Tales of a Noodle Armed Nerd Thing

Summer 2021, Week 4, Friday morning

St. Maria Dorms, City Centre

Storyteller឵

The somewhat alive atmosphere of the University's dorms buzzed about as the dawn of the last day of the week came about. Students miled about for their last classes, while others were barely rolling out of bed or were suffering from hangovers due to partying too hard the night before. For the most part, the dorms were quiet and preparing for the inevitable large-scale parties that would start that night.  

Isaac Crysentine

Isaac was one of the few still rolling out of bed - not because of hangover, but because of how late he returned to his bed after talking to Andre. He had been keeping his distance from AERI HQ until the team reunited again in some manner and also due to his feelings about what had happened that weekend. The talk with Andre the night before had given him some clarity but also set within him a determination to follow through with the situation and not just roll over passively. ’Maybe it’s time I go on a patrol, now that I’m public.’ Slowly, Isaac stuffed his suit into his backpack and made his way into the hallway, probably heading to the dining hall to get some food first before heading out into the city.  

Eleanor Sinclaire

Eleanor had not slept the past night, her mind was too busy worrying about the previous weekends events. She had a lot of trouble sleeping that week but could not sleep at al the night before. She didn't go back to her dorm, thankfully, she didn't have a roommate because with the bags under her eyes and her messy hair it would have seemed like she was doing the walk of shame. At least she made the time to go to her dorm and fix herself up a little from the previous nights restlessness. She probably seemed a little off having sat in the lounge all night on her laptop and reading, but she needed a change of scenery.   Finally, after brushing up her appearance, she made her way to the dining hall. She didn't have classes til the afternoon so she figured she'd get some food. Considering she was more of a night owl than an early bird, she was wondering how long it'd be before her body crashed. She hopped in line for a breakfast burrito.  

Isaac Crysentine

The line at the breakfast station wasn’t too long but wasn’t too short either. Isaac was feeling anxious and antsy, ready to go out into the city and do his part. His foot started to tap, and part of him worried he was going to bother the girl with striking blue hair in front of him while the other couldn’t possibly wait any longer for the large amount of carbs the burrito would give him. A few people kept giving him weird looks of recognition, some filled with scorn and others with appreciation. All Isaac wanted was the burrito so he could get out of this awkward position.  

Eleanor Sinclaire

Eleanor looked at the man behind her... He wouldn't have recognized her amidst the shadows... but she worked with him. She saw blood bolt's destruction with her own two eyes, having been summoned to it by the dead. She wanted to talk to him but didn't want to give up her identity. She turned to him, deciding to try something out.   "So, Isaac. You know how we visited our friend Henry recently? Someone spotted me there, you probably didn't recognize me at first. That party was really interesting. I was surprised that the cops were called though."   Eleanor said this all nonchalantly. Either he would think she was crazy or she would get to talk to him. Either way, she needed to know more about this 'Blood Bolt'.  

Isaac Crysentine

'What....' The words caught Isaac off guard. It was the first time anyone in public had even tried to approach him, even before the events of Henry happened. 'Well, except maybe for Satsuka, but she was a headache.' The words slowly processed in his mind, and while it slowly was made more and more obvious what this girl was referencing it took Isaac a solid minute before he gave any sort of response.   "Yeah... that was some party. I don't recognize you, actually. Could you remind me of your name again?" The palms of his hands warmed only slightly given that he was constantly thinking he could be attacked at any moment from one of Bolt's clown car or one of the rumored Black Cloaks supposedly making a comeback.

[Fire Manipulation, x0 Basic, 40/40]

 

Eleanor Sinclaire

Eleanor knew the man felt a bit threatened. She could feel him tensing up as he got what she said. "It's Eleanor, and don't worry about not recognizing me. I just tend to be a wallflower."   "You wanna come eat with me? I wanna catch up. You were probably too fried to remember what happened." He had fire powers, he'd get the half joke. Besides, she knew more about him than he knew about her. She'd keep it that way, but offer some insight into herself.  

Isaac Crysentine

At this point the fire user was thinking of taking a rain check for the patrol and was slightly more interested in Eleanor. She clearly knew what had happened that weekend, and was aware of his powers - not that the whole world wasn’t at this point, but she was aware of exactly what he did.   “Alright, yeah we can eat together. I kinda wanna hear what you have to say.” She looked his age, not older, but regardless he couldn’t afford to relax too much. Isaac still kept one of his palms warm as the two found a quiet table in the dining hall, away from all the crowds and somewhere no one would hear their conversation.   “What did you wanna talk about Ele? I’m a little defensive at the moment given the circumstances.” Isaac wasn’t going to wait around for the small talk. He needed to know if this girl was completely innocent or had some ulterior motive.  

