haibanerenmei | oo1

Entry tags:

oo1 - intro

one — waking up

[ The cocoon cracks open, and though the liquid that fills it spills out, the boy inside does his damndest not to go with the flow of it. Even though he had been the one to crack it open, his fingers dig deeply into the odd, soft texture of the cocoon around him to prevent going with the flow. He's not sure why, but he's afraid of falling out. Even though the liquid makes him want to cough and vomit it back up, he stubbornly holds on until it's drained enough that he breathes in his first breath of air, which is a gasping, rattling breath despite himself.

If you were unlucky enough to be around for this, at least you get to see the stubborn occupant looking no better than a drowned rat even as he still clings to the broken sides of the cocoon. He's scrawny, but clearly fiery, since whoever is waiting outside is given a vicious, scathing glare, as if you're responsible. However, that glare might be odd considering what one of his eyes looks like. ]

Who the hell are you?

[ ...He's a cheerful boy, can't you tell? ]

two — wings (only one person, please)

[ He's not stupid. That's what he keeps thinking to himself as he lays with his stomach on the bed, burying that strange eye into the pillow. No one will say what's coming, but it's not hard to guess. He's seen people going to get bandages and a medical box, and he can feel a tightness by his shoulderblades. He's seen the wings on everyone else. It's not hard to make the connection.

They have to come out somehow.

Part of him wishes that they would just come out already, since the tight feeling on his shoulders just makes him anxious. Get it over with, since it's better to be done with it. It's what he'll say, but at the same time, he's frightened. They have to come out somehow, so it will hurt, won't it? That thought makes his jaw tighten, and he grips his pillow more tightly.

Maybe you've been given the duty of looking after the new Haibane? Just don't tell the boy that it's your first time looking after one, since you might get an earful on that subject. ]

three — halo by beyonce

[ After his fever breaks, Corbin is at least ready to join everyone else, but... He doesn't like it. As he sits at breakfast, he feels peoples' stares on him as soon as he enters. Part of him knows that it's fair, but mostly, he bristles at the very thought. The stares, even if they're just surprised and polite, aren't welcome. After all, the eye, he thought he could hide as soon as he could manage to find an eyepatch, but hiding the wings isn't so easy. After all, instead of the light, charcoal grey that the Haibane's wings are supposed to be, his are black.

He doesn't want to think about what that means. He even tries to tell himself that he doesn't care as he takes a seat as far from everyone else as possible, but as he looks down at his place setting, he feels that something is off. For some reason, this sloppy presentation bothers him... He looks up to someone nearby, as if he's going to ask for something else quite sourly, but he ends up deciding against it.

But finally, he seems to get over his stubbornness enough to at least ask for something. Considering he was wanting to just sit here in silence the whole time, this is impressive. ]

You. [ yes, you ] Pass me a croissant.

[ He's in such a bad mood that he's not even polite with his request, but you have to wonder if a good mood would really improve his manners that much... ]

four — get a job hippie

[ They said he had to get a job, so fine. Fine, he'll get a job, even though it's ridiculous that he should have to work, so far as he's concerned. He can still barely manage to move his wings like they're actually a part of his body, so he feels like he should get something of pass. To be fair, he might if not for his terrible personality. Corbin's temperament absolutely hasn't improved even after most of the pain from those wings bursting out of his back had subsided, so maybe someone had been hoping that getting a job would improve his mood. Who knows.
i ; His first stop is the library, since really, it feels like the place he's most drawn to. Corbin takes his time looking at the old books, and it at least seems to better his mood to some extent, though not much. He seems to be looking for something, but if he sees another Haibane in the library, he'll actually start a conversation on his own that isn't quite so rude.

Are all the books here this old? You can barely read some of them.

ii ; But unfortunately, he's a bit too young to work in the library. It's where he would have preferred, since he felt a little more comfortable away from people, but even though he had tried to plead his case... No luck. At the very least, someone helpfully points him to the post office, since they inform him that they offer jobs that even a young Haibane can take. Though when they had said that, Corbin had been imagining something like sorting letters. Something away from people, most importantly.

