Say no to bullying

Summer 2021, Week 5

Friday evening

Martel, Old Towne

Percival Palomo

Trying to ignore the swarming thoughts of those he walked by was near-impossible.   After a few days of attempting to work up the courage, Percival had finally convinced himself to visit the library. Outside of being a fan of books, the angel-like evo needed more research material. He was a journalist, and the internet only had so much information. He was almost certain that he could find some books that would provide more information- something he hadn't found yet on the status of evos in New Victoria.   ...And besides, he couldn't say no to a good book. Especially the ones currently stuffed into his full backpack.   Still, he was all too aware of the thoughts of those around him. Eyes on his wings, the shimmering halo of keratin and bone on his head, the long, slender feathered tail that dragged behind him, weighed down by exhaustion at having to push others' thoughts aside. It wasn't like home was much better. He could hear his neighbors' thoughts through the walls, the floor, the ceiling. It sucked.   But, it was nice getting out of the house.   That was, until he heard someone behind him. Some sort of protester? He couldn't work it out. Someone shouting at him, their voice barely audible above the thoughts flooding his head. Something about getting out of the city?   He let out a sigh.   Just keep walking.  

Isaac Crysentine

Isaac was on his way back from finishing one of his patrols. There wasn't anything too major that happened - he saved an old lady's cat from a tree, stopped some petty mugger, and helped a window cleaner by burning off the dirt from the window in one of downtown's high rises. Just average friendly neighborhood stuff.   The walk back to the dorms would be a long one, so he opted to take the subway instead. That was until he saw a bit of a scene before him. Some random stranger was harassing some other random stranger. Clearly, it wasn't friendly and was definitely one sided. The aggressor was clearly decked out with Anti-Evo merch and was holding a few of the movements accessories as well, and the victim was also most clearly an Evo given the wings sprouting from their back. 'Ok, maybe, maybe just one more thing to do before I head back to my room. I should also text my family see how they're doing. Damn there's so much to do.'   "Alright, I don't know what this person has done to you," Isaac said, pointing at the guy with the wings, "but you need to not harass him and give him his space. He hasn't done anything wrong, and I would appreciate it if you let him be." His words weren't stern but rather assertive, not malicious or annoyed but calming. Isaac would hope this idiot would leave wing-guy alone and he could be on his way back to St. Maria's.  

Percival Palomo

He had initially been planning on just ignoring it- just going on his way and leave the anti-evo bitch in the dust. He had better things to do. Like get finished on his latest news article, for example. After the interview, he had been taking a few days to get the article altogether- and some of the books here would help him tie it all together. Evo rights, an official law book for New Victoria... It was easier to reference off of physical books than online ones, and while he hated sifting through laws, it was the best way to do this.   He turned back as someone else started talking- stepping up to the anti-evo guy who Percy just intended to ignore. Well. That was a welcome change, if anything. He was much more used to people just standing there as a bystander as he was ridiculed, or something. Tired golden eyes looked over the two men, the anti-evo guy sputtering out a few insults- something about "How are you okay with Evos being in this city?!"- either way, it was something Percy barely heard over the thoughts of those around him, and something he hardly cared about.   Something about all of this was starting to get a little overwhelming.   His feathered tail flicked around him, staying silent for a moment before his nerves translated into irritation. "I'm sorry, do you have something important to say to me, or are you planning on just sputtering out words nobody cares to listen to?" The angelic evo huffed, barely caring about the condescension in his own voice. His expression was nonchalant, uncaring as he met the man's angry face.   That seemed to shut the guy up. Or, rather, piss him off and embarrass him to the point of silence. Even if he wasn't an empath, the guy's ears were red. Either way, between Isaac and Percy, he seemed to back off. The guy turned in a huff, and stormed away.   After a moment of silently watching him depart, Percy's gaze slid over to Isaac, as tired as ever. Holding back his irritation- not at Isaac, of course, but at the situation and the current thought barrage from those around him- he let out a long sigh. "Uh, thank you. I wasn't really planning on dealing with him, but I guess it's better to put an end to that shit where we can." He shrugged, lifting a hand to adjust his glasses slightly. "I'm Percival Palomo. And you?"  