Eleanor Sinclaire

Eleanor took a bite of her burrito. "As you probably figured, I was there. A woman spoke to me, she sensed my presence. I wasn't there to attack you so she let me be." She paused, chewing her food, figuring out how to word what she had to say next.   "I was trying to help some of the erm- people- on the sidelines. I mostly just want to know that Blood Bolt is put away for good. Who I spoke to were freaking out about him."  

Isaac Crysentine

Isaac listened intently, ravenously chewing his burrito as Eleanor spoke. ’Was probably Sloane that told her that.’ He also figured that if she was there, there was a good chance she had some power of some kind but he decided it was best not to push it. ’So she wants to know about Bolt, huh?’   “I’m not sure how much I can say, but I promise Bolt is away for good. There’s absolutely no way he’s getting out of wherever he’s at - I don’t even know where they took him. But you have my word he’s gone for good.” Isaac smiled while trying to drink some of the orange juice he had gotten from the drinks station. “How exactly were you helping people, if you don’t mind me asking?”  

Eleanor Sinclaire

Elle figured there was no harm in telling him. Though she still dropped her volume a bit. "I speak to the dead." He might not believe her, but it can't be the craziest thing he heard. She imagined some Evos had some insane powers. Probably something easily used for more malicious purposes considering there have to be more people out there like Bolt.   She took a swig of her apple juice (which is much better than orange juice, by the way.) and nodded, accepting that he was going to be locked away. "As long as he can't hurt anymore people."  

Isaac Crysentine

The fire user simply kept eating his burrito uninterrupted as Eleanor spoke. The reveal of her powers didn’t surprise him or throw him off - not that it wasn’t surprising, just that he’s seen people use what some might consider “normal” powers to an extent so destructive and terrifying that speaking to the dead was actually comparatively tame. Isaac put his finished burrito’s wrapper down, and looked back up at the girl sitting before him. “That’s a pretty neat thing you can do there. So were you trying to make sure the dead could be at rest when you were at Henry? Honestly pretty noble, and I respect that.”   “I’ve had quite possibly the longest week of my life, so I can confidently say it’s nice to have someone I can sort of talk to about this my age. Everything’s going to shit with the EHEA and whatnot. They’re just rumors, but the President doesn’t seem too keen on letting any part of this just pass on into the history books.” He sighed, crossing his arms and leaning back into the booth’s seat. “Listen, if the Black Cloaks come back you’re going to need to be a lot more careful about where you go and when. Showing up with powers in a Henry-like situation isn’t going to be as safe as it barely was. And I kind of want to not lose someone who could be a good friend, ya know? Sorry for rambling, I just don’t know what’s going to happen. But from the looks of it the city is safe from Evos threats at the very least.” Isaac took a few more chugs of the orange juice before finishing it and setting it back down on the table. “Well, now that’s that, what do you do here? What’re you studying?”  

Eleanor Sinclaire

Eleanor contemplated the danger of the black cloaks, thoughts milling around in her head. "I get that Henry was dangerous, but to help the lost souls... it's a risk I'm willing to take. Imagine reliving your death all alone, not finding peace. I wouldn't want that so I'm not letting others have it. Plus it provides some pretty interesting information about people." She laughed, she was able to learn some secrets by communing with the dead. They say two can keep a secret if one of them is dead... but they never mention if they are undead.   "I major in psych, minor in history. I actually work at the museum!" She took another bite of burrito. "I feel as if they will both benefit my powers and my powers will help the studying."  

Isaac Crysentine

”I do get that, and I respect that.” Isaac could tell there would be no convincing her otherwise, so he decided to just give her at least some form of protection. “If you’re ever in a situation like that again and you need help, call me. I can pretty much fly, so I’ll do my best to get there quickly.” Isaac has frantically scribbled his number on a nearby napkin and handed it to Eleanor, and he didn’t think much else of it. “And nice! I’m in Chemical Engineering, but seeing as how I literally work with fire I’m not sure they’d be a good mix.”  

Tiana Walker

Slam. Tiana set down her tray with the force only someone suffering from a looonnngggg night out could muster. Why did I agree to go to a Frat party? So much work for such a little reward. Then again, she had gotten enough to go hit up the casino tonight. She really needed that. A distraction. That's probably what the party was. Her attempt to forget about fuck face almost dying. Look at you girl. Recognizing your problems and refusing to fix them. That's the first step, and the only step we feel like taking. Do you, boo boo.   She had made it back to her dorm and changed into sweats before heading down to grab something to eat. Even in sweats, she looked good. And she knew it. But she didn't want to wear her face today, so she picked a table only occupied by a couple of nerds one their first date or something. That wasn't fair. They didn't look like nerds. But they were definitely chatting each other up. Meh, whether nerds or on their first date, they'd ignore her and that was exactly what she wanted. Moving her spoon through her bowl she desperately wished she could have gotten some fucking head powers to feed herself.  

