Aloy, the new Fabio

Summer 2021, Week 5

Friday morning

Royal Metro Library, Old Towne

Storyteller

It was a sunny day in new Victoria rays of sunlight shined through every window with an open blind and as per usual for a summer the heat was up. Always just a small bit more then the last year.   The library was well underway to protect materials from the hurricane. Librarians were moving older texts to water proof bins, as well as any other one of a kind items to protect from damage. The head librarian was working the main desk as a central location to be around to ask for where things go or what to do.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

Aloy’s car was parked somewhere nearby. He got out and made his way into the library with his phone in his land a list on it and began to look around. “I am so fuckin’ lost.”  

Lavrentia

The librarian looks up, having a small smile on their face. They're always excited when people come in, especially new people - it helps the funding for the year, and everyone wants to find different things.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

Aloy was here yesterday though he did admittedly try to hide from people spotting him there given him and books didn’t really work well. He sat staring at the seemingly never ending shelves with a lost look across his face. I will never find what I need. Where’s like one of the librarians or somethin’ He looked around and managed to lock onto Laverntia and walked over. “Uhhh excuse me do you like work here?”  

Lavrentia

They chuckle a bit, not mean spiritedly. "Yes, you could say I work here." They notice the piece of paper in his hand, and put together the general sense of confusion. "It looks like you have a list of things to find. What can I help you with?"  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Awesome I guess that’s good enough. Preparing for the hurricane just incase?” The towering teenager gave an awkward chuckle and looked to his phone. “Oh I need a book on….applied physics…….a…..ae…..ai-ro Dynamics. Piloting with storms and Uhh one more what was it….oh it’s here hurricane survival and preparation for idiots.”  

Lavrentia

"Yes, of course. Flooding might not be super bad, but there are still things we want to protect for the future." They let him sound out the words, non judgemental, and nod. "We have an easy selection of hurricane books on this level, but everything else you're looking for is upstairs on the first floor. Would you like me to come with you so youre not spending forever looking?"  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Better prepared then not.” He looked to them shrugging awkwardly putting the list into his own pocket. “Okay, I just need something to help me prep my home that’s more reliable then google. And if it’s not too much to ask. I feel like I would get lost here and never be found.”  

Lavrentia

"Indeed." They smile. "I can show you the hurricane things last, as they're on this floor and that's where you check out. Let's go upstairs and start finding you things to help you with what you're looking for." Along the various flat surfaces, there are other signages pointing to the 3rd level Evo Room. The author might know Aloy could find things up there, but the librarian does not, and does not wish to assume things either.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

"Oh alright cool." His eyes looked and scanned around as he followed them taking note of the evo room. Going to have to sneak in there later. "So uh what's it like being a librarian? Kinda sounds.....I dunno......booky?"  

Lavrentia

They chuckle. "There is a lot to do with books, yes. But there's also keeping up with the times in terms of technology. In the last few years we have dedicated a modern media wing, with a VR headset and a 3D printer for the public to experience. A lot of our elderly patrons appreciate seeing things they once saw in their youth. More recently, New Victoria has become one of the main knowledge hubs for Evolved Humans - I'm one of the experts." They shrug apologetically. "There's new material added daily now."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“But like isnt the whole point of a library to just be books! What’s up with the whole technology thing I thought that was just stuff you’d get at a like mall or order online?” He said looking over with confusion. Seemingly the idea of a high tech library something he did not consider. “Oh really? An expert that’s cool. I think might need to have a look later.”  