And yet, when he leaves the post office, it's with a satchel in hand. If you've been here for a while, you're likely to recognize it as meaning that he'll be delivering your mail from now on, though... He doesn't seem happy about it. ]

Delivering mail? This is ridiculous! Surely there's something more dignified than this!

[ no, there is not... But at least you can overhear this small tantrum, so congratulations!? ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Here's someone who looks even younger than Corbin, and it's probably hard to tell he works at the library at first considering there aren't really uniforms to speak of... But based on the fact that he's standing near a cart of books that one of the other employees had been organizing earlier (and probably his bookish nerd air), it definitely seems like he Belongs Here.]

Perhaps the fault is with your vision and not the books. [Maybe he should be in the backroom instead of at the front with customers?! But he will, at least, follow that smarmy remark up with something marginally helpful:]

If you can find magnifying lenses, it may help. Otherwise, you'll simply have to make your choices based on how worn the book looks on the outside. [He tips his head toward the front.] The newer ones are that way.

My vision is fine, thank you.

[ Corbin responds rather curtly, which in the grand scheme of things is little surprise. However, he does feel a special sort of offense at having someone younger than him (?) and just a regular patron of the library (??) not only correcting him, but doing it rudely. Because, yes, he's concerned with how rude people are to him, since Corbin does not understand irony or karma.

It's not a very pleasing answer, so he steps closer to one of the shelves to look for a book that's at least in somewhat decent condition. None of them look too appealing, and the subjects the titles imply really isn't much better. He wants to know—

...He wants to know a lot, actually. But he'll start with what he is, since he didn't quite find the explanation that he had been given satisfactory. ]

If you're full of helpful advice, then surely you know where I can find books about Haibane.

We do have a few reading monacles if you find yourself in need.

[They're reserved for the elderly in most cases, but he's sure Corbin would appreciate the extra help! Ie: a study in how punkassery is apparently innate, with or without memories.

His expression flattens at the question, though. Like this stranger, Lazare hadn't found any of the explanations satisfying at all. Vague answers and "maybe this is why"s just don't cut it with him, which is why he'd come to the library in the first place. His searching had been futile, of course, but at least it provided him with a nice job. Storyteller. Quaint.]

You won't be finding any of those, though.

Edited 2016-01-06 08:30 (UTC)

I've already told you, that's not the problem here!

[ Corbin at least remembers how libraries work, so he hisses his exclamation lowly rather than actually yelling it, but his irritation is clear enough regardless. Both of these punks are extremely disagreeable, so this can only go well... Especially since as the other boy continues, Ciel isn't quite privy to the fact that Lazare's thoughts are more or less on the same thing. He's assuming that he's just continuing to be an ass, but he tries (and fails) to not let it show in his expression. ]

Then what sort of library is this even supposed to be? Is there anything worth reading at all?

[ He's really just being kind of biting more than wanting a real answer, but go ahead chimbles, tell him about shakespeare ]

[INCREDIBLE INDEED they're headed for the dumpsters, probably. Especially since Lazare definitely laughs in response to that hissed reply... Ah, talking to Corbin is putting him in a better mood. EXCELLENT.

Double excellent, because now he has the perfect opportunity to talk about some of the nice books he's found here.]

Of course there is. Every library has at least one thing worth looking through. I'd certainly not be wasting my time with a place that couldn't manage such a small thing, regardless.

[...But apparently no helpful suggestions are on their way just yet??]

[ why is it that this punk has charcoal grey wings and not pitch black? he's clearly a punk that deserves it!!! ]

[ Corbin grumbles disagreeably (though this is more or less his default state), but at least so long as Lazare isn't being actively rude and unhelpful, it's not as bad. Maybe. He at least seems to calm down to some extent once the topic actually turns to books. He crosses his arms and looks somewhat doubtful, but he nods. ]

Very well. Then what would you recommend?