Isaac Crysentine

The fire user was drinking some of his bottled water before spitting it out as Tiana sat on the opposite end of the table. He managed to somehow direct the spit back into the water bottle before his eyes seemed to settle in pure shock at the brat sitting near them. 'You have got to be kidding me.' Small amounts of frustration began to well up inside him again, but he kept any sense of words or emotion to himself and decided to wait on Eleanor to say something.  

Eleanor Sinclaire

Eleanor laughed at Isaac's joke. "Yeah, maybe fire and well... a wide assortment of chemicals don't mi-" Eleanor's smile turned into confusion as a woman slammed her tray down beside her. Elle sensed Isaac's frustration as he glared at the woman who was making quite a show. Whether intentional or not, she had their attention. After all, they picked a secluded spot in the cafeteria for the sole purpose of avoiding interaction.   "Erm- everything alright?" Eleanor looked at the woman who's tantrum only seemed to be starting.  

Tiana Walker

It was almost like you could hear the creak of grinding metal as Tiana looked up and over at the two. Her sunset eyes locked onto the girl and examined her. Cute. Eccentric. Before moving to the guy. Pretty sure I’ve seen him somewhere. Have I had him over? Ew, no. No one our age. Her tired body took a moment to rev up to be able to plant the fake smile on her face. “Absolutely. Don’t mind me. Just wanted some quiet.”  

Isaac Crysentine

Isaac put his drink down steadily, still looking warily at the new arrival as she began consuming her food. There was so much he wanted to say, so much he just wanted to spout at her after the shit she told him about his friends and her brother almost a week ago. But Isaac bit his tongue for the first time and instead opted for a more nonchalant approach. "I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch your name. And you go to school here, right?" The biggest and fakest smile was smeared across Isaac's face, his mind slowly working out the fact that this brat had no idea who he was outside of his costume. 'Until she figures it out, this'll be fun.'  

Tiana Walker

"A genuine Sherlock Holmes in my midst. That's because I didn't give my name, sweet heart." She said, setting her food aside because apparently this was going to take more than a few brain cells to deal with. Poor guy, he should know better than to talk to someone so far out of his league. Pausing to look him over once more, she reconfirmed her thought. So far out. "No, I just love the food here. So I sneak in just to enjoy crummy university food early in the morning. Just gets my blood going you know?" She brushed her hair back as she gave him her full force 'you ain't worth my time' grin.  

Isaac Crysentine

His eyes twitched slightly, now definitely confirming this was Andre's sister from the other night. 'How could I forget that bratty attitude anywhere?' Isaac at this point just started laughing, more in a mocking and derogatory manner, and rested his hand on the table. This was going to be fun.   "Look at that, a genuine comedian decided to join us at our table Elle." The urge to overcook her food was undeniably welling up inside him, but Isaac had promised to be more in control. He would jest and jab, but no more use of his powers on impulse unless he was in a fight. "I don't know what has you so riled up this early in the morning but I can tell you I'm just trying to be friendly. Besides, I'm just surprised and mildly disappointed you go here." He put on an expression and tone similar to the one he had in the hospital on Sunday, giving this girl the same eyes he had glared with when her brother was on his deathbed.  

Tiana Walker

"I'm mildly annoyed some noodle armed nerd thing is talking to me while I'm trying to eat my oh so delicious meal, I guess we'll both have to suffer." Something about this kid was familiar, but her fuzzy brain couldn't put it together. Probably not important enough. But that glare he was giving her--that wasn't okay. Can't have that now can we. So instead of glaring back, she smiled. A thin thing that sparkled in her eyes. Picking up her bowl, she brushed her hair back. "I know when I'm not welcome somewhere. No need to worry about me." As she stood up and stepped back from her chair, she strolled until she stopped behind Isaac. "After I teach you a lesson about being uppitity little bitch to someone far out of your batting range."   With a quick turn of her hand, she dumped the remaining food in her bowl onto his head. "DO YOU THINK I'M SOME SORT OF SLUT?! I can't believe--I just--you're a monster!" Her voice had changed to a high volumed, hurt and insulted tone that echoed--purposefully--across the cafe. "I've never been more insulted. I can't believe you think that I'd do that--and asking right in front of your girlfriend. Ugh." With a slow turn to him, he could just make out the wicked smile on her face before it fell into a--totally fake--believable expression of hurt.  