Lavrentia

"Well, we're funded by your tax dollars. This library is a bit better than many, but still. And its a way for people who don't have the money to experience these things in their own home to do so. But worry not! There are still plenty of books." They smile a bit. They make it to the first section, aerodynamics.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“I’m still a teen so I don’t pay taxes. Thank god so many numbers and stuff.” Aloy shook his head the entire idea of taxes worked him up and made him consider using his powers to turn the world into anarchy but realised that was mostly a bad idea. How would he get car parts if he did that?   “Right like VR and 3D printing….isn’t like printing stuff with one of those 3D printers loud though?” He would begin searching through the area trying his best to not get lost in the books but failing miserably. Mumbling “Beginners, for beginners…” over and over to himself  

Storyteller

It is this moment the holy grail of american literature pops up. 2 copies of the black and yellow text "--- for dummies," obviously superimposed with aerodynamics for this section. Undoubtedly, the other areas he was looking for would likely have their own books for dummies.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

Aloy looks up to the roof. Maybe god is real? before looking down and grabbing the book with a calm deep breath. “This should work.”  

Lavrentia

"Great, glad to help. Now...applied physics, piloting, and hurricane survival, yes? Piloting is two shelves in that way," they point, "and then we can move on to physics." It seems impressive that they know the layout this well, but in reality they just took time to learn the dewy decimal system and all the different numbers it means. Also, there was refurb the last few years so they had to keep up with the changes.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Yep. Applied physics, piloting and Hurricane survival….jeez this is gonna take me forever to read..” He chuckled and started following them. He didn’t really visit that often. This week was an exception. “You uh been working here long? I don’t think I’ve seen you around and you know the place rather well.”  

Lavrentia

"Oh, I'm the head librarian. Usually I have a lot of meetings, but I do still enjoy spending time with the patrons. With the storm projected for the next week, the main desk is an excellent place to be located for both the public and my staff for whatever questions they have." The pair make it to the next aisle mentioned, regarding piloting.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“That makes sense. But ain’t an idiot like me just Eatin’ into your lunch time or a meeting?” The teenager looked down from his monstrous height as he began to walk. “So like you’re an evo expert? Wandering what specifically that means…..like…..I dunno…”  

Lavrentia

"Not really, no." They grin cheekily. "I tend to go for lunch around 1," they wink. "Specifically, I have the ability to read if you are an evolved human, and as far back as if a grandparent had it. But it doesn't discriminate if you were adopted - i can see either way. Before you ask, I haven't cared to see what you are. Everyone is deserving of their own privacy"  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Oh well that’s good I’m not digging into that.” Aloy chuckled walking past hiding his expression to an interested nod and a single “huh interesting didn’t know one could do that.”   NOT AN EVO NOT AN EVO NOT AN EVO. was the only thoughts filling his brain incase they did check and it was related to their brain. “I appreciate that. I mean I’m not but I’m a big ally.”  

Lavrentia

"The more allies the more support." They stop, and there is another book for dummies, next to a few other instructional texts, on piloting. "Here's the next section."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Exactly. Though I am kind of a meathead.” He chuckled grabbing the legendary item and adding it to the pile in his arm. “Hopefully these don’t use too complex words because I suck at English and maths.”  

Lavrentia

"If they cause problems, i won't tell on you if you Google the words you don't understand." They give sly wink. "Now onto the applied physics, then downstairs for the hurricane preparation. Anything else?"  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Implying I can copy them into google properly.” He joked weakly looking up in thought. “Uhm. No not really….unless you’ve got books on dating? been told with my sudden growth spurt that I’m handsome so should get on the ball…..Maybe something on Evo powers? Might be interesting to read up on.”  

Lavrentia

"Well, the romance section is downstairs. Many of the stories are fiction, but many of the women authors write their ideal man or partner in the pages. There's young adult as well as adult - pick any with a woman author and you'll be set. Evos are upstairs on the third level, still in the one room but expanding daily, enough for the library to consider a whole half of the floor devoted to it. The shelves are arranged by what we understand of the powers, like a pather ability. If you'd like to explore on your own time, we can make our way down to the hurricane section - do you have a library card? You can pick the primary color from red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. We can get you one as well, if you don't have one."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Uh right so like. Women are open to what they like in men in their books? That’s weird I think…I dunno.” Aloy shrugged not really considering him to be anything near an ‘idea partner’ if anything quite the opposite. Quick to anger, isnt emotionally open, stupid.   “Oh right I’ve actually been wondering so there’s that Victory guy right? I wasn’t sure but while I’m here I’ll ask like….catergorically is flight like what? Like a pather?” This man had no clue what he was talking about and just shrugged. “Uh I don’t have one….is there black? Or like red?”  

