


“What’s going on in your head, Beth…?” mutters Priscilla, opening the pages.


Later, Rosalyn will wish she had told Priscilla to put Beth’s things away and mind her own business. She did not. She instead moves to sit next to Priscilla and peer over her shoulder.


The page falls open to – a leaf? Flitting through the notebook, it becomes apparent there are many leaves, collected and pressed tightly. Huh. Never thought her the sentimental sort. The pages themselves are full up, doodles and the odd equation punctuated by journal-style entries.






Jan 1




Out with the old in with the new




Why this feeling something broke?




And what?




I should continue studies.




Feb 3




Some days are more wrong than others.




Variation caused by proximity?




Variation czd by intensity?




Surging, travelling?




But what?




May 18




The answers do not exist.




It is a nameless feeling.




Not sure I can accept this.


“Uhh…” Rosalyn is about to suggest they simply put the journal back where they found it and avoid Beth for the duration of their remaining college careers when Priscilla turns the page again, greedy eyes scanning for more. This is a list. It does not appear to be written in any order except that by which Beth had thought of them – so, roughly categorical, if you have a critical eye.






Research




ESP




Trajectories




Height of Farfax Condominium building




Falling Acceleration




Neurological action at death




Local rumor – try social media?




Malaise




Schizophrenia?




Emotional Dependence




W. H. Auden




Family history?




Weather




Recent trends




Prediction


Just as Rosalyn thinks she can’t take much more, a hand pulls the book from Priscilla’s lap. She looks up in surprise. Dark eyes framed by impossibly long eyelashes. Shock of tangled black hair. Reproach written on a deceptively soft face. But the lips do not move to scold. Beth simply takes the book without a word, sits at her desk, and begins to scribble in it with an old fountain pen.

Inventory: FOUNTAIN PEN


More to the Point


Just something about the way the ink is drawn from between her fingertips. Like it’s the black inside her coming out. Fountain pens do bleed more easily – but that’s exactly why she likes them.

Inventory: HAND SANITIZER


Cleanliness is Next to Godliness


And Beth always did think highly of herself. She didn’t always clean herself so frequently, though. Sometimes she still sees the explosion of red.

Inventory: SUNGLASSES


Hiding in Plain Sight


She’s good at keeping her thoughts to herself, but the sunglasses help, and they dissuade people from talking to her. Nobody knows if she’s looking at them, either.

Attributes

Primary: Mental​
Intelligence	◆◆◆◇◇
Wits	◆◆◆◇◇
Resolve	◆◆◇◇◇
Secondary: Social​
Presence	◆◆◆◇◇
Manipulation	◆◇◇◇◇
Composure	◆◆◆◇◇
Tertiary: Physical​
Strength	◆◆◇◇◇
Dexterity	◆◆◇◇◇
Stamina	◆◆◇◇◇

Skills

Primary: Mental​
Academics	◆◆◇◇◇
Computer	◆◇◇◇◇
Crafts	◇◇◇◇◇
Investigation	◆◆◇◇◇
Occult	◆◆◇◇◇
Politics	◇◇◇◇◇
Science	◆◇◇◇◇
Secondary: Physical​
Athletics	◆◆◇◇◇
Brawl	◇◇◇◇◇
Drive	◆◇◇◇◇
Firearms	◆◇◇◇◇
Larceny	◇◇◇◇◇
Stealth	◆◆◇◇◇
Survival	◇◇◇◇◇
Weaponry	◇◇◇◇◇
Tertiary: Social​
Animal Ken	◇◇◇◇◇
Empathy	◇◇◇◇◇
Expression	◇◇◇◇◇
Intimidation	◆◇◇◇◇
Persuasion	◇◇◇◇◇
Socialize	◇◇◇◇◇
Streetwise	◆◇◇◇◇
Subterfuge	◆◆◇◇◇

Merits

Common Sense	◆◆◆◇◇
Library: Occult	◆◇◇◇◇
Eye for the Strange	◆◆◇◇◇
Fast Reflexes	◆◆◆◇◇

 

[simj26]

The Hierophant/High Priestess

Name: Father George-Vincent Ferrer


Age: 29


1. What is the worst thing you've ever done?


The Lord has once said that all sinners can be forgiven, as long as they believed and wanted to be forgiven with all their hearts, and they sinned no longer. He is truly a gracious and forgiving Lord. Thing is, I’m not the Lord. I’m not-- I WAS not all that accepting. I judged, and I cursed men and women who have spurned God. Worst of it all was that, I have sent sinners who seek reprieve in the arms of the Lord...out. Now that I think about it, such an act of hatred, to send these poor souls away from being saved...isn't that also a sin? Isn't that a sin worse than murder?


