[ action ] Ϟ [ 03 ]

[subjected]

[ Regardless of what some off-world cadets may claim, it turns out that they actually don't brainwash those who become SeeDs. Therefore, even if one goes and gets hired on as part as the staff? There's definitely nothing that says they just magically forget about things that were known as a cadet.

Case in point: the 'secret area' of the training center, which may just become the location of a rather unpleasant surprise for anyone who dares to make a late-night trip up to the secluded balcony there- Instructor Claire Farron, leaning against the rail and looking generally... well, miserable, though as always she's bound to be trying to hide it.

Of course, how she ever found the place to begin with when she has no real friends is up for debate.

In any case, obviously she's not exactly in a good mood, and obviously, she's probably not doing much of this 'sleeping' thing recently. This extends to the day time as well, as anyone who's in her classes or currently being tutored may notice she's suddenly grown even more tense and prone to distancing herself... and if not that, then they should still be pretty hard-pressed to miss that several days ago she cut off most of her hair. The reason for that should be clear; she is not a fan of particular recent arrivals.

Good luck figuring out when she actually does stuff like shower or eat anything besides the occasional in-hand fruit now, although people are still welcome to try.... ]

Comments

[eiusumbra]

[The training center is littered with remains of T-Rexaurs and whatever creature got in his way. Shadow is more his former self than ever with the loss of Maria. A few cadets stayed clear of him once he made his rounds after seeing the Chaos energy pulse around his body.

He walks into the secret area, making sure no one is out after hours, or rather hoping someone is, just to chew them out. Lightning is there, looking...out of sorts. Shadow raises an eyebrow before walking in further.]

...hey.

[subjected]

[ You'd almost think Claire's motivations are similar... but not quite despite very likely having chased any other of the area's occupants out already. She turns her head at the sound of feet on the metal grate, but doesn't really move otherwise, regarding the new arrival with an expression showing quite a bit more agitation than the neutral look she generally displays. ]

... Shadow.

[eiusumbra]

[Glances around. Figures no one would be here if she is.]

I didn't think you'd want to hang around here. [Leans against the railings. It had been a while since he last came here.] Nothing has changed.

[subjected]

The lights at night remind me of home. [ Very, very matter of fact. She moves on quickly, although her voice remains flat. ] Good. You're learning to adjust well enough?

[ Meaning his aim with a gun and such, of course. It's always about the guns with her. ]

[eiusumbra]

...hn. [The lights did remind him of the cities he ventured through. Mostly sticking to the outskirts or labs.

With his clothing torn up, the answer should be obvious.] Had some doubts there?

[subjected]

You're taller now, with a longer reach.

[ And well... different everything, including quite possibly his musculature, eye anatomy... the list goes on. She refolds her arms idly. ]

It wouldn't be surprising or shameful if it took time to figure things out again.

[eiusumbra]

The Ultimate Lifeform will not be so easily bested by...Time Compression. [His jaw tightens, because it did take him very many hours to perfect his techniques again.]

[subjected]

[ .... 'Ultimate Lifeform?' Okay, that's... different. Claire doesn't say anything though, even if she blinks and raises her eyebrows slightly. She just keeps looking out over the dark scene down below. ]

Do you know yet if you're the only one this has happened to?

[eiusumbra]

[Red eyes scanned the scene, not really looking for anything in particular.]

There haven't been any signs. [His eyes shift over to her] Not like there are many hedgehogs that talk out there.

[subjected]

'Hedgehogs' don't usually talk?

[ She does the same- they don't have those where she's from, so he's... the only experience she has with them. ]

edit

[eiusumbra]

Not in this world. [He looks away. He won't even get into chameleons, alligators, bumble bees, foxes...]

Trying to look different from that other you? [Referring to her new haircut]

[subjected]

Hm.

[ And... ah, first person to actually dare bringing it up quite like that. She tenses with a frown, then answers bluntly- ]

She's not me.

[eiusumbra]

[He doesn't tiptoe.]

I'll have to believe you. Didn't speak to her directly yet.

[subjected]

[ Too late, Claire's metaphorical hackles are already up; she burns with miserable, silent anger where she stands, arms crossed tightly across the top of the railing. As far as she knows? It's entirely possible that 'Lightning' might seem exactly like her if you don't happen to know that all-important difference. And that really, really bothers her. ]

[eiusumbra]

[Casts a glance over to her, noting her rigidness. More so than usual.]

Why do you care so much? Because she has your face?

[subjected]

[ She nearly says something overtly hostile at that but then stops, her jaw clenched. Even so, her voice remains harsh in reply. ]

... It's a long story. Not something I can just... forget or forgive.

[eiusumbra]

[He returns his gaze to the outside, not ruffled by her agitation.]

It suits you, at least.

[subjected]

Thank you.

[ Automatic response. She liked it longer, but... if it works, then it's worth it. No questions asked. ]

[eiusumbra]

[Stands up straight and turns to her.]

I'll give you back your alone time. [He's not much for conversations, and he may just be invading her personal brooding time. He knows how precious it can be.]

[subjected]

[ She pauses a long moment, lips pressing together- does she want to be alone? ]

... Right. I'll see you later, then.

[eiusumbra]

[If she doesn't, she can always contact him through the bbs. He nods before walking off silently.]