[ There's definitely a dismissive doubt in his voice. Let's see what you can recommend, tiny rude child. ]

Edited 2016-01-07 20:28 (UTC)

[SOME PEOPLE just aren't doomed sinners, that's all...! Sweet, innocent vampire murderers.

Anyway, with Corbin actively asking for suggestions, Lazare certainly won't hesitate. In fact, it seems like this moron was waiting for the opportunity to show off... He nyooms right on over to the little trolley with books on it, picking up a leather-bound, thick volume from the lower shelf.]

This has my recommendation.

[He doesn't even give a synopsis... He just waits for Corbin to thumb through, clearly expectant.

That said, it's probably the kind of pretentious bullshit he might actually enjoy. Lots of weird metaphors, grotesque descriptors, and a general air of gloom that matches the faded binding perfectly.]

[ Corbin watches Lazare doubtfully, but when he picks up a thick, difficult looking book, he's surprised. He takes the book and looks at it with a somewhat softer expression, since he's a fellow nerd, after all. Corbin opens the book and starts to look through it, and he just flips to a random spot and starts reading. This sort of difficult looking book is the sort that he enjoys, but... This also begs a rude question. He looks up to Lazare, and he asks with mild surprise in his voice: ]

...Just how old are you?

[ it's okay lazare you're in good grandpa company here (in spirit) ]

[AHA, a success... Lazare feels mildly victorious that his selection in literature hasn't been thrown to the ground, at least. Considering how utterly uninterested most others are, this is a huge step up.

AND THE QUESTION IS A STEP BACK. Rude. So rude!! His expression shifts from one of expecting curiosity to one of irritation, though it's not entirely because Corbin is kinda-sorta insulting him. Rather, it's the answer he'll have to give.]

That's something I don't recall.

[Which sure is weird since it seems most others remember their ages, but. Well. Memory loss seems to affect everyone to varying degrees here, at least.]

[ Corbin had expected a rude response, considering he was being rude, but instead of the feedback loop of rudeness, he's actually just surprised. Corbin looks up from the book and raises an eyebrow, but his attention ends up settling on Lazare fully. ]

...You don't recall.

[ There's doubt in his voice, though he's not quite explicitly calling Lazare a liar. ]

Why? I remember how old I am.

[Look, not everyone is habitually rude, okay!! Granted this point is totally moot here considering Charles is one of those habitually rude people but still. Lazare makes a bit of a face in response, nose wrinkling and brows drawing downward like he's just eaten something sour. In the end, he can only shrug.]

I've no clue. Why do we forget anything? An age is easier to forget than a name, I'd think.

[ That's a dumb answer, Lazare. Ciel at least doesn't wear that sentiment openly, but he does look at least slightly doubtful. ]

...I suppose. But it's still important. I haven't heard of anyone else forgetting something like that.

[PUNK, YOU WANNA RUMBLE!! ...No, part of him knows it's a dumb answer, probably. That might be why he doesn't get quite as huffy - though it also helps that Corbin says "I suppose" instead of "you're a goddamn moron."]

Surely there's at least one other person somewhere in this city who's forgotten. [He can't be the only one...] At any rate, I don't suppose it matters much in a place like this, anyway.

Edited 2016-01-17 11:16 (UTC)

I suppose not.

[ Is what he says, but his expression still looks more than a little doubtful of that. Nothing about this situation sits well with Corbin, even a few days later, but he has to deal with it. He doesn't exactly like that either. He sighs, but then actually makes a half-hearted effort to be friendly, since at least this kid (?) is better than Rian. ]

What is your name, then?

[PUNK.

But he can't fault anyone for being wary or doubtful, honestly. He's in the same boat and he's been suspicious of pretty much everything from the moment he woke up until now, even though he's been adapting better than he initially thought.]

...Lazare. [It's still strange, introducing himself by a name that he can't remember having had before, but it'll have to do for now.] And yours?