Isaac Crysentine

The exhausted flame user watched the aggressor slink away, sighing in relief that the situation was diffused. "Isaac Crysentine, nice to meet you. Sorry about all that, just sort of thought it'd be better to step in and say something then let something like that go on." Isaac's clothes were slightly singed from the flames he had produced stopping the mugger, but the suit had mostly protected and kept them intact aside from a few patches. This was his primary concern, and he didn't really notice the wings on Percival's back too much besides for a passing thought of 'Oh, cool, never seen that one before.' Another part of him was worried that he could be recognized after drawing some attention to himself during the commotion, since it wasn't like his attire used a mask or anything.   "Where ya headed? I can walk with you if you want until you get there?"  

Percival Palomo

The evo tipped his head a little, giving a nod to Isaac. "Nice to meet you, then, Isaac." He spoke softly, tail swishing around one leg as he looked after the aggressor. Annoying asshole. He let out a snort, glancing back at Isaac. After a second of silence, he nodded. "...Yeah, I'm used to just taking it, I guess. People like that get violent. The last thing the city needs is another scene." Percy hated writing about those. Attacks on Evos were something that made him feel sick- he couldn't imagine something like what he went through happening to someone else. It sent a shiver down his spine- his wings ruffling and tail twitching again in an attempt to shake off the uncomfortable jolt.   Worried. That was what Isaac was. Interesting. He almost wanted to poke into his mind a bit more- there were the surface thoughts and feeling of concern, but he ignored the thoughts to the best of his ability- giving a little nod, instead. "Home- and I'd appreciate that. I've got work to get back to. Journalism, actually." He offered a small smile. He glanced over Isaac's suit, tipping his head the other way. "...Burn yourself? I can sew those back up for you when we get to my place," He offered, giving a shrug. Least he could do for someone who stepped up on his behalf. With a gentle beckoning motion of a wing, he started forward, waiting for Isaac to follow.   "How'd that happen, anyway? Those look singed, and you don't look hurt. So, what's your story, if I can ask?" He asked, golden eyes looking at Isaac with a journalist's curiosity- interested about the mystery behind this person.  

Isaac Crysentine

As Isaac caught up, his mind started to race trying to think up of some excuse. "I uh... ya know... new cooking class and everything. Steaks can really burn if you really mess it up, did you know that? I had absolutely no idea." He gave a nervous smile, not even giving direct eye contact to Percival. 'I really need to get better at lying.'   "Journalism? That's pretty neat. What've you been reporting on lately? I might've seen one or two of your stories if it got big enough." He knew it was probably better to change the subject, and maybe he'd get some info on how news agencies or journalists were handling the aftermath of Henry.  

Percival Palomo

"...Mmmhm." He hummed, tipping his head. Golden eyes seemed to bore into Isaac for a moment, his head tipping slightly. Mmhm. He sure did need to get better at lying. Then again, when you hear as much as Percy does, lying becomes near-impossible. He could sense the anxiety as well as the thoughts. However- as interesting as it seemed to pry deeper, he decided against it. That would hardly be fair.   "Interviewed someone rather important, actually," He hummed as he continued walking, "I have to get the article written this weekend- so there's a lot of work to do. I'm nearly to the editing stage, but I wanted to source some more proper laws and New Victorian history beforehand." He patted the bag at his side, giving a gentle shrug. "People's opinions are quite torn after everything that happened. It's easy to notice, even if you aren't the most observant person. I'm just trying to get Evo opinion boosted at least slightly." Another shrug as he continued walking, glancng at him.   "And what do you do?" He asked in return, giving the burnt spots another look-over. Hm.  

Isaac Crysentine

"Oh, interesting, mind me asking who you interviewed?" Isaac kept pace with his new friend, determined to change the subject before he could get asked another damning question. If anything, he had to get him to his destination so Isaac could dodge the bullets. 'Maybe this was a mistake, but I'm already here.'   "Gotta say, it would be quite nice to have opinion swayed at least slightly more in Evo's favor. I feel.... sympathy for how they've been treated lately. And, well, I'm a student at St. Maria's, just trying to get through school. Nothing else or anything." He gave a small nervous smile to Percy, hoping that was enough to satisfy his questions.  

Storyteller

After talking for a period both young men exchanged numbers and agreed to keep in touch and possibly hang out later before going separate ways.