Lavrentia

"you'd be surprised, but yes. Overall, though, just be kind. That will see you with the most partners." They smile. "Flying isn't really considered one ability over the other, so you'll find that in the individual section. Its where we put all the ones that while they're cool and unique, we don't quite have a better classification for them." They chuckle. "There is both, you can decide the one youd like."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Uh right but that’s not the main thing right? Like uh it’s not really my f-f….four….thing…..my thing I ain’t good at it.” He sighed feeling once again like a fucking idiot an commodity with recent events as he nodded at the part about flying. “Ah got it. I wonder how flight laws work….cus you need a licence for a plane but a person it’s kinda like walking y’know?” He said scratching his head. “Uh shit I dunno black? Yeah we’ll go with black…”  

Lavrentia

"Well, at least since you've been here, today, you haven't been mean. And that will go a long way." They give him a smile. "That's right. With evolved humans making issues elsewhere and here, there will be a review, but as of right now there isn't really anything prohibiting flight. They might table the question for years because of not wanting to limit any "good" guys from stopping any "bad" ones." They shrug. "Black is an excellent color, we can get you squared away once we finish gathering the books."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“My things usually punching stuff…” He chuckled weakly nodding as they spoke. “Right and needing to make a flight license thing would probably make it hard for people like Victory hard to do their jobs.” Aloy shrugged and nodded. “So we got, aerodynamics, piloting. Next, a romance novel so I can try and….be I dunno decent?”  

Lavrentia

"Right - those are on this floor, but the opposite wing. A little known secret is you can be any age to check out any book - I could care less if you choose one in the adult section or the young adult section." They smile. "I'm just happy to see you reading." They start the trek, it takes a little under a minute.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Wait that’s weird. So I could check out like…..uh….that one movie I stopped watching……fifty shades of…..red? Or a Mag if I dunno playboy?” He shyly chuckled. “I am uh gonna try no promises I don’t return these tomorrow and quit reading.”  

Lavrentia

"Films might still have the age limit, and it might be hard to find an issue of a magazine like that, but the gist is yes." They chuckle. "Don't worry, just signing up will help funding even if you don't come in for another year. So," they gesture, "pick any romance you'd like - but remember a woman author will do you better service." They wink.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“No the uh film was based off a book. Admittedly it was kinda just shit.” He weakly chuckled and shrugged getting an answer to his point.” He browsed a few looking at the covers and blurbs. “How do I know if it was actually written by a woman author? Not just a man with one of those ghost writer names things?”  

Lavrentia

"Generally, most romance authors are who they say they are - just look at the about the author page, and the pronouns there are probably the ones that the author uses anyways."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Right.” Aloy slowly looked over a few books and kept seeing a white guy with long blonde hair and grabs one of those books. “Right I’m not that white…..or blonde…..or long haired……uh…..screw it this ones got a said and say’s….. ‘Warrior’s…..Woman’ good enough will do. Might not be the most beautiful man in the cosmos but eh I’ll wing it.”   He said looking the the cover and trying to not visibly cringe or gag at or corny and old it was. An image of Fabio holding a woman close while he is once again shirtless and with a sword on his hip. What was with this guy and not wearing shirts? Maybe I should just stop wearing shirts….. “Uh what’s next I forgot…”  

Lavrentia

They smile, not in a mean way. "That's a very good title, many people like it. The person on the cover is Fabio, notable for his kind eyes and large muscles. He's been making women swoon for decades, and I'm sure provided no small amount of sexual awakenings for other folks." They pause a moment, remembering. "Physics then hurricane preparation"  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Riiight…..the guy from bubble boy?…..is his go to always shirt off? Seems stupid…” Aloy confusedly looked to Lavertia before adding it to the pile. “Right lead the way.”  