[ Lazare. That's a strange name, and considering what he had been told about these names, it makes him wonder just what kind of dream Lazare had. Something about Lazarus? But that's also an incredibly strange thing to name yourself after.

...Though he realizes that perhaps his is no better, really. So he offers neutrally, ]

Corbin. [ no "nice to meet you," since they're both rude punks ]

How did you manage to get a job here anyways?

[RUDE PUNKS who at least seem mutually aware of the fact they're rude punks. Lazare isn't fussed at all over the lack of formalities, though he does spend a second musing over that name. Names mean a lot here, don't they? Though he has the strangest feeling that that's always been the case, even before this world...

That said, aside from a nod of acknowledgment, he sets the topic aside and readily moves on:]

I asked the woman at the front desk if they had any positions available. [GOD, CORBIN. ...Though after a second, he'll also add:] I was told most of them weren't suitable for me- [Because let's be honest he's probably too short to reach the top shelf even while standing on a ladder.] -but fortunately, they had a position open that fit my skillset just fine.

[There are two thoughts on Kai's mind.

1: okay, so the wings do come in different colors.

2: wow this kid is grouchy.

He does not comment on the first for now, because he gets the feeling that treating this kid different in any way is not going to help. So instead, he scoots the plate of croissants over towards him, so he can get one.]

Jelly too?

[He'll give this kid a second chance to be polite, and see what happens.]

[ Number two is probably especially relevant here, since as he looks at the croissants, it's almost like he's upset or wary that they were passed to him in the first place. What does this kid really want??? Who knows. But he does take a croissant for himself, though he nods slowly to the question. ]

...If you would.

[ His replies are still terse and wary, but his words at least seems somewhat softer now that he's getting food. ]

[It's an improvement, which is enough for Kai. He can already tell that it's going to take lots of little steps to get this kid less grouchy.

Kai passes the jelly (grape flavored) over to Corbin, along with a butter knife.]

I don't think I've seen you around before. Did you just arrive?

[ At least food can do wonders to soften his fattydingdongs heart. He takes the jelly and the butter knife, then starts to dip some up to sweeten his breakfast. Corbin will at least answer more casually instead of so standoffishly. ]

I suppose so. [ That's not a dismissive answer so much as a confused one. Arrived. He still doesn't like this at all, and calling it an arrival makes it seem purposeful. He supposes considering how he got here, it has to be, but... It's not much of a comfort. ]

Yesterday morning.

[Kai doesn't really understand the mechanics behind their 'birth' into this world, and 'hatched' sounds too creepy to use. Hence, arrived. Though he won't correct anyone who uses another word for it.]

That is recent, a group of us arrived back in December. And the rest have been here for years, apparently.

[ Years? That gets Corbin's expression to shift of one of open surprise, but he ends up glancing to the side in silence. He looks discontent, and for good reason. That's not possible, is it? He doesn't want to believe that it's possible, which is why that silence lingers a bit longer. He's trying to think of what he should do with that information, but it just settles like a pit in his stomach more than anything else. ]

...So, what, then? We just live here okay with that?

I guess so. That, or wait for more answers. We did catch them in the middle of winter, perhaps they'll be more forthcoming with information when we're not at risk of freezing or starving.

[Kai doesn't seem too bothered by it, though. It's a relaxing life here, he can live with it.]

[ Corbin isn't so content with that at all, and it shows with how his expression twists up in displeasure. He shakes his head slowly, and with how he responds, it definitely doesn't match his young appearance. ]

That's no excuse. Just because it's cold is no excuse to sit around idly.

[Kai just shrugs.]

If you want to go demand answers, go for it. If you get something more than a vague 'just live here for now' answer, I'd be happy to hear about it.

I'm... Rainbow.

[The name still feels... wrong. Even though he 'remembers' it being his name, it comes off his tongue like something foreign. No time to dwell on that, however, there are much more pressing matters at hand.]

... your eye. The pattern. How wonderful.

[The rudeness of the new arrival's tone has apparently been totally ignored in favor of geometric appreciation.]