Storyteller

The room, still somewhat empty because of summer, seemed to grow quiet as individuals within hearing range--which was everyone--turned to look at the scene.  

Isaac Crysentine

Anger was his first reaction. The soup dripped down his hair and onto his lap, covering everything in what would eventually be impossible to get off. Not only that, but the very little attention he had wanted in the first place was now placed squarely on him. Great.   Isaac took a long look, staring ahead into the void as he contemplated what to do. He was almost detaching himself, something his teacher had taught him before his unfortunate end. 'Calm down. It's ok.' It really wasn't ok, but Isaac just had to turn it into a situation that was. He looked up at Tiana, blankly, his face seemingly void of expression and thought. "First off, she's not my girlfriend, this is my first time ever interacting with her. Second, you're not my type. Third, you've definitively been checked on the 'the little brat bitch' list. Finally, I don't think Andre would be too happy to know his little sister is going around making piss scenes and tantrums." As he spoke the final words, he closed his eyes and, with the gentlest flames he had ever conjured, evaporated and burned the food and broth from him into fine, safe ashes and dust. "I think I'm done here. Nice to know little Miss ego problems sleeps in the same dorm building I do." Isaac at this point had already grabbed his bag and was in the middle of walking away, not looking back and striding forward with a determined and prideful stance.

[Fire Manip. x1 Basic, -0 Ep, 40/40]

[Fire Imbue. x1 Basic, -0 Ep, 15/15]

 

Tiana Walker

The background noises were faded in her eyes. She knew a few people walked up to her and asked if she was okay, but Tiana didn’t pay them any mind. Instead her gaze was fixated on the kid walking away. She recognized him now, the fire fuck from the hospital. That wasn’t the biggest thing going through her mind. Not presently.   The next time her mind came to she had grabbed his shoulder and pushed him against the hallway wall outside the cafe. As Isaac connected with the wall—not hard but just enough to move him to face her, she took one step after the other to close the distance. Her strength boiled up and she gritted her teeth as the nails on her other hand lit up in golden light. “Don’t you ever mention his fucking name and our relation ever again. Do you understand me?” No one had heard him, she was sure of that—except for the girl sitting maybe—this time at least. The threat of the boy hero walking around and spouting off that information though. Not allowed. “Do it again, and I promise you Inferno, I’ll show you exactly how much of a bitch I can be.”  

Isaac Crysentine

It had been a solid week since he was properly pushed around in some way - and part of him relished in the rush of adrenaline that flowed through him. As Tiana spoke, Isaac couldn't help but notice the shards of light emanating from her fingernails, poised directly at his neck. His instincts took over, and soon his hands were ablaze and ready to move at a moments notice if she made any real attacks.   "You and I both know I only said that to mess with you. No one heard, except for maybe the person I was with, but she's not a concern. I don't plan on going about and spewing this information, and I don't plan on exposing your relationship to the world." At this point the words were starting to come out as snarls and with a sharp tone. He was done with this bitch. "I don't know who the fuck hurt you, but clearly it cut you deep. And one last thing, your brother is perfectly fine in case you were wondering. Not that you stuck around to make sure he was ok." His palms remained at the constant temperate they were ignited at, indicating Isaac wasn't letting his emotions get too out of control.

[Fire Manip. x2 Basic, -0 Ep, 40/40]

 

Tiana Walker

She felt the heat wash over her and her pores start to sweat. But she’d be damned if this matchstick got the best of her. She snatched his hand up by the wrist with speed and brought his palm to her cheek. Leaning into it as if a lover but her blazing eyes still on him. The heat kissed her skin and she knew much longer would cause it to redden. “People much stronger than you hurt me, matchstick. People like the golden sun you worship.” She flung his hand away with enough force to cause it to hit the wall, but not enough to damage. “I am a broken person, you cracked the case, Sherlock. I suppose here is where I should break down and start crying about how hard life is and if only my Momma loved me.” The glow from her nails faded as she let out a sharp laugh.   “Earth to you, Inferno, that’s not exactly rare in this world for people like us. You learn to survive with it. And I’m the best damn survivor you’ll ever meet.” She turned to walk away before she lifted a finger over her shoulder and turned her head. “Oh, and do remember that broken people are the most dangerous. I can’t help but recalling the News saying Infernos identity was still a secret. Mention him to me again, and I promise it won’t be. Okay, cupcake?”

[Enhanced x1 Normal, -3EP (12/15)]

 

Isaac Crysentine

His hand writhed in pain as it rebounded off the wall. It would surely bruise, but at least it would be ok. As Tiana walked away, all Isaac could think about was how slightly unnerved he was by this girl. She was definitely dangerous, and he needed to talk to Andre about it.