Lavrentia

"It's what the women prefer - but you're still developing, you might want to wait until your body finishes settling before trying things like this." They say it kindly, knowing from the conversation he'd try anything. Then, they make their way to the physics section - there are several introductory books here, including for dummies.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“If my body keeps developing I think I’ll have to give up on anything but wrestling. Look like fucking Andre the giant….” He mumbled out a bit following and instantly gravitating towards the black and golden treasure that is PHYSIC’S FOR DUMMIES “This will do. Yep…so you new to new Vic?”  

Lavrentia

"You might be surprised. The only thing that's certain is when you hit 25, things will start to ache in ways you didn't know were possible, regardless of how your body finishes filling out." They chuckle a bit, at their own words and at the book series that is saving this young man's life. "Excellent, let's make our way down to the hurricane information and prep."   They start their way towards and down the stairs. "I've been here a few years, actually. I do go visit home sometimes, but I've made the city my home, in my own ways." They smile.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Uh right don’t think that’s possible, I’ve ached almost everywhere so seems u likely.” He joined in the chuckle as he looked to the books. God what am I fucking doing? I should just I dunno punch the hurricane and any girl who shows interest in me instead.   Aloy’s strong form follows down the stairs quickly sliding off each step. “Oh yeah? Well I uh don’t come here often if you ignore the two times this week…..this city is a great place…..uh well sometimes when there isn’t y’know blood bolt…..or anti evo protests…..or a trafficking ring…..y’know maybe it’s not that good?”  

Lavrentia

"My siblings often complained when they were filling out. Do you have a safe physical outlet to let off the energy?" They chuckle. "Its been different in the last few months, that's for sure, but people are finding out they have powers and magic their young selves could only dream of. It makes sense some will go off the rails and some will do their best to help. Its just important to keep in mind that both sides think they're helping the right cause."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

"Uh yeah. I do MMA." He looked over at the chuckle smiling softly. "Sometimes, but some people are just trying to hurt others and cause chaos. Or use it as an excuse to violate privacy and spread hatred. It's an annoyingly complex issue."  

Lavrentia

"That sounds exciting. Not what I'm into, but I'm not here to discourage you from what you enjoy." They nod. "It is a big mess that's going to take time to sort through, but once it is, society will have taken at least one step forward."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Eh you get used to it, but I do understand it’s not fun to get beaten up. Usually.”   Aloy shrugged it seemed everyone was just doing chaos for tbe sake of chaos. “I hope so but I dunno. Seems all progress pushes something back. Hard to make people feel safe when they could lose their house to a stray person crashing from flight.”  

Lavrentia

"Here's the section for hurricane prep. There's also some small history of the united states reaction to hurricanes, if that interests you, but there are many versions and copies of how to keep things safe." They smile, then continue their conversation. "We're figuring it out as a city. There will be problems, there will be solutions, and both sides may not be desirable by the average person. But we'll get there! Just maybe not this summer."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Alright where is that godly black and yellow book that speaks my language.” He joked softly as he quickly ran through grabbing a few books on Hurricane prep as he looked to them. “More like as two giant warring tribes. Feels like we’re about to jump onto another civil war except one side can force people to do what they want and the other lacks humanity, I don’t think we’ll ever get there. It’s been like this my whole life and I’m already exhausted of it.”  

Lavrentia

Sadly, there are no books like that, but there are some beginner level or ones with EZ written on the spine and cover. "If there's a war, there's a war. I don't want that, but sometimes, most people with testosterone tend to think with the wrong area of the body, and press whatever doomsday button is around. We just have to be patient, i think."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

Aloy grabbed one of those ones and looked over, “I would be offended, but i mean I like pressing buttons generally so I probably wouldn’t be any better. I just, feel like life here is gonna be easier if y’know I don’t have a life or y’know just not here.” He smiled as he joked grabbing another book and adding it to his pile.  