[ Rainbow? The boy's face twists up judgementally, since it doesn't sound like a name to him, and his immediate thought is that he's being made fun of. He bristles a little bit as he's about to respond to that, but thankfully, that's quickly forgotten with what "Rainbow" actually says to him. He looks surprised, but then a hand comes up to cover his eye, but it's the wrong one. ]

What on earth are you talking about?

[ With what he says and the action, it's clear that he really doesn't know about what his eye looks like. He'll need a mirror for that one. ]

[A mirror would be helpful! Unfortunately, he seems to be going a different route - talking about it! Judging by how quickly he's speaking, he seems quite earnestly excited.]

No. Your other eye. The shape is... it looks like a star! Made up of triangles and a single pentagon. It's a very beautiful color, as well.

[He leans in a bit to get a closer look! What is personal space?]

[ Something that the boy clearly wants more of, since as Rainbow peers closer, he pulls back. He very much likes his personal space, and though he's about to respond indignantly to that description, the inside of the cocoon is still slick. In stepping back, he missteps and slips, falling flatly. At least the cocoon is soft enough to catch him without harming him, but he still quickly tries to collect himself in embarrassment. ]

You're— You made me slip! Telling nonsense about my eye... There's no way that could be true.

[ He's just denying it because he's a big fat baby, for the most part. Ignore him falling so ungracefully and focus on the matter of the eye, clearly. ]

[The slip at least seems to snap Rainbow out of his shape fanboying, and he bends over to offer a hand to help the other up.]

There is no benefit to me lying. All the same, I'm sorry you slipped.

[ For some reason, he feels immediately defensive after having fallen, and then surprised when a hand is actually offered to him. Corbin stares at the outstretched hand doubtfully, but all the same, he does end up taking it after a moment's hesitation. ]

...Thank you.

[ The thanks is grumbled under his breath, but as he stands, it gives him a better chance to look at where he is—and what he's in. ]

What in the world is this? Where am I?

You are in the structure known as Old Home, in a place called Glie. As for where it exists in relation to the rest of the planet, I cannot say. I only hatched very recently myself.

[It's clear from the expression on his face that he's absolutely dying to ask a question, but perhaps has a slight inkling it's a bit too soon for such a thing. He has learned a little about polite conversation in the past week or so. Not much, but some.]

... your dream. I hope it was a pleasant one.

[There! It wasn't a direct question, so it couldn't be too rude, right?]

[ The boy at least listens with a sharp attention, and despite his apparent youth, it gives the impression of him being quite sharp and intelligent. Though still, even if that's true, it doesn't help him too much like this. These words are all strange and unfamiliar to him, and though he nods absently, he's still confused at just where he is and how he got here. He ignores that expectant expression on Rainbow's face... At least until he speaks of the dream.

His gaze had been elsewhere, but he glances back to Rainbow briefly when he mentions it. A dream? He tries to recall, and despite himself, his posture tenses, because he remembers that all-consuming darkness. It was a void so deep that he hadn't even been able to see his hands in front of his own face. But he remembers a warm hand reaching out for his, but more than that, a crow's harsh caw.

He makes a dismissive gesture with his hand. It wasn't pleasant at all. But he'll lie about it, since he doesn't want to talk about that with anyone, much less someone he's just met. ]

I barely remember it. Why?

Ah, I see.

[Clearly the lie worked perfectly, as there's no sign of doubt in his response.]

I have been asking others about their dreams. In hopes it will provide some clue as to why we're here. Or how we came to be.

Then I have no idea.

[ He says that rather curtly, but it's not so much because he's trying to avoid the subject completely. For his dream, he really doesn't know how it would relate. It was darkness and very little more than that. He doesn't even properly understand it while it's fresh in his mind, though Corbin won't exactly come to much of an understanding after meditating on it either. At least he starts to step out of the cocoon by now, though he grimaces with displeasure. ]

This is disgusting... [ He looks back to the cocoon, and it's hard to believe, really. Was he really in that? ] What is this?