2. What is the worst thing you can imagine yourself doing?


I could cast away my belief, my entire existence to be. I could throw away the one God that I have given my life to. I could leave all my sheep to wander around a world of sin. But I won't, because the Lord’s sheep need me to lead them to salvation. And frankly, I’m scared of a life without God.


3. What is the worst thing you can imagine someone else doing?


Much. To murder, to rape, such are heinous crimes. But those crimes, those can be forgiven in the eyes of God, and I will gladly bring this salvation to these sinners should they ask. However, the most irredeemable act to be made by man is to deny the fact that he is man.


4. What is the most traumatic thing that has ever happened to you?


Do you believe in exorcism? It’s all over the television, the movies, so many think of it as fiction. Well, I can tell you that it isn't. Spirits of evil do exist, and this man, wrought with agony, was brought to the doors of my church. He spat words of unholy drivel and cursed the name of the Lord with such fury, and flecked spittle, pus, and blood throughout the pews. His skin burned at the sight of the cross, and he cried out in an inhuman voice on this pain. He looked into my eyes and called me what I am, a hypocrite, who turned away the fallen from salvation, and laughed cruelly at me. God watches, truly, but another being also watches from the darkness, and he knows of our sins. My faith shuddered, and I failed to cast out the demon the first time. The second time was much more successful.


The eyes of the inflicted, however, remained in my memory, reminding me that someone, something, somewhere, knew what lies in our hearts, and pulls us ever further from the Lord.


5. Strange things happen in every life - what have you forgotten?


On the path to priesthood, I’ve forgotten much. Friends, family. ...isn't that what you were asking about?


The world shifts and trembles around him, beings of shadows shy away from him, as if he radiated an aura that burned them where they stood.

 

[Jays]

Adam Thomas Dillian

​

“That gum you like is going to come back into style.”

Name: Adam Thomas "Tommy" Dillian


Birth name: Adam Thomas Terric


Age: 21


Gender: Male


Occupation: College student

Strengths:

• Energetic
  
• Cheerful/Optimistic
  
• Careful to act
  
• Open-minded
  
• Intelligent
  

Weaknesses:

• Lack confidence
  
• Weak-willed
  
• Indecisive
  
• Inexperienced in life
  

Could have been worse

Everyone told me my childhood was a tragedy, what's with my parents passing away when I was 2, and how I was almost killed myself. But for me, it's just a story and nothing more, a story about some other family and not mine, because I frankly cannot remember anything of the event. So I was not shaped by the tragedy, nor did I ever shed one tear for my birth parents whom I never knew. Perhaps if their death had left an empty space in my life, I would have cried, would have cursed the world, would have wished, everyday, that they were alive, that they could still hold me in the arms like other parents did their child.


But that space was filled by Joseph and Mary even before I realized my lost. For me they were my real parents, and they never acted otherwise. I was treated better than most children were, and while Joseph was hardly the all-knowing protective father and Mary was far from gentle, they were what I needed.


Sometimes, in the childish sulking moments, I wondered if my birth parents would have been better than the Dillians, and sometimes after Mary yelled at me, I would even wished they were still alive. But I never meant it, not really. I would not hesitate to choose Joseph and Mary over


my birth parents had I the choice.


I've never liked changes of any kind. Least when it's about my past, not to mention it could mess with the space-time continuum and break history.


So mom, dad, I'm sorry, but please stay dead.

A Good Day

I've always liked being called smart. People saw me in minutes solved problems that would have taken them half an hour, or they saw how I was always on the top grade list, and they praised me in voices of adoration while looking at me with envy in their eyes. The funny thing is, I wasn't that smart. It took me just as long as any average person to do a Rubik's Cube, or to answer a trick question. I guess they just didn't have an equivalent of Mary Dillian making them study 8 hours a day, 7 days a week. While others go drinking or clubbing, I would be reading, practicing, revising. I could recount by heart the content of a lesson from 2 years ago, or redo a course's final exam a hundred times without a single mistake. I excelled at what I do, which is knowing exactly what was taught each session, exactly as the professor had taught it. I had higher grades than almost any college student in the whole region.


Which did absolutely nothing to help me confess to Sarah.


"So...um...would you like to...sometimes..."