Lavrentia

They nod. "So, find all you need for this library trip?" They smile a bit, but a little less due to the recent topics they had discussed.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“I think so.”He said nodding to the pile in his arms and shrugging. “Uh I just need a library card thing and I’m good to stop annoying you.”  

Lavrentia

"I believe you said you wanted black, yes?" They smile. "Don't worry about it, it's a refreshing thing to be able to discuss things that...you know, aren't hurricane preparations. I hope you enjoy the materials, or that they're helpful to you."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Yep. Well black or red but black’ll do just fiend.” He shrugged back curling up one side of his mouth and raising that eyebrow as he did. “I hope they are too, and it’s good to know I guess but most topics are a downer these days.”  

Lavrentia

"Black it is then. If you could fill this out for us to put in the system later, that'd be great." They slide him a piece of paper, asking for his name, address, and email. "That's the trick, isn't it? Finding the pinprick of light within all the darkness around us." They smile  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Can do.” Aloy reached for a nearby pen and began filling out his address. His name and he paused for his email…..’[email protected]’ didn’t seem appropriate. He stealthily pulled out his phone and made a new one quickly before writing it in. “I guess. You hear about that evo-smuggling ring break up earlier this week? Heard they were collecting people and sellin’ ‘em or somethin.”  

Lavrentia

They don't care about the email provided so long as its valid. "You'll be able to access resources online with your email and card number," they smile. "As well as put more books on hold. That's always been a problem, it seems, doesn't matter if you have powers or not. Good that it got broken up, though."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

He wanted to seem like an adult or at least mature enough to be considered a ‘grown up’. His new email seemed more acceptable “Right-o. Just hand me my card number and stuff and I’ll try. Yeah. Heard it was AERI but a few tin foil hats don’t think it is. Don’t mind me a good conspiracy.”  

Lavrentia

They nod and scan the card, the materials, and slide both over. They give the spiel about 28 days, no late fees, but please return as soon as possible for the next person. "You want to be careful about who you listen to and the agenda they're trying to give. I'm sure more information will be released soon, but after the storm."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

Aloy just nods through the spiel. Taking a mental note that he does have to return them but being rather happy about this library not being another cog in the capitalist machine. “I am. I only listen to some because they could be fun. Or we’ll Cus it’s an interesting thought.” Yeah well I was there saving so…  

Lavrentia

They smile and nod. "Well, good luck with the hurricane, and I hope the materials are helpful to you. If you have any questions about evolved humans, we get more materials every day, and there are a few of us on staff to help in a more direct way as well."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

He just nods agains stretching his body that was hidden beneath baggy clothes that were obviously too big for him. Yet perfect for what he wanted and made him seem just….lanky instead of the bodybuilding form he actually has. “Thanks, gotta prep my place, then a few others so let’s hope we’ve all got good luck with it. I appreciate thought but I don’t wanna ‘out’ any evo’s especially not in this environment if y’know what I mean.”  

Lavrentia

They don't notice the stretch, because one: they don't care and two: they're working on the tech side of the exchange. "I understand that completely, don't worry about it. But you now know a more or less nonjudgmental place to send any evolved humans, or curious folks, to so they can find out more in a safe space. Have a nice day," they finish with that customer service smile. It's not that they didn't enjoy the conversation, it's just much more convenient to use the set smile so they can get back to preparing the library and helping others.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Well hard not to worry ‘bout it but I’ll keep it all in mind, likewise.” He nodded taking the books all up in one arm effortlessly sliding his card into his pocket before taking one of those really generic bookmarks they leave for kids as he didn’t often read before leaving with that in his pocket as well.