A cocoon. Typically only insects emerge from such things. Or so my mind tells me.

[He steps forward to inspect it, bending down to feel the material between his fingers.]

Do you really find it so repulsive? I find it quite beautiful, myself.

[ Corbin isn't the outdoors-y sort even a little, so he almost physically recoils from even the idea of coming from such a thing. Where Rainbow steps forward to touch the cocoon, Corbin steps away to distance himself from it. ]

Yes, it's repulsive. Especially because insects come from them.

[The other's words cause a painful twinge in his stomach. His tone becomes distraught.]

They're very important. It's a shame so many can't overcome their visceral hatred to see how much insects do for the world.

[ Corbin's expression immediately flattens into pure Judgement, since he hadn't expected someone to actual defend bugs. Especially not right now. Is this even important? ]

...How on earth is that a shame. [ With how he says it, it's not actually a question. ] I think it's perfectly reasonable that I'm not exactly thrilled to have just come out of a cocoon.

[She'd noticed the wings before she recognised the boy from breakfast that morning. Nagame had just been finishing up and getting ready to leave then. Maybe he was in a better mood now- Nevermind.

She lets out a small sigh before slowly walking up to him with a frown.]

What is so undignified about it? It sounds like they've given you a big responsibility.

[Honestly, how had he even been offered the job with this behavior?]

[ That's the real question, isn't it... ]

[ When another Haibane approaches, Corbin at least collects himself somewhat, since he's self-aware enough to know to not throw a tantrum in front of someone else. He's rude and disagreeable, but he can put forth an effort when he wants to. Which doesn't seem to be now completely, since he still grumbles. ]

A big responsibility? How, exactly?

[He gets a hard stare at the grumbling. But she'll hold back the comment on how he should be grateful for now.]

Well, there's often important information in letters, is there not? And they're trusting you to make sure people receive them...

[Can you see what she's getting at?]

I, well—

[ His huffiness fades away very quickly, since he hardly has a reasonable retort to what she says. It's absolutely true, but he still finds something terribly insulting about it. It feels like he's above this somehow, though he doesn't think too hard on why that might be. It just feels true. ]

Ergh... It is still hardly my choice of work. I'm hardly a child, so I could take other jobs if they'd let me.

[She relaxes a bit when he doesn't kick up a fuss. That would have been annoying to deal with.]

They didn't let you say no?

[Well, she had just wandered into her job really. So it wasn't that surprising. Her head tilted as she thought about it a bit more.]

It could just be temporary. They're having to go by how you look at the moment to guess how old you are. You'll just have to show them how mature you are.

[ Corbin shrugs at the first question, but also pointedly doesn't answer, since he supposes he could had said no. But having learned what other job options for people his age were, he was a bit more offended by the other choices. So. Postal delivery it was, even if he still wasn't exactly happy about it. Though the way she explains it at least gets him to relax marginally, because it's logical. Still not quite what he was hoping for, but he couldn't disagree. ]

...I suppose that's true.

[ Oh, but he sounds so reluctant to agree. He sighs with soft exasperation, then stands a bit straighter. ]

What kind of work do you do, then?

[She's going to accept the reluctant as her win in this conversation. Not that they were arguing. So she gave him a nod and a small smile. It drops for a second when her eyes widened at the question. But she recovered quickly and answered.]

Me? I work in one of the cafes in town.

[ Ah, food. It's the great negotiator, which is why when a cafe is mentioned, his expression at least smooths out a little more. He looks more curious, then asks almost carefully. ]

Is that so? What sort of food does it serve?

Sandwiches, drinks, cakes... What most cafes normally serve. It's nice there, the atmosphere...

[It was strange. When she thought of cafes she thought of lace tablecloths, fancy patisseries and dainty china. Nothing like the one she was working in, but it felt so homely.]

I'm enjoying it there.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

oo1 - intro

ugh hippies... 4-i!

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wow what grumpy matching icons

perfect for these shits honestly

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4 ii -

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