I was struggling helplessly against the gigantic lump in my throat, while cursing mom, dad, the school, myself and the whole goddamn universe. She stood in front of me, a perfect goddess of 5 feet 6, blond hair, soft features, the most breath-taking pair of hazel eyes I was drowning in, and one of her delicate eyebrows were cocked in amusement.


"...be together?" I finished, like a complete retard.


Sarah's features didn't change in the slightest. She just stood there, staring at me with that amused expression, while I was also frozen in place with the breath caught in my throat, feeling light-headed, unsure of what I myself had just said.


Then she turned and walked away. Just like that. Not even a laugh in my face.


"Fuck!" I felt myself deflated and my strength draining away, leaving my knees weak and wobbly.


I don't usually swear. Mary doesn't like it when me or Joseph swear.


The sight of Kirstie waiting for me a block away irritated me even more, her grin mocking.


"How'd it go, Cupid?" She was obviously enjoying my misery.


"What if I tell you she said yes?" I told her in my best Laurence Fishburne impression. Her grin just widened even more.


"I'd say she isn't as pretty as you think she is."


Of course Kirstie would be the one to enjoy my complete inability to talk to any girl other than her. I've always known she had a thing for me, but I didn't return the affection, not the way she would have wanted it. Strange as it sounds, the reason I couldn't bring myself to extend our relationship was because she liked me. That alone proved a major flaw, because who in their right mind would come to like me of all people?


But around her, it was hard to stay negative for long. Beside, staying sad is not like me.


"Yes she was." I cracked a grin almost as large as hers in answer, feeling the tension draining away.


The summer sun's morning glow bath the city in gold, illuminating even the darkest alleys. A soft breeze blew across the boulevard, ruffling leaves and fluttering clothes. The slight rumble of the busy day permeated the air, enveloping the currents of men and women flowing across the streets.


Somewhere else, there were murders and lost and tragedies, but not here in my city, or in my life.


It was a beautiful day, and all was well.

A Perfectly Flawed Illusion

1. What is the worst thing you've ever done?





When I was younger, I refused to accept anything as my mistake, refused to think that my actions have consequences. I used my birth parents' death as an excuse, a barrier to block out anything I didn't want to hear, even if others were right and I was wrong.


I didn't believe my birth parents' deaths were a tragedy for me, but I acted like it was, to gain others' sympathy. Sometimes I even convinced myself that I was a victim. I used the deaths of people I was supposed to respect and honor for my own gains.


And worst of all, I would do it again. Because why not? For me it's just a story, but for others it means giving me more chances than I should have gotten.


2. What is the worst thing you can imagine yourself doing?


Joseph and Mary have always guided me on a gentler path, a straight path. But I know I have the capacity for violence and deceit in me, I'm just not sure how far it goes. I'm afraid of finding out how far I'm willing to go when pushed to certain limits.


3. What is the worst thing you can imagine someone else doing?


Torture. I can't imagine how twisted a mind must be to torture another human being. Murder, horrible as it is, has a purpose I can perceive. Torture does not.


4. What is the most traumatic thing that has ever happened to your character?


When I heard the news that day, for the first time I could feel my whole world crumbling around me. Thank god the operation was successful and Mary was alright. Her heart attack came so sudden I couldn't even bring myself to believe it was true.


5. Strange things happen in every life - what have you forgotten?


Sometimes, I'm afraid my life is not real. It's too good, too perfect. Even the flaws seem perfect somehow, an illusion. I've heard there are grief and tragedies in the world, but I've forgotten how both feels. I can't remember a single time when I had truly felt lost or hurt, even the the brief shock here and there only serves to strengthen the bonds in my life.


I'm weak and vulnerable to pain. I know if my fear comes true and my world crumble, I would crumble with it.


The shadows gathered behind his footsteps, laughing their soundless hysteria. As if watching a freak show.

 

[King Of Imagination]

So, I take it there is no room left? Or do I have a chance?

 

[Grey]

You still have a chance! Submit something outside the pre-claimed entries.

 

[King Of Imagination]

Ooh, really? Similar pitch, same questions answered?

 

[Grey]

Yep.

 

[Dusky]

Bump?

 

[Grey]

This isn't forgotten. Just getting my ducks in a row.


Itzacon following the month after WARPcon this year has slowed me up.

 

[Ayl]

So many cons, what are Itza and WARP about?

 

[Grey]

Gaming - which is to say, boardgames, roleplaying, LARPing, and card games.